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Aim: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the bone–miniscrew contact surface area (BMC) and the cortical bone microcracks (CM) resulting from manual (hand‐driven) and automated (motor‐driven) orthodontic miniscrew (OM) insertion methods. Methods: Thirty‐three OM were inserted in the femurs of nine New Zealand rabbits using manual (n = 16) and automated (n = 17) insertions. After euthanizing the rabbits, bone blocks, each including one OM, were sawed. Micro‐CT scanning was performed, and data analysis included reconstruction, binarization and quantification of morphometric parameters of BMC and the number and length of CM. Means and standard deviations for complete BMC, complete BMC proportion, cortical BMC, cortical BMC proportion, and length and number of CM were calculated. Mixed model analysis was used to adjust for more than one sample/CM per animal. A paired t‐test was used to compare the number of CM between the two groups. Results: Compared to the automated insertion, manually inserted miniscrews had significantly lower complete BMC (7.54 ± 1.80 mm2 vs. 11.99 ± 3.64 mm2), cortical BMC (5.91 ± 1.48 mm2 vs. 8.48 ± 1.90 mm2) and cortical BMC proportion (79.44 ± 5.84% vs. 87.94 ± 3.66%). However, it was not statistically significant in complete BMC proportion (p =.052). The automated insertion also resulted in a significantly lower mean number of CM than the manual method (p =.012). However, the length of the cracks was shorter in the manual group but with no significant difference (p = 0.256). Conclusion: Motor‐driven OM insertion results in superior BMC and reduction in the number of CM, which may lead to better miniscrew stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thiol‐functionalized MOF‐808 was produced and used to remove mercury by post‐synthetic modification using 6‐mercaponicotinic acid (6mna). Parent MOF‐808 was impregnated for varied periods in the 6mna solution to create modified MOF‐808 materials, known as MOF‐808‐6mna‐x, where x refers to the impregnation time. Diffraction and several spectroscopic techniques were employed to quantify and confirm the coordination of 6mna into MOF‐808 framework. The amount of grafted 6man and the ability for adsorption of mercury (Hg) was shown to be linearly associated; the functionalized MOF‐808‐6mna‐36 demonstrated improved Hg(II) removal, with an adsorption capacity of 250 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin‐olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3‐day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17β), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11–32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14–32). On D20–32 (MUA) and D14–32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20–32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17–32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of incorporating olive waste ash (OWA) into high‐strength geopolymer concrete (HSGC) by partially replacing fly ash (FA) and/or granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in the presence of rice husk ash (RHA). A total of 18 different mixtures were prepared and divided into three groups: (1) Utilizing OWA as a partial replacement for FA at a weight ratio of 10%–50%. (2) Incorporating OWA as a partial substitute for GBFS, with a weight ratio of 10%–50%. (3) Incorporate OWA as a partial substitute for FA and GBFS, with a recommended weight ratio of 10%–50%. The slump flow test was used to analyze the fresh properties of the HSGC. The hardening properties were examined by measuring the compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the water absorbency, sulfate attack, and chloride penetration depth. A scanning electron microscope was used for the microstructural analysis. The inclusion of OWA in HSGC mixtures resulted in a significant enhancement of the compressive strength. Specifically, adding 20% OWA to FA increased the compressive strength by 8.9% at 28 days. Similarly, 30% OWA for GGBS and 30% OWA for GGBS + FA led to compressive strength improvements of 20% and 17.8%, respectively. OWA application resulted in an enhanced microstructure density of the HSGC samples. The ideal substitution ratio varied between 20% and 30% based on weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the time- and frequency-domain spillover connectedness between regional and world Shariah indices. The spillover index approach is employed with data over the period from April 30, 2012, to May 9, 2022, for African, American, Asian, European, and world emerging and developed markets' Shariah-based equity indices. The results indicate significant time- and frequency-dependent spillovers between Shariah indices. The world and developed markets' Shariah indices transmit the greatest return spillover to their African and Asian counterparts, which act as net recipients of system spillovers. Our findings show that Asian Shariah assets are a perfect hedge against all relevant market shocks over the last decade. Our findings have implications for Shariah market regulators, investors, practitioners, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney tumor (KT) is one of the diseases that have affected our society and is the seventh most common tumor in both men and women worldwide. The early detection of KT has significant benefits in reducing death rates, producing preventive measures that reduce effects, and overcoming the tumor. Compared to the tedious and time-consuming traditional diagnosis, automatic detection algorithms of deep learning (DL) can save diagnosis time, improve test accuracy, reduce costs, and reduce the radiologist's workload. In this paper, we present detection models for diagnosing the presence of KTs in computed tomography (CT) scans. Toward detecting and classifying KT, we proposed 2D-CNN models; three models are concerning KT detection such as a 2D convolutional neural network with six layers (CNN-6), a ResNet50 with 50 layers, and a VGG16 with 16 layers. The last model is for KT classification as a 2D convolutional neural network with four layers (CNN-4). In addition, a novel dataset from the King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) has been collected that consists of 8,400 images of 120 adult patients who have performed CT scans for suspected kidney masses. The dataset was divided into 80% for the training set and 20% for the testing set. The accuracy results for the detection models of 2D CNN-6 and ResNet50 reached 97%, 96%, and 60%, respectively. At the same time, the accuracy results for the classification model of the 2D CNN-4 reached 92%. Our novel models achieved promising results; they enhance the diagnosis of patient conditions with high accuracy, reducing radiologist's workload and