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In the field of piezoelectric applications, perovskite-based multifunctional composite ceramics are widely explored. The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) regions, where dual structural phases coexist, play a crucial role in boosting the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties significantly. Herein, MPB-region-existent 0.7BiFeO3-0.3BaTiO3 (BFBT) composite ceramic is investigated under the influence of wt%Sn-ion incorporation at the lattice sites of the BFBT. Specifically, the ceramic composition BFBT:0.2Sn has demonstrated excellent remnant polarization (Pr ~ 22.68 µC/cm2), an impressive piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ~ 211 pC/N), stable impedance of 1.07 × 107 Ω, a Curie temperature of 435 °C and low dielectric loss (tanδ) of <0.5. Moreover, the BFBT:0.2Sn ceramic has also maintained a stable d33 of ~150 pC/N and resistivity of ~102 Ω even at a temperature of 400 °C. Such outcomes confirm the ability and potential of the BFBT:0.2Sn ceramic composition for high-temperature piezoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth layered structure ferroelectrics (BLSFs), also known as Aurivillius phase materials, are ideal for energy-efficient applications, particularly for solar cells. This work reports the first comprehensive detailed theoretical study on the fascinating structural, electronic, and optical properties of XNb2Bi2O9 (X = Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, Sr). The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof approach and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) are implemented to thoroughly investigate the structural, bandgap, optical, and electronic properties of the compounds. The optical conductivity, band topologies, dielectric function, bandgap values, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, extinction coefficient, refractive index, and partial and total densities of states are thoroughly investigated from a photovoltaics standpoint. The material exhibits distinct behaviors, including significant optical anisotropy and an elevated absorption coefficient > 105 cm−1 in the region of visible; ultraviolet energy is observed, the elevated transparency lies in the visible and infrared regions for the imaginary portion of the dielectric function, and peaks in the optical spectra caused by inter-band transitions are detected. According to the data reported, it becomes obvious that XNb2Bi2O9 (X = Ca, Ba, Be, Mg, and Sr) is a suitable candidate for implementation in solar energy conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monoazo substituted five membered heterocycles, along with their seleno like moieties are still of interest in organic chemistry due to their medicinal and valuable applications. In continuation of our interest in the study of heterocyclic azo compounds containing sulphur and / or nitrogen heteroatoms, the synthesis of 5-aryl mono azo-thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl-thiophene along with their seleno like derivatives of pyridine, pyridazine and quinolone, were accomplished. All the synthesized compounds were in vitro screening of their antioxidant activity, antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell EACC cell line and antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, such as Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and fungi strains of Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. The structural–activity relationship was studied based on the obtained data.

Introduction Animal models of human diseases and disorders have gained increasing importance. These models serve give us a glimpse into the mechanisms of these diseases, test new therapeutic strategies, and [...], We performed this study to understand the effect of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on the submandibular gland after bilateral ovariectomy. For this, 21 adult female rats were distributed equally among 3 groups: the sham-operated group (SHAM); the ovariectomized group (OVX); and the OVX group that received repeated intravenous injections of the hUCB-MSCs (OVX + hUCB-MSCs). We used reverse transcription--PCR to analyze for the gene expression of AQPs 3, 4, 5, and BMP-6. The cellular localization and expression of human CD105, human CD34, proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA), single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA), caspase 3, AQP1, and [alpha] smooth muscle actin ([alpha]-SMA) were determined immunohistochemically. In the OVX group, a significant decrease in the gene expression of AQP3, AQP4, and BMP6, as well as the acinar area % was detected, while area % of granular convoluted tubules (GCTs) showed a significant increase. A significant decrease in area % staining positively for AQP1 and [alpha]-SMA was noted. An obvious improvement in the structure of the submandibular gland was demonstrated in the group injected with hUCB-MSCs, as well as a significant increase in the gene expression of AQP3, AQP4, and BMP6. The acinar and GCT area %, as well as the different measured markers, were relatively normal. This demonstrates that E2-deficiency induces structural changes to the submandibular gland. Moreover, a definite amelioration of the structure and function of the submandibular gland was detected after the administration of hUCB-MSCs. Key words: submandibular gland, ovariectomy, UCB-MSCs, female rat. Afin d&apos;examiner l&apos;effet des cellules souches mésenchymateuses humaines (CSMh) de sang de cordon ombilical sur la glande sous-maxillaire après une ovariectomie bilatérale, 21 rates adultes ont été réparties également en trois groupes : groupe chirurgie fictive, groupe avec ovariectomie (OVX) et le groupe OVX ayant reçu des injections intraveineuses répétées de CSMh du sangde cordon ombilical (OVX + CSMh de sangde cordon ombilical). L&apos;expression des aquaporines (AQP) 3, 4 et 5 et de la protéine morphogénétique osseuse 6 (BMP-6) a été analysée par RT-PCR. La localisation cellulaire et l&apos;expression du CD105 humain, du CD34 humain, de l&apos;antigène nucléaire de prolifération cellulaire (PCNA), de l&apos;ADN simple brin (ADNsb), de la caspase 3, de l&apos;AQP1 et de l&apos;actine de muscle lisse [alpha] ([alpha]-SMA) ont été déterminées par immunohistochimie. Chez le groupe OVX, une diminution significative de l&apos;expression génique de l&apos;AQP3, de l&apos;AQP4 et de la BMP6 de même que du pourcentage de la superficie acinaire a été détectée, alors que le pourcentage de la superficie occupée par les tubules contournés granulaires était significativement accru. Une diminution significative du pourcentage de la superficie colorée positivement quant à l&apos;expression de l&apos;AQP1 et de l&apos;[alpha]-SMA était notée. Une augmentation significative de l&apos;expression génique de l&apos;AQP3, de l&apos;AQP4 et de la BMP6 et une amélioration évidente de la structure de la glande sous-maxillaire ont été démontrées chez le groupe ayant reçu une injection de CSMh de sang de cordon ombilical. Le pourcentage des superficies acinaire et des tubules contournés granulaires de même que les différents marqueurs mesurés se situaient près de la normale. En conclusion, la déficience en E2 induit véritablement des modifications structurales de la glande sous-maxillaire. De plus, une amélioration claire de la structure et de la fonction de la glande sous-maxillaire est détectée à la suite de l&apos;administration de CSMh de sang de cordon ombilical. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés: glande sous-maxillaire, ovariectomie, CSMh de sang de cordon ombilical, rat femelle.