Specific Structural Features Research Articles

Structure basis of CFTR folding, function and pharmacology

The root cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common life-shortening genetic disease in the Caucasian population, is the loss of function of the CFTR protein, which serves as a phosphorylation-activated, ATP-gated anion channel in numerous epithelia-lining tissues. In the past decade, high-throughput drug screening has made a significant stride in developing highly effective CFTR modulators for the treatment of CF. Meanwhile, structural-biology studies have succeeded in solving the high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) structure of CFTR in different conformations. Here, we provide a brief overview of some striking features of CFTR folding, function and pharmacology, in light of its specific structural features within the ABC-transporter superfamily. A particular focus is given to CFTR's first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1), because folding of NBD1 constitutes a bottleneck in the CFTR protein biogenesis pathway, and ATP binding to this domain plays a unique role in the functional stability of CFTR. Unraveling the molecular basis of CFTR folding, function, and pharmacology would inspire the development of next-generation mutation-specific CFTR modulators.

Critical Analysis of MXene Production with In‐Situ HF Forming Agents for Sustainable Manufacturing

AbstractMXenes are an emerging class of materials considered for many applications, such as sensors, catalysis, energy storage devices. The main obstacle towards their massive implementation is the synthesis requiring the direct use of HF as etching agent. The development of alternative synthetic routes exploiting in‐situ forming HF agents is the main strategies to overcome this limitation. In this study four different etching methods based on the use of NH4HF2, NaF−HCl, HBF4, and NaBF4−HCl are compared to produce Ti3C2Tx from Ti3AlC2 towards the application of MXenes in sodium ion batteries. Three of such etching methods have already been reported while one is here presented for the first time. The structural analysis of the obtained products is based on X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. All the materials have been tested in half‐cell configuration vs. Na; the charge/discharge profiles and the C‐rate tests are discussed and related to specific structural features. Overall, the results reveal that the MXene obtained using the HBF4 etching agent under mild conditions is comparable both in structure and functional properties to the benchmark material, i. e., the MXene produced using HF at 5 % concentration. Indeed, the MXene synthetized with the HBF4 presents the lowest mean voltage and potential hysteresis and shows the highest first cycle efficiency (69.7 %), overcoming the performance of the MXene produced with 5 % HF (67 %). This study proves the possibility to produce MXene with a more sustainable route.

Topological Co-Indices of Molecular Structure of Porphyrazine Network

Topological co-indices are used to measure the strength of a relationship between molecular substance and its properties. A topological co-index is a mathematical representation of a molecular structure that integrates specific physical features of the basic molecular structure and its mathematical representation. Mathematical chemistry uses molecular graphs, which include edges that represent bonds between molecules and vertices that represent atoms, to integrate graph theory with science. Topological co-indices are a type of topological indices that considers separate vertices configurations that are numerical values of the atomic structures, which are used to describe and analyze the various chemical structures. Chemical graph theory brings up more possibilities for scientists. Topological co-indices are frequently used because through this we can save time by determining the topological indices instead of doing time-consuming tests in a research laboratory. In this article, we computed different topological co-indices for the chemical structure of Porphyrazine Network MCIPz(n).

Special features of the surface layer structure of ferritic-martensitic EP-823-Sh steel after prolonged exposure to the flowing lead at 630 °C under low oxygen concentration

The microstructure, the phase and elemental compositions of the surface and near-surface layers of the EP-823-Sh reactor 12 % chromium ferritic-martensitic steel after holding in an oxygen-containing (C[o] = (4–8) × 10−7 wt. %) molten lead flow at 630 °C for 2500 h are investigated. As a result of the liquid lead interaction with the steel samples, an oxide film from 250 nm to 18 µm is formed on their surfaces. It is a layer of Fe-Cr spinel enriched in Si and Mn. An internal oxidation zone of steel with a thickness of 4–10 µm is found under the scale layer. In the internal oxidation zone, both inside the matrix grains and along their boundaries, oxide particles (Cr, Si, Mn)2O3 and Fe3O4 with sizes up to 50 nm are observed. Below this zone, a matrix layer depleted in chromium (with a thickness of ≤ 15 µm) is located. The features of the oxidation zone structure are discussed, the role of alloying elements is determined (identified and validated), and a possible mechanism for the formation of such a zone is proposed.

