Relative version of star-Hurewicz property

Acta Mathematica Hungarica - We study preservation properties of relatively star-Hurewicz property under two mappings and in Alexandroff space. For a topological space X, the collection of...     

Universal dynamical onset in water at distinct material interfaces

Interfacial water remains liquid and mobile much below 0 °C, imparting flexibility to the encapsulated materials to ensure their diverse functions at subzero temperatures. However, a united picture that can describe the dynamical differences of interfacial water on different materials and its role in imparting system-specific flexibility to distinct materials is lacking. By combining neutron spectroscopy and isotope labeling, we explored the dynamics of water and the underlying substrates independently below 0 °C across a broad range of materials. Surprisingly, while the function-related anharmonic dynamical onset in the materials exhibits diverse activation temperatures, the surface water presents a universal onset at a common temperature. Further analysis of the neutron experiment and simulation results revealed that the universal onset of water results from an intrinsic surface-independent relaxation: switching of hydrogen bonds between neighboring water molecules with a common energy barrier of ∼35 kJ mol⁻¹.

We demonstrated that the dynamical onset of interfacial water is an intrinsic property of water itself, resulting from a surface independent relaxation process in water with an approximately universal energy barrier of ∼35 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease – An Overview

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with a significant global impact on public health. The emergence of atypical clinical phenotypes challenges traditional diagnostic approaches, necessitating a deeper exploration of biomarkers for accurate identification. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classification of biomarkers and their integration into different stages of AD provide a structured framework for their application in research and clinical settings. Within the context of AD drug development, biomarkers are essential for participant selection, target engagement evaluation, and assessment of pathological hallmarks, including Aβ and tau protein abnormalities. The incorporation of nanoparticles with a biodegradable approach introduces innovative strategies to address the complexities of AD. This paper extensively discusses biomarkers associated with synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and glial activation, recognizing their significance in elucidating disease mechanisms. Common pathologies such as synuclein and TDP-43 further underscore the multifaceted nature of AD. Current biomarkers for AD diagnosis, encompassing cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and various imaging modalities, reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance early detection and monitoring. Intriguingly, novel biomarkers continue to emerge, offering promising avenues for improved understanding and intervention. Current review provides a comprehensive survey of biomarkers for AD, elucidating their diverse roles across different aspects of the disease. By highlighting their contributions to diagnosis, drug development, and mechanistic insights, this overview underscores the importance of biomarker research in the pursuit of effective AD management and treatment strategies.     

Comparative thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid refrigeration system for promotion of cleaner technologies

This article presents a comparative thermodynamic analysis based on numerical methods for a hybrid refrigeration system suitable to operate as vapour absorption system (VA), vapour compression–absorption system (VCA) and vapour compression system (VC). The working fluid employed for the first two systems is ammonia–water and it is pure ammonia in case of the third system. The system is being powered by waste energy and conventional energy depending on the mode of operation. The effect on performance parameters like COP and exergy efficiency during all modes of operation has been evaluated by keeping the uniform parametric conditions like condenser temperature (40 °C) and evaporator temperature (5 °C) for all the modes of operation. The effect of ambient temperature on the exergy loss in each component of the different modes of operation have also been evaluated and discussed. The results obtained indicate that COP and exergy efficiency for VCA mode initially increases and then decreases whereas for VA and VC mode the COP and exergy efficiency decreases with condenser temperature. The analysis also reveals that with the variation in evaporator temperature the COP and exergy efficiency for VC mode increases whilst for VA and VCA mode the COP shows a slight increase whereas exergy efficiency decreases. The variation of exergy efficiency and exergy loss in different components with condenser and evaporator temperature shows that exergy efficiency is found to be the highest in VC mode whereas the lowest in VCA mode for both the temperature variations. The variation of compressor work and exergy loss in compressors with evaporator and condenser temperature shows that compressor work and exergy loss is lesser for VCA mode when compared to VC mode.     

Microstructure and friction behaviour in nanocrystalline diamond films

In this study, friction behaviour of as-deposited and N⁺ ion-implanted nanocrystalline diamond films was investigated. In as-deposited film, the friction coefficient in ambient and humid condition was 0.8. Such a high value is explained by the formation of strong bonds across the sliding interfaces. In contrast, under similar test condition, friction coefficient of N⁺ ion-implanted film was ~0.07. The significant decrease in friction coefficient is ascribed to the formation of covalent CN_x phase which limits the formation of strong bonds in sliding interfaces.     

Exploratory Study Using Urinary Volatile Organic Compounds for the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biomarkers are lacking in clinical practice. We therefore explored the pattern and composition of urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in HCC patients. This was done in order to assess the feasibility of a potential non-invasive test for HCC, and to enhance our understanding of the disease. This pilot study recruited 58 participants, of whom 20 were HCC cases and 38 were non-HCC cases. The non-HCC cases included healthy individuals and patients with various stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including those with and without fibrosis. Urine was analysed using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) and gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–TOF-MS). GC–IMS was able to separate HCC from fibrotic cases with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 (0.91–1.00), and from non-fibrotic cases with an AUC of 0.62 (0.48–0.76). For GC-TOF-MS, a subset of samples was analysed in which seven chemicals were identified and tentatively linked with HCC. These include 4-methyl-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (2TMS derivative), 2-butanone, 2-hexanone, benzene, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-, 3-butene-1,2-diol, 1-(2-furanyl)-, bicyclo(4.1.0)heptane, 3,7,7-trimethyl-, [1S-(1a,3β,6a)]-, and sulpiride. Urinary VOC analysis using both GC–IMS and GC-TOF-MS proved to be a feasible method of identifying HCC cases, and was also able to enhance our understanding of HCC pathogenesis.     

Improved thermal energy storage behavior of polyethylene glycol-based NEOPCM containing aluminum oxide nanoparticles for solar thermal applications

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In the present investigation, a novel composite of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weight 10,000 (10 k) and aluminum oxide...