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Abstract Chemical anomalies in polar ice core records are frequently linked to volcanism; however, without the presence of (crypto)tephra particles, links to specific eruptions remain speculative. Correlating tephras yields estimates of eruption timing and potential source volcano, offers refinement of ice core chronologies, and provides insights into volcanic impacts. Here, we report on sparse rhyolitic glass shards detected in the Roosevelt Island Climate Evolution (RICE) ice core (West Antarctica), attributed to the 1.8 ka Taupō eruption (New Zealand)—one of the largest and most energetic Holocene eruptions globally. Six shards of a distinctive geochemical composition, identical within analytical uncertainties to proximal Taupō glass, are accompanied by a single shard indistinguishable from glass of the ~25.5 ka Ōruanui supereruption, also from Taupō volcano. This double fingerprint uniquely identifies the source volcano and helps link the shards to the climactic phase of the Taupō eruption. The englacial Taupō-derived glass shards coincide with a particle spike and conductivity anomaly at 278.84 m core depth, along with trachytic glass from a local Antarctic eruption of Mt. Melbourne. The assessed age of the sampled ice is 230 ± 19 CE (95% confidence), confirming that the published radiocarbon wiggle-match date of 232 ± 10 CE (2 SD) for the Taupō eruption is robust.

Abstract Livestock breeding activities and pharmaceutical wastes lead to considerable accumulation of steroid hormones and estrogens in wastewaters. Here estrogens act as pro-cancerogenic agents and endocrine disruptors interfering with the sexual development of aquatic animals and having toxic effects in humans. Environmental bacteria play a vital role in estrogens degradation. Their wide reservoir of enzymes, such as ring cleavage dioxygenases (RCDs), can degrade the steroid nucleus, catalyzing the meta-cleavage of A, B or D steroid rings. In this work, 4 extra-diol ring cleavage dioxygenases (ERCDs), PP28735, PP26077, PP00124 and PP00193, were isolated from the marine sphingomonad Novosphingobium sp. PP1Y and characterized. Enzymes kinetic parameters were determined on different synthetic catecholic substrates. Then, the bioconversion of catechol estrogens was evaluated. PP00124 showed to be an efficient catalyst for the degradation of 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2), a carcinogenic hydroxylated derivate of E2. 4-OHE2 complete cleavage was obtained using PP00124 both in soluble form and in whole recombinant E. coli cells. LC–MS/MS analyses confirmed the generation of a semialdehyde product, through A-ring meta cleavage. To the best of our knowledge, PP00124 is the first characterized enzyme able to directly degrade 4-OHE2 via meta cleavage. Moreover, the complete 4-OHE2 biodegradation using recombinant whole cells highlighted advantages for bioremediation purposes.

Abstract The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is a strictly obligate human ectoparasite with a long history of association with humans. Here, 17 ancient head lice nits were recovered from six shrunken human heads (known as tsantsas) of individuals from the Shuar/Jivaro tribe, a native Amazonian population from Ecuador, South America. Cytochrome b DNA analysis revealed the presence of three known mitochondrial clades. Clade A was the most frequent (52.94%), followed by F (35.29%), and B (11.76%). Eleven haplotypes were found in 17 samples, and nine of the haplotypes were novel, indicating an unusually high genetic diversity. In conclusion, we confirmed the presence of clades A, B and F in South Amerindian population. Moreover, the description of clade F, together with its previous reports in another Amerindian population from French Guiana, strongly support the hypothesis of a native South American origin for this clade, and probably derived from clade B which was carried to America by an ancestral Eurasian Beringian population. Further support to our conclusion and new insights might come from the analysis of a larger collection of modern and ancient native American lice.

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive alterations seen in brain images which give rise to the onset of various sets of symptoms. The variability in the dynamics of changes in both brain images and cognitive impairments remains poorly understood. This paper introduces AD Course Map a spatiotemporal atlas of Alzheimer’s disease progression. It summarizes the variability in the progression of a series of neuropsychological assessments, the propagation of hypometabolism and cortical thinning across brain regions and the deformation of the shape of the hippocampus. The analysis of these variations highlights strong genetic determinants for the progression, like possible compensatory mechanisms at play during disease progression. AD Course Map also predicts the patient’s cognitive decline with a better accuracy than the 56 methods benchmarked in the open challenge TADPOLE. Finally, AD Course Map is used to simulate cohorts of virtual patients developing Alzheimer’s disease. AD Course Map offers therefore new tools for exploring the progression of AD and personalizing patients care.

