Search

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols facilitates a standardized patient care regimen with a goal of reducing the metabolic stress of surgery. Adapted to head and neck free flap reconstructive surgery in 2017, these protocols focused on several key domains such as perioperative nutritional optimization, multimodal pain control, and early mobilization. Studies have shown that in addition to ERAS implementation, the maintenance and improvement of ERAS protocol compliance rates improve perioperative outcomes such as hospital length of stay and decrease major postoperative complications.

AbstractIn an Indian oncology setting, between August and December 2021, 56 patients, developed Burkholderia cenocepaciabacteremia. An investigation revealed a contaminated batch of the antiemetic drug palonosetron. The outbreak was terminated by withdrawing the culprit batch and the findings were reported promptly to regulatory authorities.

Scheme of graphene oxide encapsulated vanadium oxide and its electrochemical oxidation reaction of glucose. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of V 2 O 5 @GO as an alternative to noble metals for the direct electrooxidation of glucose. • Electrochemical exfoliation was used to prepare rGO and improve the electroactive sites for glucose oxidation. • Electrooxidation of glucose with V 2 O 5 @GO was effective in a minimal 0.01 M NaOH environment. • V 2 O 5 @GO showed consistent response at glucose concentrations of 0.5–––7.5 mM. In the search for efficient electrocatalysts for the electrooxidation of glucose, we present a hybrid nanomaterial V 2 O 5 @GO whose GO is obtained from by environmentally friendly electrochemical exfoliation of graphite. In a 0.01 M NaOH environment, the novel hybrid material showed clear electrooxidation peaks. The forward scan was consistent with the hydrogen abstraction reaction mechanism, while the reverse scan followed the chemisorption model. Notably, at 0.25 V, the hybrid showed better glucose electrooxidation performance in the reverse scan compared with previously reported electrodes based on noble metals, thus highlighting the importance of the electrochemical exfoliation process. With a consistent linear anodic current response at glucose concentrations from 0.5 to 7.5 mM, the V 2 O 5 @GO material proves to be a promising and cost-effective alternative for glucose sensors and biofuel cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single chamber atrial pacemaker should be sufficient for patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) with normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction. However, most patients undergo dual chamber pacemaker implantation because of concern of new onset AV block. The annual incidence of new AV block has been reported from 0.6 to 4.4 % in various studies.

This study involves experimental and numerical investigation on ballistic performance of ultra-high hard armour (UHHA) steel joints fabricated using shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process and austenitic stainless steel (ASS) electrodes. The ballistic test of UHHA-steel butt joints involves subjecting welded joints to 7.62 mm armor-piercing (AP) small arm projectiles. The weld metal (WM) and the weld interface (WI) are the areas of interest for the impact in ballistic test. The simulation approach of finite element analysis (FEA) that incorporates the model of Johnson–Cook and Mie Gruneisen equation of state (EOS) for the equations of velocity—Shock Rankine-Hugoniot. The scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the microstructure and ballistically tested regions of UHHA-steel butt joints. The hardness of the different regions of UHHA-steel joint was estimated using Vickers microhardness test. The results disclosed that the AP projectiles were arrested at the WM and WI, each exhibiting distinct depth of penetration (DoP) and width of penetration (WoP). These results align well with the FE model predictions. During projectile impact, a ductile hole growth was observed as plastic deformation pushes the material outward. When an AP projectile strikes, striations appear on the target plate's surface, observed both experimentally and in FE simulations. Additionally, the AP projectile becomes lodged at the WM. At the interface, the WM absorbs the projectile's movement, while the harder heat-affected zone (HAZ) disrupts the trajectory due to the soft/hard (austenite/martensite) interface. This behavior is elucidated by examining the WoP in impact region within the FE model.