providing them with a tool that can automatically assess the condition of the kidneys, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. Furthermore, increasing the quality of healthcare service and early detection can change the disease's track and preserve the patient's life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of ensuring automatic operation for industrial appliances using both supervision and control techniques is a challenging task. Therefore, this article focuses on implementing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) for controlling all industrial appliances. The design process of implementation case is performed using an analytical framework by examining the primary energy sources at the initial state; thus, a smart network is supported. The designed mathematical model is integrated with a learning technique that allocates resources at proper quantities. Further, the complex manual tuning of individual appliances is avoided in the projected method as the input variables are driven in a direct way at reduced loss state. In addition, the data processing state of individual appliances is carried out using central data controller where all parametric values are stored. In case any errors are observed, then SCADA network fixes the error in an automated way, reducing end-to-end delays in all appliances. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, five scenarios are examined and simulated where outcomes prove that SCADA network using learning models provides optimal results on an average of 84 percent as compared to the existing models without learning algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing interests in the sustainable way of investing as enjoined by several sustainability initiatives. However, investors require effective portfolio diversification at various market conditions (stress, benign, and boom) and would consider sustainable equities to the extent that they aid in the minimisation of portfolio risks. As a result, a better way investors can mitigate portfolio risk is by forming portfolios with relevant volatility indices as enshrined in extant literature. It becomes necessary to investigate the susceptibility of Islamic stocks in a sustainable way to shocks from volatility indices to enhance effective portfolio decisions. In this regard, we investigate the asymmetric effect of implied volatility indices on sustainable Islamic stocks across different market conditions. Hence, the quantile regression and quantile-on-quantile regression techniques are employed. The study discovered an asymmetric influence of volatility on sustainable Islamic stock returns at various quantiles. Furthermore, most volatilities' asymmetric effects were generally inversely associated to sustainable Islamic stock returns, implying diversification benefits across market outcomes. Also, with the exception of the extreme quantiles, there is a causal effect of volatilities on Islamic stock returns for most quantiles. It seems to reason that ordinary market outcomes, rather than market stress or boom, have a greater impact on causal estimates for our quantile regression model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing security to the healthcare data stored in an IoT-cloud environment is one of the most challenging and demanding tasks in recent days. Because the IoT-cloud framework is constructed with an enormous number of sensors that are used to generate a massive amount of data, however, it is more susceptible to vulnerabilities and attacks, which degrades the security level of the network by performing malicious activities. Hence, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is the most suitable option for healthcare applications because it provides the best solution for improving the security and reliability of data. Due to this fact, various AI-based security mechanisms are implemented in the conventional works for the IoT-cloud framework. However, it faces significant problems of increased complexity in algorithm design, inefficient data handling, not being suitable for processing the unstructured data, increased cost of IoT sensors, and more time consumption. Therefore, this paper proposed an AI-based intelligent feature learning mechanism named Probabilistic Super Learning- (PSL-) Random Hashing (RH) for improving the security of healthcare data stored in IoT-cloud. Also, this paper is aimed at reducing the cost of IoT sensors by implementing the proposed learning model. Here, the training model has been maintained for detecting the attacks at the initial stage, where the properties of the reported attack are updated for learning the characteristics of attacks. In addition to that, the random key is generated based on the hash value of the data matrix, which is incorporated with the standard Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) technique for data security. Then, the enhanced ECC-RH mechanism performs the data encryption and decryption processes with the generated random hash key. During performance evaluation, the results of both existing and proposed techniques are validated and compared using different performance indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the frequent use of fossil fuels and their direct impact on the environment, new ways of production of energy sources are essentially needed for the current era. Hydrogen is the perfect candidate for renewable energy; however, efficient O2 gas production is associated with a lack of active electrocatalysts that could be low cost effective and comparable to the performance of noble metal RuO2. The newly developed composite has a Tafel slope of 65 mV dec−1 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for the nonprecious Mn‐Ni‐Co‐based electrocatalyst. This mixed oxide alloy possesses excellent oxygen evolution activity in alkaline media with the composite material. It is best of fit to produce OER in 1 M KOH media at 1.41 V onset potential, 230 mV overpotential, and the catalyst is highly durable for 40 hr. