EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON THE MODERATE HALOPHILE HALOMONAS ELONGATA AND THE EXTREME HALOPHILE HALOBACTERIUM SALINARUM

EPA Science Inventory

Both the moderately halophilic bacterium, Halomonas elongata, and the extremely halophilic archaea, Halobacterium salinarum, can be found in hypersaline environments (e.g., salterns). On complex media, H. elongata grows over a salt range of 0.05-5.2 M, whereas, H. salinarum multi...

Stabilizing Fe Nanoparticles in the SmCo 5 Matrix

DOE PAGES

Shen, Bo; Mendoza-Garcia, Adriana; Baker, Sarah E.; ...

2017-08-03

In this paper, we report a new strategy for stabilizing Fe nanoparticles (NPs) in the preparation of SmCo 5–Fe nanocomposites. We coat the presynthesized Fe NPs with SiO 2 and assemble the Fe/SiO 2 NPs with Sm–Co–OH to form a mixture. After reductive annealing at 850 °C in the presence of Ca, we obtain SmCo 5–Fe/SiO 2 composites. Following aqueous NaOH washing and compaction, we produced exchange-coupled SmCo 5–Fe nanocomposites with Fe NPs controlled at 12 nm. In conclusion, our work demonstrates a successful strategy of stabilizing high moment magnetic NPs in a hard magnetic matrix to produce a nanocompositemore » with tunable magnetic properties.« less

Tegumental Phosphodiesterase SmNPP-5 Is a Virulence Factor for Schistosomes ▿

PubMed Central

Bhardwaj, Rita; Krautz-Peterson, Greice; Da'dara, Akram; Tzipori, Saul; Skelly, Patrick J.

2011-01-01

The intravascular trematode Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of schistosomiasis, a disease that constitutes a major health problem globally. In this study we cloned and characterized the schistosome tegumental phosphodiesterase SmNPP-5 and evaluated its role in parasite virulence. SmNPP-5 is a 52.5-kDa protein whose gene is rapidly turned on in the intravascular parasitic life stages, following invasion of the definitive host. Highest expression is found in mated adult males. As revealed by immunofluorescence analysis, SmNPP-5 protein is found prominently in the dorsal surface of the tegument of males. Localization by immuno-electron microscopy illustrates a unique pattern of immunogold-labeled SmNPP-5 within the tegument; some immunogold particles are scattered throughout the tissue, but many are clustered in tight arrays. To determine the importance of the protein for the parasites, RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to knock down expression of the SmNPP-5-encoding gene in schistosomula and adult worms. Both quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting confirmed successful and robust gene suppression. In addition, the suppression and the ectolocalization of this enzyme in live parasites were evident because of a significantly impaired ability of the suppressed parasites to hydrolyze exogenously added phosphodiesterase substrate p-nitrophenyl 5′-dTMP (p-Nph-5′-TMP). The effects of suppressing expression of the SmNPP-5 gene in vivo were tested by injecting parasites into mice. It was found that, unlike controls, parasites whose SmNPP-5 gene was demonstrably suppressed at the time of host infection were greatly impaired in their ability to establish infection. These results demonstrate that SmNPP-5 is a virulence factor for schistosomes. PMID:21825060

Detection of antifungal properties in Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei SM20, SM29, and SM63 and molecular typing of the strains.

PubMed

Schwenninger, Susanne Miescher; von Ah, Ueli; Niederer, Brigitte; Teuber, Michael; Meile, Leo

2005-01-01

Lactobacilli isolated from different food and feed samples such as raw milk, cheese, yoghurt, olives, sour dough, as well as corn and grass silage, were screened for their antifungal activities. Out of 1,424 isolates tested, 82 were shown to be inhibitory to different yeasts (Candida spp. and Zygosaccharomyces bailii) and a Penicillium sp., which were previously isolated from spoiled yoghurt and fruits. Carbohydrate fermentation patterns suggested that a substantial portion, 25%, belonged to the Lactobacillus casei group, including L. casei, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus. The isolates SM20 (DSM14514), SM29 (DSM14515), and SM63 (DSM14516) were classified by PCR using species-specific primers to target the corresponding type strains (L. casei, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus) as controls. Further molecular typing methods such as randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene allowed classifying strains SM20, SM29, and SM63 as L. paracasei subsp. paracasei in accordance with the new reclassification of the L. casei group proposed by Collins et al.

Recycling of SmCo5 magnets by HD process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eldosouky, Anas; Škulj, Irena

2018-05-01

Hydrogen decrepitation process has been applied for the first time for the direct recycling of SmCo5 magnets. Industrially produced sintered SmCo5 magnets were decrepitated by hydrogen gas at a pressure of 1 bar to 9.5 bar at room temperature in a planetary rotating jar. After decrepitation, the starting sintered magnets were reduced to a powder with a particle size of less than 200 μm. The produced powder was used for the preparation of recycled SmCo5 magnets. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies and magnetic measurements were used to follow the decrepitation and the sintering processes. The measured remanence and maximum energy product of the recycled magnet are 0.94 T and 171.1 kJ/m3, respectively, in comparison with 0.91 T and 156.8 kJ/m3, respectively for the original magnet before recycling. It was also observed that, there is refinement in the microstructure after recycling in comparison to the original magnet.

High-temperature specific heat of Bi2GeO5 and SmBiGeO5 compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denisova, L. T.; Belousova, N. V.; Galiakhmetova, N. A.; Denisov, V. M.; Zhereb, V. P.

2017-08-01

The SmBiGeO5 compound is synthesized from Sm2O3, Bi2O3, and GeO2 by solid-state synthesis with subsequent annealing at 1003, 1073, 1123, 1143, 1173, and 1223 K. The metastable Bi2GeO5 compound is prepared from melt. Temperature dependences of specific heat of Bi2GeO5 (350-1000 K) and SmBiGeO5 (370-1000 K) are measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Basing on the experimental dependences C P = f( T), the thermodynamic functions of the oxide compounds are calculated.

Effect of Sm-Rich Phase on Corrosion Behavior of Hot-Extruded AZ31-1.5Sm Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiao; Hu, Zhi; Yan, Hong; Wu, Xiaoquan; Xie, Hecong; Dong, Zhou

2018-05-01

The effects of Sm on the corrosion and microstructure behavior of hot-extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy were investigated by SEM, TEM, weight loss analysis, and electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that granular Al2Sm phase 4 μm in size in the hot-extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy modified with 1.5 wt.% Sm leads to significant grain refinement. The corrosion rate decreased from 15.98 × 10-4 to 11.19 × 10-4 g cm-2 h-1 in the transverse section and from 8.57 × 10-4 to 6.20 × 10-4 g cm-2 h-1 in the longitudinal section. Compared to the unmodified alloy, the corrosion potential of the Sm-modified alloy in the transverse and longitudinal sections increased by 98 and 62 mV, respectively, and the R ct value (charge transfer resistance) in the transverse and longitudinal sections of the modified alloy increased from 1764 and 1756 to 2928 and 2408 Ω cm2, respectively. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of hot-extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy was significantly improved by Sm addition due to the grain refinement, the decreased dislocation density, and the suppression of micro-galvanic corrosion caused by Al-Sm-(Mn) intermetallic compounds.

A DIETHER ANALOG OF PHOSPHATIDYL GLYCEROPHOSPHATE IN HALOBACTERIUM CUTIRUBRUM,

DTIC Science & Technology

The major phosphatide in the extremely halophilic bacterium, Halobacterium cutirubrum, was isolated by a combination of solvent fractionation...precipitation through the barium salt, and final purification as the sodium salt. Analytical and degradative data showed the phosphatide to be a...phosphatidyl glycerophosphate with two long-chain ether groups instead of fatty acid ester groups. Both long-chain groups were found to be identical and were

On archaebacterial ATPase from Halobacterium saccharovorum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kristjansson, H.; Ponnamperuma, C.; Hochstein, L.; Altekar, W.

1984-01-01

The energy transducing ATPase from Halobacterium saccharovorum was studied in order to define the origin of energy transducing systems. The ATPase required high salt concentration (4M NaCl) for activity; activity was rapidly lost when NaCl was below 1 Molar. At low salt concentration, the membrane bound ATPase activity could be stabilized in presence of spermine. However, following solubilization spermine was ineffective. Furthermore, F1 ATPase activity was stabilized by ammonium sulfate even when the NaCl concentration was less than 1 Molar. These studies suggest that stabilization by hydrophobic interactions preceded ionic ones in the evolution of the energy transducing ATPases.

Magnetic and dielectric studies on half-doped orthochromite R(Fe0.5Cr0.5)O3 (R=Gd, Sm) ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tirupathi, Patri; Reddy, H. Satish Kumar

2018-05-01

In the present paper, we report a details on magnetic and dielectric studies on ball milled single phase Gd(Fe0.5Cr0.5)O3 (GFC) and Sm(Fe0.5Cr0.5)O3 (SmFC) ceramics. The room temperature X-ray diffraction suggest that GFC and SmFC are exhibit orthorhombic crystal system with Pnma space group. Temperature dependent dc-magnetic studies exhibit a complex sequence of magnetic transitions (TN = 281 K) for GFC (TN = 249 K for SmFC ceramics respectively. A weak ferromagnetic character at low temperature were observed for both compounds. In addition, high temperature dielectric studies were also reported for SmFC ceramics.

Effect of phase composition on crystal texture formation in hot deformed nanocrystalline SmCo5 magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qiang; Yue, Ming; Xu, Xiaochang; Zhang, Hongguo; Zhang, Dongtao; Zhang, Xuefeng; Zhang, Jiuxing

2018-05-01

In the present study, bulk anisotropic nanocrystalline SmCo5 magnets were prepared by hot press and subsequent hot deformation method. Effect of phase composition on texture and magnetic properties are presented, based on which the mechanism of plastic deformation and texture formation during the hot deformation process is discussed. The SmCo5 magnets were prepared by hot deformation, excessive Sm of 2.5 wt% and 10 wt% was added to compensate the weight loss due to Sm evaporation. Our analyses reveal that the phase composition is one of the most important parameters that determine the texture of SmCo5 magnets. It is therefore suggested that the existence of 2:17 phase and its phase transformation undermined the crystal texture formation as well as the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline SmCo5 magnets.

Acidic Ribosomal Proteins from the Extreme ’Halobacterium cutirubrum’,

DTIC Science & Technology

the extreme halophilic bacterium, Halobacterium cutirubrum. The identification of the protein moieties involved in these and other interactions in...the halophile ribosome requires a rapid and reproducible screening method for the separation, enumeration and identification of these acidic...polypeptides in the complex ribosomal protein mixtures. In this paper the authors present the results of analyses of the halophile ribosomal proteins using a

31 CFR 208.5 - Availability of the ETA SM.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Availability of the ETA SM. 208.5 Section 208.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL AGENCY...

Draft genome sequences of six neonatal meningitis-causing escherichia coli isolates (SP-4, SP-5, SP-13, SP-16, SP-46, and SP-65)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Neonatal meningitis Escherichia coli isolates (SP-4, SP-5, SP-13, SP-16, SP-46, and SP-65) were recovered from infants in the Netherlands from 1989 to 1997. Here, we report the draft genome sequences for these six E. coli isolates, which are currently being used to validate food safety processing te...

Transient proton inflows during illumination of anaerobic Halobacterium halobium cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helgerson, S. L.; Stoeckenius, W.

1985-01-01

The roles of bacteriorhodopsin (bR), halorhodopsin (hR), and the H(+)-ATPase in the proton uptake in intact cells are examined. The Halobacterium halobium strains and solutions utilized in the experiment, and the techniques for measuring extracellular pH changes and intracellular K(+) concentrations are described. It is observed that in Halobacterium halobium strain R1, containing bR and hR, the light-driven proton uptake is divided into three transient inflows superimposed on the larger proton outflow. Under anaerobic conditions early proton uptake consists of an inflow which can be blocked with Dio-9 and a second inflow that can be eliminated by low concentrations (less than 125 nm) of triphenyltin chloride (TPT). The effects of Dio-9 and TPT on the passive proton-hydroxyl permeability of the cell membrane are investigated. A third transient light-driven proton flow observed at later times of illumination is studied. The data reveal that the first proton inflow correlates with proton dependent ATP synthesis; the second inflow is a passive uptake through an unidentified channel in response to electrogenic chloride pumping by bR and/or hR; and the third inflow correlates with the Na(+)/H(+) antiporter function.

Comparative genomic analysis of the Haloferax volcanii DS2 and Halobacterium salinarium GRB contig maps reveals extensive rearrangement.

PubMed Central

St Jean, A; Charlebois, R L

1996-01-01

Anonymous probes from the genome of Halobacterium salinarium GRB and 12 gene probes were hybridized to the cosmid clones representing the chromosome and plasmids of Halobacterium salinarium GRB and Haloferax volcanii DS2. The order of and pairwise distances between 35 loci uniquely cross-hybridizing to both chromosomes were analyzed in a search for conservation. No conservation between the genomes could be detected at the 15-kbp resolution used in this study. We found distinct sets of low-copy-number repeated sequences in the chromosome and plasmids of Halobacterium salinarium GRB, indicating some degree of partitioning between these replicons. We propose alternative courses for the evolution of the haloarchaeal genome: (i) that the majority of genomic differences that exist between genera came about at the inception of this group or (ii) that the differences have accumulated over the lifetime of the lineage. The strengths and limitations of investigating these models through comparative genomic studies are discussed. PMID:8682791

Structure–function analysis and genetic interactions of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits of the yeast Sm protein ring

PubMed Central

Schwer, Beate; Kruchten, Joshua; Shuman, Stewart

2016-01-01

A seven-subunit Sm protein ring forms a core scaffold of the U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs that direct pre-mRNA splicing. Using human snRNP structures to guide mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we gained new insights into structure–function relationships of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits. An alanine scan of 19 conserved amino acids of these three proteins, comprising the Sm RNA binding sites or inter-subunit interfaces, revealed that, with the exception of Arg74 in SmF, none are essential for yeast growth. Yet, for SmG, SmE, and SmF, as for many components of the yeast spliceosome, the effects of perturbing protein–RNA and protein–protein interactions are masked by built-in functional redundancies of the splicing machine. For example, tests for genetic interactions with non-Sm splicing factors showed that many benign mutations of SmG, SmE, and SmF (and of SmB and SmD3) were synthetically lethal with null alleles of U2 snRNP subunits Lea1 and Msl1. Tests of pairwise combinations of SmG, SmE, SmF, SmB, and SmD3 alleles highlighted the inherent redundancies within the Sm ring, whereby simultaneous mutations of the RNA binding sites of any two of the Sm subunits are lethal. Our results suggest that six intact RNA binding sites in the Sm ring suffice for function but five sites may not. PMID:27417296

Preparation and functional evaluation of collagen oligopeptide-rich hydrolysate from fish skin with the serine collagenolytic protease from Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913.

PubMed

Chen, Xiu-Lan; Peng, Ming; Li, Jing; Tang, Bai-Lu; Shao, Xuan; Zhao, Fang; Liu, Chang; Zhang, Xi-Ying; Li, Ping-Yi; Shi, Mei; Zhang, Yu-Zhong; Song, Xiao-Yan

2017-11-16

Although several serine collagenolytic proteases from bacteria were reported, none has been used to prepare bioactive collagen peptides. MCP-01 is the most abundant extracellular protease of deep-sea Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913 and is a serine collagenolytic protease with high efficiency on fish collagen hydrolysis. Here, we set up a pilot scale process to ferment SM9913 for extracellular protease production. With SM9913 extracellular protease as a tool, a process to prepare collagen oligopeptide-rich hydrolysate from codfish skin was set up, which was further scaled up to pilot (100 L) and plant (2000 L) levels with yields >66%. The hydrolysates from laboratory-, pilot- and plant-scales had quite similar quality, containing ~95% peptides with molecular weights lower than 3000 Da and approximately 60% lower than 1000 Da, in which collagen oilgopeptides account for approximately 95%. Bioactivity analyses showed that the hydrolysate had moisture-retention ability, antioxidant activity, and promoting effect on cell viability of human dermal fibroblasts. Safety evaluation showed that the hydrolysate was nontoxic and nonirritating to skin. Therefore, SM9913 extracellular protease is a good enzyme to prepare bioactive oligopeptides from fish skin. The results also suggest that the collagen oligopeptides-rich hydrolysate may have potentials in biomedical, functional food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Structure-function analysis and genetic interactions of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits of the yeast Sm protein ring.

PubMed

Schwer, Beate; Kruchten, Joshua; Shuman, Stewart

2016-09-01

A seven-subunit Sm protein ring forms a core scaffold of the U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs that direct pre-mRNA splicing. Using human snRNP structures to guide mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we gained new insights into structure-function relationships of the SmG, SmE, and SmF subunits. An alanine scan of 19 conserved amino acids of these three proteins, comprising the Sm RNA binding sites or inter-subunit interfaces, revealed that, with the exception of Arg74 in SmF, none are essential for yeast growth. Yet, for SmG, SmE, and SmF, as for many components of the yeast spliceosome, the effects of perturbing protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions are masked by built-in functional redundancies of the splicing machine. For example, tests for genetic interactions with non-Sm splicing factors showed that many benign mutations of SmG, SmE, and SmF (and of SmB and SmD3) were synthetically lethal with null alleles of U2 snRNP subunits Lea1 and Msl1. Tests of pairwise combinations of SmG, SmE, SmF, SmB, and SmD3 alleles highlighted the inherent redundancies within the Sm ring, whereby simultaneous mutations of the RNA binding sites of any two of the Sm subunits are lethal. Our results suggest that six intact RNA binding sites in the Sm ring suffice for function but five sites may not. © 2016 Schwer et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the RNA Society.

Draft Genome Sequences of Five Neonatal Meningitis-Causing Escherichia coli Isolates (SP-4, SP-5, SP-13, SP-46, and SP-65)

PubMed Central

Xu, Aixia; Johnson, James R.; Sheen, Shiowshuh

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Neonatal meningitis-causing Escherichia coli isolates (SP-4, SP-5, SP-13, SP-46, and SP-65) were recovered between 1989 and 1997 from infants in the Netherlands. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of these five E. coli isolates, which are currently being used to validate food safety processing technologies. PMID:29674529

Raoultella sp. SM1, a novel iron-reducing and uranium-precipitating strain.

PubMed

Sklodowska, Aleksandra; Mielnicki, Sebastian; Drewniak, Lukasz

2018-03-01

The main aim of this study was the characterisation of novel Raoutella isolate, an iron-reducing and uranium-precipitating strain, originating from microbial mats occurring in the sediments of a closed down uranium mine in Kowary (SW Poland). Characterisation was done in the context of its potential role in the functioning of these mats and the possibility to use them in uranium removal/recovery processes. In our experiment, we observed the biological precipitation of iron and uranium's secondary minerals containing oxygen, potassium, sodium and phosphor, which were identified as ningyoite-like minerals. The isolated strain, Raoultella sp. SM1, was also able to dissimilatory reduce iron (III) and uranium (VI) in the presence of citrate as an electron donor. Our studies allowed us to characterise a new strain which may be used as a model microorganism in the study of Fe and U respiratory processes and which may be useful in the bioremediation of uranium-contaminated waters and sediments. During this process, uranium may be immobilised in ningyoite-like minerals and can then be recovered in nano/micro-particle form, which may be easily transformed to uraninite. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Expression of plant antimicrobial peptide pro-SmAMP2 gene increases resistance of transgenic potato plants to Alternaria and Fusarium pathogens].

PubMed

Vetchinkina, E M; Komakhina, V V; Vysotskii, D A; Zaitsev, D V; Smirnov, A N; Babakov, A V; Komakhin, R A

2016-09-01

The chickweed (Stellaria media L.) pro-SmAMP2 gene encodes the hevein-like peptides that have in vitro antimicrobial activity against certain harmful microorganisms. These peptides play an important role in protecting the chickweed plants from infection, and the pro-SmAMP2 gene was previously used to protect transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis plants from phytopathogens. In this study, the pro-SmAMP2 gene under control of viral CaMV35S promoter or under control of its own pro-SmAMP2 promoter was transformed into cultivated potato plants of two cultivars, differing in the resistance to Alternaria: Yubiley Zhukova (resistant) and Skoroplodny (susceptible). With the help of quantitative real-time PCR, it was demonstrated that transgenic potato plants expressed the pro-SmAMP2 gene under control of both promoters at the level comparable to or exceeding the level of the potato actin gene. Assessment of the immune status of the transformants demonstrated that expression of antimicrobial peptide pro-SmAMP2 gene was able to increase the resistance to a complex of Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. phytopathogens only in potato plants of the Yubiley Zhukova cultivar. The possible role of the pro-SmAMP2 products in protecting potatoes from Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. is discussed.

Giant magnetic coercivity in CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn–Cu) solid solutions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Xu; Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@tech.chem.msu.ru

The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and SmNi{sub 3}CuSi show ferromagnetic ordering at 125 K, 190 K, 46 K and 12 K and field induced transitions at 65 K, 110 K, 30 K and 6 K, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔS{sub m}). The magnetic entropy ΔS{sub m} reaches value of −1.1 J/kg K at 130 K formore » SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −0.4 J/kg K at 180 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, −0.37 J/kg K at 45 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 12 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. They show positive ΔS{sub m} of +2.4 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −2.6 J/kg K at 65 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, +0.73 J/kg K at 15 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 6 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the metamagnetic-like transition temperature. Below the field induced transition temperature, SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 80 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, 87 kOe at 40 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, 27 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and 54 kOe at 5 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi. - Graphical abstract: CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and SmNi{sub 3}CuSi show ferromagnetic ordering at 125 K, 190 K, 46 K and 12 K and field induced transitions at 65 K, 110 K, 30 K and 6 K, respectively. The magnetic entropy ΔS{sub m} reaches value of −1.1 J/kg K at 130 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −0.4 J/kg K at 180 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, −0.37 J/kg K at 45 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 12 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. They show positive ΔS{sub m} of +2.4 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi{sub 3}Mn

Bacterio-opsin mutants of Halobacterium halobium

PubMed Central

Betlach, Mary; Pfeifer, Felicitas; Friedman, James; Boyer, Herbert W.

1983-01-01

The bacterio-opsin (bop) gene of Halobacterium halobium R1 has been cloned with about 40 kilobases of flanking genomic sequence. The 40-kilobase segment is derived from the (G+C)-rich fraction of the chromosome and is not homologous to the major (pHH1) or minor endogenous covalently closed circular DNA species of H. halobium. A 5.1-kilobase Pst I fragment containing the bop gene was subcloned in pBR322 and a partial restriction map was determined. Defined restriction fragments of this clone were used as probes to analyze the defects associated with the bop gene in 12 bacterio-opsin mutants. Eleven out of 12 of the mutants examined had inserts ranging from 350 to 3,000 base pairs either in the bop gene or up to 1,400 base pairs upstream. The positions of the inserts were localized to four regions in the 5.1-kilobase genomic fragment: within the gene (one mutant), in a region that overlaps the 5′ end of the gene (seven mutants), and in two different upstream regions (three mutants). Two revertants of the mutant with the most distal insert had an additional insert in the same region. The polar effects of these inserts are discussed in terms of inactivation of a regulatory gene or disruption of part of a coordinately expressed operon. Given the defined nature of the bop mRNA—i.e., it has a 5′ leader sequence of three ribonucleotides—these observations indicate that the bop mRNA might be processed from a large mRNA transcript. Images PMID:16593291

Candida dajiaensis sp. nov., Candida yuanshanicus sp. nov., Candida jianshihensis sp. nov., and Candida sanyiensis sp. nov., four anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast species isolated from soil in Taiwan.

PubMed

Liu, Chun-Hao; Young, Shuh-Sen; Chang, Tsung-Chain; Lee, Ching-Fu

2008-08-01

Nine anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast strains belonging to the Pichia anomala clade were recovered from forest soil in 2006 in Taiwan. The nine yeast strains represent four novel yeast species based on the sequences of their D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and their physiological characteristics. The scientific names of Candida dajiaensis sp. nov., Candida yuanshanicus sp. nov., Candida jianshihensis sp. nov., and Candida sanyiensis sp. nov. are proposed for these novel yeast species. The type strains are C. dajiaensis SM11S03(T) (=CBS 10590(T)=BCRC 23099(T)), C. yuanshanicus SY3S02(T) (=CBS 10589(T)=BCRC 23100(T)), C. jianshihensis SM8S04(T) (=CBS 10591(T)=BCRC 23096(T)), and C. sanyiensis SA1S06(T) (=CBS 10592(T)=BCRC 23094(T)). Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 of the LSU rRNA gene revealed that the three species, C. dajiaensis, C. yuanshanicus and Pichia onychis, shared a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree, C. jianshihensis is phylogenetically related to Candida ulmi and Pichia alni, and the phylogenetically closest relative of C. sanyiensis is Pichia populi.

Haloarcula marismortui (Volcani) sp. nov., nom. rev., an extremely halophilic bacterium from the Dead Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oren, A.; Ginzburg, M.; Ginzburg, B. Z.; Hochstein, L. I.; Volcani, B. E.

1990-01-01

An extremely halophilic red archaebacterium isolated from the Dead Sea (Ginzburg et al., J. Gen. Physiol. 55: 187-207, 1970) belongs to the genus Haloarcula and differs sufficiently from the previously described species of the genus to be designated a new species; we propose the name Haloarcula marismortui (Volcani) sp. nov., nom. rev. because of the close resemblance of this organism to "Halobacterium marismortui," which was first described by Volcani in 1940. The type strain is strain ATCC 43049.

Combustion synthesis and characterization of MV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+ (M = Gd, La, Y)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motloung, Selepe J.; Lephoto, Mantwa A.; Tshabalala, Kamohelo G.; Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M.

2018-04-01

In this paper, GdV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+, LaV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+ and YV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+ phosphor powders were prepared by solution combustion method using urea as a fuel. The phase purity, surface morphology, optical and photoluminescence properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The XRD results indicated that the prepared powders are of a single phase and crystallized in tetragonal structure for Gd and Y systems while monoclinic phase was observed for La system. SEM showed that the samples consisted of mixed structures. The estimated band gaps were 2.2, 2.4 and 2.3 eV for Y, Gd and La systems respectively. The photoluminescence results showed four emission peaks. One peak is assigned to 1G4 - 3H6 transition of Tm3+, and three other emission peaks are attributed to 6G5/2 - 6H5/2, 6G5/2 - 6H7/2 and 6G5/2 - 6H9/2 transitions of Sm3+. The photoluminescent intensity was the highest in the gadolinium system.

Pressure-induced phase transition in La 1 – x Sm x O 0.5 F 0.5 BiS 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fang, Y.; Yazici, D.; White, B. D.

Electrical resistivity measurements on La 1–xSm xO 0.5F 0.5BiS 2 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.8) have been performed under applied pressures up to 2.6 GPa from 2 K to room temperature. The superconducting transition temperature T c of each sample significantly increases at a Sm-concentration dependent pressure P t, indicating a pressure-induced phase transition from a low-T c to a high-T c phase. At ambient pressure, T c increases dramatically from 2.8 K at x = 0.1 to 5.4 K at x = 0.8; however, the T c values at P > P t decrease slightly with x andmore » P t shifts to higher pressures with Sm substitution. In the normal state, semiconducting-like behavior is suppressed and metallic conduction is induced with increasing pressure in all of the samples. Furthermore, these results suggest that the pressure dependence of T c for the BiS 2-based superconductors is related to the lattice parameters at ambient pressure and enable us to estimate the evolution of T c for SmO 0.5F 0.5BiS 2 under pressure.« less

Pressure-induced phase transition in La 1 – x Sm x O 0.5 F 0.5 BiS 2

DOE PAGES

Fang, Y.; Yazici, D.; White, B. D.; ...

2015-09-15

Electrical resistivity measurements on La 1–xSm xO 0.5F 0.5BiS 2 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.8) have been performed under applied pressures up to 2.6 GPa from 2 K to room temperature. The superconducting transition temperature T c of each sample significantly increases at a Sm-concentration dependent pressure P t, indicating a pressure-induced phase transition from a low-T c to a high-T c phase. At ambient pressure, T c increases dramatically from 2.8 K at x = 0.1 to 5.4 K at x = 0.8; however, the T c values at P > P t decrease slightly with x andmore » P t shifts to higher pressures with Sm substitution. In the normal state, semiconducting-like behavior is suppressed and metallic conduction is induced with increasing pressure in all of the samples. Furthermore, these results suggest that the pressure dependence of T c for the BiS 2-based superconductors is related to the lattice parameters at ambient pressure and enable us to estimate the evolution of T c for SmO 0.5F 0.5BiS 2 under pressure.« less

Single Domain SmCo5@Co Exchange-coupled Magnets Prepared from Core/shell Sm[Co(CN)6]·4H2O@GO Particles: A Novel Chemical Approach

PubMed Central

Yang, Ce; Jia, Lihui; Wang, Shouguo; Gao, Chen; Shi, Dawei; Hou, Yanglong; Gao, Song

2013-01-01

SmCo5 based magnets with smaller size and larger maximum energy product have been long desired in various fields such as renewable energy technology, electronic industry and aerospace science. However, conventional relatively rough synthetic strategies will lead to either diminished magnetic properties or irregular morphology, which hindered their wide applications. In this article, we present a facile chemical approach to prepare 200 nm single domain SmCo5@Co core/shell magnets with coercivity of 20.7 kOe and saturation magnetization of 82 emu/g. We found that the incorporation of GO sheets is responsible for the generation of the unique structure. The single domain SmCo5 core contributes to the large coercivity of the magnets and the exchange-coupled Co shell enhances the magnetization. This method can be further utilized in the synthesis other Sm-Co based exchange-coupled magnets. PMID:24356309

Syntheses, structures, and physical properties of CsRE(2)Ag(3)Te(5) (RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd-Er) and RbR(2)Ag(3)Te(5) (RE = Sm, Gd-Dy).

PubMed

Meng, Chang-Yu; Chen, Hong; Wang, Peng

2014-07-07

A new series of quaternary CsRE2Ag3Te5 (RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd-Er) and RbRE2Ag3Te5 (RE = Sm, Gd-Dy), which have been synthesized from the elemental mixtures in ACl flux (A = Rb, Cs) and crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm, with a = 4.620(2)-4.504(2) Å, b = 16.232(8)-16.027(8) Å, c = 18.84(1)-18.32(2) and Z = 4, are isostructural to RbSm2Ag3Se5. These isostructural ARE2Ag3Te5 feature a three-dimensional tunnel framework constructed by ionically bound RETe6 octahedron and covalently bound AgTe4 tetrahedron in which tunnels are filled by A. Typical semiconducting behavior is revealed by the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, optical band gap measurement, and the theoretical calculations. The undoped sintered polycrystalline pellets of CsRE2Ag3Te5 (containing 1.1-1.7% CsCl impurity) show very low electrical conductivity (σr.t. = 0.5-2.4 S/cm), very low thermal conductivity (kr,t = 0.66-0.53 W/(m·K)), and moderate Seebeck coefficient (160-200 μV/K at 700 K).

A urea biosensor based on pH-sensitive Sm2TiO5 electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor.

PubMed

Pan, Tung-Ming; Huang, Ming-De; Lin, Wan-Ying; Wu, Min-Hsien

2010-06-11

A urea biosensor based on pH-sensitive Sm(2)TiO(5) electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) has been described. We used X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy to investigate the structural and morphological features of high-k Sm(2)TiO(5) sensing membranes that had been subjected to annealing at different temperatures. The EIS device incorporating a high-k Sm(2)TiO(5) sensing film that had been annealed at 900 degrees C exhibited good sensing characteristics, including a high sensitivity of 60.5 mV/pH (in solutions from pH 2 to 12), a small hysteresis voltage of 2.72 mV (in the pH loop 7-->4-->7-->10-->7), and a low drift rate of 1.15 mV h(-1) (in the buffer solution at pH 7). The Sm(2)TiO(5) EIS device also showed a high selective response towards H(+). This improvement can be attributed to the small number of crystal defects and the large surface roughness. In addition, the urea biosensor based on pH-sensitive EIS incorporating a Sm(2)TiO(5) sensing membrane annealed at 900 degrees C allowed the potentiometric analysis of urea, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 32 mM, with a sensitivity of 72.85 mV/purea. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Standardized Procedures for Use of Nucleic Acid-Based Tools

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

Dhc size or cell wall characteristics including Brevundimonas diminuta (small), Micrococcus sp. (small coccoid) and Halobacterium sp. (Dhc-like cell...Halobacterium species as a Dhc surrogate. Another potential surrogate based on size and shape is Micrococcus species including Micrococcus luteus... Micrococcus luteus (ATCC-4442) are relatively small (1,000 nm) spherical bacteria (Madigan et al., 2006). Due to the fact that introduction and

Sulfurospirillum barnesii sp. nov. and Sulfurospirillum arsenophilum sp. nov., new members of the Sulfurospirillum clade of the ε-Proteobacteria

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stolz, J.F.; Ellis, D.J.; Blum, J.S.; Ahmann, D.; Lovley, D.R.; Oremland, R.S.

1999-01-01

Two strains of dissimilatory arsenate-reducing vibrio-shaped bacteria are assigned to the genus Sulfurospirillum. These two new species, Sulfurospirillum barnesii strain SES-3(T) and Sulfurospirillum arsenophilum strain MIT-13(T), in addition to Sulfurospirillum sp. SM-5, two strains of Sulfurospirillum deleyianum, and Sulfurospirillum arcachonense, form a distinct clade within the ?? subclass of the Proteobacteria based on 16S rRNA analysis.

Effect of adatom deposition on surface magnetism and exchange coupling parameter in (0001) SmCo{sub 5} slabs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Selva Chandrasekaran, S.; Murugan, P., E-mail: murugan@cecri.res.in; Saravanan, P.

2015-04-07

First principles calculations are performed on 3d-transition metal atom deposited (0001) surface of SmCo{sub 5} to understand the magnetic properties and the improvement of Curie temperature (T{sub c}). Various atomic sites are examined to identify the energetically feasible adsorption of adatom and it is found that the void site of Co-rich (0001) SmCo{sub 5} surface is the most favourable one to deposit. The surface magnetic moments of various adatom deposited SmCo{sub 5} surfaces are larger than the clean surface except for Cu and Zn. Eventually, the surface exchange coupling of clean and adatom deposited surface is found to increase formore » Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu deposited surfaces and this improvement results in the increase in T{sub c} of SmCo{sub 5} slab.« less

Conservation of chromosomal arrangement among three strains of the genetically unstable archaeon Halobacterium salinarium.

PubMed Central

Hackett, N R; Bobovnikova, Y; Heyrovska, N

1994-01-01

Phenotypic variants of Halobacterium salinarium NRC-1 arise at a frequency of 10(-2). These result from transpositions of halobacterial insertion sequences and rearrangements mediated by halobacterial insertion sequences. We have tested the hypothesis that such mutations are confined to only a portion of the genome by comparing the chromosomal restriction map of H. salinarium NRC-1 and that of the derivative S9, which was made in 1969. The two chromosomes were mapped by using two-dimensional pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the restriction enzymes AflII, AseI, and DraI. A comparison of the two deduced maps showed a domain of about 210 kbp to be subject to many rearrangements, including an inversion in S9 relative to NRC-1. However, the rest of the chromosome was conserved among NRC-1, S9, and an independent Halobacterium isolate, GRB, previously mapped by St. Jean et al. (A. St. Jean, B. A. Trieselmann, and R. L. Charlebois, Nucleic Acids Res. 22:1476-1483, 1994). This concurs with data from eubacteria suggesting strong selective forces maintaining gene order even in the face of rearrangement events occurring at a high frequency. Images PMID:8002597

Conservation of chromosomal arrangement among three strains of the genetically unstable archaeon Halobacterium salinarium.

PubMed

Hackett, N R; Bobovnikova, Y; Heyrovska, N

1994-12-01

Phenotypic variants of Halobacterium salinarium NRC-1 arise at a frequency of 10(-2). These result from transpositions of halobacterial insertion sequences and rearrangements mediated by halobacterial insertion sequences. We have tested the hypothesis that such mutations are confined to only a portion of the genome by comparing the chromosomal restriction map of H. salinarium NRC-1 and that of the derivative S9, which was made in 1969. The two chromosomes were mapped by using two-dimensional pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the restriction enzymes AflII, AseI, and DraI. A comparison of the two deduced maps showed a domain of about 210 kbp to be subject to many rearrangements, including an inversion in S9 relative to NRC-1. However, the rest of the chromosome was conserved among NRC-1, S9, and an independent Halobacterium isolate, GRB, previously mapped by St. Jean et al. (A. St. Jean, B. A. Trieselmann, and R. L. Charlebois, Nucleic Acids Res. 22:1476-1483, 1994). This concurs with data from eubacteria suggesting strong selective forces maintaining gene order even in the face of rearrangement events occurring at a high frequency.

On the Samarium Substitution Effects in Y3-x Sm x Al5O12 (x = 0.1-3.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skaudzius, Ramunas; Sakirzanovas, Simas; Kareiva, Aivaras

2018-04-01

Yttrium aluminium garnet substituted by samarium Y3-x Sm x Al5O12, (YSmAG, x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0) was prepared by an aqueous sol-gel processing using etane-1,2-diol as complexing agent. The end products obtained at 1000°C in air were characterized by x-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy. It was demonstrated, however, that the total substitution of yttrium by samarium does not proceed in the YSmAG. The single cubic garnet phase was formed only at a low concentration of samarium (x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0). With further substitutional levels, if the amount of samarium was x = 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3, respectively, the formation a of minor amount of side perovskite samarium aluminate SmAlO3 (SmAP) phase was observed. Surprisingly, when yttrium was totally replaced by the samarium (x = 3.0) the main synthesis product was SmAP. The possible formation of Sm3Al5O12 (SmAG) garnet was also investigated for the first time by variation of the temperature in the range of 780-835°C.

Light-driven solute transport in Halobacterium halobium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lanyi, J. K.

1979-01-01

The cell membrane of Halobacterium halobium exhibits differential regions which contain crystalline arrays of a single kind of protein, termed bacteriorhodopsin. This bacterial retinal-protein complex resembles the visual pigment and, after the absorption of protons, translocates H(+) across the cell membrane, leading to an electrochemical gradient for protons between the inside and the outside of the cell. Thus, light is an alternate source of energy in these bacteria, in addition to terminal oxidation. The paper deals with work on light-driven transport in H. halobium with cell envelope vesicles. The discussion covers light-driven movements of H(+), Na(+), and K(+); light-driven amino acid transport; and apparent allosteric control of amino acid transport. The scheme of energy coupling in H. halobium vesicles appears simple, its quantitative details are quite complex and reveal regulatory phenomena. More knowledge is required of the way the coupling components are regulated by the ion gradients present.

