DNA adsorption via Co(II) immobilized cryogels

The separation and purification of important biomolecule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules are extremely important. The adsorption technique among these methods is highly preferred as the adsorbent cryogels are pretty much used due to large pores and the associated flow channels. In this study, the adsorption of DNA via Co(II) immobilized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA-GMA)] cryogels was performed under varying conditions of pH, interaction time, initial DNA concentration, temperature, and ionic strength. For the characterization of cryogels; swelling test, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area (BET), elemental and ICP-OES analysis were performed. L-lysine amino acid was chosen as Co(II)-chelating agent and the adsorption capacity of cryogels was determined as 33.81 mg DNA/g cryogel. Adsorption of pea DNA was studied under the optimum adsorption conditions and DNA adsorption capacity of cryogels was found as 10.14 mg DNA/g cryogel. The adsorption process was examined via Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the Langmuir adsorption model was determined to be more appropriate for the DNA adsorption onto cryogels.     

Exploring the correlation between network structure and electron binding energy in the (H(2)O)(7)(-) cluster through isomer-photoselected vibrational predissociation spectroscopy and ab initio calculations: addressing complexity beyond types I-III

We report a combined photoelectron and vibrational spectroscopy study of the (H(2)O)(7)(-) cluster anions in order to correlate structural changes with the observed differences in electron binding energies of the various isomers. Photoelectron spectra of the (H(2)O)(7)(-) . Ar(m) clusters are obtained over the range of m=0-10. These spectra reveal the formation of a new isomer (I') for m>5, the electron binding energy of which is about 0.15 eV higher than that of the type I form previously reported to be the highest binding energy species [Coe et al., J. Chem. Phys. 92, 3980 (1990)]. Isomer-selective vibrational predissociation spectra are obtained using both the Ar dependence of the isomer distribution and photochemical depopulation of the more weakly (electron) binding isomers. The likely structures of the isomers at play are identified with the aid of electronic structure calculations, and the electron binding energies, as well as harmonic vibrational spectra, are calculated for 28 low-lying forms for comparison with the experimental results. The HOH bending spectrum of the low binding type II form is dominated by a band that is moderately redshifted relative to the bending origin of the bare water molecule. Calculations trace this feature primarily to the bending vibration localized on a water molecule in which a dangling H atom points toward the electron cloud. Both higher binding forms (I and I') display the characteristic patterns in the bending and OH stretching regions signaling electron attachment primarily to a water molecule in an AA binding site, a persistent motif found in non-isomer-selective spectra of the clusters up to (H(2)O)(50)(-).     

NNLO QCD predictions of electron charge asymmetry for inclusive pp→W+X production in forward region at 13 and 14 TeV

This paper presents perturbative QCD predictions of the electron charge asymmetry for inclusive W~±X→e~±v+X production in proton-proton(pp) collisions.Perturbative QCD calculations are performed at nextto-next-to-leading order(NNLO) accuracy using different parton distribution function(PDF) models at 8,13,and 14 TeV center-of-mass energies of CERN LHC pp collisions.NNLO calculations are performed for electrons with transverse momenta above 20 GeV in the forward electron pseudorapidity region 2.0 ≤η_e≤4.25.NNLO predictions are first compared at 8 TeV with the measurements of the LHCb experiment at the LHC for the W~+/W~-cross section ratio and charge asymmetry distributions.The 8 TeV predictions using NNPDF3.1,CT14,and MMHT2014 PDF sets are reported to be in good agreement with the LHCb data for the entire η_e region,justifying the extension of the calculations to 13 and 14 TeV energies.The charge asymmetry predictions at NNLO accuracy are reported in the forward η_e bins at 13 and 14 TeV and compared among NNPDF3.1,CT14,and MMHT2014 PDF sets.Overall,the predicted W~± differential cross-section and charge asymmetry distributions based on different PDF sets are found to be consistent with each other for the entire η_e region.The charge asymmetry distributions are shown to be more sensitive to discriminate among different PDF models in terms of the 14 TeV predictions.     

The development of Li<Superscript>+</Superscript> conducting polymer electrolyte based on potato starch/graphene oxide blend

Solid polymer electrolytes based on potato starch (PS) and graphene oxide (GO) have been developed in this study. Blending GO with PS has improved the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of the electrolytes. In this work, series of polymer blend consisting of PS and GO as co-host polymer were prepared using solution cast method. The most amorphous PS-GO blend was obtained using 80 wt% of PS and 20 wt% of GO as recorded by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Incorporation of 40 wt% lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃) into the PS-GO blend increases the conductivity to (1.48 ± 0.35) × 10^?5 S cm^?1. Further enhancement of conductivity was made using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]). The highest conductivity at room temperature is obtained for the electrolyte containing 30 wt% of [Bmim][Cl] with conductivity value of (4.8?0 ± 0.69) × 10^?4 S cm^?1. Analysis of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirmed the interaction between LiCF₃SO₃, [Bmim][Cl], and PS-GO blend. The variation of the dielectric constant and modulus studies versus frequency indicates that system of PS-GO-LiCF₃SO₃-[Bmim][Cl] obeys non-Debye behavior.     

Are Vitamin E Supplementation Beneficial for Female Gynaecology Health and Diseases?

