Supporting Information files for Charge transport through functionalized graphene quantum dots embedded in polyaniline matrix

Supporting Information files for Charge transport through functionalized graphene quantum dots embedded in polyaniline matrix.Nitrogen-functionalized graphene quantum dots embedded in polyaniline matrix (NGQD-PANI) are extremely promising candidates for the development of next-generation sensors and for thermoelectric materials design with the distinct advantage of tunability of electronic properties by controlled doping and/or by controlling the inherent disorder in the microstructure. While their application is increasing in photovoltaics, energy storage and sensing technologies, a clear understanding of conduction in these hybrid systems is lacking. Here, we report a comprehensive study of NGQD-PANI composites with varying NGQD doping levels over a wide range of temperature. We show distinct regimes of conduction as a function of temperature which include: a transition from Efros-Shklovskii and Larkin-Khmelnitskii variable range hopping at low temperatures to thermally driven electron transport at higher temperatures. Importantly, we find a remarkable 50-fold enhancement in conductivity for 10% NGQD doped samples and tunability of the crossover temperature between different regimes as a function of the applied voltage bias and doping. Our work provides a general framework to understand the interplay of extrinsic parameters like temperature and voltage bias with intrinsic material properties like doping which drives the electronic properties in these hybrid systems of technological importance.<br

Charge transport through functionalized graphene quantum dots embedded in a polyaniline matrix

Nitrogen-functionalized graphene quantum dots embedded in a polyaniline matrix (NGQD−PANI) are extremely promising candidates for the development of next-generation sensors and for thermoelectric materials design with the distinct advantage of tunability of electronic properties by controlled doping and/or by controlling the inherent disorder in the microstructure. While their application is increasing in photovoltaics, energy storage, and sensing technologies, a clear understanding of conduction in these hybrid systems is lacking. Here, we report a comprehensive study of NGQD−PANI composites with varying NGQD doping levels over a wide range of temperature. We show distinct regimes of conduction as a function of temperature, which include: a transition from Efros− Shklovskii and Larkin−Khmelnitskii variable range hopping at low temperatures to thermally driven electron transport at higher temperatures. Importantly, we find a remarkable 50-fold enhancement in conductivity for 10% NGQD-doped samples and tunability of the crossover temperature between different regimes as a function of the applied voltage bias and doping. Our work provides a general framework to understand the interplay of extrinsic parameters like temperature and voltage bias with intrinsic material properties like doping, which drives the electronic properties in these hybrid systems of technological importance

Galectin-9 Signaling Drives Breast Cancer Invasion through Extracellular Matrix

Aberrations in glycan and lectin expression and function represent one of the earliest hallmarks of cancer. Among galectins, a conserved family of β-galactoside-binding lectins, the role of Galectin-9 in immune-tumor interactions is well-established, although its effect on cancer cell behavior remains unclear. In this study, we assayed for, and observed, an association between Galectin-9 expression and invasiveness of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Genetic perturbation and pharmacological inhibition using novel cognate inhibitors confirmed a positive correlation between Galectin-9 levels and the adhesion of invasive cancer cells to─and their invasion through─constituted organomimetic extracellular matrix microenvironments. Signaling experiments and unbiased quantitative proteomics revealed Galectin-9 induction of Focal Adhesion Kinase activity and S100A4 expression, respectively. FAK inhibition decreased S100A4 mRNA levels. Our results provide crucial insights into how elevated Galectin-9 expression potentiates the invasiveness of breast cancer cells during early steps of invasion

Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress, Vishakhapatnam, 2022.

Animal experimentation has been integral to drug discovery and development and safety assessment for many years, since it provides insights into the mechanisms of drug efficacy and toxicity (e.g. pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics). However, due to species differences in physiology, metabolism and sensitivity to drugs, the animal models can often fail to replicate the effects of drugs and chemicals in human patients, workers and consumers. Researchers across the globe are increasingly applying the Three Rs principles by employing innovative methods in research and testing. The Three Rs concept focuses on: the replacement of animal models (e.g. with in vitro and in silico models or human studies), on the reduction of the number of animals required to achieve research objectives, and on the refinement of existing experimental practices (e.g. eliminating distress and enhancing animal wellbeing). For the last two years, Oncoseek Bio-Acasta Health, a 3-D cell culture-based cutting-edge translational biotechnology company, has organised an annual International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress. This series of global conferences aims to bring together researchers with diverse expertise and interests, and provides a platform where they can share and discuss their research to promote practices according to the Three Rs principles. In November 2022, the 3rd international conference, Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Al- ternatives, took place at the GITAM University in Vishakhapatnam (AP, India) in a hybrid format (i.e. online and in- person). These conference proceedings provide details of the presentations, which were categorised under five different topic sessions. It also describes a special interactive session on in silico strategies for preclinical research in oncology, which was held at the end of the first day