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Simulations of photochemical reaction dynamics have been a challenge to the theoretical chemistry community for some time. In an effort to determine the predictive character of current approaches, we predict the results of an upcoming ultrafast diffraction experiment on the photodynamics of cyclobutanone after excitation to the lowest lying Rydberg state (S2). A picosecond of nonadiabatic dynamics is described with ab initio multiple spawning. We use both time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and equation-of-motion coupled cluster singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) theory for the underlying electronic structure theory. We find that the lifetime of the S2 state is more than a picosecond (with both TDDFT and EOM-CCSD). The predicted ultrafast electron diffraction spectrum exhibits numerous structural features, but weak time dependence over the course of the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the problem of distributing a set of indivisible goods among agents with additive valuations in a fair manner. The fairness notion under consideration is envy-freeness up to any good (EFX). Despite significant efforts by many researchers for several years, the existence of EFX allocations has not been settled beyond the simple case of two agents. In this article, we show constructively that an EFX allocation always exists for three agents. Furthermore, we falsify the conjecture of Caragiannis et al. by showing an instance with three agents for which there is a partial EFX allocation (some goods are not allocated) with higher Nash welfare than that of any complete EFX allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The rise of antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases caused by various bacterial pathogens has emerged as a major global health concern. As a result, there has been a growing effort to develop innovative antimicrobial materials as an alternative solution to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Among these materials, metal nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly multi-metallic nanoparticles (MMNPs), have been found to demonstrate promising potential in fighting against antimicrobial resistance. The unique physiochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility of MMNPs contribute to their remarkable antimicrobial activity. MMNPs, composed of multiple metals, exhibit diverse electronic, optical, and magnetic properties. These multifunctional characteristics, including size, shape, surface area to volume ratio, and surface charge potential, facilitate favorable interactions with bacterial cell membranes. Consequently, MMNPs can disrupt the bacteria cell membrane, metal ion release, biomolecule damage, induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cause protein dysfunction, and inflict DNA damage within the bacterial host's environment. This scientific review aims to provide a comprehensive summary and comparison of research progress concerning the antibacterial activities of multi-metallic nanoparticles, as well as their synergistic effects. Additionally, the scientific review elucidates the mechanisms through which MMNPs exert their antibacterial effects. Significant emphasis has been placed on recent promising advances of MMNPs that aid in overcoming antibacterial resistance. The physiochemical and multifunctional properties of MMNPs play a pivotal role in determining their effectiveness against bacterial infections. By integrating current knowledge on the antibacterial activities of MMNPs, this scientific review offers valuable insights into the potential applications of MMNPs in combating bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handwritten documents generated in our day-to-day office work, class room and other sectors of society carry vital information. Automatic processing of these documents is a pipeline of many challenging steps. The very first and crucial step is to identify text separately from the non-text as any OCR (optical character recognition) engine can only process the textual content. Separating text from non-text in unconstrained handwritten documents is a very complex task. In addition to other challenges, touching component is one of the major issues for text non-text separation in unconstrained handwritten documents. Detection of text, non-text along with touching component in such documents is an unexplored area of research. To address this issue, in this work, we develop a dilated spatial attention-based network for text, non-text and touching component detection. Additionally, in this work, we also prepare a realistic dataset for the said task. In the proposed dataset, the present model obtains overall accuracy of 87.85%. The performance of the present model is compared with seven feature-engineering-based methods and six deep learning-based methods. In most of the cases, the proposed model outperforms the comparing methods in the proposed dataset. The codes of our method are available here https://github.com/Showmik-Bhowmik/DSANet-Dilated-Spatial-Attention-.git. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of amides holds great promise owing to their impeccable contributions as building blocks for highly valued functional derivatives. Herein, we disclose the design, synthesis and crystal structure of a mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(η6-Cym)(O,O-PLY)Cl], (1) where Cym = 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzene and O,O-PLY = deprotonated form of 9-hydroxy phenalenone (HO,O-PLY). The complex catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of various primary amines (RCH2NH2) to value-added amides (RCONH2) with excellent selectivity and efficiency under relatively mild conditions with common organic functional group tolerance. Structural, electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational studies substantiate that the synergism between the redox-active ruthenium and π-Lewis acidic PLY moieties facilitate the catalytic oxidation of amines to amides. Additionally, the isolation and characterization of key intermediates during catalysis confirm two successive dehydrogenation steps leading to nitrile, which subsequently transform to the desired amide through hydration. The present synthetic approach is also extended to substitution-dependent tuning at PLY to tune the electronic nature of 1 and to assess substituent-mediated