The function of yeast CAP family proteins in lipid export, mating, and pathogen defense

In their natural habitat, yeast cells are constantly challenged by changing environmental conditions and a fierce competition for limiting resources. To thrive under such conditions, cells need to adapt and divide quickly, and be able to neutralize the toxic compounds secreted by their neighbors. Proteins like the pathogen‐related yeast, Pry proteins, which belong to the large CAP/SCP/TAPS superfamily, may have an important role in this function. CAP proteins are conserved from yeast to man and are characterized by a unique αβα sandwich fold. They are mostly secreted glycoproteins and have been implicated in many different physiological processes including pathogen defense, virulence, venom toxicity, and sperm maturation. Yeast members of this family bind and export sterols as well as fatty acids, and they render cells resistant to eugenol, an antimicrobial compound present in clove oil. CAP family members might thus exert their various physiological functions through binding, sequestration, and neutralization of such small hydrophobic compounds

Enhanced memory effect with embedded graphene nanoplatelets in znO charge trapping layer

Cataloged from PDF version of article.A charge trapping memory with graphene nanoplatelets embedded in atomic layer deposited ZnO (GNIZ) is demonstrated. The memory shows a large threshold voltage Vt shift (4 V) at low operating voltage (6/-6 V), good retention (>10 yr), and good endurance characteristic (>104 cycles). This memory performance is compared to control devices with graphene nanoplatelets (or ZnO) and a thicker tunnel oxide. These structures showed a reduced Vt shift and retention characteristic. The GNIZ structure allows for scaling down the tunnel oxide thickness along with improving the memory window and retention of data. The larger Vt shift indicates that the ZnO adds available trap states and enhances the emission and retention of charges. The charge emission mechanism in the memory structures with graphene nanoplatelets at an electric field E ¥ 5.57 MV/cm is found to be based on Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. The fabrication of this memory device is compatible with current semiconductor processing, therefore, has great potential in low-cost nano-memory applications. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC

Zinc-oxide charge trapping memory cell with ultra-thin chromium-oxide trapping layer

Cataloged from PDF version of article.A functional zinc-oxide based SONOS memory cell with ultra-thin chromium oxide trapping layer was fabricated. A 5 nm CrO2 layer is deposited between Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) steps. A threshold voltage (Vt) shift of 2.6V was achieved with a 10V programming voltage. Also for a 2V Vt shift, the memory with CrO2 layer has a low programming voltage of 7.2V. Moreover, the deep trapping levels in CrO2 layer allows for additional scaling of the tunnel oxide due to an increase in the retention time. In addition, the structure was simulated using Physics Based TCAD. The results of the simulation fit very well with the experimental results providing an understanding of the charge trapping and tunneling physics. © 2013 Author(s

Silicon nanoparticle charge trapping memory cell

Cataloged from PDF version of article.A charge trapping memory with 2 nm silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) is demonstrated. A zinc oxide (ZnO) active layer is deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), preceded by Al2O3 which acts as the gate, blocking and tunneling oxide. Spin coating technique is used to deposit Si NPs across the sample between Al2O3 steps. The Si nanoparticle memory exhibits a threshold voltage (V-t) shift of 2.9 V at a negative programming voltage of -10 V indicating that holes are emitted from channel to charge trapping layer. The negligible measured V-t shift without the nanoparticles and the good retention of charges (> 10 years) with Si NPs confirm that the Si NPs act as deep energy states within the bandgap of the Al2O3 layer. In order to determine the mechanism for hole emission, we study the effect of the electric field across the tunnel oxide on the magnitude and trend of the V-t shift. The Vt shift is only achieved at electric fields above 1 MV/cm. This high field indicates that tunneling is the main mechanism. More specifically, phonon-assisted tunneling (PAT) dominates at electric fields between 1.2 MV/cm 2.1 MV/cm).(C) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Enhanced memory effect via quantum confinement in 16 nm InN nanoparticles embedded in ZnO charge trapping layer