Researchers are continually seeking potential alternatives to develop water quality sensors with higher selectivity to obtain the desired performance during real-time deployment. Quantification technologies involving interface materials of distinguishing capacity at elevated matrix complexity are desirable. However, there remains a challenge in designing suitable techniques, methodologies, and appropriate validations to support the grounds for the selection of interface materials of enhanced selectivity. The ability to monitor chlorpyrifos in analytical and commercial grade compounds and in the water matrix using an interface material of suitable states is the focus of this work. Herein, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediamine triacetic acid trisodium (N-(2-C2H5O) ED(CH3COONa)3) incorporated with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) is reported to provide thermodynamically favorable charge transfer for the quantification of chlorpyrifos residues under varying internal and external conditions with appropriate validations using density functional theory (DFT) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The sensor exhibited excellent figures of merit such as limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 9.7 pM and 29.4 pM, respectively.

This present study discusses the effects of adding moringa gum powder to Cissus quadrangularisfiber–reinforced polyester resin composites on their mechanical, wear, and drop load impact properties. The moringa gum powder was synthesized from the moringa tree, whereas the Cissus quadrangularisfiber was as-received. The composite laminates were manufactured by hand layup process using 40 vol.% of fiber along with 0.5, 1, and 2 vol.% of moringa gum powder. The results revealed that the load bearing properties such as tensile, flexural strength and tensile, flexural modulus were better for composites containing 1 vol.% of moringa gum particle with 40 vol.% of fiber. The Izod impact test reveals that composite designation (moringa gum particles of 1 vol.%) PE3 has the highest impact-absorbing capacity up to 3.75 J. The maximum microhardness value for composite designation PE4 (moringa gum particles of 2 vol.%) is about 84 Shore-D. It is observed that moringa gum toughening with an increase in particles vol.% improves wear characteristics. As well as drop load impact toughness increased by 96% for 1 vol.% of particles. However, further increment up to 2 vol.% of particle decreases the drop load impact toughness. According to SEM (scanning electron microscopy) fractography, and overall performances of composites, adding 1.0 vol.% of moringa gum particle is the better inclusion for producing highly performing composites. These enhanced features of composites, which contain 40 vol.% of fiber and 1 vol.% of particle named as PE3, could be utilized in the automotive and industrial sectors, and they may even be utilized for home decoration purposes.

In this study, AA7075/SiC/TiB2closed-cell aluminium hybrid composite foams (AHCFs) with different densities were fabricated by top-loaded bottom-pouring stir casting technique. This technique uses oyster-shell powders (CaCO32.5 wt% of composite with 60 μm size) as blowing agents and no viscosity-enhancing ingredient. The silicon carbide (SiC 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt% with 25 μm) and titanium diboride (TiB23 wt% with particle size 15 μm) are used as primary and secondary reinforcement agents. It has been noted that the addition of TiB2and SiC enhanced the mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and plateau strength) of AHCFs. The energy absorption capacity of AHCFs increases with the addition of SiC up to 3 wt%, and a further increase in SiC content leads to the reduction. It is observed that density and cell wall thickness increase with increasing the wt% of SiC and pore size, porosity decrease with an increase in wt%. of reinforcement. It is also noted that stirring temperature also strongly influenced the microstructural properties of AHCFs, and 750 °C of stirring temperature is sufficient for aluminium foaming.

In this study, comparison has been made between stationary arc gas metal arc welded (STA-GMW) joints and rotating arc gas metal arc welded (RTA-GMW) joints made of 18 mm thick armour steels. Both the joints were tested to evaluate tensile properties, impact toughness and microhardness variations. From the results, it is identified that RTA-GMW joint consists of minimum HAZ width (45%) than STA-GMW joint due to lower heat density attributed during the welding. The RTA-GMW joint exceeds the STA-GMW joint in terms of transverse tensile strength (784 MPa) and impact toughness (82 J). This is attributed to the presence of a greater volume percentage of fine delta ferrite (29.17%) in the RTA-GMW joint weld metal. Furthermore, the delta ferrite morphology in the STA-GMW joint is globular, whereas it is vermicular in the RTA-GMW joint. This may be one of the reasons behind the RTA-GMW joint’s increased performance.

