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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 973 records · Page 54
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

Microstructural characterization of as-cast biocompatible Co-Cr-Mo alloys

The microstructure of a cobalt-base alloy (Co-Cr-Mo) obtained by the investment casting process was studied. This alloy complies with the ASTM F75 standard and is widely used in the manufacturing of orthopedic implants because of its high strength, good corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility properties. This work focuses on the resulting microstructures arising from samples poured under industrial environment conditions, of three different Co-Cr-Mo alloys. For this purpose, we used: 1) an alloy built up from commercial purity constituents, 2) a remelted alloy and 3) a certified alloy for comparison. The characterization of the samples was achieved by using optical microscopy (OM) with a colorant etchant to identify the present phases and scanning electron microscopy (SE-SEM) and energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) techniques for a better identification. In general the as-cast microstructure is a Co-fcc dendritic matrix with the presence of a secondary phase, such as the M{sub 23}C{sub 6} carbides precipitated at grain boundaries and interdendritic zones. These precipitates are the main strengthening mechanism in this type of alloys. Other minority phases were also reported and their presence could be linked to the cooling rate and the manufacturing process variables and environment. - Research Highlights: {yields}The solidification microstructure of an ASTM-F75 type alloy were studied. {yields}The alloys were poured under an industrial environment. {yields}Carbides and sigma phase identified by color metallography and scanning microscopy (SEM and EDS). {yields}Two carbide morphologies were detected 'blocky type' and 'pearlite type'. {yields}Minority phases were also detected.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effect of Zr on microstructures and mechanical properties of an Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Cr alloy prepared by low frequency electromagnetic casting

The Al-1.6Mg-1.2Si-1.1Cu-0.15Cr (all in wt. %) alloys with and without Zr addition prepared by low frequency electromagnetic casting process were investigated by using the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive analytical X-ray. The effects of Al{sub 3}Zr phases on the microstructures and mechanical properties during solidification, homogenization, hot extrusion and solid solution were studied. The results show that Al{sub 3}Zr phases reduce the grain size by ∼ 29% and promote the formation of an equiaxed grain structure during solidification. Numerous spherical Al{sub 3}Zr dispersoids with 35–60 nm in diameters precipitate during homogenization, and these fine dispersoids change little during subsequent hot extrusion and solid solution. Adding 0.15 wt. % Zr results in no recrystallization after hot extrusion and partial recrystallization after solid solution, while the recrystallized grain size is 400–550 μm in extrusion direction in the Zr-free alloy. In addition, adding 0.15 wt. % Zr can obviously promote Q′ phase precipitation, while the β″ phases are predominant in the alloy without Zr. Adding 0.15 wt. % Zr, the ultimate tensile strength of the T6 treated alloy increases by 45 MPa, while the elongation remains about 16.7%. - Highlights: • Minor Zr can refine as-cast grains of the LFEC Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Cr alloy. • L1{sub 2} Al{sub 3}Zr phases with 35–60 nm in diameter precipitate during homogenization. • L1{sub 2} and DO{sub 22} Al{sub 3}Zr phases result in partial recrystallization after solid solution. • Minor Zr can promote the precipitation of Q′ phases. • Mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Cr-Zr alloy are higher than those of AA7005.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Residual glass and crystalline phases in a barium disilicate glass–ceramic

Investigations about the presence of residual glass are scarce, despite its fundamental role in the crystallization kinetics and luminescent properties of barium disilicate glass–ceramics (BaO·2SiO{sub 2}–BS{sub 2}) with a quasi-stoichiometric composition. Non-isothermal (DTA/DSC) experiments have demonstrated that BS{sub 2} presents a polymorphic transformation, where the h-BS{sub 2} (monoclinic structure) phase is completely transformed in l-BS{sub 2} (orthorhombic structure) at temperatures higher than 1020 °C (10 °C/min). In this study, BS{sub 2} monolithic samples were heat-treated at 1000 °C (BS2-10) and 1100 °C (BS2-11) in a DSC furnace at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. In addition, the crystalline and amorphous phases were characterized and quantified by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) experiments, respectively. Although the complete polymorphic transformation from h-BS2 to l-BS2 was achieved at 1100 °C, our results demonstrated that BS2-11 contains a minor, albeit not negligible, amount of residual glass. - Highlights: • The crystalline and amorphous phases in a barium disilicate glass were characterized and quantified by XRD and TEM. • The BS2-10 sample was constituted by two main crystalline phases, which consists of 2 polymorphic forms: h-BS2 and l-BS2. • The orthorhombic BS2 phase (l-BS2) was predominant at 1100 °C. • The complete polymorphic transformation from h-BS2 to l-BS2 was achieved at 1100 °C. • Nevertheless, our XRD and TEM results demonstrated that BS2-11 contains a minor amount of residual glass.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Precipitation in Mg-Gd-Y-Zr Alloy: Atomic-scale insights into structures and transformations

