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Hydrogen production by methane catalytic decomposition is a promising method that also allows the formation of valuable carbon nanomaterials which can be utilized in transportation fuels, chemical synthesis, and fuel cell technology. In this study, bimetallic 3d transition metal (Ni, Fe, Co) catalysts supported on spherical mesoporous nanofibrous silica (KCC1) were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method followed by sono co-impregnation. The catalysts were evaluated for their performance in the catalytic decomposition of methane. Comprehensive characterization of the catalysts was conducted utilizing XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, STEM, XPS, H 2 -TPR, and BET techniques. XRD and TEM analyses confirmed the formation of Ni–Fe, Ni–Co, and Co–Fe bimetallic alloys on the nanofibrous silica without compromising its dendrimeric hierarchical structure. STEM HAADF imaging revealed a uniform dispersion of bimetallic nanoparticles within the spherical fibrous framework. Catalytic tests demonstrated that all bimetallic catalysts showed high stability and activity for methane cracking at 700 °C over 180 min of time on stream (TOS). Among them, Fe-based catalysts Ni–Fe/KCC1 and Co–Fe/KCC1 achieved the highest hydrogen yields of 80% and 60%, respectively. Methane conversion was 1.56 and 2.23 times higher in Ni–Fe/KCC1 compared to Co–Fe/KCC1 and Ni–Co/KCC1, respectively. Post-reaction characterization of the spent catalysts was performed using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and TGA. XRD and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the degree of graphitization and crystallinity in the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced on the catalysts, enabling a correlation with the catalyst properties. TEM examination was used to investigate the structural morphology and growth methods of the CNTs, including tip or base growth and chain-like or parallel-wall types. TGA results revealed that all bimetallic catalysts exhibited no amorphous carbon during methane cracking reaction. [Display omitted] • KCC1 framework enhances active site exposure and reactant/product diffusion. • Hierarchical dendritic layers pose a steric barrier, functioning as sintering-resistant support. • Highly dispersed bimetals obtained over KCC1 due to large accessible surface area. • KCC1 supported bimetallic (Ni, Fe, Co) alloys synergistically contributes to high stability. • Ni–Fe/KCC1 exhibited high catalytic activity with graphitized carbon structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin cancer is the most prevalent kind of cancer in people. It is estimated that more than 1 million people get skin cancer every year in the world. The effectiveness of the disease's therapy is significantly impacted by early identification of this illness. Preprocessing is the initial detecting stage in enhancing the quality of skin images by removing undesired background noise and objects. This study aims is to compile preprocessing techniques for skin cancer imaging that are currently accessible. Researchers looking into automated skin cancer diagnosis might use this article as an excellent place to start. The fully convolutional encoder–decoder network and Sparrow search algorithm (FCEDN-SpaSA) are proposed in this study for the segmentation of dermoscopic images. The individual wolf method and the ensemble ghosting technique are integrated to generate a neighbour-based search strategy in SpaSA for stressing the correct balance between navigation and exploitation. The classification procedure is accomplished by using an adaptive CNN technique to discriminate between normal skin and malignant skin lesions suggestive of disease. Our method provides classification accuracies comparable to commonly used incremental learning techniques while using less energy, storage space, memory access, and training time (only network updates with new training samples, no network sharing). In a simulation, the segmentation performance of the proposed technique on the ISBI 2017, ISIC 2018, and PH2 datasets reached accuracies of 95.28%, 95.89%, 92.70%, and 98.78%, respectively, on the same dataset and assessed the classification performance. It is accurate 91.67% of the time. The efficiency of the suggested strategy is demonstrated through comparisons with cutting-edge methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanocytes in the skin and other organs generate the tumor known as malignant melanoma (MM). It has a high degree of malignancy, a deprived prognosis, and a propensity for local recurrence and distant metastasis. Although there have been tremendous advancements in MM management choices over the past ten years, there are still a dearth of clinically viable therapy alternatives and no internationally accepted treatment standard. The prognosis of MM patients has recently improved thanks to the development of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. As a result, this article examines the most recent findings from studies on the non-surgical treatment methodologies for MM and its preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetic labiaplasty is focusing on the deliberate alteration of external genitalia without medical reasons. It highlights the growing understanding of diverse genital anatomy, suggesting that the labia minora innervation contributes to sexual arousal and pleasure. The measurement of female vulva structure is crucial for aesthetic standards and surgical planning. Past research gathered labia minora measurements from various countries, races, and age groups. As women's expectations for vulva appearance increase, the demand for labia minora plastic surgery rises, emphasizing the importance of safety and effectiveness. To enhance surgical planning, this article addresses the histology, anatomy, data measurement, aesthetics, blood supply, and nerve innervation of the labia minora, considering both its morphological beauty and functional requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, offer a new framework for skin disease image recognition using deep learning techniques and local descriptor encoding approaches. For the purpose of detecting melanoma early, skin lesions must be accurately classified. In this research, an automatic image preprocessing approach is proposed for the removal of noise artefacts in photographs, including thin and thick hair objects, surgical ink markings, dark halo effects, and ebony frames. Due to hazy contrasts and distortions at the border margins, segmenting images are quite challenging. So, this research suggests a partitioning technique based on a fuzzy gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) that is both effective and adaptive. An alternative to convolutional neural networks (CNN) is proposed: the capsule-based network. An object's existence and the relationship between its functions are represented by a group of neurons (in logical units) that make up a vector called a capsule. While synthetic product neural networks use max-pooling layers to define capsule coupling between subsequent layers, capsule networks repeatedly utilise a dynamic routing technique to do so. Alternatively said, the routing-by-agreement approach offers learning between capsule layers. To assess the efficacy of the F-CapsNet technique, three widely used datasets—the ISIC 2017 Challenge, the 2019 Challenge, and the PH2 datasets—are employed. The suggested technique has an average accuracy of 99.16% for the ISBI 2017 test dataset and 99.45% accuracy for the ISBI 2019 test dataset. Additionally, the PH2 test dataset shows that the suggested approach has an average accuracy of 98.42%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern world, issues of sustainability are of the utmost importance. Organizations will no longer be able to maintain their current levels of company growth if society does not cooperate with them. As a consequence of this, marketing managers focus their efforts on satisfying the socioethical requirements of customers, such as the promotion of cultural activities, the protection of the environment, and disaster aid. The concept of "sustainability" relates to the economic, social, and environmental duties that are placed on an organization; thus, it begs the issue of how these commitments should be carried out effectively. This study focuses on the long-term marketing efforts made in the fashion business as well as the effects of such efforts. The convenience sampling method was employed in this research. The study included 268 completely filled questionnaires out of a total of 300. For data analysis SPSS 22 and AMOS 22 were used. According to the results, sustainable initiatives in the fashion industry have a positive influence on trust, brand image, and satisfaction levels among consumers. Furthermore, they contribute to positive outcomes for customer loyalty to brands. The results are important for business leaders and marketers who want to make long-term management methods that work better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Desert sand-derived silica materials with varying structure as a catalyst support. • Structural