Low Cost Research Articles

Impedimetric Gram-Positive Bacteria Biosensor Using Vancomycin-Coated Silica Nanoparticles with a Gold Nanocluster-Deposited Electrode.

We introduce a swift, label-free electrochemical biosensor designed for the precise on-site detection of Gram-positive bacteria via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biosensor was prepared by electroplating the electrode surface with gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) on the gold-interdigitated wave-shaped electrode with a printed circuit board (Au-PCB) electrode, which plays a role in cost-effective and promising lab-on-a-chip microsystems and integrated biosensing systems. This was followed by the application of silica nanoparticle-modified vancomycin (SiNPs-VAN) that binds to Gram-positive bacteria and facilitates their detection on the AuNC-coated surface. The biosensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity. It could detect as few as 102 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of Staphylococcus aureus, 101 CFU/mL of Bacillus cereus, and 102 CFU/mL of Micrococcus luteus within 20 min. Additionally, SiNPs-VAN is also known for its high stability, low cost, and ease of preparation. It is effective in identifying Gram-positive bacteria in water samples across a concentration range of 102-105 CFU/mL and shows selective identification of Gram-positive bacteria with minimal interference from Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli. The ability of the biosensor to quantify Gram-positive bacteria aligns well with the results obtained from the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). These findings highlight the potential of electrochemical biosensors for the detection of pathogens and other biological entities, marking a significant advancement in this field.

Vanadium-Based Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Strategies.

ConspectusZinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are highly promising for large-scale energy storage because of their safety, high energy/power density, low cost, and eco-friendliness. Vanadium-based compounds are attractive cathodes because of their versatile structures and multielectron redox processes (+5 to +3), leading to high capacity. Layered structures or 3-dimensional open tunnel frameworks allow easy movement of zinc-ions without breaking the structure apart, offering superior rate-performance. However, challenges such as dissolution and phase transformation hinder the long-term stability of vanadium-based cathodes in ZIBs. Although significant research has been dedicated to understanding the mechanisms and developing high-performance vanadium-based cathodes, uncertainties still exist regarding the critical mechanisms of energy storage and dissolution, the actual active phase and the specific optimization strategy. For example, it is unclear whether materials such as α-V2O5, VO2, and V2O3 serve as the active phase or undergo phase transformations during cycling. Additionally, the root cause of V-dissolution and the role of byproducts such as Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O in ZIBs are debated.In this account, we aim to outline a clear and comprehensive roadmap for V-based cathodes in ZIBs. On the basis of our studies, we analyzed intrinsic crystal structures and their correlation with performance to guide the design of V-based materials with high-capacity and high-stability for ZIBs. Then, we revealed the underlying mechanisms of energy storage and instability, enabling more effective design and optimization of V-based cathodes. After identifying the key challenges, we proposed effective design principles to achieve high cycling performance of V-based cathodes and outlined future development directions toward their practical application. Vanadium-based compounds include [VO4] tetrahedrons, [VO5] square pyramids, and [VO6] octahedra, which are connected through a cocorner, coedge and coplane. The [VO4] tetrahedron is inactive, and the [VO5] square pyramid is unstable in aqueous solutions because water attacks the exposed vanadium, whereas stable [VO6] octahedra are desirable because of their ability to reduce from +5 to +3 with minimal structural distortion. Therefore, high-performance vanadium-based oxides in ZIBs should maintain intact [VO6] octahedra while avoiding [VO4] tetrahedra or [VO5] square pyramids. The energy storage mechanism involves H2O/H+/Zn2+ coinsertion. The existence of interlayer water in V-based cathodes significantly improves the rate and cycling performance by expanding galleries, screening Zn2+ electrostatically via solvation, reducing ion diffusion energy barriers, and increasing layer flexibility. The insertion of H+/Zn2+ and the instability of V-based cathodes lead to the formation of byproducts such as basic zinc salts (i.e., Zn4SO4(OH)6·nH2O) and dead vanadium (Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O), whose reversibility strongly affects long-term stability. To increase the cycling stability of vanadium-based cathodes, strategies such as electrolyte modulation and coating have been proposed to decrease water attack on the surface of V-oxides, thereby affecting the formation of byproducts. Additionally, in situ electrochemical transformation, ion preintercalation, and ion exchange were explored to prepare intrinsically stable V-based cathodes with enhanced performance. Furthermore, future research should focus on revealing atomic-scale mechanisms through advanced in situ characterization and theoretical calculations, enhancing rate-performance by facilitating ion/electron diffusion, promoting cycling stability by developing highly stable cathodes and refining interface engineering, and scaling up vanadium-based cathodes for practical ZIB applications.

