Design of Clickable Aromatic Donor-Acceptor Pairs for Easy Installation onto Polymers.

New intrinsically unsymmetric aromatic donors (D) and acceptors (A) were designed to simplify the incorporation of a single reactive group. Naphthalene diimide (NDI) was desymmetrized by replacing one of the imide units with two nitro groups to yield 3,6-dinitronaphthalene monoimide (NMI(NO)); likewise, 3,6-dimethoxycarbazole (CBZ(OMe)) was designed as a 3-ring aromatic donor. Different derivatives of naphthalene monoimide (NMI) and carbazole (CBZ) were prepared, and charge-transfer complex formation between them was studied using NMR and UV-visible titrations; the estimated association constants () were compared with the common pair, NDI, and 1,5-dialkoxy naphthalene (DAN).

Cu-doped LaNiO perovskite catalyst for DRM: revisiting it as a molecular-level nanocomposite.

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) was extensively studied on Cu-doped LaNiO catalysts. The main findings of this work are as follows: (i) thermal switching of the catalyst phase between the parent perovskite and molecular-level nanocomposite of individual components formed during DRM, (ii) reusability of the catalyst with enhanced activity, and (iii) regeneration of the catalyst phase at a lower temperature than that required for the formation of the parent perovskite. The present investigation provides an extensive analysis and understanding of the DRM reaction using Cu-doped LaNiO compared to the result reported by Moradi , (, 2012, , 797-801) and hence provides new insights into its catalytic activity.

Polarized Raman spectroscopy study of CVD-grown CrS flakes: unambiguous identification of phonon modes.

We report a systematic Raman spectroscopy investigation of chemical vapor deposited 2D nonlayered CrS, with both linearly and circularly polarized light over a wide temperature range (5-300 K). Temperature-dependent Raman spectra exhibit a good linear relationship between the peak positions of the phonon modes and temperature. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectra reveal the polarization-dependent optical response of in-plane and out-of-plane phonon modes.

Growth Phase Contribution in Dictating Drug Transport and Subcellular Accumulation inside .

Depending upon nutrient availability, bacteria transit to multiple growth phases. The transition from the active to nongrowing phase results in reduced drug efficacy and, in some cases, even multidrug resistance. However, due to multiple alterations in the cell envelope, probing the drug permeation kinetics during growth phases becomes perplexing, especially across the Gram-negative bacteria's complex dual membrane envelope.

Role of AcrAB-TolC and Its Components in Influx-Efflux Dynamics of QAC Drugs in Revealed Using SHG Spectroscopy.

Multidrug efflux pumps, especially those belonging to the class of resistance-nodulation-division (RND), are the key contributors to the rapidly growing multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Understanding the role of efflux pumps in real-time drug transport dynamics across the complex dual-cell membrane envelope of Gram-negative bacteria is thus crucial for developing efficient antibiotics against them. Here, we employ second harmonic generation-based nonlinear spectroscopy to study the role of the tripartite efflux pump and its individual components.

eIF2β zinc-binding domain interacts with the eIF2γ subunit through the guanine nucleotide binding interface to promote Met-tRNAiMet binding.

The heterotrimeric eIF2 complex consists of a core eIF2γ subunit to which binds eIF2α and eIF2β subunits and plays an important role in delivering the Met-tRNAiMet to the 40S ribosome and start codon selection. The intricacies of eIF2β-γ interaction in promoting Met-tRNAiMet binding are not clearly understood. Previously, the zinc-binding domain (ZBD) eIF2βS264Y mutation was reported to cause Met-tRNAiMet binding defect due to the intrinsic GTPase activity.

The mRNA-capping enzyme localizes to stress granules in the cytoplasm and maintains cap homeostasis of target mRNAs.

The model of RNA stability has undergone a transformative shift with the revelation of a cytoplasmic capping activity that means a subset of transcripts are recapped autonomously of their nuclear counterparts. The present study demonstrates nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of the mRNA-capping enzyme (CE, also known as RNA guanylyltransferase and 5'-phosphatase; RNGTT), traditionally acknowledged for its nuclear localization and functions, elucidating its contribution to cytoplasmic capping activities. A unique nuclear export sequence in CE mediates XPO1-dependent nuclear export of CE.

Membrane Permeability Dominates over Electrostatic Interactions in Dictating Drug Transport in Osmotically Shocked .

To combat surging multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, better strategies to improve the efficacy of existing drugs are critical. Because the dual membrane cell envelope is the first line of defense for these bacteria, it is crucial to understand the permeation properties of the drugs through it. Our recent study shows that isosmotic conditions prevent drug permeation inside Gram-negative bacteria, , while hypoosmotic stress enhances the process.

High activity in the dry reforming of methane using a thermally switchable double perovskite and generated molecular level nanocomposite.

This work emphasizes the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction on citrate sol-gel-synthesized double perovskite oxides. Phase pure LaNiMnO shows very impressive DRM activity with H/CO = 0.9, hence revealing a high prospect of next-generation catalysts.

Hyperbranched polymers: growing richer in flavours with time.

Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) have been studied for over three decades now; yet several interesting aspects continue to draw the attention of researchers worldwide. This is because of the simplicity of synthesis, their unique globular structure, and the numerous peripherally located functional groups that can be utilised to impart a variety of attributes, such as core-shell amphiphilicity, amphiphilicity, clickable polymeric scaffolds, multifunctional crosslinkers, Several reviews have been written on HBPs with a focus on synthetic strategies, structural diversity, and their potential applications; in this short feature article, we have taken an alternate approach to highlight some of the unique structural features of HBPs and their influence on the properties of HBPs. We also discuss their versatility and adaptability for the generation of several interesting functional polymeric systems.

