Evidence for Multiple Polytypes of Semiconducting Boron Carbide (C\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3eB\u3csub\u3e10\u3c/sub\u3e) from Electronic Structure

Boron carbides fabricated via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition from different isomeric source compounds with the same C2B10H12 closo-icosa- hedral structure result in materials with very different direct (optical) band gaps. This provides compelling evidence for the existence of multiple polytypes of C2B10 boron carbide and is consistent with electron diffraction results

trans-Bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexa­fluoro­pentane-2,4-dionato-κ2 O,O′)bis­(4-methyl-1,2,3-selenadiazole-κN 3)copper(II)

In the title compound, [Cu(C5HF6O2)2(C3H4N2Se)2], the CuII atom (site symmetry ) is coordinated by two O,O′-bidentate 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexa­fluoro-2,4-penta­nedione (hp) ligands and two 4-methyl-1,2,3-selenadiazole mol­ecules, resulting in a slightly distorted trans-CuN2O4 octa­hedral geometry in which the cis angles deviate by less than 3° from 90°. The selenadiazole plane is canted at 73.13 (17)° to the square plane defined by the penta­nedionate O atoms. The F atoms of one of the hp ligands are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.66 (3):0.34 (3) ratio. There are no significant inter­molecular inter­actions in the crystal

The genome and developmental transcriptome of the strongylid nematode Haemonchus contortus

Background: The barber's pole worm, Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most economically important parasites of small ruminants worldwide. Although this parasite can be controlled using anthelmintic drugs, resistance against most drugs in common use has become a widespread problem. We provide a draft of the genome and the transcriptomes of all key developmental stages of H. contortus to support biological and biotechnological research areas of this and related parasites. Results: The draft genome of H. contortus is 320 Mb in size and encodes 23,610 protein-coding genes. On a fundamental level, we elucidate transcriptional alterations taking place throughout the life cycle, characterize the parasite's gene silencing machinery, and explore molecules involved in development, reproduction, host-parasite interactions, immunity, and disease. The secretome of H. contortus is particularly rich in peptidases linked to blood-feeding activity and interactions with host tissues, and a diverse array of molecules is involved in complex immune responses. On an applied level, we predict drug targets and identify vaccine molecules. Conclusions: The draft genome and developmental transcriptome of H. contortus provide a major resource to the scientific community for a wide range of genomic, genetic, proteomic, metabolomic, evolutionary, biological, ecological, and epidemiological investigations, and a solid foundation for biotechnological outcomes, including new anthelmintics, vaccines and diagnostic tests. This first draft genome of any strongylid nematode paves the way for a rapid acceleration in our understanding of a wide range of socioeconomically important parasites of one of the largest nematode orders

Evidence for Multiple Polytypes of Semiconducting Boron Carbide (C\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3eB\u3csub\u3e10\u3c/sub\u3e) From Electronic Structure

Boron carbides fabricated via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition from different isomeric source compounds with the same C2B10H12 closo-icosahedral structure result in materials with very different direct (optical) band gaps. This provides compelling evidence for the existence of multiple polytypes of C2B10 boron carbide and is consistent with electron diffraction results

The gas-phase structure and some reactions of the bulky primary silane (Me₃Si)₃CSiH₃ and the solid-state structure of the bulky dialkyl disilane [(Me₃Si)₃CSiH₂]₂

The molecular structure of the bulky primary silane, (Me3Si)3CSiH3, in the gas phase has been determined by electron diffraction. Photolysis of (Me3Si)3CSiH3 affords a convenient route to the bulky dialkyl disilane, [(Me3Si)3CSiH2]2, which is the first 1,2-dialkyldisilane to be structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The disilane has an unusually large Si–Si–C angle of 120.05(9)°.</p

Transcriptional alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans following exposure to an anthelmintic fraction of the plant Picria fel-terrae Lour.

Abstract Background Natural compounds from plants are known to provide a source of anthelmintic molecules. In previous studies, we have shown that plant extracts from the plant Picria fel-terrae Lour. and particular fractions thereof have activity against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, causing quite pronounced stress responses in this nematode. We have also shown that a fraction, designated Pf-fraction 5, derived from this plant has a substantial adverse effect on this worm; however, nothing is known about the molecular processes affected in the worm. In the present study, we explored this aspect. Results Key biological processes linked to upregulated genes (n = 214) included ‘response to endoplasmic reticulum stress’ and ‘lipid metabolism’, and processes representing downregulated genes (n = 357) included ‘DNA-conformation change’ and ‘cellular lipid metabolism’. Conclusions Exposure of C. elegans to Pf-fraction 5 induces significant changes in the transcriptome. Gene ontology analysis suggests that Pf-fraction 5 induces endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress, and the changes in gene expression are either a direct or indirect consequence of this. Further work is required to assess specific responses to sub-fractions of Pf-fraction 5 in time-course experiments in C. elegans, to define the chemical(s) with potent anthelmintic properties, to attempt to unravel their mode(s) of action and to assess their selectivity against nematodes