Tropical cyclones (TCs) induce substantial upper‐ocean mixing and upwelling, leading to sea surface cooling. In this study, we explore changes in TC‐induced cold wakes along the United States (U.S.) Southeast and Gulf Coasts during 1982–2020. Our study shows a significant increase in TC‐induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling of about 0.20°C near the U.S. Southeast Coast over this period. However, for the U.S. Gulf Coast, trends in TC‐induced SST cooling are insignificant. Analysis of the large‐scale oceanic environments indicate that the increasing TC‐induced cold wakes near the Southeast coast have been predominantly caused by the cooling of subsurface waters in that region. This upper‐ocean change is attributed to the enhancement of surface pressure gradient across land‐sea boundary and the associated increase in alongshore winds over there. Further analysis with climate models reveals the important role of anthropogenic forcings in driving these changes in the atmospheric circulation response along the U.S. Southeast Coast. Tropical cyclones (TCs) can induce strong mixing in the upper ocean and upwelling of cold, nutrient‐rich water from subsurface to the surface. This process can induce significant sea surface cooling and enhance primary productivity. Utilizing satellite observations, we found evidence that the sea surface cooling associated with TCs has been increasing significantly in the near‐shore regions of United States (U.S.) Southeast Coast. However, corresponding trends in the U.S. Gulf Coast are not significant. Here we show that the enhanced TC‐induced SST cooling along the U.S. Southeast Coast has occurred in response to changes in the atmospheric circulation associated with global warming. These findings shed light on the potential changes in the interactions between TCs and the upper ocean conditions under a non‐stationary climate. The tropical cyclone induced sea surface temperature cooling has significantly increased near the U.S. Southeast Coast in recent decadesThe increasing trend in TC‐induced cold wake is primarily attributed to subsurface cooling driven by the change in atmospheric circulationClimate models suggest greenhouse gases are likely responsible for the atmospheric circulation changes The tropical cyclone induced sea surface temperature cooling has significantly increased near the U.S. Southeast Coast in recent decades The increasing trend in TC‐induced cold wake is primarily attributed to subsurface cooling driven by the change in atmospheric circulation Climate models suggest greenhouse gases are likely responsible for the atmospheric circulation changes

Materials with high hardness are usually preferred in armour applications and are difficult to weld due to high Carbon Equivalent (C.E). In this investigation, an attempt was made to weld Ultra-high Hard Armour (UHA) steel (having C.E of 0.91) by Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process using three electrodes (i) austenitic stainless steel (ASS- E307-16), (ii) super duplex stainless steel (SDSS-E2594-16) (iii) low hydrogen ferritic (LHF-E12018M-low-alloy steel electrode). The mechanical properties (tensile, impact toughness, and microhardness) were evaluated and correlated with microstructural features along with Creq/Nieqratio of weld metal. The joints fabricated using LHF electrodes showed superior strength of 962 MPa and hardness of 341 HV. The joints made using ASS electrode showed superior impact toughness of 72 J and Notch Strength Ratio (NSR) of 1.32 due to the higher energy absorption capability of the austenitic phase. At the weld interface, joints fabricated using ASS and SDSS electrodes show the unmixed zone (UMZ) and martensitic band (MB) due to sudden change of crystal structure (Face Centred Cubic (FCC) / Body Centred Tetragonal (BCT)). It is also found that the strength property increases (651 MPa to 856 MPa) with an increase in Creq/Nieqratio (1.87 to 3.2) of weld metal and with a decrease in ductility.

A young male presented with pre‐excited atrial fibrillation. During an electrophysiology study, preexcitation suggestive of a pathway in posteroseptal location was confirmed but no tachycardia was inducible. Para‐Hisian pacing was done during sinus rhythm. Is there retrograde conduction through the accessory pathway?

