Activity Trends in the Propane Dehydrogenation Reaction Catalyzed by MIII Sites on an Amorphous SiO2 Model: A Theoretical Perspective

One class of particularly active catalysts for the Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) reaction are well-defined M(III) sites on amorphous SiO2. In the present work, we focus on evaluating the catalytic trends of the PDH for four M(III) single-sites (Cr, Mo, Ga and In) on a realistic amorphous model of SiO2 using density functional theory-based calculations and the energetic span model. We considered a catalytic pathway spanned by three reaction steps taking place on selected MIII–O pair of the SiO2 model: σ-bond metathesis of propane on a MIII–O bond to form M-propyl and O–H group, a β-H transfer step forming M–H and propene, and the H–H coupling step producing H2 and regenerating the initial M–O bond. With the application of the energetic span model, we found that the calculated catalytic activity for Ga and Cr is comparable to the ones reported at the experimental level, enabling us to benchmark the model and the methodology used. Furthermore, results suggest that both In(III) and Mo(III) on SiO2 are potential active catalysts for PDH, provided they can be synthesized and are stable under PDH reaction conditions.

The Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of miRNAs in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a dismal prognosis and a high rate of recurrence and mortality. Therapeutic options are limited. In some cases, the distinction of ACCs from benign adrenal neoplasms with the existing widely available pathological and histopathological tools is difficult. Thus, new biomarkers have been tested. We conducted a review of the recent literature on the advances of the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic role of miRNAs on ACC patients. More than 10 miRNAs validated by multiple studies were found to present a diagnostic and prognostic role for ACC patients, from which miR-483-5p and miR-195 were the most frequently met biomarkers. In particular, upregulation of miR-483-5p and downregulation of miR-195 were the most commonly validated molecular alterations. Unfortunately, data on the therapeutic role of miRNA are still scarce and limited mainly at the experimental level. Thus, the role of miRNA regulation in ACC remains an area of active research.

AmotL2, IQGAP1, and FKBP51 Scaffold Proteins in Glioblastoma Stem Cell Niches

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) live in a continuous process of stemness reprogramming to achieve specific cell commitment within the so-called GSC niches, specifically located in periarteriolar regions. In this review, we analyze the expression levels, cellular and subcellular location, and role of three scaffold proteins (IQGAP1, FKBP51, and AmotL2) in GSC niches. Scaffold proteins contribute to cell differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis in glioblastoma. It could be of diagnostic interest for establishing stages, for therapeutic targets, and for improving glioblastoma prognosis, which is still at the experimental level.

Optimization of Ultimate Tensile Strength with DOE Approach for Application FSW Process in the Aluminum alloys AA6061-T651 & AA7075 -T651

As it is imperative to control the materials development processes well, in parallel, it will be necessary to constantly adapt very efficient assembly methods. Friction stir welding makes it much easier for us to fusion the aluminum alloys like AA6061-T651 and AA7075 -T651. But we noted the difficulty of containing its many parameters such as the welding speed, the rotation speed and the type of pin used during the operation to optimize mechanical properties and in particular to obtain high rupture strength with the tensile test. This why in this paper we treat carefully this process in order to define it drastically, by using the design of experiment method which is an original approach that resides in the possibility of interpretation of experimental results with a minimal effort on the experimental level whichever generates the minimization of the necessary number of experiments and allows a saving in time and in financial cost.

Ego depletion: A review of criticisms along with new perspectives for the replicable investigation of self-control fatigue as a multicomponent phenomenon

The replication crisis in psychology has led to question popular psychological phenomena such as ego depletion, which has been criticized after studies failed to replicate. Here, we describe limitations in the literature that contributed to these failures and suggest how they may be addressed. At the theoretical level, the literature focuses on two out of at least eight identified auxiliary hypotheses. Thus, the majority of the hypotheses related to the three core assumptions of the ego-depletion theory have been overlooked, thereby preventing the rejection of the theory as a whole. At the experimental level, we argue that the low replicability of ego-depletion studies could be explained by the absence of a comprehensive, integrative, and falsifiable definition of self-control, which is central to the concept of ego depletion; by an unclear or absent distinction between ego depletion and mental fatigue, two phenomena that rely on different processes; and by the low validity of the tasks used to induce ego depletion. Finally, we make conceptual and practical suggestions for a more rigorous investigation of ego depletion, discuss the necessity to take into account its dynamic and multicomponent nature, and suggest using the term self-control fatigue instead.

