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The surfaces of many minerals are covered by naturally occurring cations that become partially hydrated and can be replaced by hydronium or other cations when the surface is exposed to water or an aqueous solution. These ion exchange processes are relevant to various chemical and transport phenomena, yet elucidating their microscopic details is challenging for both experiments and simulations. In this work, we make a first step in this direction by investigating the behavior of the native K+ ions at the interface between neat water and the muscovite mica (001) surface with ab-initio-based machine learning molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling simulations. Our results show that the desorption of the surface K+ ions in pure ion-free water has a significant free energy barrier irrespective of their local surface arrangement. In contrast, facile K+ diffusion between mica's ditrigonal cavities characterized by different Al/Si orderings is observed. This behavior suggests that the K+ ions may favor a dynamic disordered surface arrangement rather than complete desorption when exposed to deionized water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bistability in the current–voltage characteristics of semiconductor superlattices and quantum cascade laser structures has the potential for wide-ranging applications, particularly in sensing systems. However, the interdependency of applied bias and current injection in conventional two-terminal structures has led to complications in analysis and rendered the bistability phenomenon difficult to implement in practical applications. Here, we report a new kind of electronic bistability coupled to optical switching in a resonant tunneling bipolar superlattice transistor. This bistability manifests as sharp discontinuities in the collector current with extremely small variations of the applied voltage, which arise from unstable tunneling transmission across the hetero-barrier between the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the edge of the transistor base and the collector superlattice structure. The electronic transitions between high and low quantum mechanical transmissions are demonstrated to be caused by self-consistent variations of the internal electric field at the heterointerface between the 2DEG and the superlattice. They are also present in the base current of the three-terminal device and result in sharp switching of near-infrared spontaneous light emission output from an interband radiative recombination process with a peak emission wavelength of 1.58 μ m. A comprehensive quantum mechanical theoretical model accounting for the self-consistent bistable tunneling transmission is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data. The measured peak transconductance sensitivity value of 6000 mS can be used in the highly sensitive detector and non-linear device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal excitation at frequencies below the mechanical resonance of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) microcantilever can be utilized in force modulation microscopy, fast force displacement curve acquisition, and tip-based mass spectroscopy. To understand the microcantilever bending response in these modes, accurate models of the thermoelastic response of the AFM microcantilever are needed. We study the sub-resonance photothermal vibrational response of coated and uncoated AFM microcantilevers as a function of laser modulation frequency and spot location. The sub-resonance microcantilever response shows distinct thermoelastic regimes. Below the microcantilever's thermal roll-off frequency, the vibration amplitude is mostly constant. Past this frequency, the vibration amplitude decreases with increasing frequency. At modulation frequencies below the thermal roll-off frequency, the most efficient photothermal laser spot to excite harmonic motion is near the free end of both coated and uncoated microcantilevers. For the tested coated microcantilevers, the most efficient photothermal laser location migrates from near the free end of the microcantilever to near the fixed end as modulation frequency increases. For the tested uncoated microcantilever, the most efficient photothermal laser location remains unchanged at the tested frequencies. To predict the bending response of the coated microcantilever, a bilayer bending model is implemented. At low frequencies, this model underpredicts the bending response compared to experiments by up to 90%. This may be due to neglecting microcantilever bending contributed by a through-thickness temperature gradient. Our results illustrate different aspects of the frequency-dependent photothermal laser spot optimization that can guide users to maximizing microcantilever response to a given input power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is remarkable genetic diversity throughout the human population, but variant interpretation lags far behind discovery. As a result, most genetic variation is not clinically actionable. Single-cell sequencing provides a high-throughput, disease- and pathway-agnostic means to profile variant effects with mechanistic detail across the entire regulatory cascade. Many single-cell genomics methods have been coupled to CRISPR-based gene disruption, but these techniques are rapidly expanding to accommodate increasingly diverse types of perturbations including missense variants, protein fusions, structural variants, genetic circuits, chemical perturbations, and increasingly their combinations. High-throughput, deep phenotyping of genetic variation will allow researchers to define causal mechanisms and nominate precision therapeutics for controlling cell states. Population-scale sequencing efforts have catalogued substantial genetic variation in humans such that variant discovery dramatically outpaces interpretation. We discuss how single-cell sequencing is poised to reveal genetic mechanisms at a rate that may soon approach that of variant discovery. The functional genomics toolkit is sufficiently modular to systematically profile almost any type of variation within increasingly diverse contexts and with molecularly comprehensive and unbiased readouts. As a result, we can construct deep phenotypic atlases of variant effects that span the entire regulatory cascade. The same conceptual approach to interpreting genetic variation should be applied to engineering therapeutic cell states. In this way, variant mechanism discovery and cell state engineering will become reciprocating and iterative processes towards genomic medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Latino/a/x families experience persistent Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disparities, including higher rates of diagnosis and mortality due to disease complications than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Though greater social support is associated with improved disease outcomes for Latino/a/x patients with diabetes, research has yet to identify the specific pathways through which social support, and specifically family support, influences self-management. Purpose This study tested a theoretical model highlighting the mechanisms and pathways linking social support and physical health. Specifically, self-efficacy and depression were tested as psychological pathways connecting family support to diabetes self-management behaviors and diabetes morbidity in Latino/a/x patients with T2DM. Methods Data from 177 patients were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Measures included diabetes-specific family support needed and received, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy in diabetes management, diabetes self-management behaviors, health appraisal, and hemoglobin A1c. Results Greater diabetes-specific family support was significantly associated with more frequent engagement in diabetes self-management behaviors, both directly (p  < .001) and through diabetes self-efficacy's partial mediation of this relationship (p  = .013). Depression was not significantly associated with either family support (support received, p  = .281; support needed, p  = .428) or self-management behaviors (p  = .349). Conclusions Family support and diabetes self-efficacy may be important modifiable psychosocial factors to target via integrated care interventions aimed at supporting Latino/a/x patients with T2DM. Future research is needed to test empirically based, culturally adapted interventions to reduce T2DM-related health disparities in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the detection of primary peritoneal low-grade serous carcinoma in cervical smears. The study reports three cases of asymptomatic women who had abnormal glandular cells in routine Pap smears. Further investigations revealed raised serum CA125 levels and mild ascitic fluid collection in the pelvis. The patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, which confirmed the presence of low-grade serous carcinoma. The article emphasizes the diagnostic value of cellblock immunocytochemistry in confirming the diagnosis. The document also discusses the presence of low-grade serous papillary cell clusters with psammoma bodies in the tubal lumen, which are characteristic of primary peritoneal serous tumors. The document highlights the importance of considering various factors to distinguish primary peritoneal serous carcinomas from other types of serous tumors. The shedding of peritoneal tumor cells into the uterine cavity is proposed as a possible explanation for abnormal Pap tests. [Extracted from the article]