Cataloged from PDF version of article.In this work, the fabrication of charge trapping memory cells with laser-synthesized indium-nitride nanoparticles (InN-NPs) embedded in ZnO charge trapping layer is demonstrated. Atomic layer deposited Al2O3 layers are used as tunnel and blocking oxides. The gate contacts are sputtered using a shadow mask which eliminates the need for any lithography steps. High frequency C-Vgate measurements show that a memory effect is observed, due to the charging of the InN-NPs. With a low operating voltage of 4 V, the memory shows a noticeable threshold voltage (Vt) shift of 2 V, which indicates that InN-NPs act as charge trapping centers. Without InN-NPs, the observed memory hysteresis is negligible. At higher programming voltages of 10 V, a memory window of 5 V is achieved and the Vt shift direction indicates that electrons tunnel from channel to charge storage layer. © 2014 AIP Publishing LL

Plant pathogenesis-related proteins of the cacao fungal pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa differ in their lipid-binding specificities

Moniliophthora perniciosa is the causative agent of witches' broom disease, which devastates cacao cultures in South America. This pathogenic fungus infects meristematic tissues and derives nutrients from the plant apoplast during an unusually long-lasting biotrophic stage. In order to survive, the fungus produces proteins to suppress the plant immune response. Proteins of the Pathogenesis Related 1 (PR- 1)/CAP superfamily have been implicated in fungal virulence and immune suppression. The genome of M. perniciosa encodes eleven homologues of plant PR-1 proteins, designated MpPR-1 proteins, but their precise mode of action is poorly understood. In this study, we expressed MpPR-1 proteins in a yeast model lacking endogenous CAP proteins. We show that some members of the MpPR-1 family bind and promote secretion of sterols whereas others bind and promote secretion of fatty acids. Lipid-binding by purified MpPR-1 occurs with micromolar affinity and is saturable in vitro. Sterol binding by MpPR-1 requires the presence of a flexible loop region containing aromatic amino acids, the caveolin-binding motif. Remarkably, MpPR-1 family members that do not bind sterols can be converted to sterol binders by a single point mutation in the caveolin-binding motif. We discuss the possible implications of the lipid-binding activity of MpPR-1 family members with regard to the mode of action of these proteins during M. perniciosa infections

The Virome of Cerebrospinal Fluid: Viruses Where We Once Thought There Were None.

Traditionally, medicine has held that some human body sites are sterile and that the introduction of microbes to these sites results in infections. This paradigm shifted significantly with the discovery of the human microbiome and acceptance of these commensal microbes living across the body. However, the central nervous system (CNS) is still believed by many to be sterile in healthy people. Using culture-independent methods, we examined the virome of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a cohort of mostly healthy human subjects. We identified a community of DNA viruses, most of which were identified as bacteriophages. Compared to other human specimen types, CSF viromes were not ecologically distinct. There was a high alpha diversity cluster that included feces, saliva, and urine, and a low alpha diversity cluster that included CSF, body fluids, plasma, and breast milk. The high diversity cluster included specimens known to have many bacteria, while other specimens traditionally assumed to be sterile formed the low diversity cluster. There was an abundance of viruses shared among CSF, breast milk, plasma, and body fluids, while each generally shared less with urine, feces, and saliva. These shared viruses ranged across different virus families, indicating that similarities between these viromes represent more than just a single shared virus family. By identifying a virome in the CSF of mostly healthy individuals, it is now less likely that any human body site is devoid of microbes, which further highlights the need to decipher the role that viral communities may play in human health

Aptitudes des Principaux Porte-Greffages de Mangifera indica à Supporter les Variétés Primeurs comme Kent, Papaye et Ateudj en Casamance

