Pantoea tagorei sp. nov., a Rhizospheric Bacteria with Plant Growth-Promoting Activities.

A Gram-negative, short-rod, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, potassium-solubilizing bacterium MR1 (Mine Rhizosphere) was isolated from rhizospheric soil of an open-cast coal mine of Jharia, Jharkhand, India. Isolate MR1 can grow in a broad range of temperature, pH, and NaCl concentrations. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed 99.24% similarity with Pantoea septica LMG 5345T. However, maximum-likelihood tree constructed using 16S rRNA gene sequence, multilocus sequence analysis using concatenated sequences of ten housekeeping genes, whole-genome based phylogenetic reconstruction, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and average nucleotide identity (ANIm and ANIb) values indicated segregation of MR1 from its closest relatives. Fatty acid profile of MR1 also suggested the same, with clear variation in major and minor fatty acid contents, having C13:0 anteiso (10-Methyldodecanoic acid) as the unique one. Thus, considering all polyphasic data, strain MR1T (= MTCC 13265T, where 'T' stands for Type strain) is presented as a novel species of the genus Pantoea, for which the name Pantoea tagorei sp. nov. is proposed. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01147-9.

Polar magneto-optical Kerr effect spectroscopy with a microscope arrangement for studies on 2D materials.

We describe a setup for magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) spectroscopy suitable for Kerr rotation (ϕ) and ellipticity (η) measurement on microscopic samples, such as flakes of two-dimensional materials. A spatial resolution of ∼25µm, limited by the demagnified monochromator exit slit image, was achieved. The use of mirrors allows for measurement in polar MOKE geometry with a conventional electro-magnet, without requiring holes in the magnet pole pieces. The microscope-like optics also has a 90° twisted periscope arrangement of two mirrors that helps transport light without change in its circular polarization state. A Jones matrix analysis of the setup brings out the influence of the beam-splitter on the measured signals. Its correction requires the ellipsometry parameters of the beam-splitter in transmission mode, which were measured separately. The working of the setup is tested by measuring the ϕ and η spectra of 2H-WS2 flakes at low temperature, verifying them using Kramers-Kronig analysis and extracting the Landé g-factor of the ground state exciton from them.

Quasi-Classical Trajectory Calculations on a Two-State Potential Energy Surface Including Nonadiabatic Coupling Terms as Friction for D+ + H2 Collisions.

Akin to the traditional quasi-classical trajectory method for investigating the dynamics on a single adiabatic potential energy surface for an elementary chemical reaction, we carry out the dynamics on a 2-state ab initio potential energy surface including nonadiabatic coupling terms as friction terms for D+ + H2 collisions. It is shown that the resulting dynamics correctly accounts for nonreactive charge transfer, reactive non-charge transfer and reactive charge transfer processes. In addition, it leads to the formation of triatomic DH2+ species as well.

Efficient Control of Electron Localization and Probability Modulation with Synthesized Two-Color Intense Laser Pulses.

A coupled electron-nuclear dynamical study at attosecond time scale is performed on the HD+ and H2+ molecular ions under the influence of synthesized intense two-color electric fields. We have employed ω - 2ω and also, ω - 3ω two-color fields in the infrared/mid-infrared regime to study the different fragmentation processes originating from the interference of n - (n + i) (i = 1, 2) photon absorption pathways. The branching ratios corresponding to different photofragments are controlled by tuning the relative phase as well as intensity of the two-color pulses, while the effect of the initial nuclear wave function is also studied by taking an individual vibrational eigenstate or a coherent superposition of several eigenstates of HD+ and H2+. By comprehensive analysis, the efficacy of the two different types of synthesized two-color pulses (ω - 2ω and ω - 3ω) are analyzed with respect to one-color intense pulses in terms of controlling the probability modulation and electron localization asymmetry and compared with previous theoretical calculations and experimental findings. Through the detailed investigation, we have addressed which one is the major controlling knob to have better electron localization as well as probability modulation.

An insight into the dual role of MoS2-based nanocarriers in anticancer drug delivery and therapy.

