Efficiently Designed Three-Dimensional Architecture of CoMnO Decorated VCT MXene for Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

The structure, morphology, stoichiometry, and chemical characterization of the VCT MXene, CoMnO, and VC@CoMnO nanocomposite, prepared by using a soft template method, have been studied. The electron microscopy studies reveal that the VC@CoMnO composite incorporates mesoporous spheres of CoMnO within the 2D layered structure of MXene. The specific capacitance of the composite electrode is ∼570 F g at 1 A g, which is significantly higher than that of the sum of the individual components.

Wave dispersion in a damped beam supported by cubic nonlinear springs: A multiscale freewave approach.

Researchers are drawn to exploring wave dispersion in nonlinear systems because of the amplitude-dependent tunability of the band gap. This paper investigates the amplitude-dependent wave dispersion in continuous beam structures supported periodically by nonlinear springs. Additionally, it examines the influence of inherent beam damping on wave dispersion.

Photoinduced Single Electron Transfer via EDA Complexation Enables Decarbonylative C(sp)-S Bond Formation.

We have developed a photoinduced transition-metal-free decarbonylative strategy at ambient temperature through non-covalent interactions to achieve vinyl sulfones. Traditionally, decarbonylative functionalization is accomplished using transition metal catalysts at elevated temperatures. The π-π interaction facilitates the elimination of CO to generate vinyl radical, thereby promoting the creation of C-S bonds with the sulfonyl radical.

Designer Helical Fibers and Tubes: Self-assembling Hybrid Peptides via Leu/Ile-Phe Zipper.

Here, we present a family of simple peptides that show diverse self-assembling behaviors. We used aliphatic (Leu/Ile) and aromatic (Phe) amino acids to delineate our design. The design consists of phenylene urea at the N-terminus of the peptide.

Three Strikingly Different Crystal Habits of Tadalafil: Design, Characterization, Pharmaceutical Performance, and Computational Studies.

The present study aims at improving the physicochemical properties of a widely used drug Tadalafil through crystal habit modification, without changing the polymorphic form. Three distinct types of crystal habits, namely, needle, plate, and block, were obtained under controlled crystallization protocols with optimized solvent compositions. Complete characterization of these three crystal habits was carried out using powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Capturing ultrafast energy flow of a heme protein in crowded milieu.

Energy flow in biomolecules is a dynamic process vital for understanding health, disease, and applications in biotechnology and medicine. In crowded environments, where biomolecular functions are modulated, comprehending energy flow becomes crucial for accurately understanding cellular processes like signaling and subsequent functions. This study employs ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy to demonstrate energy funneling from the photoexcited heme of bovine heart cytochrome to the protein exterior, in the presence of common synthetic (Dextran 40, Ficoll 70, PEG 8 and Dextran 70) and protein-based (BSA and β-LG) crowders.

Design and operation of pilot-scale microbial electrosynthesis for the production of acetic acid from biogas with economic and environmental assessment.

The embryonic technology of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) possesses the potential to alleviate global CO concentration with concomitant recovery of valuables. However, due to the significant bottlenecks of inferior yield of valuables and higher capital cost, its potential has not been fully realized at a larger scale till date. With the aim of bridging this lacuna, a first of its kind pilot-scale MES (PSMES) was designed and operated to yield acetic acid from biogas.

Deciphering HMGB1: Across a spectrum of DNA and nucleosome dynamics.

HMGB1 is the most abundant nonhistone nuclear protein, which has been widely studied for its roles in the cytoplasm as an autophagy mediator and in the extracellular matrix as an inflammatory molecule. Studies concerning HMGB1's actual role and its binding within the nucleus are inadequate. Through this in vitro study, we aimed to discern the binding parameters of HMGB1 with various types of DNA, nucleosomes, and chromatin.

Elucidation of Mg induced size and charge heterogeneity in monoclonal antibody therapeutics.

Changes in charge variant profile are known to affect mAb stability and vice versa. This report elucidates the effects of magnesium metal (0.5 mM Mg) on trastuzumab (IgG1 antibody).

Electronic properties of polyaniline-graphene nanocomposites synthesized via solution mixing method.

A key advantage of combining the exceptional properties of graphene with conducting polymers, lies in their remarkable property tunability through filler additions into polymer matrices, with synthesis routes playing a crucial role in shaping their characteristics. In this work, we examine the electronic properties of polyaniline and graphene nanocomposites synthesized via a simple solution mixing method, which offers advantages such as ease of use and efficiency. Increasing graphene content enhances nanocomposite conductivity, and a percolation effect is observed.

Unraveling the Synergistic Role of Kinks in Zig-Zag AgSe Nanorod Arrays for High Room-Temperature zT and Improved Mechanical Properties: Experimental and First-Principles Studies.

Flexible thermoelectric materials are usually fabricated by incorporating conducting or organic polymers; however, it remains a formidable task to achieve high thermoelectric properties comparable to those of their inorganic counterparts. Here, we present a high zT value of 1.29 ± 0.