Evaluation of SmCo and SmCoN magnetron sputtering coatings for SOFC interconnect applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Junwei; Li, Chengming; Johnson, Christopher; Liu, Xingbo

Cobalt or cobalt containing coatings are promising for SOFC interconnect applications because of their high conductivity. We have investigated SmCo and SmCoN coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering from a SmCo (5% Sm) target on to Crofer 22 APU substrates. The composition, structure, surface morphology, and electrical conductivity of the coated substrates were characterized by SEM/EDX, XRD and ASR measurements. Addition of Sm enhances the oxidation resistance and the Cr retention capability of the coatings. The use of nitride as a precursor stabilizes Sm during oxidation of the films, thus inhibiting diffusion of Fe, resulting in a more compact coating and lowering ASR. The combined advantages of Sm addition to cobalt and the use of a nitride as a precursor, makes SmCoN coatings a promising new interconnect coating material.

Irregular bilayer structure in vesicles prepared from Halobacterium cutirubrum lipids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lanyi, J. K.

1974-01-01

Fluorescent probes were used to study the structure of the cell envelope of Halobacterium cutirubrum, and, in particular, to explore the effect of the heterogeneity of the lipids in this organism on the structure of the bilayers. The fluorescence polarization of perylene was followed in vesicles of unfractionated lipids and polar lipids as a function of temperature in 3.4 M solutions of NaCl, NaNO3, and KSCN, and it was found that vesicles of unfractionated lipids were more perturbed by chaotropic agents than polar lipids. The dependence of the relaxation times of perylene on temperature was studied in cell envelopes and in vesicles prepared from polar lipids, unfractionated lipids, and mixtures of polar and neutral lipids.

Candida chanthaburiensis sp. nov., Candida kungkrabaensis sp. nov. and Candida suratensis sp. nov., three novel yeast species from decaying plant materials submerged in water of mangrove forests.

PubMed

Limtong, Savitree; Yongmanitchai, Wichien

2010-10-01

In a taxonomic study of yeasts isolated from decaying plant materials submerged in water of mangrove forests in Thailand, three strains isolated from tree bark (EM33(T)), a fallen leaf (EM40(T)) and a detached branch (SM56(T)) were found to represent three novel yeast species. On the basis of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and the phylogenetic analysis, the three strains were assigned as three novel Candida species. They were named as Candida chanthaburiensis sp. nov. (type strain EM33(T) = BCC 23057(T) = NBRC 102176(T) = CBS 10926(T)), Candida kungkrabaensis sp. nov. (type strain EM40(T) = BCC 23060(T) = NBRC 102179(T) = CBS 10927(T)), and Candida suratensis sp. nov. (type strain SM56(T) = BCC 25961(T) = NBRC 103858(T) = CBS 10928(T)).

Light energy conservation processes in Halobacterium halobium cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogomolni, R. A.

1977-01-01

Proton pumping driven by light or by respiration generates an electrochemical potential difference across the membrane in Halobacterium halobium. The pH changes induced by light or by respiration in cell suspensions are complicated by proton flows associated with the functioning of the cellular energy transducers. A proton-per-ATP ratio of about 3 is calculated from simultaneous measurements of phosphorylation and the proton inflow. This value is compatible with the chemiosmotic coupling hypothesis. The time course of the light-induced changes in membrane potential indicates that light-driven pumping increases a dark pre-existing potential of about 130 mV only by a small amount (20 to 30 mV). The complex kinetic features of the membrane potential changes do not closely follow those of the pH changes, which suggests that flows of ions other than protons are involved. A qualitative model consistent with the available data is presented.

Effect of multi-element addition of Alnico alloying elements on structure and magnetic properties of SmCo5-based ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, Lu-peng; Li, Ying; Han, Xu-hao; Cheng, Jin-yun; Qin, Xiao-ning; Zhao, Yan-qiu; Sun, Ji-bing

2018-02-01

New SmCo5 + x wt% Alnico composite ribbons melt-spun at 40 m/s are designed by multi-element addition of Alnico alloy into SmCo5 matrix, and their structure and magnetic properties are investigated. The results show that the main phase in x ≤ 2.5 ribbons is Sm(Co,M)5, whereas the main phase changes into Sm(Co,M)7 at x = 4.0-8.5, and simultaneously that the content of Al-rich and amorphous phases increases with increasing x. The hard magnetic properties of the ribbons are found to improve with an increase in Alnico content, and particularly the average magnetic properties reach maximum, i.e., Hc = 19.6 ± 1.2 kOe, Mr = 47.7 ± 3.4 emu/g and M2T = 59.1 ± 5.6 emu/g, at x = 4.0. The main reasons for such improvement are that the finer grains divided by three grain boundaries exist in main phase, the dispersed Al-Ni and Al-Co-rich phases distribute in grains and grain boundaries, and the Fe-rich Alnico alloying elements dissolve into Sm(Co,M)7 matrix phase. However, when x > 4.0, the gradually increasing Al-Co and amorphous phases lead to the reduction of hard magnetic properties.

Yellow to orange-reddish glass phosphors: Sm3+, Tb3+ and Sm3+/Tb3+ in zinc tellurite-germanate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez-Ramos, M. E.; Alvarado-Rivera, J.; Zayas, Ma. E.; Caldiño, U.; Hernández-Paredes, J.

2018-01-01

An optical spectroscopy analysis of TeO-GeO2-ZnO glass co-activating Sm3+/Tb3+ ions was carried out through Raman, photoluminescence spectra and decay time profiles as a function of Sm3+ concentration. According to the estimated CIE1931 chromaticity coordinates, the color of the emission can be adjusted from the yellow light region (0.4883, 0.4774), towards the reddish light region (0.5194,0.4144) by increasing the Sm3+ content from 1, 3, 5% mol, co-doped with 1% mol Tb3+ under co-excitation of Sm3+ and Tb3+ at 378 nm. The color temperatures are in the range of 1379-2804 K. Such photoluminescence is generated by the 4G 5/2 → 4H 5/2, 4H 7/2, 4H9/2 emissions of Sm3+ in addition to the 5D4→7F6,5,4,3 emissions of Tb3+; the single doped Sm3+ glass displayed an intense orange light. Meanwhile, co-doped Sm3+/Tb3+ glasses excited at 378 nm showed a significant reduction in Tb3+ emission, with a simultaneous increment in the reddish-orange emission of Sm3+, due to a non-radiative resonant energy transfer from Tb3+ to Sm3+. Decay time profile analysis of the Tb3+ emission as function of Sm3+ ion content suggests that an electric dipole-dipole interaction into Tb3+-Sm3+ clusters might dominate in the energy transfer process, with an efficiency and probability of 0.22, 0.27, 0.38 and 122.8, 327.6, 522.7 s-1, respectively.

Relationship of the Membrane ATPase from Halobacterium saccharovorum to Vacuolar ATPases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stan-Lotter, Helga; Bowman, Emma J.; Hochstein, Lawrence I.

1991-01-01

Polyclonal antiserum against subunit A (67 kDa) of the vacuolar ATPase from Neurospora crassa reacted with subunit I (87 kDa) from a membrane ATPase of the extremely halophilic archaebacterium Halobacterium saccharovorum. The halobacterial ATPase was inhibited by nitrate and N-ethylmaleimide; the extent of the latter inhibition was diminished in the presence of adenosine di- or triphosphates. 4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan in- hibited the hatobacterial ATPase also in a nucleotide- protectable manner; the bulk of inhibitor was associated with subunit II (60 kDa). The data suggested that this halobacterial ATPase may have conserved structural features from both the vacuotar and the F-type ATPases.

Temperature and pressure dependences of Sm valence in intermediate valence compound SmB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emi, N.; Mito, T.; Kawamura, N.; Mizumaki, M.; Ishimatsu, N.; Pristáš, G.; Kagayama, T.; Shimizu, K.; Osanai, Y.; Iga, F.

2018-05-01

We report the results of the X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) on the intermediate valence compound SmB6. The XAS measurements were performed near the nonmagnetic-magnetic phase boundary. Mean Sm valence vSm was estimated from absorption spectra, and we found that vSm near the boundary (P ≥ 10 GPa and T ∼ 12 K) is far below a trivalent state with magnetic characteristics. Although the result is markedly different from the cases of pressure induced magnetic orders in Yb and Ce compounds, it is likely that the large deviation from the trivalent state seems to be common in some Sm compounds which possess electronic configuration between 4f5 and 4f6 with multi 4 f electrons.

Mechanism of Dissolution of Envelopes of the Extreme Halophile Halobacterium cutirubrum1

PubMed Central

Onishi, H.; Kushner, D. J.

1966-01-01

Onishi, H. (National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada), and D. J. Kushner. Mechanism of dissolution of envelopes of the extreme halophile Halobacterium cutirubrum. J. Bacteriol. 91:646–652. 1966.—Envelopes of Halobacterium cutirubrum dissolved rapidly in media of low ionic strength. Heating partially inhibited breakdown, probably because of nonspecific protein coagulation rather than inactivation of a lytic enzyme(s). Dissolution of envelopes in water did not involve splitting of peptide bonds or protein-lipid bonds, or any extensive breakdown of carbohydrate polymers. Dissolution was increased by alcohols and urea, even at high salt concentrations, but was not affected by metabolic inhibitors. Thus, no evidence was found for a dilution-activated lytic enzyme that contributes to envelope breakdown. Cells of H. cutirubrum were stable in 2 m NaCl, but lysis occurred in 2 m KCl or NH4Cl. This lysis did not involve an extensive breakdown of the envelope. No evidence for different sites of Na+, K+, and NH4+ action was obtained from the pattern of release of envelope constituents in different concentrations of these salts. Ultracentrifugation studies showed that adding salts to envelopes that had been dissolved in water led to a nonspecific reaggregation of envelope material. No difference was seen between the effects of KCl and NaCl, except at 3 to 4 m concentrations where KCl caused more aggregation. The preferential effect of Na+ on intact cells is probably due to its ability specifically to prevent leakage rather than to an overall effect on envelope integrity. Images PMID:5883109

Effect of Sr doping on structural and magnetic behavior of SmBa1-xSrxCo2O5+δ (x = 0 and 1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Archana; Dhanasekhar, C.; Das, A. K.

2018-05-01

Layered double perovskite, SmBa1-xSrxCo2O5+δ (x = 0, δ = 0.5 and x = 1, δ = 1) samples were prepared by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction studies show that the SmBaCo2O5.5 sample crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal structure with Pmmm space group, whereas SmSrCo2O6 sample crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma space group. The temperature dependent magnetization of the SmBaCo2O5.5 sample shows a paramagnetic (PM)-ferromagnetic (FM) and a FM-antiferromagnetic (AFM) transitions at TC = 267 K and TN = 221 K, respectively. In contrast, the SmSrCo2O6 sample shows a PM-FM transition at TC = 175 K. According to Goodenough-Kanamori-Anderson rules, the ferromagnetic behavior in SmSrCo2O6 can be understood from the super exchange interaction between the intermediate spin Co3+ and low spin Co4+ via O2- (IS Co3+ -O2- - LS Co4+). The change in magnetic entropy (ΔSMmax) is found to be maximum for the SmSrCo2O6 sample.

Metabolomic Profiling and Genomic Study of a Marine Sponge-Associated Streptomyces sp

PubMed Central

Viegelmann, Christina; Margassery, Lekha Menon; Kennedy, Jonathan; Zhang, Tong; O’Brien, Ciarán; O’Gara, Fergal; Morrissey, John P.; Dobson, Alan D. W.; Edrada-Ebel, RuAngelie

2014-01-01

Metabolomics and genomics are two complementary platforms for analyzing an organism as they provide information on the phenotype and genotype, respectively. These two techniques were applied in the dereplication and identification of bioactive compounds from a Streptomyces sp. (SM8) isolated from the sponge Haliclona simulans from Irish waters. Streptomyces strain SM8 extracts showed antibacterial and antifungal activity. NMR analysis of the active fractions proved that hydroxylated saturated fatty acids were the major components present in the antibacterial fractions. Antimycin compounds were initially putatively identified in the antifungal fractions using LC-Orbitrap. Their presence was later confirmed by comparison to a standard. Genomic analysis of Streptomyces sp. SM8 revealed the presence of multiple secondary metabolism gene clusters, including a gene cluster for the biosynthesis of the antifungal antimycin family of compounds. The antimycin gene cluster of Streptomyces sp. SM8 was inactivated by disruption of the antimycin biosynthesis gene antC. Extracts from this mutant strain showed loss of antimycin production and significantly less antifungal activity than the wild-type strain. Three butenolides, 4,10-dihydroxy-10-methyl-dodec-2-en-1,4-olide (1), 4,11-dihydroxy-10-methyl-dodec-2-en-1,4-olide (2), and 4-hydroxy-10-methyl-11-oxo-dodec-2-en-1,4-olide (3) that had previously been reported from marine Streptomyces species were also isolated from SM8. Comparison of the extracts of Streptomyces strain SM8 and its host sponge, H. simulans, using LC-Orbitrap revealed the presence of metabolites common to both extracts, providing direct evidence linking sponge metabolites to a specific microbial symbiont. PMID:24893324

Isolation, characterization and exploring biotechnological potential of halophilic archaea from salterns of western India.

PubMed

Singh, Aparna; Singh, Anil Kumar

2018-01-01

Thirteen halophilic archaea were isolated from Kandla and Bhayander salt pans. These isolates were grouped into three different genera Halobacterium, Haloferax and Haloarcula based on morphological and biochemical characterization, polar lipid analysis, Amplified 16S rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Biochemical characterization suggested the ability of isolates to produce protease, amylase and poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) indicating their biotechnological potential. The isolates were further screened for the amount of extracellular protease produced. Halobacterium sp. SP1(1) showed significant protease production compared to other isolates. Protease producing ability of the isolate was influenced by several factors such as NaCl concentration, type of protein source, metal ions and surfactants, and presence of amino acid supplements in the production medium. Soybean flour, FeCl 3 and dicotylsulfosuccinate were found to increase protease production by 2.36, 1.54 and 1.26 folds, respectively compared to production in basal medium. Effect of organic solvents used in paints (n-decane, n-undecane and n-dodecane) was also investigated on protease production by the isolate. Protease production by Halobacterium sp. SP1(1) was enhanced by 1.2 folds in presence of n-decane compared to control. Furthermore, the ability of isolate to hydrolyse fish protein was investigated using three different edible fishes (Pomfret, Flat fish and Seer fish) as sole protein source. Pomfret was found to be a good protein source for protease production by the isolate. These results revealed that Halobacterium sp. SP1(1) may have potential for paint-based antifouling coating preparations and fish sauce preparation by virtue of its extracellular protease.

Structural and dielectric characteristics of Ba3Ln3Ti5Nb5O30 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) filled tungsten bronze ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wang; Gao, Ting Ting; Zhu, Xiao Li; Chen, Xiang Ming

2018-03-01

In the present work, the structural, dielectric and relaxor ferroelectric properties were investigated for Ba3Ln3Ti5Nb5O30 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) ceramics. The filled tungsten bronze phase with space group P4/mbm was confirmed for all compositions, while a small amount of secondary phase was detected in Ba3Nd3Ti5Nb5O30 and Ba3Sm3Ti5Nb5O30. The typical relaxor ferroelectric behaviors were observed: a broad peak of dielectric constant shifting to higher temperatures and decreasing its magnitude with increasing frequency and the frequency dispersion obeying the Vogel-Fulcher relationship. The P-E (polarization-electric field) hysteresis loops were obtained for Ba3Ln3Ti5Nb5O30 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) ceramics at low temperatures. The nanoscale ferroelectric 180° domains with strip-like shape were observed in the paraelectric matrix at room temperature, where the commensurate structural modulations were determined in the domains and incommensurate ones were determined in the matrix. The significant differences were determined between the present ceramics and Ba4Ln2Ti4Nb6O30 and Ba5LnTi3Nb7O30 because of the different distribution patterns of A1 and A2 cations.

Degradation of Phthalate Esters by Fusarium sp. DMT-5-3 and Trichosporon sp. DMI-5-1 Isolated from Mangrove Sediments.

PubMed

Luo, Zhu-Hua; Pang, Ka-Lai; Wu, Yi-Rui; Gu, Ji-Dong; Chow, Raymond K K; Vrijmoed, L L P

2012-01-01

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are important industrial compounds mainly used as plasticizers to increase flexibility and softness of plastic products. PAEs are of major concern because of their widespread use, ubiquity in the environment, and endocrine-disrupting toxicity. In this study, two fungal strains, Fusarium sp. DMT-5-3 and Trichosporon sp. DMI-5-1 which had the capability to degrade dimethyl phthalate esters (DMPEs), were isolated from mangrove sediments in the Futian Nature Reserve of Shenzhen, China, by enrichment culture technique. These fungi were identified on the basis of spore morphology and molecular typing using 18S rDNA sequence. Comparative investigations on the biodegradation of three isomers of DMPEs, namely dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dimethyl isophthalate (DMI), and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), were carried out with these two fungi. It was found that both fungi could not completely mineralize DMPEs but transform them to the respective monomethyl phthalate or phthalate acid. Biochemical degradation pathways for different DMPE isomers by both fungi were different. Both fungi could transform DMT to monomethyl terephthalate (MMT) and further to terephthalic acid (TA) by stepwise hydrolysis of two ester bonds. However, they could only carry out one-step ester hydrolysis to transform DMI to monomethyl isophthalate (MMI). Further metabolism of MMI did not proceed. Only Trichosporon sp. was able to transform DMP to monomethyl phthalate (MMP) but not Fusarium sp. The optimal pH for DMI and DMT degradation by Fusarium sp. was 6.0 and 4.5, respectively, whereas for Trichosporon sp., the optimal pH for the degradation of all the three DMPE isomers was at 6.0. These results suggest that the fungal esterases responsible for hydrolysis of the two ester bonds of PAEs are highly substrate specific.

Light-activated amino acid transport in Halobacterium halobium envelope vesicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macdonald, R. E.; Lanyi, J. K.

1977-01-01

Vesicles prepared from Halobacterium halobium cell envelopes accumulate amino acids in response to light-induced electrical and chemical gradients. Nineteen of 20 commonly occurring amino acids have been shown to be actively accumulated by these vesicles in response to illumination or in response to an artificially created Na+ gradient. On the basis of shared common carriers the transport systems can be divided into eight classes, each responsible for the transport of one or several amino acids: arginine, lysine, histidine; asparagine, glutamine; alanine, glycine, threonine, serine; leucine, valine, isoleucine, methionine; phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan; aspartate; glutamate; proline. Available evidence suggests that these carriers are symmetrical in that amino acids can be transported equally well in both directions across the vesicle membranes. A tentative working model to account for these observations is presented.

Halocin C8: an antimicrobial peptide distributed among four halophilic archaeal genera: Natrinema, Haloterrigena, Haloferax, and Halobacterium.

PubMed

Besse, Alison; Vandervennet, Manon; Goulard, Christophe; Peduzzi, Jean; Isaac, Stéphanie; Rebuffat, Sylvie; Carré-Mlouka, Alyssa

2017-05-01

Halophilic archaea thrive in hypersaline ecosystems and produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) named halocins. AMPs are essential effectors of microbial interactions in natural ecosystems. Halocin C8 is a 7.4 kDa peptide produced by Natrinema sp. AS7092. Surrounded by genes involved in regulation and transport, the halC8 gene encodes a precursor, processed into the mature halocin and an immunity protein, protecting the producing strain against its halocin. This feature constitutes a unique property of halocin C8, as known AMPs and their immunity proteins are generally encoded on distinct ORFs in an operon. By complementary in silico and PCR-based approaches, the presence of halC8 in halophilic archaea collected from various parts of the world was evidenced. The full-length halC8 gene is restricted and consistently found in the genomes of strains belonging to the phylogenetically related genera Natrinema and Haloterrigena, along with transport and regulation genes. Functional expression of halC8 was demonstrated by RT-PCR and antimicrobial assays. Active halocin C8 was shown to contain five disulphide bridges, presumably conferring a compact structure resistant to harsh environmental conditions. In other archaeal genera, Haloferax and Halobacterium, genes encoding halocin C8 with diverging immunity protein moiety were evidenced. A phylogenetic analysis of halocin C8 sequences was conducted.

Impedance and AC conductivity studies of Sm3+ substituted 0.8Ba0.2(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3 lead free ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sastry, C. V. S. S.; Ramesh, M. N. V.; Ramesh, K. V.

2017-07-01

Samarium substituted 0.8Ba0.2(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3 (here after abbreviated as BTBKT-20) lead free ceramics with composition 0.8Ba0.2(Bi0.5(1-x)Sm0.5xK0.5)TiO3 (where x=0.01,0.03,0.05) lead free ceramics have been prepared by solid state reaction and followed by high energy ball milling process. The present paper focuses the impedance and ac conductivity studies of Sm substituted BTBKT-20 lead free ceramics. Impedance spectroscopic studies revealthat temperature dependent relaxation process. Single depressed semi circle was observed in Cole-Cole plots, indicates non-Debye kind of relaxation process. Maximum grain resistance was observed for x=0.03 Sm substituted BTBKT-20 sample. Frequency and temperature dependent AC conductivity was calculated and it found to obey the universal Jonscher's power law and the values of activation energies suggest that conduction is ionic in nature.

Improved purification, crystallization and primary structure of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase from Halobacterium halobium.

PubMed

Plaga, W; Lottspeich, F; Oesterhelt, D

1992-04-01

An improved purification procedure, including nickel chelate affinity chromatography, is reported which resulted in a crystallizable pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase preparation from Halobacterium halobium. Crystals of the enzyme were obtained using potassium citrate as the precipitant. The genes coding for pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase were cloned and their nucleotide sequences determined. The genes of both subunits were adjacent to one another on the halobacterial genome. The derived amino acid sequences were confirmed by partial primary structure analysis of the purified protein. The structural motif of thiamin-diphosphate-binding enzymes was unequivocally located in the deduced amino acid sequence of the small subunit.

Cl(-) concentration dependence of photovoltage generation by halorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarum.

PubMed Central

Muneyuki, Eiro; Shibazaki, Chie; Wada, Yoichiro; Yakushizin, Manabu; Ohtani, Hiroyuki

2002-01-01

The photovoltage generation by halorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarum (shR) was examined by adsorbing shR-containing membranes onto a thin polymer film. The photovoltage consisted of two major components: one with a sub-millisecond range time constant and the other with a millisecond range time constant with different amplitudes, as previously reported. These components exhibited different Cl(-) concentration dependencies (0.1-9 M). We found that the time constant for the fast component was relatively independent of the Cl(-) concentration, whereas the time constant for the slow component increased sigmoidally at higher Cl(-) concentrations. The fast and the slow processes were attributed to charge (Cl(-)) movements within the protein and related to Cl(-) ejection, respectively. The laser photolysis studies of shR-membrane suspensions revealed that they corresponded to the formation and the decay of the N intermediate. The photovoltage amplitude of the slow component exhibited a distorted bell-shaped Cl(-) concentration dependence, and the Cl(-) concentration dependence of its time constant suggested a weak and highly cooperative Cl(-)-binding site(s) on the cytoplasmic side (apparent K(D) of approximately 5 M and Hill coefficient > or =5). The Cl(-) concentration dependence of the photovoltage amplitude and the time constant for the slow process suggested a competition between spontaneous relaxation and ion translocation. The time constant for the relaxation was estimated to be >100 ms. PMID:12324398

Energy transfer mechanism of Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped 2CaO-B2O3-P2O5 phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, V. Reddy; Damodaraiah, S.; Ratnakaram, Y. C.

2018-04-01

Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped calcium borophosphate phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction method. 2CaO-B2O3-P2O5: Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped phosphors were characterized by XRD, SEM, 31P solid state NMR, excitation, photoluminescence (PL) and decay profiles.. XRD profiles showed that the prepared phosphors exhibit a hexagonal phase in crystal structure and SEM results showed that the particles are more irregular morphologies. From 31P NMR spectra of Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped 2CaO-B2O3-P2O5 phosphors, the chemical shifts located in the positive frequency region indicating the presence of mono-phosphate complexes Q0-(PO43 - ) . Photoluminescence spectra of Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped 2CaO-B2O3-P2O5 phosphors show enhancement in emission intensity of Eu3+ ion due to co-doping with Sm3+ ions through energy transfer process. The energy level mechanism between Sm3+ and Eu3+ ions has been clearly explained. The energy transfer process has also been evidenced by lifetime decay profiles. These results suggest that the prepared phosphors are potential red luminescent optical materials.

Effect of ball-milling surfactants on the interface chemistry in hot-compacted SmCo5 magnets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, WF; Sepehri-Amin, H; Zheng, LY

2012-11-01

Anisotropic SmCo5 nanoflakes prepared by high-energy ball-milling with surfactants have great potential in applications for high-performance nanocomposite magnets. For such "nanocomposite" applications, the surface structure and chemistry of nanoflakes are crucial for achieving high coercivity. In this study, hot-pressed samples from anisotropic SmCo5 nanoflakes, ball-milled with different surfactants, oleic acid (OA) and oleylamine (OY), were investigated. Interface layers between the SmCo5 nanoflakes were found to consist of samarium oxides and a soft magnetic Co phase. These surface layers contribute to the degradation of hard magnetic performance, which is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of themore » cross-section of a single flake ball-milled with OA. Samples milled with OY show a much thinner interface layer in compacted samples, which means that the surface degradation during ball-milling with OY is much less than that with OA. The results show clearly that the choice of proper surfactant and the control of processing parameters are the key factors for improving the surface condition of the nanoflakes and the resulting hard magnetic properties. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

Structural and photoluminescence investigations of Sm{sup 3+} doped BaY{sub 2}ZnO{sub 5} nanophosphors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chahar, Sangeeta; Taxak, V.B.; Dalal, Mandeep

2016-05-15

Highlights: • BaY{sub 2(1−x)}Sm{sub 2x}ZnO{sub 5} nanophosphors have been synthesized via solution combustion. • The nanophosphors have been characterized by XRD, TEM and PL spectroscopy. • The crystal structure reveals influence of doping on lattice parameters. • This nanophosphor executes orange–red emission under near UV excitation. - Abstract: BaY{sub 2}ZnO{sub 5}:Sm{sup 3+} nanophosphor was successfully synthesized using solution combustion process. XRD and photoluminescence (PL) techniques were used to analyze the structural and photoluminescence properties. Morphological study of the thermally stable powder was carried out using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Rietveld refinement technique has been used to analyze the samples qualitativelymore » as well as quantitatively. X-Ray diffraction analysis confirms that the highly crystalline single phased Sm{sup 3+} doped BaY{sub 2}ZnO{sub 5} nanophosphor crystallizes in orthorhombic lattice with Pbnm space group. The average particle size lies in the range 80–90 nm with spherical morphology. The photoluminescence excitation at 411 nm yields an intense orange–red emission centered at 610 nm due to {sup 4}G{sub 5/2}–{sup 6}H{sub 7/2} transition. The concentration dependent luminescent behavior of BaY{sub 2(1−x)}Sm{sub 2x}ZnO{sub 5} nanophosphor shows that the optimum concentration for best luminescence is 3 mol%. These results indicate that these nanophosphors find potential applications in the field of phosphor-converted white LED systems.« less

Investigation of magnetic order in SmTr2Zn20 (Tr=Fe ,Co,Ru) and SmTr2Cd20 (Tr=Ni ,Pd)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazici, D.; White, B. D.; Ho, P.-C.; Kanchanavatee, N.; Huang, K.; Friedman, A. J.; Wong, A. S.; Burnett, V. W.; Dilley, N. R.; Maple, M. B.

2014-10-01

Single crystals of the "cage compounds" SmTr2Zn20 (Tr=Fe, Co, Ru) and SmTr2Cd20 (Tr=Ni, Pd) have been investigated by means of electrical resistivity, magnetization, and specific-heat measurements. The compounds SmFe2Zn20,SmRu2Zn20, and SmNi2Cd20 exhibit ferromagnetic order with Curie temperatures of TC=47.4, 7.6, and 7.5 K, respectively, whereas SmPd2Cd20 is an antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature of TN=3.4 K. No evidence for magnetic order is observed in SmCo2Zn20 down to 110 mK. The Sommerfeld coefficients γ are found to be 57 mJ /molK2 for SmFe2Zn20,79.5 mJ /molK2 for SmCo2Zn20,258 mJ /molK2 for SmRu2Zn20,165 mJ /molK2 for SmNi2Cd20, and 208 mJ /molK2 for SmPd2Cd20. Enhanced values of γ and a quadratic temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity at low temperature for SmRu2Zn20 and SmPd2Cd20 suggest an enhancement of the quasiparticle masses due to hybridization between localized 4f and conduction electron states.

Model Construction and Analysis of Respiration in Halobacterium salinarum.

PubMed

Talaue, Cherryl O; del Rosario, Ricardo C H; Pfeiffer, Friedhelm; Mendoza, Eduardo R; Oesterhelt, Dieter

2016-01-01

The archaeon Halobacterium salinarum can produce energy using three different processes, namely photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation and fermentation of arginine, and is thus a model organism in bioenergetics. Compared to its bacteriorhodopsin-driven photosynthesis, less attention has been devoted to modeling its respiratory pathway. We created a system of ordinary differential equations that models its oxidative phosphorylation. The model consists of the electron transport chain, the ATP synthase, the potassium uniport and the sodium-proton antiport. By fitting the model parameters to experimental data, we show that the model can explain data on proton motive force generation, ATP production, and the charge balancing of ions between the sodium-proton antiporter and the potassium uniport. We performed sensitivity analysis of the model parameters to determine how the model will respond to perturbations in parameter values. The model and the parameters we derived provide a resource that can be used for analytical studies of the bioenergetics of H. salinarum.

N -Sm A -Sm C phase transitions probed by a pair of elastically bound colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M, Muhammed Rasi; Zuhail, K. P.; Roy, Arun; Dhara, Surajit

2018-03-01

The competing effect of surface anchoring of dispersed microparticles and elasticity of nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals has been shown to stabilize a variety of topological defects. Here we study a pair of colloidal microparticles with homeotropic and planar surface anchoring across N -Sm A -Sm C phase transitions. We show that below the Sm A -Sm C phase transition the temperature dependence of interparticle separation (D ) of colloids with homeotropic anchoring shows a power-law behavior; D ˜(1-T /TA C) α , with an exponent α ≈0.5 . For colloids with planar surface anchoring the angle between the joining line of the centers of the two colloids and the far field director shows characteristic variation elucidating the phase transitions.

Two MCAT elements of the SM alpha-actin promoter function differentially in SM vs. non-SM cells.

PubMed

Swartz, E A; Johnson, A D; Owens, G K

1998-08-01

Transcriptional activity of the smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin gene is differentially regulated in SM vs. non-SM cells. Contained within the rat SM alpha-actin promoter are two MCAT motifs, binding sites for transcription enhancer factor 1 (TEF-1) transcriptional factors implicated in the regulation of many muscle-specific genes. Transfections of SM alpha-actin promoter-CAT constructs containing wild-type or mutagenized MCAT elements were performed to evaluate their functional significance. Mutation of the MCAT elements resulted in increased transcriptional activity in SM cells, whereas these mutations either had no effect or decreased activity in L6 myotubes or endothelial cells. High-resolution gel shift assays resolved several complexes of different mobilities that were formed between MCAT oligonucleotides and nuclear extracts from the different cell types, although no single band was unique to SM. Western blot analysis of nuclear extracts with polyclonal antibodies to conserved domains of the TEF-1 gene family revealed multiple reactive bands, some that were similar and others that differed between SM and non-SM. Supershift assays with a polyclonal antibody to the TEF-related protein family demonstrated that TEF-1 or TEF-1-related proteins were contained in the shifted complexes. Results suggest that the MCAT elements may contribute to cell type-specific regulation of the SM alpha-actin gene. However, it remains to be determined whether the differential transcriptional activity of MCAT elements in SM vs. non-SM is due to differences in expression of TEF-1 or TEF-1-related proteins or to unique (cell type specific) combinatorial interactions of the MCAT elements with other cis-elements and trans-factors.

Selective Mutism: The Fraternal Twin of Childhood Social Phobia.

PubMed

Gensthaler, Angelika; Maichrowitz, Verena; Kaess, Michael; Ligges, Marc; Freitag, Christine M; Schwenck, Christina

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder with a close link to childhood social phobia (SP). Our studies compare behavioral problem profiles in children and adolescents with SM and SP and control groups and assess the comorbidity patterns of SM and SP. Participants aged 3-18 years with SM (n = 95), SP (n = 74) and internalizing disorders (INT, n = 46) and a typically developing control group (CG, n = 119) were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); adolescents were additionally assessed with the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Comorbidity was assessed in SM and SP participants with a diagnostic interview. SP was detected in 94% of children with SM. SM participants showed different behavioral and psychiatric symptoms than SP: they were more frequently affected by lifetime separation anxiety disorder (SM: 45%, SP: 26%) and oppositional defiant disorder (SM: 22%, SP: 5%), and less by generalized anxiety disorder (SM: 6%, SP: 20%) and major depression (SM: 12%, SP: 26%). Adolescents with SM showed high rates of agoraphobia (SM 27%; SP 10%) and more social problems (YSR), and were more withdrawn (CBCL, YSR) than those with SP alone. Specific behavioral problems of SM and SP compared to INT and CG were observed. SM and SP represent separate but closely related disorders, distinct from other INT and CG, with specific patterns of lifetime comorbidities. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Sp5 induces the expression of Nanog to maintain mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal.

PubMed

Tang, Ling; Wang, Manman; Liu, Dahai; Gong, Mengting; Ying, Qi-Long; Ye, Shoudong

2017-01-01

Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) maintains mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal. Our previous study showed that trans-acting transcription factor 5 (Sp5), an LIF/STAT3 downstream target, supports mESC self-renewal. However, the mechanism by which Sp5 exerts these effects remains elusive. Here, we found that Nanog is a direct target of Sp5 and mediates the self-renewal-promoting effect of Sp5 in mESCs. Overexpression of Sp5 induced Nanog expression, while knockdown or knockout of Sp5 decreased the Nanog level. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that Sp5 directly bound to the Nanog promoter. Functional studies revealed that knockdown of Nanog eliminated the mESC self-renewal-promoting ability of Sp5. Finally, we demonstrated that the self-renewal-promoting function of Sp5 was largely dependent on its zinc finger domains. Taken together, our study provides unrecognized functions of Sp5 in mESCs and will expand our current understanding of the regulation of mESC pluripotency.

Chemical separation of Nd from geological samples for chronological studies using (146)Sm-(142)Nd and (147)Sm-(143)Nd systematics.

PubMed

Kagami, Saya; Yokoyama, Tetsuya

2016-09-21

Sm-Nd dating, which involves long-lived (147)Sm-(143)Nd and short-lived (146)Sm-(142)Nd systematics, has been widely used in the field of geosciences. To obtain precise and accurate ages of geological samples, the determination of highly precise Nd isotope ratios with nearly complete removal of Ce and Sm is indispensable to avoid mass spectral interference. In this study, we developed a three-step column chemistry procedure for separating Nd from geological samples that includes cation exchange chromatography for separating major elements from rare earth elements (REEs), oxidative extraction chromatography using Ln Resin coupled with HNO3 + KBrO3 for separating tetravalent Ce from the remaining REEs, and final purification of Nd using Ln Resin. This method enables high recovery of Nd (>91%) with effective separation of Nd from Ce and Sm (Ce/Nd < 1.2 × 10(-5) and Sm/Nd < 5.2 × 10(-6)). In addition, we devised a new method for determining Sm/Nd ratios with the isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method using (145)Nd- and (149)Sm-enriched spikes coupled with a group separation of REEs using TRU Resin. Applying the techniques developed in this study, we determined the Sm-Nd whole-rock isochron age of basaltic eucrites, yielding 4577 - 88(+ 55) Ma and 4558 ± 300 Ma for (146)Sm-(142)Nd and (147)Sm-(143)Nd systematics, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Final report on key comparison COOMET.QM-K36 (Project COOMET 540/UA/11) 'Electrolytic Conductivity 0,5 S/m'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrilkin, V.; Prokopenko, L.; Bakovec, N.; Zolotorevich, E.; Suvorov, V.; Ovchinnikov, Yu; Pilishvili, T.; Buleishvili, M.; Zhasanbaeva, B.; Aytzhatova, G.; Ticona, G.; Vyskocil, L.

2015-01-01

The COOMET.QM-K36 key comparison 'Electrolytic conductivity: 0.5 S/m' is a comparison in the field of electrolytic conductivity measurements conducted by COOMET and carried out in 2012. It used a solution of KCl in water and the results are connected to those of the CCQM key comparison CCQM-K36.a through common participation of VNIIFTRI (Russia), SMU (Slovakia) and Ukrmetrteststandart (Ukraine). The purpose of this key comparison was to establish the equivalence of measurements of electrolytic conductivity performed at the National Metrology Institutes of COOMET member states for the value of 0.5 S/m. The results can be used to support the CMCs claims over the range of 0.1 S/m to 1.3 S/m. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Low energy excitations and Drude-Smith carrier dynamics in Sm0.5Sr0.5MnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Santhosh; Das, Sarmistha; Prajapati, G. L.; Philip, Sharon S.; Rana, D. S.

2017-05-01

We have performed terahertz time-domain spectroscopic measurements on half-doped charge-ordered manganite Sm0.5Sr0.5MnO3 in the temperature range of 5-300 K to explore the possibilities of the charge density wave (CDW) ground state and understand the low energy charge carrier dynamics. While a resonance absorption peak at 0.275 meV suggests formation of a CDW condensate, the increase in background conductivity due to uncondensed carriers obey the Drude-Smith model of carrier dynamics. This study confirms that CDW is a generic feature of charge-ordered manganites.

Investigation of magnetic order in SmTr2Zn20 (Tr = Fe, Co, Ru) and SmTr2Cd20 (Tr = Ni, Pd)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazici, Duygu; White, B. D.; Ho, P.-C.; Kanchanavatee, N.; Huang, K.; Dilley, N. R.; Maple, M. B.

2015-03-01

Single crystals of the cage compounds Sm Tr 2Zn20 (Tr = Fe, Co, Ru) and Sm Tr 2Cd20 (Tr = Ni, Pd) have been investigated by means of electrical resistivity, magnetization, and specific heat measurements. The compounds SmFe2Zn20, SmRu2Zn20,andSmNi2Cd20 exhibit ferromagnetic order with Curie temperatures of TC = 47.4 K, 7.6 K, and 7.5 K, respectively, whereas SmPd2Cd20 is an antiferromagnet with a Néel temperature of TN = 3.4 K. No evidence for magnetic order is observed in SmCo2Zn20 down to 110 mK. The Sommerfeld coefficients γ are found to be 57 mJ/mol-K2 for SmFe2Zn20, 79.5 mJ/mol-K2 for SmCo2Zn20, 258 mJ/mol-K2 for SmRu2Zn20, 165 mJ/mol-K2 for SmNi2Cd20, and 208 mJ/mol-K2 for SmPd2Cd20. Enhanced values of Sommerfeld coefficients γ and a quadratic temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity at low temperature for SmRu2Zn20andSmPd2Cd20 suggest an enhancement of the quasiparticle masses due to hybridization between localized 4 f and conduction electron states. Research at UCSD was supported by the U.S. DOE under Grant No. DE-FG02-04-ER46105 and the U.S. NSF under Award Grant No. DMR 1206553. Research at California State University, Fresno was supported by the U.S. NSF under Grant No. DMR 1104544.

