Explore the vast range of titles available.

Moving mechanical interfaces need to be lubricated to ensure long life and easy slippage; here, a new type of coating is described—comprising nitrides of either molybdenum or vanadium, together with a copper or nickel catalyst—that generates protective tribofilms from lubricating oils. Low-friction tribofilms created in situ This paper describes a novel approach to lubrication between moving mechanical interfaces that relies on the extraction of carbon tribofilms in situ directly from the base-oil molecules on catalytically active, sliding nanometre-scale crystalline surfaces. The newly developed coatings — comprising molybdenum or vanadium nitrides plus a copper or nickel catalyst — deposited on steel substrates generate protective tribofilms from lubricating oils that virtually eliminate wear and provide lower friction than films produced from formulated lubricants. Moving mechanical interfaces are commonly lubricated and separated by a combination of fluid films and solid ‘tribofilms’, which together ensure easy slippage and long wear life 1 . The efficacy of the fluid film is governed by the viscosity of the base oil in the lubricant; the efficacy of the solid tribofilm, which is produced as a result of sliding contact between moving parts, relies upon the effectiveness of the lubricant’s anti-wear additive (typically zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) 2 . Minimizing friction and wear continues to be a challenge, and recent efforts have focused on enhancing the anti-friction and anti-wear properties of lubricants by incorporating inorganic nanoparticles and ionic liquids 3 , 4 . Here, we describe the in operando formation of carbon-based tribofilms via dissociative extraction from base-oil molecules on catalytically active, sliding nanometre-scale crystalline surfaces, enabling base oils to provide not only the fluid but also the solid tribofilm. We study nanocrystalline catalytic coatings composed of nitrides of either molybdenum or vanadium, containing either copper or nickel catalysts, respectively. Structurally, the resulting tribofilms are similar to diamond-like carbon 5 . Ball-on-disk tests at contact pressures of 1.3 gigapascals reveal that these tribofilms nearly eliminate wear, and provide lower friction than tribofilms formed with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate. Reactive and ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations show that the catalytic action of the coatings facilitates dehydrogenation of linear olefins in the lubricating oil and random scission of their carbon–carbon backbones; the products recombine to nucleate and grow a compact, amorphous lubricating tribofilm.

In this work, using density functional theory, we investigate the adsorption process of toxic metal ions (Hg2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+) on graphene nanoflakes (GNF) comprised of various sized oxygen-passivated nanopores to gain molecular insights into the ability of such surfaces in effectively removing the metal ions from contaminated environments. Thermodynamically, the adsorption of these ions on the oxygen-passivated nanopores is shown to be more energetically favorable than that on the pristine surface. The dispersion corrected adsorption energy calculations indicate Hg2+ ion to have the highest and Pb2+ ion the lowest affinities for interaction with such surfaces (Hg2+ > Cd2+ > Pb2+). The highest adsorption of Hg2+ and Cd2+ ions on the surfaces is seen in the 12-crown-3…Hg2+ (− 382.9 kcal/mol) and 12-crown-3…Cd2+ (− 314.7 kcal/mol) complexes, while Pb2+ ion shows the highest adsorption energy for the 18-crown-6 surface (− 195.0 kcal/mol). Noncovalent interaction plots, Hirshfeld charge analysis and energy decomposition analysis conclude that the role of charge transfer in formation of surface…ion complexes is more important than noncovalent interactions and therefore plays a key role in the adsorption of these ions on the surfaces. The magnitude of charge transfer in the complexes follows the order: surface…Hg2+ > surface…Cd2+ > surface…Pb2+, which is consistent with the adsorption energetic order of these metal ions on the surfaces. We also found that Pb2+ ion is mainly adsorbed on the surfaces via electrostatic interactions, while Hg2+ and Cd2+ ions are adsorbed through van der Waals (vdW) interactions. This could be attributed to the presence of vacant p orbitals on Pb2+ ion, which interact with the π bonds on the GNF and oxygen atoms in the nanopores through electrostatic interactions. No such vacant orbitals are available for Hg2+ and Cd2+ ions thus resulting in such ions adsorbing via vdW interactions. The contribution of ΔEorb, induction energy component of total energy, for the surface…Hg2+ complexes is more than that for the surface…Cd2+ and surface…Pb2+ complexes, following the order: surface…Hg2+ > surface…Cd2+ > surface…Pb2+ again, consistent with the calculated adsorption energy order suggesting that charge transfer indeed plays a major role in formation of such surface…ion complexes. Finally, time-dependent density functional theory calculations show that the absorption spectra of the surfaces undergo significant changes, including peak shifts, peak quenching and appearance of new peaks, upon interaction with Hg2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions, such changes being consistent with binding energetics rank order of ions on these surfaces. These complexes would have potential applications in near-infra-red photonics in addition to their service of effectively remediating of toxic heavy elements from contaminated environments.Graphic abstract

