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• Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can linearly speed code by 200 fold each. • We are attempting to use FPGAs to speed up Geant4 calculations. • FPGAs scale, use little power, and have high precision. • We show the issues involved in porting Geant4 to FPGA code and possible solutions. Amongst the scientific frameworks powered by the Monte Carlo (MC) toolkit Geant4 (Agostinelli et al., 2003), the TOPAS (Tool for Particle Simulation) (Perl et al., 2012) is one. TOPAS focuses on providing ease of use, and has significant implementation in the radiation oncology space at present. TOPAS functionality extends across the full capacity of Geant4, is freely available to non-profit users, and is being extended into radiobiology via TOPAS-nBIO (Ramos-Mendez et al., 2018). A current "grand problem" in cancer therapy is to convert the dose of treatment from physical dose to biological dose, optimized ultimately to the individual context of administration of treatment. Biology MC calculations are some of the most complex and require significant computational resources. In order to enhance TOPAS's ability to become a critical tool to explore the definition and application of biological dose in radiation therapy, we chose to explore the use of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips to speedup the Geant4 calculations at the heart of TOPAS, because this approach called "Reconfigurable Computing" (RC), has proven able to produce significant (around 90x) (Sajish et al., 2012) speed increases in scientific computing. Here, we describe initial steps to port Geant4 and TOPAS to be used on FPGA. We provide performance analysis of the current TOPAS/Geant4 code from an RC implementation perspective. Baseline benchmarks are presented. Achievable performance figures of the subsections of the code on optimal hardware are presented; Aspects of practical implementation of "Monte Carlo on a chip" are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) especially surfactant slug injection has received a great attention as an oil recovery technique. Surfactants are capable in reducing the interfacial tension (IFT) and altering the wettability of rock from subsurface reservoir. Here, a new anionic surfactant was synthesized from Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) oil. The surfactant was characterized using FTIR, GC–MS, FE-SEM and EDX analysis and tested rigorously using IFT, wettability and flooding experiments for its application in EOR. The surfactant showed an ultralow IFT value around 1 × 10−2 at optimal salinity. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated using surface tension as a function of temperature and the studies showed that adsorption of molecules at the interface is favorable over micellization. The surfactant was found to be thermally stable by TGA analysis for its application at high temperature reservoir conditions. It showed the ability to alter the wettability of oil-wet sandstone rock surface to water-wet. The core-flooding experiments were conducted using individual surfactant slug and surfactant-polymer slug injection, which showed an additional recovery of almost 20% over convention water flooding. The experimental results were simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The results obtained after simulation study and core-flooding experiment results are very much comparable. The comprehensive evaluation of thermal, interfacial and oil recovery studies provides grounds for potential application in EOR. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Synthesis of natural surfactant from Madhuca longifolia • Ultralow IFT achieved by surfactant in presence of salt and alkali • Rock wettability is altered using surfactant from oil-wet to water-wet. • Core flooding experiments recovered up to 20% additional recoveries. • Simulation studies of experimental data using computational fluid dynamics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive study on clustering: exiting methods and developments made at various times. Clustering is defined as an unsupervised learning where the objects are grouped on the basis of some similarity inherent among them. There are different methods for clustering the objects such as hierarchical, partitional, grid, density based and model based. The approaches used in these methods are discussed with their respective states of art and applicability. The measures of similarity as well as the evaluation criteria, which are the central components of clustering, are also presented in the paper. The applications of clustering in some fields like image segmentation, object and character recognition and data mining are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twenty-first century's major problems are the demand for sustainable green energy and the eco-friendly upcycling of plastic waste. The solutions to these problems should have an alluring cost-effective industrial synergy. Tackling these issues address the clean energy generation concerns and the long-term preservation of the economy and environment from plastic waste. This study focuses on upcycling waste plastics into reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and their application in enhanced oil recovery. Raman and TEM analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of RGOs. In addition, FTIR helps study the presence of functional groups and TGA for thermal stability analysis. The RGO improves the oil recovery by altering wettability, reducing