Mapping separase-mediated cleavage in situ.

Separase is a protease that performs critical functions in the maintenance of genetic homeostasis. Among them, the cleavage of the meiotic cohesin during meiosis is a key step in producing gametes in eukaryotes. However, the exact chromosomal localization of this proteolytic cleavage was not addressed due to the lack of experimental tools.

Ectopic expression of meiotic cohesin generates chromosome instability in cancer cell line.

Many tumors express meiotic genes that could potentially drive somatic chromosome instability. While germline cohesin subunits SMC1B, STAG3, and REC8 are widely expressed in many cancers, messenger RNA and protein for RAD21L subunit are expressed at very low levels. To elucidate the potential of meiotic cohesins to contribute to genome instability, their expression was investigated in human cell lines, predominately in DLD-1.

Bifunctional ultraviolet/ultrasound responsive composite TiO2/polyelectrolyte microcapsules.

Designing and fabricating multifunctional microcapsules are of considerable interest in both academic and industrial research aspects. This work reports an innovative approach to fabricate composite capsules with high UV and ultrasound responsive functionalities that can be used as external triggers for controlled release, yet with enhanced mechanical strength that can make them survive in a harsh environment. Needle-like TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were produced in situ into layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte (PE) shells through the hydrolysis of titanium butoxide (TIBO).

Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activities of boron- and cerium-codoped TiO2.

Boron- and cerium-codoped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using modified sol-gel reaction process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), particle size distribution (PSD), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of dye Acid Red B (ARB). The results showed that the prepared photocatalysts were mixed oxides mainly consisting of titania, ceria, and boron oxide.

[Preparation and photocatalytic activity of boron doped CeO2/TiO2 mixed oxides].

Boron doped CeO2/TiO2 mixed oxides photocatalysts were prepared by adding boric acid and cerous nitrate during the hydrolyzation of titanium trichloride and tetrabutyl titanate. XRD, UV-Vis DRS and XPS techniques were used to characterize the crystalline structure, light absorbing ability and the chemical state of Boron element in the photocatalyst sample. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of acid red B under UV irradiation.