Over the years, nanomaterials have been exploited as drug delivery systems and therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Special emphasis has been placed on structure and shape-mediated drug loading and release. Functional materials, including molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), have shown promising results because of their tunable structure and unmatched physicochemical properties. Specifically, easy surface functionalization and high drug adsorption ability make them ideal candidates. Although the large surface area of nanosheets/nanoflakes may result in high drug loading, the encapsulation efficiency is better for MoS2 nanoflower structures. Due to its high targeting abilities, the loading of chemotherapeutic drugs onto MoS2 may minimize nonspecific cellular death and undesired side effects. Furthermore, due to their strong light-absorption ability, MoS2 nanostructures have been widely exploited as photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic agents. The unexplored dimensions of cancer therapy, including chemodynamic (Fenton-like reaction) and piezo-catalytic (ultrasound-mediated reactive oxygen generation), have been recently unlocked, in which the catalytic properties of MoS2 are utilized to generate toxic free radicals to eliminate cancer. Intriguingly, combining these therapeutic modalities often results in high therapeutic efficacy at low doses and minimizes side effects. With a plethora of recent studies, a thorough analysis of current findings is crucial. Therefore, this review discusses the major advances in this field of research. A brief commentary on the limitations/future outlook/ethical issues of the clinical translation of MoS2-mediated cancer treatments is also deliberated. Overall, in our observations, the MoS2-based nanoformulations hold great potential for future cancer therapy applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Development of nanomedicines based on MoS2 has opened new avenues in cancer treatment. The MoS2 with different morphologies (nanosheet/nanoflower/QDs) has shown promising results in controlled and targeted drug delivery, leading to minimized side effects and increased therapeutic efficacy. While existing reviews have primarily focused on the optical/thermal properties utilized in photodynamic/photothermal therapy, the outstanding catalytic properties of MoS2 utilized in cancer therapies (chemodynamic/piezo-catalytic) are often overlooked. This review critically highlights and praises/criticizes individual articles reporting the MoS2-based nanoplatforms for cancer therapy applications. Additionally, MoS2-based combined therapies for synergistic effects are discussed. Furthermore, a brief commentary on the future prospects for clinical translations is also deliberated, which is appealing to various research communities engaged in cancer theranostics and biomedical sciences research.

Coupled 3D (J ≥ 0) Time-Dependent Wave Packet Calculation for the F + H2 Reaction on Accurate Ab Initio Multi-State Diabatic Potential Energy Surfaces.

We had calculated adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs), nonadiabatic, and spin-orbit (SO) coupling terms among the lowest three electronic states (12A', 22A', and 12A″) of the F + H2 system using the multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) level of theory, and the adiabatic-to-diabatic transformation equations were solved to formulate the diabatic Hamiltonian matrix [J. Chem. Phys. 2020, 153, 174301] for the entire region of the nuclear configuration space. The accuracy of such diabatic PESs is explored by performing scattering calculations to evaluate integral cross sections (ICSs) and rate constants. The nonadiabatic and SO effects are studied by utilizing coupled 3D time-dependent wave packet formalism with zero and nonzero total angular momentum on multiple adiabatic/diabatic surfaces calculation. We depict the convergence profiles of reaction probabilities for the reactive as well as nonreactive processes on various electronic states at different collision energies with respect to total angular momentum including all helicity quantum numbers. Finally, total ICSs are calculated as functions of collision energies for the initial rovibrational state (v = 0, j = 0) of the H2 molecule along with the temperature-dependent rate coefficient, where those quantities are compared with previous theoretical and experimental results.

Medial surface plating of posterior column through the anterior intrapelvic approach in acetabulum fractures with involvement of both columns.

Aims: Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the morbidity in acetabular fractures that require stabilization of both the columns. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of posterior column plating through the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) in the management of acetabular fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, India, from June 2018 to April 2023. Overall, there were 34 acetabulum fractures involving both columns managed by medial buttress plating of posterior column. The posterior column of the acetabular fracture was fixed through the AIP approach with buttress plate on medial surface of posterior column. Mean follow-up was 25 months (13 to 58). Accuracy of reduction and effectiveness of this technique were measured by assessing the Merle d'Aubigné score and Matta's radiological grading at one year and at latest follow-up. Results: Immediate postoperative radiological Matta's reduction accuracy showed anatomical reduction (0 to 1 mm) in 23 cases (67.6%), satisfactory (2 to 3 mm) in nine (26.4%), and unsatisfactory (> 3 mm) in two (6%). Merle d'Aubigné score at the end of one year was calculated to be excellent in 18 cases (52.9%), good in 11 (32.3%), fair in three (8.8%), and poor in two (5.9%). Matta's radiological grading at the end of one year was calculated to be excellent in 16 cases (47%), good in nine (26.4%), six in fair (17.6%), and three in poor (8.8%). Merle d'Aubigné score at latest follow-up deteriorated by one point in some cases, but the grading remained the same; Matta's radiological grading at latest follow-up also remained unchanged. Conclusion: Stabilization of posterior column through AIP by medial surface plate along the sciatic notch gives good stability to posterior column, and at the same time can avoid morbidity of the additional lateral window.