surface tension / interfacial tension, and minimizing surfactant loss. The surface / interfacial property and wetting attributes of the RGO-based prepared solution were examined by surface tension and contact angle measurement. The surface tension and contact angle reduction using RGO were ∼25% and ∼20% without surfactant. Whereas with surfactant (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) and RGO, the reduction in surface tension was ∼55%, ∼57%, and ∼57%, respectively. Also, the reduction in contact angle with surfactant was ∼83%, ∼46%, and ∼80% for anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactant with RGO particles. The chemical slug's viscosity was then examined at elevated temperatures. The viscosity results follow the power law model to comprehend fluid flow behavior. Finally, the chemical slug consisting of a surfactant mixture, RGO particles, and an industrial-grade polymer was used in the sand pack flooding studies recovering ∼71% of the original oil in place. [Display omitted] • Recycled plastic waste. • Synthesized reduced graphene oxide (RGO). • Characterization of reduced graphene oxide. • Application of RGO in the field of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) reported for the first time. • Reduction in surface tension and wettability alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the infarcted myocardium, necrotic cardiomyocytes release danger signals, activating an intense inflammatory response. Inflammatory pathways play a crucial role in regulation of a wide range of cellular processes involved in injury, repair, and remodeling of the infarcted heart. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1, are markedly upregulated in the infarcted myocardium and promote adhesive interactions between endothelial cells and leukocytes by stimulating chemokine and adhesion molecule expression. Distinct pairs of chemokines and chemokine receptors are implicated in recruitment of various leukocyte subpopulations in the infarcted myocardium. For more than the past 30 years, extensive experimental work has explored the role of inflammatory signals and the contributions of leukocyte subpopulations in myocardial infarction. Robust evidence derived from experimental models of myocardial infarction has identified inflammatory targets that may attenuate cardiomyocyte injury or protect from adverse remodeling. Unfortunately, attempts to translate the promising experimental findings to clinical therapy have failed. This review article discusses the biology of the inflammatory response after myocardial infarction, attempts to identify the causes for the translational failures of the past, and proposes promising new therapeutic directions. Because of their potential involvement in injurious, reparative, and regenerative responses, inflammatory cells may hold the key for design of new therapies in myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus (cardiac NL) include congenital heart block and cardiomyopathy. Several candidate biomarkers were evaluated in cases at risk for cardiac NL on the basis of potential roles in inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction: C-reactive protein (CRP); NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP); troponin I; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2; urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA); urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR); plasminogen; and vitamin D. Objectives Identification of maternal and fetal biomarkers associated with development and morbidity of cardiac NL should provide clues to pathogenesis with translational implications for management. Methods Cord (139) and maternal (135) blood samples collected during pregnancies at risk for cardiac NL were available for study. Levels of cord and maternal CRP, cord NT-proBNP, and cord troponin I were evaluated using multiplex assays. Cord and maternal vitamin D were assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. MMP-2, uPA, uPAR, and plasminogen were evaluated using ELISA. Results Cord CRP, NT-proBNP, MMP-2, uPA, uPAR, and plasminogen levels were higher in cardiac NL-affected fetuses than in unaffected cases, independent of maternal rheumatic disease, season at highest risk of cardiac NL development, and medications taken during pregnancy. These biomarkers were positively associated with a disease severity score derived from known risk factors for mortality in cardiac NL. Maternal CRP and cord troponin I levels did not differ between the groups. Cord and maternal vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with cardiac NL, but average maternal vitamin D level during pregnancy was positively associated with longer time to postnatal pacemaker placement. Conclusions These data support the association of fetal reactive inflammatory and fibrotic components with development and morbidity of cardiac NL. Following CRP and NT-proBNP levels after birth can potentially monitor severity and progression of cardiac NL. MMP-2 and the uPA/uPAR/plasminogen cascade provide therapeutic targets to decrease fibrosis. Although decreased vitamin D did not confer increased risk, given the positive influence on postnatal outcomes, maternal levels should be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metal oxide nanoparticles such as silica, alumina, magnesium oxide and calcium oxide were synthesized using sol–gel process followed by super critical drying. In order to increase reactivity, nanoparticles were loaded with zero valent