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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 1,099 records · Page 61
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Temperature controlled transformations of giant unilamellar vesicles of amphiphilic triblock copolymers synthesized via microfluidic mixing

We report on a simple approach for synthesis of temperature-responsive giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) from poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) 15 -block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) 65 -block-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) 15 (PVCL 15 -PDMS65-PVCL 15 ) triblock copolymer and non-temperature responsive small and giant vesicles from novel poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON 15 -PDMS 65 -PVPON 15 and PVPON 6- PDMS 30- PVPON 6 ) triblock copolymers using microfluidic mixing at 25 °C. We show that temperature-responsive PVCL 15 -PDMS 65- PVCL 15 GUVs with the average diameter of 1.4 ± 0.2 µm while being stable at room temperature for at least 14 days, transformed irreversibly into small vesicles of 168 ± 40 nm after incubation of their aqueous solution at 42 °C for 24 h. We hypothesized that this transformation is induced by local compressive stresses of the vesicle membrane due to the collapse of PVCL blocks above the copolymer lower critical solution temperature (LCST) leading to the decrease of the vesicle membrane thickness. Consequently, we found that the temperature-induced size transformation of the PVCL-based GUVs at 42°C can be suppressed by substituting PVCL with its hydrophilic homologue PVPON, or by suppressing the PVCL's LCST behavior through hydrogen-bonding with tannic acid molecules. In the former case, novel PVPON n -PDMS m -PVPON n triblock copolymers (n = 15, m = 65 and n = 6, m = 30) assemble into vesicles stable from 25 °C to 55 °C as confirmed by optical and electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). In the latter, hydrogen bonding interactions of PVCL with the polyphenol tannic acid (TA) at room temperature resulted in stable PVCL-based GUVs at 42°C as confirmed by optical, electron, and atomic force microscopies. We also found that physical crosslinking of the PVCL corona through hydrogen bonding with TA in PVCL 15- PDMS 65- PVCL 15 GUVs will delay their low pH-induced degradation at 37°C by 48 h compared to non-modified GUVs. Our findings open opportunities for the development of temperature-regulated stable micro-vehicles that would change their structural characteristics in the physiologically relevant temperature range from 25 to 42°C and can be utilized for cell mimicking studies. The developed GUVs also have potential in theranostic drug delivery as substitutes for polymer microcapsules and lipid microbubbles as well as for stimuli-triggered sensing, protection, and rapid response in an aqueous environment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

An experimental study of ovarian cancer imaging and therapy by paclitaxel-loaded phase-transformation lipid nanoparticles combined with low-intensity focused ultrasound

Highlights: • PTX-anti-LHRHR-PTNPs is expected to become a new type of ultrasound contrast agent. • LIFU can enhance the efficiency of PTX-anti-LHRHR-PTNPs. • For ovarian cancer, PTX-anti-LHRHR-PTNPs has a good therapeutic effect. Drug-loaded phase-transformation lipid nanoparticles (NPs) combined with low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for ultrasound molecular imaging and therapy, which is a very promising drug carrier and can provide both physical and chemical therapeutics, simultaneously. We successfully prepared the paclitaxel (PTX) loaded anti-LHRHR targeted phase-transformation lipid nanoparticles (PTX-anti-LHRHR-PTNPs) for ovarian cancer in this study combined with LIFU has the following characteristics: On the one hand, it showed smaller size and greater stability than blood cells, which significantly prolonged its half-life in the body, and can actively target ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cells, and smoothly penetrate the endothelial gap into the tumor site for specifically killing the ovarian cancer cells. Thereby, the special drug carrier improved the therapeutic effect and reduced toxic and side effects, maximized the protection of normal tissues and minimized adverse reactions. On the other hand, PTX-anti-LHRHR-PTNPs can be targeted to focus after being injected intravenously and remain in the tumor target tissue for a long time. At the same time, liquid-gas phase-transformation can occur under LIFU triggering, resulting in more ideal and sustained ultrasound imaging effects. Then acoustic contrast agent is used to develop the molecular level of ultrasound scattering, so as to evaluate the diseased tissue from the molecular level.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of ethoxylation and lauryl alcohol on the self-assembly of sodium laurylsulfate: Significant structural and rheological transformation