High Sensitivity X-Ray Detectors with Low Degradation Based on Deuterated Halide Perovskite Single Crystals.

Methylammonium lead single crystal (MAPbI3 SC) possesses superior optoelectronic properties and low manufacturing cost, making it an ideal candidate for X-ray detection. However, the ionic migration of the perovskites usually leads to instability, dark current drift, and hysteresis of the detector, limiting their applications in well-established technologies. Here, a series of X-ray detectors of MAPbI3 SCs are reported with different degrees of deuteration (DxMAPbI3, x = 0, 0.15, 0.75, 0.99). By controlling the content of deuterium (D) in organic cations, the sensitivity, detection limits, ion migration, and resistivity of the detector can be controlled, thereby improving its performance. Due to stronger hydrogen bonds (N─D···I), the ion activation energy significantly increases to 886 meV. Consequently, the D0.99MAPbI3 SC detector shows more than five-fold enhancement, achieving a record-high mobility-lifetime (µτ) product of 5.39 × 10-2cm2V-1, with an ultrahigh sensitivity of 2.18 × 106 µC Gy-1 cm-2 under 120keV hard X-ray and a low detection limit of 4.8 nGyair s-1, as well as long-term stability. The study provides a straightforward strategy for constructing ultrasensitive X-ray detection and imaging systems based on perovskite SCs.

Evaluation of mechanical and microstructural characteristics in different regions of wire arc additive manufactured 304L austenitic stainless steel

ABSTRACT The large structural components (304 L austenitic stainless steel) used in nuclear power plants are difficult and expensive to manufacture and machine using standard methods. Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a low cost and high deposition method for fabricating large structural parts. Therefore, in this investigation, 304 L austenitic stainless steel (304 L ASS) cylindrical component was fabricated using WAAM technique. The mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the bottom (region ①) and top (region ②) of the WAAM 304 L ASS component are studied. The microstructure of region ① consists of austenite and ferrite with vermicular and lathy morphologies, while region ② consists of skeletal and reticular morphologies. In regions ① and ②, yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) were found to be 350 ± 7 MPa, 562 ± 10 MPa, and 75 ± 1%, respectively. The impact toughness and hardness in regions ① and ② were found to be 112 ± 2 J and 183 ± 6 (Hv0.5), respectively. From the results, it is evident that the tensile properties of the WAAM 304 L ASS component were equal/greater than the values of the forged 304 L ASS material, wrought 304 L ASS alloy, and 304 L ASS filler wire.