Digital watermarking of images is an essential method for copyright protection and image security. This paper presents an innovative, robust watermarking system for color images based on moment and wavelet transformations, algebraic decompositions, and chaotic systems. First, we extended classical Charlier moments to quaternary Charlier moments (QCM) using quaternion algebra. This approach eliminates the need to decompose color images before applying the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), reducing the computational load. Next, we decompose the resulting DWT matrix using QR and singular value decomposition (SVD). To enhance the system's security and robustness, we introduce a modified version of Henon's 2D chaotic map. Finally, we integrate the arithmetic optimization algorithm to ensure dynamic and adaptive watermark insertion. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms current color image watermarking methods in security, storage capacity, and resistance to various attacks, while maintaining a high level of invisibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baculovirus/insect cell expression system is a powerful technology for reconstitution of eukaryotic macromolecular assemblies. Most multigene expression platforms rely on Tn7-mediated transposition for transferring the expression cassette into the baculoviral genome. This allows a rigorous characterization of recombinant bacmids but involves multiple steps, a limitation when many constructs are to be tested. For parallel expression screening and potential high throughput applications, we have established an open source multigene-expression toolbox exploiting homologous recombination, thus reducing the recombinant baculovirus generation to a single-step procedure and shortening the time from cloning to protein production to 2 weeks. The HR-bac toolbox is composed of a set of engineered bacmids expressing a fluorescent marker to monitor virus propagation and a library of transfer vectors. They contain single or dual expression cassettes bearing different affinity tags and their design facilitates the mix and match utilization of expression units from Multibac constructs. The overall cost of virus generation with HR-bac toolbox is relatively low as the preparation of linearized baculoviral DNA only requires standard reagents. Various multiprotein assemblies (nuclear hormone receptor heterodimers, the P-TEFb or the ternary CAK kinase complex associated with the XPD TFIIH subunit) are used as model systems to validate the toolbox presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Digital watermarking of images is an essential method for copyright protection and image security. This paper presents an innovative, robust watermarking system for color images based on moment and wavelet transformations, algebraic decompositions, and chaotic systems. First, we extended classical Charlier moments to quaternary Charlier moments (QCM) using quaternion algebra. This approach eliminates the need to decompose color images before applying the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), reducing the computational load. Next, we decompose the resulting DWT matrix using QR and singular value decomposition (SVD). To enhance the system's security and robustness, we introduce a modified version of Henon's 2D chaotic map. Finally, we integrate the arithmetic optimization algorithm to ensure dynamic and adaptive watermark insertion. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms current color image watermarking methods in security, storage capacity, and resistance to various attacks, while maintaining a high level of invisibility.

