Islamic Azad University of Kermanshah

This paper proposes a compact UHF microstrip divider with wideband harmonic suppression. A combined resonator, formed by a T-shaped resonator and a pair of coupled compact microstrip resonant cells (CCMRCs), is embedded into each divider branch to replace the conventional quarter-wavelength transmission lines. The divider is designed on an FR4 substrate (εr = 4.4, thickness = 60 mil) for a center frequency of 570 MHz. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations indicate equal power division at 570 MHz with return loss better than 39 dB and output-port isolation higher than 47 dB. Moreover, a wide stopband from 1.5 GHz to 3.5 GHz is obtained, yielding strong attenuation for the third-to-sixth harmonics. The proposed layout occupies 19.6 mm × 21.6 mm, which is about 76% smaller than a conventional 570 MHz divider (42.7 mm × 41 mm). The proposed design is suitable for modern wireless communication systems.

ABSTRACT In this study, the simulation of groundwater fluctuations in the Kermanshah Plain is carried out via three advanced machine learning algorithms, i.e., GMDH, weighted extreme learning machine (W‐ELM) and gene expression programming (GEP). The objective of this research is to evaluate and compare the accuracy of different machine learning models in simulating and predicting such fluctuations under different conditions. The data used in this study include the monthly groundwater level, precipitation, evaporation and temperature data from 2002 to 2020. To increase the accuracy of the models, the data are processed via the min–max normalisation approach. The results obtained from the evaluation of the models using different efficiency indices, such as the root mean square error (RMSE), R 2 and NSE, indicate that the W‐ELM model, which has the best performance in both the training and testing phases, is more exact than the GMDH and GEP models. In particular, the W‐ELM achieves R 2 = 0.999, NSE = 0.979, PBIAS = 0.012 and RMSE = 0.093 in the testing phase, which indicates its high accuracy and efficiency. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that all the models are highly sensitive to the groundwater level lag variable GWL₋₁.This research shows that machine learning models, especially the W‐ELM model, can be utilised as effective tools for predicting groundwater level variation and the optimal management of water resources in different regions.

Context: Endocrine therapy remains the standard of care for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (BC), but its efficacy is limited in patients with prior endocrine exposure. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), such as palbociclib, have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance treatment outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of palbociclib combined with endocrine therapy (ET) versus endocrine therapy alone in improving survival outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 9, 2025, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing palbociclib plus ET with ET alone or placebo plus ET in HR+/HER2– advanced or metastatic BC patients were included. Outcomes assessed were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled. Results: Seven RCTs, including 1,758 patients, met inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis demonstrated that palbociclib combined with ET significantly improved PFS compared with ET alone (HR = 0.492; P < 0.001). A trend toward improved OS was observed (HR = 0.883; P = 0.075), though this did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses and bias assessments confirmed consistent efficacy across populations and low risk of methodological bias, with no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Palbociclib combined with ET provides substantial improvements in PFS and demonstrates a favorable trend in OS for patients with HR+/HER2– advanced BC.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has always been a major concern for researchers due to its deadly nature. One of the microbial metabolites found in the gut is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have the ability to regulate the immune system and exert protective effects against CRC. In this study, we investigated the effects of SCFAs on the expression of the CYP1A1 gene in Caco-2 cells at varying concentrations. The Caco-2 cell line and HDF control cell line were treated with three concentrations (7.5, 15, and 30 mM) of NaA(sodium acetate), NaB(sodium butyrate), and NaP(sodium propionate) for three different time periods (24, 48, and 72 h). Additionally, two concentrations (2.5 and 10 μM) of CH223191 (an AhR gene antagonist) alone and a concentration of 10 μM of CH223191 in combination with the mentioned concentrations of NaA, NaB and NaP were applied to the cells for 48 h. The gene expression of CYP1A1 was examined using Real-time PCR. The expression of the CYP1A1 gene increased with concentrations of NaA and NaB at all time points, and with 30 mM of NaP at 24 h (p < 0.05). However, increasing the concentration of NaB and NaP led to decreased expression of the CYP1A1 gene. These findings suggest the potential use of SCFAs as epigenetic drugs for the prevention and treatment of CRC.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of genistein, swimming exercise, and their co-treatment on heart oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiomyopathy in ovariectomized diabetic rats. It is well-established that diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in both young and postmenopausal women. Genistein is a natural phytoestrogen that has estrogenic effects. Studies have shown that genistein has a positive impact on menopause, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in women. However, the impact of genistein treatment alone and in combination with exercise training on the management of cardiac disease in diabetic women after ovarian hormone deprivation has not been fully explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genistein alone or in combination with exercise training on the cardiac expression of oxidative/inflammation biomarkers (MDA, OSI, TOS, TNF- α, and NF-κB) and miRNA-133, IGF-1, and Bcl-2 in the diabetic ovariectomized rats. A group of Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups, with eight rats in each group. The groups were named control, sham, ovariectomized group (OVX), OVX +diabetes (OD), OD+ genistein (1 mg/kg, eight weeks; daily SC), OD+exercise (eight weeks), and OD+ genistein+exercise (eight weeks). The rats were given a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin injection to induce diabetes. After eight weeks, the rats were anesthetized, and their hearts were removed. The study assessed the effects of treatment by measuring the expression of miRNA-133 using Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and IGF- 1 using Western blotting. The study also evaluated the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers using ELISA. Pathological changes were also assessed using periodic acid Schiff and hematoxylin & eosin. After ovariectomy, the levels of cardiac miRNA-133, IGF-1, and Bcl-2 expression were down-regulated, and the levels of MDA, OSI, TOS, TNF-α, and NF-κB were increased, with a reduced total antioxidant capacity. Diabetes had an additive effect on these factors. Genistein was found to have a positive impact on oxidative and inflammation levels, and it also increased the expression of miRNA-133, Bcl-2, and IGF-1 in rats with OD. Furthermore, the combination of genistein and exercise had a positive effect on miRNA-133, Bcl-2, and IGF-1 expression in the heart, leading to a decrease in Bax levels. The combined intervention showed a noticeable improvement in oxidative and inflammation conditions. Histological examination revealed some abnormalities in cardiac tissue, which were found to be improved with genistein and/or exercise treatments. Genistein or/and exercise as a natural replacement therapy could improve diabeticinduced cardiac complications in ovariectomized rats' hearts.

