State-of-the-art advances in homogeneous molecular catalysis for the Guerbet upgrading of bio-ethanol to fuel-grade bio-butanol.

The upgrading of ethanol to -butanol marks a major breakthrough in the field of biofuel technology, offering the advantages of compatibility with existing infrastructure while simultaneously offering potential benefits in terms of transport efficiency and energy density. With its lower vapour pressure and reduced corrosiveness compared to ethanol, -butanol is easier not only to manage but also to transport, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure changes. This leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

Conformational changes in 6 MeV electron beam irradiated aqueous bovine serum albumin.

Understanding the folding and unfolding mechanism of the protein is not only crucial in applications like biomedical, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering but also to the food industry. In the present study, an electron beam with 6 MeV energy derived from the Microtron accelerator was utilized to irradiate the aqueous solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA) at fluences of 5 × 10 and 10 × 10 e/cm. The control and irradiated BSA solutions were analyzed using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy.

A Comprehensive Review on Comparative Analysis of Operative Efficiency and Postoperative Recovery in Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Hepatectomy.

Minimally invasive liver surgery, particularly hepatectomy, has evolved significantly with the advent of laparoscopic and robotic techniques. These approaches offer potential benefits over traditional open surgery, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to compare the operative efficiency and postoperative recovery outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Production of Lactic Acid via Catalytic Transfer Dehydrogenation of Glycerol Catalyzed by Base Metal Salt Ferrous Chloride and Its NNN Pincer-Iron Complexes.

NNN-Bis(imino) pyridine-based pincer-Fe(II) complexes with an expected trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) geometry equilibrated to a rearranged ion pair of an octahedral dicationic Fe complex containing two bis(imino)pyridine ligands that are neutralized by a tetrahedral dianionic-[FeCl]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and UV-visible (UV-vis) studies suggested that the equilibrium was dictated by the sterics of the R group on the imine N, with the less-crowded groups tilting the equilibrium to the ion pair and the bulky ones favoring the TBP geometry. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Evan's magnetic moment measurements indicated that the complexes were paramagnetic with Fe(II) in a high-spin state.

Advancements and Innovations in the Surgical Management of Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus: A Comprehensive Review.

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SPS) is a common condition characterized by the formation of a sinus tract or cavity in the sacrococcygeal region, often containing hair and debris. Surgical management plays a crucial role in its treatment due to its chronic and recurrent nature. This comprehensive review explores the advancements and innovations in the surgical management of SPS.

Two Rings, Two Recoveries: Exploring the Thiersch Method in Complicated Cases.

Rectal prolapse, characterized by the protrusion of rectal mucosa or full-thickness tissue through the anal canal, significantly impacts quality of life, necessitating prompt intervention upon diagnosis. This case report presents the management of rectal prolapse in two cases admitted to our institution presenting with complaints of a prolapsing anal mass and many associated comorbidities and their subsequent surgical management using the Thiersch procedure. Following the procedure, both patients were monitored postoperatively, discharged once vitally stable, and kept on regular follow-up.

Modification of WSthin film properties using high dose gamma irradiation.

The tunability of the transition metal dichalcogenide properties has gained attention from numerous researchers due to their wide application in various fields including quantum technology. In the present work, WShas been deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide substrate and its properties have been studied systematically. These samples were irradiated using gamma radiation for various doses, and the effect on structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties has been reported.

Assessing the Prevalence Rate of Gangrene Among Patients With Peripheral Vascular Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India.

Background Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) includes peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and venous disease. PAD is a chronic progressive atherosclerotic disease leading to partial or total peripheral vascular occlusion. PAD typically affects the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, lower limbs, and occasionally the upper extremities.

A Comprehensive Review on Novel Lipid-Based Nano Drug Delivery.

Novel drug delivery system opens the doors towards nano/micro formulation strategies to overcome the challenges associated with the poorly soluble and permeable drugs. Lipid based nanoparticles are widely accepted that includes liposomes, niosomes and micelles which are FDA approved. Such lipid based drug delivery allows delivery for natural phytoconstituents, biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) class II and class IV drugs are effectively delivered to improve its solubility, permeability and bioavailability.