In the present work, phytoconstituents from Citrus limon are computationally tested against SARS‐CoV‐2 target protein such as Mpro ‐ (5R82.pdb), Spike ‐ (6YZ5.pdb) &RdRp ‐ (7BTF.pdb) for COVID‐19. Docking was done by glide model, QikProp was performed by in silico ADMET screening & Prime MM‐GB/SA modules were used to define binding energy. When compared with approved COVID‐19 drugs such as Remdesivir, Ritonavir, Lopinavir, and Hydroxychloroquine, plant‐based constituents such as Quercetin, Rutoside, Naringin, Eriocitrin, and Hesperidin. bind with significant G‐scores to the active SARS‐CoV‐2 place. The constituents Rutoside and Eriocitrin were studied in each MD simulation in 100 ns against 3 proteins 5R82.pdb, 6YZ5.pdb and 7BTF.pdb.We performed an assay with significant natural compounds from contacts and in silico results (Rutin, Eriocitrin, Naringin, Hesperidin) using 3CL protease assay kit (B.11529 Omicron variant). This kit contained 3CL inhibitor GC376 as Control. The IC50 value of the test compound was found to be Rutin −17.50 μM, Eriocitrin−37.91 μM, Naringin−39.58 μM, Hesperidine−140.20 μM, the standard inhibitory concentration of GC376 was 38.64 μM. The phytoconstituents showed important interactions with SARS‐CoV‐2 targets, and potential modifications could be beneficial for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper for the first time, we have studied various structures of nanosheet field-effect transistors (NSFET) and the effect of various devices and process parameters such as nanosheet width, length, interspacing, S/D doping, channel doping, random dopant fluctuations studied on these device structures. Comparative analysis has been done between JL-NSFET, GS-JL-NSFET, JL-SiGeNSFET and JL-GS-SiGeNSFET in terms of analog parameters. Nanosheet-based FETs are likely to be the successor of FinFET beyond the 5-nm node. NSFETs have better control over gate, variable sheet width and more current per device footprint which gives them the advantage of circuit design versatility. NSFET offers better gate control, better current and switching per device footprint. NSFETs are preferred over NWFETs due to better electrostatics, greater channel widths, decreased SCEs and increased device reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally demonstrate a topologically protected electroacoustic transistor. We construct a reconfigurable phononic analog of the quantum valley-Hall insulator composed of electrically shunted piezoelectric disks bonded to a patterned plate forming a monolithic structure. The device can be dynamically reconfigured to host one or more topological interface states via breaking inversion symmetry through selective powering of shunt circuits. Above a threshold, the amplitude of wave energy at a chosen location in one topological interface creates a second interface by dynamically switching power between two groups of shunts using relays. This enables the flow of wave energy between two locations in the reconfigured interface analogous to the voltage-controlled electron flow in a field effect transistor. The amplitude of wave energy in the second interface is used for bit abstraction to implement acoustic logic. We illustrate the various states of the transistor and experimentally demonstrate wave-based switching. The proposed electroacoustic transistor is envisioned to find applications in wave-based devices and edge computing in extreme environments and inspire novel technologies leveraging acoustic logic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Morphology is routinely used for detecting malignant cells in body fluids, but it has limitations. Recently, flow cytometry (FCM) is used as an effective tool for studying non‐haematological malignancies. The main objective of this study is to standardize a simple and rapid FCM test for the detection of malignant epithelial cells in body fluids.Body fluids that had been processed for cytology/cytology and FCM were enrolled in this prospective study. We developed a fluorescent‐labelled, monoclonal antibody panel composed of cell surface markers for this FCM assay. We compared the results of cytology/cell block and FCM.A total of 121 fluid samples were studied. Comparing the diagnostic performance of cytology/cell block and FCM, 52 (43%) cases were positive and 60 (49.5%) cases were negative for carcinoma cells by both techniques. Nine cases showed discordant results between the two techniques. Six cases were cytology+ but FCM‐ and three cases were FCM+ cytology‐. Clustered Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM)‐positive events with high scatter properties were definitive for positive diagnosis by FCM. We studied PD‐L1 expression in 13 cases by FCM. Six cases were reported as false negative by this FCM assay due to hypocellularity and lack of EpCAM expression in malignant cells.This FCM assay is simple, easier and cost‐effective yielding sensitive results with no inter‐observer variability. FCM would become a valuable tool to complement routine diagnostic cytology and reduces misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalypt fossils were widely reported from the Cenozoic deposits across the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina). However, no attached reproductive and vegetative fossil remains of this myrtaceous clade have been discovered till now. We report and describe for the first time a fossil eucalypt twig with attached foliage, flower buds, and mature flowers from the early Eocene (~55–52 Ma) sediments (Palana Formation) of Rajasthan, western India. As both vegetative and reproductive organs are in organic connection, they clearly represent the same species. In addition, here we also introduce fossil materials of isolated leaves, flower buds, inflorescence, and flowers recovered from the same stratigraphic level. Our Eocene fossils and extant members of the eucalypt clade are related morphologically by means of robust, thick petiolate lanceolate‐shaped leaves with intramarginal secondary veins; operculate flower buds consisting of imbricate petals with discernable margins; solitary inflorescence with three flowers per umbellaster, epigynous and bisexual flowers. Based upon combined characteristics of leaf, flower, and bud morphology, these fossils conform to the Eucalypt clade and are recognized as a new fossil genus and species: Hindeucalyptus eocenicus Patel, R.F. Almeida, Ali et Khan gen. nov. et sp. nov. We also compare it with extant and extinct eucalypts using morphological phylogeny and character mapping analyses. In addition, we briefly discuss its phytogeographic and paleoclimatic implications regarding the distribution and habitat of fossil and modern eucalypts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of tissue engineering has extended beyond a traditional focus in medicine to the rapidly growing realm of biohybrid robotics. Leveraging living actuators as functional components in machines has been a central focus of this field, generating a range of compelling demonstrations of robots capable of muscle-powered swimming, walking, pumping, gripping, and even computation. In this review, we highlight key advances in fabricating tissue-scale cardiac and skeletal muscle actuators for a range of functional applications. We discuss areas for future growth including scalable manufacturing, integrated feedback control, and predictive modeling and also propose methods for ensuring inclusive and bioethics-focused pedagogy in this emerging discipline. We hope this review motivates the next generation of biomedical engineers to advance rational design and practical use of living machines for applications ranging from telesurgery to manufacturing to on- and off-world exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Claude Berge (1987) introduced the concept of k-extendable graphs, wherein any independent set of size k is inherently a constituent of a maximum independent set within a graph H = (V , E) . Graphs possessing the property of being 1-extendable are termedas Berge graphs. This introduction gave rise to the notion of well-covered graphs and well-dominated graphs. A graph is categorized as well-covered if each of its maximal independent sets is, in fact, a maximum independent set. Similarly, a graph attains the classification of well-dominated if every minimal dominating