Planck-Benzinger Thermal Work Function: Thermodynamic Characterization of the Carboxy-Terminus of p53 Peptide Fragments

The thermodynamic parameters for six p53 carboxy-terminus peptide fragments as determined by analytical ultracentrifugal analysis were compared over the experimental temperature range of 275–310 K to evaluate the Gibbs free energy change as a function of temperature, ΔG ^o (T), from 0 to 400 K using our general linear third-order fitting function, ΔG ^o (T) = α + βT ² + γT ³. Data obtained at the typical experimental temperature range are not sufficient to accurately describe the variations observed in the oligomerization of these p53 fragments. It is necessary to determine a number of thermodynamic parameters, all of which can be precisely assessed using this general third-order linear fitting function. These are the heat of reaction, innate temperature-invariant enthalpy, compensatory temperatures and the thermodynamic molecular switch occurring at the thermal set point. This methodology can be used to distinguish the characteristic structure and stability of p53 carboxy-terminal fragments or other p53 mutants. It should be used for the thermodynamic characterization of any interacting biological system.     

High-Entropy Cubic Pseudo-Ternary Ag2(S,Se, Te) Materials With Excellent Ductility and Thermoelectric Performance

The discovery of ductile Ag₂(S, Se, Te) materials opens a new avenue toward high-performance flexible/hetero-shaped thermoelectrics. Specifically, the cubic-structured materials are quite attractive by combining remarkable plasticity, decent thermoelectric figure of merit (zT), and no phase transition above room temperature. However, such materials are quite few and the understanding is inadequate on their mechanical and thermoelectric properties. Enlightened by the high-entropy principles, a series of pseudo-ternary Ag₂S-Ag₂Se-Ag₂Te alloys is designed and comprehensive diagrams of composition-structure-plasticity-zT are compiled. Subsequently, the compositional region for the cubic phase is outlined. As a high-entropy example featuring with anion-site alloying and disordered Ag ions, Ag_2-xS_1/3Se_1/3Te_1/3 materials exhibit impressively large elongations of 60–97%, ultralow lattice thermal conductivities of ≈0.2 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, and decent zT values of 0.45 at 300 K, 0.8 at 460 K. The materials can be readily rolled into thin foils, showing excellent flexibility. Finally, a six-leg in-plane device is fabricated, achieving an output voltage of 13.6 mV, a maximal power of 12.8 µW, and a power density of 14.3 W m⁻² under the temperature difference of 30 K, much higher than the organic counterparts. This study largely enriches the members of cubic ductile inorganic materials for the applications in flexible and hetero-shaped energy and electronic devices.     

Luminescence properties of nanocrystalline Mg2P2O7:Eu phosphor

Thermoluminescence (TL) measurements were carried out on europium (Eu) doped magnesium pyrophosphate (Mg₂P₂O₇) nanopowders using gamma irradiation in the dose range of 0.1 to 3 kGy. The powder samples were successfully synthesized by chemical co‐precipitation synthesis route. The formation and crystallinity of the compound was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern. The estimated particle size was found to be in nanometer scale by using Debye Scherer's formula. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was carried out for the morphological characteristics of as synthesized Mg₂P₂O₇:Eu phosphor. Photoluminescence (PL) study was carried out to confirm the presence of the rare‐earth ion and its valence state. The TL analysis of synthesized samples were performed after the irradiation of Mg₂P₂O₇:Eu with cobalt‐60 (⁶⁰Co) gamma rays. The high and low intensity peaks of TL glow curve appeared at around 400 K, 450 K, 500 K and 596 K respectively. The appreciable shift in peak positions has been observed for different concentrations of Eu ion. The trapping parameters, namely activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) have been determined using thermal cleaning process, peak shape (Chen's) method and glow curve deconvolution (GCD) functions.     

Evidence of α fluctuations in myoglobin's denaturation in the high temperature region: Average relaxation time from an Adam–Gibbs perspective

In this work, we derive an analytical expression for the relaxation time τ as a function of temperature T for myoglobin protein (Mb, PDB:1MBN) in the high temperature limit (T > T_g = 200 K). The method is based on a modified version of the Adam–Gibbs theory (AG theory) for the glass transition in supercooled liquids and an implementation of differential geometry techniques. This modified version of the AG theory takes into account that the entropic component in protein's denaturation has two major sources: a configurational contribution ΔS_c due to the unfolding of the highly ordered native state N and a hydration contribution ΔS^hyd arising from the exposure of non-polar residues to direct contact with solvent polar molecules. Our results show that the configurational contribution ΔS_c is temperature-independent and one order of magnitude smaller than its hydration counterpart ΔS^hyd in the temperature range considered. The profile obtained for log τ(T) from T = 200 K to T = 300 K exhibits a non-Arrhenius behavior characteristic of α relaxation mechanisms in hydrated proteins and glassy systems. This result is in agreement with recent dielectric spectroscopy data obtained for hydrated myoglobin, where at least two fast relaxation processes in the high temperature limit have been observed. The connection between the relaxation process calculated here and the experimental results is outlined.     