Thermoregulatory reactions of female buffaloes raised in the sun and in the shade, in the climatic conditions of the rainy season of the Island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil.

Buffaloes are well-adapted to hot, humid climates and muddy terrain, however they show signs of thermal discomfort when exposed to direct sunlight due to their specific structural features such as dark skin, small number of sweat glands/skin area and thick skin. Epidermis layer of the skin, making heat dissipation difficult. The study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort of female buffaloes raised in traditional and silvopastoral systems, on the island of Marajó, Pará, during the rainy season of the year. The experiment was carried out in Cachoeira do Arari, Retiro Grande, Marajó, Pará (00°55'37.814424”S 48°43'48.143060”W). Twenty female Murrah buffaloes, aged between 2 and 3years and average weight of 282 ± 29 kg, were used. They were fed on pasture and divided into two groups: WS group (with shade) and NS group (without shade). The WS group (n = 10) remained grazing in a silvopastoral system, with access to the shade of red Jambeiro (Syzygium malaccense) trees. The NS group (n = 10) was kept in grazing, in a traditional system, without access to the shade of trees or shades. The physiological variables rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and body surface temperature (BST) (forehead, left side of the thorax and left flank) were measured at 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. At the same times, data on air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed (WSP), solar radiation (SR) and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) were also recorded. THI, WSP and SR were higher at 14:00 h (P < 0.05). At 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h there was difference of RT between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals of the NS group had the highest values. In the NS group, the highest value of RT was observed at 14:00 h (39.38 ± 0.43°C), when THI and SR were higher. At 10:00 and 14:00 h, BST was higher in the NS group (p < 0.05), of 34,55 ± 1.03 and 35.35 ± 1.51°C, respectively, and both groups had the highest value of BST at those same times. There was difference of the RR between treatments at 10:00 h and 14:00 h (p < 0.05), where the highest values were found in the NS group (33.71 ± 7.58 e 50.40 ± 18.41 mov./min., respectively). Even in the rainy season of the year, the climatic conditions of Ilha do Marajó are unfavorable to the welfare of buffaloes, especially at 2:00 pm, when the SR is higher. Thus, the use of the system with access to shade, such as silvopastoral, is recommended, in order to provide greater thermal comfort to animals and improve their productivity.

Base modified organic mesoporous silicas, their characterization and application in the aldol reaction of n-butanal

Representative ordered mesoporous silica materials MCM-41 and SBA-15 were synthesized and modified with nitrogen-containing groups by grafting and co-condensation. The created catalytic centers strongly differ in basicity depending on the degree of substitution of the nitrogen atom. Furthermore, the introduced amount also depends on the structure of the modifier as shown by quantitative liquid phase 1H NMR. This allowed to calculate the turnover number in the aldol condensation of n-butanal which changed in the sequence: secondary > primary >> tertiary >> pyridinic basic centers. Corresponding reaction mechanisms considering the special structural features of the modifier are proposed.

Photocatalytic activity of electrospun Fe‐doped ZnO nanofibers: Synthesis, characterization and applications

AbstractFe‐doped ZnO ceramic nanofibers (CNFs) as specific structural features and unique properties synthesized by using electrospun technology. X‐ray diffraction disclosed the wurtzite phase, and the microscopy analysis by SEM revealed the formation uniform nanofibers with 400 nm in diameter. The UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was used to investigation the optical properties of the pristine and the various percentages Fe doped ZnO photocrystalysts. The photo‐reduction activities of photocatalyst were evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as organic contaminant irradiated with simulate solar light from xenon lamp. The photocatalytic results that 1% Fe‐doped ZnO CNFs exhibits efficient visible and UV light activity and excellent photo‐stability. The kinetic constant of MB degradation over 1% Fe‐doped ZnO is about 2.2 times higher than that over pure ZnO. The experiment demonstrated that the photodegradation efficiency of Fe‐doped ZnO was significantly higher than that of undoped ZnO.

