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To investigate the transport properties in random alloys, it is important to model the alloy disorder using supercells. Although computationally expensive, the local disorder in the system is accurately captured as translational symmetry that is imposed on the system over larger length scales. Additionally, in supercells, the error introduced by self-image interaction between the impurities is reduced. In this work, we have investigated the Effective Phonon Dispersion (EPD) and transport properties, from first principle calculations using supercells in Al x Ga 1 − x N alloy systems. Using an in-house developed code for phonon-band unfolding, the EPD of AlGaN is obtained and the individual phonon modes are identified with good agreement with experimental values. Moreover, we report an in-house developed method to calculate low-field transport properties directly from supercells without phonon band unfolding. First, to validate our methods, we have solved the Boltzmann transport equation using Rode's method to compare the phonon limited mobility in the 4 atom GaN primitive cell and 12 atom GaN supercell. Using the same technique, we have investigated the low field transport in random Al x Ga 1 − x N alloy systems. The quadrupole interaction is included for transport properties of GaN and AlN to accurately capture the physics in these materials. Our calculations show that along with alloy scattering, electron–phonon scattering may also play an important role at room temperature and high-temperature device operation. This technique opens up the path for calculating phonon-limited transport properties in random alloy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the development of the first-ever inorganic radiation-hard moisture-insensitive large volume spectroscopic semiconductor-based scintillator with less than 2 ns decay time and light yields as high as 8000 ph/MeV. Despite extensive research into scintillator materials, the quest for an ideal scintillator combining ultrafast decay times (akin to BaF2 and Yb-doped scintillators such as Lu2O3:Yb), high light yields (exceeding 2000 photons per MeV), spectroscopic capabilities, and exceptional radiation hardness remain unfulfilled. In this study, we demonstrate and report for the first time the viability of large-volume (up to 20 mm thickness) gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) semiconductor-based scintillators for applications requiring these properties. These β-Ga2O3 scintillators were grown using the fast turnaround (∼2 days) crucible-free optical float zone (FZ) technique. The high light yield and ultrafast decay time of these high-purity n-type semiconductors with free carrier concentration of 6 × 1017 cm−3 are attributed to native defects, specifically oxygen vacancies (VO) and gallium–oxygen vacancy pairs (VGa–VO), generated during optimized FZ growth. The ultrafast decay, along with high light yield, enables excellent timing resolution and high count rate detection for applications like time-of-flight positron emission tomography, physics experiments, and nuclear safety. The radiation hardness of these devices has been documented in a separate publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment, heavy-atom-free photosensitizers (PSs) are a great source of singlet oxygen photosensitizer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by an energy transfer from the lowest energy triplet excited state to the molecular oxygen of cancer cells. To clarify the photophysical characteristics in the excited states of a few experimentally identified thionated (>C=S) molecules and their oxygenated congeners (>C=O), a quantum chemical study is conducted. This study illustrates the properties of the excited states in oxygen congeners that render them unsuitable for PDT treatment. Concurrently, a hierarchy is presented based on the utility of the lowest-energy triplet excitons of thionated compounds. Their non-radiative decay rates are calculated for reverse-ISC and inter-system crossover (ISC) processes. In addition, the vibronic importance of C=O and C=S bonds is clarified by the computation of the Huang–Rhys factor, effective vibrational mode, and reorganization energy inside the Marcus–Levich–Jörtner system. ROS generation in thionated PSs exceeds their oxygen congeners as kf ≪ kISC, where radiative decay rate is designated as kf. As a result, the current work offers a calculated strategy for analyzing the effectiveness of thionated photosensitizers in PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Artificial intelligence chatbots have demonstrated potential to enhance clinical decision-making and streamline health care workflows, potentially alleviating administrative burdens. However, the contribution of AI chatbots to radiologic decision-making for clinical scenarios remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of four prominent Large Language Models (LLMs)—Microsoft Bing, Claude, ChatGPT 3.5, and Perplexity—in offering clinical decision support for initial imaging for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods Open-ended (OE) and select-all-that-apply (SATA) questions were crafted, covering four variants of case scenarios of PE in-line with the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. These questions were presented to the LLMs by three radiologists from diverse geographical regions and setups. The responses were evaluated based on established scoring criteria, with a maximum achievable score of 2 points for OE responses and 1 point for each correct answer in SATA questions. To enable comparative analysis, scores were normalized (score divided by the maximum achievable score). Result In OE questions, Perplexity achieved the highest accuracy (0.83), while Claude had the lowest (0.58), with Bing and ChatGPT each scoring 0.75. For SATA questions, Bing led with an accuracy of 0.96, Perplexity was the lowest at 0.56, and both Claude and ChatGPT scored 0.6. Overall, OE questions saw higher scores (0.73) compared to SATA (0.68). There is poor agreement among radiologists' scores for OE (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = −0.067, p = 0.54), while there is strong agreement for SATA (ICC = 0.875, p < 0.001). Conclusion The study revealed variations in accuracy across LLMs for both OE and SATA questions. Perplexity showed superior performance in OE questions, while Bing excelled in SATA questions. OE queries yielded better overall results. The current inconsistencies in LLM accuracy highlight the importance of further refinement before these tools can be reliably integrated into clinical practice, with a need for additional LLM fine-tuning and judicious selection by radiologists to achieve consistent and reliable support for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumour response assessments, as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST 1.1), are based on the sum of diameters (SODs) of the primary tumour (longest diameter) and/or short axis diameter of lymph nodes. This study evaluates the response categorisation as per RECIST 1.1 vs Computed tomography (CT) based volumetric assessment of RECIST (proposed as vRECIST) in locally advanced head and neck cancers (LAHNCs) undergoing treatment. The pre-treatment SODs and CT estimated tumour volumes were recorded in 45 LAHNCs treated with radiotherapy (RT), chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) or thermochemoradiotherapy (HTCTRT). Tumour responses were assessed independently as per RECIST 1.1 and vRECIST by two radiation oncologists and grouped into complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD). These response groups were evaluated for the likely congruence of the two approaches, as categorised independently by these two observers. All patients in stages III (n = 7), IVA (n = 16) and IVB (n = 22) were inoperable and had received either RT alone (n = 1), CTRT (n = 12) or HTCTRT (n = 32). Based on SODs criteria of RECIST 1.1, of the 45 patients, 5 and 40 were grouped as PR and SD by the first observer, while this changed to 34 and 10, respectively and 1 PD, with vRECIST (p < 0.001). Similarly, for the second observer, the 4 PR and 41 SD grouped using RECIST 1.1 were recategorised to 34 PR, 10 SD, and 1 PD by vRECIST (p < 0.001). Thus, a mismatch of 66. 6% and 68. 