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Background: The actual burden of the Omicron variants remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of Omicron-infected patients and investigate factors influencing hospital admission. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, specifically the Omicron variants (XBB, EG or JN), identified through real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays from January 2022 to December 2023. Results: A total of 305 Omicron-infected patients were included; (53.11 %) were females and (46.89 %) were males, with a median age of 39 years [interquartile range (IQR): 30, 53]. Underlying diseases, including endocrine/metabolic disorders (22.30 %), hypertension (12.79 %), chronic respiratory disease (10.49 %), and malignancy (9.18 %) were prevalent, while (40.98 %) were medically free. The XBB variant was predominant (73.11 %), followed by JN (20.33 %), and EG variant (6.56 %). The seasonality analysis demonstrates XBB variants' domination in 2022, with a surge to 40 cases in December. The trend continued in 2023, peaking at 76 XBB cases in March. May 2023 reported 38 XBB cases and the emergence of 17 EG instances. Notably, in December, only one XBB case was reported, and 62 instances emerged with the JN variant. Overall, 233 out of 305 cases were reported during flu season (September to March) (76.39 %). Moreover, hospitalization occurred in (16.39 %), with a (1.31 %) mortality rate (all deaths in the JN variant). Multivariable analysis confirmed renal disease, chronic respiratory disease, endocrine/metabolism issues, and polymicrobial infection as positive predictors of hospitalization (p

In this paper, the effect of cross-linking agent on structural, morphological and luminescence properties of Ce-doped Gadolinium–aluminium–gallium garnet (called GAGG:Ce3+) was studied. Monoethylene glycol (EG) and various molecular weights (MWs) of Polyethylene glycol (PEG 400 and 1000) were used as cross-linking agents for sol–gel derived samples which were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry (DSC/TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL). XRD analysis showed that GAGG: Ce3+ crystallized in a single stable cubic phase for EG prepared sample and, independently in mixed cubic/perovskite phases for PEG 400 and 1000 prepared samples. FE-SEM investigation indicated a significant influence of the cross-linking agent on the morphology and the size of particles. Largest particles were obtained in PEG 1000 sample with an average size of ~ 414 nm. For PL, the highest emission intensity was observed for EG sample which is ascribed to single cubic phase. However, high luminescence quenching was found in high MWs of PEG samples that can be attributed to the growth of secondary phases, defect generation and high Ce4+ content. The nanogarnet obtained using EG presented a pure stable cubic phase and high luminescence emission making it a potential candidate to serve as an efficient scintillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actual burden of the Omicron variants remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of Omicron-infected patients and investigate factors influencing hospital admission. This retrospective single-center study included individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, specifically the Omicron variants (XBB, EG or JN), identified through real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays from January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 305 Omicron-infected patients were included; (53.11 %) were females and (46.89 %) were males, with a median age of 39 years [interquartile range (IQR): 30, 53]. Underlying diseases, including endocrine/metabolic disorders (22.30 %), hypertension (12.79 %), chronic respiratory disease (10.49 %), and malignancy (9.18 %) were prevalent, while (40.98 %) were medically free. The XBB variant was predominant (73.11 %), followed by JN (20.33 %), and EG variant (6.56 %). The seasonality analysis demonstrates XBB variants' domination in 2022, with a surge to 40 cases in December. The trend continued in 2023, peaking at 76 XBB cases in March. May 2023 reported 38 XBB cases and the emergence of 17 EG instances. Notably, in December, only one XBB case was reported, and 62 instances emerged with the JN variant. Overall, 233 out of 305 cases were reported during flu season (September to March) (76.39 %). Moreover, hospitalization occurred in (16.39 %), with a (1.31 %) mortality rate (all deaths in the JN variant). Multivariable analysis confirmed renal disease, chronic respiratory disease, endocrine/metabolism issues, and polymicrobial infection as positive predictors of hospitalization (p < 0.05). While COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization odds (Odds Ratio: 0.20, p = 0.001). These findings contribute valuable insights into Omicron epidemiology and factors influencing hospitalization. The dynamic fluctuations in Omicron variants, particularly XBB, EG, and JN, over 2022 and 2023, with JN emerging as the dominant circulating variant globally, underscore the need for continuous vigilance and urgency for updated vaccine formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The flexible organic light-emitting cell (LEC) was prepared in ambient air by using the all solution method.The material modification of the electrode layer poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT∶PSS) was carried out through the synergistic interaction of ethylene glycol (EG) doping and formic acid post-treatment.The square resistance, light transmittance and film forming effect of the thin films under different EG content and HCOOH treatment times were studied, and the influence of different cations K+, Li+ and ion content on ionic conductivity and photoelectric properties of electrolyte of the light-emitting layer was further explored.The results showed that with the increase of EG content and HCOOH treatment times, the light transmittances were improved and the square resistance of the film was reduced.When EG content was 9% and HCOOH treated twice, the film showed the best performance, the light transmittances reached 94.84%, and the square resistance of the film was reduced from 1034 Ω/sq to 84 Ω/sq.Compared with the mixture containing Li+, the mixture containing