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In this article, a comprehensive study of the effect of calcium substitution on structural magnetic, magnetocaloric properties, and role of Griffiths phase on magnetocaloric properties of half-doped manganites L a 0.5 S r 0.5 − x C a x Mn O 3 (x = 0 , 0.25 , 0.5) ] have been presented. A structural phase transition I4/mcm − Pbnm is observed in the whole series. The system exhibits two magnetic transitions for Ca-00 and Ca-25, whereas only one phase transition is observed for Ca-50. Paramagnetic (PM)–ferromagnetic (FM) transition is observed in the whole series and ferromagnetic (FM) - antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase transition is only observed in Ca-25. Interestingly, short range FM clusters exist in the PM matrix of Ca-50, which is a signature of Griffiths phase (GP). The confirmation of GP has been carried out by performing iso-field magnetization measurements at 200 Oe, 500 Oe, and 1 kOe, respectively. Further magnetocaloric properties have been discussed on the basis of isothermal magnetization curves recorded at certain temperature intervals. Calcium substitution favors the enhancement of magnetic entropy change in the series, especially for Ca-50, a magnetic entropy change of 4.5 J/(kg K) with relative cooling power of 180 J/kg under 5 T magnetic field was observed. Iso-field magnetization and magnetocaloric effect along with critical behavior analysis have been carried out to probe the GP and other inhomogeneities present in the respective series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the observation of longitudinal (in-plane) and transverse (out-of-plane) spin splitting of incident linearly polarized (p and s) light beams reflected at the interface of tungsten di-selenide, a monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide material deposited on a Si/SiO2 substrate, near the Brewster angle of incidence employing the quantum weak measurement technique. The amplified longitudinal and transverse shift values reach up to hundreds of micrometers. The transverse shift value, measured approximately at 400 μm, dominates over the longitudinal shift value at Brewster incidence. In this work, we found positive and negative shift values for the same angle of incidence but distinct polarization states revealing the explicit dependencies upon the angle of incidence and the post-selection angle. The modified weak measurement model provides an excellent interpretation of these experimental findings. This work, thus, provides novel insights into the effects of light–matter interactions and could find important applications in optical switches, nano-photonics, and the non-destructive study of material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate gap-closings in one- and two-dimensional tight-binding models with two bands, containing non-Hermitian hopping terms, and open boundary conditions (OBCs) imposed along one direction. We compare the bulk OBC spectra with the periodic boundary condition (PBC) spectra, pointing out that they do not coincide, which is an intrinsic characteristic of non-Hermitian systems. The non-Hermiticity, thus, results in the failure of the familiar notions of bulk-boundary correspondence found for Hermitian systems. This necessitates the search for topological invariants which can characterize gap-closings in open non-Hermitian systems correctly and unambiguously. We elucidate the behavior of two possible candidates applicable for one-dimensional slices—(1) the sum of winding numbers for the two bands defined on a generalized Brillouin zone and (2) the biorthogonal polarization (BP). While the former shows jumps/discontinuities for some of the non-Hermitian systems studied here, at points when an edge mode enters the bulk states and becomes delocalized, it does not maintain quantized values in a given topological phase. On the contrary, BP shows jumps at phase transitions, and the quantized value of one or zero, which corresponds to whether an actual edge mode exists or whether that mode is delocalized and absorbed within the bulk (not being an edge mode anymore). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed a trigonal symmetric imine-linked covalent organic framework (COF), TFPC-DAB, with control over the angularity of the building units, where a bent C2-symmetric diamine, such as 1,3-diaminobenzene (1,3-DAB or DAB), with an exo-angle of 120° was used instead of those with an exo-angle of 180°, in combination with a C3-symmetric trialdehyde, such as tri(4-formylphenoxy)cyanurate (TFPC). Its synthesis was accomplished by reacting the building units in a mixture of mesitylene/dioxane/6 M acetic acid under solvothermal conditions. The phase purity, thermal stability, and porosity of TFPC-DAB were established by various analytical techniques. Utilizing the Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB+) simulation and Pawley refinement, the best fit of the small angle x-ray pattern was found to have an AA stacking of TFPC-DAB in the trigonal space group P3 with low refinement parameters. Such smart materials are in huge demand to detect hazardous corrosive chemicals, such as HCl and NH3. The dual features of electron deficient π-acidic triazine moiety and heteroatoms (N/O) from TFPC and electron rich phenyl units from DAB embodied in the framework enhance its luminescent property and thereby make it suitable for solvent-based HCl and NH3 sensing. The detection limits for HCl and NH3 in methanol were found to be 14 and 82 ppb, respectively. The effect of solvent polarity on the sensing studies was observed with much lower detection limits in dioxane: 2.5 and 11 ppb for HCl and NH3, respectively. A detailed theoretical calculation using density functional theory and configurational bias Monte Carlo modules was conducted for understanding interactions between the COF and HCl or NH3 analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Arylation of cyclic ketones via an organophotocatalytic route has been described utilizing PXZ-TRZ, a molecule displaying thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Using this route, a plethora of cyclic ketones including cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone and even cyclooctanone can be effectively arylated with many aryl iodides or bromides under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Study of rhizospheric microbiome-mediated plant growth promotional attributes currently highlighted as a key tool for the development of suitable bio-inoculants for sustainable agriculture purposes. In this context, we have conducted a detailed study regarding the characterization of phosphate solubilizing potential by plant growth-promoting bacteria that have been isolated from the rhizosphere of a pteridophyte Dicranopteris sp. growing on the lateritic belt of West Bengal. Methods and Results We have isolated three potent bacterial strains, namely DRP1, DRP2, and DRP3 from the rhizoids-region of Dicranopteris sp. Among the isolated strains, DRP3 is found to have the highest phosphate solubilizing potentiality and is able to produce 655.89 and 627.58 µg ml−1 soluble phosphate by solubilizing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and Jordan rock phosphate, respectively. This strain is also able to solubilize Purulia rock phosphate moderately (133.51 µg ml−1). Whole-genome sequencing and further analysis of the studied strain revealed the presence of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase gdh gene along with several others that were well known for their role in phosphate solubilization. Further downstream, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR-based expression study revealed 1.59-fold upregulation of PQQ-dependent gdh gene during the solubilization of TCP. Root colonization potential of the studied strain on two taxonomically distinct winter crops viz. Cicer arietinum and Triticum aestivum has been checked by using scanning electron microscopy. Other biochemical analyses for plant growth promotion traits including indole acetic acid production (132.02 µg ml−1), potassium solubilization (3 mg l−1), biofilm formation, and exopolymeric substances productions (1.88–2.03 µg ml−1) also has been performed. Conclusion This study highlighted the active involvement of PQQ-dependent gdh gene during phosphate solubilization from any Enterobacter group. Moreover, our study explored different roadmaps for sustainable farming methods and the preservation of food security without endangering soil health in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, thermal imaging and sensing technologies have seen dramatic increases in usage for a range of applications. However, the material cost and manufacturing complexity of infrared optics remain a major barrier toward their democratization. Here, a solution‐processed plasmonic reflective filter (PRF) is presented as a scalable, disordered, and low‐cost thermal infrared (TIR) optic. The PRF selectively absorbs sunlight and specularly reflects TIR wavelengths, with a performance comparable to state‐of‐the‐art infrared optics made of materials like Germanium. Unlike the latter, however, the PRF is fabricated