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study strongly provides the fast OER kinetics of 86.5 Ω charge transfer resistance. An active catalyst is needed for the cheaper generation oxygen gas production on large scale. Thus, outperform, stable, and inexpensive catalysts are highly demanded O2 gas production from the electrolysis of water through oxygen evolution. Herein, we present an efficient and highly stable catalyst based on transition metal oxide ternary Mo‐Ni‐Co nanostructures and their composite for water splitting in basic conditions for the first time. The presented catalysts are up to the mark of ruthenium oxide performance and superior to several transition metal dichalcogenides. This fabrication technology is a new roadmap for the development of active and scalable oxygen‐evolving catalysts by overcoming the issues of fewer catalytic edges, low density, and poor conductivity. The obtained results demonstrate highly favorable on the Mn‐Ni‐Co for OER due to 173.20 Ω small charge transfer resistance values and 1.97 mF capacitance values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐insulator‐insulator‐metal diodes based on nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide (NTiOx) and aluminum oxide (NAlOx) are fabricated and characterized for the first time. Pt/TiOx‐NTiOx/Pt and Pt/TiOx‐NAlOx/Pt diodes with 30 nm of TiOx or NTiOx and 5 nm of NAlOx are compared to undoped Pt/TiOx/Pt and Pt/TiOx‐AlOx/Pt diodes of similar thickness. The nitrogen atoms are expected to modify the barrier heights and produce electron traps in the insulators. This changes the conduction mechanisms of the doped diodes, including the introduction of unidirectional, defect‐mediated Poole–Frenkel transport and trap‐assisted tunneling, which increase the performance of the doped diodes. The representative figures of merit observed for a Pt/TiOx‐NAlOx/Pt diode at 0.5 V include an asymmetry of 8.76 × 103, nonlinearity of 4, and zero‐bias responsivity of 22.3 A W−1. Zero‐bias responsivities as high as 36.8 A W−1 are obtained, which surpass the 19.4 A W−1 theoretical limit for Schottky diodes. Notably, this defect‐engineering approach is found to improve the figures of merit without an unwanted increase in diode resistance. A thinner Pt/NTiOx‐NAlOx/Al diode is also produced, which has a low zero‐bias resistance of 36 Ω, nonlinearity of 3.7, and zero‐bias responsivity of 1.7 A W−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated glutamine efficacy in preventing and alleviating radiation‐induced oral mucositis (OM) among patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer. We screened five databases from inception till February 4, 2021 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included 11 RCTs, comprising 922 patients (458 and 464 patients were assigned to glutamine and control group, respectively). The incidence and onset of radiation‐induced OM of any grade did not substantially differ between both groups. However, glutamine substantially reduced the severity of radiation‐induced OM, as reflected by the reduced incidence of severe OM and reduced mean maximal OM grade score. Additionally, glutamine significantly decreased the rates of analgesic opioid use, nasogastric tube feeding, and therapy interruptions. Oral glutamine supplementation demonstrated various therapeutic benefits in preventing and ameliorating radiation‐induced OM among patients with H&N cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the effect of utilising rotor conducting screens within a switched reluctance machine (SRM). Conducting, non‐magnetic materials such as aluminium or copper are inserted into the interpole regions of the rotor. The effective unaligned inductance decreases, which increases the conversion area allowing the machine to develop more power. Predicting machine performance implies knowing the value of the unaligned inductance. A procedure for calculating the effective unaligned inductance for screened motors using the flux tube method is presented. Finite element analysis results establish the validity of the proposed calculation method. A detailed design procedure for screened SRM is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale films are integral to all modern electronics. To optimize device performance, researchers vary the film thickness by making batches of devices, which is time‐consuming and produces experimental artifacts. Thin films with nanoscale thickness gradients that are rapidly deposited in open air for combinatorial and high‐throughput (CHT) studies are presented. Atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition reactor heads are used to produce spatially varying chemical vapor deposition rates on the order of angstroms per second. ZnO and Al2O3 films are printed with nm‐scale thickness gradients in as little as 45 s and CHT analysis of a metal‐insulator‐metal diode and perovskite solar cell is performed. By testing 360 Pt/Al2O3/Al diodes with 18 different Al2O3 thicknesses on one wafer, a thicker insulator layer (≈7.0 nm) is identified for optimal diode performance than reported previously. Al2O3 thin film encapsulation is deposited by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP‐CVD) on a perovskite solar cell stack for the first time and a convolutional neural network is developed to analyze the perovskite stability. The rapid nature of AP‐CVD enables thicker films to be deposited at a higher temperature than is practical with conventional methods. The CHT analysis shows enhanced stability for 70 nm encapsulation films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power density enhancement of a four‐phase switched reluctance motor using rotor conducting screens and DC‐link voltage boosting for electric vehicle applications is studied. The effect of conducting screen thickness and material electrical conductivity on current rise time, developed torque, and output power is studied. Different screen shapes are compared that elicit the optimum screen design by formulating a multi‐objective optimisation problem based on maximising the developed torque and efficiency and minimising added material weight. A double arm common switch converter with a DC‐link voltage‐boosting capacitors is deployed. The boosted voltage provided by the capacitors aids the winding current to rapidly build‐up; thus, increasing the motor base speed, whence power rating. Finite element analysis results confirm the SRM drive's effectiveness in increasing the motor base speed and improving the torque range; hence make the power capability of SRMs to be competitive with an equivalent volume permanent magnet synchronous motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the beneficial effect of phytogenic extracts on semen quality, reproductive hormones, thyroid activity, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and fertility in rabbit bucks. We divided 70 bucks into seven groups (10 in each). Group 1 was fed a basal diet (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control diet with 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of turmeric, respectively; and groups 5, 6, and 7 were fed the control diet with 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of garlic extract, respectively, for 8 weeks. Rectal and skin temperatures decreased, while follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 in blood serum and glutathione peroxidase in the liver increased in all groups (p < .05). Garlic extract (100 mg/kg diet) increased adenosine triphosphate and glutathione in the liver tissues. All treatments significantly increased net semen volume, percentages of progressive motility, livability, curled tail, and intact acrosomes of spermatozoa, sperm cell concentration, and outputs of total and motile spermatozoa, while significantly decreased percentage of sperm abnormality. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of turmeric or garlic extract can be used as a suitable tool for enhancing the hepatic antioxidant activity, immunity, and semen quality in rabbit bucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and tungsten disulfide (WS2) are viable candidates for use in chemical gas sensors due to their large specific surface area available for analyte adsorption. In this work, these 2D materials are treated with a femtosecond laser process to intentionally introduce defects, dopants, and functional groups to the material for improved gas adsorption properties. The materials are coated onto a nanomechanical membrane‐type surface stress sensor (MSS) to evaluate their sensing capability toward a select group of volatile organic compounds. By utilizing the MSS platform, the approach avoids the need for 2D materials with conductive properties typically required in chemoresistive sensors. The results show that a longer laser treatment time for graphene oxide increases the sensor response, which is attributed to an increase in defects and oxygen functional groups. Doping of graphene oxide with boron nitride improves sensor response, likely due to the introduction of pyrrolic nitrogen groups with high chemical activity. Additionally, the graphene oxides demonstrate partial selectivity toward the detection of toluene, attributable to π–π interactions. MoS2 and WS2 nanoflakes also show enhanced sensor response attributed to the formation of apical/bridging sulfur bonds with high catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterodimer of DNA excision repair protein ERCC‐1 and DNA repair endonuclease XPF (ERCC1‐XPF) is a 5′–3′ structure‐specific endonuclease essential for the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, and it is also involved in other DNA repair pathways. In cancer cells, ERCC1‐XPF plays a central role in repairing DNA damage induced by chemotherapeutics including platinum‐based and cross‐linking agents; thus, its inhibition is a promising strategy to enhance the effect of these therapies. In this study, we rationally modified the structure of F06, a small molecule inhibitor of the ERCC1‐XPF interaction (Molecular Pharmacology, 84, 2013 and 12), to improve its binding to the target. We followed a multi‐step computational approach to investigate potential modification sites of F06, rationally design and rank a library of analogues, and identify candidates for chemical synthesis and in vitro testing. Our top compound, B5, showed an improved half‐maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.49 µM for the inhibition of ERCC1‐XPF endonuclease activit, and lays the foundation for further testing and optimization. Also, the computational approach reported here can be used to develop DNA repair inhibitors targeting the ERCC1‐XPF complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We sought to assess the effectiveness of using a microscope and non‐invasive camera for assessing sinus membrane perforations during transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE). Materials and methods: Five fresh human cadaver heads corresponding to eight maxillary sinuses (six bilateral and two unilateral) underwent 4 TSFEs per sinus (a total of 32 single site elevations). Each elevation was randomly assigned to receive a three or six mm membrane elevation height (MEH). A microscope and micro‐camera were used to assess the sinus membrane perforation. Afterwards, radiological and clinical membrane perforation assessments were performed. The statistical analysis results are expressed using the means, standard deviations, range values of the residual ridge height (RRH), residual ridge width (RRW), sinus membrane thickness (SMT) and incidence of perforation (IoP). Generalized linear methods were used to test for the correlation of RRH and MEH to the microscope and micro‐camera perforation assessments and the correlation of microscope and micro‐camera assessments with the post‐operative CBCT and crestal liquid evaluation. Results: The cumulative percentage of IoP was 40.62%, (23.07% with 3 mm MEH, and 76.92% with 6 mm MEH, p < 0.05). The perforation assessed using either the microscope or micro‐camera coincided with the post‐operative CBCT and crestal liquid assessment in 87.55% sites. No significant correlation was found between the microscope or micro‐camera assessments with RRH or MEH. Conclusion: Application of a microscope and micro‐camera during transcrestal sinus floor elevation may allow the detection of the integrity of the Schneiderian membrane with greater than 85% accuracy in this ex vivo model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To endoscopically determine the incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforation during transcrestal maxillary sinus floor elevation (SFE), in relation to the bone preparation technique, amount of bone graft, membrane elevation height and different surgical steps. Materials and methods: Seven cadaver heads corresponding to 12 maxillary sinuses were used to perform three SFE via transcrestal approach per sinus (36 elevations). Each sinus was randomly assigned to either the Sinus Crestal Approach (SCA) drill kit technique (experimental group) or the conventional osteotome technique (control group). During all phases of the surgery, the integrity of the sinus membrane was monitored through endoscopic examination. Results: A significant difference was found in the incidence of perforation (p = 0.007) and vertical elevation height (p < 0.001) between the study groups, favoring the experimental group. A safety elevation threshold of 5 mm without bone graft and implant placement was estimated. A significant correlation was observed between the residual ridge height and the incidence of perforation (p < 0.001; OR = 0.51). Conclusion: The SCA drill kit may demonstrate superior osteotomy preparation and membrane elevation capabilities to the osteotome technique, and significantly when a 6‐mm SFE is indicated. Residual ridge height and vertical elevation height are risk determinant factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a modular multilevel converter (MMC) is universally accepted as a suitable converter topology for the highvoltage dc transmission systems, its dc fault ride performance requires substantial improvement in order to be used in critical infrastructures such as transnational multi-terminal dc (MTDC) networks. Therefore, this study proposes a modified submodule circuit for MMC