Electron Transport in Soft-Crystalline Thin Films of Perylene Diimide Substituted with Swallow-Tail Terminal Alkyl Chains.

We have examined the structural and electron transport properties of a swallow-tailed ,'-bis(1-heptyloctyl)-perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) () in thin films. A comprehensive analysis of material with the use of X-ray scattering methods evidenced the appearance of a new soft-crystalline mesophase that was induced by thermal processing of the swallow-tail PDI derivative. By combining electrical measurements with grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), we show that these morphological changes of thin films boost their charge transport in the organic field-effect transistor (OFET) configuration.

Biocontrol of virulent Listeria monocytogenes using green carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals-silver nano-biohybrids.

L. monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen, known to cause food poisoning and systemic disease, specifically listeriosis. This species has shown resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, making the search for new alternative therapies is a pressing matter.

Application of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in forensic science - A review.

The paper presents the possibilities of using the ToF-SIMS technique in the examination of a range of samples as forensic evidence. These include the analysis of documents, the examination of writing media, the analysis of crossing lines, the analysis of cosmetics, hair analysis, the examination of automobile paints, and the analysis of fingerprints and their contamination with exogenous substances. The advantages and disadvantages of this method were analysed with reference to the information that any forensic investigator would wish to obtain when examining highly significant evidence.

[Breast cancer under control - risk calculators].

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Over several decades of research, it has been determined which individual characteristics or exposure increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. The co-occurrence of several factors is associated with a higher risk of developing this cancer.

The Functionalization of Activated Polyester Fabrics with Chitosan-Changes in Zeta Potential and Moisture Management.

In the interests of using green and sustainable chemical innovations to create sustainable products with minimized (or no) chemical hazard potential, the polyester fabric in this work was activated and functionalized with chitosan and its durability was investigated. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer derived from chitin. As it has good biocompatibility, bio-absorption, anti-infectious, antibacterial and hemostatic properties and accelerates wound healing, it is increasingly being researched for the antimicrobial treatment of textiles.

Analysis of Liquid Sweat Transport in Underwear Combined with Multilayer Fabric Assemblies for Firefighter Outfits.

A firefighter's outfit consists of several layers with distinct properties and functions. These layers serve as barriers against external hazards but also impede the transport of sweat generated by the human body. As a result, sweat vapor often fails to transfer effectively from the body through the firefighter's protective clothing (FPC) to the environment.

The Doping of a Carbon Coating with Phosphorus as a Potential Way of Improving the Biological Properties of Diamond-like Carbon.

The potential of diamond-like carbon coatings in medicine can be increased by doping them with various elements. Such modifications especially affect the biological properties of the synthetized films. In the following research, phosphorus was introduced into the carbon matrix by means of the chemical vapor deposition technique and using an organic precursor.

Analysis of the Influence of Different Diameters of De Laval Supersonic Nozzles on the Key Splashing Parameters of Remaining Slag.

The paper is devoted to the analysis of a supersonic nozzle system effect in gas-cooled lances on the technological parameters of slag splashing in an oxygen converter. Simulation calculations were carried out, taking into account the parameters of nozzles used in the technological lines of converter steel plants in Ukraine and Brazil. The problems were solved in several stages.

Theoretical Insight into Antioxidant Mechanism of Caffeic Acid Against Hydroperoxyl Radicals in Aqueous Medium at Different pH-Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects.

In this study, the DFT/M062X/PCM method was applied to investigate thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of reactions involved in possible mechanisms of antioxidant activity of caffeic acid against HOO radicals in aqueous medium at different pH values. Kinetic parameters of the reactions involved in HAT (Hydrogen Atom Transfer), RAF (Radical Adduct Formation), and SET (Single Electron Transfer) mechanisms, including reaction energy barriers and bimolecular rate constants, were determined, and identification and characterization of stationary points along the reaction pathways within HAT and RAF mechanisms were performed. Inspection of geometrical parameters and spin densities of the radical products formed within HAT and RAF mechanisms revealed that they are stabilized by hydrogen bonding interactions and the odd electron originated through the reaction with the HOO radical is spread over the entire molecule, resulting in significant radical stabilization.

Alfalfa/Lucerne () as a Source of Functional Bioadditives for Elastomeric Natural Rubber Composites.

This study explores the impact of three bioadditives derived from Alfalfa-biomass, bio-ashes, and lyophilisates-on natural rubber composites, with a primary focus on the anti-aging properties of lyophilisates. Composite samples were prepared by incorporating these bioadditives into natural rubber and analyzed using various characterization techniques to evaluate mechanical, thermal, aging, and surface properties. The results highlight the promising anti-aging effects of lyophilisates, significantly enhancing the aging resistance of natural rubber.

Enzyme Catalysis for Sustainable Value Creation Using Renewable Biobased Resources.

Enzyme catalysis was traditionally used by various human cultures to create value long before its basic concepts were uncovered. This was achieved by transforming the raw materials available from natural resources into useful products. Tremendous scientific and technological progress has been made globally in understanding what constitutes an enzyme; what reactions enzymes can catalyze; and how to search, develop, apply, and improve enzymes to make desired products.

Composition, Anti-Diabetic, and Antioxidant Potential of Leaves.

