Observation of WWγ Production and Search for Hγ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV.

The observation of WWγ production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} is presented. The observed (expected) significance is 5.6 (5.

Hybrid nanostructures of nitrogen-doped carbon dots and aromatic amino acids: Synthesis, interactions at interfaces and optical properties.

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCD) were synthesized using a simple and fast hydrothermal route, employing citric acid and urea as precursors. The resulting NCDs were non-covalently functionalized (conjugated) with aromatic amino acids, namely phenylalanine (Phe) and tryptophan (Trp). Atomic force microscopy revealed that the NCDs exhibit a disk-like morphology with an average diameter of approximately 60 nm and an average height of about 0.

New Structures in the J/ψJ/ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV.

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J/ψJ/ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135  fb^{-1}. Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638_{-38}^{+43}(stat)_{-31}^{+16}(syst)  MeV.

Comparative Study on the Removal Efficiency of Clomazone and Amitriptyline via Adsorption and Photocatalysis in Aqueous Media: Kinetic Models and Toxicity Assessment.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of adsorption and photocatalysis techniques at removing the herbicide clomazone (CLO) and the antidepressant known as amitriptyline (AMI) from water. This study employed kinetic models to analyze the removal processes and assess the potential toxicity of the treated water. The structure and morphology of the prepared multi-walled carbon nanotubes were characterized as adsorbents by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared techniques, and Raman spectroscopy.

Green Extraction Strategy Using Bio-Based Aqueous Biphasic Systems for Polyphenol Valorization from Grape By-Product.

Polyphenols are natural compounds with enhanced antioxidant properties. They are present in relatively high concentrations in fruit/vegetable by-products. Therefore, there is a need for the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for the separation and purification of these valuable compounds.

Effects of Trace Elements on the Fatty Acid Composition in Danubian Fish Species.

In this study, the concentrations of metals and trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in the muscle tissue of adult roach and white bream at two different sites in the Belgrade section of the Danube. Twenty-six fatty acids, consisting of nine saturated FA (SFAs), seven monosaturated FA (MUFAs) and ten polysaturated FA (PUFAs), were identified. The analysis of the concentration of metals and trace elements of the roach and white bream showed species-specific differences in their bioaccumulation.

Acute Toxicity Assessment of Orally Administered Microplastic Particles in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

While the effects of chronic exposure to microplastic particles (MPs) are extensively studied, the outcomes of a single treatment have received relatively less attention. To investigate MPs' potential acute toxicity, including their impact on general health status (victual consumption, sensorimotor deficits, and clinical toxicity signs) and serum biochemical parameters (markers of organ/tissue function and oxidative stress indicators), we administered thoroughly characterized MPs (1.4, 35, or 125 mg/kg), generated from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, to adult male Wistar rats via oral gavage.

Antibacterial and Antibiofouling Activities of Carbon Polymerized Dots/Polyurethane and C/Polyurethane Composite Films.

The cost of treatment of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is on the level of tens of billions of dollars at the moment. It is of special interest to reduce or solve this problem using antimicrobial coatings, especially in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. The bacteria can transfer from medical staff or contaminated surfaces to patients.

Reduction in Pathogenic Biofilms by the Photoactive Composite of Bacterial Cellulose and Nanochitosan Dots under Blue and Green Light.

In this study, nanochitosan dots (ChiDs) were synthesized using gamma rays and encapsulated in bacterial cellulose (BC) polymer matrix for antibiofilm potential in photodynamic therapy. The composites were analyzed for structural changes using SEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, EPR, and porosity measurements. Additionally, ChiD release was assessed.

The cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode as an environmentally friendly electrochemical tool for the detection and monitoring of mesotrione in food samples.

Excessive pesticide use can harm human health, making it essential to develop new techniques to monitor hazardous pesticides in food. Our study focuses on detecting mesotrione (MST) using an unmodified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. This was the first application of cathodically pretreated BDD electrode for the detection of MST, based on its oxidation at a high potential value of +1.

Influence of donor or acceptor presence on excitation states in molecular chains: Nonadiabatic polaron approach.

In this paper, we considered a molecular structure that consists of a molecular chain and an additional molecule (donor or acceptor) that can inject (or remove) single excitation (vibron, electron, etc.) onto the molecular chain. We assumed that the excitation forms a self-trapped state due to the interaction with mechanical oscillations of the chain structure elements.

Prefrontal Cortex Cytosolic Proteome and Machine Learning-Based Predictors of Resilience toward Chronic Social Isolation in Rats.

Chronic social isolation (CSIS) generates two stress-related phenotypes: resilience and susceptibility. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CSIS resilience remain unclear. We identified altered proteome components and biochemical pathways and processes in the prefrontal cortex cytosolic fraction in CSIS-resilient rats compared to CSIS-susceptible and control rats using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry followed by label-free quantification and STRING bioinformatics.

Targeted RNAseq Revealed the Gene Expression Signature of Ferroptosis-Related Processes Associated with Disease Severity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Detrimental molecular processes in multiple sclerosis (MS) lead to the cellular accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and iron in the CNS, which represents the main driving force for ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, with proposed roles in neurodegeneration, oligodendrocyte loss and neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of MS. Ferroptosis-related gene expression signature and molecular markers, which could reflect MS severity and progression, are currently understudied in humans.

Monolacunary Wells-Dawson Polyoxometalate as a Novel Contrast Agent for Computed Tomography: A Comprehensive Study on In Vivo Toxicity and Biodistribution.

Polyoxotungstate nanoclusters have recently emerged as promising contrast agents for computed tomography (CT). In order to evaluate their clinical potential, in this study, we evaluated the in vitro CT imaging properties, potential toxic effects in vivo, and tissue distribution of monolacunary Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate, α-KPWO20HO (mono-WD POM). Mono-WD POM showed superior X-ray attenuation compared to other tungsten-containing nanoclusters (its parent WD-POM and Keggin POM) and the standard iodine-based contrast agent (iohexol).

