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Scholars and policy makers are paying close attention to reduce climate problems for sustainable growth. The failure to enhance ecological integrity could increase greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this study examines the effect of economic complexity, high‐tech industries, renewables, natural resource abundance, and financial globalization on CO2 and ecological footprint for 10 selected newly industrializing countries for the period 1990 to 2018. We use Common Correlated Error Mean Group, Augmented Mean Group, panel causality, and Westerlund Error Correction Model of cointegration techniques that account for short‐run, and long‐run relationships across cross‐sectionally dependent and heterogeneous countries. The findings reveal long‐run interrelationships across the series of underlying observations. The long‐run empirical results show the development of high‐tech industries has statistically significant environmental welfare‐enhancing impact, whereas renewables and natural resource exploitation mitigate environmental challenges. However, economic complexity and financial globalization increase emissions and ecological footprint (ECF). The results confirm unidirectional causality from renewable energy to CO2 and ECF and further from natural resources to CO2 and ECF. Additionally, there exists bidirectional causality between financial globalization and ECF. Based on these findings, we suggest that these countries should revise their energy policies in order to allocate more funds for the renewable energy technologies so that environmental problems can be mitigated. Along with renewable energy, further investments should be made in high‐tech sector but economic complexity and financial globalization should be carefully handled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ab initio investigation of the spectroscopic constants, bond dissociation energies of germanium monohalides, germanium dihalides and their ionic systems, viz. GeX, GeX−, GeX+, GeX2, GeX2− and GeX2+ (X = F, Cl, Br and I) have been carried out using correlation consistent triple-zeta basis sets for F and Cl and similar triple-zeta basis sets with RECPs for Ge, Br and I atoms. Geometry and frequency of all the neutral and ionic systems of germanium halides are obtained using MP2, CCSD(T) and QCISD(T) methods. The energetics are obtained at the CCSD(T)//MP2, QCISD(T)//MP2, CCSD(T) and QCISD(T) levels. Electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP) of the monohalides and dihalides are reported to be consistent with the data available in literature. The bond dissociation energies (BDEs) to various dissociation asymptotes for most of the ionic systems are to be reported new in literature. The BDEs of the neutral germanium dihalides GeX2 are calculated by using the BDEs of GeX2− and GeX2+ ions and EA and IP of the associated neutral systems. A good agreement is found between the calculated values and the data wherever available. The BDEs of GeX2 for higher halogen member are reported to be new in literature. The enthalpies of formation for atomization and ionization of the neutral GeX2 dihalides are also reported here. The enthalpies of ionization are reported first time in literature and found consistent with other group IV dihalides. The reported molecular properties may be helpful to understand the chemistry involved in the plasma-assisted fabrication process of the Ge-based modern microelectronic devices, as well as will serve as a future reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study adds to the literature on energy studies on exploring for the first time to the best of our comprehension the importance of alternative measures of economic globalization indicators on energy-based demand in the context of economic complexity dynamics for 1971 to 2018 across a panel set of 63 countries classified as high-income (HIE), upper-middle-income (UME) and lower-middle-income countries (LME). Empirical results based on the panel ARDL model demonstrate i) the long-run relationships between economic complexity, economic globalization with energy demand; ii) economic complexity appears to increase energy-based demand in the short run, but it would reduce energy-based demand in the long run; iii) economic globalization is found to have decreasing effects in the short run and increasing effects in the longer run-on energy demand in LMEs and UMEs, while it has mixed effects in HIEs. The results suggest that policies supporting economic complexity would be a good strategy to aim at economic development while controlling for the increasing effects of globalization on energy demand to achieve long-term sustainable development. • Investigating the role of alternative measures of economic globalization on energy demand. • Across 63 countries segregated across varying income groups for the period 1971 to 2018. • The context of economic complexity dynamics is also explored. • Long-run relationships between economic globalization with energy demand is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study attempts to explore the determinants of tourism demand that impact tourist arrivals in Australia from Asia using an augmented panel gravity model. Design/methodology/approach: The augmented panel gravity model was utilised to analyse the demand for Australian tourism from 15 major countries of Asia over the period 1991 to 2018. Tourist arrivals were the dependent variable while per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and weighted distance were important explanatory variables. Further other indicators like population, money supply, globalisation, price index, exchange rate, uncertainty and two dummy variables were added as control variables. Findings: The results demonstrate based on the novel methodology of Pesaran (2006), namely CCE (common correlated effects) that tourist arrivals are impacted positively and significantly by per capita GDP of both the country of origin and destination country, globalisation also impacts tourist flows positively. However, tourist arrivals are adversely affected by distance and prices confirming the economic theory. Originality/value: Gravity models have been intensively used in the recent literature on tourism; however, this study has attempted to explore tourism demand from Asia into Australia which is indeed an unexplored area further the study has used the CCE methodology which takes care of the problems of cross-sectional dependence unlike the earlier methods widely used in the literature like the DOLS and the FMOLS. Last by utilising a wide-ranging set of macro factors the study contributes a novel assessment to the recent literature on