using low‐cost materials and a “dip‐and‐dry” chemical synthesis technique, which enables orders of magnitude lower manufacturing costs. The PRF's optical functionality and integration into infrared imaging systems are experimentally demonstrated. The chemical synthesis technique also affords exceptional spectral tuneability and material compatibility compared to traditional fabrication methods. The PRF's tuneable and broadband TIR yield can be augmented by inexpensive dielectric or polymeric filters to yield novel capabilities such as wide‐area ambient temperature surveys. Practically, the PRF represents a significant advance toward democratizing the benefits of thermal imaging and sensing. Scientifically, it represents a previously unexplored optical functionality of disordered materials, and a new direction for versatile chemical synthesis in designing optical components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-linear optical (NLO) parameter of a series of donor–acceptor substituted N-salicylidene-4-benzenesulfonylaniline (SBSA) derivatives with a contrast of first hyperpolarisability has been investigated using density functional-based theory. The derivative of SBSA with both the donor and acceptor substitution (NMe2-SBSA-NO2) exhibits the highest first hyperpolarisability ($\sim 3 \times$ ∼ 3 × 103 a.u in gas phase) value. Frequency and solvent polarity responsive behaviours of first hyperpolarisability are utilised to demonstrate the variation of NLO as switchable electrical parameter. Each of the studied compounds displays very high NLO response at frequency corresponding to the absorption maxima of their electronic state. Likewise, the increase of solvent polarity induces a substantial increase of first hyperpolarisability. The computation of NLO responsive first hyperpolarisability by varying the frequency and solvent dielectric constant within a wide domain is very tedious and time-consuming. To overcome the lacuna, we implemented machine learning tools such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), fuzzy logic (FL) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to predict the computation data of the NMe2-SBSA-NO2 and moderately good results were obtained using ANFIS as soft computing tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is extremely important towards mitigating climate change, especially in wheat where the NUE is less than 50%. Hence, optimizing grain yield under reduced application of nitrogenous fertilizer is a significant challenge. To address this challenge, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate various agronomic traits and morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters related to NUE. This study explored their interrelationships and effects on grain yield, providing novel insights that were not previously reported. A set of 278 diverse wheat genotypes were assessed, encompassing eight NUE‐related field traits. All traits' values were reduced under stressed N (ranging from 7.5% to 77.5%) except Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUtE) and NUE. Data analysis showed a significant positive correlation between grain yield and all other NUE‐related traits (r2 value ranged from.23 to 1.00), highlighting their relevance in comprehending the biological NUE of wheat plants. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that N at head and N at harvest were more connected with gain yield, NUE and biomass under the optimum N condition, but less connected with gain yield and NUE under the stressed N condition. To complement the field data, representative genotypes were further subjected to a hydroponics experiment under absolute N control to study the different morphological parameters, photosynthetic pigments and the performance of essential N‐ and C‐metabolizing enzymes at the seedling stage. N stress had a detrimental impact on the majority of the parameters (−0.84% to −79.8%). Nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) enzymes as well as root length (RL), root fresh weight (RFW) and CS transcript, were positively affected by 5.9%–35.6%. The correlation analysis highlighted the substantial influence of four key N‐metabolizing enzymes, namely nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate oxo‐glutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT), and GDH on grain yield. Additionally, this study highlighted the direct and indirect associations between seedling parameters and field traits, where shoot and root length were found to be most significant for N acquisition, especially under N stress. In conclusion, these findings offer valuable insights into the intricate network of traits and parameters influencing wheat grain yield under varying N regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gallstone disease is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases with a substantial burden to health-care systems. Patients present with right upper quadrant pain, dyspepsia, nausea or vomiting. Owing to the side effects of allopathic drugs, many patients resort to homeopathic treatment for relief of pain. There are several homeopathic drugs that decrease the pain of cholecystitis as well as high cholesterol in these patients but cannot cure them off the disease. Finally, they come to general surgeon for cholecystectomy. We have noticed that performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in these patients is difficult and time consuming. Aims and Objectives: To determine whether or not homeopathic medicine intake for treatment of cholelithiasis act as an independent factor that leads to intraoperative difficulties during LC. Materials and Methods: Study design: A prospective randomized comparative study. Study period: July 2022–December 2023 (18 months). Study groups: Group H = Patients with history of (H/O) intake of homeopathic medicines for treatment of cholelithiasis = 60 patients, Group N = Patients with no H/O homeopathic medicine intake = 60 patients. Results: Twenty-six (43.33%) patients in Group H and 11 (18.33%) patients in Group N had a difficult LC. 7 (11.67%) patients in Group H and 1 (1.67%) patient in Group N had dense adhesions around the gallbladder (GB). 13 (21.67%) patients of Group H and 3 (5%) patients of Group N had a Frozen Calot’s Triangle (fibrosis and difficult Calot’s triangle dissection). This was statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study proved that intake of homeopathic medications for the treatment of cholelithiasis leads to dense adhesions around GB as well as fibrotic adhesions leading to difficult Calot’s triangle dissection leading to a difficult LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel rGO (Reduced Graphene Oxide)-ZnO/WO3 nanohybrid has tremendous commercialization potential for photocatalytic hydrogen generation because of its cheap production costs, specific optical properties, remarkable stability and conductivity. It decreases charge recombination, improves photoelectronic transit, and broadens visible light absorption with rGO. This study developed a simple nano-casting procedure to include WO3 nanocuboids into rGO-ZnO nanorods formed by hydrothermal treatment with the appropriate amount of ZnO grafted on rGO. Improved photocatalytic activity has been discovered in rGO-ZnO nanocomposite with 1:3 ratios. The optimized powder rGO/ZnO (1:3) nanocomposite paired with WO3 exhibits the maximum photocatalytic hydrogen production activity (13.29 mmoles g−1h−1), which is approximately 1.27 times more active than the powder rGO/ZnO (1:3) nanocomposite (10.46 mmoles g−1 h−1). The contributions of rGO/ZnO (1:3) and integrated WO3 to photocatalytic hydrogen evolution enhancement have been fully investigated through experiment and characterization. The logical design and bottom-up synthesis of eco-friendly energy conversion materials with high performance and low-cost lead to commercialization and become the focal point of this effort. Optimized rGO-ZnO (1:3)/ WO3 heterojunction: a robust photocatalyst with a low band gap exhibits a slow rate of electron-hole recombination and remarkable (13.29 mmole g−1 h−1) solar hydrogen production activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to find a geometric and physical interpretation of fractional order derivatives for a general class of functions defined over a bounded or unbounded domain. We show theoretically and geometrically that the absolute value of the fractional derivative value of a function is inversely proportional to the area of the triangle. Further, we prove geometrically that the fractional derivatives are inversely proportional to the classical integration in some sense. The established results are verified numerically for non‐monotonic, trigonometric, and power functions. Further, this article establishes a significant connection between the area of the projected fence and the area of triangles. As the area of triangles decreases, the area of the projected fence increases, and vice versa. We calculate the turning points of the fractional derivative values of different functions with respect to order α$$ \alpha $$, including non‐monotonic, trigonometric, and power functions. In particular, we demonstrate that for the power function xβ$$ {x}^{\beta } $$, with β$$ \beta $$ being a positive real number, the value α=0.5$$ \alpha =0.5 $$ is a turning point when x=β$$ x=\beta $$. However, for x>β$$ x>\beta $$, the turning point shifts to the left of point (0.5,0)$$ \left(0.5,0\right) $$ and shifts to the right of point (0.5,0)$$ \left(0.5,0\right) $$ for x<β.