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The undocumented evolution of a software project and its underlying architecture underscores the need to recover the architecture from the software's implementation‐level artifacts. Despite the existence of various software remodularization techniques, they often suffer from inaccuracies, and evaluating their effectiveness is challenging due to the absence of accurate “ground‐truth” architectures or reference models. Prior studies on reference model construction are time‐consuming and labor‐intensive as it heavily relies on manual analysis by domain experts. Besides, other existing approaches that directly utilize the directory or package structure of the latest version can be unreliable, lacking in‐depth analysis of the employed software structure. To address the above limitations, in this paper, we propose Automated Construction of Reference Model (ACRM), an approach for automatically constructing reference models by assigning weights to classes for various software projects using the metadata of all software versions and historical maintenance records. We evaluate ACRM through both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The experiment results provide quantitative validation and show that the generated reference models are reasonable, as confirmed by the relationship between proposed reference models and architectural smells or bugs. Furthermore, we conduct a survey among the practitioners from industry, to gain insights from practitioners' practices and further validate the generated reference models. The survey shows that, on average, 87% of the participants agree with the reference models generated by ACRM. Moreover, we propose an improved metric, wc2c, which analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of different types of software clustering techniques using the proposed reference models of the given software. Finally, we discuss the potential benefits of using ACRM in analyzed projects, particularly in terms of improving software quality, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing developer productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) belong to a class of bioactive lysophospholipids with multiple functions including immunomodulatory roles in tumor microenvironment (TME). LPA exerts its biological effects via its receptors that are highly expressed in fibroblasts among other cell types. As cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the TME, it is important to understand LPA signaling and regulation of receptors in fibroblasts or CAFs and associated regulatory roles on immunomodulation‐related molecules. Methods: Cluster analysis, immunoblotting, real‐time quantitative‐PCR, CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing system, immunohistochemical staining, coculture model, and in vivo xenograft model were used to investigate the effects of LPA‐LPAR1 on B7‐H3 in tumor promotion of CAFs. Results: In this study, we found that LPAR1 and CD276 (B7‐H3) were generally highly expressed in fibroblasts with good expression correlation. LPA induced B7‐H3 up‐expression through LPAR1, and stimulated fibroblasts proliferation that could be inhibited by silencing LPAR1 or B7‐H3 as well as small molecule LPAR1 antagonist (Ki16425). Using engineered fibroblasts and non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines, subsequent investigations demonstrated that CAFs promoted the proliferation of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo, and such effect could be inhibited by knocking out LPAR1 or B7‐H3. Conclusion: The present study provided new insights for roles of LPA in CAFs, which could lead to the development of innovative therapies targeting CAFs in the TME. It is also reasonable to postulate a combinatory approach to treat malignant fibrous tumors (such as NSCLC) with LPAR1 antagonists and B7‐H3 targeting therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cytotoxicity of NK cells is largely dependent on IgG Fc receptor CD16a, which mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The high-affinity and non-cleavable CD16 (hnCD16) is developed and demonstrated a multi-tumor killing potential. However, the hnCD16 receptor activates a single CD16 signal and provides limited tumor suppression. How to exploit the properties of hnCD16 and incorporate NK cell-specific activation domains is a promising development direction to further improve the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. Methods: To expand the applications of hnCD16-mediated ADCC for NK cell-based immunotherapy in cancer, we designed the hnCD16 Fusion Receptor (FR) constructs with the ectodomain of hnCD16 fused with NK cell-specific activating domains in the cytoplasm. FR constructs were transduced into CD16-negative NK cell line and human iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells and effective FR constructs were screened. The up-regulation of immune activation- and cytokine-releasing-related pathways in FR-transduced NK cells was screened and validated by RNA sequencing and multiplex cytokines release assay, respectively. The tumor-killing efficiency was tested in vitro and in vivo via co-culture with tumor cell lines and xenograft mice-bearing human B-cell lymphoma, respectively. Results: We screened the most effective combination to kill B cell lymphoma, which was fused with the ectodomain of hnCD16a, NK-specific co-stimulators (2B4 and DAP10) and CD3ζ in cytoplasmic domains. The screened construct showed excellent cytotoxicity effects and sharp multiple cytokines releasing both in the NK cell line and iNK cells. The transcriptomic analysis and validation assays of hnCD16- and hnCD16FR-transduced NK cells showed that hnCD16FR transduction remodeled immune-related transcriptome in NK cells, where significant upregulation of genes related to cytotoxicity, high cytokines releasing, induced tumor cell apoptosis, and ADCC in comparison with hnCD16 transduction were highlighted. In vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that a single low-dose regimen of engineered hnCD16FR iPSC-derived NK cells co-administered with anti-CD20 mAb treatment mediated potent activity and significantly improved survival. Conclusion: We developed a novel hnCD16FR construct that exhibits more potent cytotoxicity than reported hnCD16, which is a promising approach to treat malignancies with improved ADCC properties. We also offer a rationale for NK activation domains that remodel immune response to enhance CD16 signaling in NK cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a 132–140 GHz power amplifier (PA) array in 0.13‐µm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The four dielectric‐loaded end‐fire antennas are integrated with the PA array on chip. With the absence of the lossy power combining networks at the output, the presented PA array achieves a measured maximal effective isotropic radiated power of 29.7 dBm. The array size is only 6.14 × 2.49 mm2 and consumes 5.16 W from a single 4 V DC supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expandable graphite (EG) has potential to inhibit the fire hazard of dust layers. This suppression effect was systematically studied by comparing with that of traditional inertants such as CaCO 3 and NaHCO 3. The thermal expansion of EG can generate compact char layers with low thermal conductivity, which effectively inhibited the heat transfer between the heat source and the surrounding dusts. Oxygen diffusion was also hindered between the dust layer and the environment. Therefore, a small amount of EG could achieve a suppression effect for layer fires equivalent to a large amount of traditional inertants. A small amount of traditional inertants promoted the combustion of the non-metal dust layer, a phenomenon that did not occur while using EG. In addition, EG also acted as an effective flame retardant on the flame spread of the non-metallic dust layer under inclined conditions. Most important, EG had a suppression effect on down-flowing moving pool fires of non-metallic dust layers and the violent combustion of metal dust layers. This shows great potential not available in traditional inertants. EG could be considered as a novel and well-integrated dust layer fire inhibitor in process industries handing combustible dusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a new design theory named current harmonics analysis (CHA) for designing load-independent zero voltage switching (LI-ZVS) single-switch resonant dc/dc converters. Compared to the traditional VDS shaping analysis method, the proposed CHA adopts frequency-domain harmonic analysis to eliminate the mathematical iterations and improves ZVS load variation range. The relation between circuit parameters and LI-ZVS characteristics is investigated and discussed. A step-by-step design procedure is developed for the proposed method. Furthermore, the VDS stress is investigated for better engineer practices and its alleviation method without degradation on ZVS feature is proposed and implemented. At last, to validate the design theory, a prototype with single-switch parallel resonant topology, operating at 20-MHz switching frequency for lithium battery chargers is designed, implemented, and verified experimentally. The measured results show a ZVS operation characteristic with a load variation range of 100 times by employing the proposed CHA method, while achieving a conversion efficiency of 92% in a wide load range. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the widest ZVS load variation range compared to previously reported converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an efficient and interference-resistant coding technique, multiple description coding (MDC) is proposed with the aim to solve the transmission unreliability problem caused by packet errors, loss or blocking delays. The integration of MDC with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme (MDC-NOMA) can effectively boost the robustness and throughput of the underlying system. Additionally, space-time block coding (STBC) can further enhance the system reliability with increased diversity gain, as well as reduced decoding complexity. In this paper, we propose a novel framework referred to as MDC-NOMA-STBC, in which we apply Alamouti STBC integrated with MDC and NOMA to implement more reliable transmission. Specifically, NOMA signals are constructed by superimposing the descriptions from different users, then transmitted by the base station (BS) using Alamouti STBC. In order to substantiate the performance of the proposed framework, first, we derive closed-form expressions of both the outage probability and ergodic rate for each user in a two-antenna BS scenario. Second, for multi-antenna BS, we investigate different antenna selection strategies to further enhance the outage performance under the considered framework, whose analytical expression is provided wherever possible. Third, Monte Carlo simulation results are presented to validate our theoretical framework and to corroborate the superiority of the proposed MDC-NOMA-STBC over state-of-the-art MDC-NOMA scheme. Moreover, under realistic contexts with image transmission, it is confirmed that MDC-NOMA-STBC outperforms its counterpart MDC-NOMA in terms of the peak signal-to-noise ratio and the bit error rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A laser differential imaging measurement model for immersed tunnel alignment is proposed. • The calibration model is given,and the measurement system is designed. • An underwater laser spot center extraction method is proposed. • Precision and repeatability assessment experiments are carried out, and are far better than the requirements. The precision of underwater alignment for tunnel elements directly impacts the closure state of immersed tunnels. The current global navigation satellite system measurement tower method provides centimeter-level precision; however, this is insufficient due to the tower deformation at great water depths, which fails to meet alignment requirements. In this study, a novel immersed tunnel alignment measurement method using laser differential imaging is developed. A unique sensor layout is designed to measure the axial angle and distance between tunnel elements. The system design is implemented, and its laser data processing scheme is optimized to improve performance base on this sensor layout. The experimental results demonstrate that the accuracy of underwater laser spot extraction is better than 1.16 pixels, and the precision of axial angle and axial distance alignment measurements is better than 25″ and 1.6 mm, with repeatability precision exceeding 10.55″ and 0.53 mm. The laser-based alignment measurement method is not affected by the depth of water, satisfying the required precision of immersed tunnel alignment. These results can be applied to future immersed tunnel installations without measuring towers, providing a novel method for achieving automated and unmanned intelligent construction of immersed tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing implementation of a management policy for Antarctic krill fishery has faced challenges due to the diverse and variable management strategies. Understanding the fishing behavior of krill fishery is crucial for developing sustainable policies. In this study, krill fishery data collected on the Antarctic Peninsula, where is the key fishing ground, was used to model krill fishing behavior using generative adversarial networks (GANs). The GANs successfully captured fishing behavior, particularly important features such as temporal characteristics and the Lévy flight, and the performance was better than the previous approaches. Overall, this modeling approach shows promise as a tool for monitoring fishing behavior and management of krill fishery in the Southern Ocean. • Generative adversarial network-based model was applied to simulate fishing behavior in the Antarctic krill fishery. • Lévy flight property of krill fishing behavior was detected • Fishing behavior has not changed after the introduction of voluntary restriction zone. • Regularization model was deemed superior to baseline model for producing high-quality spatiotemporal data. • This study provides valuable insights into fishing behavior in the Antarctic krill fishery and can contribute to the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A desirable dispatching strategy is essentially important for securely and economically operating of wind-thermal hybrid distribution systems. Existing dispatch strategies usually assume that wind power has priority of injection. For real-time control, such strategies are simple and easy to realize, but they lack flexibility and incur higher operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. This study analyzed the power dispatching process as a dynamic sequential control problem and established a Markov decision process model to explore the optimal coordinated dispatch strategy for coping with wind and demand disturbance. As a salient feature, the improved dispatch strategy minimizes the long-run expected operation and maintenance costs. To evaluate the model efficiently, a Monte Carlo method and the Q-learning algorithm were employed to the growing computational cost over the state space. Through a specified numerical case, we demonstrated the properties of the coordinated dispatch strategy and used it to address a 24-h real-time dispatching problem. The proposed algorithm shows high efficiency in solving real-time dispatching problems. ● An advanced real-time dispatching strategy was proposed for distribution systems. ● The strategy minimizes long-run expected cost instead of myopic immediate cost. ● The model considers the volatilities of wind speed and demand load. ● Monte Carlo and Q -learning algorithm are employed to solve the model efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a number of studies have revealed the important roles of miR-34a in cancer, the regulatory roles of miR-34a in cancer immune response remain largely unknown. Our present study demonstrated a mechanism underlying miR-34a-mediated cancer immune evasion via a SIRT1/NF-κB/B7-H3/TNF-α axis. miR-34a upregulated B7-H3, an important immune checkpoint molecule, through direct inhibition of SIRT1 and consequent acetylation of NF-κB subunit p65 (a-p65), which promoted B7-H3 transcription by direct binding to its promoter. The elevated B7-H3 induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α. This was further confirmed in the colon of Mir34a-deficient mice, where Sirt1 expression was boosted, and the expressions of a-p65, B7h3, and Tnf were repressed. Consequently, the in vivo inhibitory activity of miR-34a on colorectal cancer (CRC) was eradicated by the reinforced B7-H3 and TNF-α. In conclusion, our study uncovered an etiological mechanism underlying miR-34a-mediated CRC immune evasion through inhibition of SIRT1 and promotion of NF-κB/B7-H3/TNF-α axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low- and lower middle-income countries (LMICs), timely access to primary care following thermal injury is challenging. Children with deep burns often fail to receive specialized burn care until months or years post-injury, thus suffering impairments from hypertrophic scarring or joint and soft tissue contractures. We