An immortal cell line to study the role of endogenous cftr in electrolyte absorption

Summary The intact human reabsorptive sweat duct (RD) has been a reliable model for investigations of the functional role of “endogenous” CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) in normal and abnormal electrolyte absorptive function. But to overcome the limitations imposed by the use of fresh, intact tissue, we transformed cultured RD cells using the chimeric virus Ad5/SV40 1613 ori-. The resultant cell line, RD2(NL), has remained differentiated forming a polarized epithelium that expressed two fundamental components of absorption, a cAMP activated Cl⁻ conductance (G_cl) and an amiloride-sensitive Na⁺ conductance (G_Na). In the unstimulated state, there was a low level of transport activity; however, addition of forskolin (10⁻⁵ M) significantly increased the Cl⁻ diffusion potential (V_t) generated by a luminally directed Cl⁻ gradient from − 15.3 ± 0.7 mV to −23.9 ± 1.1 mV,n=39; and decreased the transepithelial resistance (R_t) from 814.8 ± 56.3 Ω.cm² to 750.5 ± 47.5 Ω.cm²,n=39, (n=number of cultures). cAMP activation, anion selectivity (Cl⁻>I⁻>gluconate), and a dependence upon metabolic energy (metabolic poisoning inhibited G_Cl), all indicate that the G_Cl expressed in RD2(NL) is in fact CFTR-G_Cl. The presence of an apical amiloride-sensitive G_Na was shown by the amiloride (10⁻⁵ M) inhibition of G_Na as indicated by a reduction of V_t and equivalent short circuit current by 78.0 ± 3.1% and 77.9 ± 2.6%, respectively, and an increase in R_t by 7.2 ± 0.8%,n=36. In conclusion, the RD2(NL) cell line presents the first model system in which CFTR-G_Cl is expressed in a purely absorptive tissue. It provides an opportunity to study the properties and role of CFTR in the context of absorptive function in immortalized epithelial cells.     

Measurement of the adhesive strength of a gingival cell line to agar

Summary A new technique is described for measuring the adhesive strength of a gingival cell line to an agar substratum by the modification of the original “blister” test for adhesives. A cell monolayer was developed on a Petri dish with a hole in the center of the growing surface, overlayed with agar, and the system pressurized to debond the cells from the agar surface. Pressure changes were measured by a capacitance pressure transducer the output of which was measured by a strip-chart recorder. The modulus (E) of the agar overlay was determined and used in the calculation of the adhesive-bond strength (γ_a). The (γ_a) yield for the gingival cell line (cell-agar debond) was 48.8 ergs per cm², and for the control (no cells) (agar-polystyrene debond) was 30.0 ergs per cm². This research was supported by National Institute of Dental Research Grand DE 03983-02     

Single-channel properties of a stretch-sensitive chloride channel in the human mast cell line HMC-1

A stretch-activated (SA) Cl⁻ channel in the plasma membrane of the human mast cell line HMC-1 was identified in outside-out patch-clamp experiments. SA currents, induced by pressure applied to the pipette, exhibited voltage dependence with strong outward rectification (55.1 pS at +100 mV and an about tenfold lower conductance at −100 mV). The probability of the SA channel being open (P _o) also showed steep outward rectification and pressure dependence. The open-time distribution was fitted with three components with time constants of τ_1o = 755.1 ms, τ_2o = 166.4 ms, and τ_3o = 16.5 ms at +60 mV. The closed-time distribution also required three components with time constants of τ_1c = 661.6 ms, τ_2c = 253.2 ms, and τ_3c = 5.6 ms at +60 mV. Lowering extracellular Cl⁻ concentration reduced the conductance, shifted the reversal potential toward chloride reversal potential, and decreased the P _o at positive potentials. The SA Cl⁻ currents were reversibly blocked by the chloride channel blocker 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) but not by (Z)-1-(p-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenyl-1-butene (tamoxifen). Furthermore, in HMC-1 cells swelling due to osmotic stress, DIDS could inhibit the increase in intracellular [Ca²⁺] and degranulation. We conclude that in the HMC-1 cell line, the SA outward currents are mediated by Cl⁻ influx. The SA Cl⁻ channel might contribute to mast cell degranulation caused by mechanical stimuli or accelerate membrane fusion during the degranulation process.     