PSV-10 Vaccination of beef cattle to reduce enteric methane emissions

Abstract Livestock methane (CH4) emissions total over 3 billion tonnes per year of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) and are responsible for approximately 6% of total annual greenhouse gas emissions. The contribution of livestock CH4 emissions are only to be exacerbated as the global demand for meat and dairy products increases. Greater than 75% of livestock CH4 emissions are generated in dispersed production environments (e.g., cow-calf and stocker segments), which are not addressable by methane mitigation strategies requiring constant inputs. Thus, strategies that fit into standard agronomic practices, in particular dispersed production environments, are urgently needed to address the increasing carbon footprint associated with livestock production. Methane-reducing vaccines are a promising solution for addressing this need, due to their longevity of action, low cost, and ease of integration into standard agronomic practices, which could lower the barrier for adoption. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of a prototype vaccine on total and antigen-specific immune response, CH4 yield, and average daily gain (ADG) in cattle. Angus crossbred steers [n = 20; initial body weight (BW) = 537 ± 15 kg) fed on a high-forage diet were randomly assigned to either placebo- or vaccine-treated groups blocked by BW, breed, and feed intake. Steers were subcutaneously inoculated (2 mL dose) in the anterior region of the neck. Blood and saliva samples were collected, and total sera and salivary immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA were quantified using ELISA (Bethyl laboratories, Montgomery, TX). Antigen-specific sera IgG was measured using ELISA. Daily CH4 emissions and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured using GreenFeed systems (C-Lock Inc. Rapid City, SD) and GrowSafe feed bunks (Vytelle, Lenexa, KS), respectively. Body weights were recorded bi-weekly. Total sera IgA and IgG did not differ between the placebo-treated and vaccinated steers (P = 0.584 and P = 0.425, respectively), nor did total salivary IgA and IgG (P = 0.577 and P = 0.548, respectively). However, antigen-specific sera IgG did significantly increase following booster vaccination in the vaccinated steers, as compared with placebo-treated steers (d 0 vs. d 28; P < 0.001). CH4 yield was significantly reduced in vaccinated steers following booster vaccination despite significantly increasing in placebo-treated steers over the same period (P = 0.002). This reduction in CH4 yield was not associated with a reduction in DMI nor ADG (P = 0.181 and P = 0.314, respectively), suggesting that vaccination did not negatively affect treated animals. These findings underscore the potential of vaccine-based solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock CH4 emissions, especially from dispersed production environments where current options for mitigation strategies are limited.

Cholesterol Based Organogelators in Environmental Remediation: Applications in Removal of Toxic Textile Dyes and Oil Spill Recovery.

Oil spills in the ocean and textile dyes have a catastrophic impact on the environment, economy, and ecosystem. Phase-selective organic gelator dye sorption and oil separation for oil adsorption should meet certain criteria such as facile synthesis, low cost, effective gelation, and recyclability. This study has discovered that an aliphatic chain synthetic amphiphile based on cholesterol can produce organogels in a variety of organic solvents. Numerous methods, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and rheology, have been used extensively to examine and describe these organogels. An environmentally acceptable technique for achieving hazardous dye separation is presented here. For the sustainable filtration of dye-contaminated water, a new, straightforward, one-step method driven by gravitational force has been employed by using a gel column. This approach has shown excellent stability and reusability with repeated use, and it is easily scalable for the effective removal of a wide range of hazardous dyes. Furthermore, because the oil fraction was absorbed in the gel, the study showed how well it might be used to apply phase selectivity to separate the oil-water mixture from marine accidents. Furthermore, a straightforward distillation method can be used to quantitatively recover the oils contained in the gel and gelator molecules in phase-selective gelation. This low-tech, ecofriendly, and highly effective method also offers valuable insights into the development of advanced materials for separating toxic dyes and oil from water.

Strategy for Simple Control of High Performance PQ/PMMA Holographic Media.

Holographic data storage technology is a cost-effective solution for long-term archival data storage. However, the development of suitable holographic recording materials remains a challenge. Among these materials, phenanthraquinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PQ/PMMA) stands out due to its low cost and controllable thickness. Nevertheless, its limited photosensitivity and diffraction efficiency hinder its widespread application. In order to solve these problems, we put forward a kind of convenient and simple, low cost strategy, by adding plasticizer N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) for preparation of DMF-PQ/PMMA photopolymer, avoid the use of complex compounds. The addition of DMF not only influences the thermal polymerization stage but also forms weak interactions with PQ during the photoreaction process, thereby enhancing the holographic performance of DMF-PQ/PMMA. Consequently, we achieved a remarkable 9.1-fold increase in photosensitivity (from ∼0.35 to 3.18 cm J-1), improved diffraction efficiency by 20% (from 65% to 80%), and reduced volume shrinkage by a factor of 8 (from 0.4% to 0.05%). Furthermore, utilizing a collinear holographic storage system with multiplexing shift at a scale of 5 μm resulted in an impressively low minimum bit error rate (BER) of only 0.36% (with an average BER of 1.4%), highlighting the fast processing capability and potential for low BER applications in holographic information storage using DMF-PQ/PMMA.