Structural Characterization and Quantitation of Ether-Linked Glycerophospholipids in Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorder Tissue by Ultraviolet Photodissociation Mass Spectrometry.

The biological impact of ether glycerophospholipids (GP) in peroxisomal disorders and other diseases makes them significant targets as biomarkers for diagnostic assays or deciphering pathology of the disorders. Ether lipids include both plasmanyl and plasmenyl lipids, which each contain an ether or a vinyl ether bond at the sn-1 linkage position, respectively. This linkage, in contrast to traditional diacyl GPs, precludes their detailed characterization by mass spectrometry via traditional collisional-based MS/MS techniques. Additionally, the isomeric nature of plasmanyl and plasmenyl pairs of ether lipids introduces a further level of complexity that impedes analysis of these species. Here, we utilize 213 nm ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry (UVPD-MS) for detailed characterization of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) plasmenyl and plasmanyl lipids in mouse brain tissue. 213 nm UVPD-MS enables the successful differentiation of these four ether lipid subtypes for the first time. We couple this UVPD-MS methodology to reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) for characterization and relative quantitation of ether lipids from normal and diseased (Pex7 deficiency modeling the peroxisome biogenesis disorder, RCDP) mouse brain tissue, highlighting the ability to pinpoint specific structural features of ether lipids that are important for monitoring aberrant lipid metabolism in peroxisomal disorders.

Adaptive Cation Pillar Effects Achieving High Capacity in Li‐Rich Layered Oxide, Li2MnO3‐LiMeO2 (Me = Ni, Co, Mn)

Intensive research is underway to further enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To increase the capacity of positive electrode materials, Li-rich layered oxides (LLO) are attracting attention but have not yet been put to practical use. The structural mechanisms through which LLO materials exhibit higher capacity than conventional materials remain unclear because their disordered phases make it difficult to obtain structural information by conventional analysis. The X-ray total scattering analysis reveals a disordered structure consisting of metal ions in octahedral and tetrahedral sites of Li layers as a result of cation mixing after the extraction of Li ions. Metal ions in octahedral sites act as rigid pillars. The metal ions move to the tetrahedral site of the Li layer, which functions as a Li-layer pillar during Li extraction, and returns to the metal site during Li insertion, facilitating Li diffusion as an adaptive pillar. Adaptive pillars are the specific structural features that differ from those of the conventional layered materials, and their effects are responsible for the high capacity of LLO materials. An essential understanding of the pillar effects will contribute to design guidelines for intercalation-type positive electrodes for next-generation LIBs.

Conjugates of Desmycosin with Fragments of Antimicrobial Peptide Oncocin: Synthesis, Antibacterial Activity, Interaction with Ribosome.

Design and synthesis of conjugates consisting of the macrolide antibiotic desmycosin and fragments of the antibacterial peptide oncocin were performed in attempt to develop new antimicrobial compounds. New compounds were shown to bind to the E. coli 70S ribosomes, to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis in vitro, as well as to suppress bacterial growth. The conjugates of N-terminal hexa- and tripeptide fragments of oncocin and 3,2',4''-triacetyldesmycosin were found to be active against some strains of macrolide-resistant bacteria. By simulating molecular dynamics of the complexes of these compounds with the wild-type bacterial ribosomes and with ribosomes, containing A2059G 23S RNA mutation, the specific structural features of their interactions were revealed.

Семантическое поле девиации в цикле произведений «Зов Ктулху» Г. Лавкрафта

The aim of the study is to determine the features of the linguistic expression of the semantic field of deviation in the cycle “The Call of Cthulhu” by H. Lovecraft in English. The scientific novelty of the paper lies in the identification of the English language means which determine the various aspects of mental and physiological deviations by the example of the cycle. The results showed that the mental and physiological components of deviations are represented by a polysemantic structure, various forms and means of their expression; such a structure is asymmetric and can vary in accordance with the purpose of the research. The quantitative method defined the specific structural characteristics of the category: the co-occurrence network of linguistic units in the core of the semantic field of the components based on the frequency list, data of the interpretative field.