effect of Ni decorated silica supported catalysts in CDM. • MCF-S facilitates Ni dispersion and CNF growth due to meso-macro pore geometry. • Ni/MCF-S catalyst exhibited highest methane conversion and hydrogen yield. • Carbon nanofibers exhibiting both tip and base growth mechanism were observed. This study investigates the replacement of a costly commercial silicate source with locally abundant desert sand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for synthesizing mesoporous silica. Hydrothermal synthesis methods were employed to develop various mesoporous materials having different pore geometries, namely MCM41-S, SBA15-S and MCF-S, using desert sand as a silica source. These materials were then impregnated with 15 wt% NiO (∼13 wt% Ni) by sono-wet impregnation technique. All Ni-based silica supported catalyst demonstrated enhanced stability at 550 °C during the reaction. It was observed that the synthesized MCF-S proves to be a highly efficient catalyst support, as Ni/MCF-S, for the catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM), exhibiting the highest methane conversion (60 %), which is 1.4–2.1 times higher than the Ni-based classic-structured mesoporous siliceous supported catalysts, such as SBA15-S and MCM41-S. In particular, the H 2 yield (62 %) of the Ni/MCF-S catalyst was 1.40 and 2.38 times higher than that of the Ni/SBA15-S and Ni/MCM41-S catalysts, respectively. To understand the observed differences, a detailed characterization of the physicochemical properties of these materials was conducted. The results revealed that the macro/mesopores size (4–60 nm) and bimodal sinusoidal pore geometry of MCF-S, played a critical role in enhancing Ni particle dispersion, resulting in the highest active Ni metal surface area (7.66 m2/g cat) and contributing to the improved catalytic activity of Ni catalysts in methane cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids (MG) are a new and innovative concept in modern distribution networks. Several challenges are associated with the operation and control of MG networks. Active and reactive power sharing among energy resources interfaced through power electronic conversion stages is a major challenge. Although active power sharing can be achieved under varying scenarios, sharing of reactive power between distributed generation units is difficult to achieve. This paper presents a novel and innovative control scheme to ensure sharing of reactive power between Distributed generation units within an autonomous, islanded AC microgrid. A framework composed of novel multiagent moving average estimators is proposed to make the participating nodes share active and reactive power among themselves. Detailed case studies are carried out in MATLAB and Simulink environment to verify the efficacy of the proposed control scheme. Furthermore, a lab scale MG set up is implemented to verify the operation of the control scheme in an MG environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid functional biomaterials are attracting increasing interest due to their biocompatibility and therapeutic and diagnostic characteristics. The theranostic properties of functional biomaterials favor their application. When these materials are responded to stimuli, they confer target site delivery. Although various types of nanocomposites have been developed for drug delivery and diagnostics, no ideal composites have been reported yet. Here, we report the synthesis of graphene oxide–zinc ferrite hybrid nanocomposites (GO-ZnFe 2 O 4) conjugated with doxorubicin (GO-ZnFe 2 O 4 /DOX) for cancer therapy and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based diagnosis. The optical properties, crystal phase, particle size, functional groups, elemental composition, surface morphology, and magnetism of GO-ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites were characterized using state-of-the-art available techniques, including Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Vibrating sample magneto meter (VSM) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The in vitro analysis showed that GO-ZnFe 2 O 4 conjugated with DOX is more cytotoxic than GO-ZnFe 2 O 4. GO-ZnFe 2 O 4 /DOX induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induced damage to nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) when internalized by cells. This damage consequently drove mitochondrial malfunction and ultimately the apoptosis of cancer cells. Further studies were performed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of these nanocomposites using MR imaging. GO-ZnFe 2 O 4 /DOX nanocomposites were developed and successfully employed in the MR imaging of HeLa cells. As shown in the present study, GO-ZnFe 2 O 4 /DOX might play a potential role in the development of chemotherapy and noninvasive MR imaging of tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colony stimulating factor 2 receptor subunit beta (CSF2RB) is the common signaling subunit of the cytokine receptors for IL‐3, IL‐5, and GM‐CSF. Several studies have shown that spontaneous and random mutants of CSF2RB can lead to ligand independence in vitro. To date, no report(s) have been shown for the presence of potentially transforming and oncogenic CSF2RB mutation(s) clinically in cancer patients until the first reported case of a leukemia patient in 2016 harboring a germline‐activating mutation (R461C). We combined exome sequencing, pathway analyses, and functional assays to identify novel somatic mutations in KAIMRC1 cells and breast tumor specimen. The patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) exome served as a germline control in the identification of somatic mutations. Here, we report the discovery of a novel potentially transforming and oncogenic somatic mutation (S230I) in the CSF2RB gene of a breast cancer patient and the cell line, KAIMRC1 established from her breast tumor tissue. KAIMRC1 cells are immortalized and shown to survive and proliferate in ligand starvation condition. Immunoblot analysis showed that mutant CSF2RB signals through JAK2/STAT and PI3K/mTOR pathways in ligand starvation conditions. Screening a small molecule kinase inhibitor library revealed potent JAK2 inhibitors against KAIMRC1 cells. We, for the first time, identified a somatic, potentially transforming, and oncogenic CSF2RB mutation (S230I) in breast cancer patients that seem to be an actionable mutation leading to the development of new therapeutics for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, unsteady free convection flow of Maxwell fluid containing clay-nanoparticles is investigated. These particles are hanging in water, engine oil and kerosene. The values for nanofluids based on the Maxwell-Garnett and Brinkman models for effective thermal conductivity and viscosity are calculated numerically. The integer order governing equations are being extended to the novel non-integer order fractional derivative. Analytical solutions of temperature and velocity for Maxwell fluid are build using Laplace transform technique and expressed in such a way that they clearly satisfied the boundary conditions. To see the impact of different flow parameters on the velocity, we have drawn some graphs. As a result, we have seen that the fractional model is superior in narrate the decay property of field variables. Some limiting solutions are obtained and compared with the latest existing literature. Moreover, significant results can be observed for clay nanoparticles with different base fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study purposes were to explore the level of students' academic enablers and gender‐based difference towards academic enablers scales (AES) among 3200 students that were selected randomly from 80 high schools of Punjab province of Pakistan. The descriptive design of the positivism research paradigm was used to accomplish the study. Academic enablers scale for students (AES‐students) was adapted to collect data about four academic enabling behaviors (motivation, engagement, interpersonal skills, and study skills). Hence, the psychometric properties of adapted AES‐students exhibited that it is a valid and reliable instrument to measure academic enablers. Results indicated that the majority of students had a competent level in all academic enabling behaviors while they are more motivated as compared to their study skills, interpersonal skills, and engagement. However, engagement is the least contributive enabler. Moreover, results also demonstrated a significant difference in girls' and boys' student perceptions towards AES. It is also determined that gender had a small effect size on students' academic enablers as Cohen's d values among 0.1 to 0.4. Academic enabling behaviors may be enhanced among boy students through the use of different teaching strategies in the classroom, such as enthusiastic demonstration style, group activities, and classroom symposiums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, analytical solution of hybrid Maxwell nanofluid of the vertical channel due to pressure gradient is discussed. By introducing dimensionless variables the governing equations with all levied initial and boundary conditions is converted into dimensionless form. Fractional model for Maxwell fluid is developed by Caputo time fractional differential operator by using the constitutive relation. The dimensionless expression for temperature and velocity are found using Laplace transform. Draw graphs of temperature and velocity by Mathcad software and discuss the behavior of flow parameters and the effect of fractional parameters. As a result, we have found by increasing the volumetric fraction of copper and alumina temperature increases and velocity decreases. Also, fluid flow properties showed dual behavior for small and large time, respectively, by increasing fractional parameters values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the factors for desiring the traditional bone setters in our community & their complications. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study was conducted at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, LUMHS Jamshoro from February 2018 to March 2020. Total 87 cases presented at Orthopaedic outpatient clinic after appearing Traditional Bone Setters. Age group from 06 to 81 years through musculoskeletal trauma existing with complications secondary to bonesetter's treatment were included. Data was collected on predesigned proforma through record of department after approval from ERC. All the patients received traditional bone setter's handling. The data was obtained & analyzed on SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Total 87 patients, 58(64.36%) were male & 29(33.33%) female M:F ratio 2:1. minimum age 6 years to maximum of 81 years. The mean age was 16.48±32 and 11 patients were under the age of 12 years. Regarding the level of education, 23(26.5%) were illiterate, 23(26.5%) had primary & 17(19.5%) secondary education, 24(27.5%) were graduate or with higher education. Common mode of injury was road traffic accidents reported in 69(79%), 17(19.5%) had history of falls and assaults in 3 (3.5%). Among them, 13(15%) farmers, 12(14%) businessmen, 11(12.6%) were students, 10(11.5%) Government employee, 9(10%) laborers, 8(9%) teachers, 7(8%) unemployed, 6(6.89%) housewives, 4(4.6%) doctors, 3 (3.5%) female nurses, 2(2.3%) drivers, 2(2.3%) patients were male nurses. Regarding contact to bonesetter, patients went by themselves were 7(8%), 80(92%) patients were referred by different sources. CONCLUSION: It has been found that traditional bone setters in our community increase the rate of complications like mal-union, nonunion, and bone infections. Still people are being attracted to bone setters despite of all complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon (AC), a porous material with high pore volume, attracts increasing attention owing to its potential applications in several fields. The development of a porous structure in AC marginally relies on both the treatment methods and the type of precursor. Thus far, both renewable and nonrenewable precursor sources have been used to synthesize AC with high surface area and pore volume. This study presents the synthesis of AC via physicochemical treatment of waste oil fly ash (OFA), a waste material produced from power plants. The aim was to produce AC by adding surface pores and surface functional groups to the basal plane of OFA. Toward this objective, OFA was first chemically leached/activated with various combinations of H2SO4 and H3PO4, and then physically activated with CO2 at 900 °C. The chemical activation step, synergistically combined with CO2 activation, resulted in an increase of 24 times the specific surface area of the OFA. The maximum increase in surface area was obtained for the sample physicochemically treated with 100% H2SO4. Moreover, the spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of acid functional groups after the chemical treatment step. To explore the surface heterogeneity, adsorptive potential distribution in terms of surface energy was also discussed as a function of the surface coverage. Following chemical activation, the OFA surface became heterogeneous. A major portion of the AC showed surface energy in the range of 40-50 erg/K, which was further increased as a result of physical activation at a higher temperature. Thus, the synergism created by physicochemical activation resulted in a material with high surface area and pore volume, and excellent adsorption characteristics. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that OFA is a cost-effective and environmentally benign precursor for the synthesis of AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroics with chemical formula BiAlxFe1−xO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) and substituted by Al are synthesised using sol–gel auto-combustion. The materials are sintered at 500 °C for 5 h. In the ongoing study, the crystal structure of BiAlxFe1−xO3 was investigated by X-ray diffraction. After confirming the rhombohedral single-phase crystal structure, various characterisation techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental mapping images, electrical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), were used to investigate the synthesised samples. The grain size estimated from SEM images decreased as Al contents increased. Elemental composition was confirmed by EDX spectra. Direct current electrical resistivity increased whereas drift mobility decreased with increasing Al contents. The VSM results of Al-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) demonstrate that BFO crystals with size >60 nm show anti-ferromagnetic behaviour, which is evident in the present study. The increase in Al doping results in an increase in coercivity, as grain size and coercivity are inversely related with each other. This is because of the replacement of Fe3+ by Al3+ ions, which weakens the sub-lattice interactions. It has been observed that BFO materials with such parameters are favourable for ferroelectric random access memories where data can be written electrically and read magnetically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, influence of hybrid nanofluids on heat transfer flow of a viscous fluid due to pressure gradient is discussed with innovative constant proportional Caputo fractional derivative. For this purpose, we consider an infinite vertical wall which is exponentially moving in the x-direction with variable temperature. Nanosized particles of Cu and Al 2 O 3 are suspended in water, the base fluid. The governing equations of the problem are converted into dimensionless form. Further, we develop the constant proportional Caputo fractional model with a new operator with power law kernel which can be used to study the fluid behaviour for different values of fractional parameter at the present time. We applied the Laplace transform method to obtain the solutions and to see the impact of hybrid nanofluids and fractional parameter α respectively. We compared the present results with the recently published work (Nehad et al, Adv. Mech. Eng.11(7): 1 (2019)) with Caputo fractional derivative. As a result, we have found that the present solutions are best to describe the memory concept of temperature and velocity. For small values of fractional parameter, temperature and velocity have maximum values and for larger values of fractional parameter, temperature and velocity have minimum values. Further, rate of heat transfer and skin friction are also computed in tabular forms and it is found that Nusselt number with CPC is much less than that is computed with Caputo fractional derivative for greater values of fractional parameter α . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is responsible for approximately 10 million deaths worldwide, with 70% of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries; as such safer and more effective anti-cancer drugs are required. Therefore, the potential benefits of Ziziphus nummularia and Ziziphus spina-christi as sources of anti-cancer agents were investigated. Z. nummularia and Z. spina-christi extracts were prepared using chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and water. The extracts' anti-cancer properties were determined using the MTT Cell Viability Assay in four cancer cell lines: breast (KAIMRC2 and MDA-MB-231), colorectal (HCT8), and liver (HepG2). The ApoTox-Glo Triplex Assay and high-content imaging (HCI)-Apoptosis Assay were used to assess KAIMRC2 and HCT8 cells further. In addition, KAIMRC2 cells were tested for microtubule staining, and AKT/mTOR protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was performed to identify the secondary metabolites in the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, followed by in silico techniques to predict molecular targets and interactions, safety, and pharmacokinetic profile for identified metabolites. Out of the eight extracts, the ethanolic extract of Z. nummularia, exhibited the most potent activity against KAIMRC2 cells with an IC50 value of 29.2 μg/ml. Cancer cell treatment with the ethanolic extract of Z. nummularia resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability with increased apoptosis and cytotoxic effects. Microtubule staining showed a disrupted microtubular network. The ethanolic extract treatment of KAIMRC2 cells led to upregulated expression of pAKT and pmTOR. In silico studies predicted luteolin-7-O-glucoside to be a ligand for tubulin with the highest docking score (− 7.686) and similar binding interactions relative to the native ligand. Further computational analysis of the metabolites showed acceptable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, although ethanolic extract metabolites were predicted to have cardiotoxic effects. Ethanolic extraction is optimal for solubilizing active anticancer metabolites from Z. nummularia, which may act by causing M-phase arrest via inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside is the lead candidate for further research and development as an anti-cancer agent. In addition, this study suggests that herbal treatment could switch on mechanisms of adaptation and survival in cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts have been widely accepted because of their fantastic speed in identifying small‐to‐moderate unusual variations in the process parameter(s). Recently, a new CUSUM chart has been proposed that uses the EWMA statistic, called the CS‐EWMA chart, for monitoring the process variability. On similar lines, in order to further improve the detection ability of the CS‐EWMA chart, we propose a CUSUM chart using the generally weighted moving average (GWMA) statistic, named the GWMA‐CUSUM chart, for monitoring the process dispersion. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute the run length profiles of the GWMA‐CUSUM chart. On the basis of the run length comparisons, it turns out that the GWMA‐CUSUM chart outperforms the CUSUM and CS‐EWMA charts when identifying small variations in the process variability. A simulated dataset is also used to explain the working and implementation of the CS‐EWMA and GWMA‐CUSUM charts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thememory-type control charts are widely used in the process and service industries for monitoring the production processes. The reason is their sensitivity to quickly react against the small process disturbances. Recently, a new cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart has been proposed that uses the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic, called the EWMA-CUSUM chart. Similarly, in order to further enhance the sensitivity of the EWMA-CUSUM chart, we propose a new CUSUM chart using the generally weighted moving average (GWMA) statistic, called the GWMA-CUSUM chart, for efficiently monitoring the process mean. The GWMA-CUSUM chart encompasses the existing CUSUM and EWMA-CUSUM charts. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are used to explore the run length profiles of the GWMA-CUSUM chart. Based on comprehensive run length comparisons, it turns out that the GWMA-CUSUM chart performs substantially better than the CUSUM, EWMA, GWMA, and EWMA-CUSUM charts when detecting small shifts in the process mean. An illustrative example is also presented to explain the implementation and working of the EWMA-CUSUM and GWMA-CUSUM charts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was designed to detect genetic polymorphism in mitochondrial ATP6 and ATP8 genes in eight Pakistani camel breeds (Camelus dromedarius) including Mareecha, Barela, Kachi, Kharani, Thari, Pahari, Watni and Mix-bred (nondescriptive). The genetic relationships among the selected breeds belonging to miscellaneous geographical regions were also carried out through sequences of selected genes. A total of 842 bp including full CDS of both ATP6 and ATP8 genes showed 11 polymorphic sites in all the selected camel breeds. Five polymorphic sites were single variable and six were found parsimony informative sites. The neighbor joining phylogenetic tree was constructed through MEGA 6 program. All Pakistani camel breeds were confirmed as dromedaries. The phylogenetic tree with 23 other mammalian species reconfirmed the classical biological classification. To the best of our knowledge this is the earliest report on selected genes in Pakistani dromedary camel breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is a memory-type process monitoring tool that is frequently used to monitor small and moderate disturbances in the process mean and/or process dispersion. In this study, we propose 2 new memory-type control charts for monitoring changes in the process dispersion, namely, the generally weighted moving average and the hybrid EWMA charts. We use Monte Carlo simulations to compute the run length profiles of the proposed control charts. The run length comparisons of the proposed and existing charts reveal that the generally weighted moving average and hybrid EWMA charts provide better protection than the existing EWMA chart when detecting small to moderate shifts in the process dispersion. An illustrative dataset is also used to show the superiority of the proposed charts over the existing chart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer and a leading cause of death in women. Up to date the most commonly used breast cancer cell lines are originating from Caucasians or Afro-Americans but rarely cells are being derived from other ethnic groups. Here we describe for the first time the establishment of a naturally transformed breast cancer cell line, KAIMRC1 from an Arab woman of age 62 suffering from stage IIB breast cancer (T2N1M0). Moreover, we have characterized these cells for the biological and molecular markers, induction of MAPK pathways as well as its response to different commercially available drugs and compounds.Methods: Breast cancer tissue sections were minced and cultured in media for several weeks. KAIMRC1 cells were successfully isolated from one of the primary breast tumor tissue cultures without any enzymatic digestion. To study the growth characteristics of the cells, wound healing assay, clonogenic assay, cell proliferation assays and live cell time-lapse microscopy was performed. Karyotyping, Immunophenotyping and molecular pathway specific compound treatment was also performed. A selective breast cancer gene expression panel was used to identify genes involved in the signal transduction dysregulation and malfunction of normal biological processes during breast carcinogenesis.Results: These cells are ER/PR-positive and HER2-negative. The epithelial nature of these cells was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis using epithelial cell markers. They are cuboidal in shape and relatively smaller in size as compared to established cell lines, MCF-7, MDA MB-231 and the normal breast cell line, MCF-10A. In normal cell culture conditions these cells showed the capability of growing both in monolayer as well as in 3-D conformation. They showed a doubling time in vitro of approximately 24 h. They exhibit a modal karyotype of 58-63,X with abnormalities in a couple of chromosomes. KAIMRC1 cells were found to be more responsive to drug treatment in vitro in comparison to the established MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines.Conclusions: In conclusion we have isolated and characterized a new naturally immortalized breast cell line, KAIMRC1 with a potential to play a key role in opening up novel avenues towards the understanding of breast carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online games are now a prosperous industry. Despite the popularity of online games, game developers confront the short life cycle of online games. To tackle this significant challenge, game developers utilize the power of word of mouth (WOM) to diffuse games quickly. However, what influences WOM intention in the context of online games remains unexplored. To address this gap, this study investigates the manner in which three types of experiences, namely, functional, hedonic, and social, influence WOM. Drawing from the pleasure–arousal–dominance model, the authors propose that user experience leads to WOM by evoking pleasure, arousal, and dominance. Using the survey data collected from online game players, our study reveals that user experience significantly affects consumer intention to spread WOM. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promotion of regional stock market integration is critically meaningful for regional development. Since last couple of decades stock markets Integration has been widely seen as the most exciting and promising area for investment, especially because they are expected to generate high returns and to offer good portfolio diversification opportunities. Consequently, these markets have known a considerable expansion. For this motive, we examine the integration of principal Asian equity markets namely; Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Korea, China, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Pakistan employing ARDL bounds testing approach to co-integration and VECM. The study employed monthly stock indices data covering from July 1997 to June 2015. For this purpose list of following indices are used to represent the markets: TSEC weighted index for Taiwan, CSE for Sri Lanka, KOSPI composite index for Korea, SSE composite index for China, Nikkei 225 index for Japan, FTSE 100 index for Malaysia, Hang Seng index for Hong Kong, BSE Sensex for India, Strait Time Index for Singapore and KSE 100 index for Pakistan. We investigate null hypothesis (H0) of no long run relationship as well the direction of causality in case of rejection of (H0). Study explore the Asian markets are integrated during sample period of pre- and post-2008 U.S sub-prime crisis which is in line with prior literature, to extent, this study further explore more attractive results of integration among sample indices and concludes that adjustment of (ECT-1) improved expressively in post-crisis period compare to pre-crisis period over sample years. This implies that the strength of long-run relationship among Asian markets increase over the post-crisis period. The overall comparison results of sample Asian stock indices pre- and post U.S sub-prime crisis conclude that, the integration of sample indices are more strengthen in Asian markets after the global financial crisis. It would be interesting to further explore the factors leading for market integration like, trade flow of the countries, foreign institutional/private portfolio investments, previous equity returns and more precisely put on structural breaks to measure the strength of US crisis period. In addition, it would be more strengthen to make sound policy coordination among Asian region to overcome the influence of economic instabilities and financial fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the optical and thermo-optical properties of amorphous TiO2-Al2O3 thin-film bilayers fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Seven samples of TiO2-Al2O3 bilayers are fabricated by growing Al2O3 films of different thicknesses on the surface of TiO2 films of constant thickness (100 nm). Temperature-induced changes in the optical refractive indices of these thin-film bilayers are measured by a variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometer VASE®. The optical data and the thermo-optic coefficients of the films are retrieved and calculated by applying the Cauchy model and the linear fitting regression algorithm, in order to evaluate the surface porosity model of TiO2 films. The effects of TiO2 surface defects on the films' thermo-optic properties are reduced and modified by depositing ultra-thin ALD-Al2O3 diffusion barrier layers. Increasing the ALD-Al2O3 thickness from 20 nm to 30 nm results in a sign change of the thermo-optic coefficient of the ALD-TiO2. The thermo-optic coefficients of the 100 nm-thick ALD-TiO2 film and 30 nm-thick ALD-Al2O3 film in a bilayer are (0.048 ± 0.134) ± 10-4 °C-1 and (0.680 ± 0.313) ± 10-4°C-1, respectively, at a temperature T = 62 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines the effect of lone founder and family ownership on borrowing cost. In addition, the study examines the moderating influence of gender diversity on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a sample of non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2012–2021. The authors used ordinary least squares regression analysis method to test the hypotheses along with generalized method of moments estimation technique to control for unobserved heterogeneity, simultaneity and dynamic endogeneity. Findings: The authors report that borrowing cost is higher in lone founder ownership, whereas borrowing cost is lower in family firms due to lesser risks attached to such firms by lenders. Further, the presence of female directors on the board weakens this relation in the case of lone founder ownership, whereas their presence further reduces borrowing cost in family-owned firms. Additionally, using the framework of critical mass theory, the authors found that higher number of female directors on boards reduces borrowing cost. Overall, this study's results provide empirical support for social identity and critical mass theories in the sample firms. Originality/value: The study provides novel evidence of the influence of lone founder and family ownership on borrowing cost in an emerging economy, as well as the moderating effects of gender diversity on this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to review the available data regarding metabotropic glutamate receptors in the pathology of Schizophrenia. Further, to investigate the potential utility of N-acetylcysteine as it relates to metabotropic glutamate receptors. A PubMed based literature review was conducted using keywords related to glutamate receptors, Schizophrenia and N-acetylcysteine from June 2012 through August of 2012. Relevant cited references of selected articles were also reviewed. The knowledge base regarding glutamate receptors, both ionotropic and metabotropic is rapidly expanding. New agonists of various subsets of metabotropic glutamate receptors are available and have demonstrated potential utility in animal models. N-acetylcysteine indirectly stimulates presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors and has shown efficacy in two double-blind randomized controlled trials. Metabotropic glutamate receptors contribute to an understanding of glutamate dysfunction in Schizophrenia. Agents which lead to stimulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors, inclusive of N-acetylcysteine show promise as novel agents in the treatment of this disorder. An understanding of the various metabotropic glutamate receptors will be a growing necessity as agents which target them continue to emerge and enter clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the evaporation of water molecules from the surface of high index, amorphous thin TiO2 films of various thicknesses t t, grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The desorption of water molecules is impeded by depositing thin ALD-Al2O3 barrier layers of various thicknesses on the TiO2 thin films. Growing ALD-Al2O3 diffusion barrier layers with different thicknesses ta allows us to evaluate the water vapor evaporation rate in terms of the change in the thermo–optic coefficient (TOC) of TiO2 films over a wide spectral range 380≤ λ ≤1800nm. An average reduction of 33% in TOC is found at a barrier layer thickness of ~36nm. Furthermore, the temperature dependent index (dn/dT) and density (dρ/dT) of the ALD-Al2O3 films of various thicknesses t a are also presented. The Cauchy model is applied to all the ellipsometric measurement data to retrieve the optical constants, and subsequent modeling by the Lorentz–Lorenz relation provides the material density of Al2O3 films. The room temperature values of the thermal coefficients for an ALD-Al2O3 film of thickness t a ≈60nm at wavelength λ =640nm are found to be dn/dT =4.66×10−5°C−1 and dρ/dT =4.66×10−4gcm−3C−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To review the available data behind the use of lamotrigine in unipolar depression and common comorbid conditions. A PubMed based literature review was conducted using keywords related to lamotrigine, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and personality disorders. A large number of trials using lamotrigine for unipolar depression and various comorbid conditions were reviewed. A major limitation behind the majority of studies was a limited course of the treatment phase. The most robust data was found among studies that followed patients for over 8 weeks, and used higher dosages. Patients with comorbid anxiety states appeared to benefit. Patients with borderline personality disorder also appeared to benefit. The benefits of lamotrigine in unipolar depression have been inconsistently noted in a number of studies. This is due in part to short treatment phases, atypical domains of benefit and different patient populations across studies. Patients with more treatment-resistance, comorbid anxiety and borderline personality disorder may be more able to benefit from lamotrigine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to review the association between somatic symptoms, anxiety disorders and substance use. A Pub Med based literature review was conducted using various combinations of keywords related to substance use, somatic symptoms and anxiety. In various studies somatic symptoms were found to be associated with substance use. Anxiety disorders were found to have a high co-morbidity with substance use in most studies. However, several of the reviewed studies also included depressive symptoms which might have confounded the results. None of the studies was specifically aimed to find out if somatic symptoms in substance users represent an underlying primary anxiety disorder. Somatic symptoms and anxiety disorders are commonly noticed in substance users. Further studies are needed to clarify these associations since they may have significant clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work presents a semi-analytical quasi-three-dimensional model of a piezoelectric thin film intended to describe the performance of the constrained thin film through intricate analysis and numerical simulations. The model is based on 3D electromechanical continuum mechanics of the piezoelctric film, with due consideration of the restriction on thickness of the film to be categorized as a thin film. This model requires the displacement variation on the surface of the thin film as input, and this can normally be extracted from the analysis of the host structure using different numerical techniques, e.g., finite