The Possibility of Dense Materials Based on Obtaining an AlN–SiC Solid Solution by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Gasostating

Russian Journal of Non-Ferrous Metals - The synthesis and sintering of the (AlN)x(SiC)1 – x solid solution have been studied under conditions of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis...     

Crossing the Border: From Keto- to Imine Reduction in Short-Chain Dehydrogenases/Reductases

The family of NAD(P)H-dependent short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) comprises numerous biocatalysts capable of C=O or C=C reduction. The highly homologous noroxomaritidine reductase (NR) from Narcissus sp. aff. pseudonarcissus and Zt_SDR from Zephyranthes treatiae, however, are SDRs with an extended imine substrate scope. Comparison with a similar SDR from Asparagus officinalis (Ao_SDR) exhibiting keto-reducing activity, yet negligible imine-reducing capability, and mining the Short-Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase Engineering Database indicated that NR and Zt_SDR possess a unique active-site composition among SDRs. Adapting the active site of Ao_SDR accordingly improved its imine-reducing capability. By applying the same strategy, an unrelated SDR from Methylobacterium sp. 77 (M77_SDR) with distinct keto-reducing activity was engineered into a promiscuous enzyme with imine-reducing activity, thereby confirming that the ability to reduce imines can be rationally introduced into members of the “classical” SDR enzyme family. Thus, members of the SDR family could be a promising starting point for protein approaches to generate new imine-reducing enzymes.     

Temperature and frequency characteristics of composites with semiconductor fillers

The paper describes the results of a study on the temperature and frequency dependences of the dielectric permeability and dielectric loss tangent of composite materials composed of low density polyethylene filled with cadmium sulfide (LDPE/CdS) and indium(III) selenide (LDPE/In₂Se₃) in the temperature range of 300–450 K and a frequency range of 0–10¹⁴ Hz. It is revealed that a variation in the filler content and the effect of external factors can yield novel composite materials with desired dielectric characteristics.     

Divide-and-Conquer Matrisome Protein (DC-MaP) Strategy: An MS-Friendly Approach to Proteomic Matrisome Characterization

Currently, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is considered a pivotal complex meshwork of macromolecules playing a plethora of biomolecular functions in health and disease beyond its commonly known mechanical role. Only by unraveling its composition can we leverage related tissue engineering and pharmacological efforts. Nevertheless, its unbiased proteomic identification still encounters some limitations mainly due to partial ECM enrichment by precipitation, sequential fractionation using unfriendly-mass spectrometry (MS) detergents, and resuspension with harsh reagents that need to be entirely removed prior to analysis. These methods can be technically challenging and labor-intensive, which affects the reproducibility of ECM identification and induces protein loss. Here, we present a simple new method applicable to tissue fragments of 10 mg and more. The technique has been validated on human ovarian tissue and involves a standardized procedure for sample processing with an MS-compatible detergent and combined centrifugation. This two-step protocol eliminates the need for laborious sample clarification and divides our samples into 2 fractions, soluble and insoluble, successively enriched with matrisome-associated (ECM-interacting) and core matrisome (structural ECM) proteins.     

He Bubble Concentration,Size and Strain in Implanted Aluminum by SAXS/WAXS

JOM - Alpha-radiation damage in metals is a concern for long-term radioactive storage and systems that produce nuclear energy. Accurate prediction of irradiated material properties and failure...     

Theoretical Strength of Borides and Quasibinary Boride Eutectics at High Temperatures

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - The theoretical strength of LaB6 and MeB2 borides and a eutectic LaB6–TiB2 system is calculated with quasiharmonic approximation for uniaxial strain in...