Search

Understanding the nucleation and growth of tungsten (W) is technologically important in spin-to-charge interconversion for realizing energy-efficient spintronic devices. Here, we have systematically investigated the effect of Ar deposition pressure (P A r ) on the nucleation and growth of W. The observed surface topography as a function of P A r reveals a microstructural transition from zone T to zone 1 in the structure zone model. The physical origin for the increasing roughness as a function of P A r correlates with the surface diffusion of adatoms and growth kinetics in the Volmer–Weber growth mechanism. Grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) results show that W exhibits a structural phase transition from a mixed phase of (α + β) - W to a single phase of β - W as a function of P A r . The analysis of the electron diffraction patterns obtained from the films grown on amorphous-SiNx windows also supports these observations. The observed transition is fundamentally correlated with the growth kinetics in zone T and zone I. Thickness-dependent GIXRD results qualitatively prove that the film grown in zone T exhibits compressive strain, whereas that grown in zone I exhibits only tensile strain. The critical thickness for the phase transition is strongly attributed to the strain during nucleation and growth. The increasing resistivity as a function of P A r corroborates the change in structural phases. Thickness-dependent resistivity measurements correlate with the degree of crystallinity via relative intensity observed from the GIXRD results. Our results strongly suggest that W structural phases can be deterministically controlled via P A r for developing low-power spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialize? Diversify? Do patients care? The authors investigate the demand-side effects of a hospital's portfolio strategy, which entails decisions about the depth and breadth of its service offerings. Positing that both depth (focus) and breadth (related focus) signal expertise, the authors use both archival and experimental evidence to examine these effects. The archival study is based on Florida's State Inpatient Databases for 2006–2015 and spans all major departments in health care delivery. The empirical analysis exploits plausible exogenous variation from other health care markets and reveals that patient choice is positively influenced by a hospital's depth (focus) and breadth (related focus) of expertise in a department. Complementing the archival evidence, the authors also conducted online experiments to examine the signaling effects of hospital portfolio strategy on patient choice behavior. The results provide support for the idea that hospital portfolio strategy influences patients' perceptions of hospital expertise in focal and related areas and, subsequently, their choice behavior. The authors also highlight potential synergistic effects between focus and related focus and heterogeneity in the effects across departments, payer types, and hospital profit status. These findings underscore the need for managers to adopt a targeted approach to portfolio decisions in health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate bone regeneration among three different bone graft materials in a rat calvarum model. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 rats had two 5-mm defects placed per calvarial. Rats were divided into four groups: bovine xenograft (XG), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), mineralized bone graft (MBG), and collagen membrane control (CC). Within each group, samples were collected at two time points: 4 weeks (T4) and 8 weeks (T8). Bone regeneration was assessed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) imaging and was analyzed using MATLAB software. Additionally, the fixed samples were subsequently demineralized for immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry. Slides were mounted and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain as well as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) markers. The numbers of positive cells/area were calculated for each group and analyzed. Results: At 4 weeks, DBM showed low mineral density (7.7%) compared to the control (25.2%), but increased dramatically at 8 weeks (DBM, T8 = 27.6%; CC, T8 = 27.2%). Xenograft material showed an increase in mineral desnity between T4 and T8 (XG, T4 = 25.0%; XG, T8 = 32.3%). MBG remained consistent over the 8-week trial period (MBG, T4 = 30.4%; MBG, T8 = 30.4%). BMP-2 expression was present in cells adherent to all graft materials. RUNX2 expression was also observed in cells adherent to all graft materials, indicating that during the 4- to 8-week healing period, all materials supported osteogenesis. Conclusions: Compared to other materials, the DBM had high osteoinductive properties during the 4- to 8-week time period based on increased mineral content. All materials were associated with immunohistologic evidence of osteogenesis in the rat calvarial defect model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended reality (XR) technologies are emerging as promising platforms for medical training and procedural guidance, particularly in complex cardiac interventions. This paper presents a high-fidelity methodology to perform real-time 3D catheter tracking and visualization during simulated cardiac interventions. A custom 3D-printed setup with mounted cameras enables biplane video capture of a catheter. A computer vision algorithm processes the biplane images in real-time to reconstruct the 3D catheter trajectory represented by any designated number of points along its length. This method accurately localizes the catheter tip within 1 mm and can reconstruct any arbitrary catheter configuration. The tracked catheter data is integrated into an interactive Unity-based scene rendered on the Meta Quest 3 headset. The visualization seamlessly combines a reconstructed 3D patient-specific heart model with the dynamically tracked catheter, creating an immersive extended reality training environment. Our experimental study, involving six participants, demonstrated that the 3D visualization provided by the proposed XR system significantly