8%, respectively, was evident by observers first and second in categorising SD based on SODs of RECIST 1.1 vs PR on vRECIST. Treatment responses in LAHNCs assessed using SODs resulted in significant uncertainties and failed to reflect actual volumetric changes in tumours during treatment. It is perhaps time to consider replacing the SODs of RECIST 1.1 with vRECIST for unequivocal tumour response categorisation in the present era of image-based oncology practice. • Tumour responses are assessed on %reduction in the sum of diameters (SODs) as per RECIST 1.1. • Pre- and post-treatment tumour volumes on computed tomography (CT) were evaluated for tumour response. • Gross mismatches in response categories grouped by SOD vs tumour volume were evident. • Revision of tumour response assessment criteria of RECIST 1.1 is strongly desirable. • Suggest to replace SOD with target volume (vRECIST) for tumour response assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital-acquired infections cause severe patient problems because of the augmented appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Material surfaces modified with several biophysical parameters can decrease bacterial biofilm formation, which could be an advantageous alternative to treatment with antibiotics. Since stainless steel is an extensively used material for manufacturing medical implants and in healthcare settings, in this study, we used stainless steel (SS 316L and SS 304) to examine the result of the material surface topographies on bacterial biofilm establishment. This work used the electrochemical etching method to modify the stainless steel surface topography as an anode. The electrochemical etching method influenced the nanocones' formation on stainless steel surfaces of both SS316L (Disk-6: 2682 peaks/ μ m 2) and SS304 (Disk-12: 1654 peaks/ μ m 2) estimated by atomic force microscopy and 3D Profilometer reduced the biofilm by 78% and 85%, respectively. Additionally, the higher negative potential on an average of 600 mV measured by Kelvin probe atomic force microscopy reduced the biofilm formation on both SS316L and SS304 surface synergistically compared to the non-electrochemically etched surface. Biofilm growth and nanopotrusions on the stainless-steel surface examined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated significantly dead bacterial cells (20%) on the electrochemically etched surface than on the non-electrochemically etched surface after 2 h contact time. Our observations exhibit that the nanotextured surface topographies and surface negative potential effectively inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four acridinium/acridine derivatives have been prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and their crystal structure, supramolecular framework, interaction energy calculation, thermal analysis, and photophysical properties are studied and presented in this manuscript. In the crystal structure, the one- and two-dimensional supramolecular framework is constructed via various strong and weak intermolecular interactions such as N‒H...Cl, O‒H...N, O‒H...Cl, C‒H...Cl, C‒H...O, C‒H...π, and π...π, respectively. The contribution of intermolecular interaction in the three-dimensional molecular packing is studied by the Hirshfeld surface analysis. The calculated total energy value of intermolecular interaction/contacts observed between the molecular pairs in the acridine compound is stronger than the energy value of intermolecular interaction/contacts of acridinium derivatives. The energy value of π...π contacts exhibited between the molecular pairs is significantly stronger than other weak interactions. The thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the acridinium derivatives degrade in three steps whereas the acridine compound undergoes a single-step degradation. Studies show that the acridinium derivatives exhibit a better photoluminescence quantum yield when compared to the acridine compound, and the acridine compound experiences a photoluminescence quenching due to charge transfer interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade in wood and forest products spans the global supply chain. Illegal logging and associated trade in forest products present a persistent threat to vulnerable ecosystems and communities. Illegal timber trade has been linked to violations of tax and conservation laws, as well as broader transnational crimes. The United States is the largest importer globally of wood and forest products, such as pulp, paper, flooring, and furniture—importing $78 billion in 2021. Transaction-level data such as shipping container manifests and bills of lading provide a comprehensive data source that can be used to detect and disrupt trade that may be suspected of containing illegally harvested or traded forest products. Owing to the volume, velocity, and complexity of shipment data, an automated decision support system is required for the purposes of detecting suspicious forest product shipments. We present a proof of concept framework using machine learning and big data approaches—combining domain expertise with automation—to achieve this objective. We formulated the underlying machine learning problem as an anomaly detection problem and collected and collated forest sector-specific domain knowledge to filter and target shipments of interest. In this work, we provide the overview of our framework, with the details of domain knowledge extraction and machine learning models, and discuss initial results and analysis of flagged anomalous and potentially suspicious records to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. The proof of concept work presented here provides the groundwork for an actionable and feasible approach to assisting enforcement agencies with the detection of suspicious shipments that may contain illegally harvested or traded wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following is a transcript of an interview conducted by Dr Asijit Datta (SRM University-AP, India) of Prof Jonathan Boulter (Western University, Canada) for a webinar called ‘Samuel Beckett, Spectres and Posthuman Spaces’ that was held over Zoom on November 27, 2020. This interview between two Beckett scholars is an attempt to locate the positions and meanings of the aspects of home/space/refuge for the abandoned, destitute characters in the works of Samuel Beckett. Beckett’s homeless wanderers are in the condition of the neither, a space that is only motion without direction. Beckett’s physical reduction of his characters and their necessary expulsion from home are explored through the lens of Heidegger’s notion of ‘thrownness’ or Geworfenheit. ‘Thrownness’ precedes the idea of homelessness and is the precondition of being. For Heidegger, in a reductive way, directionality and disseverance characterise the human, but the Beckettian moments of movement and walking, without purpose, are absent from Heidegger. Beckett tends to point towards the origin of the subject without a ground or all necessary groundedness. The colloquy concludes with a discussion concerning the condition of the posthuman in Beckett. To face the Beckettian posthuman is to confront a discursive posthumanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) signal-based machine learning models are among the most cost-effective methods for information retrieval. In this context, we aimed to investigate the cortical activities of psychotic criminal subjects by deploying an explainable feature engineering (XFE) model using an EEG psychotic criminal dataset. Methods: In this study, a new EEG psychotic criminal dataset was curated, containing EEG signals from psychotic criminal and control groups. To extract meaningful findings from this dataset, we presented a new channel-based feature extraction function named Zipper Pattern (ZPat). The proposed ZPat extracts features by analyzing the relationships between channels. In the feature selection phase of the proposed XFE model, an iterative neighborhood component analysis (INCA) feature selector was used to choose the most distinctive features. In the classification phase, we employed an ensemble and iterative distance-based classifier to achieve high classification performance. Therefore, a t-algorithm-based k-nearest neighbors (tkNN) classifier was used to obtain classification results. The Directed Lobish (DLob) symbolic language was used to derive interpretable results from the identities of the selected feature vectors in the final phase of the proposed ZPat-based XFE model. Results: To obtain the classification results from the ZPat-based XFE model, leave-one-record-out (LORO) and 10-fold cross-validation (CV) methods were used. The proposed ZPat-based model achieved over 95% classification accuracy on the curated EEG psychotic criminal dataset. Moreover, a cortical connectome diagram related to psychotic criminal detection was created using a DLob-based explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) method. Conclusions: In this regard, the proposed ZPat-based XFE model achieved both high classification performance and interpretability. Thus, the model contributes to feature engineering, psychiatry, neuroscience, and forensic sciences. Moreover, the presented ZPat-based XFE model is one of the pioneering XAI models for investigating psychotic criminal/criminal individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We confirm the presence of Hipposideros grandis G.M. Allen, 1936 from Baraiyadhala National Park, Bangladesh. The identification was based on morphometric attributes of two captured individuals and sequencing of the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The roosting habitat was chiefly degraded mixed evergreen forests characterized by steep and undulating terrain with many waterfalls and hilly streams. Our new record in Bangladesh extends the westernmost known range of H. grandis. The ecology of this bat species should be studied, as very little is known about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from an l-serine-derived multifunctional aminobutenolide as a common chiral building block, stereoselective synthetic routes to representative examples of di-, tri-, and tetrahydroxylated iminosugars have been developed. Key steps in the synthetic routes involved an intramolecular aminolysis protocol to form the azaheterocyclic core, and functionalization of a resident alkene moiety towards installation of the desired substituents at the various positions of the piperidine ring. The strategy and the approach described are expected to provide flexible synthetic routes to various iminosugar scaffolds of structural and medicinal chemical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic testing is a popular non-destructive method for characterising engineering materials and detecting their