Fatty alcohols are added to the surfactant solutions to modify foaming and lubrication properties, while the degree of ethoxylation is increased to improve mildness to the skin. However, it is envisioned that both parameters are capable of manipulating rheological and morphological properties. Therefore, an efficient control over the carbon chain length, amount of fatty alcohol and degree of ethoxylation could modify the surfactant self-assembly in an unprecedented way. The present work is focused on understanding the structural transformation, intermolecular interactions and rheological properties of the colloidal systems containing various amounts of lauryl alcohol (LA), and surfactant with varying degrees of ethoxylation. Additionally, combined small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, rheological and morphological studies were performed to elucidate these properties. The results reveal that an increase in LA content increases the system viscosity ultimately forming a gel, and drives the assembly pattern of the surfactant from ellipsoidal micellar to lamellar via a vesicular and vesicular/lamellar mixed intermediates. Conversely, higher degrees of ethoxylation delay the onset of morphological transformation and gel formation. The interplay between hydrophobic and polar interactions coupled with hydrogen bonding interactions drive the overall rheological and morphological transformations. Therefore, fine-tuning residual chemicals can offer a novel tool for optimization of the product formulation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phase transformation mechanism in irradiation-induced superlattice formation

Atomic kinetic Monte Carlo simulations were used to model void superlattice formation under irradiation in molybdenum, driven by anisotropic diffusion of self-interstitial atoms. A change in the phase transformation mechanism from nucleation and growth to spinodal decomposition occurred with increasing dose rate, with both mechanisms leading to superlattice formation. Analysis of a rate-theory based analytical model showed that an observed change in the kinetics of vacancy accumulation, the appearance of a region of positive second derivative in the plot of average vacancy concentration versus time, was caused by the onset of spinodal instability. Further, the analytical model showed that for molybdenum and several other metals where void superlattice formation is commonly observed, the phase transformation likely occurs by nucleation and growth. However, nickel may offer the possibility of experimental observation of the transition between phase transformation mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Degradation of triclosan and triclocarban and formation of transformation products in activated sludge using benchtop bioreactors

Highlights: • Benchtop bioreactors were run with activated sludge for 122 – 196 h. • Extended HRT and SRT and increased temperatures on TCS, TCC, and their byproducts were studied. • Prolonged HRT and SRT resulted in more efficient TCS and TCC removal. • Increases in reactor temperature improved TCS and TCC degradation. • Significant MeTCS formation was observed. Benchtop bioreactors were run aerobically with activated sludge samples collected from a large municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to understand how increased hydraulic retention time (HRT), sludge retention time (SRT), and varying treatment temperatures (21 °C and 30 °C) impact concentrations of the endocrine disrupting antimicrobials triclosan (TCS), triclocarban (TCC), and their transformation products. Samples from the reactors were collected periodically over a 122–196 h period and the solid and liquid fraction were separately quantitated for TCS, TCC, and methyltriclosan (MeTCS) and scanned qualitatively for six other transformation products. Results indicated that TCS, TCC and MeTCS were predominately associated with the solids fraction of the activated sludge with only nominal concentrations in the liquids fraction. TCS was degraded in the solids fraction, with increased rates at 30 °C (−0.0224 ± 0.007 h{sup −1}) when compared to reactors run at 21 °C (− 0.0170 ± 0.003 h{sup −1}). Conversely, TCC concentrations did not significantly change in solids samples from reactors run at 21 °C, while an increase in reactor temperature to 30 °C resulted in TCC degradation at an average rate of − 0.0158 ± 0.012 h{sup −1}. Additionally, MeTCS formation in the solids fraction was observed in three out of four reactors run - indicating a notable transformation of TCS. Qualitative appearance of 2,4-dichlorophenol and 4-chloroanaline was observed in the liquids fraction of all reactor samples. The remaining four qualitatively scanned compounds were not detected. These experiments demonstrate that increased HRT, SRT, and temperature result in enhanced removal of TCS and TCC from wastewater during the activated sludge process. Furthermore, a substantial formation of TCS into MeTCS was observed.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Phosphorus transformation response to soil properties changes induced by manure application in a calcareous soil

