Search

The investigation demonstrates the potential of nano zinc oxide as a substitute for conventional rubber grade zinc oxide in the bead filler compound of passenger car tires, aimed at reducing heat generation while preserving mechanical and reinforcement properties. Experimentation showed that introducing nano zinc oxide increased compound viscosity, indicating enhanced filler networking. Cure rates accelerated due to the higher surface area of nano zinc oxides, while the Payne effect indicated improved dispersion levels in experimental compounds. Notably, the variant with four parts per hundred rubber of nano zinc oxide exhibited mechanical properties akin to the control, alongside a 28% reduction in tan δ and improvements in hysteresis loss ratio and specific heat values. Morphological analysis confirmed superior dispersion in experimental compounds. Finite element analysis demonstrated decreased temperature generation and a reduced percentage contribution of the bead filler to overall heat energy in tires, leading to a 3% drop in rolling resistance. These findings suggest that nano zinc oxide can effectively replace conventional zinc oxide, enhancing fuel economy in tires, thereby offering a green initiative to reduce fuel consumption in passenger car radial tires through improved hysteresis at the bead area via bead filler compound modification. Highlights: Nano zinc oxide replaces rubber grade zinc oxide reducing heat generation.Nano zinc oxide improves compound viscosity, enhancing filler networking.Variant with four parts per hundred rubber of nano zinc oxide matches control's mechanics, with 28% lower tan δ.Morphological analysis confirms dispersion, coupled with aggregation.Simulation shows lower temperature generation and 3% less rolling resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping of organic semiconductors has served as an effective method to achieve high electrical conductivity and large thermoelectric power factor. This is of importance to the development of flexible/wearable electronics and green energy‐harvesting technologies. The doping impact of the Lewis acid tris (pentafluorophenyl) borane (BCF) on the thermoelectric performance of poly(2‐(4,4′‐bis(2‐methoxyethoxy)‐5′‐methyl‐[2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)‐5‐methylthieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (pgBTTT), a thiophene‐based polymer featuring oligoethylene glycol side chains is investigated. Tetrafluorotetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ), a well‐established dopant, is utilized as a comparison; however, its inability to co‐dissolve with pgBTTT in less polar solvents hinders the attainment of higher doping levels. Consequently, a comparative study is performed on the thermoelectric behavior of pgBTTT doped with BCF and F4TCNQ at a very low doping level. Subsequent investigation is carried out with BCF at higher doping levels. Remarkably, at 50 wt% BCF doping level, the highest power factor of 223 ± 4 µW m−1 K2 is achieved with an electrical conductivity of 2180 ± 360 S cm−1 and a Seebeck coefficient of 32 ± 1.3 µV K−1. This findings not only contribute valuable insights to the dopant interactions with oxygenated side chain polymers but also open up new avenues for high conductivity thermoelectric polymers in flexible electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods and results Conclusion To assess whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS), derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), is associated with (i) progressive heart failure (HF), and (ii) sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with mildly reduced ejection fraction (DCMmrEF).We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients with DCM and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40% assessed by CMR, including feature‐tracking to assess LV GLS and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Long‐term adjudicated follow‐up included (i) HF hospitalization, LV assist device implantation or HF death, and (ii) SCD or aborted SCD (aSCD). Of 355 patients with DCMmrEF (median age 54 years [interquartile range 43–64], 216 men [60.8%], median LVEF 49% [46–54]) followed up for a median 7.8 years (5.2–9.4), 32 patients (9%) experienced HF events and 19 (5%) died suddenly or experienced aSCD. LV GLS was associated with HF events in a multivariable model when considered as either a continuous (per % hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.21, p = 0.045) or dichotomized variable (LV GLS > −15.4%: HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.30–5.94, p = 0.008). LGE presence was not associated with HF events (HR 1.49, 95% CI 0.73–3.01, p = 0.270). Conversely, LV GLS was not associated with SCD/aSCD (per % HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.95–1.22, p = 0.257), whereas LGE presence was (HR 3.58, 95% CI 1.39–9.23, p = 0.008). LVEF was neither associated with HF events nor SCD/aSCD.Multi‐parametric CMR has utility for precision prognostic stratification of patients with DCMmrEF. LV GLS stratifies risk of progressive HF, while LGE stratifies SCD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical modeling of the recovery of moisture by injecting warm air in the unsaturated zone in a 100 m × 100 m plot of agricultural land in Kuwait, a country located in an arid environment, was conducted to provide “proof of concept” of the technique. If technically and economically feasible, it will be a potential additional source of water that could be exploited for farming activities and other uses. The COMSOL software was used to develop the model and, based on the results of the scenario runs, the effects of different hydraulic and operational parameters, including that of well spacing, on moisture recovery were assessed. In general, the results suggested that the recovery should increase with the increase in the hydraulic conductivity of the unsaturated zone, the amount of heat input, and the pressure differential between the unsaturated zone and the well head. Within the period examined (0 to 11 days), the recovery decreases with the increase in the soil moisture content, possibly due to the fall in relative permeability to moisture‐rich air with the increased water contents in the pore spaces, although the effects may change over a longer period as water contents decrease with moisture recovery. The moisture recovery from the unsaturated zone through the injection of warm air appears to be a feasible proposition from this study that should be demonstrated through a pilot scale experiment in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(NHC)→E coordination interactions were known where NHC is an N‐heterocyclic carbene, and E is a main group element (B, C, N, Si, P). Recently, it was suggested that compounds with (NHC)→S coordination chemistry are also possible. This work reports quantum chemical analysis and synthesis of (NHC)→S‐R(+) complexes in which benzothiazol‐2‐ylidene acts as a ligand. A Density functional study established that (NHC)→S interaction can best be described as a coordination interaction. Synthetic efforts were made, initially, to generate divalent sulfur compounds containing benzothiazole substituents. N‐alkylation of the heterocyclic ring in these sulfides using methyl triflate led to the generation of the desired products with (NHC)→S coordination chemistry, which involves the in situ generation of NHC ring ligands. The observed changes in the 13C NMR spectra, before and after methylation, confirmed the change in the electronic character of the C−S bond from a covalent character to a coordination character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation is carried out to analyze the flow, heat and mass transport phenomena of nanofluids over a disk stretched radially in a porous medium. Besides nonlinear radiative heat flux and Arrhenius activation energy, multiple slips are considered in this model. This ensures the novelty of the present research. The main goal of the current investigation is to explore the mutual impacts of nonlinear radiative heat flux, various slip factors and Arrhenius activation energy on flow, heat and mass transfers. The highly nonlinear central equations which are partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into nonlinear ordinary ones (ODEs) by employing suitable similarity alterations and then for finding the approximate numerical solutions, shooting technique with 4th order "Runge–Kutta method" are applied. The impact of a variety of parameters on "skin friction coefficient," "Nusselt