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The metal ion sensing characteristics of a novel Schiff-based ratiometric UV-visible chemosensor (E)-N’-(1-(2,5-dihydroxy phenyl)ethylidene) isonicotinohydrazide) (R1) has been explored. In EtOH:H2O (7:3, v/v), it has high sensitivity and selectivity for Zn2+ among a series of metal ions. With the addition of Zn2+ ions solution, R1 displayed discriminating spectral activity. The other metal ions did not affect R1 in any way. Furthermore, the addition of Zn2+ ions to R1 and LMCT action caused the shifting of the peak to a longer wavelength of 406 nm. The interaction of Zn2+ ions with R1 was further investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) investigations. Zn2+-R1 combination has a lower energy (2.2667 kcal.mol-1 to 0.9339 kcal.mol-1) than R1, indicating a strong connection with excellent stability. The Zn2+-R1 complex’s association constant (Ka) was discovered to be 6795M-1 and 6836M-1 using Benesi-Hildebrand and Scatchard plots respectively. The detection limit was determined to be 276 nM.

This research investigates the influence of temperature on the performance of Cadmium Selenium (CdSe) semiconductor-sensitized solar cells (SSSCs) with tin oxide (SnO2) deposition. CdSe thin films were synthesized at different temperatures (room temperature, 55 and 70 °C) and characterized for their optical and structural properties. The results reveal temperature-dependent variations in the bandgap energy and crystal structure of CdSe, with higher temperatures leading to a red shift in absorption spectra and increased crystallinity. The CdSe-coated SnO2 films showed enhanced nanoparticle density at higher bath temperatures, indicating improved particle binding and aggregation. Moreover, the elemental analysis confirmed the successful loading of CdSe onto SnO2 substrates without impurities. Solar cells constructed with these materials exhibited temperature-dependent efficiency, with maximum efficiency achieved at room temperature due to optimal bandgap characteristics and reduced recombination rates. The solar cell with the optimal SnO2:(FTO)/SnO2/CdSe/CuS nanostructure array electrode produced a short-circuit current density of 4.155 mA/cm2 and a power conversion efficiency of 0.26% when exposed to one sun's rays. These findings suggest that temperature control during CdSe synthesis plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of SSSCs, highlighting the importance of understanding temperature effects in semiconductor-based solar cell technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel hybrid deep neural network (DNN) with the White Shark optimization (WSO) algorithm to predict and optimize the gas sensing performance of Ni0.6−xMgxCo0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles at different sizes (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5). In order to create Ni0.6−xMgxCo0.4Fe2O4, the sol–gel process was employed, with x varying from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm. This study utilized precursors such as Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Mg(NO3)2·6H2O, Co(NO3)2·6H2O, and Fe(NO3)3·9H2O. Response–recovery curves were analyzed, and a hybrid DNN-WSO model was created to predict gas sensing properties for Ni0.6−xMgxCo0.4Fe2O4 ferrite materials with different Mg levels. Fit statistics like the sum of squares (SSE), R-squared (R2), degrees of freedom (DFE), adjusted R2, and RMSE were calculated. In XRD analysis, the (311) peak shifted from 35.6561° to 35.5614° for Ni0.6−xMgxCo0.4Fe2O4. At 200 °C, the sensor is more responsive to NO2 gas than NH3 gas, with Ni0.6−xMgxCo0.4Fe2O4(x = 0.5) showing the highest response due to increased oxygen adsorption sites for gas oxidation. Smaller particle sizes (x = 0.1) in SEM analysis exhibited well-defined nanocrystalline structures with high crystallinity and smooth surfaces, enhancing sensitivity. The TGA results confirm the stability and functionality of the proposed materials up to the operating temperature of 250 °C. The Ni0.6−xMgxCo0.4Fe2O4(x=0.2) concentration exhibited the best predictive accuracy with high R2, high adjusted R2, enhanced DFE, and low RMSE. The hybrid DNN-WSO algorithm effectively predicts and optimizes gas sensing performance, which is significant for advancing efficient gas sensor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Divya Narayanan,1 Garrick Wallstrom,2 John Rodriguez,1 Donna Welch,1 Matthew Chapin,1 Paul Arrigg,3,4 Rajkumar Patil,1 Mark Abelson1,4,5 1Ora, Inc, Andover, MA, USA; 2Statistics and Data Corporation, Tempe, AZ, USA; 3Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; 4Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; 5Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USACorrespondence: Divya NarayananOra, Inc., 300 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810, USATel +1 978-685-8900Fax +1 978-689-0020Email dnarayanan@oraclinical.comPurpose: Early detection and treatment of age-related macular degeneration require a clear