catalytic performance. The effect of substitution at the PLY moiety (5th position) leads to structural isomers, which were further evaluated for the catalytic transformations of amine to amides under similar reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the gravity of future socio-economic development, the viability of water electrolysis still hinges on the accessibility of stable earth-abundant electrocatalysts and net energy efficiency. This work emphasizes the design and synthesis of two newly developed cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(HL)2(NCS)2] (Comono) and [Co2(L)3(CH3OH)]ClO4 (Codi), with a (N,O)-donor ligand, HL (2-methoxy-6-(((2-methoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol). The study delves into understanding their structural, morphological, magnetic, and charge transport characteristics. Moreover, the study explores the potential of these complexes in catalyzing hydrogen production through heterogeneous electrocatalysis. The X-ray crystal structure of Comono reveals the octahedral geometry of the Co(II) ion, adopting two HL units and two NCS− units. The Codi complex exhibits a doubly-phenoxo-O-bridged (μ1,1) dinuclear complex, forming a typical octahedral geometry for both the Co(II) centres in coupling with three units of L−. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that all of the Co(II) ion in Comono shows a typical paramagnetic behaviour for high spin octahedral Co(II) ions while the Co(II) centres in Codi are coupled with doubly-phenoxo-bridges bearing weak ferromagnetic characteristics at low temperature. Electron transport properties of the Co(II) complex-mediated Schottky device address the superior carrier mobility (μ) for Codi (9.21 × 10−5) over Comono (2.02 × 10−5 m2 v−1 s−1) with respective transit times of 1.70 × 10−9 and 7.77 × 10−9 s. Additionally, electron impedance spectral analysis supports the lower electrical transport resistance of Codi relative to Comono. The heterogeneous electrocatalytic HER activity of Codi and Comono in 0.1 M KOH shows excellent electrocatalytic efficiency in terms of the various electrochemical parameters. Constant potential electrolysis, multi-cycle CVs, and post-HER analysis reveal the pre-catalytic nature of the complexes, which in turn delivers Co3O4 nanoparticles as the active catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we endeavour to demonstrate the potential of Aqueous Extract of Dillenia indica (AEDI) pseudosepals in catalyzing tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and spirooxindole derivatives, thereby paving the way for greener and more sustainable chemical synthetic strategies. The reactions proceed smoothly with AEDI as the catalyst in water at room temperature to afford high to near quantitative yields in a short duration of 15–45 minutes, making it a green and environmentally friendly alternative to existing protocols. This synthetic pathway satisfies several green chemistry principles such as avoiding the use of any toxic or hazardous metal catalyst and other external additives/promoters, the use of a biodegradable catalyst obtained from natural resources, auxiliary solvent conditions, and reusability of the catalyst. The protocol reported here offers remarkable attributes like wide substrate scope, high to near quantitative yields of products and the scale up viability along with ecological safety, straightforward work‐up procedure and excellent values of green chemistry metrics as compared to other reported approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to construct the sixth in a series of guidelines on the treatment of urolithiasis by the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) that by providing a clinical framework for the management of pediatric patients with urolithiasis based on the best available published literature. All recommendations were summarized following a systematic review and assessment of literature in the PubMed database from January 1952 to December 2023. Each generated recommendation was graded using a modified GRADE methodology. Recommendations are agreed upon by Panel Members following review and discussion of the evidence. Guideline recommendations were developed that addressed the following topics: etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and symptoms, diagnosis, conservative management, surgical interventions, prevention, and follow-up. Similarities in the treatment of primary stone episodes between children and adults, incorporating conservative management and advancements in technology for less invasive stone removal, are evident. Additionally, preventive strategies aiming to reduce recurrence rates, such as ensuring sufficient fluid intake, establishing well-planned dietary adjustments, and selective use pharmacologic therapies will also result in highly successful outcomes in pediatric stone patients. Depending on the severity of metabolic disorders and also anatomical abnormalities, a careful and close follow-up program should inevitably be planned in each pediatric patient to limit the risk of future recurrence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The careful arrangement of nanomaterials (NMs) holds promise for revolutionizing various fields, from electronics and biosensing to medicine and optics. This review delves into the intricacies of nano-assembly (NA) techniques, focusing on oriented-assembly methodologies and stimuli-dependent approaches. The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the significance and potential applications of NA, setting the stage for review. The oriented-assembly section elucidates methodologies for the precise alignment and organization of NMs, crucial for achieving desired functionalities. The subsequent section delves into stimuli-dependent techniques, categorizing them into chemical and physical stimuli-based approaches. Chemical stimuli-based self-assembly methods, including solvent, acid–base, biomolecule, metal ion, and gas-induced assembly, are discussed in detail by presenting examples. Additionally, physical stimuli such as light, magnetic fields, electric fields, and temperature are examined for their role in driving self-assembly processes. Looking ahead, the review outlines futuristic scopes and perspectives in NA, highlighting emerging trends and potential breakthroughs. Finally, concluding remarks summarize key findings and underscore the significance of NA in shaping future technologies. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, offering insights into the diverse methodologies and potential applications of NA in interdisciplinary research fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Design Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis of Reactor Systems. The analysis of liquid-fueled molten-salt reactors (LFMSRs) during steady state, operational transients and accident scenarios requires addressing unique reactor multi-physics challenges with coupling between thermal hydraulics, neutronics, inventory control and species distribution phenomena. This work utilizes the General Nuclear Field Operation and Manipulation (GeN-Foam) code to perform coupled thermal-hydraulics and neutronics calculations of an LFMSR design. A framework is proposed as part of this study to perform modeling, design optimization, and uncertainty quantification. The framework aims to establish a protocol for the studies and analyses of LFMSR which can later be expanded to other advanced reactor concepts too. The Design Analysis Kit for Optimization and Terascale Applications (DAKOTA) statistical analysis tool was successfully coupled with GeN-Foam to perform uncertainty quantification studies. The uncertainties were propagated through the input design parameters, and the output uncertainties were characterized using statistical analysis and Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Three analyses are performed (namely, scalar, functional, and three-dimensional analyses) to understand the impact of input uncertainty propagation on temperature and velocity predictions. Preliminary three-dimensional reactor analysis showed that the thermal expansion coefficient, heat transfer coefficient, and specific heat of the fuel salt are the crucial input parameters that influence the temperature and velocity predictions inside the LFMSR system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review we explore innovative approaches in the treatment of hematologic cancers by combining various therapeutic modalities. We discuss the synergistic potential of combining inhibitors targeting different cellular pathways with immunotherapies, molecular therapies, and hormonal therapies. Examples include combining PI3K inhibitors with proteasome inhibitors, NF-κB inhibitors with immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors, and neddylation inhibitors with therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we discuss the potential use of small molecules and peptide inhibitors in hematologic cancer treatment. These multidimensional therapeutic combinations present promising strategies for enhancing treatment efficacy and overcoming resistance mechanisms. However, further clinical research is required to validate their effectiveness and safety profiles in hematologic cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kevlar fabric reinforced plastics (KFRPs) are a type of composite material that consists of many layers of fabrics. In recent years, laser machining has surpassed both traditional and unconventional techniques because of its noncontact machining mode. In this research, polypropylene (PP) was used to reinforce Kevlar-129 fiber. Ten Kevlar layers were compressed-molded between Polypropylene layers to make the laminates. Cutting profiles of 25 mm x 25 mm was accomplished with the aid of fiber laser machining gear operating at a wavelength of 1070 nm with minimum laser power of 250 W and maximum of 400 Wand cutting speeds of 400 mm/min to 1000 mm/min with an interval of 200 mm/min with N2 as assisting gas at 10 bar. Kevlar polypropylene (K-PP) laminates' failure behavior was studied to see how much the polymeric matrix affected them. Scanning electron microscopy is another tool for studying the surface morphology. The first factor to think about is the very minimum of laser power required to make the incision. High power and low cutting speed generated clean cuts, while low power and high speed had laminate scribing. SEM analysis was performed on the surfaces that had been laser cut. In K-PP, the study of the laser-irradiated surface revealed that the K-PP material had a presence of recast/re-solidified polymer on the Kevlar fabric. Surface quality was found to be highest when cutting at 100 Hz compared to the other two modes. To better understand how laser machining affects Kevlar laminates, an investigation on surface roughness was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is observed worldwide, partly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which are ineffective in certain population subgroups. This negatively impacts both the healthcare system and patients. Our study aimed to investigate the current AMR profiles for the most commonly used antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by gram-negative bacteria (GNB) across different age and gender subpopulations. By doing so, we provide valuable information for doctors managing prophylactic and empiric therapeutic treatments. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed over 650,000 urine cultures collected in the Microbiology Department of a referral university hospital in Southern England from January 2014 to December 2022. A population-based analysis for subgroups was performed to rule out differences in AMR patterns. Our report was recorded at UHS as an internal audit (UHS7670). Results: 146,867 cultures were found positive for GNB growth. Nitrofurantoin showed the best sensitivity patterns for all age subgroups (0.93% for patients aged ≤ 18; 1.22% for patients aged 19–40; 2.17% for patients aged 40–60; and 3.48% for patients aged > 60), regardless of gender (male: 6.37%, female: 2.59%). Ampicillin/amoxicillin and trimethoprim showed a poor AMR profile for all age groups (>55% and >28%, respectively) and genders (>60% and >28%, respectively). All the other tested antibiotics (cefalexin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, co-amoxiclav, gentamicin) showed an overall good profile for GNB resistance across all subgroups. For all antibiotics except trimethoprim, the risk of developing AMR was significantly higher in the male population. We also found that people aged over 60 had a higher risk of AMR compared to the other age groups for all antibiotics, with the exception of cefotaxime and co-amoxiclav. Conclusions: With an overall rise in resistance patterns for GNB-related UTIs, certain antibiotics—particularly ampicillin/amoxicillin and trimethoprim—now