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Designing dual-ion batteries (DIBs) by using various electrolytes through experiments or computationally is highly time-consuming and needs high-cost sophisticated resources. Here, we have utilized the ultrafast screening capability of machine learning (ML) to search for suitable salt-electrolytes toward the design of DIBs, choosing voltage as the desirable descriptor. Considering 50 different salts and their suitable staging mechanisms, the XGBoost Regressor ML model has been found to perform with remarkable accuracy. This is further validated by density functional theory, cross-validation, and experimental findings. An interpretable ML technique has been employed for local and global feature analysis to interpret the ML predicted results, underscoring the importance of choosing input features. This ML assisted DIB design approach has the potential to explore unknown salt-electrolytes that have yet to be tested in DIBs. Finally, we introduce the predicted voltages for all of the salt-electrolyte combinations as well as their probable staging mechanism. We signify the absence of a general trend in the predicted voltages, as various combinations of cations and anions are found to deliver unique voltages. Our study can guide researchers toward tuning constituent salts as well as staging mechanisms for the design of efficient DIBs.

The compatibility between solvent electrolytes and high-voltage electrode materials represents a significant impediment to the progress of rechargeable metal-ion batteries. Rapidly identifying suitable solvent electrolytes with optimized electrochemical windows (ECWs) within an extensive search space poses a formidable challenge. In this study, we introduce a combined supervised and unsupervised (clustering) machine learning (ML) approach to discern distinct clusters of solvent electrolytes exhibiting varying ECW ranges. Through supervised machine learning, we have accurately predicted optimal solvent electrolytes with desired ECWs from a vast pool of 4882 solvents. Our ML model boasts superior accuracy compared to previously reported data from density functional theory (DFT). Besides, the exploration of the vast solvent space through K-means clustering (unsupervised approach) yields 11 optimal clusters, each encompassing different solvents characterized by diverse ECW ranges and frequencies. The expedited reduction of solvent space achieved through clustering occurs within a very short time frame and with minimal resource expenditure. Consequently, this method is highly capable of streamlining the subsequent experimental investigations for battery applications, avoiding the need for a trial-and-error approach.

Upcycling polyolefins into value-added hydrocarbons via catalytic hydrogenolysis is challenging due to poor product selectivity, random C–C bond cleavage, and the formation of volatile alkanes. We have developed two isoreticular porous aluminum metal–organic framework (MOF) node-supported mononuclear ruthenium dihydride catalysts (DUT-5-RuH2and MIL-53-RuH2), which are efficient in the hydrogenolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at 200 °C into a narrow distribution of liquid hydrocarbons (C8-C24). By systematic tuning of the pore sizes of the MOFs, high yields of desirable liquid alkanes were afforded with varying degrees of branching, achieving 80% selectivity. DUT-5-RuH2produced a C22-centered bell-shaped alkane distribution with a polyethylene conversion of 98%, while MIL-53-RuH2, being selective for shorter alkanes, produced a C9-centered bell-shaped alkane distribution. Based on our spectroscopic and theoretical studies, the high catalytic activity and selectivity of these MOF catalysts are primarily attributed to the stabilization of single-site mono-RuH2species at the MOF’s nodes via active-site isolation and the confinement of the active catalytic species within porous MOFs. Theoretical calculations suggest that RuH2-mediated polyolefin C–C bond cleavage primarily occurs via turnover-limiting σ-bond metathesis. This study underscores the significance of MOFs in the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts for the efficient upcycling of plastic waste.

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The present study investigates the effect of in situ reinforced TiC on the microstructure, density, and tensile properties of austenitic low-density steel. Low-density steels with compositions of Fe-18.93%Mn-6.20%Al-0.76%C (Steel A) and composition of steel A, with the addition of 2.5 %Ti and 0.5 %C are melted via induction melting and cast into copper mold to get austenite in steel A and austenite plus in-situ formation of 4.5 vol% TiC in Steel B, respectively. Both the homogenized steels are subjected to hot rolling followed by solutionizing and quenching in water. The austenitic Steel A reports low density and Young’s modulus of 6.99 g/cc and 169 GPa, respectively. The presence of 4.5 vol% TiC in austenitic Steel B reduces density to 6.84 g/cc but increases Young’s modulus to 176 GPa, yield strength to 578 MPa, and tensile strength to 920 MPa. In situ formation of TiC increases grain boundary strengthening due to refinement in austenite size and dislocation strengthening significantly even though solid solution strengthening is the dominating one. Formation of TiC reduces the product of strength and elongation (PCE) to 32.5 GPa% due to a decrease in ductility. Both steels exhibit Ludwigson flow behavior, characterized by two distinct slopes of easy glide and cross-slip, respectively, in true stress–true strain plots.