tourism demand model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study attempts to explore the determinants of tourism demand that impact tourist arrivals in Australia from Asia using an augmented panel gravity model. Design/methodology/approach: The augmented panel gravity model was utilised to analyse the demand for Australian tourism from 15 major countries of Asia over the period 1991 to 2018. Tourist arrivals were the dependent variable while per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and weighted distance were important explanatory variables. Further other indicators like population, money supply, globalisation, price index, exchange rate, uncertainty and two dummy variables were added as control variables. Findings: The results demonstrate based on the novel methodology of Pesaran (2006), namely CCE (common correlated effects) that tourist arrivals are impacted positively and significantly by per capita GDP of both the country of origin and destination country, globalisation also impacts tourist flows positively. However, tourist arrivals are adversely affected by distance and prices confirming the economic theory. Originality/value: Gravity models have been intensively used in the recent literature on tourism; however, this study has attempted to explore tourism demand from Asia into Australia which is indeed an unexplored area further the study has used the CCE methodology which takes care of the problems of cross-sectional dependence unlike the earlier methods widely used in the literature like the DOLS and the FMOLS. Last by utilising a wide-ranging set of macro factors the study contributes a novel assessment to the recent literature on tourism demand model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembly of disordered amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides results in highly ordered amyloid fibrils. The structural information of the early-stage events and also in the presence of inhibitors is of great significance. It is challenging to acquire due to the nature of the amyloids and experimental constraints. Here, we demonstrate the cascade of aggregation (early to late) of the Aβ 25-35 peptide in the absence and presence of carvedilol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor blocker. The aggregation process of Aβ 25-35 peptide is monitored using Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), circular dichroism (CD), Raman spectroscopic techniques, and imaging experiments. We find that the Aβ 25-35 peptide undergoes an early-stage (3-6 h) helical intermediate formation across the fibrillation pathway using CD and Raman measurements. Carvedilol obstructs the helical intermediate formation of Aβ 25-35 peptide resulting in inhibition. CD spectra and deconvolution of the Raman bands suggest the β-sheet formation (24-100 h) in the absence of carvedilol. Spectroscopic results indicate a disordered structure for the peptide in the presence of carvedilol (24-100 h). Electron microscopy (EM) shows the formation of polymorphic fibrils for the peptide alone and non-amyloidal aggregates in the presence of carvedilol. Molecular docking study suggests that the plausible mode of interaction with carvedilol involves the C-terminal residues of the peptide. A schematic representation of carvedilol mediated inhibition of Aβ 25-35 fibrillation process. [Display omitted] • Aβ 25-35 peptide undergoes early-stage helix formation at pH 7.4 between 3 and 6 h. • Carvedilol inhibits Aβ 25-35 fibrillation perturbing ordered structure formation. • Aβ 25-35 peptide exhibits twisted and striated fibrillar polymorphism. • CD and Raman describe the structural features of early to late aggregation. • Biophysical techniques reveal a crucial role of Ile residues and carbazole moiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulates are, in general, the passive components of any photovoltaic device that provides the required shielding from the externally stimulated degradation. Here we provide comprehensive physical insight depicting a rather non-trivial active nature, in contrast to the supposedly passive, atomic layer deposition (ALD) grown Al2O3 encapsulate layer on the hybrid perovskite [(FA0.83MA0.17)0.95Cs0.05PbI2.5Br0.5] photovoltaic device having the configuration: glass/FTO/SnO2/perovskite/spiro-OMeTAD/Au/(±) Al2O3. By combining various electrical characterization techniques, our experimental observations indicate that the ALD chemistry produces considerable enhancement of the electronic conductivity of the spiro-OMeTAD hole transport medium (HTM), resulting in electronic modification of the perovskite/HTM interface. Subsequently, the modified interface provides better hole extraction and lesser ionic accumulation at the interface, resulting in a significant lowering of the burn-in decay and nearly unchanged charge transport parameters explicitly under the course of continuous operation. Unlike the unencapsulated device, the modified electronic structure in the Al2O3 coated device is essentially the principal reason for better performance stability. Data presented in this communication suggest that the ionic accumulation at the spiro-OMeTAD/perovskite interface triggers the device degradation in the uncoated devices, which is eventually followed by material degradation, which can be avoided by active encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) belong to the superfamily of molecular chaperones. They prevent aggregation of partially unfolded or misfolded client proteins, providing protection to organisms under stress conditions. Here, we report the biophysical and structural characterization of a small heat shock protein (HspA) from a thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus vulcanus in the presence of 2 M urea. HspA has been shown to be important for the protection of Photosystem II and the Phycobilisome antenna complex at elevated temperatures. Heterologously expressed HspA requires the presence of 1–2 M urea to maintain its solubility at concentrations required for most characterization methods. Spectroscopic studies reveal the presence of the β-sheet structure and intactness of the tertiary fold in HspA. In vitro assays show that the HspA maintains chaperone-like activity in protecting soluble proteins from thermal aggregation. Chromatography and electron microscopy show that the HspA exists as a mixture of oligomeric forms in the presence of 2 M urea. HspA was successfully crystallized only in the presence of 2 M urea. The crystal structure of HspA shows urea-induced loss of about 30% of the secondary structure without major alteration in the tertiary structure of the protein. The electron density maps reveal changes in the hydrogen bonding network which we attribute to the presence of urea. The crystal structure of HspA demonstrates a mixture of both direct interactions between urea and protein functionalities and interactions between urea and the surrounding solvent that indirectly affect the protein, which are in accordance with previously published studies. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The small heat shock protein, HspA, requires 2 M urea to maintain solubility. • The HspA quaternary and tertiary structures are mostly preserved in 2 M urea. • The crystal structure of HspA in urea shows partial loss of secondary structure. • The partial denaturation of the HspA does not inactivate its chaperone activity. • The structure shows that urea has direct and indirect protein denaturing effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One mystifying outcome in the literature on renewable-economy-environmental causality is the inconsistency of outcomes specifically across various sample sizes, model specifications, and periods. Considering such difficulties, the study applies Bootstrap Rolling Window Granger Causality (BRWGC) test with fixed-size rolling sub-samples to evaluate connections. The data used incorporates REC, EG, and CO 2 emissions for G-7 nations between 1970 and 2021. Using the full-sample, it is observed that there is predictive power from REC to EG only in the USA and UK while there is predictive power from REC to CO 2 emissions in the USA and Italy. However, full-sample outcomes are unreliable because models do have not parameter constancy based on parameter instability tests. Similar to full-sample results, BRWGC estimation results do not present evidence of a consistent relationship from REC to EG and CO 2 emissions. However, it is discovered that causal interrelationships exist between the series in a number of the sub-samples. Additional evidence that the results are not statistical artifacts but rather reflect actual economic shifts comes from the fact that these sub-sample times coincide with important economic events. The findings of this study complement earlier research and provide a rationale for divergent outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is an uncommon diagnosis in medical wards. Herein, we present two unusual cases of IPA. First patient was an elderly diabetic patient who had gas-forming bilateral IPA caused by Escherichia coli. This infection proved fatal and patient succumbed on third day of hospital admission. Second patient was a young boy who had right sided sacroilitis with IPA. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the pus culture and patient was successfully treated without any sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cascade of amyloid formation relates to multiple complex events at the molecular level. Previous research has established amyloid plaque deposition as the leading cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, detected mainly in aged population. The primary components of the plaques are two alloforms of amyloid-beta (Aβ), Aβ 1 – 42 and Aβ 1 – 40 peptides. Recent studies have provided considerable evidence contrary to the previous claim indicating that amyloid-beta oligomers (AβOs) as the main culprit responsible for AD-associated neurotoxicity and pathogenesis. In this review, we have discussed the primary features of AβOs, such as assembly formation, the kinetics of oligomer formation, interactions with various membranes/membrane receptors, the origin of toxicity, and oligomer-specific detection methods. Recently, the discovery of rationally designed antibodies has opened a gateway for using synthesized peptides as a grafting component in the complementarity determining region (CDR) of antibodies. Thus, the Aβ sequence motif or the complementary peptide sequence in the opposite strand of the β-sheet (extracted from the Protein Data Bank: PDB) helps design oligomer-specific inhibitors. The microscopic event responsible for oligomer formation can be targeted, and thus prevention of the overall macroscopic behaviour of the aggregation or the associated toxicity can be achieved. We have carefully reviewed the oligomer formation kinetics and associated parameters. Besides, we have depicted a thorough understanding of how the synthesized peptide inhibitors can impede the early aggregates (oligomers), mature fibrils, monomers, or a mixture of the species. The oligomer-specific inhibitors (peptides or peptide fragments) lack in-depth chemical kinetics and optimization control-based screening. In the present review, we have proposed a hypothesis for effectively screening oligomer-specific inhibitors using the chemical kinetics (determining the kinetic parameters) and optimization control strategy (cost-dependent analysis). Further, it may be possible to implement the structure-kinetic-activity-relationship (SKAR) strategy instead of structure-activity-relationship (SAR) to improve the inhibitor's activity. The controlled optimization of the kinetic parameters and dose usage will be beneficial for narrowing the search window for the inhibitors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although opioids are highly efficacious analgesics, their abuse potential and other untoward side effects diminish their therapeutic utility. The addition of non-opioid analgesics offers a promising strategy to reduce required antinociceptive opioid doses that concomitantly reduce opioid-related side effects. Inhibitors of the primary endocannabinoid catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) show opioid-sparing effects in preclinical models of pain. As simultaneous inhibition of these enzymes elicits enhanced antinociceptive effects compared with single enzyme inhibition, the present study tested whether the dual FAAH-MAGL inhibitor SA-57 [4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl ester] produces morphine-sparing antinociceptive effects, without major side effects associated with either drug class. SA-57 dose-dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in the constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve model of neuropathic pain and carrageenan inflammatory pain model. As previously reported, SA-57 was considerably more potent in elevating anandamide (AEA) than 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) in brain. Its anti-allodynic effects required cannabinoid (CB) 1 and CB 2 receptors; however, only CB 2 receptors were necessary for the anti-edematous effects in the carrageenan assay. Although high doses of SA-57 alone were required to produce antinociception, low doses of this compound, which elevated AEA and did not affect 2-AG brain levels, augmented the antinociceptive effects of morphine, but lacked