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This study examines stress biomarkers over the process of teaching and their associations with demographics, emotions, and mental health of 56 English as Foreign Language teachers. Participating teachers were invited to complete a questionnaire packet and provide saliva samples over three‐time points (i.e., before, during, and end of teaching). Afterward, the saliva samples were assayed for cortisol and α‐amylase as stress biomarkers. The results showed a significant change in the concentrations of cortisol and α‐amylase over the teaching process. In addition, being female, younger, more educated, and having more teaching experience were significantly associated with a higher level of α‐amylase, particularly before and during class time, thereby reflecting a greater level of stress. However, emotions and general mental health were not significantly associated with cortisol and α‐amylase over time. The findings highlighted the changes of biomarkers over the process of teaching and their relationships with other variables. Practitioner points: Female and younger teachers may experience high level of α‐amylase before and during class time.High level of α‐amylase may exist among teachers with long teaching experience.Emotions and general mental health are not significant predictors of teachers' stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient, reliable, and resilient supply of electricity has become essential for social and economic well‐being of the modern society. However, more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events has exposed inequity in the planning and operation practices of power distribution systems, evidenced in higher vulnerability and longer power interruptions for some parts of the grid as compared to others. This paper proposes an equity‐aware power distribution system restoration model in an effort to ensure a more equitable yet resilient power distribution operation after outages. To this end, the proposed equity‐aware distribution system restoration model balances the efficiency of the restoration operation and the equitable allocation of distributed energy resources among affected customers after an outage, while prioritizing the critical infrastructure (e.g. hospitals). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework to ensure a more equitable restoration process as measured by the proposed fairness and restoration performance indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This review article explores recent advancements in converting cheese whey (CW) into high‐value‐added products, focusing on producing biofuels, bioelectricity and different whey‐based food items, as well as other potential uses. Additionally, new integrated reutilising strategies are proposed to utilise CW to develop innovative products with various applications, mainly focusing on sustainable alternatives at the industrial level. CW could be utilised with the help of different processes, for example separation of main protein components from cheese whey, like separation and purification of α‐lactalbumin, production of polysaccharides (lactose and lactulose), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), other organic acids and bioethanol. Besides these products, CW could also be utilised in the fermentation process, in the production of alcoholic drinks (whey sprite and white whisky), in the production of whey protein concentrate and as poultry feed. Biotechnological approaches for whey utilisation are the most recent alternatives. They can produce important products for the industries, such as whey‐based products, bioplastics, biofuels, bioelectricity, organic acids, bioactive compounds and whey‐based food items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the heat and species transfer in a composite cavity linked with a horizontal channel. The cavity comprises a triangular porous layer and one of its vertical sides is exposed to a high temperature and concentration. The mathematical conservation equations are solved numerically using the Galerkin finite element method. The ranges of Reynolds and Richardson numbers are taken to ascertain laminar flow, Re = 50–250 and Ri = 0.1–100. The size of the porous layer is quantified by the thickness of the porous layer Hp = 0.25–1. The problem is studied for two cases of heat and species sources; the opposing case, when the active side is on the right, and assisting case, when the active side is on the left. Results reveal that for specified conditions, the triangular porous layer increases Nusselt and Sherwood numbers by 30% and 32%, respectively, more than the horizontal porous layer. The opposing case gives maximum convective heat transfer, where for Ri = 0.01, the Nusselt number is higher by 61% and 134% for Re = 50 and 250, respectively, while for Ri = 100, the percentages increase are 67% and 43%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falkner's‐Skan flows are one‐dimensional flows widely used in fluid dynamics and boundary layer theory. They optimize heat exchangers and cooling systems, enhance turbine and compressor blades in turbomachinery, and provide consistency and quality in semiconductor fabrication. Additionally, they assist in pollution management and environmental impact assessments. The variety of Falkner's‐Skan flows clarifies fluid flow phenomena and their practical applications. This article aims to explore the impact of surface temperature on the flow behavior of dusty fluid in Falkner's‐Skan flow. The study focuses on the flow of dust particles in a channel formed by two infinite parallel plates. The study assumes that the particles are round and uniformly dispersed in the fluid. Furthermore, the article takes into account the effect of radiation on the energy equation. With the findings of this study, we hope to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of Falkner's‐Skan flow and contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing the flow of dusty fluids. The right plate's movement at free stream velocity Ue=axn ${U}_{e}=a{x}^{n}$ causes the fluid to flow. Partial differential equations are used to represent the behavior of the flow. The Poincare‐Light Hill Technique yields exact answers. Visual representations of the temperature and velocity curves show the effects of different factors. It is possible to create graphic pictures of the fluid and dust particles using Mathcad‐15. Furthermore, critical fluid characteristics for engineers, such as skin friction and heat transfer rate, are analyzed and tabulated. These evaluations include the heat transfer rate at the wedge surface and the influence of this enhancement on surface viscous drag forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal stability of thick (≈4 μm) plasma‐grown hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) layers on glass upon application of a rather rapid annealing step is investigated. Such films are of interest as precursor layers for laser liquid‐phase crystallized silicon solar cells. However, at least half‐day annealing at T ≈550 °C is considered to be necessary so far to reduce the hydrogen (H) content and thus