Hypochlorite, as an important reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a vital role in many physiological and pathological processes, but an excess concentration of hypochlorite (ClO–) may become toxic to humans and cause disease. Hence, the selective and rapid detection of hypochlorite (ClO–) is necessary for human safety. Here, we report a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence “turn-on” and highly selective benzophenoxazinium chloride-based fluorescent probe, BPH(benzophenoxazinium dihydroxy benzaldehyde), for hypochlorite detection. Due to hypochlorite-induced vicinal diol oxidation to the corresponding ortho benzoquinone derivative, the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process, which was operating from vicinal diol to the benzophenoxazinium chloride receptor moiety, was suddenly inhibited, as a result of which strong NIR fluorescence “turn-on” emission was observed. The detection limit of BPHwas found to be 2.39 × 10–10M, or 0.23 nM. BPHwas successfully applied for exogenous and endogenous hypochlorite detection in live MDA-MB 231 cells.

Nanoceria (NC) is gaining scientific attention due to its widespread drug delivery efficacy and modulation of oxidative stress. Herein, we developed dextran (Dex) capped insulin (INS)-loaded phenylboronic acid (PBA)-functionalized nanoceria (NC-PBA-INS-Dex) for glucose-responsive insulin delivery and mitigating excessive ROS production to regulate both hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus (DM). The prepared nanoparticle showed favorable loading capacity and excellent encapsulation efficiency of insulin. Glucose-responsive insulin release from NC-PBA-INS-Dex was observed initially in the cell-free mode when subjected to varying glucose concentrations (5.5, 11, and 25 mM). Interestingly, under in vitro setting, promising insulin release from NC-PBA-INS-Dex was found in muscle cells (major glucose storage cells) compared to lung cells against exposure to different glucose concentration suggesting a glucose-sensitive intracellular insulin delivery. NC-PBA-INS-Dex treatment further upregulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake/utilization in sodium palmitate-exposed muscle cells, and results were significantly higher compared to NC or INS alone treated cells. Studies in diabetic animals demonstrated the maintenance of normoglycemia for up to 12 h upon gavaging a single dose of NC-PBA-INS-Dex compared to INS alone treatment (subcutaneous/oral). Oral administration of NC-PBA-INS-Dex also increased insulin bioavailability (in both serum and muscle tissue) compared with either subcutaneous or oral insulin administration. NC-PBA-INS-Dex further exhibited ROS scavenging (superoxide radical) potential in cell-free, in vitro, and in vivo systems, and results were comparable to treatment with NC alone. NC-PBA-INS-Dex could effectively regulate the expression of occludin and induce the reversible opening of a tight junction in intestinal epithelial cells, allowing the particle transport through the intestinal mucosa. Treatment with NC-PBA-INS-Dex did not exhibit any toxicity to in vitro and in vivo models. The NC-based drug delivery system will mimic the physiological regulation of insulin secretion in a noninvasive manner, offering improved patient compliance, reduced risk of hyperglycemia, and enhanced overall management of DM.

A catalytic method for the introduction of pharmaceutically meaningful fluorinated propionic acid side chains into aromatic compounds is presented. In the presence of rhodium catalyst [RhCp*Cl2]2, various arylboronic acids are efficiently coupled with an easy-to-access diazoester reagent to give perfluorinated derivatives of phenylpropionic acids, including top-selling profen drugs. The key advantage of this approach is that the pharmacophore is introduced as a whole and is compatible with various functionalities and drug discovery.

