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The selective conversion of unsaturated compounds has emerged as a crucial method in chemical synthesis, enabling the synthesis of functional organic molecules. In recent decades, transition metal‐catalyzed hydrosilylation has emerged as a highly successful exemplar of industrialization within the realm of organic chemistry for the production of organosilanes, which have a pivotal role in organic chemistry and materials science. Precious metal complexes are typically employed as catalysts in most industrial hydrosilylation processes. The exploration of Earth‐abundant alternatives has emerged as a focal point of considerable research attention due to the high cost, poor selectivity, and many side reactions reported for precious metal catalysts. Ligand skeleton construction, selectivity, and mechanism research are areas where cobalt catalysts have more potential than iron and nickel. This review discusses the recent advances in cobalt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation across carbon‐carbon, carbon‐oxygen, and carbon‐nitrogen multiple bonds from 2019 to 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epistaxis, defined as bleeding from the nose, is one of the common ENT cases coming to emergency department. Epistaxis is experienced by at least 60% of the population once in their life time and about 6% of them will require medical attention. The different treatment modalities include: local pressure, application of topical vasoconstrictor substances, or nasal packing depending on personal physician preference. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic analogue of the amino acid lysine, belongs to a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics. It acts by reversibly binding four to five lysine receptor sites on plasminogen and can be used in emergency department for reducing the bleeding time in epistaxis. To evaluate the efficacy of topical application of injection TXA compared to cases managed with anterior nasal packing for the treatment of patients with epistaxis. 100 patients presenting with epistaxis in emergency department, above the age of 18 years were randomly divided into two groups with 50 patients each. Group 1 were managed with anterior nasal packing with gel foam and Group 2 with topical application of injection TXA. Causes,duration to control epistaxis, and occurrence of rebleeding were recorded. Our study showed homogenous distribution of age and sex among the patients. Bleeding stopped within 10 min in 38 patients in group 2 compared to 17 patients in group 1. For 31 patients in group 1, bleeding stopped between 10 and 15 min compared to 12 in group 2. In group 1, 8 patients had rebleeding compared to 2 patients in group 2. Our study showed that topical application of TXA reduces the bleeding time and number of rebleeds compared to anterior nasal packing with gelfoam. Since it is easily available in an emergency setup and cheaper compared to gelfoam, it can be used as an elective method in managing epistaxis in emergency department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: An increased BMI is linked to increased prostate adenocarcinoma incidence and mortality. Baseline tumor gene expression profiling (GEP) can provide a comprehensive picture of the biological processes related to treatment response and disease progression. We interrogate and validate the underlying differences in tumor GEP on the basis of BMI in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The inclusion criteria consisted of histologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma and the availability of RNA sequencing data obtained from treatment-naïve primary prostate tissue. RNA sequencing was performed by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–certified laboratory (Tempus or Caris Life Sciences). The Tempus cohort was used for interrogation and the Caris cohort for validation. Patients were stratified on the basis of BMI at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis: BMI-high (BMIH; BMI ≥30) and BMI-low (BMIL; BMI <30). Differential gene expression analysis between the two cohorts was conducted using the DEseq2 pipeline. The resulting GEPs were further analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment software to identify pathways that exhibited enrichment in each cohort. RESULTS: Overall, 102 patients were eligible, with 60 patients in the Tempus cohort (BMIL = 38, BMIH = 22) and 42 patients in the Caris cohort (BMIL = 24, BMIH = 18). Tumor tissues obtained from patients in the BMIL group exhibited higher expression of genes associated with inflammation pathways. BMIH displayed increased expression of genes involved in pathways such as heme metabolism and androgen response. CONCLUSION: Our study shows the upregulation of distinct genomic pathways in BMIL compared with BMIH patients with prostate cancer. These hypothesis-generating data could explain different survival outcomes in both groups and guide personalized therapy for men with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer gene expression profile differs by patient's body mass index & may guide personalized drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing various immunomodulating therapies can vary. Individuals on B-cell therapy, such as rituximab, may be more susceptible to infection compared to those treated with natalizumab. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection in patients receiving rituximab, natalizumab, and healthy controls. Methods: This retrospective multicentric study included data derived from a centralized MS registry of four centers in South India. Data of patients on rituximab and natalizumab recruited between 2020 February and 2022 December were extracted from the registry and analyzed. The outcomes studied were the occurrence of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, death, post-COVID-19 relapses, and post-vaccine relapses. These outcomes were compared between the treatment groups and the matched controls. Results: COVID-19 infection occurred in 49.1% (26/53) of those on rituximab, 19.2% (5/26) of those on natalizumab, and 11.5% (6/52) of healthy controls. In addition, 8/53 (15.1%) in the rituximab group and 1/26 (3.8%) in the natalizumab group were hospitalized. All 6/52 (11.5%) in the control group had mild infection, and none were hospitalized. No deaths occurred in any group. On statistical analysis, the occurrence of COVID-19 infection in the rituximab group was significantly higher when compared to natalizumab (P = 0.0141) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Hospitalizations were significantly higher in the rituximab group when compared to healthy controls (P < 0.006). Conclusion: MS patients treated with rituximab were more likely to experience COVID-19 infection compared to those treated with natalizumab and healthy controls. Hospitalization was more frequently seen in patients treated with rituximab compared to healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkenes are a fascinating functional class that can be converted into various structures. A desirable and durable synthetic method for forming two C−C bonds across an olefin is the dicarbofunctionalization of olefins, catalyzed by transition metals. This method enables a rapid expansion of molecular complexity in a single step. Among the myriad of efficient strategies for alkene difunctionalization, the 1,2‐diarylation mode stands out primarily due to its remarkable ability to incorporate two hindered aryl groups across the C=C bond in a versatile and straightforward manner. This review covers the recent advances in the 1,2‐diarylation of alkenes from 