We present detailed multifrequency resonant Raman measurements of potassium graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). From a well-controlled and consecutive in situ intercalation and high-temperature ...deintercalation approach the response of each stage up to stage VI is identified. The positions of the G and 2D lines as a function of staging depend on the charge transfer from K to the graphite layers and on the lattice expansion. Ab initio calculations of the density and the electronic band structure demonstrate that most (but not all) of the transferred charge remains on the graphene sheets adjacent to the intercalant layers. This leads to an electronic decoupling of these “outer” layers from the ones sandwiched between carbon layers and consequently to a decoupling of the corresponding Raman spectra. Thus, higher stage GICs offer the possibility to measure the vibrations of single, double, and multilayer graphene under conditions of biaxial strain. This strain can additionally be correlated to the in-plane lattice constants of GICs determined by X-ray diffraction. The outcome of this study demonstrates that Raman spectroscopy is a very powerful tool to identify local internal strain in pristine and weakly charged single and few-layer graphene and their composites, yielding even absolute lattice constants.
Black phosphorus intercalation compounds (BPICs) with alkali metals (namely: K and Na) have been synthesized in bulk by solid‐state as well as vapor‐phase reactions. By means of a combination of in ...situ X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and DFT calculations the structural behavior of the BPICs at different intercalation stages has been demonstrated for the first time. Our results provide a glimpse into the very first steps of a new family of intercalation compounds, with a distinct behavior as compared to its graphite analogues (GICs), showing a remarkable structural complexity and a dynamic behavior.
Black to the future: The bulk intercalation of black phosphorus with alkali metals (namely: K and Na; black spheres) has been developed, showing a complex dynamic structural behavior. By in situ Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations straightforward fingerprints for the identification of black phosphorus intercalation compounds (BPICs) have been demonstrated.
During angiogenesis, new vessels emerge from existing endothelial lined vessels to promote the degradation of the vascular basement membrane and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), followed by ...endothelial cell migration, and proliferation and the new generation of matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the disruption, tumor neovascularization, and subsequent metastasis while tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) downregulate the activity of these MMPs. Then, the angiogenic response can be directly or indirectly mediated by MMPs through the modulation of the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. This review analyzes recent knowledge on MMPs and their participation in angiogenesis.
Ecuador is one of the most affected countries, with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, in Latin America derived from an ongoing economic crisis. One of the most important methods for ...COVID-19 detection is the use of techniques such as real time RT-PCR based on a previous extraction/purification of RNA procedure from nasopharyngeal cells using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP). This technique allows the processing of ~ 10,000 tests per day in private companies and around hundreds per day at local Universities guaranteeing to reach a wide range of the population. However, the main drawback of this method is the need for specialized MNP with a strong negative charge for the viral RNA extraction to detect the existence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here we present a simplified low cost method to produce 10 g of nanoparticles in 100 mL of solution that was scaled to one litter by parallelizing the process 10 times in just two days and allowing for the possibility of making ~ 50,000 COVID-19 tests. This communication helps in reducing the cost of acquiring MNP for diverse biomolecular applications supporting developing country budgets constraints and chemical availability specially during the COVID-19 International Health Emergency.
Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) are an interesting and highly studied field since 1970’s. It has gained renewed interest since the discovery of superconductivity at high temperature for CaC6 ...and the rise of graphene. Intercalation is a technique used to introduce atoms or molecules into the structure of a host material. Intercalation of alkali metals in graphite has shown to be a controllable procedure recently used as a scalable technique for bulk production of graphene, and nano‐ribbons by induced exfoliation of graphite. It also creates supra‐molecular interactions between the host and the intercalant, inducing changes in the electronic, mechanical, and physical properties of the host. GICs are the mother system of intercalation also employed in fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon‐composites. We will show how a combination of Raman and ab−initio calculations of the density and the electronic band structure in GICs can serve as a tool to elucidate the electronic structure, electron–phonon coupling, charge transfer, and lattice parameters of GICs and the graphene layers within. This knowledge of GICs is of high importance to understand superconductivity and to set the basis for applications with GICs, graphene and other nano‐carbon based materials like nanocomposites in batteries and nanoelectronic devices.