avoid blistering and peeling during the crystallization process due to H. By varying the deposition conditions of a‐Si:H, layers of rather different thermal stability are fabricated. Changes in the surface morphology of these a‐Si:H layers are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and profilometry measurements. Hydrogen effusion, secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) depth profiling, and Raman spectroscopy measurements are also carried out. In summary, amorphous silicon precursor layers are fabricated that can be heated within 30 min to a temperature of 550 °C without peeling and major surface morphological changes. Successful laser liquid‐phase crystallization of such material is demonstrated. The physical nature of a‐Si:H material stability/instability upon application of rapid heating is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoprobe X‐ray diffraction (nXRD) using focused synchrotron radiation is a powerful technique to study the structural properties of individual semiconductor nanowires. However, when performing the experiment under ambient conditions, the required high X‐ray dose and prolonged exposure times can lead to radiation damage. To unveil the origin of radiation damage, a comparison is made of nXRD experiments carried out on individual semiconductor nanowires in their as‐grown geometry both under ambient conditions and under He atmosphere at the microfocus station of the P08 beamline at the third‐generation source PETRA III. Using an incident X‐ray beam energy of 9 keV and photon flux of 1010 s−1, the axial lattice parameter and tilt of individual GaAs/In0.2Ga0.8As/GaAs core–shell nanowires were monitored by continuously recording reciprocal‐space maps of the 111 Bragg reflection at a fixed spatial position over several hours. In addition, the emission properties of the (In,Ga)As quantum well, the atomic composition of the exposed nanowires and the nanowire morphology were studied by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, both prior to and after nXRD exposure. Nanowires exposed under ambient conditions show severe optical and morphological damage, which was reduced for nanowires exposed under He atmosphere. The observed damage can be largely attributed to an oxidation process from X‐ray‐induced ozone reactions in air. Due to the lower heat‐transfer coefficient compared with GaAs, this oxide shell limits the heat transfer through the nanowire side facets, which is considered as the main channel of heat dissipation for nanowires in the as‐grown geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swarming and pairing behaviors are significant to population dispersal of termites. Tandem running is a key process in pairing behavior of dealates to find a mate. Succinylation can lead to significant changes in protein structure and function, which is widely involved in metabolism and behavior regulation in many organisms. However, whether succinylation modification regulates termites’ tandem running is currently unknown. In this research, we performed quantitative modified proteomics of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder before and after alate swarming. The succinylation levels of accessory gland protein (ACP) were significantly altered after alate swarming. We found that ACP is enriched in male accessory gland and female oocytes of termites. The acetylation and succinylation sites of ACP affected tandem running of dealates. The transcriptome and metabolome analyses of alates injected with ACP and its mutant proteins showed that β‐alanine metabolism pathway was the major downstream pathway of ACP. Silencing the significantly differentially expressed genes in the β‐alanine metabolic pathway (acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, enoyl‐CoA hydratase, 3‐hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase, methylmalonate‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase) suppressed tandem running and altered oviposition of paired dealates. These findings demonstrate that protein translation modification is an important regulator of tandem running behavior of termites, which implies that the succinylation and acetylation modification sites of ACP could be potential targets for insecticide action. Our research offers a potential approach for developing novel dispersal inhibitors against social insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common hemoglobin disorder with variable clinical manifestations. Spontaneous subgaleal hematoma is rare, with sporadic cases reported in patients with SCD. Most cases resolve with conservative measures. Skull bone infarction should be considered a possible cause of severe acute headache in patients with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic insulating refractory bricks were prepared by mixing kaolin and grog with polystyrene (PS) beads up to 1.5% and bagasse up to 5% (by weight). This latter is a fibrous waste residue from the sugar cane industry. The bricks were dried and fired at 1250°C in a cycle lasting for 16 hours. The bricks were tested for water absorption, porosity, bulk density, cold crushing strength and thermal conductivity at three different temperatures (400, 600, and 800°C). It was concluded that bricks containing 1% PS and 3% bagasse abided by ASTM C155‐97 for C‐30 type insulating refractories with a bulk density of 1.01 g/cm3, a cold crushing strength of 4.08 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 0.37 W/K/m at 800°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, core–shell–shell semiconductor nanowires (NWs) made from III–V materials with low lattice mismatch grow pseudomorphically along the growth axis, i.e. the axial lattice parameters of the core and shell materials are the same. Therefore, both the structural composition and interface strain of the NWs are encoded along directions perpendicular to the growth axis. Owing to fluctuations in the supplied growth species during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth, structural parameters such as local shell thickness, composition and strain may differ between NWs grown onto the same substrate. This requires structural analysis of single NWs instead of measuring NW ensembles. In this work, the complete structure of single GaAs/(In,Ga)As/GaAs core–shell–shell NW heterostructures is determined by means of X‐ray nanodiffraction using synchrotron radiation. The NWs were grown by MBE on a prepatterned silicon (111) substrate with a core diameter of 50 nm and an (In,Ga)As shell thickness of 20 nm with a nominal indium concentration of 15%, capped by a 30 nm GaAs outer shell. In order to access single NWs with the X‐ray nanobeam being incident parallel to the surface of the substrate, a single row of holes with a separation of 10 µm was defined by electron‐beam lithography to act as nucleation centres for MBE NW growth. These well separated NWs were probed sequentially by X‐ray nanodiffraction, recording three‐dimensional reciprocal‐space maps of Bragg reflections with scattering vectors parallel (out‐of‐plane) and perpendicular (in‐plane) to the NW growth axis. From the out‐of‐plane 111 Bragg reflection, deviations from