cannabimimetic side effects. Because of the high abuse liability of opioids and implication of the endocannabinoid system in the reinforcing effects of opioids, the final experiment tested whether SA-57 would alter heroin seeking behavior. Strikingly, SA-57 reduced heroin-reinforced nose poke behavior and the progressive ratio break point for heroin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that inhibition of endocannabinoid degradative enzymes represents a promising therapeutic approach to decrease effective doses of opioids needed for clinical pain control, and may also possess therapeutic potential to reduce opioid abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of early marriage is deeply rooted in the socio-cultural structure and is well prevalent in rural India despite marriage-prohibiting laws. The paper examines happiness and psychological well-being and its influence by various aspects of marriage among young married women. Multistage sampling technique was used to interview 654 married women, 13-24 years in rural West Bengal. Mean age at marriage was found to be 16 years. One-third reported adjustment problem initially after marriage. Logistic regression analysis results showed marital happiness was positively influenced by less spousal difference in opinion; couple educational status, able to adjust marital problems and wish to have same life partner given an option of partner selection. No significant association was found between happiness and type of marriage and husband's currently staying with wife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the development of renewable energy sources is crucial for sustainability. This paper explores the impact of energy security risks and economic complexity on expanding renewable energy sources, accounting for trade openness and economic growth for the top 23 energy consumers. The period of observations spans from 1997 to 2017. The study was conducted using panel quantile regression methods with fixed effects. The empirical outcomes indicate that economic complexity has a significant negative effect on renewable energy at low quantiles but a positive effect at medium to high quantiles. Furthermore, economic complexity has a greater impact on middle-income countries than on high-income countries. Energy security risks positively and significantly impact renewable energy development. However, for middle-income countries, the impact of energy security risks on renewable energy is unstable. The impact is at its peak between the 60th and 70th quantiles and then declines to its lowest level between the 80th and 90th quantiles. The robustness tests confirm the earlier findings. Based on empirical outcomes, policy prescriptions are suggested to address renewable energy deployment against the backdrop of sustainable development concerns. The policy implications suggest that the government should actively promote trade openness and increase economic complexity. Greater energy security risk index shocks increase the use of renewable energy. • Studies roles of economic complexity and energy security on renewable energy. • On 23 top energy users for 1990–2017. • Advanced quantile regression technique adopted. • Scale effect and composition effect of economic complexity on divergence of impact. • Empirical outcomes have directions on policy for SDG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to scrutinize the linkage between technological advancement and energy security in the presence of global uncertainty, financial development, globalization, international cooperation in the form of trade and infrastructure for the panel set of the newly industrialized countries. This paper contributes to the empirical literatures by using robust econometric techniques and the main estimation technique employed is cross sectional autoregressive distributed lag model (CS-ARDL). A battery of robustness tests is further put to use to test the underlying model specifications. To explore the causality nexus, the [1] panel causality test is also employed. The long-run estimation results reveal that technological advancement reduces the risk associated with energy security. But world uncertainty induces energy security risk. Furthermore, financial development and globalization affect energy security risk negatively. The causality test results demonstrate bidirectional causality between financial development and energy security, international cooperation and energy security, uncertainty and financial development, international cooperation and financial development, infrastructure and financial development. The empirical outcomes from this study offer salient aspects for designing policy strategy on energy security in the newly industrialized countries against the backdrop of attainment of the sustainability goals. [Display omitted] • Factors of Energy Security are examined for Newly Industrialized countries. • Robust second generation econometric models are employed. • Technological growth reduces energy insecurity. • Global uncertainty induces energy security risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid growth of natural gas drilling from Marcellus Shale since 2005 led to possibilities of boom-town emergence in rural Pennsylvania. Historically, many small towns and rural communities in Pennsylvania that depended on natural resource extraction, such as coal and gas, have been vulnerable to cycles of economic and population growth and decline. The recent proliferations of Marcellus Shale wells and related economic activities are expected to have significant local growth and development impacts. In this paper, I examine the impacts of fracking activities on the housing sale value changes in Greene County, PA. I apply repeat sale analysis and spatial statistical analysis to evaluate the temporal and spatial patterns of sale value changes in Greene County. The findings show that mean housing sale values have increased in Greene County since 2005, and these changes are spatially clustered around the relatively larger towns. The rural areas associated with intense extraction activities did not witness significant changes in housing sale values, which implies the need for local policies to stimulate long-term community development benefits and reduce the challenges of risks associated with future bust cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the association between economic complexity (ECI), tourism, urbanization, globalization, natural resources and renewable energy on carbon dioxide emissions, ecological footprint and carbon footprint in the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve in the context of the G7 countries for the period 1990 to 2018. The study has employed