Probing Effect of 6 MeV Electron Beam Irradiation on Haemoglobin Protein Using Spectroscopic Techniques.

In this work, we study the effect of 6 MeV electron beam irradiation on the physicochemical properties of lyophilized Human Haemoglobin A (HbA). Electron beams generated from Race Track Microtron accelerator with energy 6 MeV were used to irradiate HbA at fluences of 5 × 10 e/cm and 10 × 10 e/cm. Pristine and electron beam irradiated HbA were characterized using UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Production of hydrogen from alcohols homogeneous catalytic transformations mediated by molecular transition-metal complexes.

Hydrogen obtained from renewable sources such as water and alcohols is regarded as an efficient clean-burning alternative to non-renewable fuels. The use of the so-called bio-H regardless of its colour will be a significant step towards achieving global net-zero carbon goals. Challenges still persist however with conventional H storage, which include low-storage density and high cost of transportation apart from safety concerns.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol and Ethanol with 3d-Metal Based Anodic Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Media Using Carbon Based Electrode Assembly.

Homogeneous electrocatalytic systems based on readily available, earth-abundant, inexpensive base metals Ni, Co, and Cr have been formulated for the electro-oxidation of alcohols (methanol and ethanol) that constitute a key half-cell component of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). Notably, excellent results were obtained for both methanol as well as ethanol electro-oxidation while operating with a half-cell assembly based on all-non-noble working and counter electrode systems consisting of glassy carbon and graphite rod, respectively. Using NaOH as the supporting electrolyte, Ni/Co/Cr metal salts and their bis(iminopyridine) complexes have been used as anodic electrocatalysts for the alcohol half-cell reactions, and among them, catalytic systems based on Co outperformed the corresponding systems based on Ni and Cr.

Delayed Partial Venous Insufficiency of Free Flap: To Intervene or Not?

Delayed venous congestion of a free flap poses a dilemma for clinicians, as the optimal management strategy is often uncertain. This case report presents a successful outcome achieved through a strategy of watchful waiting for a delayed presentation of a partially congested free flap. This approach enabled the avoidance of unnecessary surgical interventions and minimized potential complications associated with flap exploration.

CMOS-Compatible Ultrathin Superconducting NbN Thin Films Deposited by Reactive Ion Sputtering on 300 mm Si Wafer.

We report a milestone in achieving large-scale, ultrathin (~5 nm) superconducting NbN thin films on 300 mm Si wafers using a high-volume manufacturing (HVM) industrial physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. The NbN thin films possess remarkable structural uniformity and consistently high superconducting quality across the entire 300 mm Si wafer, by incorporating an AlN buffer layer. High-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses unveiled enhanced crystallinity of (111)-oriented δ-phase NbN with the AlN buffer layer.

A Comprehensive Review of the Vascular Consequences of Diabetes in the Lower Extremities: Current Approaches to Management and Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes.

Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, and its vascular consequences in the lower extremities pose significant challenges for individuals living with the condition. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of diabetes-related vascular complications in the lower limbs, with a primary focus on current strategies for management and the evaluation of clinical outcomes. This review achieves several critical objectives by synthesizing existing knowledge and research findings.

Acceptorless or Transfer Dehydrogenation of Glycerol Catalyzed by Base Metal Salt Cobaltous Chloride - Facile Access to Lactic Acid and Hydrogen or Isopropanol.

The dehydrogenation of glycerol to lactic acid (LA) under both acceptorless and transfer dehydrogenation conditions using readily available, inexpensive, environmentally benign and earth-abundant base metal salt CoCl is reported here. The CoCl (0.5 mol %) catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of glycerol at 160 °C in the presence of 0.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Switchable [4 + 1] and [4 + 2] Annulation of -Aryl Pyrazolones with Maleimides: An Access to Spiro Pyrazolo[1,2-]indazole-pyrrolidine and Fused Pyrazolopyrrolo Cinnolines.

