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Plume-surface interactions (PSI) occur during the take-off and landing of interplanetary vehicles, leading to particle ejection and the formation of craters. This can be detrimental to the vehicle and any structures or infrastructure near the landing site. A major challenge in developing a comprehensive understanding of this three-dimensional phenomenon is the need to characterize the ejecta and cratering dynamics simultaneously. Here, experiments are conducted in a vacuum chamber at different nozzle heights and ambient pressure conditions using high-speed stereo-photogrammetry and planar particle tracking velocimetry to quantify the cratering and ejecta dynamics. Predictably, it was observed that the trajectory of ejecta with a large Stokes number was mostly unaffected by the nozzle flow after leaving the crater. Under rarefied conditions, the ejecta kinematics (velocity, ejection angle, range, and height) were significantly different compared to continuum conditions. Finally, the findings demonstrate a dependency between ejecta kinematics and crater topology for the current test cases, providing critical insights into particle ejection's initial characteristics. • Simultaneous cratering and ejecta measurements during plume-surface interaction. • Ambient pressure and nozzle height significantly affected crater and ejecta behavior. • Changes in the ejecta kinematics correlated with the changes in the crater shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the detailed study of the temperature dependent dielectric properties, impedance spectroscopy and electrical conductivity of LaV 1 − x Nb x O 4 (x = 0 –1) samples prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The dielectric constant (ϵ r ′) increases (decreases) with increase in the temperature (frequency); while, the magnitude of ϵ r ′ remains almost invariant (order of 10 4 at 100 Hz and 600 °C) with x. The single phase x = 0 (monoclinic-monazite, P 2 1 / n) and x = 1 (monoclinic fergusonite, I 2 / a) samples show the lower values of loss factor [tan δ = (4–8)] as compared to the x = 0 –0.8 samples [tan δ = (12–18)] having mixed tetragonal and monoclinic phases, which indicates the strong correlation between the crystal structure and the dielectric properties. The real part of impedance (Z ′) decreases with both temperature and frequency, and the observed weak relaxation remains almost unaltered with x. The imaginary part of impedance (Z ′ ′) shows strong relaxation peaks shifting towards higher temperatures with frequency, which is attributed to the effect of grains, grain boundaries, and electrodes in the samples. The activation energy of the relaxation process is estimated to be 0.8–1.0 eV for the x = 0 –0.6 samples, and ≈ 1.4 eV for the x = 0. 8 ; whereas the x = 1 sample shows two values (≈ 0.5 eV and ≈ 1.0 eV) in the higher and lower temperature range, respectively. Further, the change in total conductivity with the angular frequency, which found to be in the range of 10−3 to 10−5 S/m, is fitted using the Jonsher power law. The analysis suggests the overlapping large polaron tunneling (OLPT) model for all the samples, whereas the x = 1 sample exhibit a transition near 480 °C and at higher temperatures it shows non-overlapping small polaron tunneling (NSPT) and quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT). This transition is corroborated by the tangent loss curves and may be associated with the change in structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Careful hematologic management is required in surgical patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) taking antithrombotic medications. We sought to compare outcomes between patients with aSDH taking antithrombotic medications at admission who received antithrombotic reversal with patients with aSDH not taking antithrombotics. Retrospective review identified patients with traumatic aSDH requiring surgical evacuation. The cohort was divided based on antithrombotic use and whether pharmacologic reversal agents or platelet transfusions were administered. A 3-way comparison of outcomes was performed between patients taking anticoagulants who received pharmacologic reversal, patients taking antiplatelets who received platelet transfusion, and patients not taking antithrombotics. Multivariable regressions, adjusted for injury severity, further investigated associations with outcomes. Of 138 patients who met inclusion criteria, 13.0% (n = 18) reported taking anticoagulants, 16.7% (n = 23) reported taking antiplatelets, and 3.6% (n = 5) reported taking both. Patients taking antiplatelets who received platelet transfusion had longer intraoperative times (P = 0.040) and higher rates of palliative care consultations (P = 0.046) compared with patients taking anticoagulants who received pharmacologic reversal and patients not taking antithrombotics. Across groups, no significant differences were found in frequency of in-hospital intracranial hemorrhage and venous thromboembolism, length of hospital stay, rate of inpatient mortality, or follow-up health status. In multivariable analysis, intraoperative time remained longest for the antiplatelets with platelet transfusion group. Other outcomes were not associated with patient group. Among surgical patients with traumatic aSDH, those taking antiplatelet medications who receive platelet transfusions experience longer intraoperative procedure times and higher rates of palliative care consultation. Comparable outcomes were observed between patients receiving antithrombotic reversal and patients not taking antithrombotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective case-control study published in the journal Pediatric Anesthesia examined the impact of hyperammonemia, or elevated blood ammonia levels, on anesthetic requirements in children. The study analyzed processed electroencephalogram (EEG) data as a measure of anesthetic depth in hyperammonemic pediatric patients compared to healthy controls. The results showed that children with hyperammonemia exhibited greater anesthetic depth at lower anesthetic concentrations compared to age-matched controls without hyperammonemia. The study suggests that the presence of hyperammonemia is associated with enhanced sensitivity to anesthetics in pediatric patients. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

Short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft configurations involve multiple jets that impinge onto the deck surface in tandem and lead to several adverse effects. This study reports on the experimental characterization of supersonic dual-impinging jets by systematically varying their relative jet temperature. A sonic converging and Mach 1.5 converging-diverging (CD) nozzles are employed. The expansion ratio of the converging nozzle is maintained at 0.96, 1.19, and 1.59, and the CD nozzle is operated at a fixed nozzle pressure ratio of 3. The temperature ratio of the jet from the CD nozzle is varied from 1.0, 1.3, and 1.7. For a fixed momentum of the jet pair, an increase in jet temperature intensified the nearfield noise and unsteadiness on the impingement surface. At short impingement heights, resonance in the heated jet was the primary source of unsteadiness. At a fixed impingement height, an increase in jet temperature led to a systematic increase in tonal frequency, while jet instability mode shapes were retained. Furthermore, the mean flowfield of sonic jet and fountain regions remain unaffected, and