Transform-domain audio watermarking systems are more robust than time-domain systems. However, the main weakness of these systems is their high computational cost, especially for long-duration audio signals. Therefore, they are not desirable for real-time security applications where speed is a critical factor. In this paper, we propose a fast watermarking system for audio signals operating in the hybrid transform domain formed by the fractional Charlier transform (FrCT) and the dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT). The central idea of the proposed algorithm is to parallelize the intensive and repetitive steps in the audio watermarking system and then implement them simultaneously on the available physical cores on an embedded systems cluster. In order to have a low power consumption and a low-cost cluster with a large number of physical cores, four Raspberry Pis 4B are used where the communication between them is ensured using the Message Passing Interface (MPI). The adopted Raspberry Pi cluster is also characterized by its portability and mobility, which are required in watermarking-based smart city applications. In addition to its resistance to any possible manipulation (intentional or unintentional), high payload capacity, and high imperceptibility, the proposed parallel system presents a temporal improvement of about 70%, 80%, and 90% using 4, 8, and 16 physical cores of the adopted cluster, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotubes showed merits including high structural strength-to-weight ratio. However, tubes are less favored regarding stiffness and strength. Nano-I-beams are proposed for improved nano-mechanics. Computationally, the study proposes novel molecular designs of I-beam-like shaped structures. A conformation analysis, molecular dynamics and first principles-based optimization are presented. The study proposes options based on the configuration of the molecular nano-I-beam structure providing less number of planes of symmetry and hence more stability than nanotube-like structures. These designs feature a unique geometrical differentiator of having the walls of the out-of-plane hexagonal motif-based molecular nano-I-beam (C 60 H 46 ) inclined with different inclination angles enabling promising properties. The stability of the proposed nano-I-beam is proved on par with the corresponding nanotube-like structure. First principles-based evidence is provided on the comparable polarizability and the comparable ability to store energy of the supercell of the crystalline slab nano-I-beam in comparison with the corresponding nanotube. A proposed hybrid octa-hexagonal-cubic molecular nano-I-beam (C 24 H 12 ) remedies the nano-buckling observed in the alike square-octagonal nanostructure. The molecular nano-I-beam exhibits intrinsic switchability that enables the nano-I-beam to be a topological semiconductor/insulator. The results show promising electronic and elastic properties of the proposed nano-I-beams that suit several applications such as their use in capacitors, transistors, insulators, batteries, quantization-based nano-devices, solid lubricant additive to grease, toughening fibers of nanocomposites, hydrophobic films, emissions adsorbents, catalytic sensors, PAH materials for space, and sustainable energy. The molecular nano-I-beam provides the base of the corresponding 2-D crystalline slab nano-I-beams., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A pyrographically decorated gourd, dated to the French Revolution period, has been alleged to contain a handkerchief dipped into the blood of the French king Louis XVI (1754-1793) after his beheading but recent analyses of living males from two Bourbon branches cast doubts on its authenticity. We sequenced the complete genome of the DNA contained in the gourd at low coverage (,2.53) with coding sequences enriched at a higher ,7.33 coverage. We found that the ancestry of the gourd's genome does not seem compatible with Louis XVI's known ancestry. From a functional perspective, we did not find an excess of alleles contributing to height despite being described as the tallest person in Court. In addition, the eye colour prediction supported brown eyes, while Louis XVI had blue eyes. This is the first draft genome generated from a person who lived in a recent historical period; however, our results suggest that this sample may not correspond to the alleged king. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically explores the influence of charged impurities on static screening in monolayer graphene and extends the investigation to AA-stacked and AB-stacked bilayer graphene (BLG). Applying the random phase approximation (RPA), monolayer graphene displays unique beating Friedel oscillations (FOs) in inter-valley and intra-valley channels. Shifting to BLG, the study emphasizes layer-specific responses on each layer by considering self-consistent field interactions between layers. It also explores the derived multimode FOs, elucidating distinctions from monolayer behavior. In AA-stacked BLG, distinct metallic screening behaviors are revealed, uncovering unique oscillatory patterns in induced charge density, providing insights into static Coulomb scattering effects between two Dirac cones. The exploration extends to AB-stacked BLG, unveiling layer-specific responses of parabolic bands in multimode FOs with increasing Fermi energy. This comprehensive investigation, integrating RPA considerations, significantly advances our understanding of layer-dependent static screening in the broader context of FOs in graphene, providing valuable contributions to the field of condensed matter physics., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