aimed to examine the correlation between limited access to care following burn injury and long-term disability in children in LMICs and to identify specific factors affecting the occurrence of late burn complications. A systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve articles on pediatric burns in LMICs using Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, LILACS, Global Health, African Index Medicus, and others. Articles were assessed by two reviewers and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Of 2896 articles initially identified, 103 underwent full-text review and 14 met inclusion criteria. A total of 991 children who developed long-term burn sequelae were included. Time from injury to consultation ranged from a few months to 17 years. Factors associated with late complications included total body surface area burned, burn depth, low socio-economic status, limited infrastructure, perceived inability to pay, lack of awareness of surgical treatment, low level of maternal education, and time elapsed between burn injury and reconstructive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determinants of oil price changes have been extensively investigated in the literature. However, the economic source of its volatility receives much less attention in existing studies. In this paper, we investigate the predictive ability of macroeconomic variables to oil spot price volatility. Using a variety of predictive regressions, we find that some variables such as lagged oil production uncertainty and futures price volatility have significant effects on current oil volatility in-sample. However, adding any predictor to the autoregressive model cannot consistently improve the predictive ability from the out-of-sample perspective. We find the strong and significant predictability using forecast combinations. The revealed predictability is further demonstrated to be robust to the change of lag order and an alternative evaluation criterion of success ratio. Combination methods can provide more accurate density forecasts of realized volatility than the benchmark model. • We analyze the predictive ability of economic variables to oil price volatility. • Some variables indeed have significant effects on oil volatility in-sample. • None of the single variables successfully predicts oil volatility out of sample. • We find the strong and significant predictability using forecast combinations. • Combination methods can also reveal the predictability of volatility density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency (EE) is an important strategy for China to save energy and reduce energy-related emissions. With significant regional diversities in China, it is important to conduct the EE assessment at the regional level. Usually, the regional EE assessment is applied to 30 regions in Mainland China using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. With the "Belt and Road" strategy initiated by the Chinese government, it is reasonable and necessary to take Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan into consideration. However, such data expansion for China's regional EE assessment using DEA can reverse the relative rankings of some decision-making units, which is called the "rank reversal" phenomenon. In this paper, we illustrate in theory that rank reversal occurs in general DEA models, and apply the most popular five DEA models to assess China's regional energy efficiency from 2000 to 2014. The empirical study shows that the 30 regions in Mainland China have the least rank reversal when Tone's slack-based model (SBMT) is adopted. The main cause of ranking reversal is the addition of decision-making units lying on production frontier. Better understanding of the rank reversal phenomenon is critical for the energy efficiency assessment using DEA to inform the policy makings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter presents a novel technology for the integration of gallium nitride (GaN) power devices with silicon control circuits. It comprises stacked GaN power transistors and bipolar-CMOS-double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (DMOS) (BCD) circuits. It leverages on both advantages of the high-voltage low-loss GaN devices and the high-integration BCD circuits. Using conventional manufacturing, packaging, and assembly techniques and equipment, the proposed technology is technology transferrable and applicable for commercial power electronic applications. To validate the concept, a 3.3–70 V dc–dc boost converter is designed, implemented, and verified experimentally. It features a conversion efficiency of 70.3%, output power of 1.68 W, and compact size of ${\text{0.32}}\times {\text{0.18}}\,{\text{cm}}^{2}$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a slow‐wave substrate integrated suspended parallel strip line (SW‐SISPSL) for the first time. The slow‐wave effect is produced by cascading high/low‐impedance SISPSL in the meander line configuration. Different from conventional single‐ended slow‐wave transmission lines, the proposed SW‐SISPSL supports differential signal transmission. The characteristic impedance and slow‐wave factor of the SW‐SISPSL are analyzed using equivalent circuit models. Using the proposed SW‐SISPSL and a SISPSL phase inverter, a very compact rat‐race coupler is implemented. The core circuit area of the slow‐wave rat‐race coupler is 0.083 λg × 0.089 λg, which is only 4.12% of the conventional topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapeutic regimens containing sorafenib are widely used in salvage treatment for patients with relapsed and refractory acute leukemia, especially those with FLT3-ITD mutations. However, the therapeutic effects in individuals are heterogeneous, and the effective maintenance period is relatively short. Our clinical analysis showed patients with high c-kit (CD117) expression in leukemia cells generally had a better response to sorafenib, but the reason for this finding was not clear. c-kit (CD117) is a receptor tyrosine kinase, and its signal inactivation and hydrolytic metabolism are regulated by the CBL protein, a Ring finger E3 ubiquitin ligase, encoded by the c-CBL gene. And we also found that the c-CBL gene expression in refractory and relapsed patients was significantly lower than that in healthy hematopoietic stem cell donors. Therefore, we assumed that there is a relationship among c-CBL gene function, high expression of c-kit (CD117) and a better clinical response to sorafenib. To confirm this hypothesis, we packaged interfering lentiviruses and overexpressed adenoviruses targeting the c-CBL gene respectively, and infected leukemia cell lines with these viruses to regulate the expression of the c-CBL gene, and observed the subsequent changes of these cells in various biological behaviors. Our results showed when the c-CBL gene was silenced, the cells proliferation was accelerated, drug sensitivity to cytarabine or sorafenib was decreased, and apoptosis ratio was decreased. And all these phenomena were reversed when the gene was overexpressed, which confirmed the expression of c-CBL gene was related to drug resistance in leukemia cells. At last, we explored the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-boiling metals are prone to SEEP (physical factor) when mixed with decomposable inertants. • The mixed dust of high-boiling metals with strong stable inertants is less likely to lead SEEP. • Exothermic reaction of metals with inertants is a chemical factor that leads to SEEP. • Combustion of gases from decomposition of inertants is another chemical factor. Adding solid inertants to metal dust is an effective means of reducing the risk of dust fires and explosions. However, inertants that can effectively suppress the metal dust deflagration could somehow violently enhance the fire hazard of the same metal dust layer. This severe risk has not been well recognized and discussed in depth. To investigate the physical and chemical factors that cause the SEEP phenomenon, flame propagation experiments on mixed dust layers were performed using three common metal dusts (Mg, micro Ti, nano Ti) and five commonly used inertants (NH 4 H 2 PO 4 , NaHCO 3 , CaCO 3 , SiO 2 , CaO). The results indicate that the physical factors were the vaporization of metal dust and the destruction of the oxide layer by the gas from the decomposition of inertants. The chemical factors behind SEEP were the exothermic chemical reaction of metal dust with inertants, and the combustion of the gases released by the decomposition of inertants. Both factors significantly increased the severity of a fire in the dust layers, and in some cases, the