outperformed 2D visualization in terms of speed and user experience. This suggests that the XR system has the potential to enhance catheterization training by improving spatial comprehension and procedural skills. The proposed system demonstrates the potential of XR technologies to transform percutaneous cardiac interventions through improved visualization and interactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of donor‐acceptor (D–π–A) substituted diphenylbutadienes exhibiting solvatochromic emission and a large Stokes shift (100–200 nm) were designed and synthesized for distinctive organelle labelling, enabling real‐time monitoring of organelle behaviour such as lysosomal dynamics, mitophagy monitoring, and stress responses. The morpholine‐substituted D–A–D diphenylbutadiene (M2) was employed to investigate selective imaging of lysosomes, the uptake of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy, and monitoring lysosomal viscosity or pH changes. Other diphenylbutadiene derivatives (M1, M3, M4) selectively accumulated in lipid droplets. All the synthesized derivatives demonstrated significant uptake in 5‐day post‐fertilization zebrafish larvae, with M2 showing maximum uptake in the enterocyte‐containing heart and intestinal regions, which include the lysosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, an innovative nondominated sorting colliding bodies optimization (NSCBO) technique is introduced to tackle multiobjective optimal power flow (MOOPF) challenges within electrical power networks. This method offers a means to generate a diverse array of nondominated solutions in a single iteration by including the nondominated (ND) sorting process and the concept of crowding distance. Additionally, it utilizes a spread indicator to archive the latest nondominated solutions. In the NSCBO method, the mass of each colliding body is determined by its nondominated rank rather than relying on objective function information. Moreover, a fuzzy decision-making strategy is employed to identify a suitable solution from the set of ND solutions. To showcase the scalability and viability of the NSCBO method, experiments are conducted on IEEE 30-bus, considering both bi- and tri-objective models. Comparative analysis with existing methods from recent literature demonstrates the efficacy of the NSCBO technique in handling constraints and deriving nondominated solutions for MOOPF problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural stem cells have intact innate immune responses that protect them from virus infection and cell death. Yet, viruses can antagonize such responses to establish neuropathogenesis. Using a forebrain organoid model system at two developmental time points, we identified that neural stem cells, in particular radial glia, are basally primed to respond to virus infection by upregulating several antiviral interferon-stimulated genes. Infection of these organoids with a neuropathogenic Enterovirus-D68 strain, demonstrated the ability of this virus to impede immune activation by blocking interferon responses. Together, our data highlight immune gene signatures present in different types of neural stem cells and differential viral capacity to block neural-specific immune induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst chemotherapy regimens have proven to be more successful for pediatric cancer patients over the years, their influence on long‐term side effects is relatively poorly understood. One of the possible targets is the gonads, with gonadotoxic agents representing those that threaten the patient's ability to have children post surviving the primary disease treatment. Many risk stratification guidelines have categorized these agents based on the severity of their effect on the pre‐pubertal testis. While the consensus is that those agents factored with a cyclophosphamide equivalent dosage pose the highest threat to fertility (e.g. alkylating agents), other agents might still contribute to a reduced testis function; especially in the case of combination therapies. Besides, it is important to note that studies deciphering the effect of other non‐alkylating agents on the pre‐pubertal testis lack standardized conclusions for clinically relevant outcomes. This makes it imperative to ensure the knowledge gap is addressed between the clinic and pre‐clinic to understand potential gonadotoxic effects, ultimately leading to improved patient care. Therefore, this review will summarize the key findings in understanding the gonadotoxic effects of the most commonly researched non‐alkylating agents: vincristine, etoposide, doxorubicin, and imatinib on the pre‐pubertal testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal waters of Kerala, in the South Eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS), are unique during the Southwest monsoon season due to the concurrent occurrence of two physical processes, the upwelling and Mudbanks. However, little is known about the viral ecology and activity in a system where upwelling and Mudbanks coexist, though it is generally recognized that microbial assemblages play a vital role in the food web dynamics of marine systems, particularly in upwelling. Water samples were taken from monsoon and pre-monsoon period from three locations, (M1, M2, and M3) off Alappuzha, on the southwest coast of India to examine the viral activity and distribution. The dissolved oxygen levels showed the incursion of hypoxic waters in all the stations during the peak upwelling period. Upwelling signals were prominent in all the stations, but Mudbank and upwelling co-occurred at M2 alone during monsoon. The abundance of viruses ranged from 0.86 to 15.68 × 106 Viral-like Particles (VLPs mL−1) and prokaryotic abundance ranged from 2.73–16.26 × 105 cells mL−1. Viral and prokaryotic abundance was significantly higher in the monsoon compared to pre and late-monsoon. Based on Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results, the non-tailed viruses constituted the major (43%) proportion of the total viruses in this study region. However, the viral production rates and viral-mediated bacterial mortality were high in the pre-monsoon compared to the monsoon and late-monsoon