Metasurfaces of quarter-wave-plate (QWP) meta-atoms exhibit high flexibility and versatility in light-field manipulations; however, using them to generate multi-channel focused vector beams is challenging. This study proposes dielectric metasurfaces comprising two interleaving sets of QWP meta-atoms. Their parameters are adjusted based on the pre-set orders of the target vector beams to manipulate higher-order Poincaré beams and vortex superpositions in multiple channels. The metasurface phase profiles include hyperbolic, vortex, and gradient phases for focusing wavefronts, generating circularly polarized vortices, and deflecting vortices into two cross-polarization and one co-polarization channel. Four metasurface samples were designed to generate different order higher-order Poincaré beams in different channels, demonstrating the feasibility of QWP meta-atoms metasurface for manipulation of complicated vector light fields. Theoretical analysis, simulations, and experiments all demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed metasurfaces. Thus, this study is significant for compact, integrated, and multifunctional nanophotonic platforms with applications in high-capacity communication, image processing, quantum entanglement, and quantum communication.

The paper investigates the collapse of the generalized emergent Vaidya spacetime in the setting of f(R̄,T̄)gravity, specifically in K-essence theory. In this study, the Dirac–Born–Infeld type non-standard Lagrangian is used to calculate the emergent metric Ḡμν, which is not conformally equivalent to the conventional gravitational metric. We use the function f(R̄,T̄)to reflect the additive nature of the emergent Ricci scalar (R̄) and the trace of the emergent energy–momentum tensor (T̄). Our study demonstrates that certain choices of f(R̄,T̄)may result in the existence of a naked singularity caused by gravitational collapse. The alternative f(R̄,T̄)values resulted in an accelerating universe dominated by dark energy. Moreover, the investigation showed the presence of both positive and negative masses, which might suggest the coexistence of dark matter and dark energy. In addition, when a certain amount of kinetic energy is present in the K-essence scalar field, mass is entirely converted into energy, indicating that spacetime is Minkowskian. The K-essence theory may also be employed as a dark energy framework and a basic gravitational theory, making it possible for researchers to investigate a wide ranges of cosmic phenomena.

The residual effect of different thicknesses of nonwoven jute agro-textile mulches (NJATM), rice straw, and black polythene on the yield of maize, soil fertility, soil moisture, microbial population, and weed suppression was studied in lateritic soil of eastern India after broccoli. Results indicated that residual 400 gsm (grams per square meter) NJATM showed highest plant height (212.43 cm), plant per m2(8.29), cobs per plant (2.00), cob length (22.63 cm), cob diameter (14.95 cm), test weight (235.6 g), grain yield (6.90 t ha−1), biological yield (16.0 t ha−1), and harvest index (43.11%) of maize. Residual NJATM decreased the density of weeds (broadleaved, grasses, sedges), and their significantly lower density was in 400 gsm NJATM. The population of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi was increased from their initial value in residual NJATM-treated plots. In post-harvest soil, the population of bacteria and actinomycetes (72.50 × 106and 152.75 × 104cfu per g) were highest with residual 400 gsm NJATM. Residual NJATM significantly increased the soil moisture content compared to the control, and its 400 gsm thickness showed its highest content of 13.18%, 18.98%, 17.12%, and 15.98% at 15, 30, 60, and 90 DAS, respectively. Again, residual NJATM improved soil fertility compared to other mulches, and residual 400 gsm NJATM recorded the highest available N, P, and K (145.98 kg ha−1, 30.33 kg ha−1, and 138.23 kg ha−1) and organic C (0.70%). Thus, the residual 400 gsm NJATM proved the best in improving soil fertility and microbial population, conserving soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and increasing maize yield in lateritic soil.

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is a promising electrode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. However, the material undergoes efficiency loss due to charge recombination. In the present study, BiVO4photoelectrodes were treated with gamma irradiation to enhance their catalytic performance. The photoanodes were fabricated with BiVO4and a cobalt borate (Co–Bi) surface layer incorporated with BiVO4, over which gamma irradiation treatment was carried out. The radiation treatment enhanced the photocurrent from 0.72 mAcm–2to 1.21 mAcm–2in the FTO/BiVO4/Co–Bisample. Electrochemical parameters were evaluated from the Mott–Schottky measurements along with the charge transfer and transport kinetics of the PEC process. The lifetime of charge carriers has also been increased. The enhancement in the open circuit photovoltage (OCPV) by about 0.35 V in the FTO/BiVO4/Co–Bisample at 50 kGy radiation doses compared with that in unirradiated FTO/BiVO4has been correlated with the corresponding shift in the Fermi energy toward the conduction band, which has a positive impact on the enhancement of charge transfer dynamics and thus the catalytic performance.