$$ x<\beta. $$ We discuss the physical interpretation of fractional order derivatives in terms of fractional divergence. We present some applications of fractional tangent lines in the field of numerical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper presents a compact (20 × 20 × 1.59 mm3), (0.34λg × 0.34λg × 0.01λg at 2.4 GHz) triple band monopole antenna for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The geometry of the antenna consists of (i) U‐shape monopole with feed line, (ii) stubs, and (iii) modified ground to achieve three independent operating bands ranging from (i) 2.4–2.48 GHz for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM)/3G; (ii) 3.4–3.6 GHz for 4G/5G; and (iii) 5.725–5.825 GHz for 5.8G Wi‐Fi/extended 5G. Various parameters, input impedance, and current distribution of the proposed structure are carried out to investigate the effects of stub, ground plane and analyze the radiation. The measured result covers the three individual bands in range of 2.38–2.48 GHz, 3.41–3.61 GHz, and 5.76–6.04 GHz, respectively, and exhibits stable omnidirectional radiation patterns, acceptable antenna gain, and efficiency in the operating bands. The experimental result of the fabricated antenna closely matches with the simulated result. Therefore, satisfactory result ensures its ability to work for 3G/4G/5G/extended 5G IoT portable applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the flow of a hybrid Mo S 2 − Si O 2 /water nanofluid across a porous exponentially diminishing Riga surface with the effects of quadratic heat radiation is taken into account. We also considered the effects of mixed convection, slip velocity, and convective thermal boundary conditions. Before numerically solving the governing partial differential equations, the MATLAB function bvp4c was used to get a comprehensive description of all relevant flow characteristics. The ramifications of physical characteristics concerning fluid flow and thermal profile are investigated using graphs and tables. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, and entropy production. Using the second law of thermodynamics, the irreversibility factor is computed. For a given value of the mass suction parameter, the findings also indicate the occurrence of dual-nature solutions in the shrinking sheet area, with a stable upper solution branch and unstable bottom solution branch. In addition, the first solution produces a positive minimum eigenvalue, whereas the second solution produces a negative eigenvalue, showing the stability of the first solution. For heat transfer enhancement, the existence of quadratic thermal radiative parameter impacts is more advantageous. With a larger value for the modified Hartman number, the velocity field has expanded. Also, recent research demonstrates that raising the thermal Biot number enhances the thermal gradient. Increases in nanoparticle volume fraction and thermal radiation parameters lead to a commensurate rise in entropy production. Because of these findings, we can better regulate the temperature of various environments by controlling the flow of heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, it has been reported that rare charm decays have immense potential to probe physics beyond the standard model (SM). The Glashow–Iliopoulos–Maiani mechanism effectively suppresses the flavor changing neutral currents decays involving c→u transitions which makes them sensitive to new physics (NP) effects. In this work, we study D meson decays undergoing c→ul+l− transitions in nonuniversal Z′ model. We determine the NP coupling from D0−D0̄ mixing and D→μ+μ− process. We then estimate the upper limits of branching fractions and forward–backward asymmetries for the decays D→πμ+μ−, Ds→Kμ+μ− and D→ρμ+μ−. The upper limits of the branching fractions obtained in the Z′ model show a significant enhancement from their SM results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical analysis has been presented for stream of a mixture nanoliquid over a slendering stretched sheet in company of an external magnetic meadow under boundary layer approximations. This investigation is performed to look at the impacts of variable thickness on balanced two-dimensional (2D) flow of a hybrid nanofluid under border-level approximations as it has wider technological applications in various industries. A variable magnetic field has been considered here. An effort has been taken in this piece to report the joint impacts of variable thickness and MHD on hybrid nanoliquid flow over a slendering stretched sheet as no one has reported such effects. Here lies the novelty of the work. By applying appropriate similarity transformations, the leading partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and the solutions of the nonlinear equations are subsequently obtained numerically using shooting technique. To hold up the soundness of the statistical outcomes, an assessment is completed with the accessible known outcomes for a few meticulous cases of this study. The consequences of a variety of parameters on motion of fluid and heat transport are analyzed and talked about exhaustively with the help of tabular and graphical representations. It is found that Lorentz force slows down the border-level flow and thickens the momentum border level width. Skin-friction coefficient reduces with the decreasing values of m for m > 0 which is obvious as superior values of m help the liquid to move faster over the exterior and the thickness of the boundary layer augments with the mounting values of m (m > 0). Thus, it can be concluded that the fluid motion is controlled by the power-law index m (m < 1) since the motion slows down for m < 1 and goes faster for m > 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological invariants are crucial quantities for classifying materials with topological phases. Hence, their connections with experimentally measurable quantities are extremely important. In this context, circular dichroism (CD) provides a protocol to detect the Chern number 0 of the lowest energy Bloch band (LBB) of a semimetal. This hinges on the unequal depletion rates of the Bloch electrons from a filled LBB, under the action of a time-periodic circular drive, depending on the chirality of the polarization. According to the dimensionality of the system (i.e., whether it is two- or three-dimensional), the integrated differential rate for depletion has to be formulated a bit differently in order to relate it to 0 . Our aim is to capture the nature of the CD response for semimetals with anisotropic band dispersions. We show that while the quantization of the CD response for the three-dimensional cases is strongly sensitive to anisotropy, the two-dimensional counterparts show a perfectly quantized response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) causes acute infantile diarrhea accounting for significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. EPEC uses a type three secretion system to translocate more than twenty effectors into the host intestinal cells. At least four of these effectors, namely EspF, Map, EspG1/G2 and NleA, are reported to disrupt the intestinal tight junction barrier. We have reported earlier that the expression of EspF and Map in MDCK cells causes the depletion of the TJ membrane proteins and compromises the integrity of the intestinal barrier. In the present study, we have examined the role of the proline-rich repeats (PRRs) within the C-terminus of EspF in the depletion of the tight junction membrane proteins and identified key endocytosis markers that interact with EspF via these repeats. Results: We generated mutant EspF proteins which lacked one or more proline-rich repeats (PRRs) from the N-terminus of EspF and examined the effect of their expression on the cellular localization of tight junction membrane proteins. In lysates derived from cells expressing the mutant EspF proteins, we found that the C-terminal PRRs of EspF are sufficient to cause the depletion of TJ membrane proteins. Pull-down assays revealed that the PRRs mediate interactions with the TJ adaptor proteins ZO-1 and ZO-2 as well as with the proteins involved in endocytosis such as caveolin-1, Rab5A and Rab11. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the direct role of the proline-rich repeats of EspF in the depletion of the TJ membrane proteins and a possible involvement of the PRRs in the endocytosis of host proteins. New therapeutic strategies can target these PRR domains to prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction in EPEC infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring mangrove forest biomass is vital for assessing their carbon sequestration potential. This study uses airborne LiDAR data to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB) of an old‐growth mangrove forest in the Katunggan It Ibajay Ecopark (KII Ecopark) on Panay Island, Philippines. To establish a relationship between the LiDAR canopy height profile with the field observed AGB at the plot level, we tested 20 LiDAR derived relative height (RH) metrics. First, we tested a relationship between field observed Lorey's mean canopy height (Hm) and RH metrics, which were then used to estimate AGB by applying a previously established allometric model. Second, we tested the direct relationship between RH metrics and observed AGB. Among RH metrics, RH95 showed the best correspondence with the Hm (R2 = 0.79) and when it was applied to the previously developed allometric for AGB estimation, the results showed a large underestimation of AGB (R2 = 0.46) for plots with higher canopy heights. Conversely, the direct method using a power regression model with RH95 and observed AGB provided a better estimate (R2 = 0.58). However, both models still underestimated AGB at the KII Ecopark. We conclude that, LiDAR‐based AGB estimation using Hm as a single variable can result in considerable underestimation, especially in old‐growth mangrove forests such as KII Ecopark. Further studies are necessary to develop accurate models for estimating AGB in such special types of mangroves which is important for mangrove monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the quantum modified cosmological dynamical equations in a Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker universe filled with a barotropic fluid and a general non-canonical scalar field characterized by a Lagrangian similar to k-essence model but with a potential term. Quantum corrections are incorporated by considering the running of the gravitational and potential couplings, employing the functional renormalization group approach. Covariant conservation of the non-canonical scalar field and the background barotropic fluid is considered separately, imposing a constraint resulting from the Bianchi identity. This constraint determines the evolution of the cut-off scale with the scale factor and also reveals the cosmic fixed points, depending on whether the flow ceases or continues to evolve. We explore how the general non-canonical scalar field parameter affects the different types of cosmic fixed points and how it differs from the canonical case. Furthermore, we establish a bound on the ratio of the renormalization group parameters involving the non-canonical parameter for which the universe may exhibit accelerated expansion for mixed fixed points. This bound indicates the non-canonical scalar field includes larger sets of asymptotically safe renormalization group fixed point which may give rise to an accelerated universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neither a TYRP1-mediated highly conserved genetic network underlying skin color towards optimum defense nor the pathological tendency of its mutation is well understood. The Oujiang Color Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color) as a model organism, offering valuable insights into genetics, coloration, aquaculture practices, and environmental health. Here, we performed a comparative skin transcriptome analysis on TYRP1 mutant and wild fishes by applying a conservative categorical approach considering different color phenotypes. Results: Our results reveal that an unusual color phenotype may be sensitized with TYRP1 mutation as a result of upregulating several genes related to an anti-inflammatory autoimmune system in response to the COMT-mediated catecholamine neurotransmitters in the skin. Particularly, catecholamines-derived red/brown, red with blue colored membrane attack complex, and brown/grey colored reduced eumelanin are expected to be aggregated in the regenerated cells. Conclusions: It is, thus, concluded that the regenerated cells with catecholamines, membrane attack complex, and eumelanin altogether may contribute to the formation of the unusual (coffee-like) color phenotype in TYRP1 mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of microorganisms residing within the host plant for their growth and health is increasingly acknowledged, yet the significance of microbes associated with seeds, particularly seed endophytic bacteria, remains underestimated. Seeds harbor a wide range of bacteria that can boost the growth and resilience of their host plants against environmental challenges. These endophytic associations also offer advantages for germination and seedling establishment, as seed endophytic bacteria are present during the initial stages of plant growth and development. Furthermore, plants can selectively choose bacteria possessing beneficial traits, which are subsequently transmitted through seeds to confer benefits to future generations. Interestingly, even with the ongoing discovery of endophytes in seeds through high-throughput sequencing methods, certain endophytes remain challenging to isolate and culture from seeds, despite their high abundance. These challenges pose difficulties in studying seed endophytes, making many of their effects on plants unclear. In this article, a framework for understanding the assembly and function of seed endophytes, including their sources and colonization processes was outlined in detail and available research on bacterial endophytes discovered within the seeds of various plant species has also been explored. Thus, this current review aims to provide valuable insights into the mechanism of underlying seed endophytic bacteria-host plant interactions and offers significant recommendations for utilizing the seed endophytic bacteria in sustainable agriculture as plant growth promoters and enhancers of environmental stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let H be the class of harmonic functions f = h + g ¯ in the unit disk D : = { z ∈ C : | z | < 1 } , where h and g are analytic in D . In 2020, N. Ghosh and V. Allu introduced the class P H 0 (M) of normalized harmonic mappings defined by P H 0 (M) = { f = h + g ¯ ∈ H : Re (z h ′ ′ (z)) > - M + | z g ′ ′ (z) | with M > 0 , g ′ (0) = 0 , z ∈ D } . In this paper, we investigate various geometric properties such as starlikeness, convexity, convex combination and convolution for functions in the class P H 0 (M) . Furthermore, we determine the sharp Bohr–Rogosinski radius, improved Bohr radius and refined Bohr radius for the class P H 0 (M) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic effects on parameters of the Brody and Richards growth curves using body weight records from birth to 12 months of age on 2287 Muzaffarnagari lamb for a period of 29 years (1976–2004). Estimated growth curve parameters were analysed using six univariate animal models, and genetic correlations among and between the parameters of each function and between parameters of the functions and observed birth and yearling weights were estimated using bivariate analyses. Significant environmental factors including birth year, sex, season, birth status and dam parity were included as fixed effects in all models. Likelihood ratio tests indicated that maternal genetic effects were significant only for birth weight (BW) and degree of maturity at birth (u0) for the Brody and Richards functions. For these traits, direct heritabilities were similar (0.21, 0.19 and 0.17, respectively), but the estimated maternal heritability for BW (0.18) was twice that of u0 for both functions. Heritabilites for yearling weight and asymptotic final body weights for the Brody and Richards functions were 0.28, 0.17 and 0.21, respectively. The remaining growth curve parameters were lowly heritable, ranging from zero for the predicted degree of maturity at the age of maximum growth rate for the Richards function to 0.08 for the maturing rate parameter of the Brody function. Genetic correlations between corresponding parameters for different growth functions exceeded 0.88. Our results showed that the Brody and Richards functions had similar genetic architecture, but the Richards function had no apparent advantages over the more easily interpreted Brody function. Failure to identify maternal genetic effects on maturing rate parameters suggested that both functions failed to identify potentially important maternal genetic effects. Therefore, there is no usefulness of estimated growth curve parameters in selection compared to the simple multi‐trait genetic evaluations of individual body weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color degradation is a pressing issue in various fields like food and medicine packaging, as well as printed materials, leading to a loss or distortion of vital information. Therefore, understanding how the color of package prints evolves over time is essential for product quality assessment and effective product life cycle management. This study focuses on investigating color changes in prints on blister foils, widely used in the medicine and packaging industries. To assess fading characteristics, samples printed via the gravure process have been exposed to a Xenon Test Chamber (B‐SUN). Spectrophotometric measurements of the prints have been conducted using a spectroradiometer, and the data have been analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The fading nature of cyan and black prints aligns with Type IV, while magenta and yellow prints correspond to Type II, as described by Giles. Notably, cyan and black inks demonstrated resistance toward fading at the end of the exposure, with a minor exception. The investigation involved curve fitting, revealing a consistent first‐order kinetic model governing fading rates throughout the exposure time. High R2 values (0.96–0.99) and low root means square error values (0.02–0.08) are observed across all cases. While color fading involves diverse kinetics, the fading rate consistently adheres to a singular first‐order kinetic path. The study highlights that yellow ink is most sensitive to light, followed by magenta ink. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing packaging materials and ensuring product quality in industries reliant on printed materials. By mitigating color degradation, manufacturers can enhance the longevity and appeal of their products, reinforcing consumer trust and satisfaction. Furthermore, the effective utilization of PCA as a data analysis tool offers a valuable approach for future investigations in color science and related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the two-parameter quantum Heisenberg enveloping algebra, which serves as a model for certain quantum generalized Heisenberg algebras, has been studied at roots of unity. In this context, the quantum Heisenberg enveloping algebra becomes a polynomial identity algebra, and the dimension of simple modules is bounded by its PI degree. The PI degree, center, and complete classification of simple modules up to isomorphism are explicitly presented. We work over a field of arbitrary characteristic, although our results concerning the representations require that it is algebraically closed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study was conducted to evaluate oral clonidine and oral midazolam as premedications for general anaesthesia in elective open abdominal surgery. Methods This was a hospital-based study conducted among 100 patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgery carried out in the General Surgery and Gynaecology OT and in the Department of Anaesthesiology of a Tertiary care teaching Hospital over a period of 1 year. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each. Group M(n=50) patients received Tablet Midazolam 7.5mg per orally and Group C(n=50) patients received Tablet Clonidine 150 µg (0.15mg) per orally 60 minutes before the induction of anaesthesia. Results At 60 minutes following the administration of oral midazolam, patients in Group M had extremely significant changes in their sedation scores (SedSco). Changes in sedation score [SedSco] in Group C patients were statistically significant (but less than midazolam) sedation at 60 minutes after administration of oral clonidine. There was statistically extremely significant anxiolysis at 60 minutes after oral midazolam administration in the group M patients' changes in anxiety score (AnxSco). At 60 minutes following the administration of oral clonidine, Group C patients had noticeable anxiolysis (although less than midazolam) according to the changes in their anxiety score [AnxSco]. It was also found that oral Clonidine decreased both the heart rate and Blood Pressure more than oral Midazolam. Clonidine effectively attenuated the cardiovascular stress response associated with laryngoscopy & intubation and following extubation Conclusion Oral clonidine may be considered to be a superior premedication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was utilized in the underlying biocatalytic cyclocondensation interaction to combine pyrazoline. Utilizing S. cerevisiae's enzymatic capacities, the procedure produces pyrazoline, a critical heterocyclic synthetic with a large number of purposes in materials science and drugs. This strategy offers benefits over customary courses for the synthesis of substances, for example, milder response conditions, further developed selectivity, and lower natural impact, by employing biocatalysts that are both practical and harmless to the biological system. The potential purposes of the created pyrazoline compounds are investigated alongside the synthesis course and reaction upgrade methods. This work underlines the potential of S. cerevisiae as an adaptable biocatalyst in synthetic chemistry and the captivating job that biocatalysis plays in the synthesis of perplexing regular compounds. An effortless, effective, and harmless to the ecosystem technique for combining pyrazoline has been created utilizing the cyclocondensation of chalcones and hydrazine hydrate with the surprisingly economical impetus, mixture puncher's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). A moderate to high return of 3,5-diphenyl pyrazolines is delivered during synthesis. Alongside conquering the weaknesses of prior pyrazoline synthesis strategies, the procedure offers a more viable method for creating 3,5-diphenyl pyrazoline derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is little literature about the intrathecal use of dexmedetomidine with local anaesthetics in humans. Also, levobupivacaine is known to have lesser CNS and CVS side-effects than its racemic isomer. Fentanyl is a commonly used intrathecal adjuvant. Aims To compare and evaluate the efficacy of levobupivacaine alone, with dexmedetomidine and with fentanyl as adjuvants in spinal anaesthesia for providing adequate analgesia, hemodynamic stability and minimal sedation after infra-umbilical surgeries. Methods A total of 60 patients of ASA I-II of both sexes aged between 20 and 60 years were randomly allocated into three equal groups of 20 patients each. Group L received isobaric levobupivacaine 15 mg with normal saline as control; group LD received levobupivacaine 15 mg with 5 µg dexmedetomidine and group LF received 15 mg of levobupivacaine with 25 mcg of fentanyl, all made up to 4 ml after diluting with normal saline. Results The demographic profiles were comparable among the three groups. Dexmedetomidine showed early appearance of peak sensory level (5.72±1.05) and motor blockade (2.01±0.685), and early reach T10 segments (2.253±0.69). S1 and Bromage 0 regression times were prolonged with dexmedetomidine (225.87±6.65, 194.75±4.17). Analgesic duration was also significantly prolonged with dexmedetomidine (250.33±8.92). Conclusion Adding dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine improves the duration of block and analgesia, resulting in early block achievement with minimal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodical dynamical analysis of the Big Bang model, taking into account dark matter and an arbitrary form of dark energy. Nevertheless, why dynamic analysis? The primary advantage of the dynamical analysis approach is that it obviates the necessity to precisely solve the system for every individual dependent variable. Instead, it enables the prediction of the overall evolutions. In this regard, there are some powerful tools of non-dynamical systems (theorems, perturbation, etc.) which can help us a lot. The model under consideration is a nonlinear system with two dimensions (2D). In order to investigate this, we employ a sophisticated form of nonlinear dynamical systems theory in our research. We have delved into the full potential of nonlinear dynamical system theory known until now in our work. This analysis has produced very interesting solutions, which are in quite a contrast with the linear analysis approach. The stability of the system is considered at length, and the corresponding evolutions of the universe are also discussed consequently. A handful number of figures are given to visualize the behavior of the evolutions. The plots that are presented here are vector field plots and a new plotting technique initiated by us and used in our earlier papers. Interestingly, our work indicates the universe might resemble “phantom” evolution. Also, among the fixed points of our model, one is able to escape the singular situation called “Big Rip”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the torus size–luminosity relation of Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) based on the reverberation-mapping analysis using the light curves of the optical continuum and the IR continuum obtained with the W1 and W2 bands of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer survey. The final sample consists of 446 and 416 AGNs, respectively, for W1- and W2-band light curves, covering a large dynamic range of bolometric luminosity from 1043.4 to 1047.6 erg s−1, which show reliable lag measurements based on our quality assessment analysis. After correcting for the accretion disk contamination in the observed IR flux, we constrain the torus size (R dust) and AGN bolometric luminosity (L bol) relationship with the best-fit slope of 0.39 (0.33) for the W1 (W2) band, which is shallower than expected from the dust radiation equilibrium model. By combining the previous K -band lag measurements, we find that the measured torus size depends on the observed wavelength of the dust radiation, as R dust, K : R dust,W1: R dust,W2 = 1.0:1.5:1.8 (R dust ∝ λ 0.80) at L bol = 1046 erg s−1, confirming a stratified structure of the torus, where wavelength-dependent emissions originate from distinct regions of the torus. By investigating the deviation from the best-fit torus size–luminosity relation, we find a moderate correlation between the offset from the R dust– L bol relation and Eddington ratio. This suggests a possible influence of the Eddington ratio on the observed flattening of the R dust– L bol relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of winds and jet-inflated bubbles driven by active galactic nuclei (AGN) are believed to significantly affect the host galaxy's interstellar medium (ISM) and regulate star formation. To explore this scenario, we perform a suite of hydrodynamic simulations to model the interaction between turbulent star-forming clouds and highly pressurized AGN-driven outflows, focusing on the effects of self-gravity. Our results demonstrate that the cloudlets fragmented by the wind can become gravitationally bound, significantly increasing their survival time. While external pressurization leads to a global collapse of the clouds in cases of weaker winds (⁠|$10^{42}\!