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have been listed as lethal weapons of mass destruction due to their extreme toxicity and devastating effects. Detection and detoxification are essential to protect ourselves from such acutely perilous agents and have therefore generated a great deal of research interest. In this context, studies show that adsorbents such as activated carbon, metal oxides, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are active materials for the effective degradation of CWAs. Among them, MOFs are preferred because of their large surface area, tunable porosity, and catalytic, functional, and chemical stability properties. With this background, we comprehensively review the historical purview of the utility of CWAs, the potency of various CWAs, and their toxic profiles. Further, we discuss the research strategies reported to synthesize MOFs of desirable characteristics by tuning the synthesis parameters such as solvents, temperature, guest molecules, and organic ligands. Specifically, we highlight the multifarious studies of the impregnation of MOFs onto fibers/textiles as self-protecting fabrics using different techniques. Finally, we enumerate the challenges in developing MOFs-incorporated textiles and their functionalization toward the detection and detoxification of CWAs. As a future perspective, further requirements and possibilities of using MOF-modified textiles as wearable electronic devices for the detection and detoxification of CWAs have also been addressed.

Hardfacing is done to increase the service life of structural components. Hardfacing is widely done in nuclear and petrochemical industries, mining and sugar refineries. Hardfacing is done on farming equipment to extend their service life as they are prone to impact, abrasion and corrosion. Generally, Ni-base, Co-base and Fe-base alloys are used for hardfacings. Among them, Ni-base alloys are preferred to Co-base and Fe-base alloys as these alloys can retain its hardness even at the elevated temperatures. Colmonoy alloys are predominantly used in nuclear reactor as the dose rate of these alloys is 1/265th that of Co-base alloys. Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA), Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) and Laser are the major hardfacing processes. The hardfacing process governs the four major aspects of the coating, viz. microstructure, substrate dilution, wear and mechanical properties. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of various research works carried out on Ni alloy hardfacings by different processes on different substrates in those four domains. The outcome of this paper would be beneficial to present and future researchers on Ni alloy hardfacings and also to many hardfacing industries.

Ni-Cr-B-Si alloy is used for hardfacing of 316LN Stainless Steel components in Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) to enhance wear resistance and also to prevent self-welding. Since the shear force is acting between the substrate and the deposit due to dissimilar thermal expansion during high temperature operating conditions, it is necessary to focus on the hardfacing process which provides good bonding shear strength between them. Though low substrate dilution is advisable to attain high microhardness of the deposit, the deposit should not get de-bonded due to shear. To seek solution to this problem, three major hardfacing processes, viz., Plasma Transferred Arc, Gas Tungsten Arc and Laser processes were considered. Hardfaed shear specimens were prepared using each process and tested as per the ASTM A264. Faster cooling rate leads to finer grains and higher microhardness. The influence of dilution on the microhardness was studied. Scanning Electron Mircographs and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopic studies at the fractured surfaces were done to ascertain the reason for strength. Finally, the laser hardfacing process which provides a combination of good shear strength, high microhardness as well as low dilution is recommended for hardfacing of the components of the SFRs for their reliable operations.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Nowadays, ultra-high hard armor (UHA) steels are employed in armor tracked vehicle (ATV) construction because of their high hardness, high strength to weight ratio, and excellent toughness. UHA steels are usually welded using austenitic stainless steel (ASS) welding consumables, to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC). The use of ASS consumables to weld the above steel was the only available remedy because of higher solubility of hydrogen in the austenitic phase. In this investigation, an attempt was made to investigate the effect of ASS consumables (with different Creq/Nieqratio) on solidification mode, impact toughness and microstructural characteristics of shielded metal arc (SMA) welded UHA steel joints. The welded joints were characterised based on impact toughness properties, hardness, and microstructural features. As the ferrite number increases with an increase in Creq/Nieqratio result in different solidification mode (A, FA, F). It is also found that ferrite number of weld metal has appreciable influence on impact toughness and has inversely proportional relationship with impact toughness of the welded joints.

To quantify the percentage filling of the gutta-percha in obturated root canal cavity using image processing and analysis.