Characterization of an Advanced Blast Simulator for Investigation of Large Scale Blast Traumatic Brain Injury Studies.

Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a prominent military health concern. The pervasiveness and long-term impacts of this injury highlight the need for investigation of the physiological outcomes of bTBI. Preclinical models allow for the evaluation of behavioral and neuropathological sequelae associated with bTBI. Studies have implemented rodent models to investigate bTBI due to the relative small size and low cost; however, a large animal model with similar neuroanatomical structure to humans is essential for clinical translation. Small blast simulators are used to induce bTBI in rodents, but a large animal model demands a larger device. This study describes a large advanced blast simulator (ABS4) that is a gas-detonation-driven system consisting of 5 sections totaling 40ft in length with a cross-section of 4 × 4 ft at the test section. It is highly suitable for large animals and human surrogate investigations. This work characterized the ABS4 in preparation of large-scale bTBI testing. An array of tests were conducted with target overpressures in the test section ranging from 10 to 50 psi, and the pressure-time profiles clearly illustrate the essential characteristics of a free-field blast wave, specifically a sharp peak pressure and a defined negative phase. Multiple blast tests conducted at the same target pressure produced very similar pressure profiles, exhibiting the reproducibility of the ABS4 system. With its extensive range of pressures and substantial size, the ABS4 will permit military-relevant translational blast testing.

Load frequency control performance enhancement of an electric vehicle integrated time-delay multi-microgrid system

ABSTRACT Frequency control in a microgrid (μG) is problematic due to low inertia of distributed generators (DGs) and uncertainty of the renewable energy source-dependent DGs. Consequently, deploying distributed storage units (DSUs) in a μG is crucial for quickly arresting frequency deviations. The electric vehicle (EV) technology, as DSU, is being preferred over conventional energy storage due to its lower cost and slower degradation rate, facilitating demand side response in a μG. The adoption of the EV technology necessitates an open communication infrastructure in the μG, with a pre-existing communication time delay (CTD). This article explores the impact of EV integration on load frequency control (LFC) performance of a multi-microgrid (MμG) system and determines an optimal CTD value simultaneously. A cyclical parthenogenesis algorithm-optimized 2DOF-FOPID controller is implemented to obtain dynamic responses of the MμG system. Simulation results reveal significant improvements in dynamic responses when integrating EVs in the MμG, with a 97.33% increase in objective function value. The recommended controller also outperforms standard controllers in terms of how quickly frequency and tie-line power variations settle down to zero. Thus, the proposed controller meets the LFC requirements. Robustness of the proposed LFC scheme is tested against parametric variations in the MμG system.

One-step oil bath preparation of cobalt-doped MnO2/coconut activated carbon composite with superior zinc ion storage performance

MnO2 is a prospective cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, bare MnO2 usually suffers from large volume change and dissolution problems. In this work, Co-doped MnO2/coconut activated carbon composite (Co-β-MO/CAC) has been successfully synthesized by a one-step oil bath method. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) tests demonstrate that both the Co doping and the incorporation of coconut activated carbon can effectively reduce the electrochemical reaction resistance of MnO2 and improve the intercalation and deintercalation abilities of H+ and Zn2+. The combined effect of the Co doping and CAC compositing has resulted in excellent electrochemical property of Co-β-MO/CAC. After 120 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, the capacity of Co-β-MO/CAC increases from 224.7 mAh g−1 to 436.7 mAh g−1. Moreover, the composite can also deliver a high reversible capacity of 233.2 mAh g−1 after 900 cycles at 0.5 A g−1.