iron. Nanoparticles were then characterized for their surface area, porosity, particle size, surface morphology, compositions, thermal stability, etc. Nanoparticles showed particle diameter in the range of 5–60nm, surface area 23–673m2/g and microporous–mesoporous characteristics. Adsorption of nitrobenzene on prepared nanoparticles was performed in closed glass chamber and the kinetics parameters such as equilibration constant, equilibration capacity, diffusional exponent and adsorbate–adsorbent interaction constant have been determined using linear driving force and Fickian diffusion model. Zero valent iron loaded silica nanoparticles showed maximum adsorption potential (1155mg/g) and considerable ratio for adsorption capacity to surface area (3.14mg/m2) among impregnated systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An efficient methodology employing copper nanoparticles for the preparation of 2-naphthol condensed 1,3-oxazinone derivatives employing one-pot condensation reaction in the presence of K2CO3 and copper nanoparticles in PEG-400 is described which offers several advantages, viz. high yields, clean reaction, short reaction times, recyclability of the catalyst and simple workup procedure. PEG-400 was found to be the best solvent out of a range of solvents examined for this scheme. Moreover, PEG could stabilize the nanoparticles from oxidation and thus could increase the catalyst efficiency by escalating the TON (Turn over Number) and TOF (Turn over Frequency) of the catalyst, making the protocol greener, eco-friendly and environmentally benign. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Moisture barrier properties of films based on xylan reinforced with several cellulosic resources including nanocrystalline cellulose, acacia bleached kraft pulp fibers and softwood kraft fibers have been evaluated. Measurements of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were performed by a modification of the wet cup method described by ASTM E 96-95, indicating that membranes with 10% nanocrystalline cellulose, prepared using a sulfuric acid, exhibited the lowest permeability value of 174gmil/hm2 among the composite films studied. Both the acacia and the softwood kraft pulp fibers when used for xylan film formation exhibited higher water vapor transmission rates at addition levels of 50% and no improvement at lower levels of 5% and 10%, in comparison to control xylan films. Reinforcement of xylan with hydrochloric acid made nanocrystalline cellulose yielded films that showed a reduction in water transmission but the reduction was not as significant as with the reinforcement of xylan with sulfuric nanocrystalline cellulose. The results showed that xylan films reinforced with 10% sulfuric nanocrystalline cellulose exhibited reductions in water transmission rates of 362%, 62% and 61% over films prepared with 10% softwood kraft fibers, 10% acacia fiber and 10% hydrochloric acid prepared nanocrystalline cellulose, respectively. The morphology of the resulting nanocomposite films was examined by SEM and AFM which showed that control films containing xylan and sorbitol had a more open structure as compared to xylan–sorbitol films containing sulfuric nanocrystalline cellulose. The results from FT-IR suggested strong interactions occurred between the nanocrystalline cellulose and the matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanoparticles of AP-Al2O3 (aero-gel produced alumina) have been produced by an alkoxide based synthesis involving aluminum powder, methanol, toluene and water. Thus produced alumina nanoparticles were characterized and the data indicated the formation of nanoparticles of alumina in the size range of 2–30nm with high surface area (375m2/g). Thereafter, these nanoparticles were impregnated with reactive chemicals. Adsorptive removal kinetics for DEClP (diethylchlorophosphate) and GB (isopropylmethylphosphonofluoridate, sarin) was monitored by GC–FID (gas chromatograph coupled with flame ionization detector) technique and found to be following pseudo first order reaction kinetics. Among impregnated AP-Al2O3 nanoparticles based sorbent systems AP-Al2O3 impregnated with 9-molybdo-3-vanadophosphoric acid (10%, w/w) was found to be the most reactive with least half-life values of 7 and 30min for the removal of DEClP and GB, respectively, whereas unimpregnated AP-Al2O3 nanoparticles showed the best adsorption potential among all studied systems. In addition to this, hydrolysis reaction {identified using GC/MS (gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer) technique} was found to be the route of degradation of DEClP and GB on impregnated alumina nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocellulosic-xylan films were prepared employing oat spelt xylan, cellulose whiskers and a plasticizer. The mechanical properties of the films were evaluated using tensile testing under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The tensile data showed that the addition of sulfonated cellulose whiskers lead to a substantial improvement in strength properties. Addition of 7wt% of sulfonated whiskers increased the tensile energy absorption of xylan films by 445% and the tensile strength of the film by 141%. Furthermore, films to which 7% cellulose whiskers were added showed that nanocellulose whiskers produced with sulfuric acid (sulfonated whiskers) were significantly better at increasing film strength than cellulose whiskers produced by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of cellulosic