an increase in supersonic jet velocity is observed. This is also accompanied by an increase in unsteadiness in the fountain upwash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed impinging jets issued from the exhaust of a launch vehicle are highly oscillatory and create hazardous conditions for the vehicle structure, affecting the sensitive payloads and personnel due to intense acoustic loads. Therefore, to reduce the unsteadiness of a jet and mitigate its adverse effects, a fundamental understanding of the associated flow and acoustic field is of utmost importance. The present experimental study is one such step to characterize the aeroacoustic properties of a high-temperature jet issued from an overexpanded rocket nozzle. Further, the effectiveness of microjet-based active flow control in reducing the flow unsteadiness and near-field noise levels is also explored. The experiments were performed at different jet stagnation temperatures, and the results were quantified at different impingement heights simulating the takeoff and landing environment of reusable launch vehicles. Mean pressure measurements were mapped on the ground plane using discrete pressure taps. The time-varying pressure component was measured using an unsteady pressure transducer located at the impingement point, and near-field acoustic measurements were carried out using a microphone. In addition, the velocity field was mapped using planar particle image velocimetry. The near-field pressure spectra are broadband, and the magnitude of noise content is a function of jet stagnation temperature. Furthermore, the injection of microjets resulted in a significant attenuation of near-field noise, impingement point pressure fluctuations, and turbulent kinetic energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-jet impingement flows relevant to applications in Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing aircraft have been investigated from the standpoint of evaluating the induced lift forces and moments caused by fountain flows. However, for a pair of supersonic jets, the outcome of the difference in their momentum-flux on flow properties is relatively unknown. This study reports on the experimental characterization of the supersonic dual impinging jet flowfield by systematically varying their relative jet momentum-flux and impingement height. A nozzle pair involving a sonic converging and a Mach 1.5 Converging–Diverging (CD) is employed during the study. The CD nozzle is operated at a fixed nozzle pressure ratio of 3, and the expansion ratio (ER) of the converging nozzle is varied from 0.96, 1.19, to 1.59. Results indicate that the fountain flow exhibits a strong dependence on relative jet momentum and a relatively weak dependence on impingement height. Increase in jet momentum-flux of the converging nozzle led to an obvious increase in the nearfield noise levels over a majority of the impingement heights. At resonance-dominated impingement heights, however, a systematic reduction in both the nearfield noise and ground plane unsteady pressures is observed. The resonance in the jet from CD nozzle is found to be the chief source of unsteadiness in the flowfield, which grew weaker and exerted lesser influence with increase in jet momentum-flux of the converging nozzle. Proximity of the fountain flow to the resonating jet is identified to be the main cause for the change in resonance characteristics of dual impinging jets. The cause for this change is determined to be due to the alterations introduced to the highly sensitive processes that constitute the feedback mechanism, when the fountain flow directly interacts with the jet shear layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between fluid flow and structural components of collapsible tubes are representative of those in several physiological systems. Although extensively studied, there exists a lack of characterization of the three-dimensionality in the structural deformations of the tube and its influence on the flow field. This experimental study investigates the spatio-temporal relationship between 3D tube geometry and the downstream flow field under conditions of fully open, closed, and slamming-type oscillating regimes. A methodology is implemented to simultaneously measure three-dimensional surface deformations in a collapsible tube and the corresponding downstream flow field. Stereophotogrammetry was used to measure tube deformations, and simultaneous flow field measurements included pressure and planar Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data downstream of the collapsible tube. The results indicate that the location of the largest collapse in the tube occurs close to the downstream end. In the oscillating regime, sections of the tube downstream of the largest mean collapse experience the largest oscillations in the entire tube that are completely coherent and in phase. At a certain streamwise distance upstream of the largest collapse, a switch in the direction of oscillations occurs with respect to those downstream. Physically, when the tube experiences constriction downstream of the location of the largest mean collapse, this causes the accumulation of fluid and build-up of pressure in the upstream regions and an expansion of these sections. Fluctuations in the downstream flow field are significantly influenced by tube fluctuations along the minor axes. The fluctuations in the downstream flowfield are influenced by the propagation of disturbances due to oscillations in tube geometry, through the advection of fluid through the tube. Further, the manifestation of the LU-type pressure fluctuations is found to be due to the variation in the propagation speed of the disturbances during the different stages within a period of oscillation of the tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials have attracted wide attention due to their promising characteristics in contrast to their bulk counterparts. However, techniques for their synthesis need to be explored further for their application in promising nanomaterial-based devices. Herein, a simple hydrothermal technique was developed for the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles utilizing nanoscale MnO2 as a template. It was found that the redox chemical conditions employed for the synthesis of nanostructured MnO2 are also applicable for the fabrication of Fe3O4 nanostructures. Subsequently, HRTEM, XRD and XPS analyses were conducted, which confirmed the presence of morphologically reduced Fe3O4. Furthermore, the electrochemical analysis revealed the promising supercapacitive behaviour of 590 F g−1 at a current density of 2.9 A g−1 for the as-synthesised MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite. This high performance can be attributed to the favourable characteristics of the developed nanomaterial such as high specific surface area, abundant active sites and short diffusion paths for charges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An impinging jet produces a highly unsteady flowfield which results in very high noise levels, harmful structural vibrations, and significant loss of lift and stability in applications such as the short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. An understanding of the flowfield and implementation of an effective flow control technique are necessary to reduce these adverse effects. The presence of multiple impinging jets leads to the generation of a fountain flow, which further adds to the complexity of the