Hypo-osmotic Stress Increases Permeability of Individual Barriers in Cell Envelope, Enabling Rapid Drug Transport.

Survival of foodborne Gram-negative bacteria during osmotic stress often leads to multidrug resistance development. However, despite the concern, how osmoadaptation alters drug penetration across the Gram-negative bacterial cell envelope has remained inconclusive for years. Here, we have investigated drug permeation and accumulation inside hypo-osmotically shocked .

Increase in primary cilia number and length upon VDAC1 depletion contributes to attenuated proliferation of cancer cells.

Primary cilia (PCs) that are present in most human cells and perform sensory function or signal transduction are lost in many solid tumors. Previously, we identified VDAC1, best known to regulate mitochondrial bioenergetics, to negatively regulate ciliogenesis. Here, we show that downregulation of VDAC1 in pancreatic cancer-derived Panc1 and glioblastoma-derived U-87MG cells significantly increased ciliation.

Amphiphilic Polymer Hydrogel-supported Catalysts: Tuning the Accessibility to the Catalytic Site by Molecular Jacketing.

Crosslinked amphiphilic hydrogels, prepared using a peripherally clickable hyperbranched polyester (HBP) and PEG-diazides of different molecular weights, were used to ligate Cu utilizing the triazole rings formed by the alkyne-azide click reaction. Since only a fraction of the peripheral propargyl groups in the HB polyester are needed to generate the crosslinked polymer, the remaining were clicked with different types of azides, such as MPEG azide, decyl azide or 4-methylbenzyl azide, to create a molecular jacket around the catalytic sites that can potentially influence the catalytic activity and reaction outcome. The crosslinked films ligated with Cu functioned very effectively to catalyse alkyne-azide click reactions, both in water and in organic solvents; the nature of the molecular jacket around the catalytic site had a clear influence the reaction rate, which depended upon the relative solubilities of the reactants.

An unusual histological finding following myomectomy.

Ancient schwannomas are benign tumours arising from the neural sheath of peripheral, cranial and autonomic nerves. They are commonly situated in the inner ear and spine with pelvic manifestations being rare. We present the case of a 30-year-old patient, who presented with an abdominal mass.

A global observational analysis to understand changes in air quality during exceptionally low anthropogenic emission conditions.

This global study, which has been coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization Global Atmospheric Watch (WMO/GAW) programme, aims to understand the behaviour of key air pollutant species during the COVID-19 pandemic period of exceptionally low emissions across the globe. We investigated the effects of the differences in both emissions and regional and local meteorology in 2020 compared with the period 2015-2019. By adopting a globally consistent approach, this comprehensive observational analysis focuses on changes in air quality in and around cities across the globe for the following air pollutants PM, PM, PMC (coarse fraction of PM), NO, SO, NOx, CO, O and the total gaseous oxidant (OX = NO + O) during the pre-lockdown, partial lockdown, full lockdown and two relaxation periods spanning from January to September 2020.

Short-term outcomes of anterior approach sacrospinous ligament fixation for apical vaginal prolapse - A retrospective study.

Introduction: Vaginal sacrospinous fixation and sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSF/SSHP) are highly effective procedures for apical compartment prolapse. The established technique is the posterior vaginal approach. The alternative anterior approach through an anterior vaginal incision, although occasionally mentioned in the literature, is less well established.

Fails to Hold Its Cell Wall Integrity against Nonpathogenic : Are Probiotic Yeasts Losing the Battle?

Probiotic yeast exerts direct probiotic action on pathogenic by trapping them on surfaces and inactivating toxic lipopolysaccharides. Using optical dark-field microscopy, we show that nonpathogenic cells also readily bind probiotic More importantly, the adhered nonpathogenic progressively damage cell walls and lyse them. Co-cultured methylene blue-supplemented agar-plate assay indicates that rough lipopolysaccharides might be playing a key role in cell wall damage.

COVID-19 induced lockdown and decreasing particulate matter (PM10): An empirical investigation of an Asian megacity.

The air quality in the cities of developing countries is deteriorating with the proliferation of anthropogenic activities that add pollutant matters in the lower part of the troposphere. Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter lower than 10 μm (PM) is considered one of the direct indicators of air quality in an urban area as it brings health morbidities. The article empirically investigates the role COVID-19 related lockdown has played in bringing down pollution level (PM) in the megacity of Kolkata.

Effect of Cerium Oxide Nanostructures on CO Oxidation.

Cerium oxide particles with different morphologies, namely nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanocubes, and rice grains have been prepared by simple chemical routes. The shape and size of the synthesized morphologies have been studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) techniques have been used to determine their crystal phases.

Synthetic biology, combinatorial biosynthesis, and chemo‑enzymatic synthesis of isoprenoids.

Isoprenoids are a large class of natural products with myriad applications as bioactive and commercial compounds. Their diverse structures are derived from the biosynthetic assembly and tailoring of their scaffolds, ultimately constructed from two C5 hemiterpene building blocks. The modular logic of these platforms can be harnessed to improve titers of valuable isoprenoids in diverse hosts and to produce new-to-nature compounds.