Facile encapsulation of nano zero-valent iron with calcium carbonate: synthesis, characterization and application for iron remediation.

In this study, CaCO was used as a modifier for nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) surface to prevent rapid aggregation and effectively utilized for iron remediation from aqueous solution. Surface chemistry and morphology of CaCO encapsulated nZVI (CaCO-nZVI) before and after treatment of contaminant iron solution were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanisms of surface modification as well as iron remediation were well depicted with the help of these characterisation tools.

HES1 promoter activation dynamics reveal the plasticity, stemness and heterogeneity in neuroblastoma cancer stem cells.

Notch signaling and its downstream gene target HES1 play a critical role in regulating and maintaining cancer stem cells (CSCs), similar to as they do during embryonic development. Here, we report a unique subclass of Notch-independent Hes-1 (NIHes-1)-expressing CSCs in neuroblastoma. These CSCs maintain sustained HES1 expression by activation of HES1 promoter region upstream of classical CBF-1 binding sites, thereby completely bypassing Notch receptor-mediated activation.

Investigations on characteristics of polyurethane foam impregnated with nanochitosan and nanosilver/silver oxide and its effectiveness in phosphate removal.

A novel potential adsorbent, produced with chitosan nanoparticles and silver/silver oxide nanoparticles impregnated on polyurethane foam (PFCA), is developed for phosphate removal in aqueous solutions. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy uncovered the emergence of nanoparticles. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) provided the mean size of chitosan nanoparticles between 56 and 112 nm and that of silver-silver oxide nanoparticles between 44 and 75 nm.

Pax6 modulates intra-retinal axon guidance and fasciculation of retinal ganglion cells during retinogenesis.

Intra-retinal axon guidance involves a coordinated expression of transcription factors, axon guidance genes, and secretory molecules within the retina. Pax6, the master regulator gene, has a spatio-temporal expression typically restricted till neurogenesis and fate-specification. However, our observation of persistent expression of Pax6 in mature RGCs led us to hypothesize that Pax6 could play a major role in axon guidance after fate specification.