flowfield dynamics. In the present study, flowfields of a single supersonic round jet (Mach 1.5) and dual impinging jets (consisting of a Mach 1.5 supersonic jet and an additional sonic jet) are explored. A microjet-based control method is applied to attenuate flow unsteadiness by modifying shear layer instability characteristics of the supersonic jet. Passive and active influence of the microjet hardware on acoustics are examined over a range of impingement distances (2.25D-10D) with a fine resolution (D/16) to obtain detailed resonance characteristics. Based on the resonance tone behavior as a function of impingement distances, detailed flowfield characteristics at certain impingement distances are investigated with the help of schlieren visualization, near-field acoustics, and unsteady surface pressure measurements. The effectiveness of the microjet flow control method in reducing noise is also evaluated in the flowfield of single and dual impinging jets. For single and dual impinging jets configuration, relative to their respective baseline cases, the microjet control on dual impinging jets shows better noise attenuation of overall sound pressure level within short impingement distances (H/D<4.5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exoscopes were recently developed as an alternative to the operative microscope (OM) and endoscope for intraoperative visualization during neurosurgery. Prior reviews studying mixed cranial and spinal surgical cohorts reported advantages with exoscope use, including improved ergonomics and teaching. In recent years, there has been an increase in exoscope research, with no updated systematic review focused exclusively on the benefits and limitations of exoscope use in spine surgery. Thus, we sought to systematically synthesize the literature related to exoscope-assisted spine surgery. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies reported between 2010 and September 2023. Data, such as the exoscope model used, procedure types performed, and user observations, were then collected. A total of 31 studies met our inclusion criteria, including 481 patients with spine pathologies who underwent a surgical procedure using 1 of 9 exoscope models. The lumbar region was the most frequently operated area (n = 234; 48.6%), and discectomies comprised the most overall procedures (n = 273; 56.8%). All patients benefited clinically. The reported advantages of exoscopes compared with OMs or endoscopes were improved focal distance, surgeon posture, trainee education, compactness, and assistant participation. Other aspects such as stereopsis, illumination, and cost had various observations. Exoscopes have advantages compared with OMs or endoscopes during spine surgery. The user learning curve is minimal, and no negative patient outcomes have been reported. However, some aspects of exoscope use necessitate longer term prospective research before exoscopes can be considered a standard tool in the armamentarium of intraoperative visualization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the mechanism to enhance the dielectric and ferroelectric behavior of polymer-ceramic composites through surface hydroxylation of 0.5Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8)O 3 -0.5(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3)TiO 3 (BZT-BCT) ceramic filler-particles embedded in PVDF-HFP copolymer matrix. Varying the hydroxylated h-(BZT-BCT) filler particle-content (φ = 0–40 wt%) in PVDF-HFP copolymer matrix, composite films (of ~75 μm thickness) were prepared. We observed that, with an increase in filler content up to an optimum concentration of 15 wt% , a microstructure with gradually denser particle-arrangement and enhanced particles-polymer surface interaction is exhibited, which leads to improved dielectric and ferroelectric behavior. The energy storage density (728 mJ/cm3 at an electric field of 750 kV/cm) of the composite with 15 wt% of h-(BZT-BCT) is found to be much higher than those of the pure BZT-BCT sample, pure PVDF-HFP copolymer and their composites. Our work demonstrates the method of enhancing the functional properties through a suitable microstructure of composite materials with surface-hydroxylation of filler particles. • Ferroelectricity in virgin and hydroxylated (h-) BZT-BCT ceramic/PVDF-HFP copolymer composites is studied. • A 15 wt% concentration of h-(BZT-BCT) filler particles enhances packing density of composite by minimizing voids. • High packing density enhances interfacial interaction between h-(BZT-BCT) fillers and PVDF-HFP polymer. • Hydroxyl (–OH) ions on h-(BZT-BCT) particles facilitates formation of electroactive β-phase of PVDF-HFP. • Our work demonstrates a method to improve ferroelectricity and energy storage density of ceramic/polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supersonic single-impinging jet flows are known to exhibit strong unsteadiness levels and acoustic signatures due to large-scale resonant motions. However, the flowfield characteristics of two such jets operating in tandem, where properties are influenced by jet-jet interaction and coupling, are relatively unknown. The present study reports on the experimental investigation of the flowfield associated with two underexpanded, impinging jets operating at a nozzle pressure ratio of 2.65 and discharged from identical converging nozzles with exit diameters of 25.4 mm. Comparisons with a single-impinging jet operating at the same conditions are provided through flow visualizations, near-field acoustics, and surface pressure measurements. Fountain flow produced by the interaction of wall jets (a unique feature of dual-impinging jets) is found to be relatively strong at short impingement heights and contributes to additional loads on the ground surface. Unsteadiness in dual jets is weaker than that in a single jet at conditions involving resonance, and the fountain upwash plays an important role in the process. Although the feedback mechanism that drives the resonance in both impinging jet configurations is similar and the corresponding instability mode shapes are retained, there are differences in the strengths of the instability modes between the two configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-stage solid-state reaction-based intermediate columbite phase technique has been employed to fabricate the single-phase Pb[(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3) 0.7 Ti 0.3 ]O 3 (PMN-0.3 PT) electro-ceramics. The Rietveld refinement of XRD data suggests the presence of monoclinic crystal structure with space group 'Cm'. The bulk ceramics interior looks very flat without voids and well-defined grain boundaries, which confirm the high quality single-phase microstructure. The final elemental compositions of the material are similar to the initial compositions within the instrument's experimental error. We have investigated pressure and temperature-dependent dielectric and impedance properties to test the possible applications as a pressure transducer. A well defined square hysteresis with large polarization confirms the high quality ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. For the first time, we have studied the pressure sensing properties of PMN-0.3 PT ceramic in the range 25–250 kPa in barometric pressure using dead weights and 10–50 MPa hydraulic pressure (oil medium). The ceramic demonstrates a gradual change in capacitance as well as in capacitive reactance, with % sensitivity of 0.10 MPa−1 in the Hydraulic pressure range (10–50 