hexagonal symmetry were derived, together with the diameters of probed NWs grown under the same conditions. The radial NW composition and interface strain became accessible when measuring the two‐dimensional scattering intensity distributions of the in‐plane and reflections, exhibiting well pronounced thickness fringes perpendicular to the NW side planes (truncation rods, TRs). Quantitative values of thickness, composition and strain acting on the (In,Ga)As and GaAs shells were obtained via finite‐element modelling of the core–shell–shell NWs and subsequent Fourier transform, simulating the TRs measured along the three different directions of the hexagonally shaped NWs simultaneously. Considering the experimental constraints of the current experiment, thicknesses and In content have been evaluated with uncertainties of ±2 nm and ±0.01, respectively. Comparing data taken from different single NWs, the shell thicknesses differ from one to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The authors present in this article an overview of the six port reflectometer (SPR). They realized SPR using broadside coupled lines for achieving ultrawide band, which is essential for its working as an alternative network analyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembly of a death-inducing signaling complex is a key event in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, enabling activation of the caspase cascade and subsequent cell death. However, the molecular events governing DISC assembly have remained largely elusive because of the lack of information on mechanism and specificity regulating the death effector domain (DED)-DED interaction network. Using molecular modeling, mutagenesis, and biochemical and ex vivo experiments, we identified the precise binding interface and hot spots crucial for intermolecular DED chain assembly. Mutation of key interface residues (Leu42/Phe45) in procaspase-8 DED-A completely abrogated DED chain formation in HEK293 cells and prevented its association with FADD. A significant 2.6-3.6-fold reduction in procaspase-8 activation was observed in functional cell-death assays after substitution of the interfacial residues. Based on our results we propose a new model for DISC formation that refines the current understanding of the activation mechanism. Upon stimulation, FADD self-associates weakly via reciprocal interaction between helices a1/a4 and a2/a3 of the DED to form an oligomeric signaling platform that provides a stage for the initial recruitment of procaspase-8 through direct interaction with a1/a4 of DED-A, followed by sequential interaction mediated by helices a2/a5 of DED-B, to form the procaspase-8 DED chain that is crucial for its activation and subsequent cell death.--Singh, N., Hassan, A., Bose, K. Molecular basis of death effector domain chain assembly and its role in caspase-8 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) eradication has always been a concern. In our pervious study, 14-day hybrid regimen showed ideal results. Based on these findings, we decided to compare the efficacy of 10- and 14-day hybrid regimens for H. pylori eradication. Methods Two hundred and seventy patients with peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection were enrolled in the study. One hundred and thirty-four patients received 10-day hybrid regimen ( PACT-10): pantoprazole, 40 mg, and amoxicillin, 1 g, both twice daily for 10 days; plus clarithromycin, 500 mg, and tinidazole, 500 mg, both twice daily just during the last 5 days. One hundred and thirty-six patients received 14-day hybrid regimen ( PACT-14): pantoprazole, 40 mg, and amoxicillin, 1 g, both twice a day for 14 days; plus clarithromycin, 500 mg, and tinidazole, 500 mg, both twice daily just for the last 7 days. Eight weeks after treatment, 14C-urea breath test was performed to evaluate H. pylori eradication. Results Two hundred and fifty patients (124 patients in PACT-10 and 126 patients in PACT-14 regimens) completed the study. The intention-to-treat eradication rates were 77.6% (95% confidence interval ( CI): 70.6-84.6%) and 86% (95% CI: 80-92%) for the two regimens, respectively ( p = .17). Per-protocol eradication rates were 83.8% (95% CI: 80-86%) and 92.8% (95% CI: 88-96%), respectively ( p < .01). There were no significant intergroup differences in compliance to treatment or discontinuation of therapy due to severe side effects. Conclusion Ten-day hybrid regimen could not achieve acceptable eradication rate. However, 14-day hybrid regimen seems to be an acceptable option for H. pylori eradication in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study possesses the mathematical computational analysis for mixed convection nanofluid (CuO–water) flow in a lid‐driven parallelogram enclosure with corrugated walls. A partially heated source is located at the bottom corrugated wall. The remaining portions of upper and lower corrugated boundaries are adiabatic. The verticals walls are kept cold. The flow dynamic established with wall undulation and inclined Lorentz forces generate complex mathematical formulation via partial differential equations. Finite element method is implemented to get numerical interpretation of these equations. The simulation is performed against various emerging parameters and the outcomes in terms of isotherms, streamlines and line graphs. The results are recorded against various Richardson numbers (10−2≤Ri≤102)$(10^{-2}\le Ri \le 10^{2})$, Hartman number (0≤Ha≤100)$(0\le Ha \le 100)$, nanoparticles volume fraction (0≤ϕ≤0.2)$(0 \le \phi \le 0.2)$, and amplitude of the corrugated horizontal walls (0.02≤Am≤0.10)$(0.02\le A_m \le 0.10)$. It is observed that against smaller Richardson number streamlines indicate forced convection flow while at higher Richardson number flow divert toward free convection regime. Additionally, heat transportation is maximum when magnetic field is applied in perpendicular direction as well as at maximum amplitude of wall undulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, many real-time geospatial applications (e.g. navigation and location-based services) involve data- and/or compute-intensive geoprocessing tasks where performance is of great importance. Cloud computing, a promising platform with a large pool of storage and computing resources, could be a practical solution for hosting vast amounts of data and for real-time processing. In this article, we explored the feasibility of using Google App Engine (GAE), the cloud computing technology by Google, for a module in navigation services, called Integrated GNSS (iGNSS) QoS prediction. The objective of this module is to predict quality of iGNSS positioning solutions for prospective routes in advance. iGNSS QoS prediction involves the real-time computation of large Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) generated from LiDAR data. We experimented with the Google App Engine (GAE) and stored a large TIN for two geoprocessing operations (proximity and bounding box) required for iGNSS QoS prediction. The experimental results revealed that while cloud computing can potentially be used for development and deployment of data- and/or compute-intensive geospatial