number," "Sherwood number," velocity of the fluid, heat and mass transfers are computed and presented graphically. It is interesting to observe that fluid velocity diminishes with the growing porosity, suction and velocity slip parameters. Nanofluid's temperature reduces for enhanced values of thermal slip parameter but for rising thermal radiation parameter, temperature is boosted up. Also, nanoparticle concentration diminishes for increasing values of mass slip parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choice of the best possible TOPCon solar cell architecture in terms of photovoltaic performance, thermal stability, and bifaciality has been one of the most fundamental issues to be addressed. Accordingly, a theoretical approach with the help of Automat FOR Simulation of HETero‐structure simulation software has been adopted to conduct a detailed comparative analysis among n‐TOPCon, p‐TOPCon, and TOPCoRE solar cells based on tentative future wafer thickness, i.e., 110 μm. Initially, the sole impact of the thickness of the ultrathin SiOx layer is unveiled and it is realized that the maximum power conversion efficiency may reach to 24.35%, 23.72%, and 24.45% for n‐TOPCon, p‐TOPCon, and TOPCoRE solar cells; respectively; however, the optimized thickness of SiOx layer is quite low. Subsequently, pinholes within 1.5 nm SiOx tunneling layer are incorporated and it is observed that adequate power output may be realized upon the optimization of the pinhole density. To realize further the cost‐cutting option, the impact of wafer lifetime on the device performance is deduced. Eventually, the operating temperature is varied from 275–375 K with an interval of 25 K to examine the thermal stability of the devices which have demonstrated almost similar thermal degradation within the tested region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: Deficiency of neurotropic factors is implicated in diabetic neuropathy (DN). Netrin‐1 is a neurotropic factor, but its association with DN has not been explored. We have assessed the association between serum netrin‐1 levels and early diabetic neuropathy assessed by quantifying corneal nerve fiber loss using corneal confocal microscopy. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 participants with type 2 diabetes, without and with corneal nerve fiber loss (DN− n = 42, DN+ n = 30), and 45 healthy controls were studied. Serum netrin‐1 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and corneal nerve morphology was assessed using corneal confocal microscopy. Results: Corneal nerve fiber density, branch density, fiber length and serum netrin‐1 levels were significantly lower in the DN− and DN+ groups compared with controls (P < 0.001). Netrin‐1 levels correlated with corneal nerve fiber length in the DN+ group (r = 0.51; P < 0.01). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a netrin‐1 cut‐off value of 599.6 (pg/mL) had an area under the curve of 0.85, with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 74% (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.94) for differentiating patients with and without corneal nerve loss. Conclusions: Serum netrin‐1 levels show a progressive decline with increasing severity of small nerve fiber damage in patients with diabetes. Netrin‐1 could act as a biomarker for small nerve fiber damage in DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Brassica carinata (BBCC) commonly referred to as Ethiopian mustard is a natural allotetraploid containing the genomes of Brassica nigra (BB) and Brassica oleracea (CC). It is an oilseed crop endemic to the northeastern regions of Africa. Although it is under limited cultivation, B. carinata is valuable as it is resistant/highly tolerant to most of the pathogens affecting widely cultivated Brassica species of the U's triangle. We report a chromosome‐scale genome assembly of B. carinata accession HC20 using long‐read Oxford Nanopore sequencing and Bionano optical maps. The assembly has a scaffold N50 of ~39.8 Mb and covers ~1.11 Gb of the genome. We compared the long‐read genome assemblies of the U's triangle species and found extensive gene collinearity between the diploids and allopolyploids with no evidence of major gene losses. Therefore, B. juncea (AABB), B. napus (AACC), and B. carinata can be regarded as strict allopolyploids. We cataloged the nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat immune receptor (NLR) repertoire of B. carinata and, identified 465 NLRs, and compared these with the NLRs in the other Brassica species. We investigated the extent and nature of early‐generation genomic interactions between the constituent genomes of B. carinata and B. juncea in interspecific crosses between the two species. Besides the expected recombination between the constituent B genomes, extensive homoeologous exchanges were observed between the A and C genomes. Interspecific crosses, therefore, can be used for transferring disease resistance from B. carinata to B. juncea and broadening the genetic base of the two allotetraploid species. Significance Statement: We report a highly contiguous genome assembly of allotetraploid mustard Brassica carinata HC20 (BBCC) which contains resistance to many diseases affecting the other extensively cultivated Brassica species of the U's triangle. Comparative analyses of the long‐read assemblies of the six Brassica species revealed high gene collinearity between the three diploid and their allotetraploid species. We tracked the early‐generation genomic interactions between the subgenomes of B. carinata (BBCC) and B. juncea (AABB) in their interspecific crosses using molecular karyotyping and proposed strategies to utilize this information for genomic introgressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a catalyst‐free route for the reduction of carbon dioxide integrated with the formation of a carbon‐carbon bond at the air/water interface of negatively charged aqueous microdroplets, at ambient temperature. The reactions proceed through carbanion generation at the α‐carbon of a ketone followed by nucleophilic addition to CO2. Online mass spectrometry reveals that the product is an β‐ketoacid. Several factors, such as the concentration of the reagents, pressure of CO2 gas, and distance traveled by the droplets, control the kinetics of the reaction. Theoretical calculations suggest that water in the microdroplets facilitates this unusual chemistry. Furthermore, such a microdroplet strategy has been extended to seven different ketones. This work demonstrates a green pathway for the reduction of CO2 to useful carboxylated organic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbulent mixing within sub‐channels plays a crucial role in understanding the thermal hydraulics of reactor channels. It serves as an empirical parameter in sub‐channel analysis and has long been a challenge in the nuclear industry. Conducting experiments in this context is challenging due to the stringent requirement of maintaining pressure balance among sub‐channels to prevent convection effects. Fortunately, direct numerical simulation (DNS) is emerging as an invaluable tool for addressing this persistent issue. DNS enables the direct computation of turbulent mixing by analyzing fluctuating lateral velocities, offering a more profound understanding of the underlying phenomena. In this study, DNS was conducted at six Reynolds numbers ranging from 17,640 to 1.5 × 105 in pressurized water reactor (PWR) geometry to investigate the lateral mixing driven by turbulence. By studying intricate mechanisms governing the turbulent mixing, the valuable insights into reactor thermal performance and safety are provided. Furthermore, a correlation for turbulent mixing of energy based on the DNS data has been derived, enhancing our ability to model and predict this critical aspect of reactor behaviour. Additionally, this paper explores temperature fluctuations occurring at the fuel rod surface due to turbulence. A probabilistic distribution for temperature fluctuation under specific reactor conditions is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the gamma and neutron shielding behavior of chemically bonded high atomic number (Z), tungsten trioxide‐polyvinyl alcohol‐polyvinylpyrrolidone (PW), and bismuth oxide‐polyvinyl alcohol‐polyvinylpyrrolidone (PB) composites were reported at varying thickness. The PW and PB composites were prepared through the dissolution technique rather than the commonly used dispersion technique. The gamma and neutron attenuation characteristics of the composites were studied using 