chemical factors increased the likelihood of an explosion. Regardless of physical or chemical factors, the mass percentage of inertants in the mixed dust layers that lead to SEEP has a relatively wide range. Therefore, research on the use of solid inertant technology to prevent or mitigate dust explosions should fully consider the physicochemical properties of metal dust. The results are supposed to be used as a comprehensive guide for selecting suitable inertants for metal dust to prevent fire and explosion incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supercritical water promotes pyrolysis conversion of organic-rich shale cores. • The pyrolysis process of organic-rich shale via supercritical water is shed light. • Shale oil and thermal bitumen yields reach peak as supercritical water temperature increases. • The cracking of kerogen and thermal bitumen leads to the development of pores. • Raising supercritical water temperature increases light components in shale oil. Low-medium maturity organic-rich shale reservoirs have garnered increasing attention due to their enormous oil and gas generation potential. In this study, the pyrolysis conversion process and product distribution characteristics of shale core samples via supercritical water (SCW) were investigated. The yield of shale oil increased from 4.5 wt% at 385 °C to 15.13 wt% at 425 °C, with the maximum formation rate of shale oil ranging from temperatures of 405 °C to 425 °C. The thermal bitumen reached 15.11 wt% at 405 °C before rapidly decreasing to 3.2 wt% at 425 °C. In the pyrolysis process of shale cores via SCW, the intermediate thermal bitumen produced by thermal cracking of kerogen was retained in the cores and continued to be decomposed into shale oil and gas with the increase of SCW temperature. Simultaneously, a large number of pores were formed in the core matrix due to the massive decomposition of kerogen and thermal bitumen. The increase in SCW temperature greatly decreased the heavy components as well as increased the light components in shale oil. Additionally, aliphatic hydrocarbon cracking or Diels-Alder type aromatization reactions resulted in an increase in aromatic hydrocarbons and a decrease in the H/C atomic ratio of shale oil. Raising SCW temperature increased the content of C2-C5 hydrocarbon gases and the alkenes/alkanes ratio, which was related to the secondary cracking. The important findings of the pyrolysis conversion process and product distribution characteristics of shale cores via SCW not only enrich the theoretical basis in this area, but also provide strong support for the use of SCW in the in-situ conversion of low-medium maturity organic-rich shale reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in China’s regional energy efficiency and carbon emission efficiency (EE&CE) assessment has received increasing attention in recent years. This paper conducted a comprehensive survey of empirical studies published in 2006–2015 on China’s regional EE&CE assessment using DEA-type models. The main features used in previous studies were identified, and then the methodological framework for deriving the EE&CE indicators as well as six widely used DEA models were introduced. These DEA models were compared and applied to measure China’s regional EE&CE in 30 provinces/regions between 1995 and 2012. The empirical study indicates that China’s regional EE&CE remained stable in the 9th Five Year Plan (1996–2000), then decreased in the 10th Five Year Plan (2000–2005), and increased a bit in the 11th Five Year Plan (2006–2010). The east region of China had the highest EE&CE while the central area had the lowest. By way of conclusion, some useful points relating to model selection are summarized from both methodological and empirical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter presents a compact fully differential branch‐line coupler. It is composed of folded substrate integrated suspended parallel strip line (SISPSL), which can generate slow‐wave effect and help reduce the circuit size. The used SISPSL type line is a fusion of double‐sided parallel‐strip line (DSPSL) and substrate integrated suspended line (SISL), which has the advantage of self‐packaging as compared with traditional DSPSL exposed to air. A DC to 30‐GHz differential transition from grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) to SISPSL is designed to test the SISPSL differential coupler. The implemented SISPSL branch‐line coupler has a compact size of 0.056 λg × 0.05 λg. This letter presents a compact fully differential branch‐line coupler using folded substrate integrated suspended parallel strip line (SISPSL), which has a compact size of 0.056 λg × 0.05 λg. A DC to 30‐GHz differential transition from grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) to SISPSL is designed to test the SISPSL differential coupler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inertants may have the opposite effect on the combustion of dust clouds and dust layers. • Inertants enhance the combustion of Mg dust layer by destroying the oxide crust. • The exothermic reaction of inertants with Mg directly leads to violent combustion. • The inerting effect should consider the impact on both dust clouds and dust layers. Adding solid inertants to combustible dust is an effective means of reducing dust explosion risk through both preventive and mitigative measures. However, since dust layers and dust clouds differ in their flame spread mechanisms, they may also differ in their response to solid inertants. In this paper, inerting efficacy of four commonly used solid inertants in Mg dust layers and dust clouds was investigated. As concentration increased, all four inertants effectively suppressed burning in Mg dust clouds. However, CaCO 3 , NaHCO 3 , and SiO 2 greatly increased the fire hazard in Mg dust layers. CO 2 produced by thermal decomposition of CaCO 3 destroyed the MgO layer formed on the surface of Mg dust layers and caused more burning of Mg vapor in the gas phase. The water vapor produced by NaHCO 3 reacted with Mg to generate hydrogen which intensified combustion. SiO 2 emitted heat through a substitution reaction with Mg powder to thrust the mixed dust layer upwards, causing violent combustion similar to that in dust clouds. As inertant proportion increased, the fire hazard in dust layers was initially enhanced but was later decreased, although the fire hazard at 70% inertant remained much higher than that with pure Mg dust. Only NaCl, which is chemically stable and does not react with metal dust, can effectively inert both Mg dust layers and dust clouds. Research on the use of solid inertant technology to prevent or mitigate dust explosions should therefore consider the impact on both dust clouds and dust layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this article, a novel Q-factor enhancement technique for on-chip spiral inductors is presented. Symmetric return ground structure in traditional on-chip spiral inductors is modified and shifted toward the side with stronger magnetic field caused by asymmetrical windings of inductors. In full-wave electro-magnetic simulation, it is observed that by applying this technique, inductor with higher Q-factor and larger inductance is obtained with no cost of additional chip area. Using the proposed technique, on-chip inductors are customized for a three-stage cascode low-noise amplifier (LNA) design. Fabricated in a commercial 65-nm CMOS process, the LNA features peak gain of 26.3 dB, 21.8 mW power consumption, noise figure of 5.3 dB, output P1 dB of −4 dBm, and core size of 0.15 mm2. In the comparison with prior arts, the proposed design achieves the highest gain and figure-of-merit. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2883-2886, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The China Assessment of Antifungal Therapy in Hematological Disease study, the first large-scale observational study of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in China, enrolled 1401 patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (75.2% allogeneic and 24.8% autologous) at 31 hospitals across China. The overall incidence of proven or probable IFD was 7.7% (108 of 1401); another 266 cases (19.0%) were possible IFD. After allogeneic or autologous HSCT, the incidence of proven/probable IFD was 8.9% (94 of 1053) and 4.0% (14 of 348), respectively. Some cases (14 of 108) developed during conditioning before transplantation. The cumulative incidence of proven/probable IFD increased steeply in the first month after transplantation and after 6 months, the incidence was significantly higher in allogeneic than it was in autologous transplant recipients (9.2% versus 3.5%; P = .001) and when stem cells were derived from cord blood or bone marrow and peripheral blood ( P = .02 versus other sources). Independent risk factors for proven/probable IFD in allogeneic HSCT were diabetes, HLA-matched unrelated donor, prolonged severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count > 500/mm 3 for >14 days), and immunosuppressants (odds ratio, 2.0 to 3.4 for all). Antifungal prophylaxis was independently protective ( P = .01). Previous IFD and prolonged severe neutropenia were significant independent risk factors among autologous transplantation patients ( P < .01, P = .04, respectively). In total, 1175 (83.9%) patients received antifungal prophylaxis (91.6% triazoles) and 514 (36.7%) were treated in the hospital with therapeutic antifungals (89.1% triazoles; median 27 days). Empirical, pre-emptive, and targeted antifungals were used in 82.3%, 13.6%, and 4.1% of cases, respectively. Overall mortality (13.4%; 188 deaths) was markedly higher in patients with proven (5 of 16; 31.3%), probable (20 of 92; 21.7%), or possible (61 of 266; 22.9%) IFD; allogeneic (171 of 1053; 16.2%) rather than autologous (17 of 348; 4.9%) HSCT and was significantly higher in patients receiving pre-emptive (18.6%) rather than empirical (6.1%) or targeted (9.5%) antifungal therapy ( P = .002). Improvements in the selection and timing of prophylactic antifungals would be welcome. Health care providers should remain alert to the increased risk of IFD and associated mortality in allogeneic HSCT recipients and the ongoing risk of IFD even after discharge from the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents three devices of biosensors for glucose concentrations. A resonator based on the defected ground structure (DGS) was designed and the optimizations for the single square and both squares of the DGS via adaptive genetic algorithm were applied to enhance the performance of the sensors including the Q‐factor and the electric field distribution. The fabricated devices of the best optimized one exhibited an enhanced Q‐factor of 442 and a sensitivity of 142.2 MHz/mgml−1, which is more than 2.37 times than the basic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5 (CHD5) was previously proposed to function as a potent tumor suppressor by acting as a master regulator of a tumor-suppressive network. CHD5 is down-regulated in several cancers, including leukemia and is responsible for tumor generation and progression. However, the mechanism of CHD5 down-regulation in leukemia is largely unknown. In this study, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analyses revealed that CHD5 was down-regulated in human leukemia cell lines and samples. Luciferase reporter assays showed that most of the baseline regulatory activity was localized from 500 to 200 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Bisulfite DNA sequencing of the identified regulatory element revealed that the CHD5 promoter was hypermethylated in human leukemia cells and samples. Thus, CHD5 expression was inversely correlated with promoter DNA methylation in these samples. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) activates CHD5 expression in human leukemia cell lines. In vitro luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that methylation of the CHD5 promoter repressed its promoter activity. Furthermore, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay combined with qualitative PCR identified activating protein 2 (AP2) as a potential transcription factor involved in CHD5 expression and indicated that treatment with DAC increases the recruitment of AP2 to the CHD5 promoter. In vitro transcription-factor activity studies showed that AP2 over-expression was able to activate CHD5 promoter activity. Our findings indicate that repression of CHD5 gene expression in human leukemia is mediated in part by DNA methylation of its promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Nilotinib, an oral second-generation Bcr-Abi tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved in the United States and European Union for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+), chronic-phase (CP) or accelerated-phase (AP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) resistant to or intolerant of prior therapy, including imatinib. Information on the pharmacokinetics of nilotinib in Chinese patients with CML is lacking, and regulatory requirements for registration of this drug are needed in China. Objectives: This study assessed the pharmacokinet-ics of single and multiple oral doses of nilotinib in Chinese patients with CML and compared the pharmacokinetic profiles of nilotinib between the Chinese patients and a subgroup of white patients with CML. Methods: Chinese patients aged ≥18 years with Ph+ CML-CP, CML-AP, or CML-BC (blast crisis) resistant to or intolerant of imatinib were eligible. Patients were administered oral nilotinib 400 mg BID for 15 days. Serial blood samples were collected before and at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 12 hours after the administration of a single dose (day 1) and multiple doses (day 15, steady state). Serum nilotinib concentrations were determined using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay, and pharmacokinetic parameters of nilotinib were calculated using a noncompartmental method. Tolerability was assessed using cardiac assessments; laboratory analysis (hematology, blood chemistry, and urinalysis); and physical examination, including vital signs. Results: Twenty-three patients were enrolled (18 men, 5 women; mean age, 40.0 years; mean weight, 68.3 kg; CML-CP, 22 patients; CML-AP, 1). All 23 patients were included in the tolerability analysis. Two patients withdrew consent and discontinued after administration of the first dose; thus, 21 patients were included in the pharmacokinetic analysis. Median Tmax was ~2 hours after administration of single and multiple doses. At steady state, Cmin was 1025.4 ng/mL and Cmax was 2160.7 ng/mL. Mean AUCs from time 0 to the end of the dosing interval τ (AUC0-τ) were 5076.3 and 17,751.3 ng · h/mL at days 1 and 15, respectively, representing an accumulation factor of 3.92. Apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was 0.39 L/h/kg (range, 0.12–0.74 L/h/ kg) at steady state. The study found a 42% intersubject variability in nilotinib pharmacokinetics. Steady-state Cmax, Cmin, AUC0-τ, and CL/F were not significantly different from those previously reported in a subgroup of white patients with CML who received the same 400-mg BID dose. Rash (11/23 patients [47.8%]) and elevated bilirubin, headache, and muscle pain (4 patients each [17.4%]) were the most frequently reported nonhematologic adverse events. Conclusions: In this pharmacokinetic study in Chinese patients with CML resistant to or intolerant of imatinib, nilotinib 400 mg BID was rapidly absorbed after a single dose and multiple doses. The steady-state pharmacokinetic properties in this population were consistent with those reported previously in white patients with CML. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A broadband diplexer-integrated double-pole single-throw (DPST) switch is proposed to realize frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD). It consists of a lowpass filter (LPF) and a bandpass filter (BPF). The series LC resonators are used in both channels to create transmission zeros (TZs) in the stopband to ensure high selectivity. The diplexer is realized by inter-digital capacitors and microstrip section inductors, which can achieve low cost and compact size. Besides, this diplexer does not require a T-junction, achieving a compact size. For demonstration, a diplexer operating in DC-1.78/3.29–4.42 GHz has been designed, fabricated, and measured. The diplexer has four operating modes. And it has a compact size of 24.67 mm × 21.4 mm. The measured results show that the diplexer exhibits broadband, low insertion losses, high isolation, and high selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated approach is proposed in this paper to incorporate the group heterogeneity into the framework of natural disposability and managerial disposability, which allows evaluating the CO 2 emission performance under different mitigation strategies (scale-oriented strategy and innovation-oriented strategy). It is able to deal with the intertemporal incomparability when adopting a global technology. In the empirical study, we categorized China's 27 manufacturing sectors into five groups and evaluated their emission performance under different mitigation strategies during 2003–2016. According to the empirical results, we found