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed controllable [4 + 1] and [4 + 2] annulation of -aryl pyrazolones with maleimides as C1 and C2 synthon has been explored for the synthesis of spiro[pyrazolo[1,2-]indazole-pyrrolidines] and fused pyrazolopyrrolo cinnolines. The product selectivity was achieved through time-dependent annulation. The [4 + 1] annulation reaction involves sequential Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of -aryl pyrazolone, followed by an intramolecular spirocyclization via aza-Michael-type addition to afford spiro[pyrazolo[1,2-]indazole-pyrrolidine].

Structural and Optical Properties of High Entropy (La,Lu,Y,Gd,Ce)AlO Perovskite Thin Films.

Mixtures of Ce-doped rare-earth aluminum perovskites are drawing a significant amount of attention as potential scintillating devices. However, the synthesis of complex perovskite systems leads to many challenges. Designing the A-site cations with an equiatomic ratio allows for the stabilization of a single-crystal phase driven by an entropic regime.

Substrate-controlled Rh(III)-catalyzed regiodivergent annulation towards fused and spiro benzimidazoles.

A Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade C-H activation and cyclization of 2-aryl benzimidazoles with maleimides for the synthesis of benzimidazole-fused isoquinolines and benzimidazole-spiro isoindoles is reported. Switchable selectivity towards the formation of these two distinct products can be achieved using unsubstituted and substituted benzimidazoles at the -position of the phenyl ring. Mechanistically, C-H activation followed by migratory insertion of maleimide forms a Heck-type intermediate.

Improved photocatalytic activity of TiO nanoparticles through nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots: an experimental and theoretical study.

In this work, we develop a photocatalyst wherein nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots are scaffolded onto TiO nanoparticles (NPCQD/TiO), denoted as NPCT hereafter. The developed NPCT photocatalyst exhibits an enhanced visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production of 533 μmol h g compared to nitrogen doped CQD/TiO (478 μmol h g), phosphorus doped CQD/TiO (451 μmol h g) and pure CQD/TiO (427 μmol h g) photocatalysts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the NPCT photocatalyst is attributed to the excellent synergy between NPCQDs and TiO nanoparticles, which results in the creation of virtual energy levels, a decrease in work function and suppressed recombination rates, thereby increasing the lifetime of photogenerated electrons.

Experimental demonstration of tethered gene drive systems for confined population modification or suppression.

Background: Homing gene drives hold great promise for the genetic control of natural populations. However, current homing systems are capable of spreading uncontrollably between populations connected by even marginal levels of migration. This could represent a substantial sociopolitical barrier to the testing or deployment of such drives and may generally be undesirable when the objective is only local population control, such as suppression of an invasive species outside of its native range.

Investigation of thermoluminescence and photoluminescence properties of Tb, Eu, and Dy doped NaYF phosphors for dosimetric applications.

Hexagonal phase sodium yttrium fluoride activated with lanthanide ions; Tb, Eu and Dy doped NaYF phosphors were synthesized using a simplistic hydrothermal method. The photoluminescence studies demonstrated green, red and blue emission lines corresponding to D → F ( = 6, 5, 4, 3), D → F ( = 1, 2 and 4) and F to H ( = 15/2 and 13/2) transitions, which are characteristic of Tb, Eu and Dy ions, respectively. The as-synthesized samples were subjected to annealing at varying temperatures from 500 °C to 800 °C primarily for the optimization of the thermoluminescence glow curve.

Activity measurement of mixed complex radionuclide like Eu with different methods.

Eu has been standardized by three independent 4π β-γ coincidence counting systems with beta detectors as proportional counter, plastic scintillator and liquid scintillator along with the CIEMAT/NIST method. The average activity concentration by primary methods was linked to key comparison reference value (KCRV) by comparing it with that of 4π γ ionization chamber (GIC) whose calibration factor was determined from the KCRV (BIPM.RI(II)-K1.