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We developed core–shell structured (CS) CoFe hydroxides coated by a defective RGO shell via solvothermal (SCoFeCS) and hydrothermal (HCoFe@RGO) methods. SCoFeCS provided more active sites with a transmissive corridor and high conductivity, with a large surface area, to ameliorate the catalytic efficiency. The optimal SCoFeCS displays exceptional trifunctional properties for H2and O2evolution, UOR, and MSWO at low potentials (OER: 299 mV; 112 mV dec–1, UOR: 1.40 V; 72 mVdec–1, and MSWO: 1.50 V; 82 mVdec–1). SCoFeCS shows higher catalytic efficiency than HCoFe@RGO (359 mV; 299 mV dec–1) due to strong synergistic coupling between CoFe and the rGO matrix. The calculated areas under MOOH formation peaks for SCoFeCS, HCoFe@RGO, and SCo@RGO are 2.603 × 10–5AV, 1.139 × 10–5AV, and 1.079 × 10–5AV and active sites are 3.249 × 1016, 1.422 × 1016, and 1.347 × 1016, respectively. The superaerophobicity of SCoFeCS is validated by the fast gas bubble evolution from the SCoFeCS surface. The ultrastability of SCoFeCS for industrial application was confirmed by durability at 10/100 mA cm–2for OER (GC: 24 h, 2.4%/-; NF: 100 h, 3.2/5.1%), UOR (100 h/2.8%), MMSWO (100 h/3.4%), and overall water splitting (100 h, 2.7%/4.1%). The effect of pH and the addition of tetramethylammonium cation (TMA+) reveal that SCoFeCS follows the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM). The multiapplications of SCoFeCS proposed to be an auspicious catalyst for fuel cell applications.

Herein, we demonstrated an interconnected nanospherical interconnected spherical (IS) NiFe-impregnated N-doped carbon (IS-NiFeNC) electrocatalyst prepared successfully by simple flame pyrolysis followed by a solvothermal method. IS-Ni6Fe4NC has a good morphology to have intimate contact with the electrolyte which significantly boosts the bifunctional activity in a harsh alkaline electrolyte (1.0 M KOH). The well-designed IS-Ni6Fe4NC/nickel foam (NF) nanosphere achieves a 10 mA/cm2geometrical current density for the OER and HER with very low overpotentials (η) of 241 and 95 mV and small Tafel slopes of 83 and 95 mV dec–1, respectively. The higher electrochemical surface area (110 m2g–1) and lower resistivity (2.8 Ω) of IS-Ni6Fe4NC easily exhibited kinetically sluggish electrode reactions. In a full-cell experiment, a nonprecious electrode couple of IS-Ni6Fe4NC/NF//IS-Ni6Fe4NC/NF required a lower cell voltage of 1.62 V to drive 10 mA cm–2than the voltage required for bare NF//NF (1.87 V). The synergistic chemical coupling of NiFe with N-doped carbon improved the stability and assisted in generating active phases during the OER and HER processes, thus resulting in outstanding durability even after 200 h with an ∼3.4% potential loss. The solar-driven water electrolysis established the practical use of IS-Ni6Fe4NC/NF for eco-benign industrial H2production. This work lays valuable experimental and postcharacterization foundations for the structure and properties of cost-effective bifunctional catalysts.

The progress of non-noble-metal-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen production as a renewable energy has attracted significant interest. Sugar carbon synthesized from the cost-effective hydrothermal strategy was employed as a substrate for metal doping to prepare Co@CNSx(Co@CNS50, Co@CNS100, and Co@CNS150) with Co2(OH)2CO3by the simple solvothermal method. In 1.0 M KOH, Co@CNS100/GC required 301 mV to split water, and the Tafel value (90 mV dec–1) became lower than that of IrO2(351 mV; 114 mV dec–1). In nickel foam, Co@CNS100/NF exhibits a small overpotential of 251 mV at 10 mA cm–2and stability for 120 h with 3% potential loss. The excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) efficiency has been shown by Co@CNS100, which has adequate kinetics to address the sluggish water oxidation. The spherical morphology of Co@CNS100assisted the ion transportation and minimized the traffic congestion to enhance the efficiency during the electrochemical process. Further, the solar water electrolyzer splits water at 1.55 V, which confirmed the effectiveness of Co@CNS100for the solar to hydrogen (STH) production process. Hence, Co@CNS100was recommended to generate large-scale hydrogen at a low cost.

