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Telomeres are specialized structures at the ends of linear chromosomes that protect genome stability. The telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) that is transcribed from subtelomeric regions can invade into double-stranded DNA regions and form RNA:DNA hybrid-containing structure called R-loop. In tumor cells, R-loop formation is closely linked to gene expression and the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Dysregulated R-loops can cause stalled replication forks and telomere instability. However, how R-loops are recognized and regulated, particularly at telomeres, is not well understood. We discovered that ILF3 selectively associates with telomeric R-loops and safeguards telomeres from abnormal homologous recombination. Knocking out ILF3 results in excessive R-loops at telomeres and triggers telomeric DNA damage responses. In addition, ILF3 deficiency disrupts telomere homeostasis and causes abnormalities in the ALT pathway. Using the proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) technology, we mapped the ILF3 interactome and discovered that ILF3 could interact with several DNA/RNA helicases, including DHX9. Importantly, ILF3 may aid in the resolution of telomeric R-loops through its interaction with DHX9. Our findings suggest that ILF3 may function as a reader of telomeric R-loops, helping to prevent abnormal homologous recombination and maintain telomere homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular simulation was used to investigate the coadsorption mechanism of Na+ and H2O on the hydroxylated silicon wafer. Water molecules can form a 3.5 Å-thickness bimolecular structure at the solid–liquid interface. Near the solid surface, the density of water can reach approximately 1300 kg/m3. Na+ does not bond with SiOH directly but adsorbs near SiOH in the form of hydrated ions. The adsorption of Na+ on the surface belongs to the ion hydration outer ring adsorption. The adsorption sites of Na+ are mainly located in the first water molecular layer. In the system, the peak value of the bond length distribution curve of water molecules is 0.98 Å, while the peak value of the bond angle distribution curve is 102°. Due to the polarisation of Na+, the peak value of the bond angle distribution curve of the water molecules decreases, especially at the interface water. Additionally, Na+ can destroy the hydrogen bonds in the system. AFM imaging confirmed that NaCl is adsorbed on the surface in the form of granular aggregates and the adsorption of Na+ by SiOH is weak in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the formation mechanism of hydration films, a lignite molecular model based on FTIR analysis was established. Both the positive and negative extreme values (±184.76 kJ/mol) of the electrostatic potential appear around oxygen-containing functional groups. Water molecules are mainly adsorbed near oxygen-containing functional groups. This paper studies the absorption of lignite for water molecules using MD simulation. With the addition of water molecules, the number of polar groups increases, and the electrostatic potential level of the system increases, causing an increase in the number of active sites. When the amount of water is inadequate for covering the surface of lignite, water molecules adsorb at active sites and places with lower z values. As the number of water molecules increase, the average length of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and that between lignite and water are close to the set values (1.97 and 1.8 Å, respectively). The short-range order structure of the interface has little effect on the average bond length of water molecules, but it reduces the average bond angle by 1°~2°. After a hydration film forms, the increase to the thickness of the hydration film is primarily attributed to hydrogen-bond interaction between water molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flotation mechanism of multiple compound collectors called ZKC-I for coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) was revealed from the flotation kinetics, adsorption properties, bubble–particle interaction, and froth properties. The results were compared to dodecane, which represents the conventional nonpolar hydrocarbon oil collector. The flotation concentrates yield and rate constant of CGFS treated by ZKC-I were 2–3 times than those of CGFS treated by dodecane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wrap angle results showed that ZKC-I improved the hydrophobicity of residual carbon because of the synergistic adsorption of fatty acids, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons in the ZKC-I on the heterogeneous surface of residual carbon particles, which enhanced the adhesion between residual carbon particles and bubble. Due to the strong carrying capacity of the bubble to residual carbon particles, the number of residual carbon particles in the froth treated by ZKC-I was more than that of the CGFS froth treated by dodecane. The high content of carbon particles in the froth resulted in great stability of the flotation froth, and the maximum height and half-life of the froth were higher than that of CGFS treated by dodecane. This study has practical and theoretical significance for the separation of coal-based solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leveraging the trait activation theory, the study constructs a model featuring moderated chain mediation to explore how perceived overqualification influences employee innovation performance. After conducting two surveys with Chinese employees, this study collects 363 valid questionnaires. The findings reveal that perceived overqualification is positively related to employee innovation performance. Both self-oriented perfectionism and job crafting are partial mediators between perceived overqualification and innovation performance, and they collectively play a chain mediating role. Furthermore, independent self-construction positively moderates the link between perceived overqualification and self-oriented perfectionism, and informal status positively moderates the relationship between job crafting and employee innovation performance. Additionally, the indirect influence of perceived overqualification on employee innovation performance is moderated by independent self-construction and informal status. This study adds to the current body of literature on perceived overqualification and offers practical implications for organizations aiming to enhance innovation performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Jiang, Qiu, Liu and Zhang.)