ContextQuadriceps weakness is associated with disability and aberrant gait biomechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Strength-sufficiency cutoff scores, which normalize quadriceps strength to the mass of an individual, can predict who will report better function after ACLR. However, whether gait biomechanics differ between individuals who meet a strength-sufficiency cutoff (strong) and those who do not (weak) remains unknown.ObjectiveTo determine whether vertical ground reaction force, knee-flexion angle, and internal knee-extension moment differ throughout the stance phase of walking between individuals with strong and those with weak quadriceps after ACLR.DesignCase-control study.SettingLaboratory.Patients or Other ParticipantsIndividuals who underwent unilateral ACLR >12 months before testing were dichotomized into strong (n = 31) and weak (n = 116) groups.Main Outcome MeasuresMaximal isometric quadriceps strength was measured at 90° of knee flexion using an isokinetic dynamometer and normalized to body mass. Individuals who demonstrated maximal isometric quadriceps strength ≥3.0 N·m·kg−1 were considered strong. Three-dimensional gait biomechanics were collected at a self-selected walking speed. Biomechanical data were time normalized to 100% of stance phase. Vertical ground reaction force was normalized to body weight (BW), and knee-extension moment was normalized to BW × height. Pairwise comparison functions were calculated for each outcome to identify between-groups differences for each percentile of stance.ResultsVertical ground reaction force was greater in the weak group for the first 22% of stance (peak mean difference [MD] = 6.2% BW) and less in the weak group between 36% and 43% of stance (MD = 1.4% BW). Knee-flexion angle was greater (ie, more flexion) in the strong group between 6% and 52% of stance (MD = 2.3°) and smaller (ie, less flexion) between 68% and 79% of stance (MD = 1.0°). Knee-extension moment was greater in the strong group between 7% and 62% of stance (MD = 0.007 BW × height).ConclusionsIndividuals with ACLR who generated knee-extension torque ≥3.0 N·m·kg−1 exhibited different biomechanical gait profiles than those who could not. More strength may allow for better energy attenuation after ACLR.

Background Although the influence of pacing on left ventricular function is well documented, the effect of right ventricular (RV) pacing, particularly concerning lead location (septal vs. apical), on RV function remains underexplored. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature regarding right atrial (RA) remodelling and functional changes following pacemaker implantation. Purpose To assess the effect of a dual-chamber pacemaker on RA and RV structure and function, and their correlation with the site of RV lead positioning using 4D echocardiography. Methods This prospective study evaluated 22 patients undergoing permanent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Comprehensive clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic assessments were performed at three time points: pre-implantation, pre-discharge, and at the 3-month follow-up. RV function was quantified using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, myocardial performance index, global longitudinal strain, and 3D RV ejection fraction. RA function was assessed for reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases using strain analysis. All echocardiographic measurements were conducted by a single echocardiographer utilizing the 4D Vivid S70N system. Device programming parameters were recorded postoperatively. Results Although conventional parameters remained within the normal range, functionally, a decline in RA reservoir and conduit strain ( p  = 0.01 and p  = 0.02, respectively) and RV GLS ( p  < 0.001) was observed. TR severity also worsened in nearly 40% of patients compared to baseline ( p  < 0.001). All patients had a pacing burden greater than 80%. Conclusion RA and RV structural and functional changes begin within 3 months, irrespective of lead site, although non-septal sites exhibited a greater impairment.

Functional interfaces between electronics and biological matter are essential to diverse fields including health sciences and bio-engineering. Here, we report the discovery of spontaneous (no external energy input) hydrogen transfer from biological glucose reactions into SmNiO 3 , an archetypal perovskite quantum material. The enzymatic oxidation of glucose is monitored down to ~5 × 10 −16 M concentration via hydrogen transfer to the nickelate lattice. The hydrogen atoms donate electrons to the Ni d orbital and induce electron localization through strong electron correlations. By enzyme specific modification, spontaneous transfer of hydrogen from the neurotransmitter dopamine can be monitored in physiological media. We then directly interface an acute mouse brain slice onto the nickelate devices and demonstrate measurement of neurotransmitter release upon electrical stimulation of the striatum region. These results open up avenues for use of emergent physics present in quantum materials in trace detection and conveyance of bio-matter, bio-chemical sciences, and brain-machine interfaces. Functional materials that act as bio-sensing media when interfaced with complex bio-matter are attractive for health sciences and bio-engineering. Here, the authors report room temperature enzyme-mediated spontaneous hydrogen transfer between a perovskite quantum material and glucose reactions.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women, often exacerbated by coexisting metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Existing preclinical models fail to capture the multifactorial nature of these overlapping risk factors in a sex-specific context. Here, we present a novel, translationally relevant cardiometabolic model in female Wistar rats that integrates estrogen deficiency, dietary excess, and diabetic stress to mimic postmenopausal disease progression. The model exhibits pronounced cardiometabolic dysfunction, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, QTc prolongation, reduced QRS amplitude, and elevated markers of myocardial injury (Troponin T, CK-MB) and systemic inflammation (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) ( p  < 0.05). These hallmarks closely mirror human postmenopausal cardiometabolic syndrome, providing a clinically relevant platform for mechanistic studies. Notably, this model allows investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and endothelial impairment, while enabling preclinical evaluation of targeted pharmacological interventions, including hormone replacement therapy, metabolic modulators, anti-inflammatory agents, and cardioprotective strategies. By bridging preclinical findings with clinical applications, this approach offers a powerful tool to advance personalized therapeutic strategies for high-risk postmenopausal women, addressing a critical gap in translational cardiovascular research.