Thermal neutron cross-section and resonance integral of the 152Sm(n,γ)153Sm reaction induced by pulsed neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Do, Nguyen; Khue, Pham Duc; Thanh, Kim Tien; Hien, Nguyen Thi; Kim, Guinyun; Kim, Kwangsoo; Shin, Sung-Gyun; Kye, Yong-Uk; Cho, Moo-Hyun

2017-10-01

We measured the thermal neutron cross-section (σ0) and resonance integral (I0) of the 152Sm(n,γ)153Sm reaction relative to that of the 197Au(n,γ)198Au reaction. Sm and Au foils with and without a cadmium cover of 0.5 mm were irradiated with moderated pulsed neutrons produced from the electron linac. The induced activities of the reaction products were determined via high energy resolution HPGe detector. The present results: σ0,Sm =212±8 b and I0,Sm =3.02±0.19 kb are consistent with most of the existing reference data.

Prediction of the new efficient permanent magnet SmCoNiFe3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Söderlind, P.; Landa, A.; Locht, I. L. M.; Åberg, D.; Kvashnin, Y.; Pereiro, M.; Däne, M.; Turchi, P. E. A.; Antropov, V. P.; Eriksson, O.

2017-09-01

We propose a new efficient permanent magnet, SmCoNiFe3, which is a development of the well-known SmCo5 prototype. More modern neodymium magnets of the Nd-Fe-B type have an advantage over SmCo5 because of their greater maximum energy products due to their iron-rich stoichiometry. Our new magnet, however, removes most of this disadvantage of SmCo5 while preserving its superior high-temperature efficiency over the neodymium magnets. We show by means of first-principles electronic-structure calculations that SmCoNiFe3 has very favorable magnetic properties and could therefore potentially replace SmCo5 or Nd-Fe-B types in various applications.

Prediction of the new efficient permanent magnet SmCoNiFe 3

DOE PAGES

Soderlind, P.; Landa, A.; Locht, I. L. M.; ...

2017-09-14

Here, we propose a new efficient permanent magnet, SmCoNiFe 3, which is a development of the well-known SmCo 5 prototype. More modern neodymium magnets of the Nd-Fe-B type have an advantage over SmCo 5 because of their greater maximum energy products due to their iron-rich stoichiometry. Our new magnet, however, removes most of this disadvantage of SmCo 5 while preserving its superior high-temperature efficiency over the neodymium magnets. We show by means of first-principles electronic-structure calculations that SmCoNiFe 3 has very favorable magnetic properties and could therefore potentially replace SmCo 5 or Nd-Fe-B types in various applications.

Molecular mapping and marker development for the Triticum dicoccoides-derived stripe rust resistance gene YrSM139-1B in bread wheat cv. Shaanmai 139.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong; Zhang, Lu; Wang, Changyou; Wang, Yajuan; Zhou, Xinli; Lv, Shikai; Liu, Xinlun; Kang, Zhensheng; Ji, Wanquan

2016-02-01

YrSM139-1B maybe a new gene for effective resistance to stripe rust and useful flanking markers for marker-assisted selection were developed. Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is an important foliar disease of wheat. Two dominant stripe rust resistant genes YrSM139-1B and YrSM139-2D were pyramided in bread wheat cultivar Shaanmai 139; one from wild emmer and the other from Thinopyrum intermedium. Three near-isogenic F7:8 line pairs (contrasting RILs), N122-1013R/S, N122-185R/S, and N122-1812R/S, independently derived from different F2 plants and differing at the YrSM139-1B locus were generated from the cross Shaanmai 139 × Hu 901-19 through marker-assisted selection. A large F2:3 population from cross N122-1013R × N122-1013S tested for stripe rust response and subjected to analysis with markers in the 1BS10-0.5 bin region using SSR expressed sequence tags (EST) and site-specific sequence markers developed from the 90 K Illumina iSelect SNP array. Five EST-STS markers and four allele-specific PCR markers were mapped to the YrSM139-1B region. The 30.5 cM genetic map for YrSM139-1B consisted of nine markers, two of which were closer to YrSM139-1B than Xgwm273, which was used in producing the contrasting RIL pairs. Race response data and allelism tests showed that YrSM139-1B is different from Yr10, Yr15, and Yr24/26/CH42.

Facile synthesis and color-tunable properties of BaLuF5:Ce,Tb,Eu(Sm) submicrospheres via a facile ionic liquid/EG two-phase system.

PubMed

Song, Yanhua; Li, Yi; Zhao, Tianqi; Wang, Yuexin; Cui, Tingting; Sheng, Ye; Zheng, Keyan; Zhou, Xiuqing; You, Hongpeng; Zou, Haifeng

2017-02-01

BaLuF 5 :Ce,Tb,Eu(Sm) submicrospheres were synthesized via an ILs/ethylene glycol(EG) two-phase system. The crystalline phase, size, morphology, and luminescence properties were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The results show that 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Omim]PF 6 ) was used as fluoride source and capping agent to tune morphology and size of the crystals. The formation mechanism has been supposed. Under the excitation of ultraviolet, the BaLuF 5 :5%Ce 3+ ,5%Tb 3+ , BaLuF 5 :Eu 3+ , and BaLuF 5 :5%Ce 3+ ,5%Sm 3+ exhibit green and red emission, which was derived from Tb 3+ , Eu 3+ , and Sm 3+ emission. When codoping Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ , Sm 3+ or Eu 3+ together, multi-color emission can be realized. Furthermore, this synthetic route may have potential applications for fabricating other lanthanide fluorides. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary administration of microalgae Navicula sp. affects immune status and gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).

PubMed

Reyes-Becerril, Martha; Guardiola, Francisco; Rojas, Maurilia; Ascencio-Valle, Felipe; Esteban, María Ángeles

2013-09-01

Effects of silage microalgae enriched with a probiotic and lyophilized microalgae were evaluated on main immune parameters and different gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). A total of 60 seabream were grouped into 3 treatment diets which were a control diet (commercial diet) without microalgae (C), commercial diet supplemented with silage microalgae Navicula sp. plus Lactobacillus sakei 5-4 (10(6) CFU g(-1)) (SM), and commercial diet supplemented with lyophilized microalgae (LM) for 4 weeks. Generally, the results showed a significant increase in the immune parameters, principally in leucocyte peroxidase, phagocytosis and complement activities in fish fed with SM diet compared to control group. About the gene expression in head-kidney, transcript levels (Interleukin-8, Interleukin-1β and β-defensin) were upregulated in fish fed with SM after 4 weeks of treatments. However, the gene expression was upregulated in intestine from fish fed with LM with significant difference in transferrin and cyclooxygenase 2 gene at 2 weeks, and in occludin, transferrin, interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β at 4 weeks. Finally, about the digestive enzymes, LM diet caused an upregulated of α-amylase and alkaline phosphatase genes at 2 weeks; however SM diet caused an upregulated trypsin gene at 4 weeks. SM diet a higher enhancing effect on gilthead seabream immune parameters than that observed when using LM. Furthermore, dietary administration of microalgae Navicula sp. provokes upregulation of several genes in the gut that correlates with slight inflammation. Further studies are needed to know if this diatom could be useful for administering as diet supplement for farmed fish. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural Characterization of Sm(III)(EDTMP).

PubMed

Yang, Y; Pushie, M J; Cooper, D M L; Doschak, M R

2015-11-02

Samarium-153 ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) ((153)Sm-EDTMP, or samarium lexidronam), also known by its registered trademark name Quadramet, is an approved therapeutic radiopharmaceutical used in the palliative treatment of painful bone metastases. Typically, patients with prostate, breast, or lung cancer are most likely to go on to require bone pain palliation treatment due to bone metastases. Sm(EDTMP) is a bone-seeking drug which accumulates on rapidly growing bone, thereby delivering a highly region-specific dose of radiation, chiefly through β particle emission. Even with its widespread clinical use, the structure of Sm(EDTMP) has not yet been characterized at atomic resolution, despite attempts to crystallize the complex. Herein, we prepared a 1:1 complex of the cold (stable isotope) of Sm(EDTMP) under alkaline conditions and then isolated and characterized the complex using conventional spectroscopic techniques, as well as with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and density functional structure calculations, using natural abundance Sm. We present the atomic resolution structure of [Sm(III)(EDTMP)-8H](5-) for the first time, supported by the EXAFS data and complementary spectroscopic techniques, which demonstrate that the samarium coordination environment in solution is in agreement with the structure that has long been conjectured.

Two distinct arginine methyltransferases are required for biogenesis of Sm-class ribonucleoproteins.

PubMed

Gonsalvez, Graydon B; Tian, Liping; Ospina, Jason K; Boisvert, François-Michel; Lamond, Angus I; Matera, A Gregory

2007-08-27

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are core components of the spliceosome. The U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs each contain a common set of seven Sm proteins. Three of these Sm proteins are posttranslationally modified to contain symmetric dimethylarginine (sDMA) residues within their C-terminal tails. However, the precise function of this modification in the snRNP biogenesis pathway is unclear. Several lines of evidence suggest that the methyltransferase protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is responsible for sDMA modification of Sm proteins. We found that in human cells, PRMT5 and a newly discovered type II methyltransferase, PRMT7, are each required for Sm protein sDMA modification. Furthermore, we show that the two enzymes function nonredundantly in Sm protein methylation. Lastly, we provide in vivo evidence demonstrating that Sm protein sDMA modification is required for snRNP biogenesis in human cells.

A comparative study of Sm networks in Al-10 at.%Sm glass and associated crystalline phases

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lv, Xiaobao; Ye, Zhuo; Sun, Yang

Here, the Al–Sm system is selected as a model system to study the transition process from liquid and amorphous to crystalline states. In recent work, we have shown that, in addition to long-range translational periodicity, crystal structures display well-defined short-range local atomic packing motifs that transcends liquid, amorphous and crystalline states. In this paper, we investigate the longer range spatial packing of these short-range motifs by studying the interconnections of Sm–Sm networks in different amorphous and crystalline samples obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. In our analysis, we concentrate on Sm–Sm distances in the range ~5.0–7.2 Å, corresponding to Sm atomsmore » in the second and third shells of Sm-centred clusters. We discover a number of empirical rules characterising the evolution of Sm networks from the liquid and amorphous states to associated metastable crystalline phases experimentally observed in the initial stages of devitrification of different amorphous samples. As direct simulation of glass formation is difficult because of the vast difference between experimental quench rates and what is achievable on the computer, we hope these rules will be helpful in building a better picture of structural evolution during glass formation as well as a more detailed description of phase selection and growth during devitrification.« less

A comparative study of Sm networks in Al-10 at.%Sm glass and associated crystalline phases

DOE PAGES

Lv, Xiaobao; Ye, Zhuo; Sun, Yang; ...

2018-04-03

Here, the Al–Sm system is selected as a model system to study the transition process from liquid and amorphous to crystalline states. In recent work, we have shown that, in addition to long-range translational periodicity, crystal structures display well-defined short-range local atomic packing motifs that transcends liquid, amorphous and crystalline states. In this paper, we investigate the longer range spatial packing of these short-range motifs by studying the interconnections of Sm–Sm networks in different amorphous and crystalline samples obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. In our analysis, we concentrate on Sm–Sm distances in the range ~5.0–7.2 Å, corresponding to Sm atomsmore » in the second and third shells of Sm-centred clusters. We discover a number of empirical rules characterising the evolution of Sm networks from the liquid and amorphous states to associated metastable crystalline phases experimentally observed in the initial stages of devitrification of different amorphous samples. As direct simulation of glass formation is difficult because of the vast difference between experimental quench rates and what is achievable on the computer, we hope these rules will be helpful in building a better picture of structural evolution during glass formation as well as a more detailed description of phase selection and growth during devitrification.« less

Nucleotide-Protectable Labeling of Sulfhydryl Groups in Subunit I of the ATPhase from Halobacterium Saccharovorum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sulzner, Michael; Stan-Lotter, Helga; Hochstein, Lawrence I.

1992-01-01

A membrane-bound ATPase from the archaebacterium Halobacterium saccharovorum is inhibited by N-ethyl-maleimide in a nucleotide-protectable manner. When the enzyme was incubated with N-[C-14]jethylmaleimide, the bulk of radioactivity was as- sociated with the 87,000-Da subunit (subunit 1). ATP, ADP, or AMP reduced incorporation of the inhibitor. No charge shift of subunit I was detected following labeling with N-ethylmaleimide, indicating an electroneutral reaction. The results are consistent with the selective modification of sulfhydryl groups in subunit I at or near the catalytic site and are further evidence of a resemblance between this archaebacterial ATPase and the vacuolar-type ATPases.

Nucleotide-protectable labeling of sulfhydryl groups in subunit I of the ATPase from Halobacterium saccharovorum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sulzner, Michael; Stan-Lotter, Helga; Hochstein, Lawrence I.

1992-01-01

The membrane ATPase from Halobacterium saccharovorum was purified as described by Hochstein et al. (1987) and was incubated with C-14 labeled N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), with and without adenine nucleotides, to determine the effect of nucleotides on the enzyme labeling. It was found that NEM incorporates into the 87,000-Da subunit (subunit I) of the enzyme and that the conditions for enzyme modification are similar to those which result in the inhibition of the enzyme activity. The presence of ATP, ADP, and AMP was found to reduce both the inhibitor incorporation and enzyme inhibition. It was shown that the reaction involves a modification of thiol groups.

Optimization of Sm3+ fluorescence in Sm-doped yttrium aluminum garnet: Application to pressure calibration in diamond-anvil cell at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez-Valle, Carmen; Daniel, Isabelle; Reynard, Bruno; Abraham, Robert; Goutaudier, Christelle

2002-10-01

Sm3+ concentration in Sm-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Sm3+):YAG has been optimized for fluorescence yield and synthesis procedure for the production of strain-free small grain-size powder established. Concentration of 0.5 wt % Sm3+ displays an optimal fluorescence signal, three to five times stronger than the generally proposed concentration (4 wt %). The fluorescence of the samples has been studied as a function of temperature (300-873 K) and pressure (0-15 GPa). A comparison with standard pressure scales shows that the pressure evolution of Sm3+:YAG fluorescence is insensitive to the doping rate, and that temperature has only a limited effect on the pressure scale established at 300 K. The present results indicate that pressure can be determined from the Y1 line of 0.5 wt % Sm-doped YAG, with temperature correction for pi at room pressure and constant pressure shift, within the 300-873 K and 10-4-15 GPa pressure-temperature range, through the linear relation: P (GPa)=0.127 x([pi0-0.018 xDelta]T)-[pi] where pi0 corresponds to the Y1 frequency value at ambient conditions (16 185 cm-1).

Two distinct arginine methyltransferases are required for biogenesis of Sm-class ribonucleoproteins

PubMed Central

Gonsalvez, Graydon B.; Tian, Liping; Ospina, Jason K.; Boisvert, François-Michel; Lamond, Angus I.; Matera, A. Gregory

2007-01-01

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are core components of the spliceosome. The U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNPs each contain a common set of seven Sm proteins. Three of these Sm proteins are posttranslationally modified to contain symmetric dimethylarginine (sDMA) residues within their C-terminal tails. However, the precise function of this modification in the snRNP biogenesis pathway is unclear. Several lines of evidence suggest that the methyltransferase protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is responsible for sDMA modification of Sm proteins. We found that in human cells, PRMT5 and a newly discovered type II methyltransferase, PRMT7, are each required for Sm protein sDMA modification. Furthermore, we show that the two enzymes function nonredundantly in Sm protein methylation. Lastly, we provide in vivo evidence demonstrating that Sm protein sDMA modification is required for snRNP biogenesis in human cells. PMID:17709427

The N-terminal sequence of ribosomal protein L10 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui and its relationship to eubacterial protein L6 and other ribosomal proteins.

PubMed

Dijk, J; van den Broek, R; Nasiulas, G; Beck, A; Reinhardt, R; Wittmann-Liebold, B

1987-08-01

The amino-terminal sequence of ribosomal protein L10 from Halobacterium marismortui has been determined up to residue 54, using both a liquid- and a gas-phase sequenator. The two sequences are in good agreement. The protein is clearly homologous to protein HcuL10 from the related strain Halobacterium cutirubrum. Furthermore, a weaker but distinct homology to ribosomal protein L6 from Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus can be detected. In addition to 7 identical amino acids in the first 36 residues in all four sequences a number of conservative replacements occurs, of mainly hydrophobic amino acids. In this common region the pattern of conserved amino acids suggests the presence of a beta-alpha fold as it occurs in ribosomal proteins L12 and L30. Furthermore, several potential cases of homology to other ribosomal components of the three ur-kingdoms have been found.

Optical temperature sensing properties of Sm3+ doped SrWO4 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Huiling; Han, Qun; Wang, Chao; Tang, Xiaoyun; Yan, Wenchuan; Chen, Yaofei; Zhao, Xueru; Jiang, Junfeng; Liu, Tiegen

2018-04-01

Sm3+ doped SrWO4 was synthesized by the high temperature solid-state reaction method to explore its possible application in optical thermometry. Under a 404 nm excitation, the fluorescence intensity ratios (FIRs) between the down conversion emissions of the Sm3+:4G5/2 → 6H5/2 (564 nm) to the Sm3+:4G5/2 → 6H7/2 (600 nm) and Sm3+:4G5/2 → 6H9/2 (647 nm), respectively, were measured as a function of temperature in the range of 300-573 K. A maximum temperature sensitivity of 0.016 K-1 at 300 K is achieved. The results indicate that the SrWO4:Sm3+ is a promising candidate for optical thermometry.

Transcription-coupled repair of UV damage in the halophilic archaea.

PubMed

Stantial, Nicole; Dumpe, Jarrod; Pietrosimone, Kathryn; Baltazar, Felicia; Crowley, David J

2016-05-01

Transcription-coupled repair (TCR) is a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER) in which excision repair proteins are targeted to RNA polymerase-arresting lesions located in the transcribed strand of active genes. TCR has been documented in a variety of bacterial and eukaryotic organisms but has yet to be observed in the Archaea. We used Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Haloferax volcanii to determine if TCR occurs in the halophilic archaea. Following UV irradiation of exponentially growing cultures, we quantified the rate of repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in the two strands of the rpoB2B1A1A2 and the trpDFEG operons of Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and the pts operon of H. volcanii through the use of a Southern blot assay and strand-specific probes. TCR was observed in all three operons and was dependent on the NER gene uvrA in Halobacterium sp. NRC-1, but not in H. volcanii. The halophilic archaea likely employ a novel mechanism for TCR in which an as yet unknown coupling factor recognizes the arrested archaeal RNA polymerase complex and recruits certain NER proteins to complete the process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimated human absorbed dose of a new (153)Sm bone seeking agent based on biodistribution data in mice: Comparison with (153)Sm-EDTMP.

PubMed

Yousefnia, Hassan; Zolghadri, Samaneh

2015-11-01

The main goal in radiotherapy is to deliver the absorbed dose within the target organs in highest possible amount, while the absorbed dose of the other organs, especially the critical organs, should be kept as low as possible. In this work, the absorbed dose to human organs for a new (153)Sm bone-seeking agent was investigated. (153)Sm-(4-{[(bis(phosphonomethyl))carbamoyl]methyl}-7,10-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododec-1-yl) acetic acid ((153)Sm-BPAMD) complex was successfully prepared. The biodistribution of the complex was investigated in male Syrian mice up to 48 h post injection. The human absorbed dose of the complex was estimated based on the biodistribution data of the mice by radiation absorbed dose assessment resource (RADAR) method. The target to non-target absorbed dose ratios for (153)Sm-BPAMD were compared with these ratios for (153)Sm-EDTMP. The highest absorbed dose for (153)Sm-BPAMD was observed in bone surface with 5.828 mGy/MBq. The dose ratios of the bone surface to the red marrow and to the total body for (153)Sm-BPAMD were 5.3 and 20.0, respectively, while these ratios for (153)Sm-EDTMP were 4.4 and 18.3, respectively. This means, for a given dose to the bone surface as the target organ, the red marrow (as the main critical organ) and the total body would receive lesser absorbed dose in the case of (153)Sm-BPAMD. Generally, the human absorbed dose estimation of (153)Sm-BPAMD indicated that all other tissues approximately received insignificant absorbed dose in comparison with bone surface and therefore can be regarded as a new potential agent for bone pain palliation therapy. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hyperfine induced transition probabilities from 4{f}^{14}5s5p{}^{3}{{\\rm{P}}}_{0,2}^{o} states in Sm-like ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Fuyang; Li, Jiguang; Qu, Yizhi; Wang, Jianguo

2017-11-01

The hyperfine induced 4{f}145s5p{}3{{{P}}}0,2o-4{f}145{s}2{}1{{{S}}}0 transition probabilities for highly charged Sm-like ions are calculated within the framework of the multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock method. Electron correlation, the Breit interaction and quantum electrodynamical effects are taken into account. For ions ranging from Z = 79 to Z=94,4{f}145s5p{}3{{{P}}}0o is the first excited state, and the hyperfine induced transition (HIT) is a dominant decay channel. For the 4{f}145s5p{}3{{{P}}}2o state, the HIT rates of Sm-like ions with Z=82-94 are reported as well as the magnetic dipole (M1) {}3{{{P}}}2o-{}3{{{P}}}1o, the electric quadrupole (E2) {}3{{{P}}}2o-{}3{{{P}}}0,1o, and the magnetic quadrupole (M2) {}3{{{P}}}2o-{}1{{{S}}}0 transition probabilities. It is found that M1 transition from the 4{f}145s5p{}3{{{P}}}2o state is the most important decay channel in this range on Z≥slant 82.

Solid-state fermentation as a potential technique for esterase/lipase production by halophilic archaea.

PubMed

Martin del Campo, Martha; Camacho, Rosa M; Mateos-Díaz, Juan C; Müller-Santos, Marcelo; Córdova, Jesus; Rodríguez, Jorge A

2015-11-01

Halophilic archaea are extremophiles, adapted to high-salt environments, showing a big biotechnological potential as enzyme, lipids and pigments producers. Four inert supports (perlite, vermiculite, polyurethane foam and glass fiber) were employed for solid-state fermentation (SSF) of the halophilic archaeon Natronococcus sp. TC6 to investigate biomass and esterase production. A very low esterase activity and high water activity were observed when perlite, vermiculite and polyurethane were used as supports. When glass fiber was employed, an important moisture loss was observed (8.6%). Moreover, moisture retention was improved by mixing polyurethane and glass fiber, resulting in maximal biomass and esterase production. Three halophilic archaea: Natronococcus sp. TC6, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Haloarcula marismortui were cultured by submerged fermentation (SmF) and by SSF; an improvement of 1.3- to 6.2-fold was observed in the biomass and esterase production when SSF was used. Growth was not homogeneous in the mixture, but was predominant in the glass fiber thus was probably because the glass fiber provides a holder to the cells, while the polyurethane acts as an impregnation medium reservoir. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first report on haloarchaea cultivation by SSF aiming biomass and esterase/lipase activity production.

Degeneracy lifting due to thermal fluctuations around the frustration point between anticlinic antiferroelectric SmC(A)* and synclinic ferroelectric SmC*.

PubMed

Sandhya, K L; Chandani, A D L; Fukuda, Atsuo; Vij, Jagdish K; Emelyanenko, A V; Ishikawa, Ken

2013-01-01

In the binary mixture phase diagram of MC881 and MC452, the borderline between anticlinic antiferroelectric SmC(A)(*) and synclinic ferroelectric SmC(*) becomes apparently parallel to the temperature ordinate axis at the critical concentration r(c). The free energy difference between SmC(A)(*) and SmC^{*} is extremely small in a wide temperature range near r(c). In such circumstances, by observing Bragg reflection spectra due to the director helical structure and electric-field-induced birefringence, we have observed the continuous change from SmC(A)(*) to SmC(*) for r5 °C or more in the apparent SmC(*) temperature region for r>/~r(c). These intriguing phenomena have been explained, successfully at least in the high-temperature region, by a thermal equilibrium between the synclinic and anticlinic orderings and the resulting Boltzmann distribution for the ratio between them; the thermal equilibrium is considered to be attained in a nonuniform defect-assisted way through solitary waves moving around dynamically. We have also discussed qualitatively an important role played by the effective long-range interlayer interactions in the low-temperature region.

Sm protein methylation is dispensable for snRNP assembly in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Gonsalvez, Graydon B; Praveen, Kavita; Hicks, Amanda J; Tian, Liping; Matera, A Gregory

2008-05-01

Sm proteins form stable ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes with small nuclear (sn)RNAs and are core components of the eukaryotic spliceosome. In vivo, the assembly of Sm proteins onto snRNAs requires the survival motor neurons (SMN) complex. Several reports have shown that SMN protein binds with high affinity to symmetric dimethylarginine (sDMA) residues present on the C-terminal tails of SmB, SmD1, and SmD3. This post-translational modification is thought to play a crucial role in snRNP assembly. In human cells, two distinct protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT5 and PRMT7) are required for snRNP biogenesis. However, in Drosophila, loss of Dart5 (the fruit fly PRMT5 ortholog) has little effect on snRNP assembly, and homozygous mutants are completely viable. To resolve these apparent differences, we examined this topic in detail and found that Drosophila Sm proteins are also methylated by two methyltransferases, Dart5/PRMT5 and Dart7/PRMT7. Unlike dart5, we found that dart7 is an essential gene. However, the lethality associated with loss of Dart7 protein is apparently unrelated to defects in snRNP assembly. To conclusively test the requirement for sDMA modification of Sm proteins in Drosophila snRNP assembly, we constructed a fly strain that exclusively expresses an isoform of SmD1 that cannot be sDMA modified. Interestingly, these flies were viable, and snRNP assays revealed no defects in comparison to wild type. In contrast, dart5 mutants displayed a strong synthetic lethal phenotype in the presence of a hypomorphic Smn mutation. We therefore conclude that dart5 is required for viability when SMN is limiting.

A New Perspective on Radiation Resistance Based on Deinococcus radiodurans

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

Halobacterium sp. NRc-1 | Lactobacillus plantarum | Micrococcus luteus | Pyrococcus furiosus | Shewanella oneidensis | Synechocystis sp. Pcc... Lactobacillus plantarum16,47, which lacks the enzyme superoxide dismutase, and Synechocystis sp. PCC 68034 (Ref. 48) accumulated exceptionally high levels...high specificity for Mn2+, has been detected in L. plantarum , but has not been found in D. radiodurans. Manganese transport in D. radiodurans is

[Clinical studies on SM-4300].

PubMed

Sawae, Y; Nagafuchi, S

1985-09-01

Use of SM-4300, which is a newly developed human immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous administration, has clinically been evaluated in the patients with severe or intractable bacterial infections. Of total 13 cases of the admitted patients at the 1st department of internal medicine, faculty of medicine, Kyushu university, 10-pneumonia case were associated with blood diseases like acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma (MM), and in addition, with other underlying diseases like lung cancer and bronchiectasis, 1 was prosthetic valve endocarditis, 1 cholecystitis associated with pericarditis and 1 fever of undetermined origin (FUO). SM-4300 of 5 g single bolus or 3 daily doses of 2.5 g per day were infused with chemotherapy drugs preceedingly administered for more than 3 days and the results were evaluated; good in 4, fair 4, poor 2 and unknown 3, and the efficacy rate was 40%. Bacteriologically, the results were decreased in 1, persisted 1 and the majority was unknown. Observed were no side reactions nor the changes in clinical examination variables incurred by this drug. It is therefore considered that SM-4300 is of use for the treatment of intractable bacterial infections when used with antibiotics.

Characterization of a novel anti-lipopolysaccharide factor isoform (SpALF5) in mud crab, Scylla paramamosain.

PubMed

Sun, Wanwei; Wan, Weisong; Zhu, Shuo; Wang, Shasha; Wang, Shuqi; Wen, Xiaobo; Zheng, Huaiping; Zhang, Yueling; Li, Shengkang

2015-04-01

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs), the potential antimicrobial peptides that bind and neutralize lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are common effectors of innate immunity in crustaceans. In this study, a novel isoform of ALFs (SpALF5) was isolated from the hemocytes of mud crab Scylla paramamosain. The full-length 975bp SpALF5 contains a 375bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 125 amino acids. Although SpALF5 exhibits a low degree of nucleotide homology with other reported ALFs, it contains the conserved amino acid sequence with a signal peptide and a LPS-binding domain including two conservative cysteine residues. The genomic organization of SpALF5 consists of four exons and three introns, with each intron containing one or more tandem repeats. Unlike most of ALFs mainly distributed in crab hemocytes, SpALF5 transcript was predominantly observed in the brain, muscle and skin, while barely detected in the hemocytes in our study. In situ hybridization assay also showed that SpALF5 mRNA was localized in brain, muscle and skin tissues of mud crab. Further, SpALF5 transcript was significantly up-regulated after challenge with LPS, polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) (with the except of that in brain), Vibrio parahemolyticus or white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The recombinant SpALF5 protein showed a varying degree of binding activity towards bacteria and fungus. Moreover, in vitro, the recombinant SpALF5 revealed a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (V. parahemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila) and fungus (Sacchromyces cerevisiae), but could only inhibited the growth of some Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. The results suggest that SpALF5 is a potent immune protector and plays an important role in immune defense against invading pathogens in S. paramamosain. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

24/7 SM slavery.

PubMed

Dancer, Peter L; Kleinplatz, Peggy J; Moser, Charles

2006-01-01

This study describes the nature of 24/7 SM slavery as practiced within the SM (sadomasochistic) community. These SM participants, who attempt to live full-time in owner-slave roles, represent a small proportion of those with SM interests. SM slaves have not been studied systematically to determine if and how they differ from other SM practitioners. An online questionnaire was used to obtain responses from individuals who self-identified as slaves. A total of 146 respondents participated, 53% female and 47% male, ranging in age from 18 to 72. We explored the depth of their relationships, how well they approximated "slavery," and how their relationships were structured to maintain distinct roles. Data showed that in long-term SM slave relationships, a power differential exists which extends beyond time-limited SM or sexual interactions. Owners and slaves often use common, daily life experiences or situations, such as the completion of household chores, money management, and morning or evening routines, to distinguish and maintain their respective roles. In addition, contrary to the perception of total submission, results revealed that slaves exercise free will when it is in their best interests to do so. These relationships were long-lasting and satisfying to the respondents.

RIP-seq analysis of eukaryotic Sm proteins identifies three major categories of Sm-containing ribonucleoproteins

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Sm proteins are multimeric RNA-binding factors, found in all three domains of life. Eukaryotic Sm proteins, together with their associated RNAs, form small ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes important in multiple aspects of gene regulation. Comprehensive knowledge of the RNA components of Sm RNPs is critical for understanding their functions. Results We developed a multi-targeting RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) strategy to reliably identify Sm-associated RNAs from Drosophila ovaries and cultured human cells. Using this method, we discovered three major categories of Sm-associated transcripts: small nuclear (sn)RNAs, small Cajal body (sca)RNAs and mRNAs. Additional RIP-PCR analysis showed both ubiquitous and tissue-specific interactions. We provide evidence that the mRNA-Sm interactions are mediated by snRNPs, and that one of the mechanisms of interaction is via base pairing. Moreover, the Sm-associated mRNAs are mature, indicating a splicing-independent function for Sm RNPs. Conclusions This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of eukaryotic Sm-containing RNPs, and provides a basis for additional functional analyses of Sm proteins and their associated snRNPs outside of the context of pre-mRNA splicing. Our findings expand the repertoire of eukaryotic Sm-containing RNPs and suggest new functions for snRNPs in mRNA metabolism. PMID:24393626

Apparent cooperativity of amino acid transport in Halobacterium halobium - Effect of electrical potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lanyi, J. K.

1978-01-01

Active serine accumulation in cell envelope vesicles from Halobacterium halobium proceeds by co-transport with Na(+) and can be induced by either transmembrane electrical potential or transmembrane Na(+) concentration difference. It was shown earlier that in the former case the initial transport rate is a fourth-power function of the magnitude of the electrochemical potential difference of sodium ions, and in the latter, a second-power function. A possible interpretation of this finding is cooperativity of sodium-transporting sites in the transport carrier. When both kinds of driving force are imposed simultaneously on the vesicles, fourth-power dependence on the total potential difference of sodium ions is obtained, suggesting that the transport carrier is regulated by the electrical potential. Heat treatment of the vesicles at 48 C partially inactivates transport and abolishes this effect of the electrical potential.

Evidence from coupled (Sm-147)-(Nd-143) and (Sm-146)-(Nd-142) systematics for very early (4.5-Gyr) differentiation of the earth's mantle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, Charles L., Jr.; Jacobsen, Stein B.

1992-01-01

Evidence for early differentiation of the earth's mantle is presented based on measurements of Nd-143/Nd-144 and Nd-142/Nd-144 ratios in an approximately 3.8 Gyr-old supracrustal rock from Isua, West Greenland. Coupled (Sm-146,147)-(Nd-142,143) systematics suggest that the fractionation of Sm/Nd took place 4.44-4.54 Gyr ago, due to extraction of a light rare earth element-enriched primordial crust.

Measurement of cross sections for the 147Sm(n, alpha)144Nd reaction at 5.0 and 6.0 MeV.

PubMed

Zhang, Guohui; Zhang, Jiaguo; Guo, Li'an; Wu, Hao; Chen, Jinxiang; Tang, Guoyou; Gledenov, Yu M; Sedysheva, M V; Khuukhenkhuu, G; Szalanski, P J

2009-01-01

Cross sections of the (147)Sm(n, alpha)(144)Nd reaction were measured at En=5.0 and 6.0MeV. A twin gridded ionization chamber was used as a charged particle detector and two large area (147)Sm(2)O(3) samples placed back to back were employed. Experiments were performed at the 4.5MV Van de Graaff accelerator of Peking University. Neutrons were produced through the D(d, n)(3)He reaction with a deuterium gas target. Absolute neutron flux was determined by a small (238)U fission chamber. Present cross-section data are compared with existing results of evaluations and measurements.

Optical studies of CaS:Eu,Sm infrared stimulable phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Yasuaki; Shibukawa, Atsushi

1993-07-01

The photoluminescence (PL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (ISL) spectra of CaS:Eu,Sm infrared stimulable phosphors (ISPs) are studied. In addition, the concentration dependence of ISL intensity is examined. Sm(3+) and Eu(2+) related structures are found in both the PL excitation and emission spectra. Two types of Sm(3+) are found, one of which exhibits strong emission at around 650 nm and the other weak emission compared to the other emissions at around 565 nm and 605 nm. These are assigned to an asymmetric and a symmetric site, respectively. ISL excitation spectra coincide with the Eu(2+) 4f(sup 7) to 4f(sup 6)5d(sup 1) and 4f(sup 6)6s(sup 1) transitions and range from 220 to 650 nm. ISL emission spectra coincide with the Eu(2+) 4f(sup 6)5d(sup 1) to 4f(sup 7) transition and range from 550 to 750 nm. ISL stimulation spectra range from 0.8 micron to 1.7 micron and are thought to indicate the Sm(2+) ion transition from 4f(sup 6) to 4f(sup 5)5d(sup 1). The maximum ISL intensity is obtained from a sample with Eu and Sm concentrations of 500 and 130 ppm, respectively.

Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and High-Pressure Electrical Resistivity Studies for High-Tc Candidate Nd3.5Sm0.5Ni3O8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uehara, Masatomo; Kobayashi, Kai; Yamamoto, Hiroki; Nakata, Akitoshi; Wakiya, Kazuhei; Umehara, Izuru; Gouchi, Jun; Uwatoko, Yoshiya

2017-11-01

Ln4Ni3O8 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) has attracted much attention as a candidate for high-Tc superconductor due to its close structural and electrical similarities with high-Tc cuprates. However, Ln4Ni3O8 is not a superconductor and shows semiconducting behavior. Our recent work has revealed that Nd3.5Sm0.5Ni3O8 displays metallic behavior down to 20-40 K upon intercalation and subsequent deintercalation treatments with sulfur, followed by a weak semiconducting tendency at lower temperatures. A synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiment suggests that the structural change induced by sulfur treatment can be explained electrostatically by the removal of additional apical oxygen. High-pressure electrical resistivity measurements up to 8 GPa on a metallic sample show the enhancement of the semiconducting tendency at low temperatures, suggesting that the removal of additional apical oxygen is not totally completed under the present conditions of sulfur treatment.

Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 PeptideAtlas: strategies for targeted proteomics

PubMed Central

Van, Phu T.; Schmid, Amy K.; King, Nichole L.; Kaur, Amardeep; Pan, Min; Whitehead, Kenia; Koide, Tie; Facciotti, Marc T.; Goo, Young-Ah; Deutsch, Eric W.; Reiss, David J.; Mallick, Parag; Baliga, Nitin S.

2009-01-01

The relatively small numbers of proteins and fewer possible posttranslational modifications in microbes provides a unique opportunity to comprehensively characterize their dynamic proteomes. We have constructed a Peptide Atlas (PA) for 62.7% of the predicted proteome of the extremely halophilic archaeon Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 by compiling approximately 636,000 tandem mass spectra from 497 mass spectrometry runs in 88 experiments. Analysis of the PA with respect to biophysical properties of constituent peptides, functional properties of parent proteins of detected peptides, and performance of different mass spectrometry approaches has helped highlight plausible strategies for improving proteome coverage and selecting signature peptides for targeted proteomics. Notably, discovery of a significant correlation between absolute abundances of mRNAs and proteins has helped identify low abundance of proteins as the major limitation in peptide detection. Furthermore we have discovered that iTRAQ labeling for quantitative proteomic analysis introduces a significant bias in peptide detection by mass spectrometry. Therefore, despite identifying at least one proteotypic peptide for almost all proteins in the PA, a context-dependent selection of proteotypic peptides appears to be the most effective approach for targeted proteomics. PMID:18652504

Magnetic properties and coercivity mechanism of Sm{sub 1-x}Pr{sub x}Co{sub 5} (x=0-0.6) nanoflakes prepared by surfactant-assisted ball milling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, M. L.; Yue, M., E-mail: yueming@bjut.edu.cn; Wu, Q.