applications, current cloud platforms require improvements and special tools for handling real-time geoprocessing, such as iGNSS QoS prediction, efficiently. The article also provides a set of general guidelines for future development of real-time geoprocessing in clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Case Report People living with HIV are disproportionately represented among people with severe mpox. Mild and self‐limiting conjunctival involvement has been well‐documented, and severe ocular complications, including keratitis, corneal scarring, and the associated loss of vision, are increasingly recognized. Tecovirimat is the first‐line antiviral therapy for severe mpox, but data around the efficacy of systemic antiviral agents for mpox are limited, particularly in cases of ocular mpox.Here, we describe a case of sight‐threatening necrotic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in a person with advanced HIV, requiring an extended course of tecovirimat due to persistent mpox viral shedding for nearly 5 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance breathing may restore cardiac output (CO) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) during hypovolemia. We assessed CBF and cerebral autoregulation (CA) during tilt, resistance breathing, and paced breathing in 10 healthy subjects. Blood velocities in the internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral arteries (MCA, four subjects), and aorta were measured by Doppler ultrasound in 30° and 60° semi‐recumbent positions. ICA blood flow and CO were calculated. Arterial blood pressure (ABP, Finometer), and end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2) were recorded. ICA blood flow response was assessed by mixed‐models regression analysis. The synchronization index (SI) for the variable pairs ABP–ICA blood velocity, ABP–MCA velocities in 0.005–0.08 Hz frequency interval was calculated as a measure of CA. Passive tilting from 30° to 60° resulted in 12% decrease in CO (p = 0.001); ICA blood flow tended to fall (p = 0.04); Resistance breathing restored CO and ICA blood flow despite a 10% ETCO2 drop. ETCO2 and CO contributed to ICA blood flow variance (adjusted R2: 0.9, p < 0.0001). The median SI was low (<0.2) indicating intact CA, confirmed by surrogate date testing. The peak SI was transiently elevated during resistance breathing in the 60° position. Resistance breathing may transiently reduce CA efficiency. Paced breathing did not restore CO or ICA blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of synthesized antipyrinyl‐imidazotriazole and its derivatives as inhibitors for the corrosion of copper alloy in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution was tested using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodyanmic polarization techniques. The generated results confirmed that the tested compounds have strong inhibition efficiencies for the protection of the corrosion of copper alloy in 0.5 M H2SO4. Maximum inhibition efficiencies (IEs) evaluated from electrochemical measurements at inhibitor's concentrations of 0.040 g/L were 85% (5‐(4‐Antipyrinyl)‐3H‐imidazo[1,2‐b][1,2,4]triazole), 60% (6‐Antipyrinyl‐imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole) and 72% (2‐Antipyrinyl‐7‐ethoxy‐imidazo[2,1‐b]benzothiazole). It was observed that the inhibition efficiency was strongly influenced by the flow rate of the solution and was reduced to 79 (5‐(4‐Antipyrinyl)‐3H‐imidazo[1,2‐b][1,2,4]triazole), 60% (6‐Antipyrinyl‐imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole), and 44% (2‐Antipyrinyl‐7‐ethoxy‐imidazo[2,1‐b]benzothiazole) at an agitation speed of 400 rpm. EI from weight loss was comparable with those from PDP of mixed‐type inhibition style and EIS of diffusion model. The low inhibition efficiency for 6‐Antipyrinyl‐imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole was significantly enhanced from 60% to 90% through a synergistic effect of 0.0001 M KI. The Temkin and Frumkin isotherms indicate the physical adsorption of inhibitors on copper surface. Condensed Fukui function calculations reveal a common center for electrophilic attacks in the three molecules: the nitrogen in the bridged pyrrole rings (labeled as N11). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to explore the combined impact of activation energy and entropy generation on Prandtl‐Eyring fluid flow within a curved channel, considering Hall and ion slip effects, alongside the influence of nonlinear thermal radiation on heat transfer. This research is pivotal as it delves into the multifaceted relationship among these factors, offering important implications spanning various fields, from engineering to physics. Notably, the findings highlight that heightened nonlinear thermal radiation does not solely elevate entropy generation but also amplifies the Bejan number, signifying a substantial effect on fluid flow dynamics. Furthermore, the investigation reveals an intriguing correlation: lower concentrations paired with higher Arrhenius activation energy values correspond to heightened chemical reaction rates, presenting valuable insights applicable to reaction engineering and material sciences. Additionally, exploring the impact of activation energy and entropy generation within this fluid model presents a unique approach to understanding complex fluid dynamics and heat transfer phenomena, offering insights crucial for various engineering applications, particularly in fluid dynamics, thermal sciences, and materials engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work leaves to explore the stability of a 2‐D, time free, thermal boundary layer of graphene oxide ethylene glycol (GO‐EG,) where GO‐blood is taken as base nanofluids over a stretchable surface by executing a magnetic field (MHD), coupled stress effects, heat source/sink, and sun‐oriented radiations. This work is done due to the reason that nanofluids have a higher heat conductivity level rather than regular liquids. Nonlinear partial differential equations (N‐PDEs) are modeled utilizing the notable boundary layer equations. Dimensionless ordinary differential conditions (ODEs) are made from the created NPDEs by utilizing dimensional analysis and group theoretic approach. We examine the obtained ODEs through the notable homotopy analysis technique (HAM). The impacts of different parameters on temperature distribution and velocity profiles are shown graphically. However, some tables are constructed in support of the presented study to confirm the stability and convergence of the solutions. The main intentions in this work are to underline the enhancement of traditional heat transfer's thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study considered electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow properties on viscid liquid over wavy walls. Initially, performed the scientific evidence and then explanation of velocity attained by applying the perturbation approach. Through mathematical calculations, we evaluated the corrugation impact on EMHD velocity flow. The impacts of evolving constraints from attained solutions are studied by intriguing the diagrams. The significant hypothesis