-\!10^{43}~{\rm erg\, s^{-1}}$|⁠), higher power winds (⁠|$10^{44}\!-\!10^{45}~{\rm erg\, s^{-1}}$|⁠) disperse the gas and cause localized collapse of the cloudlets. We also demonstrate that a kinetic energy-dominated wind is more efficient in accelerating and dispersing the gas than a thermal wind with the same power. The interaction can give rise to multiphase outflows with velocities ranging from a few 100 to several 1000  |${\rm km\, s^{-1}}$|⁠. The mass outflow rates are tightly correlated with the wind power, which we explain by an ablation-based mass-loss model. Moreover, the velocity dispersion and the virial parameter of the cloud material can increase by up to one order of magnitude through the effect of the wind. Even though the wind can suppress or quench star formation for about 1 Myr during the initial interaction, a substantial number of gravitationally bound dense cloudlets manage to shield themselves from the wind's influence and subsequently undergo rapid gravitational collapse, leading to an enhanced star formation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a two-fluid interacting model in a flat FLRW universe has been studied considering particle creation mechanism with a particular form of particle creation rate |$\Gamma =\Gamma _0 H+\frac{\Gamma _1}{H}$| from different aspects. Statistical analysis with a combined data set of SNe Ia (Supernovae Type Ia) and Hubble data is performed to achieve the best-fitting values of the model parameters, and the model is compatible with current observational data. We also perform a dynamical analysis of this model to get an overall qualitative description of the cosmological evolution by converting the governing equations into a system of ordinary differential equations considering a proper transformation of variables. We find some non-isolated sets of critical points, among which some usually are normally hyperbolic sets of points that describe the present acceleration of the universe dominated by dark energy mimicking cosmological constant or phantom fluid. Scaling solutions are also obtained from this analysis, and they can alleviate the coincidence problem successfully. Statefinder diagnosis is also carried out for this model to compare it with the ΛCDM, and any other dark energy models byfinding various statefinder parameters. Finally, the thermodynamic analysis shows that the generalized second law of thermodynamics is valid in an irreversible thermodynamic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It has recently been shown that the non-Hermitian skin effect can be suppressed by magnetic fields. In this work, using a two-dimensional tight-binding lattice, we demonstrate that a pseudomagnetic field can also lead to the suppression of the non-Hermitian skin effect. With an increasing pseudomagnetic field, the skin modes are found to be pushed into the bulk, accompanied by the reduction of skin topological area and the restoration of Landau level energies. Our results provide a time-reversal invariant route to localization control and could be useful in various classical wave devices that are able to host the non-Hermitian skin effect but inert to magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclohepta[b]indoles, prevalent in natural products and pharmaceuticals, are conventionally accessed via metal or Lewis acid‐mediated cycloadditions with prefunctionalized substrates. Our study introduces an innovative sequential catalytic assembly for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]indoles from readily available isatin derivatives. The process involves three catalytic sequences: ring‐closing metathesis, catalytic hydrogenation, and acid‐catalyzed ring expansion. The RCM of 2,2‐dialkene‐3‐oxindoles, formed by butenyl Grignard addition to 3‐allyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles, yields versatile spirocyclohexene‐3‐oxindole derivatives. These derivatives undergo further transformations, including dibromination, dihydroxylation, epoxidation, Wacker oxidation at the double bond. Hydrogenation of spirocyclohexene‐3‐oxindole yields spirocyclohexane‐3‐oxindoles. Their subsequent acid‐catalyzed ring expansion/aromatization, dependent on the acid catalyst, results in either cyclohepta[b]indoles or cyclohepta[b]indole‐indoline conjugates, adding a unique synthetic dimension. The utility of this methodology is exemplified through the synthesis of an A‐FABP inhibitor, showcasing its potential in pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, non-conventional lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) nanospheres were synthesised in water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion (Tween 20/1-butanol/water/toluene) scaffolds and employed in the assessment of surfactant-free TiO2-based Pickering emulsion formulations. TEM and FESEM microstructural analyses were carried out to examine the nanospheres inside the core of the reverse micelles. Both types of electron microscopy identified two distinct phases in the growth of the nanospheres: a nucleation phase (5–15 min) in which only nanospheres of smaller dimensions were seen and a growth phase (15–60 min) wherein larger dimensions nanospheres were observed. LaPO4 nanospheres are extremely hydrophilic and alone would fail to provide stability to the oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions and consequently require in situ hydrophobization. The determined zeta potentials suggested that the LaPO4 nanospheres have a positive surface charge (+57 mV) and eventually, oppositely charged solid TiO2 nanoparticles were therefore introduced onto the surface of the synthesised LaPO4. The adsorption of TiO2 ensured the evaluation of the amphiphilic nature of the nanospheres through the formation of LaPO4@TiO2 nanocomposites. Additionally, TEM analysis supported that no morphological alterations occurred upon the adsorption. The as-prepared nanocomposites thereafter started to provide extra stability (due to the lower interdroplet coalescence) to the O/W Pickering emulsions, which could be sustained for up to 4 weeks and even more. The stability of the emulsion droplets was supported by the optical micrography analysis. Moreover, such an attainment of stability therefore, successfully opens a new idea for obtaining surfactant-free stable Pickering emulsion formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicles are one of the most important self‐assembled manifestations because of their multidimensional applications in biology, catalysis and adsorption. Several synthetic vesicles have been prepared from small peptides, amphiphilic fatty acids, amino acids and organic molecules etc. Transition metal complexes derived from different types of ligands are found to be self assembled to form solid state networks and also supramolecular aggregates in solution. In this review article we have discussed about synthesis, morphology and utility of vesicles formed by 14 transition metal complexes of some amphiphilic and non‐amphiphilic ligands. Interestingly, vesicles derived from transition metal complexes with non‐amphiphilic ligands are mostly soluble in organic solvents, whereas those derived from amphiphilic ligands are soluble in aqueous medium. As a result, their potential applications can be explored in complementary solvents accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is the most inhaled hazardous air pollutant that can cause adverse health impacts. Plants can remove such contaminants and act as biological filters through phytoremediation. In this study, we screened 12 Australian native species (two deciduous trees, three evergreen shrubs, and seven evergreen trees) growing in three regions to determine their potential in accumulating leaf surface (SPM) and in‐wax PM (WPM). Among the screened species, Lagunaria patersonia (139.22 μg cm−2) was the most effective PM accumulator, followed by Ficus obliqua (131.02 μg cm−2). L. patersonia is an Australian native tree with a dense crown that can efficiently trap PM due to air turbulence