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The glymphatic system is a system of specialized perivascular spaces in the brain that facilitates removal of toxic waste solutes from the brain. Evaluation of glymphatic system function by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has thus far been largely focused on rodents because of the limitations of intrathecal delivery of gadolinium‐based contrast agents to humans. This review discusses MRI methods that can be employed clinically for glymphatic‐related measurements intended for early diagnosis, prevention, and the treatment of various neurological conditions. Although glymphatic system‐based MRI research is in its early stages, recent studies have identified promising noninvasive MRI markers associated with glymphatic system alterations in neurological diseases. However, further optimization in data acquisition, validation, and modeling are needed to investigate the glymphatic system within the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lip balm may be encountered as physical evidence in cases involving sexual assaults, homicides, and kidnappings. Lip balm can be used as corroborative evidence by providing a potential link between the victim, accused, and the crime scene. For lip balms to be used as evidence, it is important to understand the diversity and their aging process under different conditions. Therefore, in this study, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometric tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) has been used for the objective identification and differentiation of 20 brands of lip balms. Moreover, lip balms on different substrates and wearing effects over time were also investigated. The results show that the PCA‐LDA training accuracy was 92.5%, whereas the validation accuracy comes out to be 83.33%. A blind study using pristine samples was also performed which resulted in 80% PCA‐LDA accuracy. PCA‐LDA prediction of samples on various substrates showed a higher chemometric prediction accuracy for nonporous substrates (glass, plastic, and steel), than for porous substrates (cotton cloth, cotton swab stick, dry tissue paper, and white paper) for samples kept in room temperature and under sunlight for 15 days. The substrate study showed that the samples from various substrates could effectively generate respective spectra which can help in brand‐level identification even after several days. The present method demonstrates a potential for lip balm samples to be used in forensic casework applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem degradation is a major environmental threat. Beyond conservation, restoration of degraded ecosystems is a prerequisite to reinstate their ability to provide essential services and benefits. Most of the restoration efforts focus on aboveground restoration, that is, plants, under the assumption that establishment of plant species will reestablish the faunal and microbial species. While this may be true for some cases, it is not a general rule. Reestablishment of microbial communities by dedicated efforts is also necessary for successful restoration, as cycling of essential nutrients for plant growth and decomposition of organic matter is dependent on them. The role of microbial fertilizers and efficient organisms used in agriculture needs to be explored in restoration. Testing of symbiotic interactions between potential plant growth‐promoting Rhizobacteria and plants native to a degraded ecosystem can be conducted and utilized for successful establishment of plant species. However, utmost care must be taken while introducing new microbial species or non‐native plant species to an area, as they can adversely affect the resident microbial community. Techniques like phospholipid fatty‐acid analysis can be used for taxonomic identification of large microbial groups in non‐degraded reference ecosystems before introducing microbial species into a degraded ecosystem. For use of microbes in restoration, more studies on microbe‐plant interactions need to be conducted. For use of Soil Microbial Community (SMC) as indicators of restoration, their role and function in the ecology of the area need to be elucidated by employing all the available techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habituation and sensitization represent nonassociative learning mechanisms in both non‐neural and neural organisms. They are essential for a range of functions from survival to adaptation in dynamic environments. Design of hardware for neuroinspired computing strives to emulate such features driven by electric bias and can also be incorporated into neural network algorithms. Herein, cellular‐like learning in oxygen‐deficient NiOx devices is demonstrated. Both habituation learning and sensitization response can be achieved in a single device by simply controlling the magnitude of the electric field. Spontaneous memory relaxations and dynamic redistribution of oxygen vacancies under electric bias enable such learning behavior of NiOx under sequential training. These characteristics in simple device arrays are implemented to learn alphabets as well as demonstrate simulated algorithmic use cases in digit recognition. Transition metal oxides with carefully prepared defect concentrations can be highly sensitive to electronic structure perturbations under moderate electrical stimulus and serve as building blocks for next‐generation neuroinspired computing hardware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Prediction