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Background and Objectives: Dental caries is a progressive irreversible microbial disease. Different regions of the carious dentin contain different bacteria in various proportions. With the recent advent of new techniques in molecular biology, our understanding of the microbial agents associated with dental caries has grown tremendously. It is essential to identify and quantify the organisms from the diseased sites quickly and reliably. Fluorescent in situ hybridization is one such technique. Thus, the present study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of the bacteria Bifidobacterium dentium , Actinomyces naeslundii , and Propionibacterium in deep dental caries using FISH and comparing it with subgingival plaque samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects were included in the study. Two samples were obtained from one patient leading to a total of 120 samples. Carious samples were obtained for the test group, and for the control group, a subgingival plaque sample was collected. The collected specimens of the test group were transported in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and the subgingival plaque samples in reduced transport fluid. The samples were then processed for assessing the prevalence of the bacteria using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: The results of the present study showed the presence of phylotypes B. dentium , A. naeslundii , and Propionibacterium species in deep dental caries. Although all the above-said phylotypes were present in deep dental caries, a statistically significant difference in the prevalence was only seen with respect to Propionibacterium species. Conclusion: FISH is a simple, quick, and versatile approach for bacterial identification and quantification. It also has a high sensitivity, allowing it to detect single bacterial cells. This method can be applied directly to clinical samples and utilized as a rapid diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of newer phylotypes in deep dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the integration of spaceborne Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) LiDAR data with optical imagery from Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS IV), Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and PALSAR data for continuous forest canopy height mapping in Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam for the years 2018 and 2022. Four machine learning models were trained and evaluated to assess the predictive ability of LISS IV data in conjunction with SAR variables. The mean canopy height was measured at approximately 8.58 m in 2018, which increased to about 9.07m in 2022. Results reveal Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) as the top-performing model, achieving an RMSE of 5.47m and an R2 of 0.55. In comparison, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) achieved RMSE values of 5.49, 5.51, and 5.73, respectively. Analysis shows a prevalent occurrence of canopy heights below 5 meters in KNP (more than 35% of the area), while taller canopies beyond 20m can be found in less than 5% of the area. This finding underscores the importance of integrating satellite data and machine learning and highlights the novel application of LISS IV data in enhancing canopy height mapping. Furthermore, it represents the first comprehensive attempt to map canopy height in KNP, laying the groundwork for further research on biomass assessment and carbon sequestration in this vital biodiversity hotspot. Overall, the study highlights the potential of leveraging advanced remote sensing technologies and machine learning approaches for improved understanding and management of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is about Green Metal Matrix Composites (GMMCs) produced with aluminum alloys and reinforcements include silicon carbide and eggshell powder. The GMMCs offer a new approach to sustainable materials through the use of ecofriendly reinforcements. A novel class of composites results from a combination of silicon carbide, which has superior mechanical properties, and agricultural waste based eggshell powder. Furthermore, eggshell powder mainly comprised of calcium carbonate lowers its density as well as serves as long-term reinforcement. Silicon carbide enhances their mechanical properties in terms of strength and hardness respectively. This report involves a systematic study using mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy to explain microstructural evolution and evaluate performance during mechanical loading. Further, wear resistance gives indications on suitability for different industrial applications. Variations in reinforcement contents were done so as to include 3–12% silicon carbide, and 2–8% eggshell powders in the aluminum alloys. Production strictly adhered to guidelines that controlled some variables such as stirring speed and duration which was aimed at achieving exact control. These cast composites were subjected to wear tests, tensile tests, and hardness tests as well as microstructural analysis. EDS-SEM results demonstrate successful incorporation of the reinforcements into the hybrid composites. Unveiling a surprising evenness of distribution of reinforcements throughout the Aluminum matrix through Microstructural examination is amazing. Unique wear behavior trends are presented here. The matrix alloys show mainly adhesive wear while the composites display abrasive wear mediated by reinforcements. This research proposes an eco-friendly method for metal matrix composites, thus advancing sustainable materials and offering hope for strong yet lightweight green materials suitable for aerospace, automotive and other engineering sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review delves into the complexities of insect behaviour, particularly the interplay between innate and learned behaviours and the factors influencing learning in organisms. Innate behaviours, such as reflex actions and fixed action patterns are genetically hard-wired and manifest without prior experience. In contrast, learned behaviours, acquired through experience, include habituation, imprinting, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning. The propensity to learn is influenced by environmental variability, with organisms benefiting from learning in environments with predictable patterns. The study explores the specialization versus generalization in behaviour, highlighting how coevolution and mutualism drive specialization in certain organisms, but also how this can lead to co-extinction due to interdependence. Conversely, generalists may exhibit better learning abilities in environments with greater variability. The role of lifespan, body size and the size of mushroom bodies in the brain, which store sensory memories, are also considered, suggesting that larger organisms with longer lifespans might have higher learning capacities. However, smaller organisms, like hover flies, demonstrate that learning ability is not solely dependent on size or lifespan. The social brain hypothesis is examined, proposing that social insects may have advanced learning abilities due to task specialization, but solitary insects, performing multiple tasks, may be more adept learners overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement(s) area of martensite-austenite in steel • Polygon Technology Type(s) scanning electron microscopy • Annotation Factor Type(s) steel manufacturing process parameters Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14045789