2018 to 2023, focusing on different transition metals employed as catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical agencies depend on responses to inquiries made to the public, and occasionally conduct experiments to improve contact procedures. Agencies may wish to assess whether there is significant change in response rates due to an operational refinement. This work considers the assessment of response rates when up to L attempts are made to contact each subject, and subjects receive one of J possible variations of the operation under experimentation. In particular, the continuation-ratio logit (CRL) model facilitates inference on the probability of success at each step of the sequence, given that failures occurred at previous attempts. The CRL model is investigated as a basis for sample size determination– one of the major decisions faced by an experimenter–to attain a desired power under a Wald test of a general linear hypothesis. An experiment that was conducted for nonresponse followup in the United States 2020 decennial census provides a motivating illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well understood structure of U pmns matrix mandates a Cabibbo mixing matrix in the first two generations of the charged lepton sector if we assume Tri-bimaximal mixing in the neutrino sector. This ansatz, called Tri-bimaximal-Cabibbo mixing, is ruled out immediately by the experiments searching for charged lepton flavour violating currents. In this article, we aim to show that the resurrection of the theoretically well motivated Tri-bimaximal mixing scenario comes naturally within Minimal Flavour Violation hypothesis in the lepton sector. We analyse the flavour violating currents μ → e e e , μ T i → e T i , μ → e γ , π 0 → e + μ - and K L → μ + e - in this scenario and show that the New Physics that generates mixing among the charged lepton could lie within the reach of hadron colliders. In the minimal field content scenario, though the most stringent constrain on New Physics is ≳ O (10 TeV) for maximal coupling, considering more natural couplings relaxes it to ≳ O (4 TeV). On the other hand, New Physics with the extended field content is even more strongly constrained to ≳ O (75 TeV) for maximal coupling, while it gets relaxed to ≳ O (31 TeV) for natural scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature highlights the role of Australian general practitioners (GP) in the management of skin cancers. With melanoma incidences on the rise, there have been discussions into whether lower‐risk stage IA patients could safely be followed up by their GPs for annual surveillance full skin examinations (FSE). This study explores the level of confidence of South Australian (SA) GPs in undertaking FSEs including factors that could support discussions around shared care between GPs and dermatology units for lower‐risk patients. Methods: An online survey was designed and distributed to SA GPs via email, newsletters and social media between 5 December 2021 and 30 January 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to describe survey responses. Pearson's Chi‐squared analysis was used to investigate associations between key variables of interest and explanatory variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to model odds ratios for associations between the dependent variable and independent variables. Results: A total of 135 responses were obtained. Forty‐four per cent of GPs were comfortable undertaking annual FSEs, 41% were uncomfortable and 15% were unsure. Scope of work, >20 years experience and additional training had statistically significant relationships (p < 0.05). Dermoscopy and detecting melanoma recurrences were reported to be skills with lower levels of confidence. With regards to shared care, 77% indicated that they would feel supported undertaking FSEs if rapid access referral pathways were allocated for patients who developed suspicious lesions. Preferred upskilling modalities included, face‐to‐face sessions in a dermatology unit (39%), dermatologist run webinars (25%) and certificate courses (20%). Conclusions: At present, there is a subset of SA GPs who are comfortable undertaking FSEs and therefore could be engaged in shared care with specialists. Further considerations have to be made in the areas of upskilling and supporting the workforce to enhance engagement in shared care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth oxide nanoparticles with appropriate surface chemistry exhibit many interesting properties that can be utilized in a variety of applications. This paper describes a new route to the surface modification of bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3 NPs) using functionalized beta-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a biocompatible system. The synthesis of Bi2O3 NP was done using PVA (poly vinyl alcohol) as the reductant and the Steglich esterification procedure for the functionalization of β-CD with biotin. Ultimately, the Bi2O3 NPs are modified using this functionalized β-CD system. The particle size of the synthesized Bi2O3 NPs is found to be in the range of 12–16 nm. The modified biocompatible systems were characterized using different characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric analysis (DSC). Additionally, the antibacterial and anticancerous effects of the surface-modified Bi2O3 NP system were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference intervals are among the most widely used medical decision-making tools and are invaluable in the interpretation of laboratory results of patients. Moreover, when multiple biochemical analytes are measured on each patient, a multivariate reference region (MRR) is needed. Such regions are more desirable than separate univariate reference intervals since the latter disregard the cross-correlations among variables. Traditionally, assuming multivariate normality, MRRs have been constructed as ellipsoidal regions, which cannot detect componentwise extreme values. Consequently, MRRs are rarely used in actual practice. In order to address the above drawback of ellipsoidal reference regions, we propose a procedure to construct rectangular MRRs under multivariate normality. The rectangular MRR is computed using a prediction region criterion. However, since the population correlations are unknown, a parametric bootstrap approach is employed for computing the required prediction factor. Also addressed in this study is the computation of mixed reference intervals, which include both two-sided and one-sided prediction limits, simultaneously. Numerical results show that the parametric bootstrap procedure is quite accurate, with estimated coverage probabilities very close to the nominal level. Moreover, the expected volumes of the proposed rectangular regions are substantially smaller than the expected volumes obtained from Bonferroni simultaneous prediction intervals. We also explore the computation of covariate-dependent MRRs in a multivariate regression setting. Finally, we discuss real-life applications of the proposed methods, including the computation of reference ranges for the assessment of kidney function and for components of the insulin-like growth factor system in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role and relevance of methanol in the origin and structure of the RNA world is discussed. Methanol is a pivotal, renewable, and regenerable source from which almost all chemical materials, simple or complex, can be accessed. Olefins and carbonyl compounds, amines and amino acids, peptides and polypeptides, and the molecular building blocks in the initial stages of the biological evolution to life's origin are obtained through methanol