Limiting and/or slowing down the starch digestion process and consequently the release of glucose can be an important strategy for the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the current in vitro study was to assess the anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential of red radish leaves of the Carmen, Jutrzenka, Saxa, and Warta cultivars. In the context of anti-diabetic activity, the effect of leaves on potato starch digestion and free glucose binding, as well as inhibitory effects of leaf extracts against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and non-enzymatic glycation (AGEs) were determined.

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Biotin and Selenobiotin Concentrations in and Cells.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of selenium compounds in preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The formulation of selenium-enriched supplements for humans and animals, particularly those containing selenium yeast, is highly advantageous. These products are rich in organic selenium derivatives, showing significantly higher bioavailability than inorganic forms of selenium.

Simulation Studies of the Dynamics and the Connectivity Patterns of Hydrogen Bonds in Water from Ambient to Supercritical Conditions.

Pressurized high-temperature water attracts attention as a promising medium for chemical synthesis, biomass processing or destruction of hazardous waste. Adjustment to the desired solvent properties requires knowledge on the behavior of populations of hydrogen-bonded molecules. In this work, the interconnection between the hydrogen bond (HB) dynamics and the structural rearrangements of HB networks have been studied by molecular dynamics simulation using the modified central force flexible potential and the HB definition controlling pair interaction energy, HB length and HB angle.

The Anti-Metastatic Potential of Aronia Leaf Extracts on Colon Cancer Cells.

Background/objectives: Numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of polyphenols found in aronia fruits; however, little is known about how aronia leaf polyphenols impact colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-metastatic and anti-invasive activity of crude aronia leaf extract (ACE) and purified phenolic-rich aronia leaf extract (APE) against two CRC cell lines (SW-480 and HT-29).

Methods: Migration and invasion potential of ACE and APE were evaluated.

Structural and biophysical characterization of the cytoplasmic domains of HprS kinase and its interactions with the cognate regulator HprR.

The HprSR constitutes the bacterial two-component regulatory system engaged by Escherichia coli to reduce the damaging effects of reactive chlorine and oxygen species present in its cytosol. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has been shown to be the molecule capable of activating of the HprSR system. HOCl is produced upon pathogen invasion by phagocytic cells of the human innate immune system, particularly neutrophils, to take advantage of its powerful antimicrobial attributes.

Boronate-Based Bioactive Compounds Activated by Peroxynitrite and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Boronates react directly and stoichiometrically with peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide. For this reason, boronates have been widely used as peroxynitrite- and hydrogen peroxide-sensitive moieties in various donors of bioactive compounds. So far, numerous boronate-based prodrugs and theranostics have been developed, characterized, and used in biological research.

Exploring Benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene S-Oxides for Organic Electronics, Fluorescence-Based Applications, and Asymmetric Synthesis.

A series of benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene S-oxides has been efficiently synthesized via one- or two-step selective oxidation of benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene (BTBT). These BTBT S-oxides form highly ordered structures that display optical anisotropy, are thermally stable up to temperatures above 210 oC, and do not show phase transitions. They exhibit long excited state lifetimes (0.

Changing the Inoculum Type From Preculture to Spore Suspension Markedly Alters the Production of Secondary Metabolites in Filamentous Microbial Coculture.

The shake flask cocultures of Aspergillus terreus and Streptomyces rimosus were investigated with regard to the production of mevinolinic acid (lovastatin), oxytetracycline, and other secondary metabolites (SMs). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of inoculum type (spore suspension or preculture) on the levels of SMs in the fermentation broth. Altogether, 17 SMs were detected, including 4 products with confirmed identities, 10 putatively annotated metabolites, and 3 unknown molecules.

Synthesis, structure and biological activity of new picolinohydrazonamide derivatives.

Three new thiosemicarbazide derivatives are described in terms of synthesis, structure and biological activity. N'-(Morpholine-4-carbonothioyl)-4-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)picolinohydrazonamide 2-methyltetrahydrofuran hemisolvate, 2CHNOS·CHO, 1, determined at 100 K, has orthorhombic (Pca2) symmetry and exhibits disorder. 4-(4-Phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-N'-(piperidine-1-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide-dimethylformamide-water (1/1/0.

π-Curved Blatter radicals: Blatter helicenes.

Photocyclization of 8-aryloxy-3-phenylbenzo[][1,2,4]triazines leads to π-delocalized helicene radicals 1[n] ( = 5, 6, 7) containing the ring-fused 1,4-dihydro[1,2,4]triazin-4-yl as a spin source. Single crystal XRD revealed that the photocyclization to 1[n] involves a Smiles rearrangement. Radicals 1[n] were investigated by spectroscopic, electrochemical and DFT methods, while racemic helicene 1[7] was resolved and ECD spectra were recorded.

Quality analysis of photometers using vertical window illuminance measurements.

In urban areas, one of the main forms of light pollution is the intrusion of light through windows into residential buildings. This phenomenon can harm human health, so standards have been introduced to define limits for vertical illuminance. This study aims to assess the levels of outdoor lighting on the windows of residential buildings in Poland in terms of compliance with standards for protection against intrusive light, as well as to compare the results obtained using various commercially available photometers.