MPa), and with % sensitivity of 0.02 kPa−1 in the Barometric pressure range (25–250 kPa). These results demonstrate the suitability of PMN-0.3 PT ceramic as a pressure transducer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergence of MDR‐TB and XDR‐TB led to the failure of available anti‐tubercular drugs. In order to explore, identify and develop new anti‐tubercular drugs, novel peptidomimetic series of Mtb–peptide deformylase (PDF) inhibitors was designed and synthesized. In vitro antimycobacterial potential of compounds was established by screening of compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain using MABA. Among them, ester series of compounds 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e were found most active, with compound 4c being highly active and exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.25 µg/ml against M. tb H37Rv strain. Additionally, the compounds were docked to determine the probable binding interactions and understand the mechanism of action of most active molecules on Mtb‐peptide deformylase (PDF), which is involved in the mycobacterium protein synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether location-linked anaesthesiology calculator mobile application (app) data can serve as a qualitative proxy for global surgical case volumes and therefore monitor the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods We collected data provided by users of the mobile app "Anesthesiologist" during 1 October 2018-30 June 2020. We analysed these using RStudio and generated 7-day moving-average app use plots. We calculated country-level reductions in app use as a percentage of baseline. We obtained data on COVID-19 case counts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. We plotted changing app use and COVID-19 case counts for several countries and regions. Findings A total of 100 099 app users within 214 countries and territories provided data. We observed that app use was reduced during holidays, weekends and at night, correlating with expected fluctuations in surgical volume. We observed that the onset of the pandemic prompted substantial reductions in app use. We noted strong cross-correlation between COVID-19 case count and reductions in app use in low- and middle-income countries, but not in high-income countries. Of the 112 countries and territories with non-zero app use during baseline and during the pandemic, we calculated a median reduction in app use to 73.6% of baseline. Conclusion App data provide a proxy for surgical case volumes, and can therefore be used as a real-time monitor of the impact of COVID-19 on surgical capacity. We have created a dashboard for ongoing visualization of these data, allowing policy-makers to direct resources to areas of greatest need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report one-pot, three-component cyclo condensation of an aldehyde, an amine and thioglycolic acid to form 2,3-disubstituted-thiazolidin-4-one by using supported protic acid (Silica Chloride: SiO2-Cl) catalyst. The catalyst SiO2-Cl is compatible with a variety of aldehydes (aryl/heteroaryl) and the aromatic amines affording 2,3-disubstituted-thiazolidin-4-one analogs in 72–89% yields. Moreover, the supported catalyst was recycled several times without significant loss of catalytical activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was ongoing investigation into potentially effective treatments. Antiviral medications such as Favipiravir and Hydroxychloroquine were employed to treat COVID-19 infections. However, limited studies have examined the adverse effects of these medications on hearing, particularly at extended high frequencies. This study included 10 subjects who had received medications like Azithromycin, a combination of Favipiravir and Hydroxychloroquine, and Hydroxychloroquine alone as part of their COVID-19 treatment. These subjects had previously undergone extended high-frequency audiometry testing (from 8 to 20 kHz) as part of another project conducted by the same department before contracting COVID-19. Post-COVID-19 extended high-frequency audiometry was performed 1 month after the patients received a negative RT-PCR report. The results were then compared using a Paired t-test. A significant shift in the thresholds of high frequencies above 8–20 kHz is found in subjects who had received Favipiravir and Hydroxychloroquine medications. We observed a significant impact of COVID-19 medications on high-frequency hearing, which tends to go unnoticed in regular pure-tone audiometry evaluations. Therefore, our study emphasizes the need for regular follow-ups, including detailed audiological assessments that incorporate extended high-frequency testing, at least once every 3 months for patients who have taken medications for COVID-19 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultrasonic interferometer manometer (UIM) is an apex level primary pressure standard for Pascal realization established at National Physical Laboratory India (NPLI). The performance of UIM has been evaluated from time to time by participation in key comparisons, calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) and publications in reputed international metrology journals. The pressure is measured using time of flight technique at 44 different frequencies in ultrasonic range and the phase measurement. The phase measurement combined with the time of flight measurement using the exact fractional algorithm provides highly accurate column length hence respective pressure values. The combined process helps in lowering the uncertainty in real experimental conditions. Recently, we have also changed UIM software from tbasic to window based program with the same algorithm which provides a column length measurement study. A detailed study was carried out for variation of fringe counts or oscillations with varying pressure. Experimental and theoretical calculation for both resolution and pressure dependent part has been carried out for uncertainties involves the physical parameters. The uncertainties in lower pressure range, i.e., between 1 Pa and 1000 Pa were varying equal or sometimes higher than the theoretical resolution value 0.0092 Pa (k = 2) because of environmental conditions like vibration, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity whereas for higher pressure range, i.e., 1000 Pa to 130 kPa the uncertainties were either close or smaller than the pressure dependent theoretical uncertainty value, i.e. 7.2 × 10−6 of the reading. • We report state of art primary pressure standards with ppm level of uncertainties in measurement. • The experimental and theoretical expanded relative uncertainties at k = 2 are 5.6 ppm and 7.2 ppm, respectively. • The amplitude and wavelength of the received echo varies inversely with pressure/column of length. • Experimental as well as theoretical uncertainties are in close agreement in the range of 1 Pa–130 kPa. • The UIM shows long term stability in pressure measurement with 7.2 ppm of uncertainty since last 36 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effective delivery of low potency anticancer drug is a major challenge. The present study introduces the novel chitosan-polylactic acid (CS-PLA)-drug conjugate and its transferrin receptor targeted polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC Nps), encapsulating free drug to increase its potency and specificity. The model drug curcumin (CR) was used and incorporated in this system in both conjugated and encapsulated form. The synthesis of CS-PLA-CR copolymer was confirmed by 1H NMR, FTIR, UV–visible spectrum, DSC thermogram and zeta potential. Further, the nanoparticles engulfing free CR, with average 340 nm particle sizes, were prepared through simple ionic gelation technique utilizing positive charges on copolymer by polyanion sodium alginate (CS-PLA-CR/SA PEC Nps). The prepared Nps showed the high CR content of over 92% with extended period of CR release (60% and 85% at pH 7.4 and 5 respectively even after 8 days). The results were compared with the unmodified CS (without PLA) as a control to understand the effect of PLA side chain. Transferrin (Tf) conjugation on PEC Nps displayed superior cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to non-targeted Nps on MCF-7 cell line. Thus, CR loaded Tf-CS-PLA-CR/SA PEC Nps may provide an efficient and targeted delivery for cancer treatment. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The model anticancer agent curcumin is successfully conjugated to the chitosan grafted polylactic acid copolymer. • Chitosan-PLA-curcumin copolymer formed polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles encapsulating free curcumin. • The PLA sidechain formed stable nanoparticles; showed high drug content with extended period of drug release. • Transferrin conjugation with nanoparticles enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake via endocytosis in tumor cells. • The approach can be applied for delivery of two different hydrophobic cytotoxic drugs to achieve combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sugammadex rapidly reverses deep neuromuscular blockade, but owing to cost, questions remain about its optimal utilization. After the unrestricted introduction of sugammadex at Emory University Hospital, we hypothesized that reductions would be demonstrated in the primary outcome of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) mechanical ventilation (MV) and secondary outcomes of PACU length of stay (LOS) and emergence time (surgery end to anesthesia end time in the PACU). Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients undergoing general anesthesia over a 12-month period. Using multiple variable penalized logistic regression in a one-group before-and-after design, we compared the categorized rates of PACU MV to examine the effect of sugammadex introduction following a post-hoc chart review to ascertain the reason for postoperative MV. Additionally, multiple variable linear regression was used to assess for differences in PACU LOS and emergence time within a propensity-matched set of patients receiving neostigmine or sugammadex. Results: In total, 7,217 surgical cases met the inclusion criteria: 3,798 before and 3,419 after sugammadex introduction. The incidence of PACU MV was 2.3% before and 1.8% after (P = 0.118) sugammadex introduction. PACU MV due to residual neuromuscular blockade (rNMB) decreased from 0.63% to 0.20% (P = 0.005). Ventilation because of other causes was unchanged. PACU LOS and emergence time were unchanged in the propensity-matched set of 1,444 patients. Conclusions: rNMB was an important contributor to PACU MV utilization and its incidence significantly decreased after sugammadex introduction. The selected efficiency measures may not have been sufficiently granular to identify improvements following introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient route for the synthesis of a series of 5- substituted 1H-tetrazoles using L-proline as a catalyst from structurally diverse organic nitriles and sodium azide is reported. The prominent features of this environmentally benign, cost effective, and high-yielding L-proline-catalyzed protocol includes simple experimental procedure, short reaction time, simple workup, and excellent yields making it a safer and economical alternative to hazardous Lewis acid catalyzed methods. The protocol was successfully applied to a broad range of substrates, including aliphatic and aryl nitriles, organic thiocyanates, and cyanamides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Electronic decision support tools in anesthesiology practice have great value, including the potential for mobile applications to simplify delivery of best‐practice guidelines. Aims: We sought to combine demographics with usage information to elucidate important patterns in the rate of use of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia Critical Events Checklist, as measured by in‐app accesses of the checklist via the freely available anesthesia calculator app anesthesiologist. Methods: We performed a retrospective analytic observational case‐control study using analytics and survey data collected from the app. Users of the app were classified on the basis of whether or not they had accessed the checklist. This classification was used to perform logistic regression against a number of independent variables, including frequency of app use, country income level, professional role, rating of app importance, length of time in practice, group size, practice model, community served, and primary practice environment. Results: Individual app users practicing in low‐ and middle‐income countries have a significantly higher rate of Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Critical Events Checklist utilization as compared with high‐income countries. Rural practitioners had higher utilization of the checklist. Practice size did not affect the utilization of the checklist. The checklist was used for both provider learning and for just‐in‐time patient care. Conclusion: mHealth apps are invaluable resource in everyday clinical practice. Mobile app analytics and in‐app survey data reveal variable penetration and applicability of such technology worldwide. mHealth apps may be particularly impactful in limited‐resource areas, such as lower‐income environments and rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and environmental friendly protocol for the synthesis of N -bridged fused bicyclic compounds such as imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridines, imidazo[1,2- a ]pyrimidines, and imidazo[2,1- b ]thiazole, from commercially available starting materials has been developed. The reaction proceeds via NBS mediated in situ formation of α -brominated intermediate of corresponding aromatic ketones, 1,3-diketones, β -keto esters, followed by trapping with suitable nucleophiles to provide these versatile imidazole fused bicyclic heterocycles in good yields under metal-free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An extensive temperature dependent impedance spectroscopic study reveals the electrical behaviour of LaCo 0.7 Nb 0.3 O 3. • The peaks of dielectric constant decreases with frequency and shifts towards higher temperature. • Very low dielectric loss observed in the sample. • The capacitive and resistive behaviour was explained using Nyquist plots with the effect of grain and grain boundary with varying temperature and frequency. • Due to thermal activation of charge carriers the activation energy changes by 0.12 eV near 400 K. • LaCo 0.7 Nb 0.3 O 3 sample shows various conduction mechanisms with temperature. [Display omitted] We report the high temperature dielectric and ac impedance spectroscopy investigation of Nb substituted LaCo 0.7 Nb 0.3 O 3 polycrystalline sample. The maximum dielectric constant value was observed ≈ 1400 at around 400 K where the peak value shows a decreasing trend at higher temperatures and frequency. Similar variation was reflected in the