Management of phosphorus (P) loss in soils with heavy manure application requires improved understanding of the transformation characteristics of soil P. Influences of manure application on the forms and sorption-desorption characteristics of P in surface (0–30 cm) and subsurface (30–60 cm) layer of a calcareous soil were investigated in this paper in a six-year field trial in comparison to chemical fertilizer application. Hedley fractionation and P K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy were used to determine the soil P forms. Manure (M) and chemical fertilizer (F) treatments resulted in P accumulation in two soil depths, but the total P accumulation in surface soil with M treatment was significantly lower than F treatment with similar P surplus. Compared to control, M and F treatments were significantly increased the proportion of labile P at both depths. In surface soil, M treatment significantly decreased stable Ca-associated P proportion and increased Fe-associated P and inositol hexakisphosphate proportions. The accumulation and transformation of P in M treatment distinctly decreased P sorption maximun, sorption coefficient and buffer capacity, and increased the degree of P saturation and P desorption relative to F treatment. The soil properties of pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), Mehlich-3 extractable Ca and Fe, and phytase in surface soil and pH, OC, TN, Mehlich-3 extractable Ca and dehydrogenase in subsurface soil had significant effects on the compositions of soil P (P < 0.05), respectively. Finally, lowered pH due to manure application mainly contributed to P transformation and release in the calcareous soil.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Modeling coupled sorption and transformation of 17β-estradiol–17-sulfate in soil–water systems

Animal manure is the primary source of exogenous free estrogens in the environment, which are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals to disorder the reproduction system of organisms. Conjugated estrogens can act as precursors to free estrogens, which may increase the total estrogenicity in the environment. In this study, a comprehensive model was used to simultaneously simulate the coupled sorption and transformation of a sulfate estrogen conjugate, 17 beta-estradiol-17-sulfate (E2-17S), in various soil-water systems (non-sterile/sterile; topsoil/subsoil). The simulated processes included multiple transformation pathways (i.e. hydroxylation, hydrolysis, and oxidation) and mass transfer between the aqueous, reversibly sorbed, and irreversibly sorbed phases of all soils for E2-17S and its metabolites. The conceptual model was conceived based on a series of linear sorption and first-order transformation expressions. The model was inversely solved Using finite difference to estimate process parameters. A global optimization method was applied for the inverse analysis along with variable model restrictions to estimate 36 parameters. The model provided a satisfactory simultaneous fit (R-adj(2) = 0.93 and d = 0.87) of all the experimental data and reliable parameter estimates. This modeling study improved the understanding on fate and transport of estrogen conjugates under various soil-water conditions.

17β-Estradiol–17-sulfate↗
DOE OSTI2020

A discrete integral transform for rapid spectral synthesis

Accurate synthetic spectra that rely on large Line-By-Line (LBL)-databases are used in a wide range of applications such as high temperature combustion, atmospheric re-entry, planetary surveillance and laboratory plasmas. Conventionally synthetic spectra are calculated by computing a lineshape for every spectral line in the database and adding those together, which may take multiple hours for large databases. In this paper we propose a new approach for spectral synthesis based on an integral transform: the synthetic spectrum is calculated as the integral over the product of a Voigt profile and a newly proposed three-dimensional “lineshape distribution function”, which is a function of spectral position and Gaussian- & Lorentzian width coordinates. A fast discrete version of this transform based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is proposed, which improves performance compared to the conventional approach by several orders of magnitude while maintaining accuracy. Strategies that minimize the discretization error are discussed. A Python implementation of the method is compared against state-of-the-art spectral code RADIS, and is since adopted as RADIS's default synthesis method. The synthesis of a benchmark CO2 spectrum consisting of 1.8 M spectral lines and 200k spectral points took only 3.1 s using the proposed method (1011 lines × spectral points/s), a factor ~300 improvement over the state-of-the-art, with the relative improvement generally increasing for higher number of lines and/or number of spectral points. Finally, an experimental GPU-implementation of the method was also benchmarked, which demonstrated another 2~3 orders performance increase, achieving up to 5 ∙ 10 14 lines × spectral points/s.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Transformation of dense AgI into a silver-rich framework iodide using thiophenol as mineralizer