that offers an improved dc fault ride through the performance with reduced semiconductor losses and enhanced control flexibility compared to that achievable with full-bridge submodules. The use of the proposed submodules allows MMC to retain its modularity; with semiconductor loss similar to that of the mixed submodules MMC, but higher than that of the halfbridge submodules. Besides dc fault blocking, the proposed submodule offers the possibility of controlling ac current in-feed during pole-to-pole dc short-circuit fault, and this makes such submodule increasingly attractive and useful for continued operation of MTDC networks during dc faults. The aforesaid attributes are validated using simulations performed in MATLAB/ SIMULINK and substantiated experimentally using the proposed submodule topology on a four-level small-scale MMC prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A general, rapid technique is introduced to simultaneously fabricate and functionalize nanoparticles of 2D materials. A femtosecond laser is used to irradiate flakes of 2D materials in an ethanol‐containing solvent. The highly energetic laser pulses exfoliate and cleave the flakes into nanosheets with diameters of ≈3 nm and simultaneously dissociate the solvent molecules. The dissociated carbon and oxygen atoms bond with the freshly cleaved 2D nanoparticles to satisfy edge sites, resulting in the formation of hybrid 2D nanoparticles that contain graphene‐like carbon domains as well as the host material. The technique is demonstrated for molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), and boron nitride (BN) flakes. Notably, the hybrid nanoparticles are formed in as little as 20 min without toxic or corrosive chemicals and are multifunctional. Photoluminescence and absorption owing to both the carbon domains and host 2D material (MoS2, WS2, or BN) are observed. This novel hybrid optical behavior makes these materials promising for emerging nanoelectronic and nanophotonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl cellulose film doped with 40 wt% nickel chloride (NiCI2·6H2O) has been prepared by casting technique. The prepared film sample has been treated with nitrogen plasma at different exposure times. The optical absorption was recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range of 190–2,500 nm. From the absorption edge studies, the values of the Urbach energy (Ee) were found to be 0.99eV in case of the pristine film; however, the Urbach energy values were found to be in the range of 0.72–0.92 eV under different plasma treatment times. These energy values indicate that the model based on random fluctuations of the internal fields associated with structure disorder is preferable and consequently transitions occurred through localized and extended states. Modulation of refractive index and complex dielectric constants has been also studied. Variation of color parameters under effect of the plasma treatment are discussed in the frame work of CIE L* u* v* color space. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1292–1296, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Iron overload is frequently reported in haemodialysis (HD) patients particularly those with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Soluble haemojuvelin (sHJV) has recently emerged as one of the significant regulators of iron homeostasis and hepcidin expression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential associations of sHJV and hepcidin with inflammation, iron parameters and erythropoietin requirement in prevalent HD patients with HCV. Methods: Serum sHJV and hepcidin were measured in 60 prevalent HD patients with [group I (n = 30)] and without [group II (n = 30)] HCV, and controls (n = 30) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parameters related to anaemia, iron metabolism, inflammation, sHJV and hepcidin were measured. Results: Serum hepcidin in HCV positive versus negative groups was 89.40 ± 46.08 ng/mL and 224.1 ± 72.36 ng/mL, P = 0.000, respectively, while sHJV was 245 ± 1.338 ng/mLand 254 ± 0.762 ng/mL, P = 0.147, respectively in positive versus negative patients. In group I, hepcidin correlated with serum ferritin (r = -0.512 P = 0.005) and transferrin saturation (TSAT%) (r = 0.572, P = 0.000) and sHJV correlated with ferritin (r = 0.40, P 0.000), TSAT% (r = 0.450, P = 0.002) and a significant correlation also existed between sHJVand hepcidin (r = -0.259, P = 0.045). In the regression analysis, ferritin and TSAT% were able to predict sHJV; (standardized ß = 0.52, P 0.001) and (standardized ß = 0.48, P 0.010). Ferritin and sHJV were also able to predict hepcidin (standardized ß = 0.627, P = 0.006) and (standardized ß = 0.300, P = 0.007) in group I. Conclusion: Soluble haemojuvelin levels seem to be associated with iron overload parameters and hepcidin levels in HCV positive HD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Drug‐induced blockade of human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) remains a major impediment in delivering safe drugs to the market. Several drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to their severe cardiotoxic side effects triggered by their off‐target interactions with hERG. Thus, identifying the potential hERG blockers at early stages of lead discovery is fast evolving as a standard in drug design and development. A number of in silico structure‐based models of hERG have been developed as a low‐cost solution to evaluate drugs for hERG liability, and it is now agreed that the hERG blockers bind at the large central cavity of the channel. Nevertheless, there is no clear convergence on the appropriate drug binding modes against the channel. The proposed binding modes differ in their orientations and interpretations on the role of key residues in the channel. Such ambiguities in the modes of binding remain to be a significant challenge in achieving efficient computational predictive models and in saving many important already Food and Drug Administration approved drugs. In this review, we discuss the spectrum of reported binding modes for hERG blockers, the various in silico models developed for predicting a drug's affinity to hERG, and the known successful optimization strategies to avoid off‐target interactions with hERG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two polymorphisms, rs755622 and rs5844572, in the promoter region of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene influence the basal and/or induced transcriptional activity and have been linked to several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between these two polymorphisms and disease susceptibility in patients with biliary atresia (BA). Allele frequencies of rs755622 and rs5844572 were assessed in 60 Egyptian infants with a confirmed