Multifrequency permittivity measurements enable on‐line monitoring of changes in intracellular conductivity due to nutrient limitations during batch cultivations of CHO cells

Lab and pilot scale batch cultivations of a CHO K1/dhfr^? host cell line were conducted to evaluate on‐line multifrequency permittivity measurements as a process monitoring tool. The β‐dispersion parameters such as the characteristic frequency (f_C) and the permittivity increment (Δε_max) were calculated on‐line from the permittivity spectra. The dual‐frequency permittivity signal correlated well with the off‐line measured biovolume and the viable cell density. A significant drop in permittivity was monitored at the transition from exponential growth to a phase with reduced growth rate. Although not reflected in off‐line biovolume measurements, this decrease coincided with a drop in OUR and was probably caused by the depletion of glutamine and a metabolic shift occurring at the same time. Sudden changes in cell density, cell size, viability, capacitance per membrane area (C_M), and effects caused by medium conductivity (σ_m) could be excluded as reasons for the decrease in permittivity. After analysis of the process data, a drop in f_C as a result of a fall in intracellular conductivity (σ_i) was identified as responsible for the observed changes in the dual‐frequency permittivity signal. It is hypothesized that the β‐dispersion parameter f_C is indicative of changes in nutrient availability that have an impact on intracellular conductivity σ_i. On‐line permittivity measurements consequently not only reflect the biovolume but also the physiological state of mammalian cell cultures. These findings should pave the way for a better understanding of the intracellular state of cells and render permittivity measurements an important tool in process development and control. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010     

Physiological responses of Spartina alterniflora to varying environmental conditions in Virginia marshes

Physiological measurements were used to investigate the dependence of photosynthesis on light, temperature, and intercellular carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the C₄ marsh grass Spartina alterniflora. Functional relationships between these environmental variables and S. alterniflora physiological responses were then used to improve C₄-leaf photosynthesis models. Field studies were conducted in monocultures of S. alterniflora in Virginia, USA. On average, S. alterniflora exhibited lower light saturation values (~1000 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) than observed in other C₄ plants. Maximum carbon assimilation rates and stomatal conductance to water vapor diffusion were 36 μmol (CO₂) m⁻² s⁻¹ and 200 mmol (H₂O) m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively. Analysis of assimilation-intercellular CO₂ and light response relationships were used to determine Arrhenius-type temperature functions for maximum rate of carboxylation (V _cmax), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity (V _pmax), and maximum electron transport rate (J _max). Maximum V _cmax values of 105 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ were observed at the leaf temperature of 311 K. Optimum V _pmax values (80.6 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) were observed at the foliage temperature of 308 K. The observed V _pmax values were lower than those in other C₄ plants, whereas V _cmax values were higher, and more representative of C₃ plants. Optimum J _max values reached 138 μmol (electrons) m⁻² s⁻¹ at the foliage temperature of 305 K. In addition, the estimated CO₂ compensation points were in the range of C₃ or C₃–C₄ intermediate plants, not those typical of C₄ plants. The present results indicate the possibility of a C₃–C₄ intermediate or C₄-like photosynthetic mechanism rather than the expected C₄-biochemical pathway in S. alterniflora under field conditions. In a scenario of atmospheric warming and increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, S. alterniflora will likely respond positively to both changes. Such responses will result in increased S. alterniflora productivity, which is uncharacteristic of C₄ plants.     

Establishment and characterization of a cell line of congenital primitive neuroectodermal tumor of soft tissue

A new human cell line, termedMuraoka, has been established from the recurrent tumor of a case of congenital primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) arising at the temporofacial region of a male infant. The microscopic findings of this cell line were epithelioid, and the xenografted tumor in a nude mouse consisted of the malignant epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemically, the cells were positive for neuron-specific enolase, S-100 protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. These findings were quite smiliar to those of the epithelioid cells in the original tumor and of the xenografted tumor cells. Neither chromosomal abnormalities nor N-myc amplification were observed. Morphological differentiation after treatment with N⁶-2′-Odibutyryladenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (Bt₂cAMP), all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁, and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) showed two different results. Bt₂-cAMP and PGE₁ induced neuronal differentiation with the extension of neurites, whereas RA and BrdU predominantly induced Schwannian differentiation (flat cells). In these respects, the cell lineMuraoka seems to be useful for studying characteristics of PNET as well as for developing the new treatments against such tumors.     