periods. There was no obvious effect of Mudbanks on viral dynamics and the observed variations in virological and hydrological features were governed mainly by coastal upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bracing can reduce adult occupants' out-of-position postures, but it is unclear if this finding can be extended to child occupants. We investigated the effect of bracing, and age on the motion of vehicle occupants of different ages during sled-simulated pre-crash maneuvers. Methods: Forty seatbelt restrained subjects (9–40 y.o.) experienced sled simulated evasive swerving maneuvers during a brace condition, where subjects actively brace before the maneuver onset, and an unbraced condition. A 3D motion capture system, electromyography (EMG), and seatbelt load cells captured head and trunk kinematics, muscle activation, and seat belt reaction forces, respectively. The effects of age and bracing on peak lateral head and trunk displacement were examined with Mixed Effects Model (p ≤ 0.05). Results: In the braced condition, all subjects had reduced normalized peak head (0.09 ± 0.05) and trunk (0.11 ± 0.05) displacements compared to the unbraced condition (Head: 0.14 ± 0.06, Trunk: 0.17 ± 0.07) (p < 0.05). For the into-the-belt direction in the unbraced condition, children showed the smallest peak head and trunk displacement of all age groups (p < 0.01) while teens had the greatest peak head and trunk displacement compared to all other age groups (p < 0.02). Similar trends were found in the out-of-the-belt direction in the unbraced condition (p < 0.01). In the unbraced condition, all occupants showed greater shoulder seat belt reaction loads than the braced condition (unbraced 1.6–2.7 N/kg, braced 1.0–1.4 N/kg). Children also showed greater neck muscle activation (50–64% MVIC) compared to other muscles and older occupants regardless of the bracing condition or direction of motion. Conclusion: Bracing reduced out-of-position postures across all ages. In the unbraced condition, children move less than teens and adults due to greater activation in the neck muscles. In the unbraced condition, teens showed the greatest motion, potentially due to their developing neuromotor control transitioning to a more mature stage. Across all age groups in the unbraced condition, occupants relied more heavily on the seat belt to maintain their position rather than their muscles to brace, suggesting the importance of good seatbelt-torso interaction in unbraced occupants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic ultrasonography has evolved to become an indispensable imaging tool that permits non‐invasive evaluation of the whole body. In this narrative review, we present a historical timeline of the invention, development, and evolution of diagnostic medical ultrasound. It includes interesting fun facts that may help the reader identify with many of the incredible researchers in this field. This review is a tribute to the researchers who contributed to this amazing invention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a composite comprising a rare‐earth metal, samarium vanadate (SmVO4, SmV), anchored to halloysite nanotube (HNT) making SmV/HNT nanocomposite is synthesized for the sensitive electrochemical determination of furaltadone (FLD) through differential pulse voltammetry analysis based on the synergistic effect of SmV/HNT (the catalytic activity and chemical stability of SmV, which was further boosted by the improved surface area and conductance of HNT). Further, in the microscopic studies, it is revealed that SmV exhibits a tetragonal zircon‐type crystalline structure, with I41/amd (141) space group, whereas HNT comprises a multiphase kaolin composition as a gibbsite‐like octahedral sheet with multivalency, and the morphological irregularities of the individual constituents are rectified in the composite. The SmV/HNT composite is spray‐coated on polyethylene terephthalate sheet, which delivered a promising trace level limit of detection (0.009 μm) over a wide working range (0.05–194.4 μm) for FLD. Furthermore, real sample analysis is performed using human serum, and pharmaceutical tablet and the results reveal exceptional repeatability and sensitivity, indicating the real‐time application of SmV/HNT in the pharmaceutical domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Clinicians are often uncertain about their prognostic estimates, which may impede prognostic communication and clinical decision-making. We assessed the impact of a web-based prognostic calculator on physicians' prognostic confidence. Methods: In this prospective study, palliative care physicians estimated the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer in an outpatient clinic using the temporal, surprise, and probabilistic approaches for 6 m, 3 m, 2 m, 1 m, 2 w, 1 w, and 3 d. They then reviewed information from www.predictsurvival.com, which calculated survival estimates from seven validated prognostic scores, including the Palliative Prognostic Score, Palliative Prognostic Index, and Palliative Performance Status, and again provided their prognostic estimates after calculator use. The primary outcome was prognostic confidence in temporal CPS (0–10 numeric rating scale, 0 = not confident, 10 = most confident). Results: Twenty palliative care physicians estimated prognoses for 217 patients. The mean (standard deviation) prognostic confidence significantly increased from 5.59 (1.68) before to 6.94 (1.39) after calculator use (p < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of physicians reported feeling confident enough in their prognosis to share it with patients (44% vs. 74%, p < 0.001) and formulate care recommendations (80% vs. 94%, p < 0.001) after calculator use. Prognostic accuracy did not differ significantly before or after calculator use, ranging from 55–100%, 29–98%, and 48–100% for the temporal, surprise, and probabilistic approaches, respectively. Conclusion: This web-based prognostic calculator was associated with increased prognostic confidence and willingness to discuss prognosis. Further research is needed to examine how prognostic tools may augment prognostic discussions and clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land managers, researchers, and regulators increasingly utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to monitor species richness, presence, and absence. In order to properly develop a biological assay for eDNA metabarcoding or quantitative PCR, scientists must be able to find not only reference sequences (previously identified sequences in a genomics database) that match their target taxa but also reference sequences that match non-target taxa. Determining which taxa have publicly available sequences in a time-efficient and accurate manner currently requires computational skills to search, manipulate, and parse multiple unconnected DNA sequence databases. Our team iteratively designed a Graphic User Interface (GUI) Shiny application called the Reference Sequence Browser (RSB) that provides users efficient and intuitive access to multiple genetic databases regardless of computer programming expertise. The application returns the number of publicly accessible barcode markers per organism in the NCBI Nucleotide, BOLD, or CALeDNA CRUX Metabarcoding Reference Databases. Depending on the database, we offer various search filters such as min and max sequence length or country of origin. Users can then download the FASTA/GenBank files from the RSB web tool, view statistics about the data, and explore results to determine details about the availability or absence of reference sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necroptosis is a regulated form of cell death that has been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) along with the classical pathological hallmark lesions of amyloid plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles. To understand the neurodegenerative process in AD, we studied the role of necroptosis in mouse models and primary mouse neurons. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated activated necroptosis- related proteins in transgenic mice developing Tau pathology and in primary neurons from amyloid precursor protein (APP)--Tau double transgenic mice treated with phosphorylated Tau seeds derived from a patient with AD but not in APP transgenic mice that only exhibited β-amyloid deposits. Necroptosis proteins in granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) bodies were associated with neuronal loss in mouse brain regions also known to be vulnerable to GVD in the human AD brain. Necroptosis inhibitors lowered the percentage of neurons showing GVD and reduced neuronal loss, both in transgenic mice and in primary mouse neurons. This suggests that a GVD-associated form of necroptosis that we refer to as "GVD-necroptosis" may represent a delayed form of necroptosis in AD. We propose that inhibition of necroptosis could rescue this type of neuronal death in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of controllably Si-doped 4.5 μm thick β-Ga2O3 films with electron concentrations in the 1015 cm−3 range and record-high room temperature Hall electron mobilities of up to 200 cm2/Vs, reaching the predicted theoretical maximum room temperature phonon scattering-limited mobility value for β-Ga2O3. Growth of the homoepitaxial films was performed on Fe-doped (010) β-Ga2O3 substrates at a growth rate of 1.9 μm/h using TEGa as the Gallium precursor. To probe the background electron concentration, an unintentionally doped film was grown with a Hall concentration of 3.43 × 1015 cm−3 and Hall mobility of 196 cm2/Vs. Growth of intentionally Si-doped films was accomplished by fixing all growth conditions and varying only the silane flow, with controllable Hall electron concentrations ranging from 4.38 × 1015 to 8.30 × 1015 cm−3 and exceptional Hall mobilities ranging from 194 to 200 cm2/Vs demonstrated. C-V measurements showed a flat charge profile with the ND+–NA− values correlating well with the Hall-measured electron concentration in the films. SIMS measurements showed the silicon atomic concentration matched the Hall electron concentration with carbon and hydrogen below detection limit in the films. The Hall, C-V, and SIMS data indicate the growth of high-quality 4.5 μm thick β-Ga2O3 films and controllable doping into the mid 1015 cm−3 range. These results demonstrate MOCVD growth of electronics grade record-high mobility, low carrier density, and thick β-Ga2O3 drift layers for next-generation vertical β-Ga2O3 power devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a global economic burden even in the 21st century with 85% of deaths resulting from heart attacks. Despite efforts in reducing the risk factors, and enhancing pharmacotherapeutic strategies, challenges persist in early identification of disease progression and functional recovery of damaged hearts. Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, a key player in the pathogenesis of CVD has been less successful due to its role in other coexisting diseases. Additionally, it is the only organelle with an agathokakological function that is a remedy and a poison for the cell. In this review, we describe the origins of cardiac mitochondria and the role of heteroplasmy and mitochondrial subpopulations namely the interfibrillar, subsarcolemmal, perinuclear, and intranuclear mitochondria in maintaining cardiac function and in disease-associated remodeling. The cumulative evidence of mitochondrial retrograde communication with the nucleus is addressed, highlighting the need to study the genotype-phenotype relationships of specific organelle functions with CVD by using approaches like genome-wide association study (GWAS). Finally, we discuss the practicality of computational methods combined with single-cell sequencing technologies to address the challenges of genetic screening in the identification of heteroplasmy and contributory genes towards CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concepts and evolution of multi-scale modelling from the perspective of wave–structure interaction have been discussed. In this regard, both domain and functional decomposition approaches have come into being. In domain decomposition, the computational domain is spatially segregated to handle the far-field using potential flow models and the near field using Navier–Stokes equations. In