Fission yeast centromeres, like those of higher eukaryotes, are composed of repeated DNA structures and associated heterochromatin protein complexes, that have a critical function in the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Cohesin protein complexes, which are essential for sister-chromatid cohesion and proper chromosome segregation, are enriched at centromeric repeats. We have identified a functional and physical link between heterochromatin and cohesin. We find that the preferential localization of cohesins at the centromeric repeats is dependent on Swi6, a conserved heterochromatin protein that is required for proper kinetochore function. Cohesin is also enriched at the mating-type heterochromatic region in a manner that depends on Swi6 and is required to preserve the genomic integrity of this locus. We provide evidence that a cohesin subunit Psc3 interacts with Swi6 and its mouse homologue HP1. These data define a conserved function of Swi6/HP1 in recruitment of cohesin to heterochromatic regions, promoting the proper segregation of chromosomes.

Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) technique unravels that the CoFe nanoparticles in a new type of lanthana-anchored CoFe catalyst are nearly transformed into unique (Co/Fe)O(OH) under the electrochemical condition, as real active species for oxygen evolution reaction.

A spherical PVC–MnO2 ion sieve of 2.0–3.5 mm diameter was prepared by the antisolvent method using synthesized Li4Mn5O12 ultrafine powder as the precursor, poly(vinyl chloride) as the binder, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as solvent. Batch experiments of the adsorption capacity (isotherm) and adsorption rate of Li+ on the spherical PVC–MnO2 ion sieve were studied. Spherical PVC–MnO2 had a high adsorption capacity for Li+, and the isotherm data were well fitted by the Langmuir model; the adsorption kinetics were well described by the Lagergren equation. Furthermore, a mathematical model was set up to calculate the film mass transfer coefficient (k f) and pore diffusivity (D p) of the adsorbent. Continuous flow experiments for study of Li+ adsorption breakthrough and the subsequent desorption (elution) in a PVC–MnO2 packed column were carried out employing six feed solutions of various pH values and concentrations of Li+, Na+, K+, and Mg2+ for simulating brine samples of various salt lakes and/or seawaters. After the adsorption treatment to concentrate the Li+ on PVC–MnO2, the column was regenerated by 1.0 mol/L HCl which supplied H+ to accomplish elution of the adsorbed Li+ by ion exchange. The experimental results demonstrate that PVC–MnO2 had high selectivity for Li+ and that its adsorption of Li+ from the feed were little affected by Na+, K+, and Mg2+ also present in the feed solution. Spherical PVC–MnO2 is an attractive medium for large scale lithium extraction from brine or seawater.

High temperature (HT) steam/CO2 coelectrolysis with solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) using the electricity and heat generated from clean energies is an important alternative for syngas production without fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Herein, reaction characteristics and the outlet syngas composition of HT steam/CO2 coelectrolysis under different operating conditions, including distinct inlet gas compositions and electrolysis current densities, are systematically studied at 800 °C using commercially available SOECs. The HT coelectrolysis process, which has comparable performance to HT steam electrolysis, is more active than the HT CO2 electrolysis process, indicating the important contribution of the reverse water-gas shift reaction in the formation of CO. The outlet syngas composition from HT steam/CO2 coelectrolysis is very sensitive to the operating conditions, indicating the feasibility of controlling the syngas composition by varying these conditions. Maximum steam and CO2 utilizations of 77% and 76% are achieved at 1.0 A cm(-2) with an inlet gas composition of 20% H2/40% steam/40% CO2.