fibers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alumina nanoparticles in the size range of 2–30nm and surface area 375m2/g were synthesized using aerogel route and then characterized using N2–BET, SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and TGA techniques. Thereafter, these were impregnated with reactive chemicals and tested for their potential by conducting studies on kinetics of adsorption of 2-chloroethylethylsulphide (2-CEES) under static conditions. Kinetics was studied using linear driving force and Fickian diffusion model. The kinetics parameters such as equilibration constant, equilibration capacity, diffusional exponent and adsorbate–adsorbent interaction constant were also determined. AP-Al2O3 with 10% impregnation of MoVPA (V3) and NaOH showed the maximum (574mg/g) and minimum (88mg/g) uptake of 2-CEES among impregnated systems respectively. All impregnated systems except NaOH impregnation showed the values of diffusional exponent to be <0.5, indicated the diffusion mechanism to be Fickian, whereas AP-Al2O3 with and without NaOH impregnation showed the diffusional mechanism to be anomalous. Hydrolysis and dehydrohalogenation reactions (identified using GC/MS technique) were found to be the route of degradation of 2-CEES. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reinforcement of natural biopolymers with cellulosic whiskers has been shown to be beneficial for physical strength properties including xylan films. This study examines the water transmission properties of xylan films reinforced with cellulosic whiskers prepared from kraft pulp hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid. Measurements of water transmission rate (WVTR) were accomplished by a modification of wet cup method described by ASTM E 96-95. The results showed that films prepared by xylan reinforced by 10% sulfonated whiskers exhibited a 74% reduction in specific water transmission properties with respect to xylan film and a 362% improvement with respect to xylan films reinforced with 10% softwood kraft fibers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High surface area (887.3m2/g) silica nanoparticles were synthesized using aerogel route and thereafter, characterized by N2-Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), SEM and TEM techniques. The data indicated the formation of nanoparticles of silica in the size range of 24–75nm with mesoporous characteristics. Later, these were impregnated with reactive chemicals such as N-chloro compounds, oxaziridines, polyoxometalates, etc., which have already been proven to be effective against sulphur mustard (HD). Thus, developed novel mesoporous reactive sorbents were tested for their self-decontaminating feature by conducting studies on kinetics of adsorptive removal of HD from solution. Trichloroisocyanuric acid impregnated silica nanoparticles (10%, w/w)-based system was found to be the best with least half-life value (t 1/2 =2.8min) among prepared systems to remove and detoxify HD into nontoxic degradation products. Hydrolysis, dehydrohalogenation and oxidation reactions were found to be the route of degradation of HD over prepared sorbents. The study also inferred that 10% loading of impregnants over high surface area and low density silica nanoparticles enhances the rate of reaction kinetics and seems to be useful in the field of heterogeneous reaction kinetics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanoparticles of AP–Al2O3 (aerogel produced alumina) have been produced by an alkoxide based synthesis involving aluminum powder, methanol, toluene and water. Thus produced alumina nanoparticles were characterized by N2-BET, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy and thermogravimetry techniques. The data indicated the formation of nanoparticles of alumina in the size range of 2–30nm with high surface area (375m2/g) and microporous–mesoporous characteristics. Thereafter, these nanoparticles were impregnated with polyoxometalates and other reactive chemicals, which have already proven to be effective against sulphur mustard (HD). Adsorptive removal kinetics for HD was monitored by GC–FID (gas chromatograph coupled with flame ionization detector) technique and found to be following pseudo first order reaction kinetics. Among polyoxometalates impregnated alumina nanoparticles based novel mesoporous reactive sorbent systems AP–Al2O3 impregnated with 9-molybdo-3-vanadophosphoric acid (10%, w/w) was found to be the most reactive with least half life value (214min). In addition to this, degradation products of sulphur mustard on prepared mesoporous reactive sorbents were identified using GC/MS technique. Hydrolysis, dehydrohalogenation and oxidation reactions were found to be the route of degradation of sulphur mustard. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In principle, the technique of gene delivery involves taking complete or parts of genes that can code specific message and delivering them to selected cells in the body. Such a transfer of plasmid DNA into mammalian cells has posed major challenges for gene therapy. This study shows the encapsulation of a plasmid DNA in cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanoparticles of size less than 100nm. This kind of encapsulation provides complete protection to the plasmid DNA from external DNase environment and generates the hope that the resulting formulation can be developed into a potential vector for effective gene delivery. In order to check this potentially, the reporter gene pSVβ-gal was encapsulated and in vitro transfection efficiency of this system was found to be nearly 80% compared to the commercially available transfection reagent PolyfectR. Further, in vivo biodistribution studies indicated that this system could be used safely for effective gene delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Whetlerite carbon, which is in use in nuclear, biological and chemical filtration systems can degrade highly volatile chemical warfare gases such as phosgene, cyanogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, etc. Degradation of vesicants such as sulphur mustard (HD) over whetlerite has not been extensively studied, except that the probability of some hydrolysis has been reported. In order to investigate the latter and incorporate HD degradation capability to the filter adsorbent, indigenous whetlerite carbon containing sodium hydroxide was further impregnated with various in situ degradation capable impregnants. The prepared adsorbent materials (impregnated modified whetlerite systems) were studied for in situ degradation of HD at ambient temperature. Degradation kinetics monitored by GC/FID was found to be pseudo-first-order. Kinetic rate constant and half-life values of degradation were calculated. Hemimustard, thiodiglycol, 1,4-oxathiane, sulphoxide and vinyl-2-chloroethyl sulphide were found to be the degradation products with modified whetlerite (MWh) and modified whetlerite impregnated with 11-molybdo-1-vanadophosphoric acid (MWh/V1) systems indicating that oxidative, hydrolytic and dehydrohalogenation decompositions are responsible for HD degradation. Effect of moisture on HD degradation was also studied on MWh and MWh/V1 systems, indicating that the rate of degradation increases with increasing moisture content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Eco-friendly solvothermal synthesis of potassium-doped graphene oxide (K-GO) from oak fruit waste. • 250 ppm K-GO + 2500 ppm SDS reduced surface tension by >10% beyond SDS alone, improving surfactant performance. • SDS-KGO reduced surfactant loss to reservoir surfaces by up to 32%, increasing chemical efficiency for petroleum engineering. • K-GO enabled >20° wettability alteration, accessing trapped oil in reservoirs, and reduced crude oil interfacial tension by ~40%. • Optimized K-GO-SDS-Polymer nanofluid improved oil recovery by ~59% in core 1 and ~67% in core 2 of original oil in place (OOIP). This study presents an eco-friendly solvothermal method for synthesizing potassium-doped graphene oxide (K-GO) from agricultural waste, specifically oak fruit. Various spectrographic analyses, including XRD, FTIR, Raman, and UV–Vis, confirmed the successful synthesis of graphene oxide. The synthesized K-GO was combined with different surfactants to create nanofluids to enhance oil recovery. Anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) demonstrated the best performance among the surfactants tested. When 250 ppm of K-GO was added to a 2500 ppm SDS solution, the surface tension was reduced by over 10 %. The study of zeta potential experiments validated that the K-GO-SDS nanofluid is compatible with sandstone reservoirs. Furthermore, the interfacial tension between the K-GO-SDS nanofluid and crude oil decreased by approximately 40 %. Batch adsorption studies showed that the combination of SDS and K-GO significantly reduced surfactant loss to reservoir surfaces by up to 32 %. Additionally, incorporating K-GO resulted in a notable improvement in wettability alteration, with contact angle measurements showing an improvement of over 20°. The sustainable synthesis of potassium-doped graphene oxide (K-GO) facilitates synergistic interactions with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), thereby optimizing the formulation of nanofluids for enhanced oil recovery applications. This combination demonstrates superior efficacy in accessing trapped oil compared to using surfactants alone, highlighting the significant potential of K-GO-SDS nanofluids in advancing oil recovery techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recyclable Ni-nanoparticles provides an efficient, economic and rapid method for catalyzing Knoevenagel condensation of aldehydes with an active methylene compound at room temperature. The method offers high yield preferably in case of aromatic aldehydes and proceed well in neutral medium. This method provides a wide range of substrate applicability and simple workup procedure. The products need no further purification and the process is environmentally benign. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kinetics of in situ degradation bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulphide (sulphur mustard, HD) on polyoxometalate impregnated carbon systems such as 11-molybdo-1-vanadophosphoric acid (V1/C), phosphotungstic acid (PTA/C), sodium phosphotungstic acid (PTANa/C), phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA/C), sodium phosphomolybdic acid (PMoANa/C) and silicotungstic acid (SiTA/C) have been studied. These carbons were characterized for micropore volume and surface area by N2 Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) equation. For degradation studies the solution of HD in chloroform was prepared and taken for the uniform adsorption on the carbon systems using incipient volume. Degradation kinetics was monitored by gas chromatograph equipped with flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and found to be following the pseudo first order kinetics. The values of kinetic rate constant and half-life were calculated. V1/C