Many components in the assembly section of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor are made of good corrosion-resistant 316 LN Stainless Steel material. To avoid self-welding of the components with the coolant sodium at elevated temperature, hardfacing is inevitable. Ni-based colmonoy-5 is used for hardfacing due to its lower dose rate by Plasma Transferred Arc process due to its low dilution. Since Ni–Cr–B–Si alloy becomes very fluidic while depositing, the major height of the weld overlay rests inside the groove. Hardfacing is also done over the plain surface where grooving is not possible. Therefore, grooved and un-grooved hardfaced specimens were prepared at different travel speeds. Fe content at every 100 μm of the weld overlay was studied by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and also the micro hardness was determined at those locations. A correlation between iron dilution from the base metal and the micro hardness was established. Therefore, if the Fe content of the weld overlay is known, the hardness at that location can be obtained using the correlation and vice-versa. A new correlation between micro hardness and dilution coefficient is obtained at different locations. A comparative study between those specimens is carried out to recommend the optimum travel speed for lower dilution.

To develop the mathematical model for root canal preparation using Endodontic file.

While some previous studies examined the contribution of Eastern Pacific (EP) hurricanes toward precipitation in the arid Southwest US (SWUS), their potential to influence wildfires in that region has not been explored. Here we show, using observations and simulations from the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), that recurving EP hurricanes modulate the wildfire environment in the SWUS by increasing precipitation and soil moisture, and reducing the vapor pressure deficit. This is especially the case during late season months of September–October when the likelihood of storms to recurve and make landfall increases. Further, analysis of burnt area observations reveals that for the months of September–October, recurving EP hurricanes may significantly reduce the prevalence of wildfires in the SWUS. Finally, E3SM simulations indicate that late season EP hurricanes have been on the decline, with important implications for wildfires in the SWUS. A majority of Eastern Pacific (EP) hurricanes form and traverse westwards away from the North American coastline. Therefore, compared to tropical cyclones in some other basins, EP hurricanes have historically received less attention. However, some previous studies have shown that recurving EP hurricanes can contribute significantly to precipitation in the arid Southwest US (SWUS) region. Here, we build on these studies and demonstrate that recurving EP hurricanes significantly modulate the SWUS wildfire environment. During years with recurving EP hurricanes, the precipitation and soil moisture are enhanced, and the vapor pressure deficit is reduced, over the SWUS region. Therefore, during late season months of September–October, when recurving EP hurricanes occur, they make the environment less favorable for wildfires in the SWUS region. With climate models showing a long‐term decline in recurving EP hurricanes and the precipitation associated with them over the SWUS region, our study has substantial implications for autumn wildfires of that region. Eastern Pacific (EP) hurricanes that recurve tend to enhance precipitation and reduce vapor pressure deficit in the Southwest US regionDuring September–October, recurving EP hurricanes may make the environment less favorable for wildfires in the Southwest USClimate model simulations suggest that Southwest US precipitation associated with recurving EP hurricanes has decreased Eastern Pacific (EP) hurricanes that recurve tend to enhance precipitation and reduce vapor pressure deficit in the Southwest US region During September–October, recurving EP hurricanes may make the environment less favorable for wildfires in the Southwest US Climate model simulations suggest that Southwest US precipitation associated with recurving EP hurricanes has decreased

In sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR), 316L(N) SS grid plate is hardfaced with Ni-Cr-B-Si alloy to achieve higher wear resistance. Tensile and fatigue forces are acting at the interface between substrate and deposit due to different thermal expansion coefficients of those two materials, which can cause cracking of deposit and fracture during operation. Thus, it is very important to consider appropriate hardfacing method which can provide higher tensile and fatigue strength to avoid cracking/debonding at the interface. To find a solution to this problem, two hardfacing techniques, namely Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) and Laser cladding (LC), are taken into consideration. Hardfaced specimens are prepared using each process on which tensile and high cycle fatigue tests are conducted. From the experimental testing, stress-strain and S-N curves are generated to predict the tensile and fatigue behaviour of specimens. Fractographic studies are conducted at fractured surfaces to understand the fatigue crack nucleation and propagation characteristics. The experimental results for both processes are compared. Tensile and fatigue strength of LC specimens are ∼11 % and ∼17 % less than those of GTA specimens due to its higher brittleness. Thus, GTA process is recommended as the efficient hardfacing process for grid plate of SFR.