understanding of the early progress of the disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether minimal macular ophthalmoscopic changes corresponded to changes in visual function.Methods: Color macular photos from a group of older subjects who were classified as grade 0 on AREDS simplified grading were further evaluated by a retinal specialist using 5x magnification for possible minimal macular anomalies. Group 0-A (N = 15) were defined as subjects with no visible macular anomalies while Group 0-B (N = 19) comprised subjects for whom minimal macular mottling, pigment changes or very small drusen (< 63 μm) were observed in the study eye. All subjects had best VA of 20/25 or better and had no evidence of other retinal diseases in the study eye. All subjects underwent a series of visual function tests such as standard ETDRS VA, low luminance ETDRS VA, Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity, variable contrast flicker (VCF) sensitivity, and reading speed (words per minute, wpm) using both MNRead and low luminance reading on a tablet.Results: There was no significant difference between the mean age between the two groups (74.8 ± 5.2 years for 0-A vs 74.5 ± 4.4 for 0-B, p = 0.82). None of the visual function tests identified any significant difference between the two groups. Mean ETDRS VA was 0.0 ± 0.11 for 0-A subjects and 0.08 ± 0.12 for 0-B (p = 0.063). Mean Pelli-Robson log contrast sensitivity was 1.75 ± 0.29 for 0-A and 1.78 ± 0.17 for the 0-B group (p = 0.73). VCF threshold was 0.47 ± 0.25 for 0-A and 0.43 ± 0.22 for 0-B (p = 0.64). Reading speed using MNRead was 214 ± 47.4 wpm for 0-A and 210 ± 64.7 for 0-B (p = 0.85). Low luminance tablet reading speed was 137 ± 71.8 wpm for 0-A and 151 ± 39.4 (0-B) (p = 0.49).Conclusion: A panel of psychophysical tests did not demonstrate significant differences between subjects with and without minimal macular changes.Keywords: macula, visual function, AMD

Rameshwar Patil,1 Anna Galstyan,1 Zachary B Grodzinski,1 Ekaterina S Shatalova,1 Shawn Wagner,2 Liron L Israel,1 Hui Ding,1 Keith L Black,1 Julia Y Ljubimova,1,3 Eggehard Holler1 1Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 3Oncology Translational Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USACorrespondence: Eggehard HollerNanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Boulevard, Suite A8304, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Tel +1 310 423-6630Email eggehard.holler@cshs.orgBackground: Position of gadolinium atom(s) plays a key role in contrast enhancement of gadolinium-based contrast agents. To gain a better understanding of effects of distance of gadolinium in relation to the nanoconjugate platform, we designed and synthesized single- and multi-arm (“star”) gadolinium conjugates equipped with antibody and peptides for targeting. The contrast agents were studied for their tumor imaging performance in a glioma mouse model.Materials and Methods: Antibody- and peptide-targeted nano contrast agents (NCAs) were synthesized using polymalic acid platforms of different sizes. Gadolinium-DOTA and intermediates were attached as amides and targeting agents such as antibodies and peptides as thioethers. For in vivo experiments, we used human U87MG xenografts as glioma models. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a Bruker BioSpec 94/20USR 9.4 T small-animal scanner. Delivery of contrast agents across the blood–brain barrier was studied by fluorescent microscopy.Results: All contrast agents accumulated into tumor and showed composition-dependent imaging performance. Peptide-targeted mini-NCAs had hydrodynamic diameters in the range 5.2– 9.4 nm and antibody-targeted NCAs had diameters in the range 15.8– 20.5 nm. Zeta potentials were in the range of – 5.4–− 8.2 mV and − 4.6–− 8.8 mV, respectively. NCAs showed superior relaxivities compared to MultiHance at 9.4 T. The signal enhancement indicated maximum accumulation in tumor 30– 60 minutes after intravenous injection of the mouse tail vein. Only targeted NCAs were retained in tumor for up to 3 hours and displayed contrast enhancement.Conclusion: The novel targeted NCAs with star-PEG features displayed improved relaxivity and greater contrast compared with commercial MultiHance contrast agent. The enhancement by mini-NCAs showed clearance of tumor contrast after 3 hours providing a suitable time window for tumor diagnosis in clinics. The technology provides a great tool with the promise of differential MRI diagnosis of brain tumors.Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging, Gd-DOTA, structure variation, blood–brain barrier, tumor targeting, accelerated diagnosis