MARTINI Coarse-Grained Force Field for Thermoplastic Starch Nanocomposites.

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is an excellent film-forming material, and the addition of fillers, such as tetramethylammonium-montmorillonite (TMA-MMT) clay, has significantly expanded its use in packaging applications. We first used an all-atom (AA) simulation to predict several macroscopic (Young's modulus, glass transition temperature, density) and microscopic (conformation along 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic linkages, composite morphology) properties of TPS melt and TPS-TMA-MMT composite. The interplay of polymer-surface (weakly repulsive), plasticizer-surface (attractive), and polymer-plasticizer (weakly attractive) interactions leads to conformational and dynamics properties distinct from those in systems with either attractive or repulsive polymer-surface interactions.

Microfibre pollution: An emerging contaminant, alarming threat to the global environment.

Microfibres, mostly obtained from home laundry, textiles, industrial materials, sewage effluents, and sludge, are considered the main source of environmental pollution, which has become a prevalent threat to terrestrial and aquatic creatures. Global population growth and industrialization have led to a rise in fibre consumption and production, which spread its network in drinking water, beer, and seafood. Focusing on the alarming threat of microfibre towards the natural environment, we have penned an extensive review article about microfibre pollution.

Investigating role of corn stover biochar supplementation on continuous pilot scale anaerobic digestion: Performance and microbial community dynamics.

Biochar supplementation could facilitate microbial colonization and increase biogas and methane yield in anaerobic digestion (AD). This study investigated the impact of corn stover biochar (CSB) augmentation on the continuous pilot scale AD of rice straw. The CSB supplementation exhibited the daily average specific biogas and methane yield of 368.

Distinction of pseudoprogression from true progression in glioblastomas using machine learning based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and O-methylguanine-methyltransferase promoter methylation status.

Background: It is imperative to differentiate true progression (TP) from pseudoprogression (PsP) in glioblastomas (GBMs). We sought to investigate the potential of physiologically sensitive quantitative parameters derived from diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and molecular signature combined with machine learning in distinguishing TP from PsP in GBMs in the present study.

Methods: GBM patients ( = 93) exhibiting contrast-enhancing lesions within 6 months after completion of standard treatment underwent 3T MRI.

Fundamentals of Flexoelectricity, Materials and Emerging Opportunities Toward Strain-Driven Nanocatalysts.

Flexoelectricity, an intrinsic property observed in materials under nonuniform deformation, entails a coupling between polarization and strain gradients. Recent catalyst advancements have reignited interest in flexoelectricity, particularly at the nanoscale, where pronounced strain gradients promote robust flexoelectric effects. This paper comprehensively examines flexoelectricity, encompassing methodologies for precise measurement, elucidating its distinctions from related phenomena, and exploring its potential applications in augmenting catalytic properties.

A Regioselective, One-Pot, Transition-Metal-Free α-Alkylation of Quinone Monoacetals for Various Organic Transformations.

Regioselective reactions of biologically significant quinones are challenging. An unprecedented advancement in quinone monoacetal (QMA) chemistry is proposed for constructing regioselective and less explored α-alkylated QMAs through the Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction. Electrophilic QMAs were transformed to nucleophilic umpolung reagents for aldol-type condensation with several electrophiles.

Developmental Imaging of Radish Sprouts Using Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography.

The germination process of radish sprouts was investigated in detail using volumetric dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Dynamic OCT involves the sequential acquisition of 16 OCT images and subsequent temporal variance analysis of each pixel, enabling non-invasive visualization of the cellular and tissue activities of plants. The radish sprouts were longitudinally investigated for up to 12 days, and changes in morphology and dynamic OCT image patterns were observed as the plants developed.

An approach to target multiple proteins involved in anti-microbial resistance using natural compounds produced by wild mushrooms.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the number of patients infected by multi-drug-resistant bacteria have increased significantly over the past decade. This study follows a computational approach to identify potential antibacterial compounds from wild mushrooms. Twenty-six known compounds produced by wild mushrooms were docked to assess their affinity with drug targets of antibiotics such as penicillin-binding protein-1a (PBP1a), DNA gyrase, and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (ILERS).

TEMPO-oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose as potential carrier for sustained antibacterial delivery.

Designing a suitable, cost-effective nanocarrier with an ability to capture and deliver antibiotics for restricting microbial spread remains an unmet need. A simple two-stepped strategy involving citric acid-induced hydrolysis of cellulose pulp (NFC) followed by TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) mediated oxidation to obtain carboxylated nano fibrillated cellulose (TNFC-5) with high carboxyl content (1.12 mmol/g) has been explored.

Role of Orphan ParA Proteins in Replication and Cell Division in Rhodococcus erythropolis PR4.

Bacteria have a very well-regulated mechanism for chromosome segregation and cell division. This process requires a large number of complex proteins to participate and mediate their functionality. Among these complex proteins, ParA and ParB play a vital role for the faithful segregation of chromosome.