2016-05-15

Sm{sub 1-x}Pr{sub x}Co{sub 5} (x=0-0.6) nanoflakes with CaCu{sub 5} structure were successfully prepared by surfactant-assisted high-energy ball milling (SAHEBM). The crystal structure and magnetic properties of Sm{sub 1-x}Pr{sub x}Co{sub 5} (x=0-0.6) nanoflakes were studied by X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer. Effects of Pr addition on the structure, magnetic properties and coercivity mechanism of Sm{sub 1-x}Pr{sub x}Co{sub 5} nanoflakes were systematically investigated. XRD results show that all the nanoflakes have a hexagonal CaCu{sub 5}-type (Sm, Pr){sub 1}Co{sub 5} main phase and the (Sm, Pr){sub 2}Co{sub 7} impurity phase, and all of the samples exhibit a strong (00l) texture after magneticmore » alignment. As the Pr content increases, remanence firstly increases, then slightly reduced, while anisotropy field (H{sub A}) and H{sub ci} of decrease monotonically. Maximum energy product [(BH){sub max}] of the flakes increases first, peaks at 24.4 MGOe with Pr content of x = 0.4, then drops again. Magnetization behavior analysis indicate that the coercivity mechanism is mainly controlled by inhomogeneous domain wall pinning, and the pinning strength weakens with the increased Pr content, suggesting the great influence of H{sub A} on the coercivity of flakes.« less

DNA Vaccine Encoding the Chimeric Form of Schistosoma mansoni Sm-TSP2 and Sm29 Confers Partial Protection against Challenge Infection

PubMed Central

Gonçalves de Assis, Natan Raimundo; Batistoni de Morais, Suellen; Figueiredo, Bárbara Castro Pimentel; Ricci, Natasha Delaqua; de Almeida, Leonardo Augusto; da Silva Pinheiro, Carina; Martins, Vicente de Paulo; Oliveira, Sergio Costa

2015-01-01

Schistosomiasis is an important parasitic disease worldwide that affects more than 207 million people in 76 countries and causes approximately 250,000 deaths per year. The best long-term strategy to control schistosomiasis is through immunization combined with drug treatment. Due to the ability of DNA vaccines to generate humoral and cellular immune responses, such vaccines are considered a promising approach against schistosomiasis. Sm29 and tetraspanin-2 (Sm-TSP2) are two proteins that are located in the S. mansoni tegument of adult worms and schistosomula and induce high levels of protection through recombinant protein immunization. In this study, we transfected BHK-21 cells with plasmids encoding Sm29, Sm-TSP2 or a chimera containing both genes. Using RT-PCR analysis and western blot, we confirmed that the DNA vaccine constructs were transcribed and translated, respectively, in BHK-21 cells. After immunization of mice, we evaluated the reduction in worm burden. We observed worm burden reductions of 17-22%, 22%, 31-32% and 24-32% in animals immunized with the pUMVC3/Sm29, pUMVC3/SmTSP-2, pUMVC3/Chimera and pUMVC3/Sm29 + pUMVC3/SmTSP-2 plasmids, respectively. We evaluated the humoral response elicited by DNA vaccines, and animals immunized with pUMVC3/Sm29 and pUMVC3/Sm29 + pUMVC3/SmTSP-2 showed higher titers of anti-Sm29 antibodies. The cytokine profile produced by the spleen cells of immunized mice was then evaluated. We observed higher production of Th1 cytokines, such as TNF-α and IFN-γ, in vaccinated mice and no significant production of IL-4 and IL-5. The DNA vaccines tested in this study showed the ability to generate a protective immune response against schistosomiasis, probably through the production of Th1 cytokines. However, future strategies aiming to optimize the protective response induced by a chimeric DNA construct need to be developed. PMID:25942636

Selective mutism: more than social anxiety?

PubMed

Yeganeh, Robin; Beidel, Deborah C; Turner, Samuel M

2006-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between selective mutism (SM), social phobia (SP), oppositionality, and parenting styles. Twenty-one children with SP, 21 children with SM and SP, and 21 normal children ages 7-15, and the mother of each child, participated in an assessment of psychopathological factors potentially related to SM. Children with SM did not endorse higher levels of social anxiety than did children with SP, although clinicians gave higher severity ratings to those who had both disorders. In addition, although a dimensional measure of oppositionality (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory) did not reveal group differences, there were significantly more diagnoses of oppositional defiant disorder among children with SM (29%) in comparison to children with SP alone (5%). With respect to parenting styles, there were no significant differences among parents of children with SM and the other groups, except that children with SP reported significantly less warmth/acceptance from parents than normal children. These data replicate previous findings that children with SM do not report greater social anxiety than other children with a SP diagnosis. Furthermore, they suggest that oppositional behaviors may be part of the clinical presentation of a subset of children with SM.

Out-of-equilibrium Sm Fe based phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djéga-Mariadassou, C.; Bessais, L.

2008-02-01

Structure and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline P6/mmm out-of-equilibrium precursors of hard magnetic R-3m Sm2(Fe,M)17C (M=Ga,Si,) and I4/mmm Sm(Fe,Co,Ti)11 equilibrium phases, are presented. Their structure is explained with a model ground on the R1 - s T5 + 2 s formula (R=rare-earth, s=vacancy rate, T=transition metal) where s Sm atoms are statistically substituted by s transition metal pairs. The Rietveld analysis (RA) provides the stoichiometry of the precursors, 1:9 and 1:10, respectively precursor of 2:17 and 1:12 phases. The interpretation of the Mössbauer spectra of the 1:9 and 1:10 phases, is based on the correlation between δ and the Wigner Seitz Cell volumes, calculated from the structural parameters. The δ behaviour of each crystallographic site versus Co content, defines the Co location while it confirms that of Si and Ga obtained by RA. Substitution occurs in 3 g site, whatever Co or M. The Sm(Fe,Co,Ti)10 and Sm(Fe,M)9C Curie temperature (Tc) are compared to those of the equilibrium phases, the effects of Fe substitution and C addition are discussed. The maximum μ 0Hc is obtained for low M or Co content, for auto-coherent diffraction domain size ˜30 nm. SmFe8.75Ga0.25C and SmFe8.75Si0.25C with Tc of 680 and 690 K, show respectively Mr and μ 0Hc of 58 emu/g, 27 kOe and 95 emu/g, 15 kOe, values higher than those obtained for Sm2(Fe,M)17 carbides.

ATP synthesis in Halobacterium saccharovorum: evidence that synthesis may be catalysed by an F0F1-ATP synthase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochstein, L. I.

1992-01-01

Halobacterium saccharovorum synthesized ATP in response to a pH shift from 8 to 6.2. Synthesis was inhibited by carbonyl cyanide m-chloro-phenylhydrazone, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and azide. Nitrate, an inhibitor of the membrane-bound ATPase previously isolated from this organism, did not inhibit ATP synthesis. N-Ethymaleimide, which also inhibited this ATPase, stimulated the production of ATP. These observations suggested that H. saccharovorum synthesized and hydrolysed ATP using different enzymes and that the vacuolar-like ATPase activity previously described in H. saccharovorum was an ATPase whose function is yet to be identified.

Light-dependent cation gradients and electrical potential in Halobacterium halobium cell envelope vesicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lanyi, J. K.; Macdonald, R. E.

1977-01-01

Vesicles can be prepared from Halobacterium halobium cell envelopes, which contain properly oriented bacteriorhodopsin and which extrude H(+) during illumination. The pH difference that is generated across the membranes is accompanied by an electrical potential of 90 to 100 mV (interior negative) and the movements of other cations. Among these is the efflux of Na(+), which proceeds against its electrochemical potential. The relationship between the size and direction of the light-induced pH gradient and the rate of depletion of Na(+) from the vesicles, as well as other evidence, suggest that the active Na(+) extrusion is facilitated by a membrane component that exchanges H(+) for Na(+) with a stoichiometry greater than 1. The gradients of H(+) and Na(+) are thus coupled to one another. The Na(+) gradient (efflux much larger than influx), which arises during illumination, plays a major role in energizing the active transport of amino acids.

Raman spectrum, quantum mechanical calculations and vibrational assignments of (95% alpha-TeO2/5% Sm2O3) glass.

PubMed

Shaltout, I; Mohamed, Tarek A

2007-06-01

Chozen system of tellurite glasses doped with rare earth oxides (95% alpha-TeO(2)+5% Sm2O3) was prepared by melt quenching. Consequently, the Raman spectrum (150-1250 cm(-1)) of the modified tellurite have been recorded. As a continuation to our normal coordinate analysis, force constants and quantum mechanical (QM) calculations for tbp TeO4(4-) (triagonal bipyramid, C(2v)) and TeO(3+1); Te2O7(6-) (bridged tetrahedral), we have carried out ab initio frequency calculations for tpy TeO3(2-) (triagonal pyramidal, C(3v) and C(s)) and tp TeO3(2-) (triagonal planar, D(3h)) ions. The quantum mechanical calculations at the levels of RHF, B3LYP and MP2 allow confident vibrational assignments and structural identification in the binary oxide glass (95% alpha-TeO2 +5% Sm2O3). The dominant three-dimensional network structures in the modified glass are triagonal pyramidal TeO3 with minor features of short range distorted tbp TeO4 and bridged tetrahedral unit of TeO(3+1), leading to a structure of infinite chain. Therefore, alpha-TeO2/Sm2O3 (95/5%) glass experience structural changes from TeO4 (tbp); Te2O7 (TeO(3+1))-->TeO3 (tpy).

Algicidal activity of Bacillus sp. Lzh-5 and its algicidal compounds against Microcystis aeruginosa.

PubMed

Li, Zhenghua; Geng, Mengxin; Yang, Hong

2015-01-01

A freshwater algicidal bacterial strain, Lzh-5, isolated from Lake Taihu, with strong algicidal activity against Microcystis aeruginosa, was identified as Bacillus sp. based on its phenotypic characteristics and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence. The algicidal mode of Bacillus sp. Lzh-5 was indirect, attacking M. aeruginosa cells by releasing algicidal compounds. Two algicidal compounds (S-5A and S-5B) produced by Bacillus sp. Lzh-5 were purified with ethyl acetate extraction, column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography and identified as hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione and 3-isopropyl-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. The active algicidal compounds S-5A (hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione) and S-5B (3-isopropyl-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione) displayed high levels of algicidal activity against M. aeruginosa 9110, with LD50 values of 5.7 and 19.4 μg/ml, respectively. This is the first report of 3-isopropyl-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione as an algicidal compound. Compounds S-5A and S-5B also induced obvious morphological changes in M. aeruginosa 9110. In cocultures of M. aeruginosa 9110 and Bacillus sp. Lzh-5, the cell density of Bacillus sp. Lzh-5 and the concentrations of S-5A and S-5B correlated positively with the algicidal activity. Our results indicate that strain Lzh-5 and its two algicidal compounds are potentially useful for controlling cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu.

The Crystal Structure of Ba 17Sm 10Cl 64

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guo; Eick, Harry A.

1999-08-01

The structure of Ba17Sm10Cl64, prepared by solvolytic extraction of a program-cooled 1:1 BaCl2:SmCl3 molar mixture sealed in a quartz tube and heated to 750°C, was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The compound exhibits cubic symmetry, space group Pa3 (No. 205) with a=21.366(2) Å and Z=4. Refinement effected with I>2σ(I) yielded R1= 0.0926 and wR2=0.216. One Ba atom is 12-coordinated by Cl atoms in a distorted icosahedral arrangement; the three other Ba atoms are 10-coordinated in a distorted bicapped cubic arrangement. There are two Sm atom sites. The coordination around one Sm atom is best described as square antiprismatic, but one Sm-Cl distance is too long for effective bonding. The other Sm atom site, occupied statistically by {1}/{3}Ba and {2}/{3}Sm atoms, is 9-coordinated by Cl atoms in a monocapped square antiprismatic arrangement. The two types of Sm sites combine to form an M6Cl37 cuboctahedral cluster of the composition BaSm5Cl37. It is shown that the cβ phase identified previously in the Yb-F and related fluoride systems is probably isostructural with Ba17Sm10Cl64.

A thermostable cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Thermoanaerobacter sp. 5K

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) from the thermophilic anaerobe Thermoanaerobacter sp. 5K was purified and characterized. The enzyme was purified with ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by a-CD-bound, epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B affinity chromatography. Molecular weight of the purifie...

Coercivity Recovery Effect of Sm-Fe-Cu-Al Alloy on Sm2Fe17N3 Magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otogawa, Kohei; Asahi, Toru; Jinno, Miho; Yamaguchi, Wataru; Takagi, Kenta; Kwon, Hansang

2018-03-01

The potential of a Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder for improvement of the magnetic properties of Sm2Fe17N3 was examined. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of a Sm-Fe-Cu-Al alloy-bonded Sm2Fe17N3 magnet which showed high coercivity revealed that the Sm-Fe-Cu-Al alloy had an effect of removing the surface oxide layer of the Sm2 Fe17N3 grains. However, the Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder was contaminated by carbon and nitrogen, which originated from the organic solvent used as the milling medium during pulverization. To prevent carbon and nitrogen contamination, the Sm-Fe- Cu-Al alloy was added directly on the surface of the Sm2Fe17N3 grains by sputtering. Comparing the recovered coercivity per unit amount of the added binder the uncontaminated binder-coated sample had a higher coercivity recovery effect than the milled binder-added sample. These results suggested that sufficient addition of the contamination-free Sm-Fe-Cu-Al binder has the possibility to reduce the amount of binder necessary to produce a high coercive Sm2Fe17N3 magnet.

Roseovarius albus sp. nov., a new Alphaproteobacterium isolated from the Mediterranean Sea.

PubMed

Lucena, Teresa; Ruvira, María A; Macián, M Carmen; Pujalte, María J; Arahal, David R

2014-04-01

Strain 4SM10(T), an aerobic marine, Gram-negative, heterotrophic and non pigmented bacterium isolated from seawater from Vinaroz in Castellón, Spain, was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the strain within the Roseobacter clade in the family Rhodobacteraceae. Phylogenetic analyses also showed that strain 4SM10(T) forms a stable clade with species of the genus Roseovarius, being related to Roseovarius nubinhibens ISM(T) and Roseovarius aestuarii SMK-122(T) at 97.5 and 97.4 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity, respectively. Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) values, determined as a measure of overall genomic resemblance, confirmed that strain 4SM10(T) does not belong to the same species as R. aestuarii CECT 7745(T) and Roseovarius nubinhibens CECT 7750(T) displaying ANI values well below the 95 % boundary for genomic species. Strain 4SM10(T) requires Na(+) plus a divalent cation (either Mg(2+) or Ca(2+)) to grow, reduces nitrate to nitrite and uses a large number of amino acids and organic acids (but no carbohydrates) as sole carbon sources. Enzymatic activities displayed in API ZYM tests are alkaline phosphatase, leucine arylamidase and acid phosphatase. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c (67.1 %). The DNA G+C content was determined to be 54.27 mol%. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic data obtained, the name Roseovarius albus sp. nov. is proposed for this novel taxon, with the type strain 4SM10(T) (=CECT 7450(T) = KCTC 22653(T)).

Sm-Nd Isotopic Studies of Ureilite Novo Urei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, C.-Y.; Nyquist, L. E.; Reese, Y.; Goodrich, C. A.

2011-01-01

Ureilites are ultramafic (harzburgitic) achondrites composed predominantly of olivine and pyroxenes, abundant carbon (graphites and shock-produced diamonds), some metal and sulfides. These rocks probably represent ultramafic mantles of differentiated parent asteroidal bodies. Age determinations of these rocks by Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd methods have been difficult because of their extremely low abundances of these parent-daughter elements. Nevertheless, Sm-Nd isochron ages were reported for Kenna, Goalpara, MET 78008 and PCA 82506 yielding ages of 3.74+/-0.02 Ga, approx.3.7 Ga, 4.09+/-0.08 Ga, 4.23+/-0.06 Ga, respectively [1-4]. These "young" Sm-Nd ages may represent secondary metasomatism events [1] related to impacts [5], as indicated by the similarly young Ar-39-Ar-40 degassing ages of 3.3-4.1 Ga for ureilites Kenna, Novo Urei and Havero [6]. Alternatively, it has been suggested that these rocks may have been contaminated with terrestrial crustal materials and the isochrons do not have any age significance [2,7]. Indications of old approx.4.56 Ga ages for ureilites were reported from the U-Pb and Sm-Nd model ages for MET 78008 [8]. More reliable evidences for old formation ages of ureilites were reported recently using the short-lived chronometers Hf-182-W-182, Al-26-Mg-26 and Mn-53-Cr-53. The deficits of 182W in ureilites suggest the metal-silicate segregation occurred very early, approx.1-2 Ma after CAI [9]. The Al-26-Mg-26 and Mn-53-Cr-53 studies for a feldspathic lithology [10] and the Mn-53-Cr-53 for olivine- and pyroxene-dominant lithologies [11] in ureilites revealed that they crystallized approx.5.4 Ma after CAI, i.e., at 4563.8+/-0.5 Ma relative to D.Orbigny. In this report, we present Sm-Nd isotopic data for a relatively fresh ureilite, Novo Urei, a rare ureilite fall (1886). We compare these data to Sm-Nd data for other ureilites, and discuss Novo Urei's petrogenesis

Fundamental properties of a new samarium compound SmPtSi2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Shuto; Takahashi, Eisuke; Kase, Naoki; Nakano, Tomohito; Takeda, Naoya; Matsubayashi, Kazuyuki; Uwatoko, Yoshiya

2018-05-01

We have discovered a new orthorhombic ternary compound SmPtSi2. We succeeded in growing a single crystal of SmPtSi2; prepared a polycrystalline sample of this compound, and measured their　susceptibility, specific heat, and resistivity. The temperature dependence of susceptibility of the polycrystalline sample is close to that of Sm3+ at high temperatures, and its specific heat shows anomalies at TH = 8.6 K and TL = 5.6 K. The resistivity of a single crystal of SmPtSi2 shows a hump-type anomaly just below TH and a sudden decrease at TL, indicating that these anomalies are intrinsic and that SmPtSi2 exhibits a two-step transition.

Provably-Secure (Chinese Government) SM2 and Simplified SM2 Key Exchange Protocols

PubMed Central

Nam, Junghyun; Kim, Moonseong

2014-01-01

We revisit the SM2 protocol, which is widely used in Chinese commercial applications and by Chinese government agencies. Although it is by now standard practice for protocol designers to provide security proofs in widely accepted security models in order to assure protocol implementers of their security properties, the SM2 protocol does not have a proof of security. In this paper, we prove the security of the SM2 protocol in the widely accepted indistinguishability-based Bellare-Rogaway model under the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP) assumption. We also present a simplified and more efficient version of the SM2 protocol with an accompanying security proof. PMID:25276863

Re-entrant relaxor behavior of Ba{sub 5}RTi{sub 3}Nb{sub 7}O{sub 30} (R = La, Nd, Sm) tungsten bronze ceramics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Kun; Li Zhu, Xiao; Qiang Liu, Xiao

2013-03-18

Ba{sub 5}RTi{sub 3}Nb{sub 7}O{sub 30} (R = La, Nd, Sm) tungsten bronze ceramics were prepared, and the dielectric and ferroelectric properties were investigated over a broad temperature range. The relaxor nature was determined for all compositions in their permittivity curves, and a second anomaly of the dielectric loss (tan {delta}) was observed around 250 K in Ba{sub 5}NdTi{sub 3}Nb{sub 7}O{sub 30} and around 275 K in Ba{sub 5}SmTi{sub 3}Nb{sub 7}O{sub 30}. Both the maximum and remanent polarization tended to decrease and vanish at low temperatures in the ferroelectric phase for all compositions, which was referred to as the low temperaturemore » re-entrant relaxor behavior. The remanent polarization increased with decreasing temperature first and then reached the maximum value at the re-entrant temperature (T{sub r}). For Ba{sub 5}RTi{sub 3}Nb{sub 7}O{sub 30} (R = La, Nd, Sm), T{sub r} decreased with the radius of R{sup 3+} cations and the applied field amplitude.« less

Spectral investigations of Sm{sup 3+}-doped oxyfluorosilicate glasses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramachari, D.; Rama Moorthy, L., E-mail: lrmphysics@yahoo.co.in; Department of Physics, Chadalawada Ramanamma Engineering College, Renigunta Road, Tirupati 517506

2013-09-01

Graphical abstract: The figure shows the emission spectra of Sm{sup 3+} doped KNSZL glass for different concentrations. Among the four emission transitions {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 5/2}, {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 7/2}, {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 9/2} and {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 11/2}, the {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 7/2} transition of KNSZLSm10 glass is more intense compared with all the transitions. The insert figure shows, the color coordinates (0.59, 0.41) of KNSZLSm10 glass is located on the perimeter of the chromaticity diagram at 592 nm which appears to be closestmore » to the orange color. From these results the KNSZLSm10 glass could be useful for optical amplifiers, waveguides, telecommunications and orange LEDs. - Highlights: • From the DTA, the undoped KNSZL glass more precisely in fiberdrawing. • The XRD pattern confirmed the KNbO{sub 3} nanocrystallites of undoped KNSZL glass. • FTIR and Raman data of KNSZLSm10 glass revealed structural properties. • Judd–Ofelt analysis and decay measurements were carried out. • The optical gain parameter of the investigated glass is 18.13 × 10{sup −25} cm{sup 2} s. - Abstract: Sm{sub 2}O{sub 3}-doped oxyfluorosilicate glasses were prepared by melt-quenching method. The differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction were carried out to investigate the glass transition temperature and structure of precursor glass. Infrared spectroscopy, Raman, optical absorption, photoluminescence and decay measurements were carried out for Sm{sup 3+}-doped oxyfluorosilicate glasses. From the absorption spectrum, the Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters have been evaluated to predict the radiative properties for the emission levels of Sm{sup 3+} ions. The lifetimes of {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} level are found to decrease from 1.17 to 0.93 ms due to the energy transfer, when the concentration of Sm{sup 3+} ions increases from 0.1 to 2.0 mol%. The optical gain parameter (18.13 × 10

Dielectric spectroscopy of the SmQ* phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkowski, P.; Bubnov, A.; Piecek, W.; Ogrodnik, K.; Hamplová, V.; Kašpar, M.

2011-11-01

Liquid crystal possessing two biphenyl moieties in the molecular core and lateral chlorine substitution far from the chiral chain has been studied by dielectric spectroscopy. On cooling from the isotropic phase, the material possesses the frustrated smectic Q* (SmQ*) and SmCA* phases. It has been confirmed by dielectric spectroscopy that the SmQ* phase can be related to the SmCA* anti-ferroelectric phase. However, only one relaxation process has been observed in the SmQ* phase, while in the SmCA*, two relaxations are clearly detectable. It seems that the mode found in the SmQ* can be connected with high-frequency anti-phase mode observed in the SmCA* phase. Its relaxation frequency is similar to PH relaxation frequency, but is weaker. The same relaxation has been observed even a few degrees above the SmQ*-Iso phase transition. Another explanation for the mode detected in SmQ* and isotropic phases can be molecular motions around short molecular axis.

The first-principles investigations on magnetic ground-state in Sm-doped phenanthrene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jia-Xing; Zhong, Guo-Hua; Wang, Xiao-Hui; Chen, Xiao-Jia; Lin, Hai-Qing

2017-05-01

Based on the density functional theory plus the effective Coulomb repulsion U, we have investigated the crystal structure, electronic properties and magnetic characteristics in Sm-doped phenanthrene, recently characterized as a superconductor with Tc˜5 -6 Kelvin. Calculated total energies of different magnetic states indicate that Sm-doped phenanthrene is stable at the ferromagnetic ground-state. Considered the strong electronic correlations effect due to the intercalation of Sm-4f electrons, we found that the Sm-4f contributes to the Fermi surface together with C-2p, which is different from K-doped phenanthrene. Compared with alkali-metal-doped phenanthrene, Sm atom has larger local magnetic moment, which suppresses the superconductivity in conventional superconductors. Our results indicate that the electron-electron correlations play an important role in superconductivity of Sm-doped phenanthrene.

Improvement of Fish Sauce Quality by Strain CMC5-3-1: A Novel Species of Staphylococcus sp.

PubMed

Udomsil, Natteewan; Rodtong, Sureelak; Tanasupawat, Somboon; Yongsawatdigul, Jirawat

2015-09-01

Staphylococcus sp. CMC5-3-1 and CMS5-7-5 isolated from fermented fish sauce at 3 to 7 mo, respectively, showed different characteristics on protein hydrolysis and volatile formation. These Gram-positive cocci were able to grow in up to 15% NaCl with the optimum at 0.5% to 5% NaCl in tryptic soy broth. Based on ribosomal 16S rRNA gene sequences, Staphylococcus sp. CMC5-3-1 and CMS5-7-5 showed 99.0% similarity to that of Staphylococcus piscifermentans JCM 6057(T) , but DNA-DNA relatedness was <30%, indicating that they were likely to be new species. DNA relatedness between these 2 strains was only 65%, suggesting that they also belonged to different species. The α-amino group content of 6-month-old fish sauce inoculated with Staphylococcus sp. CMC5-3-1 was 740.5 mM, which was higher than that inoculated by the strain CMS5-7-5 (662.14 mM, P < 0.05). Histamine was not produced during fermentations with both strains. Fish sauce inoculated with Staphylococcus sp. CMC5-3-1 showed the highest content of total glutamic acid (P < 0.05). The major volatile compound detected in fish sauce inoculated with Staphylococcus sp. CMC5-3-1 was 2-methypropanal, contributing to the desirable dark chocolate note. Staphylococcus sp. CMC5-3-1 could be applied as a starter culture to improve the umami and aroma of fish sauce. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Enzymes Involved in Naproxen Degradation by Planococcus sp. S5.

PubMed

Wojcieszyńska, Danuta; Domaradzka, Dorota; Hupert-Kocurek, Katarzyna; Guzik, Urszula

2016-01-01

Naproxen is a one of the most popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) entering the environment as a result of high consumption. For this reason, there is an emerging need to recognize mechanisms of its degradation and enzymes engaged in this process. Planococcus sp. S5 is a gram positive strain able to degrade naproxen in monosubstrate culture (27%). However, naproxen is not a sufficient growth substrate for this strain. In the presence of benzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid or vanillic acid as growth substrates, the degradation of 21.5%, 71.71%, 14.75% and 8.16% of naproxen was observed respectively. It was shown that the activity of monooxygenase, hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase, protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase and protocatechuate 4,5-dioxyegnase in strain S5 was induced after growth of the strain with naproxen and 4-hydroxybenzoate. Moreover, in the presence of naproxen activity of gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase, enzyme engaged in 4-hydroxybenzoate metabolism, was completely inhibited. The obtained results suggest that monooxygenase and hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase are the main enzymes in naproxen degradation by Planococcus sp. S5.

New magnetic phase and magnetic coherence in Nd/Sm(001) superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soriano, S.; Dufour, C.; Dumesnil, K.; Stunault, A.

2006-06-01

In order to investigate magnetic phenomena in Nd and Sm layers separately, resonant x-ray magnetic scattering experiments have been performed to study Nd/Sm(001) superlattices with different relative layers thickness. The samples were grown using molecular beam epitaxy, and optimized to yield dhcp Sm growth and thus a coherent dhcp stacking across the Nd/Sm superlattices. The magnetic phases in Sm layers are very close to the ones evidenced in dhcp thick films. In contrast, the magnetism in Nd layers shows strong differences with the bulk case. In superlattices with a large Sm thickness (>8 nm), no magnetic scattering usually associated with Nd magnetic structure was detected. In superlattices with smaller Sm thickness (<4 nm), new Nd magnetic phases have been observed. A detailed analysis of the propagation of the magnetic structures in the cubic and hexagonal sublattices of both Sm and Nd is presented. Both Sm hexagonal and cubic magnetic phases propagate coherently through 3.7 nm thick Nd layers but remain confined in Sm layers when the Nd layers are 7.1 nm thick. In contrast, the critical Sm thickness allowing a coherent propagation of Nd magnetic order is different for the hexagonal and cubic sublattices above 5 K. Finally, we show that: (i) a spin-density wave and a 4f magnetic order with perpendicular polarization are exclusive on a given crystallographic site (either hexagonal or cubic); (ii) a 4f magnetic order on a crystallographic site does not perturb the establishment of a spin-density wave with a perpendicular polarization on the other site.

Evaluation of Children with Selective Mutism and Social Phobia: A Comparison of Psychological and Psychophysiological Arousal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Brennan J.; Bunnell, Brian E.; Beidel, Deborah C.

2012-01-01

Although children with social phobia (SP) and selective mutism (SM) present similarly in a clinical setting, it remains unclear whether children with SM are unable to speak due to overwhelming anxiety, or whether withholding speech functions as an avoidance mechanism. A total of 35 children (ages 5-12 years) with either SM (n = 10), SP (n = 11),…

Inhibition of the ATPase from Halobacterium Saccharovorum by Thiol Inhibitors: Evidence for the Presence of More Than One Essential Cysteinyl Residue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochstein, Lawrence I.; Emrich, Errol; Stan-Lotter, Helga; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

The vacuolar-like ATPase from Halobacterium saccha vorum is inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide and p-chloromercudphenylsulfonate. The failure of adenine nucleotides to protect against p-chloromercuriphenyisulfonate inhibition, of p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonate to protect against N-ethylmaleimide inhibition, and the difference in the temperature dependence of inactivation infers that the enzyme contains at least two thiols that are essential for enzyme activity. CNBr cleavage of C-14-N-ethylmaleimide labeled subunit results in two radioactive peptides that locates the N-ethylmaleimide-reactive cysteinyl residue as cysteine-262 in the H. salinarium sequence.

Magnetic properties of Fe doped SmCrO{sub 3} perovskite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bakshi, Venugopal Rao; Devarasetty, Suresh Babu, E-mail: s-devarasetty1956@yahoo.co.uk; Prasad, Bandi Vittal

2014-04-24

The compound SmCr{sub 1−x} Fe{sub x}O{sub 3} perovskites were prepared by citric acid route. the samples were characterized by XRD and SEM. The temperature and field dependent magnetization measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 5K −400 K at 0.01T field and −5T to 5T field at 2K. SmCrO3 compound has shown two magnetic transition temperatures at 197 K and 38 K. The observed behavior at 197 K is the characteristic of anti-ferromagnetic ordering of Cr{sup 3+} moments with weak ferromagnetism. The drop in magnetization below 38 K is due to the spin reorientation of Sm{sup 3+} inmore » anti ferromagnetic arrangement and Cr{sup 3+}spins. the doping of Fe in SmCrO{sub 3} compound has shown a decrease in T{sub N1} and also the two magnetization reversals at 177K and 57K. The magnetic behavior at low temperatures is (T« less

Giant magnetic coercivity in YNi4B-type SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Chang; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Morozkin, A. V.

2016-12-01

The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the YNi4B-type SmNi4B via SmNi3TB (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi4B, SmNi3MnB, SmNi3FeB, SmNi3CoB and SmNi3CuB show ferromagnetic ordering at 40 K, 210 K, 322 K, 90 K and 57 K and field sensitive metamagnetic-like transitions at 15 K, 100 K, 185 K, 55 K and 15 K in a magnetic field of 10 kOe, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSm). The magnetic entropy ΔSm reaches value of -0.94 J/kg K at 40 K for SmNi4B, -1.5 J/kg K at 205 K for SmNi3MnB, -0.54 J/kg K at 320 K for SmNi3FeB, -0.49 J/kg K at 90 K for SmNi3CoB and -0.54 J/kg K at 60 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the Curie temperature. They show positive ΔSm of +0.71 J/kg K at ~10 K for SmNi4B, +1.69 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi3MnB, +0.89 J/kg K at 110 K for SmNi3FeB, +1.08 J/kg K at 25 K for SmNi3CoB and +1.12 J/kg K at 10 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the low temperature metamagnetic-like transition. Below the field induced transition temperature (change of magnetic structure), SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 74 kOe at 5 K for SmNi4B, 69 kOe at 20 K (90 kOe at 10 K) for SmNi3MnB, 77 kOe at 60 K for SmNi3FeB, 88 kOe at 20 K for SmNi3CoB and 52 kOe at 5 K for SmNi3CuB.

Laser induced fluorescence of BaS: Sm phosphor and energy level splitting of Sm 3+ ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Reethamma; Nampoori, V. P. N.

1990-03-01

Fluorescence of BaS: Sm phosphor has been studied using a pulsed Nitrogen laser (337.1 nm) as the excitation source. The spectrum consists of a broad band in the region 540-660nm superposed by the characteristic Sm 3+ lines. Energy level splitting pattern of Sm 3+ due to crystal field effects has been calculated and relevent field parameters are evaluated. Analysis shows that Sm 3+ takes up Ba 2+ substitutional sites.

Recoil hysteresis of Sm -Co/Fe exchange-spring bilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, K.; Lewis, L. H.; Jiang, J. S.; Bader, S. D.

2005-12-01

The exchange-spring behavior found in Sm-Co (20nm)/Fe epitaxial bilayer films was investigated by analyzing major hysteresis and recoil curves as a function of anneal conditions. The hard layer consists of nanocrystalline intermetallic Sm-Co hexagonal phases (majority phase Sm2Co7 with SmCo3 and SmCo5). Recoil curves, obtained from the successive removal to remanence and reapplication of an increasingly negative field from the major demagnetization curve, reveal the reversible and irreversible components of the magnetization. The Sm-Co thickness was fixed at 20nm while the Fe thicknesses of 10 and 20nm were studied, with ex situ annealing carried out in evacuated, sealed silica tubes at different temperatures. The peak in the recoil curve area is associated with the coercivity of the hard phase. The development of the soft component magnetization is revealed by the departure of the recoil area from zero with application of a reverse field. These two features together confirm that annealing stabilizes the 10nm Fe bilayer sample against local magnetic reversal while it weakens the 20nm bilayer sample. Furthermore, in both its as-deposited and annealed states the Sm -Co/Fe bilayer of 10nm Fe thickness always displays a higher exchange field and smaller recoil loop areas than the bilayer of 20nm Fe thickness, consistent with a stronger exchange response and more reversible magnetization in the former.

Mo2NiB2-type Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga compounds: Magnetic properties and giant low-temperature coercivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozkin, A. V.; Garshev, A. V.; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Yao, Jinlei; Nirmala, R.; Quezado, S.; Malik, S. K.

2018-04-01

The magnetic ordering of Mo2NiB2-type Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga (Immm, No. 71, oI10) compounds has been established using bulk magnetic measurements. Polycrystalline Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga undergo ferromagnetic transitions (TC) at 50 K and 62 K, respectively, and low-temperature field induced transitions (Tm) around 14 K and 16 K (in a field of 10 kOe), respectively. Between TC and Tm Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga are soft ferromagnets. Below Tm Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga exhibit permanent magnet properties with a residual magnetization per samarium of 0.38 μB and 0.36 μB, respectively, and a large coercive field of 69 kOe and 72 kOe, respectively, at 5 K. The magnetocaloric effects of Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change and they reach maximum values of -1.62 J/kg K and -1.31 J/kg K for a field change of 50 kOe at 50 K and 58 K, respectively. Low temperature magnetic ordering with enhanced anisotropy in Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga is accompanied by a positive magnetocaloric effect with isothermal magnetic entropy changes of +1.63 J/kg K and +1.06 J/kg K for a field change of 50 kOe at 10 K and 8 K, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change and they reach maximum values of -1.62 J/kg K and -1.31 J/kg K for a field change of 50 kOe at 50 K and 58 K, respectively. Low temperature magnetic ordering with enhanced anisotropic effects in Sm2Co2Al and Sm2Co2Ga is accompanied by a positive magnetocaloric effect with isothermal magnetic entropy changes of +1.63 J/kg K and +1.06 J/kg K for a field change of 50 kOe at 10 K and 8 K, respectively.

Global Microarray Analysis of Alkaliphilic Halotolerant Bacterium Bacillus sp. N16-5 Salt Stress Adaptation

PubMed Central

Yin, Liang; Xue, Yanfen; Ma, Yanhe

2015-01-01

The alkaliphilic halotolerant bacterium Bacillus sp. N16-5 is often exposed to salt stress in its natural habitats. In this study, we used one-colour microarrays to investigate adaptive responses of Bacillus sp. N16-5 transcriptome to long-term growth at different salinity levels (0%, 2%, 8%, and 15% NaCl) and to a sudden salt increase from 0% to 8% NaCl. The common strategies used by bacteria to survive and grow at high salt conditions, such as K+ uptake, Na+ efflux, and the accumulation of organic compatible solutes (glycine betaine and ectoine), were observed in Bacillus sp. N16-5. The genes of SigB regulon involved in general stress responses and chaperone-encoding genes were also induced by high salt concentration. Moreover, the genes regulating swarming ability and the composition of the cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall were also differentially expressed. The genes involved in iron uptake were down-regulated, whereas the iron homeostasis regulator Fur was up-regulated, suggesting that Fur may play a role in the salt adaption of Bacillus sp. N16-5. In summary, we present a comprehensive gene expression profiling of alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. N16-5 cells exposed to high salt stress, which would help elucidate the mechanisms underlying alkaliphilic Bacillus spp. survival in and adaptation to salt stress. PMID:26030352

The Protein Kinase SmSnRK2.6 Positively Regulates Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza by Interacting with SmAREB1

PubMed Central

Jia, Yanyan; Bai, Zhenqing; Pei, Tianlin; Ding, Kai; Liang, Zongsuo; Gong, Yuehua

2017-01-01

Subclass III members of the sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) play essential roles in both the abscisic acid signaling and abiotic stress responses of plants by phosphorylating the downstream ABA-responsive element (ABRE)-binding proteins (AREB/ABFs). This comprehensive study investigated the function of new candidate genes, namely SmSnRK2.3, SmSnRK2.6, and SmAREB1, with a view to breeding novel varieties of Salvia miltiorrhiza with improved stress tolerance stresses and more content of bioactive ingredients. Exogenous ABA strongly induced the expression of these genes. PlantCARE predicted several hormones and stress response cis-elements in their promoters. SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 showed the highest expression levels in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings, while SmSnRK2.3 exhibited a steady expression in their roots, stems, and leaves. A subcellular localization assay revealed that both SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 were located in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, whereas SmAREB1 was exclusive to the nucleus. Overexpressing SmSnRK2.3 did not significantly promote the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in the transgenic S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. However, overexpressing SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 increased the contents of RA and Sal B, and regulated the expression levels of structural genes participating in the phenolic acid-branched and side-branched pathways, including SmPAL1, SmC4H, Sm4CL1, SmTAT, SmHPPR, SmRAS, SmCHS, SmCCR, SmCOMT, and SmHPPD. Furthermore, SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 interacted physically with SmAREB1. In summary, our results indicate that SmSnRK2.6 is involved in stress responses and can regulate structural gene transcripts to promote greater metabolic flux to the phenolic acid-branched pathway, via its interaction with SmAREB1, a transcription factor. In this way, SmSnRK2.6 contributes to the positive regulation of phenolic acids in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. PMID:28848585

The Protein Kinase SmSnRK2.6 Positively Regulates Phenolic Acid Biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza by Interacting with SmAREB1.