Interface stabilization strategy realizing low-temperature sodium storage in Sb anode prepared by ball milling method

Antimony (Sb) is an attractive anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its low operating potential, low cost, and high theoretical capacity. However, the large volume expansion of Sb during the Na alloying/dealloying process, which greatly limits its application in SIBs. Simultaneously, as the temperature decreases, the formation of a poor coating on the anode surface significantly increase the difficulty of Na+ transmission. Herein, Sb-graphite-NaF (SCF) ternary composites were prepared by an easy to operate and low-cost ball milling method, which significantly improved the cycling stability and extended to the operation temperature of Sb-base SIBs. A small amount of NaF induces the formation of an inorganic-dominated NaF-rich stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the Sb anode surface, which can cooperate with graphite to inhibit volume expansion of the Sb particles during sodium storage, enhance conductivity and accelerate Na+ diffusion at room and low temperatures. As a result, the SCF electrode with propylene carbonate-base electrolyte delivered a discharge capacity of 458.4 mAh g−1 after 160 cycles at 500 mA g−1 at 20 °C. When matched with diethylcarbonate-based electrolyte at −20 °C, it had a specific capacity of 299.8 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles and a capacity retention rate of 86.2 %. This study shows that the interface stabilization strategy with a suitable electrolyte can improve the cycling stability of anode materials, provide a new idea for constructing NaF-rich SEI, and a new approach for applying Sb-based materials in low-temperature SIBs.

Enhanced High-Temperature Thermoelectric Performance in Te-Doped Electronegative Element-Filled Skutterudites via Suppressing Bipolar Effects and Enhanced Phonon Scattering.

CoSb3-based skutterudites have great potential as midtemperature thermoelectric (TE) materials due to their low cost and excellent electrical and mechanical properties. Their application, however, is limited by the high thermal conductivity and the degradation of TE performance at elevated temperatures, attributed to the adverse effects of bipolar diffusion. Herein, a series of SeyCo4Sb12-xTex compounds were successfully synthesized by combining a solid-state reaction and spark plasma sintering techniques to mitigate these challenges. It was found that doping Te at the Sb sites effectively enhanced the carrier concentration and suppressed the bipolar effect to obtain a superior power factor of ∼43 μW cm-1 K-2. Furthermore, due to the low resonant frequency of Se, filling voids of CoSb3 with Se achieved a low lattice thermal conductivity of 1.55 W m-1 K-1. Nevertheless, Se filling introduced additional holes, reducing the carrier concentration without a significant detriment of the carrier mobility. As a result, a maximum figure of merit of 1.23 was achieved for Se0.1Co4Sb11.55Te0.45 at 773 K. This work provides a valuable guidance for selecting appropriate filling and doping components to achieve synergistic optimization of the acoustics and electronics of CoSb3-based skutterudites.

Bimetallic Coupling Strategy Modulating Electronic Construction to Accelerate Sulfur Redox Reaction Kinetics for High-Energy Flexible Li-S Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered the most promising energy storage battery due to their low cost and high theoretical energy density. However, the low utilization rate of sulfur and slow redox kinetics have seriously limited the development of Li-S batteries. Herein, the electronic state modulation of metal selenides induced by the bi-metallic coupling strategy is reported to enhance the redox reaction kinetics and sulfur utilization, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. Theoretical calculations reveal that the electronic structure can be modulated by Ni-Co coupling, thus lowering the conversion barrier of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs)and Li+, and the synergistic interaction between NiCoSe nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) is facilitating to enhance electron transport and ion transfer kinetics of the NiCoSe@NPC-S electrodes. As a result, the assembled Li-S batteries based on NiCoSe@NPC-S exhibit high capacities (1020mAhg-1 at 1C) and stable cycle performance (80.37% capacity retention after 500 cycles). The special structural design and bimetallic coupling strategy promote the batteries working even under lean electrolyte (7.2µLmg-1) with a high sulfur loading (6.5mgcm-2). The proposed bimetallic coupling strategy modulating electronic construction with N-doping porous carbon has jointly contributed the good redox reaction kinetics and high sulfur utilization.