that there is still much potential (about 70%–80%) for improving the CO 2 emission performance considering the entire manufacturing industry. From the perspective of different groups, the global technologies/innovators group shows the highest emission efficiency, while the energy-/resource-intensive commodities' group performed the worst. Besides, different sectors showed significant technology heterogeneity. Finally, the desirable CO 2 mitigation strategies varied with the different groups. For the labor-intensive tradables' group, we found that the desirable strategy is to decrease the input of energy and other production factors, i.e. scale-oriented strategy. For the regional processing group, the innovation-oriented strategy is more efficient. • Modified global meta-frontier non-radial DDF approach is proposed. • Group heterogeneity is incorporated in natural/managerial disposability framework. • CO 2 emissions performance for China's manufacturing sectors is measured. • Global technologies/innovators group performs best, while energy-/resource-intensive commodities group performs worst. • Desirable mitigation strategies varies with respect to technology heterogeneity of different groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and asymmetry effects of MOSFET detectors operating in a source‐driven configuration on responsivity are discussed in this paper. Seven MOSFET detectors with different sizes and structures are fabricated in a standard 55 nm CMOS technology. At 2.58 THz, the measurement results show that for the symmetric device, the minimum size MOSFET can achieve a higher responsivity, and for the asymmetric device, when the ratio of the source channel width to the drain channel width reaches 4:1 or higher, the asymmetric detector can achieve a higher responsivity than the detector based on the minimum size device available in the process. The best responsivity of the 2.03 kV/W is achieved by the asymmetry structure MOSFET detector with the ratio of the source channel width to the drain channel width reaching 4:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper presents a compact elliptical filter based on modified λ/4 resonators with separated electric and magnetic coupling paths. For the proposed second-order filters, transmission zero points are generated at either lower or upper stopband by controlling the relative coupling strength in the two paths of inter-stage resonators. Based on the topology and multilayer LTCC technology, a fourth-order bandpass filters operating at 5.2 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 10% in 1.7 mm × 3 mm (0.0785λg × 0.1385λg) is designed and verified experimentally. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1789-1792, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of carbon emissions efficiency and abatement cost is crucial to formulate environmental policies. We focus on this issue based on the consideration that different regions have alternative mitigation strategies, which be defined as "natural strategy" and "managerial strategy" in this study. In order to realize this, we develop a directional distance function (DDF) model under natural and managerial disposability to assess the carbon emission efficiency of China's 29 regions from the 9th to 12th Five-Year Plan. Then the nonparametric method is applied to estimate directional distance function and evaluate the carbon abatement cost. The empirical results indicate that, comparing with our approach, traditional method may overestimate efficiency and underestimate abatement cost. Besides, China's carbon emissions efficiency remains relatively stable from the 9th to 12th Five-Year Plan, and can be improved by at least 25%. In terms of abatement cost, the value under high regulation for most regions are higher than that under low regulation, which is 246 yuan/ton and 224 yuan/ton respectively, and shows a declined trend. Moreover, given the large gaps on abatement costs between different Chinese regions, it is necessary and possible for establishing a regional emissions trading system at national level. • DDF model under natural & managerial disposability is proposed. • The impact of inter-region differentiated mitigation strategies is considered. • Traditional method may overestimate efficiency and underestimate abatement cost. • China's carbon emissions efficiency can be improved by at least 25%. • China's carbon abatement cost shows a declined trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates a microwave transduction-based humidity sensor that is a promising candidate for real-time clinical healthcare applications and green miniaturized wearable electronic devices. Optimization of sensing material, sensing platform, and device fabrication techniques produces a carbon dots (CDs)-decorated metal organic framework (MOF)-derived porous Co 3 O 4 (CDs-Co 3 O 4) microwave resonator-based sensor with excellent real-time humidity detection. Inspired by the water absorption component polyacrylamide in baby diapers, the acrylamide is adopted to synthesize CDs for microwave humidity sensor. Combining CDs with MOF-derived porous Co 3 O 4 enhances humidity sensitivity under microwave excitation, with a frequency shift of 3.40 MHz/% RH and a loss variation of 0.15 dB/% RH between 5% and 99% RH. These values are 49.7% (for frequency shift) and 20.5% (for return loss) higher than Co 3 O 4 sensor. Moreover, CDs-Co 3 O 4 exhibits high selectivity towards water vapor against other volatile organic compounds, and the response or recovery time are both less than 5 s. Fabricated by an integrated passive device technology, the sensing platform is miniaturized at 0.98 × 0.80 × 0.22 mm3 with superb device stability and reliability. The CDs-Co 3 O 4 sensor remarkably monitors respiratory patterns of breathing or apnea, as well as subtle changes in the humidity levels of an approaching finger. A charge transfer process and microwave interactions are the mechanisms for improved humidity sensitivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing the pressure of environment, sustainable development is the demand of the current construction industry development. Prefabricated construction technologies has been actively promoted in China. Cost has always been one of the important factors in the development of prefabricated buildings. The hidden cost of prefabricated buildings has a great impact on the total cost of the project, and it exists in the whole process of building construction. In this paper innovatively studies the cost of prefabricated buildings from the perspective of hidden cost. In order to analysis the hidden cost of prefabricated buildings, the influencing factor index system in terms of design, management, technology, policy and environment has been established, which includes 13 factors in total. And the hidden cost analysis model has been proposed based on FISM-BN, this model combines fuzzy interpretive structure model(FISM) with Bayesian network(BN). This model can comprehensively analyze the hidden cost through the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. And the analysis process is dynamic, not fixed at a certain point in time to analyze the cost. We can get the internal logical relationship among the influencing factors of the hidden cost, and present it in the form of intuitive chart by FISM-BN. Furthermore the model could not only predict the probability of the hidden cost of prefabricated buildings and realize in-time control through causal reasoning, but also predict the posterior probability of other influencing factors through diagnostic reasoning when the hidden cost occurs and find out the key factors that lead to the hidden cost. Then the final influencing factors are determined after one by one check. Finally, the model is demonstrated on the hidden cost analysis of prefabricated buildings the probability of recessive cost is 26%. In the analysis and control of the hidden cost of prefabricated buildings, scientific and effective decision-making and reference opinions are provided for managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present 500 and 700 au resolution 1 and 3 mm Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations, respectively, of protostellar cores in protoclusters Sagittarius B2 (Sgr B2) North (N) and Main (M), parts of the most actively star-forming cloud in our Galaxy. Previous lower-resolution (5000 au) 3 mm observations of this region detected ∼150 sources inferred to be young stellar objects (YSOs) with M > 8 M ⊙. With a 10-fold increase in resolution, we detect 371 sources at 3 mm and 218 sources in the smaller field of view at 1 mm. The sources seen at