Controlled Growth of Indium Selenides by High-Pressure and High-Temperature Method

The controlled growth of indium selenides has attracted considerable research interests in condensed matter physics and materials science yet remains a challenge due to the complexity of the indium–selenium phase diagram. Here, we demonstrate the successful growth of indium selenides in a controllable manner using the high-pressure and high-temperature growth technique. The γ-InSe and α-In2Se3 crystals with completely different stoichiometries and stacking manner of atomic layers have been controlled grown by subtle tuning growth temperature, duration time, and growth pressure. The as-grown γ-InSe crystal features a semiconducting property with a prominent photoluminescence peak of ∼1.23 eV, while the α-In2Se3 crystal is ferroelectric. Our findings could lead to a surge of interest in the development of the controlled growth of high-quality van der Waal crystals using the high-pressure and high-temperature growth technique and will open perspectives for further investigation of fascinating properties and potential practical application of van der Waal crystals.

Whole-cell catalysis by surface display of fluorinase on Escherichia coli using N-terminal domain of ice nucleation protein

BackgroundFluorinases play a unique role in producing fluorinated organic molecules through a biological method. Whole-cell catalysis is a better choice in the large-scale fermentation processes, and over 60% of industrial biocatalysis uses this method. However, the in vivo catalytic efficiency of fluorinases is stuck with the mass transfer of the substrates.ResultsA gene sequence encoding a protein with fluorinase function was fused to the N-terminal of ice nucleation protein, and the fused protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells. SDS-PAGE and Immunofluorescence microscopy were used to demonstrate the surface localization of the fusion protein. The fluorinase-containing surface display system with improved whole-cell catalytic efficiency and stability showed low growth pressure on the protein expressing host. The conversion rate of 5′-fluorodeoxyadenosine (5′-FDA) from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) achieved 55%.ConclusionsHere, we created the fluorinase-containing surface display system on E.coli cells for the first time. The fluorinase was successfully displayed on the surface of Escherichia coli and maintained its catalytic activity. The surface display offers a new solution for the industrial application of biological fluorination.

Modeling Interactions among Migration, Growth and Pressure in Tumor Dynamics

What are the biomechanical implications in the dynamics and evolution of a growing solid tumor? Although the analysis of some of the biochemical aspects related to the signaling pathways involved in the spread of tumors has advanced notably in recent times, their feedback with the mechanical aspects is a crucial challenge for a global understanding of the problem. The aim of this paper is to try to illustrate the role and the interaction between some evolutionary processes (growth, pressure, homeostasis, elasticity, or dispersion by flux-saturated and porous media) that lead to collective cell dynamics and defines a propagation front that is in agreement with the experimental data. The treatment of these topics is approached mainly from the point of view of the modeling and the numerical approach of the resulting system of partial differential equations, which can be placed in the context of the Hele-Shaw-type models. This study proves that local growth terms related to homeostatic pressure give rise to retrograde diffusion phenomena, which compete against migration through flux-saturated dispersion terms.

High hydrostatic pressure shapes the development and production of secondary metabolites of Mariana Trench sediment fungi

The hadal biosphere is one of the least understood ecosystems on our planet. Recent studies have revealed diverse and active communities of prokaryotes in hadal sediment. However, there have been few studies on fungi in hadal sediment. Here we report the first isolation and cultivation of 8 fungi from the Mariana Trench sediment. The individual colonies were isolated and identified as Stemphylium sp., Cladosporium sp., Arthrinium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., and Aspergillus sp. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) test was carried out to identify the piezophily of these hadal fungi. Among them, 7 out of the 8 fungal isolates exhibited the ability of germination after incubation under 40 MPa for 7 days. Vegetative growth of the isolates was also affected by HHP. Characterization of secondary metabolites under different pressure conditions was also performed. The production of secondary metabolites was affected by the HHP treatment, improving the potential of discovering novel natural products from hadal fungi. The antibacterial assay revealed the potential of discovering novel natural products. Our results suggest that fungal growth pressure plays an important role in the development and production of secondary metabolites of these hadal fungi under the extreme environment in the Mariana Trench.

How can family firms cope with growth? Contribution to accelerationism

PurposeAccelerationist thinking needs an organizational lens to progress. This paper explores how family firms cope with growth pressure.Design/methodology/approachFive case studies of French family multinationals, including semi-directive interviews conducted with senior, middle managers and operational employees showed how these allegedly “human-oriented organizations” have handled growth.FindingsFour organizational change initiatives were undertaken: (1) the transition from a functional structure to a matrix model, (2) the formalization of a corporate value system, (3) the centralization of an information and communication system and (4) the involvement of external consultants. Further analyses suggested an empowerment-control tension. In line with previous critical work on business empowerment practices, these organizational initiatives conceal a control reinforcement. This translates into internalization of repression, among family director, manager, and operational employees, both at headquarters and subsidiaries. Thus, one is misguided if turning to family firms to escape from becoming both subject and driver of control as they are submitted to the same market pressures as others, pressure condemned by accelerationists.Practical implicationsAccelerationism thinking aims at a post-capitalist era and is a fertile ground for collective reflection, which should feedback the family organization with a brighter future. The family firm can only acknowledge this compelling phenomenon and fulfill its role of society stakeholder raised to a higher level.Originality/valueFamily businesses, themselves, roll out their own repressive mechanisms due to the market system. This paper connects two literature studies: family business growth and accelerationism thinking.