The objective of this review article is to review literature on fatigue analysis and biomaterials studies in Endodontics. The nitinol and gutta-percha are widely used biomaterials in the Endodontic fields. The nitinol is used to manufacture the Endodontic files which are used for preparation of the root canal. The preparation of the root canal consist of removal of dead tissue, substrates and debris from the decayed root canal. During the preparation of root canal shaping of the root canal is done to develop the perfectly prepared cavity. The gutta-percha is used to fill the prepared cavity. The nitinol and gutta-percha are important contributing biomaterial for success of root canal treatment. This review article has been reviewed contemporary studies on nitinol and gutta-percha biomaterials. For the success of root canal treatment the fatigue of Endodontic file and three dimensional filling of root canal are two important aspect. The Endodontic files during the cleaning and shaping of the canal gets subjected to torsion fatigue failure or cyclic fatigue failure. The past studies lacks the exact knowledge about these failures as well as analysis approaches to be followed for correct diagnosis. This review article helps to overcome this difficulties. Moreover, the fatigue factors are discussed so that researcher can get little idea about failure point of the nitinol rotary files. The review consist of A contemporary review of nitinol alloy studies, A review of fatigue failure diagnosis, A contemporary review of gutta-percha quality assessment techniques studies, A novel approach for fatigue analysis of nitinol file and A novel approach for quality assessment of gutta-percha etc.

Understanding the variations in the strength of Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) events as they propagate across the Indo‐Pacific Maritime Continent has been an unmet challenge. Moisture flux convergence estimated directly from precipitation shows a slow eastward migration of zonal moisture flux convergence between the Asian and Australian monsoon convergence centers from summer to winter. Strengths of individual MJO events vary as they propagate across this zonally and seasonally varying monsoonal moisture convergence. MJO events starting in February–April tend to be weak over the eastern Indian Ocean, but they strengthen as they propagate into the moisture convergence region over the western Pacific. During May–July, the moisture convergence pattern is reversed and MJO events weaken as they propagate into the moisture divergence region in the western Pacific. Winter MJO events are most likely to be strong over the Maritime Continent region, particularly when the Australian monsoon is strong. Moisture convergence centers of the Asian and Australian monsoons migrate zonally across the seasonsThis monsoonal zonal moisture convergence affects the strengths of the zonally propagating Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) eventsThe Asian and Australian monsoons influence MJO strengths through this moisture convergence migration

The extent of hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf has been measured during July since 1985. The measured area was assumed to represent the seasonal maximum each year and was related to the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya riverine May NO2+3loading and May–June total nitrogen loading, for planning management strategies. In this study, we analyze 25 years of simulations from a coupled physical‐biogeochemical model. An empirical orthogonal function analysis of the hypoxia frequency reveals that the dominant pattern is east‐west, with the seasonal maximum occurring in June, July, or August. This indicates that the July hypoxic area may or may not always be the largest of the year. A simple linear regression model was constructed to examine the explained variance of hypoxia attributable to nutrients. Results reveal that the May NO2+3(May–June total nitrogen) loading can explain 35% ± 7% (54% ± 7%) of the maximum cumulative hypoxic area in contrast to 22% ± 9% (48% ± 12%) of the July cumulative hypoxic area. Our results suggest that the current nitrogen loading reduction suggested by the Hypoxia Task Force 2013 is not sufficient to reduce the 5‐year moving average Gulf's hypoxic zone to less than 5,000 km2. A reduction of at least 66% (48%) of May NO2+3(May–June total N) loading is needed when using July hypoxic area as the criterion, while a reduction of 77% (60%) of May NO2+3(May–June total N) loading is needed when using maximum hypoxic area. Shelf‐wide surveys of hypoxia have been conducted in July since 1985 over the Texas‐Louisiana shelf. The measured hypoxic area has been used as the metric for hypoxia severity. Management practices have been designed based on this metric to control the amount of nitrogen loading to the Mississippi River Basin. Our analysis of 25 years of model output reveals that the reported measured area may not always be the largest of the year. Therefore, using July hypoxic area will underestimate the reduction in nutrient loading required to achieve a 5,000‐km2area required reduction in nitrogen. Monthly hypoxia frequency is predominantly east‐west, with seasonal maximum occurring in June, July, or AugustSatellite sea surface salinity, Chl a, and wind can be used with empirical relations to map spatiotemporally continuous bottom dissolved oxygen fieldsMore nitrogen reduction will be needed to reduce hypoxic area to 5,000‐km2target once the maximum hypoxic area could be known