Composite sections are found to be a novel technique in modern day scenario of construction. This stands tall than the ordinary and conventional type of constructions. Columns as a structural element play a vital role in structural frame. This research comments on the behavior of composite columns. The main objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of steel-encased concrete composite columns as experimentally under axial compression and the mode of failure under ultimate failure and yield point. The steel-concrete composite system combines the formability and rigidity of reinforced concrete with the ductility and strength of structural steel to meet the demand for earthquake-resistant constructions. Three specimens were chosen for this study: one was a composite column, the other two were ordinary RC columns and structural steel columns. The raw materials' natural properties are assessed. As a result, material testing for cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate was completed, as well as a concrete mix design. A comparative analysis of the local and post-local buckling behavior of different composite sections has been studied and the column sections have been designed according to Eurocode 4 (ENV 1994) to determine the plastic resistance of the section. These three specimens underwent compression test and the results are tabulated and compared. The corrosion resistance and fireproof nature (resistance to fire at higher temperatures) that are transmitted into the member are related to the steel being encased within the concrete. These are the two major drawbacks of any steel construction combined with an earthquake-resistant structure. Rather than a traditional steel construction, earthquake structures benefit from this type of load handling capabilities. The portion can be used before it completely collapses if proper design factors are taken into account.

Objective: To understand the anatomical and dimensional variations of the human inner ear using 3-dimensional (3D) segmentation within the Middle East population.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: King Abdullah Ear Specialist Center (KAESC) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Participant: Forty computed tomography (CT) images of patients with sensorineural hearing loss who underwent cochlear implant (CI) were taken for analysis.Main outcome Measures: Three-dimensional images showing the anatomical variations of the inner ear including various pathological conditions, cochlear parameters including basal turn diameter (“A” value), “B” value which is perpendicular to “A” value, cochlear height, length, and width of the internal auditory canal (IAC), intercochlear spacing, and electrode angular insertion depth (AID).Results: Out of 40 CT image data sets, 12 had normal inner-ear anatomy (NA), 4 with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS), 8 with only 2 turns of the cochlea (2TL), 7 with incomplete partition (IP) type II, 5 with cochlear hypoplasia, 1 with common cavity, and 3 with abnormal IAC. Taking the NA, EVAS, 2TL, and the IP type II cases altogether, age of the patient had no correlation with the “A” value; however, the “A” value had a linear correlation with the “B” value. The age of the patient had an increasing logarithmic correlation with the IAC length and the intercochlear spacing. The “A” value did not have any meaningful correlation with the cochlear height. Three data sets showed asymmetric inner-ear malformation types on either side of the ears. All these 40 cases were implanted with various CI electrode array variants and the corresponding postoperative plain film X-ray images showing the electrode AID are given separately in figures.Conclusions: Three-dimensional segmentation of the inner ear from the temporal bone CT is a valuable clinical and training tool for surgeons and radiologists especially in difficult cases which will certainly help to understand the overall anatomical and dimensional variations.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the shape of cochlear basal turn through basic cochlear parameters measurement. The secondary aim was to overlay an image of the precurved electrode array on top of the three-dimensional (3D) image of the cochlea to determine which shape of the cochlear basal turn gives optimal electrode-to-modiolus proximity.Materials and Methods: Computed tomography (CT) preoperative image-data sets of 117 ears were made available for the measurements of cochlear parameters retrospectively. Three-dimensional slicer was used in the visualization and measurement of cochlear parameters from both 3D and 2D (2-dimensional) images of the inner ear. Cochlear parameters including basal turn diameter (A), width of the basal turn (B), and cochlear height (H) were measured from the appropriate planes. B/Aratio was made to investigate which ratios correspond to round and elliptical shape of the cochlear basal turn.Results: The cochlear size as measured by Avalue ranged between 7.4 mm and 10 mm. The Bvalue and the cochlear height (H) showed a weak positive linear relation with Avalue. The ratio between the Band Avalues anything above or below 0.75 could be an indicator for a more round- or elliptical shaped cochlear basal turn, respectively. One sized/shaped commercially available precurved electrode array would not offer a tight electrode-to-modiolus in the cochlea that has an elliptical shaped basal turn as identified by the B/Aratio of <0.75.Conclusion: Accurate measurement of cochlear parameters adds value to the overall understanding of the cochlear geometry before a cochlear implantation procedure. The shape of cochlear basal turn could have clinical implications when comes to electrode-to-modiolusproximity.