exhibit very poor sensitivity profiles. However, antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin and gentamicin remain excellent options for empirically treating UTIs. It is important to note that AMR can vary across different populations, with higher resistance often found in elderly and male patients. Clinicians must stay informed about current guidelines and research to provide the best treatment options while minimizing the risk of further AMR development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low salinity (below 5 PSU) zone (LSZ) acts as an ecocline and limits species distribution within an estuary. After Farakka barrage (1975) the Diamond Harbour (DH) of the Ganges estuary turned to a LSZ from meso- to poly-haline zone, which might have affected estuarine inhabitants including plankton (e.g., copepods). The objectives were to study diversity, dominance of the copepods and their associations with environmental variability of the DH. The present study and a review of the previous literature were used for an assessment of the structural changes of the copepod community over time. Copepod assemblages were sampled seasonally (four times per season) from a sampling site (22.10.59° N; 88.11.22° E) of the DH. Water temperature (°C), salinity and pH were recorded in situ and Total Nitrogen (TN), Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and Phosphate (P) levels were measured at the laboratory following the spectrophotometric methods. Seasonal variations of the salinity, pH, NO3-N and P were not significant but water temperature and TN levels were significant. Copepod richness at DH was the highest in the monsoon (13) followed by the postmonsoon (11) and premonsoon (10). The species richness of the copepods at DH declined from the levels of the 1970s. Presently, Paracalanus parvus is the most abundant copepod at DH followed by B. similis. During the pre-Farakka time; P. parvus and B. similis were rare and species such as Cyclops sp., Bryocamptus sp., Ergasilus sp. which were not found in the present study were abundant. Multivariate analysis suggested significant seasonal variations of the copepod community structure. Salinity, water temperature, pH, P and NO3-N levels of DH may limit the distribution of a few species. The DH is experiencing a sea level rise at a rate of 5.3 mm/year; therefore, environmental variability may change, which may draw more eurihaline and neritic copepod species towards the DH so a regular monitoring of the LSZ of the estuary is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a significant health emergency to adverse impact on environment, and human society. The COVID-19 post-pandemic not only affects human beings but also creates pollution crisis in environment. The post-pandemic situation has shown a drastic change in nature due to biomedical waste load and other components. The inadequate segregation of untreated healthcare wastes, chemical disinfectants, and single-use plastics leads to contamination of the water, air, and agricultural fields. These materials allow the growth of disease-causing agents and transmission. Particularly, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed a severe environmental and health concern in many developing countries for infectious waste. In 2030, plastic enhances a transboundary menace to natural ecological communities and public health. This review provides a complete overview of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental pollution and its anthropogenic impacts to public health and natural ecosystem considering short- and long-term scenarios. The review thoroughly assesses the impacts on ecosystem in the terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric realms. The information from this evaluation can be utilized to assess the short-term and long-term solutions for minimizing any unfavorable effects. Especially, this topic focuses on the excessive use of plastics and their products, subsequently with the involvement of the scientific community, and policymakers will develop the proper management plan for the upcoming generation. This article also provides crucial research gap knowledge to boost national disaster preparedness in future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looked at the mechanical, electrical, and thermal surface conductivity of a polyester composite reinforced with flax fiber and thermally reduced carbon quantum dots. The primary objective of this work was to ascertain how incorporating carbon dots from thermally reduced biomass sugarcane bagasse enhanced the qualities of the polyester composite and resulted in its development as a sustainable material for cutting-edge applications. By pyrolyzing sugarcane bagasse, carbon dots were produced, and then hand layup was used to create the composites. After that, the effects of the addition of carbon dots were evaluated by testing the composite material in accordance with the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) criteria. The findings demonstrated that increasing the amount of carbon dots in a polyester composite by up to 5 vol.% increased its tensile, flexural, and impact strength. However, the properties changed when the carbon dots content was raised to 7 vol.%. The highest hardness of the 7 vol.% carbon dots distributed composite, in contrast, was 82 shore-D, and its specific wear rate was reduced at 0.005 mm3/Nm. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss are both at their maximum values in the 7 vol.% carbon dots dispersed composite, at 4.1 and 0.15, respectively. This polyester composite also exhibits excellent thermal conductivity (0.394 W/mK), demonstrating effective heat transfer bridge development. Thus, these polyester composites with better surface conductivity (electrical, thermal, and hydrophobicity) and mechanical properties could be employed as a functional material for electrical and thermal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to create a high flame retardant, load bearing and thermally stable epoxy composite for various engineering applications. To achieve this, cashew nut shell de-oiled cake derived biosilica and satin weaved sunn hemp fibre was utilized as reinforcements along with epoxy resin. The biosilica is prepared using thermo-chemical process, whereas the satin weaved sunn hemp fibre was made using hand loom. Furthermore, the composites were manufactured by the hand lay-up method and characterized in line with the ASTM