Early bird gets the network: The relative importance of reactivity ratios, Ψ parameter,and crosslinker level on gel formation in FRP

Network topology is manipulated in free-radical copolymerization via proper selection of crosslinker type and its respective properties when paired with specific monomers. Our prior work has focused on the impact of the reduced reactivity parameter Ψ applied to a pendent vinyl, characteristic for each monomer/crosslinker pair, yet here we assess the relative importance of the comonomer reactivity ratios to see whether one factor can counterbalance the other. The traditional reactivity ratio determines when the crosslinker molecule is incorporated into the polymer backbone, while the reduced reactivity Ψ parameter relates to the efficiency of the resulting pendent side chain vinyl being utilized to form a crosslink node at some later point during the polymerization. Both factors are then contrasted with simply the overall loading of crosslinker. Either n-butyl methacrylate (n-BMA) or styrene (STY) was chosen as a primary backbone monomer to copolymerize with one of three crosslinkers: 1,4-butanediol dimethacylate (BDDMA), 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA), or divinylbenzene (DVB). Both kinetics and gel can be most dramatically boosted when a crosslinker is applied having a reactivity ratio favouring early insertion. This in turn leads to an earlier onset of gel formation, which ultimately results in greater final gel content. This amplification of both kinetics and gel can overcome an otherwise small Ψ due to crosslinker or main monomer choice. This reactivity ratio effect was further confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations. By whatever mechanism (higher Ψ, lower r_A, or higher crosslinker level), earlier onset of gelation produces more gel overall and a tighter network topology.     

Silver-Nanoparticle-Embedded Short Amphiphilic Peptide Nanostructures and Their Plausible Application to Reduce Bacterial Infections

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (GBA) plays a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome causes a significant alteration in the gut microbiota of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, followed by neuroinflammatory processes. Thus, AD beginning in the gut is closely related to an imbalance in gut microbiota, and hence a multidomain approach to reduce this imbalance by exerting positive effects on the gut microbiota is needed. In one example, a tyrosine-based short peptide amphiphile (sPA) was used to synthesize antibacterial AgNPs−sPA nanostructures. Such nanostructures showed high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, and therefore work as model drug delivery agents for addressing local bacterial infections. These may have therapeutic value for the treatment of microbiota-triggered progression of neurodegenerative diseases.     

Selective Disruption of Survivin's Protein-Protein Interactions: A Supramolecular Approach Based on Guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole

Targeting specific protein binding sites to interfere with protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is crucial for the rational modulation of biologically relevant processes. Survivin, which is highly overexpressed in most cancer cells and considered to be a key player of carcinogenesis, features two functionally relevant binding sites. Here, we demonstrate selective disruption of the Survivin/Histone H3 or the Survivin/Crm1 interaction using a supramolecular approach. By rational design we identified two structurally related ligands ( L_NES and L_HIS ), capable of selectively inhibiting these PPIs, leading to a reduction in cancer cell proliferation.     

Using statistical data for reliable mobile communications

We examine the extent to which statistical mobility information can increase the reliability of the service experienced by users in mobile networks. Interrupted or dropped calls are an aspect of reliability that stems from the mobility of users. An existing user can move to a cell where there are no resources available to support their call. A natural solution is the reservation of resources in multiple cells that the user is likely to move to. This scheme is called selective reservations and it relies on predicting the next move of the user. Recently, there has been some work on estimating the movement probabilities (also known as the mobility profile) of the user. In this paper, we quantify the usefulness of the mobility profile to improve the reliability of the service perceived by the mobile users. We identify two parameters which characterize the profile: Accuracy and Focus. Accuracy expresses the probability that the host will move as we expect it to. Focus describes how well we can identify patterns in the movement of the users. In our simulations, we examine the effect of the quality of the predictions on the performance of the system. We show that Accuracy and Focus have great impact on the performance of selective reservations. We also show how flexibility in hand‐offs can help in decreasing the dropping probability, and how this can be facilitated by letting the users make a second try at moving in case it fails the first time. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact & Analysis of Inverted-T shaped Fin on the Performance parameters of 14-nm heterojunction FinFET

Silicon - A new high-performance inverted-T shaped 14 nm heterojunction FinFETs has been proposed that originate from the rectangular fin structures. The rationale for proposing this...     

Silicon-doped Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Enhanced Toxic Gas Sensing: An ab initio Approach

Silicon - In this study, the performance of silicon-doped boron nitride nanosheets (Si/BNNs) was compared with pristine BNNs to sense commonly occurring toxic gases (CO, CO2, HCN, N2O, NO, NO2, O3,...     

Unravelling the Potential of Silicon Carbide for Water Treatment: Insights on the Interactions of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

Silicon - Antibiotics and their residues, particularly those belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, are harmful to aquatic and human life, making their removal essential. Although 2D materials are...     

A mini review on cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries are becoming potential solutions for replacement of batteries due to the abundance of sodium reserves and high recycling costs of lithium-based batteries. Sodium-based layered oxides are being widely explored as positive electrode material for sodium-ion battery due to their high capacities and high energy densities. However, oxide-based systems do suffer from thermal stability issues and exhibit low power density. On the other hand, polyanionic-based compounds and Prussian blue analogues demonstrate appreciable thermal stabilities and are useful in high power density applications. This article reviews recent trends of these cathode materials.