Altitudinal change in soil and foliar nutrient concentrations and in microclimate across the tree line on the subtropical island mountain Mt. Teide (Canary Islands)

Mt. Teide (Tenerife, Spain) is a high volcanic island mountain with an unusually low tree line elevation (2000–2100 m). While searching for the causes of this tree line depression, we analysed the concentrations of total N, available P, and salt-exchangeable Ca, K and Mg in three soil horizons, and the foliar N, P, Ca, K and Mg concentrations in six abundant plant species (trees, shrubs, forbs) along a transect from 1400 (1600) to 3100 m a.s.l. The objective of the study was to detect altitudinal trends in soil and plant nutrient status below and above the tree line. For characterising elevational changes in microclimate and hydrology, we also conducted measurements of air and soil temperatures (T_a and T_s), atmospheric water vapour saturation deficit (D), potential evaporation (E) and soil moisture (θ) on 3–4 occasions along the transect.T_a and T_s did not linearly decrease with elevation but were highest at or immediately below the tree line and were relatively low in the closed Pinus canariensis forest at 1600 m. T_s reached maxima at about 70 °C near the tree line. The absence of a linear temperature decrease with elevation was caused by a stable temperature inversion at about 2000 m and by canopy shading in the forest canopy below the tree line. In June, the topsoil (10 cm) dried out almost completely between 1800 and 3100 m, but remained moist in the pine forest at 1600 m. This gradient reflects the transition from the montane cloud belt to the dry alpine belt higher upslope. The subsoil (30 cm) contained >30 vol% of soil water at all elevations even in June except for the uppermost site (3100 m). Potential evaporation increased with elevation despite a decrease in D. We assume that this is mainly due to the air pressure-dependent increase with elevation in the diffusion coefficient for water vapour in air.The concentrations of N and ‘available’ P (after Olsen) in the mineral topsoil were by far smaller than in alpine soils of other humid mountains which is thought to be a consequence of a very dry and biologically inactive topsoil in the semi-arid alpine belt of Mt. Teide. In contrast to many other mountains, foliar N, P and cation concentrations in the plants did not increase with elevation but either remained unchanged, or decreased as in the tree line species P. canariensis. Nevertheless, P. canariensis probably is not limited by nutrient deficiency at the tree line despite rather low N and P needle concentrations. Rather, drought and heat stress effects on seedling establishment are thought to be the causes of the tree line depression.     

Establishment and characterization of a fibroblast line from Simmental cattle

A fibroblast line (named SCF36) from ear marginal tissue of Simmental cattle was established successfully by direct culture of explants and cell cryopreservation techniques. Biological analysis showed that the population doubling time of the thawed cells was 42.8 h. The average viability of the cells was 96.8% before freezing and 91.5% after thawing. Measurements of lactic dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase isoenzymes showed no cross-contamination of this cell line with other species. Karyotyping showed that the frequency of cells with chromosome number 2n = 60 was more than 90%. Tests for bacteria, fungi, viruses and mycoplasmas were negative. The efficiencies of expression of enhanced green, yellow and red fluorescent protein genes (pEGFP-N₃, pEYFP-N₁ and pDsRed1-N₁) were between 11.3% and 28.8% after transfection; fluorescence was well distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus except for some cryptomeric vesicles. This Simmental cattle fibroblast line not only contains the germline of this important cattle breed, which is preserved at the cellular level, but valuable material has also been provided for genomic, postgenomic and somatic cloning research. Moreover, the establishment of these methods may provide both technical and theoretical support for preserving the genetic resources of other livestock and poultry at the cellular level.     

Using P MAS NMR to monitor a gel phase thermal disorder transition in sphingomyelin/cholesterol bilayers

The impact of low cholesterol concentrations on an egg sphingomyelin bilayer is investigated using ³¹P magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. The magnitude of the isotropic ³¹P MAS NMR line width is used to monitor the main gel to liquid crystalline phase transition, along with a unique gel phase pretransition. In addition, the ³¹P chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) and spin-spin relaxation times (T₂), along with the effects of spinning speed, proton decoupling and magnetic field strength, are reported. The variation of this unique gel phase thermal pretransition with the inclusion of 5 through 21 mol% cholesterol is presented and discussed.     