22Na (0.511 and 1.274 MeV energy) and 252Cf (0–10 MeV energy) sources, respectively. The half value layer of PW and PB composite was found to be 61.22 ± 0.914 mm and 48.29 ± 1.52 mm and the linear attenuation coefficient was found to be 0.115 and 0.144 cm−1 at 0.511 MeV, respectively. Further, the experimental gamma‐ray attenuation results were validated theoretically using Phy‐X software and found to be well in agreement with the experimental data. Both the composites also showed similar neutron shielding behavior when compared to the commercially used high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). The developed composites possess good mechanical properties as they did not show any cracks or wrinkles after undergoing 5400 bending cycles during the flex test, showing their high durability of flexibility. Thus, these composites are found to be suitable for shielding both, the gamma‐rays and neutrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in demand of electronic devices in the modern civilization, research in material science is being projected to grow in faster rate. In this facet, coordination polymer (CP) based electronic device is one of the promising candidates to the material researchers. Herein, two new Zn(II) and Cd(II) based one‐dimensional (1D) CPs, denoted as [Zn(4‐avp)2(5‐nip)] ⋅ (solvent)x (1) and [Cd(4‐avp)(5‐nip)(CH3OH)] (2) have been synthesized using relatively less explored highly conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) based monodentate ligand, 4‐[2‐(9‐anthryl)vinyl]pyridine (4‐avp) and bidentate linker 5‐nitroisophthalic acid (H25‐nip). In this instance, the CP 1 creates 1D chain polymer, while CP 2 is made up with 1D ladder polymer. It is interesting to note that both the CPs exhibit semiconducting nature and generate metal‐semiconductor (MS) junction Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). However, Cd‐based CP 2 shows higher charge transport as compared to Zn‐CP 1, which could be due to stronger π⋅⋅⋅π contacts as well as larger size of Cd metal in CP 2. The experimental results are well corroborated with theoretical density of states (DOS) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The squeezing flow bears a major importance in everyday phenomena and has vast industrial and biomedical applications. The current study looks at the nanofluid flow among two infinite "parallel plates" that are squeezed. The velocity slip and first‐order compound response have been considered in this problem for a clear understanding of their consequences in the flow of nanofluid and heat transport mechanism. This fluid replica thinks about "Brownian motion" and the influences of "thermophoresis" of nanofluid. The novelty of this work lies in exploring the combined effects of first‐order chemical reaction and the velocity slip on unsteady squeezing flow of nanofluid between two parallel plates as one has not yet reported such effects. The prevailing equations are altered into simplified forms by deploying suitable similarity transformations. Then "numerical solutions" of these equations are obtained by applying the fourth‐order "Runge–Kutta method" with the help of the shooting technique. The accuracy is verified by using two different methods and also comparing our data with the available existing literature. The main goal is to study heat and mass transfer through unsteady squeezing plates by the influence of velocity slip and chemical reaction. The consequences of diverse pertinent parameters on fluid flow, thermal, and concentration fields have been explored in this study. With the rise in "velocity slip parameter" from 0 to 1, 81.37% decrease in skin friction coefficient, 15.81% increase in Nusselt number, and 29.13% increase in Sherwood number are observed. Rising values of the chemical reaction parameter from 0.3 to 0.5, the mass transfer coefficient increases by 66.94%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a risk factor for anxiety and depression. Obesity is also a risk factor for severe COVID‐19 disease and therefore may have contributed to adverse mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We compare the trajectory of mental health outcomes of people with obesity with normal‐weight people before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic using nationally representative individual‐level longitudinal data from the National Health Interview Survey and Difference‐in‐Difference regressions. Our results indicate that severe anxiety increased by 2.75 (95% CI: 0.0056–0.0494; p‐value 0.014) percentage points, representing a 31.3% relative increase, and anxiety‐related prescription drug usage increased by 2.75 (95% CI: 0.0076–0.0473; p‐value<0.01) percentage points, representing a 19.2% relative increase among people with obesity, compared to normal‐weight people. We conclude that people with obesity experienced an increase in the incidence of severe anxiety and anxiety‐related prescription drug usage during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which was not observed among normal‐weight individuals. Furthermore, women, less‐educated, and rural residents with obesity disproportionately bore the burden of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the effect of ionic liquids (ILs) on the cure characteristics and filler dispersion of natural rubber (NR) and styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) gum and filled compounds. The complexation of ionic liquid with zinc oxide (ZnO) increases the activity of ZnO and the cure rate together with improved filler dispersion. This has also increased the rubber filler interaction. Imidazolium and chloride based ionic liquids with different cationic groups were compared and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry to understand the thermal and chemical behavior of the compounds. Interestingly, it was found that the ionic liquid can act as an activator and is able to accelerate the vulcanization rate with improved rubber filler interaction. The complexes formed by IL‐Zn were shown to be much more reactive than Zn‐stearic acid complexes. The dispersion of carbon black in the NR and SBR compounds was studied by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope and the results demonstrate that ILs could significantly improve the filler dispersion. Thus, this study has revealed the multifunctional role of ionic liquids in rubber compounds. Highlights: This article describes the dual role of the ionic liquid (IL) in rubber compounds.It can act both as an accelerator‐activator as well as an efficient dispersing aid.The complexation of IL with zinc oxide (ZnO) plays a crucial role in enhancing the activity of ZnO.As a result, the physico‐mechanical properties of both natural rubber and styrene‐butadiene rubber based compounds are significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vomocytosis, also known as nonlytic exocytosis, is a process whereby fully phagocytosed microbes are expelled from phagocytes without discernible damage to either the phagocyte or microbe. Although this phenomenon was first described in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans in 2006, to date, mechanistic studies have been hampered by an inability to reliably stimulate or inhibit vomocytosis. Here we present the fortuitous discovery that macrophages lacking the scavenger receptor MAcrophage Receptor with COllagenous domain (MARCO), exhibit near‐total vomocytosis of internalised cryptococci within a few hours of infection. Marco−/− macrophages also showed elevated vomocytosis of a yeast‐locked C. albicans strain, suggesting this to be a broadly relevant observation. We go on to show that MARCO's role in modulating vomocytosis is independent of its role as a phagocytic receptor, suggesting that this protein may play an important and hitherto unrecognised role in modulating macrophage behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is focused on finding G‐optimal designs theoretically for kriging models with two‐dimensional inputs and separable exponential covariance structures. For design comparison, the notion of evenness of two‐dimensional grid designs is developed. The mathematical relationship between the design and the supremum of the mean squared prediction error (SMSPE) function is studied and then optimal designs are explored for both prospective and retrospective design scenarios. In the case of prospective designs, the new design is developed before the experiment is conducted and the regularly spaced grid is shown to be the G‐optimal design. Retrospective designs are constructed