Dicationic bis-imidazoliums as a platform for ionic liquids: Long tails and short spacers

A broad set of bis-imidazolium salts with long tails and short spacers (LTSS BIS) with odd and even number of carbons was synthesized and characterized with a number of experimental and computational methods, such as 1H and 13C NMR (2D techniques included), optical and electron microscopy, water content determinations, solubility in water assessments, melting points measurements, geometry and thermochemistry evaluation for model dications in PM6. Theoretically substantiated improvements for alkylimidazoles and bis-imidazolium dihalides synthesis have been proposed and experimentally verified. Good yields of LTSS BIS pure enough for physicochemical studies can be achieved in a fast and efficient manner, and factors essential for getting good results have been unveiled. The majority of LTSS BIS are prone to absorb water and retain it under usual conditions, but easily lose at heating. Large variety in crystal forms and thermal behavior of LTSS BIS subfamilies were found, depending mainly from spacer and anion. High thermal stability (more than 200°C) is typical for all LTSS BIS under study, but only a small part may be considered as a true ionic liquid. Fully stretched conformations were supposed for all alkyl fragments (tails and spacers) in solution, in accordance with experimental and computational results. Rotation around ordinary bonds is restricted only in 1,3-di(imidazolium-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropane dication, leading to unique four sorts of protons in three sp3-carbon chain. Due to specific structural features, bis-imidazolium salts cannot be represented as rod-like molecules. The concept of three principal structural motifs for LTSS BIS (U-shape, V-shape, and Z-shape) is proposed.

Effect of twin grain boundary on material thermal expansion

Based on first-principles phonon calculations within the framework of quasiharmonic approximation, we study the effect of twin grain boundary (TGB) on the thermal expansion of insulating materials. We select diamond-structure solids (C, Si, and Ge) and rutile $({\mathrm{SnO}}_{2})$ as representatives of the covalent and ionic bonding materials that are important systems commonly accompanied with TGB. We found distinct effects of TGB on thermal expansion in two types of materials. For diamond-structure solids, the thermal expansion of (111)-oriented twinning structure varies subtly from that of pristine material within the temperature range studied, which is primarily induced by the modification of vibrational phonon mode by the TGB effect. Distinctly, the thermal expansion of $\mathrm{SnO}_{2}$ twinnings increase substantially by comparison with the pristine case and depend strongly on the twin orientation. The (101) twinning shows much larger thermal expansion than the (301) twinning. Further analysis indicates the physical mechanism can be mainly attributed to the effect of rotational degree of freedom of the $\mathrm{SnO}_{6}$ octahedron motif and the stress induced by TGB. Our work reveals the physical mechanism underlying the distinct effect of TGB on thermal expansion caused by different chemical bonding, and meanwhile provides an insightful understanding of the relationship between specific structural features and thermal expansion in solid-phase materials.

ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIFICITY OF THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF PADDLEFISH (POLYODON SPATHULA (WALBAUM, 1792)) USING ISSR MARKERS

Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula (WALBAUM, 1792)) is reared in aquaculture on Ukrainian farms as an alternative source of gourmet meat and caviar to compensate for the lack of this valuable sturgeon product, which was caused by a drastic reduction of sturgeon stocks in Ukraine's natural waters. However these stocks require analysis of the genetic structure of breeding material cultivated in the aquaculture of Ukraine for further control and maintainance of their polymorphism and heterogeneity. Genetic control will allow monitoring the condition of stocks, selection of the most acceptable source of breeding stock and optimizing the breeding of this object.&#x0D; The aim of the research was to determine the level of efficiency of the ISSR-PCR method for studying polymorphism and identifying specific features of the genetic structure of the paddlefish reared at fish farms in Ukraine. Materials and methods of research. The analysis was performed using two age groups of paddlefish (younger – age-4 and older – age-13–15), which were reared at the state institution "Production and Experimental Dnieper Sturgeon Breeding Plant named after Academician S.T. Artushchyk". Molecular genetic analysis was performed using three ISSR markers (B – (GAG)₆C; C – (AGC)₆G and E – (AGC)₆C) followed by separation of amplification products by agarose gel electrophoresis. The informativeness of ISSR primers was determined by such indicators as the effective multiplex ratio (EMR), marker index (MI), resolution (Rp), calculated according to the methods for dominant markers.&#x0D; Research results. The specifics of the genetic structure of the paddlefish of the Kherson stock were described using ISSR markers. The study showed that a total of 32 amplicons were obtained for the three primers, of which 87.5% were polymorphic. The largest number of amplicons was obtained using primer E – (AGC)₆C – 14 specimens, while primers B – (GAG)₆C and C – (AGC)₆G were observed 9 bands. The information polymorphism index (PIC) ranged from 0.227 (marker C) to 0.314 (marker E), with an average value of 0.256.&#x0D; The informativeness of the selected ISSR primers was assessed during the study of the paddlefish (mean values were: PIC = 0.256; PPB = 85.2%; EMR = 8.4; MI = 2.3; Rp = 9.7). These indicators demonstrated the level of informativeness and efficiency of selected intermicrosatellite loci for the analysis of polymorphisms of the genetic structure of the paddlefish. Marker E – (AGC)₆C had the highest values of PPB, PIC, EMR, MI and Rp compared to other selected ISSR-markers, which indicated the greatest effectiveness of this primer in population genetic studies of paddlefish.&#x0D; Ranges of amplicons at selected intermicrosatellite loci were determined: for marker B – (GAG)₆C from 215 to 1275 bp; for markers C – (AGC)₆G and E – (AGC)₆C in the range of 125–1265 bp and 320–1470 bp, respectively. Following monomorphic amplicons for all studied specimens of both age groups were determined: for marker C – allele 125, 245 and 395 bp; for marker B – (GAG)₆C – 1085 bp. Identified monomorphic bands in the future can be used for interspecific comparisons of different species and to establish the origin of samples.&#x0D; Differences between the studied different age groups of paddlefish were characterized, which consisted in: 1) the specificity of the frequency distribution of alleles encountered with high frequency (over 40%), 2) the absence of larger amplicons for markers B – (GAG)₆C and C – (AGC)₆G in older paddlefish groups and 3) the presence of different monomorphic alleles for marker E – (AGC)₆C (allele 380 bp in specimens of the younger and allele 320 bp in the older group). In the younger age group, a higher total number of amplified fragments (NTB) and the number of polymorphic fragments (NPB) were observed at the three loci studied compared to the older group.&#x0D; The biodiversity level according to the Shannon index I (0.394 ± 0.043 in the younger and 0.321 ± 0.043 in the older age group) and the level of heterozygosity (objective expected heterozygosity – 0.286 ± 0.034 and 0.231 ± 0.035, respectively) of the studied groups of paddlefish were determined.&#x0D; Conclusions. The obtained results demonstrated the effectiveness of the use of selected ISSR-markers to assess the polymorphism of the genetic structure of the otter, the state of biodiversity and the heterozygosity of stocks. The analysis performed by the ISSR-PCR method allowed characterizing the specifics of the genetic structure of the paddlefish and showing age differences. The obtained gene pool profile can be used as a basis for the certification of paddlefish stocks.

Biochemical and clinical studies of putative allergens to assess what distinguishes them from other non-allergenic proteins in the same family