The Effects of Noninvasive Traction on SSEPs During Ankle Arthroscopy

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of noninvasive ankle distraction on intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and peripheral nerve sensibility of the foot during ankle arthroscopy. Methods: Twenty patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy were prospectively evaluated using noninvasive ankle traction. All had preoperative clinical examination with baseline neurologic evaluation and static 2-point discrimination (2PD) test. Intraoperative SSEPs were monitored continuously throughout surgery. Thirty pounds of traction was applied using noninvasive traction. A 50% decrease in amplitude or a 10% increase in latency was considered significant. At 2 weeks postoperatively, the 2PD test was repeated. Pre- and postoperative 2PD was compared and subsequently correlated with intraoperative SSEPs. Results: Three patients sustained significant SSEP signal alterations during surgery. The changes were transient and directly related to application of traction but returned to baseline without traction release. Abnormal postoperative 2PD testing was found in the operative extremity in 12 patients but resolved by the second postoperative visit. Only 2 of 12 had intraoperative SSEP changes. Eleven patients had abnormal postoperative 2PD testing in the nonoperative limb. Nine had changes in both limbs. Routine history and clinical examination did not suggest any neurologic injury. There was no statistically significant correlation between intraoperative SSEP alterations and subsequent development of abnormal postoperative 2PD testing. Conclusion: Transient intraoperative SSEP changes occurred with noninvasive distraction but were reversible when using 30 pounds of traction. 2PD testing changes were common postoperatively but not correlated to changes in SSEP. Patients with increased 2PD did not have sensory changes detectable on clinical exam or subjective patient history. Level of Evidence: Experimental level II, prospective comparative study.

CMOS Analog AGC for Biomedical Applications

In this paper, we present the design of an analog Automatic Gain Control with a small silicon area and reduced power consumption using a 0.5 μ m process. The design uses a classical approach implementing the AGC system with simple blocks, such as: peak detector, difference amplifier, four-quadrant multiplier, and inversor amplifier. Those blocks were realized by using a modified Miller type OPAMP, which allows indirect compensation, while the peak detector uses a MOS diode. The AGC design is simulated using the Tanner-Eda environment and Berkeley models BSIM49 of the On-Semiconductor C5 process, and it was fabricated through the MOSIS prototyping service. The AGC system has an operation frequency of around 1 kHz, covering the range of biomedical applications, power consumption of 200 μ W, and the design occupies a silicon area of approximately 508.8 μ m × 317.7 μ m. According to the characteristics obtained at the experimental level (attack and release time), this AGC can be applied to hearing aid systems.

A Methodology of Interactive Motion Facades Design through Parametric Strategies

Interactive facades are dynamic in the translation of space in architecture, especially in the aspects of aesthetics, sustainability, adaptation to the environment, and data relay through the medium of light, motion, and embedded technology. The design of interactive facades is complicated and it requires time and effort in the comprehension of the internal functions of the facade from the conceptual stage to occupancy. The existing process of modeling the experimental level of interactive facades through mock-up and prototype models demonstrate a fragmentary outline on which the final development of the interactive façade system is based on. This research aims to analyze the motion aspect of interactive facades design and simplify the conceptual and performance design process through parametric strategies using a multi-hybrid of parametric and simulation tools, such as Rhino Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Daysim, to create interactive facade designs that can verified in a virtual reality environment while generating performance outcomes that can be optimized in a holistic and improved efficient process.

A first principles study of the spin–orbit coupling effect in LiM (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) molecules

Both fully relativistic and scalar-state based perturbation models provided the spin–orbit functions of the LiM (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) molecules at almost experimental level of confidence.

Embedded Based Drip Irrigation System using WSN and GSM Module

Agriculture plays the vital role in economics and survival of people in India. Nowadays Indian agriculture faces a two major problem. We know the government has promoted a free supply of electricity to farmers for irrigation purpose to run their motors and pumps. But it is found that the farmers misusing the electricity to run their home appliances such as radio, TV, fans, and etc. This misuse of electricity has brought a considerable problem for government to supply free electricity. The main objective of this project is to design low cost Automated Irrigation System using a Wireless Sensor Network and GPRS Module. The main aim of this project is to provide embedded based system for irrigation to reduce the manual monitoring of the field and GPRS gives their information. This proposed system recognizes whether the free electricity has been used excluding electric motors for pumping water and if so electricity is being misused, it shuts the total stockpile for the farmers through a tripping circuit. By using wireless networks we can intimate the electricity board about this mal convention. The development of this project at experimental level within rural areas is presented and the implementation has to exhibit that the automatic irrigation can be used.