The Sam (sterile alpha motif) domain from the lipid phosphatase Ship2 binds the Sam domain from the EphA2 receptor to negatively regulate receptor endocytosis and degradation. This interaction is primarily linked to pro-oncogenic effects. We report on the design and evaluation of EphA2-Sam/Ship2-Sam peptide inhibitors provided with positive charges and different aromatic characters. Starting from the sequence of previously identified Ship2-Sam targeting peptides, an in silico approach was set up to predict higher affinity peptide ligands. A few peptides were experimentally tested through an interdisciplinary approach. Interaction studies were performed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and biolayer interferometry. 3D models of Ship2-Sam/peptide complexes were predicted by AlphaFold2. Cell-based assays were carried out to investigate whether such peptide sequences might have an influence on EphA2 signaling. The approach led to the identification of novel Ship2-Sam ligands and shed further light on original approaches to design inhibitors of the Ship2-Sam/EphA2-Sam interaction.

The precise synthesis of ultrasmall, monodisperse CsPbBr3nanocrystals is crucial due to their enhanced photophysical properties resulting from strong quantum confinement effects. Traditional methods struggle with size control, complicating synthesis. Although CsPbBr3nanocrystals find applications in LEDs and photovoltaics, their use in photocatalysis for organic reactions remains limited. Our study introduces ultrasmall TBIA-CsPbBr3nanocrystals (∼5.6 nm), synthesized viaa three-precursor hot injection method using tribromoisocyanuric acid (TBIA) as a bromine precursor for the first time. These nanocrystals exhibit a near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 0.99 and an elevated oxidation potential of +1.80 V. We demonstrate their efficacy as recyclable heterogeneous photocatalysts in a one-pot, 100% E-selective, anti-Markovnikov sulfinylsulfonation of terminal alkynes under visible light, achieving a high product conversion rate (PCR) of 62,500 μmol g–1h–1and recyclability for up to five cycles. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the exclusive formation of the E-isomer. TBIA-CsPbBr3outperforms other CsPbBr3perovskites in photocatalysis, with superior efficiency attributed to their extended excited-state lifetime and higher surface area, which accelerates the organic transformation process.

Nature-inspired superhydrophobic surfaces have gained significant attention due to their various potential applications. Artificial superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated through co-optimization of topography and low-surface-energy chemistry. In the conventional approach, artificial superhydrophobic surfaces are developed through associating mostly polymer, metal, alloys, nanoparticles, microparticles, etc. and commonly encounter several challenges related to scalability, durability, and complex fabrication processes. In response to these challenges, molecule-based approaches have emerged as a promising alternative, providing several advantages such as prolonged shelf life of depositing solution, higher solvent compatibility, and a simple fabrication process. In this Perspective, we have provided a concise overview of traditional and molecule-based approaches to fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces, highlighting recent advancements and challenges. We have discussed various molecule-based strategies for tailoring water wettability, customizing mechanical properties, developing substrate-independent coatings, prolonging the shelf life of deposition solutions, and so on. Here, we have illustrated the potential of molecule-based approaches in overcoming existing limitations and its importance to diverse and prospective practical applications.

This study presents a layered transition metal dichalcogenide/black germanium (b-Ge) heterojunction photodetector that exhibits superior performance across a broad spectrum of wavelengths spanning from visible (vis) to shortwave infrared (SWIR). The photodetector includes a thin layer of b-Ge, which is created by wet etching of germanium (Ge) wafer to form submicrometer pyramidal structures. On top of this b-Ge layer, the WS2thin film is deposited using pulsed laser deposition. In comparison to conventional germanium, b-Ge absorbs about 25% more light between 850 and 1750 nm wavelengths. The WS2/b-Ge photodetector has a peak photoresponsivity of 0.65 A/W, which is more than twice the photoresponsivity of the WS2/Ge photodetector at 1540 nm. Additionally, it shows better responsivity and response speed compared with other similar state-of-the-art photodetectors. Such an improvement in the performance of the device is credited to the light-trapping effect enabled by the germanium pyramids. Theoretical simulations employing the finite-difference time-domain technique help validate the concept. This novel photodetector holds promise for efficient detection of light across the vis to SWIR spectrum.

The conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks by cellulases to glucose is a critical step in biofuel production. β-Glucosidases catalyze the final step in cellulose breakdown, producing glucose, and are often the rate-limiting step in biomass hydrolysis. The specific activity of most natural and engineered β-glucosidase is higher on the artificial substrate p-nitrophenyl β-d-glucopyranoside (pNPGlc) than on the natural substrate, cellobiose. We report an engineered β-glucosidase (Q319A H0HC94) with a 1.8-fold higher specific activity (366.3 ± 36 μmol/min/mg), a 1.5-fold increase in kcat(340.8 ± 27 s–1), and a 3-fold increase in catalytic efficiency (236.65 mM–1s–1) over H0HC94 (WT) on cellobiose. Molecular dynamic simulations and protein structure network analysis indicate that the Q319A H0HC94 active site pocket is significantly remodeled compared to the WT, leading to changes in enzyme conformation, better accessibility of cellobiose inside the active site pocket, and higher enzymatic activity. This study shows the impact of rational engineering of a nonconserved residue to increase β-glucosidase substrate accessibility and catalytic efficiency by reducing crowding interaction between cellobiose and active site pocket residues near the gatekeeper region and increasing pocket volume and surface area. Thus, rational engineering of previously characterized enzymes could be an excellent strategy to improve cellulose hydrolysis.

In recent times, photoinduced shape-changing polymers have demonstrated great potential in various applications. The solvent-dependent/free photochromism and conformation-dependent shear viscosity modulation of the developed materials enhance their relevance from industry to academia. Here, two hydrophobically modified photoresponsive arylazopyrazole-based copolymers have been developed via reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique using hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate [PEGMA] moieties. The nonsubstituted arylazopyrazole-based copolymer has a shorter half-life that fosters the development of the difluoro-substituted copolymer with a longer half-life. Both copolymers exhibit self-assembly behavior in water to form micelles, as has been evidenced by photoluminescence spectroscopy and surface morphological analyses. Upon UV light exposure, both copolymeric micelles photoisomerize from trans-state to cis-state. The electron microscopic analyses (both FESEM and TEM) can detect that the shape-changing morphology has been perceived from spherical to deformed spherical only for the difluoro-substituted copolymer. Rheological studies reveal the impact of photoisomerization-induced changes in the hydrophobicity of two arylazopyrazoles on solution aggregation. Two distinct photoinduced glass transition temperatures and phase transition temperatures of both copolymers have been evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The study offers a new finding toward the impact of varying the hydrophobicity of stimuli-responsive end groups on aggregation and viscoelastic behaviors. Nevertheless, it is essential to mention that the extended thermal half-life of the developed material advances its applicability in smart devices for biomedical sciences optics, coating, energy storage, and so on.

Photocatalyst-free visible light-enabled direct oxygenation of furan-tethered α-azidoketones was studied. The reaction yielded various products depending on the substituents, with isoxazoles forming as the major products. The findings suggest that singlet oxygen was generated during the reaction and reacted with α-azidoketones in a [4 + 2] fashion to yield endoperoxides, which rearranged in multiple ways to generate isoxazoles. Some of the synthesized isoxazoles were evaluated as α-glucosidase inhibitors, and three of them 5bi, 5bj, and 5blexhibited good activity with IC50values of 454.57 ± 29.34, 147.84 ± 2.28, and 272.58 ± 42.06 μM, respectively, when compared with the standard drug acarbose (IC50= 1224.33 ± 126.72 μM).

Dengue fever is a rapidly emerging tropical disease and an important cause of morbidity in its severe form worldwide. A wide spectrum of the pathophysiology is associated with the transition of dengue fever to severe dengue, which is driven by the host immune response and might reflect in patients’ proteome profile. This study aims to analyze the plasma from different phases of dengue-infected patients at two time points. A mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approach was utilized to understand the involvement of probable candidate proteins toward developing a more severe, hemorrhagic form of dengue fever. Dengue-infected hospital-admitted patients with <5 days of fever were included in this study. Patient samples from the acute phase were screened for the presence of NS1 antigen using ELISA and subjected to molecular serotyping. Dengue molecular serotype-confirmed patient samples, pairwise from acute and critical phases with healthy control were subjected to qualitative and quantitative proteomic analysis, and then pathway analysis was performed. The protein–protein interaction network between the dengue virus and host proteins was depicted in the search for proteins associated with severe dengue pathophysiology. An array of apolipoprotein, cytokines, and endothelial proteins in association with virus replication and endothelial dysfunction were validated as biomolecules involved in severe dengue pathophysiology.