standards. According to the results, the lowest value of combustion rate is approximately 11.93 mm/min for the composite designation RSB3. The addition of sunn hemp fibre and 3.0 vol. % of biosilica composite (RSB2) yielded a tensile strength of 164 MPa, flexural strength of 204 MPa and modulus of 6.21 and 6.82 GPa, respectively. It is noted that the thermal conductivity improved marginally when the biosilica is added into the composite. Furthermore, adding cashew nut shell biosilica decreases the specific wear rate of the composites. Such natural fibre composite with high resistances to heat as well as mechanical load and thermal stability could be employed in automobiles, industries making consumer and electronic goods as well as sports applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plasticizer, is categorized as a neurotoxic compound. Its impact on individuals exhibits sex-linked variations. Several biological and environmental factors impact the degree of toxicity. Moreover, nutritional factors have profound influence on toxicity outcome. BPA has been demonstrated to be an obesogen. However, research on the potential role of obesity as a confounding factor in BPA toxicity is lacking. We studied the neurodegenerative effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese female rats after exposure to BPA (10 mg/L via drinking water for 90 days). Four groups were taken in this study – Control, HFD, HFD + BPA and BPA. Cognitive function was evaluated through novel object recognition (NOR) test. Inflammatory changes in brain, and changes in hormonal level, lipid profile, glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, and antioxidants were also determined. HFD + BPA group rats showed a significant decline in memory function in NOR test. The cerebral cortex (CC) of the brain showed increased neurodegenerative changes as measured by microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) accompanied by histopathological confirmation. The increased level of neuroinflammation was demonstrated by microglial activation (Iba-1) and protein expression of nuclear factor– kappa B (NF-КB) in the brain. Obesity also caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation accompanied by reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and decrease in reduced-glutathione (p < 0.05) when compared to non-obese rats with BPA treatment. Overall, study revealed that obesity serves as a risk factor in the toxicity of BPA which may exacerbate the progression of neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 'Ecotourism' refers to tourism that promotes and preserves a site's eco-heritage to make tourists aware of the cultural past and protect the environment at the same time. The elementary impression behind ecotourism is that it signifies an appealing alternative to the mass tourism paradigm, significantly altering the natural and social circumstances of tourist destinations worldwide. Purpose: To study the various factors responsible for the prospects and development of ecotourism, including marketing strategies, which necessitates and deliberates for society's well-being and the safeguarding of the landscape. Need for the study: This research provides perceptions into the economic, environmental, and social factors and the marketing tools that influence the sustainable development of ecotourism and to address the historical neglect or minimal consideration of environmental impacts associated with tourism practices. Methodology: The study involved quantitative analysis gathering primary data from 100 respondents and inclusion of secondary data sourced from journals and articles. The collected data underwent testing and analysis, employing descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM). These analyses successfully established relationships among the variables under investigation. Findings: The study recommends a futuristic plan to boost the sustainable growth of ecotourism on the basis of the findings of the study. Practical implication: The research underscores the pivotal role of local community engagement, education, enhanced visitor experiences, and strategic promotion facilitated by eco-smart technologies in fostering the sustainable growth of ecotourism destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing scleritis is the most destructive and vision-threatening form of scleritis. Necrotizing scleritis can occur in systemic autoimmune disorders and systemic vasculitis, as well as following microbial infection. Rheumatoid arthritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis remain the commonest identifiable systemic diseases associated with necrotising scleritis. Pseudomonas species is the most common organism causing infectious necrotizing scleritis, with surgery the most common risk factor. Necrotizing scleritis has the highest rates of complications and is more prone to secondary glaucoma and cataract than other phenotypes of scleritis. The differentiation between non-infectious and infectious necrotizing scleritis is not always easy but is critical in the management of necrotizing scleritis. Non-infectious necrotizing scleritis requires aggressive treatment with combination immunosuppressive therapy. Infectious scleritis is often recalcitrant and difficult to control, requiring long-term antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement with drainage and patch grafting due to deep-seated infection and the avascularity of the sclera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Mitchell Institute Physics Enhancement Program (MIPEP), which aims to support high school physics teachers who have little to no background in the subject. The program, run by the physics faculty at Texas A&M University, focuses on increasing teachers' physics content knowledge, improving their confidence in teaching physics, and introducing research-based instructional strategies. MIPEP includes intensive two-week sessions with content-focused instruction, inquiry-based labs, and enrichment activities. The program has shown positive impacts on participants' knowledge and confidence, and it is suggested that similar programs could be implemented by other physics departments to improve physics instruction at the high school level. [Extracted from the article]