The size of the cochlea varies a lot among the human population bringing the necessity for electrode arrays to be available in various lengths irrespective of the cochlear implant (CI) brand. This research software helps in the estimation of the patient's cochlear duct length (CDL) which is then used for the simulation of the correct length electrode array matching the patient's cochlear size and as well in getting the patient specific cochlear frequency map.

With cochlear implantation (CI) being the standard of care for profoundly deaf cases, more and more patients with low frequency residual hearing are currently being treated with CI. In view of preserving the residual hearing, the ultimate aim of both the surgeons and the CI companies is to achieve zero-degree of electrode insertion trauma. Variations in the size and shape of cochlea, cross-sectional dimensions of ST, electrode insertion techniques with and without metal stylet rod and the experience level of the operating surgeons, all play a role in the electrode array related insertion trauma. An effective electrode design must include flexible array to accommodate the cochlear shape variation, electrode with variety of array lengths to support the concept of cochlear size specific electrode array and finally smaller cross-sectional dimensions of electrode array in matching the cross-sectional dimensions of ST. As per published reports, FLEX electrode array design offers minimal degree of electrode insertion trauma along with the possibility of patient specific electrode array length matching their cochlear size. Looking at the cross-sectional dimensions of FLEX electrode array along with its volume, it appear to be highly safe to the cochlea by not taking too much volume inside the ST. To offer additional support, otological pre-planning software tool like OTOPLAN is now clinically available in measuring the cochlear size in finding the best electrode array match along with the possibilities of anatomy based post-operative speech processor fitting.

Determine the occurrence rate of cochlear implant (CI) electrode tip fold-over and electrode scalar deviation as reported in patient cases with different commercial electrode types.

Cochlear duct length (CDL) measurement or estimation is a hot topic for various research groups in the cochlear implant (CI) field as of today. Getting the CDL along the outer wall (LW) and organ of corti (OC) is possible but considering the clinical application especially in the selection of the electrode array length and applying Greenwood's frequency function, we need to have a clear understanding on the CDL in general and as well on the Greenwood's frequency function. It is very clear from the histology images of the cochlea with straight electrode inside, that the electrode locates itself right under the basilar membrane. Also the Greenwood's frequency function involves a variable that corresponds to the CDL at the basilar membrane/organ of corti level. This brings us to conclude that the CDL at the OC is relevant for the selection of electrode array length and in applying Greenwood's frequency function. The ratio between CDL (LW) and CDL (OC) is 0.9 which is a very important number that needs to be remembered when converting CDL (LW) to CDL (OC).

In this study, Metarhiziumcollagen -like protein (MCL1) promoter from Metarhizium anisopliaewas analysed and truncated into different sizes through series of targeted and random deletions based on the presence of various transcription factor-binding sites. Synthetic Green Fluorescent Protein (sGFP) was being utilized as a reporter gene to study the relative expression driving capability of unmodified and truncated promoters. Conserved promoter sequence analysis revealed similarity between the paralogous promoters from M. brunneumand M. acridum. sGFP expression in the haemolymph was directed with the help of mcl1signal peptide sequence. Deleting the promoter region from − 2764 to − 1583 bp increases the promoter mcl1(Pmcl1) activity by twofolds, while deletions of the regions upstream of − 1150 bp and − 840 bp caused a decrease of sGFP expression level (80% and 70%, respectively). Transcriptional binding sites predicted for the deleted region revealed the loss of upstream repressing sequences such as Matalpha2 along with ROX1 and Rap1 repressor-binding sites located − 2234 bp, − 1754 bp and − 1724 bp from the TSS. Compared with Pmcl1-wild type (2.7 kbp), Pmcl1-1583 bp had a shorter sequence and showed statistically significant expression in M. anisopliae. This study introduces a highly efficient strong inducible promoter for over-expression of target genes in M. anisopliae.