second-generation cointegration methods. The results from the F.M.O.L.S. and D. O.L.S. methods describe the mitigating impacts of tourism on the dilapidation of the environment. Further, the Environmental Kuznets Curve is verified in the context of the G7 countries. The ECI reduces ecological footprint in the long run for the G7 countries but enhances carbon dioxide emissions. The empirical outcomes based on Dumitrescu and Hurlin Panel Granger causality test describe that any policy direction to increase tourism, renewable energy, economic growth, and urbanization has a considerable impact on the quality of the environment. The robustness tests confirm the model specifications. Based on the rigorous empirical discussion, we suggest that tourism, renewable energy and globalization would help to alleviate environmental degradation in the G7 countries. The study concludes with important policy suggestions against the backdrop of Sustainable Development. • Explored the climate vulnerability nexus by exploring the tourism industry. • On panel data sets of the G7 countries from 1990 to 2018. • Environment degradation indicators: carbon dioxide, ecological and carbon footprint. • Explored the role of EKC. • Used second generation panel estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen with the ability to rapidly develop multidrug resistance under selective pressure. Previous work demonstrated that upon exposure to the environmental contaminant pentachlorophenol (PCP), P. aeruginosa PAO1 increases expression of multiple multidrug efflux pumps, including the MexAB-OprM pump. The current study describes increases in the antibiotic resistance of PAO1 upon exposure to PCP and other chlorinated organics, including triclosan. Only exposure to chlorinated phenols induced the mexAB-oprM-mediated antibiotic-resistant phenotype. Thus, chlorinated phenols have the potential to contribute to transient phenotypic increases of antibiotic resistance that are relevant when both compounds are present in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TetX is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase. It has been reported to inactivate all tested tetracyclines. In this study, Escherichia coli overexpressing TetX was added to soil bacterial enrichment cultures along with varying levels of tetracycline and was found to affect community-wide tetracycline resistance levels. Soil microbial communities developed lower levels of tetracycline resistance upon exposure to 25μg/mL of tetracycline when an E. coli expressing TetX was present (6% of cultivable bacteria were resistant to 40μg/mL tetracycline). In contrast, in the absence of TetX activity, a similar tetracycline exposure selected for greater levels of resistant bacteria in the soil microbial community (90% of cultivable bacteria were resistant to 40μg/mL tetracycline). We also describe new metabolites formed after tetracycline transformation by TetX and report the transient generation of redox-active metabolite(s). The results presented here are particularly pertinent in the light of the recent emergence of tet(X) in different bacterial species, including clinical isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) causes complete reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) at pH 7. Here in the present article, we have shown the presence of both Cu(II) and Cu(I) at pH 11 during fibrillation of HEWL using electron paramagnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopy. Our results suggest the existence of a partially reducing environment during fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme at pH 11. The fibrillation process is governed by the pH of the solution and maximum fibrillation is found to occur at pH 11. Fibrils formed in the absence of Cu(II) were also found to cause significant hemolysis of RBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molten globule state plays a crucial role in the amyloidogenesis of several proteins. Hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) acquires a molten globule state at alkaline pH (12.75). Our study reveals a significant inhibitory effect of high molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEG) (PEG 20000 and PEG 35000) against alkali-salt mediated fibrillation of HEWL. Native state of HEWL is stabilized in the presence of PEGs accompanied by a decrease in the β-sheet content. Enzymatic activity of HEWL is mostly retained in the presence of polyethylene glycols. The comparable hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of PEG 20000 and native HEWL is central reason to the greater inhibitory potency of PEG 20000 against HEWL fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] HEWL fibrils bind nonspecifically with both DNA and RNA. [•] Fibrils binding with RNA result in unavailability of RNA for degradation by RNase A. [•] Fibril binding causes alteration in the conformation of DNA. [•] Binding results in an alteration in the backbone and secondary structure of the protein. [•] Structural diversity of the fibrils plays a crucial role in the interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] PCA of Raman data discriminates molecular structure of HEWL protein and fibrils. [•] SD of scores in PCA plots determines variability in the structure within a species. [•] Overall structure significantly differs for fibrils grown at different pH values. [•] Overall structure of fibrils grown at different pH values in Cu(II) has similarity. [•] Presence of Cu(II), inhibits the formation β-sheet component in HEWL fibrils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The endogenous deposition of protein aggregates with fibrillar morphology is known to govern the genesis of several neurodisorders. The investigation of naturally occurring small molecules which can restrict the fibrillation process can help in the design of rational therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. We report the inhibition of HSA fibrillation in the presence of naturally occurring sugars such as glucose, fructose, ribose and sucrose with fructose being the most potent. We have characterized the inhibitory potency of the sugars, using different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The central reason behind pathogenesis of various neurological disorders is usually attributed to the accumulation of aggregated proteins particularly in fibrillar morphology in vivo. One of the plausible remedial treatments for such disorders may be to identify molecules which are capable of either preventing formation of fibrils or disintegrating formed fibrils. The effect of cationic surfactants cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in vitro toward mature HSA fibrils has