low resolution are observed to fragment into an average of two objects. About one-third of the observed sources fragment. Most of the sources we report are marginally resolved and are at least partially optically thick. We determine that the observed sources are most consistent with Stage 0/I YSOs, i.e., rotationally supported disks with an active protostar and an envelope, that are warmer than those observed in the solar neighborhood. We report source-counting-based inferred stellar mass and the star formation rate of the cloud: 2800 M ⊙ and 0.0038 M ⊙ yr−1 for Sgr B2 N and 6900 M ⊙ and 0.0093 M ⊙ yr−1 for Sgr B2 M, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of existing studies on crude oil futures hedging aim to minimizing the variance of hedged portfolio. In this paper, we evaluate the hedging performance in a different framework of minimum-risk and try to find the optimal hedge model. We employ a total of ten popular econometric specifications including three constant and seven dynamic hedge ratio models. Our results suggest that none of the models of interest can outperform all competitors in or out of sample for all futures contracts. The constant hedge ratio models perform better than the dynamic hedge ratio models under the min-V framework, but the situation overturns under the min-R framework with the DCC-GARCH performs best. More importantly, the equal-weighted combination of all constant and dynamic hedge ratios results in better out-of-sample performance than the combination of either type of hedge ratios only. • We analyze hedging under minimum-variance and risk frameworks for crude oil. • The optimal hedge ratios under these two criteria are significantly different. • None of the single models performs best in two different frameworks. • Combining hedge ratio from all models results in the most reliable hedging result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the unique kinematic properties in massive filament G352.63-1.07 at 103 au spatial scale with the dense molecular tracers observed with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. We find the central massive core M1 (12 M ⊙) being separated from the surrounding filament with a velocity difference of v − v ¯ sys = − 2 km s − 1 and a transverse separation within 3″. Meanwhile, as shown in multiple dense-gas tracers, M1 has a spatial extension closely aligned with the main filament and is connected to the filament toward both its ends. M1 thus represents a very beginning state for a massive, young star-forming core escaping from the parental filament, within a timescale of ∼4000 yr. Based on its kinetic energy (3.5 × 1044 erg), the core escape is unlikely solely due to the original filament motion or magnetic field but requires more energetic events such as a rapid intense anisotropic collapse. The released energy also seems to noticeably increase the environmental turbulence. This may help the filament to become stabilized again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling objects with body language is an extremely interesting ability for human beings. Recognizing different gestures is an effective way to collect valuable information, which is used to switch the radiation characteristic of beam scanning antennas. However, most existing beam scanning antennas are wire-connected and manually controlled by users. Thereby, a novel framework of gesture-controlled antennas is proposed in this paper. Rather than DC voltages supplied by powers or AC voltages supplied by signal generators, the beam scanning antenna can be effectively controlled by different gesture commands collected in real time from the user. On this basis, considering the advantages of the low cost and wide frequency band of liquid crystal (LC) materials, a LC-based fixed-frequency beam scanning leaky wave antenna (LWA) with gesture-controlled systems is demonstrated as one example. Different gestures can be recognised as controlled information to supply corresponding output signals by field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for the LC-based LWA. Based on the proposed framework, a verification system is tested, which demonstrates that the radiation characteristic can be effectively controlled by the user's gesture. This work supplies a novel way for intelligent beam scanning antennas with potential applications in the internet of things (IoT), satellite and 5 G/6 G communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software defined radio (SDR) and cognitive radio have become the development trend for military or civilian radio stations. This paper analyzes the digital to analog (DAC) system based on software defined radio applications. The measurement procedure and calibration technique for hybrid signal system are described in detail. In order to maximize the utilization of the image spectrum and achieve better performance for communication, the sub-Nyquist rate DAC system with different construction modes is introduced. The two-phase holding reconstruction mode utilizes higher order image spectrum by adjusting duty cycle of the two phases. This technique based on SRD has the merit of lower power consumption and higher efficiency for communication system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration transient events that are typically observed at radio wavelengths and cosmological distances but their origin remains unclear. Furthermore, most FRB origin models are related to the processes at stellar scales, involving neutron stars, blackholes, supernovae, etc. In this paper, our purpose is to determine whether multi-structural one-off FRBs and repeaters share similarities. To achieve this, we focus on analyzing the relationship between the FRB event rate and the star formation rate, complemented by statistical testing methods. Based on the CHIME/FRB Catalog 1, we calculate the energy functions for four subsamples, including apparent non-repeating FRBs (one-offs), repeaters, multi-structural one-offs, and the joint repeaters and multi-structural events, respectively. We then derive the FRB event rates at different redshifts for all four subsamples, all of which were found to share a similar cosmological evolution trend. However, we find that the multi-structural one-offs and repeaters are distinguishable from the KS and MWW tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms within a gene’s 3′-UTR may modulate posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, and may explain individual sensitivity of chemotherapy. To investigate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3′-UTRs of B7/CD28 family genes and the response of capecitabine-based chemotherapy in colon cancer, 16 SNPs were identified in 274 advanced colon cancer patients. Statistical analysis indicated that ICOS rs1559931, rs4404254, and rs4675379 were in complete linkage disequilibrium and significantly associated with chemotherapy response. Heterozygous patients with rs1559931 G/A (31.34% vs 48.29%; P  = 0.016), rs4404254 T/C (30.43% vs 48.77%; P  = 0.011), or rs4675379 G/C (28.13% vs 49.04%; P  = 0.004) genotypes showed poorer response to chemotherapy compared to wildtype patients. Moreover, three SNPs, including ICOSL rs15927, ICOSL rs3804033 and CD28 rs3181113, were significantly associated with the occurrence of side effects of chemotherapy. In addition, patients with ICOSL rs15927 G/G (78.26%), ICOSL rs3804033 G/G (76.00%), or CD28 rs3181113 T/T (82.05%) were more prone to enduring adverse events compared to patients bearing other polymorphisms. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that polymorphisms in the 3′-UTRs of genes in the ICOS/CD28-ICOSL pathway may influence the efficacy and occurrence of adverse events of capecitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced colon cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the stress memorization technique (SMT) effects upon ultra-wideband RF switch performance are investigated for the first time. Low insertion loss (IL), high isolation, ultra-wideband (dc to 50 GHz) single-pole double-throw (SPDT), and single-pole four-throw (SP4T) switches designed with commercial 0.13- \mu \textm high-resistivity (HR) trap-rich SOI technology with/without SMT are presented and investigated. 