Many protein families have numerous members listed in databases as allergens; however, some allergen database entries, herein called “orphan allergens”, are members of large families of which all other members are not allergens. These orphan allergens provide an opportunity to assess whether specific structural features render a protein allergenic. Three orphan allergens [Cladosporium herbarum aldehyde dehydrogenase (ChALDH), Alternaria alternata ALDH (AaALDH), and C. herbarum mannitol dehydrogenase (ChMDH)] were recombinantly produced and purified for structure characterization and for clinical skin prick testing (SPT) in mold allergic participants. Examination of the X-ray crystal structures of ChALDH and ChMDH and a homology structure model of AaALDH did not identify any discernable epitopes that distinguish these putative orphan allergens from their non-allergenic protein relatives. SPT results were aligned with ChMDH being an allergen, 53% of the participants were SPT (+). AaALDH did not elicit SPT reactivity above control proteins not in allergen databases (i.e., Psedomonas syringae indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and Zea mays ALDH). Although published results showed consequential human IgE reactivity with ChALDH, no SPT reactivity was observed in this study. With only one of these three orphan allergens, ChMDH, eliciting SPT(+) reactions consistent with the protein being included in allergen databases, this underscores the complicated nature of how bioinformatics is used to assess the potential allergenicity of food proteins that could be newly added to human diets and, when needed, the subsequent clinical testing of that bioinformatic assessment.Trial registration number and date of registration AAC-2017-0467, approved as WIRB protocol #20172536 on 07DEC2017 by WIRB-Copernicus (OHRP/FDA Registration #: IRB00000533, organization #: IORG0000432).

Atomically precise thiolate‐protected gold nanoclusters: Current status of designability of the structure and physicochemical properties

AbstractThiolate (SR)‐protected gold nanoclusters (Aun(SR)m NCs) are a rare type of material capable of simultaneously exhibiting multiple physicochemical properties well‐suited to specific applications, including photoluminescence, thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, magnetism, and optical activity. Over the past several decades, there has been tremendous progress in our understanding of the structure and physicochemical properties of Aun(SR)m NCs, resulting in the ability to fine‐tune the characteristics of these materials. It is therefore helpful to examine the extent to which the properties of Aun(SR)m and related metal NCs can now be adjusted based on design. This review presents representative examples of previous studies concerning the geometry, electronic structure, luminescence properties, catalysis, magnetism and optical activity of Aun(SR)m and related metal NCs and discusses the current status of the designability of these NCs to impart specific structural and physicochemical characteristics. This information is expected to accelerate the fabrication of highly functional materials based on Aun(SR)m and related metal NCs.

Fusion of two unrelated protein domains in a chimera protein and its 3D prediction: Justification of the x-ray reference structures as a prediction benchmark.

Proteins are naturally formed by domains edging their functional and structural properties. A domain out of the context of an entire protein can retain its structure and to some extent also function on its own. These properties rationalize construction of artificial fusion multidomain proteins with unique combination of various functions. Information on the specific functional and structural characteristics of individual domains in the context of new artificial fusion proteins is inevitably encoded in sequential order of composing domains defining their mutual spatial positions. So the challenges in designing new proteins with new domain combinations lie dominantly in structure/function prediction and its context dependency. Despite the enormous body of publications on artificial fusion proteins, the task of their structure/function prediction is complex and nontrivial. The degree of spatial freedom facilitated by a linker between domains and their mutual orientation driven by noncovalent interactions is beyond a simple and straightforward methodology to predict their structure with reasonable accuracy. In the presented manuscript, we tested methodology using available modeling tools and computational methods. We show that the process and methodology of such prediction are not straightforward and must be done with care even when recently introduced AlphaFold II is used. We also addressed a question of benchmarking standards for prediction of multidomain protein structures-x-ray or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance experiments. On the study of six two-domain protein chimeras as well as their composing domains and their x-ray structures selected from PDB, we conclude that the major obstacle for justified prediction is inappropriate sampling of the conformational space by the explored methods. On the other hands, we can still address particular steps of the methodology and improve the process of chimera proteins prediction.

Self-Powered Lithium Niobate Thin-Film Photodetectors.