A new three-dimensional framework iodide, (DabcoH){sub 2}[(Dabco){sub 2}Ag{sub 14}I{sub 16}] (1), was solvothermal synthesized by transformation of dense AgI using p-methylthiophenol as mineralizer, and characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Compound 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R-3c, a=13.4452(2) Å, c=63.725(2) Å, V=9976.5(4) Å{sup 3}, Z=6. It features a 3D silver-rich [(Dabco){sub 2}Ag{sub 14}I{sub 16}]{sup 2−} anionic framework built up from corner-sharing of hybrid [(Dabco){sub 2}Ag{sub 14}I{sub 19}]{sup 5−} clusters, with protonated DabcoH{sup +} as counterions residing in the channels. UV–vis reflectance spectroscopy reveals the band gap of 1 is 3.3 eV. Compound 1 exhibits a strong photoluminescent emission band at 567 nm upon excitation at 489 nm. - Graphical abstract: A new 3-D iodoargentate was synthesized by transformation of dense AgI in I{sup −}-deficient system using thiophenol as mineralizer. - Highlights: • We have developed a new method to synthesize iodide using thiophenol as mineralizer. • A new 3D iodide, (DabcoH){sub 2}[(Dabco){sub 2}Ag{sub 14}I{sub 16}], was synthesized by transformation of dense AgI under solvothermal condition. • The compound features a 3D Ag–I framework with highest Ag/I ratio. • Compound 1 is a semiconductor with the band gap of 3.3 eV. • Compound 1 exhibits a strong photoluminescent emission band at 567 nm upon excitation at 489 nm.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Copper coordination polymers constructed from thiazole-5-carboxylic acid: Synthesis, crystal structures, and structural transformation

We have successfully prepared crystals of thiazole-5-carboxylic acid (5-Htza) (L) and three new thiazole-5-carboxylate-based Cu{sup 2+} coordination polymers with different dimensionality, namely, 1D [Cu{sub 2}(5-tza){sub 2}(1,10-phenanthroline){sub 2}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}] (1), 2D [Cu(5-tza){sub 2}(MeOH){sub 2}] (2), and 3D [Cu(5-tza){sub 2}]·H{sub 2}O (3). These have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry. Interestingly, the 2D network structure of 2 can directly transform into the 3D framework of 3 upon removal of methanol molecules at room temperature. 2 can also undergo structural transformation to produce the same 2D network present in the known [Cu(5-tza){sub 2}]·1.5H{sub 2}O upon heat treatment for 2 h. This 2D network can adsorb water and convert to 3 upon exposure to air. - Highlights: • Rare examples of coordination polymers of thiazole-5-carboxylic acid were prepared. • Non-covalent interactions play a key role on the assembly of the complexes in solid state. • Structural transformation of a 2D framework to a 3D upon removal of methanol is observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Phase transformation during mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous Fe–32Mn–6Si alloys

Mechano-synthesis of Fe–32Mn–6Si alloy by mechanical alloying of the elemental powder mixtures was evaluated by running the ball milling process under an inert argon gas atmosphere. In order to characterize the as-milled powders, powder sampling was performed at predetermined intervals from 0.5 to 192 h. X-ray florescence analyzer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and high resolution transmission electron microscope were utilized to investigate the chemical composition, structural evolution, morphological changes, and microstructure of the as-milled powders, respectively. According to the results, the nanocrystalline Fe–Mn–Si alloys were completely synthesized after 48 h of milling. Moreover, the formation of a considerable amount of amorphous phase during the milling process was indicated by quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis as well as high resolution transmission electron microscopy image and its selected area diffraction pattern. It was found that the α-to-γ and subsequently the amorphous-to-crystalline (especially martensite) phase transformation occurred by milling development. - Graphical abstract: Mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous Fe–32Mn–6Si shape memory alloys in the powder form: amorphous phase formation, α-to-γ phase transformation, mechano-crystallization of the amorphous, and martensite phase formation during the process. Highlights: • During MA, the α-to-γ phase transformation and amorphization occurred. • Mechano-crystallization of the amorphous phase occurred at sufficient milling time. • The formation of high amount of ε-martensite was evidenced at high milling times. • The platelet, spherical, and then irregular particle shapes was extended by MA. • By MA, the particles size was increased, then reduced, and afterward re-increased.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Understanding the role of carbon atoms on microstructure and phase transformation of high Nb containing TiAl alloys