Triple Electron Attachments with a New Intermediate-Hamiltonian Fock-Space Coupled-Cluster Method.

The implementation of a new intermediate-Hamiltonian Fock-space coupled-cluster (IHFSCC) scheme for the (3,0) sector of the Fock space is reported. In this IHFSCC approach, the three-body contributions in the cluster operator S(3,0) corresponding to the (3,0) sector of the Fock space are considered, while S(1,0) and S(2,0) at the (1,0) and (2,0) level only include one- and two-body operators. By introducing a suitable partition of the wave operator, the intermediate Hamiltonian, which only depends on the two-body operator of S(1,0), is obtained. S(2,0) and S(3,0) are not required within this new IHFSCC scheme, and a large reference space can be possibly employed. The performance of this (3,0) IHFSCC method in calculating triple ionization potentials and excitation energies for atoms and cations with a ground p3 configuration as well as adiabatic excitation energies for some molecules is investigated. The effect of the number of active virtual orbitals and three different types of orbitals, i.e., reference orbitals, restricted open-shell Hartree-Fock orbitals (ROHF) of the target systems, and canonicalized ROHF orbitals, on IHFSCC results, is also studied. Our calculations indicate that reasonable results can be achieved with this (3,0) IHFSCC method when a minimal reference space is employed. Further increasing the number of active orbitals does not necessarily improve the results. In addition, the IHFSCC results using canonicalized ROHF orbitals generally agree well with reference values, and they are not very sensitive to the number of active orbitals compared with results using the reference orbitals. The new (3,0) IHFSCC method can be applied to open-shell systems with three unpaired electrons with reasonable accuracy at a relatively low computational cost.

Banana DNA derivatives as homeotropic alignment layers in optical devices.

In this study, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from bananas was extracted and functionalized and used for the first time as a homeotropic alignment layer for liquid crystals (LCs). Our research was aimed at extracting and investigating DNA from bananas via the synthesis and study of DNA complexes with various surfactants to examine the usefulness of such a complex as an alignment layer in electro-optical transducers. We proposed a simple and eco-friendly synthesis of the DNA complexes isolated from bananas with surfactants, so we transformed the DNA isolated from bananas into a functionalized alignment layer. A biopolymer alignment layer like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a banana complexed with a cationic surfactant is an excellent alternative to a commonly used but toxic polyimide alignment layer. DNA-based materials are promising for photonic applications and biosensors because of their excellent optical and physical properties, biodegradability, and low production cost. The novelty of the research lies in the potential use of these materials as biodegradable biopolymer alignment layers for optical devices instead of conventional polymers, which are usually harmful for the environment.

Clinical multi-dimensional prognostic nomogram for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy in NSCLC

The advent of immunotherapy has greatly improved the prognosis of non-small cell lung (NSCLC) patients. However, given its low response rate and high cost of treatment, the search for valuable predictive markers of treatment efficacy is necessary. Considering the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumour and tumour microenvironment, the construction of a multi-dimensional prediction model is necessary. Therefore, we aimed to integrate clinical parameters, radiomic features, and immune signature data from NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy to construct a multi-dimensional prediction model to better predict the efficacy of immunotherapy. The current study enrolled 137 NSCLC patients who received immunotherapy. We collected baseline clinical information, CT images, and tumour tissue specimens. Using 3D-Slicer software, radiomic features were extracted from patient CT images, and tumor tissue samples obtained before immunotherapy were subjected to immunohistochemical staining. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was applied to downscale the data, and the radiomic features and immune signatures associated with the prognosis of immunotherapy patients were identified. The modified lung immune predictive index (mLIPI), radiomics score (Radioscore), immune score and multi-dimensional model nomogram were constructed. The C-index and area under the curve (AUC) were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the models. Three radiomic features and three immune signatures that could predict the efficacy of immunotherapy were eventually screened. Multivariate analysis showed that the mLIPI, Radioscore, and immune score were independent predictive factors for PFS and OS (P < 0.05 for all models). The multi-dimensional model combining the three models showed better predictive efficacy than the mLIPI, Radioscore, and immune score (PFS: 0.721 vs. 0.662 vs. 0.610 vs. 0.610; OS: 0.727 vs. 0.661 vs. 0.601 vs. 0.602 respectively). The multi-dimensional model showed the best predictive efficacy, with C-index for PFS and OS higher than mLIPI, radioscore and immune score: 0.721 vs. 0.662 vs. 0.610 vs. 0.610 for PFS and 0.727 vs. 0.661 vs. 0.601 vs. 0.602 for OS, respectively. The AUC for the multi-dimensional model also performed better than those of the individual models: 0.771 vs. 0.684 vs. 0.715 vs. 0.711 for PFS and 0.768 vs. 0.662 vs. 0.661 vs. 0.658 for OS, respectively. The multi-dimensional model combining the three models had better predictive efficacy than any single model and was more likely to help provide patients personalized and precision medicine.