functional decomposition, the velocity field is separated into irrotational and rotational parts to facilitate identification of the free surface. These two approaches have been implemented alongside partitioned or monolithic schemes for modelling the structure. The applicability of multi-scale modelling approaches has been established using both mesh-based and meshless schemes. Owing to said diversity in numerical techniques, massively collaborative research has emerged, wherein comparative numerical studies are being carried out to identify shortcomings of developed codes and establish best-practices in numerical modelling. Machine learning is also being applied to handle large-scale ocean engineering problems. This paper reports on the past, present and future research consolidating the contributions made over the past 20 years. Some of these past as well as future research contributions have and shall be actualized through funding from the Newton International Fellowship as the next generation of researchers inherits the present-day expertise in multi-scale modelling. This article is part of the theme issue 'Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of evaluation evidence in guiding health systems strengthening (HSS) investments at the global-level remains contested. A lack of rigorous impact evaluations is viewed by some as an obstacle to scaling resources. However, others suggest that power dynamics and knowledge hierarchies continue to shape perceptions of rigor and acceptability in HSS evaluations. This debate has had major implications on HSS resource allocation in global-level funding decisions. Yet, few studies have examined the relationship between HSS evaluation evidence and prioritization of HSS. In this paper, we explore the perspectives of key global health stakeholders, specifically around the nature of evidence sought regarding HSS and its potential impact on prioritization, the challenges in securing such evidence, and the drivers of intra- and inter-organizational divergences. We conducted a stakeholder analysis, drawing on 25 interviews with senior representatives of major global health organizations, and utilized inductive approaches to data analysis to develop themes. Results: Our analysis suggests an intractable challenge at the heart of the relationship between HSS evaluations and prioritization. A lack of evidence was used as a reason for limited investments by some respondents, citing their belief that HSS was an unproven and potentially risky investment which is driven by the philosophy of HSS advocates rather than evidence. The same respondents also noted that the 'holy grail' of evaluation evidence that they sought would be rigorous studies that assess the impact of investments on health outcomes and financial accountability, and believed that methodological innovations to deliver this have not occurred. Conversely, others held HSS as a cross-cutting principle across global health investment decisions, and felt that the type of evidence sought by some funders is unachievable and not necessary – an 'elusive quest' – given methodological challenges in establishing causality and attribution. In their view, evidence would not change perspectives in favor of HSS investments, and evidence gaps were used as a 'convenient excuse'. Respondents raised additional concerns regarding the design, dissemination and translation of HSS evaluation evidence. Conclusions: Ongoing debates about the need for stronger evidence on HSS are often conducted at cross-purposes. Acknowledging and navigating these differing perspectives on HSS evaluation may help break the gridlock and find a more productive way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disorder characterized by excessive fibrosis that primarily affects women, and can present as a multisystem pathology. Roughly 4-22% of patients with systemic sclerosis develop cancer, which drastically worsens prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying systemic sclerosis initiation, propagation, and cancer development are poorly understood. We hypothesize that the inflammation and immune response associated with systemic sclerosis can trigger DNA damage, leading to elevated somatic mutagenesis, a hallmark of pre-cancerous tissues. To test our hypothesis, we culture clonal lineages of fibroblasts from the lung tissues of controls and systemic sclerosis patients and compare their mutation burdens and spectra. We find an overall increase in all major mutation types in systemic sclerosis samples compared to control lung samples, from small-scale events such as single base substitutions and insertions/deletions, to chromosome-level changes, including copy-number changes and structural variants. In the genomes of patients with systemic sclerosis, we find evidence of somatic hypermutation or kategis (typically only seen in cancer genomes), we identify mutation signatures closely resembling the error-prone translesion polymerase Polη activity, and observe an activation-induced deaminase-like mutation signature, which overlaps with genomic regions displaying kataegis. Systemic sclerosis patients often develop cancer, but why this happens is poorly understood. Here, the authors propose a possible mechanism linking these diseases by showing increased somatic mutations and genome instability in systemic sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study analyzes characteristics of prehospital encounters for youth opioid overdoses and trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an overview of the current state of the art in the structure determination of microporous carbon-capture materials, as discussed at the recent NIST workshop "Integrating Crystallographic and Computational Approaches to Carbon-Capture Materials for the Mitigation of Climate Change". The continual rise in anthropogenic CO2 concentration and its effect on climate change call for the implementation of carbon capture technologies to reduce the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Porous solids, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are feasible candidates for gas capture and storage applications. However, determining the structure of