Background: Cataract surgery is of extraordinary importance because it is the commonest cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Over the years patient’s expectations from cataract surgery have increased significantly. Appropriate calculation of intraocular lens power, innovations in intraocular lens (IOL) designs and material has allowed complete spherical correction. Advances in incision construction have improved the refractive results of cataract surgery by minimizing surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). Astigmatism prevention and control is one of the biggest challenges for a surgeon after cataract surgery. The major determinants of astigmatism are the site and size of incision, the type of suture used and suturing technique. Aim and Objective: To know the type and extent of induced astigmatism after manual small incision cataract surgery. Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye care centre in rural Maharashtra.Patients fulfilling selection criteria were included in the study after thorough clinical examination. Preoperative keratometric values were recorded in addition to visual acuity in 108 selected patients. Manual small incision cataract surgery was performed in all patients with incisions at superior, supero-temporal and temporal sites. The size of incision varied according to the size of nucleus. The surgically induced astigmatism was calculated after 40 days of surgery in all patients. Results: Out of the 108 patients, majority of patients were in age group of 60-69 and 70-79 years. Only 3 patients were above 90 years of age. Male: Female ratio in this study was 1: 0.64. Against-the- rule astigmatism was present in 77% of patients; 21% of the patients had with-the-rule astigmatism, and 4% were astigmatically neutral and no patients had oblique astigmatism. The magnitude of postoperative astigmatism at end of 40 days with superior-temporal incision was 0.56 D, 0.63D, 0.75D with 5.5mm, 6mm and 6.5mm size of incisions respectively. With temporal incision it was 0.9D, 1.08D and 1.34 D with 5.5mm, 6mm and 6.5mm size of incisions respectively. With superior incision SIA was 1.36 D, 1.38D and 1.95D with 5.5mm, 6mm and 6.5mm size of incisions respectively. Conclusion: The SIA was least with supero-temporal incision. The superior incision showed more astigmatism than the supero-temporal and temporal incision.

Abstract Herein, the direct growth of polar orthorhombic phase in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films is reported using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The growth of HZO onto a preheated (700 °C) silicon substrate mimics the rapid thermal annealing, which allows the formation of smaller crystallites (~9.7 nm) with large surface energy leading to the stabilization of metastable orthorhombic phase. Unlike atomic layer deposition (ALD) of HZO, PLD is more advantageous for depositing highly crystalline thin films through optimized parameters, such as laser fluence and background gas pressure. Further, the PLD-HZO is integrated with HfO2 dielectric and the resulting gate stacks have been used in the bottom gate FET architecture-‘Si//PLD-HZO/HfO2/MoS2//Ti/Au’. The NCFETs have yielded a sub-thermionic subthreshold swing (SS for = 33.03 ± 8.7 mV/dec. and SS rev = 36.4 ± 7.7 mV/dec.) and a negligible hysteresis (~28 mV), which is capable in realizing low power integrated digital/analog circuits.

