Open-Bundle Structure as the Unfolding Intermediate of Cytochrome c′ Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering

The dynamic structure changes, including the unfolding, dimerization, and transition from the compact to the open-bundle unfolding intermediate structure of Cyt c′, were detected by a small-angle neutron scattering experiment (SANS). The structure of Cyt c′ was changed into an unstructured random coil at pD = 1.7 (Rg = 25 Å for the Cyt c′ monomer). The four-α-helix bundle structure of Cyt c′ at neutral pH was transitioned to an open-bundle structure (at pD ~13), which is given by a numerical partial scattering function analysis as a joint-clubs model consisting of four clubs (α-helices) connected by short loops. The compactly folded structure of Cyt c′ (radius of gyration, Rg = 18 Å for the Cyt c′ dimer) at neutral or mildly alkaline pD transited to a remarkably larger open-bundle structure at pD ~13 (Rg = 25 Å for the Cyt c′ monomer). The open-bundle structure was also supported by ab initio modeling.

On the Topological Structure of Nonlocal Continuum Field Theories

An alternative to conventional spacetime is proposed and rigorously formulated for nonlocal continuum field theories through the deployment of a fiber bundle-based superspace extension method. We develop, in increasing complexity, the concept of nonlocality starting from general considerations, going through spatial dispersion, and ending up with a broad formulation that unveils the link between general topology and nonlocality in generic material media. It is shown that nonlocality naturally leads to a Banach (vector) bundle structure serving as an enlarged space (superspace) inside which physical processes, such as the electromagnetic ones, take place. The added structures, essentially fibered spaces, model the topological microdomains of physics-based nonlocality and provide a fine-grained geometrical picture of field–matter interactions in nonlocal metamaterials. We utilize standard techniques in the theory of smooth manifolds to construct the Banach bundle structure by paying careful attention to the relevant physics. The electromagnetic response tensor is then reformulated as a superspace bundle homomorphism and the various tools needed to proceed from the local topology of microdomains to global domains are developed. For concreteness and simplicity, our presentations of both the fundamental theory and the examples given to illustrate the mathematics all emphasize the case of electromagnetic field theory, but the superspace formalism developed here is quite general and can be easily extended to other types of nonlocal continuum field theories. An application to fundamental theory is given, which consists of utilizing the proposed superspace theory of nonlocal metamaterials in order to explain why nonlocal electromagnetic materials often require additional boundary conditions or extra input from microscopic theory relative to local electromagnetism, where in the latter case such extra input is not needed. Real-life case studies quantitatively illustrating the microdomain structure in nonlocal semiconductors are provided. Moreover, in a series of connected appendices, we outline a new broad view of the emerging field of nonlocal electromagnetism in material domains, which, together with the main superspace formalism introduced in the main text, may be considered a new unified general introduction to the physics and methods of nonlocal metamaterials.

Efficient Solar-Driven Water Purification Based on Biochar with Multi-Level Pore Bundle Structure for Preparation of Drinking Water

Water is an important source for humankind. However, the amount of available clean water has rapidly reduced worldwide. To combat this issue, the solar-energy-driven evaporation technique is newly proposed to produce clean water. Here, biochar derived from sorghum stalk with a multi-level pore bundle structure is utilized to fabricate a solar-driven evaporator for the first time. The biochar displays rapid water transfer and low thermal conductivity (ca. 0.0405 W m−1 K−1), which is vitally important for such an application purpose. The evaporation rate and energy conversion efficiency of the solar evaporator based on carbonized sorghum stalk can achieve up to 3.173 kg m−2 h−1 and 100%, respectively, which are better than most of the previously reported biomass materials. Furthermore, the carbonized sorghum stalk also displays good resistance to salt crystallization, anti-acidic/basic, and organic pollutants by producing drinking water using seawater, acidic/basic waste water, and organic polluted water, respectively. The direct application of processed water in food production was also investigated. The present solar steam evaporator based on the carbonized sorghum stalk has the potential to create practical drinking water production by using various water sources.

Symmetries of complex analytic vector fields with an essential singularity on the Riemann sphere