Raman spectroscopy of graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) has become a powerful tool in the study of graphene under the effects of charge transfer and strain. The Raman response observed in GICs has been assigned to specific graphene layered environments present in the compound, whereas the G‐line in stages I and II (golden and blue graphite) has revealed important implications in the electron‐phonon coupling constant responsible for superconductivity.
The verification of a successful covalent functionalization of graphene and related carbon allotropes can easily be carried out by Raman spectroscopy. Nevertheless, the unequivocal assignment and ...resolution of individual lattice modes associated with the covalent binding of addends was elusive up to now. Here we present an in situ Raman study of a controlled functionalization of potassium intercalated graphite, revealing several new bands appearing in the D-region of the spectrum. The evolution of these bands with increasing degree of functionalization from low to moderate levels provides a basis for the deconvolution of the different components towards quantifying the extent of functionalization. By complementary DFT calculations we were able to identify the vibrational changes in the close proximity of the addend bearing lattice carbon atoms and to assign them to specific Raman modes. The experimental in situ observation of the developing functionalization along with the reoxidation of the intercalated graphite represents an important step towards an improved understanding of the chemistry of graphene.
Mutations in the mitochondrial protein kinase PINK1 are associated with autosomal recessive Parkinson disease (PD). We and other groups have reported that PINK1 activates Parkin E3 ligase activity ...both directly via phosphorylation of Parkin serine 65 (Ser65)—which lies within its ubiquitin‐like domain (Ubl)—and indirectly through phosphorylation of ubiquitin at Ser65. How Ser65‐phosphorylated ubiquitin (ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65) contributes to Parkin activation is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65 binding to Parkin dramatically increases the rate and stoichiometry of Parkin phosphorylation at Ser65 by PINK1 in vitro. Analysis of the Parkin structure, corroborated by site‐directed mutagenesis, shows that the conserved His302 and Lys151 residues play a critical role in binding of ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65, thereby promoting Parkin Ser65 phosphorylation and activation of its E3 ligase activity in vitro. Mutation of His302 markedly inhibits Parkin Ser65 phosphorylation at the mitochondria, which is associated with a marked reduction in its E3 ligase activity following mitochondrial depolarisation. We show that the binding of ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65 to Parkin disrupts the interaction between the Ubl domain and C‐terminal region, thereby increasing the accessibility of Parkin Ser65. Finally, purified Parkin maximally phosphorylated at Ser65 in vitro cannot be further activated by the addition of ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65. Our results thus suggest that a major role of ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65 is to promote PINK1‐mediated phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65, leading to maximal activation of Parkin E3 ligase activity. His302 and Lys151 are likely to line a phospho‐Ser65‐binding pocket on the surface of Parkin that is critical for the ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65 interaction. This study provides new mechanistic insights into Parkin activation by ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65, which could aid in the development of Parkin activators that mimic the effect of ubiquitinPhospho‐Ser65.
Synopsis
Binding of phosphorylated ubiquitin to Parkin is shown to induce a conformational change that allows Parkin phosphorylation and maximal activation by PINK1. The study also identifies two residues crucial for the interaction between Parkin and ubiquitinphospho‐Ser65.
Monoubiquitin, as well as diverse ubiquitin chain topologies phosphorylated at serine 65, enhance Parkin phosphorylation by PINK1.
Parkin His302 and Lys151 are required for optimal binding of phospho‐ubiquitin and likely line a phospho‐Ser65‐binding pocket of Parkin.
Parkin phosphorylation and activation at mitochondria is dependent on phospho‐ubiquitin binding.
Binding of phosphorylated ubiquitin to Parkin is shown to induce a conformational change that allows Parkin phosphorylation and maximal activation by PINK1. Two residues crucial for the interaction between Parkin and ubiquitinphospho‐Ser65 are identified.