is that decrease the imperceptible wave consequence on the velocity for the minor value of amplitude proportion parameter. For the small value of amplitude, the curvy phenomenon becomes understandable. In graphical results trapped bolus appears for out phase corrugations. From this study, we have come up with the result that the velocity achieves the extreme value in the mid of the channel. The velocity profile declines for the Reynolds number. The reason is that for the greater amount of the Reynolds number, the velocity fluctuates quickly by lesser amplitudes. The velocity profile decay with the growing value of the curving parameter in [−1,0] and grow in [0,1]. The stress components τzr±$\tau _{zr}^ \pm $ decline and the stress components τzx±$\tau _{zx}^ \pm $ rise for the curving parameter. The present analysis has practical applications in biomedical propulsion of targeted drug delivery, manufacturing of peristaltic pumps, transportation of diverse fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial infections have consistently been identified as one of the major threats to global health. In this regard, the current study was designed to synthesize and evaluate the antibacterial activity of Mo‐AgNPs at various concentrations (2, 4, and 8 mg/mL), temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 37 °C, and 85 °C) and pH (4, 7, and 11) against Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas veronii) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) by the well diffusion method as well as antioxidant potential using DPPH assay at 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL. Fabrication of Mo‐AgNPs was authenticated by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Mo‐AgNPs produced a significant zone of growth inhibition (21.0±0.3 mm) against B. subtilis at 8 mg/mL. At 25 °C, a significant zone of growth inhibition (21.0±0.8 mm) was measured against E. coli. Similarly, at pH 4, Mo‐AgNPs showed significantly highest growth inhibition zones of 12.0±7.5 mm, 12.0±6.3 mm, and 12.0±9.8 mm against P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A. veronii, respectively. The present study results indicated that Mo‐AgNPs are stable under varied conditions. Significant free radical scavenging activity (82±0.5 %) of Mo‐AgNPs at 4 mg/mL was observed, which revealed the antioxidant potential of the Mo‐AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are emergent state‐of‐the‐art modalities for thermal treatment of cancer. While their mechanisms of action have distinct physical bases, both approaches rely on nanoparticle‐mediated remote onset of thermotherapy. Yet, are the two heating techniques interchangeable? Here, the heating obtained either with MHT or with PTT is compared. The heating is assessed in distinct environments and involves a set of nanomaterials differing in shape (spheres, cubes, stars, shells, and rods) as well as in composition (maghemite, magnetite, cobalt ferrite, and gold). The nanoparticle's heating efficacy in an aqueous medium is first evaluated. Subsequently, the heating efficiency within the cellular environment, where intracellular processing markedly decreases MHT, is compared. Conversely, endosomal sequestration could have a positive effect on PTT. Finally, iron oxide nanocubes and gold nanostars are compared in MHT and PTT in vivo within the heterogeneous intratumoral environment. Overall, two distinct therapeutic approaches, related to high dosage allowing MHT and low dosage associated with PTT, are identified. It is also demonstrated that PTT mediated by magnetic nanoparticles has an efficacy that is comparable to that of plasmonic nanoparticles, but only at significant nanoparticle dosages. At low concentrations, only plasmonic nanoparticles can deliver a therapeutic heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double layers of deuterated and hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) on glass are heated in the ambient by scanning with a green (532 nm) continuous wave laser. The hydrogen diffusion length in the laser spot is obtained from the deuterium (D)–hydrogen (H) interdiffusion measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), the temperature in the laser spot is obtained by calculation. Under certain conditions, detachment of the deuterated layer from the hydrogenated layer is observed in the SIMS depth profiles, visible by rising oxygen and carbon signals at the D/H interface attributed to in‐diffusion of atmospheric gas species like water vapor, oxygen, and carbon oxide. Stacks involving both undoped and boron‐doped a‐Si:H films show disintegration. The results suggest that the parameters leading to the disintegration effects are the presence of a plane of reduced material cohesion at the D/H interface, a sizeable H diffusion length and a rather high heating rate. Herein, it is likely considered that the observed layer disintegration process is involved in the peeling of a‐Si:H films upon fast heating. Furthermore, the results show that rapid laser heating can be used to detect planes of reduced material cohesion which may compromise the electronic properties of a‐Si:H‐based stacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interpretation of heat and mass transfer for the peristaltic flow of a non‐Newtonian Jeffrey fluid inside a duct having an elliptic cross‐section is mathematically investigated. We have considered constant heat absorption for the present study and a descriptive heat as well as mass transfer analysis is carried out. Exact solutions are computed by utilizing a polynomial solution technique to solve the dimensionless partial differential equations appearing in the problem. A purposeful and detailed graphical assessment is provided for the final mathematical results. Velocity as well as temperature profiles attain highest value at the core region of duct while these profiles gradually decline toward duct boundaries. The incrementing value of λ1 is resulting in an increase of flow and since λ1 is the dimensionless ratio of relaxation to retardation time, it means that the increasing value of λ1 results in an increase of relaxation time but it also results in decline of retardation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing in vitro models that recapitulate the in vivo organization of living cells in a 3D microenvironment is one of the current challenges in the field of tissue engineering. In particular for anisotropic tissues where alignment of precursor cells is required for them to create functional structures. Herein, a new method is proposed that allows aligning in the direction of a uniform magnetic field both individual cells (muscle, stromal, and stem cells) or spheroids in a thermoresponsive collagen hydrogel. In an all‐in‐one approach, spheroids are generated at high throughput by magnetic engineering using microfabricated micromagnets and are used as building blocks to create 3D anisotropic tissue structures of different scales. The magnetic cells and spheroids alignment process is optimized in terms of magnetic cell labeling, concentration, and size. Anisotropic structures are induced to form fibers in the direction of the magnetic