dielectric loss behavior with temperature, which shows the thermal activation of the charge carriers in the material. The analysis of high temperature impedance spectroscopy data shows the grain and grain boundary contributions by fitting the Nyquist plots to the equivalent circuit. From the analysis of the impedance and modulus spectra, it was possible to discern between the effects of overlapping grains, grain boundaries, and electrode interfaces. The relaxation time decreases with an increase in the temperature and the activation energy changes from 0.44 eV to 0.56 eV at around 400 K, which is due to involvement of thermal activation in the conduction of charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient methodology has been developed for the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolidine-3-thione and 3-ethoxy-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4 triazole usingN,N-dimethylpyridine-4-amine (DMAP). Aldehydes and thiosemicarbazide were reacted in water at ambient temperature in presence of DMAP and provided corresponding products in good to moderate yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Response inhibition is a distinct aspect of executive function that is frequently impaired in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders ( FASD). We used a Go/NoGo ( GNG) task in a functional MRI protocol to investigate differential activation of brain regions in the response inhibition network in children diagnosed with full or partial fetal alcohol syndrome ( FAS/ PFAS), compared with healthy controls. Methods A rapid, event-related task with 120 Go and 60 NoGo trials was used to study children aged 8 to 12 years-8 with FAS/ PFAS, 17 controls. Letters were projected sequentially, with Go and NoGo trials randomly interspersed across the task. BOLD signal in the whole brain was contrasted for the correct NoGo minus correct Go trials between the FAS/ PFAS and control groups. Results Compared to the FAS/ PFAS group, controls showed greater activation of the inferior frontal and anterior cingulate network linked to response inhibition in typically developing children. By contrast, the FAS/ PFAS group showed greater BOLD response in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other middle prefrontal regions, suggesting compensation for inefficient function of pathways that normally mediate inhibitory processing. All group differences were significant after control for potential confounding variables. None of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on activation of the regions associated with response inhibition were attributable to the effects of this exposure on IQ. Conclusions This is the first FASD GNG study in which all participants in the exposed group met criteria for a diagnosis of full FAS or PFAS. Although FASD is frequently comorbid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the pattern of brain activation seen in these disorders differs, suggesting that different neural pathways mediate response inhibition in FASD and that different interventions for FASD are, therefore, warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (K 0.9 Li 0.1)[(Ta 0.2 Nb 0.8) 0.99 Mn 0.01 ]O 3 (KLTN) electroceramics exhibit fast humidity response, long time resistance stability under various humidity conditions, and giant sensitivity (≈ 2.6 × 10 4) at 95% RH, which is approximately five times higher than pure KTa 0.2 Nb 0.8 O 3 (KTN) polycrystalline sample. The KLTN shows a small hysteresis in resistance values during adsorption and desorption measurement within the humidity range of 15%–95%. The current-voltage data indicate the presence of an open-circuit voltage (V OCV) of 1.6 V with short circuit current (I SCC) 1–2 μA at 95% relative humidity, which in turn glows a standard red light-emitting diode (LED) after series and parallel connection of a few humidity sensors. This may be useful for energy harvesting in the remote and humid coastal region; however, it requires further optimization for real applications as energy harvesters. After several repeated cycles, the adsorption and desorption data suggest that KLTN may be a potential candidate for sensitive humidity sensors and energy harvesters. • The (K 0.9 Li 0.1)[(Ta 0.2 Nb 0.8) 0.99 Mn 0.01 ]O 3 (KLTN) shows about five times high sensitivity compared to parent KTN. • It shows an open-circuit voltage (V OCV) of 1.6 V with short circuit current (I SCC) 1–2 μA at 95% relative humidity. • It illustrates a good candidate of energy harvester in hilly and humid area. • It shows a small hysteresis in adsorption and desorption data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in the use of electroactive microorganisms for different applications by means of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) has been constantly increasing since the last decade. The main application of BES among others, which has received a widespread attention and researched extensively, is the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology that relies on the electrogenic nature of certain bacteria to simultaneously treat different wastewaters and produce electric power. Various types of wastewaters have been examined as substrates for feeding bacteria in MFCs. The number and complexity of wastewaters have increased rapidly over the last few years thus necessitating the need for documenting this data further. This review provides a comprehensive and the state-of-the-art information on various wastewater substrates that have been used in MFCs. The performance of different types (designs) of MFCs in terms of electric current and power outputs together with the wastewater treatment efficiency in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and columbic efficiency (CE) is presented. Some of the challenges and future perspectives with regard to the energy recovery from wastewaters using MFCs are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a common cause of gastric lymphoma. Although most cases are associated with an H. pylori infection, approximately 10% are H. pylori-negative. Patients with gastric MALT lymphoma are usually asymptomatic or present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, dyspepsia, weight loss, and occult gastrointestinal bleeding. In this report, we describe two patients with H. pylori-negative MALT lymphoma who both presented with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding that led to hemodynamic instability. After resuscitation, emergent endoscopy was performed. Both patients had the t (11; 18) (q21; q21) translocation, which prompted direct treatment by radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 2-phenyl pyridine via cyclization of aryl ketone with 1,3-diaminopropane using palladium acetate is established. This method is mild, operationally simple, involves short reaction time and involves easy workup procedure to afford the corresponding 2-phenyl pyridines in moderate to good yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The analogs of N-[4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl]cinnamamide were designed and synthesized by molecular hybridization approach in which part C of the designed molecule was linked through amide and carbamate functionality that improves the physicochemical properties and govern the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior. The systematic modification was done around the Part C to explore the structure activity relationship of antitubercular cinnamamide. All 52 compounds were evaluated for its antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) using Resazurin microtitre plate assay (REMA). Compound 11g with trifluoromethyl substitution exhibited good antitubercular activity of 3.125 μg/ml. The synthesized N-[4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl]cinnamamide derivatives showed promising activity against M. tb. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Universal resistive switching (RS) phenomenon in bulk ferroelectrics. • The bulk PMN-0.25PT ceramic shows displacement controlled reproducible and distinct resistance states. • The HRS was found nearly an order in magnitude higher than tLRS. • A uniform gap in the retention states was observed between HRS to LRS. An extensive study ruled out the reservation in the scientific community that the resistive switching phenomenon can only be seen in thin films and ultra-thin films based on the formation of conducting filaments, defects, inhomogeneities, dislocations, oxygen vacancies, interfacial charges, trap charges, barrier heights, electrochemical metallization, valence charge mechanism, polarization switching, etc. The bulk (Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3)O 3) 0.75 (PbTiO 3) 0.25 (PMN-0.25PT), ferroelectric ceramic show reproducible and distinct resistance states, controlled by displacement current. The High Resistance State (HRS) was found nearly an order in magnitude higher than the Low Resistance State (LRS) near the coercive field. A uniform gap in the charge retention states was observed between HRS to LRS using pulse voltage. These findings established displacement current-controlled multi-level resistance states in low coercive field bulk ferroelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Aminobenzthiazole is a privileged scaffold with a range of biological activities. However, to date, an efficient protocol for the synthesis of this ring system using aniline as a starting material has been lacking. Herein, for the first time, we describe a highly efficient and mild protocol for the synthesis of 2-aminiobenzthiazole using NaICl2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tuberculosis constitutes today a serious threat to human health worldwide, aggravated by the increasing number of identified multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), its causative agent, as well as by the lack of development of novel mycobactericidal compounds for the last few decades. A novel series of benzofuran-3-carbohydrazide and its analogs was synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. All the compounds were characterized and screened for in vitro anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strains by using resazurin assay utilizing microtiter-plate method (REMA). These compounds also showed good antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Thus, the high level of activity shown by the compounds (8a, 8k) suggests that these compounds could serve as leads for development of novel synthetic compounds with enhanced anti-TB and antifungal activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of structurally novel, substituted 2-(2-(4-aryloxybenzylidene) hydrazinyl)benzothiazole derivatives incorporating 2-hydrazinyl benzothiazole and 4-(aryloxy)benzaldehyde were designed and synthesized using molecular hybridization approach. All the synthesized compounds exhibited promising activity (MIC 1.5–29.00μg/ml) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strains of using REMA. Five of the evaluated compounds exhibit MIC <3.0μg/ml. Compound (E)-6-chloro-2-(2-(4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)benzylidene)hydrazinyl) benzothiazole showed MIC of 1.5μg/ml. Thus, this compound could act as a potential lead for further development of new anti-tubercular drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To elucidate the crucial structural features for the HIV-1 integrase inhibitors, a three-dimensional pharmacophore model was developed based on N-methyl pyrimidones, dihydroxypyrimidines, and bicyclic pyrimidinones derivatives using Phase. N-methyl pyrimidone derivative raltegravir, the first US-FDA approved drug by Merck, belongs to this series. The best-fitted common pharmacophore hypothesis was characterized by two acceptor, two hydrophobic, and two ring features having a correlation coefficient of 0.895, cross-validated Q value of 0.631, and survival score of 8.862, suggesting that a highly predictive pharmacophore model was developed. The cross-validation studies using 23 test set molecules and fifteen structurally diverse HIV-integrase inhibitors give extra confidence about the correctness of the pharmacophore model. The cross-validation studies proved that our developed model can successfully differentiate between active and inactive HIV-integrase inhibitors. The docking studies were also carried out wherein the molecules were docked against the active site of HIV integrase to analyze the binding mode and the necessary structural requirement for their respective enzymatic inhibition. The results obtained from our studies provide a valuable tool for designing of new lead molecules with potent activity. A three dimensional pharmacophore model was developed based on pyrimidinones derivatives using Phase. The best CPH generated, AAHHRR, was statistically significant, indicating that two of each acceptors, hydrophobic and ring features in the pharmacophore were necessary for good biological activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In an attempt to identify new potential lead as antimicrobial agent, 31 novel chloropyrrole derivatives of aroyl hydrazones and chalcones incorporating common pharmacophore of pyoluteorin derivatives were synthesized. Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated using broth dilution technique. Based on biological evaluation data it was observed that activity increases as the number of chlorines on pyrrole core increases. Few 1H-pyrrole-2-carbohydrazide derivatives shows activity equivalent to the standard drug ciprofloxacin. Thus, these compounds can act as potential lead for further antibacterial studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A first novel synthetic utility of sodium periodate for aryl diamine carbon–carbon cleavage is described. Aryl 1,2-diamine compounds were successfully converted into corresponding nitriles, while the developed method is also useful for the preparation of quinones from corresponding aryl 1,4-diamine compounds. The advantages of this protocol are shorter reaction time and mild reaction conditions to obtain moderate to good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple and mild method for decarboxylative bromination of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids has been developed using diphosphorus tetraiodide in combination with tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB) at room temperature. High yields of the corresponding bromoalkenes were obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The function of the human cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.5 (hH1) is regulated in part by binding of calcium to an EF hand in the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, hill is also regulated via an extrinsic calcium-sensing pathway mediated by calmodulin (CAM) via binding to an IQ motif immediately adjacent to the EF-hand domain. The intrinsic EF-hand domain is shown here to interact with the IQ motif, which controls calcium affinity. Remarkably, mutation