between its leaves and branches; broad leaves with a rough texture enhance the plant's ability to trap PM. On the contrary, morphological characteristics like evergreen leaves with hairy appendages may act as an efficient trap for PM in F. obliqua. Due to smoother leaves, the least effective species were F. rubignosa and Eucalyptus saligna. In addition to leaf shape, leaf structures and micromorphology influence PM accumulation. For instance, Pittosporum undulatum accumulated more PM due to its wrinkled and folded leaf structures despite a significantly lower waxes layer. The findings highlight the importance of planting efficient PM accumulator species to shield vulnerable areas from pollution and decrease human exposure to pollutants. The sink capacity of these species can be used in urban tree planning to combat air pollution and improve air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation highlights the performance of high‐performance polymeric composite for ballistic application. Therefore, reinforcement of para‐aramid fiber in poly‐ether‐ketone‐ketone (PEKK) resin film has been made. The surface of PEKK and para‐aramid fiber was modified by low‐pressure plasma to enhance the surface energy of the polymeric film and reinforcement fiber. The polymeric composite was manufactured by compression molding with a pressure of 2 bar, temperature of 310°C with holding time of 15 min. Due to low‐pressure plasma treatment of PEKK film and para‐aramid fiber, the tensile strength of the composites increases considerably. In the accelerated aging test, the tensile specimens are dipped into concentrated HNO3 and NaOH medium for 15 days. It is observed that there is a decrease in tensile strength. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the virgin specimen was compared to the environmentally aged for 15 days and in this case, also there was a decrease in tensile strength. Two types of composite panels were made (i) 25 layers of PEKK film with 24 layers of para‐aramid fabric and (ii) 45 layers of PEKK film with 44 layers of para‐aramid fabric with 15 mm × 15 mm. The composite panel was tested with four 9 mm handgun bullets fired from a distance of 5 meters with a speed of 430 m/s. In the case of 25 layers of PEKK film with 24 layers of para‐aramid fabric, the composite failed under ballistic test, however, in the case of 45 layers of PEKK film with 44 layers of para‐aramid fabric, the composite was successful under ballistic test. Highlights: Film stacking method of PEKK and Aramid fiber.Ballistic composite panel with layers of PEKK and Aramid fiber.Enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite panel with plasma surface treatment.Ballistic testing of composite panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regio‐ and chemo‐selective functionalization of electron deficient azaarenes often required their transformations to corresponding N‐oxides and subsequent removal of oxygen after functionalization to get back the desired substituted azaarenes. An efficient metal‐free visible‐light photo‐redox catalytic deoxygenation of N‐oxides of azaheterocyclic compounds has been developed using acridinium based organo‐photocatalyst in blue LED light. High efficiency and mildness of this methodology has been demonstrated through higher deoxygenation yield of wide variety of azaheterocyclic N‐oxides with reactive functional groups. Robustness of the photocatalytic reduction has been demonstrated through easy scaling‐up of the reaction to gram level without much change in the reaction yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the immense pharmacological significance, the interaction of small molecules with liposome and the exact knowledge of their binding location and distribution within the lipid bilayer of liposome is an active field of biophysical research. Here, we have studied the binding interaction of H33258 with DPPC liposome, a model biological membrane. From the steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy it was revealed that H33258 bounded to DPPC liposome and the estimated binding constant value was 2.5×102 M−1. It was also revealed that the H33258 essentially partitioned within the lipid bilayer of DPPC liposome. Moreover, from steady‐state fluorescence, time‐resolved lifetime, time‐resolved anisotropy and ITC studies it was established that the probe molecules were sequestrated from the lipid bilayer and bounded to a duplex DNA structure. Our results on the binding consequences of H33258 with liposome will aid development of a simple and safe strategy to deliver drugs to the target sites using liposome, endogenously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAddressing the loss of substrate conductivity after enduring numerous bending stands as a significant challenge for flexible electronics. The primary cause of reduced electrical conductivity in flexible polymer matrices is disorganization of conducting channels by mechanical stress generated during repeated stretching cycles. In this feature article, we extensively reviewed the strategies adopted to control structure formation of conducting networks by optimizing filler and matrix interactions at length scale. Studies, including our recent experiments, indicate that fractal formation of filler assemblies in polymer matrix determines the stability of conducting channels. A wide range of polymers and conducting fillers with different geometries and functional attributes have been analyzed to highlight the intra and intermolecular reinforcing effects to address the shear stresses originating in flexible substrates. Understanding non-bonded interactions between polymers and fillers may lead to the development of desired formulation of conducting inks to print on flexible surfaces for next-generation wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the technique of arterial embolization for the treatment of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). Traditional treatment options for knee OA include physiotherapy, medical treatment, and knee replacement, but there is a treatment gap for patients who do not respond to conservative treatment but do not have severe enough disease for joint replacement. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) has emerged as a potential solution for these patients. GAE is performed in patients who have failed medical management and involves injecting small particles or imipenem/cilastatin into hypervascular areas of the knee to reduce abnormal vascularity. Early trial data show promising results, with sustained symptom improvement over 12 to 24 months. [Extracted from the article]

Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule which plays a pivotal role in extending shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fruit. Pineapple fruits harvested at different stages of maturity had marked variations in physico-biochemical qualities and shelf life during storage. The present study aimed to determine the potential effectiveness of different concentrations of postharvest melatonin applications on pineapple cv. Kew fruit in ambient storage. Different concentrations of melatonin (MT) solution viz. T1: MT at 0.25mM, T2: MT at 0.5 mM, T3: MT at 1 mM, T4: MT at 2 mM, T5: MT at 4 mM and T6: MT at 8 mM were used for the study and compared with T7: untreated fruits (control). At 20 days after storage, fruits dipped in 8 mM melatonin resulted in lowest physiological weight loss (11.84%), fruit decay (13.33%), decrease in fruit length (3.29%) and diameter (3.42%), juice content (58.27%), titratable acidity (0.91%), flesh translucency (2.0) and crown condition (2.6) these resulted in the decrease with the increase in concentration of melatonin. Maximum shelf life (23.33 days), fruit firmness (39.24 Ncm2), TSS (10.3°Brix), total sugar (10.10%), reducing sugar (8.85%), TSS: Acid ratio (11.30), ascorbic acid (19.3 mg 100g-1), total Carbohydrate (10.08%), total phenol (35.64mg 100g-1) and antioxidant activity (48.14%) increased depending on increment in melatonin concentration as compared to control. Results of the study showed that Melatonin @ 8mM has a marked influence in extending the shelf life while maintaining the physico-chemical quality of stored pineapple and thus can be a good option in using the technique for commercial shelf life extension in ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To what extent particular plant defences against herbivorous insects are constitutive or inducible will depend on the costs and benefits in their neighbourhood. Some defensive chemicals in leaves are thought to be costly and hard to produce rapidly, while others, including volatile organic compounds that attract natural enemies, might be cheaper and can be released rapidly. When surrounding tree species are more closely related, trees can face an increased abundance of both specialist herbivores and their parasitoids, potentially increasing the benefits of constitutive and inducible defences. To test if oaks (Quercus robur) respond more to herbivore attacks with volatile emission than with changes in leaf phenolic chemistry and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C: N), and whether oaks