Electrochemical water splitting required efficient electrocatalysts to produce clean hydrogen fuel. Here, we adopted greenway coprecipitation (GC) method to synthesize conducting polymer (CP) nanotunnel network affixed with luminal–abluminal CoNi hydroxides (GC-CoNiCP), namely, GC-Co1Ni2CP, GC-Co1.5Ni1.5CP, and GC-Co2Ni1CP. The active catalyst, GC-Co2Ni1CP/GC, has low oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential (307 mV) and a smaller Tafel slope (47 mV dec–1) than IrO2(125 mV dec–1). The electrochemical active surface area (EASA) normalized linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curve exhibited outstanding intrinsic activity of GC-Co2Ni1CP, which required 285 mV to attain 10 mA cm–2. At 1.54 V, the estimated turnover frequency (TOF) of GC-Co2Ni1CP/GC (0.017337 s–1) was found to be 3-fold higher than that of IrO2(0.0014 s–1). Furthermore, the GC-Co2Ni1CP/NF consumed a very low overpotential (281 mV) with a small Tafel slope of 121 mV dec–1. The ultrastability of GC-Co2Ni1CP for industrial application was confirmed by durability at 10 and 100 mA cm–2for the OER (GC/NF-8 h, 2.0%/100 h, 2.2%) and overall water splitting (100 h, 3.8%), which implies that GC-Co2Ni1CP had adequate kinetics to address the elevated rates of water oxidation. The effect of pH and addition of tetramethylammonium cation (TMA+) reveal that GC-Co2Ni1CP follows the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM). The solar-powered water electrolysis at 1.55 V supports the efficacy of GC-Co2Ni1CP in the solar-to-hydrogen conversion. The environmental impact studies and solar-driven water electrolysis proved that GC-CoNiCP has excellent greenness and efficiency, respectively.

Water electrolysis is a key factor to generate mobile and sustainable energy sources for H2production. Cobalt-based Prussian Blue analogues encompassed with polymer support electrocatalysts CoPBAX@PANI (CoPBA@PANI-100, CoPBA@PANI-200, and CoPBA@PANI-300) have been synthesized and characterized. The well-designed CoPBA@PANI-200/GC shows a low overpotential (η10) of 301 mV with a small Tafel slope (56 mV dec–1), comapred to that of IrO2(348 mV ; 98 mV dec–1) for OER. The conductivity with stability of CoPBAX@PANI have been increased due to the synergistic effect of CoPBA with PANI. PANI provides additional active sites and shows strong binding with Co ions, and the even distribution of CoPBA overcomes the sluggish kinetics. The turnover frequency (TOF) of CoPBA@PANI-200/GC (0.0212, s–1) was ∼15 times higher than IrO2(0.0014 s–1) at 1.60 V. Furthermore, CoPBA@PANI-200/NF delivers low overpotential of 274 mV@10 mA cm–2and exhibits a durability of >250 h with a potential loss of 4.2%. Benefiting from strong electronic interaction between polymer support and evenly distributed CoPBA, CoPBAx@PANI shows higher electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 53.08 mF cm–2. The solar-based water electrolysis confirmed the practical use of CoPBA@PANI-200/NF (1.57 V) for eco-benign industrial H2production. The CoPBA@PANI-200 shows exceptional OER performances as well as favorable kinetics to resolve the sluggish water oxidation. Hence, the cost-effective CoPBA@PANI performances opens a prospective way to boost the efficiency of other cobalt-derived catalysts in renewable energy devices.

ABSTRACTThe non-receptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is known to play a key role in a variety of normal and cancer cellular functions such as survival, proliferation, migration and invasion. It is highly active and overexpressed in various cancers including Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM). Here, initially, we demonstrate that FAK is overexpressed in both PDAC and MPM cell lines. Then we analyze effects of two small molecule inhibitors PF-573228, and PF-431396, which are dual specificity inhibitors of FAK and proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), as well as VS-6063, another small molecule inhibitor that specifically inhibits FAK but not PYK2 for cell growth, motility and invasion of PDAC and MPM cell lines. Treatment with PF-573228, PF-431396 and VS-6063 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of growth and anchorage-independent colony formation in both cancer cell lines. Furthermore, these compounds suppressed the phosphorylation of FAK at its active site, Y397, and functionally induced significant apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in both cell lines. Using the ECIS (Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing) system, we found that treatment of both PF compounds suppressed adherence and migration of PDAC cells on fibronectin. Interestingly, 3D-tumor organoids derived from autochthonous KC (Kras;PdxCre) mice treated with PF-573228 revealed a significant decrease in tumor organoid size and increase in organoid cell death. Taken together, our results show that FAK is an important target for mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer therapy that merit further translational studies.

