Prg4-Expressing Chondroprogenitor Cells in the Superficial Zone of Articular Cartilage.

Joint-resident chondrogenic precursor cells have become a significant therapeutic option due to the lack of regenerative capacity in articular cartilage. Progenitor cells are located in the superficial zone of the articular cartilage, producing lubricin/Prg4 to decrease friction of cartilage surfaces during joint movement. Prg4-positive progenitors are crucial in maintaining the joint's structure and functionality.

Acetamiprid's degradation products and mechanism: Part II - Inert atmosphere and charge storage.

Reuse and/or recycling of spent adsorbents is taking a central role in modern thinking and catalyzed carbonization is the way forward. Herein we explore the carbonization of adsorbed acetamiprid, in an inert atmosphere, as a way of recycling and producing nitrogen-rich carbon material for potential use in supercapacitors. Added value material and the reuse of the adsorbent were achieved by carbonization at 700 °C under argon.

Environmental Potential of Carbonized MOF-5/PANI Composites for Pesticide, Dye, and Metal Cations-Can They Actually Retain Them All?

The environmental application of the carbonized composites of the Zn-containing metal-organic framework MOF-5 and polyaniline (PANI) in its emeraldine salt and base forms (C-(MOF-5/PANI)) was investigated for the first time. Textural properties and particle size distributions revealed that composites are dominantly mesoporous and nanoscale in nature, while Raman spectroscopy revealed the ZnO phase beneath the carbon matrix. Adsorption of pesticide, dye, and metal cation on C-(MOF-5/PANI) composites in aqueous solutions was evaluated and compared with the behavior of the precursor components, carbonized MOF-5 (cMOF), and carbonized PANIs.

Effect of the Degree of LiPO Vapor Dissociation on the Ionic Conductivity of LiPON Thin Films.

Thin films of solid-state lithium-ion electrolytes show promise for use in small-sized autonomous power sources for micro- and nanoelectronic elements. The high rate of vacuum-plasma synthesis (~0.5 μm/h) of lithium phosphor-oxynitride (LiPON) films with an ionic conductivity of ~2·10 S/cm is achieved through anodic evaporation of LiPO in a low-pressure arc.

Electrochemical Crosslinking of Alginate-Towards Doped Carbons for Oxygen Reduction.

Electrochemical crosslinking of alginate strands by in situ iron oxidation was explored using a potentiostatic regime. Carbon-based materials co-doped with iron, nitrogen, and/or sulfur were prepared via electrolyte composition variation with a nitrogen-rich compound (rivanol) or through post-treatments with sodium sulfide. Nanometer-sized iron particles were confirmed by transmission and field emission scanning electron microscopy in all samples as a consequence of the homogeneous dispersion of iron in the alginate scaffold and its concomitant growth-limiting effect of alginate chains.

Spectral evidence of acetamiprid's thermal degradation products and mechanism.

Herein we unequivocally identify the mechanism of zeolite-catalysed thermal degradation of pesticide, employing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman and mass spectrometry following temperature decomposition (TPDe/MS). We demonstrate that Y zeolite can effectively adsorb a significant amount of acetamiprid both in a single trial (168 mg/g) and in 10 cycles (1249 mg/g) with intermittent thermal regeneration at 300 °C. Sectional vibrational analysis of acetamiprid two-stage thermal degradation is performed for pristine and supported pesticide.

Can Zeolite-Supporting Acridines Boost Their Anticancer Performance?

Acridine and its derivatives (9-chloroacridine and 9-aminoacridine) are investigated here, supported on FAU type zeolite Y, as a delivery system of anticancer agents. FTIR/Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy revealed successful drug loading on the zeolite surface, while spectrofluorimetry was employed for drug quantification. The effects of the tested compounds on cell viability were evaluated using in vitro methylthiazol-tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric technique against human colorectal carcinoma (cell line HCT-116) and MRC-5 fibroblasts.

Carbonization of MOF-5/Polyaniline Composites to N,O-Doped Carbon/ZnO/ZnS and N,O-Doped Carbon/ZnO Composites with High Specific Capacitance, Specific Surface Area and Electrical Conductivity.