set (DS) within it is a minimum dominating set. In alignment with the concept of k-extendable graphs, the framework of (k , γ) -endowed graphs and symmetric (k , γ) -endowed graphs are established. In these graphs, each DS of size k encompasses a minimum DS of the graph. In this article, a study of γ -endowed dominating sets is initiated. Various results providing a deep insight into γ -endowed dominating sets in graphs such as those characterizing the ones possessing a unique minimum DS are proven. We also introduce and study the symmetric γ -endowed graphs and minimality of dominating sets in them. In addition, we give a solution to an open problem in the literature. which seeks to find a domination-based parameter that has a correlation coefficient of ρ > 0.9967 with the total π -electronic energy of lower benzenoid hydrocarbons. We show that the upper dominating number Γ (H) studied in this paper delivers a strong prediction potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of density functional theory (DFT) combined with Hubbard U correction has been employed in wide-ranging applications in correlated systems. Although the DFT+U method can dramatically improve the treatment of many strongly correlated systems, careful attention must be paid to those parameters that significantly influence results. By varying the local-projection size with the muffin-tin radius, we examine the effect of the Hubbard U correction on lattice parameters, electronic structure, and the relative stability of TiO2 between rutile and anatase. Our results show that different ranges of the local projection can produce strikingly different quantitative results, leading to distinct conclusions. The quantitative discrepancies are attributed to the sensitivity of the occupancy numbers for the correlated orbitals toward the size of the projection subspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compound 4-cholorophenoxy acetonitrile (CPAN) was examined using Nonlinear optical properties in the current study. With the aid of normal coordinate analysis and the SQMFF methodology, vibrational analysis of FT-IR and FT-Raman has been conducted. Natural bond orbital analysis is used to analyze the electronic stability of the compound created by hyper conjugative contacts and charge delocalization, and the Frontier molecular orbital energy gap confirms the molecule's optical activity. ESP recognizes the nucleophilic and electrophilic areas of molecules, and the chemical implication of molecules was explained using ELF, LOL. Third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) investigations are carried out on a CPAN crystal using the Z-scan technique, and optical properties are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we have studied the two-dimensional deformation of an elastically orthotropic layer of finite thickness overlying a rough-rigid base due to surface loads. For a two-dimensional approximation, the governing equations are split into two cases: plane strain and anti-plane strain case. We consider plane strain case only. The Airy stress function approach is used to obtain the stresses and displacements in the integral form at any point of the layer. To solve the integrals analytically, the linear combination of exponential terms occurring in the denominator is expanded by binomial expression and then approximated by a finite sum of exponential terms using the least square method. Then, the integrals are evaluated using standard integral tables. The analytical expressions for the displacements are obtained for the normal line loading. Two orthotropic materials, such as Topaz and Barytes, have been considered and graphs showing the displacement field for Topaz, Barytes and the isotropic case have been plotted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether the alpha-band coherence between the T7-Fz (verbal analytical-motor planning) brain areas were related to superior performance in sports. We searched for related papers across eight databases: ProQuest Central, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant keywords (i.e., EEG AND sports AND coherence). Seven studies, with a total of 194 participants, met our inclusion criteria and were shortlisted for statistical analysis. We compared EEG coherence data for both within-subject and between-subject experimental designs. Our analysis revealed that athletes had lower coherence in the T7-Fz brain pathway for alpha- band activation (Hedges' g = − 0.54; p = 0.03) when performing better. Theoretically, these results corroborate the notion that athletes become more "neurally efficient" as the verbal and motor areas of their brains function more independently, i.e., the neural efficiency hypothesis. Accordingly, athletes who can limit verbal interference are more likely to perform a sporting task successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It was hypothesized that use of proton beam therapy (PBT) in patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation and consolidative immune checkpoint inhibition is associated with fewer unplanned hospitalizations compared with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods: Patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer treated between October 2017 and December 2021 with concurrent chemoradiation with either IMRT or PBT ± consolidative immune checkpoint inhibition were retrospectively identified. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of radiation therapy technique with 90‐day hospitalization and grade 3 (G3+) lymphopenia. Competing risk regression was used to compare G3+ pneumonitis, G3+ esophagitis, and G3+ cardiac events. Kaplan–Meier method was used for progression‐free survival and overall survival. Inverse probability treatment weighting was applied to adjust for differences in PBT and IMRT groups. Results: Of 316 patients, 117 (37%) received PBT and 199 (63%) received IMRT. The PBT group was older (p <.001) and had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (p =.02). The PBT group received a lower mean heart dose (p <.0001), left anterior descending artery V15 Gy (p =.001), mean lung dose (p =.008), and effective dose to immune circulating cells (p <.001). On inverse probability treatment weighting analysis, PBT was associated with fewer unplanned hospitalizations (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38–0.81; p =.002) and less G3+ lymphopenia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37–0.81; p =.003). There was no difference in other G3+ toxicities, progression‐free survival, or overall survival. Conclusions: PBT is associated with fewer unplanned hospitalizations, lower effective dose to immune circulating cells and less G3+ lymphopenia compared with IMRT. Minimizing dose to lymphocytes may be warranted, but prospective data are needed. The use of proton beam therapy in locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer is associated with fewer 90‐day acute hospitalizations, lower effective dose to immune circulating cells, and less grade 3+ lymphopenia compared with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy measurements are often charted. These charts keep track of the conditions, events, and inspections done on each solar panel. This study describes a paradigm for measuring and monitoring solar energy via the Internet of Things. This service provides monitoring and technical help during corrective inspections within the quality reliability depth services range. These features and monitoring services can provide highly competent, higher-optimization, and excellent services that are safe, fast, and smooth. Compliance with local and international legal regulations, reliability of work, reduction of time and costs spent on corrective inspections, reduction of downtime and production losses, and management of monitoring and testing processes under expert coordination will all benefit from technical support services provided by approved companies for corrective inspections in the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical synthesis of α ${\alpha }$ ‐amino acids at room temperature and pressure is a sustainable alternative to conventional methods like microbial fermentation and Strecker synthesis. A custom‐built zero‐gap flow electrolyzer was used to study the electrosynthesis of alanine via the electrocatalytic reductive amination (ERA) of the corresponding biomass‐derivable α ${\alpha }$ ‐keto acid precursor – pyruvic acid (PA), and hydroxylamine (NH2OH) at very low pH. Non‐toxic, abundant, and easy to prepare TiO2/Ti electrocatalysts were utilized as the cathode. Three TiO2/Ti felt electrodes with different oxide thicknesses were prepared and their characterization results were correlated with their respective electrochemical performance in terms of Faradaic efficiency η ${\eta }$ , and partial current density j‾ ${\left|\overline{j}\right|}$. Cyclic voltammetry indicated a different electrocatalytic reduction process on hydrothermally