properties. Diverse quantities of sulphur are incorporated into an uncured rubber compound, which is subsequently cured under specific pressure and heat conditions to attain the desired properties in the final product. The present work represents a quantitative estimation of sulphur content for cured NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) samples by an ultrasonic approach. The experiments have been conducted using cured NBR samples with varying sulphur content, ranging from 0% to 1.34%. Ultrasonic pulse behaviour at different temperatures (30°C to 160°C) has been observed using an ultrasonic setup which has been developed in-house. A-scan data is obtained at a sampling rate of 80 MHz using an 18 mm diameter broadband transducer with a 1 MHz central frequency. The ultrasonic longitudinal velocity (ULV) of rubber is determined from A-scan data using time-of-flight, and sulphur content has a significant impact on the ULV. At a temperature of 160°C, the ultrasonic longitudinal velocity (ULV) is measured at 1262 m/s for a sample with 0.62% sulphur content, and at 1321 m/s for a sample with 1.34% sulphur content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic testing is a popular non-destructive method for characterising engineering materials and detecting their properties. Diverse quantities of sulphur are incorporated into an uncured rubber compound, which is subsequently cured under specific pressure and heat conditions to attain the desired properties in the final product. The present work represents a quantitative estimation of sulphur content for cured NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) samples by an ultrasonic approach. The experiments have been conducted using cured NBR samples with varying sulphur content, ranging from 0% to 1.34%. Ultrasonic pulse behaviour at different temperatures (30°C to 160°C) has been observed using an ultrasonic setup which has been developed in-house. A-scan data is obtained at a sampling rate of 80 MHz using an 18 mm diameter broadband transducer with a 1 MHz central frequency. The ultrasonic longitudinal velocity (ULV) of rubber is determined from A-scan data using time-of-flight, and sulphur content has a significant impact on the ULV. At a temperature of 160°C, the ultrasonic longitudinal velocity (ULV) is measured at 1262 m/s for a sample with 0.62% sulphur content, and at 1321 m/s for a sample with 1.34% sulphur content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cruciate retaining and posterior stabilizing knee systems are frequently used in total knee replacements. Most researchers compare the results of Cruciate Retaining (CR) and Posterior Stabilizing (PS) knees with those of a control group. The results of using both knee systems in a single patient in simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) have been studied less. Methodology: A total of 50 patients with primary bilateral osteoarthritis with varus which is not fixed and valgus deformity of not more than 10 degrees, age between 55 and 85 years, BMI < 35 kg/m2, ASA I or II, and non-inflammatory arthritis were taken up for simultaneous bilateral TKR with one-side CR and other-sided PS surgeries. Patients were followed up periodically at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year with Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Differences in scores were tested with the help of an independent sample Student's t test. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the first 6 weeks after surgery, mean KSS was lower in PS knees, though statistically not significant, this difference reduced considerably over a while. By the end of the 1-year post-surgical intervention, KSS was similar among both knees. WOMAC score was similar between CR and PS preoperatively as well as during the entire post-operative follow-up period. Conclusion: Functional outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and objective knee indicators in one-sided cruciate-retaining and other-sided posterior stabilizing total replacement in bilateral simultaneous two-team surgery were similar between both knees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes a quorum-sensing pathway for biofilm formation. The quorum-sensing proteins LasI and LasR of the Las system, alongside the swarming motility protein BswR, play a crucial role in the biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance phenomenon. In this in silico study, LasI, LasR, and BswR were the prime targets for binding studies by promising drug candidates like linalool, ferutinin, citronellal, and carvacrol. These monoterpenoid compounds are carefully considered for this study due to their reported anti-microbial activity. Among all, carvacrol exhibited the highest binding energies with LasI (−5.932 kcal/mol), LasR (−7.469 kcal/mol), and BswR (−4.42 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the MMGBSA scores between carvacrol and LasI, LasR, and BswR individually are −33.14, −54.22, and −41.86 kcal/mol, which further corroborated the strong binding. During 100 ns of simulation, the ligand binds to the active sites of these proteins through the H-bonds at Ile107 of LasI, Tyr47 of LasR, and Leu57 of BswR. In addition, the root-mean-square deviation values of the ligand-protein complex are within the appropriate range of less than 5 Å. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity analysis confirmed that carvacrol has the most negligible toxicity to mammalian cells. Hence, this finding is the first report to show that carvacrol can inhibit the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage in the newborn poses a significant challenge to their well-being and subsequent development. In pre-term neonates, germinal matrix hemorrhage is the most common cause of intracranial hemorrhage with the prevalence varying from 20 to 59%. However, in term neonates, the prevalence and type of intracranial hemorrhage have not been well elucidated. The type of hemorrhage occurring in term neonates differs from those occurring in pre-term neonates. We conducted a systematic review to assess the prevalence, type, and risk factors of intracranial hemorrhage occurring in term neonates. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching the PubMed and Embase databases. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting intracranial hemorrhage in term neonates (37 weeks or more gestational age at the time of birth). Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies which examined only a specific type of hemorrhage, (2) studies which examined only a single risk factor, (3) sample size < 20, (4) not in English language, and (5) full text not accessible/available. The studies which met the eligibility criteria were assessed and evaluated by two authors, and data was extracted using a predesigned template. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute bias assessment tool. The meta-analysis for prevalence, type of hemorrhage, and risk factor was conducted using MetaXL extension for Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 1226 records were identified in a database search of PubMed and Embase. After screening, 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of intracranial hemorrhage in term neonates was 9.3% (95% CI, 4.9–14.9%). The prevalence of intracranial hemorrhage in asymptomatic patients was 5.8% (95% CI, 2.5–10.2%) and in symptomatic patients was 29.3% (95% CI, 15.3–44.8%). Sub-group analysis of the modality of detection shows that the prevalence of hemorrhage detection was higher with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) than with ultrasonography (USG). Extra-axial hemorrhage was the most common type of hemorrhage detected, comprising about 32.4% of the overall. The odds of having an intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher with an instrumental delivery (OR = 3.75, 95% CI, 1.4–10.02). Conclusion: The present study shows that the prevalence of intracranial hemorrhage is relatively high in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with extra-axial hemorrhage being the most common type of hemorrhage. The prevalence of hemorrhage varied according to the type of imaging used for detection and ideal imaging modality for evaluation, and the consequences of intracranial hemorrhage in term infants on development remain to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new method for implementing an efficient digital down converter (DDC) using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for software-defined radio standards. The DDC consists of a pipeline coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) rotator to produce a complex waveform, followed by a cascade of multi-stage cascaded integrator comb (CIC) filter and a polyphase transposed finite impulse response (PTFIR) filter to reduce large sample rates with lowpass filtering. The canonical signed-digit encoding in the CORDIC architecture reduces many adders and shifters. The CIC filter works with a new polynomial function that reduces passband droop by 34.29% and stopband ripple by 41.35% when compared with the traditional approach. The proposed PTFIR filter considerably reduces delay units. Again, the adder is the basic functional unit of the DDC structure. In this brief, each component of the DDC is examined with hybrid parallel prefix adders. The presented HPPA utilizes less critical path delay and less area when compared to conventional structures. The design has been simulated in the Xilinx Vivado 2022.1, which implements the FPGA Kintex-7 device. According to comparison results, the proposed