been investigated. The process has been monitored using ThT fluorescence, FTIR, circular dichroism, fluorescence microscopy and HRTEM. It was observed that the micelles of cationic surfactants were able to effectively disrupt the HSA fibrils, among which CTAB was found to be the most potent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: The present study tested whether the selective monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor JZL184 would reduce allodynia and paw edema in the carrageenan test. Main methods: The anti-edematous and anti-allodynic effects of JZL184 were compared to those of PF-3845, an inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and diclofenac, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Cannabinoid receptor involvement in the anti-edematous and anti-allodynic effects of JZL184 was evaluated by administration of the respective CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists rimonabant and SR144528 as well as with CB1(−/−) and CB2(−/−) mice. JZL184 (1.6, 4, 16, or 40mg/kg) was administered for six days to assess tolerance. Key findings: JZL184 administered before or after carrageenan significantly attenuated carrageenan-induced paw edema and mechanical allodynia. Complementary genetic and pharmacological approaches revealed that the anti-allodynic effects of JZL184 required both CB1 and CB2 receptors, but only CB2 receptors mediated its anti-edematous actions. Importantly, both the anti-edematous and anti-allodynic effects underwent tolerance following repeated injections of high dose JZL184 (16 or 40mg/kg), but repeated administration of low dose JZL184 (4mg/kg) retained efficacy. Significance: These results suggest that the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 reduces inflammatory nociception through the activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors, with no evidence of tolerance following repeated administration of low doses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) are found to be potent inhibitors of amyloid fibril formation. We report the effective inhibitory property of (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) during the alkali-salt induced fibrillogenesis of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) at 37°C. Spectroscopic techniques such as fluorescence, circular dichroism and microscopic images show that (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) show moderate inhibition of fibrillation with ECG as the most potent polyphenol. Aromatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, the radical scavenging activity and autoxidation of polyphenols are likely to be the major reasons for ECG being the most effective inhibitor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are currently being considered as novel therapeutic approaches for managing cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and Alzheimer''s disease. Though α7 agonists were recently found to possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in rodent models of chronic neuropathic pain and inflammation, the effects of α7 nAChRs PAMs on chronic pain and inflammation remain largely unknown. The present study investigated whether PAMs, by increasing endogenous cholinergic tone, potentiate α7 nAChRs function to attenuate inflammatory and chronic neuropathic pain in mice. We tested two types of PAMS, type I (NS1738) and type II (PNU-120596) in carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain and chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain models. We found that both NS1738 and PNU-120596 significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia, while only PNU-120596 significantly reduced edema caused by a hind paw infusion of carrageenan. Importantly, PNU-120596 reversed established thermal hyperalgesia and edema induced by carrageenan. In the CCI model, PNU-120596 had long-lasting (up to 6 h), dose-dependent anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects after a single injection, while NS1738 was inactive. Systemic administration of the α7 nAChR antagonist MLA reversed PNU-120596''s effects, suggesting the involvement of central and peripheral α7 nAChRs. Furthermore, PNU-120596 enhanced an ineffective dose of selective agonist PHA-543613 to produce anti-allodynic effects in the CCI model. Our results indicate that the type II α7 nAChRs PAM PNU-120596, but not the type I α7 nAChRs PAM NS1738, shows significant anti-edematous and anti-allodynic effects in inflammatory and CCI pain models in mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Copper is known to exert diverse effects on the self-association of proteins and has been found in amyloid deposits that are involved in neurodegenerative disease processes. The effects of the metal ion on the protein during fibrillation were investigated by fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. We report for the first time, the complete reduction of Cu(II)→Cu(I) in vitro during fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme at pH 7. This was confirmed by the lack of any signal for Cu(II) in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and quantification of Cu(I) was achieved by a bathocuproine disulfonate based assay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NalC is a TetR type regulator that represses the multidrug efflux pump MexAB-OprM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we explain the mechanism of NalC-mediated regulation of MexAB-OprM. We show that NalC non-covalently binds chlorinated phenols and chemicals containing chlorophenol side-chains such as triclosan. NalC-chlorinated phenol binding results in its dissociation from promoter DNA and upregulation of NalC's downstream targets, including the MexR antirepressor ArmR. ArmR upregulation and MexR-ArmR complex formation have previously been shown to upregulate MexAB-OprM. In vivo mexB and armR expression analyses were used to corroborate in vitro NalC-chlorinated phenol binding. We also show that the interaction between chlorinated phenols and NalC is reversible, such that removal of these chemicals restored NalC promoter DNA binding. Thus, the NalC-chlorinated phenol interaction is likely a pertinent physiological mechanism that P. aeruginosa uses to control expression of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The molecular diversity of algae in the final clarifier or denitrification filter outfall from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with activated sludge based treatment was analyzed using the rbcL gene as a phylogenetic marker. The rbcL gene encodes the large subunit of the CO2 fixing enzyme RuBisCO. Among algae identified at the WWTPs were diatoms, green