The microstructure and solidification behavior of high Nb containing TiAl alloys with the composition of Ti-46Al-8Nb-xC (x = 0.1, 0.7, 1.4, 2.5 at.%) prepared by arc-melting method have been investigated in this work. The results give evidence that the addition of carbon changes the solidification behavior from solidification via the β phase to the peritectic solidification. And carbon in solid solution enriches in the α{sub 2} phase and increases the microhardness. As the carbon content increases to 1.4 at.%, plate-shape morphology carbides Ti{sub 2}AlC (H phase) precipitate from the TiAl matrix which leads to the refinement microstructure. By aging at 1173 K for 24 h after quenching treatment, fine needle-like and granular shape Ti{sub 3}AlC (P phase) carbides are observed in the matrix of Ti-46Al-8Nb-2.5C alloy, which distribute along the lamellar structure or around the plate-shape Ti{sub 2}AlC. Transmission electron microscope observation shows that the Ti{sub 3}AlC carbides precipitate at dislocations. The phase transformation in-situ observations indicate that the Ti{sub 2}AlC carbides partly precipitate during the solid state phase transformation process. - Highlights: •Carbon changes the solidification behavior from β phase to peritectic solidification. •Dislocations in solution treated γ phase act as nucleation sites of Ti{sub 3}AlC precipitations. •Ti{sub 3}AlC precipitates as fine needle-like or granular shape in the solution treated matrix. •Ti{sub 2}AlC carbides precipitate during the solid state phase transformation process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Neutron diffraction study of the martensitic transformation and chemical order in Heusler alloy Ni 1.91 Mn 1.29 Ga 0.8

In this study, Heusler alloys of Ni-Mn-Ga compositions demonstrate ferromagnetic shape memory effect in the martensitic state. The transformation temperature and the chemical order depend strongly on the composition. In the current work, the structure and chemical order of the martensitic phase of Ni 1.91 Mn 1.29 Ga 0.8 were studied using neutron diffraction; the diffraction pattern was refined using the FullProf software. It was determined that the structural transition occurs around 330 K. At room temperature, 300 K, which is below the martensite transformation temperature, all the Bragg reflections can be described by a monoclinic lattice with a symmetry of space group P 1 2/m 1 and lattice constants of a = 4.23047(7) [Å], b = 5.58333(6) [Å], c = 21.0179(2) [Å], beta = 90.328(1). The chemical order is of critical importance in these alloys, and it was previously studied at 363 K. Analysis of the neutron diffraction in the monoclinic phase shows that the chemical order is maintained during the martensitic transformation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Origin of enhanced performance when Mn-rich rocksalt cathodes transform to δ -DRX

Most Mn-rich cathodes are known to undergo phase transformation into structures resembling spinel-like ordering upon electrochemical cycling. Recently, the irreversible transformation of Ti-containing Mn-rich disordered rock-salt cathodes into a phase — named δ — with nanoscale spinel-like domains has been shown to increase energy density, capacity retention, and rate capability. However, the nature of the boundaries between domains and their relationship with composition and electrochemistry are not well understood. In this work, we discuss how the transformation into the multi-domain structure results in eight variants of Spinel domains, which is crucial for explaining the nanoscale domain formation in the δ -phase. We study the energetics of crystallographically unique boundaries and the possibility of Li-percolation across them with a fine-tuned CHGNet machine learning interatomic potential. Energetics of 16 d vacancies reveal a strong affinity to segregate to the boundaries, thereby opening Li-pathways at the boundary to enhance long-range Li-percolation in the δ structure. Defect calculations of the relatively low-mobility Ti show how it can influence the extent of Spinel ordering, domain morphology and size significantly; leading to guidelines for engineering electrochemical performance through changes in composition.

Anand, Shashwat↗
DOE OSTI2013

Arsenite evokes IL-6 secretion, autocrine regulation of STAT3 signaling, and miR-21 expression, processes involved in the EMT and malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells

Arsenite is an established human carcinogen, and arsenite-induced inflammation contributes to malignant transformation of cells, but the molecular mechanisms by which cancers are produced remain to be established. The present results showed that, evoked by arsenite, secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, led to the activation of STAT3, a transcription activator, and to increased levels of a microRNA, miR-21. Blocking IL-6 with anti-IL-6 antibody and inhibiting STAT3 activation reduced miR-21 expression. For human bronchial epithelial cells, cultured in the presence of anti-IL-6 antibody for 3 days, the arsenite-induced EMT and malignant transformation were reversed. Thus, IL-6, acting on STAT3 signaling, which up-regulates miR-21in an autocrine manner, contributes to the EMT induced by arsenite. These data define a link from inflammation to EMT in the arsenite-induced malignant transformation of HBE cells. This link, mediated through miRNAs, establishes a mechanism for arsenite-induced lung carcinogenesis. - Highlights: • Arsenite evokes IL-6 secretion. • IL-6 autocrine mediates STAT3 signaling and up-regulates miR-21expression. • Inflammation is involved in arsenite-induced EMT.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells, mediated by a long non-coding RNA, HOTAIR, are involved in cell malignant transformation induced by cigarette smoke extract