K+ (SY∶PEO∶K+) at a ratio of 1∶0.3∶0.03 showed the best ionic conductivity, which reached up to 1.343×10-4 S/cm, and the luminescent devices have favorable emission characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous work, we find that the ethylene glycol (EG) is transferred to amorphous carbon or graphene during sliding under the effect of the tribochemical reactions; herein, in this work, we control the concentration of the modified Al2O3 nanoparticles in the EG solution in order to modulate the tribological properties of the tribosystem sliding in the mixed lubricant consisting of the modified Al2O3 nanoparticles and EG. The tribological tests show that the concentrations of the modified Al2O3 nanoparticles ranging from 0 to 1.0 wt% in the mixed lubricant are helpful for obtaining low wear rate due to the formation of graphene‐like materials induced by tribochemical reactions. On the other hand, when the concentration reaches 1.5 wt.%, the tribosystem exhibits high coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate, which is attributed to the formation of reunited groups consisting of the modified Al2O3 nanoparticles and graphene‐like materials. This investigation should give a positive guidance for the design of the mixed lubricant with excellent lubrication properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aortic valve diseases are life-threatening conditions with increasing prevalence worldwide. Risk factors include gender, age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is closely related to these risk factors and has been linked to a higher risk of developing aortic valve diseases. However, there is no specific guideline for managing aortic valve disease in patients with obesity, and the choice of valve type remains uncertain. Methods: A total of 130 patients with obesity who met the inclusion criteria underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of prosthesis used. Among the study cohort, 50 patients received a bioprosthetic valve, while 80 patients received a mechanical valve. We compared these groups in terms of perioperative characteristics and follow-up results. Statistical significance was determined using a p -value threshold of 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, or cardiac comorbidities between the two groups. Preoperative blood results and echo findings also showed no significant differences. Intraoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes, including mortality and acute kidney injury, did not differ significantly between the groups. In addition, BHVG patients had shorter ICU stays compared to MHVG patients without significance. Conclusion: Deliberate consideration is crucial when selecting valves for obese patients, particularly those with class II obesity. This is due to the potential influence of obesity on valve types, as well as the need to account for the possibility of bariatric surgery and its potential effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work objects to fabricate of polyvinyl-alcohol(PVA)-iron oxide(Fe2O3)- silicon carbide(SiC) nanostructures as a promising nanomaterials to utilize in the optical and electronics nanodevices like transistors, solar cell, photovoltaic cell, sensors and other fields. Structure, optical and electrical properties for PVA/Fe2O3/SiC nanocomposites were studied. Results indicated to the absorbance(A) rises about 92% at λ = 400 nm. The energy band gap(Eg) for PVA reduced from 5 eV to 3 eV as the content of Fe2O3/SiC nanostructures reached (6 wt%), this performance lead to made the PVA/Fe2O3/SiC nanocomposites suitable for many optics and electronics approaches. The optical parameters: absorption coefficient(α), refractive index(n), extinction coefficient(k), real(ε1) and imaginary(ε2) parts of dielectric constants and optical conductivity(σop) for PVA enhanced about 92%, 43.3%, 92%, 67.9%, 95.4%, 95.4% respectively, with adding of the Fe2O3/SiC nanostructures(6.4 wt%) at wavelength(λ = 400 nm), this performance makes the PVA/Fe2O3/SiC nanocomposites can be considered as excellent optical nanomaterials for electronic and optical fields. The results of the dielectric properties illustrated the dielectric constant(ε') and AC electrical conductivity(σAC) enhanced about 43.2% and 62.2% with an increase in the Fe2O3/SiC nanostructures content to 6 wt% at (f = 100 Hz), this performance make it can be considered as a key to employ in the energy storage applications. Finally, the achieved results showed the PVA/Fe2O3/SiC nanocomposites are promising nanomaterials for optical and electronics applications with excellent physical properties compared of other nanosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant component of economic growth (EG) is the enlightenment of the economy. Corruption slows down EG. Human civilization is influenced by corruption, a relic of an ancient occurrence in all countries worldwide. EG is negatively affected by corruption. In the presence of poor institutions, corruption slows the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI). In this analysis, FDI and institutions are studied using panel data. Drisc and Kraay and. fixed effects techniques are used to determine nexus. From 2005 to 2022, 53 developing countries are analyzed. EG is hindered by corruption, while FDIs boost it. In developing countries, more vital institutions contribute to decreasing EG. This suggests that countries should invest in developing strong economic and political institutions to benefit from FDI. Also, countries should focus on reducing corruption to encourage EG. Governments should also create incentives to attract FDI, such as lower taxes, improved infrastructure, and relaxed labor regulations. Finally, countries should put in place measures to protect FDI from political interference and instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional theories of consciousness (ToCs) that assume that the substrate of consciousness is the brain's neuronal matter fail to account for fundamental features of consciousness, such as the binding problem. Field ToC's propose that the substrate of consciousness is the brain's best accounted by some kind of field in the brain. Electromagnetic (EM) ToCs propose that the conscious field is the brain's well-known EM field. EM-ToCs were first proposed only