DDC reduces approximately 30.51% of the area-delay product and 29.32% of the power-delay product associated with the best design. A verification test certifies the functionality of the prototype architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) granulomas and malignant solid tumors share profound commonalities in their respective microenvironments that drive disease progression and treatment resistance in both diseases. As in tumors, physiological abnormalities in granulomas include aberrant blood vessels, excess matrix deposition, and immunosuppression, all of which act in concert to thwart both drug delivery and host responses against the TB bacteria. Granuloma microenvironmental abnormalities pose as targets for alternative host-directed therapies – adapted from cancer treatments – that may enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy, reduce treatment time, cost, and side effects, and ultimately improve survival of TB patients. Exploring and exploiting the microenvironmental similarities between pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) granulomas and malignant tumors has revealed new strategies for more efficacious host-directed therapies (HDTs). This opinion article discusses a paradigm shift in TB therapeutic development, drawing on critical insights from oncology. We summarize recent efforts to characterize and overcome key shared features between tumors and granulomas, including excessive fibrosis, abnormal angiogenesis, hypoxia and necrosis, and immunosuppression. We provide specific examples of cancer therapy application to TB to overcome these microenvironmental abnormalities, including matrix-targeting therapies, antiangiogenic agents, and immune-stimulatory drugs. Finally, we propose a new framework for combining HDTs with anti-TB agents to maximize therapeutic delivery and efficacy while reducing treatment dosages, duration, and harmful side effects to benefit TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately determining the origin of radio emissions is essential for numerous scientific experiments, particularly in radio astronomy. Conventional techniques, such as antenna arrays, encounter significant challenges, especially at very low frequencies, due to factors like the substantial size of the antennas and ionospheric interference. To address these challenges, we employ a space-based single-telescope that utilizes co-located antennas complemented by goniopolarimetric techniques for precise source localization. This study explores a novel and elementary machine learning technique to improve and estimate direction of arrival (DoA), leveraging a tri-axial antenna arrangement for radio source localization. Employing a simplistic emission and receiving antenna model, our study involves training an artificial neural network (ANN) using synthetic radio signals. These synthetic signals can originate from any location in the sky and cover an incoherent frequency range of 0.3–30 MHz, with a signal-to-noise ratio between 0 and 60 dB. A large synthetic data set was generated to train the ANN model catering to the possible signal configurations and variations. After training, the developed ANN model demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving loss levels in the training ( ∼ 0.02 ), validation ( ∼ 0.23 % ), and testing ( ∼ 0.21 % ) phases. The machine learning-based approach, remarkably, exhibits substantially quicker inference times ( ∼ 5 ms) in contrast to analytically derived DoA methods, which typically range from 100 ms to a few seconds. This underscores its practicality for real-time applications in radio source localization, particularly in scenarios with a limited number of sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several proposals that leverage principles from condensed matter and high-energy physics for engineering laser arrays have been put forward. The most important among these concepts are topology, which enables the construction of robust zero-mode laser devices, and supersymmetry (SUSY), which holds the potential for achieving phase locking in laser arrays. In this work, we show that the relation between supersymmetric coupled bosonic and fermionic oscillators on one side, and bipartite networks (and hence chiral symmetry) on another side can be exploited together with non-Hermitian engineering for building one- and two-dimensional laser arrays with in-phase synchronization. To demonstrate our strategy, we present a concrete design starting from the celebrated Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model to arrive at a SUSY laser structure that enjoys two key advantages over those reported in previous works. Firstly, the design presented here features a near-uniform geometry for both the laser array and supersymmetric reservoir (i.e., the widths and distances between the cavity arrays are almost the same). Secondly, the uniform field distribution in the presented structure leads to a far-field intensity that scales as N2 where N is the number of lasing elements. Taken together, these two features can enable the implementation of higher-power laser arrays that are easy to fabricate, and hence provide a roadmap for pushing the frontier of SUSY laser arrays beyond the proof-of-concept phase. In-phase synchronization of laser arrays remains one of the most important open problems in laser science. This work utilizes the relationship between chiral symmetric tight-binding models and supersymmetry to engineer a near-uniform laser array with a superior far-field intensity scaling, extending the frontiers of laser technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Location Taxon Methods Results Main Conclusions We assess the systematic relationships and historical biogeographic patterns in the subfamily Scincinae, a group of lizards that primarily inhabits the Afro‐Madagascan and Saharo‐Arabian regions with isolated lineages in Europe, North America, East Asia, India and Sri Lanka. The contemporary distribution of these lineages on the historical Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses make scincines an ideal system to study the roles of vicariance and dispersal on a geologic scale of tens of millions of years.Global.Subfamily Scincinae (Family Scincidae).We conducted biogeographic analyses on a reconstructed, time‐calibrated species tree of scincine genera, including members of the other Scincidae subfamilies, using seven nuclear loci (~6 k base pairs). We also constructed a lineage‐through‐time plot to assess the timing of diversification within scincines.Our analysis estimated strong support for the monophyly of Scincinae that is further comprised a strongly‐supported Gondwanan clade nested within a broader Laurasian group. While most of the extant, genus‐level diversity within the Gondwanan clade was accrued post‐Eocene, the majority of the Laurasian lineages diverged during the Palaeocene or earlier, suggesting large‐scale extinctions on continents of Laurasian origin. Counterintuitively, scincines from India and Sri Lanka have distinct biogeographical origins despite a long tectonic association between these landmasses, suggesting at least two independent, long‐distance, trans‐oceanic dispersal events into the subcontinent. Our biogeographic analyses suggest that scincines likely originated in East and Southeast Asia during the late Cretaceous (ca. 70 Ma), and eventually dispersed westwards to Africa and Madagascar, where their greatest current‐day species richness occurs.Our study demonstrates the concomitant roles of dispersal and extinction in shaping modern‐day assemblages of ancient clades such as scincine lizards. Our range evolution analysis shows that despite the greater diversity observed in the Afro‐Madagascan region, the origin of scincines can be traced back to Southeast Asia and East Asia, followed by westward dispersals. These dispersals may have been followed by significant extinctions in tropical East Asia, resulting in relatively lower diversity of scincines in these regions. Notably, our analysis reveals that Sri Lankan and Peninsular Indian scincines have distinct evolutionary origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Post‐embryonic primary root growth is effectively an interplay of several hormone signalling pathways. Here, we show that the ABA‐responsive transcription factor ABI3 controls primary root growth through the regulation of JA signalling molecule JAZ1 along with ABA‐responsive factor ABI1. In the absence of ABI3, the primary root elongation zone is shortened with significantly reduced cell length. Expression analyses and ChIP‐based assays indicate that ABI3 negatively regulates JAZ1 expression by occupying its upstream regulatory sequence and enriching repressive histone modification mark H3K27 trimethylation, thereby occluding RNAPII occupancy. Previous studies have shown that JAZ1 interacts with ABI1, the protein phosphatase 2C, that works during ABA signalling. Our results indicate that in the absence of ABI3, when JAZ1 expression levels are high, the ABI1 protein shows increased stability, compared to when JAZ1 is absent, or ABI3 is overexpressed. Consequently, in the abi3‐6 mutant, due to the higher stability of ABI1, reduced phosphorylation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase (AHA2) occurs. HPTS staining further indicated that abi3‐6 root cell apoplasts show reduced protonation, compared to wild‐type and ABI3 overexpressing seedlings. Such impeded proton extrusion negatively affects cell length in the primary root elongation zone. ABI3 therefore controls cell elongation in the