Interpreting the HI 21-cm cosmology maps through Largest Cluster Statistics -- I: Impact of the synthetic SKA1-Low observations

We analyse the evolution of the largest ionized region using the topological and morphological evolution of the redshifted 21-cm signal coming from the neutral hydrogen distribution during the different stages of reionization. For this analysis, we use the "Largest Cluster Statistics" - LCS. We mainly study the impact of the array synthesized beam on the LCS analysis of the 21-cm signal considering the upcoming low-frequency Square Kilometer Array (SKA1-Low) observations using a realistic simulation for such observation based on the 21cmE2E-pipeline using OSKAR. We find that bias in LCS estimation is introduced in synthetic observations due to the array beam. This in turn shifts the apparent percolation transition point towards the later stages of reionization. The biased estimates of LCS, occurring due to the effect of the lower resolution (lack of longer baselines) and the telescope synthesized beam will lead to a biased interpretation of the reionization history. This is important to note while interpreting any future 21-cm signal images from upcoming or future telescopes like the SKA, HERA, etc. We conclude that one may need denser $uv$-coverage at longer baselines for a better deconvolution of the array synthesized beam from the 21-cm images and a relatively unbiased estimate of LCS from such images.Comment: 37 pages, 14 figures, text revised, Comments are welcom

Ecological Interactions of Invasive Insects and Native Plant Species in Changing Climate

Invasive insects pose a significant threat to native plant species and ecosystems, particularly in the context of changing climates. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of invasive species on native plant communities. Invasive insects often establish and proliferate in new habitats due to the absence of natural enemies and the availability of suitable resources. As climate change alters the distribution and phenology of plants, it can influence the susceptibility and resilience of native plant species to invasive insects. In some cases, rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns may favour the spread and population growth of invasive insects, leading to increased herbivory, reduced plant fitness, and ultimately, altered community dynamics. Furthermore, changing climates can disrupt the synchrony between native plants and their pollinators or beneficial insect populations, further exacerbating the impacts of invasive insects. As native plants and pollinators respond differently to shifting climatic conditions, their interactions may become disrupted, potentially reducing the reproductive success and long-term survival of native plant populations. However, it is important to note that climate change can also create novel opportunities for both invasive insects and native plant species. In certain instances, invasive insects may benefit from warmer temperatures and expanded ranges, while some native plants may exhibit adaptive responses and resilience to changing climatic conditions. These complex interactions highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dynamics between invasive insects and native plant species under various climate scenarios. The ecological interactions between invasive insects and native plant species in changing climates have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning. As climates continue to evolve, it is imperative to further investigate these interactions and develop adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of invasive insects on native plant communities. By doing so, we can strive to preserve and restore ecological balance in the face of ongoing environmental change

Acute otitis externa: Consensus definition, diagnostic criteria and core outcome set development.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence for the management of acute otitis externa (AOE) is limited, with unclear diagnostic criteria and variably reported outcome measures that may not reflect key stakeholder priorities. We aimed to develop 1) a definition, 2) diagnostic criteria and 3) a core outcome set (COS) for AOE. STUDY DESIGN: COS development according to Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) methodology and parallel consensus selection of diagnostic criteria/definition. SETTING: Stakeholders from the United Kingdom. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Comprehensive literature review identified candidate items for the COS, definition and diagnostic criteria. Nine individuals with past AOE generated further patient-centred candidate items. Candidate items were rated for importance by patient and professional (ENT doctors, general practitioners, microbiologists, nurses, audiologists) stakeholders in a three-round online Delphi exercise. Consensus items were grouped to form the COS, diagnostic criteria, and definition. RESULTS: Candidate COS items from patients (n = 28) and literature (n = 25) were deduplicated and amalgamated to a final candidate list (n = 46). Patients emphasised quality-of-life and the impact on daily activities/work. Via the Delphi process, stakeholders agreed on 31 candidate items. The final COS covered six outcomes: pain; disease severity; impact on quality-of-life and daily activities; patient satisfaction; treatment-related outcome; and microbiology. 14 candidate diagnostic criteria were identified, 8 reaching inclusion consensus. The final definition for AOE was 'diffuse inflammation of the ear canal skin of less than 6 weeks duration'. CONCLUSION: The development and adoption of a consensus definition, diagnostic criteria and a COS will help to standardise future research in AOE, facilitating meta-analysis. Consulting former patients throughout development highlighted deficiencies in the outcomes adopted previously, in particular concerning the impact of AOE on daily life

Regularity of Po-Γ-semigroups in Terms of Fuzzy Subsemigroups and Fuzzy Bi-ideals

In this paper, the notions of fuzzy subsemigroups and fuzzy bi-ideals of a po-Γ-semigroup are introduced with some of their important properties investigated. We obtain some characterizations of regular, intra-regular po-Γ-semigroups in terms of fuzzy bi-ideals. We also give a pointwise characterization of fuzzy regular subsemigroups in a po-Γ-semigroup

Photoinduced hole-transfer in nanoparticle-dye hybrid composites: a route for exciton dissociation leading to photovoltaic devices

We present a hybrid nanocomposite system based on lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots and a metal phthalocyanine derivative for photovoltaic devices. The composite has been chosen in such a manner that photoinduced hole-transfer from the quantum dot to the dye is energetically favorable. Photoluminescence of PbS nanoparticles quenched upon PbS:dye composite formation substantiating that such a hole-transfer occurred leading to dissociation of photogenerated excitons. The devices based on the PbS:phthalocyanine systems sandwiched between two electrodes have yielded photovoltaic characteristics. Short-circuit current of the devices has increased with an increase in concentration of the dye in hybrid nanocomposites. Since the devices are based on PbS quantum dots, they moreover have acted as NIR-active solar cells