Establishment and biological characteristics of Ujumqin sheep fibroblast line

A Ujumqin sheep ear marginal tissue (USEM) fibroblast line, frozen in 147 cryovials with 4 × 10⁶ cell each, was successfully established from 33 Ujumqin sheep ear marginal tissues using explant culture and cryopreservation techniques. The cells were morphologically consistent with fibroblasts. The growth curve was typical S-shape and the cell population passed through a lag phase, a logarithmic phase and a plateau phase. The population doubling time (PDT) was approximately 72 h. Tests for bacteria, fungi, viruses and mycoplasma were all negative. Isoenzyme polymorphism indicated that the genetic characteristics of the cell line were stable in vitro. Karyotyping analysis indicated that the chromosome number of a normal cell was of 2n = 54 and 95.4% of the entire population was diploid. The transfection efficiencies of six fluorescent proteins (pEGFP-N3, pEGFP-C1, pDsRed-N1, pEYFP-N1, pECFP-N1 and pECFP-mito) optimal at 48 h were from 18.5% to 30.1%. The cell line met all criteria from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Not only has the germline of this important sheep breed been preserved at the cell level, but also valuable material had been provided for genome, postgenome and somatic cloning research. Moreover, the establishment of this technical platform may provide both technical and theoretical support for storing the genetic resources of other animals and poultry at the cell level.     

Ontogenetic changes in spot configuration (numbers,circularity, size and asymmetry) and lateral line in Neurergus microspilotus (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Coloration in three of four species of the genus Neurergus including N. microspilotus is characterized by the presence of yellow spots on a dark skin, but there is no available information about changes in spot configuration, speed of development and degree of association between melanophore‐free region and the lateral line. In this study, spot numbers, spot circularity, spot size and spot asymmetry were studied during larval to adult growth in N. microspilotus during July 2012 to June 2015. The mean numbers of spots increased during the late larval stage till postmetamorphic period from 13.33 ± 3.77 to 22.53 ± 4.09 and reached 42.62 ± 4.06 in adults. At the same time, the extent of spots gradually decreased in size from 5.80 ± 1.00 to 3.57 ± 0.97 mm² and reached 3.55 ± 1.42 mm² in adults, but the spot circularity increased from 0.48 ± 0.23 to 0.78 ± 0.49 and reached 0.80 ± 0.15 in adults. In adults, the numbers, circularity, size and asymmetry of spots remain stable with little but non‐significant changes during the study period. Histological study shows that formation of a melanophore‐free region correlates with the development of the lateral line receptors. This study demonstrates that the effects of lateral line on chromatophores persist through middle larval stages but diminish as metamorphosis completes.     

Exploration of electron–vibrational interaction in the 5d states of Eu2+ ions in ABaPO4 (A = Li,Na, K and Rb) phosphors

This work reports the theoretical analysis of the electron–vibrational interaction (EVI) in 4f–5d optical transitions of Eu²⁺ ions in ABaPO₄ (A = Li, Na, K and Rb) systems. The EVI parameters were estimated from the recently reported room temperature photoluminescence results, by employing the spectrum‐fitting method. Parameters such as the Huang–Rhys factor, effective phonon energy, Stokes shift and zero‐phonon line position were estimated and are reported here. The estimated EVI parameters were validated by modeling the emission band and establishing the agreement between the experimental and modeled emission bands. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvent effect on librational dynamics of spin-labelled haemoglobin by ED- and CW-EPR

Two-pulse, echo-detected electron paramagnetic resonance (ED-EPR) spectra and continuous-wave EPR (CW-EPR) spectra were used to investigate the solvent effect on the librational motion of human haemoglobin spin-labelled on cysteine β93 with the nitroxide derivative of maleimide, 6-MSL. Protein samples fully hydrated in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), in a 60% v/v glycerol/water mixture and in the lyophilized form were measured at cryogenic temperature in the frozen state. The protein librational motion was characterized by the amplitude–correlation time product, 〈α ²〉τ _c, deduced from the ED-EPR spectra. The librational amplitude, 〈α ²〉, was determined independently, from the motionally averaged hyperfine splitting in the CW-EPR spectra, and the librational correlation time, τ _c, was derived from the combination of the pulsed and conventional EPR data. Rapid librational motion of small amplitude was detected in all samples. In each case, the librational dynamics was restricted up to 180 K, beyond which it increased steeply for the hydrated protein in PBS and in the presence of glycerol. In contrast, in the dehydrated protein, the librational dynamics was hindered and less dependent on temperature up to ~240 K. In all samples, 〈α ²〉 deviated from small values only for T > 200 K, where a rapid increase of 〈α ²〉 was evident for the hydrated samples, whereas limited temperature variation was shown in the lyophilized samples. The librational correlation time was in the sub-nanosecond regime and weakly dependent on temperature. The results evidence that solvent favours protein dynamics.     