With the rapid development of national infrastructure projects, there has been a significant increase in intersecting lines in transportation construction. As a result, rotating bridges are increasingly used in engineering projects that span existing railway lines. In order to study the spatial response characteristics and vibration wave transmission mechanisms of the rotating bridge structure under the loading of existing railway trains, field experiments and numerical analyses were conducted. The response characteristics of these bridges were investigated under different types and speeds of adjacent existing lines. A comprehensive methodology has been proposed, integrating the time domain spectrum and the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) energy spectrum for signal processing and vibration analysis. The analysis was carried out using MATLAB 2018a software. This methodology was applied to analyze the test data. The results show that significant resonance phenomenon occurs in the girders of the rotating bridge under the loading of trains on the existing line. The low-frequency component f 1 (2-5 Hz) is the primary factor contributing to the amplification of the acceleration response in the rotating bridge, while f 3 (10-13 Hz) plays a secondary role. The frequency distribution characteristics of vibration waves caused by train loads on the existing line have a significant influence on the acceleration response of the rotating bridge's girders. The predominant frequency of vibration waves at each measuring point along the transmission path shows a trend of decreasing → increasing → decreasing. The impact on the rotating bridge structure of vibration waves generated by low-speed freight trains on existing railways is greater. The research findings are of great importance for studying the dynamic response of rotating bridges adjacent to existing railway lines., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

As a result of its high reactivity, furan-2(3H)-one derivative 2 can be selected as a versatile and suitable candidate for building of novel nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. Consequently, furan-2(3H)-one derivative 2 and some nitrogen nucleophiles were utilized as starting materials for the formation of new pyridazinone and pyrrolone derivatives bearing naphthalene moiety. The continuous buildup of insecticide resistance is the main obstacle facing pest control measures. Pyrrole-based insecticides are a favourable choice due to their unique mode of action and no cross-resistance with traditional neurotoxic insecticides. The larvicidal activities of pyrrolone derivatives were assessed against field and laboratory strains of Culex pipiens larvae in comparison with chlorfenapyr (pyrrole insecticide). Compounds 17 (21.05 µg/mL) > 9 (22.81 µg/mL) > 15 (24.39 µg/mL) > 10 (26.76 µg/mL) > 16 (32.09 µg/mL) were most effective against lab strain of C. pipiens larvae relative to chlorfenapyr (25.43 µg/mL). While in field strain, 17 and 15 were the most toxic compounds followed by 9 > 10 > 16 > 2 with LC50 of 9.87, 10.76, 11.52, 12.68, 15.32 and 18.37 µg/mL, respectively, compared with chlorfenapyr with 14.03 µg/mL. The cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activities were significantly increased in treated larvae of lab and field strains relative to untreated. The great variations in toxicity of the synthesized compounds were interpreted by structure-activity relationship study. The pyrrolone derivatives are effective against field and insecticide-resistant strains. Therefore, they are considered promising compounds to be integrated into pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructures are tiny objects at the molecular and microscopic scale, with carbon nanotubes being the most notable among them. The elements possess exceptional microelectronic properties and other unique characteristics. Researchers have recently focused on the mathematical features of these materials. Molecular descriptors are crucial in mathematical chemistry, particularly in QSAR and QSPR modeling. Topological indices hold a significant position among them. This study presents the precise formulation of the ten most crucial topological indices for a benzene ring positioned on a P-type surface within the highly symmetric 2D lattice BCZ 48 . We have incorporated the computed indices to develop a predictive model for the graph energy of the 2D lattice and, in addition, provided the NMR patterns and the HOMO-LUMO gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel graphene RF NEMS capacitive switch and conducts an extensive analysis of its RF performance using CST and COMSOL Multiphysics software. The switch's characteristic impedance matching is accomplished through a coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure, incorporating a dielectric layer topped with conductive graphene beam electrodes. Simulation results reveal that the monolayer graphene RF NEMS switch maintains an insertion loss of 0.003 ~ 0.015 dB and an isolation greater than 40 dB across an ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency range of DC ~ 140 GHz. Moreover, the switch demonstrates a switching time of 4.03 ps at a pull-in voltage of 1 V. The performance of multilayer graphene RF NEMS switches was also evaluated. The study further investigates the operational mechanism of the graphene RF NEMS switch and performs finite element analysis on the proposed design. The graphene RF NEMS switch discussed herein offers significant advantages, including minimal size, lightweight, cost-effectiveness, low pull-in voltage, rapid response time, excellent RF performance, and reduced space consumption in circuitry. Its potential applications span a range from L to F bands, encompassing data storage, communication systems, sensors, remote sensing and military uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional herbalists have been relied on for many years by Algerians to cure a wide range of diseases. Regardless of their nutritional values, mushrooms have chemical properties that make them attractive, beneficial, and more likely to be studied by researchers, according to ethnobotanical literature on traditional phytotherapy. Among all the edible mushrooms, tubers are a type of fungus that are traditionally used in fine dining and have garnered attention recently because of their many therapeutic applications. This research delves into a meticulous analysis of bioactive constituents in Bunium bulbocastanum tubers, sourced from Mostaganem and Relizane regions, with a keen focus on polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. The quantification of total phenolic content was executed through the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, while flavonoids were assessed via the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. In addition, condensed tannins were evaluated in this study. Antioxidant capacities were scrutinized employing the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Microbial inhibition studies were conducted against five benchmark bacterial strains, utilizing the agar disc diffusion technique. Furthermore, a comprehensive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds. The findings underscore that the Mostaganem extracts were particularly rich in polyphenols (11.65 mg GAE/g of extract) and tannins (1.30 mg CE/g of extract), while the Relizane extracts boasted significant flavonoid concentrations (9.421 mg QE/g of extract). Notably, 4-methylguaiacol (82.04 mg/L), caffeic acid dimethyl ether (27.76 mg/L), syringic acid (20.48 mg/L), and naringenin (16.05 mg/L) emerged as the predominant volatile compounds. Compositional investigation of the extracts by LC–MS confirmed the presence of various compounds that were linked to the bioactivities exhibited by B. bulbocastanum tubers. These findings demonstrate the effective antibacterial and antioxidant properties of B. bulbocastanum tubers, indicating their potential use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial research indicates a possible connection between exposure to phthalates and the development of anemia. To fill the gap in epidemiological data, our study utilized data from across the United States, representative on a national scale, to evaluate the association between the concentration of phthalate metabolites in urine and both anemia and iron levels. We gathered data on 11,406 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, spanning 2003–2018. We conducted logistic and linear regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounding factors, to evaluate the correlations between different phthalate metabolites and anemia, as well as serum iron levels, including gender-stratified analysis. Most urinary phthalate metabolites were positively correlated with an increased risk of anemia, and the majority were negatively correlated with serum iron levels. The study revealed that for every unit increase in ln-transformed metabolite concentrations, the odds ratios (ORs) for anemia increased to varying degrees, depending on the phthalate: Monobutyl phthalate (MBP) at 1.08 (95% CI 1.01–1.17, P = 0.0314), mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) at 1.17 (95% CI 1.10–1.24, P < 0.0001), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) at 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.15, P = 0.0153), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) at 1.14 (95% CI 1.07–1.21, P < 0.0001), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) at 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.18, P = 0.0030), monocarboxynonyl phthalate (MCNP) at 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.19, p = 0.0050), and monocarboxyoctyl phthalate (MCOP) at 1.13 (95% CI 1.07–1.19, P < 0.0001). Increased levels of MBP, MEHP, MBzP, MCPP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MIBP, MECPP, MCNP, and MCOP were linked with changes in serum iron levels, ranging from − 0.99 µg/dL (95% CI − 1.69 to − 0.29) to − 3.72 µg/dL (95% CI − 4.32 to − 3.11). Mixed-exposure analysis shows consistency with single-exposure model. Further mediation analysis showed that the association between single urinary phthalates and the risk of anemia was mediated by serum iron with a mediation ratio of 24.34–95.48% (P < 0.05). The presence of phthalate metabolites in urine shows a positive correlation with the prevalence of anemia, which was possibly and partly mediated by iron metabolism. Nonetheless, to