Thin-film lithium niobate platform, namely lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI), brings new opportunities for integrated photonics, taking advantages from both outstanding crystalline properties and special structural features. The excellent properties of LNOI have triggered development of a variety of on-chip photonic devices for light generation and manipulation. However, as an indispensable component for photonic circuit with full functionalities, the thin-film photodetector lacks in portfolios of LNOI-based devices due to standing obstacles of low electrical conductivity and poor photoelectric conversion ability. Here, a self-powered broadband LNOI photodetector based on enhanced photovoltaic effect, benefitting from encapsulated plasmonic nanoparticles and doped silver ions, is reported. Maximum responsivity of 0.25 A W-1 and detectivity (1.56 × 1014 Jones) are achieved. First-principle calculations and electric-field simulation reveal intrinsic mechanisms and crucial roles of plasmonic nanoparticles and silver ions on photocurrent generation and collection. This work opens an avenue to develop high-performance on-chip LNOI photodetectors, offering a conceivable means toward multiple-functional photonic circuits.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profile Analysis of CONSTANS-like Genes in Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca).

CONSTANS-like (CO-like) gene is one of the most important regulators in the flowering process of the plant, playing a core role in the photoperiodic flowering induction pathway. In this study, we identified 10 distinct CO-like genes (FveCOs) in woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca). They were classified into three groups with specific gene structure characteristics or protein domains in each group. The effect of selection pressure on the FveCOs in the woodland strawberry was tested by Ka/Ks, and it was shown that the evolution rate of FveCOs was controlled by purification selection factors. Intraspecific synteny analysis of woodland strawberry FveCOs showed that at least one duplication event existed in the gene family members. Collinearity analysis of woodland strawberry genome with genomes of Arabidopsis, rice (Oryza sativa), and apple (Malus × domestica) showed that CO-like genes of F. vesca and Malus × domestica owned higher similarity for their similar genomes compared with those of other two species. The FveCOs showed different tissue-specific expression patterns. Moreover, real-time quantitative PCR results revealed that the expressions of the most FveCOs followed a 24-h rhythm oscillation under both long-day (LD) and short-day (SD) conditions. Further expression analysis showed that the individual expression changing profile of FveCO3 and FveCO5 was opposite to each other under both LD and SD conditions. Moreover, the expression of FveCO3 and FveCO5 was both negatively correlated with the flowering time variation of the woodland strawberry grown under LD and SD conditions, indicating their potential vital roles in the photoperiodic flowering regulation. Further protein interaction network analysis also showed that most of the candidate interaction proteins of FveCO3 and FveCO5 were predicted to be the flowering regulators. Finally, LUC assay indicated that both FveCO3 and FveCO5 could bind to the promoter of FveFT1, the key regulator of flowering regulation in the woodland strawberry, and thus activate its expression. Taken together, this study laid a foundation for understanding the exact roles of FveCOs in the reproductive development regulation of the woodland strawberry, especially in the photoperiodic flowering process.

Efficient and Durable Sodium, Chloride-doped Iron Oxide-Hydroxide Nanohybrid-Promoted Capacitive Deionization of Saline Water via Synergetic Pseudocapacitive Process.

Recently, the rational design and development of efficient faradaic deionization electrodes with high theoretical capacitance, natural abundance, and attractive conductivity have shown great promise for outstanding capacitive deionization (CDI)‐based desalination applications. Herein, the construction of novel FeOOH hybrid heterostructures with Na and Cl dopants (e.g., Na‐FeOOH and Cl‐FeOOH) via a robust hydrothermal strategy is reported, and an asymmetric CDI cell (Na‐FeOOH//Cl‐FeOOH) comprising Na‐FeOOH and Cl‐FeOOH working as the cathode and anode, respectively, is assembled. The multiple coupling effects of the specific structural features (e.g., enriched porosity, hierarchical pore alignment, and highly open crystalline framework), enhanced electrochemical conductivity, and optimized ion‐transfer property endow the FeOOH hybrid electrode with improved electrochemical performance. Impressively, the Na‐FeOOH//Cl‐FeOOH cell demonstrates a superior salt adsorption capacity (SACNaCl) of 35.12 mg g−1 in a 500 mg L−1 NaCl solution, a faster removal rate, and remarkable cycling stability. Moreover, the pseudocapacitive removal mechanism from the synergetic contribution of the Na‐FeOOH cathode and Cl‐FeOOH anode account for the significant desalination promotion of the Na‐FeOOH//Cl‐FeOOH cell.