Synergetic Improvement of Flexoelectric Coefficient in Liquid Crystal Embedded Flexible PVDF Polymer Composite for Energy Harvesting Applications.

Flexoelectricity is the universal electric polarization of dielectrics upon exertion of a non-uniform strain gradient. With the advancement of nano-technology and miniaturization of electronic devices, flexoelectricity holds the promise to address the power requirements for such device operation. The direct flexoelectric effect in liquid crystal (LC) embedded poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer films is examined for the first time by the application of external strain on the films.

Relaxation Editing in NMR Using a New Two-Dimensional Long-Lived Coherence Method for Mixture Analysis.

The exploration of metabolomics and targeted segments of proteins stands as a pivotal facet of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis, furnishing valuable insights into molecular architectures and potential therapeutic applications. The issue of spectral congestion frequently presents challenges in ascribing distinct peaks within the confines of both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectra. Numerous strategies have been proposed to resolve specific resonances in NMR spectra differentially.

An Expedient Approach to Access Phenalenones via Unconventional [1,2]-Phospha-Brook Rearrangement/Carbonyl Migration.

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted phenalenones from -quinone methides (-QMs) and acenaphthoquinone is described. The reaction involves P(NMe)-mediated [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement followed by Lewis acid-assisted 1,2-carbonyl migration to afford the 2,3-disubstituted phenalenones. The developed protocol tolerates a broad range of substrates to form a variety of phenalenones in good to excellent yields.

O mediated synthesis of carbonyl substituted quinoline-2,4(1,3)-diones in visible light: 4CzIPN as a reusable photocatalyst.

A mild and eco-friendly method for the construction of carbonyl-containing quinoline-2,4(1,3)-diones has been developed in the presence of O, photocatalyzed by reusable 4CzIPN in visible light. The method is transition-metal free, cost-effective, sustainable and gives the products in moderate to high yields.

Tracts in the limbic system show microstructural alterations post COVID-19 recovery.

Delirium, memory loss, attention deficit and fatigue are frequently reported by COVID survivors, yet the neurological pathways underlying these symptoms are not well understood. To study the possible mechanisms for these long-term sequelae after COVID-19 recovery, we investigated the microstructural properties of white matter in Indian cohorts of COVID-recovered patients and healthy controls. For the cross-sectional study presented here, we recruited 44 COVID-recovered patients and 29 healthy controls in New Delhi, India.

Post-synthetic Metalation on the Ionic TiO Surface to Enhance Metal-CO Interaction During Photochemical CO Reduction.

During the photochemical CO reduction reaction, CO adsorption on the catalyst's surface is a crucial step where the binding mode of the [metal-CO] adduct directs the product selectivity and efficiency. Herein, an ionic TiO nanostructure stabilized by polyoxometalates (POM), ([POM]@TiO), is prepared and the sodium counter ions present on the surface to balance the POMs' charge are replaced with copper(II) ions, (Cu[POM]@TiO). The microscopic and spectroscopic studies affirm the copper exchange without altering the TiO core and weak coordination of copper (II) ions to the POMs' surface.

3D microscaffolds with triple-marker sensitive nanoprobes for studying fatty liver disease .

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous condition that encompasses a wide range of liver diseases that progresses from simple hepatic steatosis to the life-threatening state of cirrhosis. However, due to the heterogeneity of this disease, comprehensive analysis of several physicochemical and biological factors that drive its progression is necessary. Therefore, an platform is required that would enable real-time monitoring of these changes to better understand the progression of these diseases.

Development of high conducting phosphorous doped nanocrystalline thin silicon films for silicon heterojunction solar cells application.

We have investigated the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition growth of the phosphorus-doped hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (n-nc-Si:H) film as an electron-selective layer in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. The effect of power densities on the precursor gas dissociation are investigated using optical emission spectra and the crystalline fraction in n-nc-Si:H films are correlated with the dark conductivity. With theof 122 mW cmand ∼2% phosphorus doping, we observed Raman crystallinity of 53%, high dark conductivity of 43 S cm, and activation energy of ∼23 meV from the ∼30 nm n-nc-Si:H film.

Continued Rise in Health Burden from Ambient PM in India under SSP Scenarios Until 2100 despite Decreasing Concentrations.