PubMed

Jia, Yanyan; Bai, Zhenqing; Pei, Tianlin; Ding, Kai; Liang, Zongsuo; Gong, Yuehua

2017-01-01

Subclass III members of the sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) play essential roles in both the abscisic acid signaling and abiotic stress responses of plants by phosphorylating the downstream ABA-responsive element (ABRE)-binding proteins (AREB/ABFs). This comprehensive study investigated the function of new candidate genes, namely SmSnRK2.3 , SmSnRK2.6 , and SmAREB1 , with a view to breeding novel varieties of Salvia miltiorrhiza with improved stress tolerance stresses and more content of bioactive ingredients. Exogenous ABA strongly induced the expression of these genes. PlantCARE predicted several hormones and stress response cis -elements in their promoters. SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 showed the highest expression levels in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings, while SmSnRK2.3 exhibited a steady expression in their roots, stems, and leaves. A subcellular localization assay revealed that both SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 were located in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, whereas SmAREB1 was exclusive to the nucleus. Overexpressing SmSnRK2.3 did not significantly promote the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in the transgenic S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. However, overexpressing SmSnRK2.6 and SmAREB1 increased the contents of RA and Sal B, and regulated the expression levels of structural genes participating in the phenolic acid-branched and side-branched pathways, including SmPAL1 , SmC4H , Sm4CL1 , SmTAT , SmHPPR , SmRAS , SmCHS , SmCCR , SmCOMT , and SmHPPD . Furthermore, SmSnRK2.3 and SmSnRK2.6 interacted physically with SmAREB1. In summary, our results indicate that SmSnRK2.6 is involved in stress responses and can regulate structural gene transcripts to promote greater metabolic flux to the phenolic acid-branched pathway, via its interaction with SmAREB1 , a transcription factor. In this way, SmSnRK2.6 contributes to the positive regulation of phenolic acids in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots.

Isolation and characterization of a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Serratia sp. SY5.

PubMed

Koo, So-Yeon; Cho, Kyung-Suk

2009-11-01

The role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the phytoremediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils is important in overcoming its limitations for field application. A plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Serratia sp. SY5, was isolated from the rhizoplane of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) grown in petroleum and heavy-metal-contaminated soil. This isolate has shown capacities for indole acetic acid production and siderophores synthesis. Compared with a non-inoculated control, the radicular root growth of Zea mays seedlings inoculated with SY5 can be increased by 27- or 15.4-fold in the presence of 15 mg-Cd/l or 15 mg-Cu/l, respectively. The results from hydroponic cultures showed that inoculation of Serratia sp. SY5 had a favorable influence on the initial shoot growth and biomass of Zea mays under noncontaminated conditions. However, under Cd-contaminated conditions, the inoculation of SY5 significantly increased the root biomass of Zea mays. These results indicate that Serratia sp. SY5 can serve as a promising microbial inoculant for increased plant growth in heavy-metal-contaminated soils to improve the phytoremediation efficiency.

Stimulation of ATP synthesis in Halobacterium halobium R1 by light-induced or artifically created proton electrochemical potential gradients across the cell membrane.

PubMed

Danon, A; Caplan, S R

1976-01-15

The relationship between proton movement and phosphorylation in Halo-bacterium halobium R1 has been investigated under anaerobic conditions. The light-induced changes in the bacteriorhodopsin are accompanied by proton movements across the membrane which result in pH changes in the suspending medium. The initial alkaline shift is shown to be closely paralleled by (and hence correlated with) ATP synthesis. Acidification of the medium in the presence of valinomycin, under conditions of low external potassium, brings about ATP synthesis in the dark.

Cometabolic Degradation of Naproxen by Planococcus sp. Strain S5.

PubMed

Domaradzka, Dorota; Guzik, Urszula; Hupert-Kocurek, Katarzyna; Wojcieszyńska, Danuta

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently detected in the influent and effluent of sewage treatment plants. The Gram-positive strain Planococcus sp. S5 was able to remove approximately 30 % of naproxen after 35 days of incubation in monosubstrate culture. Under cometabolic conditions, with glucose or phenol as a growth substrate, the degradation efficiency of S5 increased. During 35 days of incubation, 75.14 ± 1.71 % and 86.27 ± 2.09 % of naproxen was degraded in the presence of glucose and phenol, respectively. The highest rate of naproxen degradation observed in the presence of phenol may be connected with the fact that phenol is known to induce enzymes responsible for aromatic ring cleavage. The activity of phenol monooxygenase, naphthalene monooxygenase, and hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase was indicated in Planococcus sp. S5 culture with glucose or phenol as a growth substrate. It is suggested that these enzymes may be engaged in naproxen degradation.

Pressure-induced transition from a spin glass to an itinerant ferromagnet in the half-doped manganite L0.5Ba0.5MnO3 (L=Sm and Nd) with quenched disorder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeshita, N.; Terakura, C.; Akahoshi, D.; Tokura, Y.; Takagi, H.

2004-05-01

The effect of quenched disorder on the multiphase competition has been investigated by examining the pressure phase diagram of the half-doped manganite L0.5Ba0.5MnO3 (L=Sm and Nd) with A-site disorders. Sm0.5Ba0.5MnO3, a spin-glass insulator at ambient pressure, switches to a ferromagnetic metal through an intermediate state with increasing pressure, followed by a rapid increase of the ferromagnetic transition temperature TC. The rapid increase of TC was also confirmed for Nd0.5Ba0.5MnO3. These observations indicate that the unusual suppression of the multicritical phase boundary in the A-site disordered system, previously observed as a function of the averaged A-site ionic radius, is essentially controlled by the pressure and hence the bandwidth. The effect of quenched disorder is therefore much more enhanced with approaching the multicritical region.

Atomic-scale distortion of optically activated Sm dopants identified with site-selective X-ray absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Masashi; Crowe, Iain F.; Halsall, Matthew P.; Hamilton, Bruce; Hu, Yongfeng; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Harako, Susumu; Zhao, Xin-Wei; Komuro, Shuji

2013-10-01

The local structure of luminescent Sm dopants was investigated using an X-ray absorption fine-structure technique with X-ray-excited optical luminescence. Because this technique evaluates X-ray absorption from luminescence, only optically active sites are analyzed. The Sm L3 near-edge spectrum contains split 5d states and a shake-up transition that are specific to luminescent Sm. Theoretical calculations using cluster models identified an atomic-scale distortion that can reproduce the split 5d states. The model with C4v local symmetry and compressive bond length of Sm-O of a six-fold oxygen (SmO6) cluster is most consistent with the experimental results.

Biodegradation of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid by novel identified co-metabolizing degrader Achromobacter sp. f1.

PubMed

Wu, Zhi-Guo; Wang, Fang; Ning, Li-Qun; Stedtfeld, Robert D; Yang, Zong-Zheng; Cao, Jing-Guo; Sheng, Hong-Jie; Jiang, Xin

2017-06-01

Several bacteria have been isolated to degrade 4-chloronitrobenzene. Degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene by Cupriavidus sp. D4 produces 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid as a dead-end by-product, a potential pollutant. To date, no bacterium that degrades 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid has been reported. Strain f1, isolated from a soil polluted by 4-chloronitrobenzene, was able to co-metabolize 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid in the presence of ethanol or other appropriate carbon sources. The strain was identified as Achromobacter sp. based on its physiological, biochemical characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The organism completely degraded 50, 100 and 200 mg L -1 of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid within 48, 60, and 72 h, respectively. During the degradation of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid, Cl - was released. The initial metabolic product of 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid was identified as 6-hydroxy-5-chloro-2-picolinic acid by LC-MS and NMR. Using a mixed culture of Achromobacter sp. f1 and Cupriavidus sp. D4 for degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzen, 5-chloro-2-picolinic acid did not accumulate. Results infer that Achromobacter sp. f1 can be used for complete biodegradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene in remedial applications.

Photoluminescence properties of a new orange-red-emitting Sm(3+)-La3SbO7 phosphor.

PubMed

Li, Zeng-Mei; Deng, Li-Gang; Zhao, Shan-Cang; Zhang, Shu-Qiu; Guo, Chang-Ying; Liang, Jing-Yun; Yue, Hui; Wan, Chun-Yan

2016-03-01

The antimonate compound La3SbO7 has high chemical stability, lattice stiffness and thermal stability. Orange-red-emitting antimonate-based phosphors La3SbO7:xSm(3+) (x = 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) were synthesized. The phase structure and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors were investigated. The emission spectrum obtained on excitation at 407 nm contained exclusively the characteristic emissions of Sm(3+) at 568, 608, 654 and 716 nm, which correspond to the transitions from (4)G5/2 to (6)H5/2, (6)H7/2, (6)H9/2 and (6)H11/2 of Sm(3+), respectively. The strongest emission was located at 608 nm due to the (4)G5/2→(6)H7/2 transition of Sm(3+), generating bright orange-red light. The critical quenching concentration of Sm(3+) in La3SbO7:Sm(3+) phosphor was determined as 10% and the energy transfer between Sm(3+) was found to be through an exchange interaction. The International Commission on Illumination chromaticity coordinates of the La3SbO7:0.10Sm(3+) phosphors are located in the orange-red region. The La3SbO7:Sm(3+) phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ba2ZnWO6:Sm3+ as promising orange-red emitting phosphors: Photoluminescence properties and energy transfer process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peng; Hu, Wenyuan; Yang, Dingming; Zhu, Jiayi; Zhang, Jing; Wu, Yadong

2018-02-01

Novel orange-red emitting phosphors, Ba2Zn1-xWO6:xSm3+ (x = 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06 and 0.07) (BZW:Sm3+), were prepared using a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Their crystal structure and photoluminescence properties were characterized and the mechanism of energy transfers between Ba2ZnWO6 and Sm3+ elucidated in detail. It was found that the phosphors had a cubic structure with space group Fm 3 bar m . They can be excited by near-ultraviolet light, and the characteristic emissions of Sm3+ ions are observed at 564 nm, 598 nm and 645 nm, corresponding to 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 and 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 transitions, respectively. The 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 transitions shows the greatest intensity, which indicates that Sm3+ ions occupy the noncentrosymmetric sites. The optimal doping concentration of Sm3+ ions in Ba2ZnWO6 is about 5 mol% and the phenomenon of concentration quenching occurs when the content of Sm3+ ions exceeds 5 mol%. All results show that the Ba2ZnWO6:Sm3+ phosphor holds great promise for use in high-quality white light-emitting diodes.

Investigation of partitionless growth of ɛ-Al60Sm11 phase in Al-10 at% Sm liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yang; Ye, Zhuo; Zhang, Feng; Ding, Ze Jun; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Kramer, Matthew J.; Ho, Kai-Ming

2018-01-01

Recent experiments on devitrification of Al90Sm10 amorphous alloys revealed an unusual polymorphic transformation to a complex cubic crystal structure called the ɛ-Al60Sm11 phase. Molecular dynamics simulations of the growth of the stoichiometric ɛ-phase seed in contact with an undercooled Al-10 at% Sm liquid are performed to elucidate the microscopic process of transformation. The as-grown crystal and undercooled liquid possess similar local order around Al atoms whereas a rigid network defined by the Sm sub-lattice develops during the growth. Using a template-cluster alignment method, we define an order parameter to characterize the structural evolution in the system. Estimates of the attachment rate is {R}{{a}}=8.70× {10}-4 Å-2 ns-1 and detachment rate is {R}{{d}}=3.83× {10}-4 Å-2 ns-1 at the interface between ɛ-Al60Sm11 and Al-10 at% Sm liquid at 800 K.

Pentacyclic ingamine-type alkaloids, a new antiplasmodial pharmacophore from the marine sponge petrosid Ng5 Sp5

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Two new pentacyclic ingamine- type alkaloids, namely 22(S)-hydroxyingamine A (2) and dihydroingenamine D (3), together with the known ingamine A (1) have been isolated from marine sponge Petrosid Ng5 Sp5 (Family: Petrosiidae) obtained from the open repository of National Cancer Institute, USA. The s...

Cap-independent translation of human SP-A 5′-UTR variants: a double-loop structure and cis-element contribution

PubMed Central

Wang, Guirong; Guo, Xiaoxuan; Silveyra, Patricia; Kimball, Scot R.; Floros, Joanna

2009-01-01

Human surfactant protein A (hSP-A), a molecule of innate immunity and surfactant-related functions, consists of two functional genes, SP-A1 and SP-A2. SP-A expression is regulated by several factors including environmental stressors. SP-A1 and SP-A2 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) splice variants have a differential impact on translation efficiency and mRNA stability. To study whether these variants mediate internal ribosome entry site (IRES) activity (i.e., cap-independent translation), we performed transient transfection experiments in H441 cells with constructs containing one SP-A1 (A′D′, AB′D′, or A′CD′) or SP-A2 (ABD) 5′-UTR splice variant between the Renilla and firefly luciferase genes of a bicistronic reporter vector. We found that 1) variants A′D′, ABD, and AB′D′ exhibit significantly higher IRES activities than negative control (no SP-A 5′-UTR) and A′CD′ has no activity; the order of highest IRES activity was ABD > A′D′ > AB′D; 2) IRES activity of ABD significantly increased in response to diesel particulate matter (20 μg/ml) but not in response to ozone (1 ppm for 1 h); 3) deletion mutants of ABD revealed regulatory elements associated with IRES activity; one at the end of exon A attenuated activity, whereas a region containing a short adenosine-rich motif in the second half of exon B and the start of exon D enhanced activity; 4) elimination of a predicted double-loop structure or increase in free energy significantly reduced IRES activity; 5) elimination of one or both double-loop structures in A′D′ did not affect cap-dependent translation activity. Thus several factors, including cis-elements and secondary structure type and stability, are required for hSP-A 5′-UTR variant-mediated cap-independent translation. PMID:19181744

Electrochemical Formation of Mg-Li-Sm Alloys by Codeposition from LiCl-KCl-MgCl2-SmCl3 Molten Salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Wei; Wang, Fengli; Tian, Yang; Zhang, Milin; Yan, Yongde

2011-12-01

In this article, the electrochemical method of preparing Mg-Li-Sm alloys by codeposition in LiCl-KCl-MgCl2-SmCl3 melts was investigated. Transient electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and chronoamperometry were used to explore the electrochemical formation of Mg-Li-Sm alloys. Chronopotentiograms demonstrated that the codepositon of Mg, Li, and Sm occurred when current densities were more negative than -0.31 A cm-2. Chronoamperograms indicated that the onset potential for the codeposition of Mg, Li, and Sm was -2.40 V, and the codeposition of Mg, Li, and Sm was formed when the applied potentials were more negative than -2.40 V. The different phases of Mg-Li-Sm alloys were prepared by galvanostatic electrolysis and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis showed that the lithium and samarium contents in Mg-Li-Sm alloys could be controlled by the concentrations of MgCl2 and SmCl3. The results demonstrated that Sm could refine the grains dramatically. When the Sm content was 0.8 wt pct, the grain size was the finest.

Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences of Acetobacterium sp. Strain MES1 and Desulfovibrio sp. Strain MES5 from a Cathode-Associated Acetogenic Microbial Community.

PubMed

Ross, Daniel E; Marshall, Christopher W; May, Harold D; Norman, R Sean

2017-09-07

Draft genome sequences of Acetobacterium sp. strain MES1 and Desulfovibrio sp. strain MES5 were obtained from the metagenome of a cathode-associated community enriched within a microbial electrosynthesis system (MES). The draft genome sequences provide insight into the functional potential of these microorganisms within an MES and a foundation for future comparative analyses. Copyright © 2017 Ross et al.

The influence of crystal structure on ion-irradiation tolerance in the Sm(x)Yb(2-x)TiO5 series

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aughterson, R. D.; Lumpkin, G. R.; de los Reyes, M.

2016-04-01

his ion-irradiation study covers the four major crystal structure types in the Ln(2)TiO(5) series (Ln = lanthanide), namely orthorhombic Pnma, hexagonal P63/mmc, cubic (pyrochlore-like) Fd-3m and cubic (fluorite-like) Fm-3m. This is the first systematic examination of the complete Ln(2)TiO(5) crystal system and the first reported examination of the hexagonal structure. A series of samples, based on the stoichiometry Sm(x)Yb(2-x)TiO5 (where x = 2, 1.4, 1, 0.6, and 0) have been irradiated using 1 MeV Kr2+ ions and characterised in-situ using a transmission electron microscope. Two quantities are used to define ion-irradiation tolerance: critical dose of amorphisation (D-c), which is themore » irradiating ion dose required for a crystalline to amorphous transition, and the critical temperature (T-c), above which the sample cannot be rendered amorphous by ion irradiation. The structure type plus elements of bonding are correlated to ion-irradiation tolerance. The cubic phases, Yb2TiO5 and Sm0.6Yb1.4TiO5, were found to be the most radiation tolerant, with Tc values of 479 and 697 K respectively. The improved radiation tolerance with a change in symmetry to cubic is consistent with previous studies of similar compounds.« less

Primary structures of ribosomal proteins from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui and the eubacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus.

PubMed

Arndt, E; Scholzen, T; Krömer, W; Hatakeyama, T; Kimura, M

1991-06-01

Approximately 40 ribosomal proteins from each Halobacterium marismortui and Bacillus stearothermophilus have been sequenced either by direct protein sequence analysis or by DNA sequence analysis of the appropriate genes. The comparison of the amino acid sequences from the archaebacterium H marismortui with the available ribosomal proteins from the eubacterial and eukaryotic kingdoms revealed four different groups of proteins: 24 proteins are related to both eubacterial as well as eukaryotic proteins. Eleven proteins are exclusively related to eukaryotic counterparts. For three proteins only eubacterial relatives-and for another three proteins no counterpart-could be found. The similarities of the halobacterial ribosomal proteins are in general somewhat higher to their eukaryotic than to their eubacterial counterparts. The comparison of B stearothermophilus proteins with their E coli homologues showed that the proteins evolved at different rates. Some proteins are highly conserved with 64-76% identity, others are poorly conserved with only 25-34% identical amino acid residues.

Characterization of halophilic C50 carotenoid-producing archaea isolated from solar saltworks in Bohai Bay, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sui, Liying; Liu, Liangsen; Deng, Yuangao

2014-11-01

Halophilic archaea comprise the majority of microorganisms found in hypersaline environments. C50 carotenoids accumulated in archaea cells are considered potential biotechnological products and possess a number of biological functions. Ten red colonies were isolated from brine water in a saltern crystallizer pond of the Hangu Saltworks, China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the colonies belonged to the extremely halophilic archaea genera Halobacterium and Halorubrum. Two representative strains, Halobacterium strain SP-2 and Halorubrum strain SP-4, were selected for further study on the phenotypic characteristics and effects of salinity and pH on accumulation and composition of pigments in their cells. The archaeal strains were isolated and grown in a culture medium prepared by dissolving yeast extract (10 g/L) and acid-hydrolyzed casein (7.5 g/L) into brine water obtained from a local salt pond. Their optimum salinity and pH for growth were 250 and 7, respectively, although pigment accumulation (OD490 / mL broth) was highest at pH 8. In addition, at 150-300 salinity, increasing salinity resulted in decreasing pigment accumulation. Analysis of the UV-Vis spectrum, TLC and HLPC chromatograms showed that C50 carotenoid bacterioruberin is the major pigment in both strains.

Electronic structure of SmO and SmO- via slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy and spin-orbit CASPT2 calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weichman, Marissa L.; Vlaisavljevich, Bess; DeVine, Jessalyn A.; Shuman, Nicholas S.; Ard, Shaun G.; Shiozaki, Toru; Neumark, Daniel M.; Viggiano, Albert A.

2017-12-01

The chemi-ionization reaction of atomic samarium, Sm + O → SmO+ + e-, has been investigated by the Air Force Research Laboratory as a means to modify local electron density in the ionosphere for reduction of scintillation of high-frequency radio waves. Neutral SmO is a likely unwanted byproduct. The spectroscopy of SmO is of great interest to aid in interpretation of optical emission spectra recorded following atmospheric releases of Sm as part of the Metal Oxide Space Cloud (MOSC) observations. Here, we report a joint experimental and theoretical study of SmO using slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled SmO- anions (cryo-SEVI) and high-level spin-orbit complete active space calculations with corrections from second order perturbation theory (CASPT2). With cryo-SEVI, we measure the electron affinity of SmO to be 1.0581(11) eV and report electronic and vibrational structure of low-lying electronic states of SmO in good agreement with theory and prior experimental work. We also obtain spectra of higher-lying excited states of SmO for direct comparison to the MOSC results.

An effect of Sm vacancies on the hybridization gap in topological Kondo insulator candidate SmB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valentine, Michael E.; Koohpayeh, Seyed; Phelan, W. Adam; McQueen, Tyrel M.; Rosa, Priscila F. S.; Fisk, Zachary; Drichko, Natalia

2018-05-01

A necessary element for the predicted topological state in Kondo insulator SmB6 is the hybridization gap which opens in this compound at low temperatures. In this work, we present a comparative study of the in-gap density of states due to Sm vacancies by Raman scattering spectroscopy and heat capacity for samples where the number of Sm vacancies is equal to or below 1%. We demonstrate that hybridization gap is very sensitive to the presence of Sm vacancies. At the amount of vacancies above 1% the gap fills in with impurity states and low temperature heat capacity is enhanced.

Divergent Roles of RPA Homologs of the Model Archaeon Halobacterium salinarum in Survival of DNA Damage.

PubMed

Evans, Jessica J; Gygli, Patrick E; McCaskill, Julienne; DeVeaux, Linda C

2018-04-20

The haloarchaea are unusual in possessing genes for multiple homologs to the ubiquitous single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB or replication protein A, RPA) found in all three domains of life. Halobacterium salinarum contains five homologs: two are eukaryotic in organization, two are prokaryotic and are encoded on the minichromosomes, and one is uniquely euryarchaeal. Radiation-resistant mutants previously isolated show upregulation of one of the eukaryotic-type RPA genes. Here, we have created deletions in the five RPA operons. These deletion mutants were exposed to DNA-damaging conditions: ionizing radiation, UV radiation, and mitomycin C. Deletion of the euryarchaeal homolog, although not lethal as in Haloferax volcanii , causes severe sensitivity to all of these agents. Deletion of the other RPA/SSB homologs imparts a variable sensitivity to these DNA-damaging agents, suggesting that the different RPA homologs have specialized roles depending on the type of genomic insult encountered.

Surface electronic structure of SmB6(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohtsubo, Yoshiyuki; Hagiwara, Kenta; Wang, Chengwei; Yukawa, Ryu; Horiba, Koji; Kumigashira, Hiroshi; Hirano, Wataru; Iga, Fumitoshi; Kimura, Shin-ichi

2018-05-01

Samarium hexaboride (SmB6) is the most extensively studied candidate of topological Kondo insulators. To clarify the topological origin of metallic surface states observed on the SmB6(001) surfaces, we studied the surface electronic structure of SmB6 on the other surface orientation, SmB6(111). Although the SmB6(111) surface cannot be obtained by cleaving, we successfully obtained the well-defined clean surface by high-temperature annealing of the mechanically polished single crystal of SmB6(111) in an ultra-high vacuum. The valence band spectra obtained by photoelectron spectroscopy with the bulk and surface-sensitive incident photon energies imply that the surface is covered with B6 cluster without Sm atoms.

Magnetocaloric effect of polycrystalline Sm0.5Ca0.5MnO3 compound: Investigation of low temperature magnetic state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Kalipada; Banu, Nasrin; Das, I.; Dev, B. N.

2018-06-01

An attempt has been made to probe low temperature magnetic state of the polycrystalline Sm0.5Ca0.5MnO3 compound via magnetization and magnetocaloric studies. In the context of the earlier debatable reports on the above mentioned compound between the existence of glassy magnetic state and small ferromagnetic domains from the 'ac' susceptibility measurements, our experimental observation from magnetocaloric effect study clearly indicates the existence of ferromagnetic droplets along with certain amount of superparamagnetic component at low temperature (< 40 K) which begins at T ∼ 100 K. In addition to that, the zero field cooled magnetization (even at H = 0.01 T) data do not exhibit the spin freezing nature at the low temperature which is almost a generic tendency of glassy magnetic state. Our study also highlights the competence of magnetocaloric effect as a tool to distinguish between different magnetic states of a compound.

Acoustic behavior of Halobacterium salinarum gas vesicles in the high frequency range: experiments and modeling

PubMed Central

Cherin, Emmanuel; Melis, Johan M.; Bourdeau, Raymond W.; Yin, Melissa; Kochmann, Dennis M.; Foster, F. Stuart; Shapiro, Mikhail G.

2017-01-01

Gas vesicles are a new and unique class of biologically derived ultrasound contrast agents with sub-micron size whose acoustic properties have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the acoustic collapse pressure and behavior of Halobacterium salinarum gas vesicles at transmit center frequencies ranging from 12.5 to 27.5 MHz. The acoustic collapse pressure was found to be above 550 kPa at all frequencies, 9 fold higher than the critical pressure observed in hydrostatic conditions. We show that gas vesicles behave non-linearly when exposed to ultrasound at incident pressure ranging from 160 kPa to the collapse pressure, and generate second harmonic amplitudes of −2 to −6 dB below the fundamental in media with viscosities ranging from 0.89 to 8 mPa.s. Simulations performed using a Rayleigh-Plesset type model accounting for buckling, and a dynamic finite element analysis, suggest that buckling is the mechanism behind the generation of harmonics. We found good agreement between the level of second harmonic relative to the fundamental measured at 20 MHz and the Rayleigh-Plesset model predictions. Finite element simulations extended these findings to a non-spherical geometry, confirmed that the acoustic buckling pressure corresponds to the critical pressure in hydrostatic conditions, and support the hypothesis of limited gas flow across the GV shell during the compression phase in the frequency range investigated. From simulations, estimates of GV bandwidth-limited scattering indicate that a single GV has a scattering cross-section comparable to that of a red blood cell. These findings will inform the development of GV-based contrast agents and pulse sequences to optimize their detection with ultrasound. PMID:28258771

Optimization of photoluminescence of GdAl3(BO3)4:Sm3+ phosphors for solid state lighting devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamalaiah, Bungala Chinna

2017-10-01

The GdAl3(BO3)4:Sm3+ phosphors prepared by solid-state reaction method were characterized through thermal, structural and photoluminescence studies at room temperature only. The observed X-ray diffraction peaks were well consistent with JCPDS No. 83-1907. When excited with 406 nm wavelength, the studied phosphors exhibit orange-red luminescence through 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 and 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 transitions. The concentration of Sm3+ ions was optimized to be 0.01 mol% for intense luminescence in GdAl3(BO3)4:Sm3+ phosphors. Beyond 0.01 mol% of Sm3+ ions concentration, luminescence quenching was observed due to energy transfer among the excited Sm3+ ions through cross-relaxation and dipole-dipole interaction mechanisms. The GdAl3(BO3)4:0.01 mol% Sm3+ phosphor was identified as a notable host material to emit intense orange-red luminescence for various solid state lighting devices under 406 nm excitation.

The effect of plasmon silver and exiton semiconductor nanoparticles on the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle in Halobacterium salinarum membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oleinikov, V. A.; Lukashev, E. P.; Zaitsev, S. Yu.; Chistyakov, A. A.; Solovyeva, D. O.; Mochalov, K. E.; Nabiev, I.

2017-01-01

The interaction of semiconductor quantum dots and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with bacteriorhodopsin (BR), a membrane protein contained in the purple membrane (PM) of Halobacterium salinarum, is studied. It is shown that both types of nanoparticles are adsorbed efficiently on the surface of the purple membranes, modulating the parameters of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. Electrostatic interactions are found to be the main cause of the effect of nanoparticles on the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. These results explain our earlier data on the "fixation" of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle for protein molecules trapped after incubation of the purple membranes with silver nanoparticles near the location of the "hot spots" of the effect of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). It is demonstrated that exposure of silver nanoparticles with bacteriorhodopsin in SERS-active regions lowers the amount of bacteriorhodopsin molecules involved in phototransformations.

31 CFR 585.413 - Imports of goods originating in the FRY (S&M), and purchases of goods from the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FRY (S&M), and purchases of goods from the FRY (S&M). 585.413 Section 585.413 Money and Finance... of goods originating in the FRY (S&M), and purchases of goods from the FRY (S&M). Goods originating in the FRY (S&M) imported into the United States pursuant to an authorization or license are not...

Structural and relaxor-like dielectric properties of unfilled tungsten bronzes Ba5-5xSm5xTi5xNb10-5xO30

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, T.; Dong, Z.; Zhao, C. Z.; Guo, Y. Y.; Zhou, Q. J.; Li, Z. P.

2016-03-01

New unfilled tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) oxides, Ba5-5xSm5xTi5xNb10-5xO30 (BSTN-x), where 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.35, have been synthesized in this work. Their crystal structure was determined and analyzed based on Rietveld structural refinement. It is found that single TTB phase can be formed in a particular x range (i.e., 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) due to the competition interaction between tolerance factor and electronegativity difference. Furthermore, dielectric and ferroelectric results indicate that phase transitions and ferroelectric states are sensitive to x. Referring to the local chemistry, we suggest that the raise of vacancies at the A2-site compared with that of A1-site will intensely depress the normal ferroelectric phase and is in favor of relaxor ferroelectric state. Macroscopically, previous A-site size difference standpoint on fill TTB compounds cannot give a reasonable explanation about the variation of dielectric maximum temperature (Tm) for present BSTN-x compounds. Alternatively, tetragonality (c/a) is adopted which can well describe the variation of Tm in whole x range. In addition, one by one correspondence between tetragonality and electrical features can be found, and the compositions involving high c/a are usually stabilized in normal ferroelectric phase. It is believed that c/a is a more appropriate parameter to illustrate the variation of ferroelectric properties for unfilled TTB system.

An effect of Sm vacancies on the hybridization gap in topological Kondo insulator candidate SmB 6

DOE PAGES

Valentine, Michael E.; Koohpayeh, Seyed; Phelan, W. Adam; ...

2017-11-22

A necessary element for the predicted topological state in Kondo insulator SmB 6 is the hybridization gap which opens in this compound at low temperatures. Here, in this work, we present a comparative study of the in-gap density of states due to Sm vacancies by Raman scattering spectroscopy and heat capacity for samples where the number of Sm vacancies is equal to or below 1%. We demonstrate that hybridization gap is very sensitive to the presence of Sm vacancies. Lastly, at the amount of vacancies above 1% the gap fills in with impurity states and low temperature heat capacity ismore » enhanced.« less

An effect of Sm vacancies on the hybridization gap in topological Kondo insulator candidate SmB 6

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Valentine, Michael E.; Koohpayeh, Seyed; Phelan, W. Adam

A necessary element for the predicted topological state in Kondo insulator SmB 6 is the hybridization gap which opens in this compound at low temperatures. Here, in this work, we present a comparative study of the in-gap density of states due to Sm vacancies by Raman scattering spectroscopy and heat capacity for samples where the number of Sm vacancies is equal to or below 1%. We demonstrate that hybridization gap is very sensitive to the presence of Sm vacancies. Lastly, at the amount of vacancies above 1% the gap fills in with impurity states and low temperature heat capacity ismore » enhanced.« less

The primary structures of ribosomal proteins L16, L23 and L33 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui.

PubMed

Hatakeyama, T; Hatakeyama, T; Kimura, M

1988-11-21

The complete amino acid sequences of ribosomal proteins L16, L23 and L33 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui were determined. The sequences were established by manual sequencing of peptides produced with several proteases as well as by cleavage with dilute HCl. Proteins L16, L23 and L33 consist of 119, 154 and 69 amino acid residues, and their molecular masses are 13,538, 16,812 and 7620 Da, respectively. The comparison of their sequences with those of ribosomal proteins from other organisms revealed that L23 and L33 are related to eubacterial ribosomal proteins from Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus, while protein L16 was found to be homologous to a eukaryotic ribosomal protein from yeast. These results provide information about the special phylogenetic position of archaebacteria.

Cross sections of deuteron induced reactions on (nat)Sm for production of the therapeutic radionuclide ¹⁴⁵Sm and ¹⁵³Sm.

PubMed

Tárkányi, F; Hermanne, A; Takács, S; Ditrói, F; Csikai, J; Ignatyuk, A V

2014-09-01

At present, targeted radiotherapy (TR) is acknowledged to have great potential in oncology. A large list of interesting radionuclides is identified, including several radioisotopes of lanthanides, amongst them (145)Sm and (153)Sm. In this work the possibility of their production at a cyclotron was investigated using a deuteron beam and a samarium target. The excitation functions of the (nat)Sm(d,x)(145,153)Sm reactions were determined for deuteron energies up to 50 MeV using the stacked-foil technique and high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry. The measured cross sections and the contributing reactions were analyzed by comparison with results of the ALICE, EMPIRE and TALYS nuclear reaction codes. A short overview and comparison of possible production routes is given. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vivo efficacy of SM-8668 (Sch 39304), a new oral triazole antifungal agent.

PubMed

Tanio, T; Ichise, K; Nakajima, T; Okuda, T

1990-06-01

SM-8668 (Sch 39304) is a new oral antifungal agent which we evaluated in comparison with fluconazole in various fungal infection models. The prophylactic effect of SM-8668 was excellent against systemic candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis in mice. The 50% effective dose for SM-8668 was assessed at 10 days after infection and was 0.18, 3.7, and 5.9 mg/kg (body weight), respectively, for the above-mentioned fungal diseases. Fluconazole was about four times less effective than SM-8668 against systemic candidiasis and was only slightly effective at doses of 80 and 25 mg/kg against systemic aspergilosis and cryptococcosis, respectively. SM-8668 was also about four to eight times more active than fluconazole against vaginal candidiasis in rats and against dermatophytic infection in guinea pigs. In addition, topical SM-8668 was as effective as topical miconazole or tioconazole against skin mycosis in guinea pigs. After oral administration, SM-8668 showed a maximum concentration in serum similar to that of fluconazole in both mice and rats, but the elimination half-life and area under the serum concentration-time curve for SM-8668 were twice those for fluconazole.

In vivo efficacy of SM-8668 (Sch 39304), a new oral triazole antifungal agent.

PubMed Central

Tanio, T; Ichise, K; Nakajima, T; Okuda, T

1990-01-01

SM-8668 (Sch 39304) is a new oral antifungal agent which we evaluated in comparison with fluconazole in various fungal infection models. The prophylactic effect of SM-8668 was excellent against systemic candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis in mice. The 50% effective dose for SM-8668 was assessed at 10 days after infection and was 0.18, 3.7, and 5.9 mg/kg (body weight), respectively, for the above-mentioned fungal diseases. Fluconazole was about four times less effective than SM-8668 against systemic candidiasis and was only slightly effective at doses of 80 and 25 mg/kg against systemic aspergilosis and cryptococcosis, respectively. SM-8668 was also about four to eight times more active than fluconazole against vaginal candidiasis in rats and against dermatophytic infection in guinea pigs. In addition, topical SM-8668 was as effective as topical miconazole or tioconazole against skin mycosis in guinea pigs. After oral administration, SM-8668 showed a maximum concentration in serum similar to that of fluconazole in both mice and rats, but the elimination half-life and area under the serum concentration-time curve for SM-8668 were twice those for fluconazole. PMID:2203310

Oharaeibacter diazotrophicus gen. nov., sp. nov., a diazotrophic and facultatively methylotrophic bacterium, isolated from rice rhizosphere.

PubMed

Lv, Haoxin; Masuda, Sachiko; Fujitani, Yoshiko; Sahin, Nurettin; Tani, Akio

2017-04-01

A novel facultatively methanol-utilizing bacterial strain, SM30T, was isolated from rice rhizosphere. Strain SM30T was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, short rods, and grew optimally at pH 7 and at 28 °C. It could tolerate 0 to 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain SM30T was most closely related to Pleomorphomonas oryzae DSM 16300T, with a low similarity of 94.17 %. One of the lanthanide metals, lanthanum, could enhance its growth slightly on methanol. Phylogenetic trees, based on the mxaF, xoxF and cpn60 genes of SM30T showed its distinct phylogenetic position with respect to species with validly published names. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the nifH and growth on nitrogen-free medium indicated that strain SM30T is a diazotroph. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (containing 18 : 1ω7c and 18 : 1ω6c) and cyclo 19 : 0ω8c. The major quinone was ubiquinone 10. The DNA G+C content was 74.6 mol%. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain SM30T represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Oharaeibacter diazotrophicus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain SM30T (=NBRC 111955T=DSM 102969T).

Remedial Investigation Report Area of Contamination (AOC) 43J. Volume 2 of 2: Appendices A through N

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-02-01

olive gray (2.5Y 5/6) (SP) (Till) 8 0.5 9 S-3 9-11 ------ 487.2 SAND - Similar to S-2, wet, fuel odor 28-19-17-17 1.5 (SM-SP) 10 2.0 11 S- 4 11-13...1-2PPM 1.5 2- 4 -5-13 8 2.0 - 9 S-5 9-11 ------ 350- SANDY SILT (till) poorly graded, 5-12% fines, 10 gravel, very 13-19-15-22 1.8 500PPM fine...10% gravel, moist - wet, 16 50 for 0 drill in rock 15 S- 8 15-17 0.5 olive brown 2.5Y 4 /2 (till) (SM-SP) ABB Environmental Services, Inc. S O 1 L B OR

Sm-Nd and Initial Sr-87/Sr-86 Isotopic Systematics of Asuka 881394 and Cumulate Eucrites Yamato 980318/433 Compared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C-Y; Young, Y. D.; Takeda, H.

2011-01-01

The Asuka 881394 achondrite contains fossil Al-26 and Mn-53 and has a Pb-206/Pb-207 age of 4566.5 +/- 0.2 Ma, the oldest for an achondrite. Recent re-investigation of A881394 yielded revised initial Sm-146/Sm-144 = (9.1 +/- 1.4) x 10(exp -3), a Sm-147-Nd-143 age of 4525 +/- 58 Ma, a Rb-87-Sr-87 age of 4490 +/- 130 Ma, and initial Sr-87/Sr-86 = 0.698991 +/- 19, respectively. The relatively large uncertainties in the Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr ages are due to disturbances of the isotopic systematics of tridymite and other minor phases. A preliminary value for the Sm-147-Nd-143 age of the Yamato 980318 cumulate eucrite of 4560 +/- 150 Ma was refined in later work to 4567 +/- 24 Ma as reported orally at LPSC 35. Similarly, a preliminary value for Sm-146/Sm-144 = (7.7 +/- 1.2) x 10 (exp -3) was refined to (6.0 +/- 0.3) x 10(exp -3). For Yamato 980433, a Sm-147-Nd-143 age of 4542 +/-42 Ma and Sm-146/Sm-144 = (5.7 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp -3) has been reported. Because these two cumulate eucrites are paired, we consider them to represent one igneous rock and present their combined isotopic data here.