confirm a definitive causal link and comprehend the underlying mechanisms of how phthalate exposure influences anemia, additional longitudinal and experimental research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional enterprise management believes that telecommuting activities are out of the enterprise's control, which may reduce staff performance. We use the extension of job demand-resource theory and work embeddedness theory to develop and test the intermediary mechanism of embedded in and out of work in telework. Moreover, it judges the mediating effect of job embeddedness on telecommuting → job performance. With the help of family conflict theory, we have revealed the possible performance changes in telework and the impact of family on telework. We predict embedding outside of work may reduce job performance. However, this worry will not happen under the adjustment of digital leadership and job insecurity. We collected survey data from 36 enterprise teams and 328 members. We have confirmed that work performance will not be reduced by telecommuting. Digital leadership magnifies the embedding of telecommuting resources into employees' work to a certain extent and inhibits the embedding problem outside work caused by telecommuting requirements. The telecommuting requirement may become a positive factor for employees staying home and avoiding workplace conflicts. We confirmed the inhibitory effect of job embeddedness on turnover rate and expanded the antecedent model of job embeddedness theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the established synthetic methods, aroyl-S,N-ketene acetals and subsequent bi- and multichromophores can be readily synthesized. Aside from pronounced AIE (aggregation induced emission) properties, these selected examples possess distinct complexometric behavior for various metals purely based on the underlying structural motifs. This affects the fluorescence properties of the materials which can be readily exploited for metal ion detection and for the formation of different metal-aroyl-S,N-ketene acetal complexes that were confirmed by Job plot analysis. In particular, gold(I), iron(III), and ruthenium (III) ions reveal complexation enhanced or quenched emission. For most dyes, weakly coodinating complexes were observed, only in case of a phenanthroline aroyl-S,N-ketene acetal multichromophore, measurements indicate the formation of a strongly coordinating complex. For this multichromophore, the complexation results in a loss of fluorescence intensity whereas for dimethylamino-aroyl-S,N-ketene acetals and bipyridine bichromophores, the observed quantum yield is nearly tripled upon complexation. Even if no stable complexes are formed, changes in absorption and emission properties allow for a simple ion detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have the potential to serve as delivery systems for medicinal substances and gene treatments, particularly in cancer treatment. Co-delivery of curcumin (CUR) and Methotrexate (MTX) has shown promise in cancer treatment, as it uses fewer drugs and has fewer side effects. This study used MTX-conjugated albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles (BSA-MTX) to enhance and assess the efficiency of CUR. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests, DLS, TEM, FTIR, UV/Vis, SEM, and DSC studies assessed the formulations' physical and chemical properties. The Proteinase K enzyme was used to severe amidic linkages between MTX and BSA. The findings demonstrated the efficacy of using ƒ-MWCNT-CUR-BSA-MTX as a vehicle for efficient co-delivery of CUR and MTX in cancer treatment. The MTT colorimetric method was used to evaluate the effect of chemical and medicinal compounds. Cell division was studied using the MTT method to investigate the effect of pure MWCNT, pure CUR, MTX-BSA, and ƒ-MWCNT-CUR-MTX-BSA. Studies on cell lines have shown that the combination of curcumin and MTX with CNT can increase and improve the effectiveness of both drugs against cancer. A combination of drugs curcumin and methotrexate simultaneously had a synergistic effect on MCF-7 cells, which indicated that these drugs could potentially be used as a strategy for both prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Also, ƒ-MWCNT-CUR-MTX-BSA was found to have a significant effect on cancer treatment with minimal toxicity compared to pure curcumin, pure MTX-BSA, MTX, and ƒ-MWCNT alone. Unique properties such as a high ratio of specific surface area to volume, high chemical stability, chemical adsorption ability, high capacity of drug and biomolecules of carbon nanotubes, as well as multiple drug loading at the same time The combination of ƒ-MWCNT-CUR-BSA MTX significantly impacts cancer therapy), are desirable as an alternative option for targeted drug delivery and high therapeutic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogenic compound, is commonly used in various medical settings. The objective of this study was to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with occupational exposure to formaldehyde. This study was conducted in the pathology labs of four hospitals in Tehran. Cancer and non-cancer risks were evaluated using the quantitative risk assessment method proposed by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA), along with its provided database known as the integrated risk information system (IRIS). Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American thoracic society (ATS) questionnaire. The results indicated that 91.23% of exposure levels in occupational groups exceed the NIOSH standard of 0.016 ppm. Regarding carcinogenic risk, 41.03% of all the studied subjects were in the definite carcinogenic risk range (LCR > 10−4), 23.08% were in the possible carcinogenic risk range (10−5 < LCR < 10−4), and 35.90% were in the negligible risk range (LCR < 10−6). The highest index of occupational carcinogenesis was observed in the group of lab technicians with a risk number of 3.7 × 10−4, followed by pathologists with a risk number of 1.7 × 10−4. Furthermore, 23.08% of the studied subjects were within the permitted health risk range (HQ < 1.0), while 76.92% were within the unhealthy risk range (HQ > 1.0). Overall, the findings revealed significantly higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks among lab technicians and pathologists. Therefore, it is imperative to implement control measures across various hospital departments to mitigate occupational formaldehyde exposure levels proactively. These findings can be valuable for policymakers in the health sector, aiding in the elimination or reduction of airborne formaldehyde exposure in work environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease mainly characterized by cartilage degeneration. The treatment is challenging due to the lack of blood vessels and nerve supplies in cartilaginous tissue, causing a prominent limitation of regenerative capacity. Hence, we investigated the cellular promotional and anti-inflammatory effects of sericin, Bombyx mori-derived protein, on three-dimensional chondrogenic ATDC5 cell models. The results revealed that a high concentration of sericin promoted chondrogenic proliferation and differentiation and enhanced matrix production through the increment of glycosaminoglycans, COL2A1, COL X, and ALP expressions. SOX-9 and COL2A1 gene expressions were notably elevated in sericin treatment. The proteomic analysis demonstrated the upregulation of phosphoglycerate mutase 1 and triosephosphate isomerase, a glycolytic enzyme member, reflecting the proliferative enhancement of sericin. The differentiation capacity of sericin was indicated by the increased expressions of procollagen12a1, collagen10a1, rab1A, periostin, galectin-1, and collagen6a3 proteins. Sericin influenced the differentiation capacity via the TGF-β signaling pathway by upregulating Smad2 and Smad3 while downregulating Smad1, BMP2, and BMP4. Importantly, sericin exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-1 expressions and accelerating COL2A1 production in the early inflammatory stage. In conclusion, sericin demonstrates potential in promoting chondrogenic proliferation and differentiation, enhancing cartilaginous matrix synthesis through glycolysis and TGF-β signaling pathways, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeowners in coastal environments often augment their access to estuarine ecosystems by building private docks on their personal property. Despite the commonality of docks, particularly in the Southeastern United States, few works have investigated their historical development, their distribution across the landscape, or the environmental justice dimensions of this distribution. In this study, we used historic aerial photography to track the abundance and size of docks across six South Carolina counties from the 1950s to 2016. Across our roughly 60-year study period, dock abundance grew by two orders of magnitude, mean length of newly constructed docks doubled, and the cumulative length of docks ballooned from 34 to 560 km. Additionally, we drew on census data interpolated into consistent 2010 tract boundaries to analyze the racial and economic distribution of docks in 1994, 1999, 2011, and 2016. Racial composition, measured as the percentage of a tract's population that was White, positively correlated with dock abundance in each year. Median household income and dock abundance were only correlated in 2011. Taken together, these metrics indicate the growing desire for direct estuary access, however, that access does not appear to be equally spread across racial groups. Because docks enhance estuarine access and demarcate private property, our study provides longitudinal insights into environmental justice concerns related to disparate private property ownership. We found a persistent correlation between the racial characteristics of an area and dock abundance, strongly indicating that White South Carolinians have had disproportionately greater private water access for the past two decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the uncertainties of involved astronomical and biological parameters, the Drake Equation typically predicts that there should be many exoplanets in our galaxy hosting active, communicative civilizations (ACCs). These optimistic calculations are however not supported by evidence, which is often referred to as the Fermi Paradox. Here, we elaborate on this long-standing enigma by showing the importance of planetary tectonic style for biological evolution. We summarize growing evidence that a prolonged transition from Mesoproterozoic active single lid tectonics (1.6 to 1.0 Ga) to modern plate tectonics occurred in the Neoproterozoic Era (1.0 to 0.541 Ga), which dramatically accelerated emergence and evolution of complex