Sustainable Application of Waste Sludges from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Generated during the Production of Heating Devices in the Construction Industry.

This research presented, for the first time, the results of the successful application of the waste press sludges, WSLP (plant for lacquer and paint) and WSEP (powdery enamel plant), from a wastewater treatment plant generated during heating device production in the construction industry. The results of WSEP characterization and its influence on cement paste, mortar, and concrete properties showed that this material could be used as a cement replacement (with a maximum replacement amount of 20%) in producing mortar and concrete. Although waste WSLP sludge does not possess pozzolanic properties and does not meet the criteria prescribed by the standards for application in mortar and concrete due to its chemical inertness and fineness, as well as its extended setting time, it can be used as a replacement for stone filler or other powdered mineral admixture in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC) in amounts up to 100%, with a maximum quantity of up to 100 kg/m.

High-Sensitivity Photoelectrochemical Ultraviolet Photodetector with Stable pH-Universal Adaptability Based on Whole Single-Crystal Integrated Self-Supporting 4H-SiC Nanoarrays.

Emerging photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetectors (PDs) have notable advantages over conventional PDs and have attracted extensive attention. However, harsh liquid environments, such as those with high corrosivity and attenuation, substantially restrict their widespread application. Moreover, most PEC PDs are constructed by assembling numerous nanostructures on current collector substrates, which inevitably contain abundant interfaces and defects, thus greatly weakening the properties of PDs.

Essential trace element levels in multiple sclerosis: Bridging demographic and clinical gaps, assessing the need for supplementation.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder intricately linked to perturbations in trace element levels. While previous studies have explored circulating trace elements in a limited sample, understanding the impact of demographic and clinical variables on the elemental profile within a larger cohort remains elusive.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate essential trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se) in the sera of 215 MS patients compared to a meticulously matched control group of 100 individuals with similar gender and age.

Comparative analysis of chemical profiles, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer effects of essential oils of two Thymus species from Montenegro.

The essential oils of Thymus vulgaris (TVEO) and Thymus serpyllum (TSEO) show different biological activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological activities of TVEO and TSEO from Montenegro. The main components of TVEO were p-cymene (29.

A preliminary study of the miRNA restitution effect on CNV-induced miRNA downregulation in CAKUT.

Background: The majority of CAKUT-associated CNVs overlap at least one miRNA gene, thus affecting the cellular levels of the corresponding miRNA. We aimed to investigate the potency of restitution of CNV-affected miRNA levels to remediate the dysregulated expression of target genes involved in kidney physiology and development in vitro.

Methods: Heterozygous MIR484 knockout HEK293 and homozygous MIR185 knockout HEK293 cell lines were used as models depicting the deletion of the frequently affected miRNA genes by CAKUT-associated CNVs.

MAX Phase (NbAlC) For Electrocatalysis Applications.

In search for novel materials to replace noble metal-based electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices, special attention is given to a distinct class of materials, MAX phase that combines advantages of ceramic and metallic properties. Herein, NbAlC MAX phase is prepared by a solid-state mixing reaction and characterized morphologically and structurally by transmission and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nitrogen-sorption, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical performance of NbAlC in terms of capacitance as well as for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is evaluated in different electrolytes.

Effects of Synthesis Parameters on Structure and Antimicrobial Properties of Bacterial Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite/TiO Polymer-Ceramic Composite Material.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly pure polysaccharide biopolymer that can be produced by various bacterial genera. Even though BC lacks functional properties, its porosity, three-dimensional network, and high specific surface area make it a suitable carrier for functional composite materials. In the present study, BC-producing bacteria were isolated from kombucha beverage and identified using a molecular method.

Resonant Tunnelling and Intersubband Optical Properties of ZnO/ZnMgO Semiconductor Heterostructures: Impact of Doping and Layer Structure Variation.

ZnO-based heterostructures are up-and-coming candidates for terahertz (THz) optoelectronic devices, largely owing to their innate material attributes. The significant ZnO LO-phonon energy plays a pivotal role in mitigating thermally induced LO-phonon scattering, potentially significantly elevating the temperature performance of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). In this work, we calculate the electronic structure and absorption of ZnO/ZnMgO multiple semiconductor quantum wells (MQWs) and the current density-voltage characteristics of nonpolar m-plane ZnO/ZnMgO double-barrier resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs).

Comparable Toxicity of Surface-Modified TiO Nanoparticles: An In Vivo Experimental Study on Reproductive Toxicity in Rats.

Nanoparticles (NPs), a distinct class of particles ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm, are one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century, and titanium dioxide NPs (TiO NPs) are among the most widely produced and used NPs globally. The increased application of TiO NPs raises concerns regarding their global safety and risks of exposure. Many animal studies have reported the accumulation of TiO NPs in female reproductive organs; however, evidence of the resultant toxicity remains ambiguous.

Sustained Systemic Antioxidative Effects of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation beyond Neurodegeneration: Implications in Therapy in 6-Hydroxydopamine Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is manifested by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and caudoputamen (Cp), leading to the development of motor and non-motor symptoms. The contribution of oxidative stress to the development and progression of PD is increasingly recognized. Experimental models show that strengthening antioxidant defenses and reducing pro-oxidant status may have beneficial effects on disease progression.

Search for Scalar Leptoquarks Produced via τ-Lepton-Quark Scattering in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV.

The first search for scalar leptoquarks produced in τ-lepton-quark collisions is presented. It is based on a set of proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The reconstructed final state consists of a jet, significant missing transverse momentum, and a τ lepton reconstructed through its hadronic or leptonic decays.