alignment, with the respective roles of the magnetic field, the mechanical stretching of hydrogel or co‐culture of the aligned cells with non‐magnetic stromal cells, being investigated. Over days, spheroids fuse into 3D tubular structures, oriented in the direction of the magnetic alignment. Moreover, in the case of the muscle cells model, multinucleated cells can be observed within the fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca2CuO3 and Ca3Co2O6 are synthesized by coprecipitation using (NH4)2CO3 from solutions of CaCO3 and CuCO3 or CoCO3 followed by firing of the obtained precipitates at 900 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social behaviours in termites are closely related to the chemical communication between individuals. It is well known that foraging worker termites can use trail pheromones to orient and locomote along trails so as to take food resources back to the nest. However, it is still unclear how termites recognize trail pheromones. Here, we cloned and sequenced the cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG) gene from the termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder, and then examined the response of termites to trail pheromones after silencing PKG through RNA interference. We found that PKG knockdown impaired termite ability to follow trail pheromones accurately and exhibited irregular behavioural trajectories in response to the trail pheromone in the termite R. chinensis. Our locomotion assays further showed that PKG knockdown significantly increased the turn angle and angular velocity in the termite R. chinensis. These findings help us better understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of foraging communications in termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural degradation is the main challenge of Nickel‐rich cathodes, leading to capacity and voltage fading, especially at high cut‐off voltages. Herein, LiNi0.94‐xCo0.06MgxO2 (x=0, 0.01, 0.02) samples have been prepared by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. The effects of Mg doping on its crystalline structure, and electrochemical performance have been studied by various characterizations analysis. We notice that Mg doping can not only tighten the structure/interface stability of the cathode, but also accelerates the Li+ diffusion, thereby significantly achieving its high voltage/cycle stability. High‐voltage (4.5 V) electrochemical results show that Mg‐doped LiNi0.94Co0.06O2 (1 % Mg) can achieve a high reversible capacity of 217.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, high cycle retention rate of 80.5 % after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, inhibits average voltage decay, suppress resistance rise and boosted rate performance. Our work provides a solid strategy for improving the structure and voltage decay of nickel‐rich cathode materials for future high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thalassemia is an inherited hematological disorder categorized by a decrease or absence of one or more of the globin chains synthesis. Beta‐thalassemia is caused by one or more mutations in the beta‐globin gene. The absence or reduced amount of beta‐globin chains causes ineffective erythropoiesis which leads to anemia. Methods: Beta‐thalassemia has been further divided into three main forms: thalassemia major, intermedia, and minor/silent carrier. A more severe form among these is thalassemia major in which individuals depend upon blood transfusion for survival. The high level of iron deposition occurs due to regular blood transfusion therapy. Results: Overloaded iron raises the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are noxious and prompting the injury to the hepatic, endocrine, and vascular system. Thalassemia can be analyzed and diagnosed via prenatal testing (genetic testing of amniotic fluid), blood smear, complete blood count, and DNA analysis (genetic testing). Treatment of thalassemia intermediate is symptomatic; however; it can also be accomplished by folic supplementation and splenectomy. Conclusion: Thalassemia major can be cured through regular transfusion of blood, transplantation of bone marrow, iron chelation management, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, stimulation of fetal hemoglobin production, and gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lab‐on‐a‐particle: Fluorescent, plasmonic, and magnetic SiO2*‐Au‐γ‐Fe2O3 nanostructures were assembled under continuous flow using two microfluidic devices (μR1 and μR2) connected in series. After assembling the SiO2*‐Au nanostructures by electrostatic interactions, γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles were attached to the structures (see picture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ein partikelgroßes Labor: Fluoreszente, plasmonische und magnetische SiO2* ‐ Au ‐ γ ‐ Fe2O3 ‐ Nanostrukturen wurden in zwei seriell geschalteten Mikrofluidikeinheiten (μR1 und μR2) unter kontinuierlichen Fließbedingungen erhalten. Nach Bildung der SiO2* ‐ Au ‐ Nanostrukturen durch elektrostatische Wechselwirkungen konnten die Strukturen mit γ ‐ Fe2O3 ‐ Nanopartikeln modifiziert werden (siehe Bild). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of glycals into 2,3‐unsaturated glycosyl derivatives, reported by Ferrier in 1962, is supposed to involve an α,β unsaturated glycosyl cation, an elusive ionic species that has still to be observed experimentally. Herein, while combination of TfOH and flow conditions failed to observe this ionic species, its extended lifetime in superacid solutions allowed its characterization by NMR‐based structural analysis supported by DFT calculations. This allyloxycarbenium ion was further exploited in the Ferrier rearrangement to afford unsaturated nitrogen‐containing C‐aryl glycosides and C‐alkyl glycosides under superacid and flow conditions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of glycals into 2,3‐unsaturated glycosyl derivatives, reported by Ferrier in 1962, is supposed to involve an α,β unsaturated glycosyl cation, an elusive ionic species that has still to be observed experimentally. Herein, while combination of TfOH and flow conditions failed to observe this ionic species, its extended lifetime in superacid solutions allowed its characterization by NMR‐based structural analysis supported by DFT calculations. This allyloxycarbenium ion was further exploited in the Ferrier rearrangement to afford unsaturated nitrogen‐containing C‐aryl glycosides and C‐alkyl glycosides under superacid and flow conditions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata is an agricultural insect pest in Eastern Asia. Mythimna separata moths have a high phototactic response to green (520 nm) light. The biological characteristics of insects living under light of a specific wavelength at night can change and, accordingly, Juvenile hormone (JH) levels may be influenced by this light. The present study evaluates changes in the total JH levels at different developmental stages (larvae, pupae and adults) of M. separata reared under green light with different exposure periods at night (or dark period). The results show that, when the exposure time