Microenvironment-Sensitive Fluorescent Ligand Binds Ascaris Telomere Antiparallel G-Quadruplex DNA with Blue-Shift and Enhanced Emission

The development of small molecules that can selectively target G-quadruplex (G4) DNAs has drawn considerable attention due to their unique physiological and pathological functions. However, only a few molecules have been found to selectively bind a particular G4 DNA structure. We have developed a fluorescence ligand Q1 , a molecular scaffold with a carbazole–pyridine core bridged by a phenylboronic acid side chain, that acts as a selective ascaris telomere antiparallel G4 DNA ASC20 ligand with about 18 nm blue-shifted and enhanced fluorescence intensity. Photophysical properties revealed that Q1 was sensitive to the microenvironment and gave the best selectivity to ASC20 with an equilibrium binding constant K_a=6.04×10⁵ M⁻¹. Time-resolved fluorescence studies also demonstrated that Q1 showed a longer fluorescence lifetime in the presence of ASC20. The binding characteristics of Q1 with ASC20 were shown in detail in a fluorescent intercalator displacement (FID) assay, a 2-Ap titration experiment and by molecular docking. Ligand Q1 could adopt an appropriate pose at terminal G-quartets of ASC20 through multiple interactions including π–π stacking between aromatic rings; this led to strong fluorescence enhancement. In addition, a co-staining image showed that Q1 is mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Accordingly, this work provides insights for the development of ligands that selectively targeting a specific G4 DNA structure.     

Ab initio calculations of the NO2 fission for CL-20 conformers

NO₂ fission is regarded to be the most important initial decomposition process of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20). In this study, four CL-20 conformers based on the ε-CL-20 were obtained after the optimization at m062x/cc-pvtz level, and the bond length, bond order and bond dissociation energy of the N-N bonds were examined to investigate the stability of these bonds. In addition, the rate constants and activation energy of the NO₂ fission were evaluated using the microcanonical variational transition state theory (μVT). The calculation results have shown that N-N bonds in the case of pseudo-equatorial and axial of nitro groups are the most stable and the least stable, respectively, by evaluating the bond length, bond order and minimum energy path (MEP). The NO₂ fission rate constants are affected by not only the stability of N-N bonds but also the repulsion forces from the other nitro groups, and the fission process for pseudo-equatorial positioning of nitro groups is easier to be accelerated due to the increase of the repulsion forces. The decomposition of CL-20 conformer may mainly originate from the fission of the pseudo-equatorial positioning of nitro groups, especially for CL-20 III conformer because of the significant low activation energy.     

高压下CL-20拉曼光谱和红外光谱相变研究

为了更好地认识和了解CL-20晶体结构演变规律和相变行为,利用金刚石对顶砧超高压实验技术,在0~50GPa下,研究了高压下ε-CL-20的原位拉曼光谱和红外光谱。结果表明,CL-20晶体在整个加压过程中存在两个相变,第一个相变发生在4.2~7.5GPa,认为是ε相到对称性更低的γ相转变,相变产生的原因是在压强的作用下,笼环外的硝基方向发生改变,电子云密度重置导致的分子构型转变;第二个相变发生在14.2~18.9GPa,属于γ相到ζ相的晶体结构转变;卸压后,拉曼和红外光谱恢复常压状态,表明CL-20晶体在研究压强范围内的相变过程是可逆的。     

How hydrogen-storage material affects the decomposition of nitramine explosive: CPMD investigations of LAB-doped CL20

As the most popular high-energy explosives, 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo [5.5.0.0.0] dodecane (Simplified as HNIW or CL20) attracts many attentions for improving its detonation appearance in the application. Here we introduce hydrogen-storage compounds into explosives to estimate the possible improved detonation performances by Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulation, where we construct lithium amidoborane (LAB) doped CL20 as the initial structure. Almost all the interactions between hydrogen and CL20 appear exothermic properties, which indicate LAB increases the enthalpies of detonation. The results suggest explosive mixed with hydrogen-storage material is possibly a new field of energetic compound.     

The Role of Cell Cycle Regulators in Cell Survival—Dual Functions of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 20 and p21Cip1/Waf1

The mammalian cell cycle is important in controlling normal cell proliferation and the development of various diseases. Cell cycle checkpoints are well regulated by both activators and inhibitors to avoid cell growth disorder and cancerogenesis. Cyclin dependent kinase 20 (CDK20) and p21^Cip1/Waf1 are widely recognized as key regulators of cell cycle checkpoints controlling cell proliferation/growth and involving in developing multiple cancers. Emerging evidence demonstrates that these two cell cycle regulators also play an essential role in promoting cell survival independent of the cell cycle, particularly in those cells with a limited capability of proliferation, such as cardiomyocytes. These findings bring new insights into understanding cytoprotection in these tissues. Here, we summarize the new progress of the studies on these two molecules in regulating cell cycle/growth, and their new roles in cell survival by inhibiting various cell death mechanisms. We also outline their potential implications in cancerogenesis and protection in heart diseases. This information renews the knowledge in molecular natures and cellular functions of these regulators, leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the associated diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.     