Workers and residents in Care Homes are considered at special risk for the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection, due to the infectivity and high mortality rate in the case of residents, compared to ...other containment areas. The role of presymptomatic people in transmission has been shown to be important and the early detection of these people is critical for the control of new outbreaks. Pooling strategies have proven to preserve SARS-CoV-2 testing resources. The aims of the present study, based in our local experience, were (a) to describe SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in institutionalized people in Galicia (Spain) during the Coronavirus pandemic and (b) to evaluate the expected performance of a pooling strategy using RT-PCR for the next rounds of screening of institutionalized people.
A total of 25,386 Nasopharyngeal swab samples from the total of the residents and workers at Care Homes in Galicia (March to May 2020) were individually tested using RT-PCR. Prevalence and quantification cycle (Cq) value distribution of positives was calculated. Besides, 26 pools of 20 samples and 14 pools of 5 samples were tested using RT-PCR as well (1 positive/pool). Pooling proof of concept was performed in two populations with 1.7 and 2% prevalence.
Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection at Care Homes was uneven (0-60%). As the virus circulation global rate was low in our area (3.32%), the number of people at risk of acquiring the infection continues to be very high. In this work, we have successfully demonstrated that pooling of different groups of samples at low prevalence clusters, can be done with a small average delay on Cq values (5 and 2.85 cycles for pools of 20 and 5 samples, respectively).
A new screening system with guaranteed protection is required for small clusters, previously covered with individual testing. Our proposal for Care Homes, once prevalence zero is achieved, would include successive rounds of testing using a pooling solution for transmission control preserving testing resources. Scale-up of this method may be of utility to confront larger clusters to avoid the viral circulation and keeping them operative.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Herein we report the synthesis of covalently functionalized carbon nano-onions (CNOs) via a reductive approach using unprecedented alkali-metal CNO intercalation compounds. For the first time, an in ...situ Raman study of the controlled intercalation process with potassium has been carried out revealing a Fano resonance in highly doped CNOs. The intercalation was further confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the experimental results have been rationalized with DFT calculations. Covalently functionalized CNO derivatives were synthesized by using phenyl iodide and n-hexyl iodide as electrophiles in model nucleophilic substitution reactions. The functionalized CNOs were exhaustively characterized by statistical Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, UV–vis, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopies. This work provides important insights into the understanding of the basic principles of reductive CNOs functionalization and will pave the way for the use of CNOs in a wide range of potential applications, such as energy storage, photovoltaics, or molecular electronics.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be doped with potassium, similar to graphite, leading to intercalation compounds. These binary systems exhibit a clear metallic character. However, the ...entire picture of how electron doping (e-doping) modifies the SWCNTs’ vibrational spectra as a function of their diameter, chirality, and metallicity is still elusive. Herein, we present a detailed study of the intercalation and solid state reduction of metallic and semiconducting enriched HiPco SWCNTs. We performed a combined experimental and theoretical study of the evolution of their Raman response with potassium exposure, focusing specifically on their radial breathing mode (RBM). We found the charge donated from the potassium atoms occupies antibonding π orbitals of the SWCNTs, weakening their C–C bonds, and reducing the RBM frequency. This RBM downshift with increasing doping level is quasi-linear with a steplike behavior when the Fermi level crosses a van Hove singularity for semiconducting species. Moreover, this weakening of the C–C bonds is greater with decreasing curvature, or increasing diameter. Overall, this suggests the RBM downshift with e-doping is proportional to both the SWCNT’s integrated density of states (DOS) ϱ(ε) and diameter d. We have provided a precise and complete description of the complex electron doping mechanism in SWCNTs up to a charge density of −18 me/C, far beyond that achievable by standard gate voltage studies, not being the highest doping possible, but high enough to track the effects of doping in SWCNTs based on their excitation energy, diameter, band gap energy, chiral angle, and metallicity. This work is highly relevant to tuning the electronic properties of SWCNTs for applications in nanoelectronics, plasmonics, and thermoelectricity.
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