per day of the green light at night is extended, the JH levels in the final‐instar larvae (22 days) and older age pupae (8 days) are significantly reduced, and the JH levels in earlier age pupae (4 days) and adults (3, 6 and 9 days) are significantly increased, compared with groups not exposed to green light. Additionally, the JH level of male moths significantly differs from that of the female moths. We suggest that the JH level of M. separata insects could be regulated by the green light at night (or dark period). The findings of the present study will help to explain the relationship between the light environment and biological characteristics in nocturnal moths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic potential of five indigenous plant oils: black pepper (Piper nigrum), Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), garlic (Allium sativum), river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), against laboratory reared Sitophilus oryzae adults. The bioassays were done by the diet incorporation method with concentrations ranging from 50 ppm to 500 ppm. Based on lethal concentrations to kill 50% (LC50) of the subjected weevils, T. peruviana proved to be the most toxic having the lowest LC50 values, 414.58, 201.94, and 129.52 ppm, after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure, respectively, followed by E. camaldulensis (475.51, 366.65, and 251.28 ppm, respectively). The rest of the plant oils also showed toxic potential, but these were less toxic compared with T. peruviana and E. camaldulensis. With respect to the time taken to cause 50% mortality (LT50) of the exposed weevils, T. peruviana had LT50 at 14.54 days followed by P. nigrum (22.09 days), E. camaldulensis (24.29 days), and C. cassia (28.71 days). Whereas, A. sativum took the longest time (44.47 days) to cause 50% mortality of the exposed weevils. In conclusion, the result revealed toxic potential of tested plant oils, and suggests further studies under simulated‐field conditions should be included in the management plan for S. oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To determine the utility of ultrasonography in guiding modification of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (DMARD) and steroid therapy for inflammatory arthritis (IA) in routine clinical practice. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed DMARD and steroid use in IA patients referred to a rheumatologist‐led ultrasound clinic. Power Doppler (PD) vascularity and greyscale (GS) synovial hypertrophy joint findings were categorized as positive/negative for each patient. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was used as a measure of disease activity. Results: We assessed single visit data for 46 adult IA patients: 67.4% (n = 31) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 15.2% (n = 7) psoriatic arthritis, 10.9% (n = 5) spondyloarthritis, and 6.5% (n = 3) undifferentiated IA. The mean ESR was 28.8 mm/h. Thirty‐seven patients with both GS and PD ultrasound results were subsequently analyzed. All patients (n = 10) escalated and/or initiated on DMARD and 9/10 patients escalated or initiated on steroids were PD and GS positive. Six of seven patients with dose reduction and/or cessation of DMARDs and five of seven patients with dose reduction or cessation of steroids were PD negative. Of six patients who were GS positive and PD negative, three had dose reduction and/or cessation of DMARDs, while four had dose reduction of steroids; none of the six patients had DMARD/steroid escalation. Conclusion: By clarifying joint inflammation in an IA cohort with overall low ESR, ultrasonography of physician‐selected joints can improve clinical assessment, resulting in treatment modification. Positive PD findings were particularly influential, while the clinical significance of GS positivity alone requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent X-ray diffraction was used to measure the type, quantity and the relative distances between stacking faults along the growth direction of two individual wurtzite GaAs nanowires grown by metalorganic vapour epitaxy. The presented approach is based on the general property of the Patterson function, which is the autocorrelation of the electron density as well as the Fourier transformation of the diffracted intensity distribution of an object. Partial Patterson functions were extracted from the diffracted intensity measured along the direction in the vicinity of the wurtzite Bragg peak. The maxima of the Patterson function encode both the distances between the fault planes and the type of the fault planes with the sensitivity of a single atomic bilayer. The positions of the fault planes are deduced from the positions and shapes of the maxima of the Patterson function and they are in excellent agreement with the positions found with transmission electron microscopy of the same nanowire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent X-ray diffraction imaging at symmetric hhh Bragg reflections was used to resolve the structure of GaAs/In0.15Ga0.85As/GaAs core-shell-shell nanowires grown on a silicon (111) substrate. Diffraction amplitudes in the vicinity of GaAs 111 and GaAs 333 reflections were used to reconstruct the lost phase information. It is demonstrated that the structure of the core-shell-shell nanowire can be identified by means of phase contrast. Interestingly, it is found that both scattered intensity in the (111) plane and the reconstructed scattering phase show an additional threefold symmetry superimposed with the shape function of the investigated hexagonal nanowires. In order to find the origin of this threefold symmetry, elasticity calculations were performed using the finite element method and subsequent kinematic diffraction simulations. These suggest that a non-hexagonal (In,Ga)As shell covering the hexagonal GaAs core might be responsible for the observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alternative approach with crucial mass yield and high reaction rates is proposed for the synthesis of ferrocenyl Schiff bases using an ultrasonication-solvothermal method. Equimolar condensation of ferrocenecarboxaldehyde and 2-aminophenol interact with each other, giving 1-(1-[2-hydroxyphenyl-2-imino]methyl)-ferrocene (FcOH). Furthermore, this ligand forms 1:1 complexes with cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and palladium(II) ions. From the different spectral data, it is found that metal ions coordinate with ligands through the azomethine group and the deprotonated oxygen of the phenol groups. Moreover, FcOH and their complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The spectral data of FcOH and its metal complexes were discussed in connection with the structural changes due to complexation. Meanwhile, the information about geometric structures can be concluded from the electronic spectra and the magnetic moments. Plainly, electron spin resonance spectra of the Cu(II) complex revealed d x2− y2 as a ground state, suggesting a square planar geometry around the Cu(II) center. The direct optical band gap energy Eg values of cobalt, nickel, copper, and palladium complexes of FcOH are found to be 3.7, 3.9, 4.6, and 3.65 eV, respectively. 