element, finite difference, and boundary element models. The performance studies are reported in terms of the potential difference and capacitance of the film. The model is, first, validated by comparing the results for the simple case with the existing model. Analyses are also performed for different displacement variations that are normally encountered in structural mechanics problems. In order to demonstrate its usefulness in structural health monitoring problems, the behavior of the thin film under modes I and II loading for a through crack in the structure is also studied. Numerical simulations are conducted with Polyvinylidine Difluoride films, although the model also works well for other piezoelectric materials, such as Lead Zirconate Titanate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Purpose. Gentamicin (GEN) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that cannot be prescribed freely because of its toxicity. Thymoquinone (THQ), a phytochemical, has antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity-reducing properties. However, its hydrophobicity and light sensitivity make it challenging to utilize. This incited the idea of co-encapsulating GEN and THQ in liposomes (Lipo-GEN-THQ). Method. Lipo-GEN-THQ were characterized using the zeta-potential, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The liposomes' stability was evaluated under different storage and biological conditions. Lipo-GEN-THQ's efficacy was investigated by the minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MICs-MBCs), time–kill curves, and antibiofilm and antiadhesion assays. Bacterial interactions with the empty and GEN-THQ-loaded liposomes were evaluated using TEM. Results. The Lipo-GEN-THQ were spherical, monodispersed, and negatively charged. The Lipo-GEN-THQ were relatively stable and released GEN sustainably over 24 h. The liposomes exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than free GEN, as evidenced by the four-fold lower MIC and biofilm eradication in resistant E. coli strain (EC-219). TEM images display how the empty liposomes fused closely to the tested bacteria and how the loaded liposomes caused ultrastructure damage and intracellular component release. An antiadhesion assay showed that the Lipo-GEN-THQ and free GEN (0.125 mg/L) similarly inhibited Escherichia coli (EC-157) adhesion to the A549 cells (68% vs. 64%). Conclusions. The Lipo-THQ-GEN enhanced GEN by combining it with THQ within the liposomes, reducing the effective dose. The reduction in the GEN dose after adding THQ may indirectly reduce the toxicity and aid in developing an enhanced and safer form of GEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro studies of a disease are key to any in vivo investigation in understanding the disease and developing new therapy regimens. Immortalized cancer cell lines are the best and easiest model for studying cancer in vitro. Here, we report the establishment of a naturally immortalized highly tumorigenic and triple-negative breast cancer cell line, KAIMRC2. This cell line is derived from a Saudi Arabian female breast cancer patient with invasive ductal carcinoma. Immunocytochemistry showed a significant ratio of the KAIMRC2 cells' expressing key breast epithelial and cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers, including CD47, CD133, CD49f, CD44, and ALDH-1A1. Gene and protein expression analysis showed overexpression of ABC transporter and AKT-PI3Kinase as well as JAK/STAT signaling pathways. In contrast, the absence of the tumor suppressor genes p53 and p73 may explain their high proliferative index. The mice model also confirmed the tumorigenic potential of the KAIMRC2 cell line, and drug tolerance studies revealed few very potent candidates. Our results confirmed an aggressive phenotype with metastatic potential and cancer stem cell-like characteristics of the KAIMR2 cell line. Furthermore, we have also presented potent small molecule inhibitors, especially Ryuvidine, that can be further developed, alone or in synergy with other potent inhibitors, to target multiple cancer-related pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the fabrication of iron oxide mesoporous magnetic nanostructures (IO-MMNs) via the nano-replication method using acid-prepared mesoporous spheres (APMS) as the rigid silica host and iron (III) nitrate as the iron precursor. The obtained nanosized mesostructures were fully characterized by SEM, TEM, DLS, FTIR, XRD, VSM, and nitrogen physisorption. IO-MMNs exhibited relatively high surface areas and large pore volumes (SBET = 70–120 m2/g and Vpore = 0.25–0.45 cm3/g), small sizes (~300 nm), good crystallinity and magnetization, and excellent biocompatibility. With their intrinsic porosities, high drug loading efficiencies (up to 70%) were achieved and the drug release rates were found to be pH-dependent. Cytotoxicity, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry experiments against different types of cancerous cells indicated that Dox-loaded IO-MMNs reduced the viability of metastatic MCF-7 and KAIMRC-1 breast as well as HT-29 colon cancer cells, with the least uptake and toxicity towards normal primary cells (up to 4-fold enhancement). These results strongly suggest the potential use of IO-MMNs as promising agents for enhanced and effective drug delivery in cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation deals with the application of novel way of modeling of heat and mass transfer flow of hybrid nanofluid (Aluminum and Copper) for different base fluid water and engine oil. The governing equations for energy and momentum equations are developed with Caputo fractional power law derivative through constitutive relations. The flow of nanofluids confined between the two parallel plates with distance d apart. This model can be solved by means of the Laplace transform technique. Statically analysis for Nusselt number and Sherwood number is also discussed. To see the impact of fractional parameters α , β and γ on the temperature, concentration and fluid velocity, we have plotted some graphs through MathCad software and presented in the graphical section. As a result, for small value of time, we found that temperature, concentration and velocity are minimum near the plate and for large time they are maximum away from the plate for different fractional parameters α , β and γ. That is, solutions show dual behavior and can be controlled by variation values of fractional parameters α , β and γ and decay for larger values of α and β , respectively. Further, we concluded that water base hybrid nanofluids have higher temperature and velocity than engine oil based hybrid nanofluids. Also, we compared the present results with the recently published results and in limiting case they are in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myrrh extract is a well-known medicinal plant with significant therapeutic benefits attributed to the activity of its diverse metabolites. It has promising activity against cancer and inflammatory diseases, and could serve as a potential therapeutic alternative since most therapeutic agents have severe side effects that impair quality of life. Method: The current study identified the active metabolites from the myrrh resin methanolic extract. Then, the extracts were tested for in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity using cancer cell lines and Tamm-Horsfall Protein 1 (Thp-1)-like macrophage cell lines. Furthermore, using an in vivo rat model, the extracts' anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity was investigated. In addition, in silico predictions of the myrrh constituents highlighted the pharmacokinetic properties, molecular targets, and safety profile, including cytochrome P 450 (CYP) inhibition and organ toxicity. Results: Nine secondary metabolites were identified, and computational predictions suggested a good absorption profile, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. The myrrh extract had moderate cytotoxic activity against both HL60 and K562 leukemia cell lines and the KAIMRC1 breast cancer cell line. Myrrh caused a dose-dependent effect on macrophages to increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, promote their polarization to classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2) phenotypes, and consequently induce apoptosis, highlighting its ability to modulate macrophage function, which could potentially aid in several desired therapeutic processes, including the resolution of inflammation, and autophagy which is an important aspect to consider in cancer treatment. The topical application of myrrh improved wound healing, with no delayed inflammatory response, and promoted complete re-epithelization of the skin, similar to the positive control. In conclusion, we provide evidence for the methanolic extract of myrrh having cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and anti-inflammatory wound-healing properties, which may be attributed to its role in modulating macrophage function. Furthermore, we suggest the active constituents responsible for these properties, which warrants further studies focusing on the precise roles of the active metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, influence