Dimer Is Not Double: The Unexpected Behavior of Two-Floor Peptide Nanosponge.

Using the framework of an investigation of the stimuli-responsive behavior of peptide assembly on a solid surface, this study on the behavior of a chemisorbed peptide on a gold surface was performed. The studied peptide is a dimeric form of the antimicrobial peptide Trichogin GAIV, which was also modified by substituting the glycine with lysine residues, while the N-terminus octanoyl group was replaced by a lipoic one that was able to bind to the gold surface. In this way, a chemically linked peptide assembly that is pH-responsive was obtained because of the protonation/deprotonation of the sidechains of the Lys residues.

Unveiling the self-assembly process of gellan-chitosan complexes through a combination of atomistic simulations and experiments.

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), formed via the self-assembly of oppositely charged polysaccharides, are highly valued for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity, offering significant potential for biotechnological applications. However, the complex nature and lack of insight at a molecular level into polyelectrolytes conformation and aggregation often hinders the possibility of achieving an optimal control of PEC systems, limiting their practical applications. To address this problem, an in-depth investigation of PECs microscopic structural organization is required.

Words as social tools (WAT): A reprise.

The paper presents new evidence collected in the last five years supporting the Words As social Tools proposal on abstract concepts. We discuss findings revolving around three central tenets. First, we show that-like concrete concepts-also abstract concepts evoke sensorimotor experiences, even if to a lower extent, and that they are linked to inner experiences (e.

The geo domain: a review on the conceptualization of geographical and geopolitical entities.

Investigating how people represent the natural environment and abstract it into geographical (e.g., ) and geopolitical (e.

SERS nanostructures with engineered active peptides against an immune checkpoint protein.

The immune checkpoint programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein is expressed by tumor cells and it suppresses the killer activity of CD8 T-lymphocyte cells binding to the programmed death 1 (PD-1) protein of these immune cells. Binding to either PD-L1 or PD1 is used for avoiding the inactivation of CD8 T-lymphocyte cells. We report, for the first time, Au plasmonic nanostructures with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties (SERS nanostructures) and functionalized with an engineered peptide (CLP002: Trp-His-Arg-Ser-Tyr-Tyr-Thr-Trp-Asn-Leu-Asn-Thr), which targets PD-L1.

Investigation into the Influence of the Process Parameters on the Stability of a Poly(Vinyl)-Alcohol-Based Coating System.

Most tablets put on the market are coated with polymers soluble in water. The Opadry II 85 series from Colorcon Inc., is a family of PVA-based products marketed since the 1990s.

Consensus Paper: Current Perspectives on Abstract Concepts and Future Research Directions.

concepts are relevant to a wide range of disciplines, including cognitive science, linguistics, psychology, cognitive, social, and affective neuroscience, and philosophy. This consensus paper synthesizes the work and views of researchers in the field, discussing current perspectives on theoretical and methodological issues, and recommendations for future research. In this paper, we urge researchers to go beyond the traditional abstract-concrete dichotomy and consider the multiple dimensions that characterize concepts (e.

Ultrasound-Stimulated PVA Microbubbles as a Green and Handy Tool for the Cleaning of Cellulose-Based Materials.

One of the main issues in the cultural heritage field of restoration chemistry is the identification of greener and more effective methods for the wet cleaning of paper artefacts, which serve as witnesses to human history and custodians of cultural values. In this context, we propose a biocompatible method to perform wet cleaning on paper based on the use of 1 MHz ultrasound in combination with water-dispersed polyvinyl alcohol microbubbles (PVAMBs), followed by dabbing with PVA-based hydrogel. This method can be applied to both old and new papers.

Grounded Cognition, Linguistic Relativity, and Abstract Concepts.

Kemmerer's paper convincingly claims that the grounded cognition model (GCM) entails linguistic relativity. Here, we underline that tackling linguistic relativity and cultural differences is vital for GCM. First, it allows GCM to focus more on flexible rather than stable aspects of cognition.

Molecular origin of the two-step mechanism of gellan aggregation.

Among hydrocolloids, gellan is one of the most studied polysaccharides due to its ability to form mechanically stable gels. Despite its long-standing use, the gellan aggregation mechanism is still not understood because of the lack of atomistic information. Here, we fill this gap by developing a new gellan force field.

An Insight into the Degradation Processes of the Anti-Hypertensive Drug Furosemide.

Furosemide (FUR), an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) belonging to a group of drugs known as loop diuretics, has widespread use, but, is characterized by a strong instability to light, which causes chemical transformations that could give a yellowing phenomenon and have a significant impact from a health and marketing point of view. Many studies have tried to explain this phenomenon under different experimental conditions, but no detailed explanation of the yellowing phenomenon has been provided. This work, unlike the others, provides an overall view and explanation of the behavior of FUR in relation to the yellowing phenomenon, both in the solution and in solid state, considering several aspects, such as light exposure, presence of oxygen, and moisture effects.

Inspection on the Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 Inhibition by Penciclovir: A Molecular Dynamic Study.

In recent years, humanity has had to face a critical pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2. In the rapid search for effective drugs against this RNA-positive virus, the repurposing of already existing nucleotide/nucleoside analogs able to stop RNA replication by inhibiting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme has been evaluated. In this process, a valid contribution has been the use of in silico experiments, which allow for a rapid evaluation of the possible effectiveness of the proposed drugs.