The effect of preparation methods on the formation of gold doped ceria–lanthana solid solution (Au-CLSS) nanoparticles (NPs) was studied. The nanoparticles were prepared by surfactant assisted precipitation methods viz., co-precipitation (CP) and deposition precipitation (DP) in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The as prepared nanoparticles were characterized using BET, FESEM, EDS, Raman, TEM, XRD and UV–Vis. spectroscopic techniques to investigate the preferred method for the preparation of nanoparticles for catalytic applications. The cubic fluorite phase formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD analysis and the average crystallite size was calculated to be around 7–10 nm. Surface area studies revealed that the NPs formed by CTAB assisted method have higher surface area. The morphology of NPs formed by both methods was flaky. Raman studies confirmed that the samples prepared by DP method generated increased oxygen vacancies than those prepared by CP method. In the present work, catalytic oxidation efficiency of the catalysts studied with toluene vapours showed maximum efficiency for Au-CLSS at low temperatures (450 K) as compared to undoped CLSS.

•Pozzolanic activity of nano-silica is exceptionally high.•The filling effect of nano-silica has a significant impact on the process of pore structure refining.•Utilizing Silica fume improves corrosive strength, sulphate resistance, and abrasion resistance.•Silica fume reduces concrete's permeability and improves its durability.•Nano-silica can improve concrete's mechanical and durability properties and its boosts concrete compressive strength.

ABSTRACTWe previously investigated MET and its oncogenic mutants relevant to lung cancer in C. elegans. The inactive orthlogues of the receptor tyrosine kinase Eph and MET, namely vab-1and RB2088 respectively, the temperature sensitive constitutively active form of KRAS, SD551 (let-60; GA89) and the inactive c-CBL equivalent mutants in sli-1(PS2728, PS1258, and MT13032) when subjected to chronic exposure of nicotine resulted in a significant loss in egg-laying capacity and fertility. While the vab-1mutant revealed increased circular motion in response to nicotine, the other mutant strains failed to show any effect. Overall locomotion speed increased with increasing nicotine concentration in all tested mutant strains except in the vab-1mutants. Moreover, chronic nicotine exposure, in general, upregulated kinases and phosphatases. Taken together, these studies provide evidence in support of C. elegansas initial in vivomodel to study nicotine and its effects on oncogenic mutations identified in humans.

Using a linear measurement of the cochlea on a single radiographic image can reliably estimate the complete and two-turn cochlear duct length (CDL) in a normal human temporal bone.

The influence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and ethylene glycol on the size and dispersion of indium oxide nanoparticles prepared under hydrothermal conditions was investigated. The precursor compound, indium hydroxide, obtained by the hydrothermal method in the absence as well as the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, was converted to indium oxide by sintering at 400°C. The formation of nanoscale indium oxide upon sintering was ascertained by the characteristic infrared adsorption bands and X-ray diffraction patterns of indium oxide. Transmission electron microscopy and band gap values confirmed that the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide facilitated the formation of indium oxide nanoparticles smaller in size and narrower in distribution than those prepared without the assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

The performance and durability of any building component do not only depend on the quality of construction material used but is also defined by the ground condition beneath the structural foundation. Soil properties are difficult to predict and change depending on the soil profile location. Expansive soils, sulfur-rich soils, and hydrocarbon-contaminated soils are considered the most vulnerable due to their sudden shrink-swell assets, pollutants, and complex clay mineral contents. Soil untreated for engineering applications has never been recommended. Numerous geotechnical techniques and natural or man-made additives are available to improve the engineering performance of these soils. But most of those techniques are obsolete due to poor performance. To elucidate this, in recent years, the geopolymer has been introduced in the form of an alkaline activated solution as an alteration to the conservative methods of soil stabilization. It was also hoped that using geopolymer in soil stabilisation would reduce resource exploitation and pollution and improve expansive soil engineering performance. This review examined whether strengthening poorly stabilised soil can improve engineering performance while minimising environmental impacts. The objective of the review was to analyse whether they could be accomplished by accumulating different industrial precursor additives or activators with an alkaline activated solution for soil mechanical behaviour improvement.