by adding or deleting points from an already existing design. Deterministic algorithms are developed to find the best possible retrospective designs (which minimizes the SMSPE). It is found that a more evenly spread design under the G‐optimality criterion leads to the best possible retrospective design. For all the cases of finding the optimal prospective designs and the best possible retrospective designs, both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks have been considered. The proposed methodology for finding retrospective designs is illustrated with a spatiotemporal river water quality monitoring experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent and inappropriate use of antibiotics is causing rife antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. Common bacterial infections are thus becoming increasingly difficult to treat without the use of last resort antibiotics. This has necessitated a situation where it is imperative to confirm the infection to be bacterial, before treating it with antimicrobial speculatively. Conventional methods of bacteria detection are either culture based which take anywhere between 24 and 96 hor require sophisticated molecular analysis equipment with libraries and trained operators. These are difficult propositions for resource limited community healthcare setups of developing or less developed countries. Customized, inexpensive, point‐of‐care (PoC) biosensors are thus being researched and developed for rapid detection of bacterial pathogens. The development and optimization of disposable sensor substrates is the first and crucial step in development of such PoC systems. The substrates should facilitate easy charge transfer, a high surface to volume ratio, be tailorable by the various bio‐conjugation chemistries, preserve the integrity of the biorecognition element, yet be inexpensive. Such sensor substrates thus need to be thoroughly investigated. Further, if such systems were made disposable, they would attain immunity to biofouling. This article discusses a few potential disposable electrochemical sensor substrates deployed for detection of bacteria for environmental and healthcare applications. The technologies have significant potential in helping reduce bacterial infections and checking AMR. This could help save lives of people succumbing to bacterial infections, as well as improve the overall quality of lives of people in low‐ and middle‐income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first high resolution global MHD with coupled inner magnetosphere simulation results of an observed theta aurora event. We use the Space Weather Modeling Framework in the Geospace configuration, which produces accurate field aligned current closure in the ionosphere that is integral to theta aurora formation. At the location of the observed theta aurora, the simulation produces a narrow channel of Joule heating along both open and closed field lines, and between a pair of oppositely directed field‐aligned current sheets in the ionosphere. We demonstrate that this Joule heating pattern that we identify as theta aurora maps to a reconnection region at the magnetotail flanks as well as in the distant magnetotail. The theta aurora maps to a cross‐tail current disruption and field‐aligned current source region in a highly twisted magnetotail. Plain Language Summary: The light of the aurora observed in the Earth's atmosphere is a signature of magnetic processes in outer space. The Sun produces hot magnetized plasma that blows through the solar system like a wind. The Earth's magnetic field shields us from the harmful impacts of the Sun's magnetized plasma wind. The interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and the Sun's plasma wind causes the ring of auroral light we see in the polar regions. Sometimes the ring of auroral light grows a bar of auroral light across its center (over the Earth's magnetic poles), transforming the ring into a structure like the Greek letter theta. We call this the theta aurora. It is unknown what physical processes in the Earth's magnetic field create the theta aurora. In this study we show the first realistic simulation that uses solar wind driver conditions of an observed theta aurora event, and demonstrate that we can successfully produce the theta aurora structure in the simulation. We find that the theta aurora's center bar of auroral light comes from multiple regions in the vast Earth's magnetotail. This new result helps us better understand the dynamics of the Earth's space environment and better protect ourselves against the Sun's hazardous plasma wind effects. Key Points: We show first global MHD simulation event study that successfully produces a Joule heating signature that we identify as theta auroraSimulation associates transpolar arc signatures with reconnection at the magnetospheric flank and in the distant magnetotailThe transpolar arc maps to a cross‐tail current disruption and field‐aligned current source region in a highly twisted magnetotail [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acenes and Naphthalene Diimides (NDIs) stand as distinguished classes of organic compounds, each possessing unique and intriguing properties that have garnered significant attention across various scientific disciplines. Acenes, characterized by linearly fused aromatic rings, have captivated researchers due to their diverse electronic structures and promising applications in materials science. On the other hand, NDIs, known for their distinctive electron–accepting properties, exhibit remarkable versatility in fields ranging from organic electronics, supramolecular to spin chemistry. In this review, we navigate through the fascinating realms of both acenes and NDIs before converging our focus on the highly diverse and distinctive subgroup of NDI–annulated heterocyclic acenes. This potentially important subgroup, has emerged as a subject of intense investigation, encapsulating their fascinating synthesis, optical and electrochemical characteristics, and multifaceted applications that span the realms of chemistry, physics, and biology. Through the exploration of their synthetic strategies, unique properties, and diverse applications, this review aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role played by NDI‐based heterocyclic acenes in contemporary multidisciplinary research and technological innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum nitride (AlN), a versatile ceramic with high thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with silicon, is well‐suited for direct‐to‐chip cooling applications of electronics, implementation in wide bandgap semiconductors, and for high‐temperature heat exchangers. Despite multiple advantages, AlN's implementation in liquid‐cooling applications is often hindered by surface‐degrading effects of working‐fluid‐induced hydrolysis. Herein, a scalable ‐but highly tunable‐ wettability engineering approach is introduced, that allows effective implementation of bulk AlN substrates in enhanced two‐phase cooling of electronics. The approach prevents hydrolysis of AlN by aqueous media and establishes control over surface roughness, all the while maintaining bulk integrity and material properties of the underlying substrate. Demonstration of the new approach is presented in spontaneous, pumpless, surface liquid transport, a necessity if such ceramics are to play an integral role as components of sealed, phase‐change, wickless thermal‐management devices (e.g., vapor chambers or heat pipes) that require rapid working‐fluid transport in their multi‐phase interior. The novelty of this work lies in establishing a scalable methodology for utilizing and further enhancing the properties of this non‐oxide ceramic material for phase‐change heat‐transfer hermetic devices, thereby paving the way toward the implementation of this intriguing material in next‐generation heat spreaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intrastriatal delivery of potential therapeutics in Huntington's disease (HD) requires sufficient caudate and putamen volumes. Currently, volumetric magnetic resonance imaging is rarely done in clinical practice, and these data are not available in large research cohorts such as Enroll‐HD. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether predictive models can accurately classify HD patients who exceed caudate and putamen volume thresholds required for intrastriatal therapeutic interventions. Methods: We obtained and merged data for 1374 individuals across three HD cohorts: IMAGE‐HD, PREDICT‐HD, and TRACK‐HD/TRACK‐ON. We imputed missing data for clinical variables with >72% non‐missing values and used the model‐building algorithm BORUTA to identify the 10 most important variables. A random forest algorithm was applied to build a predictive model for putamen volume >2500 mm3 and caudate volume >2000 mm3 bilaterally. Using the same 10 predictors, we constructed a logistic regression model with predictors significant at P < 0.05. Results: The random forest model with 1000 trees and minimal terminal node size of 5 resulted in 83% area under the curve (AUC). The logistic regression model retaining age, CAG repeat size, and symbol digit modalities test‐correct had 85.1% AUC. A probability cutoff of 0.8 resulted in 5.4% false positive and 66.7% false negative rates. Conclusions: Using easily obtainable clinical data and machine learning‐identified initial predictor variables, random forest, and logistic regression models can successfully identify people with sufficient striatal volumes for inclusion cutoffs. Adopting these models in prescreening could accelerate clinical trial enrollment in HD and other neurodegenerative disorders when volume cutoffs are necessary enrollment criteria. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metalloprotease‐gp63 is a virulence factor secreted by Leishmania. However, secretory pathway in Leishmania is not well defined. Here, we cloned and expressed the GRASP homolog from Leishmania. We found that Leishmania expresses one GRASP homolog of 58 kDa protein (LdGRASP) which localizes in LdRab1‐ and LPG2‐positive Golgi compartment in Leishmania. LdGRASP was found to bind with COPII complex, LdARF1, LdRab1 and LdRab11 indicating its role in ER and Golgi transport in Leishmania. To determine the function of LdGRASP, we generated LdGRASP knockout parasites using CRISPR‐Cas9. We found fragmentation of Golgi in Ld:GRASPKO parasites. Our results showed enhanced transport of non‐GPI‐anchored gp63 to the cell surface leading to higher secretion of this form of gp63 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites in comparison to Ld:WT cells. In contrast, we found that transport of GPI‐anchored gp63 to the cell surface is blocked in Ld:GRASPKO parasites and thereby inhibits its secretion. The overexpression of dominant‐negative mutant of LdRab1 or LdSar1 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites significantly blocked the secretion of non‐GPI‐anchored gp63. Interestingly, we found that survival of transgenic parasites overexpressing Ld:GRASP‐GFP is significantly compromised in macrophages in comparison to Ld:WT and Ld:GRASPKO parasites. These results demonstrated that LdGRASP differentially regulates Ldgp63 secretory pathway in Leishmania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile technique was demonstrated for the synthesis of 2‐hydroxy‐2‐[N‐(alkyl/aryl/heteroaryl)‐3‐oxoisoindolin‐1‐yl]‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐diones by using a metal‐ free persulfate‐mediated one pot three‐component reaction. The reaction involved the combination effect of TBAB (PTC) and K2S2O8 with the addition of the amine to phthalaldehyde and 2,2‐dihydroxyindane‐1,3‐dione to generate isoindolin‐1‐one in‐situ, followed by cyclization.This lactamization process facilitated the formation of C−N bonds under controllable and ambient reaction conditions. A variety of 2‐hydroxy‐2‐[N‐(substituted)‐3‐oxoisoindolin‐1‐yl]‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐diones were successfully synthesized through a radical pathway from isoindolin‐1‐one, involving C−C bond formation. The method demonstrated high functional group compatibility and a wide substrate scope, resulting in moderate to good yields of the desired products. Additionally, the mechanistic analyses demonstrated that isoindolin‐1‐one might be a significant intermediate being involved in the reaction. X‐ray diffraction analysis was used to examine the crystal structures of synthesized 2‐hydroxy‐2‐[N‐(substituted)‐3‐oxoisoindolin‐1‐yl]‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐diones. Furthermore, it seems that the reaction mechanism involves a radical pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, is the commonest cause of chronic hair loss and affects up to 80% of men by the age of 70. Despite a high prevalence, there are few approved therapies, which show minimal efficacy. Objectives: This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PrP) in the treatment of AGA in male patients. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar and the Science Citation Index database were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies related to PrP use in AGA were included. Primary outcomes included changes in hair density and hair count. Methodological quality was assessed using bias assessment tools. Results: Eight RCTs and one cohort study were included in the review with a total of 291 participants. Six studies reported a statistically significant increase in hair density in the PrP group versus the control. Five studies reported a statistically significant increase in hair count with PrP. Seven studies showed moderate risk and two showed low risk of bias. Conclusion: In a methodologically robust review on the effectiveness of PrP on male AGA, PrP demonstrated some potential to be used therapeutically. However, the low quality of evidence, moderate risk of bias, and high heterogeneity of included studies limit inferences and call for more robust designs to investigate this further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite films are fascinating optoelectronic materials for white‐light emission and lasing applications. Here, it is demonstrated that nano‐meter‐thick films of perovskites can be formed at room temperature using Langmuir–Schaefer (LS) deposition technique. In situ X‐ray measurements reveal a self‐assembly process of the 2D perovskite formation at the air–water interface. This formation process requires the presence of stearic acid monolayer on the water subphase having a solution of lead‐perovskite in dimethylformamide. Microscopy and X‐ray measurements of these nanofilms transferred onto substrates show crystalline phase formation that deviates from the known orthorhombic structure of the bulk crystals. The nanofilms exhibit novel broad optical emission with sharp band‐edge transition in temperature‐dependent photoluminescence studies. Also, their band‐edge emission is distinctly blue‐shifted compared to that of thicker 2D perovskite flakes prepared by the slow‐cooling chemical synthesis process. 2D flakes exhibit lasing that cannot be obtained in the LS nanofilms as their thicknesses are lower than the lasing wavelength prohibiting wave‐guide formation. The results show that the 2D single‐crystalline nature of the LS films and flakes are suitable materials to develop broad‐band white light emission across the entire visible range and to obtain lasing without external cavities, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tert‐butyl nitrite (TBN) promoted visible‐light‐induced one‐pot C−N cross coupling reaction of 3‐alkylidene‐2‐oxindoles with benzene‐1,2‐diamine was explored. Simultaneously, the indoline motif of 3‐alkylidene‐2‐oxindoles as well as 3‐ylidene oxindoles are regioselectively nitrated at the C‐6 position by in‐situ formed NO2 radical. (E)‐3‐(2‐(aryl)‐2‐oxoethylidene)oxindole and (E)‐3‐ylidene oxindole produce distinct nitrated diastereomeric coupling products, a phenomenon influenced by the steric bulk of the functional group. The experimental findings suggest the potential involvement of a radical pathway in this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the level of microbial contamination in raw cow milk samples collected from farms in rural and urban regions of Raisen and Bhopal districts, Madhya Pradesh, India. Recent data are gathered to investigate the microbial quality of the milk samples directly, rather than relying on reported findings from other sources. The results reveal that both rural and urban milk samples exhibit significantly higher bacterial colony counts compared to acceptable limits for total viable count. The average total viable count for urban samples is 8.699 log CFU mL−1, with a standard deviation of 0.821 log CFU mL−1, using a sample size of 1 mL. Moreover, urban samples show a higher initial incubation count (8.728 ± 0.431 log CFU mL‐1), indicating potential unsanitary milk handling practices in urban areas. In contrast, rural milk samples demonstrate significantly lower bacterial counts (8.0778 ± 0.079 log CFU mL−1) and exhibit superior laboratory sanitization measures. Enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, and Shigella are found in both urban and rural milk samples after isolation. However, strains of bacterial culture specific to Pseudomonas and Salmonella species are exclusively detected in urban samples, suggesting a higher contamination level in urban areas compared to rural regions. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved milk production and handling practices in both rural and urban areas, particularly in urban settings where the contamination levels are found to be significantly higher. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of microbial quality in raw cow milk and emphasize the importance of implementing appropriate interventions to ensure the safety and quality of milk consumed by the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynein-2 is a large multiprotein complex that powers retrograde intraflagellar transport (IFT) of cargoes within cilia/flagella, but the molecular mechanism underlying this function is still emerging. Distinctively, dynein-2 contains two identical force-generating heavy chains that interact with two different intermediate chains (WDR34 and WDR60). Here, we dissect regulation of dynein-2 function by WDR34 and WDR60 using an integrative approach including cryo-electron microscopy and CRISPR/Cas9-enabled cell biology. A 3.9 Å resolution structure shows how WDR34 and WDR60 use surprisingly different interactions to engage equivalent sites of the two heavy chains. We show that cilia can assemble in the absence of either WDR34 or WDR60 individually, but not both subunits. Dynein-2-dependent distribution of cargoes depends more strongly on WDR60, because the unique N-terminal extension of WDR60 facilitates dynein-2 targeting to cilia. Strikingly, this N-terminal extension can be transplanted onto WDR34 and retain function, suggesting it acts as a flexible tether to the IFT "trains" that assemble at the ciliary base. We discuss how use of unstructured tethers represents an emerging theme in IFT train interactions. Synopsis: Dynein-2 is the molecular motor responsible for intraflagellar transport (IFT) from the tip of cilia to the base. Here, a combination of cryo-electron microscopy, crystallography, genome editing, and live-cell imaging defines the contribution of heterodimeric intermediate chains (WDR34 and WDR60) to dynein-2 cellular function. WDR34 and WDR60 use distinct interactions to engage equivalent sites of the two dynein-2 motor subunits. Cilia can assemble in the absence of either WDR34 or WDR60, but not when both subunits are missing. Dynein-2 function depends more strongly on WDR60, whose unique N-terminal extension facilitates dynein-2 targeting to cilia. This N-terminal extension can be transplanted onto WDR34 and retain function, suggesting it acts as a flexible tether to IFT complexes assembling at the ciliary base. The N-terminal extension of dynein-2 intermediate chain WDR60 tethers dynein-2 to intraflagellar transport complexes in cilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAGEA4 is a cancer-testis antigen primarily expressed in the testes but aberrantly overexpressed in several cancers. MAGEA4 interacts with the RING ubiquitin ligase RAD18 and activates trans-lesion DNA synthesis (TLS), potentially favouring tumour evolution. Here, we employed NMR and AlphaFold2 (AF) to elucidate the interaction mode between RAD18 and MAGEA4, and reveal that the RAD6-binding domain (R6BD) of RAD18 occupies a groove in the C-terminal winged-helix subdomain of MAGEA4. We found that MAGEA4 partially displaces RAD6 from the RAD18 R6BD and inhibits degradative RAD18 autoubiquitination, which could be countered by a competing peptide of the RAD18 R6BD. AlphaFold2 and cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) also revealed an evolutionary invariant intramolecular interaction between the catalytic RING and the DNA-binding SAP domains of RAD18, which is essential for PCNA mono-ubiquitination. Using interaction proteomics, we found that another Type-I MAGE, MAGE-C2, interacts with the RING ubiquitin ligase TRIM28 in a manner similar to the MAGEA4/RAD18 complex, suggesting that the MAGEA4 peptide-binding groove also serves as a ligase-binding cleft in other type-I MAGEs. Our data provide new insights into the mechanism and regulation of RAD18-mediated PCNA mono-ubiquitination. Synopsis: MAGE proteins bind RING ubiquitin ligases and often promote pro-oncogenic pathways. Through structural and biochemical approaches, this study gives insight into how MAGEA4 binds and regulates the RING E3 RAD18, which is crucial for DNA repair. MAGEA4 utilizes a C-terminal peptide binding groove (PBG) to bind and regulate RAD18. The PBG is important for RING ligase binding in other MAGE proteins. MAGEA4 protects RAD18 from degradative autoubiquitination. The RAD18 RING and SAP domains interact together to mediate monoubiquitination of the substrate PCNA. The interaction mode is conserved in another MAGE/RING pair, MAGE-C2 and TRIM28. MAGEA4 partly displaces RAD6 from the key DNA repair E3 RAD18, thereby protecting it from degradative autoubiquitination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Valsartan is commonly used for cardiac conditions. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration recalled generic valsartan due to the detection of impurities. Our objective was to determine if heart failure patients receiving valsartan at the recall date had a greater likelihood of unfavorable outcomes than patients using comparable antihypertensives. Methods: We conducted a cohort study of Optum's de‐identified Clinformatics® Datamart (July 2017–January 2019). Heart failure patients with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance who received valsartan were compared to persons who received non‐recalled angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACE‐Is) for 1 year prior and including the recall date. Outcomes included a composite for all‐cause hospitalization, emergency department (ED), and urgent care (UC) use and a measure of cardiac events which included hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and hospitalizations/ED/UC visits for stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure or hypertension at 6‐months post‐recall. Cox proportional hazard models with propensity score weighting compared the risk of outcomes between groups. Results: Of the 87 130 adherent patients, 15% were valsartan users and 85% were users of non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is. Valsartan use was not associated with an increased risk of all‐cause hospitalization/ED/UC use six‐months post‐recall (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.96–1.03), compared with individuals taking non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is. Similarly, cardiac events 6‐months post‐recall did not differ between individuals on valsartan and non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.97–1.12). Conclusions: The valsartan recall did not affect short‐term outcomes of heart failure patients. However, the recall potentially disrupted the medication regimens of patients, possibly straining the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the prominent effects of space weather is the formation of rapid geomagnetic field variations on Earth's surface driven by the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. These geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs) cause geomagnetically induced currents to run through ground conducting systems. In particular, localized GMDs (LGMDs) can be high amplitude and can have an effect on scale sizes less than 100 km, making them hazardous to power grids and difficult to predict. In this study, we examine the ability of the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF) to reproduce LGMDs in the 7 September 2017 event using both existing and new metrics to quantify the success of the model against observation. We show that the high-resolution SWMF can reproduce LGMDs driven by ionospheric sources, but struggles to reproduce LGMDs driven by substorm effects. We calculate the global maxima of the magnetic fluctuations to show instances when the SWMF captures LGMDs at the correct times but not the correct locations. To remedy these shortcomings we suggest model developments that will directly impact the ability of the SWMF to reproduce LGMDs, most importantly updating the ionospheric conductance calculation from empirical to physics-based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High