X-ray scattering reveals ion clustering of dilute chromium species in molten chloride medium.

Enhancing the solar energy storage and power delivery afforded by emerging molten salt-based technologies requires a fundamental understanding of the complex interplay between structure and dynamics of the ions in the high-temperature media. Here we report results from a comprehensive study integrating synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments, molecular dynamics simulations and rate theory concepts to investigate the behavior of dilute Cr metal ions in a molten KCl-MgCl salt. Our analysis of experimental results assisted by a hybrid transition state-Marcus theory model reveals unexpected clustering of chromium species leading to the formation of persistent octahedral Cr-Cr dimers in the high-temperature low Cr concentration melt.

Loss of progesterone receptor through epigenetic regulation is associated with poor prognosis in solid tumors.

Background: Hormonal therapy using progestins, acting through the progesterone receptor (PR), is a well-established method to treat uterine endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Recent population studies indicate that progestin exposure significantly reduces the incidence of ovarian, pancreatic and lung cancers in addition to endometrial cancer in women. This unexpected differentiating function of progestin in organs outside of the reproductive system led us to hypothesize that progestins/PR are protective against cancer development and progression in many tumor types.