primary root by affecting the ABI1‐dependent protonation of root cell apoplasts. In summary, ABI3 controls the expression of JAZ1 and in turn modulates the function of ABI1 to regulate cell length in the elongation zone during primary root growth. Significance Statement: Primary root growth is intricately controlled by developmental and environmental cues. Presently we show that, ABI3, an ABA‐responsive transcription factor, governs primary root growth by negatively regulating JAZ1 expression through occupancy of its upstream regulatory sequences. Furthermore, ABI3 controls ABI1 protein stability and function thereby affecting phosphorylation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase (AHA2). Dephosphorylation of AHA2 impairs protonation of the root cell apoplast effectively reducing cell length in the primary root elongation zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A digital microfluidic biochip (DMFB) with cyber-physical adaptation is undeniably susceptible to attack due to high network connection. A number of leading researches are carried out to assess various attacks and their impacts. Several defence mechanisms are developed by arranging on-chip monitoring systems through deployment of checkpoints. However, the synthesis phase in DMFB plays a crucial role to realize a given bio-protocol by modelling it as a bioassay graph, placing mixing modules on the chip, and carrying out on-chip droplet routes. An attack-preventive synthesis that can execute a bioassay in a vulnerable environment is immensely important. Here, an attack-preventive synthesis is proposed that deals with denial-of-service attacks. A predictive model is developed following a machine learning-based approach to enable the synthesis phase for anticipating the impact of various attack scenarios. A probabilistic analysis is presented to measure safeness of a bioassay under an attack-prone scenario. The model is evaluated over a wide-ranged dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mega-parsec scale radio relics at the galaxy cluster periphery are intriguing structures. While textbook examples of relics posit arc-like elongated structures at the clusters' peripheries, several relics display more complex structures deviating from the conventional type. Abell 115 is a galaxy cluster hosting an atypical radio relic at its northern periphery. Despite the multi-wavelength study of the cluster over the last decades, the origin of the radio relic is still unclear. In this paper, we present a multi-frequency radio study of the cluster to infer the possible mechanism behind the formation of the radio relic. We used new 400 MHz observations with the uGMRT, archival VLA 1.5 GHz observations, and archival LOFAR 144 MHz observations. Our analysis supports the previous theory on the relic's origin from the passage of a shock front due to an off-axis merger, where the old population of particles from the radio galaxies at the relic location has been re-energized to illuminate the 2 Mpc radio relic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous materials perform molecular sorting, separation and transformation by interaction between their framework structures and the substrates. Proteins also interact with molecules to effect chemical transformations, but rely on the precise sequence of the amino acid building units along a common polypeptide backbone to maximise their performance. Design strategies that positionally order sidechains over a defined porous framework to diversify the internal surface chemistry would enhance control of substrate processing. Here we show that different sidechains can be ordered over a metal–organic framework through recognition of their distinct chemistries during synthesis. The sidechains are recognised because each one forces the common building unit that defines the backbone of the framework into a different conformation in order to form the extended structure. The resulting sidechain ordering affords hexane isomer separation performance superior to that of the same framework decorated only with sidechains of a single kind. The separated molecules adopt distinct arrangements within the resulting modified pore geometry, reflecting their strongly differentiated environments precisely created by the ordered sidechains. The development of frameworks that recognize and order multiple sidechain functionality by conformational control offers tailoring of the internal surfaces within families of porous materials to direct interactions at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous materials perform molecular sorting, separation and transformation by interaction between their framework structures and the substrates. Proteins also interact with molecules to effect chemical transformations, but rely on the precise sequence of the amino acid building units along a common polypeptide backbone to maximise their performance. Design strategies that positionally order sidechains over a defined porous framework to diversify the internal surface chemistry would enhance control of substrate processing. Here we show that different sidechains can be ordered over a metal–organic framework through recognition of their distinct chemistries during synthesis. The sidechains are recognised because each one forces the common building unit that defines the backbone of the framework into a different conformation in order to form the extended structure. The resulting sidechain ordering affords hexane isomer separation performance superior to that of the same framework decorated only with sidechains of a single kind. The separated molecules adopt distinct arrangements within the resulting modified pore geometry, reflecting their strongly differentiated environments precisely created by the ordered sidechains. The development of frameworks that recognize and order multiple sidechain functionality by conformational control offers tailoring of the internal surfaces within families of porous materials to direct interactions at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Data Source and Study Setting Study Design Principal Findings Conclusions To examine how long COVID is associated with financial hardship (food insecurity, inability to pay bills, or threat of losing service) across income and education levels, and to assess the role of employment loss or reduced work hours in this hardship.We used nationally representative data on 271,076 adults from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).We used multivariable binomial logistic regression models to estimate the average marginal effect of long COVID on financial hardships across multiple income and education groups.In general, we found a significant positive association between long COVID and the three measures of financial hardships across income and education groups (1–11 percentage points increase, 95% CI 0.00–0.02 and 0.07–0.14, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that lost or reduced hours of employment accounted for a significant portion (6%–20%) of the changes in financial distress.Long COVID has affected the economic wellbeing of people from all socioeconomic statuses, although at a higher rate for lower income groups. Policy attention is needed to address its economic impacts across income and education levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2‐Aminopurine (2AP) is a fluorescent analog of adenine, and its unique properties make it valuable in various biochemical and biotechnological applications. Its fluorescence property probes local dynamics in DNA and RNA because stacking with the surrounding bases quench its fluorescence. 2AP‐labeled DNA or RNA sequences have been used for the detection of genetic mutations, viral RNA, or other nucleic acid‐based markers associated with diseases like cancer and infectious diseases. In this study, we isolated aptamers for 2AP using the library immobilization capture‐SELEX technique. A dominating aptamer family was isolated after 15 rounds of selection. The Kd values for the most abundant 2AP1 aptamer are 209 nM in a fluorescence assay and 72 nM in an isothermal titration calorimetry test. A 32 nM 2AP limit of detection was tested based on its intrinsic fluorescence change upon aptamer binding. Additionally, we conducted some mutation analysis. Furthermore, we tested the selectivity of this aptamer and discovered that it can bind adenine and adenosine with approximately 100‐fold lower affinity than 2AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). These patients may also be at higher risk of developing antitubercular treatment (ATT)-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Although dose modification has been recommended, data regarding the impact of impaired kidney function on ATT-associated ADRs is sparse. We studied the incidence and profile of ATT-associated ADRs in patients with CKD and compared them with those with normal kidney function. This retrospective study analyzed all patients initiated on ATT from January 2016 to August 2019. Patients were grouped into CKD and normal kidney function based on their eGFR. Data on ATT-associated ADRs were collected from medical records. Predictors of ADRs were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Additionally, Propensity score matching and analysis were done for CKD and normal kidney function in 1:3 ratio. Of 1815 patients on ATT, 75 (4.1%) had CKD. ADRs were more frequent [36/75 (48.0%) vs. 239/1740 (13.7%), p ≤ 0.0001] and more severe [15/46 (32.6%) vs. 43/283 (15.1%), p = 0.010] in CKD than those with normal kidney function. The most common ADRs were