Effect of Novel Biostimulants on Performance of Black Gram and Soybean in Peninsular India

ABSTRACT The objective of modern agriculture includes environmental sustainability, low production costs, and higher productivity. Biostimulants are composed of humic acids, hormones, algae extracts, plant growth-promoting bacteria, amino acids, and a chain of peptides. Black gram and soybean crops are of immense economic significance. The growth and yield of these crops are limited by supply of nutrients. The potentiation of the early growth of plants by treating seeds with these substances has been one of the adopted alternatives, which often promote physiological changes that stimulate growth. The field experiment was conducted with randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Effects of different biostimulants at different concentrations as foliar spray and seed treatment were examined on growth, yield parameters, and yield of black gram (TAU-1) and soybean (JS-335) during kharif 2020 and 2021. Results showed that foliar application of Quantis biostimulant @ 5 ml L−1 recorded higher growth, yield parameters, and seed yield (897 kg ha−1), biological yield (1209 kg ha−1), production efficiency (13.00 kg day−1 ha−1) in black gram and seed treatment with Epivio Energy @ 2 ml kg−1 fetched higher seed yield (1403 kg ha−1), biological yield (2914 kg ha−1), production efficiency (16.13 kg day−1 ha−1) along with higher growth and yield parameters in soybean. It can be concluded that they will help in achieving higher growth and yield of black gram and soybean.

Alvimopan for postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery: a systematic review.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following abdominal surgery, often leading to extended hospital stays and a higher risk of post-operative complications, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Alvimopan, a peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist, has been shown to aid in the recovery of normal bowel function after surgery. While its benefits are well-established in open abdominal surgeries, its efficacy in laparoscopic procedures had not been conclusively determined. However, recent clinical trials involving laparoscopic surgeries have since been conducted. This review aims to reassess the efficacy of Alvimopan by incorporating findings from these new studies, potentially providing further insight into its clinical benefits. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies were included based on the PICO framework, focusing on Alvimopan's impact on postoperative gastrointestinal recovery. Primary outcomes were time to gastrointestinal function recovery (GI-3) and hospital stay duration. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, with seven focusing on the use of Alvimopan in open abdominal surgeries and three in laparoscopic procedures. Collectively, these studies involved 18,822 patients undergoing various types of abdominal Administration of Alvimopan 6mg accelerated gastrointestinal function recovery by an average of 14h (Hazard ratio: 1.62, p = 0.002) and reduced hospital stays by 5.2h (Hazard ratio: 1.52, p = 0.04) compared to placebo. Similarly, Alvimopan 12mg reduced GI-3 recovery time by 13.5h (Hazard ratio: 1.58, p = 0.02) and hospital stay duration by 6.2h (Hazard ratio: 1.46, p = 0.018). Alvimopan shows promise in reducing POI and hospital stay durations following abdominal surgeries. The incorporation of the recent studies in laparoscopic abdominal procedures further supports these findings. Integrating Alvimopan into perioperative care protocols may enhance patient outcomes and help lower healthcare costs.