Metal halide perovskites (MHP) are highly promising semiconductors. In this study, we focus on FAPbBr3nanocrystals, which are of great interest for green light-emitting diodes. Structural parameters significantly impact the properties of MHPs and are linked to phase instability, which hampers long-term applications. Clearly, there is a need for local and precise characterization techniques at the atomic scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. Because of the high electron beam sensitivity of MHPs, these investigations are extremely challenging. Here, we applied a low-dose method based on four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy. We quantified the observed elongation of the projections of the Br atomic columns, suggesting an alternation in the position of the Br atoms perpendicular to the Pb–Br–Pb bonds. Together with molecular dynamics simulations, these results remarkably reveal local distortions in an on-average cubic structure. Additionally, this study provides an approach to prospectively investigating the fundamental degradation mechanisms of MHPs.

Noble gas recharge temperature (NGRT) and excess air (EA) values, derived from the analysis of noble gases in groundwater, were used to improve the understanding of groundwater recharge mechanisms through the vadose zone of a sandstone aquifer in southern California (USA). The wide range of NGRT and EA values suggests that complex recharge mechanisms exist between two end members: matrix and fracture flow. In particular, combining NGRT and EA values, four groups of wells with different recharge mechanisms were identified: high EA combined with low NGRT suggests recharge is dominated by fast flow through an interconnected fracture network (group A), low EA with high NGRT suggests recharge is controlled by slow flow in the rock matrix (group B), low EA and intermediate NGRT suggests percolation through fractures followed by imbibition into the unsaturated matrix and subsequent matrix flow (group C), and high EA combined with high NGRT in group D suggests flow of water that originally resided in the matrix being pushed into the fracture network by a strong infiltration event (group D). These interpretations were corroborated with tritium groundwater dating and consideration of the potential influence of well completion characteristics on flow processes and measured noble gas concentrations due to mixing. This study demonstrates the contribution of noble gas analysis to identify recharge mechanisms in complex aquifers. This is crucial to inform three-dimensional numerical flow and transport models and to predict future hydrological scenarios in response to climate change.

Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) are replacing the monolithic alloys for advance engineering applications in industries. Present work appraised the use of fragmented aluminium with the reinforcement of SiC, ZrO2and NiTi mixture. Mechanical and microstructural properties of fabricated AMMCs were evaluated, and it was found that fabricated composites have finer grain structure compared to the base alloy. Tensile strength of base alloy was enhanced by 44.8% due to refinement of the grains, shear lag and bowing of dislocations. The maximum value of compressive strength, microhardness and impact strength was found in composite with 3wt% reinforcement of each of SiC, ZrO2and NiTi. The transformation of ductile to cleavage fracture was confirmed by fracture morphology. Tribological analysis reveals that the material loss due to wear and roughness of worn-out surfaces was decreased by the accumulation of reinforcement.

Postacute sequelae after the coronavirus disease (COVID) of 2019 (PASC) is increasingly recognized, although data on solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients (SOTRs) are limited. Using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative, we performed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) of all adult SOTR and nonimmunosuppressed/immunocompromised (ISC) patients with acute COVID infection (August 1, 2021 to January 13, 2023) for a subsequent PASC diagnosis using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine not only the association of SOT status with PASC, but also other patient factors after stratifying by SOT status. Prior to PSM, there were 8769 SOT and 1 576 769 non-ISC patients with acute COVID infection. After PSM, 8756 SOTR and 8756 non-ISC patients were included; 2.2% of SOTR (n = 192) and 1.4% (n = 122) of non-ISC patients developed PASC (Pvalue < .001). In the overall matched cohort, SOT was independently associated with PASC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-2.01). Among SOTR, COVID infection severity (aOR, 11.6; 95% CI, 3.93-30.0 for severe vs mild disease), older age (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03 per year), and mycophenolate mofetil use (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.38-3.05) were each independently associated with PASC. In non-ISC patients, only depression (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.24-3.07) and COVID infection severity were. In conclusion, PASC occurs more commonly in SOTR than in non-ISC patients, with differences in risk profiles based on SOT status.

