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Kinesins are molecular motors that require a divalent metal ion (for example, Mg2+) to convert the energy of ATP hydrolysis into directed force production along microtubules. Here we present the crystal structure of a recombinant kinesin motor domain bound to Mn2+ and ADP and report on a serine-to-cysteine substitution in the switch 1 motif of kinesin that allows its ATP hydrolysis activity to be controlled by adjusting the ratio of Mn2+ to Mg2+. This mutant kinesin binds ATP similarly in the presence of either metal ion, but its ATP hydrolysis activity is greatly diminished in the presence of Mg2+. In human kinesin-1 and kinesin-5 as well as Drosophila melanogaster kinesin-10 and kinesin-14, this defect is rescued by Mn2+, providing a way to control both the enzymatic activity and force-generating ability of these nanomachines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond-copper/steel matrix abrasive composites were prepared by the roll-bonding technique. Firstly, the effects of the roll-bonding technical parameters (including sintering parameters, rolling parameters, and the component content) on the interfacial bonding strength in the composites were researched. Then, the surface macroscopic characteristics of the composites and the microstructures of the bonding interfaces were observed. The static compressive strength of the diamonds in the composites and the grinding performance of the composites were measured. Finally, the mechanisms for the effects of the roll-bonding technical parameters on the interfacial bonding strength were explored. The results showed that with increasing those parameters, the interfacial bonding strength between diamonds and the matrices displayed an initial increase and then a significant decrease. Furthermore, the optimal interfacial bonding strength (11.4 kN/m) and an excellent grinding performance (abrasive ratio of 23.2) were obtained from the diamond-steel matrix composites containing 10 vol% binder and 25% concentration of diamonds, when sintered at the temperature of 900 °C for holding time of 30 min and cold rolled at the reduction rate of 70%. The composites prepared with the optimum technical parameters had acceptable surface smoothness. In addition, the diamonds could be dispersed homogeneously in the matrices and firmly adhered to the substrates. When the diamond concentration was 25% in cold-rolling, the diamond-steel matrix composites showed better grinding performance. By improving the pressure condition of metallurgical bonding between diamonds and metal matrices from static pressure to rolling dynamic pressure, the sintering condition of temperature and holding time can be reduced and shortened, and the sintering condition effect on the interfacial bonding can be weaken. Thus, the application of the roll-bonding technique to the preparation of diamond-metal matrix composites could effectively avoid the thermal damage of diamonds caused by sintering process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si-based multilayer structures are widely used in current microelectronics. During their preparation, some inhomogeneous residual stress is induced, resulting in competition between interface mismatching and surface energy and even leading to structure failure. This work presents a methodological study on the measurement of residual stress in a multi-layer semiconductor heterostructure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to measure the geometric parameters of the multilayer structure. The relationship between the Raman spectrum and the stress/strain on the [100] and [110] crystal orientations was determined to enable surface and cross-section residual stress analyses, respectively. Based on the Raman mapping results, the distribution of residual stress along the depth of the multi-layer heterostructure was successfully obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]