of hybrid nanofluids (Cu and Al 2 O 3 ) on MHD Maxwell fluid due to pressure gradient are discussed. By introducing dimensionless variables the governing equations with all levied initial and boundary conditions are converted into dimensionless form. Fractional model for Maxwell fluid is established by Caputo time fractional differential operator. The dimensionless expression for concentration, temperature and velocity are found using Laplace transform. As a result, it is found that fluid properties show dual behavior for small and large time and by increasing volumetric fraction temperature increases and velocity decreases respectively. Further, we compared the Maxwell, Casson and Newtonian fluids and found that Newtonian fluid has greater velocity due to less viscosity. Draw the graphs of temperature and velocity by Mathcad software and discuss the behavior of flow parameters and the effect of fractional parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteomics characterization of KAIMRC1 cell line, a naturally immortalized breast cancer cells, is described in comparison to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Quantitative proteomics analysis using the tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled technique in conjunction with the phosphopeptide enrichment method was used to perform comparative profiling of proteins and phosphoproteins in the three cell lines. In total, 673 proteins and 33 Phosphoproteins were differentially expressed among these cell lines. These proteins are involved in several key cellular pathways that include DNA replication and repair, splicing machinery, amino acid metabolism, cellular energy, and estrogen signaling pathway. Many of the differentially expressed proteins are associated with different types of tumors including breast cancer. For validation, 4 highly significant expressed proteins including S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), BTB/POZ domain-containing protein (KCTD12), Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP 1), and Prelamin-A/C were subjected to western blotting, and the results were consistent with proteomics analysis. Unlike MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, KAIMRC1 showed different phospho- and non-phosphoproteomic phenotypes which make it a potential model to study breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron-rich, nitrogenous heteroaromatic compounds interact more with biological/cellular components than their non-nitrogenous counterparts. The strong intermolecular interactions with proteins, enzymes, and receptors confer significant biological and therapeutic properties to the imidazole derivatives, giving rise to a well-known and extensively used range of therapeutic drugs used for infections, inflammation, and cancer, to name a few. The current study investigates the anti-cancer properties of fourteen previously synthesized nitrogenous heterocycles, derivatives of imidazole and oxazolone, on a panel of cancer cell lines and, in addition, predicts the molecular interactions, pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of these compounds. Method: The MTT and CellTiter-Glo® assays were used to screen the imidazole and oxazolone derivatives on six cancer cell lines: HL60, MDA-MB-321, KAIMRC1, KMIRC2, MCF-10A, and HCT8. Subsequently, in vitro tubulin staining and imaging were performed, and the level of apoptosis was measured using the Promega ApoTox-Glo® triplex assay. Furthermore, several computational tools were utilized to investigate the pharmacokinetics and safety profile, including PASS Online, SEA Search, the QikProp tool, SwissADME, ProTox-II, and an in silico molecular docking study on tubulin to identify the critical molecular interactions. Results: In vitro analysis identified compounds 8 and 9 to possess the most significant potent cytotoxic activity on the HL60 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, supported by PASS Online anti-cancer predictions with pa scores of 0.413 and 0.434, respectively. In addition, compound 9 induced caspase 3/7 dependent-apoptosis and interfered with tubulin polymerization in the MDA-MB-231 cell line, consistent with in silico docking results, identifying binding similarity to the native ligand colchicine. All the derivatives, including compounds 8 and 9, had acceptable pharmacokinetics; however, the safety profile was suboptimal for all the tested derivates except compound 4. Conclusion: The imidazole derivative compound 9 is a promising anti-cancer agent that switches on caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death and modulates microtubule function. Therefore, it could be a lead compound for further drug optimization and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the heat-generation from magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) under magnetic excitation for hyperthermia applications is highly demanded. We, herein, report the preparation of different Polymerylated MNPs (PMNPs) capped with five widely used polymers (PVP, PEG, Dextran, HA, and PAA) based on our Ko-precipitation Hydrolytic Basic (KHB) methodology. The physiochemical and magnetic properties of PMNPs were fully characterized using various spectroscopic techniques including TEM, DLS, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and VSM. PMNPs exhibited controllable small sizes (5–15 nm), high saturation magnetizations (Ms = 49–72 emu g−1), superparamagnetic behavior, stable aqueous dispersions, and excellent biocompatibilities. The thermal effects of the various PMNPs in response to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) were mapped showing high heating efficiencies with distinctive heating responses (specific absorption rate, SAR = 40–160 W g−1). Remarkably, PVP–MNPs displayed superior heat induction power compared to other PMNPs rapidly reaching hyperthermia temperatures of 42 °C in only 90 s, and 45 °C in 120 s. Finally, synergetic chemo-hyperthermal anticancer effects of drug-loaded PMNPs against metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, in the presence and absence of AMF, were demonstrated. It was found that the Dox@PVP-MNP under AMF was the most effective, killing almost all the tested cancer cells in relatively short times (only 15 minutes of magnetic excitation), low doses (0.5–1 mg), and clinically-relevant AC magnetic fields (H0 = 170 Oe and frequency = 332.8 kHz). These findings strongly suggest that the PVP-MNP formulation holds great promise for combined magnetically-triggered drug delivery and hyperthermia, and will be worth investigating for further in vivo potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of mesoporous iron oxides with controllable physiochemical properties for effective therapeutic drug delivery remains a formidable challenge. Herein, iron oxide mesoporous magnetic microparticles (IO-MMMs) were prepared by a modified reverse hard-templating approach using, for the first time, acid-prepared mesoporous spheres (APMS) as the hard silica template. The obtained mesostructures exhibited remarkably high surface area and large pore volumes (SBET = 240 m2/g and Vpore = 0.55 cm3/g), controllable average sizes, generally uniform morphologies, and excellent biocompatibilities, allowing them to achieve optimal drug release in cancer cells and tumor tissues. IO-MMM carriers were able to co-load high amounts of hydrophilic chemotherapeutic drugs (Dox or Daun) and/or hydrophobic hormonal anticancer drugs (Tam), and release them sustainably in a pH-dependent manner, utilizing the fluorescence of Daun to real-time trace the intracellular drug distribution, and employing Daun/Tam to treat cancer by combined chemo/hormonal therapy. Cytotoxicity assays against different types of cancerous cells showed that the combinatory Daun/Tam@IO-MMM formulation significantly reduced the viability of metastatic MCF7 and KAIMRC1 breast as well as HCT8 colorectal cancer cells, with the least potency towards non-cancerous normal primary cells (up to 10-fold). Electron, flow, and live confocal microscopy imaging confirmed that the loaded vehicles were successfully and differentially uptaken by the different tested cells, gradually releasing their payloads, and causing apoptotic cell death. Importantly, compared to free drugs, Daun/Tam@IO-MMMs displayed enhanced drug accumulation in patient breast primary tumor tissues, deeply penetrating into the tumor region and killing the tumor cells inside. The designed carriers described here, thus, constitute a novel promising magnetic mesoporous smart system that entraps different kinds of drugs and release them in a controlled manner for combinatorial chemo/hormonal cancer theranostics. This multifactorial platform may open new avenues in cancer therapy as efficient synergistic antitumor system through overcoming limitations of conventional cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently established a KAIMRC1 cell line that has unique features compared to the known breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB231. To characterize it further, we investigated the expression profile of nuclear receptors and their respective co-factors in these cell lines. We confirm