The incidence of lung diseases, including cancer, caused by cigarette smoke is increasing, but the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation induced by cigarette smoke remain unclear. This report describes a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and experiments utilizing lncRNAs to integrate inflammation with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. The present study shows that, induced by CSE, IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, leads to activation of STAT3, a transcription activator. A ChIP assay determined that the interaction of STAT3 with the promoter regions of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) increased levels of HOTAIR. Blocking of IL-6 with anti-IL-6 antibody, decreasing STAT3, and inhibiting STAT3 activation reduced HOTAIR expression. Moreover, for HBE cells cultured in the presence of HOTAIR siRNA for 24 h, the CSE-induced EMT, formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and malignant transformation were reversed. Thus, IL-6, acting on STAT3 signaling, which up-regulates HOTAIR in an autocrine manner, contributes to the EMT and to CSCs induced by CSE. These data define a link between inflammation and EMT, processes involved in the malignant transformation of cells caused by CSE. This link, mediated through lncRNAs, establishes a mechanism for CSE-induced lung carcinogenesis. - Highlights: • STAT3 directly regulates the levels of LncRNA HOTAIR. • LncRNA HOTAIR mediates the link between inflammation and EMT. • LncRNA HOTAIR is involved in the malignant transformation of cells caused by CSE.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

The exit-wave power-cepstrum transform for scanning nanobeam electron diffraction: robust strain mapping at subnanometer resolution and subpicometer precision

Scanning nanobeam electron diffraction (NBED) with fast pixelated detectors is a valuable technique for rapid, spatially resolved mapping of lattice structure over a wide range of length scales. However, intensity variations caused by dynamical diffraction and sample mistilts can hinder the measurement of diffracted disk centers as necessary for quantification. Robust data processing techniques are needed to provide accurate and precise measurements for complex samples and non-ideal conditions. Here we present an approach to address these challenges using a transform, called the exit wave power cepstrum (EWPC), inspired by cepstral analysis in audio signal processing. The EWPC transforms NBED patterns into real-space patterns with sharp peaks corresponding to inter-atomic spacings. We describe a simple analytical model for interpretation of these patterns that cleanly decouples lattice information from the intensity variations in NBED patterns caused by tilt and thickness. With tracking the inter-atomic spacing peaks in EWPC patterns, strain mapping is demonstrated for two practical applications: mapping of ferroelectric domains in epitaxially strained PbTiO 3 films and mapping of strain profiles in arbitrarily oriented core-shell Pt-Co nanoparticle fuel-cell catalysts. The EWPC transform enables lattice structure measurement at sub-pm precision and sub-nm resolution that is robust to small sample mistilts and random orientations.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Human papillomavirus types detected in skin warts and cancer differ in their transforming properties but commonly counteract UVB induced protective responses in human keratinocytes

In the present study, E6E7 and E6 proteins of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) associated with skin warts and cancer were compared for their transforming and carcinogenic abilities in primary human keratinocytes (PHKs). We show that E6E7 of cancer associated beta HPV types, notably 49 and 24, were able to extend the life span and enhance the clonogenic efficiency of PHKs when maintained in serum free/low calcium medium. Activities of the beta HPV E6E7 were lower than those of HPV16 E6E7. In contrast, E6 proteins from HPV types detected in skin warts or cancer, notably 10, 49 and 38, attenuated UVB induced protective responses in PHKs including cell death, proliferation arrest and accumulation of the proapoptotic proteins, p53, bax or bak. Together, this investigation revealed functional differences and commonalities between HPVs associated with skin warts and cancer, and allowed the identification of specific properties of beta HPVs supporting their involvement in skin carcinogenesis. - Highlights: • Primary keratinocytes were used to evaluate transforming and carcinogenic abilities of cutaneous HPVs. • E6E7 of cancer associated β HPV types transform primary human keratinocytes. • E6 proteins of cancer and wart associated HPVs inhibit UVB induced cell death. • E6s of cancer and wart associated HPVs attenuate UVB induced proliferation arrest. • E6s of cancer and wart associated HPVs attenuate UVB induced apoptosis signaling.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