This paper reports on a comprehensive investigation, using atomic-scaled C{sub s} corrected high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), of the precipitation in Mg-9.28Gd-2.93Y-0.35Zr, including structures of the precipitates and several structural transformation processes. The precipitation sequence is identified as: Super saturated solid solution → clusters → nucleation β{sup '} (major)/ β{sub H} (minor)→ precipitate β{sup '} (major)/ β{sub M} , β{sub T}{sup '} (minor)→β{sub 1} → β(Equilibrium). Under peak-age condition, the strengthening structure is independent defect-free β{sup '} with little interaction among each other. Under over-age condition, the β{sup '} precipitates start to interact with each other, during which coarsening and orientation transformation of β{sup '} precipitates take place. The coarsening and orientation transformation, in which some RE atoms in the precipitates need to change their positions, are achieved by β{sub M} and β{sub T}{sup '} as transitional structures. - Highlights: • The precipitation in Mg-Gd-Y-Zr is comprehensively investigated by advanced atomic-scale Cs-corrected HAADF-STEM. • Various novel precipitate structures are unraveled. • Four types of interfaces between the precipitates are fully characterized. • The structural transformation processes of the precipitates are revealed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Effect of La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, CoO, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} and MoO{sub 3} nucleating agents on crystallization behavior and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic glass-ceramic in the system Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}{center_dot}CaO{center_dot}ZnO{center_dot}SiO{sub 2}

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystallization of magnetic glass ceramic with different nucleating agents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The effect of La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, CoO, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} and MoO{sub 3} as nucleating agents was studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer XRD for as prepared samples revealed crystallization of pure magnetite. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Heat treatment revealed minor calcium silicate, hematite and cristobalite. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TEM revealed crystallization of crystallite size in the range 50-100 nm. -- Abstract: Preparation and characterization of ferromagnetic glass ceramic in the system Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}{center_dot}CaO{center_dot}ZnO{center_dot}SiO{sub 2} with different nucleating agents was studied. The effect of La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, CoO, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} and MoO{sub 3} as nucleating agents was investigated. Differential thermal analysis; X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope were used to investigate thermal behavior, sequence of crystallization and microstructure of the samples. XRD analysis for as prepared samples revealed the crystallization of single magnetite phase. Heat treatment at 900 Degree-Sign C/2 h revealed the appearance of minor amounts of calcium silicate, hematite and cristobalite beside magnetite. TEM revealed crystallization of crystallite size in the range 50-100 nm. Lattice parameters, cell volume and crystallite size were stimulated from XRD data. Magnetic properties of quenched samples were measured under 20 kG.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Improvement of the photoluminescent intensity of ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Pr{sup 3+} phosphor