Forecasting alterations in ambient air pollution and the consequent health implications is crucial for safeguarding public health, advancing environmental sustainability, informing economic decision making, and promoting appropriate policy and regulatory action. However, predicting such changes poses a substantial challenge, requiring accurate data, sophisticated modeling methodologies, and a meticulous evaluation of multiple drivers. In this study, we calculate premature deaths due to ambient fine particulate matter (PM) exposure in India from the 2020s (2016-2020) to the 2100s (2095-2100) under four different socioeconomic and climate scenarios (SSPs) based on four CMIP6 models.

The Warburg Effect Reinterpreted 100 yr on: A First-Principles Stoichiometric Analysis and Interpretation from the Perspective of ATP Metabolism in Cancer Cells.

The Warburg Effect is a longstanding enigma in cancer biology. Despite the passage of 100 yr since its discovery, and the accumulation of a vast body of research on the subject, no convincing biochemical explanation has been given for the original observations of aerobic glycolysis in cancer cell metabolism. Here, we have worked out a first-principles quantitative analysis of the problem from the principles of stoichiometry and available electron balance.

Assessment of bone ingrowth around beaded coated tibial implant for total ankle replacement using mechanoregulatory algorithm.

The long-term performance of porous coated tibial implants for total ankle replacement (TAR) primarily depends on the extent of bone ingrowth at the bone-implant interface. Although attempts were made for primary fixation for immediate post-operative stability, no investigation was conducted on secondary fixation. The aim of this study is to assess bone ingrowth around the porous beaded coated tibial implant for TAR using a mechanoregulatory algorithm.

Calcium-induced structural transitions are central to the folding, function, and processing of serratiopeptidase zymogen into mature form.

Serratia marcescens is an emerging health-threatening, gram-negative opportunistic pathogen associated with a wide variety of localized and life-threatening systemic infections. One of the most crucial virulence factors produced by S. marcescens is serratiopeptidase, a 50.

Weyl spin-momentum locking in a chiral topological semimetal.

Spin-orbit coupling in noncentrosymmetric crystals leads to spin-momentum locking - a directional relationship between an electron's spin angular momentum and its linear momentum. Isotropic orthogonal Rashba spin-momentum locking has been studied for decades, while its counterpart, isotropic parallel Weyl spin-momentum locking has remained elusive in experiments. Theory predicts that Weyl spin-momentum locking can only be realized in structurally chiral cubic crystals in the vicinity of Kramers-Weyl or multifold fermions.

Sustainable utilization of incineration bottom ash in pavement construction: Environmental impacts and life cycle assessment.

The global drive towards sustainable development has prompted a notable shift in civil engineering practices towards utilizing secondary materials, such as incineration bottom ash (IBA). The literature review underscores the relevance of waste incineration and the crucial need for effective IBA management strategies. Existing studies, however, reveal a dearth of studies within the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework focusing on understanding IBA characteristics and field conditions.

Transmission of antibiotic resistance through organic amendments in arable land: A 3-year field study with pigeonpea-wheat cropping system.

The worldwide emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial risk to human health and environmental stability. In agriculture, organic amendments (derived from organic sources such as manure, and plant residues) are beneficial in restoring soil properties and providing essential nutrients to crops but raise concerns about harboring antibiotic resistance, which emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring and strategic interventions in their application. The current study assessed the impact of farming practices (organic and conventional) in a three-year field experiment with pigeonpea-wheat cropping system, focusing on the transmission of AMR using culture-dependent and -independent approaches, and soil nutrient content.

Synthesis of Azepinoindoles and Oxepinoindoles through Brønsted-Acid-Catalyzed Cyclization of an Generated Dihydrospiroquinoline Intermediate.

We have developed a straightforward and efficient synthetic protocol to produce 5,6,7,12-tetrahydrobenzo[2,3]azepino[4,5-]indole and 7,12-dihydro-6-benzo[2,3]oxepino[4,5-]indole derivatives under mild conditions. This annulation process involves the intramolecular cyclization of the generated ketimine moiety via the formation of dihydrospiroindolequinoline, which serves as a key intermediate in the reaction pathway. Several control experiments and spectroscopic studies were performed to elucidate the underlying reaction mechanism.

Octupolar Cyclotriphosphazene-Cored Self-Standing Covalent Organic Framework Membranes as Nonlinear Optical Materials: Impact of Linkage Types and Material Forms.