and the stock market go hand in hand. Due to the inherent limitations of traditional forecasting methods and the pursuit to uncover the hidden patterns in stock market data, stock market prediction using data mining techniques has caught the fancy of academicians, researchers, and investors. Based on a systematic review of more than 143 research studies spanning 25 years, the present paper brings to light the major issues concerning forecasting of stock markets based on data mining techniques, such as usage of data mining techniques in the stock market, input data types, single versus hybrid techniques, instruments and stock markets researched, types of software and algorithms used, measures of forecast accuracy, and performance of various data mining techniques. Emerging patterns related to various dimensions have been critically analyzed by highlighting the existing limitations and suggesting future research paradigms. This analysis can be useful for academicians, researchers and investors looking for futuristic directions in a given research domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant cell tumour (GCT), also known as osteoclastoma, is an osteolytic tumour. It involves the epiphyseal and metaphyseal regions of long bones in adults. On rare occasions, these may occur in paediatric patients, and may involve uncommon locations such as the sternum, pelvis and, particularly infrequently, rib bones. We present a rare case of GCT in the rib of a child, diagnosed on fine needle aspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites of colonic bacterial fermentation of complex carbohydrates, are closely related to the release of gut hormones. In this study, we examined the involvement of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in SCFA‐induced increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and its impact on gut hormone secretion using naturally TRPA1 expressing intestinal secretin tumour cell‐1 (STC‐1) cell line. Individual SCFAs and their physiological mix enhanced calcium influx in TRPA1‐dependent manner. SCFA mix also significantly increased membrane expression of TRPA1. Gene expression studies revealed that SCFA mix elevated the expression of genes involved in calcium‐activated calcineurin pathway in TRPA1‐dependent manner and cAMP‐regulated transcriptional co‐activators (CRTC) pathway independent to TRPA1. Genes representing synaptic vesicular exocytosis and gut hormone precursors were significantly elevated with SCFA mix treatment. Treatment with TRPA1 antagonist HC‐030031 markedly reduced these effects. The release of gut hormones was elevated with 10 mm SCFA mix in TRPA1 dependent manner. Our in vivo prebiotic study results suggested presence of an environment conducive to increase in gut hormone secretion. Overall, our findings provide an evidence for the possible role of TRPA1 in SCFA‐induced increase in gut hormone secretion, hence another mechanism of action for prebiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Medical records contain vital, critical, and confidential information of any person. Paper‐based medical records are being used by many hospitals that suffer from various issues like large physical storage requirements, limited security, and life. Electronic health records (EHRs) can transform this entire system but faces various security threats like unintentional disclosure, tampering, data leaks, lack of security mechanisms, and data access policies. Thus, there arises a need for a decentralized, tamper‐proof, and transparent healthcare network. In this article, a permissioned blockchain‐based framework using Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) is proposed, which provides secure storage, sharing, and querying of EHRs. For better data accessibility and security, algorithms have been designed to define the functionality of patients, doctors, and third‐party administrator using smart‐contracts. In the existing approaches, LevelDB (key store database) is used as a state database that is not suitable for handling complex queries. To overcome this issue, we have used CouchDB (document store database) as a state database where the search is based on keys and data values both rather than only keys. To measure the various performance indicators for this framework, a blockchain benchmark tool "Hyperledger Caliper" is used. The experimental results show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic intervention (s). The present study aimed to develop a nisin loaded carbopol gel formulation (NLCG) and explore its therapeutic efficacy against P. aeruginosa infected burn wounds. The formulation was prepared using Carbopol 940 as a polymer and characterized in terms of its appearance, stability, pH, rheology, spreadability, release, and permeation profiles. Disc diffusion assay and field emission scanning electron microscopy were carried out to establish in vitro antibacterial activity while the in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by hemolytic and trypan blue exclusion assay. Furthermore, in vivo efficacy was investigated by developing P. aeruginosa infected third‐degree murine burn wound model followed by evaluation of parameters like bacterial loads, skin restoration, histopathological architecture, levels of hydroxyproline, myeloperoxidase and cytokines. Our studies yielded a stable formulation with pH, viscosity and drug release flux values as 6.5 ± 0.02, 382.4 p and 160.55 ± 3.64 μg h−1 cm−2, respectively. Approximately, 