around 20 years ago primarily to account for the experimental discovery that synchronous neuronal firing was the strongest neural correlate of consciousness (NCC). Although EM-ToCs are gaining increasing support, they remain controversial and are often ignored by neurobiologists and philosophers and passed over in most published reviews of consciousness. In this review I examine EM-ToCs against established criteria for distinguishing between ToCs and demonstrate that they outperform all conventional ToCs and provide novel insights into the nature of consciousness as well as a feasible route toward building artificial consciousnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO thin films having different thicknesses (300, 400 and 500) nm were deposited by spray pyrolysis method (SPM). XRD analysis indicate that the deposited films have hexagonal wurtzite structure and display a strong peak at (002) plane. The effects of thicknesses on crystallite size, stress and strain are investigated. The thicknesses effect on film surface topography parameters such as roughness, particle size and Root mean square of grains are calculated. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) confirm that the distribution grains size appears nanostructure and homogeneous in all films. RMS increases from 1.54 nm to 3.98 nm with thicknesses 500 nm. The surface roughness increases from 1.33 nm to 3.30 nm. Transmittance was detecting to be atop 80% in visible region. The bandgap energy increased from 2.83 eV to 3.75 eV with thickness elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural and dynamical properties of glucose-based cryoprotectant mixtures at different weight percentages of glucose (GL) and ethylene glycol (EG) were investigated via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Structural properties of glucose–ethylene glycol solutions were analyzed by calculating the radial distribution functions (g(r)) and the coordination numbers (CNs). We observed that with increasing glucose content, the hydrogen bond (H-bond) network of EG becomes partially damaged, enhancing the hydrogen bond (H-bond) network among glucose molecules in the solution. Coordination number analysis indicates increase in the glucose population in the first coordination shell of both EG and glucose. The average number of H-bonds per molecule revealed the propensity of EG to form H-bonds with glucose rather than with a neighboring EG. Thermo-physical properties like density and viscosity increased with glucose concentration and a good agreement between simulations and experiments have been observed. Analyses of the mean-square displacements (MSDs) suggest that migration of molecules slows down as glucose concentration increases in the mixture with EG molecules showing relatively more mobility than glucose. Simulated first-rank reorientational time correlation function ( C 1 (t) ) and the structural hydrogen bond autocorrelation function ( C HB (t) ) show multi-exponential relaxations. Increase in glucose concentration slows down C 1 (t) and C HB (t) for both EG and glucose. This slowing down may be attributed to the extensive interspecies H-bonding present in these systems. Our simulations also hint at formation of glucose domain via intraspecies H-bonding. This might be a key feature for cryoprotection ability of these mixtures and show a way to connect the spatiotemporal heterogeneity to cryoprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to capture the co‐movement between non‐performing loans (NPLs) and economic growth (EG) in Turkey using the quarterly data from 2005/Q1 to 2019/Q4 and applying the wavelet coherence approach, which allows the study to explore both the long‐run and short‐run causal linkages between NPLs and EG in Turkey. The findings reveal that (a) there is a significant vulnerability in NPLs and EG over the selected period at different frequency levels; (b) EG in Turkey has a strong power for explaining NPLs in the long‐run; (c) EG causes NPLs in Turkey in the short‐term between 2007 and 2010, which implies that the credit growth in the period with the increasing NPLs supports EG of Turkey. The outcomes of the tests underline the importance of EG for predicting NPLs in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation mechanism and morphology regulation mechanism of tubular ferrous oxalate were investigated by density functional theory. The calculation results showed that the pH value of the reaction solution changed from slightly alkaline to acidic was an important condition for the formation of tubular ferrous oxalate. The size and dispersion of ferrous oxalate can be controlled by introducing Na+ and ethylene glycol (EG) into the reaction system. Guided by theoretical calculations, using sodium oxalate as material to guarantee the initial solution to be slightly basic, while also introducing Na+. Regular tubular ferrous oxalate was successfully obtained by using different ratios of EG and H2O as reaction solution and adjusting pH values at different stages, verified the rationality of the theoretical calculation results. The tubular ferric oxide was obtained by thermal decomposition using tubular ferrous oxalate as the precursor, and the electrochemical performance test results showed that this material is a potential electrode material for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid triplex ZnBi2MoO7 NPs were synthesized via combustion method, and various amounts of NPs, viz. 2, 4, 8 wt%, are doped into particle-stabilizing PVA matrix using solution casting technique for structural, morphological and opto-electrical studies. The effect of ZnBi2MoO7 content on structural and morphological behaviours of nanocomposite films (NCs) has been established by FTIR and SEM. The photoresponse of NCs was derived by UV–visible spectroscopy. The optical findings revealed the band gap energy (Eg) was reduced from 5.34 to 3.78 eV, whereas refractive index increased from 1.17 to 2.14 for pure PVA and PVA/8 wt% ZnBi2MoO7, respectively, with retaining its optical transparency. Electrical properties of NC films were performed using LCR meter. Current (I)–voltage (V) data displayed dc-conductivity is increased with increasing NP content, and trends of I–V indicate the dominant Ohmic behaviour at voltage < 6 V, and above that Poole–Frenkel emission is the dominant conduction mechanism. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated the NCs have electro-chemical stability in the range −1 to 6 V; however, the specific capacitance improved to 3.92 Fg−1 for PVA/8 wt% ZnBi2MoO7 NCs which is higher by twofold compared to pure PVA matrix. The flexible PVA/ZnBi2MoO7 films coupled with enhanced opto-electrical parameters may enable these NCs to explore their potential uses in waveguide technology and optical displacement devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thin film of iron disulfide (FeS2) and Mn-doped was prepared using the chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP) method at a constant temperature of the glass substrate at around 400 °C. According to XRD examination, films were structurally cubic oriented with a predominant planar orientation (201). The doping of Mn ions in the FeS2 host matrix was confirmed by a minor shift of the diffraction peak towards the lower 2Î, values. The surface of the produced film for pyrite was homogeneous, according to the AFM investigations. According to the XRD data, the predicted grain size altered as the consistent manganese increased. When compared to undoped FeS2 thin films, the Mn2+-doped FeS2 thin films' desired bandgap energy showed a red shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, different number of the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a,8-triaza-s-indacene (aza-BODIPY) molecule has been employed to design novel oligomers with considerable electrical and optical properties. The geometries of the designed oligomers were optimized and the IR frequency and cohesive energy were calculated to study their stability. To explore their electronic properties, the HOMO, LUMO energies and Eg of designed oligomers were calculated. It was shown that by enlarging the size of oligomer and increase in number of aza-BODIPY units in designed oligomers, their Eg was narrowed. Finally, it was found that as the numbers of aza-BODIPY units in the oligomers increased, a great enhancement in optical properties was observed. Significant optical properties with strong absorption lines were seen in the visible and near-infrared regions for designed oligomer with six and seven aza-BODIPY units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of financial development (FD) on economic growth (EG) is well documented. However, studies on how inflation mediates the impact of FD on EG produce inconclusive findings. Meanwhile, the tripartite relationship among FD, inflation and EG is particularly crucial for sub-Saharan African countries given that these countries are largely inflationary on the back of under-developed financial sectors and low EG. The inconclusive evidence presented by the existing studies limits policy making. This study therefore re-examines whether inflation mediates the FD–EG nexus by utilizing a panel data obtained from 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The study uses the sample splitting threshold approach to investigate this relationship. The findings identify inflation thresholds of 7.65% and 6.76% at which the impact of FD on EG changes sign. Specifically, irrespective of the indicator of FD, higher FD significantly increases EG at low inflation rates. However, beyond the estimated thresholds, the impact of FD on EG is insignificant, revealing that higher inflation does not support the growth-enhancing effect of FD. The research recommends that inflation should be kept below the identified thresholds for FD to spur EG.

A series of PC/(PANI + NaBiO2) nanocomposite (NC) films was fabricated via solvent intercalation technique. The NCs were evaluated by SEM, TEM, FTIR–Raman, XRD, XPS, and UV–Vis spectrometry. The photodegradation data showed about 97.4% of malachite green (MG) dye was degraded by PC/1wt% (PANI + NaBiO2) NC within 52 min under sunlight, and the film exhibited stability for three sequential reuses. The degradation rate (K) for NC film is ~ 14.4 times faster than pure PC. Mass spectroscopy (MS) result indicates the almost structure of dye was photodegraded with leaving the less amount of residue. The double Z-scheme charge transport behavior was affirmed by radical-catching, photo-luminous emission, and electrochemical impedance data. The performance of PC/1 wt% (PANI + NaBiO2) film for photodegradation of Rhodamine B and Congo Red dyes with Alkof syrup as clinical material was represented. Furthermore, solar powered test was utilized to assess the photovoltaic performance of pure PC and its NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of flexible nanocomposite-solid polymer electrolyte (SPEs) in the form of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) impregnated by core-shells polyaniline (PANI)-La2CuO4 (20:2 wt%) of nanofillers, 10 wt% LiClO4 as electrolyte and various amount 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt% of propylene carbonate, PC as plasticizer via solvent intercalation method. The obtained plasticized PVA-SPEs films were evaluated for their microstructural and morphological behaviors via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The surface morphology of plasticized PVA-SPEs films illustrated the finer dispersion of inclusion fillers in the PVA matrix with increasing the dosage of PC content. FTIR spectra showed a reduction in the characteristic peaks of PVA in composite films and that denoted the interaction between PVA-OH and fillers. Optical findings exhibited higher absorbance of PVA-SPE in the visible region compared with pure PVA; in addition, the band-gap energy was reduced to 2.68 eV for PVA-SPE containing 8 wt% PC. The current-voltage characteristics showed a slight deviation for all PVA-SPE films denoting to non-ohmic behavior. Besides, the maximum ac-conductivity was found at 40.3 × 10−5 S/cm for PVA-SPE film containing 8 wt% PC with enhanced their specific capacitance by two folds compared with pure PVA. Mechanical testing showed that elongation at break has been increased attributed to increasing flexibility of polymeric segments with the increase in PC content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Gelatin/poly‐o‐anisidine coated K2ZrO3 polymer nanocomposite were fabricated by varying the poly‐o‐anisidine (POA) coated K2ZrO3 viz 0, 1, 2, and 4 wt% using the solvent