Shewanella canadensis sp. nov. and Shewanella atlantica sp. nov., manganese dioxide- and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine-reducing, psychrophilic marine bacteria.

PubMed

Zhao, Jian-Shen; Manno, Dominic; Thiboutot, Sonia; Ampleman, Guy; Hawari, Jalal

2007-09-01

Two strains belonging to the genus Shewanella, HAW-EB2(T) and HAW-EB5(T), were isolated previously from marine sediment sampled from the Atlantic Ocean, near Halifax harbour in Canada, for their potential to degrade explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). In the present study, strains HAW-EB2(T) and HAW-EB5(T) were found to display high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (90-99.5 %) to species of Shewanella, but their gyrB sequences were significantly different from each other and from species of Shewanella (79-87.6 %). Furthermore, DNA-DNA hybridization showed that the genomic DNA of the two strains was only 22 % related and showed less than 41 % relatedness to closely related species of Shewanella. In comparison to other species of Shewanella, strains HAW-EB2(T) and HAW-EB5(T) were also unique in some phenotypic properties such as activities of beta-galactosidase and tyrosine arylamidase and the ability to metabolize certain organic acids and sugars. Both strains HAW-EB2(T) and HAW-EB5(T) utilize malate, valerate, peptone and yeast extract as sole carbon and energy sources. The major membrane fatty acids of the two strains were C(14 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega7, C(18 : 1)omega7 and C(20 : 5)omega3 and their major quinones were Q-7, Q-8 and MK-7. On the basis of these results, strain HAW-EB2(T) (=NCIMB 14238(T) =CCUG 54553(T)) is proposed as the type strain of Shewanella canadensis sp. nov. and strain HAW-EB5(T) (=NCIMB 14239(T) =CCUG 54554(T)) is proposed as the type strain of Shewanella atlantica sp. nov.

Impedance spectroscopic characterization of Sm2O3 containing lithium borate glasses.

PubMed

Ramteke, D D; Gedam, R S

2014-12-10

27.5 Li2O-(72.5-X) B2O3-X Sm2O3 (X=0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2) were prepared by conventional melt quench technique. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) is used to study the electrical properties of these prepared glasses. Modulus formalism is introduced to study relaxation behaviour of these glasses. Scaling model shows the good overlap of data on single master curve which suggests that conduction mechanism in these glasses is compositional dependent. Variation of dielectric constant and dielectric loss with the addition of Sm2O3 and frequency are discussed here. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of culture conditions and medium composition for the production of micrococcin GO5 by Micrococcus sp. GO5.

PubMed

Kim, Mi-Hee; Kong, Yoon-Jung; Baek, Hong; Hyun, Hyung-Hwan

2006-01-02

To enhance the production of micrococcin GO5, a bacteriocin produced by Micrococcus sp. GO5, cultivation conditions and medium composition were optimized. The optimal initial pH and temperature for bacteriocin production were 7.0-9.0 and 37 degrees C, respectively. Micrococcus sp. GO5 displayed the highest micrococcin GO5 activity when grown in modified MRS medium that contained lactose or sucrose, rather than glucose, as a carbon source. The maximum bacteriocin activity was obtained in modified MRS medium containing 0.5% tryptone and 1.0% yeast extract as nitrogen sources instead of the other nitrogen sources present in MRS medium. Bacteriocin production was greatly affected by the concentration of K(2)HPO(4); strain GO5 produced eight-fold more bacteriocin in medium containing 2.0-2.5% K(2)HPO(4) than in medium containing 0.2% K(2)HPO(4). The optimal concentration of MgSO(4).7H(2)O for bacteriocin production was 0.5%. The production of micrococcin GO5 was increased 32-fold in shake flask culture and 16-fold in a bioreactor using the optimized medium (TY medium), compared with culturing in MRS medium.

Structure determination and optical properties of CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ben Hassen, N.; Ferhi, M., E-mail: ferhi.mounir@gmail.com; Horchani-Naifer, K.

2015-03-15

Graphical abstract: Projection of the CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} structure viewing along the a axis. - Highlights: • Single crystal of a new polyphosphate CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} has been synthesized. • The obtained compound has been characterized by several techniques. • The crystal structure of CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} has been resolved. • Spectroscopic properties of Sm{sup 3+} in CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} have been performed. - Abstract: A new alkali metal-rare earth polyphosphate CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} has been synthesized by flux method. The obtained compound has been characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman scatteringmore » spectroscopies. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2{sub 1}/n with the following unit-cell parameters: a = 10.382(2), b = 8.978(6), c = 11.205(4) Å, β = 106.398(3)° and Z = 4. The structure of CsSm(PO{sub 3}){sub 4} is an infinite three-dimensional framework made up of double spiral (PO{sub 3}){sub n} chains linked with neighboring SmO{sub 8} and CsO{sub 11} polyhedra. Spectroscopic properties of Sm{sup 3+} in this new compound including excitation, emission, and kinetic measurement have been performed. The emission spectrum shows four transitions characteristics of Sm{sup 3+} in the orange–red region by excitation wavelength at 400 nm. The decay time curve of {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 7/2} transition has been also registered and fitted to a single exponential function.« less

Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd Study of Asuka 881394: Evidence of "Late" Metamorphism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C.-Y.; Reese, Y.; Takeda, H.

2011-01-01

The Asuka 881394 achondrite contains fossil Al-26 and Mn-53 [1,2,3] and has a Pb-207/Pb-206 age of 4566.5 plus or minus 0.2 Ma [3], the oldest for an achondrite. Preliminary results showed initial Sm-146/Sm-144 = (7.4 plus or minus 1.2) x 10(exp -3), indicative of an ancient age, but Rb-87 - Sr-87 and Sm-147 - Nd-143 ages of 4370 plus or minus 60 and 4490 plus or minus 20 Ma, resp. [1], were younger than expected from the presence of short-lived nuclides. We revisit the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd chronology of A881394 in an attempt to establish whether late metamorphism led to inconsistency in its apparent ages.

A transcription factor links growth rate and metabolism in the hypersaline adapted archaeon Halobacterium salinarum.

PubMed

Todor, Horia; Dulmage, Keely; Gillum, Nicholas; Bain, James R; Muehlbauer, Michael J; Schmid, Amy K

2014-09-01

Co-ordinating metabolism and growth is a key challenge for all organisms. Despite fluctuating environments, cells must produce the same metabolic outputs to thrive. The mechanisms underlying this 'growth homeostasis' are known in bacteria and eukaryotes, but remain unexplored in archaea. In the model archaeon Halobacterium salinarum, the transcription factor TrmB regulates enzyme-coding genes in diverse metabolic pathways in response to glucose. However, H. salinarum is thought not to catabolize glucose. To resolve this discrepancy, we demonstrate that TrmB regulates the gluconeogenic production of sugars incorporated into the cell surface S-layer glycoprotein. Additionally, we show that TrmB-DNA binding correlates with instantaneous growth rate, likely because S-layer glycosylation is proportional to growth. This suggests that TrmB transduces a growth rate signal to co-regulated metabolic pathways including amino acid, purine, and cobalamin biosynthesis. Remarkably, the topology and function of this growth homeostatic network appear conserved across domains despite extensive alterations in protein components. © 2014 The Authors. Molecular Microbiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Degradation of immobilized azo dyes by Klebsiella sp. UAP-b5 isolated from maize bioadsorbent.

PubMed

Elizalde-González, M P; Fuentes-Ramírez, L E; Guevara-Villa, M R G

2009-01-30

The degradation of two immobilized dyes by Klebsiella sp. UAP-b5 was studied. In batch experiments, the azo dyestuffs Basic Blue 41 and Reactive Black 5 were immobilized onto corn cobs by adsorption, and the adsorption process was characterized by a pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. Klebsiella sp. UAP-b5 was previously isolated from the corn waste and shown to decolorize these dyes in liquid systems. Here, we demonstrate anaerobic decolorization and reductive biodegradation of these dyes by means of spectrophotometry, HPLC, and IR spectroscopy of the solid waste and desorption solutions. We also demonstrate adsorption of compounds that resemble known degradation products.

Acoustic Behavior of Halobacterium salinarum Gas Vesicles in the High-Frequency Range: Experiments and Modeling.

PubMed

Cherin, Emmanuel; Melis, Johan M; Bourdeau, Raymond W; Yin, Melissa; Kochmann, Dennis M; Foster, F Stuart; Shapiro, Mikhail G

2017-05-01

Gas vesicles (GVs) are a new and unique class of biologically derived ultrasound contrast agents with sub-micron size whose acoustic properties have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the acoustic collapse pressure and behavior of Halobacterium salinarum gas vesicles at transmit center frequencies ranging from 12.5 to 27.5 MHz. The acoustic collapse pressure was found to be above 550 kPa at all frequencies, nine-fold higher than the critical pressure observed under hydrostatic conditions. We illustrate that gas vesicles behave non-linearly when exposed to ultrasound at incident pressure ranging from 160 kPa to the collapse pressure and generate second harmonic amplitudes of -2 to -6 dB below the fundamental in media with viscosities ranging from 0.89 to 8 mPa·s. Simulations performed using a Rayleigh-Plesset-type model accounting for buckling and a dynamic finite-element analysis suggest that buckling is the mechanism behind the generation of harmonics. We found good agreement between the level of second harmonic relative to the fundamental measured at 20 MHz and the Rayleigh-Plesset model predictions. Finite-element simulations extended these findings to a non-spherical geometry, confirmed that the acoustic buckling pressure corresponds to the critical pressure under hydrostatic conditions and support the hypothesis of limited gas flow across the GV shell during the compression phase in the frequency range investigated. From simulations, estimates of GV bandwidth-limited scattering indicate that a single GV has a scattering cross section comparable to that of a red blood cell. These findings will inform the development of GV-based contrast agents and pulse sequences to optimize their detection with ultrasound. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The photochemical reaction cycle and photoinduced proton transfer of sensory rhodopsin II (Phoborhodopsin) from Halobacterium salinarum.

PubMed

Tamogami, Jun; Kikukawa, Takashi; Ikeda, Yoichi; Takemura, Ayaka; Demura, Makoto; Kamo, Naoki

2010-04-07

Sensory rhodopsin II (HsSRII, also called phoborhodopsin) is a negative phototaxis receptor of Halobacterium salinarum, a bacterium that avoids blue-green light. In this study, we expressed the protein in Escherichia coli cells, and reconstituted the purified protein with phosphatidylcholine. The reconstituted HsSRII was stable. We examined the photocycle by flash-photolysis spectroscopy in the time range of milliseconds to seconds, and measured proton uptake/release using a transparent indium-tin oxide electrode. The pKa of the counterion of the Schiff base, Asp(73), was 3.0. Below pH 3, the depleted band was observed on flash illumination, but the positive band in the difference spectra was not found. Above pH 3, the basic photocycle was HsSRII (490) --> M (350) --> O (520) --> Y (490) --> HsSRII, where the numbers in parentheses are the maximum wavelengths. The decay rate of O-intermediate and Y-intermediate were pH-independent, whereas the M-intermediate decay was pH-dependent. For 3 < pH < 4.5, the M-decay was one phase, and the rate decreased with an increase in pH. For 4.5 < pH < 6.5, the decay was one phase with pH-independent rates, and azide markedly accelerated the M-decay. These findings suggest the existence of a protonated amino acid residue (X-H) that may serve as a proton relay to reprotonate the Schiff base. Above pH 6.5, the M-decay showed two phases. The fast M-decay was pH-independent and originated from the molecule having a protonated X-H, and the slow M-decay originated from the molecule having a deprotonated X, in which the proton came directly from the outside. The analysis yielded a value of 7.5 for the pKa of X-H. The proton uptake and release occurred during M-decay and O-decay, respectively. Copyright (c) 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sm-Nd Isotopic Systematics of Troctolite 76335

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edmunson, J.; Nyquist, L. E.; Borg, L. E.

2007-01-01

A study of the Sm-Nd isotopic systematics of lunar Mg-suite troctolite 76335 was undertaken to further establish the early chronology of lunar magmatism. Because the Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of similar sample 76535 yielded an age of 4570 +/- 70 Ma [2, lambda = 1.402 x 10(exp -11)], 76335 was expected to yield an old age. In contrast, the Sm-Nd and K-Ar ages of 76535 indicate that the sample is approximately 4260 Ma old, one of the youngest ages obtained for a Mg-suite rock. This study establishes the age of 76335 and discusses the constraints placed on its petrogenesis by its Sm-Nd isotope systematics. The Sm-Nd isotopic system of lunar Mg-suite troctolite 76335 indicates an age of 4278 +/- 60 Ma with an initial epsilon (sup 143)(sub Nd) value of 0.06 +/- 0.39. These values are consistent with the Sm-Nd isotopic systematics of similar sample 76535. Thus, it appears that a robust Sm-Nd age can be determined from a highly brecciated lunar sample. The Sm-Nd isotopic systematics of troctolites 76335 and 76535 appear to be different from those dominating the Mg-suite norites and KREEP basalts. Further analysis of the Mg-suite must be completed to reveal the isotopic relationships of these early lunar rocks.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of spindle-like CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Yue; Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning 116026; Liu, Yu

2012-01-15

Graphical abstract: In this paper, spindle-like CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were prepared via a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted sonochemical process. Dependence of emission intensity on Sm{sup 3+} ions concentration in the CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor were also calculated via a nonlinear fitting by using the formula y = ax/(1 + bx{sup c}). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The samples were prepared via a PVP assisted sonochemical process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The color coordinates for 1 mol% Sm{sup 3+} doped CaWO{sub 4} phosphor were calculated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The D-D interaction is responsible for concentration quenching between Sm{sup 3+} ions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The critical energy transfer distances (R{sub c}) were obtained.more » -- Abstract: Spindle-like CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were prepared via a Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted sonochemical process, and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The XRD results suggested that the prepared samples are single-phase. The FE-SEM images indicated that the prepared CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors are composed of many spindles with maximum average diameter of 150 nm and maximum average length of 500 nm. Under 404 nm excitation, the characteristic emissions corresponding to {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} {yields} {sup 6}H{sub J} (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2 and 11/2) transitions of Sm{sup 3+} in CaWO{sub 4} phosphors were observed. The color coordinates for 1 mol% Sm{sup 3+} doped CaWO{sub 4} phosphor were calculated to be (0.595, 0.404). The fluorescent concentration quenching of Sm{sup 3+} doped spindle-like phosphors was studied based on the Van Uitert's model, and it was found that the electric dipole-dipole (D-D) interaction is the dominant energy transfer mechanism between Sm{sup 3+} ions in the CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors. The critical energy transfer distance was

Crystal structure of Halobacterium salinarum halorhodopsin with a partially depopulated primary chloride-binding site.

PubMed

Schreiner, Madeleine; Schlesinger, Ramona; Heberle, Joachim; Niemann, Hartmut H

2016-09-01

The transmembrane pump halorhodopsin in halophilic archaea translocates chloride ions from the extracellular to the cytoplasmic side upon illumination. In the ground state a tightly bound chloride ion occupies the primary chloride-binding site (CBS I) close to the protonated Schiff base that links the retinal chromophore to the protein. The light-triggered trans-cis isomerization of retinal causes structural changes in the protein associated with movement of the chloride ion. In reverse, chemical depletion of CBS I in Natronomonas pharaonis halorhodopsin (NpHR) through deprotonation of the Schiff base results in conformational changes of the protein: a state thought to mimic late stages of the photocycle. Here, crystals of Halobacterium salinarum halorhodopsin (HsHR) were soaked at high pH to provoke deprotonation of the Schiff base and loss of chloride. The crystals changed colour from purple to yellow and the occupancy of CBS I was reduced from 1 to about 0.5. In contrast to NpHR, this chloride depletion did not cause substantial conformational changes in the protein. Nevertheless, two observations indicate that chloride depletion could eventually result in structural changes similar to those found in NpHR. Firstly, the partially chloride-depleted form of HsHR has increased normalized B factors in the region of helix C that is close to CBS I and changes its conformation in NpHR. Secondly, prolonged soaking of HsHR crystals at high pH resulted in loss of diffraction. In conclusion, the conformation of the chloride-free protein may not be compatible with this crystal form of HsHR despite a packing arrangement that hardly restrains helices E and F that presumably move during ion transport.

Hannaella phyllophila sp. nov., a basidiomycetous yeast species associated with plants in Thailand and Taiwan.

PubMed

Surussawadee, Janjira; Jindamorakot, Sasitorn; Nakase, Takashi; Lee, Ching-Fu; Limtong, Savitree

2015-07-01

Five strains representing one novel anamorphic yeast species were isolated from plant leaves collected in Thailand (strains DMKU-SP186(T), ST-111 and ST-201) and Taiwan (strains FN20L02 and SM13L16). On the basis of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, they were assigned to a single novel species of the genus Hannaella. The sequences of the D1/D2 regions of the LSU rRNA genes of four of the strains (DMKU-SP186(T), ST-111, FN20L02 and SM13L16) were identical, while differing from strain ST-201 by 2 substitutions and 2 gaps. The nucleotide sequence of the ITS regions of the five strains differed from each other by between 0 and 3 nucleotide substitutions. The novel species was most closely related to Hannaella luteola, but showed 1.0-1.3% nucleotide substitutions (between 6 substitutions out of 568-606 nt and 8 substitutions, and 2 gaps out of 597 nt) in the D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and 1.4-2.0% nucleotide substitutions (6-9 substitutions out of 435 nt) in the ITS region. Ballistospores were produced by three of the strains on cornmeal agar at 15 and 20 °C after 4 weeks, while H. luteola did not produce ballistospores. The name Hannaella phyllophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DMKU-SP186(T) ( = BCC 69500(T) = NBRC 110428(T) = CBS 13921(T)).

Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of BaWO4:RE3+ (RE = Eu or Sm) Phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Shinho

2018-04-01

BaWO4:RE3+ (RE = Eu or Sm) phosphor powders were prepared with different doping concentrations of the activator ion by using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The dependences in the crystal structure, luminescence intensity, and morphology on the Eu3+ and the Sm3+ concentrations in BaWO4 were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. XRD analysis showed tetragonal BaWO4 structures for all the phosphors synthesized, regardless of the type and the doping concentration of the activator ion. SEM images indicated that as the concentration of activator ions was increased, the crystalline particles showed an increasing tendency to agglomerate irregularly. The room temperature excitation spectra of Eu3+- or Sm3+-doped BaWO4 phosphors consisted of a broad charge transfer band in the ultraviolet region and several sharp 4 f-4 f transitions. When Eu3+-doped BaWO4 phosphors were excited at 274 nm, the emission spectra exhibited sharp bands due to inner shell transitions occurring from the excited energy state 5 D 0 to the lower energy levels 7 F J ( J = 1, 2, 3, and 4). For Sm3+-doped BaWO4 phosphors, three intense emission peaks at 568, 603, and 649 nm and a very weak line at 712 nm were observed. The highest asymmetry ratio-the intensity ratio of the 4 G 5/2 → 6 H 9/2 electric dipole to the 4 G 5/2 → 6 H 5/2 magnetic dipole transitions-was obtained for 1 mol% doping of Sm3+, indicating that the Sm3+ ions occupied the non-inversion symmetry sites.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of La(0.6)Sr(0.4)CoO(3-x) and Sm(0.5)Sr(0.5)CoO(3-x) Cathode Nanopowders for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Wise, Brent

2011-01-01

Nanopowders of La(0.6)Sr(0.4)CoO(3-x) (LSC) and Sm(0.5)Sr(0.5)CoO(3-x) (SSC) compositions, which are being investigated as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC) with La(Sr)Ga(Mg)O(3-x) (LSGM) as the electrolyte, were synthesized by low-temperature sol-gel method using metal nitrates and citric acid. Thermal decomposition of the citrate gels was followed by simultaneous DSC/TGA methods. Development of phases in the gels, on heat treatments at various temperatures, was monitored by x-ray diffraction. Solgel powders calcined at 550 to 1000 C consisted of a number of phases. Single perovskite phase La(0.6)Sr(0.4)CoO(3-x) or Sm(0.5)Sr(0.5)CoO(3-x) powders were obtained at 1200 and 1300 C, respectively. Morphological analysis of the powders calcined at various temperatures was done by scanning electron microscopy. The average particle size of the powders was approx.15 nm after 700 C calcinations and slowly increased to 70 to 100 nm after heat treatments at 1300 to 1400 C.

Momentum-dependent hybridization gap and dispersive in-gap state of the Kondo semiconductor SmB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, Hidetoshi; Hajiri, Tetsuya; Ito, Takahiro; Kunii, Satoru; Kimura, Shin-ichi

2012-08-01

We report the temperature-dependent three-dimensional angle-resolved photoemission spectra of the Kondo semiconductor SmB6. We found a difference in the temperature dependence of the peaks at the X and Γ points, due to hybridization between the Sm 5d conduction band and the nearly localized Sm 4f state. The peak intensity at the X point has the same temperature dependence as the valence transition below 120 K, while that at the Γ point is consistent with the magnetic excitation at Q=(0.5,0.5,0.5) below 30 K. This suggests that the hybridization with the valence transition mainly occurs near the X point, and the initial state of the magnetic excitation is located near the Γ point.

Global Microarray Analysis of Carbohydrate Use in Alkaliphilic Hemicellulolytic Bacterium Bacillus sp. N16-5

PubMed Central

Song, Yajian; Xue, Yanfen; Ma, Yanhe

2013-01-01

The alkaliphilic hemicellulolytic bacterium Bacillus sp. N16-5 has a broad substrate spectrum and exhibits the capacity to utilize complex carbohydrates such as galactomannan, xylan, and pectin. In the monosaccharide mixture, sequential utilization by Bacillus sp. N16-5 was observed. Glucose appeared to be its preferential monosaccharide, followed by fructose, mannose, arabinose, xylose, and galactose. Global transcription profiles of the strain were determined separately for growth on six monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, arabinose, and xylose) and four polysaccharides (galactomannan, xylan, pectin, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose) using one-color microarrays. Numerous genes potentially related to polysaccharide degradation, sugar transport, and monosaccharide metabolism were found to respond to a specific substrate. Putative gene clusters for different carbohydrates were identified according to transcriptional patterns and genome annotation. Identification and analysis of these gene clusters contributed to pathway reconstruction for carbohydrate utilization in Bacillus sp. N16-5. Several genes encoding putative sugar transporters were highly expressed during growth on specific sugars, suggesting their functional roles. Two phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase systems were identified as candidate transporters for mannose and fructose, and a major facilitator superfamily transporter was identified as a candidate transporter for arabinose and xylose. Five carbohydrate uptake transporter 1 family ATP-binding cassette transporters were predicted to participate in the uptake of hemicellulose and pectin degradation products. Collectively, microarray data improved the pathway reconstruction involved in carbohydrate utilization of Bacillus sp. N16-5 and revealed that the organism precisely regulates gene transcription in response to fluctuations in energy resources. PMID:23326578

Synthesis and characterization of the divalent samarium Zintl-phases SmMg 2Bi 2 and SmMg 2Sb 2

DOE PAGES

Ramirez, D.; Gallagher, A.; Baumbach, R.; ...

2015-08-29

Here, single crystals of LnMg 2Bi 2 (Ln = Yb, Eu, Sm) and SmMg 2Sb 2 were synthesized using Mg-Bi metal and Mg-Sb metal fluxes, respectively. The crystal structures are of the CaAl 2Si 2 type with space group P3 m1 (#164, Z = 1): SmMg 2Bi 2 ( a = 4.7745(1)Å, c = 7.8490(2)Å), EuMg 2Bi 2 ( a = 4.7702(1)Å, c = 7.8457(2) Å), YbMg 2Bi 2 ( a = 4.7317(2)Å, c = 7.6524(3) Å), and SmMg 2Sb 2 ( a = 4.6861(1) Å, c = 7.7192(2) Å). Heat capacity, electrical transport, and magnetization of all bismuth containingmore » phases were measured. The materials behave as “poor metals” with resistivity between 2 and 10 mΩ·cm. Temperature independent Van Vleck paramagnetism is observed in SmMg 2Bi 2 indicative of divalent samarium (Sm 2+) ions.« less

Growth and spectroscopic properties of Sm3+:KY(WO4)2 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demesh, M. P.; Dernovich, O. P.; Gusakova, N. V.; Yasukevich, A. S.; Kornienko, A. A.; Dunina, E. B.; Fomicheva, L. A.; Pavlyuk, A. A.; Kuleshov, N. V.

2018-01-01

A Sm3+:KY(WO4)2 crystal was grown by the modified Czochralski technique. Polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra, as well as a fluorescence decay curve, were recorded at room temperature. Radiative properties such as emission probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes were investigated within the framework of the Judd-Ofelt theory as well as the theory of f-f transition intensities which takes into account the influence of the excited configurations. Emission cross section spectra were determined. 4G5/2 fluorescence decay was analyzed within the framework of the Inokuti-Hirayama model. The spectroscopic properties of Sm:KYW crystal were compared with those of other Sm3+-doped materials.

Sp100 isoform-specific regulation of human adenovirus 5 gene expression.

PubMed

Berscheminski, Julia; Wimmer, Peter; Brun, Juliane; Ip, Wing Hang; Groitl, Peter; Horlacher, Tim; Jaffray, Ellis; Hay, Ron T; Dobner, Thomas; Schreiner, Sabrina

2014-06-01

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are nuclear structures that accumulate intrinsic host factors to restrict viral infections. To ensure viral replication, these must be limited by expression of viral early regulatory proteins that functionally inhibit PML-NB-associated antiviral effects. To benefit from the activating capabilities of Sp100A and simultaneously limit repression by Sp100B, -C, and -HMG, adenoviruses (Ads) employ several features to selectively and individually target these isoforms. Ads induce relocalization of Sp100B, -C, and -HMG from PML-NBs prior to association with viral replication centers. In contrast, Sp100A is kept at the PML tracks that surround the newly formed viral replication centers as designated sites of active transcription. We concluded that the host restriction factors Sp100B, -C, and -HMG are potentially inactivated by active displacement from these sites, whereas Sp100A is retained to amplify Ad gene expression. Ad-dependent loss of Sp100 SUMOylation is another crucial part of the virus repertoire to counteract intrinsic immunity by circumventing Sp100 association with HP1, therefore limiting chromatin condensation. We provide evidence that Ad selectively counteracts antiviral responses and, at the same time, benefits from PML-NB-associated components which support viral gene expression by actively recruiting them to PML track-like structures. Our findings provide insights into novel strategies for manipulating transcriptional regulation to either inactivate or amplify viral gene expression. We describe an adenoviral evasion strategy that involves isoform-specific and active manipulation of the PML-associated restriction factor Sp100. Recently, we reported that the adenoviral transactivator E1A targets PML-II to efficiently activate viral transcription. In contrast, the PML-associated proteins Daxx and ATRX are inhibited by early viral factors. We show that this concept is more intricate and significant than

Sm@C2v(3)-C80: site-hopping motion of endohedral Sm atom and metal-induced effect on redox profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wei; Niu, Ben; Shi, Zujin; Lian, Yongfu; Feng, Lai

2012-10-01

A new metallofullerene Sm@C2v(3)-C80 was synthesized and characterized. X-Ray analysis showed that the endohedral Sm atom undergoes a hopping motion between several off-center sites, even at low temperature. In addition, a comparative electrochemical study between Sm@C2v(3)-C80 and Yb@C2v(3)-C80 revealed their different redox potentials, suggesting a metal-induced effect on their redox profiles.A new metallofullerene Sm@C2v(3)-C80 was synthesized and characterized. X-Ray analysis showed that the endohedral Sm atom undergoes a hopping motion between several off-center sites, even at low temperature. In addition, a comparative electrochemical study between Sm@C2v(3)-C80 and Yb@C2v(3)-C80 revealed their different redox potentials, suggesting a metal-induced effect on their redox profiles. CCDC reference number 894168. For crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c2nr32193a

Bulk Fermi Surface of Charge-Neutral Excitations in SmB_{6} or Not: A Heat-Transport Study.

PubMed

Xu, Y; Cui, S; Dong, J K; Zhao, D; Wu, T; Chen, X H; Sun, Kai; Yao, Hong; Li, S Y

2016-06-17

Recently, there have been increasingly hot debates on whether a bulk Fermi surface of charge-neutral excitations exists in the topological Kondo insulator SmB_{6}. To unambiguously resolve this issue, we perform the low-temperature thermal conductivity measurements of a high-quality SmB_{6} single crystal down to 0.1 K and up to 14.5 T. Our experiments show that the residual linear term of thermal conductivity at the zero field is zero, within the experimental accuracy. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity is insensitive to the magnetic field up to 14.5 T. These results demonstrate the absence of fermionic charge-neutral excitations in bulk SmB_{6}, such as scalar Majorana fermions or spinons and, thus, exclude the existence of a bulk Fermi surface suggested by a recent quantum oscillation study of SmB_{6}. This puts a strong constraint on the explanation of the quantum oscillations observed in SmB_{6}.

Functional organization of the Sm core in the crystal structure of human U1 snRNP.

PubMed

Weber, Gert; Trowitzsch, Simon; Kastner, Berthold; Lührmann, Reinhard; Wahl, Markus C

2010-12-15

U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) recognizes the 5'-splice site early during spliceosome assembly. It represents a prototype spliceosomal subunit containing a paradigmatic Sm core RNP. The crystal structure of human U1 snRNP obtained from natively purified material by in situ limited proteolysis at 4.4 Å resolution reveals how the seven Sm proteins, each recognize one nucleotide of the Sm site RNA using their Sm1 and Sm2 motifs. Proteins D1 and D2 guide the snRNA into and out of the Sm ring, and proteins F and E mediate a direct interaction between the Sm site termini. Terminal extensions of proteins D1, D2 and B/B', and extended internal loops in D2 and B/B' support a four-way RNA junction and a 3'-terminal stem-loop on opposite sides of the Sm core RNP, respectively. On a higher organizational level, the core RNP presents multiple attachment sites for the U1-specific 70K protein. The intricate, multi-layered interplay of proteins and RNA rationalizes the hierarchical assembly of U snRNPs in vitro and in vivo.

Novel GO-LaSmO2 Nanocomposite as an Effective Electrode Material for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Amin, Ayman A.; Othman, Abdelhameed M.

2016-04-01

Nano-composites of lanthanum-samarium oxide (LaSmO2) were prepared in the absence and presence of graphene oxide (GO) and characterized as an effective electrode material for hydrogen fuel cells. X-ray and scanning electron microscope investigations revealed grain sizes of 8 nm for LaSmO2 and 12 nm for GO-LaSmO2 composites. The x-ray diffraction pattern showed sharp peaks, indicating a well-crystallized phase indexable to a rhombohedral structure with space group R 3 C , and their structural refinement performed in the hexagonal mode. The ionic conductivity of LaSmO2 was found to be 4.12 × 10-5 S/cm, while in the presence of GO it was enhanced to 5.32 × 10-5 S/cm. The mechanism of conduction in the proposed nano-materials was investigated based on frequency exponent S. The values of S were observed to decrease with increasing temperature. This result was found to be in good agreement with the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. The present work revealed GO to be a conductivity enhancer that caused the GO-LaSmO2 composite to be an effective electrode material for hydrogen fuel cells.

Preparation and luminescence properties of orange-red Ba3Y(PO4)3:Sm3+ phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Qiguang; Xu, Denghui; Sun, Jiayue

2015-04-01

Ba3Y(PO4)3:Sm3+ phosphors were prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction in air. X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectra and temperature-dependent emission spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-prepared phosphor. The results show that the phosphor can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet light and emit a satisfactory orange-red performance, nicely, fitting in well with the widely used UV LED chip. Under 403 nm excitation, the 4G5/2 → 6HJ (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, and 11/2) emissions of Sm3+ are obviously observed. The optimum doping concentration is 5 mol% and corresponding quenching behavior is ascribed to be electric dipole-dipole interaction according to Dexter's theory. The temperature dependent luminescence of Ba3Y(PO4)3:Sm3+ phosphor is also discussed, and the activation energy for thermal quenching is calculated as 0.34 eV. Furthermore, the chromaticity coordinates of Ba3Y(PO4)3:Sm3+ phosphor are calculated to be (0.5558, 0.4380) and the lifetime values of Ba3Y0.995(PO4)3:0.005Sm3+ was 2.45 ms.

31 CFR 585.517 - Exportation of certain legal services to the Government of, or persons in, the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of the Government of the FRY (S&M) or of a person in the FRY (S&M) when named as a defendant in or... of U.S. sanctions against the FRY (S&M); and (5) Provision of legal services in any other context in... to the Government of, or persons in, the FRY (S&M). 585.517 Section 585.517 Money and Finance...

Metal-ion interactions with carbohydrates. Crystal structure and FT-IR study of the SmCl3-ribose complex.

PubMed

Lu, Yan; Guo, Jianyu

2006-04-10

A single-crystal of SmCl3.C5H10O5.5H2O was obtained from methanol-water solution and its structure determined by X-ray. Two forms of the complex as a pair of anomers and related conformers were found in the single-crystal in a disordered state. One ligand is alpha-D-ribopyranose in the 4C1 conformation and the other one is beta-D-ribopyranose. The anomeric ratio is 1:1. Both ligands provide three hydroxyl groups in ax-eq-ax orientation for coordination. The Sm3+ ion is nine-coordinated with five Sm-O bonds from water molecules, three Sm-O bonds from hydroxyl groups of the D-ribopyranose and one Sm-Cl bond. The hydroxyl groups, water molecules and chloride ions form an extensive hydrogen-bond network. The IR spectral C-C, O-H, C-O, and C-O-H vibrations were observed to be shifted in the complex and the IR results are in accord with those of X-ray diffraction.

Luminescence and energy transfer studies on Sm3+/Tb3+codoped telluroborate glasses for WLED applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uma, V.; Vijayakumar, M.; Marimuthu, K.; Muralidharan, G.

2018-01-01

A new series of Sm3+/Tb3+ codoped telluroborate glasses have been prepared by conventional melt quenching technique with the chemical composition (40-x-y)B2O3+15TeO2+15Li2O+15LiF+15NaF+xTb2O3+ySm2O3 (where x = 0, 0.5; y = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%). The structural and optical behaviour of the prepared glasses were investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical absorption, photoluminescence and lifetime measurements. The fundamental vibrational units of the borate and tellurite network have been identified through FTIR spectra. Nephelauxetic ratio (βbar) and bonding parameter (δ) values indicate that the Smsbnd O bonds are ionic in nature. The characteristic emissions of terbium (543 nm, green) and samarium (645 nm, orange-red) were observed while exciting the Tb3+ ions. Higher magnitude of asymmetric intensity ratio (AIR) values confirms the higher asymmetry around the Sm3+ ion site. Decay profiles of Tb3+ ions (5D4 state) and Sm3+ ions (4G9/2 state) exhibit double exponential nature. The nature of interaction between the donor (Tb3+) and acceptor (Sm3+) has been analyzed through Inokuti-Hirayama (IH) model. Energy transfer from Tb3+ to Sm3+ ions is dominated by dipole-dipole type interaction. TBLT0.5S glass possess the better colour coordinates (0.41, 0.45) and colour correlated temperature (CCT) value (3524 K) and the same is suggested for eye safe warm white light emitting applications.

Ion-irradiation resistance of the orthorhombic Ln2TiO5 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy) series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aughterson, Robert D.; Lumpkin, Gregory R.; Ionescu, Mihail; Reyes, Massey de los; Gault, Baptiste; Whittle, Karl R.; Smith, Katherine L.; Cairney, Julie M.

2015-12-01

The response of Ln2TiO5 (where Ln is a lanthanide) compounds exposed to high-energy ions was used to test their suitability for nuclear-based applications, under two different but complementary conditions. Eight samples with nominal stoichiometry Ln2TiO5 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy), of orthorhombic (Pnma) structure were irradiated, at various temperatures, with 1 MeV Kr2+ ions in-situ within a transmission electron microscope. In each case, the fluence was increased until a phase transition from crystalline to amorphous was observed, termed critical dose Dc. At certain elevated temperatures, the crystallinity was maintained irrespective of fluence. The critical temperature for maintaining crystallinity, Tc, varied non-uniformly across the series. The Tc was consistently high for La, Pr, Nd and Sm2TiO5 before sequential improvement from Eu to Dy2TiO5 with Tc's dropping from 974 K to 712 K. In addition, bulk Dy2TiO5 was irradiated with 12 MeV Au+ ions at 300 K, 723 K and 823 K and monitored via grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). At 300 K, only amorphisation is observed, with no transition to other structures, whilst at higher temperatures, specimens retained their original structure. The improved radiation tolerance of compounds containing smaller lanthanides has previously been attributed to their ability to form radiation-induced phase transitions. No such transitions were observed here.

Early Earth evolution: new insight from Sm and Nd isotopes in meteoritic inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouvier, A.; Boyet, M.

2014-12-01

The interpretation of Sm-Nd systematics for the early Earth relies on knowing the composition of the silicate Earth and the 146Sm decay constant. We have measured both 146Sm-142Nd and 147Sm-143Nd internal systematics of four individual Calcium, Aluminum-rich Inclusions (CAIs), the first solids formed in the Solar System [1], from 3 different carbonaceous chondrites from the CV3 group: Allende, Northwest Africa (NWA) 2364 and NWA 6991. Results obtained on NWA 6991 plot on a well-defined mineral and bulk isochron with a Solar System initial 146Sm/144Sm ratio of 0.0070 ±0.0024. This ratio is more consistent with the ratio defined from internal isochrons of differentiated meteorites using the half-life of 103 Ma for 146Sm [2], instead of the value obtained considering the half-life of 68 Ma [3]. On the basis of nucleosynthethic anomalies in Sm and Nd isotopes [4], the ordinary (O) and enstatite (E) chondrites remain potential candidates for the Earth's building blocks. OC have an average deficit of -18±3 ppm relative to modern terrestrial 142Nd/144Nd, whereas EC range from the OC to the terrestrial values [4-6]. Sm stable isotope compositions of the analyzed CAIs indicate that galactic cosmic rays did not affect the 142Nd/144Nd compositions, but deficits are found in the pure p-process 144Sm nuclide (-240 to -290 ppm/ standard). These deficits may translate to 142Nd deficits of a few ppm. NWA 6991 CAI 146Sm-142Nd internal isochron passes through a 142Nd/144Nd ratio of -6 ±6 ppm relative to the terrestrial standard at a chondritic 147Sm/144Nd of 0.1960. We note that this value is identical to the enstatite chondrite average and the 142Nd/144Nd ratio of the lunar mantle, as defined recently by [7] using a chondritic Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf for the bulk Moon. While the determination of the Sm-Nd reference parameters for the bulk Earth is still contentious, the difference in 142Nd/144Nd between modern terrestrial rocks and meteorites analyzed so far is <10ppm. [1] Bouvier and

Discovery of a meta-stable Al-Sm phase with unknown stoichiometry using a genetic algorithm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Feng; McBrearty, Ian; Ott, R. T.