these materials represents a significant obstacle in their development into advanced sorbents. The existing difficulties can be overcome by integrating crystallographic methods and theoretical modeling. The workshop gathered experimentalists and theorists from academia, government, and industry to review this field and identify approaches, including collaborative opportunities, required to develop tools for rapid determination of the structures of porous solid sorbents and the effect of structure on the carbon capture performance. We highlight the findings of that workshop, especially in the need for reference materials, standardized procedures and reporting of sorbent activation and adsorption measurements, standardized reporting of theoretical calculations, and round-robin structure determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian Medical Association Journal article delves into the diagnosis and management of early pregnancy loss, emphasizing the significance of empathetic communication and supportive follow-up to address the psychological impact on patients. It outlines risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and management options, stressing the need for personalized care and informed decision-making. The document also provides resources for patients and underscores the importance of compassionate support during this challenging period, while highlighting the role of Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinics in enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition, particularly among middle-aged and elderly men. Trans urethral resection of prostate (TURP) has some drawbacks, particularly concerning ejaculatory function. Ejaculation preserving TURP (Ep-TURP) is one such technique that aims at preserving the tissues that are primarily responsible for antegrade ejaculation. Methods and material: In this prospective study, patients with bothersome LUTS were randomized into Ep-TURP and standard TURP groups. Supramontal tissue was preserved in Ep-TURP while standard TURP group had resection of the entire prostatic tissue up to the verumontanum. The outcomes with regard to IPSS, Qmax, IIEF(Q9), Ejaculation and PVR were studied. Ejaculation projection score was separately calculated and assessed. Results: About 60 patients were studied, with 30 in each group. At 6 months' follow-up, complication rates were the same in both groups. The IPSS, Qmax, IIEF were similar and comparable. There was no change in erection in all patients (P = 0.559). The ejaculation was well preserved in Ep-TURP (p<0.001). Ejaculation projection score was maintained at 3.77 in the Ep-TURP group while in the standard group it was 0 (P<0.001). Conclusions: Ep-TURP is a safe and a cost-effective method of preserving ejaculation in patients undergoing TURP. This procedure adds a better quality of life that greatly aids in enhancing the improving his psychological outlook towards life. Ep-TURP has now emerged as the standard procedure of choice in sexually active young males needing TURP, as the degree of ejaculation is largely well preserved in patients undergoing this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study on the use of compression therapy in the assessment and management of the venous and arterial aetiologies underlying leg ulceration as part of a holistic care plan, which was presented in an expert panel discussion held in October 2023.

Rice yield is often threatened by various stresses caused by biotic and abiotic agents. Many biotic stress factors are known to cause crop growth and yield from seedling to maturity. The brown plant hopper (BPH) can potentially reduce the rice yield to an extent of up to 80%. Intensive research efforts in 1972 led to a better understanding of pathogens/insect and host-plant resistance. This resulted in the identification of about 70 BPH-resistant genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from diversified sources including wild germplasm. However, the BPH-resistant improved varieties with a single resistant gene lose the effectiveness of the gene because of the evolution of new biotypes. This review inferred that the level of resistance durable when incorporating multiple 'R' gene combinations when compared to a single gene. Breeding tools like wide hybridization, biparental crosses, marker-assisted introgression, pyramiding, and genetic engineering have been widely employed to breed rice varieties with single or combination of 'R' genes conferring durable resistance to BPH. Many other genes like receptor-like kinase genes, transcriptional factors, etc., were also found to be involved in the resistant mechanisms of 'R' genes. Due to this, the durability of the resistance can be improved and the level of resistance of the 'R' genes can be increased by adopting newer breeding tools like genome editing which hold promise to develop rice varieties with stable resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manufacturing industry continues to suffer from inefficiency, excessively high prices, and uncertainty over product quality. This statement remains accurate despite the increasing use of automation and the significant influence of Industry 4.0 and AI on industrial operations. This review details an extensive analysis of a substantial body of literature on artificial intelligence (AI) and Industry 4.0 to improve the efficiency of material processing in manufacturing. This document includes a summary of key information (i.e., various input tools, contributions, and application domains) on the current production system, as well as an in-depth study of relevant achievements made thus far. The major areas of attention were adaptive manufacturing, predictive maintenance, AI-driven process optimization, and quality control. This paper summarizes how Industry 4.0 technologies like Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics have been utilized to enhance, supervise, and monitor industrial activities in real-time. These techniques help to increase the efficiency of material processing in the manufacturing process, based on empirical research conducted across different industrial sectors. The results indicate that Industry 4.0 and AI both