The Alkylation of Phenol with Methanol: The Influence of Acid-Base Properties of X Zeolite on the Selectivity of - and -Cresol.

The vapor-phase alkylation of phenol with methanol was investigated on X zeolites and modified X zeolites. First, the difference of product distribution was tested between acid zeolite (HZSM-5, HX, HMCM-22, and Hβ) and basic zeolite X (KX and CsX). Then, X zeolites were modified with Li, K, Cs, Ca, Mg, La, and Ce ion exchange to adjust the acid-base properties of the zeolites.

β-Adrenoceptor Agonists Attenuate Thrombin-Induced Impairment of Human Lung Endothelial Cell Barrier Function and Protect the Lung Vascular Barrier during Resuscitation from Hemorrhagic Shock.

β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) agonists are known to antagonize thrombin-induced impairment (TII) of bovine and ovine lung endothelial barrier function. The effects of adrenoceptor agonists and other vasoactive agents on human lung microvascular endothelial cell (HULEC-5a) barrier function upon thrombin exposure have not been studied. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the in vitro effects of adrenoceptor agonists translate to lung protective effects in vivo.

Chebyshev polynomial approach to Loschmidt echo: Application to quench dynamics in two-dimensional quasicrystals.

The understanding of quantum phase transitions in disordered or quasicrystal media is a central issue in condensed matter physics. In this paper we investigate localization properties of the two-dimensional Aubry-André model. We find that the system exhibits self-duality for the transformation between position and momentum spaces at a critical quasiperiodic potential, leading to an energy-independent Anderson transition.

Ethanol promotes protease activated receptor 1: Chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 heteromerization and enhances thrombin-induced impairment of human lung endothelial cell barrier function.

Ethanol enhances the propensity of PAR1 and CXCR4 to form heteromers. Ethanol increases PAR1:CXCR4 heteromer expression in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HULEC-5a). Ethanol enhances the efficacy of PAR1 to activate Gα upon thrombin stimulation in cells co-expressing CXCR4.

Chemokine receptor hetero-oligomers regulate monocyte chemotaxis.

It is known that stress influences immune cell function. The underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. We recently reported that many chemokine receptors (CRs) heteromerize with α-adrenoceptors (α-ARs) through which CRs are regulated.

Shape-Selective Alkylation of Toluene with Ethanol over a Twin Intergrowth Structured ZSM-5: Modulation of Acidity and Diffusivity via Interface Engineering.

ZSM-5 zeolites with modified acidity and diffusivity are employed as catalysts for the shape-selective alkylation of toluene with ethanol to -ethyltoluene (-ET). To avoid pore blocking and loss of active sites caused by traditional methods of enhancing -selectivity using modifiers, here, we constructed twin intergrowth structured ZSM-5 (Z5-T), achieving modulation of the inherent acidity and diffusivity through interface engineering. The characterization results demonstrate that due to the intergrowth interface, the Z5-T catalyst forms more inherent Lewis acid sites and also renders more sinusoidal channels opened to the surface.

Long-Term Alcohol-Activated c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Isoform 2 Preserves Cardiac Function but Drives Ca-Triggered Arrhythmias.

Long-term alcohol consumption leads to cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common alcohol-related arrhythmia. While AF significantly increases morbidity and mortality in patients, it takes years for an alcoholic individual undergoing an adaptive status with normal cardiac function to reach alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The underlying mechanism remains unclear to date.

G protein activation via chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 and α -adrenoceptor is ligand and heteromer-dependent.

It is unknown whether heteromerization between chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) and α -adrenoceptor (α -AR) influences effects of the CXCR4/ACKR3 agonist chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) and the noncognate CXCR4 agonist ubiquitin on agonist-promoted G protein activation. We provide biophysical evidence that both ligands stimulate CXCR4-mediated Gαi activation. Unlike CXCL12, ubiquitin fails to recruit β-arrestin.

Anomalous correlation-induced dynamical phase transitions.

The nonanalyticity of the Loschmidt echo at critical times in quantum quenched systems is termed as the dynamical quantum phase transition, extending the notion of quantum criticality to a nonequilibrium scenario. In this paper, we establish a new paradigm of dynamical phase transitions driven by a sudden change in the internal spatial correlations of the disorder potential in a low-dimensional disordered system. The quench dynamics between prequenched pure and postquenched random system Hamiltonian reveals an anomalous dynamical quantum phase transition triggered by an infinite disorder correlation in the modulation potential.

Effects of chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 and 3 antagonists in rat models of hemorrhagic shock.