Thermochemical conversion is a possible solution for effective disposal of sludge. In this paper, we report physico-chemical characterization and pyrolysis kinetics of three sludges, viz. biological (BS), chemical (CS), and oily sludge (OS). An attempt was made to deduce the chemical composition of sludges using XPS and FTIR analysis. Pyrolysis of sludges was studied using a Thermo-Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The TGA data was analysed using four isoconversional models (viz. OFW, KAS, Starink and Vyazovkin_AIC) for deduction of kinetic triplet, viz. activation energy, pre-exponential factors and reaction mechanism. For all sludges, the activation energy increased with conversion. The ranges of activation energies were: BS = 87.82–303.89, CS = 72.12–200.62, OS = 67.26–130.99 kJ/mol. The ranges of pre-exponential factors were BS = 2.09E + 09 to 1.79 E + 27, CS = 2.31E + 04 to 9.72E + 13, OS = 1.20E + 06 to 5.99E + 11. s–1. High pre-exponential factors indicated high reactivity of sludges during thermal conversion. The predominant mechanism of thermal conversion of all sludges was an order-based reaction (F1/F2/F3). This indicated homology among the components present in the organic matter in sludge. In essence, pyrolysis shows high promise as a useful pretreatment for the safe disposal of sludges of different origins. Highlights: Pyrolysis kinetics of three sludges: Biological (BS), Oily (OS), Chemical (CS) Determination of kinetic triplet of sludge pyrolysis using 4 isoconversional models Activation energy ranges: BS = 88–304, CS = 72–201, OS = 67–131 kJ/mol High pre-exponential factors show high reactivity of sludges for thermal conversion Predominant mechanism of thermal conversion of all sludges is order-based reaction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Traditionally, bilateral urolithiasis treatment involved staged interventions due to safety concerns. Recent studies have shown that same-sitting bilateral retrograde intrarenal surgery (SSB-RIRS) is effective, with acceptable complication rates. However, there's no clear data on the optimum laser for the procedure. This study aimed to assess outcomes of SSB-RIRS comparing thulium fiber laser (TFL) and high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in a multicenter real-world practice. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing SSB-RIRS from January 2015 to June 2022 across 21 centers worldwide. Three months perioperative and postoperative outcomes were recorded, focusing on complications and stone-free rates (SFR). Results: A total of 733 patients were included, with 415 in group 1 (Ho:YAG) and 318 in group 2 (TFL). Both groups have similar demographic and stone characteristics. Group 1 had more incidence of symptomatic pain or hematuria (26.5% vs. 10.4%). Operation and lasing times were comparable. The use of baskets was higher in group 1 (47.2% vs. 18.9%, p<0.001). Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were similar. Group 2 had a higher overall SFR. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that age, presence of stone at the lower pole, and stone diameter were associated with lower odds of being stone-free bilaterally, while TFL was associated with higher odds. Conclusions: Our study shows that urologists use both lasers equally for SSB-RIRS. Reintervention rates are low, safety profiles are comparable, and single-stage bilateral SFR may be better in certain cases. Bilateral lower pole and large-volume stones have higher chances of residual fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orthopedic fixators depend on mechanical characteristics like stiffness and firmness. The Ilizarov Apparatus (IA) is a common surgical management approach to restructure the bone fractures. IA includes two wires, specifically K-wire and olive wire, to treat the fractures. Methods: The functions of IA using K-wire and olive wire have been explored with experimental and finite element approach. To describe the stability of fixation and stiffness of olive wire and K-wire, the mechanical performance of the wires was evaluated experimentally as well as numerically by ANSYS software. Results: The results obtained from the olive wire experimental setup with applied loads of 50 to 100 N, showed stiffnesses ranging from 13.85 to 14.58 N/mm and displacements ranging from 3.61 to 6.86 mm. Also, in analytical evaluation, the obtained stiffness ranges from 14.36 to 14.34 N/mm for loads of 50–100 N with a displacement of 3.48–6.97 mm. Conclusions: A two-ring olive wire was found to be stiffer than a two-ring K-wire fixator under the same loading conditions. The goal of this study is to help orthopedic specialists assess the stiffness and stability of IA setups with olive and K-wires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regioselective distal C−H functionalization of nitroarenes by overriding proximal C−H activation has remained an unsolved challenge. Herein, we present a palladium-catalyzed meta-C−H alkenylation of nitroarene substrate, achieved through leveraging the non-covalent hydrogen bonding interactions. Urea-based templates comprising an elongated biphenyl linker designed in such a way that it interacts with nitro group via strong hydrogen bonding interaction, while a cyano based directing group is attached along the template to coordinate with the palladium center, thereby facilitating the activation of the remote meta-C−H bond of nitrobenzene. Computational mechanistic investigation and the analysis of non-covalent interaction deciphers the crucial role of H-bonding in regulating the regioselectivity. Regioselective distal C-H functionalization of nitroarenes by overriding proximal C-H activation has remained an unsolved challenge. Herein, the authors present a palladium-catalyzed meta-C-H alkenylation of nitroarene substrate, achieved through leveraging the noncovalent hydrogen bonding interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolfram syndrome (WS) is a rare childhood disease characterized by diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, blindness, deafness, neurodegeneration and eventually early death, due to autosomal recessive mutations in the WFS1 (and WFS2) gene. While it is categorized as a neurodegenerative disease, it is increasingly becoming clear that other cell types besides neurons may be affected and contribute to the pathogenesis. MRI studies in patients and phenotyping studies in WS rodent models indicate white matter/myelin loss, implicating a role for oligodendroglia in WS-associated neurodegeneration. In this study, we sought to determine if oligodendroglia are affected in WS and whether their dysfunction