Conjugated and processable self-standing vinylene-linked covalent organic framework membranes (COFMs) are highly demanding for photonics and optoelectronics. In this work, we have fabricated the first cyclotriphosphazene (CTP) cored vinylene-linked self-standing COFM (CTP-PDAN). For comparison purposes, we have successfully fabricated the imine-linked congener (CTP-PDA).

Selective Bacterial Growth Inactivation by pH-Sensitive Sulfanilamide Functionalized Carbon Dots.

Carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized hydrothermally by mixing citric acid (CA) and an antifolic agent, sulfanilamide (SNM), employed for pH sensing and bacterial growth inactivation. Sulfanilamide is a prodrug; aromatic hetero cyclization of the amine moiety along with other chemical modifications produces an active pharmacological compound (chloromycetin and miconazole), mostly administered for the treatment of various microbial infections. On the other hand, the efficacy of the sulfanilamide molecule as a drug for antimicrobial activity was very low.

Exploring the effect of a pendent amine group poised over the secondary coordination sphere of a cobalt complex on the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction.

A Co complex (2) of a bispyridine-dioxime ligand (HL) containing a tertiary amine group in the proximity of the Co center is synthesized and characterized. One of the oxime protons of the ligand is deprotonated, and the amine group remains protonated in the solid-state structure of the Co complex (2a). The acid-base properties of 2 showed p values of 5.

Syntheses, structural, photophysical and theoretical studies of heteroleptic cycloplatinated guanidinate(1-) complexes bearing acetylacetonate and picolinate ancillary ligands.

Cycloplatination of symmetrical ,',''-triarylguanidines, (ArNH)C[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr with -[Pt(TFA)(S(O)Me)] in toluene afforded -[Pt(TAG)(TFA)(S(O)Me)] (TAG = triarylguanidinate(1-)-κ,κ; TFA = OC(O)CF; 6-9) in 75-82% yields. The reactions of 6-9 and the previously known -[Pt(TAG)X(S(O)Me)] (X = Cl (1) and TFA (2-5)) with acetylacetone (acacH) or 2-picolinic acid (picH) in the presence of a base afforded [Pt(TAG)(acac)] (acac = acetylacetonate-κ,'; 10-18) and [Pt(TAG)(pic)] (pic = 2-picolinate-κ,κ; 19) in high yields. The new complexes were characterised by analytical, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopies.

Optimizing MSW incineration bottom ash reuse: A study on treated wastewater washing and leaching control.

The current study introduces an innovative methodology by utilizing treated wastewater (TWW) from an effluent treatment plant as a washing agent to enhance the characteristics of incineration bottom ash (IBA). This approach addresses sustainability concerns and promotes the circular economy by reusing wastewater generated in municipal solid waste incineration facilities. Previous research has underscored the challenges of open IBA reuse due to elevated leaching of chlorides, sulfates, and trace metal(loid)s.

Evolution of Mn-BiO from the Mn-doped BiOBr electro(pre)catalyst during the oxygen evolution reaction.

Mn-doped BiOBr has been synthesized using a solvothermal route. The undoped BiOBr and Mn-BiOBr materials possess orthorhombic unit cells with two distinct Bi sites forming a layered atomic arrangement. The shift in the (020) plane in the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern confirms Mn-doping in the BiOBr lattice.

Sustainable adsorbent frameworks based on bio-resourced materials and biodegradable polymers in selective phosphate removal for waste-water remediation.

Phosphorus to an optimum extent is an essential nutrient for all living organisms and its scarcity may cause food security, and environmental preservation issues vis-à-vis agroeconomic hurdles. Undesirably excess phosphorus intensifies the eutrophication problem in non-marine water bodies and disrupts the natural nutrient balance of the ecosystem. To overcome such dichotomy, biodegradable polymer-based adsorbents have emerged as a cost-effective and implementable approach in striking a "desired optimum-undesired excess" balance pertaining to phosphate in a sustainable manner.

Inhibitors to degraders: Changing paradigm in drug discovery.

The chemical understanding of biological processes provides not only a deeper insight but also a solution to abnormal biological functioning. Protein degradation, a natural biological process for debris removal in the cell, has been studied for years. The recent finding that natural degradation pathways can be utilized for therapeutic purposes is a paradigm shift in the drug discovery approach.