Composites of carbons with metal oxides and metal sulfides have attracted a lot of interest as materials for energy conversion and storage applications. Herein, we report on novel N,O-doped carbon/ZnO/ZnS and N,O-doped carbon/ZnO composites (generally named C-(MOF-5/PANI)), synthesized by the carbonization of metal-organic framework MOF-5/polyaniline (PANI) composites. The produced C-(MOF-5/PANI)s are comprehensively characterized in terms of composition, molecular and crystalline structure, morphology, electrical conductivity, surface area, and electrochemical behavior.

Numerical simulation of stratospheric QBO impact on the planetary waves up to the thermosphere.

With the help of numerical simulation, a detailed analysis of the dynamical effect of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) of the equatorial zonal wind on the planetary waves (PWs) up to thermospheric heights is carried out for the first time. The 3-dimensional nonlinear mechanistic model of middle and upper atmosphere (MUAM) is used, which is capable of simulating the general atmospheric circulation from the surface up to 300-400 km altitude. The amplitudes of stationary and westward travelling PWs with periods from 4 to 10 days are calculated based on ensembles of model simulations for conditions corresponding to the easterly and westerly QBO phases.

Exciton Luminescence and Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline Cubic YO Films Prepared by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering.

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the energy structure, optical characteristics, and spectral-kinetic parameters of elementary excitations in a high-purity nanocrystalline cubic YO film synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering. The optical transparency gaps for direct and indirect interband transitions were determined and discussed. The dispersion of the refractive index was established based on the analysis of interference effects.

Synthesis of Lithium Phosphorus Oxynitride (LiPON) Thin Films by LiPO Anodic Evaporation in Nitrogen Plasma of a Low-Pressure Arc Discharge.

Thin amorphous films of LiPON solid electrolyte were prepared by anodic evaporation of lithium orthophosphate LiPO in an arc discharge with a self-heating hollow cathode at a nitrogen pressure of 1 Pa. Distribution of the arc current between two electrodes having an anode potential provided independent control of the evaporation rate of LiPO and the density of nitrogen plasma. Stabilization of the evaporation rate was achieved using a crucible with multi-aperture cover having floating potential.

Attenuation of the extracellular matrix increases the number of synapses but suppresses synaptic plasticity through upregulation of SK channels.

The effect of brain extracellular matrix (ECM) on synaptic plasticity remains controversial. Here, we show that targeted enzymatic attenuation with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) of ECM triggers the appearance of new glutamatergic synapses on hippocampal pyramidal neurons, thereby increasing the amplitude of field EPSPs while decreasing both the mean miniature EPSC amplitude and AMPA/NMDA ratio. Although the increased proportion of 'unpotentiated' synapses caused by ECM attenuation should promote long-term potentiation (LTP), surprisingly, LTP was suppressed.

Distinct neural networks for the volitional control of vocal and manual actions in the monkey homologue of Broca's area.

The ventrolateral frontal lobe (Broca's area) of the human brain is crucial in speech production. In macaques, neurons in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the suggested monkey homologue of Broca's area, signal the volitional initiation of vocalizations. We explored whether this brain area became specialized for vocal initiation during primate evolution and trained macaques to alternate between a vocal and manual action in response to arbitrary cues.

Carbon Materials Derived from Poly(aniline---phenylenediamine) Cryogels.

Nitrogen-containing carbon derivatives were prepared by the carbonization of poly(aniline---phenylenediamine) cryogels in inert atmosphere. Lower aniline fraction in the comonomer mixture used for preparation of the cryogels led to the decrease of their thermal stability, a consequent increase of carbonization degree, and less defective structure of carbonized materials. The resulting carbonaceous products had up to 4 orders of magnitude higher specific surface area than their respective cryogel precursors, the highest value 931 m g being achieved for carbonized poly(-phenylenediamine) cryogel.

Volitional control of vocalizations in corvid songbirds.