Materials aspects associated with the addition of up to 20 mol% hydrogen into an existing natural gas distribution network

The introduction of hydrogen into the UK natural gas main has been reviewed in terms of how materials within the gas distribution network may be affected by contact with up to 80% Natural Gas (NG)/20 mol% hydrogen blend at up to 2 barg. A range of metallic, polymeric and elastomeric materials in the gas distribution network (GDN) were assessed via a combination of literature review and targeted practical test programmes.The work considered:? The effect of hydrogen on metallic materials identified in the network.? The effect of hydrogen on polymeric materials identified in the network.? The effect of hydrogen exposure on polyethylene pipeline joining and repair techniques (squeeze-off, and socket and saddle electrofusion joints)The experimental work involved soaking materials, under pressure conditions representative of the network, in 100% hydrogen, 20% hydrogen in methane, and 100% methane. For the metal samples, the test programme involved the assessment of hydrogen uptake on the tensile properties. For the polyethylene samples, the test programme looked at the assessment of possible hydrogen absorption/desorption and its effect on electrofusion jointing.The trials concluded that the majority of metallic materials showed no significant deterioration in mechanical (tensile) properties when stored in hydrogen environments compared to those stored in analogous methane or blended gas atmospheres up to 2 barg. Polymeric materials showed no deterioration to efficiency of squeeze-off or collar electrofusion in socket or shoulder orientations following soaking in hydrogen, methane or hydrogen blends.     

Protection efficiencies of surface-active inhibitors in zinc-air batteries

Zinc (Zn) particles in alkaline electrolyte of a Zn-air battery (ZAB) are unstable and prone to corrosion. Zinc oxide (ZnO) generated on the surface of Zn particles affects the electrochemical reactions and reduces the battery efficiency. Thus, inhibiting the self-corrosion rate of Zn particles has become acritical issue for the development of these batteries. In this study, a research endeavor has been attempted by employing three types and concentrations of organic inhibitors in ZABs to constrain Zn anode corrosion. Significant analyses like polarization curve, constant current discharge, AC impedance, and dendrite growth are executed for in-depth understanding of the influences of these inhibitors. The experimental results reveal that the inhibiting efficiency of 10 wt% Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate surpassed polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600) and polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), with a maximum current density of 476.20 mA/cm² and voltage output of 1.4 V along with discharge capacitance of 10.31 Ah for 2 hours and 8 minutes. Zn anode surface analysis exposes significant dendrite growth and elemental Zn required for passivation suppression. Nevertheless, the results are also justified by Nyquist and Bode plots. Thus, the selected inhibitor will proficiently guarantee the enhanced performance and stability of the ZABs obtained and provide enormous opportunities for its applications.     

几种多态含能材料构型转变的DFT研究

为了从分子层面上对含能材料不同分子构型间的转变情况有一个直观认识,借助Gaussian 09软件,运用密度泛函理论(DFT),采用TS算法搜寻β-RDX→α-RDX、γ-HMX→β-HMX、ε-CL-20→β-CL-20及β-FOX-7→α-FOX-7在分子构型转变过程中的过渡态结构,确定了它们的构型转变过程;并通过计算吉布斯自由能随构型转变路径的变化,比较多态含能材料分子构型转变的难易程度。结果表明,由亚稳晶型到稳定晶型的转变首先会越过过渡态,克服自由能能垒转变为亚稳态结构,实现β-RDX→α-RDX、γ-HMX→β-HMX、ε-CL-20→β-CL-20及β-FOX-7→α-FOX-7分子构型转变分别需要克服的自由能能垒分别为5.25、22.21、9.69和10.24kJ/mol。因此,常温常压下β-RDX→α-RDX、γ-HMX→β-HMX、ε-CL-20→β-CL-20及β-FOX-7→α-FOX-7构型转变的难度大小排序为:HMX>>FOX-7>CL-20>RDX。     

LLM-105/CL-20基高能钝感PBX的制备与性能表征

为满足含能材料高能钝感的要求,以CL-20为主体炸药,LLM-105为钝感剂,采用溶液水悬浮法制备了LLM-105质量分数分别为10%、20%、30%的3种LLM-105/CL-20基PBX。通过扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、粉末X射线衍射仪(PXRD)和差示扫描量热仪(DSC)对样品的形貌、晶体结构和热性能进行表征,并测试其机械感度;采用EXPLO5软件计算了其爆轰参数。结果表明,LLM-105/CL-20基PBX样品呈类球形,颗粒密实,粒径约为500μm;PBX中各组分的晶体结构未发生改变;3种配方的热安定性都较好,且随着钝感剂LLM-105含量的增加,LLM-105/CL-20基PBX的热爆炸临界温度呈递增趋势;与原料CL-20相比,3种LLM-105/CL-20基PBX的特性落高分别提高了25.88、33.68、37.18 cm,摩擦爆炸概率分别下降29%、38%、45%;LLM-105质量分数为10%的LLM-105/CL-20基PBX的特性落高与PBX-9501相当,而LLM-105质量分数为20%和30%的LLM-105/CL-20基PBX分别比PBX-9501高16.6%和25.12%;理论爆速分别高381.76、279.2、82.03 m/s。3种配方LLM-105/CL-20基PBX炸药的爆轰性能明显优于PBX-9501。     

Effect of microstructure on the fatigue crack growth behaviour of a near-α Ti alloy

Fatigue crack growth behaviour of Ti–6Al–2Zr–1.5Mo–1.5V (VT-20 a near-α Ti alloy) was studied in lamellar, bimodal and acicular microstructural conditions. Fatigue crack growth tests at both increasing and decreasing stress intensity factor range values were performed at ambient temperature and a loading ratio of 0.3 using compact tension samples. Lamellar and acicular microstructures showed lower fatigue crack growth rates as compared to the bimodal microstructure due to the tortuous nature of cracks in the former and the cleavage of primary α in the latter. The threshold stress intensity factor range was highest for acicular microstructure.