Co-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals and gold nanorods: insights from molecular dynamics modelling.

A coarse-grained molecular dynamics model is developed to explore the co-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) under sedimentation conditions with varying volumetric concentration and particle-size ratios. Simulations and statistical analysis reveal a noticable preferential attachment of AuNRs on the surface of CNC clusters as the solid fraction of AuNRs was increased when the volumetric fraction of the AuNRs was low. Density-driven self-assembly under sedimentation forces is primarily driven by the AuNRs.

Macromolecular crowding in chiral assembly of ellipsoidal nanoparticles.

Anisotropic colloidal particles have the ability to self-assemble into cholesteric structures. We used molecular dynamics to simulate the self-assembly of ellipsoidal particles with the objective to establish a general framework to reveal the primary factors driving chiral interactions. To characterize these interactions, we introduce a characteristic parameter following the crowding factor (CF) theory.

Characterization of the G protein-coupled receptor family SREB across fish evolution.

The SREB (Super-conserved Receptors Expressed in Brain) family of G protein-coupled receptors is highly conserved across vertebrates and consists of three members: SREB1 (orphan receptor GPR27), SREB2 (GPR85), and SREB3 (GPR173). Ligands for these receptors are largely unknown or only recently identified, and functions for all three are still beginning to be understood, including roles in glucose homeostasis, neurogenesis, and hypothalamic control of reproduction. In addition to the brain, all three are expressed in gonads, but relatively few studies have focused on this, especially in non-mammalian models or in an integrated approach across the entire receptor family.

Tunable Electrical Properties of Embossed, Cellulose-Based Paper for Skin-like Sensing.

This article describes a process of fabricating highly porous paper from cellulosic fibers and carbon black (CB) with tunable conductivity. By embossing such paper, its porosity decreases while its conductivity increases. Tuning the porosity of composite paper alters the magnitude and trend of conductivity over a spectrum of concentrations of conductive particles.

Differences in dentofacial morphology in children with sleep disordered breathing are detected with routine orthodontic records.

Background: Residual snoring in children with obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) may continue post-adenotonsillectomy. This study aims to identify baseline dentofacial differences in children with SDB using routine orthodontic records that might aid effective early intervention for the upper airway to prevent continued obstruction.

Methods: Children (6-16 years) with clinically diagnosed SDB from a paediatric Otolaryngology Clinic who required adenotonsillectomy were participants (n = 10).