as a source material by its chemical transformation. The formation of methanol, whether in stellar and interstellar media, in deep sea-bottom hot hydrothermal vents or from geothermal sources, results from CO2 hydrogenation. It is the basic reaction, setting the stage for the formation of fundamental "organic" building blocks for the formation of simple prebiotic cells to subsequent biological evolution to cells. The important observation of many organics-hydrocarbons and ions including the large expanse of methane and methanol in the interstellar medium and stellar peripheries is a clear indication of "stellar reductive processes" and ensuing reactions shedding light on the probable significant role of extraterrestrial methanol as the basic source material toward a multi-step transformation into complex life molecules such as RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the constraint on brane tension and compactification scale for models with brane fluctuations using the results from the direct search of W ′ at 13 TeV LHC, with an integrated luminosity of 36.1 f b − 1 , in the case for which branon forms the entire cold dark matter. The inclusion of these brane fluctuations suppresses the KK-mode couplings to brane localised matter fields. Unlike the rigid brane scenario, where the compactification scale gets constrained to 1 / R > 5.2 TeV, here we show that compactification scales as small as ~ 1 TeV are allowed for brane tensions of similar strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Static mixers can approximate plug-flow behavior for continuous crystallizers. • Gapped Kenics and standard Kenics static mixer crystallizers are tested. • Numerical and experimental characterization of the static mixer crystallizers. • 3D printing for the fabrication of customized tubular crystallizers. • Gapped Kenics mixer leads to lower pressure drop and less segregation of crystals. Tubular crystallizers are desirable for continuous operations because they can approach plug flow conditions, achieve higher throughputs, and can be easy to control. However, the possible limitations of tubular crystallizers may include settling of crystals, fouling and higher pressure drops at longer residence times. The performance of a tubular crystallizer with gaps between the Kenics type mixing elements is characterized and compared with a standard Kenics static mixer and a hollow tubular crystallizer for the crystallization of lysozyme from solution. The gapped Kenics static mixer crystallizer provides an attractive trade-off between the standard Kenics static mixer and the hollow tubular crystallizer in terms of mixing length, shear rate, residence time distribution, pressure drop and segregation or settling of crystals. Furthermore, the gapped Kenics static mixer crystallizer and the standard Kenics static mixer crystallizer exhibit a similar crystallization performance in terms of desupersaturation profile and mean crystal size at the outlet for different initial lysozyme concentrations and seed loadings. The advantages of the gapped Kenics static mixer crystallizer in terms of pressure drop and minimization of crystal settling allow for lower flow rates and longer residence times under plug flow conditions, which has important practical benefits for continuous crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is an integral part of secondary stroke prevention. Noncompliance to APT is an important factor in stroke recurrence. In this study, we have evaluated the reasons for noncompliance to APT.Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the various causes of nonadherence to APT in recurrent stroke patients.Material and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in south India with a huge stroke burden. The study period was from October 2017 to September 2018. A total of 60 consecutive patients of recurrent stroke who were nonadherent to antiplatelet therapy were evaluated for various factors that prevented compliance.Results: During the 12-month study period among 604 ischemic stroke patients, 128 (21%) had recurrent strokes. Of this 128, 60 (46.8%) were due to discontinuation of APT. The main factor for nonadherence to APT was lack of awareness about the need for lifelong medication (41/60; 68.3%). 10 patients (16.7%) stopped treatment as they opted for alternative therapy and 4 (6.7%) discontinued antiplatelets due to side effects. A small proportion of the patients (3.3%) cited financial constraints and forgetfulness as the issue, while 1.7% had difficulty in finding assistance to administer medicine. 27 (45%) patients had recurrent stroke within 2-15 days of stopping APT.Conclusions: The main reason for nonadherence to antiplatelet therapy is lack of awareness about the need for lifelong antiplatelet therapy. Stroke patients should be educated about the importance of lifelong antiplatelet therapy to prevent recurrent strokes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rechallenge with antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein‐1 or its ligand (PD‐1/L1) after discontinuation or disease progression in solid tumors following a prior PD‐1/L1 treatment is often practiced in clinic. This study aimed to investigate if adding PD‐1/L1 inhibitors to cabozantinib, the most used second‐line treatment in real‐world patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC), offers additional benefits. Methods: Using de‐identified patient‐level data from a large real‐world US‐based database, patients diagnosed with mccRCC, who received any PD‐1/L1‐based combination in first‐line (1L) setting, followed by second‐line (2L) therapy with either cabozantinib alone or in combination with PD‐1/L1 inhibitors were included. Patients given a cabozantinib‐containing regimen in 1L were excluded. The study end points were real‐world time to next therapy (rwTTNT) and real‐world overall survival (rwOS) by 2L. Results: Of 12,285 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the data set, 348 patients met eligibility and were included in the analysis. After propensity score matching weighting, cabozantinib with PD‐1/L1 inhibitors versus cabozantinib (ref.) had similar rwTTNT and rwOS in the 2L setting. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for rwTTNT and rwOS are 0.74 (95% CI, 0.49–1.12) and 1.15 (95% CI, 0.73–1.79), respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the results align with the phase 3 CONTACT‐03 trial results, which showed no additional benefit of adding PD‐L1 inhibitor to cabozantinib compared to cabozantinib alone in 2L following PD‐1/L1–based therapies in 1L. These results from real‐world patients strengthen the evidence regarding the futility of rechallenge with PD‐1/L1 inhibitors. This study reports, in a large real‐world data set, that there is no survival benefit of adding a PD‐1/L1 inhibitor to cabozantinib given in a second‐line setting in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with prior treatment with a PD‐1/L1 inhibitor. The real‐world data concur with the results reported in the phase 3 CONTACT‐03 clinical trial further questioning the common practice of PD‐1/L1 inhibitors rechallenge in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During this admission, he underwent further haematological work-up for the first time which revealed a diagnosis of AVWS with a FVIII:C level of 17% (56-191), VWF antigen [VWF:Ag] level of 16% (56-198) and VWF ristocetin cofactor [VWF:RCo] level of <20% (51-215). Upon completion of therapy, there was a slight improvement in the VWF:Ag levels, but no immediate improvement in the VWF:RCo and FVIII:C activity levels. Notably, he was found to be negative for inhibitors to VWF by VWF GPIbM mixing study (Versiti) and negative for anti-VWF antibodies (IgG or IgM) by ELISA (personal communication, Robert R Montgomery). As he remained anaemic due to presumed occult gastrointestinal bleed, he received iron infusion once and IVIG 1 gm/kg daily × 2 days, with relatively brisk normalization of his VWF parameters (VWF:RCo 111%, VWF:Ag 106%) and FVIII:C 122%; VWF multimeric analysis was normal. [Extracted from the article]

