Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annelise H. Gorensek-Benitez, Bryan Kirk, Jeffrey K. Myers
Summary: Protein amyloid fibrils have significant implications for human health. The study of fibrillation involves the use of various crowding agents to mimic cellular environments, and the results vary depending on the specific pairing of crowder and fibrillating protein.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Javier A. S. Gallegos, Jaime Martinez-Rivera, Nestor E. Valadez-Perez, Ramon Castaneda-Priego
Summary: This study investigates the effects of gravity on gel formation in patchy colloidal systems. The results show that gravity enhances particle bonding and promotes particle aggregation or clustering. The changes in gel structure have a significant impact on the rigidity and can lead to the emergence of heterogeneous gel-like states.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ashish Kumar Shukla, Satyapriya Bhandari, Krishna Kanti Dey
Summary: The fabrication of a polymer based bifunctional motor with catalytic palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and luminescent zinc quinolate inorganic complex (Zn-QC) is reported, demonstrating buoyancy driven self-propulsion in aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution and easy tracking through luminescence under UV light. The propulsion speed and luminescence of the motor are correlated with solution viscosity and local concentration of macromolecules, making it an excellent probe for monitoring bacterial concentration and characterizing spatio-temporal density and viscosity profiles in inhomogeneous solutions and particle assemblies. The scalable motor offers a convenient platform for using self-powered catalytic motors to gain comprehensive insights into the rheology and density profiles of complex crowded systems like the cytosol.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samantha S. Stadmiller, Gary J. Pielak
Summary: Biology is starting to understand the impact of crowded and complex intracellular environments on the thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding, with a focus on protein-protein interactions. The study reviews experimental efforts to quantify how various molecules and cell interiors affect these interactions, and proposes integrating experiments and simulations for better understanding.
CURRENT OPINION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Renxing Shi, Wenying Xu, Tong Liu, Chunmei Cai, Shuai Li
Summary: A novel mungbean gene, VrLELP, was identified to delay flowering time in transgenic Arabidopsis, particularly under short-day conditions by suppressing the expression of specific genes. Furthermore, the subcellular localization and expression patterns of VrLELP in different tissues and during flower development were characterized.
JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qianqian Zhang, Jing Dong, Zhanqi Wang, Ying Wang, Chunmei Cai, Hong Zhu, Shuai Li
Summary: This study characterized the function of VrCOL1 in regulating flowering time in mungbean. It was found that VrCOL1 accelerates flowering in Arabidopsis under short-day conditions by regulating the expression of specific genes.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zdenek Futera, Niall J. English
Summary: Recent attention has been drawn to the high-pressure solid phase of water known as ice VII, which has been detected in large exoplanets, their icy satellites, and even in Earth's mantle. Researchers investigated the dielectric responses of ice VII to applied oscillating electric fields of various frequencies, focusing on dipole-ordered structures and external-field-induced electronic polarization. These analyses are important for understanding collective motions in the ice-VII lattice and the electronic properties of this exotic water phase.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zahoor Ahmad Parray, Ahmad Abu Turab Naqvi, Ishfaq Ahmad Ahanger, Mohammad Shahid, Faizan Ahmad, Md Imtaiyaz Hassan, Asimul Islam
Summary: It is known that macromolecular crowding in the cell affects protein structure, stability, and function, but predictive studies are still relatively unexplored. This study investigated the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG 400 Da), ethylene glycol (EG), and their mixture on the structural stability of cytochrome c (cyt c). The results showed that EG stabilizes the protein and has no significant effect on the tertiary structure, while PEG 400 destabilizes the protein structure and stability. However, EG counteracts the destabilizing effect of PEG 400. This study highlights the importance of protein folding and interactions in the crowded cellular environment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takashi Nishio, Yuko Yoshikawa, Kenichi Yoshikawa
Summary: Observations show that genome-size DNA molecules spontaneously incorporate into water/water microdroplets formed in a binary aqueous polymer solution. DNA with elongated coil and shrunken conformations exhibit Brownian motion inside the droplets, while tightly packed compact globules and assemblies of condensed DNAs tend to be located near the droplet interface.