may be the primary cause of the observed optic neuropathy and brain neurodegeneration. We demonstrate that 7.5-month-old Wfs1∆exon8 mice display signs of abnormal myelination and a reduced number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) as well as abnormal axonal conduction in the optic nerve. An MRI study of the brain furthermore revealed grey and white matter loss in the cerebellum, brainstem, and superior colliculus, as is seen in WS patients. To further dissect the role of oligodendroglia in WS, we performed a transcriptomics study of WS patient iPSC-derived OPCs and pre-myelinating oligodendrocytes. Transcriptional changes compared to isogenic control cells were found for genes with a role in ER function. However, a deep phenotyping study of these WS patient iPSC-derived oligodendroglia unveiled normal differentiation, mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane interactions and mitochondrial function, and no overt signs of ER stress. Overall, the current study indicates that oligodendroglia functions are largely preserved in the WS mouse and patient iPSC-derived models used in this study. These findings do not support a major defect in oligodendroglia function as the primary cause of WS, and warrant further investigation of neurons and neuron-oligodendroglia interactions as a target for future neuroprotective or -restorative treatments for WS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant pathogens are causing substantial economic losses and thus became a significant threat to global agriculture. Effective and timely detection methods are prerequisite for combating the damages caused by the plant pathogens. In the realm of plant pathogen detection, the isothermal amplification techniques, e.g., recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), have emerged as a fast, precise, and most sensitive alternative to conventional PCR but they often comprise high rates of non-specific amplification and operational complexity. In recent advancements, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated nuclease Cas systems, particularly Cas12, have emerged as powerful tools for highly sensitive, specific, and rapid pathogen detection. Exploiting the collateral activities of Cas12, which selectively cleaves single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), novel detection platforms have been developed. The mechanism employs the formation of a triple complex molecule comprising guide RNA, Cas12 enzyme, and the substrate target nucleotide sequence. Upon recognition of the target, Cas12 indiscriminately cleaves the DNA strand, leading to the release of fluorescence from the cleaved ssDNA reporter. Integration of isothermal amplification methods with CRISPR/Cas12 enables one-step detection assays, facilitating rapid pathogen identification within 30 min at a single temperature. This integrated RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a approach eliminates the need for RNA extraction and cDNA conversion, allowing direct use of crude plant sap as a template. With an affordable fluorescence visualization system, this portable method achieves 100-fold greater sensitivity than conventional techniques. This review summarizes recent advances in RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a for detecting plant pathogens, covering primer design, field-level portability, and enhanced sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrrole is a heterocyclic structure with diverse pharmacophores, enabling the creation of an extensive lead molecule library. Its broad range of pharmacological profiles has concerned significant global research interests. This review highlights recent advancements in pyrrole scaffolds, focusing on their structure active relationship and bioactivities. Pyrrole derivatives recognized for their biological activities, are promising scaffolds for developing antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiviral, antituberculosis, and enzyme‐inhibiting properties. Their unique anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant features have prompted the development of novel cardioprotective and neuroprotective compounds. The review aims to elucidate the SAR of pyrrole mimics, aiding future therapeutic developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue and creep behavior of abaca and sisal fiber–reinforced epoxy hybrid composites was investigated for 0°, 45°, and 90° fibers orientations. Long-term prediction with an identical stress level of polymer composite materials is essential for many applications. The life span of stacking natural fiber with polymer varies according to the stacking direction. In this regard, each sample has three layers for each orientation (0°, 45°, and 90°); sisal fibers on the top and bottom layers, and abaca fiber on the middle layer for 0° fiber orientation likewise other two samples were prepared for 45°, and 90° fiber orientation. The samples were fabricated using the hand lay-up method. The testing samples were prepared using abrasive water jet machining. Tension–tension (T-T) fatigue, compression–compression (C-C) fatigue test, flexural creep, and tensile creep tests were performed for the prepared composite materials. T-T and C-C fatigue tests were conducted for the stress level of 0.7 with the fatigue cycles 10,000 for the three different composite materials. Flexural and tensile creep tests were conducted for 20 h at constant stress at room temperature (25 to 27 °C). From the experimental result of the fatigue test, 0° fiber-oriented composite withstands 10,000 fatigue life cycles for stress level 0.7 without any matrix crack failure. Nevertheless, 45°- and 90°-oriented composites have failed at 10,000 and 10 fatigue life cycles for stress level 0.7, respectively. From the C-C fatigue test, no failures occur in the samples up to 104 fatigue life cycles due to good stiffness, and minimal plastic deformation has occurred at 50 microns. In the flexural creep test, experimental results show that the creep limit reached 30 min from the test started for three different oriented composites. The fractured surfaces were analyzed with SEM images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health risk, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies to combat pathogenic infections. Biofilm-related infections that are unresponsive to standard antibiotics often require the use of higher-order antimicrobials with toxic side effects and the potential