Background Insufficient awareness of foot self-care among diabetic individuals results in diabetic foot ulcers especially in the Indian population considering its varied ethnicity and lifestyle practices. The management of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers therefore demands a well-coordinated approach that involves multiple healthcare providers (HCPs). The present study aims to develop and validate an interprofessional collaborative (IPC) educational program involving HCPs to efficiently oversee and instruct the public on appropriate strategies for self-managing diabetic foot health in the Indian population. Methods The research group worked on creating an educational module titled ‘An Interprofessional Collaborative Educational Module on Self-Management of Foot for Individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.’ The objective of this module was to promote the adoption of proper practices in self-managing foot health for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A panel of 13 experts participated in a two-stage validation process using the Delphi method to assess the module and its educational resources. Subsequently, the module was tested on a group of 30 participants, i.e. , individuals with diabetes, with its efficacy evaluated through conversation analysis and in-depth interviews. Results The three-month-long module included three sessions 1: Diabetes and its health implications 2: Diabetic foot and self-management 3: Interprofessional education in diabetic foot care The mode of content delivery was via Whatsapp, and the educational resources, in the form of pamphlets, flowcharts, handouts, case-based cartoons, and videos on diabetes, including diabetic foot, its risks, and self-management, were shared regularly. All participating experts consensually validated the module and educational resources. Analysis of in-depth interviews revealed that the module immensely benefitted the participants and helped them improve their knowledge and practices of foot care in diabetes. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of developing and validating IPC educational modules tailored to diabetic foot care. It can aid in enhancing adherence to proper diabetic foot care practices.

Background and objectivesThe tobacco industry (TI) has undermined tobacco control policy for decades. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3 implementation guidelines provide guidance for preventing TI interference. Government officials responsible for policy implementation must understand these guidelines to manage TI tactics. This study assessed awareness, attitudes and practices of Article 5.3 guidelines among members of District Level Coordination Committees (DLCC) in Karnataka mandated with overseeing tobacco control activity.MethodA semistructured questionnaire survey of awareness, attitudes and adherence to Article 5.3 guidelines among 102 DLCC members carried out between January and July 2019.ResultResponses were received from 82 members, comprising 51 (62%) from health and 31 (38%) from non-health departments. Our study demonstrates a lack of understanding of Article 5.3 and its guidelines, even among those actively involved in tobacco control at the district level. Nearly 80% of respondents were aware that corporate social responsibility (CSR) by tobacco companies is an indirect form of promoting tobacco. However, 44% of members felt that CSR funding from the TI should be used to combat tobacco-related harm. A higher proportion (12%) of health respondents agreed that subsidies should be provided to tobacco agriculture compared with non-health (3%).ConclusionAwareness of international guidance designed to prevent the TI influence on health policy among policymakers in this Indian state is low. Respondents from non-health departments were less aware of TI CSR. Those in health departments were more receptive towards taking a TI role in the future .

In many important processes in chemistry, physics, and biology the nuclear degrees of freedom cannot be described using the laws of classical mechanics. At the same time, the vast majority of molecular simulations that employ wide-coverage force fields treat atomic motion classically. In light of the increasing desire for and accelerated development of quantum mechanics (QM)-parameterized interaction models, we reexamine whether the classical treatment is sufficient for a simple but crucial chemical species: alkanes. We show that when using an interaction model or force field in excellent agreement with the “gold standard” QM data, even very basic simulated properties of liquid alkanes, such as densities and heats of vaporization, deviate significantly from experimental values. Inclusion of nuclear quantum effects via techniques that treat nuclear degrees of freedom using the laws of classical mechanics brings the simulated properties much closer to reality.