algae, cyanobacteria, Eustigmatophyceae, and unknown heterokonts. A high level of diversity was observed within WWTPs with 19–24 unique rbcL sequences detected at each plant. Algae composition also varied between treatment plants. Our results show that the rbcL gene can be used as a phylogenetic marker for algae diversity analysis in a wastewater treatment context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aggregation process in proteins is governed by several factors such as temperature, pH, presence of electrolytes, denaturants, and metal ions. Here, we report the role of Cu(II) in inducing rapid fibrillation in human serum albumin. We have monitored this process via UV−vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, ζ-potential measurements, electron paramagnetic resonance studies, fluorescence microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Images show a fibrillar network of human serum albumin in the presence of Cu(II) in 60% ethanol incubated at 65 °C at physiological pH. All other studies also support the enhanced fibrillation in presence of Cu(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the abilities of two anaerobic digestion processes used for sewage sludge stabilization were compared for their ability to reduce the quantities of three genes that encode resistance to tetracycline ( tet(A), tet(O), and tet(X)) and one gene involved with integrons ( intI1). A two-stage, thermophilic/mesophilic digestion process always resulted in significant decreases in the quantities of tet(X) and intI1, less frequently in decreases of tet(O), and no net decrease in tet(A). The thermophilic stage was primarily responsible for reducing the quantities of these genes, while the subsequent mesophilic stage sometimes caused a rebound in their quantities. In contrast, a conventional anaerobic digestion process rarely caused a significant decrease in the quantities of any of these genes, with significant increases occurring more frequently. Our results demonstrate that anaerobic thermophilic treatment was more efficient in reducing quantities of genes associated with the spread of antibiotic resistance compared to mesophilic digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the gravitational settling of a single semi-torus shaped particle immersed in a viscous, incompressible fluid in two dimensions. To study the problem, numerical simulations were done using Immersed boundary (IB) method. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effect of varying parameters namely, density of the particle (for a fixed fluid density), fluid's dynamic viscosity and particle's size on the settling velocity of the particle considered. We also considered the particles in different orientations to investigate its effect on the dynamics of the settling particle. The results obtained were physically justified. The convergence studies done validated IB method's spatial accuracy of first order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of antibiotics at subtherapeutic concentrations for agricultural applications is believed to be an important factor in the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal of this study was to determine if the application of manure onto agricultural land would result in the proliferation of antibiotic resistance among soil bacteria. Chlortetracycline-resistant bacteria were enumerated and characterized from soils exposed to the manure of animals fed subtherapeutic concentrations of antibiotics and compared to the chlortetracycline-resistant bacteria from soils at farms with restricted antibiotic use (dairy farms) and from non-agricultural soils. No significant differences were observed at nine different study sites with respect to the numbers and types of cultivated chlortetracycline-resistant bacteria. Genes encoding for tetracycline resistance were rarely detected in the resistant bacteria from these sites. In contrast, soils collected from a tenth farm, which allowed manure to indiscriminately accumulate outside the animal pen, had significantly higher chlortetracycline-resistance levels. These resistant bacteria frequently harbored one of 14 different genes encoding for tetracycline resistance, many of which (especially tet(A) and tet(L)) were detected in numerous different bacterial species. Subsequent bacterial enumerations at this site, following the cessation of farming activity, suggested that this farm remained a hotspot for antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, we speculate that excessive application of animal manure leads to the spread of resistance to soil bacteria (potentially by lateral gene transfer), which then serve as persistent reservoir of antibiotic resistance.The ISME Journal (2007) 1, 191–203; doi:10.1038/ismej.2007.31; published online 24 May 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the ammonia oxidizing bacterial (AOB) communities from a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant, and to relate these analyses to treatment efficiency. Although almost complete nitrification was observed for extended periods of the year, nitrification efficiency decreased to about 60–80% during December through March. Substantial changes in the AOB community structure were detected using a nested PCR-DGGE approach. Quantification of Nitrosomonas oligotropha-like bacterial populations by competitive quantitative PCR targeting amoA gene fragments revealed that these populations varied more than eightfold throughout the year. Statistical analysis revealed a weak correlation between the quantity of N. oligotropha-like populations and nitrification efficiency, suggesting that these quantification of these bacteria would be useful for monitoring nitrification in wastewater treatment bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether potentized homeopathic drugs and their diluent media differ from each other with respect to their Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Design: FTIR spectra of Nux vomica 30C, Lycopodium 30C, Santonin 30C, Cina 30C, Cina 206C, Cina1006C, and their diluent media 90% ethanol and Ethanol 30C were obtained in the wave number range of 2000–1000 cm−1 at 20°C. Potassium bromide powder soaked with the potencies, pressed into pellets, and air dried were used to measure the spectra. Because water structures in homeopathic potencies are thought to carry specific information on drug molecules and because O-H bending vibrational band (v2) exclusively belongs to water, the study was restricted to the bands in that wave number region. Alcohol has no absorption in the O-H bending region. Results: The potencies were found to differ from each other and their diluent media in the number of v2 bands, their wave number (cm−1), shape, and half-width (cm−1) of the bands. Conclusions: The number and other characteristics of the v2 band represent the number of hydrogen-bonded water species and their hydrogen-bonding strength, respectively. The potencies and their diluent media therefore differ from each other in the number of hydrogen-bonded water species and their hydrogen-bonding strength. The observation that KBr pellets soaked with a potentized drug retains its specific spectral absorption properties simply confirms that medicated sucrose globules, used in homeopathic dispensing, are capable of retaining the therapeutic properties of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE)-type membrane-coupled bioreactors (MBRs) were investigated in this study for the purpose of removing both nitrogenous and carbonaceous pollutants from a synthetic wastewater. During the first MBR experiment, removal efficiencies were high (>90%) for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia, but total nitrogenous pollutant removal efficiency was poor (∼25%). Bacterial community analysis of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) by a nested PCR-DGGE approach detected two Nitrosomonas-like populations and one Nitrosospira-like population. During the initial portion of the second MBR experiment, COD and ammonia removal efficiencies were similar to the first MBR experiment until the COD of the influent wastewater was increased to provide additional electron donors to support denitrification. Total nitrogen removal efficiencies eventually exceeded 90%, with a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 24 h and a recirculation ratio of 8. When the HRT of the MBR experiment was decreased to 12 h, however, ammonia removal efficiency was adversely affected. A subsequent increase in the HRT to 18 h helped improve removal efficiencies for both ammonia (>85%) and total nitrogenous compounds (∼40%). Our research demonstrates that MBRs can be effectively designed to remove both carbonaceous and nitrogenous pollutants. The ability of the microbial community to switch between anoxic (denitrifying) and oxic (nitrifying) conditions, however, represents a critical process constraint for the application of MLE-type MBR systems, such that little benefit is gained compared to conventional designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of correlated ionic-electronic components often get reflected in the measured photovoltage of a hybrid perovskite solar cell. This communication describes a unique overshoot voltage phenomenon that appears soon the light is turned off during the large signal photovoltage transient measurements at low (≤250K) temperature regime. The occurrence of the overshoot voltage largely depends on fluence, temperature and can be perturbed with device preconditioning. We observe that the phenomenon occurs only in TiO 2 based devices but never if the electron transport layer is SnO 2 indicating that the interface plays a major role. Our investigations reveal a strong correlation between the ionic movement and the transitory photogenerated electric field that are responsible for the momentary increase in the measured potential. • Overshoot voltage is appeared during OCVD measurements soon light is extinguished at lower operating temperatures. • Overshoot voltage primarily depends on temperature, illumination intensity and the device pre-conditioning. • Necessary condition for overshoot voltage is the existence of momentary photogenerated electric field or interfacial potential gradients and slower ionic discharge. • Interfacial dynamics plays a dominant role in the formation of overshoot features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the drafting, kissing, tumbling (DKT) phenomenon between two circular and impermeable interacting particles of different sizes and densities in a confined medium in 2D using Immersed Boundary (IB) method. There are two different cases considered in this study. The first case, Case 1, deals with the scenario when the trailing particle was larger in size than the leading particle and in the second case, it was the other way round (Case 2). In both cases, apart from the size difference, the particles were assumed to have different densities. The paper investigated the effect of diameter ratio, as well as the effect of density differential on the dynamics of the settling particles. The obtained results clearly indicated that the size and the density of particles play an important role in the dynamics of the two interacting particles. The results suggested when the larger particle in both the cases was chosen to have higher density than the smaller particles, irrespective of diameter ratio and density difference, the particles went through one complete cycle of DKT. On the other hand, when the larger particle, irrespective of its initial position- leading or trailing, was having less density than the smaller particles, the results obtained was specific to diameter ratio as well as density difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though perovskite solar cells (PSC) have reached high efficiency comparable to its counterparts, it is still striving towards finding a strong hold in terms of long-term stability. Several approaches have been made to prevent the degradation of PSC. Here, we present low-temperature ALD deposited Al 2 O 3 as an effective encapsulant for PSC. The encapsulated devices improve with PCE reaching up to 19.4% post 300 cycles of Al 2 O 3 deposition. In-situ QCM and FTIR measurements reveal that trimethylaluminum gets trapped inside the spiro-OMeTAD layer and is available for the subsequent dosage of H 2 O during nucleation regime. Here we unveil the fact that the ALD grown Al 2 O 3 is not only surface limited, but the material penetrates the spiro-OMeTAD and enhances the hole transport property, improving the overall performance of encapsulated cells. Intermittent measurements indicate that encapsulated cells are stable, retaining 84% of its initial efficiency by the end of 300 days. Subsequently we elucidate that the device measurements under continuous illumination and with different bias conditions and atmosphere show that the ALD grown encapsulation prevents ingress of moisture and oxygen into the cells maintaining their stability. • ALD-Al 2 O 3 encapsulated PSC retained 84% of initial efficiency by the end of 300 days of intermittent measurement in ambient. • In-situ QCM showed non-linearity in mass change until a complete surface coverage after which it reaches the linear growth regime. • In-situ FTIR revealed continuous addition of Al–CH 3 on the bulk of spiro-OMeTAD upon TMA exposure during the nucleation regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]