Highlights: • The optimal luminescence intensity was obtained for 0.4 mol% Pr{sup 3+} doped ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}. • The ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Pr{sup 3+} has a colour index matching an ideal red emission. • The cross relaxation process led to a decrease in red emission at higher Pr{sup 3+} concentrations. • The blue emission continues to increase at higher Pr{sup 3+} concentrations. • The persistent luminescent increases with an increase in Pr{sup 3+} concentration. - Abstract: A red emitting ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}:Pr{sup 3+} phosphor with Commission Internationale de l‘Eclairage coordinates that match those of an ideal red emission was prepared by solid state chemical reaction. X-ray diffraction confirmed that a pure orthorhombic phase of ZnTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} was crystallized. A homogeneous distribution of the Pr{sup 3+} ions was confirmed from the analysis of the time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy overlay images. In addition to the reflectance at 259 nm associated with band-to-band absorption, minor reflectance peaks associated with f-f transitions of Pr{sup 3+} were observed at 420–500 nm. The main red emission peak was split into minor peaks located at 608, 619 and 639 nm that were assigned to {sup 1}D{sub 2} ⟶ {sup 3}H{sub 4}, {sup 3}P{sub 0} ⟶ {sup 3}H{sub 6} and {sup 3}P{sub 0} ⟶ {sup 3}F{sub 2} transitions of Pr{sup 3+}, respectively. With increasing concentration of Pr{sup 3+}, a relatively weak blue emission was observed at 488 nm and this phenomenon maybe attributed to virtual charge transfer or/and inter cross relaxation effects. The decay characteristics of the persistent emission were also calculated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Simple coating synthesis and enhanced luminescence behaviour of LiLa(MoO4)2:Eu3+@NaF

Highlights: • LiLa(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+}{sub 0.06} @ (NaF){sub y wt} were synthesized with a simple coating method. • PL intensity can be enhanced as high as 4.80 times by coating NaF. • Enhancement PL intensity is a major effect, and increasing R is a minor effect. • LiLa(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+}{sub 0.06} @ (NaF){sub 0.025 wt} was a phosphor with high R values (R = 5.89). - Abstract: A series of LiLa(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+}@ (NaF){sub y wt} were prepared with a simple coating method. XRD results confirm that NaF coating will cause the slight expand of the lattice volume for the sample. Strongly enhanced emission effect inducing by NaF coating is observed. The emission spectra (PL) intensity of the optimal sample, LiLa(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+}{sub 0.06} @ (NaF){sub 0.025wt} is as high as 4.8 times of that of LiLa(MoO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+}{sub 0.06}. Furthermore, dual emission properties inducing by NaF coating are observed. Enhancement emission of Eu{sup 3+} is a major effect, and increasing R is a minor effect. The optimal coating content of NaF is 2.5 wt%, which the corresponding chromaticity coordinates excited at 465 nm is x = 0.6650, y = 0.3347, which is nearly as same as the NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) standard values for red (x = 0.67, y = 0.33). So, it is a potential red-emitting phosphor with high R values (R = 5.89) for blue light-based white LED.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Spine stereotactic body radiation therapy plans: Achieving dose coverage, conformity, and dose falloff

We report our experience of establishing planning objectives to achieve dose coverage, conformity, and dose falloff for spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plans. Patients with spine lesions were treated using SBRT in our institution since September 2009. Since September 2011, we established the following planning objectives for our SBRT spine plans in addition to the cord dose constraints: (1) dose coverage—prescription dose (PD) to cover at least 95% planning target volume (PTV) and 90% PD to cover at least 99% PTV; (2) conformity index (CI)—ratio of prescription isodose volume (PIV) to the PTV < 1.2; (3) dose falloff—ratio of 50% PIV to the PTV (R{sub 50%}); (4) and maximum dose in percentage of PD at 2 cm from PTV in any direction (D{sub 2cm}) to follow Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0915. We have retrospectively reviewed 66 separate spine lesions treated between September 2009 and December 2012 (31 treated before September 2011 [group 1] and 35 treated after [group 2]). The χ{sup 2} test was used to examine the difference in parameters between groups. The PTV V{sub 100%} {sub PD} ≥ 95% objective was met in 29.0% of group 1 vs 91.4% of group 2 (p < 0.01) plans. The PTV V{sub 90%} {sub PD} ≥ 99% objective was met in 38.7% of group 1 vs 88.6% of group 2 (p < 0.01) plans. Overall, 4 plans in group 1 had CI > 1.2 vs none in group 2 (p = 0.04). For D{sub 2cm}, 48.3% plans yielded a minor violation of the objectives and 16.1% a major violation for group 1, whereas 17.1% exhibited a minor violation and 2.9% a major violation for group 2 (p < 0.01). Spine SBRT plans can be improved on dose coverage, conformity, and dose falloff employing a combination of RTOG spine and lung SBRT protocol planning objectives.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Evaluation of Neutron Reactions on Iron Isotopes for CIELO and ENDF/B-VIII.0