treated electrodes, compared to thermally oxidized ones. Hydrothermally treated electrodes were also found to have the thickest porous anatase layer and achieved 50–75 % alanine conversion efficiencies. Optimization showed that the cell potential, reactant flow rate and the PA: NH2OH ratio were crucial parameters in determining the conversion efficiency. η ${\eta }$ and j‾ ${\left|\overline{j}\right|}$ were found to significantly decrease when an excess of is used and, an optimal alanine η ${\eta }$ of 75 % was achieved at 2.0 V applied cell potential and 10 mL/h reactant flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the frictional and surface strain behaviour of silicone hemispherical finger pad simulants with different stiffness during tribological interactions with a smooth glass plate. A novel contact area and strain measurement method employing a digital image correlation technique was employed to give new understanding of the pad behaviour during sliding. The frictional behaviour of the sliding finger pad simulant is dominated by the adhesion mechanism, with a small overall contribution from deformation, as suggested by the high principal strains at the edge of the contact area. The strain behaviour is also influenced by the magnitude of the normal force and the stiffness of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural mechanization plays a pivotal role in transforming the farming sector across the globe. The number of patents granted in the field of agricultural mechanization hold significance as they encourage innovation, protect intellectual property and drive technological advancements. The present study examined patents data collected from XLPAT database, wherein 500,000 records out of which 479,010 patent grants/applications were considered. Trajectory of patents during COVID pandemic showed there was an apparent downturn in both the quantity of patent applications submitted and the number of patents officially granted. Developed countries have exhibited varying trends in agricultural mechanization and patent activities. China, the United States and India stand as examples. China has rapidly adopted mechanization in its agriculture, contributing to higher yields and efficiency. The United States has a long history of mechanized farming, and its advancements in this field have greatly impacted global agriculture. The standardization of reaping and threshing offer better agricultural equipments by agricultural startups. Expansion of patents in farm mechanization has led to increased productivity, resource efficiency, equity for small and marginal holders, affordability, eco-consciousness and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Use of Synthetic and designer products, including synthetic marijuana (SM), among adolescents poses a major risk to public health. Little is known about the motivating factors of synthetic substance use in adolescents. This study examined the motivations, predictors, perceived risks and benefits, and differences with SM versus natural marijuana among adolescents. Methods: Between April 2016 and May 2018, a convenience sample of adolescents receiving substance use treatment from a local counseling center completed an anonymous survey to assess the use of natural and synthetic marijuana use, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess levels of current psychiatric symptoms and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-Positive Scale to assess symptoms of psychosis. Results: A total of 80 adolescents (age range of 14-18 years; 71% male; 53% Caucasian) completed the study. Of these, 39 (49%) reported natural marijuana use (natural marijuana users) and 41 (51%) reported both synthetic and natural marijuana use (dual users). The most commonly reported reasons for using SM were its low cost and reduced risk of detection. Participants who were familiar with SM and reported a desire to avoid detection on drug tests were likelier to use SM (all P <.05). Dual users reported more benefits and risks associated with SM use when compared to natural marijuana users (P ⩽.05). The use of SM also heightened the perceived medical risks of natural marijuana, including seizures and respiratory issues (P <.05), compared with natural marijuana users. While dual users self-reported more conduct (P =.009) and externalizing problems (P =.024) when compared to natural marijuana users, there were no group differences in psychotic symptoms, nor correlations with the frequency of synthetic or natural marijuana use and psychotic symptoms except that persecutory ideation correlated with the frequency of natural marijuana use during the past 12 months (rp = 0.28, P =.04). Conclusions: These results suggest that reports of cost savings, and lack of detection on urine drug screens are common reasons for SM use in adolescents despite being aware of the risks of using SM. Perceived benefits of using synthetics and other novel substances appear diverse, and merit further exploration as a better understanding of what motivates adolescents to use specific novel substances may guide prevention and treatment efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental method for changing the characteristics of metals through localised severe plastic deformation is friction stir processing (FSP), which is both straightforward and efficient. Because of its high strength-to-mass ratio and resilience to fatigue, aluminium alloy 2024 is commonly utilised. The experiments were designed utilising the Box–Behnken method and the process parameters' chosen range values. In this research, the impact of FSP process variables on the tensile, surface roughness, and hardness properties of AA2024 will be examined. These parameters include tool rotation speed, welding speed, and axial load. The base sample tensile strength, surface roughness and microhardness values were 325 MPa, 0.5125 μm, and 120 HV. The optimised sample's maximum tensile strength, minimum surface roughness, and maximum microhardness values were 420 MPa, 0.4 μm, and 144 HV. The grey relational analysis (GRA) determines the ideal combination of process parameter values for the best values in all responses. XRD was used to assess residual stress, dislocation density and micro-strain. The optimal process parameters have been obtained at a rotational speed of 1000 rpm, traverse speed of 45 mm/min, and axial load of 10.25 kN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single 300 mg dose of tafenoquine (an 8-aminoquinoline), in combination with a standard 3-day course of chloroquine, is approved in several countries for the radical cure (prevention of relapse) of Plasmodium vivax malaria in patients aged ≥ 16 years. Despite this, questions have arisen on the optimal dose of tafenoquine. Before the availability of tafenoquine, a 3-day course of chloroquine in combination with the 8-aminoquinoline primaquine was the only effective radical cure for vivax malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended standard regimen is 14 days of primaquine 0.25 mg/kg/day or 7 days of primaquine 0.5 mg/kg/day in most regions, or 14 days of primaquine 0.5 mg/kg/day in East Asia and Oceania, however the long treatment courses of 7 or 14 days may result in poor adherence and, therefore, low treatment efficacy. A single dose of tafenoquine 300 mg in combination with a 3-day course of chloroquine is an important advancement for the radical cure of vivax malaria in patients without glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, as the use of a single-dose treatment will improve adherence. Selection of a single 300 mg dose of tafenoquine for the radical cure of P. vivax malaria was based on collective efficacy and safety data from 33 studies involving more than 4000 trial participants who received tafenoquine, including over 800 subjects who received the 300 mg single dose. The safety profile of single-dose tafenoquine 300 mg is similar to that of standard-dosage primaquine 0.25 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Both primaquine and tafenoquine can cause acute haemolytic anaemia in individuals with G6PD deficiency; severe haemolysis can lead to anaemia, kidney damage, and, in some cases, death. Therefore, relapse prevention using an 8-aminoquinoline must be balanced with the need to avoid clinical haemolysis associated with G6PD deficiency. To minimize this risk, the WHO recommends G6PD testing for all individuals before the administration of curative doses of 8-aminoquinolines. In this article, the authors review key efficacy and safety data from the pivotal trials of tafenoquine and argue that the currently approved dose represents a favourable benefit–risk profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: According to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline, the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires the presence of abnormal kidney structure or function for >3 months with implications for health. CKD in patients with heart failure (HF) has not been defined using this definition, and less is known about the true health implications of CKD in these patients. The objective of the current study was to identify patients with HF who met KDIGO criteria for CKD and examine their outcomes. Methods and results: Of the 1 419 729 Veterans with HF not receiving kidney replacement therapy, 828 744 had data on ≥2 ambulatory serum creatinine >90 days apart. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n = 185 821) or urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR) >30 mg/g (n = 32 730) present twice >3 months apart. Normal kidney function (NKF) was defined as eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, present for >3 months, without any uACR >30 mg/g (n = 365 963). Patients with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were categorized into four stages: 45–59 (n = 72 606), 30–44 (n = 74 812), 15–29 (n = 32 077), and <15 (n = 6326) ml/min/1.73 m2. Five‐year all‐cause mortality occurred in 40.4%, 57.8%, 65.6%, 73.3%, 69.7%, and 47.5% of patients with NKF, four eGFR stages, and uACR >30mg/g (albuminuria), respectively. Compared with NKF, hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) for all‐cause mortality associated with the four eGFR stages and albuminuria were 1.63 (1.62–1.65), 2.00 (1.98–2.02), 2.49 (2.45–2.52), 2.28 (2.21–2.35), and 1.22 (1.20–1.24), respectively. Respective age‐adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.13 (1.12–1.14), 1.36 (1.34–1.37), 1.87 (1.84–1.89), 2.24 (2.18–2.31) and 1.19 (1.17–1.21), and multivariable‐adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 1.11 (1.10–1.12), 1.24 (1.22–1.25), 1.46 (1.43–1.48), 1.42 (1.38–1.47), and 1.13 (1.11–1.16). Similar patterns were observed for associations with hospitalizations. Conclusion: Data needed to define CKD using KDIGO criteria were available in six out of ten patients, and CKD could be defined in seven out of ten patients with data. HF patients with KDIGO‐defined CKD had higher risks for poor outcomes, most of which was not explained by abnormal kidney structure or function. Future studies need to examine whether CKD defined using a single eGFR is characteristically and prognostically different from CKD defined using KDIGO criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avatars of T‐duality within Sen's formalism for self‐dual field strengths in various dimensions are studied. This formalism is shown to naturally accommodate the T‐duality relation between Type IIA/IIB theories when compactified on a circle without the need for imposing the self‐duality constraint by hand, as is usually done. The study of this formalism is continued on two‐dimensional target spacetimes and its study as a worldsheet theory is initiated. In particular, it is shown that Sen's action provides a natural worldsheet‐based understanding of twisted and asymmetrically twisted strings. Finally, it is shown that the TT¯$\mathrm{T}\bar{\mathrm{T}}$‐deformed theory of left‐ and right‐chiral bosons described in Sen's formalism possesses a scaling limit that is related via field‐theoretic T‐duality to a recently studied integrable deformation of quantum mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reirradiation (reRT) with proton beam therapy (PBT) may offer a chance of cure while minimizing toxicity for patients with isolated intrathoracic recurrences of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, distant failure remains common, necessitating strategies to integrate more effective systemic therapy. This was a phase 2, single-arm trial (NCT03087760) of consolidation pembrolizumab after PBT reRT for locoregional recurrences of NSCLC. Four to 12 weeks after completion of 60 to 70 Gy PBT reRT, patients without progressive disease received pembrolizumab for up to 12 months. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), measured from the start of reRT. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0 toxicity. Between 2017 and 2021, 22 patients received PBT reRT. Median interval from prior radiation end to reRT start was 20 months. Most recurrences (91%) were centrally located. Most patients received concurrent chemotherapy (95%) and pencil beam scanning PBT (77%), and 36% had received prior durvalumab. Fifteen patients (68%) initiated consolidation pembrolizumab on trial and received a median of 3 cycles (range, 2-17). Pembrolizumab was discontinued most commonly due to toxicity (n = 5; 2 were pembrolizumab-related), disease progression (n = 4), and completion of 1 year (n = 3). Median follow-up was 38.7 months. Median PFS and OS were 8.8 months (95% CI, 4.2-23.7) and 22.8 months (95% CI, 6.9-not reached), respectively. There was only one isolated in-field failure after reRT. Grade ≥3 toxicities occurred in 10 patients (45%); 2 were pembrolizumab-related. There were 2 grade 5 toxicities, an aorto-esophageal fistula at 6.9 months and hemoptysis at 46.8 months, both probably from reRT. The trial closed early due to widespread adoption of immunotherapy off-protocol. In the first-ever prospective trial combining PBT reRT with consolidation immunotherapy, PFS was acceptable and OS favorable. Late grade 5 toxicity occurred in 2 of 22 patients. This approach may be considered in selected patients with isolated thoracic recurrences of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background More than half of childhood tuberculosis cases remain undiagnosed yearly. The World Health Organization recommends the Xpert-Ultra assay as a first pediatric diagnosis test, but microbiological confirmation remains low. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of Xpert-Ultra with stool and urine samples in presumptive pediatric tuberculosis cases in 2 high-tuberculosis-burden settings. Methods This Médecins Sans Frontières cross-sectional multicentric study took place at Simão Mendes Hospital, Guinea-Bissau (July 2019 to April 2020) and in Malakal Hospital, South Sudan (April 2021 to June 2023). Children aged 6 months to 15 years with presumptive tuberculosis underwent clinical and laboratory assessment, with 1 respiratory and/or extrapulmonary sample (reference standard [RS]), 1 stool, and 1 urine specimen analyzed with Xpert-Ultra. Results A total of 563 children were enrolled in the study, 133 from Bissau and 400 from Malakal; 30 were excluded. Confirmation of tuberculosis was achieved in 75 (14.1%), while 248 (46.5%) had unconfirmed tuberculosis. Of 553 with an RS specimen, the overall diagnostic yield was 12.4% (66 of 533). A total of 493 stool and 524 urine samples were used to evaluate the performance of Xpert-Ultra with these samples. Compared with the RS, the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert-Ultra were 62.5% (95% confidence interval, 49.4%–74%) and 98.3% (96.7%–99.2%), respectively, with stool samples, and 13.9% (7.5%–24.3%) and 99.4% (98.1%–99.8%) with urine samples. Nine patients were positive with stool and/or urine samples but negative with the RS. Conclusions Xpert-Ultra in stool samples showed moderate to high sensitivity and high specificity compared with the RS and an added diagnostic yield when RS results were negative. Xpert-Ultra in stool samples was useful in extrapulmonary cases. Xpert-Ultra in urine samples showed low test performance. Clinical Trials Registration NCT06239337 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause hospitalization in young children and older adults. With vaccines and monoclonal antibody prophylaxis increasingly available, identifying social factors associated with severe illnesses can guide mitigation efforts. Methods Using data collected by the RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network from 2016 to 2023, we identified RSV hospitalizations in Tennessee. We linked hospitalization information (eg, patient demographic characteristics and outcome) with population-level variables (eg, social vulnerability and health care insurance coverage) from publicly available data sets using census tract of residence. Hospitalization incidence was calculated and stratified by period (2016–2020 and 2020–2023). We modeled social vulnerability effect on hospitalization incidence using Poisson regression. Results Among 2687 RSV hospitalizations, there were 677 (25.2%) intensive care unit admissions and 38 (1.4%) deaths. The highest RSV hospitalization incidences occurred among children aged <5 years and adults aged ≥65 years: 272.8 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI, 258.6–287.0) and 60.6 (95% CI, 56.0–65.2), respectively. Having public health insurance was associated with higher hospitalization incidence as compared with not having public insurance: 60.5 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI, 57.6–63.4) vs 14.3 (95% CI, 13.4–15.2). Higher hospitalization incidence was associated with residing in a census tract in the most socially vulnerable quartile vs the least vulnerable quartile after adjusting for age, sex, and period (incidence rate ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3–1.6). Conclusions RSV hospitalization was associated with living in more socially vulnerable census tracts. Population measures of social vulnerability might help guide mitigation strategies, including vaccine and monoclonal antibody promotion and provision to reduce RSV hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation demonstrates a simple, sensitive and selective colorimetric probe for the detection of Hg2+ in milk samples employing redox interaction of Hg2+ ions with citrate‐stabilised silver nanoparticles, inducing colour change from yellow to colourless. Milk samples were pretreated by ultrasound assistance in acidic media. The detection limit (LOD) was 6.17 ppb using UV–Visible spectrophotometer with linear correlation (R2 = 0.9901) at 10–2000 ppb solution of Hg2+ ions. Developed probe was highly selective to Hg2+ over different interfering metal ions and can be effectively employed to identify Hg2+ in milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal solid waste incineration ash is the outcome/product of bioengineering science. The incineration or burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) reduces the volume of this biomass by 90%, and the residual ash can be used in several applications. In this study, the potential of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash and calcium carbide residue (CCR) waste for stabilization of expansive soil has been experimentally evaluated. The abnormal shrink–swell characteristics of expansive soils pose several problems for civil engineering structures when these soils are used for construction in their original form. The study presents an experimental set-up to determine the best combination of additives to achieve the most favorable technical characteristics of expansive soil for civil engineering activities. The percentage of expansive soil has been kept fixed at 60% of the total weight of the mix for varying ratios of stabilizing agents. The optimization of the stabilizing materials is based on the highest strength parameters of the mix achieved for a particular ratio of additives and soil. The two stabilizing agents are waste materials, and their disposal through landfilling has become costly due to a scarcity of space and handling mechanisms. The values of strength parameters, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and split tensile strength (STS) of a treated mix are found to be highest for a unique combination of 60% lime stabilized expansive soil and 20% MSWI ash and an equal quantity (20%) of CCR. The cumulative effect of adding the best mix of additives to soil and curing time depicts an improvement of 526.03% in UCS and 463.41% in STS of the mix compared to one day and 28 days of curing time. There is scope for further study, such as adding some fibers to the finalized mix to reinforce the soil mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines dance reviews of transnational performances of Indian male dancers Uday Shankar and Ram Gopal from the 1930s to the 1950s. Throughout, this research seeks to contribute to methods for decolonizing dance criticism by advocating for embodied spectatorship as well as evaluation that challenges hegemony by validating classical traditions and innovative artistry. Western and Indian critics savored the rasa, meaning the flavor of the performances, and criticism reactivated the felt or sensorial experience in what I term post-performance performative. In India, anti-Orientalist criticism reclaimed traditions that critics in Europe and the United States had dismissed as irrational and unprogressive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the field of biomedicine, marine algae have gained significant attention due to the abundance of bioactive compounds they contain. However, studies on the chronic toxicity of algae are limited. Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro, in-vivo acute, and subchronic toxicity of Sargassum tenerrimum (S. tenerrimum) in an adult zebrafish model. Materials and Methods: The current preclinical toxicological interventional study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, SRIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, in September 2022. The algae S. tenerrimum was extracted with methanol using Soxhlet extraction. In-vitro toxicity of S. tenerrimum was performed using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay on the SH-SY5Y cell line. Acute toxicity was carried out for 96 hours according to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 203 guidelines, and subchronic toxicity was carried out for 14 days on the zebrafish model using the immersion method. Additionally, histopathological changes were observed after the acute toxicity study, and the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) value was analysed. Results: The MTT assay of the methanolic extract of S. tenerrimum revealed an LC50 value of 140.014 µg/mL. An acute toxicity study conducted on zebrafish for 96 hours showed an LC50 value of 504.669 mg/L. Subchronic toxicity was done for 14 days, and on the 14th day of exposure, the LC50 value was found to be 404.196 mg/L. Histopathological changes were observed at higher concentrations (800 mg/L) of algal extract. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the methanolic extract of S. tenerrimum showed a toxic effect at higher concentrations on the zebrafish model. However, at lower concentrations, S. tenerrimum was deemed safe for further exploration of pharmacological activities in a zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This review aims to present recent innovations and advancements in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care, encompassing international consensus statement, new medication formulations, digital therapeutics, and neurostimulation devices. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of relevant articles published in the past five years was conducted, emphasizing the evidence base, efficacy, safety, and practical implications of these advancements. Results: The World Federation of ADHD Consensus Statement offers an updated diagnostic and treatment framework rooted in global scientific evidence. There are several newer ADHD medication formulations, including a nonstimulant (Viloxazine extended release) and the first transdermal amphetamine patch approved to treat ADHD. These options offer some unique benefits to personalize treatment based on symptom profile, lifestyle, preferences, and response. Digital tools offer additional means to restructure environments for individuals with ADHD, reducing impairment and reliance on others. In addition, digital therapeutics enhance access, affordability, personalization, and feasibility of ADHD care, complementing or augmenting existing interventions. Trigeminal nerve stimulation emerges as a well-tolerated nonpharmacological, device-based treatment for pediatric ADHD, with initial trials indicating effect sizes comparable to nonstimulant medications. Conclusions: These innovations in ADHD care represent clinically significant new treatment options and opportunities for personalized care. Health care professionals should integrate these developments into clinical practice, mindful of individual patient and family needs and preferences. Future research should assess long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability of these innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All common variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) exhibit naming deficits. Variants are distinguished by relative deficits in repetition (logopenic; lvPPA), object knowledge (semantic; svPPA), and agrammatism or articulation (non-fluent/agrammatic; nfavPPA; Gorno-Tempini et al., 2011). The Hopkins Action Naming Assessment (HANA) is a 30-item verb naming task that can distinguish between variants (Stockbridge et al., 2021). Item-level accuracy is driven by target verb frequency, semantic information density, and conceptual concreteness of the target word (Stockbridge, Venezia, et al., 2022). In this investigation, we examined whether word frequency, semantic density, concreteness, and age of acquisition (AoA) also shaped the incorrect responses patients provided. We hypothesised that error responses would vary in these dimensions as a function of PPA variant. The HANA was administered to 271 participants with PPA, resulting in 443 total administrations and 4,529 analysable error responses. Standardised differences between error and target responses for frequency, density, concreteness, and AoA were calculated and averaged for each patient. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for correlated samples was used to compare variants and planned post-hoc analyses examined the effect of variant on each response quality. Participants were similar in age, sex, handedness, and education. There was a significant interaction between PPA variant and the standardised mean differences in lexical qualities (Pillai's Trace = 0.11, F(9, 747) = 3.19, p < 0.001). Univariate ANOVAs revealed significant differences in the semantic density of error responses relative to the target (F(3) = 7.91, p < 0.001, ηP2= 0.09), as individuals with lvPPA tended to produce error responses with greater semantic density than the target when compared to the words produced by individuals with nfavPPA (mean difference = 1.45, 95%CI = [0.60,2.29], p < 0.001; Figure 1). PPA variants also differed in the concreteness of their error responses relative to the target (F(3) = 5.99, p<0.001, ηP2 = 0.07), as error responses produced by individuals with nfavPPA were significantly more concrete than those with lvPPA (mean difference = 0.08, 95%CI = [0.02,0.13], p = 0.003) or svPPA (mean difference=0.08, 95%CI = [0.02,0.14], p = 0.007). Variants did not differ significantly in AoA or frequency of responses relative to their targets. All variants tended to produce more frequent words with a lower AoA than the target verb. Error responses tended to be more semantically dense, more concrete, higher frequency, and younger AoA than the target verb. However, PPA variants differed significantly in the extent to which these broader trends held true. These distinct patterns may be included as part of a larger diagnostic picture that to distinguish among PPA variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1905-1906, Edgar Thurston (Superintendent, Madras Museum, 1885-1908) sowed the seeds for a marine aquarium in Madras, because of Madras's coastal proximity. This effort eventuated as the Madras Marine Aquarium (MMA) in 1909. Directed by the superintendents of Madras Museum during its initial days, the MMA was handed to the Department of Fisheries, Government of Madras, in 1919. Frederick Nicholson, James Hornell and B. Sundara Raj superintended the MMA in 1909-1918, 1918-1924 and 1924-1942 respectively. From 1919, a research thrust was envisaged. Consequently, reasonable research progressed at MMA utilizing the organisms held in captivity. With the World War II (1939-1945) threatening India, Madras especially, the MMA was shut down in 1942. It reopened in 1955 but more as a freshwater aquarium, disengaging from its original concept of a marine centre. This article clarifies the pioneering efforts made by Nicholson, Hornell and Sundara Raj in bringing organisms live from sea for the common person of Madras to see, enjoy their colours and forms, and learn from them. Efforts made by Nicholson, Hornell and Sundara Raj instilled a sense of what we today refer to as 'biological diversity' and 'phenotypic variation'. The MMA was the spark that ignited the fire of setting up similar educational-cum-scientific institutions elsewhere in India in later years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, efficient, and atom‐economical, one‐pot triple Michael Addition of activated alkenes to 2‐oxindole, 7‐aza‐2‐ indolone, and N‐methyl‐5‐bromo‐7‐aza‐2‐indolone has been developed. Significantly, multifunctionalities have also been achieved via one‐pot mixed Michael addition using the equimolar amount of two different activated alkenes. The reaction provided C‐3 and N‐functionalized carbon‐rich 7‐aza‐2‐oxindole derivatives. The scope of the reaction using diverse activated alkenes has been tested to provide the title compounds. The structure of the representative compounds has been established by the XRD method. Synthetic transformation of representative compounds is demonstrated to provide the respective 3‐spirooctane‐2‐oxindole derivatives in excellent yield. A plausible mechanism for cyclization is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are progressively transforming numerous sectors, demonstrating a capacity to impact human life dramatically. This research seeks to evaluate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) literacy of ChatGPT, which is crucial for diverse stakeholders involved in SDG-related policies. Experimental outcomes from two widely used Sustainability Assessment tests–the UN SDG Fitness Test and Sustainability Literacy Test (SULITEST) ‐ suggest that ChatGPT exhibits high SDG literacy, yet its comprehensive SDG intelligence needs further exploration. The Fitness Test gauges eight vital competencies across introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Accurate mapping of these to the test questions is essential for partial evaluation of SDG intelligence. To assess SDG intelligence, the questions from both tests were mapped to 17 SDGs and eight cross-cutting SDG core competencies, but both test questionnaires were found to be insufficient. SULITEST could satisfactorily map only 5 out of 8 competencies, whereas the Fitness Test managed to map 6 out of 8. Regarding the coverage of the Fitness Test and SULITEST, their mapping to the 17 SDGs, both tests fell short. Most SDGs were underrepresented in both instruments, with certain SDGs not represented at all. Consequently, both tools proved ineffective in assessing SDG intelligence through SDG coverage. The study recommends future versions of ChatGPT to enhance competencies such as collaboration, critical thinking, systems thinking, and others to achieve the SDGs. It concludes that while AI models like ChatGPT hold considerable potential in sustainable development, their usage must be approached carefully, considering current limitations and ethical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cannabinoid-type I (CB1) receptor functions as a double-edged sword to decide cell fate: apoptosis/survival. Elevated CB1 receptor expression is shown to cause acute ceramide accumulation to meet the energy requirements of fast-growing cancers. However, the flip side of continual CB1 activation is the initiation of a second ceramide peak that leads to cell death. In this study, we used ovarian cancer cells, PA1, which expressed CB1, which increased threefold when treated with a natural compound, bis(palmitoleic acid) ester of a glycerol (C2). This novel compound is isolated from a marine snail, Conus inscriptus, using hexane and the structural details are available in the public domain PubChem database (ID: 14275348). The compound induced two acute ceramide pools to cause G0/G1 arrest and killed cells by apoptosis. The compound increased intracellular ceramides (C:16 to 7 times and C:18 to 10 times), both of which are apoptotic inducers in response to CB1 signaling and thus the compound is a potent CB1 agonist. The compound is not genotoxic because it did not induce micronuclei formation in non-cancerous Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. Since the compound induced the cannabinoid pathway, we tested if there was a psychotropic effect in zebrafish models, however, it was evident that there were no observable neurobehavioral changes in the treatment groups. With the available data, we propose that this marine compound is safe to be used in non-cancerous cells as well as zebrafish. Thus, this anticancer compound is non-toxic and triggers the CB1 pathway without causing psychotropic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course. Background: Endometriosis is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain among women globally. Pharmacological therapy for endometriosis includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptives, while surgical therapy often involves either laparoscopic excision and ablation of endometriosis implants or open surgery. Surgical therapy is one of the mainstays of treatment especially for extrapelvic endometriomas. However, little guidance exists for the treatment of non-palpable or intermittently palpable lesions of this nature. Case Report: A 33-year-old woman with a previous cesarean section presented with complaints of intermittent discomfort in the area between her umbilicus and the surgical incision, for the previous 7 years, that worsened during her menstrual cycle. A 3×3-cm area of fullness was only intermittently palpable during various clinic visits, but was visualizable on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Given the lesion's varying palpability, a Savi Scout radar localization device was placed into the lesion pre-operatively to aid with surgical resection. The mass was excised, pathologic examination revealed endometrial tissue, and the patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course with resolution of her symptoms. Conclusions: Surgical removal of extrapelvic endometrioma lesions can be made difficult by varying levels of palpability or localizability due to a patient's menstrual cycle. The Savi Scout, most commonly used in breast mass localization, is a useful tool in guiding surgical excision of non-palpable or intermittently palpable extrapelvic endometrioma lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a high-order weak Galerkin finite element method (WG-FEM) for solving the stationary Stokes interface problems with discontinuous velocity and pressure in ℝd (d = 2, 