Article
Economics
Erez Peri, Alon Tal
Summary: The study analyzed optimal setback distances for wind turbines in the northern region of Israel, finding that setbacks of 700-800 meters have minimal impact, while zoning restrictions of 1000-1200 meters have negligible externalities on nearby settlements. Greater distancing significantly reduces potential turbine sites.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yuuki Taketomi, Yuuki Yamaguchi, Shunsuke Sakurai, Makiko Tanaka
Summary: The study found that crowded environments can lead to more efficient electron transfer in DNA, resulting in faster decomposition of hole-trapping bases compared to dilute solutions.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jongrak Borsup, Satienrapong Ngamsomrit, Tanachat Eknapakul, Thanit Saisopa, Ittipon Fongkaew, Pinit Kidkhunthod, Supree Pinitsoontorn, Fuming Chen, Prayoon Songsiriritthigul
Summary: This study investigated the evolution of magnetic properties in low-temperature vacuum-sintered MnBi samples over an 18-month period at room temperature. The results showed that both samples demonstrated an enhanced remanence ratio, resulting in a significant increase in the energy product (BH)max. The compressed sample in the tube exhibited greater magnetic alignment and slightly higher values of (BH)max. Oxides were detected in the samples, and the particle size also experienced substantial growth.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Commandeur, Thomas Draper, Zainab T. Y. Alabdulla, Rong Qian, Qiao Chen
Summary: The study found that CsPbBr3 solar cells can actually increase in efficiency over time under certain conditions, rather than degrading. By adjusting storage conditions, it was discovered that the type of solvent and atmosphere environment significantly impact the performance of the cells, providing guidelines for improving the long-term efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mira Kuepper, Armin Seyfried
Summary: This study investigates the impact of obstacles, number of passengers, and waiting time on the spatial distribution of waiting pedestrians. It was found that despite the inhomogeneous space usage, there were minimal variations in distances between individuals, suggesting a robust collective optimization of the crowd when searching for waiting positions. The findings highlight the need for refinements of the concept of personal space by considering context and collective behavior.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
A. Fuertes, H. Sixto, I Gonzalez, C. Perez-Cruzado, I Canellas, R. Rodriguez-Soalleiro, N. Oliveira
Summary: This study analyzed the monthly dynamic responses of relevant variables at foliar level in a poplar short rotation plantation under two water scenarios. The results showed that the biomass, leaf area index, and foliar nutrient concentrations were lower under the restrictive water scenario. The selected genotype, 'AF2', exhibited high photosynthetic levels and stomatal control under water stress.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiarul Midya, Thorsten Auth, Gerhard Gompper
Summary: Transport of particles across lipid-bilayer membranes is crucial for cells to interact with their environment. While previous studies have focused on hard particles, this research investigates the wrapping process for deformable particles, specifically vesicles. The findings highlight the importance of particle softness in determining the stability and interaction behavior of wrapped vesicles, providing insights for the design of deformable particles for medical applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kisuk Choi, Jaebin Lee, Woo Jin Choi, Jin Suk Myung
Summary: In the processing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, the behavior of fiber suspensions under Poiseuille flow was investigated using the multiparticle collision dynamics-molecular dynamics (MPC-MD) hybrid simulation approach. The orientation and length of fibers strongly depend on their properties, especially for breakable and flexible fibers. The complex behavior observed, such as the non-monotonic orientation of breakable and semiflexible fibers, highlights the importance of understanding fiber dynamics and optimizing injection molding conditions.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jeonghwan Park, Jin Suk Myung, Duho Cho, Taesu Kim, Su Yeon Lee, Yunseok Kim, Youngmin Choi, Sungmook Jung
Summary: A hydrophilic solution process is used to fabricate a stretchable conductive composite, improving conductivity and minimizing changes in electrical properties during stretching, resulting in a composite with excellent elastic durability.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Physics, Multidisciplinary
O. Holderer, A. -C. Genix, M. Kruteva, J. Oberdisse
FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Marielle Gassner, Segun Goh, Gerhard Gompper, Roland G. Winkler
Summary: This study theoretically and through simulations analyzes the properties of a cognitive, self-propelled, and self-steering particle in the presence of a stationary target, with a focus on the competition between confinement, activity, and steering. The pursuer is modeled as an intelligent active Ornstein-Uhlenbeck particle (iAOUP) confined in a harmonic potential. Universal scaling regimes for the pursuer-target distance are found for the free pursuer, with the Pe'clet number and maneuverability as key factors. Steering leads to a constant mean-distance regime that widens with increasing maneuverability. Confinement strongly impacts propulsion direction and results in scaling behaviors similar to those without confinement but dependent on confinement strength at large Pe'clet numbers.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nicholas Skar-Gislinge, Fabrizio Camerin, Anna Stradner, Emanuela Zaccarelli, Peter Schurtenberger
Summary: Monoclonal antibody solutions have the potential to become an important therapeutic tool in the future. However, formulating stable solutions suitable for patient self-administration presents challenges due to viscosity increase at high concentrations. Through the characterization of clusters, we establish a link between microscopic molecular details and the properties of antibody solutions. Our findings provide insights into the self-assembly of monoclonal antibodies, which can guide the formulation of stable and effective solutions.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
F. Voegl, L. Balacescu, O. Holderer, S. Pasini, S. Staringer, G. Brandl, V. Ossovyi, H. Feilbach, P. Mueller-Buschbaum, A. M. Stadler, J. Fitter, T. E. Schrader
Summary: A new sample environment called Bio-Oven has been developed for the Neutron Spin Echo (NSE) Spectrometer J-NSE Phoenix, allowing active temperature control and the capability to perform Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements along with neutron measurements. The Bio-Oven utilizes optical fibers to decouple the free space optics from the laser sources and detectors, enabling simultaneous collection of light from three scattering angles. Test experiments with silica nanoparticles and apomyoglobin protein sample demonstrated the effectiveness of in situ DLS in monitoring the aggregation state during neutron measurements.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Theresia Heiden-Hecht, Baohu Wu, Marie-Sousai Appavou, Stephan Foerster, Henrich Frielinghaus, Olaf Holderer
Summary: Dairy products and plant-based alternatives have different structural features, such as milk fat globules, casein micelles, CCP nanoclusters, fat crystals, and starch structures, which are observed using scattering techniques and environmental scanning electron microscopy. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the structure and sensory aspects of these products and can be used to improve plant-based alternatives.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoyan Liu, Thorsten Auth, Nabanita Hazra, Morten Frend Ebbesen, Jonathan Brewer, Gerhard Gompper, Jerome J. Crassous, Emma Sparr
Summary: This paper investigates how the wrapping of colloidal particles by lipid membranes can be controlled by various factors such as particle shape, particle-membrane adhesion energy, membrane phase behavior, and membrane-bending rigidity. The study shows that ellipsoidal microgel particles are more likely to form deep-wrapped states compared to spherical particles. The findings have implications for the design of novel biomaterials and therapeutic applications involving nanoparticle-membrane interactions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Segun Goh, Roland G. Winkler, Gerhard Gompper
Summary: This study investigates the pursuit behavior of pursuer-target pairs with implicit sensing mechanism and limited hydrodynamic steering abilities of the pursuer. The findings suggest that stable cooperatively moving states can be achieved depending on the nature of the microswimmer propulsion and the velocity-adaptation scheme.
COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yeong Zen Chua, Reiner Zorn, Juern W. P. Schmelzer, Christoph Schick, Olaf Holderer, Michaela Zamponi
Summary: To understand the properties of glass-forming liquids, the concept of cooperativity length is widely used. Experimental methods of determining this quantity are crucial for the understanding of both thermodynamic and kinetic properties. In this study, the cooperative length and cooperativity number were determined using AC calorimetry and QENS, and the results depended on whether temperature fluctuations were considered. The comparison between the two methods indicated that considering temperature fluctuations is important, and the cooperativity length can be derived from thermodynamic considerations.
ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Henrich Frielinghaus, Purushottam S. Dubey, Baohu Wu, Mary Odom, Feifei Zheng, Eunjoo Shin, Piotr Zolnierczuk, Olaf Holderer, Stephan Foerster, Theresia Heiden-Hecht
Summary: We investigated the critical behavior of a 3D and 2D Ising system composed of 3-methyl pyridine (3MP)/D2O with and without antagonistic salt. The dynamic criticality of both systems was described by the Kawasaki crossover function, with dynamic critical exponents of z = 0.063 +/- 0.020 and 0.005 +/- 0.019 for the 3D and 2D cases, respectively. The amplitudes of the critical dynamics were found to be governed by the bare viscosities experimentally and by the coefficient R theoretically. This finding is consistent with the lubrication effect observed in lamellar systems and the Brazovskii criticality. Experimental techniques including small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering were used to study the static criticality, while dynamic light scattering and neutron spin echo spectroscopy were employed for the critical dynamics. Critical viscosities were also measured.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Priyanka Iyer, Gerhard Gompper, Dmitry A. Fedosov
Summary: Recent advances in micro- and nano-technologies have made it possible to construct complex active systems using biological and synthetic materials. This study investigates the behavior of active vesicles, which are composed of a membrane enclosing self-propelled particles and exhibit characteristics similar to biological cells. The adhesion of self-propelled particles to the membrane significantly influences the shape and dynamics of the vesicles, providing an additional parameter for controlling their behavior.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Joscha Mecke, Yongxiang Gao, Carlos A. Ramirez Medina, Dirk G. A. L. Aarts, Gerhard Gompper, Marisol Ripoll
Summary: This article reports the simultaneous occurrence and relation of two seemingly separate phenomena: active turbulence and odd viscosity, in a chiral active fluid composed of standing and spinning colloidal rods and in simulations for synchronously rotating hard discs in a hydrodynamic explicit solvent.
COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS
(2023)