Abstractness emerges progressively over the second year of life.

words, terms not referring to here and now, are acquired slowly in infancy. They are difficult to acquire as they are more detached from sensory modalities than concrete words. Recent theories propose that, because of their complexity, other people are pivotal for abstract concepts' acquisition and use.

Bodily, emotional, and public sphere at the time of COVID-19. An investigation on concrete and abstract concepts.

The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemics has dramatically affected people's lives. Among newly established practices, it has likely enriched our conceptual representations with new components. We tested this by asking Italian participants during the first lockdown to rate a set of diverse words on several crucial dimensions.

Extra-Low Dosage Graphene Oxide Cementitious Nanocomposites: A Nano- to Macroscale Approach.

The impact of extra-low dosage (0.01% by weight of cement) Graphene Oxide (GO) on the properties of fresh and hardened nanocomposites was assessed. The use of a minimum amount of 2-D nanofiller would minimize costs and sustainability issues, therefore encouraging the market uptake of nanoengineered cement-based materials.

From Affordances to Abstract Words: The Flexibility of Sensorimotor Grounding.

The sensorimotor system plays a critical role in several cognitive processes. Here, we review recent studies documenting this interplay at different levels. First, we concentrate on studies that have shown how the sensorimotor system is flexibly involved in interactions with objects.

Differences and similarities in the conceptualization of COVID-19 and other diseases in the first Italian lockdown.

Several studies have highlighted the flexible character of our conceptual system. However, less is known about the construction of meaning and the impact of novel concepts on the structuring of our conceptual space. We addressed these questions by collecting free listing data from Italian participants on a newly-and yet nowadays critical-introduced concept, i.

Toward a Reversible Consolidation of Paper Materials Using Cellulose Nanocrystals.

An innovative consolidation strategy for degraded paper is presented based on the reversible application of cellulose nanocrystals as sustainable fillers to reinforce mechanical properties and resistance to further degradation. The compatibility and efficacy of the proposed consolidation treatment are assessed first on pure cellulose paper, used as a model, by reliable techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, tensile tests, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, evidencing the influence of the surface functionalization of nanocellulose on the consolidation and protection effects. Then, the consolidation technique is applied to real aged paper samples from (1738), demonstrating the promising potential of the suggested approach.

Ultrasound-Stimulated PVA Microbubbles for Adhesive Removal from Cellulose-Based Materials: A Groundbreaking Low-Impact Methodology.

In this work, we shed new light on ultrasound contrast agents applied to the field of cultural heritage as an invaluable fine-tune cleaning tool for paper artworks. In this context, one of the primary and challenging issues is the removal of modern adhesives from paper artifacts. Modern adhesives are synthetic polymers whose presence enhances paper degradation and worsens its optical features.

Assessing the impact of previous experience on lie effects through a transfer paradigm.

Influential lines of research propose dual processes-based explanations to account for both the cognitive cost implied in lying and for that entailed in the resolution of the conflict posited by Simon tasks. The emergence and consistency of the Simon effect has been proved to be modulated by both practice effects and transfer effects. Although several studies provided evidence that the lying cognitive demand may vary as a function of practice, whether and how transfer effects could also play a role remains an open question.

From nanoaggregates to mesoscale ribbons: the multistep self-organization of amphiphilic peptides.

This paper reports atomic force microscopy results and molecular dynamics simulations of the striking differences of long-term self-organization structures of negatively charged (AcA)KD (double tail) and AcAD (single tail) peptides, respectively, forming micrometer-long, linearly ordered ribbon-like structures and nanometer-sized, unstructured, round-shaped aggregates. The subsequent formation steps of the long-range nanoribbons, experimentally observed only for the "double tail" (AcA)KD peptide, are analyzed in detail, showing that the initial "primary" unstructured round-shaped aggregates progressively evolve into longer nanofilaments and into micrometer-long, network-forming nanoribbon moieties. In particular, the long-range self-organization of the "double tail" peptides appears to be closely related to electrostatically driven diffusional motions of the primary aggregates and nanofilaments.

Phytocomplex Influences Antimicrobial and Health Properties of Concentrated Glycerine Macerates.

The purpose of this study was to correlate the chemical composition of four commercial concentrated glycerine macerates (C-GMs), produced through the same extraction method, with their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, in order to evaluate their potential for healing upper airway diseases. C-GMs of (CB), (FC), (AG) and (RN) were studied. The quality was evaluated using HPLC and IM-SPME/GC-MS systems; anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities were assessed by the respective DPPH test, and micro-broth dilution test performed against 10 strains of and 10 probiotic strains.

Conceptualisations of landscape differ across European languages.

Policies aimed at sustainable landscape management recognise the importance of multiple cultural viewpoints, but the notion of landscape itself is implicitly assumed to be homogeneous across speech communities. We tested this assumption by collecting data about the concept of "landscape" from speakers of seven languages of European origin. Speakers were asked to freely list exemplars to "landscape" (a concrete concept for which the underlying conceptual structure is unclear), "animals" (a concrete and discrete concept) and "body parts" (a concrete concept characterised by segmentation).