1-(1-[2-Hydroxyphenyl-2-imino]methyl)-ferrocene and its metal complexes were screened for antibacterial activity. The results depict that the metal complexes were found to be more strongly antibacterial than the guardian Schiff base ligand (FcOH) against one or more bacterial species. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial properties of the purified compound were determined using the broth microdilution method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional nanoparticles such as magneto-plasmonic nanohybrids are rising theranostic agents. However, little is yet known of their fate within the cellular environment. In order to reach an understanding of their biotransformations, reliable metrics for tracking and quantification of such materials properties during their intracellular journey are needed. In this study, their long-term (one month) intracellular fate is followed within stem-cell spheroids used as tissue replicas. A set of magnetic (magnetization) and thermal (magnetic hyperthermia, photothermia) metrics is implemented to provide reliable insightsinto the intracellular status. It shows that biodegradation is modulated by the morphology and thickness of the gold shell. First a massive dissolution of the iron oxide core (nanoflower-like) is observed, starting with dissociation of the multigrain structure. Second, it is demonstrated that an uninterrupted gold shell can preserve the magnetic core and properties (particularly magnetic hyperthermia). In addition to the magnetic and thermal metrics, intracellular high-resolution chemical nanocartography evidences the gradual degradation of the magnetic cores. It also shows different transformation scenarios, from the release of small gold seeds when the magnetic core is dissolved (interesting for long-term elimination) to the protection of the magnetic core (interesting for long-term therapeutic applicability). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembly of different nanostructures occurs with perfection in nature (such as in trees) under laminar flows because these flows are symmetrical and continuous. In their Communication on page 1994 ff., A. Abou‐Hassan and co‐workers use laminar flow microreactors for the self‐assembly of fluorescent, plasmonic, and magnetic nanoparticles for the preparation of different categories of assemblies with dual or triple functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unterschiedliche Nanostrukturen bilden sich in der Natur (zum Beispiel in Bäumen) in laminaren Strömungen in absoluter Vollkommenheit, da diese Strömungen symmetrisch und kontinuierlich sind. In ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 2048 ff. verwenden A. Abou ‐ Hassan et al. laminare Flussmikroreaktoren zur Selbstorganisation von fluoreszierenden, plasmonischen und magnetischen Nanopartikeln, um verschiedene Gruppen von Verbindungen mit doppelten und dreifachen Funktionalitäten herzustellen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that differences in body size between consumer and resource species may leave important implications for interaction strengths, population dynamics, and eventually food web structure, function, and evolution. Still, the general distribution of consumer-resource body-size ratios in real ecosystems, and whether they vary systematically among habitats or broad taxonomic groups, is poorly understood. Using a unique global database on consumer and resource body sizes, we show that the mean body-size ratios of aquatic herbivorous and detritivorous consumers are several orders of magnitude larger than those of carnivorous predators. Carnivorous predator-prey body-size ratios vary across different habitats and predator and prey types (invertebrates, ectotherm, and endotherm vertebrates). Predator-prey body-size ratios are on average significantly higher (1) in freshwater habitats, than in marine or terrestrial habitats, (2) for vertebrate than for invertebrate predators, and (3) for invertebrate than for ectotherm vertebrate prey. If recent studies that relate body-size ratios to interaction strengths are general, our results suggest that mean consumer-resource interaction strengths may vary systematically across different habitat categories and consumer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of magneto‐plasmonic nanohybrids (magnetic, gold‐decorated nanoflowers) are investigated within a multi‐faceted cellular environment by Ali Abou‐Hassan, Claire Wilhelm, and co‐workers in article number 1605997. Two extreme transformations are evidenced: the gold seeds are either released from magnetic cores which almost entirely dissolve and load ferritin with free iron (left), or the gold shell almost completely protects the magnetic core from dissolution (right). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "7-Deazaadenines: Synthesis of Some New Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amines" by Abolghasem Davoodnia, Maryam Khashi, Niloofar Tavakoli-Hoseini, Raheleh Moloudi, and Hassan Ali Zamani is presented.

Trophic information—who eats whom—and species' body sizes are two of the most basic descriptions necessary to understand community structure as well as ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Consumer-resource body size ratios between predators and their prey, and parasitoids and their hosts, have recently gained increasing attention due to their important implications for species' interaction strengths and dynamical population stability. This data set documents body sizes of consumers and their resources. We gathered body size data for the food webs of Skipwith Pond, a parasitoid community of grass-feeding chalcid wasps in British grasslands; the pelagic community of the Benguela system, a source web based on broom in the United Kingdom; Broadstone Stream, UK; the Grand Cariçaie marsh at Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Tuesday Lake, USA; alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevada of California; Mill Stream, UK; and the eastern Weddell Sea Shelf, Antarctica. Further consumer-resource body size data are included for planktonic predators, predatory nematodes, parasitoids, marine fish predators, freshwater invertebrates, Australian terrestrial consumers, and aphid parasitoids. Containing 16 807 records, this is the largest data set ever compiled for body sizes of consumers and their resources. In addition to body sizes, the data set includes information on consumer and resource taxonomy, the geographic location of the study, the habitat studied, the type of the feeding interaction (e.g., predacious, parasitic) and the metabolic categories of the species (e.g., invertebrate, ectotherm vertebrate). The present data set was gathered with the intent to stimulate research on effects of consumer-resource body size patterns on food-web structure, interaction-strength distributions, population dynamics, and community stability. The use of a common data set may facilitate cross-study comparisons and understanding of the relationships between different scientific approaches and models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]