Unknown crystalline phases observed during the devitrification process of glassy metal alloys significantly limit our ability to understand and control phase selection in these systems driven far from equilibrium. Here, we report a new meta-stable Al 5Sm phase identified by simultaneously searching Al-rich compositions of the Al–Sm system, using an efficient genetic algorithm. The excellent match between calculated and experimental X-ray diffraction patterns confirms that this new phase appeared in the crystallization of melt-spun Al 90Sm 10 alloys.

Nanocrystallization in Cu-Zr-Al-Sm Bulk Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikan, Fatih; Yasar, Bengisu; Kalay, Ilkay

2018-04-01

The effect of rare-earth element (Sm) microalloying on the thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of melt-spun ribbons and suction-cast rods of Zr48Cu38.4Al9.6Sm4 alloy were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). The XRD results of constant heating rate annealing indicated that amorphous Zr48Cu38.4Al9.6Sm4 melt-spun ribbons devitrifies into Cu2Sm at 673 K (400 °C). The sequence continues with the precipitation of Cu10Zr7 and then these two phases coexist. XRD and TEM studies on 1 mm diameter as suction-cast rods indicated the precipitation of 30-nm-mean size Cu2Sm crystals during solidification. TEM investigation of the isothermal crystallization sequence of melt-spun ribbons and 1-mm-diameter suction-cast rods revealed the precipitation of Cu2Sm nanocrystals at the onset of crystallization and the restriction of the growth of these nanocrystals up to 10 nm diameter with further annealing. APT analysis of 1-mm-diameter suction-cast rods showed that the limited growth of Cu2Sm nanocrystals is due to sluggish diffusion of Sm and Al-Zr pile up at the interface.

Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 PeptideAtlas: toward strategies for targeted proteomics and improved proteome coverage.

PubMed

Van, Phu T; Schmid, Amy K; King, Nichole L; Kaur, Amardeep; Pan, Min; Whitehead, Kenia; Koide, Tie; Facciotti, Marc T; Goo, Young Ah; Deutsch, Eric W; Reiss, David J; Mallick, Parag; Baliga, Nitin S

2008-09-01

The relatively small numbers of proteins and fewer possible post-translational modifications in microbes provide a unique opportunity to comprehensively characterize their dynamic proteomes. We have constructed a PeptideAtlas (PA) covering 62.7% of the predicted proteome of the extremely halophilic archaeon Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 by compiling approximately 636 000 tandem mass spectra from 497 mass spectrometry runs in 88 experiments. Analysis of the PA with respect to biophysical properties of constituent peptides, functional properties of parent proteins of detected peptides, and performance of different mass spectrometry approaches has highlighted plausible strategies for improving proteome coverage and selecting signature peptides for targeted proteomics. Notably, discovery of a significant correlation between absolute abundances of mRNAs and proteins has helped identify low abundance of proteins as the major limitation in peptide detection. Furthermore, we have discovered that iTRAQ labeling for quantitative proteomic analysis introduces a significant bias in peptide detection by mass spectrometry. Therefore, despite identifying at least one proteotypic peptide for almost all proteins in the PA, a context-dependent selection of proteotypic peptides appears to be the most effective approach for targeted proteomics.

Cross sections of the 144Sm(n,α)141Nd and 66Zn(n,α)63Ni reactions at 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yury, Gledenov; Guohui, Zhang; Khuukhenkhuu, Gonchigdorj; Milana, Sedysheva; Lubos, Krupa; Sansarbayar, Enkhbold; Igor, Chuprakov; Zhimin, Wang; Xiao, Fan; Luyu, Zhang; Huaiyong, Bai

2017-09-01

Cross sections of the 144Sm(n,α)141Nd and 66Zn(n,α)63Ni reactions were measured at En = 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 MeV performed at the 4.5-MV Van de Graaff Accelerator of Peking University, China. A double-section gridded ionization chamber was used to detect the alpha particles. The foil samples of 144Sm2O3 and enriched 66Zn were placed at the common cathode plate of the chamber. Monoenergetic neutrons were produced by a deuterium gas target through the 2H(d,n)3He reaction. The neutron flux was monitored by a BF3 long counter. Cross sections of the 238U(n,f) reaction were used as the standard to perform the (n,α) reaction measurement. Present results are compared with existing measurements and evaluations. They are generally in agreement with TALYS-1.6 code calculations. For the 144Sm(n,α)141Nd reaction our measurements support the data of JEF-2.2. For the 66Zn(n,α)63Ni reaction present results support the data of EAF-2010 and TENDL-2015 data.

Spectroscopic properties of Sm3+ doped sodium-tellurite glasses: Judd-Ofelt analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mawlud, Saman Q.; Ameen, Mudhafar M.; Sahar, Md. Rahim; Mahraz, Zahra Ashur Said; Ahmed, Kasim F.

2017-07-01

Modifying the optical response of rare earth doped inorganic glasses for diverse optical applications is the current challenge in materials science and technology. We report the enhancement of the visible emissions of the Sm3+ ions doped sodium-tellurite (TNS) glasses. The impacts of varying Sm3+ ions concentration on the spectroscopic properties of such glass samples are evaluated. Synthesized glass samples are characterized via emission and absorption measurements. The UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra revealed nine absorption peaks which are assigned to the transitions from the ground level (6H5/2) to 6P3/2, 4I11/2, 6F11/2, 6F9/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 6H15/2 and 6F1/2 excited energy levels of Sm3+ ions. Emission spectra of the prepared glass under 404 nm excitation wavelength consisted of four bands centered at 561 nm, 598 nm, 643 nm and 704 nm which are originated from 4G5/2→6HJ (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2 and 11/2) transitions. The experimental oscillator strengths, fexp are calculated from the area under absorption bands. Using Judd-Ofelt theory and fit process of least square, the phenomenological intensity parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4, 6) are obtained. In order to evaluate potential applications of Sm3+ ions in telluride glasses, the spectroscopic parameters: radiative transition probability AR, branching ratio BR, radiative life time τr and stimulated emission cross section σλ for each band are calculated. These glass compositions could be a potential candidate for lasers.

Biodegradation of cyanide by acetonitrile-induced cells of Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M.

PubMed

Nallapan Maniyam, Maegala; Sjahrir, Fridelina; Ibrahim, Abdul Latif; Cass, Anthony E G

2013-01-01

A Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M isolate was shown to detoxify cyanide successfully, suggesting the presence of an intrinsic property in the bacterium which required no prior cyanide exposure for induction of this property. However, in order to promote growth, Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M was fully acclimatized to cyanide after 7 successive subcultures in 0.1 mM KCN for 30 days. To further shorten the lag phase and simultaneously increase the tolerance towards higher cyanide concentrations, the bacterium was induced with various nitrile compounds sharing a similar degradatory pathway to cyanide. Acetonitrile emerged as the most favored inducer and the induced cells were able to degrade 0.1 mM KCN almost completely within 18 h. With the addition of subsequent aliquots of 0.1 mM KCN a shorter period for complete removal of cyanide was required, which proved to be advantageous economically. Both resting cells and crude enzyme of Rhodococcus sp. UKMP-5M were able to biodegrade cyanide to ammonia and formate without the formation of formamide, implying the identification of a simple hydrolytic cyanide degradation pathway involving the enzyme cyanidase. Further verification with SDS-PAGE revealed that the molecular weight of the active enzyme was estimated to be 38 kDa, which is consistent with previously reported cyanidases. Since the recent advancement in the application of biological methods in treating cyanide-bearing wastewater has been promising, the discovery of this new bacterium will add value by diversifying the existing microbial populations capable of cyanide detoxification.

Characterization of naphthalene degradation by Streptomyces sp. QWE-5 isolated from active sludge.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Ma, Wencheng; Han, Hongjun; Hou, Baolin; Jia, Shengyong

2014-01-01

A bacterial strain, QWE-5, which utilized naphthalene as its sole carbon and energy source, was isolated and identified as Streptomyces sp. It was a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium with a flagellum, with whole, smooth, convex and wet colonies. The optimal temperature and pH for QWE-5 were 35 °C and 7.0, respectively. The QWE-5 strain was capable of completely degrading naphthalene at a concentration as high as 100 mg/L. At initial naphthalene concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 80 and 100 mg/L, complete degradation was achieved within 32, 56, 96, 120 and 144 h, respectively. Kinetics of naphthalene degradation was described using the Andrews equation. The kinetic parameters were as follows: qmax (maximum specific degradation rate) = 1.56 h⁻¹, Ks (half-rate constant) = 60.34 mg/L, and KI (substrate-inhibition constant) = 81.76 mg/L. Metabolic intermediates were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, allowing a new degradation pathway for naphthalene to be proposed. In this pathway, monooxygenation of naphthalene yielded naphthalen-1-ol. Further degradation by Streptomyces sp. QWE-5 produced acetophenone, followed by adipic acid, which was produced as a combination of decarboxylation and hydroxylation processes.

PySM: Python Sky Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorne, Ben; Alonso, David; Naess, Sigurd; Dunkley, Jo

2017-04-01

PySM generates full-sky simulations of Galactic foregrounds in intensity and polarization relevant for CMB experiments. The components simulated are thermal dust, synchrotron, AME, free-free, and CMB at a given Nside, with an option to integrate over a top hat bandpass, to add white instrument noise, and to smooth with a given beam. PySM is based on the large-scale Galactic part of Planck Sky Model code and uses some of its inputs

Discovery of a meta-stable Al–Sm phase with unknown stoichiometry using a genetic algorithm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Feng; McBrearty, Ian; Ott, R T

Unknown crystalline phases observed during the devitrification process of glassy metal alloys significantly limit our ability to understand and control phase selection in these systems driven far from equilibrium. Here, we report a new meta-stable Al5Sm phase identified by simultaneously searching Al-rich compositions of the Al-Sm system, using an efficient genetic algorithm. The excellent match between calculated and experimental X-ray diffraction patterns confirms that this new phase appeared in the crystallization of melt-spun Al90Sm10 alloys. Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.

Wnt/β-catenin and LIF-Stat3 signaling pathways converge on Sp5 to promote mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal.

PubMed

Ye, Shoudong; Zhang, Dongming; Cheng, Fei; Wilson, Daniel; Mackay, Jeffrey; He, Kan; Ban, Qian; Lv, Feng; Huang, Saifei; Liu, Dahai; Ying, Qi-Long

2016-01-15

Activation of leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF)-Stat3 or Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal. A myriad of downstream targets have been identified in the individual signal pathways, but their common targets remain largely elusive. In this study, we found that the LIF-Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways converge on Sp5 to promote mESC self-renewal. Forced Sp5 expression can reproduce partial effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling but mimics most features of LIF-Stat3 signaling to maintain undifferentiated mESCs. Moreover, Sp5 is able to convert mouse epiblast stem cells into a naïve pluripotent state. Thus, Sp5 is an important component of the regulatory network governing mESC naïve pluripotency. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

31 CFR 585.315 - Person in the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Person in the FRY (S&M). 585.315... General Definitions § 585.315 Person in the FRY (S&M). The term person in the FRY (S&M) includes any... under the laws of any jurisdiction in the FRY (S&M). ...

Spatially-correlated Site Occupancy in the Nonstoichiometric Meta-stable ε -Al 60Sm 11 Phase during Devitrification of Al-10.2 at.% Sm Glasses

DOE PAGES

Yang, Lin; Zhang, Feng; Meng, Fan -Qiang; ...

2018-05-12

A metastable ε-Al 60Sm 11 phase appears during the initial devitrification of as-quenched Al-10.2 at.% Sm glasses. The ε phase is nonstoichiometric in nature since Al occupation is observed on the 16 f Sm lattice sites. Scanning transmission electron microscopic images reveal profound spatial correlation of Sm content on these sites, which cannot be explained by the “average crystal” description from Rietveld analysis of diffraction data. Thermodynamically favorable configurations, established by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations based on a cluster-expansion model, also give qualitatively different correlation functions from experimental observations. On the other hand, molecular dynamics simulations of the growth ofmore » ε-Al 60Sm 11 in undercooled liquid show that when the diffusion range of Sm is limited to ~4 Å, the correlation function of the as-grown crystal structure agrees well with that of the scanning transmission electronic microscopy (STEM) images. Furthermore, our results show that kinetic effects, especially the limited diffusivity of Sm atoms plays the fundamental role in determining the nonstoichiometric site occupancies of the ε-Al 60Sm 11 phase during the crystallization process.« less

Spatially-correlated Site Occupancy in the Nonstoichiometric Meta-stable ε -Al 60Sm 11 Phase during Devitrification of Al-10.2 at.% Sm Glasses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Lin; Zhang, Feng; Meng, Fan -Qiang

A metastable ε-Al 60Sm 11 phase appears during the initial devitrification of as-quenched Al-10.2 at.% Sm glasses. The ε phase is nonstoichiometric in nature since Al occupation is observed on the 16 f Sm lattice sites. Scanning transmission electron microscopic images reveal profound spatial correlation of Sm content on these sites, which cannot be explained by the “average crystal” description from Rietveld analysis of diffraction data. Thermodynamically favorable configurations, established by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations based on a cluster-expansion model, also give qualitatively different correlation functions from experimental observations. On the other hand, molecular dynamics simulations of the growth ofmore » ε-Al 60Sm 11 in undercooled liquid show that when the diffusion range of Sm is limited to ~4 Å, the correlation function of the as-grown crystal structure agrees well with that of the scanning transmission electronic microscopy (STEM) images. Furthermore, our results show that kinetic effects, especially the limited diffusivity of Sm atoms plays the fundamental role in determining the nonstoichiometric site occupancies of the ε-Al 60Sm 11 phase during the crystallization process.« less

Calculation of electric field–temperature (E, T) phase diagram of a ferroelectric liquid crystal near the SmA–{SmC}}_{\\alpha }^{* } transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trabelsi, F.; Dhaouadi, H.; Riahi, O.; Othman, T.

2018-03-01

In this work we perform a theoretical calculation in order to reconstitute the (E–T) phase diagram of a chiral smectic liquid crystal in the vicinity of the SmA–{SmC}}α * transition. This reconstruction is carried out on the basis of a thermodynamic calculation of the slope of the curve joining the {SmC}}α * domain and the unwound SmC*. An empiric correction of the mean field term of Landau De-Gennes development is necessary to accomplish this reconstruction. Thereafter, an experimental validation is performed to verify our calculations.

Synthesis and luminescence characterization of a new yellowish-orange phosphor: Ba2 B10 O17 :Sm3.

PubMed

Li, Jiangong; Yan, Huifang; Yan, Fengmei

2017-02-01

A new yellowish-orange emitting phosphor, Ba 2 B 10 O 17 :Sm 3 + for use as a white light-emitting diode (W-LED) was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that a pure Ba 2 B 10 O 17 material was obtained. As a potential yellowish-orange luminescent material for W-LEDs, the Ba 2 B 10 O 17 :Sm 3 + phosphor could be excited effectively by near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light and exhibited yellowish-orange emission centered at 560 nm corresponding to the 4 G 5/2  →  6 H 5/2 transition of Sm 3 + ions. The optimum concentration of Sm 3 + ions in Ba 2 B 10 O 17 , critical transfer distance (Ra) and concentration quenching mechanism of the presented phosphor were investigated. Moreover, CIE chromaticity coordinates and color purity performance of the Ba 2 B 10 O 17 :Sm 3 + phosphor were also discussed. The present work suggests that the Ba 2 B 10 O 17 :Sm 3 + phosphor has potential as a type of yellowish-orange emitting phosphor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stress and substance P but not the substance P-metabolite SP5-11 trigger murine abortion by augmenting TNF-alpha levels at the feto-maternal interface.

PubMed

Fest, S; Zenclussen, A C; Joachim, R; Hagen, E; Demuth, H-U; Hoffmann, T

2006-01-01

In a well-established murine abortion model, stress is thought to trigger fetal rejection by inducing a proinflammatory immune response via substance P (SP), being tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-producing CD8+ T cells involved. Interestingly, the SP metabolite SP5-11 also binds to SP receptors and mediates SP-like effects on immune cells at sites of inflammation. No data were available regarding the effects of SP5-11 on pregnancy outcome in the CBA/J x DBA/2J abortion-prone combination. We investigated the influence of SP5-11 in contrast to stress or SP on the abortion rate and the cytokine production by lymphocytes as well as on the levels of CD8+ T cells. Stress and SP boosted the abortion rate and increased the percentage of type 1 [TNF-alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-12] and type 2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokine-producing lymphocytes in blood and decidua, predominantly CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, SP5-11 did not significantly affect the abortion rate or cytokine production in the decidua, while increasing the Th1 and Th2 cytokine production systemically. Our data suggest that stress and SP induce abortion by augmenting the local levels of TNF-alpha, which seems therefore to be a potent trigger of miscarriage. On the contrary, the SP metabolite SP5-11 only affects the systemic cytokine production without boosting the abortion rate in this experimental model.

Characterization of a 3.3-kb plasmid of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and evaluation of stability of genetically engineered derivatives of this plasmid expressing green fluorescence.

PubMed

Sharma, Vijay K; Stanton, Thaddeus B

2008-12-10

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 (strain 86-24) harbors a 3.3-kb plasmid (pSP70) that does not encode a selectable phenotype. A 1.1-kb fragment of DNA encoding kanamycin resistance (Kan(r)) was inserted by in vitro transposon mutagenesis at a random location on pSP70 to construct pSP70-Kan(r) that conferred Kan(r) to the host E. coli strain. Oligonucleotides complementary to 5' and 3' ends of the fragment encoding Kan(r) were used for initiating nucleotide sequencing from the plus and minus strands of pSP70, and thereafter primer walking was used to determine nucleotide sequence of pSP70. Analysis of nucleotide sequence revealed that pSP70 contained 3306 base pairs in its genome and that the genome was almost 100% identical to nucleotide sequences of small plasmids identified in EHEC O157:H7 isolates from Germany and Japan. A DNA cassette encoding a green fluorescent protein (GFP), ampicillin resistance (Amp(r)), and a double transcriptional terminator (DT) was cloned in pSP70 either at the BamHI site (created by deletion of mobA by PCR) or at the NsiI site located downstream of mobA to generate pSP70 DeltamobA-GFP/Amp(r)/DT (pSM431) and pSP70-GFP/Amp(r)/DT (pSM433), respectively. Introduction of pSM431 or pSM433 into EHEC O157:H7 yielded ampicillin-resistant colonies that glowed green under UV illumination. Consecutive subcultures of EHEC O157:H7, carrying pSM431 or pSM433 under conditions simulating the environment of bovine intestine (no selective antibiotic, incubation temperature of 39 degrees C, with or without oxygen), demonstrated that these plasmids were highly stable as greater than 95% of the isolates recovered from these subcultures were positive for green fluorescence. These findings indicate that EHEC O157:H7 carrying pSM431 or pSM433 would be useful for studying persistence and shedding of this important food-borne pathogen in cattle.

Heterobimetallic transition metal/rare earth metal bifunctional catalysis: a Cu/Sm/Schiff base complex for syn-selective catalytic asymmetric nitro-Mannich reaction.

PubMed

Handa, Shinya; Gnanadesikan, Vijay; Matsunaga, Shigeki; Shibasaki, Masakatsu

2010-04-07

The full details of a catalytic asymmetric syn-selective nitro-Mannich reaction promoted by heterobimetallic Cu/Sm/dinucleating Schiff base complexes are described, demonstrating the effectiveness of the heterobimetallic transition metal/rare earth metal bifunctional catalysis. The first-generation system prepared from Cu(OAc)(2)/Sm(O-iPr)(3)/Schiff base 1a = 1:1:1 with an achiral phenol additive was partially successful for achieving the syn-selective catalytic asymmetric nitro-Mannich reaction. The substrate scope and limitations of the first-generation system remained problematic. After mechanistic studies on the catalyst prepared from Sm(O-iPr)(3), we reoptimized the catalyst preparation method, and a catalyst derived from Sm(5)O(O-iPr)(13) showed broader substrate generality as well as higher reactivity and stereoselectivity compared to Sm(O-iPr)(3). The optimal system with Sm(5)O(O-iPr)(13) was applicable to various aromatic, heteroaromatic, and isomerizable aliphatic N-Boc imines, giving products in 66-99% ee and syn/anti = >20:1-13:1. Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of nemonapride is also demonstrated using the catalyst derived from Sm(5)O(O-iPr)(13).

ZrO2:Sm3+ nanophosphor: synthesis, Rietveld refinement, optical and thermoluminescent properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponkumar, S.; Janaki, K.; Prakashbabu, D.; Ramalingam, H. B.; Munirathnam, K.; Sreekanth, T. V. M.; Dhoble, S. J.

2018-02-01

We have synthesized undoped and Sm3+ ions doped ZrO2 nanophosphors by solution combustion method. These nanophosphors crystallized in cubic structure. Rietveld refinement of the samples was performed to estimate lattice parameters. Spherical particles with the sizes of 10-25 nm were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of samples were investigated. Under 400 nm excitation, the nanophosphors have intense red emission at 600 nm. The color coordinates (0.67, 0.33) were located in the red region of CIE diagram. TL properties of nanophosphors were studied by exposing the samples to γ-rays. 5 mol% Sm3+ doped ZrO2 nanophosphor has shown maximum TL intensity after γ-irradiation. To test suitability of the nanophosphors for practical application in dosimetry, the 5 mol% Sm3+ doped ZrO2 sample was irradiated by 14 MeV electron beam in various electron fluence ranging from 100 to 900 Gy and their TL response was recorded.

31 CFR 585.311 - Government of the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Government of the FRY (S&M). 585.311... General Definitions § 585.311 Government of the FRY (S&M). The term Government of the FRY (S&M) includes: (a) The state and the Government of the FRY (S&M), the Government of Serbia, and the Government of...

Synthesis, structural, photophysical and thermal studies of benzoate bridged Sm(III) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Udai P.; Kumar, Rajeev; Upreti, Shailesh

2007-04-01

One samarium coordination polymer (chain like) 1 with composition [{Sm(OBz) 3(MeO) 2} 2] n has been prepared from the reaction of SmCl 3 and sodium benzoate in 1:3 ratio whereas four binuclear samarium complexes with chemical composition [{(tp)Sm(μ- p-X-OBz) 2} 2] have been prepared by the reaction of SmCl 3, potassium hydrotris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate [K(tp)] and sodium p-X-benzoate (where X = H, Cl, F, NO 2) in 1:1:2 ratio. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, optical properties, X-ray and magnetic measurement studies. The X-ray structure shows that the complexes 2- 5 are isostructural whereas the structure of 1 is different. The coordination number around metal center in 1 is eight whereas in complexes 2- 5, each samarium is seven coordinate. The X-ray studies indicate that the complex 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2(1)/ c with the cell dimensions a = 9.75(7), b = 21.83(15), c = 22.28(15) Å, whereas the complexes 2 and 3 crystallizes isostructurally in the triclinic space group P1¯ with the cell dimension a = 11.77(10), b = 12.60(10), c = 17.57(13) Å and a = 9.55(3), b = 12.80(4), c = 14.47(5) Å, respectively. The samarium ions in 2 and 3 are coordinated by three N atoms of pyrazolylborate ligand and four O atoms from benzoate groups. The photophysical properties of above complexes have been studied with ultraviolet absorption, excitation and emission spectral studies. The complexes 1- 5 excited at 240 nm wavelength produced characteristic luminescence features, arising mostly due to the f-f transitions.

Gilded nanoparticles for plasmonically enhanced fluorescence in TiO2:Sm3+ sol-gel films

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Abstract Silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles were used for plasmonic enhancement of rare earth fluorescence in sol-gel-derived TiO2:Sm3+ films. Local enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence in the vicinity of separate gilded nanoparticles was revealed by a combination of dark field microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. An intensity enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence varies from 2.5 to 10 times depending on the used direct (visible) or indirect (ultraviolet) excitations. Analysis of fluorescence lifetimes suggests that the locally stronger fluorescence occurs because of higher plasmon-coupled direct absorption of exciting light by the Sm3+ ions or due to plasmon-assisted non-radiative energy transfer from the excitons of TiO2 host to the rare earth ions. PACS 78; 78.67.-n; 78.67.Bf PMID:24666921

Gilded nanoparticles for plasmonically enhanced fluorescence in TiO2:Sm3+ sol-gel films.

PubMed

Pikker, Siim; Dolgov, Leonid; Heinsalu, Siim; Mamykin, Sergii; Kiisk, Valter; Kopanchuk, Sergei; Lõhmus, Rünno; Sildos, Ilmo

2014-03-25

Silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles were used for plasmonic enhancement of rare earth fluorescence in sol-gel-derived TiO2:Sm3+ films. Local enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence in the vicinity of separate gilded nanoparticles was revealed by a combination of dark field microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. An intensity enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence varies from 2.5 to 10 times depending on the used direct (visible) or indirect (ultraviolet) excitations. Analysis of fluorescence lifetimes suggests that the locally stronger fluorescence occurs because of higher plasmon-coupled direct absorption of exciting light by the Sm3+ ions or due to plasmon-assisted non-radiative energy transfer from the excitons of TiO2 host to the rare earth ions. 78; 78.67.-n; 78.67.Bf.

LPS Increases 5-LO Expression on Monocytes via an Activation of Akt-Sp1/NF-κB Pathways.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Jin; Seo, Kyo Won; Kim, Chi Dae

2015-05-01

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) plays a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this study investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in 5-LO expression on monocytes induced by LPS. Stimulation of THP-1 monocytes with LPS (0~3 µg/ml) increased 5-LO promoter activity and 5-LO protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. LPS-induced 5-LO expression was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of the Akt pathway, but not by inhibitors of MAPK pathways including the ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways. In line with these results, LPS increased the phosphorylation of Akt, suggesting a role for the Akt pathway in LPS-induced 5-LO expression. In a promoter activity assay conducted to identify transcription factors, both Sp1 and NF-κB were found to play central roles in 5-LO expression in LPS-treated monocytes. The LPS-enhanced activities of Sp1 and NF-κB were attenuated by an Akt inhibitor. Moreover, the LPS-enhanced phosphorylation of Akt was significantly attenuated in cells pretreated with an anti-TLR4 antibody. Taken together, 5-LO expression in LPS-stimulated monocytes is regulated at the transcriptional level via TLR4/Akt-mediated activations of Sp1 and NF-κB pathways in monocytes.

Optical properties of Sm3+ -doped TeO2sbnd WO3sbnd GeO2 glasses for solid state lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subrahmanyam, T.; Gopal, K. Rama; Suvarna, R. Padma; Jamalaiah, B. Chinna; Rao, Ch Srinivasa

2018-03-01

Sm3+ -doped oxyfluoride tellurite-tungsten (TWGSm) glasses were prepared by conventional melt quenching method. The optical properties were investigated through photoluminescence excitation, emission and luminescence decay analysis. The optical band gap energy was determined as ∼3.425 eV for 1.0 mol% of Sm3+ -doped TWGSm glass. Upon 404 nm excitation, the TWGSm glasses emit luminescence through 4G5/2 → 6H5/2 (563 nm), 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 (600 nm), 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 (645 nm) and 4G5/2 → 6H11/2 (705 nm) transitions. The Judd-Ofelt analysis was performed using absorption spectrum and obtained radiative parameters were used to estimate the laser characteristics of present glasses. The concentration of Sm3+ has been optimized as 1.0 mol% for efficient luminescence. The luminescence decay of 4G5/2 emission level was studied by monitoring the emission and excitation wavelengths at 600 and 404 nm, respectively. The experimental lifetime of 4G5/2 level was decrease with increase of Sm3+ concentration. The 1.0 mol% of Sm3+ -doped TWGSm glass could be the best choice for solid state visible lasers to emit orange luminescence.

Quantitative approach to track lipase producing Pseudomonas sp. S1 in nonsterilized solid state fermentation.

PubMed

Sahoo, R K; Subudhi, E; Kumar, M

2014-06-01

Proliferation of the inoculated Pseudomonas sp. S1 is quantitatively evaluated using ERIC-PCR during the production of lipase in nonsterile solid state fermentation an approach to reduce the cost of enzyme production. Under nonsterile solid state fermentation with olive oil cake, Pseudomonas sp. S1 produced 57·9 IU g(-1) of lipase. DNA fingerprints of unknown bacterial isolates obtained on Bushnell Haas agar (BHA) + tributyrin exactly matched with that of Pseudomonas sp. S1. Using PCR-based enumeration, population of Pseudomonas sp. S1 was proliferated from 7·6 × 10(4) CFU g(-1) after 24 h to 4·6 × 10(8) CFU g(-1) after 96 h, which tallied with the maximum lipase activity as compared to control. Under submerged fermentation (SmF), Pseudomonas sp. S1 produced maximum lipase (49 IU ml(-1) ) using olive oil as substrate, while lipase production was 9·754 IU ml(-1) when Pseudomonas sp. S1 was grown on tributyrin. Optimum pH and temperature of the crude lipase was 7·0 and 50°C. Crude enzyme activity was 71·2% stable at 50°C for 360 min. Pseudomonas sp. S1 lipase was also stable in methanol showing 91·6% activity in the presence of 15% methanol, whereas 75·5 and 51·1% of activity were retained in the presence of 20 and 30% methanol, respectively. Thus, lipase produced by Pseudomonas sp. S1 is suitable for the production of biodiesel as well as treatment of oily waste water. This study presents the first report on the production of thermophilic organic solvent tolerant lipase using agro-industry waste in nonsterile solid state fermentation. Positive correlation between survival of Pseudomonas sp. S1 and lipase production under nonsterile solid state fermentation was established, which may emphasize the need to combine molecular tools and solid state fermentation in future studies. Our study brings new insights into the lipase production in cost-effective manner, which is an industrially relevant approach. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Synthesis of Tricyclo[4,3,1,0(1,5)]decane Core of Plumisclerin A Using Pauson-Khand Annulation and SmI2-Mediated Radical Cyclization.

PubMed

Chen, Ji-Peng; He, Wei; Yang, Zhen-Yu; Yao, Zhu-Jun

2015-07-17

An efficient synthesis of the tricyclo[4,3,1,0(1, 5)]decane core (B/C/D rings) of plumisclerin A, a unique cytotoxic marine diterpenoid, is described. A Pauson-Khand reaction and a SmI2-mediated radical 1,4-conjugate addition successfully served as key reactions for construction of the fully functionalized 5,6-fused rings and the highly strained cyclobutanol moiety with correct relative stereochemistries, respectively.

Substance P (SP) enhances CCL5-induced chemotaxis and intracellular signaling in human monocytes, which express the truncated neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)

PubMed Central

Chernova, Irene; Lai, Jian-Ping; Li, Haiying; Schwartz, Lynnae; Tuluc, Florin; Korchak, Helen M.; Douglas, Steven D.; Kilpatrick, Laurie E.

2009-01-01

Substance P (SP) is a potent modulator of monocyte/macrophage function. The SP-preferring receptor neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) has two forms: a full-length NK1R (NK1R-F) isoform and a truncated NK1R (NK1R-T) isoform, which lacks the terminal cytoplasmic 96-aa residues. The distribution of these receptor isoforms in human monocytes is not known. We previously identified an interaction among SP, NK1R, and HIV viral strains that use the chemokine receptor CCR5 as a coreceptor, suggesting crosstalk between NK1R and CCR5. The purpose of this study was to determine which form(s) of NK1R are expressed in human peripheral blood monocytes and to determine whether SP affects proinflammatory cellular responses mediated through the CCR5 receptor. Human peripheral blood monocytes were found to express NK1R-T but not NK1R-F. SP interactions with NK1R-T did not mobilize calcium (Ca2+), but SP mobilized Ca2+ when the NK1R-F was transfected into monocytes. However, the NK1R-T was functional in monocytes, as SP enhanced the CCR5 ligand CCL5-elicited Ca2+ mobilization, a response inhibited by the NK1R antagonist aprepitant. SP interactions with the NK1R-T also enhanced CCL5-mediated chemotaxis, which was ERK1/2-dependent. NK1R-T selectively activated ERK2 but increased ERK1 and ERK2 activation by CCL5. Activation of NK1R-T elicited serine phosphorylation of CCR5, indicating that crosstalk between CCL5 and SP may occur at the level of the receptor. Thus, NK1R-T is functional in human monocytes and activates select signaling pathways, and the NK1R-T-mediated enhancement of CCL5 responses does not require the NK1R terminal cytoplasmic domain. PMID:18835883

SmARF8, a transcription factor involved in parthenocarpy in eggplant.

PubMed

Du, Liming; Bao, Chonglai; Hu, Tianhua; Zhu, Qinmei; Hu, Haijiao; He, Qunyan; Mao, Weihai

2016-02-01

Parthenocarpic fruit is a very attractive trait for consumers and especially in eggplants where seeds can lead to browning of the flesh and bitterness. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying parthenocarpy in eggplant still remain unknown. Some auxin response factors have been previously shown in model species, such as Arabidopsis and tomato, to play an important role in such a process. Here, we have identified a natural parthenocarpic mutant and showed that ARF8 from eggplant (SmARF8), is down-regulated in buds compared to wild-type plants. Further characterization of SmARF8 showed that it is a nuclear protein and an active transcriptional regulator. We determined that amino acids 629-773 of SmARF8 act as the transcriptional activation domain, the C terminus of SmARF8 is the protein-binding domain, and that SmARF8 might form homodimers. Expression analysis in eggplant showed that SmARF8 is expressed ubiquitously in all tissues and organs and is responsive to auxin. Eggplant transgenic lines harboring RNA interference of SmARF8 exhibited parthenocarpy in unfertilized flowers, suggesting that SmARF8 negatively regulates fruit initiation. Interestingly, SmARF8-overexpressing Arabidopsis lines also induced parthenocarpy. These results indicate that SmARF8 could affect the dimerization of auxin/indole acetic acid repressors with SmARF8 via domains III and IV and thus induce fruit development. Furthermore, the introduction of SmARF8 full-length cDNA could partially complement the parthenocarpic phenotypes in Arabidopsis arf8-1 and arf8-4 mutants. Collectively, our results demonstrate that SmARF8 may act as a key negative regulator involved in parthenocarpic fruit development of eggplant. These findings give more insights into the conserved mechanisms leading to parthenocarpy in which auxin signaling plays a pivotal role, and provide potential target for eggplant breeding.

Effects of nanostructuring on luminescence properties of SrS:Ce,Sm phosphor: An experimental and phenomenological study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdanmehr, Mohsen; Sadeghi, Hossein; Tehrani, Masoud Kavosh; Hashemifar, Seyed Javad; Mahdavi, Mohammad

2018-01-01

In this work, we employ various experimental techniques to illustrate the effects of nanostructuring on improvement of the luminescence properties of the polycrystalline SrS co-activated by cerium and samarium dopants (SrS : Ce , Sm). The nano and microstructure SrS : Ce , Sm powders were synthesized by the co-precipitation and solid state diffusion methods, respectively, followed by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process to densify powders into pellet shape. It is observed that the photo-luminescence (PL), radio-luminescence (RL), and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) emission intensity of the nanostructure samples are significantly improved with respect to the microstructure samples. Moreover, by using an accurate photomultiplier tube, we measured the CW-OSL decay curves of the samples to demonstrate much higher and faster sensitivity of the nanostructure SrS : Ce , Sm for in-flight and online OSL radiation dosimetry. The obtained absorption and emission spectra are used for phenomenology of the electronic band structure of the SrS : Ce , Sm micro and nano-phosphors inside the band gap. The proposed phenomenological electronic structures are then used to clarify the role of Ce3+ and Sm3+ localized energy levels in the luminescence properties of the nano and microstructure samples. It is argued that electronic transitions from the 2T2g state of Ce3+ and the 4G5/2 state of Sm3+ have strong contribution to the PL and RL emission spectra, while in the OSL mechanism, the Sm3+ 4G5/2 state is mainly responsible for electrons trapping.

Genome Analysis of Fimbriiglobus ruber SP5T, a Planctomycete with Confirmed Chitinolytic Capability.

PubMed

Ravin, Nikolai V; Rakitin, Andrey L; Ivanova, Anastasia A; Beletsky, Alexey V; Kulichevskaya, Irina S; Mardanov, Andrey V; Dedysh, Svetlana N

2018-04-01

Members of the bacterial order Planctomycetales have often been observed in associations with Crustacea. The ability to degrade chitin, however, has never been reported for any of the cultured planctomycetes although utilization of N -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as a sole carbon and nitrogen source is well recognized for these bacteria. Here, we demonstrate the chitinolytic capability of a member of the family Gemmataceae , Fimbriiglobus ruber SP5 T , which was isolated from a peat bog. As revealed by metatranscriptomic analysis of chitin-amended peat, the pool of 16S rRNA reads from F. ruber increased in response to chitin availability. Strain SP5 T displayed only weak growth on amorphous chitin as a sole source of carbon but grew well with chitin as a source of nitrogen. The genome of F. ruber SP5 T is 12.364 Mb in size and is the largest among all currently determined planctomycete genomes. It encodes several enzymes putatively involved in chitin degradation, including two chitinases affiliated with the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family GH18, GH20 family β- N -acetylglucosaminidase, and the complete set of enzymes required for utilization of GlcNAc. The gene encoding one of the predicted chitinases was expressed in Escherichia coli , and the endochitinase activity of the recombinant enzyme was confirmed. The genome also contains genes required for the assembly of type IV pili, which may be used to adhere to chitin and possibly other biopolymers. The ability to use chitin as a source of nitrogen is of special importance for planctomycetes that inhabit N-depleted ombrotrophic wetlands. IMPORTANCE Planctomycetes represent an important part of the microbial community in Sphagnum -dominated peatlands, but their potential functions in these ecosystems remain poorly understood. This study reports the presence of chitinolytic potential in one of the recently described peat-inhabiting members of the family Gemmataceae , Fimbriiglobus ruber SP5 T This planctomycete uses

Effects of Sm addition on electromagnetic interference shielding property of Mg-Zn-Zr alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chubin; Pan, Fusheng; Chen, Xianhua; Luo, Ning

2017-06-01

The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of Sm-containing magnesium alloys in the 30-1500 MHz testing frequency range was investigated by coaxial cable method. The results demonstrated that Mg-3Zn alloys displayed the best electromagnetic shielding property. When 0.5 wt% of Zr was added for crystal grain refinement, the shielding effectiveness (SE) was apparently reduced. The addition of the rare earth element Sm in ZK magnesium alloys can improve the electromagnetic interference shielding of magnesium alloys. The main reason for the differences in electromagnetic interference shielding of magnesium alloys was the change in conductivity. The addition of Zr in Mg-Zn alloys can refine the grains and consequently improve the grain boundary area significantly. Therefore, the number of irregularly arranged atoms at the grain boundaries increased, decreasing the conductivity of magnesium alloys and leading to a decrease in the electromagnetic interference shielding. Following the Sm addition, the Mg-Zn-Sm phase was precipitated at the grain boundaries and in cores. The precipitation of Sm-containing rare earth phases could consume the solid-soluted Zn atoms within the Mg, resulting in an increase in electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding improvement.