species. We further suggest that both continents and oceans are required for ACCs because early evolution of simple life must happen in water but late evolution of advanced life capable of creating technology must happen on land. We resolve the Fermi Paradox (1) by adding two additional terms to the Drake Equation: foc (the fraction of habitable exoplanets with significant continents and oceans) and fpt (the fraction of habitable exoplanets with significant continents and oceans that have had plate tectonics operating for at least 0.5 Ga); and (2) by demonstrating that the product of foc and fpt is very small (< 0.00003–0.002). We propose that the lack of evidence for ACCs reflects the scarcity of long-lived plate tectonics and/or continents and oceans on exoplanets with primitive life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective management and control of parasitic infections on farms depends on their early detection. Traditional serological diagnostic methods for Fasciola hepatica infection in livestock are specific and sensitive, but currently the earliest detection of the parasite only occurs at approximately three weeks post-infection. At this timepoint, parasites have already entered the liver and caused the tissue damage and immunopathology that results in reduced body weight and loss in productivity. Here, we investigated whether the differential abundance of micro(mi)miRNAs in sera of F. hepatica-infected sheep has potential as a tool for the early diagnosis of infection. Using miRNA sequencing analysis, we discovered specific profiles of sheep miRNAs at both the pre-hepatic and hepatic infection phases in comparison to non-infected sheep. In addition, six F. hepatica-derived miRNAs were specifically identified in sera from infected sheep. Thus, a panel of differentially expressed miRNAs comprising four sheep (miR-3231-3p; miR133-5p; 3957-5p; 1197-3p) and two parasite miRNAs (miR-124-3p; miR-Novel-11-5p) were selected as potential biomarkers. The expression of these candidates in sera samples from longitudinal sheep infection studies collected between 7 days and 23 weeks was quantified using RT-qPCR and compared to samples from age-matched non-infected sheep. We identified oar-miR-133-5p and oar-miR-3957-5p as promising biomarkers of fasciolosis, detecting infection as early as 7 days. The differential expression of the other selected miRNAs was not sufficient to diagnose infection; however, our analysis found that the most abundant forms of fhe-miR-124-3p in sera were sequence variants (IsomiRs) of the canonical miRNA, highlighting the critical importance of primer design for accurate diagnostic RT-qPCR. Accordingly, this investigative study suggests that certain miRNAs are biomarkers of F. hepatica infection and validates miRNA-based diagnostics for the detection of fasciolosis in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and reproducible growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes by CCVD requires accurate and specific setting of the synthesis parameters and the properties of catalyst thin layers. In this work, the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes onto AZO (= aluminum doped zinc oxide) glass substrate covered by Al2O3 and Fe-Co catalyst layer system is presented. Investigation of the effect of catalyst composition and synthesis temperature on CVD growth revealed the optimum condition of the synthesis. The analysis of as-prepared samples by SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy was carried out to prove the structure and quality of carbon deposit. Theoretical considerations have supported speculative ideas about the role of the support layer, the transformation of the catalyst layer in the presence of hydrogen gas and the growth mechanism of carbon nanotubes. The mechanism of CNT growth is modelled and the order of magnitude of experimentally observed vertical linear growth rate of CNT (several nm/s) is reproduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise characterization of geomaterials improves subsurface energy extraction and storage. Understanding geomaterial property, and the complexities between petrophysics and geomechanics, plays a key role in maintaining energy security and the transition to a net zero global carbon economy. Multiple sectors demand accurate and rapid characterization of geomaterial conditions, requiring the extraction of core plugs in the field for full-field characterization and analysis in the laboratory. We present a novel technique for the non-invasive characterization of geomaterials by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar in the K-band, representing a new application of microwave radar. We collect data through the delivery of FMCW wave interactions with geomaterials under static and dynamic conditions and show that FMCW can detect fluid presence, differentiate fluid type, indicate the presence of metallic inclusions and detect imminent failure in loaded sandstones by up to 15 s, allowing for greater control in loading up to a failure event. Such precursors have the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of, and ability to model, geomaterial dynamics. This low-cost sensing method is easily deployable, provides quicker and more accessible data than many state-of-the-art systems, and new insights into geomaterial behavior under dynamic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]