Systemic concentrations of chemokine CCL2, an agonist at chemokine receptors CCR2/3/5, have been associated with hemodynamic instability after traumatic-hemorrhagic shock. We reported previously that the CCR2 antagonist INCB3284 prevents cardiovascular collapse and reduces fluid requirements after 30min of hemorrhagic shock (HS), whereas the CCR5 antagonist Maraviroc was ineffective. The effects of CCR3 blockade after HS are unknown and information on the therapeutic potential of INCB3284 after longer periods of HS and in HS models in the absence of fluid resuscitation (FR) is lacking.

α-adrenoceptor ligands inhibit chemokine receptor heteromerization partners of α-adrenoceptors via interference with heteromer formation.

We reported previously that α-adrenoceptor (α-AR) ligands inhibit chemokine receptor (CR) heteromerization partners of α-AR. The underlying mechanisms are unknown and in vivo evidence for such effects is missing. Utilizing CCR2 and α-AR as prototypical partners, we observed in recombinant systems and THP-1 cells that α-AR enhanced whereas its absence inhibited Gαi signaling of CCR2.

Heteromerization between α -adrenoceptor and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 biases α -adrenoceptor signaling: Implications for vascular function.

Previously, we reported that chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) heteromerizes with α -adrenoceptor (α -AR) in leukocytes, through which α -AR controls CCR2. Whether such heteromers are expressed in human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) is unknown. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer confirmed formation of recombinant CCR2:α -AR heteromers.

The Chemokine (C-C Motif) Receptor 2 Antagonist INCB3284 Reduces Fluid Requirements and Protects From Hemodynamic Decompensation During Resuscitation From Hemorrhagic Shock.

Unlabelled: Clinical correlations suggest that systemic chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2 release may contribute to blood pressure regulation and the development of hemodynamic instability during the early inflammatory response to traumatic-hemorrhagic shock. Thus, we investigated whether blockade of the principal CCL2 receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor (CCR) 2 affects blood pressure in normal animals, and hemodynamics and resuscitation fluid requirements in hemorrhagic shock models.

Design: Randomized prospective treatment study.

α-adrenoceptors regulate chemokine receptor-mediated leukocyte migration via formation of heteromeric receptor complexes.

It is known that catecholamines regulate innate immune functions. The underlying mechanisms, however, are not well understood. Here we show that at least 20 members of the human chemokine receptor (CR) family heteromerize with one or more members of the α1-adrenergic receptor (AR) family in recombinant systems and that such heteromeric complexes are detectable in human monocytes and the monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.

Plasticity of seven-transmembrane-helix receptor heteromers in human vascular smooth muscle cells.

Recently, we reported that the chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) and atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) heteromerize with α1A/B/D-adrenoceptors (ARs) and arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) in recombinant systems and in rodent and human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). In these studies, we observed that heteromerization between two receptor partners may depend on the presence and the expression levels of other partnering receptors. To test this hypothesis and to gain initial insight into the formation of these receptor heteromers in native cells, we utilized proximity ligation assays in hVSMCs to visualize receptor-receptor proximity and systematically studied how manipulation of the expression levels of individual protomers affect heteromerization patterns among other interacting receptor partners.

Chemokine receptor antagonists with α-adrenergic receptor blocker activity.

Objectives: Chemokine receptor antagonists are being explored for their therapeutic potential in various disease processes. As the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) antagonist RS504393 is known to compete with ligand binding to α-adrenoceptors, we tested a panel of 10 CCR antagonists for interactions with α-adrenoceptors to evaluate potential cardiovascular activities and side-effect profiles.

Methods: The PRESTO-Tango β-arrestin recruitment assay was utilized to test whether the CCR antagonists interfere with α-AR activation upon stimulation with phenylephrine.

Class A G protein-coupled receptors assemble into functional higher-order hetero-oligomers.

Although class A seven-transmembrane helix (7TM) receptor hetero-oligomers have been proposed, information on the assembly and function of such higher-order hetero-oligomers is not available. Utilizing bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), bimolecular luminescence/fluorescence complementation (BiLC/BiFC), and BiLC/BiFC BRET in HEK293T cells, we provide evidence that chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4, atypical chemokine receptor 3, α -adrenoceptor, and arginine vasopressin receptor 1A form hetero-oligomers composed of 2-4 different protomers. We show that hetero-oligomerization per se and ligand binding to individual protomers regulate agonist-induced coupling to the signaling transducers of interacting receptor partners.