casting method. From High‐resolution transition electron microscopy (HRTEM) results it is cleared that the average size of the prepared nanoparticles and polymer coated nanoparticles are around 18–20 and 95–100 nm respectively, and the polymer coated nanoparticles are spherical in shape, and form a core shell. The phase purity and microcrystalline behavior of the prepared nano particles, POA coated nanoparticles and gelatin nanocomposites were analyzed by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscope [SEM] and energy dispersive spectroscopy [EDX] were employed for the analysis of the surface morphology and the elemental composition of the prepared nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess the physical interactions between the components in nanocomposites. The thermal stability and effect of polymer coated nanoparticles on glass transitions temperatures were studied by using Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) respectively. From UV–Visible spectroscopy studies it is clear that, with increase in POA coated K 2ZrO 3 nanoparticles concentration from 0 to 4 wt % in a gelatin matrix, the band gap energy (Eg) value drops from 4.13 to 2.16 eV, and the refractive index rises from 1.529 to 3.25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrode materials with outstanding stability and electrochemical activity are ideal for high-performance supercapacitors. Herein, we developed a simple two-step method for fabricating NiCo 2 S 4 /EG/Ti 3 C 2 T x nanocomposites with a sheet(2D)-rod(1D)-sheet(2D) structure. The NiCo 2 S 4 rods were embedded into the expanded graphite (EG) sheets via an in-situ hydrothermal method, then the Ti 3 C 2 T x sheets were assembled with NiCo 2 S 4 /EG by an electrostatic self-assembly method. The obtained NiCo 2 S 4 /EG/Ti 3 C 2 T x nanocomposites exhibited a synergistic effect among the components. The addition of EG inhibited the volumetric effect of NiCo 2 S 4 during charging and discharging processes, while the high conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 T x promoted charges transfer. The rod-like structure of NiCo 2 S 4 effectively inhibited the self-stacking of Ti 3 C 2 T x sheets. Consequently, the optimized composite exhibited an excellent specific capacitance of 1837.9 F·g−1 at a current density of 1 A·g−1. Additionally, the composite electrode exhibited a capacitance retention of 73.5 % during 10,000 charging-discharging cycles at a current density of 20 A·g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flame retardant system based on expandable graphite (EG), aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPI) and melamine polyphosphate (MPP) was investigated in glass fiber- (GF) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6). Burning characteristics were evaluated via cone calorimeter, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL-94 tests. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and coupled Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the decomposition process as well as flame retardant modes of actions. Specifically, in the cone calorimeter tests, formulations containing EG showed excellent flame retardant properties for non-reinforced and reinforced PA6. The best performance was achieved for 25 wt.% glass fiber-reinforced PA6 containing solely 20 wt.% EG, corresponding to a measured pHRR of 134 kW/m2 and a total smoke production of 1.2 m2. Higher glass fiber contents of 45 wt.% (30 vol.%) revealed a lower char volume, which was attributed to both the limited space available for expansion and the sheer-induced reduction in particle size during processing. All of the reinforced PA6 formulations only achieved V2 classifications, but this was at low filling degrees (10 wt.%) for both net EG or EG/AlPi/MPP combinations. For GF-reinforced PA6 containing EG/AlPi/MPP mixtures, a synergistic effect was found to improve the oxygen index up to 30.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polish TU 154M plane, Polish Air Force Flight 101, had crashed near Smolensk on 10th of April 2010. The crash was investigated by The Interstate Aviation Committee, whose conclusions were questioned by a number of Polish scientists. The cause of the crash still appears to be incompletely documented and requires additional evidence. In this paper, investigations of a solid material eluted from a piece of cloth of one of the victims of the crash are described. High resolution mass spectrometry was applied to analyze the soot left after controlled ethylene oxide (EO) explosions, performed under different conditions. These included electric ignition of EO vapors in a large volume steel container, and explosions of glass tubes filled with liquid EO, stimulated by thermally initiated explosions of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). One of these explosions was conducted in the vessel used for the electric ignition of EO and the other in a hermetically locked, small volume container. It was shown that the soot comprises a set of C2H4O homopolymers and copolymers whose characteristic MS patterns are condition‐dependent. The MS spectrum of the postcrash sample referred to above reveals a number of polymers that are also present in the soot obtained in PETN‐initiated ethylene oxide explosions. It can be concluded that the piece of cloth was subjected to an EO explosion initiated by an explosion of energetic material, possibly PETN. Similar control experiments with ethylene glycol (EG) showed that the polymers identified in the investigated postcrash sample could not originate from exploding EG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of financial development (FD) on economic growth (EG) is well documented. However, studies on how inflation mediates the impact of FD on EG produce inconclusive findings. Meanwhile, the tripartite relationship among FD, inflation and EG is particularly crucial for sub-Saharan African countries given that these countries are largely inflationary on the back of under-developed financial sectors and low EG. The inconclusive evidence presented by the existing studies limits policy making. This study therefore re-examines whether inflation mediates the FD–EG nexus by utilizing a panel data obtained from 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The study uses the sample splitting threshold approach to investigate this relationship. The findings identify inflation thresholds of 7.65% and 6.76% at which the impact of FD on EG changes sign. Specifically, irrespective of the indicator of FD, higher FD significantly increases EG at low inflation rates. However, beyond the estimated thresholds, the impact of FD on EG is insignificant, revealing that higher inflation does not support the growth-enhancing effect of FD. The research recommends that inflation should be kept below the identified thresholds for FD to spur EG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are various reconstruction methods for Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG), such as esophagogastrostomy (EG), double-tract reconstruction, and jejunal interposition. We have performed EG using a circular stapler (OrVil) from 2013 and using a linear stapler from 2017. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify which stapler is better for EG for LPG. Methods: The data of 84 patients who underwent EG for LPG between January 2013 and September 2019 were analyzed. EG with fundoplication was done using a circular stapler (OrVil) in 45 patients (CS group) and a linear stapler in 39 patients (LS group). The patients' medical records were reviewed. Clinical symptoms were obtained by interview at each outpatient consultation. All patients underwent postoperative 1-year follow-up endoscopy. To minimize bias between the two groups, propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model. After propensity-score matching, 60 patients (30 in the CS group and 30 in the LS group) were studied. Results: Patient characteristics, operative outcomes were similar in two groups. Anastomotic leakage occurred in one patient (3.3%) in both groups. Anastomotic stenosis occurred in five patients (16.7%) in the CS group and two patients (6.7%) in the LS group. The rate of patients with severe reflux esophagitis (grade C or D) was significantly lower in the LS group (3.4%) than in the CS group (26.7%) (p = 0.026). Conclusions: EG with a linear stapler could reduce the risk of severe reflux esophagitis, and it could be a safe and feasible anastomosis for patients after LPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We read with great interest the systematic review from Agarwal and colleagues, comparing the results of sutureless valves versus conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) with aortic root enlargement in patients with aortic stenosis and small aortic annulus. We herein comment on the review trying to highlight some major issues. Based on some recent literature's evidences and on the authors' personal experience, we suggest to consider AVR with mechanical valve as a still viable option, especially in small aortic annulus. Indeed, root enlargement techniques are not always easy to perform and sutureless valve is still burdened by higher rate of PM implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-ray diffraction (XRD) is studied in thermally evaporated cadmium iodide (CdI2) thin films with various thicknesses (0.4–5.5 μm) and grain sizes (100–160 nm). The grain size, calculated from the XRD, is found to increase with increasing the thickness of the film, while the reflectivity and refractive index decease with increasing the wavelength of the exciting light. The optical absorption spectra show both allowed direct and indirect interband transitions across a fundamental gap in CdI2. It is found that both indirect and direct band gap (Eg) decrease with increasing the thickness of the film and that the indirect Eg is lower than the direct Eg by an amount of about 0.7 eV. The direct Eg is also decreased with increasing both the grain size and temperature. However, the temperature dependence of Eg follows the Varshni relation. Our results highlight the possibility of engineering or tuning the Eg of CdI2 by controlling the thickness of the film, grain size as well as temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Eosinophils are a common clinical feature associated with chronic allergic diseases, and elemental diets, systemic steroids, anti‐IL‐5 and anti‐IL‐13 treatment have shown some therapeutic promise. Herein, we present evidence that pre‐ and post‐intraperitoneal administration of tacrolimus (FK506) is very effective in reducing CCR3/Siglec‐F+ eosinophils in Aspergillus‐challenged asthma and EoE, CD2‐IL‐5 induced global eosinophilia, and DOX regulated IL‐13‐induced asthma. We used flow cytometry and anti‐major basic protein (MBP) immunostaining to examine eosinophils in the spleen, bone marrow, BALF, lung, oesophagus and intestine. Additionally, we also performed ELISA and Western blot analyses to show that tacrolimus treatment also reduces the levels of eosinophil‐specific cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and TGF‐β, eosinophil‐specific chemokines Eotaxin‐1 and Eotaxin‐2, and progenitors of target RCAN1 mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, the current investigations also show that the TGF‐β‐mediated oesophageal and lung fibrosis is also reduced in Aspergillus‐challenged, CD2‐IL‐5 transgenic and DOX‐responsive IL‐13 mice. Mechanistically, we show that tacrolimus in vitro treatment inhibited bone marrow‐derived eosinophil proliferation and viability by promoting eosinophil apoptosis that may be associated with downregulation of RCAN1. Taken together, we provide in vivo and in vitro evidence that tacrolimus ameliorates eosinophil levels and associated pathogenesis in allergen‐, IL‐5‐ and IL‐13‐induced EoE, EG and asthma pathogenesis. Considering tacrolimus side‐effects and reactivity to several other drugs, we propose the topical use of tacrolimus for paediatric and low‐dose oral for adult patients as a novel therapeutic strategy for the clinical trial to reduce mucosal eosinophilia first in steroid‐refractory or elemental diet non‐responsive adult EoE, EG and asthma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sealing strips + filling materials (EPDM &EG) evaluated to use as value-added fuels. • Comprehensive evaluations of pyrolysis, kinetic, combustion parameters carried out. • EPDM exhibits good thermal stability. • EG demonstrates favorable pyrolysis properties and expansion densification. • Under effect of high temperature, smoke released from EPDM-R is