Sequential output information based predictive control for event-triggered networked control systems.

In a Networked Control System (NCS), event-triggering is often used to reduce the number of network transmission instances and improve network usage. This paper considers transmitting output data rather than the estimated state for such event-triggered schemes. Output transmission facilitates efficient transmission by reducing the size of the packets sent over the network. However, since the state observer utilizes delayed information output transmission deteriorates system performance and requires improved observer-based prediction schemes for closed-loop control. The performance of a new scheme involving the transmission of sequential output information in a single packet to improve the state observer's performance is demonstrated in this paper. A sequential observer is constructed that uses successive output information to better observe the states, and a prediction scheme is used to take care of the delays due to event-triggering, network delays, and dropouts. Further, event-triggering is employed in both the feedback and forward channels. The demonstrated efficacy of this sequential approach in the networked control of an inverted pendulum system and a DC motor system emphasizes its potential as a practical solution for improved control in NCSs, particularly in the face of network constraints and communication challenges.

Optically active two-dimensional MoS2-based nanohybrids for various biosensing applications: A comprehensive review.

Following the discovery of graphene, there has been a surge in exploring other two-dimensional (2D) nanocrystals, including MoS2. Over the past few decades, MoS2-based nanocrystals have shown great potential applications in biosensing, owing to their excellent physico-chemical properties. Unlike graphene, MoS2 shows layer-dependent finite band gaps (∼1.8 eV for a single layer and ∼1.2 for bulk) and relatively strong interaction with the electromagnetic spectrum. The tunability of the size, shape, and intrinsic properties, such as high optical absorption, electron mobility, mechanical strength and large surface area, of MoS2 nanocrystals, make them excellent alternative probe materials for preparing optical, photothermal, and electrical bio/immunosensors. In this review, we will provide insights into the rapid evolutions in bio/immunosensing applications based on MoS2 and its nanohybrids. We emphasized the various synthesis, characterization, and functionalization routes of 2D MoS2 nanosheets/nanoflakes. Finally, we discussed various fabrication techniques and the critical parameters, including the limit of detection (LOD), linear detection range, and sensitivity of the biosensors. In addition, the role of MoS2 in enhancing the performance of biosensors, the limitations associated with current biosensing technologies, future challenges, and clinical implications are addressed. The advantages/disadvantages of each biosensor technique are also summarized. Collectively, we believe that this review will encourage resolute researchers to follow up further with the state-of-the-art MoS2-based biosensing technology.

Chitosan-insulin nano-formulations as critical modulators of inflammatory cytokines and Nrf-2 pathway to accelerate burn wound healing.

Burn injuries are characterized by prolonged inflammatory phases, neurovascular damage, and hypermetabolism, eventually causing improper tissue regeneration. Insulin has gained considerable attention in normal and diabetic wound healing, yet its role in burn wounds remains poorly understood. In this study, insulin-chitosan nano-formulations (ICNP) were synthesized using a simple and robust mechanism and characterized to monitor specific interactions between insulin and chitosan, and the particles measuring approximately 30 nm in size exhibited mild alterations in the amide I, II, and III bonds of the insulin protein along with impressive insulin loading efficiency of 88.725 ± 0.295% under physiological conditions, and significantly improved burn wound healing in vitro (HEKa cells) and in vivo (murine third-degree burn model). The underlying mechanism behind superior wound closure and tissue remodeling was attributed to significant early phase reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 levels in ICNP-treated mice, while anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels became markedly elevated, resulting in enhanced re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. Furthermore, treatment of ICNP was associated with unregulated expression of Nrf-2, a key regulator of oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating their molecular crosstalk. These findings highlight the potential of ICNP as a promising therapeutic formulation for burn wound healing, promoting wound closure by modulating inflammatory phases, making it a valuable candidate for further clinical development in burn care.