Integration of multifunctional nanomaterials with textiles could be a significant value addition to the bright future of the growing technology “Technical Textiles”. Development of textiles with antielectromagnetic radiation and in particular antiultraviolet features could be one of the best solutions to the ozone depletion induced ultraviolet pollution of the environment, which is a major concern in the context of surging skin cancer cases. In this background, multifunctional nanoflower structured partial hydroxide nickel oxide (NiOx) was grown on cotton fabric using a chemical bath deposition technique for the development of UV filter and flexible gas/chemical sensor. X-ray diffraction patterns of bare and NiOxmodified cotton fabrics confirmed the micro and poly crystalline nature, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopic images revealed the growth of 3D green button chrysanthemum flower-like morphology on the surface of cotton fabric. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectra revealed the presence of nickel, carbon, and oxygen elements in the NiOxmodified cotton cellulose. The increase in hydrophobic nature of surface-treated fabric was observed using a goniometer. A differential scanning calorimeter trace for bare and surface modified cotton fabrics exhibited endothermic behavior at the characteristic onset temperature. The results of thermogravimetric analysis revealed the enhanced thermal stability of up to 800 °C for the surface-treated fabric compared to bare cotton. Further, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of the NiOxnanoflower modified cotton fabric was measured using an in vitromethod following the AATCC 183:2004 standard using a UV transmittance analyzer. The enhanced absorbance of ultraviolet rays at 388 nm resulted in the UPF of 2000. The chemical/gas sensing features of the surface modified textile samples were investigated using the homemade gas testing chamber. NiOxmodified fabric showed a selective response of 12431 toward trimethylamine at room temperature.

Given annual occurrences of hypoxia, harmful algal blooms, and evidence of coastal acidification, the potential impacts of climate change on water quality are of increasing concern in the U.S. Pacific Northwest estuaries such as the Salish Sea. While large‐scale global climate projections are well documented, our understanding of the nearshore estuarine‐scale response is not as well developed. In this study, the future response within the Salish Sea fjord‐like environment was examined using the Salish Sea Model driven by downscaled outputs from the National Center for Atmospheric Research climate model Community Earth System Model. We simulated a single projection of 95‐year change under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Results indicate that higher temperatures, lower pH, and decreased dissolved oxygen levels in the upwelled shelf waters in the future would propagate into the Salish Sea. Results point to potential changes in average Salish Sea temperature (≈+1.51 °C), dissolved oxygen (≈−0.77 mg/L), and pH (acidification −0.18 units) in the Y2095 relative to historical Y2000. The algal biomass in the Salish Sea could increase by ≈23% with a potential species shift from diatoms toward dinoflagellates. The region of annually recurring hypoxia could increase from <1% today to ≈16% in the future. The results suggest that the future response in the Salish Sea is less severe relative to the change predicted near the continental shelf boundary. This resilience of the Salish Sea may be attributed to the existence of strong vertical circulation cells that provide mitigation and serve as a physical buffer, thus keeping waters cooler, more oxygenated, and less acidic. Y2095 climate change impact on Salish Sea under the RCP 8.5 emissions scenario was examined using a downscaled global climate projectionHypoxia is projected to expand from <1% to approximately equal to 16% of the total area, along with strong Timpacts and Sintrusion in the intertidal regionsSalish Sea future change: T+ 1.51 degrees celsius, DO −0.77 mg/L, pH −0.18, and 23% increase in algal biomass; small impacts on circulation