Vitamin E is known as an essential vitamin, and many studies had demonstrated the importance of vitamin E throughout the reproductive process, such as miscarriage, premature birth, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction, which could be caused by a lack of vitamin E during pregnancy. Its potent antioxidant properties can counteract the oxidative stress induced by oxygen free radicals and imbalance of oxidative-antioxidant levels, hence it may play a role in maintaining the normal function of the female reproductive system. Despite the fact that vitamin E is acknowledged as the substance needed for reproduction, its beneficial effects on female fertility, gynaecological health, and diseases are still poorly understood and lacking. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to provide a summary of the known roles of vitamin E supplementation in women for gynaecological health and reproductive-related diseases, as well as its future perspective.     

Preparation and characterization of a novel activated carbon component via chemical activation of tea woody stem

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The novel activated carbon materials were synthesized by the carbonization and chemical activation of agricultural bio-waste from tea woody stems...     

Impact of polyvinylpyrrolidone and quantity of silver nitrate on silver nanoparticles sizing via solvothermal method for dye-sensitized solar cells

The multiple sizing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the miscible compound of ethylene glycol (EG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) via the solvothermal method. During the synthesis, the PVP-AgNO3 was contemplated as a paramount parameter. Using the simple method of solvothermal, the sizing of AgNPs was easily controlled in accord with the augmentation of PVP-AgNO3 at secured and moderate temperature. In regards to the sizing of AgNPs, the presence of minimum agglomeration, the absorption capability and chemical structures were highlighted through a series of verification includes ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The effectiveness of the synthesized AgNPs was further investigated and compared with the commercial AgNPs by incorporating the AgNPs into titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor film-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Results signified that the spherical AgNPs with produced sizing within the range of 19.6 to 45.2 nm were greatly impacting by tunable quantities of PVP-AgNO3, which was validated in the forms of linear equations. A larger size promotes a slower nucleation rate that conduces agglomeration. In opposition to this, the smallest size of AgNPs develops a faster formation rate of Ag ions into AgNPs, inducing the deterrent of agglomeration in light of notable particle dispersion. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) contributed by the incorporation of synthesized AgNPs into TiO2 is also 41.2% higher than that of the commercial AgNPs-TiO2. This is because the synthesized AgNPs provides less agglomeration which led to a better surface plasmonic effect towards the nanoparticles.     

Regio- and stereospecific synthesis of dl-4,5-dibromo-4,5-dideoxy-3,6-O-methyl-chiro-inositol

The regio- and stereospecific synthesis of dl-4,5-dibromo-4,5-dideoxy-3,6-O-methyl-chiro-inositol is reported. Bromination of p-benzoquinone followed by reduction of the carbonyl groups with NaBH₄ gave the corresponding trans-dibromodiol compound, which was reacted with sodium methoxide to produce dimethoxy conduritol-B. Regiospecific bromination of the alkene moiety furnished the desired chiro-inositol derivative.     

An Investigation into the PVA:MC:NH4Cl-Based Proton-Conducting Polymer-Blend Electrolytes for Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) Device Application: The FTIR,Circuit Design and Electrochemical Studies

In this report, the preparation of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is performed from polyvinyl alcohol, methyl cellulose (PVA-MC), and ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) using solution casting methodology for its use in electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). The characterizations of the prepared electrolyte are conducted using a variety of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The interaction between the polymers and NH₄Cl salt are assured via FTIR. EIS confirms the possibility of obtaining a reasonably high conductance of the electrolyte of 1.99 × 10⁻³ S/cm at room temperature. The dielectric response technique is applied to determine the extent of the ion dissociation of the NH₄Cl in the PVA-MC-NH₄Cl systems. The appearance of a peak in the imaginary part of the modulus study recognizes the contribution of chain dynamics and ion mobility. Transference number measurement (TNM) is specified and is found to be (t_ion) = 0.933 for the uppermost conducting sample. This verifies that ions are the predominant charge carriers. From the LSV study, 1.4 V are recorded for the relatively high-conducting sample. The CV curve response is far from the rectangular shape. The maximum specific capacitance of 20.6 F/g is recorded at 10 mV/s.     

Voltammetric and electrochemical impedimetric behavior of silica-based gel electrolyte for valve-regulated lead-acid battery

The gel electrolyte is an important component of the valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries. In this study, fumed silica-based gel electrolyte systems were prepared. In this concept, several important parameters controlling the performance of the GEL-VRLA battery, such as the sulfuric acid and fumed silica concentrations, gel formulation, gelling time and rate, and different additives (Na₂SO₄ and MgSO₄), were scientifically investigated. The gel formulations were characterized by cyclic voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic methods. The optimum parameters were determined by using the results of anodic peak currents and redox capacities, R _s and R _ct values. Addition of 6 % (w/w) fumed silica to 30 % (w/w) sulfuric acid, for preparation of gelled electrolyte, increased the battery performance significantly. According to the results of the transmission electron and optic microscope images of the gel electrolytes, the three-dimensional gel structure was prepared successfully. The optimization of sulfuric acid concentration and amount of Na₂SO₄ and MgSO₄ additives were examined for the first time in detail by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedimetry, and battery test. Na₂SO₄ and MgSO₄ additives make a good combination with a gelled-electrolyte system and improve the charge/discharge capacity according to sulfuric acid electrolytes. According to the experimental results, the fumed silica-based gel electrolyte system has a great potential for application in gelled electrolyte VRLA batteries.