In this paper, a multi-carrier energy hub that can generate and deliver electricity, heating, and cooling ‎energy from different sources, such as wind, solar, fuel cells, batteries, and compressed air is ‎proposed. The intelligent energy hub can also participate in electrical and thermal demand response, ‎which aims to reduce peak demand and enhance overall system efficiency. The scheduling problem is ‎a mixed-integer linear programming problem that seeks to minimize the system cost and carbon ‎dioxide emissions. To obtain optimal solutions that strike a balance between cost, emissions, and ‎decision maker's preferences, an augmented epsilon-constraint min-max fuzzy method is employed. ‎The proposed strategy's advantages are demonstrated through a case study, where it is compared with ‎other methods. The results show that the proposed approach effectively reduces the cost and ‎emissions of the smart energy hub while improving the load shape and energy hub efficiency. ‎Moreover, the results showed that the integration of compressed air systems and demand response ‎programs enhances the performance of the smart energy hub, making it more flexible and reliable. ‎The GAMS software is employed for the modeling and resolution of the scheduling issue.‎

Abstract Amphibians exhibit a wide range of sperm morphologies due to their diverse habitats and reproductive strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and ultrastructural analysis of the spermatozoon and spermatophore in the yellow-spotted mountain newt (Neurergus derjugini). After collecting sperm samples, we used Giemsa, Eosin 5%, and Diff-Quick stains for morphological examination, and electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis. The results revealed that N. derjugini sperm have a relatively long head, a midpiece, and a tail with a wavy membrane; however, the end of the tail is short and lacks a membrane. The sperm head comprises distinct structures such as an acrosome, acrosomal barb, perforatorium, nucleus, and nuclear ridge. The tail is surrounded by a wavy membrane and contains an axoneme connected to an axial fibre by an undulating membrane with a half-moon-shaped marginal strand. The axial fibre’s shape changes from horseshoe-shaped near the head to crescentic distally. Additionally, the spermatophore is characterized by a conical cap of spermatozoa on a short stalk. The study highlights the adaptive diversity in sperm structure and function, influenced by reproductive strategies, mating systems, and environmental conditions. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for insights into fertilization and potential reproductive barriers. The findings also lay the groundwork for future research on related newt species, offering valuable insights into their evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships.

In this paper, a compact hybrid ring coupler is designed, simulated, and fabricated to achieve both size reduction and unwanted harmonic suppression in the L-band frequency range. As the demand for miniaturized and high-performance microwave components increases, reducing the footprint of passive devices such as couplers has become a key objective in modern electronic design. The proposed coupler integrates a specially designed resonator between its ports to effectively suppress unwanted harmonics, ensuring improved signal integrity and enhanced operational efficiency. Through this approach, 2nd to 10th harmonics are successfully eliminated, minimizing interference and improving overall system performance. The proposed design operates at a center frequency of 1.4 GHz, achieving an exceptionally low insertion loss of 0.3 dB. Additionally, it demonstrates a remarkable 70% reduction in size compared to conventional couplers while maintaining excellent isolation and phase balance. The design and simulation of the rat-race coupler were conducted using Advanced Design System (ADS) software, and the device was fabricated using a Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate with a thickness of 20 mil and a dielectric constant of 2.2. Experimental validation confirms strong agreement between simulated and measured results, highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed structure in achieving compactness and superior performance. This novel design presents a promising solution for modern microwave applications requiring highly efficient, compact, and low-loss couplers.