breakdown strength material in the cable insulation layer is a key enabler for high voltage power transmission. In this work, we seek to design high‐performance voltage stabilizers to be compounded into polyethylene to improve its breakdown strength. We hypothesize that electron affinity (EA) and HOMO‐LUMO gap are two key factors that affect the performance of voltage stabilizers. To achieve larger EA and smaller HOMO‐LUMO gap, we propose to use aromatic molecules decorated with electron acceptors and donors. A search of an internal chemical database narrows down to 529 molecules using structure, ClogP, and H‐phrases (hazard statement) as criteria. The EA and HOMO‐LUMO gap of these molecules are then calculated and experiments are carried out to measure the performance of 20 molecules. The performance improvement does not show a significant correlation with either EA or HOMO‐LUMO gap. However, the best performers have an EA of 1.3–2.3 eV and HOMO‐LUMO gap of 3.2–5.2 eV. The experimental study shows that adding side groups to voltage stabilizers will typically degrade their performance because side groups will generally increase the distance between the HOMO‐LUMO orbitals and polyethylene backbone, and therefore decrease the electron/hole tunneling effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyurea reduces the frequency of vaso‐occlusive complications, increases hemoglobin, and decreases mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). Although current guidelines recommend escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the use of fixed low‐dose hydroxyurea is common in low‐resource countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of escalated doses versus fixed low‐dose of hydroxyurea in adults with SCD. Nine studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, four evaluating fixed low‐dose and five evaluating escalated doses of hydroxyurea. Average daily doses of hydroxyurea in the fixed low‐dose and escalated dose studies were ~10 and 22 mg/kg, respectively. There was no difference in the estimate of vaso‐occlusive crisis rate between escalated and fixed low‐dose studies (p =.73). The mean difference in hemoglobin from baseline to follow‐up was greater for fixed low‐dose than escalated dose studies (1.07 g/dL vs. 0.54 g/dL, p =.01). No difference was seen in the mean estimate of fetal hemoglobin. Despite limited eligible studies and substantial heterogeneity of effect between the studies for several outcomes, there appears to be clinical equipoise regarding the most appropriate hydroxyurea dosing regimen in adults with SCD. Controlled studies of hydroxyurea at MTD versus fixed low‐dose in adults with SCD are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, for the first time, the catalytic metal gate (CMG) based nanosheet Field Effect Transistor (NSFET) and nanosheet Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (NSTFET) are proposed for nano‐scale device dimensions, and the different design aspects of catalytic metal gate (CMG)‐based transduction for Hydrogen (H2) sensing are extensively investigated using numerical device simulation. The influence of applied biasing conditions and structural parameter specifications on the sensing performance of CMG‐NSFET and CMG‐NSTFET are methodically analyzed from device electrostatics and carrier transport mechanisms. Furthermore, the relative maximum sensitivity variations with H2‐partial pressure, ambient temperature, and the presence of ambient Oxygen are comprehensively studied. The study reveals that compared to CMG‐NSFET, the CMG‐NSTFET demonstrates a high immunity against bias and doping variations, with a notably higher (> 50%) sensitivity within low H2 partial pressures (10−15 – 10−10 Torr). Next, the sensing performance of CMG‐NSTFET is systematically optimized through a band‐gap and gate‐stack engineering approach, leading to a 180% to 650% sensitivity improvement from lower (10−15 Torr) to higher (10−5 Torr) range of H2 partial pressure. Finally, the performance of optimized CMG‐NSFET and CMG‐NSTFET are extensively benchmarked against other reported nanostructured CMG‐FET and TFET‐based H2 gas sensors, exhibiting a notably higher sensitivity in the proposed sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene (PP) is an unflinching element of biomaterials for human healthcare, leading to enormous possibilities for their functional development within a broad range of biocompatible and bioreceptive materials. Plasma grafting of itaconic acid was carried out on a PP surface by oxygen plasma activation. The variation of grafting parameters, such as monomer concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time, as a function of the degree of grafting was investigated. The graft distribution and surface homogeneity of the PP surfaces were evaluated using confocal microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. These surface characterizations led to information about the impact of grafts on the material surface. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat contributes to about one‐fifth of the total calories and protein consumption by humans but is found lower in total iron (Fe) concentration than the targeted nutritional requirement, leading to increasing cases of anaemia and malnutrition in humans, especially in the developing countries. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to understand the dynamics of Fe in soil and its supply in relation to wheat productivity and grain quality. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of long‐term (54 years) annual and biannual application of different doses of farmyard manure (FYM) (0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha−1) and nitrogen (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1) under integrated nutrient management on the dynamics of Fe in soil along with its relationship with total Fe uptake in wheat. Additionally, the release pattern of native soil Fe and risk of Fe toxicity were evaluated. The highest grain yield of wheat (6.08 Mg ha−1) was observed under biannual application of FYM and nitrogen at 10 Mg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1, respectively, which was approximately 155% higher than the control plot (F0N0). Under the dual season application of 15 Mg ha−1 FYM and 120 kg ha−1 nitrogen, the total Fe content (48.48 mg kg−1) and its uptake (270.52 g ha−1) in wheat grains were found at maximum. The soil incubation study revealed that the rate of release of Fe increased up to 30 days of incubation followed by constant rates indicating the establishment of dynamic equilibrium among the different Fe fractions. Thus, the present study was conducted for the first time to improve the understanding of changes in Fe concentration and rate of release in soil, which directly influence the Fe uptake in wheat grain under the long‐term integrated nutrient management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing land seismic data, especially vibroseis data, is often challenging due to complicated near‐surface situations and source‐generated noise. The case study deals with noisy vibroseis data acquired in the Jaisalmer Basin. The near‐surface estimation in this area is difficult due to a possible velocity reversal manifested in the shingled patterns of the first breaks. The near‐surface workflow incorporates a model‐adaptive first break‐picking approach, essentially integrating two problems of first‐break‐picking and model estimation into a single problem. The signal‐conditioning workflow is based on cascaded scaling and single‐channel‐based noise reduction to prevent the removal of weak signals. Horizon‐based migration velocity analysis was used to focus reflectors on the constant velocity‐migrated stacks. This was particularly useful in areas with dubious velocity trends based on semblance panels. The velocity volume has structural consistency, which provides a better time‐migrated image. The workflow also incorporates a targeted post‐stack processing sequence to enhance continuity, sharpen discontinuities and improve the resolution, as notable by comparing the legacy‐processing results of the same dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of alloys with substantial hydrogen storage capacities is a potential solution to the demand for hydrogen storage in a future hydrogen‐based energy system. The synthesis, structural‐microstructural properties, and hydrogen storage performance of a multicomponent TiZrVCrNi high‐entropy melt‐spun ribbon have been discussed in the present investigation. The x‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy investigations confirm that this as‐cast and melt‐spun alloy contains only a single C14‐type hexagonal (a = b = 5.02 Å, c = 8.15 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°) Laves phase. The room temperature pressure composition isotherms were studied with a pressure range of 0 to 40 atm. Continuing from our previous study in which we reported a hydrogen storage capacity of ~1.5 wt% in an as‐cast high‐entropy alloy synthesized using Arc melting, the total hydrogen storage capacity of TiZrVCrNi high‐entropy melt‐spun ribbons was found to be ~2 wt% in this work. This study makes the way forward for greater hydrogen storage in melt‐spun ribbons. The observation of only minimal losses in storage capacity, even after 10 cycles of experiments on hydrogen absorption, shows that the reversible hydrogen storage capacity has high durability. To the best of our knowledge, these demonstrations are the first to present a study on the hydrogen storage capacity (~2 wt%) of the equiatomic TiZrVCrNi melt‐spun ribbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though a low‐FODMAP diet improves 50% irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, regional dietary variations, vegetarianism, and long‐term nutritional consequences challenge its implementation. We aimed developing a FODMAP meal challenge test (FMCT). We prospectively studied whether (i) high‐ than low‐FODMAP foods produce more breath H2 among IBS patients than controls; (ii) post‐meal symptoms relate to breath H2; and (iii) novel FMCT predicts response to a low‐FODMAP diet? Methods: Forty Rome III IBS and 20 healthy controls underwent an eight‐hour H2 breath test following a low‐ (rice, brinjal, corn, and banana [450 Kcal]) and a high‐FODMAP meal (wheat, kidney bean, pulse, and card [450 Kcal]). Breath H2 (every 15 min) and symptoms following low‐ and high‐FODMAP meals were recorded. IBS‐symptom severity scores were recorded every month for 3‐months on low‐FODMAP diet. Results: Forty Rome III IBS (19 Rome IV positive) were comparable to 20 controls in age and gender. IBS patients (n = 39 excluding one H2 non‐producer) and controls produced more breath H2 after high‐ (greater in IBS) than low‐FODMAP meal. Post‐meal symptoms were commoner in IBS (4/40 [10%] and 27/40 [67.5%] with low‐ and high‐FODMAP, respectively [P < 0.00001]; none in healthy). IBS patients developing post‐high‐FODMAP meal symptoms produced greater H2 (18 PPM [IQR 10.5–23] vs 6 [0–7.2]; P < 0.001). A positive FMCT (breath H2 > 10 PPM above basal with symptoms following high‐FODMAP food) had sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 78.6%, 66.6%, and 75.6%, respectively, to predict low‐FODMAP diet response. Conclusions: The novel FMCT predicts response to a low‐FODMAP diet in IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza virus is known to cause mild to severe respiratory infections and is also prone to genetic mutations. Of all the mutations, neuraminidase (NA) gene mutations are a matter of concern, as most approved antivirals target this protein. During the 2020 influenza season, an emergence of mutation in the NA gene, affecting the binding of the World Health Organization (WHO)‐recommended probes to the specific site of the NA gene, was reported by our group. As a result of this mutation, the WHO‐recommended allelic discrimination real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay was unable to detect wild‐type (H275) or mutant oseltamivir‐resistant (Y275) strains of influenza A(H1N1)pmd09 viruses. In the current study, the WHO‐recommended probes were redesigned according to the mutation in the probe binding site. Fifty undetermined samples (2020–2021) from the previous study were retested with the newly designed probes and found to be positive for H275 and/or Y275. The results obtained were similar to the Sanger sequencing results from the previous study, suggesting that the redesigned probes were efficient in discriminating between wild‐type and mutant‐type viruses. Furthermore, 133 samples from 2022, making a total of 183 samples (2020–2022), were tested using improved allelic discrimination real‐time RT‐PCR, and the overall prevalence rate of oseltamivir resistance in 2020–2022 was found to be 0.54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dispersion‐cum‐distribution of second phase particles in a polycrystalline ceramic microstructure influences the mechanical and tribological properties, with the difficult‐to‐achieve inter‐/intragranular reinforcement often leading to better properties, as compared to simply intergranular reinforcement. However, the latter microstructure‐type is more regularly obtained when the processing involves physical mixing of crystalline (starting) powder particles of the components. Against this backdrop, an innovative sol‐gel‐based route, which is devoid of such physical mixing, but which leads to heterogeneous nucleation/growth of the crystalline matrix phase (here, α‐Al2O3) around well‐dispersed second‐phase particles (of tetragonal zirconia; t‐ZrO2) during calcination/sintering, allows achieving inter‐/intragranular reinforcement of t‐ZrO2 in Al2O3‐ZrO2 composites. Such a microstructure‐type results in considerably improved hardness (even with respect to monolithic Al2O3), despite the incorporation of softer ZrO2 phase, enhanced resistances to crack propagation and wear damage, as compared to the conventionally processed counterparts, having primarily intergranular t‐ZrO2 reinforcement. From mechanistic point of view, the intragranular t‐ZrO2 reinforcement leads to enhanced "t‐ZrO2 transformability" and change in fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular. From a generic perspective, the beneficial aspects of the processing route can potentially be taken forward toward the development of other ceramic composites possessing inter‐/intragranular microstructure‐type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel technologies help to monitor the environmental impact of human activities, but tests involving datasets from several countries, encompassing a large variability of soil properties, are still scarce. This study utilized proximal sensors to predict soil organic carbon (OC) and soil texture of samples from Brazil, France, India, Mozambique, and United States. A total of 1749 samples were analyzed by portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry and visible near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Sand (R2 = 0.89), silt (0.87), and clay (0.84) predictions were very accurate, despite contrasting climates, soil parent materials, and weathering degrees. Soil OC predictions were similarly successful (0.74) using samples from five countries. pXRF was the optimal sensor for soil texture predictions. The addition of international data may improve local models. Proximal soil sensing can be successfully used with a multinational soil database offering a clean, rapid, and accurate alternative to estimate soil texture and OC with international datasets. Core Ideas: Soil properties can be predicted via proximal sensors using multinational datasets.This study encompassed soil samples from Brazil, France, Mozambique, India, and United States.Soil organic carbon and texture were accurately predicted via proximal sensors.The broad application of proximal sensors to aid soil characterization is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Mn$\mathcal {M}_n$ denote the set of monic polynomials of degree n over a finite field Fq$\mathbb {F}_q$ of q elements. For multiplicative functions ψ1,ψ2$\psi _1,\psi _2$, using the recently developed "pretentious method," we establish a "local‐global" principle for correlation functions of the form ∑f∈Mnψ1(f+h1)ψ2(f+h2)asn→∞(qremains fixed),$$\begin{equation*} \sum _{f\in \mathcal {M}_n}\psi _1(f+h_1)\psi _2(f+h_2) \quad \text{ as } n\rightarrow \infty \quad (q \text{ remains fixed}), \end{equation*}$$where h1,h2∈Fq[x]$h_1,h_2\in \mathbb {F}_q[x]$ are fixed polynomials. These results were then applied to find limiting distributions of sums of additive functions. We also study correlations with Dirichlet characters and Hayes characters. As a consequence, we give a new proof of a function field analog of Kátai's conjecture that states that if the average of the first divided difference of a completely multiplicative function whose values lie on the unit circle is zero, then it must be a Hayes character. We further extend this result to pairs and triplets of completely multiplicative functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]