2.5 V nMOS transistor ( Lg = 0.2~\mu \text{m} ) with low R\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON} {^\ast} C\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF} from GF 130RFSOI PDK is used. It is found that channel mobility of switch transistor is improved by SMT and thus switch performance can be further improved. Moreover, the impact of transistor channel length, which has dominant effects on both IL and isolation of the switches, under different gate bias on switch performance are also studied and verified experimentally. Low measured IL of less than 2.1 dB and good isolation of better than 27 dB from dc to 50 GHz are obtained for the SPDT switch. For SP4T switch, the measured IL of less than 2.6 dB and isolation of better than 27 dB are achieved from dc to 35 GHz. The active chip areas of designed SPDT and SP4T switches are compact with size of only 0.214 \times 0.19~\text mm^2 and 0.36 \times 0.19~ \text mm^2 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents low insertion loss, high isolation, ultra-wideband double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) switch matrix designed in a 0.13- \mu \textm commercial high resistivity trap-rich silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS process for the first time. The switches are designed using series–shunt–series configuration in a ring-type structure with input and output matching networks. Transistor width and transistor channel length effects on the wideband DPDT switch performance are thoroughly investigated. The designed switches achieve widest bandwidth from dc to 30 GHz with a low insertion loss of 2.5 dB and a high isolation of 32 dB up to 30 GHz. The measured input P1dB of designed switches is higher than 18 dBm. It was found both second and third harmonics can be improved by widening switch transistor channel width, and third harmonic can be improved by shortening channel length. The active chip area of designed $2 \times2$ switch matrix is very small size of only 0.28 mm $\times0.21$ mm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study presents the phase setting method for a spherical conformal antenna array to achieve a wide beamwidth circularly polarized radiation pattern. A dodecahedral spherical array was fabricated and measured to validate the phase setting method. The array adopts a regular dodecahedron spatial distribution structure composed of 11 dual‐polarization elements. By exciting 11 elements simultaneously with designed phase distributions, the proposed spherical array can achieve a wide beamwidth of more than 210° with circular polarization by selecting the radius of the dodecahedron. In addition, the power division network of the array is designed and processed, and the feed network is simplified by rotating the antenna element port to control the phase. Measurements agree well with the simulations. The measured results show that the proposed spherical antenna array achieves a half‐power beamwidth of more than 210° and an axial‐ratio beamwidth of larger than 240°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two devices to detect the liquid dielectric characterization. The differential method was used to enhance the robustness and reduce tolerance. A basic sensor based on defected ground structure (DGS) was designed and the optimization for the squares of the DGS via adaptive genetic algorithm was applied to enhance the performance of the microwave sensor, which was shown by the difference of the two resonant frequencies. Furthermore, the electric field distribution was enhanced. Glass microcapillary tubes were used to hold samples to provide an environment of non-invasive. The optimized device exhibited the sensitivity of 0.076, which is more than 1.52 times than the basic structure. It could be considered a sensitive and robust sensor with quick response time for liquid dielectric characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the extraction of the life activity spectrum based on the millimeter (mm) wave radar is designed to realize the detection of target objects and the threshold trigger module. The maximum likelihood estimation method is selected to complete the design of the average early warning probability trigger function. The threshold trigger module is designed for the echo signal of static objects in the echo signal. It will interfere with the extraction of Doppler frequency shift results. The moving target detection method is selected, and the filter is designed. The static clutter interference is filtered without affecting the phase difference between the detection sequences, and the highlight target signal is improved. The frequency and displacement of thoracic movement are used as the detection data. Through the Fourier transform calculation of the sequence, the spectrum value is extracted within the estimated range of the heartbeat and respiration spectrum, and the heartbeat and respiration signals are picked up. The proposed design uses Modelsim and Quartus for CO-simulation to complete the simulation verification of the function, extract the number of logical units occupied by computing resources, and verify the algorithm with the vital signs experiment. The heartbeat and respiration were detected using the sports bracelet; the relative errors of heartbeat detection were 0–6.3%, the respiration detection was 0–9.5%, and the relative errors of heartbeat detection were overwhelmingly less than 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve simple topology and easy controllability, this paper presents a Class-E converter adopting the proposed switchable-coupled-inductor input-regulating (SCI-IR) method to achieve a constant output voltage under variable inputs. In comparison to other regulating or control schemes, this method features a simple circuit structure and incurs negligible power losses during the input-regulation process. By analysing the circuits with resonance tank at steady-state operations, we formulate the SCI-IR design parameters and procedures, and demonstrated experimentally with a Class-E at fixed 50%-duty-cycle 1-MHz switch signal. The measurement reveals that the prototype supports input-regulation with voltage range from 12V to 16V, and delivers the targeted constant output voltage/power of 10V/1W. At all input conditions, the converter remains in the zero-voltage-switching operation and obtains a conversion efficiency of better than 76.2 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A W‐band low‐cost and high output power tripler based on a substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) platform is presented in this paper. An accurate three‐dimensional electromagnetic model is established to characterize the high‐frequency parasitic effect of diodes, and the field‐circuit cosimulation method is employed to design the tripler. A SISL‐WR10 transition is designed and added in the output port to facilitate the test, and it also functions as a W‐band bandpass filter (BPF) to output the third harmonic, which avoids insertion loss caused by an additional BPF and makes the tripler more compact. The whole circuit of the tripler is fabricated on FR4 substrates, and it is self packaged. The measured results show that with 22 dBm input power, the tripler achieves 0–4.46 dBm output power from 75 to 106 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing second-line biologic therapies for adult ulcerative colitis (UC) post first-line failure is essential. Compare second-line biologic therapy efficacy in adult UC patients with prior treatment failure. A comprehensive search of electronic databases up to May 2023 was conducted to assess second-line biologic therapy efficacy using a random effects model. Parameters analyzed included clinical remission rate, clinical response rate, mucosal healing rate, annual discontinuation rate, and colectomy rates. Forty-three research papers were analyzed. Clinical remission rates for second-line biologics were ranked at 6–14 weeks: Infliximab (30%) was followed by Vedolizumab (29%), Ustekinumab (27%), and Adalimumab (19%). At 52–54 weeks, the order shifted, with Vedolizumab (35%) followed by Infliximab (32%), Ustekinumab (31%), and Adalimumab (26%). The mucosal healing rate was 21%, ranked as: Infliximab (31%), Vedolizumab (21%), Adalimumab (21%), and Ustekinumab (14%). The annual discontinuation rate stood at 20%, with Adalimumab (25%), Vedolizumab (18%), Infliximab (17%), and Ustekinumab (16%). Discontinuation rates due to primary failure (PF), secondary failure (SF), and adverse events (AE) were 6%, 12%, and 3%, respectively. The annual colectomy rate was 9%, with Adalimumab (15%) followed by Vedolizumab (10%), Ustekinumab (9%), and Infliximab (5%), and colectomy rates of 10% due to PF, 12% due to SF, and 4% due to AE. For UC patients with first-line treatment failure, it is recommended to prioritize infliximab or vedolizumab as second-line biologic therapies, while avoiding adalimumab as the primary choice. Further clinical trials are necessary to assess ustekinumab efficacy accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]