Thalidomide is an infamous teratogen and it is continuously being explored for its anticancer properties. Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are implicated in embryo development and cancer pathophysiology. With striking similarities observed between FGFR implicated conditions and thalidomide embryopathy, we hypothesized thalidomide targets FGFRs. We utilized three different cell lines and chicken embryo model to investigate the effects of thalidomide and analogs on FGFR expression. We performed molecular docking, KINOMEscan analysis, and kinase activity assays to study the drug–protein interactions. The expression of FGFR1and FGFR2was differentially regulated by all the three drugs in cells as well as in developing organs. Transcriptome analysis of thalidomide-treated chick embryo strongly suggests the modulation of FGFR signaling and key transcription factors. Corroboration with previous studies suggests that thalidomide might affect FGFR expression through the transcription factor, E2F1. At the protein level, molecular docking predicted all three analogs to interact with lysine residue at 517th and 508th positions of FGFR2 and FGFR3, respectively. This lysine coordinates the ATP binding site of FGFR, thus hinting at the possible perturbation of FGFR activity by thalidomide. Kinome analysis revealed that kinase activities of FGFR2 and FGFR3 (G697C) reduced by 31% and 65%, respectively, in the presence of 10 μM thalidomide. Further, we checked and confirmed that the analogs inhibited the FGFR2 kinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. This study suggests that FGFRs could be potential targets of thalidomide and the two analogs, and also endorses the link between the teratogenicity and antitumor activities of the drugs.

AbstractInfective endocarditis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, especially with the increasing use of indwelling catheters in critically ill children. Surgical excision is sometimes essential to relieve valvar dysfunction and reduce burden of infection. Here we present a preterm infant who developed refractory infective endocarditis and right heart failure with tricuspid valve vegetation likely related to an indwelling umbilical venous catheter. Infective endocarditis resolved after resection of the vegetation and tricuspid valve repair, followed by a 6-week course of antibiotics.

Rapid intensification (RI) of hurricanes is notoriously difficult to predict and can contribute to severe destruction and loss of life. While past studies examined the frequency of RI occurrence, changes in RI magnitude were not considered. Here we explore changes in RI magnitude over the 30‐year satellite period of 1986–2015. In the central and eastern tropical Atlantic, which includes much of the main development region, the 95th percentile of 24‐hr intensity changes increased at 3.8 knots per decade. In the western tropical Atlantic, encompassing the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, trends are insignificant. Our analysis reveals that warming of the upper ocean coinciding with the positive phase of Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and associated changes in the large‐scale environment, has predominantly favored RI magnitude increases in the central and eastern tropical Atlantic. These results have substantial implications for the eastern Caribbean Islands, some of which were devastated during the 2017 hurricane season. In this study, using an analysis of observations and climate model output, we demonstrate that the magnitude of rapid intensification (RI), defined as an event where a hurricane increases in intensity by 25 knots or higher in 24 hr, increased in the central and eastern tropical Atlantic during the 30‐year satellite period of 1986–2015. On the other hand, in the western tropical Atlantic, changes in RI magnitude are insignificant. Conspiring changes in the large‐scale hurricane environment brought about by a positive shift in the phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, the dominant mode of decadal climate variability in the Atlantic, are primarily responsible for these changes in RI. While previous studies examined the frequency of RI, our study is the first to understand potential changes in RI magnitude. The results from our study have substantial implications for the eastern Caribbean Islands, some of which were ravaged by several major hurricanes undergoing RI during the recently concluded 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. Magnitude of hurricane rapid intensification had increased in the central and eastern tropical AtlanticChanges in the large‐scale hurricane environment are responsible for these changes in hurricane rapid intensificationA positive shift in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation caused the environment to become more favorable for hurricane rapid intensification