to disrupt the microbiome. Probiotic therapy, with its diverse benefits and inherent safety, is emerging as a promising approach to prevent and treat various infections, and as an alternative to antibiotic therapy. In this study, we isolated novel probiotic bacteria from the gut of domestic goats (Capra hircus) and evaluated their antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against the 'ESKAPE' group of pathogens. We performed comprehensive microbiological, biochemical, and molecular characterizations, including analysis of the 16S-rRNA gene V1-V3 region and the 16S-23S ISR region, on 20 caprine gut-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Among these, six selected Lactobacillus isolates demonstrated substantial biofilm formation under anaerobic conditions and exhibited robust cell surface hydrophobicity and autoaggregation, and epithelial cell adhesion properties highlighting their superior enteric colonization capability. Notably, these Lactobacillus isolates exhibited broad-spectrum growth inhibitory and anti-biofilm properties against 'ESKAPE' pathogens. Additionally, the Lactobacillus isolates were susceptible to antibiotics listed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) within the prescribed Minimum Inhibitory Concentration limits, suggesting their safety as feed additives. The remarkable probiotic characteristics exhibited by the caprine gut-derived Lactobacillus isolates in this study strongly endorse their potential as compelling alternatives to antibiotics and direct-fed microbial (DFM) feed supplements in the livestock industry, addressing the escalating need for antibiotic-free animal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In decentralized finance (DeFi), stablecoins like DAI are designed to offer a stable value amidst the fluctuating nature of cryptocurrencies. We examine the class of crypto-backed stable derivatives, focusing on mechanisms for price stabilization and exemplified by the well-known stablecoin DAI from MakerDAO. For simplicity, we consider a single-collateral setting. We introduce a belief parameter to the simulation model of DAI in a previous work (DAISIM), reflecting market sentiments about the value and stability of DAI, and show that it better matches the expected behavior when this parameter is set within a particular range of values. Our methods include comparing simulated data with real-world data, focusing on monthly correlations between ETH and DAI prices and scatter plots illustrating the relationship of their price trends over time. We also propose a simple mathematical model of DAI price to explain its stability and dependency on ETH price. Finally, we analyze possible risk factors associated with these stable derivatives to provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the DeFi ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to determine if preoperative prostate volume-enucleated weight concordance predicts short-term anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) outcomes using the REAP international database. Methods: 649 patients with data on both preoperative ultrasound-derived prostate volume and enucleated specimen weight were analyzed. Linear regression was used to investigate the effect of volume-weight concordance on postoperative outcomes. Model residuals were used to divide the cohort into 3 centiles: (1) less-than-expected enucleated specimen weight; (2) appropriate concordance between prostate volume and specimen weight; (3) more-than-expected specimen weight. Outcomes were also analyzed with only enucleated weight as a predictor (comparing ≤ 80 g and > 80 g). Results: There was a trend towards more-than-expected enucleated specimen weight with increased age (p = 0.006). There was an increasing trend of operation time (p = 0.012) and enucleation time (p = 0.015) as specimen weight increased, and a decreasing trend of postoperative acute urinary retention (p = 0.005). Laser type, enucleation method, and early apical release were similar. In correlation analysis, greater-than-expected prostate weight was associated with greater Qmax improvement at 3 months. Prostate weight alone did not appear to be a significant predictor of outcomes. Conclusions: If enucleated specimen weight is more than expected according to preoperative ultrasound volume measurement, greater Qmax improvement and less postoperative acute urinary retention is expected. Although precision may be limited by ultrasound approximation and inexact specimen weight measurements, these shortcomings are similar in real-world clinical practice. Overall, preoperative prostate volume and actual enucleated specimen weight should be interpreted in the context of each other to predict clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth metals (REMs), such as Dysprosium (Dy) and Ytterbium (Yb), have experienced unprecedented demand in recent times due to their applications in high-end technologies. REMs are found only in select geographic locations placing tremendous economic constraints on their use. In this work, we have developed Gum Acacia-grafted hydrogels (GmAc-FluoroTerPs) that are capable of selective detection and capture of Dy and Yb. The intrinsically blue fluorescent polymer hydrogel GmAc-FluoroTerP has been optimized for Dy(III) and Yb(III) specific quenching, enabling limit of detection of the REMs at 0.13 nM and 60.8 pM, respectively. A comprehensive structural characterization of the fluorescent hydrogel has been performed via NMR, FTIR, XPS, EPR, TGA, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, TCSPC, and DLS. In addition to an in situ generated fluorophore, GmAc-FluoroTerP displays a distinctive aggregation induced emission enhancement in mixed solvents. The complexation of Dy(III)/Yb(III) with GmAc-FluoroTerP hydrogel has been characterized by XPS, TCSPC, and logic gate analyses, and the adsorptive capacity for Dy(III) and Yb(III) are found to be best reported till date as 125.57 mg g−1 and 102.27 mg g−1, respectively. Desorption at acidic pH allows recovery of the REMs. We also report semiconducting behaviour of the native fluorescent hydrogel, that is enhanced upon adsorptive capture of Dy(III) and Yb(III), with calculated band gaps at 1.37, 0.77, and 0.49 eV, respectively. The convergent sensing, capture, and reuse of Dy(III) and Yb(III) presented in this work promises a hitherto unreported template for application on other REMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]