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In this paper, two new ternary layered MAX phase ceramics, Sc2GaC and Sc2InC, were successfully synthesized by spark plasma sintering. The crystal structures of two new compounds were determined by X‐ray diffraction. The lattice parameters were a = 3.3609(0) Å and c = 14.5849(9) Å for Sc2GaC, and a = 3.3453(6) Å and c = 15.2236(3) Å for Sc2InC, wherein the Sc atoms were located at (1/3, 2/3, 0.07330[Ga]/0.08268[In]), the A atoms were located at (1/3, 2/3, 3/4), and the C atoms were located at (0, 0, 0). Scanning electron microscopy images of two new MAX phase ceramics were also given in this paper, showing obvious layered characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAX phases have great research value and application prospects, but it is challenging to synthesize the MAX phases containing Cd and Sb for the time being. In this paper, we confirmed the existence of the 312 MAX phases of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2, both from theoretical calculations and experimental synthesis. The Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, Sb) phase was predicted by the first-principles calculations, and the two MAX phases were confirmed to meet the requests of thermal, thermodynamic, and mechanical stabilities using formation energy, phonon dispersion, and the Born–Huang criteria. Their theoretical mechanical properties were also systematically investigated. It was found that the elastic moduli of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 were 162.8 GPa and 164.3 GPa, respectively. Then, differences in the mechanical properties of Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, In, Sn, and Sb) were explained using bond layouts and charge transfers. The low theoretical Vickers hardness of the Zr3CdC2 (5.4 GPa) and Zr3SbC2 (4.3 GPa) phases exhibited excellent machinability. Subsequently, through spark plasma sintering, composites containing Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 phases were successfully synthesized at the temperatures of 850 °C and 1300 °C, respectively. The optimal molar ratio of Zr:Cd/Sb:C was determined as 3:1.5:1.5. SEM and the EDS results analysis confirmed the typical layered microstructure of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LncRNAs are emerging as important regulators of gene expression by controlling transcription in the nucleus and by modulating mRNA translation in the cytoplasm. In this study, we reveal a novel function of lncRNA SNHG15 in mediating breast cancer cell invasion through regulating the local translation of CDH2 mRNA. We show that SNHG15 preferentially localizes at the cellular protrusions or cell leading edge and that this localization is directed by IMP1, a multifunctional protein involved in many aspects of RNA regulation. We demonstrate that SNHG15 also forms a complex with nucleolin, allowing nucleolin to be co-transported with SNHG15 to the cell protrusions, where the accumulated nucleolin is able to bind to CDH2 mRNA. Interaction with nucleolin stabilizes local CDH2 mRNA and regulates its translation, thus promoting cell invasive potential. Our findings reveal an underlying mechanism by which lncRNA could serve as a carrier to transport a protein regulator into a specific cell compartment to enhance target mRNA expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two new 312 MAX phases of Zr3PbC2 and Hf3PbC2 were successfully synthesized by spark plasma sintering. It is the first discovery of lead‐containing 312 MAX phases, which together with M2PbC (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) form the lead‐containing MAX phase family. Considering the extremely low electrical conductivity of Hf2PbC, these two new compounds are of great research value. Based on the Rietveld refinement results, their lattice parameters and atomic positions were well determined, as a = 3.3771(5) Å, c = 20.0070(9) Å for Zr3PbC2 and a = 3.3357(1) Å, c = 19.7659(8) Å for Hf3PbC2, where M atoms are located at (0, 0, 0) and (1/3, 2/3, 0.1258(6)[Zr]; 0.1255(2)[Hf]), Pb atoms are located at (0, 0, 1/4), and C atoms are located at (1/3, 2/3, 0.0663(2)[Zr]; 0.0641(3)[Hf]), respectively. Additionally, the typical laminar microstructure of Zr3PbC2 and Hf3PbC2 grains was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]