The rapid changes of urbanization-induced land use and land cover (LULC) make impacts on ecological landscape which directly or indirectly effects on ecosystem service values (ESVs). Thus, this study investigated the impacts of LULC dynamics on ESVs and their present and future spatial association in the Asansol Municipal Corporation Region (AMCR). To analysis the result, first assessed the LULC and its transformation using the geospatial techniques and machine learning methods. Then, the LULC used to predict the further changes based on the current trend (2011 to 2021) using Cellular automata- Markov chain (CA-MC) model for LULC. Similarly, this process adopted in the estimation of the ESVs and its functional contribution with correspondence of coefficient with sensitivity (CS). Results indicated a decline in ESVs from $9.81 million hectares in 2001 to 2021, with a projected decrease to $9.011 million hectares by 2031. A favorable association between LULC and ESVs was found through spatial analysis utilizing geographical weighted regression (GWR) models and ordinary least squares (OLS), especially in peripheral locations. Finally, this study has recommended sustainable ecosystem planning by promoting urban green-space and blue-space as well as conservation the natural landscape alongside the urban land use planning for future sustainable practice promotion.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with poor kidney transplant outcomes. While innate and adaptive immune cells have been implicated in its prevention, an in-depth characterization of the in vivokinetics of multiple cell subsets and their role in protecting against CMV infection has not been achieved. Here, we performed high-dimensional immune phenotyping by mass cytometry, and functional assays, on 112 serially collected samples from CMV seropositive kidney transplant recipients. Advanced unsupervised deep learning analysis was used to assess immune cell populations that significantly correlated with prevention against CMV infection and anti-viral immune function. Prior to infection, kidney transplant recipients who developed CMV infection showed significantly lower CMV-specific cell-mediated immune (CMI) frequencies than those that did not. A broad diversity of circulating cell subsets within innate and adaptive immune compartments were associated with CMV infection or protective CMV-specific CMI. While percentages of CMV (tetramer-stained)-specific T cells associated with high CMI responses and clinical protection, circulating CD3+CD8midCD56+NK-T cells overall strongly associated with low CMI and subsequent infection. However, three NK-T cell subsets sharing the CD11b surface marker associated with CMV protection and correlated with strong anti-viral CMI frequencies in vitro. These data were validated in two external independent cohorts of kidney transplant recipients. Thus, we newly describe the kinetics of a novel NK-T cell subset that may have a protective role in post-transplantation CMV infection. Our findings pave the way to more mechanistic studies aimed at understanding the function of these cells in protection against CMV infection.

The present study concerns understanding the effect of process parameters on the characteristics and flowability of nanocrystalline CoNiCrAlY powder synthesized by mechanical milling. Mechanical milling has been conducted in a planetary ball mill with tungsten carbide (WC) ball, with ball to powder ratio of 10:1 at 300 rpm speed, using 1% stearic acid and toluene as process control agent (PCA) with time varying from 10 h to 36 h. The synthesized nanocrystalline powder were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction technique, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Subsequently, flowability in terms of Hausner ratio was assessed by Tap Density Tester. Average particle size of the powder was found to decrease from 33 μm to 22 μm after 10 h of milling and further increases to 43 μm and 38 μm after 25 and 36 h of milling, respectively, in stearic acid medium. However, in toluene medium particle size continuously decreases from 33 μm to 9.7 μm with increasing milling time. The particle morphology changes from spherical to platelet shape at low milling hours in both of the media. After 25 h of milling, the shape of the particles is nearly spherical for stearic acid and irregular for toluene used as a PCA. Crystallize size was found to decrease with increasing milling time from 147 nm to 7.7 nm and to 6.4 nm in stearic acid and toluene media, respectively. There was presence of γ, γʹ, β, hcp-Co, Al2O3and AlOOH phases on the powder particles milled in both the medium. The measured Hausner ratio of the powders was found to vary from 1.18 to 1.32 in stearic acid medium, and was found to increase with increasing milling time. On the other hand, in toluene media flowability decreases (Hausner ratio increases from 1.33 to 1.44) with increasing milling time.