3). This WG method is equipped with stable finite elements consisting of usual polynomials of degree k ≥ 1 for the velocity and polynomials of degree k – 1 for the pressure, both are discontinuous. Optimal convergence rates of order k + 1 for the velocity and order k for the pressure are established in L2-norm on hybrid meshes. Numerical experiments verify the expected order of accuracy for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional examples. Moreover, numerically it is shown that the proposed WG algorithm is able to accommodate geometrically complicated and very irregular interfaces having sharp edges, cusps, and tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the mushroom Ganoderma, which has been used in Eastern countries for centuries as a food and medicinal source. Specifically, the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum from the Kerala Forest Research Institute in Thirussur, Kerala, India, were analyzed for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The methanolic extracts of G. applanatum were used to examine secondary metabolites and proximate profiles, revealing the presence of various phytochemicals such as terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Further analysis revealed the presence of significant amounts of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and manganese. The compounds were characterized using chromatographic analysis, FTIR, and GC-MS, which revealed potential therapeutic compounds with C-H and C-O bonds in the amide group, β-glycosides, and C-C/C-O vibrations of phenolic substances. Mushroom extract at a concentration of 100 µg mL−1 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. This study suggests that G. applanatum has a rich biochemical composition and pharmacological potential, making it a promising candidate for drug development and traditional medicine, and contributes valuable insights into its diverse therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the high-temperature (500–800 °C) oxidation behavior of Fe-10Cr-(3,5) Al alloys and studies the effect of nanocrystalline structure and Al content on their resistance to oxidation. The nanocrystalline (NC) alloy powder was synthesized via planetary ball milling. The prepared NC alloy powder was consolidated using spark plasma sintering to form NC alloys. Subsequently, an annealing of the NC alloys was performed to transform them into microcrystalline (MC) alloys. It was observed that the NC alloys exhibit superior resistance to oxidation compared to their MC counterparts at high temperatures. The superior resistance to oxidation of the NC alloys is attributed to their considerably finer grain size, which enhances the diffusion of those elements to the metal–oxide interface that forms the protective oxide layer. Conversely, the coarser grain size in MC alloys limits the diffusion of the oxide-forming components. Furthermore, the Fe-10Cr-5Al alloy showed greater resistance to oxidation than the Fe-10Cr-3Al alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that after adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) consolidation for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) receiving concurrent chemoradiation therapy (cCRT), rates of symptomatic pneumonitis would increase, thereby supporting efforts to reduce lung radiation dose. This single institution, multisite retrospective study included 783 patients with LA-NSCLC treated with definitive cCRT either before introduction of ICI consolidation (pre-ICI era cohort [January 2011-September 2017]; N = 448) or afterward (ICI era cohort [October 2017-December 2021]; N = 335). Primary endpoint was grade ≥2 pneumonitis (G2P) and secondary endpoint was grade ≥3 pneumonitis (G3P), per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. Pneumonitis was compared between pre-ICI era and ICI era cohorts using the cumulative incidence function and Gray's test. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Fine-Gray models were generated. Logistic models were developed to predict the 1-year probability of G2P as a function of lung dosimetry. G2P was higher in the ICI era than in the pre-ICI era (1-year cumulative incidence 31.4% vs 20.1%; P <.001; IPTW-adjusted multivariable subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-2.70; P <.001). There was no significant interaction between ICI era treatment and either lung volume receiving ≥20 Gy (V20) or mean lung dose in Fine-Gray regression for G2P; however, the predicted probability of G2P was higher in the ICI era at clinically relevant values of lung V20 (≥24%) and mean lung dose (≥14 Gy). Cut-point analysis revealed a lung V20 threshold of 28% in the ICI era (1-year G2P rate 46.0% above vs 19.8% below; P <.001). Among patients receiving ICI consolidation, lung V5 was not associated with G2P. G3P was not higher in the ICI era (1-year cumulative incidence 7.5% vs 6.0%; P =.39; IPTW-adjusted multivariable subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-2.01; P =.70). In patients with LA-NSCLC treated with cCRT, the adoption of ICI consolidation was associated with an increase in G2P but not G3P. With ICI consolidation, stricter lung dose constraints may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by various species of Aspergillus, most notably A. fumigatus. This fungus causes a spectrum of diseases, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis. The clinical manifestations and severity of aspergillosis can vary depending on individual immune status and the specific species of Aspergillus involved. The recognition of Aspergillus involves pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as glucan, galactomannan, mannose, and conidial surface proteins. These are recognized by the pathogen recognition receptors present on immune cells such as Toll-like receptors (TLR-1,2,3,4, etc.) and C-type lectins (Dectin-1 and Dectin-2). We discuss the roles of cytokines and pathogen recognition in aspergillosis from both the perspective of human and experimental infection. Several cytokines and chemokines have been implicated in the immune response to Aspergillus infection, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), CCR4, CCR17, and other interleukins. For example, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterized by Th2 and Th9 cell-type immunity and involves interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10. In contrast, it has been observed that invasive aspergillosis involves Th1 and Th17 cell-type immunity via IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17. These cytokines activate various immune cells and stimulate the production of other immune molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides and reactive oxygen species, which aid in the clearance of the fungal pathogen. Moreover, they help to initiate and coordinate the immune response, recruit immune cells to the site of infection, and promote clearance of the fungus. Insight into the host response from both human and animal studies may aid in understanding the immune response in aspergillosis, possibly leading to harnessing the power of cytokines or cytokine (receptor) antagonists and transforming them into precise immunotherapeutic strategies. This could advance personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acridines are a class of bioactive agents which exhibit high biological stability and the ability to intercalate with DNA; they have a wide range of applications. Pyridine derivatives have a wide range of biological activities. To enhance the properties of acridine and 2-amino-3-methylpyridine as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), 4-nitrobenzoic acid was chosen as a coformer. In the present study, a mixture of acridine and 4-nitrobenzoic acid forms the salt acridinium 4-nitrobenzoate, C13H10N+ ·C7H4NO4- (I), whereas a mixture of 2- amino-3-methylpyridine and 4-nitrobenzoic acid forms the salt 2-amino-3- methylpyridinium 4-nitrobenzoate, C6H9N2 + ·C7H4NO4- (II). In both salts, protonation takes place at the ring N atom. The crystal structure of both salts is predominantly governed by hydrogen-bond interactions. In salt I, C—H...O and N—H...O interactions form an infinite chain in the crystal, whereas in salt II, intermolecular N—H...O interactions form an eight-membered R2 ² (8) ring motif. A theoretical charge–density analysis reveals the charge–density distribution of the inter- and intramolecular interactions of both salts. An in-silico ADME analysis predicts the druglikeness properties of both salts and the results confirm that both salts are potential drug candidates with good bioavailability scores and there is no violation of the Lipinski rules, which supports the druglikeness properties of both salts. However, although both salts exhibit druglike properties, salt I has higher gastrointestinal absorption than salt II and hence it may be considered a potential drug candidate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]