Thermodynamics of the two-dimensional Falicov-Kimball model: a classical Monte Carlo study

The two-dimensional Falicov-Kimball (FK) model is analyzed using Monte Carlo method. In the case of concentrations of both itinerant and localized particles equal to 0.5 we determine temperature dependence of specific heat, charge density wave susceptibility and density-density correlation function. In the weak interaction regime we find a first order transition to the ordered state and anomalous temperature dependence of the correlation function. We construct the phase diagram of half-filled FK model. Also, the role of next-nearest-neighbor hopping on the phase diagram is analyzed. Lastly, we discuss the density of states and the spectral functions for the mobile particles in weak and strong interaction regime.Comment: 15 pages, RevTe

The new features of landslide relief discovered using LiDAR – case study from Babia Góra massif, Western Carpathian Mountains

Basing on LiDAR data, the re-interpretation of the limit and distribution of the selected landslide forms in 9 test areas were carried out. The forms are located at the slopes of the monoclinal ridge of Babia Góra Mt. (1,725 m a.s.l.) in the flysch Western Carpathians. The earlier knowledge on these landforms is shown in the unpublished map at the scale of 1:5,000 which was prepared basing on geomorphological mapping. Basing on the newest information source, subtle geomorphic signatures of landslides were found, the dynamics of these forms and directions of their further development were determined. Local differentiation of deep-seated landslides was indicated according to the relation between the sandstone layer dip and slope inclination, slope length, and altitude of the location of headwaters. An attention was paid to polycyclic relief of the highest located landslide forms, which contain the elements of glacial and nival morphology, and some are modelled by debris flows

Hofstadter butterfly for a finite correlated system

We investigate a finite two-dimensional system in the presence of external magnetic field. We discuss how the energy spectrum depends on the system size, boundary conditions and Coulomb repulsion. On one hand, using these results we present the field dependence of the transport properties of a nanosystem. In particular, we demonstrate that these properties depend on whether the system consists of even or odd number of sites. On the other hand, on the basis of exact results obtained for a finite system we investigate whether the Hofstadter butterfly is robust against strong electronic correlations. We show that for sufficiently strong Coulomb repulsion the Hubbard gap decreases when the magnetic field increases.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, revte

Completing the triad: Synthesis and full characterization of homoleptic and heteroleptic carbonyl and nitrosyl complexes of the group VI metals

Oxidation of M(CO)$_{6}$ (M = Cr, Mo, W) with the synergistic oxidative system Ag[WCA]/0.5 I$_{2}$ yields the fully characterized metalloradical salts [M(CO)$_{6}$]+˙[WCA]− (weakly coordinating anion WCA = [F-{Al(OR$^{F}$)$_{3}$}$_{2}$]$^{-}$, R$^{F}$ = C(CF$_{3}$)$_{3}$). The new metalloradical cations with M = Mo and W showcase a similar structural fluxionality as the previously reported [Cr(CO)$_{6}$]$^{+}$˙. Their reactivity increases from M = Cr < Mo < W and their syntheses allow for in-depth insights into the properties of the group 6 carbonyl triad. Furthermore, the reaction of NO$^{+}$[WCA]$^{-}$ with neutral carbonyl complexes M(CO)$_{6}$ gives access to the heteroleptic carbonyl/nitrosyl cations [M(CO)$_{5}$(NO)]$^{+}$ as salts of the WCA [Al(ORF)$_{4}$]$^{-}$, the first complete transition metal triad of their kind

Engineering the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce the aroma compound β-ionone

Backgroundβ-Ionone is a fragrant terpenoid that generates a pleasant floral scent and is used in diverse applications as a cosmetic and flavoring ingredient. A growing consumer desire for natural products has increased the market demand for natural β-ionone. To date, chemical extraction from plants remains the main approach for commercial natural β-ionone production. Unfortunately, changing climate and geopolitical issues can cause instability in the β-ionone supply chain. Microbial fermentation using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) yeast offers an alternative method for producing natural β-ionone. Yarrowia lipolytica is an attractive host due to its oleaginous nature, established genetic tools, and large intercellular pool size of acetyl-CoA (the terpenoid backbone precursor).ResultsA push-pull strategy via genome engineering was applied to a Y. lipolytica PO1f derived strain. Heterologous and native genes in the mevalonate pathway were overexpressed to push production to the terpenoid backbone geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, while the carB and biofunction carRP genes from Mucor circinelloides were introduced to pull flux towards β-carotene (i.e., ionone precursor). Medium tests combined with machine learning based data analysis and 13C metabolite labeling investigated influential nutrients for the β-carotene strain that achieved &gt; 2.5&nbsp;g/L β-carotene in a rich medium. Further introduction of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 (CCD1) from Osmanthus fragrans resulted in the β-ionone production. Utilization of in situ dodecane trapping avoided ionone loss from vaporization (with recovery efficiencies of ~ 76%) during fermentation operations, which resulted in titers of 68&nbsp;mg/L β-ionone in shaking flasks and 380&nbsp;mg/L in a 2&nbsp;L fermenter. Both β-carotene medium tests and β-ionone fermentation outcomes indicated the last enzymatic step CCD1 (rather than acetyl-CoA supply) as the key bottleneck.ConclusionsWe engineered a GRAS Y. lipolytica platform for sustainable and economical production of the natural aroma β-ionone. Although β-carotene could be produced at high titers by Y. lipolytica, the synthesis of β-ionone was relatively poor, possibly due to low CCD1 activity and non-specific CCD1 cleavage of β-carotene. In addition, both β-carotene and β-ionone strains showed decreased performances after successive sub-cultures. For industrial application, β-ionone fermentation efforts should focus on both CCD enzyme engineering and strain stability improvement

Mechanisms of immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment and implications for targeted therapy

Cancer; Immunosuppression mechanisms; Tumor microenvironmentCáncer; Mecanismos de inmunosupresión; Microambiente tumoralCàncer; Mecanismes d'immunosupressió; Microambient tumoralThe efficacy of cancer therapies is limited to a great extent by immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous immune escape mechanisms have been identified. These include not only processes associated with tumor, immune or stromal cells, but also humoral, metabolic, genetic and epigenetic factors within the TME. The identification of immune escape mechanisms has enabled the development of small molecules, nanomedicines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell and epigenetic therapies that can reprogram the TME and shift the host immune response towards promoting an antitumor effect. These approaches have translated into series of breakthroughs in cancer therapies, some of which have already been implemented in clinical practice. In the present article the authors provide an overview of some of the most important mechanisms of immunosuppression within the TME and the implications for targeted therapies against different cancers

Analysis of Yarrowia lipolytica Growth, Catabolism, and Terpenoid Biosynthesis during Utilization of Lipid-derived Feedstock

This study employs biomass growth analyses and 13C-isotope tracing to investigate lipid feedstock utilization by Yarrowia lipolytica. Compared to glucose, oil-feedstock in the minimal medium increases the yeast\u27s biomass yields and cell sizes, but decreases its protein content (\u3c20% of total biomass) and enzyme abundances for product synthesis. Labeling results indicate a segregated metabolic network (the glycolysis vs. the TCA cycle) during co-catabolism of sugars (glucose or glycerol) with fatty acid substrates, which facilitates resource allocations for biosynthesis without catabolite repressions. This study has also examined the performance of a β-carotene producing strain in different growth mediums. Canola oil-containing yeast-peptone (YP) has resulted in the best β-carotene titer (121 ± 13 mg/L), two-fold higher than the glucose based YP medium. These results highlight the potential of Y. lipolytica for the valorization of waste-derived lipid feedstock