La valeur de la production de mangue au Sénégal est estimée à près de 4 milliards de FCA. Toutefois, comme les autres filières fruits et légumes, la performance de celle de la mangue reste toujours en deçà des ententes. Afin de relever ce défi, cette étude porte sur le greffage des variétés locales pour améliorer leur productivité. Ce travail réalisé dans le centre d’application du département d’agroforesterie concerne le test de greffage de trois variétés de Mangifera indica précoces (Papaye, Ateudj et Kent) avec quatre porte-greffes (Papaye, Sierre Léone, Diourou et Kouloubadaséky). Ce travail a contribué à l’identification des meilleurs porte-greffes pour les variétés Papaye, Kent et Ateudj. Il est ressorti de cette expérience que la variété Kouloubadaséky donne un meilleur taux de réussite (93,33% ±11,55) avec la variété Ateudj. La variété Diourou donne le plus grand taux de réussite (90% ±10). La variété Papaye a donné le meilleur taux de réussite (100%) avec elle-même. Les performances des variétés Kouloubadaséky, Diourou et Papaye sont révélées pour les greffons des variétés Ateudj, Kent et de Papaye. En effet les greffons ont donné des taux de survie élevés 80,88% pour Ateudj et 79,10% pour Kent 76,19% pour Papaye. En termes de croissance le porte greffe Sierra Léone donne les meilleurs taux de croissance (greffon Ateudj (67,26% ±4,77) et greffon Kent (52,95% ±11,44)). Par contre le greffon Papaye croit plus s’il est supporté le porte-greffe Diourou avec un taux de croissance (71,71% ±8,25).   The value of mango production in Senegal is estimated at nearly 4 billion CFA francs. However, like the other fruit and vegetable sectors, the performance of the mango sector still falls short of the agreements. In order to meet this challenge, this study focuses on the grafting of local varieties to improve their productivity. This work carried out in the application center of the agroforestry department concerns the grafting test of two early varieties of Mangifera indica (Papaya and Ateudj) with four rootstocks (Papaya, Sierre Léone, Diourou and Kouloubadaséky). This work contributed to the identification of the best rootstocks for the early varieties Papaya, Kent and Ateudj. It emerged from this experiment that the Kouloubadaséky variety gives a better success rate (93.33% ±11.55) with the Ateudj variety. The Diourou variety gives the highest success rate (90% ±10). The Papaya variety gave the best success rate (100%) with itself. The performance of the Kouloubadaséky, Diourou and Papaya varieties is revealed for the grafts of the Ateudj, Kent and Papaya varieties. Indeed, the grafts gave high survival rates: 80.88% for Ateudj and 79.10% for Kent, 76.19% for Papaye. In terms of growth, the Sierra Leone rootstock gives the best growth rates (Ateudj graft (67.26% ±4.77) and Kent graft (52.95% ±11.44)). On the other hand, the Papaya scion grows more if it is supported by the Diourou rootstock with a growth rate (71.71% ±8.25)

Aptitudes des Principaux Porte-Greffages de Mangifera indica à Supporter les Variétés Primeurs comme Kent, Papaye et Ateudj en Casamance

La valeur de la production de mangue au Sénégal est estimée à près de 4 milliards de FCA. Toutefois, comme les autres filières fruits et légumes, la performance de celle de la mangue reste toujours en deçà des ententes. Afin de relever ce défi, cette étude porte sur le greffage des variétés locales pour améliorer leur productivité. Ce travail réalisé dans le centre d’application du département d’agroforesterie concerne le test de greffage de trois variétés de Mangifera indica précoces (Papaye, Ateudj et Kent) avec quatre porte-greffes (Papaye, Sierre Léone, Diourou et Kouloubadaséky). Ce travail a contribué à l’identification des meilleurs porte-greffes pour les variétés Papaye, Kent et Ateudj. Il est ressorti de cette expérience que la variété Kouloubadaséky donne un meilleur taux de réussite (93,33% ±11,55) avec la variété Ateudj. La variété Diourou donne le plus grand taux de réussite (90% ±10). La variété Papaye a donné le meilleur taux de réussite (100%) avec elle-même. Les performances des variétés Kouloubadaséky, Diourou et Papaye sont révélées pour les greffons des variétés Ateudj, Kent et de Papaye. En effet les greffons ont donné des taux de survie élevés 80,88% pour Ateudj et 79,10% pour Kent 76,19% pour Papaye. En termes de croissance le porte greffe Sierra Léone donne les meilleurs taux de croissance (greffon Ateudj (67,26% ±4,77) et greffon Kent (52,95% ±11,44)). Par contre le greffon Papaye croit plus s’il est supporté le porte-greffe Diourou avec un taux de croissance (71,71% ±8,25).   The value of mango production in Senegal is estimated at nearly 4 billion CFA francs. However, like the other fruit and vegetable sectors, the performance of the mango sector still falls short of the agreements. In order to meet this challenge, this study focuses on the grafting of local varieties to improve their productivity. This work carried out in the application center of the agroforestry department concerns the grafting test of two early varieties of Mangifera indica (Papaya and Ateudj) with four rootstocks (Papaya, Sierre Léone, Diourou and Kouloubadaséky). This work contributed to the identification of the best rootstocks for the early varieties Papaya, Kent and Ateudj. It emerged from this experiment that the Kouloubadaséky variety gives a better success rate (93.33% ±11.55) with the Ateudj variety. The Diourou variety gives the highest success rate (90% ±10). The Papaya variety gave the best success rate (100%) with itself. The performance of the Kouloubadaséky, Diourou and Papaya varieties is revealed for the grafts of the Ateudj, Kent and Papaya varieties. Indeed, the grafts gave high survival rates: 80.88% for Ateudj and 79.10% for Kent, 76.19% for Papaye. In terms of growth, the Sierra Leone rootstock gives the best growth rates (Ateudj graft (67.26% ±4.77) and Kent graft (52.95% ±11.44)). On the other hand, the Papaya scion grows more if it is supported by the Diourou rootstock with a growth rate (71.71% ±8.25)