The necropsy of a leopard (Panthera pardus), succumbed to a chronic ailment exhibited a mixed parasitic gastroenteritis. Gross internal examination of carcass revealed the presence of round and tapeworms in the stomach and intestines with diffuse catarrhal and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The detailed examination of the intestinal content revealed the presence of Toxocara canis and Spirometra species eggs. Also, the gross morphological investigation of round and tapeworms approved the presence of both species. Histo-pathological examination showed sloughing of intestinal epithelium, hemorrhages, and ulcerative areas with the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells admixed with mononuclear cells. Lungs revealed the accumulation of eosinophilic edematous fl uid in the alveolar spaces along with inflammatory cells. These parasites are pathogenic to precious wild felids and often pose a threat of zoonotic transmission due to spill-over infections. The present case study is an attempt to put on record a case of parasitic gastroenteritis in a captive leopard.

The trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn3O4) nanostructured thin films doped with 2 mol% of nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo) ions were deposited by a simple electrophoretic deposition technique. The structural, optical, and morphological studies of these doped thin films were compared with pure Mn3O4 thin films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the tetragonal Hausmannite spinel structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided information about the molecular composition of the thin films and the presence of specific chemical bonds. The optical study and band gap energy values of all thin films were evaluated by the UV-visible spectroscopy technique. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated the morphological modifications of the Mn3O4 thin films due to doping of the nickel and molybdenum ions. The Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method has confirmed the mesoporous nanostructure and nanopores of the thin films. The supercapacitive performance of the thin films was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) techniques using the threeelectrode arrangement. An aqueous 1M Na2SO4 electrolyte was used for the electrochemical study. The 2 mol% Ni-doped Mn3O4 thin film has shown maximum specific capacitance than pure and Mo-doped Mn3O4 thin films. Hence, this study proved the validity of the strategy - metal ion doping of Mn3O4 thin films to develop it as a potential candidate for electrode material in futuristic energy storage and transportation devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has been an important health concern for over a decade, causing serious health issues worldwide. Treatments available for obesity include FDA-approved drugs such as Lorcaserin, Orlistat, Bupropion, combinations of Phentermine and Topiramate, and Sibutramine; however, these have adverse effects on health. To address the said issue, the current study was conducted to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of Phyllanthus fraternus leaves. These leaves are a rich source of different phytochemicals (e.g., alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins), and the plant has been shown to exhibit medicinal properties; therefore, it can be used for treating obesity disorders. The crude extract of plants was prepared in three different solvents (e.g., methanol, hydro alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol). Lipid inhibition was determined using lipase inhibition assay, and amylase assay was carried out to determine if the plant extract had anti-diabetic properties. An oil red staining was carried out to determine lipid accumulation in which the cells were incubated with plant extract for 48 h. To determine if the plant extract was toxic to 3T3 cells, an MTT assay was carried out to assess cell viability. Through lipase inhibition assay, we depicted potent anti-obesity properties, isopropyl alcohol extract exhibited 67.45% inhibition at the concentration of 500µg/ml. Methanol extract showed the highest percent of a amylase inhibition i.e., 90.03% at a concentration of 1,000 µg/ml. The MTT assay concluded that the plant extracts were not cytotoxic to the cells at a concentration range between 20µg/ml to 100µg/ml, and the percentage of viable cells was 98-63%. The results obtained from the current study revealed that the plant exhibits potent anti-obesity properties. Thus, this plant extract is a potential source as an alternative treatment to treat obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the effect of nickel (Ni) ion doping on the structure, morphology, and supercapacitive performance of Mn3O4 thin film electrodes, deposited by a simple electrophoretic deposition technique. The structural and compositional studies of these thin films were conducted by x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphological and optical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–visible spectroscopy. These studies confirmed the nanoflake-type surface morphology of nickel-doped thin films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provided information about various valence states and surface composition of the thin films. Cyclic voltammetry study confirmed the surface redox pseudocapacitive behavior of all thin films. The 2 mol.