respond to the neighbouring tree species, we performed an experiment in a forest in Poland. Oak saplings were placed in neighbourhoods dominated by oak, beech, or pine trees, and half of them were treated with the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (elicitor of anti-herbivore responses). Oaks responded to the treatment by emitting a different volatile blend within 24 h, while leaf phenolic chemistry and C: N remained largely unaffected after 16 days and multiple treatments. Leaf phenolics were subtly affected by the neighbouring trees with elevated flavan-3-ols concentrations in pine-dominated plots. Our results suggest that these oaks rely on phenols as a constitutive defence and when attacked emit volatiles to attract natural enemies. Further studies might determine if the small effect of the neighbourhood on leaf phenolics is a response to different levels of shading, or if oaks use volatile cues to assess the composition of their neighbourhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are tangible particles of less than 0.2 inches in diameter that are ubiquitously distributed in the biosphere and accumulate in water bodies. During the east-coast hot summers (23–29 °C) of 2021 and 2022, June through September, we captured copious amounts of the jellyfish Chrysaora chesapeakei, a predominant species found in the Patuxent River of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland on the United States East Coast. We determined that their gelatinous bodies trapped many microplastics through fluorescent microscopy studies using Rhodamine B staining and Raman Spectroscopy. The chemical nature of the microplastics was detected using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy headspace (SPME-GC-MS) and solvent extraction (GC-MS) methods through a professional commercial materials evaluation laboratory. Numerous plastic-affiliated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from diverse chemical origins and their functional groups (alkanes, alkenes, acids, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, and alcohols) along with other non-microplastic volatile organic compounds were observed. Our findings corroborate data in the available scientific literature, distinguishing our finding's suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise controllability of the Fermi level is a critical aspect of quantum materials. For topological Weyl semimetals, there is a pressing need to fine-tune the Fermi level to the Weyl nodes and unlock exotic electronic and optoelectronic effects associated with the divergent Berry curvature. However, in contrast to two-dimensional materials, where the Fermi level can be controlled through various techniques, the situation for bulk crystals beyond laborious chemical doping poses significant challenges. Here, we report the milli-electron-volt (meV) level ultra-fine-tuning of the Fermi level of bulk topological Weyl semimetal tantalum phosphide using accelerator-based high-energy hydrogen implantation and theory-driven planning. By calculating the desired carrier density and controlling the accelerator profiles, the Fermi level can be experimentally fine-tuned from 5 meV below, to 3.8 meV below, to 3.2 meV above the Weyl nodes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals the crystalline structure is largely maintained under irradiation, while electrical transport indicates that Weyl nodes are preserved and carrier mobility is also largely retained. Our work demonstrates the viability of this generic approach to tune the Fermi level in semimetal systems and could serve to achieve property fine-tuning for other bulk quantum materials with ultrahigh precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary metabolites, polyphenols, are widespread in the entire kingdom of plants. They contain one or more hydroxyl groups that have a variety of biological functions in the natural environment. These uses include polyphenols in food, beauty products, dietary supplements, and medicinal products and have grown rapidly during the past 20 years. Antimicrobial polyphenols are described together with their sources, classes, and subclasses. Polyphenols are found in different sources, such as dark chocolate, olive oil, red wine, almonds, cashews, walnuts, berries, green tea, apples, artichokes, mushrooms, etc. Examples of benefits are antiallergic, antioxidant, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobe properties. From these sources, different classes of polyphenols are helpful for the growth of internal functional systems of the human body, providing healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improving brain health, and rebooting our cellular microbiome health by mitochondrial uncoupling. Among the various health benefits of polyphenols (curcumin, naringenin, quercetin, catechin, etc.) primarily different antimicrobial activities are discussed along with possible future applications. For polyphenols and antimicrobial agents to be proven safe, adverse health impacts must be substantiated by reliable scientific research as well as in vitro and in vivo clinical data. Future research may be influenced by this evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of emulsion drops on a mesh is studied. These drops find applications in various fields, e.g., agricultural sprays, where the drop passes through a mesh for atomization. Both penetration (full or partial) and lateral spreading are observed in most cases. The maximum spread's variation with Weber number (We) shows liquid independence for drops impacting a given mesh. The variations can be concluded into one. However, when both lateral spread and penetration are concerned, the emulsion drop with the highest water content tested stands out as different. It shows dissimilar characteristics due to its higher viscosity. The drop's lateral spread Reynolds number is lower than the others, indicating a significant dependence on the liquid viscosity. Rising viscosity resists the lateral inertia. Surface tension (ST) and density do not have much influence. The balance between the downward and after-impact lateral inertia and their resistance makes the lateral spread on a given mesh independent of liquid. Three regimes, full, partial, and no penetration, can be defined. A dissimilarity in the after-penetration jet length is detected. The length is inversely proportional to the emulsion's rising water content. The drop with the highest viscosity, together with ST, provides the highest resistance to penetration. Thus, the length reduces abruptly. When the after-impact penetration cone angle is studied, the average angle reduces with We for the highest viscosity emulsions. An abrupt rise in resistance is detected. The study's novelty lies in bringing out the viscosity's influence on the emulsion drop's impact on a mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamics of a tritrophic food chain model incorporating an Allee effect, sexually reproductive generalist top predators, and Holling type IV and Beddington–DeAngelis functional responses for interactions across different trophic levels. Analytically, we explore the feasible equilibria, their local stability, and various bifurcations, including Hopf, saddle-node, transcritical, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations. Numerical findings suggest that higher Allee intensity in prey growth leads to the inability of species coexistence, resulting in a decline in species density. Likewise, a lower reproduction rate and a higher strength of intraspecific competition among top predators also prevent the coexistence of species. Conversely, a rapid increase in the reproduction rate and a decrease in the strength of intraspecific competition among top predators enhance the densities of prey and top predators while decreasing intermediate predator density. We also reveal the presence of bistability and tristability phenomena within the system. Furthermore, we extend our autonomous model to its nonautonomous counterpart by introducing seasonally perturbed parameters. Numerical analysis of the nonautonomous model reveals that higher seasonal strength in the reproduction rate and intraspecific competition of top predators induce chaotic behavior, which is also confirmed by the maximum Lyapunov exponent. Additionally, we observe that seasonality may lead to the extinction of species from the ecosystem. Factors such as the Allee effect and growth rate of prey can cause periodicity in population densities. Understanding these trends is critical for controlling changes in population density within the ecosystem. Ecologists, environmentalists, and policymakers stand to benefit significantly from the invaluable insights garnered from this study. Specifically, our findings offer pivotal guidance for shaping future strategies aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and maintaining ecological stability amidst changing environmental conditions. By contributing to the existing body of knowledge, our study advances the field of ecological science, enhancing the comprehension of predator–prey dynamics across diverse ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]