Aptitudes des principaux porte-greffes de Mangifera indica L. à supporter les variétés primeurs comme Kent, Papaye et Ateudj en Casamance au Sénégal

La valeur de la production de mangue au Sénégal est estimée à près de 4 milliards de FCA. Toutefois, comme les autres filières fruits et légumes, la performance de celle de la mangue reste toujours en deçà des attentes. Afin de relever ce défi, cette étude porte sur le greffage des variétés locales pour améliorer leur productivité. Le présent travail réalisé dans le centre d’application du département d’agroforesterie qui se trouve à Ziguinchor, concerne le test de greffage de trois variétés de Mangifera indica L. précoces (Papaye, Ateudj et Kent) avec quatre porte-greffes (Papaye, Sierre Léone, Diourou et Kouloubadaséky). L’expérience a duré 18 mois (Juillet 2022 à janvier 2024). Ce travail a contribué à l’identification des meilleurs porte-greffes pour les variétés Papaye, Kent et Ateudj. Il est ressorti de cette expérience que la variété Kouloubadaséky donne un meilleur taux de réussite (93,33% ±11,55) avec la variété Ateudj. La variété Diourou donne le plus grand taux de réussite (90% ±10) avec la variété Kent. La variété Papaye a donné le meilleur taux de réussite (100%) avec elle-même. Les performances des variétés Kouloubadaséky, Diourou et Papaye sont révélées pour les greffons des variétés Ateudj, Kent et de Papaye. En effet les greffons ont donné des taux de survie élevés 80,88% pour Ateudj, 79,10% pour Kent et 76,19% pour Papaye. En termes de croissance le porte greffe Sierra Léone donne les meilleurs taux de croissance (greffon Ateudj [67,26% ±4,77] et greffon Kent [52,95% ±11,44]). Par contre le greffon Papaye croit plus s’il est supporté par le porte-greffe Diourou avec un taux de croissance de 71,71% ±8,25.   The value of mango production in Senegal is estimated at nearly 4 billion francs. However, like other fruit and vegetable sectors, the performance of the mango sector remains below expectations. In order to meet this challenge, this study focuses on the grafting of local varieties to improve their productivity. The present work, carried out at the Agroforestry Department's application center in Ziguinchor, concerns the grafting test of three early Mangifera indica L. varieties (Papaye, Ateudj and Kent) with four rootstocks (Papaye, Sierre Léone, Diourou and Kouloubadaséky). The experiment lasted 18 months (July 2022 to January 2024). This work contributed to the identification of the best rootstocks for the Papaye, Kent and Ateudj varieties. This experiment showed that the Kouloubadaséky variety gives a better success rate (93.33% ±11.55) with the Ateudj variety. The Diourou variety gave the highest success rate (90% ±10) with the Kent variety. The Papaye variety gave the best success rate (100%) with itself. The performances of the Kouloubadaséky, Diourou and Papaye varieties are revealed for the grafts of the Ateudj, Kent and Papaye varieties. Grafting yielded high survival rates: 80.88% for Ateudj, 79.10% for Kent and 76.19% for Papaye. In terms of growth, the Sierra Leone graft holder gave the best growth rates (Ateudj graft [67.26% ±4.77] and Kent graft [52.95% ±11.44]). Papaya, on the other hand, grows best when supported by Diourou rootstock, with a growth rate of 71.71% ±8.25