Abstract The pigeon pea (PP) stalk is a sustainable lignocellulosic material left by the farmers after harvesting its pulses. The use of agricultural residue in the development of polymer composites is a step towards sustainability. This study focuses on developing and characterizing the mechanical properties (the tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, compression, impact, and hardness) of less utilized agro-based PP stalk particle reinforced epoxy composites and their hybrid composites. In addition, the density, dynamic mechanical analysis, water absorption, and morphology were also investigated for a better understanding of these composites. In comparison to other agro-residue reinforced composites, PP stalk particles (up to 20 wt.%) reinforced epoxy composites have demonstrated comparable mechanical, viscoelastic, and water absorption characteristics. Jute/PP/epoxy and glass/PP/epoxy hybrid composites outperformed PP/epoxy composites in mechanical, dynamic, and water absorption characteristics. The ranking of the composites based on the characterization was done using the TOPSIS method, and glass/PP/epoxy composite with a 20 wt.% was identified as the best performer among all the composites. The results demonstrated that PP stalk particle reinforced composites are a viable alternative to wood and other natural fiber-based composites and could be used in lightweight structural applications such as automotive interiors, furniture, packaging containers, and cascading applications.

Cadmium substituted magnesium ferrites were synthesized by a low-cost solid-state method. The cubic structure in homogenous state was realized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of the films exhibited two absorption bands which illustrated the formation of the ferrite phase. The force constants for tetrahedral and octahedral sites were determined. The composition dependent changes in Young’s modulus, rigidity modulus, bulk modulus, micro-strain, Debye temperature, dislocation density, transverse wave velocity, and longitudinal wave velocity were noticed. A Williamson-Hall plot and texture analysis studies of the samples were also conducted.

Abstract Background Higher aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) activity is one of the important signatures of breast cancer appearance and has been associated with poor prognosis. ALDH1A3 has been over-expressed in breast cancer patients. This study aims to analyze gene expression patterns of 18 ALDH isozymes in breast cancer tissue samples. It is carried out using a chip-based microarray, next-generation DNA sequencing of ALDH2 gene following in silico study to identify the natural products which act as inhibitors for over-expressed ALDH isoforms. The synthesis of rutin-copper complex and cell viability assay is carried out on MDA-MB-468 cell line. Results ALDH1A3 and ALDH18A1 have shown the highest positive mean fold of variation; whereas, ALDH2 and ALDH1A2 have shown the highest negative mean fold variation. In silico studies revealed that rutin has the highest binding affinity with both ALDH1A3 and ALDH18A1 and supported with IC50 value of rutin against MDA-MB-468 cells (144.50 μg/ml). Chemically synthesized rutin-copper complex significantly lowered the IC50 value to 119.40 μg/ml. The next-generation sequencing study provides the novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from T to G in the ALDH2 gene. Conclusion The present study signifies that, along with ALDH1A3, ALDH18A1 also acts as a marker for breast cancer. Apart from that, inhibitors of ALDH1A3 and ALDH18A1 were attained. Perhaps the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) obtained during the mutation analysis may be the probable cause of the highest downregulation of ALDH2 in breast cancer.

Background : Balloon-expandable pulmonary valves are usually not suitable for dilated native outflow tracts. Methods : Indian Venus P-valve registry was retrospectively analyzed for efficacy, complications, and midterm outcomes. Straight valve was used in prestented conduits in patients with right ventricular pressure above two-thirds systemic pressure and/or right ventricular dysfunction. Flared valve 1–4 mm larger than balloon waist was used in native outflow in symptomatic patients, large ventricular volumes, and ventricular dysfunction. Objectives : A self-expanding porcine pericardial Venus P-valve is available in straight and flared designs.. Results : Twenty-nine patients were included. Straight valve was successful in all seven conduits, reducing gradients significantly, including one patient with left pulmonary artery (LPA) stent. Flared valve was successfully implanted in 20 out of 22 native outflow tracts. Sharp edges of the older design contributed to two failures. Complications included two migrations with one needing surgery, endocarditis in one, insignificant wire-frame fractures in three, and groin vascular complication in one patient. There were no deaths or valve-related reinterventions at a mean follow-up of 47.8 ± 24.5 months (1–85 months). Modifications of technique succeeded in three patients with narrow LPA. There was significant improvement in symptoms, right ventricular volume, and pulmonary regurgitant fraction. Conclusion : Straight and flared Venus P-valves are safe and effective in appropriate outflow tracts. Straight valve is an alternative to balloon-expandable valves in stenosed conduits. Flared valve is suitable for large outflows up to 34 mm, including patients with LPA stenosis. Recent design modifications may correct previous technical failures. Studies should focus on durability and late complications.