We consider the family ℰ (s, r, d) of all singular complex analytic vector fields X ( z ) = Q ( z ) P ( z ) e E ( z ) ∂ ∂ z $X(z)=\frac{Q(z)}{P(z)}{{e}^{E(z)}}\frac{\partial }{\partial z}$ on the Riemann sphere where Q, P, ℰ are polynomials with deg Q = s, deg P = r and deg ℰ = d ≥ 1. Using the pullback action of the affine group Aut(ℂ) and the divisors for X, we calculate the isotropy groups Aut(ℂ) X of discrete symmetries for X ∈ ℰ (s, r, d). The subfamily ℰ (s, r, d)id of those X with trivial isotropy group in Aut(ℂ) is endowed with a holomorphic trivial principal Aut(ℂ)-bundle structure. A necessary and sufficient arithmetic condition on s, r, d ensuring the equality ℰ (s, r, d) = ℰ (s, r, d)id is presented. Moreover, those X ∈ ℰ (s, r, d) \ ℰ (s, r, d)id with non-trivial isotropy are realized. This yields explicit global normal forms for all X ∈ ℰ (s, r, d). A natural dictionary between analytic tensors, vector fields, 1-forms, orientable quadratic differentials and functions on Riemann surfaces M is extended as follows. In the presence of nontrivial discrete symmetries Γ < Aut(M), the dictionary describes the correspondence between Γ-invariant tensors on M and tensors on M /Γ.

A genetic compensatory mechanism regulated by c-Jun and Mef2d modulates the expression of distinct class IIa HDACs to ensure peripheral nerve myelination and repair

ABSTRACTThe class IIa histone-deacetylases (HDACs) have pivotal roles in the development of different tissues. Of this family, Schwann cells express HDAC4, 5 and 7 but not HDCA9. Here we show that a transcription factor regulated genetic compensatory mechanism within this family of proteins, blocks negative regulators of myelination ensuring peripheral nerve developmental myelination and remyelination after injury. Thus, when HDAC4 and 5 are knocked-out from Schwann cells, a c-Jun dependent mechanism induces the compensatory overexpression of HDAC7 permitting, although with a delay, the formation of a myelin sheath. When HDAC4,5 and 7 are simultaneously removed, the Myocyte- specific enhancer-factor d (Mef2d) binds to the promoter and induces the de novo expression of HDAC9, and although several melanocytic- lineage genes are mis- expressed and Remak bundle structure is disrupted, myelination proceeds after a long delay. Thus, our data unveil a finely tuned compensatory mechanism within the class IIa HDAC family, coordinated by distinct transcription factors, that guarantees the ability of Schwann cells to myelinate during development and remyelinate after nerve injury.

Open-Bundle Structure as the Unfolding Intermediate of Cytochrome c’ Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering

The open-bundle structure of cytochrome c&rsquo; as an unfolding intermediate was determined by small-angle neutron scattering experiment (SANS). The four-&alpha;-helix bundle structure of Cyt c&rsquo; at neutral pH was transited to an open-bundle structure (at pD ~13), which is a joint-clubs consisting of four clubs (&alpha;-helices) connected by short loops. The compactly folded structure of Cyt c&rsquo; (radius of gyration, Rg = 18 &Aring; for the Cyt c&rsquo; dimer) at neutral or mildly alkaline pD transitioned to a remarkably larger &ldquo;open-bundle&rdquo; structure at pD ~13 (Rg = 25 &Aring; for the Cyt c&rsquo; monomer). Cyt c&rsquo; adopts an unstructured random coil structure at pD = 1.7 (Rg = 25 &Aring; for the Cyt c&rsquo; monomer). Numerical partial scattering function analysis (joint-clubs) and ab initio modelling gave structures similar to the &ldquo;open-bundle&rdquo;, which retains the &alpha;-helices but loses the bundle structure.

Variation in Tensile Properties of Single Vascular Bundles in Moso Bamboo

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), an apt example of an anisotropic, functionally graded composite material, is the most important commercial bamboo species of China. This species has excellent mechanical properties due to its unique vascular bundle structure. This article examines the variation in mechanical properties of single vascular bundles with respect to their location within a bamboo culm. The mechanical exfoliation method was used to prepare the single vascular bundle. This study found that moso bamboo has superior stiffness and strength. Additionally, the variation in properties was large in the radial direction but minimal in longitudinal direction. The large variation in mechanical properties of vascular bundles can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the fibrous sheath and parenchyma rather than to changes in fibrous sheath properties. This study provides a basis for the structure application for moso bamboo.

Simulation of Leather Visco-Elastic Behavior Based on Collagen Fiber-Bundle Properties and a Meso-Structure Network Model

Simulation-based prediction of mechanical properties is highly desirable for optimal choice and treatment of leather. Nowadays, this is state-of-the-art for many man-made materials. For the natural material leather, this task is however much more demanding due to the leather’s high variability and its extremely intricate structure. Here, essential geometric features of the leather’s meso-scale are derived from 3D images obtained by micro-computed tomography and subsumed in a parameterizable structural model. That is, the fiber-bundle structure is modeled. The structure model is combined with bundle properties derived from tensile tests. Then the effective leather visco-elastic properties are simulated numerically in the finite element representation of the bundle structure model with sliding contacts between bundles. The simulation results are validated experimentally for two animal types, several tanning procedures, and varying sample positions within the hide. Finally, a complete workflow for assessing leather quality by multi-scale simulation of elastic and visco-elastic properties is established and validated.