significantly help to raise manufacturing sector efficiency and productivity. The fourth industrial revolution was formed by AI, technology, industry, and convergence across different engineering domains. Based on the systematic study, this article critically explores the primary limitations and identifies potential prospects that are promising for greatly expanding the efficiency of smart factories of the future by merging Industry 4.0 and AI technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gazi Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To ensure consistent performance of additively manufactured metal parts, it is advantageous to identify alloys that are robust to process variations. This paper investigates the effect of steel alloy composition on mechanical property robustness in laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED). In situ blending of ultra-high-strength low-alloy steel (UHSLA) and pure iron powders produced 10 compositions containing 10–100 wt% UHSLA. Samples were deposited using a novel configuration that enabled rapid collection of hardness data. The Vickers hardness sensitivity of each alloy was evaluated with respect to laser power and interlayer delay time. Yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) sensitivities of five select alloys were investigated in a subsequent experiment. Microstructure analysis revealed that cooling rate-driven phase fluctuations between lath martensite and upper bainite were a key factor leading to high hardness sensitivity. By keeping the UHSLA content ≤20% or ≥70%, the microstructure transformed primarily to ferrite or martensite, respectively, which generally corresponded to improved robustness. Above 70% UHSLA, the YS sensitivity remained low while the UTS sensitivity increased. This finding, coupled with the observation of auto-tempered martensite at lower cooling rates, may suggest a strong response of the work hardening capability to auto-tempering at higher alloy contents. This work demonstrates a methodology for incorporating robust design into the development of alloys for additive manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rest-fMRI) in mapping language areas for preoperative planning, versus standard task-based techniques, which are at times difficult to perform in clinical settings. Our study also aimed to evaluate the overlap between language areas identified through rest-fMRI and the standard task-fMRI, in neurosurgical cases. Materials and Methods Using a seed-based analysis of rest-fMRI with multiple template seeds, we identified functionally connected language regions in patients undergoing preoperative language mapping. Four language task paradigms (word, verb, picture, and semantics) were evaluated. We quantified the degree of overlap between language areas identified on rest-fMRI and task-fMRI, categorizing the results as more than 50% or less than 50% overlap. Results Seventy-seven percent of patients demonstrated an overlap exceeding 50% between rest- and task-fMRI maps, with the left Broca's area being the most frequently observed region of overlap. This finding was noted even in cases with lesions in Broca's or Wernicke's areas, highlighting the method's robustness. The verb task showed the best blood-oxygen-level dependent activity and overlap with rest-fMRI, highlighting its reliability. To identify a specific language area, the contralateral seed of the same area most commonly displayed connectivity with the area of interest. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the potential of using rest-fMRI in accurately mapping eloquent language areas, in clinical settings The strong concordance observed, especially in the left Broca's area, underscores the reliability of this method. Further research and larger studies are essential to validate these results, potentially establishing the use of routine rest-fMRI, in clinical preoperative workup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is on the mechanical properties of bronze infill poly lactic acid composites fabricated by fused deposition modelling. By changing the nozzle temperature, printing speed, layer thickness and infill density the mechanical properties of the composites were studied. Tensile, flexural and impact strength tests were conducted on the composite specimen. Mathematical models were developed using response surface methodology and the significance of the models was tested using analysis of variance. Increase in infill density and nozzle temperature increased the strengths of the composites. Increase in layer thickness and printing speed decreased the strengths of the composite specimen. Tensile strength is primarily influenced by infill density (38.82%), flexural strength is primarily influenced by Nozzle Temperature contributes (44.02%) while Infill density (58.12%) plays the major role in contributing the impact strength followed by other parameters. The highest tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength values obtained in this study are 19.3 (N/mm2), 36.08 (N/mm2) and 0.26 (kJ/m2) respectively. The mechanism of the fractured specimen was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Fracture mechanisms such as cracks, infill gaps, voids, interface, delamination, hillocks, particle pull out, delamination had an effect on the fracture of composite specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods of stem cell therapy for tissue regeneration often face challenges, such as poor cell viability and integration posttransplantation. To address this, we proposed transplanting cells within synthetic microenvironments that maintain viability, cell phenotype, support extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion, and promote differentiation to enhance the regeneration of damaged host tissue. This hypothesis was tested in dental tissue regeneration using dental pulp stem cell‐laden microcarriers (MCs) mixed in a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel as a delivery system. The combination of MCs and GelMA exhibited similar physical properties and favorable biological properties compared to GelMA alone. Specifically, cell‐laden MC mixed into GelMA enhanced cell proliferation