A new suite of evaluations for {sup 54,56,57,58}Fe has been developed in the framework of the CIELO international collaboration. New resolved resonance ranges were evaluated for {sup 54}Fe and {sup 57}Fe, while modifications were applied to resonances in {sup 56}Fe. The low energy part of the {sup 56}Fe file is almost totally based on measurements. At higher energies in {sup 56}Fe and in the whole fast neutron range for minor isotopes the evaluation consists of model predictions carefully adjusted to available experimental data. We also make use of the high quality and well experimentally-constrained dosimetry evaluations from the IRDFF library. Special attention was dedicated to the elastic angular distributions, which were found to affect results of the integral benchmarking. The new set of iron evaluations was developed in concert with other CIELO evaluations and they were tested together in the integral experiments before being adopted for the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Irradiation performance of AGR-1 high temperature reactor fuel

The AGR-1 experiment contained 72 low-enriched uranium oxide/uranium carbide TRISO coated particle fuel compacts in six capsules irradiated to burnups of 11.2 to 19.6% FIMA, with zero TRISO coating failures detected during the irradiation. The irradiation performance of the fuel including the extent of fission product release and the evolution of kernel and coating microstructures was evaluated based on detailed examination of the irradiation capsules, the fuel compacts, and individual particles. Fractional release of 110m Ag from the fuel compacts was often significant, with capsule-average values ranging from 0.01 to 0.38. Analysis of silver release from individual compacts indicated that it was primarily dependent on fuel temperature history. Europium and strontium were released in small amounts through intact coatings, but were found to be significantly retained in the outer pyrocarbon and compact matrix. The capsule-average fractional release from the compacts was 1 × 10 –4 to 5 × 10 –4 for 154 Eu and 8 × 10 –7 to 3 × 10 –5 for 90 Sr. The average 134 Cs fractional release from compacts was <3 × 10 –6 when all particles maintained intact SiC. An estimated four particles out of 2.98 × 10 5 in the experiment experienced partial cesium release due to SiC failure during the irradiation, driving 134 Cs fractional release in two capsules to approximately 10 –5 . Identification and characterization of these particles has provided unprecedented insight into the nature and causes of SiC coating failure in high-quality TRISO fuel. In general, changes in coating morphology were found to be dominated by the behavior of the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC), and infrequently observed SiC layer damage was usually related to cracks in the IPyC. Palladium attack of the SiC layer was relatively minor, except for the particles that released cesium during irradiation, where SiC corrosion was found adjacent to IPyC cracks. In conclusion, palladium, silver, and uranium were found in the SiC layer of irradiated particles, and characterization of these elements within the SiC microstructure is the subject of ongoing focused study.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2020

An a priori evaluation of a principal component and artificial neural network based combustion model in diesel engine conditions

A principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) based chemistry tabulation approach is presented. ANNs are used to map the thermochemical state onto a low-dimensional manifold consisting of five control variables that have been identified using PCA. Three canonical configurations are considered to train the PCA-ANN model: a series of homogeneous reactors, a nonpremixed flamelet, and a two-dimensional lifted flame. The performance of the model in predicting the thermochemical manifold of a spatially-developing turbulent jet flame in diesel engine thermochemical conditions is a priori evaluated using direct numerical simulation (DNS) data. The PCA-ANN approach is compared with a conventional tabulation approach (tabulation using ad hoc defined control variables and linear interpolation). The PCA-ANN model provides higher accuracy and requires several orders of magnitude less memory. Here, these observations indicate that the PCA-ANN model is superior for chemistry tabulation, especially for modelling complex chemistries that present multiple combustion modes as observed in diesel combustion. The performance of the PCA-ANN model is then compared to the optimal estimator, i.e. the conditional mean from the DNS. The results indicate that the PCA-ANN model gives high prediction accuracy, comparable to the optimal estimator, especially for major species and the thermophysical properties. Higher errors are observed for the minor species and reaction rate predictions when compared to the optimal estimator. It is shown that the prediction of minor species and reaction rates can be improved by using training data that exhibits a variation of parameters as observed in the turbulent flame. The output of the ANN is analysed to assess mass conservation. It is observed that the ANN incurs a mean absolute error of 0.05% in mass conservation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that this error can be reduced by modifying the cost function of the ANN to penalise for deviation from mass conservation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Installation of a reactive site for covalent wiring onto an intrinsically conductive poly(ionic liquid)