84.02 ± 1.63% of nisin was found to permeate into murine skin, further, affirmed by confocal microscopic observations. Interestingly, no in vitro cytotoxicity of NLCG (to erythrocytes and/or to peritoneal macrophages) could be observed. The log units decrease (s) in CFUs of Pseudomonas in skin were found to be 1.5137, 4.2257, 6.456 after 12, 24 and 72 h of topical gel therapy, respectively. Percentage wound closure, tensile strength, histological, and scanning electron microscopic studies further provided a healing evidence with skin showing restoration of the epithelium. The gel therapy also led to a significant modulation (p ≤ 0.05) in hydroxyproline content, myeloperoxidase levels, and serum levels of IL‐1, IL‐10, and TNF‐α. Our formulation revealed anti‐Pseudomonas, wound healing, and immunomodulatory efficacy of NLCG. Further investigations are warranted to determine the underlying mechanism (s) of these displayed antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The versatility of the use of zinc oxide in numerous applications has attracted the attention of various academic research workers and industries. Various micro and nanostructures of zinc oxide have been explored owing to different growth methods and applications. In this research work, zinc oxide nanoflower is grown on a glass substrate using un‐complicated and a low‐cost hydrothermal method. Hydrolysis of zinc nitrate is done in a basic medium. The main criteria followed for such a structural growth is the control of the pH of the solution precursor. The grown structure is further characterised by using the scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Synthesised zinc oxide nanostructure is utilised as a piezoelectric material in a nanogenerator. The maximum power per unit area of 2.6 mW/m2 is achieved. Simulation results of the similar zinc oxide nanostructure is also presented, which substantiate the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is one of the most pressing concerns of our times. Despite the vast opportunities, there is a shortage of skilled professionals in the food, agriculture, and plant sciences. Although most programs focused on addressing this concern have targeted students, we have often overlooked another critical group—the teachers. To address this issue, we recruited high school teachers from the Pharr–San Juan–Alamo Independent School District (PSJA‐ISD) in South Texas to participate in a workshop at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and fostered their agricultural knowledge through boot camp–style intensive training by faculty members in food, agriculture, and plant sciences. Through this project, we seek to indirectly educate nearly 2,000 high school students and use these lesson plans as models for undergraduate education. Results from the teacher and student assistant evaluations show that our workshop structure and design is effective in serving the objectives and instigating interest among teachers who plan to incorporate these into their lesson plans. Student assistants involved in the project also describe it as an opportunity to improve their teaching and public speaking skills. Taken together, we suggest that in addition to planning student‐centered activities, the teacher‐centered activities should also take the center stage in our fight for better food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to investigate optimum pH conditions for polyelectrolyte complexation between gellan gum (GG) and cationic guar gum (CGG). The pKa of both the polymers was determined using potentiometric titrations. The complex formation was investigated at three pH values (based upon the pKa interval of two polymers) and at different mixing ratios (ranging from 10:90 to 90:10). Zeta potential and turbidity studies elucidated the optimum pH and mixing ratio at which maximum interaction takes place between the polymers. The studies revealed neutral zeta potential, highest turbidity, and low transmittance at mixing ratio 30:70 and 40:60 (GG:CGG; pH 5.5), indicating maximum complex formation at these ratios. The percentage yield and viscosity studies of supernatant also revealed maximum interaction at these mixing ratios of polymers. The polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and for their swelling behavior in pH progression medium. The FTIR spectra confirmed formation of bonds between COO¯ and –N+(CH3)3 of GG and CGG, respectively. DSC studies revealed the stability, affinity, and spontaneous nature of complexation between these polymers. The morphological changes detected through SEM studies in GG‐CGG PECs exposed to different pH buffers also found to exhibit pH‐dependent swelling. The FTIR spectra, DSC, SEM, and swelling studies of PECs treated with buffer pH 1.2 followed by buffer pH 7.4 suggested that PECs comprising 40:60 ratio of GG:CGG, prepared at pH 5.5, could be used to formulate a pH‐sensitive drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights a system and method of bringing an integrated platform for real time teaching of various courses, innovations, designing products, and to extend the mobile education with a practical approach in assorted research and technical education domains. My SmartPhone Kit has been designed and developed for the purpose of learning, developing, and experimenting basic concepts of various courses such as mobile communication, sensor networks, embedded systems, mobile architecture, and programming, etc. Different workshops were conducted in 2015-2016 to evaluate the need of a practical approach and to experience the user satisfaction with the overall methodology of My SmartPhone kit. These workshops comprises the set of theory classes for understanding the basic concepts of various courses, practical sessions, experimental demos by the resource staff, product idea session, real time product development with the kit, and feedback analysis session. This paper focuses on the design of the kit, its implementation, methodology, novelty, and outcomes achieved through it. The analysis is carried through a case study presenting a total of six different workshops at four different institutes during 2015-2016. The findings reveal that maximum number of participants have been satisfied with the overall methodology of My SmartPhone Kit and adopted the same for teaching and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation behavior of mangiferin, under various ICH Q1A(R2) recommended stress conditions, was studied using an isocratic elution with mobile phase (pH 2.4), composed of acetonitrile and 1% orthophosphoric acid (12:88 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, with λmax 262 nm. It was suitably adapted for LC-MS studies by replacing with 1% acetic acid (ACN-1% acetic acid; 18:82) and the pH was adjusted to 3.0. Extensive degradation was found to occur during alkaline medium stress studies at 2.31 min of retention time at λmax of 235 nm. The mass spectrum of mangiferin, 3 h after treatment with 0.1 M NaOH, clearly shows the rupture of the tricyclic ring, indicating that a fragment at m/ z − 269 was formed. Furthermore, the results were supported by nuclear magnetic resonance as well. However, no degradation was observed in other stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DO3A-based macrocycles serve as attractive templates from which clinically useful theranostic agents can be obtained after coupling with molecular targeted therapeutic drugs. In this study, we describe the chemical synthesis, relaxation, and cytotoxicity studies of a new DO3A conjugate of chlorambucil ( CHL) as a magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) theranostic agent. A convenient route of synthesis is reported, which allowed conjugation of the macrocyclic ligand ( DO3A) to the chemotherapeutic drug ( CHL) via tyrosine for the preparation of an attractive chelate-drug ensemble ( DO3A- TR- CHL). The structures of all intermediates and final compound have been determined by 1H, 13C NMR, and MS. The efficacy of DO3A- TR- CHL as a non-ionic magnetic contrast agent was tested by performing relaxometric studies on its gadolinium complex. The complex exhibited relaxivities (7.11 m m−1/s) higher than that of currently used MR contrast agents and showed enhanced contrast in T1-weighted images. MTT assays revealed that both DO3A- TR- CHL and Gd( III)- DO3A- TR- CHL conjugates exhibited dose-dependent toxicity and an enhanced antiproliferative activity against tumor (A549 and HeLa) cell lines compared to that of parent drug ( CHL), thereby demonstrating their potential to be used as a magnetic resonance imaging theranostic for improved molecular imaging and therapy of human cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene nanoribbon field effect transistor is considered as a next‐generation device. In this study, effect on device performance parameters such as on and off state currents, cut‐off frequency, delay and transconductance at different source and drain (S/D) doping concentrations is investigated. It is observed that changing the S/D doping concentrations has an impact on band‐to‐band tunnelling which affects the device performance. This study also reveals that the minimum conductivity point, i.e. Dirac point decreases with increase in doping concentration. The obtained results are based on non‐equilibrium Green's function formalism, along with pz orbital band model. Poisson's equation solver is used to calculate the electrostatic potential. The results obtained show that the device performance greatly depends on the S/D doping concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The article aims to evaluate how study designs and data analysis methods in psychiatric studies have changed over the last 22 years. Methods: This study involved a total of 320 papers published in 1996 and 2018 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, British Journal of Psychiatry, and JAMA Psychiatry. We manually reviewed the articles to determine the way in which they reported the study characteristics and the methods applied in data analysis. Results: The statistical intensity in psychiatric journals has changed over the past 20 years. Traditional methods of testing statistical significance were widely used both in 1996 and in 2018. In 2018, there was an increase in reporting more complex methods, such as multivariable regression models, multilevel modelling, and intracluster correlation methods. However, computationally complex data mining or machine learning procedures were not adopted by psychiatric researchers. Conclusion: The increase in statistical intensity in the literature suggests that readers of prominent psychiatric journals must possess a substantial level of statistical expertise if they wish to critically evaluate the findings published in these journals. It is essential to include an awareness of this substantial change in data analysis methods in psychiatric undergraduate and postgraduate education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]