diagnosis of BA. DNA was extracted from archival material. For the rs755622, samples were tested using Taqman real-time PCR, and for the rs5844572, samples were tested using fluorescence-based genotyping. The allele frequency in the general population was assessed in 141 healthy adults from the same geographical location. No statistical differences were observed in the allele frequencies of either rs755622 or rs5844572 between BA patients and controls. The homozygous and heterozygous short repeats (5/5, or 5/X) of rs5844572 were observed more frequently (16/28, 57.1%) in BA patients with mild to moderate fibrosis compared with those with marked fibrosis (10/32, 31.3%). The difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.032). In conclusion, we observed no association between MIF rs755622 and rs5844572 polymorphisms and susceptibility to BA; however, the rs5844572 could be linked to the rate of progression of the disease and extent of fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene and its functionalized derivatives are unique and multifaceted novel materials with a wide range of applications in chemistry, healthcare, and optoelectronic engineering. 3D graphene materials exhibit several advantages over 2D (monolayer) graphene for a variety of devices applications. Here a novel and effective room temperature technique is introduced to convert an aqueous graphene oxide solution into a reduced graphene oxide gel with tunable physical and chemical properties comparable to a monolayer graphene sheet, without the need for any additives or chemical agents. The femtogel is synthesized by exposing an ultrahigh concentration graphene oxide solution with single-layer flakes to high intensity femtosecond laser pulses. The femtosecond laser beam is focused on the air/aqueous solution interface to enhance the vaporization of functional groups and water, enabling femtogel formation. By controlling the pulsed laser intensity, beam focal parameters, and pulse duration, it is possible to produce several milliliters of femtogel in as little as 8 min. Through initial optimization of the irradiation parameters, a thin film is produced from a femtogel that demonstrates a surface roughness less than 6 nm, and more than 95% reduction in OH absorbance, as compared to a thin film produced from the unexposed graphene oxide solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyethyl cellulose and cobalt chloride are used as precursor materials for the synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles. A composite system from polymer and metal chloride is prepared via casting technique. The thermal decomposition of the composite is studied using thermogravimetric technique. Calcination of the composite system at 350°C resulted in the formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the presence of crystalline Co3O4 with an average particle size of around 15 nm. The bonding nature and morphology of nanosized Co3O4 are examined using transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The Tauc's plot indicates the energy band gap for direct allowed transition as 3.2 eV and 1.4 eV. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1881-1885, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a method to consider the probabilistic nature of load impedance and harmonic currents by converting the conventional inductive–capacitive (LC) compensator into a multi‐step type consisting of switchable units thus assuming that a single unit is not sufficient to ensure satisfactory results. The compensator steps are optimised based on economic criteria; minimising cost and maximising saving; in addition to cost‐constrained performance criteria; maximising the power factor, minimising the transmission loss or minimising the voltage total harmonic distortion. The compensator values which would create resonance are constrained. Also the manufacturer's standard values for power shunt capacitors are considered. Genetic algorithm (GA) is used in the optimisation process plus numerical iterative method. GA is a search mechanism based on the principle of natural selection and population genetics. The contribution of the proposed procedure is demonstrated in examples taken from previous publications. Finally, simulated results show that the multi‐step LC compensator provides a considerable improvement in the economics in case of probabilistic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus. Recent outbreaks of CHIKV infections have been reported in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The symptoms of CHIKV infection include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, rash, and chronic persistent arthralgia. To date, no vaccines or selective antiviral drugs against this important emerging virus have been reported. In this study, the design, synthesis, and antiviral activity screening of new topographical peptidomimetics revealed three potential prototype agents 3a, 4b, and 5d showing 93-100% maximum inhibition of CHIKV replication in cell-based assay having EC90 of 8.76-9.57 μg/mL. Intensive molecular modeling studies including covalent docking, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies, and the atomic condensed Fukui functions calculations strongly suggested the covalent binding of peptidomimetics 3a, 4b, and 5d to CHIKV nsP2 protease leading to permanent enzyme inactivation via Michael adduct formation between α/β-unsaturated ketone functionality in our designed peptidomimetics and active site catalytic cysteine1013. Furthermore, small molecular weight peptidomimetics 3a and 4b satisfied the Lipinski rule of five for drug-likeness and showed promising intestinal absorption and aqueous solubility via computational ADMET studies making them promising hits for further optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films doped with thorium nitrate hydrate [Th(NO3)4] have been prepared using casting technique. The optical absorption spectra were recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range 200-800 nm. From the absorption edge studies, the values of the Urbach energy (Eu) have been evaluated. These energy values vary slightly with composition, indicating that the model based on electronic transitions between localized states is not preferable. Optical parameters such as refractive index and complex dielectric constant have been determined. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the single-oscillator Wemple-DiDomenico model. Color properties of the prepared samples were discussed in the framework of CIE L*u*v* color space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the role of atrial natriuretic peptide ( ANP) in differentiating the aetiology of heart failure in children with left ventricular ( LV) volume overload. Methods The study was conducted on 48 patients with LV volume overload ( G one: rheumatic heart disease in failure; G2: compensated rheumatic heart disease; G3: congenital left to right shunt; and G4: dilated cardiomyopathy). Twelve healthy children served as a control group. New York Heart Association ( NYHA) class, LV dimensions and functions using Vivid 7 dimensions were evaluated. Serum ANP was measured using the ELISA technique, before and 3 months after treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Results ANP was raised in all patients as compared to controls ( G one: 28.33 ± 5.78, G2: 26.5 ± 4.11, G3: 28.5 ± 6.6, G4: 29.25 ± 4.5 pg/mL, control group: 5.54 ± 1.4 pg/mL, P < 0.001 for all) and varied significantly between different NYHA classes regardless of the underlying cardiac lesion. It was significantly higher in group 1 than 2 ( P < 0.05). It decreased significantly after treatment ( G1: 15.3 ± 5.3, G2: 10.7 ± 2.5, G3: 11.5 ± 3.8, G4: 15.7 ± 10.7 pg/mL, P < 0.001). The rate of change of ANP correlated with that of LV end diastolic diameter (r = 0.3, P < 0.05) irrespective of the underlying cause. Conclusion ANP increases in cases of LV volume overload irrespective of the aetiology of heart failure. It can differentiate between children in quiescent state from those in clinical failure even in the absence of echocardiographically detectable systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, it can monitor LV remodelling with treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown an overexpression of γ-tubulin in human glioblastomas and glioblastoma cell lines. As the 2-year survival rate for glioblastoma is very poor, potential benefit exists for discovering novel chemotherapeutic agents that can inhibit γ-tubulin, which is known to form a ring complex that acts as a microtubule nucleation center. We present experimental evidence that colchicine and combretastatin A-4 bind to γ-tubulin, which are to our knowledge the first drug-like compounds known to interact with γ-tubulin. Molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies were used to analyze the hypothesized γ-tubulin binding domain of these compounds. The suitability of the potential binding modes was evaluated and suggests the subsequent rational design of novel targeted inhibitors of γ-tubulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to translate the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) into Arabic (Fusha dialect), and obtain preliminary reliability and validity estimates for the translated version. Arabic populations experience sleep problems that interfere with their vitality and quality of life. The ISI was established to screen for insomnia in both clinical and research situations. This study used a descriptive correlational design. The ISI was translated into Arabic using the back-translation method and compared with three other sleep measures: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Vitality Subscale from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. These measures were administered to 35 healthy Arabic bilingual participants from three community locations. The mean ISI score was 9.2 ( SD= 5.8; range 0-20). Internal consistency reliability was 0.84. The correlations between the total ISI score and the single items ranged from 0.49 to 0.92 ( p < .01). In terms of convergent validity, the total ISI score showed a strong positive correlation with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score ( r= 0.76, p < .001) and a moderate, negative correlation with vitality ( r= -0.38, p=.026). The translated ISI demonstrated adequate reliability and validity. The translated ISI needs further testing in a larger sample of both clinical and healthy Arabic populations in their own countries. Preliminary psychometric estimates show that the translated ISI is reliable and valid in this community-dwelling Arabic sample. The translated ISI allows for Arabic researchers to screen for insomnia and plan for future intervention studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasses with compositions xBi2O3(75− x)B2O325Li2O3 for 0≤ x≤40 mol% have been prepared using the normal melt-quenching technique. The optical absorption and reflection spectra were recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range 190–1100 nm. From the absorption edge studies, the values of the optical band gap ( Eopt) and Urbach energy (Δ E) have been evaluated. Optical parameters such as refractive index and complex dielectric constant have been determined. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the single-oscillator Wemple–DiDomenico model. Color parameters and color difference data L*, U*, V*, C*, hue, W, Ye, Δ L*, Δ U*, Δ V*, Δ C*, and Δ E have been calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rescaled range analysis is one of the classical methods used for detecting and quantifying long-term dependence in time series. However, rescaled range analysis has been shown in several studies to give biased estimates of the Hurst exponent in finite samples. A new estimator based on a modified expression of the expected value of the rescaled range is proposed. A comparison of the modified estimator with other alternatives shows that the modified estimator offers a great improvement over the classical rescaled range estimator in terms of bias and root mean square error, which makes it comparable to some of the leading estimators. The application of the proposed modified rescaled range estimator to a group of temperature, rainfall, river flow, and tree-ring time series in the Midwest USA demonstrates the extent to which classical rescaled range analysis can give misleading results. Based on a statistical test of significance, the number of time series exhibiting the Hurst effect is reduced from 36 to only 11 out of 56 temperature series, and from 23 to 7 out of 60 rainfall series. On the other hand, the number of time series exhibiting the Hurst effect marginally increased from 8 to 9 out of 49 river flow series, and from 49 to 54 out of 88 tree-ring series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the many uncertainties associated with most flow and transport parameters, studies often implement the numerical simulations within a Monte Carlo frame of work. The large numbers of realizations needed to achieve convergence for the statistics of concern make the Monte Carlo approach computationally demanding. In this study we attempt to develop an empirical-numerical approach to generate Lagrangian particle trajectories in two-dimensional domain given a certain input heterogeneity model without repeatedly solving the flow equation for each realization, with the purpose of evaluating ensemble plume statistics. Artificial neural networks are used to map the relationship between the particle