hepatobiliary [23/75 (30.6%) vs. 156/1740 (8.9%), p ≤ 0.0001], neuropsychiatric [8/75(10.6%) vs. 21/1740(1.2%), p ≤ 0.0001], renal [4/75(5.3%) vs. 8/1740(0.4%), p = 0.001], and gastrointestinal [5/75(6.6%) vs. 34/1740 (1.9%), p = 0.020]. CKD was an independent predictor for ADRs (OR −4.96, 95% CI: 2.79–8.82; p ≤ 0.0001). The matched cohort showed similar results. ATT-associated ADRs were more common and severe in patients with CKD, despite drug dose modifications. Optimal dosing of ATT in CKD needs to be further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors typically employ nanophotonic structures that support high‐field confinement and enhancement in hotspots to increase the Raman scattering from target molecules by orders of magnitude. In general, high field and SERS enhancement can be achieved by reducing the critical dimensions and mode volumes of the hotspots to nanoscale. To this end, a multitude of SERS sensors employing photonic structures with nanometric hotspots have been demonstrated. However, delivering analyte molecules into nanometric hotspots is challenging, and the trade‐off between field confinement/enhancement and analyte delivery efficiency is a critical limiting factor for the performance of many nanophotonic SERS sensors. Here, a new type of SERS sensor employing solid‐metal nanoparticles and bulk liquid metal is demonstrated to form nanophotonic resonators with a nanoparticle‐on‐liquid‐mirror (NPoLM) architecture, which effectively resolves this trade‐off. In particular, this unconventional sensor architecture allows for the convenient formation of nanometric hotspots by introducing liquid metal after analyte molecules are efficiently delivered to the surface of gold nanoparticles. In addition, a cost‐effective and reliable process is developed to produce gold nanoparticles on a substrate suitable for forming NPoLM structures. These NPoLM structures achieve two orders of magnitude higher SERS signals than the gold nanoparticles alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support can reduce academic stress and enhance the overall well-being of students, especially those who live away from home to pursue their education. The present study aimed to compare the subjective well-being, resilience, and self-esteem of residential and outstation university students in India and study the impact of social support on these constructs. The study recruited 121 Indian university students aged from 17 to 24 years. Measures included the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, the BBC Subjective Well-Being Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. The study found significant differences in selfesteem, subjective well-being, and resilience and that social support significantly impacts these constructs. The results implicate the requirement for interventions to help students build their self-esteem and resilience and implement peer support programs in educational institutions, especially for outstation students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nesting ecology of two wetland-dependent bird species, the Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) and the Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea) were studied in two seasonally emerged riverine islands, locally named as charlands in Padma River of Bangladesh. A total of 269 and 299 nests of Little Tern and Small Pratincole were found in the breeding season of 2022. We monitored 70 nests of the two species from two charlands, and the nesting success was 74.28% and 78.57%, respectively. No correlation was found between nesting success of both species in relation to clutch size, nest height, nest depth and presence of vegetation near nest. We found strong positive correlation between nesting success and nest distance to river for Little Tern. Nesting success was higher if the Little Tern's nests were located far from the river channel. However, no such trends were observed for Small Pratincole in the study area. The main factor affecting Little Tern nesting success was nest predation by avian predator (n = 6) and tropical storms (n = 3). On the contrary, eight Small Pratincole nests were predated by avian predators and four nests were lost due to storm. However, in case of 12 deserted nests (with unhatched eggs) of both species, no apparent reasons were identified. The study suggests that these charlands, if protected from human interferences, can provide great breeding support for colonial ground nesting waterbirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two categories of four-fermion SMEFT operators are semileptonic (two quarks and two leptons) and hadronic (four quarks). At tree level, an operator of a given category contributes only to processes of the same category. However, when the SMEFT Hamiltonian is evolved down from the new-physics scale to low energies using the renormalization-group equations (RGEs), due to operator mixing this same SMEFT operator can generate operators of the other category at one loop. Thus, to search for a SMEFT explanation of a low-energy anomaly, or combination of anomalies, one must: (i) identify the candidate semileptonic and hadronic SMEFT operators, (ii) run them down to low energy with the RGEs, (iii) generate the required low-energy operators with the correct Wilson coefficients, and (iv) check that all other constraints are satisfied. In this paper, we illustrate this method by finding all SMEFT operators that, by themselves, provide a combined explanation of the (semileptonic) b ¯ → s ¯ ℓ + ℓ − anomalies and the (hadronic) B → πK puzzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we explore the effect of neutrino nonstandard interactions (NSI) involving the charm quark at SND@LHC. Using an effective description of new physics in terms of four-fermion operators involving a charm quark, we constrain the Wilson coefficients of the effective interaction from two and three-body charmed meson decays. In our fit, we include charmed meson decays not only to pseudoscalar final states but also to vector final states and include decays to the η and η′ final states. We also consider constraints from charmed baryon decays. We then study the effect of new physics in neutrino scattering processes, involving charm production at SND@LHC, for various benchmark new physics couplings obtained from the low energy fits. Finally, we also study the effects of lepton universality violation (LUV) assuming that the new physics coupling is not lepton universal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are vital in diagnosing cancer and neurological disorders but raise concerns due to exposure to ionising radiation. This research is focussed on the development of an intelligent regression model to investigate the effective radiation dose received by a patient during the whole-body PET scan. Our newly developed intelligent model refers to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques. Since underfitting and overfitting are basic issues of any ML model, data fitting methodology for developing intelligent regression is taken care of by implementing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and ridge regression. In order to have the comparative performance of our model, we have also applied support vector and decision tree-based ML techniques as regressors to predict radiation doses in whole-body PET scans, keeping patient safety in mind. By incorporating patient-specific data and imaging parameters, these models aim to accurately estimate radiation doses, thereby optimising imaging protocols and reducing unnecessary exposure risks. The study uses PET / CT data from 2009 to 2012. The linearly-independent covariates applied in this model are age, weight, height, residence time and injected activity and the dependence variable is taken as the effective dose. Model performance is evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE). A systematic exploratory data analysis has been carried out to investigate data cleaning, missing information, scaling and normalisation. The top five organs such as the brain, stomach, kidney, adrenal and spleen are focussed to produce the traditional descriptive statistics of data summary. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression exhibit stable RMSE values for organ equivalent doses across genders, while substantial RMSE variations exist among different models and organs, suggesting sensitivity to specific organs and patient gender. Accurate dose estimation is pivotal for risk assessment and protocol optimisation. This study evidenced the need to improve radiation dosimetry for specific organs aiming at patient care and radiology practices by considering individualised factors in dose estimation methodologies to refine PET scan dose estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we introduce the notion of double sequences of complex uncertain variables associated with multiplier sequences. We study their different algebraic and topological properties like solidity, symmetricity, completeness etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nairobi's land digitisation programme presents continuous challenges to the Kenyan state's aspirations of reforming land administration. By drawing upon insights from archival sciences and digital geographies, this paper argues that digitisation of Kenya's land administration records presents us with an opportunity to pay attention to how information flows from paper to digital systems, and the nature of human condition that makes it possible. Based on research of land digitisation initiatives in Nairobi and its peripheral counties, this paper explores first, how digitisation initiates a large‐scale state exercise of sorting paper in the land records departments that constitutes the archival apparatus of the state; and second, how the archival labour of state officials in this process is at the same time significant, invisible and devalued. Through interviews of state officials in county and state departments, we argue that the digitisation process is far more complex and messier than the rhetoric of seamless transition to automated land administration in Kenya. Digitisation involves a slow embodied labour in sorting paper by state officials who have little power in shaping the design of the platform that they are expected to use. The devaluation of the archival labour of state officials who are not professionally trained in 'archival practice' and are seemingly voiceless in the production of national land information platforms leads to subversion and non‐cooperation with the platform itself. The paper concludes that an expansive lens of seeing digital platforms through the tools and technologies of archiving practices enables us to understand why platforms fail, why and how paper increases value within digital systems and how archival labour is central to the politics of digitisation and platformisation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to develop a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) named ResNet50* to detect various gastrointestinal diseases using a new ResNet50*-based deep feature engineering model with endoscopy images. The novelty of this work is the development of ResNet50*, a new variant of the ResNet model, featuring convolution-based residual blocks and a pooling-based attention mechanism similar to PoolFormer. Using ResNet50*, a gastrointestinal image dataset was trained, and an explainable deep feature engineering (DFE) model was developed. This DFE model comprises four primary stages: (i) feature extraction, (ii) iterative feature selection, (iii) classification using shallow classifiers, and (iv) information fusion. The DFE model is self-organizing, producing 14 different outcomes (8 classifier-specific and 6 voted) and selecting the most effective result as the final decision. During feature extraction, heatmaps are identified using gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) with features derived from these regions via the final global average pooling layer of the pretrained ResNet50*. Four iterative feature selectors are employed in the feature selection stage to obtain distinct feature vectors. The classifiers k-nearest neighbors (kNN) and support vector machine (SVM) are used to produce specific outcomes. Iterative majority voting is employed in the final stage to obtain voted outcomes using the top result determined by the greedy algorithm based on classification accuracy. The presented ResNet50* was trained on an augmented version of the Kvasir dataset, and its performance was tested using Kvasir, Kvasir version 2, and wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) curated colon disease image datasets. Our proposed ResNet50* model demonstrated a classification accuracy of more than 92% for all three datasets and a remarkable 99.13% accuracy for the WCE dataset. These findings affirm the superior classification ability of the ResNet50* model and confirm the generalizability of the developed architecture, showing consistent performance across all three distinct datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved non-histone chromatin-associated protein across species, primarily recognized for its regulatory impact on vital cellular processes, like autophagy, cell survival, and apoptosis. HMGB1 exhibits dual functionality based on its localization: both as a non-histone protein in the nucleus and as an inducer of inflammatory cytokines upon extracellular release. Pathophysiological insights reveal that HMGB1 plays a significant role in the onset and progression of a vast array of diseases, viz., atherosclerosis, kidney damage, cancer, and neurodegeneration. However, a clear mechanistic understanding of HMGB1 release, translocation, and associated signaling cascades in mediating such physiological dysfunctions remains obscure. This review presents a detailed outline of HMGB1 structure–function relationship and its regulatory role in disease onset and progression from a signaling perspective. This review also presents an insight into the status of HMGB1 druggability, potential limitations in understanding HMGB1 pathophysiology, and future perspective of studies that can be undertaken to address the existing scientific gap. Based on existing paradigm of various studies, HMGB1 is a critical regulator of inflammatory cascades and drives the onset and progression of a broad spectrum of dysfunctions. Studies focusing on HMGB1 druggability have enabled the development of biologics with potential clinical benefits. However, deeper understanding of post-translational modifications, redox states, translocation mechanisms, and mitochondrial interactions can potentially enable the development of better courses of therapy against HMGB1-mediated physiological dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The all-temperature magnon (ATM) theory [Datta and A. Panda, J. Phys. Condens. Matter 21, 336003 (2009)] has been used to analyze the temperature dependence of magnetization and internal energy components of a mono-domain ferromagnetic solid. One impact of the ATM formulation is that calculated critical exponents are in better agreement with experiments than their counterparts from mean-field and critical phenomenon theories. These exponents can vary from one ferromagnet to another of similar symmetry and dimensionality but differing in spin and can be field-dependent. The ATM finding is that exponent β depends on spin and increases as T approaches TC, whereas the exponent γ is weakly dependent on spin and the applied field but relies on crystal symmetry. The main thrust of the present work has been to derive the thermally averaged spin-center force constants in terms of the baseline related (solid) and exchange-cum-field mediated (magnetic) components and to formulate phonon frequencies and their modifications by magnon–phonon coupling. The derived expressions are suitable for correct quantum chemical evaluation. A detailed calculation on different spin configurations at varying geometries is still hardly possible and beyond the scope of the present work that emphasizes the correctness of formulas and has the significance of explaining properties. The phonon frequency shift due to lattice expansion is always negative. It is also clarified that frequency modification by the magnon–phonon interaction is negative for certain phonon branches near TC, and the ratio of frequency modification and phonon frequency is approximately proportional to the ratio of curvatures of involved energy surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple myeloma represents malignant proliferation of plasma cells derived from a single clone, forming a tumorpresenting as bone pain or fracture, renal failure, susceptibility to infection, anemia, hypercalcemia, clotting abnormalities, neurologic symptoms, and manifestations of hyper-viscosity. The purpose of this prospective study was to develop an algorithm-driven combination of laboratory parameters for detection of Multiple Myeloma without initial clinical inputs, to measure the diagnostic yield of such an algorithm over a period of 1 year and to assess their clinical, hematologic, immuno-histochemistry, bone marrow and protein electrophoresis findings along with case-specific observations. Materials & methods: In this study we reviewed routine biochemical and hematological reports in our hospital from January, 2022 to December, 2022. Patients suspected with hyperglobulinemia, hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency and anemia were selected and tests were done in standardized IQC maintained auto-analyzers along with serum protein electrophoresis in our department. Samples having clinico-biochemical correlations were further investigated in authorized laboratory for advanced biochemical tests and HPE along with IHC. Results: We found 6 confirmed cases of multiple myeloma out of 14 suspected patients in accordance with the above-mentioned tests. Conclusions: In our experience, laboratory medicine may provide a small but important contribution in diagnosis of multiple myeloma if sufficient resources and time are available and more specialists are aware of this algorithmic approach, even if detached from initial clinical care of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at efficient, economically feasible, and environmentally friendly regeneration of waste lubricant by surface-functionalized bio flocculant via extractive-flocculative technique for maximization of yield. Further, optimization has also been escalated for designing the optimal process parameters (such as reaction time, solvent to waste oil ratio, and bio-flocculant concentration) for enhancing the quality and cost effectiveness of the regenerated product. FTIR, SEM, and TGA analysis were used to characterize the synthesized bio-flocculant. GC-MS, FTIR, and NMR analysis were used to characterize the chemical composition, chemical nature, and functional group of virgin, used, and re-refined lubricant. Experimental findings showed that a grafting efficacy of 76% can be achieved with optimal conditions of reaction temperature of 70 °C, irradiation time of 6 min, 2.5 