Local delivery systems of drugs/biologicals for the management of burn wounds

Severe burn injuries are one of the major challenging health issues and pertain to significant morbidity and mortality due to their extensive traumatic and physiological damage to the organs. For decades, crucial steps and procedures have been considered to comprehend burn management. Early debridement and graft application are common practices that have improved the conditions and outcomes of burn patients physically and cosmetically. However, many drawbacks are still arising while managing burn treatment. Delayed healing, scarring, infection, and pain are among the reasons. Moreover, it is necessary to overstep to bring up new techniques and medications for improved healing quality. In this present article, we review and discuss the latest treatment of burn wound management and treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of the use of antibiotics and metallic ions for local delivery at wound sites and also provides a thorough briefing of the mechanism of action of these therapeutic agents. Furthermore, this article also provides an overall scenario of burn wound management, different regulations, and the advancement of nanotherapeutics for burn wound management and novel strategies developed in the past decades. Overall, this review article primarily targets to provide the scientific community with some settler ideas and research advancements, that improve and uplift burn wound care with a focus on infections, scarring, drug deliveries, nanomaterial, growth factors, bioactive proteins, and tissue engineering

Stress-induced overexpression of the heme-regulated eIF-2α kinase is regulated by Elk-1 activated through ERK pathway

The heme-regulated eIF-2α kinase, also called the heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI), is activated under various cytoplasmic stresses in reticulocytes leading to inhibition of initiation of protein synthesis. Our previous studies indicated that the promoter activity and expression of the human HRI (hHRI) increase in human K562 cells during heat shock and lead exposure. Contrary to this, hemin chloride which inactivates the kinase, downregulates HRI expression. Here, we attempted to understand the mechanism of regulation of hHRI expression in the lead- and hemin-exposed cells. Our results demonstrate the involvement of two transcription factors, Elk-1 and MZF-1 in regulating HRI expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays established further that Elk-1 is involved in upregulating HRI expression during stress along with a co-activator p300, while MZF-1 along with HDAC-1 is instrumental in its downregulation during hemin treatment. We also demonstrate the involvement of ERK pathway in activating Elk-1 during stress resulting in an over expression of hHRI

In vivo bone response and interfacial properties of titanium-alloy implant with different designs in rabbit model with time

Background: Using implants for dental applications are well-accepted procedures as one of the solutions for periodontal defect repair. Suitable design and materials, their reaction with the surrounding hard tissues and interfacial biomechanical properties are still considered to be the primary criteria which need to be addressed systematically. In the present study, a thorough and systemic approach was made to identify a suitable implant, considering the above criteria after both in vitro and in vivo animal trials. Materials and Methods: Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) implants, with thread and without thread models, were implanted to the mid-metaphysial portion of the tibia of the right hind leg of three white Australian Chinchilla rabbit species and their effects and response to the surrounding bone were investigated. Parameters studied included hematological and biochemical features (serum alkaline phosphatase and calcium), both preoperatively and postoperatively, consecutively for 7 days and after 1-3 months. The interfacial integrity and compositional variation along the interface were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and histopathology from 1 to 3 months consecutively. Finally, biomechanical properties were studied with the help of push-out test. Results: Bone remineralization started through the process of electro-physiological ionic exchanges, which helps in formation of osteoblastic cells in the area of bony injury. The SEM-EDAX results confirmed the initial stability for the Ti (with thread) implant, but the regeneration of new bone formation was faster in the case of Ti (Without thread) implant, and hence could be used for faster healing. These have also been substantiated through push-out and histopathlogical tests. Conclusion: From the physico-chemical and biomechanical observations, it was found that that smooth type implants were well accepted in the physiological condition although chances of elemental leaching from the surface were also observed. Increase of the surface roughness can help into the formation of physico-chemical bondage with the surrounding hard tissues

In vivo bone response and interfacial properties of titanium-alloy implant with different designs in rabbit model with time

Background: Using implants for dental applications are well-accepted procedures as one of the solutions for periodontal defect repair. Suitable design and materials, their reaction with the surrounding hard tissues and interfacial biomechanical properties are still considered to be the primary criteria which need to be addressed systematically. In the present study, a thorough and systemic approach was made to identify a suitable implant, considering the above criteria after both in vitro and in vivo animal trials. Materials and Methods: Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) implants, with thread and without thread models, were implanted to the mid-metaphysial portion of the tibia of the right hind leg of three white Australian Chinchilla rabbit species and their effects and response to the surrounding bone were investigated. Parameters studied included hematological and biochemical features (serum alkaline phosphatase and calcium), both preoperatively and postoperatively, consecutively for 7 days and after 1-3 months. The interfacial integrity and compositional variation along the interface were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and histopathology from 1 to 3 months consecutively. Finally, biomechanical properties were studied with the help of push-out test. Results: Bone remineralization started through the process of electro-physiological ionic exchanges, which helps in formation of osteoblastic cells in the area of bony injury. The SEM-EDAX results confirmed the initial stability for the Ti (with thread) implant, but the regeneration of new bone formation was faster in the case of Ti (Without thread) implant, and hence could be used for faster healing. These have also been substantiated through push-out and histopathlogical tests. Conclusion: From the physico-chemical and biomechanical observations, it was found that that smooth type implants were well accepted in the physiological condition although chances of elemental leaching from the surface were also observed. Increase of the surface roughness can help into the formation of physico-chemical bondage with the surrounding hard tissues