A three-parameter family of exponential distributions is introduced and investigated as an alternative to the two-parameter extensions of exponential distribution,. The Marshall-Olkin exponential distribution is present in this family which is introduced in Marshall and Olkin (1997). As an alternative to exponential distribution, this family can be used. This class of distribution’s reliability properties is studied. There are many biomedical applications are noted with these generalized exponential family of distributions. The odd generalized exponential family and its application is illustrated by means of two real lifetime data sets by Tahir, et.al.(2015). A New Lifetime Exponential-X Family of Distributions with Applications to Reliability Data explained by Xiaoyan et.al.,(2020). Also a Generalization of the Exponential Distributions detailed by García (2020). Hence there are many real life application based on these family of distribution in Bio-medical, engineering and insurance research. A Weibull distribution of four parameter is introduced and studied. The Weibull distribution is found in this family, which has a number of appealing attributes. A study of this family of distribution’s reliability properties is done. Semi Weibull family of distributions are introduced and studied as a generalization of the four parameter Weibull family. In order to model the data that exhibit periodic movements, the generalized semi-Weibull the semi-Weibull family is helpful. Within the context of time series, the implementation of these distributions is deliberated. The process, first-order regressive Marshall- Olkin minification is thereby deduced. The discussed methods prove to be applicable to generate autoregressive models with any marginal Marshall-Olkin distribution. The study specifically concentrates on the exponential and Weibull families’ time series properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19-related strokes are increasingly being diagnosed across the world. Knowledge about the clinical profile, imaging findings, and outcomes is still evolving. Here we describe the characteristics of a cohort of 62 COVID-19-related stroke patients from 13 hospitals, from Bangalore city, south India. Objective: To describe the clinical profile, neuroimaging findings, interventions, and outcomes in COVID-19-related stroke patients. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective study of all COVID-19-related stroke patients from 13 hospitals from south India; 1st June 2020–31st August 2020. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data were collected along with treatment administered and outcomes. SARS–CoV-2 infection was confirmed in all cases by RT-PCR testing. The data obtained from the case records were entered in SPSS 25 for statistical analysis. Results: During the three-month period, we had 62 COVID-19-related stroke patients, across 13 centers; 60 (97%) had ischemic strokes, while 2 (3%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The mean age of patients was 55.66 ± 13.20 years, with 34 (77.4%) males. Twenty-six percent (16/62) of patients did not have any conventional risk factors for stroke. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 54.8%, hypertension was present in 61.3%, coronary artery disease in 8%, and atrial fibrillation in 4.8%. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 12.7 ± 6.44. Stroke severity was moderate (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 5–15) in 27 (61.3%) patients, moderate to severe (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 16–20) in 13 (20.9%) patients and severe (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 21–42) in 11 (17.7%) patients. According to TOAST classification, 48.3% was stroke of undetermined etiology, 36.6% had large artery atherosclerosis, 10% had small vessel occlusion, and 5% had cardioembolic strokes. Three (5%) received intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase 0.2 mg/kg and 3 (5%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy, two endovascular and one surgical. Duration of hospital stay was 16.16 ± 6.39 days; 21% (13/62) died in hospital, while 37 (59.7%) had a modified Rankin score of 3–5 at discharge. Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were associated with increased mortality. A comparison to 111 historical controls during the non-COVID period showed a higher proportion of strokes of undetermined etiology, higher mortality, and higher morbidity in COVID-19-related stroke patients. Conclusion: COVID-19-related strokes are increasingly being recognized in developing countries, like India. Stroke of undetermined etiology appears to be the most common TOAST subtype of COVID-19-related strokes. COVID-19-related strokes were more severe in nature and resulted in higher mortality and morbidity. Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were associated with increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biocompatible system was developed by the surface-modification of TiO 2 NPs with fluorescently modified betadex. • In vitro cytotoxic studies and cell viability of system was examined. • photocatalytic antimicrobial studies were executed against bacterial & fungal strains under UV light. In recent years, the rapid advancements in nanotechnology have spurred extensive research into the synthesis and modification of metal oxide nanoparticles, paving the way for their application across a wide spectrum of fields due to their unique properties and versatile surface characteristics. In the present study offers a thorough investigation into the synthesis, characterization, and application of a titanium dioxide (TD) based nano system with a surface architecture, that incorporates desirable features such as biocompatibility, thermal stability, photoluminescence, anticancer, and antimicrobial activity. Fluorescently modified macromolecules such as betadex were utilized for the surface integration to improve the surface characteristics of TD NPs. The developed nano system exhibited no harmful effects on non-pathogenic rat splenic cells, while displaying selective toxicity towards Dalton's lymphoma cells. Furthermore, the photocatalytic antimicrobial activity of this innovative system was assessed against various pathogenic species under UV light exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike in 4k dimensions, the action of charge conjugation operator in 4k + 2 dimensions preserves spinor chirality. This property, in a generic orbifolded geometry (of scale 1/R∼O\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$1/R \sim {\mathcal {O}}$$\end{document} (1 TeV)) with KK number conservation, leads to baryon number violating operators with KK fermion modes. These exotic operators can be mapped on to the 4D operators responsible for proton decay and hydrogen–antihydrogen oscillation by introducing the KK-1 hypercharge gauge boson interaction. This KK-1 hypercharge gauge boson, being the lightest, is stable and is the ideal dark matter (DM) candidate in the model. Hence, dark matter becomes a crucial ingredient in facilitating the proton decay and ΔB=2=ΔL\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$\Delta B=2=\Delta L$$\end{document} processes. Thus, this model answeres the lack of their