Regulation of the thrombin/protease-activated receptor 1 axis by chemokine (CC motif) receptor 4.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) capable of heteromerizing with other GPCRs, is involved in many processes, including immune responses, hematopoiesis, and organogenesis. Evidence suggests that CXCR4 activation reduces thrombin/protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1)-induced impairment of endothelial barrier function. However, the mechanisms underlying cross-talk between CXCR4 and PAR1 are not well-understood.

Natural and engineered chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 agonists prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome after lung ischemia-reperfusion injury and hemorrhage.

We compared therapeutic properties of natural and engineered chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) agonists in a rat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) model utilizing the PaO/FiO-ratio as a clinically relevant primary outcome criterion. Ventilated rats underwent unilateral lung ischemia from t = 0-70 min plus hemorrhage to a mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of 30 mmHg from t = 40-70 min, followed by reperfusion/fluid resuscitation until t = 300 min. Natural CXCR4 agonists (CXCL12, ubiquitin) and engineered CXCL12 variants (CXCL12, CXCL2, CXCL12K27A/R41A/R47A, CXCL12 (3-68)) were administered within 5 min of fluid resuscitation.

Robust Majorana edge modes with low frequency multiple time periodic driving.

Floquet Majorana edge modes capture the topological features of periodically driven p-wave superconductors. We present a Kitaev chain with multiple time periodic driving terms. Our results demonstrate how multiple driving will affect Floquet bands in frequency space, leading to more robust Floquet Majorana edge modes against driving frequencyin comparison with the single driving scenario.

Characterization of heteromeric complexes between chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 and α-adrenergic receptors utilizing intermolecular bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays.

Recently, we reported that chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) heteromerizes with α-adrenergic receptors (AR) on the cell surface of vascular smooth muscle cells, through which the receptors cross-talk. Direct biophysical evidence for CXCR4:α-AR heteromers, however, is lacking. Here we utilized bimolecular luminescence/fluorescence complementation (BiLC/BiFC) combined with intermolecular bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays in HEK293T cells to evaluate CXCR4:α-AR heteromerization.

Effects of a forming process on the properties and structure of RANEY®-Ni catalysts for the hydrogenation of 1,4-butenediol.

Three commercial Ni-Al alloys formed by a vacuum atomization method (NAV), atmospheric atomization method (NAA) and high-temperature melting method (NAH) were leached by 10 wt% NaOH solution to prepare three RANEY®-Ni catalysts (RNAV, RNAA and RNAH, correspondingly). The effects of a forming process on the structure of Ni-Al alloys and the corresponding RANEY®-Ni catalysts were investigated XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, NH-TPD, N adsorption-desorption and EDX-mapping studies. Also, the as-prepared RANEY®-Ni catalysts were evaluated the hydrogenation of 1,4-butenediol (BED) to produce 1,4-butanediol (BDO).

Tunable spinful matter wave valve.

We investigate the transport problem that a spinful matter wave is incident on a strong localized spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensate in optical lattices, where the localization is admitted by atom interaction only existing at one particular site, and the spin-orbit coupling arouse spatial rotation of the spin texture. We find that tuning the spin orientation of the localized Bose-Einstein condensate can lead to spin-nonreciprocal/spin-reciprocal transport, meaning the transport properties are dependent on/independent of the spin orientation of incident waves. In the former case, we obtain the conditions to achieve transparency, beam-splitting, and blockade of the incident wave with a given spin orientation, and furthermore the ones to perfectly isolate incident waves of different spin orientation, while in the latter, we obtain the condition to maximize the conversion of different spin states.

Thermal rectification and heat amplification in a nonequilibrium V-type three-level system.

Thermal rectification and heat amplification are investigated in a nonequilibrium V-type three-level system with quantum interference. By applying the Redfield master equation combined with full counting statistics, we analyze the steady-state heat transport. The noise-induced interference is found to be able to rectify the heat current, which paves a new way to design quantum thermal rectifier.

Critical behavior of the order parameter at the nonequilibrium phase transition of the Ising model.

After a quench of transverse field, the asymptotic long-time state of the Ising model displays a transition from a ferromagnetic phase to a paramagnetic phase as the post-quench field strength increases, which is revealed by the vanishing of the order parameter defined as the averaged magnetization over time. We estimate the critical behavior of the magnetization at this nonequilibrium phase transition by using the mean-field approximation. In the vicinity of the critical field, the magnetization vanishes as the inverse of a logarithmic function, which is significantly distinguished from the critical behavior of order parameter at the corresponding equilibrium phase transition, i.