that in contrast to the triple negative cell line MDA-MB231, the MCF7 and KAIMRC1 are estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) and progesterone receptor alpha (PRa) positive, with significant lower expression of these receptors in KAIMRC1. KAIMRC1 cell is a vitamin D receptor (VDR) negative and V-ErbA-Related Protein 2 (EAR2) positive in contrast to MCF7 and MDA-MB231. Remarkably, the histone deacetylases (HDACs) are highly expressed in KAIRMC1 with HDAC6 and HDAC 7 are exclusively expressed in KAIMRC1 while thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 80 (TRAP80), telomeric DNA binding protein 1 (TBP1) and TGF-beta receptor interacting protein (TRIP1) are absent in KAIMRC1 but present in MCF7 and MDA-MB231. In a luciferase reporter assay, the ERa coexpression is needed for estrogen receptor element (ERE)-luciferase activation by estradiol in KAIMRC1 but not in MCF7. The co-expression of exogenous Liver X receptor alpha (LXRa)/retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRa) are necessary for LXR responsive element (LXRE) activation by the GW3696 in the three cell lines. However, the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element (PPARE)-tk-luciferase reporter increased when peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPARa)/RXRa were coexpressed but the addition of PPARa agonist (GW7647) did not stimulate further the reporter. The signal of the PPARE reporter increased in a dose-dependent manner with rosiglitazone (PPARg agonist) in KAIMRC1, MCF7, and MDA-MB231 when the proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARg)/RXRa receptors were cotransfected. Retinoic acid-induced activation of retinoic acid receptor response element (RARE)-tk-luciferase is dependent on exogenous expression of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARa)/RXRa heterodimer in MDA-MB 231 but not in MCF7 and KAIMRC1 cell lines. In the three cell lines, Bexarotene-induced retinoid X receptor response element (RXRE)-luciferase reporter activation was induced only if the RXRa/LXRa heterodimer were co-expressed. The vitamin D receptor response element (VDRE)-luciferase reporter activity showed another distinct feature of KAIMRC1, where only co-expression of exogenous vitamin D receptor (VDR)/RXRa heterodimer was sufficient to reach the maximum rate of activation of VDRE reporter. In the proliferation assay, nuclear receptors ligands showed a distinct effect on KAIMRC1 compared to MCF7 and MDA-MB231. Growth inhibition effects of used ligands suggest that KAIMRC1 correlate more closely to MDA-MB231 than MCF7. Vitamin D3, rosiglitazone, novel RXR compound (RXRc) and PPARa compound (GW6471) have the most profound effects. In conclusion, we showed that nuclear receptors are differentially expressed, activated and also their ligand produced distinct effects in KAIMRC1 compared to MCF7 and MDA-MB231. This finding gives us confidence that KAIMRC1 has a unique biological phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsteady flow of micropolar hybrid nanofluids through an oscillating vertical plate having infinite length has been analyzed in this study. This flow goes through Newtonian heating and thermal radiation. To enrich the thermal properties, we add copper and alumina nanoparticles to micropolar fluid. For the enhancement of heat transfer, water is taken as base liquid. The dimensionless reduced form of the governing equations for velocity, temperature and microrotation is formed by using dimensional analysis. We used Laplace transform method to have the exact solutions of these governing equations. MathCad's software has been used to visualize the effects on the flow of fluid graphically. We found that microrotation, velocity and temperature are inversely proportional to Prandtl number but directly proportional to Grashof number. Further, temperature can be enhanced for increasing value of Newtonian heating, radiation and volume fraction of nanoparticles copper and alumina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment on the effect of zinc and molybdenum application on the yield of lentil was carried out at The University of Agriculture Peshawar during the Rabi season of 2021. The experiment was carried out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Four levels of molybdenum (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1) and 0.5% zinc foliar spray at different intervals of lentil crop (control, 50 days after sowing, 100 days after sowing, 50 days after sowing + 100 days after sowing) were tested in the experiment. The results revealed that 3 kg ha-1 of molybdenum enhanced plant height (55 cm), nodules plant-1 (25), branches plant-1 (7), days to flowering (107) and maturity (159), dry matter of leaves at the flowering stage (64 g m-2), dry matter of leaves at the maturity stage (113 g m-2), dry matter of branches at the physiological maturity stage (304 g m-2), dry matter of pods at the maturity stage (439 g m-2), pods plant-1 (92), seeds pod-1 (2.0), 1000-seed weight (31 g), biological yield (3207 kg ha-1), and seed yield (1002 kg ha-1). Zinc foliar spray (0.5%) at 50 days after sowing + 100 days after sowing of lentil crop improved the dry matter of leaves at the flowering stage (62 g m-2), days to first flowering (109), days to physiological maturity (157), dry matter of leaves at the physiological maturity stage (111 g m-2), dry matter of pods at the physiological maturity stage (435 g m-2), pods plant-1 (91), 1000 seed weight (32 g), biological yield (3236 kg ha-1) and seed yield (1026 kg ha-1). Lastly, scatterplots revealed a significant correlation of grain and biological yield with their components. It is concluded that molybdenum application at a rate of 3 kg ha-1 and 0.5% zinc foliar spray at 50 days after sowing + 100 days after sowing of the lentil crop increased seed yield and is thus recommended for the Peshawar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a method for fabricating buried nanostructures by growing a dielectric cover layer on a corrugated surface profile by atomic layer deposition of TiO2. Selecting appropriate process parameters, the conformal growth of TiO2 results in a smooth, nearly flat-top surface of the structure. Such a hard surface can be easily cleaned without damage, making the nanostructure reusable after contamination. The technique has wide applicability in resonance-domain diffractive optics and in realization of quasi-planar metamaterials. We discuss design issues of such optical elements and demonstrate the method by fabricating narrow-band spectral filters based on the guided-mode resonance effect. These elements have strong potential for, e.g., sensing applications in harsh conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay nanoparticles are hanging in three different based fluids (water, kerosene, and engine oil). The exact terminologies of Maxwell-Garnett and Brinkman for the current thermophysical properties of clay nanofluids are used, while the flow occurrence is directed by a set linear PDE with physical initial and boundary conditions. The classical governing equations are extended to non-integer order hybrid fractional derivative which is introduced in [33]. Analytical solutions for temperature and velocity fields are attained via Laplace transform technique. Some limiting solutions are also obtained from the existing literature and compared for different values of fractional parameter. To vision the impact of several flow parameters on the temperature and velocity some graphs are drawn using Mathcad software and designed in different figures. As a result, we found that hybrid fractional model is better in describing the decay behavior of temperature and velocity in comparison of classical derivatives. In comparison of nanofluid with different base fluids, it is concluded that water-based nanofluid has higher velocity than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal oxide nanoparticles can be integrated to produce hybrid materials providing special features for various applications. In this study, wet impregnation technique was employed to impregnate the multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different amounts of alumina (Al2O3) and manganese dioxide (MnO2). Raw and synthesized nanocomposites were characterized to study the surface texture, thermal stability, porosity, mineralogy and surface functional groups of materials using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy. SEM micrographs and XRD diffractograms revealed that the Al2O3 and MnO2 had good dispersion on the MWCNTs surface. Thermal analysis demonstrated that presence of metallic constituents catalyze the oxidation of carbon and decreases the value of initial decomposition temperature of raw MWCNTs. Surface area and porosity were get reduced by impregnating MWCNTs with metals oxides due to coverage of outer surface of substrate with metal oxide nanoparticles. Application of synthesized nanocomposites showed almost 15% higher removal efficiency for removal of phenol from aqueous phases as compared to raw MWCNTs. These results indicate that this nanocomposite can be used for environmental remediation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]