Post-polymerization radical bromination of a nanostructured poly(ionic liquid) that selectively introduces a reactive bromo-group onto the polyalkylthiophene backbone is described. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy proves that the bromine is successfully introduced at the 3-methyl position of the thiophene and that the molecular structure of the polymer remains largely intact with only minimal chain scission detected. FT-IR and Vis-NIR spectroscopy indicates that incorporation of the bromine induces twisting (loss of co-planarity) of the polythiophene backbone. WAXS confirms retention of an ordered lamellar structure with minor lattice spacing contraction. Cyclic voltammetry confirms spectroscopic findings that the bromination reaction yields a stable p-doped polymer. The installed bromine is susceptible to nucleophilic displacement permitting the covalent attachment of other functional molecules, such as a dialkylphosphonate. Elemental analysis of such a transformation established that 100% functionalization can be achieved. These results collectively demonstrate that post-modification of a pconjugated polymer can be used to both tune electronic and photonic properties, as well as install a chemoselective attachment point for the covalent wiring of other molecules.

Brombosz, Scott M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Incorporating energy justice into utility-scale photovoltaic deployment: A policy framework

Utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) installations made up 77 GW (6%) of installed capacity in the United States, as of the end of 2021. This will grow to more than 500 GW by 2050 under a mid-case projection or more than 800 GW if solar costs decline more rapidly. While utility-scale PV is projected to grow rapidly, to date, unlike energy efficiency or distributed PV, utility-scale PV has not been used to provide substantial financial benefits to underserved communities, either through ownership, financing of assets, or direct electricity bill reduction. We assess two mechanisms through which utility-scale PV could benefit underserved communities. We find that while a framework for direct electricity bill reduction can be meaningful to customers, this mechanism falls short of providing restorative justice via wealth creation for minority-owned businesses. In contrast, we find that a framework for procurement of utility-scale PV by public and private entities from PV projects that are financed, owned, and/or developed by minority-owned businesses can provide this restorative justice benefit, and thereby facilitate an equitable energy transition. We conclude with concrete recommendations for new policies and programs to ensure that the benefits of utility-scale PV systems are distributed to underserved communities.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

CdTe-based thin film photovoltaics: Recent advances, current challenges and future prospects

Cadmium telluride (CdTe)-based cells have emerged as the leading commercialized thin film photovoltaic technology and has intrinsically better temperature coefficients, energy yield, and degradation rates than Si technologies. More than 30 GW peak (GWp) of CdTe-based modules are installed worldwide, multiple companies are in production, modules are shipping at up to 18.6% efficiency, and lab cell efficiency is above 22%. We review developments in the science and technology that have occurred over approximately the past decade. These achievements were enabled by manufacturing innovations and scaling module production, as well as maximizing photocurrent through window layer optimization and alloyed CdSe x Te 1-x (CST) absorbers. Improved chlorine passivation processes, film microstructure, and serendipitous Se defect passivation significantly increased minority carrier lifetime. Efficiencies >22% have been realized for both Cu and As doped CST-based cells. The path to further efficiency gains hinges primarily on increasing open circuit voltage (V oc ) and fill factor (FF) through innovations in materials, fabrication methods, and device stacks. Replacing the longstanding Cu doping with As doping is resulting in better module stability and is being translated to large-scale production. To realize 25% efficiency and >1 V V oc , research and development is needed to increase the minority carrier lifetime beyond 100 ns, reduce grain boundary and interface recombination, and tailor band diagrams at the front and back interfaces. Many of these goals have been realized separately however combining them together using scalable manufacturing approaches has been elusive to date. We review these achievements and outstanding opportunities for this remarkable photovoltaic technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Distinctive Properties of the Nuclear Localization Signals of Inner Nuclear Membrane Proteins Heh1 and Heh2