and ECM secretion and maintained a normal phenotype. Notably, MC‐modified GelMA amplified odontogenic differentiation, mineralization, and vascular endothelial growth factor release. Moreover, the storage of MC‐modified GelMA showed no detrimental effects on its injection force, cell viability, and mineralization potential, which demonstrates that the composite hydrogel is a promising injectable vehicle for therapeutic stem cell delivery. This strategy may be broadly applied to various tissues and organ systems, in which the provision and instruction of a cell population to participate in regeneration may be clinically useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of UHPC as an overlay and repair material in the bridge industry has been increasing recently. Ensuring sufficient interface shear strength between the substrate and UHPC is necessary for adequate performance and the structural integrity of the composite section. Due to the lack of structural design code for UHPC members, designers often rely on experimental data developed by researchers or on existing conventional concrete design code to predict the interface shear capacity of sections containing UHPC. The various test methods currently used to quantify the interface shear strength oftentimes produce different results. The objectives of this paper are to create a database of the studies on the interface shear strength of UHPC members available in the literature and carry out a statistical assessment. Moreover, a reliability analysis is conducted on the collected experimental database, and the probability of failure is determined for UHPC–concrete, UHPC–UHPC, and monolithic UHPC interfaces. The paper also investigates the dependence of the reliability index on two different test methods used for interface shear capacity prediction. Additionally, a simpler interface shear capacity model with readily determined parameters is proposed for the monolithic UHPC interface, with a better reliability index compared to current design specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of current advances in nanotechnology has shifted significantly towards environmentally conscious methods that use harmless ingredients and moderated reaction circumstances to promote equitable development. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) currently grabbed attention of multiple medical fields owing to their unique ability to safeguard against cellular damage and alleviate serious human diseases via processes related to metabolism. This work focused on the generation of ZnO NPs using the peel of Cucumis melo fruit. The NPs were then analyzed and characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that at a wavelength of 352 nm, it was proven that the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs had occurred. The XRD pattern indicated the presence of dense crystal structures. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) picture confirmed the existence of polygonal‐shaped ZnO NPs. The findings indicate that the produced ZnO NPs possess tough antibacterial properties against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative microorganisms. When the ZnO NPs were exposed to direct sunshine for 80 min, they showed an 89% dye breakdown efficiency. This research specifically focused on the decomposition of reactivity dyes, with methylene blue dye being used as the target dye. The work demonstrates that the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs has a crucial and versatile role in the biological and environmental sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a class of Nash games among Stackelberg players (NASPs), namely, a class of simultaneous noncooperative games where the players solve sequential Stackelberg games. Specifically, each player solves a Stackelberg game where a leader optimizes a (parametrized) linear objective function subject to linear constraints, whereas its followers solve convex quadratic problems subject to the standard optimistic assumption. Although we prove that deciding if a NASP instance admits a Nash equilibrium is generally a Σ2p -hard decision problem, we devise two exact and computationally efficient algorithms to compute and select Nash equilibria or certify that no equilibrium exists. We use NASPs to model the hierarchical interactions of international energy markets where climate change aware regulators oversee the operations of profit-driven energy producers. By combining real-world data with our models, we find that Nash equilibria provide informative, and often counterintuitive, managerial insights for market regulators. This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03418. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the hypothesis of top-down control by viruses and heterotrophic nanoflagellates on bacterial-mediated carbon fluxes in freshwater systems, a year-long study (2023–2024) was conducted in the pelagic zone of Lake Saint-Gervais (France). The variability in BGE (9.9% to 45.5%) was attributed to the decoupling of production and respiration, providing bacterioplankton communities with a competitive advantage in adapting to fluctuating environmental disturbances in freshwater systems. The high nucleic acid (HNA) bacterial community, the active fraction, contributed the most to bacterial production and was linked to BGE estimates. Weak bottom-up controls (nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry) on BGE suggested a stronger role for mortality forces. Among viral subgroups (VLP1–VLP4) identified via flow cytometry, the dominant low-fluorescence DNA VLP1 subgroup (range = 0.7 to 3.1 × 108 VLP mL−1) accounting for the majority of viral production was closely linked to the HNA population. Both top-down forces exerted antagonistic effects on BGE at the community level. The preferential lysis and grazing of the susceptible HNA population, which stimulated bacterial community respiration more than production in the non-target population, resulted in reduced BGE. These results underscore the key role of top-down processes in shaping carbon flux through bacterioplankton in this freshwater system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]