larger than EPDM-O. • Average activation energies of EPDM-O and EPDM-R were 68.35 and 92.40 kJ·mol−1. Seals play a crucial role in preventing flame penetration through building exterior windows. However, as urban renewal accelerates, the number of discarded seals is also gradually increasing, which is not in line with the concept of green, energy-saving sustainable development. To gain a better understanding of the pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of sealing strips and facilitate their effective resource utilization and conversion into value-added fuels, we employed thermogravimetry, cone calorimetry, and flue gas spreading test equipment. Typical sealing and filling materials used for external windows of buildings, including EPDM ordinary adhesive strips (EPDM-O), EPDM flame-retardant adhesive strips (EPDM-R), as well as 20-fold expanding graphite strips and 30-fold expanding graphite strips (EG-20 and EG-30), were investigated. Comprehensive evaluations of their pyrolysis behaviors, kinetic parameters, and combustion characteristic parameters were carried out. The results showed that EPDM exhibits good thermal stability, while EG had better demonstrates favorable pyrolysis properties and expansion densification. Average activation energies of EPDM-O and EPDM-R in the combustion phase were 68.35 kJmol−1 and 92.40 kJmol−1, respectively. Moreover, the average activation energies of EG-20 and EG-30 in the expanding combustion phase were 67.42 kJ·mol−1 and 68.62 kJ·mol−1, respectively. The reaction rate of combustion stage is faster than that of pyrolysis stage. Furthermore, For the combustion, the flame growth index (FGI) of EPDM is greater than that of EG, whereas the flame spread index (FPI) is lower than EG. When EPDM burns, the flame spreads rapidly, while EG expands and generates a large number of wormlike substances, effectively preventing the high temperature from spreading to the interior of the material. Analyses of smoke spreading tests have shown that both EPDM and EG can produce irritating flammable fumes at high temperatures, affecting the environment. These results provide a basis for the development of new materials and contributes to fire safety, smoke management, and personnel escape planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS 2 , as a promising alternative to Pt-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) aroused more and more interests owing to its low-cost and Pt-like activity. However, its practical application is severely restricted due to the insufficient active sites and poor conductivity of MoS 2. Herein, ethylene glycol (EG) modified MoS 2 grown on carbon nanotubes (EG-MoS 2 @CNTs) were synthesized via a solvent thermal method. At a Mo loading of 4.64 wt%, EG-MoS 2 @CNTs exhibited dramatic electrochemical HER performance compared with MoS 2 and MoS 2 @CNTs in acid solution. The overpotential value and Tafel slope of EG-MoS 2 @CNTs were 188 mV and 87 mV/dec, respectively. As X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectra and Zeta potential show that EG could not only increase the basal-edge-rich defects and the defects between Mo and S atoms, but also induce the charge transferred from MoS 2 @CNTs to EG which are more favorable of adsorbing H∗. In addition, EG could enrich the proton concentration around MoS 2. As a result, the HER kinetics are dramatically improved for EG-MoS 2 @CNTs compared with MoS 2 @CNTs under the same condition. This study suggested that the introduction of EG could significantly increased the HER kinetics of MoS 2 @CNTs and transform inert CNTs into highly active HER electrocatalysts with low Mo loading. • EG-MoS 2 @CNTs were synthesized via a solvent thermal method. • EG-MoS 2 @CNTs with low Mo loading exhibited dramatic electrochemical HER performance. • EG could increase the basal-edge-rich defects and the defects between Mo and S atoms. • EG could induce the charge transferred from MoS 2 @CNTs to EG. • EG could enrich the proton concentration around MoS 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asynchrony is a critical cue informing the brain whether sensory signals are caused by a common source and should be integrated or segregated. This psychophysics–electroencephalography (EEG) study investigated the influence of asynchrony on how the brain binds audiotactile (AT) signals to enable faster responses in a redundant target paradigm. Human participants actively responded (psychophysics) or passively attended (EEG) to noise bursts, "taps‐to‐the‐face" and their AT combinations at seven AT asynchronies: 0, ±20, ±70 and ±500 ms. Behaviourally, observers were faster at detecting AT than unisensory stimuli within a temporal integration window: the redundant target effect was maximal for synchronous stimuli and declined within a ≤70 ms AT asynchrony. EEG revealed a cascade of AT interactions that relied on different neural mechanisms depending on AT asynchrony. At small (≤20 ms) asynchronies, AT interactions arose for evoked response potentials (ERPs) at 110 ms and ~400 ms post‐stimulus. Selectively at ±70 ms asynchronies, AT interactions were observed for the P200 ERP, theta‐band inter‐trial coherence (ITC) and power at ~200 ms post‐stimulus. In conclusion, AT binding was mediated by distinct neural mechanisms depending on the asynchrony of the AT signals. Early AT interactions in ERPs and theta‐band ITC and power were critical for the behavioural response facilitation within a ≤±70 ms temporal integration window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work includes theoretical and experimental study for six compounds to calculate the electrons spectrum and NLO properties. The theoretical study is achieved by applying the Time Depending Density Functional Theory TD-DFT with B3LYP/high basis set 6-311++G (2d,2p), using Gaussian program 09, and the experimental study by UV-Visible spectrophotometer device. Theoretical and experimental results were applicable in spectrum and energy gap values; in addition to convergence, theoretically the energy gap results from ΔEHOMO-LUMO and UV-Visible spectrum. The theoretical method is very appropriate for compounds that absorb in the vacuum UV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homologous feeder culture system can efficiently promote the proliferation of embryonic germ (EG) cells or embryonic stem (ES) cells while avoiding contamination by exogenous proteins and pathogens. In this study, we compared the potency of using homologous porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs), gonadal stromal cells (GSCs), porcine adipose–derived stem cells (PASCs), or porcine amniotic fluid stem (PAFS) cells as feeder cells for porcine EG growth, with the commonly used mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We compared the feeder cell growth rates; secretion of growth factors including stem cell factor (SCF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF); the effects of growth factors on porcine PGC growth; and EG growth rates when individual cells were used as feeders. Our results showed that feeder cells secreted limited amounts of growth factors, and supplementation of growth factors can significantly improve the formation of EG colonies and number of passages (P < 0.05). GSC and PEF were more suitable for EG growth because of their faster growth rate and their support on EG growth. In conclusion, this study identified novel homologous cells that can be used for EG production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated natural gas dehydration performance of selected glycols and sales gas characteristics of dehydrated gases with Aspen Hysys. In this study, all the relevant simulations with the selected glycols were conducted with the same scale and parameters, so that their dehydration performance and sales gas characteristics could be compared effectively. In case of circulation rate, lowest water composition was achieved by 99% ethylene-glycol (EG), highest methane composition was obtained by 90% triethylene-glycol (TEG), the highest amount of sales gas obtained by 90% tetraethylene-glycol (TREG), highest LHV (lower heating value) was achieved by 99% diethylene-glycol (DEG), highest HHV (higher heating value) was achieved by 99% DEG, highest total LHV was obtained by 95% TEG and highest total HHV was obtained by 95%-TEG. In case of both contractor pressure and stage number, lowest water composition was achieved by 95% TEG, highest methane composition was obtained by 95% TEG, the highest amount of sales gas obtained by 90% TREG, highest LHV was achieved by 95% TEG, highest HHV was achieved by 99% DEG, highest total LHV was obtained from 95% EG and highest total HHV was obtained by 90% TREG. The pressure and temperature of glycol did not show any effect on any parameter of sales gas. With glycol circulation rate, a similar changing trend of H2O and CH4 composition and amount of sales gas was found for all TEG and TREG components and higher concentration DEG and EG components, although different patterns found for lower concentration DEG and EG. Change of H2O and CH4 composition and amount of sales gas with stage number DEG and EG showed more sensitivity, and for heating values, TREG showed higher sensitivity. EG showed more sensitivity to the parameters with the change of contractor pressure. Although TEG was found as an overall better dehydrator, but its high circulation rate made EG an alternate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human brain is an organic which whole consisting of hundreds of billions of neurons, and the neural network is the information path of the brain for processing information. Network characteristics will change along with network topology or node change, and the change may lead to brain lesions. Using EEG to construct brain network can effectively discover the internal mechanism of improvement in human brain, but the traditional method of constructing brain network is difficult to reflect the network complexity because of the small number of network nodes. In this paper, a new algorithm of brain network construction based on chaotic time series is proposed. The method estimates neuronal dynamic equations and neuronal networks topology by using only noisy time series. By analyzing the network constructed based on phase space reconstruction of Lorenz system, network characteristics that the average path length increase as embedding dimension, and the cluster coefficient on the contrary are found. The topology and statistical characteristics of the network constructed from neuronal chaotic bursting can reflect time-evolution of time series. Through analyzing the real epileptic EEG signals dataset using the proposed complex networks construction method, we found that epileptic seizure is different from seizure-free intervals in network topology and statistical characteristics. Epileptic EEG of before, during and after a tonic-clonic seizure indicate that cluster coefficients of the sliding local networks significantly increased during a seizure, so the result can provide clonic seizure prediction. The proposed method of complex network topology estimation and complex network construction of time series can depict the dynamic characteristics of brain network, and provide a new idea for the treatment of mental illness. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentration of l-carnitine with different cryoprotectants (Ethelene glycol, Dimethyl Sulfoxid, combination between EG and DMSO) on viability rate of immature vitrified buffalo oocytes. Selected cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with a compact cumulus cells and even granulated cytoplasm were equliperated in a solution composed of (20% Ethelyn glycol+20 %dimethyl sulfoxide) for 10 min. Then COCs randomly divided into four groups (control, LC;5mM LC;10mM; LC-20mM LC) in solution containing either 40%EG(VS1) or 40% DMSO(VS2) or 40% EG + 40% DMSO(VS3). The viability rate at 5,10mM LC and using EG (88.3; 82 % resp); DMSO (70.4%;56.8% resp.) and EG +DMSO (82.04%; 80% resp.) was increased than using 20mM LC and control. The rate of zona pellucida abnormalities was significantly increased after exposure of buffalo oocytes to EG at concentration of 20 mM LC (29%, P<0.01) when compared to 10mM and 5mM. The percentage of cytoplasmic abnormalities and using DMSO was increased with 20 Mm LC than other treatments. In conclusion using of EG or mixture of (EG+DMSO) and LC at 5,10mM increase recovery and survival rate of buffalo oocytes after vitrification and warming and decrease the abnormalities in cytoplasm and zona pellucida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]