% nickel ion-doped thin film electrode displayed the highest specific capacitance of 816 F g−1 and was evaluated from the galvanostatic charge/discharge curve. It also exhibited outstanding cyclic stability, with 93% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed the improved supercapacitive performance of the nickel-doped Mn3O4 thin film electrodes, attributed to improved conductivity and charge transport for surface redox reactions. Thus, the present study suggests that the nickel-doped Mn3O4 thin film is a promising candidate as electrode material in supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title of this study is based on an analysis of the impact of ChatGPT on academic performance and the student's insight of using the tool. In this research, the effectiveness of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model, was evaluated in supporting students in their education. The study determines that, ChatGPT can positively and negatively affect student's academic performance and learning experience, but it should not replace human knowledge and skills. It should be used as an extension to the existing resources. However, there are also risks related to academic issues, unfair learning assessment, inaccurate information, thinking skills and overreliance on AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of comparative information on hypoglycaemic drug prices, it is difficult for physicians to prescribe most economical treatment. Hence, this study is designed to analyse the percentage variation of cost among different brands of oral hypoglycaemic drugs available in Indian market. Study data was collected from the current index of medical specialities of October 2020 to January 2021. The difference between the maximum and minimum costs was calculated. Then cost ratio and percentage of cost variation were calculated for each drug. In single drug therapy Glimepiride 1 mg tablet showed highest and Vildagliptin 50 mg showed lowest cost variation. In two drugs combination therapy Glimepiride+Metformin (2 mg+500 mg) showed highest and Gliclazide+Metformin (40 mg+500 mg) showed lowest cost variation. In three drugs combination Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone (2 mg+500 mg+15 mg) showed highest and Glimepiride+Metformin+Pioglitazone (2 mg+500 mg+7.5 mg) showed lowest cost variation. This study showed a wide variation in the prices, cost ratio and in cost variation of oral hypoglycemic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the influence of cooling spout positioning on pressure container blueprints, particularly emphasizing strain features. Sprayers are crucial for ingress and egress objectives in force containers, and although maximum positioning upholds container uniformity, operation necessities occasionally necessitate circumferential positioning, resulting in uniformity disturbance. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is employed to examine the distribution of strain, while pressure container prototypes fluctuate in the number of spouts and inclinations. By means of an all-inclusive examination, it was discovered that the strain measurements for every circumstance were under the security limit of 50 megapascals. Remarkably, the arrangement with four spouts at 90-degree intervals displayed negligible distortion and sustained strain levels within satisfactory boundaries, imparting valuable perceptions for enhancing the pressure container blueprint with cooling spouts on the circumference, guaranteeing structural soundness and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, using simple and inexpensive novel reflux method, Cadmium Oxide (CdO) thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrate. Here to deposit CdO on glass substrate, Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) was used as a source of Cd+ ions, while ammonia was taken as complexing agent. Structural analysis and surface morphology of prepared CdO thin film was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy respectively, Also wettability test was done by using goniometer which showed hydrophilic nature of deposited CdO thin film. Optical properties of CdO thin film was completed by using UV-Visible spectroscopy which revealed that deposited CdO thin film has direct band gap about 2.01 eV. NO2 gas sensing properties like sensitivity, response recovery & response time of prepared CdO sensor was determined by using Keithley gas sensing unit. In present work effect of concentration of NO2 gas on response of CdO sensor was studied and it was cleared that as NO2 gas concentration increases (25 ppm – 100 ppm), the response of CdO sensor was also increases & it becomes maximum i.e. (57 %) for 100 ppm of NO2 with optimized temperature of 200°C. Variation of response and recovery time with NO2 gas concentration was studied and it was concluded that as concentration of NO2 gas increases, response time increases while recovery time decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]