Decision cost hypersensitivity underlies Huntington's disease apathy.

The neuropsychiatric syndrome of apathy is now recognized to be a common and disabling condition in Huntington's disease (HD). However, the mechanisms underlying it are poorly understood. One way to investigate apathy is to utilise a theoretical framework of normal motivated behaviour, to determine where breakdown has occurred in people with this behavioural disruption. A fundamental computation underlying motivated, goal-directed behaviour across species is weighing up the costs and rewards associated with actions. Here, we asked whether people with apathy are more sensitive to costs of actions (physical effort and time delay), less sensitive to rewarding outcomes, or both. Based on the unique anatomical substrates associated with HD pathology, we hypothesised that a general hypersensitivity to costs would underpin HD apathy. Genetically confirmed carriers of the expanded Huntingtin gene (premanifest to mild motor manifest disease (n=53) were compared to healthy controls (n = 38). Participants performed a physical effort-based decision-making task (Apple Gathering Task) and a delay discounting task (Money Choice Questionnaire). Choice data was analysed using linear regression and drift diffusion models that also accounted for the time taken to make decisions. Apathetic people with HD accepted fewer offers overall on the Apple Gathering Task, specifically driven by increased sensitivity to physical effort costs, and not explained by motor severity, mood, cognition, or medication. Drift diffusion modelling provided further evidence of effort hypersensitivity, with apathy associated with a faster drift rate towards rejecting offers as a function of varying effort. Increased delay sensitivity was also associated with apathy, both when analysing raw choice and also drift rate, where there was moderate evidence of HD apathy drifting faster towards the immediately available (low cost) option. Furthermore, the effort and delay sensitivity parameters from these tasks were positively correlated. The results demonstrate a clear mechanism for apathy in HD, cost hypersensitivity, which manifests in both the effort and time costs associated with actions towards rewarding goals. This suggests that HD pathology may cause a domain-general disruption of cost processing, which is distinct to apathy occurrence in other brain disorders, and may require different therapeutic approaches.

Fe-Ni Binder Modified NbC Cermets: A Cost-Effective Solution with Superior Mechanical Properties

NbC-Ni cermets have emerged as promising alternatives to the conventional WC-Co due to their superior hot hardness and fracture toughness. However, the recent increase in Ni and Co prices necessitates substituting these binders with economical alternatives for cermet formulations. The Fe-Ni binary alloy shows promise as a binder due to its superior mechanical properties, low cost, and reduced toxicity compared to Co and Ni. This study demonstrated the potential of Fe-Ni as a promising binder material for NbC cermets, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and properties suitable for various high-performance applications. The NbC-Fe-Ni cermets were fabricated via vacuum Liquid Phase Sintering (LPS) at 1440°C for 1h and compared to NbC-Ni cermets. Microstructural analysis (SEM+EDX) revealed a continuous decrease in D90 values up to NbC-35Ni-65Fe (65 wt.% Fe), indicating that Fe-Ni effectively suppressed grain growth; additionally, it increased the contiguity of NbC grains. Vickers hardness tests revealed that the hardness of the cermets increased with higher Fe content in the binder, reaching a peak value of 1487 ± 15 HV30 for NbC-35Ni-65Fe, marking a remarkable 34% improvement over NbC-Ni. However, fracture toughness decreased marginally due to the increased contiguity of NbC grains, which reduced crack inhibition. Nanoindentation hardness tests of the binder phase revealed that partial substitution of Ni with Fe enhanced binder hardness, contributing to the overall improvement in NbC-Fe-Ni cermets’ hardness values. A 3-point bend test demonstrated a maximum strength of 649 ± 16 MPa for NbC-35Ni-65Fe cermet, indicating a 19% improvement over NbC-Ni cermet. These findings highlight Fe-Ni's potential as a cost-effective binder for NbC cermets, suitable for high-performance applications.