Sensitivity of human pancreatic carcinoma cell line (MIA PaCa-2) to Bisantrene and Theprubicin in vitro

Summary We tested the effect of Bisantrene (BS) and Theprubicin (THP-ADR) on cell growth of a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line (MIA PaCa-2). After 1 h exposure ID₅₀ of BS or THP-ADR was 3×10⁻⁷ and 5×10⁻⁸ M, respectively. Increasing the exposure time from 1 h to continuous exposure for 5d resulted in 11-fold decrease in ID₅₀ for BS and a 6-fold decrease for THP-ADR. Both drugs inhibited [¹⁴C]thymidine incorporation to the same extent and caused an accumulation of cells into G₂+M phase of the cell cycle. This work is supported by a gift, from Mr. Issam Fares and U.S. Public Health Service Grants AM 07114 and CA 19182.     

Integrating Band Structure Engineering with All‐Scale Hierarchical Structuring for High Thermoelectric Performance in PbTe System

PbTe_1?x Se_x ‐2%Na‐y%SrTe system is investigated and a high maximum ZT of 2.3 at 923 K for PbTe_0.85Se_0.15‐2%Na‐4%SrTe is reported. This is achieved by performing electronic band structures modifications as well as all‐scale hierarchical structuring and combining the two effects. It is found that high ZTs in PbTe_0.85Se_0.15‐2%Na‐4%SrTe are possible at all temperature from 300 to 873 K with an average ZT_ave of 1.23. The high performance in PbTe_1?x Se_x ‐2%Na‐y%SrTe can be achieved by either choosing PbTe‐2Na‐4SrTe or PbTe_0.85Se_0.15‐2Na as a matrix. At room temperature the carrier mobility shows negligible variations as SrTe fraction is increased, however the lattice thermal conductivity is significantly reduced from ≈1.1 to ≈0.82 W m^?1 K^?1 when 5.0% SrTe is added, correspondingly, the lattice thermal conductivity at 923 K decreases from ≈0.59 to ≈0.43 W m?¹ K^?1. The power factor maxima of PbTe_1?x Se_x ‐2Na‐4SrTe shift systematically to higher temperature with rising Se fractions due to bands divergence. The maximum power factors reach ≈27, ≈30, ≈31 μW cm^?1 K^?2 for the x = 0, 0.05, and 0.15 samples peak at 473, 573, and 623 K, respectively. The results indicate that ZT can be increased by synergistic integration of band structure engineering and all‐scale hierarchical architectures.     

Behaviour of water bound in bone marrow cells affected by organic solvents of different polarity

The behaviour of intracellular water affected by organic solvents of different polarity in partially dehydrated marrow cells obtained from tubular bones of broiler chickens was studied using ¹H NMR spectroscopy at 210–290 K. The ¹H NMR spectra of intracellular water include two signals which can be assigned to strongly (SAW, chemical shift of the proton resonance δ_H = 4–5 ppm) and weakly (WAW, δ_H = 1.2–1.7 ppm) associated waters which can be also divided into weakly (WBW, frozen at 250 < T < 273 K and changes in the Gibbs free energy ΔG > −0.8 kJ/mol) and strongly (SBW, unfrozen at T < 250 K, ΔG < −0.8 kJ/mol) bound intracellular waters. Solvents of different polarity such as dimethylsulfoxide-d₆ (Me₂SO-d₆), acetonitrile-d₃, and chloroform-d differently affect structure, Gibbs free energy, and molecular mobility of intracellular water. A maximal fraction of SBW in WAW and a minimal fraction of SBW in SAW are observed on absorption of acetonitrile (0.8 g/g) by cells. The opposite results are on addition of Me₂SO (0.8 g/g) which strongly changes organisation of intracellular water and enhances the freezing point depression of SBW.