evidence in terrestrial experiments owing to the low density of dark matter on Earth. Nevertheless, though terrestrial experiments are not yet sensitive to dark matter influenced baryon number violations, their rates can be substantially enhanced in dense DM clusters at the centre of galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Essential oils (EOs) with pro‐convulsant properties are known to cause seizures and may worsen migraine. Here we report five cases of cluster headache (CH) secondary to the usage of toothpastes containing pro‐convulsant EOs. Methods: Patients were identified from the headache clinics of three tertiary care hospitals in south India. Detailed history, examination, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were done in all patients. CH was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results: We had five cases of EO‐related CH (EORCH), from February 2020 to August 2021; three females and two males, with age ranging from 19 to 54 years. Three had new onset CH, while two had previous cluster attacks which had become refractory to medications for the past 1 year. The toothpastes contained EOs of camphor, eucalyptus, sage, thujone, clove, and fennel in various combinations. These toothpastes were used for a period of at least 3 months in those with new onset CH and for 12 months or more by those with chronic CH. After stopping the usage of these toothpastes, the CH attacks resolved completely within 5–10 days in all patients. In one patient we re‐challenged with the same toothpaste and got the CH attack after a period of 2 months. None of the patients had recurrence of CH attacks at follow‐up, ranging from 1 to 2 years. Conclusion: EOs with pro‐convulsive properties may trigger and sustain CH. Physicians may consider inquiring about the exposure to these pro‐convulsant EOs in patients with CH and may consider advising the discontinuation of products like toothpastes containing them as a possible means of CH remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is one of the highly disabling headache disorder and affects about 1% of the population of the world. It is associated with the development of headache for 15 days or more, with consumption of acute symptomatic medications for 10-15 days (depending on the class of drug, like, simple analgesics, triptans, and opioids) in a month, used for relief of headache for three or more months, in a known patient of primary headache disorder.Objective: The aim of this study was to review the topic of MOH and present the details of this disorder with an emphasis on recent updates in the field of pathophysiology and treatment.Material and Methods: Literature search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane database with appropriate keywords and relevant full-text articles were reviewed for writing this article.Results: Over the years, the concept of MOH has evolved, although the exact pathophysiology is still being explored. In a susceptible individual interplay of genetics, change in pain pathways, changes in areas of the brain associated with the perception of pain, and changes in the neurotransmitters have been implicated. It has to be differentiated from other secondary chronic daily headache disorders, by a careful history, targeted examination, details of intake of medications. Treatment predominantly involves patient education, removal of the offending agent, and initiation of prophylactic medications for primary headache disorder in the outpatient or inpatient services.Conclusions: MOH is a secondary headache disorder, which should be considered in any chronic headache patient. There are various pathophysiological mechanisms attributed to its development. Management includes educating the patients about the disorder, detoxification, and prophylactic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in material science and biomechanics since the 1970s have delivered clinicians with various options and modalities such as ceramic brackets, clear aligners, and lingual appliances. Patients mostly adults now seek treatment to improve their smiles but demand an aesthetic approach to not impact their routine. This investigation was conducted to study the prevalence of patients seeking aesthetic treatment options in orthodontics. Data for 1733 patients were collected from the institution. The data was entered into the system from July 2019 to May 2020. Collected records wherein aesthetic options such as ceramic brackets, aligners, and lingual appliance were used were shortlisted for further review. 120 cases were shortlisted. The records were reviewed and data on the type of appliance used was selected. The attending resident was interviewed. The collected data was entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet, charts were prepared and prevalence was calculated. The calculated prevalence was 7.4%. The majority of cases have sought ceramic brackets as an aesthetic option. There is a demand for aesthetic approaches in orthodontics but alternatives to conventional metal braces are usually more expensive. Yet those patients desiring such options are actively seeking them out and are willing to assume the costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference regions are widely used in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine to interpret the results of biochemical or physiological tests of patients. There are well-established methods in the literature for reference limits for univariate measurements; however, limited methods are available for the construction of multivariate reference regions, since traditional multivariate statistical regions (e.g. confidence, prediction, and tolerance regions) are not constructed based on a hyperrectangular geometry. The present work addresses this problem by developing multivariate hyperrectangular nonparametric tolerance regions for setting the reference regions. The approach utilizes statistical data depth to determine which points to trim and then the extremes of the trimmed dataset are used as the faces of the hyperrectangular region. Also presented is a strategy for determining the number of points to trim based on previously established asymptotic results. An extensive coverage study shows the favorable performance of the proposed procedure for moderate to large sample sizes. The procedure is applied to obtain reference regions for addressing two important clinical problems: (1) assessing kidney function in adolescents and (2) characterizing insulin-like growth factor concentrations in the serum of adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For manufactured items sold by weight or volume, this article considers mixed acceptance criteria that put limits on the sample mean or on an upper confidence limit based on the sample mean and on the number of individual sample units that are nonconforming. For a normally distributed quality characteristic of interest, this article develops lower confidence limits for the mixed acceptance criteria applying the concept of a generalized pivotal quantity and applying a bias‐corrected and accelerated parametric bootstrap. The accuracy of the confidence limits is assessed using estimated coverage probabilities, and the results are illustrated with an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers of local food products often face a dilemma regarding their purchase decisions due to the nonavailability of information that is required to assess the quality of the product. To reduce this information asymmetry, the Geographical Indication Registry in India issues a Geographical Indication tag (GI tag) as a community right to the growers of local special products originating from a region, town