Targeting of ER-synthesized membrane proteins to the inner nuclear membrane (INM) has long been explained by the diffusion-retention model. However, several INM proteins contain non-classical nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences, which, in a few instances, have been shown to promote importin α/β- and Ran-dependent translocation to the INM. Here, using structural and biochemical methods, we show that yeast INM proteins Heh2 and Src1/Heh1 contain bipartite import sequences that associate intimately with the minor NLS-binding pocket of yeast importin α and unlike classical NLSs efficiently displace the IBB domain in the absence of importin β. In vivo, the intimate interactions at the minor NLS-binding pocket make the h2NLS highly efficient at recruiting importin α at the ER and drive INM localization of endogenous Heh2. Thus, h1/h2NLSs delineate a novel class of super-potent, IBB-like membrane protein NLSs, distinct from classical NLSs found in soluble cargos and of general interest in biology.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Segmentation and Comparative Modeling in an 8.6-Å Cryo-EM Map of the Singapore Grouper Iridovirus

SGIV, or Singapore grouper iridovirus, is a large double-stranded DNA virus, reaching a diameter of 220 nm and packaging a genome of 140 kb. We present a 3D cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) icosahedral reconstruction of SGIV determined at 8.6-Å resolution. It reveals several layers including a T = 247 icosahedral outer coat, anchor proteins, a lipid bilayer, and the encapsidated DNA. A new segmentation tool, iSeg, was applied to extract these layers from the reconstructed map. The outer coat was further segmented into major and minor capsid proteins. None of the proteins extracted by segmentation have known atomic structures. Here, we generated models for the major coat protein using three comparative modeling tools, and evaluated each model using the cryo-EM map. Our analysis reveals a new architecture in the Iridoviridae family of viruses. It shares similarities with others in the same family, e.g., Chilo iridescent virus, but also shows new features of the major and minor capsid proteins.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Role of the nuclear xenobiotic receptors CAR and PXR in induction of cytochromes P450 by non-dioxinlike polychlorinated biphenyls in cultured rat hepatocytes

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are among the most ubiquitously detectable ‘persistent organic pollutants’. In contrast to ‘dioxinlike’ (DL) PCBs, less is known about the molecular mode of action of the larger group of the ‘non-dioxinlike’ (NDL) PCBs. Owing to the life-long exposure of the human population, a carcinogenic, i.e., tumor-promoting potency of NDL-PCBs has to be considered in human risk assessment. A major problem in risk assessment of NDL-PCBs is dioxin-like impurities that can occur in commercially available NDL-PCB standards. In the present study, we analyzed the induction of CYP2B1 and CYP3A1 in primary rat hepatocytes using a number of highly purified NDL-PCBs with various degrees of chlorination and substitution patterns. Induction of these enzymes is mediated by the nuclear xenobiotic receptors CAR (Constitutive androstane receptor) and PXR (Pregnane X receptor). For CYP2B1 induction, concentration–response analysis revealed a very narrow window of EC{sub 50} estimates, being in the range of 1–4 μM for PCBs 28 and 52, and between 0.4 and 1 μM for PCBs 101, 138, 153 and 180. CYP3A1 induction was less sensitive to NDL-PCBs, the most pronounced induction being achieved at 100 μM with the higher chlorinated congeners. Using okadaic acid and small interfering RNAs targeting CAR and PXR, we could demonstrate that CAR plays a major role and PXR a minor role in NDL-PCB-driven induction of CYPs, both effects showing no stringent structure–activity relationship. As the only obvious relevant determinant, the degree of chlorination was found to be positively correlated with the inducing potency of the congeners. - Highlights: • We analyzed six highly purified NDL-PCBs for CYP2B1 and CYP3A1 expression. • CAR plays a major, PXR a minor role in NDL-PCB-driven induction of CYPs. • The degree of chlorination seems to be the major parameter for the inducing potency. • There exists a competition between CAR and PXR. • Activated PXR may antagonize CAR binding to the CYP2B1 promoter.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