Songbirds are renowned for their acoustically elaborate songs. However, it is unclear whether songbirds can cognitively control their vocal output. Here, we show that crows, songbirds of the corvid family, can be trained to exert control over their vocalizations.

Fundamental crystal field excitations in magnetic semiconductor SnO: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni.

Directly measuring elementary electronic excitations in dopant 3d metals is essential to understanding how they function as part of their host material. Through calculated crystal field splittings of the 3d electron band it is shown how transition metals Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni are incorporated into SnO2. The crystal field splittings are compared to resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) experiments, which measure precisely these elementary dd excitations.

Tailoring of carbonized polypyrrole nanotubes core by different polypyrrole shells for oxygen reduction reaction selectivity modification.

By using methyl orange template, polypyrrole nanotubes were obtained by the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole. The nanotubes were carbonized in inert atmosphere to nitrogen-enriched carbon nanotubes. These were subsequently coated with 20 wt% of polypyrrole prepared in the absence or the presence of anionic dyes (methyl orange or Acid Blue 25).

In situ synthesis of potassium tungstophosphate supported on BEA zeolite and perspective application for pesticide removal.

Potassium tungstophosphate is supported on BEA zeolite by in situ synthesis for glyphosate removal. Spectroscopic measurements identified hydrogen bonding as a primal interaction of potassium salt and BEA zeolite. Composites are evaluated for glyphosate herbicide removal and adsorption process is analyzed using two isotherm models.

Astrocytic Coverage of Dendritic Spines, Dendritic Shafts, and Axonal Boutons in Hippocampal Neuropil.

Distal astrocytic processes have a complex morphology, reminiscent of branchlets and leaflets. Astrocytic branchlets are rod-like processes containing mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, capable of generating inositol-3-phosphate (IP)-dependent Ca signals. Leaflets are small and flat processes that protrude from branchlets and fill the space between synapses.

Functional Specialization of the Primate Frontal Lobe during Cognitive Control of Vocalizations.

Cognitive vocal control is indispensable for human language. Frontal lobe areas are involved in initiating purposeful vocalizations, but their functions remain elusive. We explored the respective roles of frontal lobe areas in initiating volitional vocalizations.

Bulk vs. Surface Structure of 3d Metal Impurities in Topological Insulator BiTe.

Topological insulators have become one of the most prominent research topics in materials science in recent years. Specifically, BiTe is one of the most promising for technological applications due to its conductive surface states and insulating bulk properties. Herein, we contrast the bulk and surface structural environments of dopant ions Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu in BiTe thin films in order to further elucidate this compound.

Developmental changes of cognitive vocal control in monkeys.

The evolutionary origins of human language are obscured by the scarcity of essential linguistic characteristics in non-human primate communication systems. Volitional control of vocal utterances is one such indispensable feature of language. We investigated the ability of two monkeys to volitionally utter species-specific calls over many years.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel structural hybrids of benzofuroxan derivatives and fluoroquinolones.

A series of novel hybrids based on benzofuroxan derivatives and fluoroquinolones (4a-d-6a-d) have been synthesized. Unexpectedly, the reactions have resulted in salt products formation during the hydrolysis of benzofuroxans by water molecules being present in the solvent instead of usual substitution products. All the compounds have been screened for antimicrobial and toxic activities.

Synthesis of New 'Hybrid' Compounds Based on Benzofuroxans and Aminoalkylnaphthalimides.

Pathogenic bacteria and fungi eventually develop resistance to existing drugs, and therefore, we need constant development of new drugs. The research is aimed at addressing fundamental scientific problems-the search for new biologically active compounds among several benzofuroxan-containing 'hybrid' products. N-substituted naphthalimides were chosen as a second pharmacophore.

Lower extremity lipedema, upper extremity lipodystrophy and severe calcinosis complicating juvenile dermatomyositis.

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare but complex and potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease of childhood. Significant proportions of patients have residual weakness, muscle atrophy, joint contractures, and calcinosis. Recently, new clinical findings, such as lipodystrophy accompanied with increased fat deposition in certain areas, have been reported.