or country. The GI tag symbolises uniqueness, curtails counterfeit products' spread, and reduces information asymmetry. This study has taken a select case of Udupi Mattu Gulla Brinjal, a GI horticulture produce grown by a community-based enterprise (CBE) in the Udupi District of South India. This research work aims to study and analyse consumer preference towards Udupi Mattu Gulla Brinjal (GI) using a consumer segmentation approach. The Principal Component Analysis technique has been used to identify statements with discriminatory power. Subsequently, the statements of research importance have been used to identify consumer segments using a two-step clustering approach. The study results have identified three important consumer clusters based on the analysis of consumer preference characteristics. Thereafter, marketing strategies have been proposed after analysing the profile of each segment. The study is undertaken as a response to an initiative from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Coordinating Centre, Government of India, to partner the development of agriculture in the local area of Udupi District. The objectives of the study are consistent with SDG goal 11 (sustainable communities) and SDG goal 12 (responsible consumption). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Cyclopentenone and its derivatives are highly esteemed synthetic intermediates in the realm of organic synthesis, showcasing their exceptional utility. Moreover, these compounds are favored structural motifs in numerous pharmaceutical drugs and natural products, further highlighting their significance. The advancement and discovery of effective methods to achieve these significant compounds have thus received a considerable amount of attention. An overview of the various methods that have been used to synthesize cyclopentenones is discussed in this review, which covers works from 2016 to 2023. 2-Cyclopentenone and its derivatives serve as valuable synthetic intermediates in organic synthesis as well as preferred structural motifs in many pharmaceutical drugs and natural products. The advancement and discovery of effective methods to achieve these significant compounds have thus received a considerable amount of attention. An overview of the various methods that have been used to synthesize cyclopentenones is discussed in this review, which covers works from 2016 to 2023. [Display omitted] • An overview of the various methods that have been used to synthesize cyclopentenones is discussed in this review, which covers works from 2016 to 2023. • 2-Cyclopentenone and its derivatives are widely recognized as valuable synthetic intermediates in the field of organic synthesis, demonstrating their remarkable usefulness. • The emergence of revolutionary transition-metal catalysis, organocatalysis, and Nazarov cyclization has expanded the range of synthetic methodologies, enabling the construction of complex cyclopentenone-containing compounds with remarkable regio- and stereochemical accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Connecting virtually during a pandemic, which is a lifeline for migrant nurses. Topics discussed include aims to give a brief outline of the event and also emphasizes the importance of building resilience by making connections during the pandemic; and highlights the need for educational initiatives to build resilience among nurses and to prepare them for managing unprecedented challenges in the future.

The reagent system comprised of halotrimethylsilane and nitrite or nitrate salts has now been successfully used as an efficient system for a series of versatile synthetic transformations. In recent years, the significance and efficacy of this system for reactions such as nitration of aromatics and olefins, oxidation of thiols to sulfonyl chlorides, ipso -nitrosation/nitration of arylboronic acids, ipso -nitration of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to nitro olefins, etc. have been disclosed. Though the reagent system has not been exploited to its full potential, the reported reactions reveal its advantages as a very safe and convenient system that works under mild conditions. This brief Account reveals various synthetic applications of halotrimethylsilane-nitrite/nitrate salts in organic synthesis hitherto reported. 1 Introduction 2 Reactions Using a Halotrimethylsilane-Nitrate Salt System 2.1 Nitration of Olefins and Aromatics 2.2 One-Pot Preparation of gem- Chloronitroso, gem -Chloronitro, and vic -Dichloro Compounds 2.3 One-Step Conversion of Anilines into Haloarenes 2.4 Deoximation of Aldoximes to Aldehydes and Ketoximes to -Ketones 2.5 One-Pot Synthesis of Cyclic/Noncyclic α-Nitroketones from -Cyclic/Noncyclic Olefins 2.6 ipso -Nitration of Arylboronic Acids 2.7 ipso -Nitrosation of Arylboronic Acids 2.8 Oxidation of Sulfides and Sulfoxides to Sulfones 2.9 Oxidative Chlorination of Thiols and Disulfides to Sulfonyl -Chlorides 2.10 α-Halogenation of Carbonyl Compounds 2.11 Decarboxylative ipso -Nitration and Dibromination of Cinnamic Acid 3 Conclusion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Nitro group under photoexcitation has significant ability for hydrogen abstraction. • Nitroarenes undergo photoredox coupling to form azoxyarenes in protic solvents. • o -Nitrobenzyl group is an efficient photoremovable protecting group. • 2-Nitrodiphenylalkane/alkenes are photosynthons for valuable N -heterocycles. • o -Quinonoid aci-nitro species is a key intermediate in the photorearrangement of o -nitrobenzylic systems. Abstract Photoexcited o -nitro chromophore in o -nitrobenzylic systems has led to the design and development of many useful photochromic systems such as photolabile protecting groups, photoresists, for controlled release of bioactive compounds, as well as efficient photosynthons giving direct access to many important molecular systems that are otherwise difficult to obtain. This brief review cites a few examples showing the photochemistry of 2-nitrodiphenylalkanes and alkenes, which find useful in the synthesis of 2,1-benzisoxazole derivatives, dibenzo(c,f)-(1,2)diazepin- N -oxides and N,N -dioxides, acridones, isatogens etc., that are present in many pharmaceutical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activity spectrum of detoxification enzymes was systematically assessed in tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura collected from four locations in Kerala, India, to decipher the mechanism of insecticide resistance. Using the susceptible check ICAR-NBAIR strain, specific activity profiles of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were found to be 16.16-, 10.71- and 4.88-fold higher in the Kovilnada, Palappur and Kanjikuzhi populations respectively. Specific activities of mixed function oxidase (MFO) were also found to be 19.24-, 17.11-, 6.08-fold higher in the same populations respectively, indicating the predominance of AChE and MFO towards imparting resistance. Carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathion-S-transferase (GST) specific activity profiles were 3.62- and 3.37-fold higher in the Kovilnada population, followed by 2.89- and 2.98-fold higher in the Palappur population and as 2.10- and 1.15-fold higher in the Kanjikuzhi population, indicating their partial role in resistance development. Suppression of specific activities in synergism bioassays with AChE in chlorpyriphos + TPP treatment (9.32-fold), GST in chlorpyriphos + DEM (4.78-fold) and CarE in quinalphos + TPP (5.15-fold) highlighted the involvement of multiple detoxification enzymes conferring resistance to organophosphates. Reduced activity of MFO in case of lambda-cyhalothrin + PBO (5.35-fold), CarE in case of cypermethrin + TPP (7.36-fold) and 3.60-fold reduction in MFO in case of cypermethrin + PBO highlighted the role of esterases and MFOs towards resistance development against synthetic pyrethroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meningiomas are primary CNS tumors that arise from the arachnoid layer of the meninges. Genomic sequencing has revealed that NF2 mutations are the most common genetic alteration seen in meningiomas. Meningiomas although usually low grade, can sometimes progress to high grade. A patient who had several recurrences of meningiomas since childhood presented with recurrent headaches. Imaging showed that he had another recurrence of a meningioma. He underwent surgery for resection of the meningioma and histopathology showed NF2 mutation. He was started on everolimus and bevacizumab with good effect. Studies have shown that NF-2 mutated meningiomas have a good response to everolimus and bevacizumab with increased progression-free survival time and progression-free survival time at 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding complex natural systems requires approaches with minimal statistical limitations and biases. Previously, however, the fields of behaviour, ecology and evolution generally have been restricted to evaluating differences between statistical distributions. This framework can be very powerful. Unfortunately, it has also created a bias in these, and many other, fields towards publications focusing only on phenomena for which there are statistically significant differences. However, there is a wide range of questions that would benefit from reversing the existing paradigm and testing, instead, for equivalence. We have adapted the two one-sided test (TOST), also known as equivalence testing, from pharmaceutical science to be applicable to behavioural and ecological studies. We created a repeated measures analysis that allows researchers to statistically examine similarities between distributions. We compared song structure in male and female eastern bluebirds, Sialia sialis , as a case study for this method. We failed to find significant differences between male and female songs via a more traditional test, repeated measures ANOVA. Therefore, no definitive conclusion could be drawn about the similarities or differences in song structure. However, our repeated measures equivalence test showed that, based on five standard measures of song variation, male and female eastern bluebirds sing statistically equivalent songs. Our study highlights the presence of complex female song in a temperate songbird species. Additionally, we provide a new statistical test useful for expanding the statistical toolbox to assess new behavioural and ecological questions, and to help counteract publication bias in our fields. Highlights • Although understudied, recent studies suggest that female birdsong is widespread. • We compared male and female song using a novel statistical equivalence test. • Both sexes had statistically equivalent songs based on five acoustic measures. • Our equivalence test will have wide applicability in behaviour, ecology and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have ushered in a new era in cancer management. Nivolumab is a human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) activity by binding to the PD-1 receptor. This inhibits suppression of the T-cell activity, which can in turn cause increased killing of cancer cells. This alteration in the activity of the T cells can cause them to lose their ability to identify host cells and leads to immune-related adverse effects (irAE). Nivolumab-induced hepatotoxicity is rare and accounts for 3–6% of all irAE. We present a case of nivolumab-induced hepatitis. A woman who was treated for recurrent renal cell carcinoma presented with hepatitis. Workup for other causes was negative and the hepatitis was attributed to the administration of nivolumab. She was started on oral steroids followed which she initially improved. However, she later presented with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to gastroduodenal ulcers and subsequently developed acute tubular necrosis and passed from the complications. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have proven to be a promising approach in the management of a wide array of neoplasms by immunomodulation. As these agents are becoming standard of therapy in the management of cancers, a heightened vigilance in the diagnosis of irAE is warranted. With heightened vigilance, early recognition can lead to decreased mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the concept of regenerative versus renewable carbon fuels and materials on which Professor George A. Olah was actively working on at the time of his unfortunate passing away in 2017. As fossil fuels become depleted or their use constrained by undesirable carbon emissions, more sustainable pathways to fulfill our needs for carbon-based fuels and products will be required. Renewable carbon materials can be produced from biomass while regenerative carbon materials will be obtained by reductive recycling of CO2, constituting an anthropogenic equivalent to nature’s photosynthesis-based carbon cycle. At the heart of this transition is chemistry and catalysis. Development of new catalysts and improvement of existing ones are essential for these transformations. Methanol, an established fuel and chemical feedstock, which can be made from biomass and recycling of CO2, and therefore be both renewable and regenerative is of particular interest for the transitioning to a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to assess the insecticide resistance developed in various field collected population of S. litura and to induce susceptibility by using the synergists. Third-instar larvae collected from three different locations of Kerala viz., Thiruvananthapuram (TVM), Pathanamthitta (PTA) and Alappuzha (ALP) were exposed to conventional insecticides like chlorpyriphos, quinalphos, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin by leaf dip bioassay and resistance ratios were calculated by using the baseline data generated for respective insecticides using susceptible strain. Resistance ratios recorded were 1965, 840 and 320 against chlorpyriphos, 605, 255 and 59 against quinalphos, 926, 250 and 108 against lambda-cyahlothrin and 2566, 534 and 396 against cypermethrin respectively for TVM, PTA and ALP populations. The effect of selected synergists viz., piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) was studied in combination with respective test insecticides against the highly resistant population of S.litura collected from TVM of Kerala. The population was tested with insecticide in combination of the above synergists at different ratios. When PBO, TPP and DEM at ratio of 1:4 were used the synergistic ratio was 8.47, 7.26 and 3.98 for chlorpyriphos, 6.09, 5.26 and 3.05 for quinalphos, 13.37, 4.53 and 7.39 for lambda cyhalothrin and 4.77, 3.36 and 3.40 for cypermethrin respectively. PBO showed highest synergistic activity against both the organophosphates tested followed by DEM and TPP. Highest synergistic activity against synthetic pyrethroids also was shown by PBO, followed by TPP and DEM. The results obtained from the present study revealed that PBO at 1:4 ratio showed higher synergism with the test insecticides against the resistant populations of S.litura and proved to be an effective molecule alternate for breaking the resistance against conventional organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane was converted to light olefins (ethene and propene) or higher hydrocarbons in a continuous flow reactor below 375 °C over H-SAPO-34 catalyst via an in situ halogenation (chlorination/bromination) protocol. The reaction conditions can be efficiently tuned toward selective monohalogenation of methane to methyl halides or their in situ oligomerization to higher hydrocarbons. The presence of C5+ hydrocarbons in the reaction products clearly indicates that by using a properly engineered catalyst under optimized reaction conditions, hydrocarbons in the gasoline range can be produced. This approach has significant potential for feasible application in natural gas refining to gasoline and materials under moderate operational conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intriguing studies on the search for extraterrestrial fluorine is covered in this review. • Similar to the root source of all materials on Earth, fluorine also has a cosmic origin. • Survival of fluorine nucleus after its nucleosynthesis is difficult due to further reactions. • Fluorine is formed in Type II supernovae, asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and Wolf-Rayet stars. • Fluorine has been detected in a far distant high-z galaxy and Martian soil. Fluorine plays a significant role in the geochemical world, despite its low abundance. The presence of fluorine and fluorinated moieties in chemical compounds results in significant changes in their physicochemical and biological properties. Therefore, the study of the origin and abundance of fluorine not only here on Earth but in any region outside of Earth- in other planets, stars and star-forming galaxies, circumstellar, interstellar media (ISM), and the protoplanetary regions, is vital and can contribute significantly to our knowledge on its relevance to its terrestrial origin, abundance, and its chemistry. With an introduction on the formation, presence, and significance of fluorine and its compounds under terrestrial context, the present review attempts to consolidate the literature on the search for fluorine, fluorides and fluorinated ions in the extraterrestrial region, its abundance as well as their implications in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial fluorine chemistry. Revealed through a continued search over many decades, its formation and significant abundance in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and Wolf-Rayet stars, in neutrino spallation during supernovae (type II), or even in far distant star-forming galaxy indicate the possible ubiquity of fluorine in the vast stellar and diffuse interstellar medium. Because of the growing influence of fluorine in the terrestrial world, studying the fluorine effect in extraterrestrial atmosphere is quite intriguing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between individuals and society and the integration of individuals into society has always been a problem of social science. The events of social upheaval have brought the question of cohesion to the forefront. Social cohesion is a major academic subject, a public policy issue, and an emerging research area that aims to bring cohesion to a multicultural world. The paper is an attempt to elucidate Gandhi’s contribution to building a coherent society. The life of Gandhi, his determination and application of nonviolence to fight against the racist government in South Africa, his solemn resolution to act against injustices by the British in India, the role of ashrams, the influential role of truth in social and political agitations, and the strategy of Gandhi in building relationships and trust are analysed from the perspective of social cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades the treatment landscape for multiple sclerosis (MS) has evolved at an astonishing speed, now including more than a dozen unique disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved in the European Union/the United States.[1] Different DMTs vary in efficacy, safety, tolerability, duration of effect and mode of administration, which provides greatly improved possibilities of tailoring treatment to individual needs, in turn improving long-term outcomes. References 1 Piehl F. Current and emerging disease-modulatory therapies and treatment targets for multiple sclerosis. [Extracted from the article]

It is advisable to remove all the personal clothing of the patient and wear a hospital-supplied MRI-compatible gown to avoid MRI-related thermal injury. During MRI, the patient felt burning pain in the anterior abdominal wall. Sir, A 72-year-old man underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine for both cervical and lumbar regions in a 1.5 Tesla (T) General Electric (GE) machine. [Extracted from the article]

The absence, so far, of any graviton signatures at the LHC imposes severe constraints on the Randall–Sundrum scenario. Although a generalization to higher dimensions with nested warpings has been shown to avoid these constraints, apart from incorporating several other phenomenologically interesting features, moduli stabilization in such models has been an open question. We demonstrate here how both the moduli involved can be stabilized, employing slightly different mechanisms for the two branches of the theory. This also offers a dynamical mechanism to generate and stabilise the scale for the Universal Extra Dimensions, another long-standing issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major problem of mean-variance portfolio optimization is parameter uncertainty. Many methods have been proposed to tackle this problem, including shrinkage methods, resampling techniques, and imposing constraints on the portfolio weights, etc. This paper suggests a new estimation method for mean-variance portfolio weights based on the concept of generalized pivotal quantity (GPQ) in the case when asset returns are multivariate normally distributed and serially independent. Both point and interval estimations of the portfolio weights are considered. Comparing with Markowitz's mean-variance model, resampling and shrinkage methods, we find that the proposed GPQ method typically yields the smallest meansquared error for the point estimate of the portfolio weights and obtains a satisfactory coverage rate for their simultaneous confidence intervals. Finally, we apply the proposed methodology to address a portfolio rebalancing problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzodiazines (diazonaphthalenes with both nitrogens in the same ring) – cinnolines (1,2-benzodiazine), quinazolines (1,3-benzodiazine), phthalazines (2,3-benzodiazine) and quinoxalines (1,4-benzodiazine) – are important class of compounds with broad biological properties and wide application in pharmaceutical as well as agrochemical arenas. These diazaheterocycles are present in a wide variety of bioactive natural products as well as synthetic molecules that are good drug candidates constituting key structural units responsible for their pronounced therapeutic activities. Their rapidly growing uses and applications in medicinal and agrochemical arenas prompt the researchers for further studies on this important group of compounds. In this review, we hope to provide a brief overview of the important general methodologies and recent developments towards their synthesis and open the door for further progress in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation of methanol and hydrocarbon derivatives from CO2 and H2, their simplest molecular building blocks, under biocompatible conditions is proposed. Alternate panspermia of similar extraterrestrially formed and observed hydrocarbons to earth is also discussed. The simple molecular building blocks derived from CO2 and H2 are carbon sources in the initial stage of biological evolution of cells leading to life's origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]