trajectories and the physical properties of the formation. This is achieved by training the neural network through a set of sufficient examples derived from a few realizations using an exponential log- K covariance. The trained network is then used to predict particle trajectories in heterogeneity characterized by an exponential, a Gaussian, a hole-type, or a fractal covariance model. The network that is trained using the exponential model successfully predicts transport results for other models with high accuracy and low computational effort. Accuracy of prediction of the trajectory (percent of explained variance) reaches 94% in the direction of mean flow and 91% normal to it. For the cases studied here, the speed of calculation is ∼7.8 times faster than the traditional approach for 1000 realizations. As the number of realizations increases, the speed factor approaches 12.8. Solute mass flux (mean and standard deviation) and mean-plume concentrations predicted by the trained network agree very closely with the target result obtained via traditional Monte Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adherence of three Candida species to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) following treatment with different concentrations of date extract was investigated in vitro, as well as the effect of a mouth rinse with date extract on the adhesion of yeast to BEC. Adhesion of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. kefyr to BEC was significantly reduced after both short-and long term periods of yeast exposure to various concentrations of date extract (reduction between 25% and 52% of the control value). A similar inhibition of adherence was observed upon pre-incubation of BEC with date extract. There was a significant reduction (P<0.001) in the adherence of yeast to BEC collected immediately or 5-20 min after an oral rinse with 10% date extract. No statistically significant difference was observed in the adhesion of BEC collected 30 min after an oral rinse with date extract and control BEC. In addition, pre-treatment of either Candida or BEC, or both, with date extract resulted in reduced adherence, the magnitude of which was largest when both types of cells were pre-treated. Date extract also inhibited germ tube formation of C. albicans (56-85% inhibition), which might contribute to the effects on adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period between December 1992 and September 1993 a total of 1060 clinically suspected cases of dermatomycoses were examined for causative fungi. Of these 330 (31%) were suspected as cutaneous candidosis. A higher incidence was observed in adults (62.9%) than in children (36.2%) and infants (19.5%). The infected patients that were adults were divided into four categories: diabetics; those receiving steroid; those receiving antibiotic therapy; and a non-risk control group. Analysis of the data revealed that the incidence rate appears to be approximately doubled in diabetes (49.3%), steroid therapy (33.8%) and antibiotic therapy (27.4%) than in the control group (15.7%). Candida albicans was the most frequent isolate (57.6%) followed by Candida tropicalis (16.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The relative bioavailability of salbutamol to the lung and body following inhalation can be identified by a urinary pharmacokinetic method. • The amount of terbutaline excreted in the urine during the first 30 min and over the 24 h period post inhalation represents the relative bioavailability of terbutaline to the lung and the body following an inhalation. • Terbutaline study doses can replace a routine salbutamol dose during studies in patients when comparing different inhalation methods. The aim of the study was to determine the relative lung and systemic bioavailability of terbutaline. On separate days healthy volunteers received 500 µg terbutaline study doses either inhaled from a metered dose inhaler or swallowed as a solution with and without oral charcoal. Urine samples were provided at timed intervals post dosing. Mean (SD) urinary terbutaline 0.5 h post inhalation, in 12 volunteers, with (IC) and without (I) oral charcoal and oral (O) dosing was 7.4 (2.2), 6.5 (2.1) and 0.2 (0.2) µg. I and IC were similar and both significantly greater than O ( P < 0.001). Urinary 24 h terbutaline post I was similar to IC + O. The method was linear and reproducible, similar to that of the urinary salbutamol method. The urinary salbutamol pharmacokinetic method post inhalation applies to terbutaline. Terbutaline study doses can replace routine salbutamol during these studies when patients are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover artwork: The cover image is based on the Research Article I Computer-aided drug design of small molecule inhibitors of the ERCC1-XPF protein-protein interaction i by Francesco Gentile et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cbdd.13660. [Extracted from the article]

In article number 1805533, David Muñoz‐Rojas, Kevin P. Musselman, and co‐workers fabricate a quantum‐tunneling metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) diode using a rapid atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition technique, demonstrating that clean room fabrication is not a prerequisite for quantumenabled devices. Uniform Al2O3 films 6 nm thick are coated in 15 seconds in open‐air, resulting in MIM diodes with better performance than similar diodes made by plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantum‐tunneling metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) diode is fabricated by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP‐CVD) for the first time. This scalable method is used to produce MIM diodes with high‐quality, pinhole‐free Al2O3 films more rapidly than by conventional vacuum‐based approaches. This work demonstrates that clean room fabrication is not a prerequisite for quantum‐enabled devices. In fact, the MIM diodes fabricated by AP‐CVD show a lower effective barrier height (2.20 eV) at the electrode–insulator interface than those fabricated by conventional plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (2.80 eV), resulting in a lower turn on voltage of 1.4 V, lower zero‐bias resistance, and better asymmetry of 107. A quantum‐tunneling metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) diode is fabricated by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition, demonstrating that clean room fabrication is not a prerequisite for quantum‐enabled devices. The MIM diodes fabricated by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition show a lower effective barrier height, lower turn on voltage, lower zero‐bias resistance, and better asymmetry than similar diodes made by plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]