of the IQ residues has only a minor effect on CaM affinity but drastically reduces calcium affinity of the EF-hand domain, whereas the Brugada mutation A1924T significantly reduces CaM affinity but has no effect on calcium affinity of the EF-hand domain. Moreover, the differences in the biochemical effects of the mutations directly correlate with contrasting effects on channel electrophysiology. A comprehensive model is proposed in which the hill IQ motif serves as a molecular switch, coupling the intrinsic and extrinsic calcium sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify molecules that might contribute to V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) trafficking or signaling, we searched for novel interacting proteins with this receptor. Preliminary data, using the V2R C terminus as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, revealed calmodulin as a binding partner. Because calmodulin interacts with other G protein-coupled receptors, we explored this interaction and its possible functional relevance in greater detail. A Ca2+-dependent interaction occurs between calmodulin-linked agarose and the holo-V2R as well as the V2R C terminus. Truncation and site-directed mutagenesis of the V2R C terminus revealed an involvement of an RGR sequence in this interaction. NMR studies showed that a peptide fragment of the V2R C terminus containing the RGR sequence binds to calmodulin in a Ca2+-dependent manner with a Kd ≤ µM; concentration-dependent binding of the V2R C terminus to calmodulin-agarose was used to estimate a Kd value of ∼200 nM for this entire C-terminal sequence as expressed in mammalian cells. Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells stably expressing either wild type or a mutant V2R, in which the RGR C-terminal sequence was mutated to alanines (AAA V2R), revealed that the steady-state localization and agonist-induced internalization of the AAA V2R resembled that of the wild type V2R in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells. V2R binding of agonist similarly was unchanged in the AAA V2R, as was the concentration response for arginine vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Most interestingly, AVP-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ observed for the wild type V2R were virtually eliminated for the AAA V2R. Taken together, the data suggest that a C-terminal region of the V2R important for calmodulin interaction is also important in modulation of V2R elevation of intracellular Ca2+, a prerequisite for AVP-induced fusion of aquaporin-containing vesicles with the apical surface of renal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium channels initiate the electrical cascade responsible for cardiac rhythm, and certain life-threatening arrhythmias arise from Na+ channel dysfunction. We propose a novel mechanism for modulation of Na+ channel function whereby calcium ions bind directly to the human cardiac Na+ channel (hH1) via an EF-hand motif in the C-terminal domain. A functional role for Ca2+ binding was identified electrophysiologically, by measuring Ca2+-induced modulation of hH1. A small hH1 fragment containing the EF-hand motif was shown to form a structured domain and to bind Ca2+ with affinity characteristic of calcium sensor proteins. Mutations in this domain reduce Ca2+ affinity in vitro and the inactivation gating effects of Ca2+ in electrophysiology experiments. These studies reveal the molecular basis for certain forms of long QT syndrome and other arrhythmia-producing syndromes, and suggest a potential pharmacological target for antiarrhythmic drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evidence of two perceptible electrical responses below and above 773 K. • An intriguing behaviour in impedance and ac conductivity at lower frequencies. • Electrical response induced by cation (K+) segregation at high temperatures. • Role of K+ in full understanding of high temperature impedance properties of KTaO 3. Dielectric, impedance, electric modulus, and ac conductivity properties of KTaO 3 (001) (KTO) single crystal have been investigated for temperature and frequency range of 573–973 K and 100 Hz - 1 MHz, respectively. Our results suggest two separate conduction processes attributed to bulk and the sample surface-electrode interface. The analysis of impedance and electrical modulus data shows a temperature-independent relaxation process dominated by delocalized charge carriers in bulk. For temperatures ≥ 773, Intriguing tailing behaviour at lower frequencies observed in Nyquist plots for impedance, and it has been attributed to the sample surface-electrode interface effect. The ac conductivity obeys Jonscher's Power Law for temperatures<773 K. However, for temperatures ≥773, the ac conductivity exhibits an anomalous behaviour in the low-frequency region as ac conductivity decreases with an increase in frequency up to a critical point in the mid-frequency region. A conduction mechanism has been proposed to explain the electrical response related to bulk and sample surface-electrode interface. Thermally activated vacancies are responsible for bulk conduction. However, migration of K+ ions from bulk to surface at higher temperatures and consequent formation of KO islands is accountable for forming an additional conduction channel at the sample surface-electrode interface. Our topographical AFM images support the formation of KO islands at the KTO surface at higher temperatures. X-ray diffraction results confirm a single crystalline bulk phase of the sample even after high temperature annealing. Our study reveals that the cation (K+) role should be taken into account along with conventional anion vacancies hopping in bulk to gain an overall understanding of the high temperature impedance spectroscopy measurements of KTO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we have developed an expeditious and efficient protocol for the synthesis of isoxazole-5(4H)-ones derivatives using guanidine hydrochloride as a catalyst using water as a solvent. The one-pot multicomponent reaction of aldehydes, ethyl acetoacetate, and hydroxylamine hydrochloride at room temperature to give a 3-methyl-4-(hetero)arylmethylene isoxazole-5(4H)-ones derivatives in an excellent yield. The key advantages of the reported method are shorter reaction time, energy-efficient, easy work-up procedure, wide substrate scope tolerance, economical, etc. further the catalyst was recycled up to 5 times along with high product yield without significant loss of its catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple methodology was developed to synthesize substituted aminothiazoles from the corresponding thiourea and substituted ketones using aqueous NaICl 2 at reflux temperature in THF. The products were obtained in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate to good yields of various 3-nitro-2-arylimidazo[ 1,2-a]pyridines have been easily achieved in the reaction of 2- aminopyridines and nitrostyrenes in the presence of sodium dichloriodide. The procedure is simple and various functional groups are tolerated in this reaction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of α‐heteroaryl ketones from aryl ketones and amine using aqueous sodium dichloroiodate is established. This method is mild, operationally simple, has a short reaction time, and easy workup procedure to afford the corresponding α‐N‐heteroaryl ketone derivatives in moderate to good yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]