system showed the fastest degradation of HD. Hemimustard, thiodiglycol, 1,4-oxathiane, sulphoxide and vinyl-2-chloroethyl sulphide were found to be the degradation products with V1/C system which indicated the oxidative, hydrolytic and dehydrohalogenation reactions, responsible for HD degradation. Effect of moisture was also studied on most reactive system, i.e., V1/C. The study indicated that V1/C can be used as a promising adsorbent system for the degradation of HD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple, efficient, stereoselective, one pot three component condensation reaction between thiazolidine-2,4-dione, aldehyde and amine derivatives using monodispersed, recyclable and inexpensive Cu-nanoparticles for the synthesis of thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives in excellent yields and high purity has been described here for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2-(2-Methyl-quinoline-4ylamino)-N-(2-chlorophenyl)-acetamide, a novel anilidoquinoline derivative, was synthesised and evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy in treating Japanese encephalitis. The compound showed significant antiviral and antiapoptotic effects in vitro. Significant decreases in viral load (P <0.01) combined with an increase in survival was observed in Japanese encephalitis virus-infected mice treated with 2-(2-methyl-quinoline-4ylamino)-N-(2-chlorophenyl)-acetamide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biologically active quinoxalines were efficiently synthesized in excellent yields and in less reaction time using inexpensive, monodispersed and easily recyclable Ni-nanoparticles. In order to elucidate the role of the Ni-nanoparticles, a control reaction was conducted using glyoxal and o-phenylenediamine in acetonitrile in the absence of Ni-nanoparticles. Quinoxaline was formed in around 10h with a 30% yield. However, the same reaction carried out in acetonitrile using 10mol% of Ni- nanoparticles (14–18nm) at 25°C and stirred under N2 gave quinoxaline in quantitative yield in 10min. The separation of the product was facile and the catalyst could be separated and recycled by mild centrifugation. Our method is very quick, avoids the use of expensive reagents, high temperatures (our reaction takes place at room temperature) and leads to excellent yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cu-Nanoparticles provide an efficient catalysis for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzoxazoles by the coupling of aromatic or heteroaromatic aldehydes with 2-aminophenol though the oxidative cyclization of the Schiffs’ bases using 10mol% of the Cu-nanoparticles in the presence of K2CO3 in MeOH. This method avoids the use of metal oxide or organic oxidizing agents, namely, DDQ or strong acids such as polyphosphoric acid or boric acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel method for reduction of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes with ammonium formate using Ni-nanoparticles is described. The Ni-nanoparticles act as a green catalyst for selective reduction of the aldehydic group in the presence of other functional groups, viz.: –NO2, –CN and alkenes to give the corresponding alcohols in excellent yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mouse knockout-models have previously revealed important biological functions of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) in normal cardiac and craniofacial development. Since human ECE-1 is expressed in various isoforms, termed a, b, c, and d, expression of which is controlled by alternative promoters, we postulated that corresponding isoforms may also be transcribed from the murine Ece1 gene. By comparative sequence analysis using exon-specific sequences of human and rat ECE-1 we have resolved the complete exon–intron structure of the murine Ece1 locus on chromosome 4. The murine Ece1 gene comprises 23 exons distributed over 100 kb of genomic DNA and was found to be structurally highly conserved when compared to the human ECE1 gene. As with the human gene, the exons containing isoform-specific sequences were localised in the 5′ terminal region of the murine Ece1 gene. Using specific sense primers, isoform-specific expression of murine ECE-1 mRNA in various mouse tissues was confirmed by RT-PCR. Using real-time PCR we demonstrated that ECE-1c was the most abundantly expressed isoform in most tissues, except for heart and aorta displaying a more even isoform distribution. We detected an additional isoform-specific exon, designated c2, which was apparently constitutively spliced and expressed only as minor fraction of ECE-1c transcripts. Our results provide evidence of structural conservation of mammalian genes encoding ECE-1 and will facilitate a more refined analysis of ECE-1 mRNA expression in the mouse model organism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The application of mMWCNT in nanofluids as a slug for enhanced oil recovery is investigated and reported for the first time. • The mMWCNT reduced the IFT up to 56 %. • mMWCNT efficiently modified the wetting behavior of the rock, aiding the oil recovery. • A recovery factor of 70 % was achieved. In this captivating study, we explored the fascinating potential of carbon nanotube-based nanofluids in improving oil recovery efficiency and transforming interfacial tension. To accomplish this, we acquired high-purity multi-walled carbon nanotubes from Plasma Chem Gmbh, ensuring a purity level exceeding 95 %, which underwent additional functionalization