wt. % monomer concentration and 800 W microwave radiation. Maximum yield of 94% can be obtained with optimal process constraints such as reaction time of 60 min, refining temperature of 80 °C, the ratio of solvent and waste oil of 3:1 g/g and 1 g/kg of solvent flocculant dosage, grafting % of 76. Fuel characterization studies reveal that the fuel characteristics of re-refined lubricant are analogous to those of fresh oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of innovative micro sinks design stems from the urge to perform efficient cooling at a cost of low pressure drop for more miniaturized electronic equipment. The three-dimensional investigations have been carried out with disruptive structures in rectangular microchannels. Microchannel heat sinks with triangular cavity, trapezoidal cavity, wavy plane channel, wavy triangular cavity, and wavy trapezoidal cavity have been considered. The performance variations are evaluated based on the average Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal performance within the range of Reynolds numbers from 141 to 498. The highest thermal performance is achieved by wavy trapezoidal cavity among all channels. The parametric geometrical studies have also been carried out by varying relative geometric parameters such as relative amplitude, relative cavity length, and relative cavity width. The highest heat transfer enhancement equal to 2.33, for the same channel has been achieved with the combination of relative amplitude; relative cavity length and relative cavity width is equal to 0.75, 0.055, and 0.75, respectively at Reynolds number equal to 498. The wavy shapes give better mixing by creating of additional vortices or dean vortices to increase heat transfer with minimum pressure drop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodResultsConclusionTo utilize pharmacy dispenses to investigate adherence rates to immunosuppressive therapy (IMT) for the treatment of noninfectious inflammatory eye disease (IED), impact of adherence on disease control, factors associated with nonadherence, and association between adherence in the medical record and pharmacy dispenses.Retrospective medical chart review was conducted on patients followed for at least 2 years in the uveitis clinic. Appointment and lab attendance, and provider documentation, determined adherence through the medical record. Dispense history was obtained from pharmacies, and IMT infusion dates were noted. Disease control was determined by clinical exam findings.Sixty-three patients qualified for the study. The mean age was 49 years (SD = 19.4), 76.2% were female, 36.5% were Black/African American, and 96.8% were taking 1 or 2 IMTs. Pharmacy refill data was collected from 58 patients to determine an adherence rate (AR) of 63.9%. Thirty-nine patients (67.2%) had an average AR < 85% by pharmacy refill data and were thus deemed nonadherent. The majority of patients (86.2%) achieved ocular inflammation control. Nonadherence was 4.72 times more likely in patients taking >1 medication compared to one medication alone (95% CI: 1.02–21.86, p = 0.047). Comparing adherence from information in the medical record to pharmacy refill data, 71.6% of IMT comparisons were congruent (p < 0.0001).Patients taking IMT for >2 years demonstrated an AR < 65% based on pharmacy data. Most patients achieved ocular quiescence. Using pharmacy information as an objective measure of adherence correlates with assessing adherence through medical record information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literary narratives reflect complex issues and are multi-layered and polyphonic. The paper presents auto-diegetic narration as a feminist narrative technique in retelling to regain women’s agency and depict masculinities from a feminist perspective. In the feminist retelling, the narrative technique disrupts the conventional image of a woman in a classical narrative by changing the context and ending of the story. In such disruptions, the author is the first resistant reader questioning the conventions and traditions. To comprehend and appreciate this complex mosaic in the literary narrative a close reading of the text is essential. Close reading presents the reader with an opportunity to identify moments of disruption. The paper identifies this process by close reading the feminist re-telling of the short story An Afternoon with Shakuntala by Vaidehi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most polyurethanes (PU) are currently produced through the polyaddition reaction of polyisocyanates with polyols and chain extenders, using components of petrochemical origin. From an environmental and geopolitical point of view, and with regard to the problems of oil supply and processing, the replacement of petrochemical PU raw materials with renewable resources is highly desirable. It is also one of the principles of sustainable development and an important challenge for chemical companies and market competitiveness. Current research studies focus mainly on the use of bio-based polyols for PUs, while other PU components, in particular polyisocyanates, remain of petrochemical origin. In this work, a series of PUs have been synthesized by polyaddition reactions of different types of renewable polyols and bio-based polyisocyanates. The effects of the bio-derived components on the structure, thermal stability and phase transformations of the PU were studied using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, SWAXS, TGA, DSC, DMTA and TGA-FTIR. A full conversion of the bio-based monomers was achieved in all cases, indicating good compatibility and reactivity of all bio-based components. It was observed that bio-based PU exhibited a lower degree of phase separation and slightly lower thermal stability compared to PUs from petrochemical monomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Method Results Discussion While Family‐based treatment for anorexia nervosa (FBT‐AN) is effective for weight restoration and improvement in eating‐related cognitions, its effect on exercise attitudes and behaviors is little studied. Compulsive exercise is common in AN and often challenging to change.This secondary analysis examined changes in attitudes toward compulsive exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test‐CET) and behaviors (Eating Disorder Examination‐EDE) using data from a randomized clinical trial testing an adjunctive treatment for adolescents with AN who failed to gain 2.4 kg by Session 4—a predictor of poor outcome. The main hypothesis is that attitudes toward compulsive exercise and decreases in compulsive exercise behavior would improve over the course of treatment.Participants reported decreases in compulsive exercise attitudes by Session 4 and compulsive exercise episodes by end of treatment (EOT). There were no differences between early FBT responders (weight gain of 2.4 kg by session 4) and early non‐responders.These results suggest that FBT facilitates adolescents with AN to change attitudes toward compulsive exercise early in treatment (by Session 4) as well as reduction in compulsive exercise behaviors by EOT. Future studies should assess whether changes in attitudes toward compulsive exercise early in treatment is a mechanism of FBT treatment effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current clinical interventions for stroke majorly involve thrombolysis or thrombectomy, however, cessation of the progressive deleterious cellular cascades post-stroke and long-term neuroprotection are yet to be explored. Mitochondria are highly vulnerable organelles and their dysfunction is one of the detrimental consequences following stroke. Mitochondria dysregulation activate unfavourable cellular events over a period of time that leads to the collapse of neuronal machinery in the brain. Hence, strategies to protect and replenish mitochondria in injured neurons may be useful and needs to be explored. Stem cell therapy in ischemic stroke holds a great promise. Past studies have shown beneficial outcomes of endovascularly delivered stem cells in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. Intra-arterial (IA) administration can provide more cells to the stroke foci and affected brain regions than intravenous administration. Supplying new mitochondria to the stroke-compromised neurons either in the core or penumbra by infused stem cells can help increase their survival and longevity. Previously, our lab has demonstrated that IA 1∗105 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in rats were safe, efficacious and rendered neuroprotection by regulating neuronal calcineurin, modulating sirtuin1(SIRT-1) mediated inflammasome signaling, ameliorating endoplasmic reticulum-stress, alleviation of post-stroke edema and reducing cellular apoptosis. To explore further, our present study aims to investigate the potential of IA MSCs in protecting and replenishing mitochondria in the injured neurons post-stroke and the involvement of SIRT-1/RHOT-1/PGC-1α loop towards mitochondria transfer, biogenesis, and neuroprotection. This study will open new avenues for using stem cells for ischemic stroke in clinics as one of the future adjunctive therapies. [Display omitted] • Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a major role in activating detrimental cellular events post-stroke. • Endovascular stem cells therapy is promising in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. • IA MSCs transfers its mitochondria to injured neurons and renders protection via modulation of SIRT-1/RHOT-1/PGC-1α loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]