Abstract Marfan syndrome and related disorders are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders and share many clinical features that involve cardiovascular, skeletal, craniofacial, ocular, and cutaneous abnormalities. The majority of affected individuals have aortopathies associated with early mortality and morbidity. Implementation of targeted gene panel next-generation sequencing in these individuals is a powerful tool to obtain a genetic diagnosis. Here, we report on clinical and genetic spectrum of 53 families from India with a total of 83 patients who had a clinical diagnosis suggestive of Marfan syndrome or related disorders. We obtained a molecular diagnosis in 45/53 (85%) index patients, in which 36/53 (68%) had rare variants in FBN1 (Marfan syndrome; 63 patients in total), seven (13.3%) in TGFBR1/TGFBR2 (Loeys–Dietz syndrome; nine patients in total) and two patients (3.7%) in SKI (Shprintzen–Goldberg syndrome). 21 of 41 rare variants (51.2%) were novel. We did not detect a disease-associated variant in 8 (15%) index patients, and none of them met the Ghent Marfan diagnostic criteria. We found the homozygous FBN1 variant p.(Arg954His) in a boy with typical features of Marfan syndrome. Our study is the first reporting on the spectrum of variants in FBN1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and SKI in Indian individuals.

The area under investigation covers the south-central part of Kaladgi series comprising of sedimentary rocks, mainly quartzarenites. From the geological point of view the study area comprises southcentral part of Kaladgi basin covering around 54 km2which encompasses rocky hills of moderate height, showing three types of facies i.e., argillaceous, arenaceous and rudaceous. Among these three, arenaceous facies is more prominent in the area. These sedimentary rocks rest unconformably over gneisses. Detailed study of the rocks exposed are done by studying the petrological aspects of the rock samples which were subjected to microscopic studies, bifurcating different minerals and counting each parameter of the minerals which is plotted in the QFR ternary diagram and further illustrating the tectonic provenance of the area. Present work mainly focuses on the studies related to petrological, diagenesis and provenance of the study area wherethe rocks exposed in the vicinity are quartz arenites indicating that these sediments were deposited in a riverine condition.

The choice of restorative material in extensive loss of tooth structure because of caries or fracture depends upon the amount of remaining tooth structure that can be utilized for gaining resistance and retention form. The direct restorations are usually not feasible and advisable in teeth where more than half tooth structure is lost. The indirect restorations such as inlays and onlays provide the required resistance and retention forms as well as support for the remaining tooth tissue. Indirect restorations such as ceramic veneers play a major role in esthetic rehabilitation. This article critically reviews applications and materials used for indirect restorations.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common peripheral nerve entrapment neuropathy caused due to compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist joint. Bifid median nerve associated with a persistent median artery is a rare entity and in itself asymptomatic anatomical variant. However, distension of the persistent median artery due to a thrombus can be symptomatic due to compression on the median nerve and can compromise the blood flow to the palm. We report a case of persistent median artery thrombosis in a young female patient who presented with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed on the ultrasonography and confirmed on the MRI with subsequent improvement post anticoagulation therapy.

Abstract 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently received significant attention owing to their superior electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. However, most previous research on TMDs has not focused on their stability against bias and illumination stress. Here, high‐stability tungsten diselenide (WSe2) field‐effect transistors (FETs) are introduced with an ultrathin Al‐assisted alumina (Al2O3) passivation. Through the Al‐assisted Al2O3 passivation, the transport behavior of the WSe2 FETs is converted from p‐type to ambipolar owing to the n‐type doping effect of Al2O3 passivation. Furthermore, the stability of the WSe2 FETs is highly improved against gate bias and illumination stress owing to the effect of Al2O3 film quality on WSe2 by ultrathin Al predeposition (≈1 nm). To compare the stress effect on the electrical characteristics, three types of devices: 1) pristine WSe2 FETs, 2) WSe2 FET with Al2O3 passivation layer, and 3) WSe2 FETs with Al‐assisted Al2O3 passivation layer, are systematically tested with positive gate bias stress (PBS) and positive gate bias illumination stress (PBIS). Finally, an ambipolar inverter composed of Al‐assisted Al2O3 passivated WSe2 FETs is demonstrated. This study proposes a promising approach that improves the stability of TMD‐based FETs for next‐generation logic applications.