and experimentation to explore their impact. The functionalization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes with ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide generated diverse surface groups, reduced van der Waals interactions, and increased carbon nanotube dispersibility through enhanced interactions with polymers or solvents. The modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes were characterized using Raman analysis, HRTEM, and zeta potential. Varying concentrations of altered multi-wall carbon nanotube-based fluids were prepared to study their impact on surface tension using a Surface tensiometer. Adsorption studies were conducted to minimize surfactant loss. Contact angle experiments using a Goniometer helped alter the rock surface's wetting characteristics. Finally, the core flooding experiment using two pore volumes of the nanofluid with the optimal concentration of mMWCNT with SDS and 1000 ppm of polymer calculates the oil recovery factor. The study's findings revealed that the modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes significantly reduced surface and interfacial tension by approximately 59 % and 56 %, respectively, at the optimum concentration. Moreover, the nanotubes successfully minimized surfactant loss by about 49.3 %. The contact angle experiments demonstrated that the modified nanotubes transformed the rock surface from oil-wet to water-wet, as evidenced by a substantial reduction of approximately 54 % in the contact angle value. In conclusion, the core flooding experiment, employing a chemical slug composed of SDS at CMC, modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes, and industrial-grade polymer, yielded a remarkable oil recovery factor of approximately 70 % of the original oil in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aldehydes and mercaptoacetic acid are coupled in the presence of a catalytic amount of economical and non-toxic molecular iodine in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid under mild conditions to afford the corresponding 1,3-oxathiolan-5-one in excellent yields. Molecular iodine acts faster in ionic liquids when compared to conventional solvents such as DMSO, DMF, ethyl acetate, and acetonitrile. The recovered ionic liquids can be recycled in subsequent reactions with consistent activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Experimental and clinical evidence support the role of macrophage Toll-like receptor signaling in maternal anti-SSA/Ro-mediated congenital heart block (CHB).Objectives: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an orally administered Toll-like receptor antagonist widely used in lupus including during pregnancy, was evaluated for efficacy in reducing the historical 18% recurrence rate of CHB.Methods: This multicenter, open-label, single-arm, 2-stage clinical trial was designed using Simon's optimal approach. Anti-SSA/Ro-positive mothers with a previous pregnancy complicated by CHB were recruited (n = 19 Stage 1; n = 35 Stage 2). Patients received 400 mg daily of HCQ prior to completion of gestational week 10, which was maintained through pregnancy. The primary outcome was 2° or 3° CHB any time during pregnancy, and secondary outcomes included isolated endocardial fibroelastosis, 1° CHB at birth and skin rash.Results: By intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, 4 of 54 evaluable pregnancies resulted in a primary outcome (7.4%; 90% confidence interval: 3.4% to 15.9%). Because 9 mothers took potentially confounding medications (fluorinated glucocorticoids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin) after enrollment but prior to a primary outcome, to evaluate HCQ alone, 9 additional mothers were recruited and followed the identical protocol. In the per-protocol analysis restricted to pregnancies exposed to HCQ alone, 4 of 54 (7.4%) fetuses developed a primary outcome as in the ITT. Secondary outcomes included mild endocardial fibroelastosis (n = 1) and cutaneous neonatal lupus (n = 4).Conclusions: These prospective data support that HCQ significantly reduces the recurrence of CHB below the historical rate by >50%, suggesting that this drug should be prescribed for secondary prevention of fetal cardiac disease in anti-SSA/Ro-exposed pregnancies. (Preventive Approach to Congenital Heart Block With Hydroxychloroquine [PATCH]; NCT01379573). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the relationship between maternal connective tissue diseases and neonatal rashes was described in the 1960s and congenital heart block in the 1970s, the “culprit” antibody reactivity to the SSA/Ro-SSB/La ribonucleoprotein complex was not identified until the 1980s. However, studies have shown that approximately 10–15% of cases of congenital heart block are not exposed to anti-SSA/Ro-SSB/La. Whether those cases represent a different disease entity or whether another antibody is associated has yet to be determined. Moreover, the cutaneous manifestations of neonatal lupus have also been identified in infants exposed only to anti-U1RNP antibodies. In this review, we describe what we believe to be the first case of congenital heart block exposed to maternal anti-U1RNP antibodies absent anti-SSA/Ro-SSB/La. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of this fetus are compared to those typically seen associated with SSA/Ro and SSB/La. Current guidelines for fetal surveillance are reviewed and the potential impact conferred by this case is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]