Candida asparagi sp. nov., Candida diospyri sp. nov. and Candida qinlingensis sp. nov., novel anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast species.

PubMed

Lu, Hui-Zhong; Jia, Jian-Hua; Wang, Qi-Ming; Bai, Feng-Yan

2004-07-01

Among ascomycetous yeasts that were isolated from several nature reserve areas in China, three anamorphic strains isolated from soil (QL 5-5T) and fruit (QL 21-2T and SN 15-1T) were revealed, by conventional characterization and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer and large subunit (26S) rRNA gene D1/D2 region sequencing, to represent three novel species in the genus Candida. Candida qinlingensis sp. nov. (type strain, QL 5-5T=AS 2.2524T=CBS 9768T) was related closely to a teleomorphic species, Williopsis pratensis. The close relatives of Candida diospyri sp. nov. (type strain, QL 21-2T=AS 2.2525T=CBS 9769T) are Candida friedrichii and Candida membranifaciens. Candida asparagi sp. nov. (type strain, SN 15-1T=AS 2.2526T=CBS 9770T) forms a clade with Candida fructus.

Preparation of TbCu7-type Sm-Fe powders by low-temperature HDDR treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Kenta; Jinno, Miho; Ozaki, Kimihiro

2018-05-01

Low-temperature hydrogen-disproportionation-desorption-recombination (HDDR) treatment of Sm-Fe alloy powder was conducted to prepare a metastable TbCu7 type Sm-Fe alloy powder with a grain size of more than a few hundreds of nanometers. While a treatment temperature above 700 °C produced the familiar Th2Zn17 type alloy, one below 600 °C resulted in successful synthesis of the TbCu7 type Sm-Fe alloy with submicron-size grains. This TbCu7 type alloy powder, however, showed no significant improvement in magnetic properties compared to the Th2Zn17 type, as its composition was estimated to be near SmFe8.5 and thus did not achieve the expected Fe-rich composition. Therefore, cross-sectional transmission electron microscope observation of the unfinished TbCu7 type alloy powder was conducted in order to explore means of forming the Fe-rich phase.

Differences in nutrient uptake capacity of the benthic filamentous algae Cladophora sp., Klebsormidium sp. and Pseudanabaena sp. under varying N/P conditions.

PubMed

Liu, Junzhuo; Vyverman, Wim

2015-03-01

The N/P ratio of wastewater can vary greatly and directly affect algal growth and nutrient removal process. Three benthic filamentous algae species Cladophora sp., Klebsormidium sp. and Pseudanabaena sp. were isolated from a periphyton bioreactor and cultured under laboratory conditions on varying N/P ratios to determine their ability to remove nitrate and phosphorus. The N/P ratio significantly influenced the algal growth and phosphorus uptake process. Appropriate N/P ratios for nitrogen and phosphorus removal were 5-15, 7-10 and 7-20 for Cladophora sp., Klebsormidium sp. and Pseudanabaena sp., respectively. Within these respective ranges, Cladophora sp. had the highest biomass production, while Pseudanabaena sp. had the highest nitrogen and phosphorus contents. This study indicated that Cladophora sp. had a high capacity of removing phosphorus from wastewaters of low N/P ratio, and Pseudanabaena sp. was highly suitable for removing nitrogen from wastewaters with high N/P ratio. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrical conductivity optimization of the Na3AlF6-Al2O3-Sm2O3 molten salts system for Al-Sm intermediate binary alloy production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Chun-fa; Jiao, Yun-fen; Wang, Xu; Cai, Bo-qing; Sun, Qiang-chao; Tang, Hao

2017-09-01

Metal Sm has been widely used in making Al-Sm magnet alloy materials. Conventional distillation technology to produce Sm has the disadvantages of low productivity, high costs, and pollution generation. The objective of this study was to develop a molten salt electrolyte system to produce Al-Sm alloy directly, with focus on the electrical conductivity and optimal operating conditions to minimize the energy consumption. The continuously varying cell constant (CVCC) technique was used to measure the conductivity for the Na3AlF6-AlF3-LiF-MgF2-Al2O3-Sm2O3 electrolysis medium in the temperature range from 905 to 1055°C. The temperature ( t) and the addition of Al2O3 ( W(Al2O3)), Sm2O3 ( W(Sm2O3)), and a combination of Al2O3 and Sm2O3 into the basic fluoride system were examined with respect to their effects on the conductivity ( κ) and activation energy. The experimental results showed that the molten electrolyte conductivity increases with increasing temperature ( t) and decreases with the addition of Al2O3 or Sm2O3 or both. We concluded that the optimal operation conditions for Al-Sm intermediate alloy production in the Na3AlF6-AlF3-LiF-MgF2-Al2O3-Sm2O3 system are W(Al2O3) + W(Sm2O3) = 3wt%, W(Al2O3): W(Sm2O3) = 7:3, and a temperature of 965 to 995°C, which results in satisfactory conductivity, low fluoride evaporation losses, and low energy consumption.

Study on photoluminescence and energy transfer of Eu3+/Sm3+ single-doped and co-doped BaB8O13 phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lephoto, Mantwa A.; Tshabalala, Kamohelo G.; Motloung, Selepe J.; Ahemen, Iorkyaa; Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M.

2018-04-01

A series of Sm3+, Eu3+ and Eu3+- Sm3+ doped BaB8O13 were synthesized by using a solution combustion method. When excited at 394 nm, BaB8O13: Eu3+ emits red light, and the strongest peak was located at 614 nm, which is attributed to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+. BaB8O13: Sm3+ produced red-orange light, and the major emission peak was located at 596 nm under the 402 nm radiation excitation, which is assigned to the 4G5/2→6H7/2 transition of Sm3+. When excited at 402 nm, the PL emission intensity from BaB8O13: 0.05Eu3+; 0.005Sm3+ at 614 nm was enhanced considerably compared to that of the sample without Sm3+, suggesting that energy was transferred from Sm3+ to Eu3+. The Commission International de I‧Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of BaB8O13: 0.05Eu3+; 0.005Sm3+ powder phosphor (0.637, 0.362) are located in the red region indicating that the phosphor can serve as a source of red light in LEDs.

Sm2, a paralog of the Trichoderma cerato-platanin elicitor Sm1, is also highly important for plant protection conferred by the fungal-root interaction of Trichoderma with maize.

PubMed

Gaderer, Romana; Lamdan, Netta L; Frischmann, Alexa; Sulyok, Michael; Krska, Rudolf; Horwitz, Benjamin A; Seidl-Seiboth, Verena

2015-01-16

The proteins Sm1 and Sm2 from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma virens belong to the cerato-platanin protein family. Members of this family are small, secreted proteins that are abundantly produced by filamentous fungi with all types of life-styles. Some species of the fungal genus Trichoderma are considered as biocontrol fungi because they are mycoparasites and are also able to directly interact with plants, thereby stimulating plant defense responses. It was previously shown that the cerato-platanin protein Sm1 from T. virens - and to a lesser extent its homologue Epl1 from Trichoderma atroviride - induce plant defense responses. The plant protection potential of other members of the cerato-platanin protein family in Trichoderma, however, has not yet been investigated. In order to analyze the function of the cerato-platanin protein Sm2, sm1 and sm2 knockout strains were generated and characterized. The effect of the lack of Sm1 and Sm2 in T. virens on inducing systemic resistance in maize seedlings, challenged with the plant pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus, was tested. These plant experiments were also performed with T. atroviride epl1 and epl2 knockout strains. In our plant-pathogen system T. virens was a more effective plant protectant than T. atroviride and the results with both Trichoderma species showed concordantly that the level of plant protection was more strongly reduced in plants treated with the sm2/epl2 knockout strains than with sm1/epl1 knockout strains. Although the cerato-platanin genes sm1/epl1 are more abundantly expressed than sm2/epl2 during fungal growth, Sm2/Epl2 are, interestingly, more important than Sm1/Epl1 for the promotion of plant protection conferred by Trichoderma in the maize-C. heterostrophus pathosystem.

[Establishment of systemic lupus erythematosus-like murine model with Sm mimotope].

PubMed

Xie, Hong-Fu; Feng, Hao; Zeng, Hai-Yan; Li, Ji; Shi, Wei; Yi, Mei; Wu, Bin

2007-04-01

To establish systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) -like murine model by immunizing BALB/C mice with Sm mimotope. Sm mimotope was identified by screening a 12-mer random peptide library with monoclonal anti-Smith antibody. Sm mimotope was initially defined with sandwich ELISA, DNA sequencing, and deduced amino acid sequence; and BALB/C mice were subcutaneously injected with mixture phages clones. Sera Sm antibody, anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody, and antinuclear antibody (ANA) of mice were detected using direct immunofluorescence; kidney histological changes were examined by HE staining. Five randomly selected peptides were sequenced and the amino acid sequences IR, SQ, and PP were detected in a higher frequency. High-titer IgG autoantibodies of dsDNA, Sm, and ANA in the sera of experiment group were detected by ELISA 28 days after having been immunized by Sm mimotope. Proteinuria was detected 33 days later; immune complex and nephritis were observed in kidney specimens. SLE-like murine model can be successfully induced by Sm phage mimotope.

Genetic mapping and identification of quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum races 1 and 2 in watermelon

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fusarium wilt is a major disease of watermelon caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. f. sp. niveum (E.F. Sm.) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hans (Fon). Fon race 1 is most prevalent throughout the U.S. while race 2 is more virulent. Our overall objective is to identify and utilize ...

Effect of boron additions on phase formation and magnetic properties of TbCu7-type melt spun SmFe ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Chuanjiang; Yu, Dunbo; Li, Kuoshe; Luo, Yang; Jin, Jinling; Lu, Shuo; Li, Hongwei; Mao, Yongjun; Quan, Ningtao

2016-08-01

Melt spun ribbons of a series of SmFe12Bx (x=0.0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5) have been prepared by the melt spinning technique. Sm-Fe-B melt spun ribbons with single phase TbCu7-type structure were prepared from the SmFe12Bx (x=0.5, 0.75, and 1.0) alloys at the surface velocity around 40 m/s. The addition of boron not only inhibits the appearance of soft magnetic phase α-Fe, but also enhances the ability of amorphous formation for melt spun Sm-Fe ribbons. The concentration of boron atoms, however, exceeds the limit of the solubility (x>1.0) of Sm-Fe alloys, which does not impede the appearance of α-Fe but accelerates the formation of metastable phase Sm2Fe23B3 that is unfavorable to their magnetic properties. Moreover, it is found that the addition of boron whose concentration is 0.0≤x≤0.75 can stabilize the metastable TbCu7-type structure because of the increase of the lattice parameter ratio c/a. The magnetic properties of as-annealed SmFe12B1.0 melt spun ribbons with an energy product of 2.19MGOe, a coercivity of 2.36 kOe and a remanence of 4.8 kGs have been achieved. The microstructural characteristics of as-annealed melt spun SmFe12 and SmFe12B1.0 ribbons have been discussed as well. The following sequence of the hyperfine field H(6l)

Range Roads: Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-12-01

Natural Resources Conservation Service as Lakeland Series soils. Other surface soils found at Eglin include the Tifton and Troup Series (Albertson et...feet) USCS Class Clay (%) K-Factor Lakeland 0-40 SP-SM 1-8 0.17 40-80 SP, SP-SM 1-6 Tifton 0-16 SM 10-20 0.20 16-34 SM 13-22 34-60 SM...Revised Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4, Atlanta, GA . April 1998. Jelks, H. L. and K. A. Shawn, 1998. Draft Okaloosa Darter

Intermediate-valence state of the Sm and Eu in SmB6 and EuCu2Si2: neutron spectroscopy data and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savchenkov, P. S.; Alekseev, P. A.; Podlesnyak, A.; Kolesnikov, A. I.; Nemkovski, K. S.

2018-02-01

Magnetic neutron scattering data for Sm (SmB6, Sm(Y)S) and Eu (EuCu2Si2-x Ge x ) intermediate-valence compounds have been analysed in terms of a generalized model of the intermediate-radius exciton. Special attention is paid to the correlation between the average ion’s valence and parameters of the low-energy excitation in the neutron spectra, such as the resonance mode, including its magnetic form factor. Along with specific features of the formation of the intermediate-valence state for Sm and Eu ions, common physical mechanisms have been revealed for systems based on these elements from the middle of the rare-earth series. A consistent description of the existing experimental data has been obtained by using the concept of a loosely bound hole for the Eu f-electron shell in the intermediate-valence state, in analogy with the previously established loosely bound electron model for the Sm ion.

Intermediate-valence state of the Sm and Eu in SmB 6 and EuCu 2 Si 2 : neutron spectroscopy data and analysis

DOE PAGES

Savchenkov, P. S.; Alekseev, P. A.; Podlesnyak, A.; ...

2018-01-11

For this study, magnetic neutron scattering data for Sm (SmB 6, Sm(Y)S) and Eu (EuCu 2Si 2- x Ge x ) intermediate-valence compounds have been analysed in terms of a generalized model of the intermediate-radius exciton. Special attention is paid to the correlation between the average ion's valence and parameters of the low-energy excitation in the neutron spectra, such as the resonance mode, including its magnetic form factor. Along with specific features of the formation of the intermediate-valence state for Sm and Eu ions, common physical mechanisms have been revealed for systems based on these elements from the middle ofmore » the rare-earth series. A consistent description of the existing experimental data has been obtained by using the concept of a loosely bound hole for the Eu f-electron shell in the intermediate-valence state, in analogy with the previously established loosely bound electron model for the Sm ion.« less

Intermediate-valence state of the Sm and Eu in SmB 6 and EuCu 2 Si 2 : neutron spectroscopy data and analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Savchenkov, P. S.; Alekseev, P. A.; Podlesnyak, A.

For this study, magnetic neutron scattering data for Sm (SmB 6, Sm(Y)S) and Eu (EuCu 2Si 2- x Ge x ) intermediate-valence compounds have been analysed in terms of a generalized model of the intermediate-radius exciton. Special attention is paid to the correlation between the average ion's valence and parameters of the low-energy excitation in the neutron spectra, such as the resonance mode, including its magnetic form factor. Along with specific features of the formation of the intermediate-valence state for Sm and Eu ions, common physical mechanisms have been revealed for systems based on these elements from the middle ofmore » the rare-earth series. A consistent description of the existing experimental data has been obtained by using the concept of a loosely bound hole for the Eu f-electron shell in the intermediate-valence state, in analogy with the previously established loosely bound electron model for the Sm ion.« less

NESS06SM reduces body weight with an improved profile relative to SR141716A.

PubMed

Mastinu, Andrea; Pira, Marilena; Pinna, Gérard Aimè; Pisu, Carla; Casu, Maria Antonietta; Reali, Roberta; Marcello, Stefania; Murineddu, Gabriele; Lazzari, Paolo

2013-08-01

We have recently synthesized a new series of 4,5-dihydrobenzo-oxa-cycloheptapyrazole derivatives with the aim to discover novel CB1 antagonist agents characterized by anti-obesity activity comparable to that of SR141716A but with reduced adverse effects such as anxiety and depression. Within the novel class, the CB1 antagonist 8-chloro-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-piperidin-1-yl-4,5-dihydrobenzo-1H-6-oxa-cyclohepta(1,2-c)pyrazole-3-carboxamide (NESS06SM) has been selected as lead compound. We found that NESS06SM is a CB1 neutral antagonist, characterized by poor blood-brain barrier permeability. Moreover, NESS06SM chronic treatment determined both anti-obesity effect and cardiovascular risk factor improvement in C57BL/6N Diet Induced Obesity (DIO) mice fed with fat diet (FD mice). In fact, the mRNA gene expression in Central Nervous System (CNS) and peripheral tissues by real time PCR, showed a significant increase of orexigenic peptides and a decrease of anorexigenic peptides elicited by NESS06SM treatment, compared to control mice fed with the same diet. Moreover, in contrast to SR141716A treatment, the chronic administration of NESS06SM did not change mRNA expression of both monoaminergic transporters and neurotrophins highly related with anxiety and mood disorders. Our results suggest that NESS06SM reduces body weight and it can restore the disrupted expression profile of genes linked to the hunger-satiety circuit without altering monoaminergic transmission probably avoiding SR141716A side effects. Therefore the novel CB1 neutral antagonist could represent a useful candidate agent for the treatment of obesity and its metabolic complications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical studies of Sm³⁺ ions doped zinc alumino bismuth borate glasses.

PubMed

Swapna, K; Mahamuda, Sk; Srinivasa Rao, A; Shakya, S; Sasikala, T; Haranath, D; Vijaya Prakash, G

2014-05-05

Zinc Alumino Bismuth Borate (ZnAlBiB) glasses doped with different concentrations of samarium (Sm(3+)) ions were prepared by using melt quenching technique and characterized for their lasing potentialities in visible region by using the techniques such as optical absorption, emission and emission decay measurements. Radiative properties for various fluorescent levels of Sm(3+) ions were estimated from absorption spectral information using Judd-Ofelt (JO) analysis. The emission spectra and con-focal photoluminescence images obtained by 410 nm laser excitation demonstrates very distinct and intense orange-red emission for all the doped glasses. The suitable concentration of Sm(3+) ions in these glasses to act as an efficient lasing material has been discussed by measuring the emission cross-section and branching ratios for the emission transitions. The quantum efficiencies were also been estimated from emission decay measurements recorded for the (4)G5/2 level of Sm(3+) ions. From the measured emission cross-sections, branching ratios, strong photoluminescence features and CIE chromaticity coordinates, it was found that 1 mol% of Sm(3+) ions doped ZnAlBiB glasses are most suitable for the development of visible orange-red lasers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Peering Through a Martian Veil: ALHA84001 Sm-Nd Age Revisited

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, Laurence E.; Shih, Chi-Yu

2013-01-01

The ancient Martian orthopyroxenite ALH84001experienced a complex history of impact and aqueous alteration events. Here we summarize Sm-147-Nd-143 and Sm-146-Nd-142 analyses performed at JSC. Further, using REE data, we model the REE abundance pattern of the basaltic magma parental to ALH84001 cumulus orthopyroxene. We find the Sm-146-Nd-142 isotopic data to be consistent with isotopic evolution in material having the modeled Sm/Nd ratio from a time very close to the planet's formation to igneous crystallization of ALH84001 as inferred from the Sm-Nd studies.

Purification of the spliced leader ribonucleoprotein particle from Leptomonas collosoma revealed the existence of an Sm protein in trypanosomes. Cloning the SmE homologue.

PubMed

Goncharov, I; Palfi, Z; Bindereif, A; Michaeli, S

1999-04-30

Trans-splicing in trypanosomes involves the addition of a common spliced leader (SL) sequence, which is derived from a small RNA, the SL RNA, to all mRNA precursors. The SL RNA is present in the cell in the form of a ribonucleoprotein, the SL RNP. Using conventional chromatography and affinity selection with 2'-O-methylated RNA oligonucleotides at high ionic strength, five proteins of 70, 16, 13, 12, and 8 kDa were co-selected with the SL RNA from Leptomonas collosoma, representing the SL RNP core particle. Under conditions of lower ionic strength, additional proteins of 28 and 20 kDa were revealed. On the basis of peptide sequences, the gene coding for a protein with a predicted molecular weight of 11.9 kDa was cloned and identified as homologue of the cis-spliceosomal SmE. The protein carries the Sm motifs 1 and 2 characteristic of Sm antigens that bind to all known cis-spliceosomal uridylic acid-rich small nuclear RNAs (U snRNAs), suggesting the existence of Sm proteins in trypanosomes. This finding is of special interest because trypanosome snRNPs are the only snRNPs examined to date that are not recognized by anti-Sm antibodies. Because of the early divergence of trypanosomes from the eukaryotic lineage, the trypanosome SmE protein represents one of the primordial Sm proteins in nature.

Robust ferromagnetism in the compressed permanent magnet Sm2Co17

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeffries, J. R.; Veiga, L. S. I.; Fabbris, G.; Haskel, D.; Huang, P.; Butch, N. P.; McCall, S. K.; Holliday, K.; Jenei, Z.; Xiao, Y.; Chow, P.

2014-09-01

The compound Sm2Co17 displays magnetic properties amenable to permanent magnet applications owing to both the 3d electrons of Co and the 4f electrons of Sm. The long-standing description of the magnetic interactions between the Sm and Co ions implies a truly ferromagnetic configuration, but some recent calculations challenge this axiom, suggesting at least a propensity for ferrimagnetic behavior. We have used high-pressure synchrotron x-ray techniques to characterize the magnetic and structural properties of Sm2Co17 to reveal a robust ferromagnetic state. The local Sm moment is at most weakly affected by compression, and the ordered moments show a surprising resilience to volumetric compressions of nearly 20%. Density functional theory calculations echo the magnetic robustness of Sm2Co17.

A single phase, red emissive Mg2SiO4:Sm3+ nanophosphor prepared via rapid propellant combustion route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, Ramachandra; Prashantha, S. C.; Nagabhushana, H.; Sharma, S. C.; Nagaswarupa, H. P.; Anantharaju, K. S.; Nagabhushana, B. M.; Premkumar, H. B.; Girish, K. M.

2015-04-01

Mg2SiO4:Sm3+ (1-11 mol%) nanoparticles were prepared by a rapid low temperature solution combustion route. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns exhibit orthorhombic structure with α-phase. The average crystallite size estimated using Scherer's method, W-H plot and strain-size plots were found to be in the range 25-50 nm and the same was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures show porous structure and crystallites were agglomerated. The effect of Sm3+ cations on luminescence of Mg2SiO4 was well studied. Interestingly the samples could be effectively excited with 315 nm and emitted light in the red region, which was suitable for the demands of high efficiency WLEDs. The emission spectra consists of four main peaks which can be assigned to the intra 4-f orbital transitions of Sm3+ ions 4G5/2 → 6H5/2 (576 nm), 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 (611 nm), 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 (656 nm) and 4G5/2 → 6H11/2 (713 nm). The optimal luminescence intensity was obtained for 5 mol% Sm3+ ions. The CIE (Commission International de I'Eclairage) chromaticity co-ordinates were calculated from emission spectra, the values (0.588, 0.386) were close to the NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) standard value of red emission. Coordinated color temperature (CCT) was found to be 1756 K. Therefore optimized Mg2SiO4:Sm3+ (5 mol%) phosphor was quite useful for solid state lighting.

Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, and Mn-Cr Ages of Yamato 74013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C.- Y.; Reese, Y.D.

2009-01-01

Yamato 74013 is one of 29 paired diogenites having granoblastic textures. The Ar-39 - Ar-40 age of Y-74097 is approximately 1100 Ma. Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd analyses of Y-74013, -74037, -74097, and -74136 suggested that multiple young metamorphic events disturbed their isotopic systems. Masuda et al. reported that REE abundances were heterogeneous even within the same sample (Y-74010) for sample sizes less than approximately 2 g. Both they and Nyquist et al. reported data for some samples showing significant LREE enrichment. In addition to its granoblastic texture, Y-74013 is characterized by large, isolated clots of chromite up to 5 mm in diameter. Takeda et al. suggested that these diogenites originally represented a single or very small number of coarse orthopyroxene crystals that were recrystallized by shock processes. They further suggested that initial crystallization may have occurred very early within the deep crust of the HED parent body. Here we report the chronology of Y-74013 as recorded in chronometers based on long-lived Rb-87 and Sm-147, intermediate- lived Sm-146, and short-lived Mn-53.

Analogies between respiration and a light-driven proton pump as sources of energy for active glutamate transport in Halobacterium halobium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belliveau, J. W.; Lanyi, J. K.

1977-01-01

Halobacterium halobium is known to contain sheets of bacteriorhodopsin, a pigment which upon exposure to light undergoes cyclic protonation and deprotonation, resulting in net H(+) translocation. In this paper, experiments were conducted to test H. halobium cell envelope vesicles for respiration-induced glutamate uptake. It is shown that glutamate transport in H. halobium cell envelope vesicles can occur as a result of respiration, as well as light acting on bacteriorhodopsin. Glutamate transport can be energized by the oxidation of dimethyl phenylenediamine, and the properties of the transport system are entirely analogous to those observed with illumination as the source of energy. In the case of respiration-dependent glutamate transport, the transportation is also driven by a Na(+) gradient, thereby confirming the existence of a single glutamate transport system independent of the source of energy. The analogy observed is indirect evidence that the cytochrome oxidase of H. halobium functions as a H(+) pump.

Endophytic fungus Purpureocillium sp. A5 protect mangrove plant Kandelia candel under copper stress.

PubMed

Gong, Bin; Liu, Guixiang; Liao, Rquan; Song, Jingjing; Zhang, Hong

Mangrove is an important ecosystem in the world. Mangrove ecosystems have a large capacity in retaining heavy metals, and now they are usually considered as sinks for heavy metals. However, the mechanism of why the soil of mangrove ecosystems can retain heavy metal is not certain. In this research, endophytic fungus Purpureocillium sp. A5 was isolated and identified from the roots of Kandelia candel. When this fungus was added, it protected the growth of K. candel under Cu stress. This can be illustrated by analyzing chlorophyll A and B, RWC and WSD to leaves of K. candel. Purpureocillium sp. A5 reduces uptake of Cu in K. candel and changes the pH characterization of soil. Furthermore, A5 increase the concentration of Cu complexes in soil, and it enhanced the concentration of carbonate-bound Cu, Mn-Fe complexes Cu and organic-bound Cu in soil. Nevertheless, a significant reduction of the Cu ion was noted among A5-treated plants. This study is significant and illustrates a promising potential use for environmental remediation of endophytes, and also may partially explain the large capacity of mangrove ecosystems in retaining heavy metals. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and luminescence characterization of Y2 BaZnO5 :RE (RE = Eu3+ , Tb3+ , Pr3+ and Sm3+ ) phosphors.

PubMed

Taikar, D R; Joshi, C P; Moharil, S V

2017-09-01

Modified synthesis and luminescence of Y 2 BaZnO 5 phosphors activated with the rare earths (RE) Eu 3 + , Tb 3 + , Pr 3 + and Sm 3 + are reported. RE 2 BaZnO 5 phosphors have attracted attention because of their interesting magnetic and optical properties; and are usually prepared using a two-step solid-state reaction. In the first step, carbonates or similar precursors are thoroughly mixed and heated at 900°C to decompose them to oxides. To eliminate the unwanted phases like BaRE 2 O 4 , the resulting powders are reheated at 1100°C for a long time. We prepared Y 2 BaZnO 5 phosphors activated with various activators by replacing the first step with combustion synthesis. The photoluminescence results are presented. The photoluminescence results for Eu 3 + , Tb 3 + and Pr 3 + are in good agreement with the literature. However, photoluminescence emission from Sm 3 + has not been documented previously. The excitation spectrum of Eu 3 + is dominated by a charge transfer band around 261 nm, and an additional band around 238 nm is always present, irrespective of the type of activator. The presence of this band for all these different types of activators was interpreted as host absorption. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Spectroscopic studies of Sm3+ ions activated lithium lead alumino borate glasses for visible luminescent device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deopa, Nisha; Rao, A. S.

2017-10-01

Photoluminescence (PL) characterization of Lithium Lead Alumino Borate (LiPbAlB) glasses doped with Sm3+ ions at varying concentrations have been studied by using absorption, excitation, emission, time resolved and confocal image measurements. From the absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters were evaluated and in turn used to estimate various radiative parameters for the fluorescent levels of Sm3+ ion doped LiPbAlB glasses. The PL spectra of Sm3+ ions exhibit three emission bands corresponding to the transitions 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2 and 6H9/2, for which the emission cross-sections and branching ratios were evaluated to know the potentialities of these materials as visible luminescent devices. The decay spectral profiles measured for 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition level were used to estimate quantum efficiency of the as-prepared glasses. The non-exponential decay curves observed for higher Sm3+ ion concentrations were well fitted to Inokuti-Hirayama model to understand the predominant energy transfer mechanism involved in the as-prepared glasses. CIE chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperatures (CCT) were evaluated to understand the utility of the titled glasses in cool white light generation. The confocal images captured under 405 nm CW laser excitation show intense reddish-orange color. From the evaluated radiative parameters, emission cross-sections, quantum efficiency, CIE co-ordinates, CCT temperatures and confocal images, it was observed that LiPbAlB glass with 0.5 mol% Sm3+ ions are more suitable for w-LEDs and reddish-orange luminescent device applications.

Anti-skin-aging benefits of exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans SM2001.

PubMed

Kim, Kyung Hu; Park, Soo Jin; Lee, Ji Eun; Lee, Young Joon; Song, Chang Hyun; Choi, Seong Hun; Ku, Sae Kwang; Kang, Su Jin

2014-01-01

There have been many attempts to search for affordable and effective functional cosmetic ingredients, especially from natural sources. As research into developing a functional cosmetic ingredient, we investigated whether exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans SM2001 (E-AP-SM2001) exert antioxidant, antiwrinkle, whitening, and skin moisturizing effects. Antioxidant effects of E-AP-SM2001 were determined by measuring free radical scavenging capacity and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. Antiwrinkle effects were assessed through the inhibition of hyaluronidase, elastase, collagenase, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1. Whitening effects were measured by tyrosinase inhibition assay, and by melanin formation test in B16/F10 melanoma cells. Skin moisturizing effects were detected by mouse skin water content test. E-AP-SM2001 showed potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and SOD-like effects. Additionally, hyaluronidase, elastase, collagenase, and MMP-1 activities were significantly inhibited by E-AP-SM2001. We also observed that E-AP-SM2001 effectively reduced melanin production by B16/F10 melanoma cells and mushroom tyrosinase activities. Furthermore, significant increases in skin water content were detected in E-AP-SM2001- treated mouse skin, as compared with vehicle-treated control skin. Notably, a mask pack containing E-AP-SM2001 showed a >twofold more extensive moisturizing effect compared with one containing Saccharomycopsis ferment filtrate. Our results suggest that E-AP-SM2001 has adequate antiaging, antiwrinkle, and whitening benefits and skin moisturizing effect. These effects involve reducing hyaluronidase, elastase, collagenase, and MMP-1 activities, as well as inhibition of melanin production and tyrosinase activities. Therefore, the antioxidant E-AP-SM2001 may serve as a predictable functional ingredient.

Structural and optical studies on Sm3+ ions doped bismuth fluoroborate glasses for visible laser applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariyappan, M.; Suthanthirakumar, P.; Arunkumar, S.; Marimuthu, K.

2018-04-01

A new series of Sm3+ doped bismuth fluoroborate glasses have been prepared following the melt quenching technique with the chemical composition (55-x)B2O3+15BiF3+15CaF2+15NaF+xSm2O3 (where x = 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 in wt%). The structural analysis was made by recording XRD, SEM and EDAX spectra. The XRD pattern reveals the amorphous nature and EDAX confirms the presence of elements in the titled glasses. The optical properties have been explored through recording NIR absorption, photoluminescence spectra. Radiative properties such as transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section (σp) and branching ratio (βR) for the 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2 emission levels were determined. The luminescence quenching for the prominent 4G5/2→6H7/2 emission transition have been observed while increasing the Sm3+ ions concentration beyond 0.5wt%. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the present glasses lay in the orange-red region thus indicates its suitability for the reddish-orange emission.

Facile in-situ reduction: Crystal growth and magnetic studies of reduced vanadium (III/IV) silicates CaxLn1-xVSiO5 (Ln = Ce-Nd, Sm-Lu, Y)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abeysinghe, Dileka; Smith, Mark D.; Morrison, Gregory; Yeon, Jeongho; zur Loye, Hans-Conrad

2018-04-01

A series of lanthanide containing mixed-valent vanadium (III/IV) silicates of the type CaxLn1-xVSiO5 (Ln = Ce-Nd, Sm-Lu, Y) was synthesized as high quality single crystals from a molten chloride eutectic flux, BaCl2/NaCl. Utilizing Ca metal as the reducing agent, an in-situ reduction of V5+ to V3+/4+ as well as of Ce4+ to Ce3+ was achieved. The structures of 14 reported isostructural compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. They crystallize in the tilasite (CaMgAsO4F) structure type in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The extended structure contains 1D chains of VO6 octahedra that are connected to each other via SiO4 groups and (Ca/Ln)O7 polyhedra. The magnetic susceptibility and the field dependent magnetization data were measured for CaxLn1-xVSiO5 (Ln = Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Lu, Y), and support the existence of antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures.

147Sm-143Nd systematics of Earth are inconsistent with a superchondritic Sm/Nd ratio

PubMed Central

Huang, Shichun; Jacobsen, Stein B.; Mukhopadhyay, Sujoy

2013-01-01

The relationship between the compositions of the Earth and chondritic meteorites is at the center of many important debates. A basic assumption in most models for the Earth’s composition is that the refractory elements are present in chondritic proportions relative to each other. This assumption is now challenged by recent 142Nd/144Nd ratio studies suggesting that the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) might have an Sm/Nd ratio 6% higher than chondrites (i.e., the BSE is superchondritic). This has led to the proposal that the present-day 143Nd/144Nd ratio of BSE is similar to that of some deep mantle plumes rather than chondrites. Our reexamination of the long-lived 147Sm-143Nd isotope systematics of the depleted mantle and the continental crust shows that the BSE, reconstructed using the depleted mantle and continental crust, has 143Nd/144Nd and Sm/Nd ratios close to chondritic values. The small difference in the ratio of 142Nd/144Nd between ordinary chondrites and the Earth must be due to a process different from mantle-crust differentiation, such as incomplete mixing of distinct nucleosynthetic components in the solar nebula. PMID:23479630

Radioluminescence and optical studies of gadolinium calcium phosphate oxyfluoride glasses doped with Sm3+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meejitpaisan, P.; Insiripong, S.; Kedkaew, C.; Kim, H. J.; Kaewkhao, J.

2017-08-01

Sm3+-doped gadolinium calcium phosphate oxyfluoride glasses have been synthesized and investigated their optical, photo and radioluminescence properties. The glasses were prepared by melt quenching technique at 1400 °C. The characteristic absorption bands of Sm3+ ions originating from the 6H5/2 ground state and occurring absorbed photon in visible light (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) region with clearly observed from absorption spectra. From the photoluminescence (PL), the glasses showed the emission at 561 (4G5/2→6H5/2), 598 (4G5/2→6H7/2), 644 (4G5/2→6H9/2) and 705 nm (4G5/2→6H11/2). The radioluminescence (RL), emission spectra were corresponding to those from PL measurements. From RL measurement, the integral scintillation efficiency of developed glass was determined at 43% when compared with BGO crystal.

SpIES: The Spitzer IRAC Equatorial Survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timlin, John D.; Ross, Nicholas P.; Richards, Gordon, T.; Lacy, Mark; Ryan, Erin L.; Stone, Robert B.; Bauer, Franz, E.; Brandt, W. N.; Fan, Xiaohui; Glikman, Eilat;

Phase composition of lipoprotein SM/cholesterol/PtdCho affects FA specificity of sPLA2s.

PubMed

Kuksis, Arnis; Pruzanski, Waldemar

2008-10-01

We have previously reported preferential release of polyunsaturated FAs during hydrolysis of lipoprotein phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) by group X secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and preferential release of oligounsaturated FAs during hydrolysis of lipoprotein PtdCho by group V sPLA2, but the mechanism of this selectivity has remained unknown. We now show that the rate and specificity of hydrolysis are affected by relative increases in endogenous SM and free cholesterol (FC) during the lipase digestion. The highest preference for arachidonate release from LDL and HDL by group X sPLA2 was observed for residual SM/PtdCho molar ratio of 1.2 and 0.4, compared with the respective starting ratios of 0.4 and 0.2, as measured by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Group V sPLA2 showed preferential release of linoleate from LDL and HDL at SM/PtdCho ratio 1.5 and 0.6, respectively. We have attributed the change in FA specificity to segregation of molecular species of PtdCho and of sPLA2s between disordered and ordered SM/FC/PtdCho lipid phases. The increases in SM and FC during digestion with group IIA sPLA2 were more limited, and a preferential hydrolysis of any FAs was not observed. The significance of SM and FC SM and FC accumulation during sPLA2 hydrolysis of lipoprotein PtdCho has been previously overlooked.

Guided ion beam and theoretical studies of the bond energy of SmS+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armentrout, P. B.; Demireva, Maria; Peterson, Kirk A.

2017-12-01

Previous work has shown that atomic samarium cations react with carbonyl sulfide to form SmS+ + CO in an exothermic and barrierless process. To characterize this reaction further, the bond energy of SmS+ is determined in the present study using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry. Reactions of SmS+ with Xe, CO, and O2 are examined. Results for collision-induced dissociation processes with all three molecules along with the endothermicity of the SmS+ + CO → Sm+ + COS exchange reaction are combined to yield D0(Sm+-S) = 3.37 ± 0.20 eV. The CO and O2 reactions also yield a SmSO+ product, with measured endothermicities that indicate D0(SSm+-O) = 3.73 ± 0.16 eV and D0(OSm+-S) = 1.38 ± 0.27 eV. The SmS+ bond energy is compared with theoretical values characterized at several levels of theory, including CCSD(T) complete basis set extrapolations using all-electron basis sets. Multireference configuration interaction calculations with explicit spin-orbit calculations along with composite thermochemistry using the Feller-Peterson-Dixon method and all-electron basis sets were also explored for SmS+, and for comparison, SmO, SmO+, and EuO.

Guided ion beam and theoretical studies of the bond energy of SmS.

PubMed

Armentrout, P B; Demireva, Maria; Peterson, Kirk A

2017-12-07

Previous work has shown that atomic samarium cations react with carbonyl sulfide to form SmS + + CO in an exothermic and barrierless process. To characterize this reaction further, the bond energy of SmS + is determined in the present study using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry. Reactions of SmS + with Xe, CO, and O 2 are examined. Results for collision-induced dissociation processes with all three molecules along with the endothermicity of the SmS + + CO → Sm + + COS exchange reaction are combined to yield D 0 (Sm + -S) = 3.37 ± 0.20 eV. The CO and O 2 reactions also yield a SmSO + product, with measured endothermicities that indicate D 0 (SSm + -O) = 3.73 ± 0.16 eV and D 0 (OSm + -S) = 1.38 ± 0.27 eV. The SmS + bond energy is compared with theoretical values characterized at several levels of theory, including CCSD(T) complete basis set extrapolations using all-electron basis sets. Multireference configuration interaction calculations with explicit spin-orbit calculations along with composite thermochemistry using the Feller-Peterson-Dixon method and all-electron basis sets were also explored for SmS + , and for comparison, SmO, SmO + , and EuO.

Magnetic properties of Sm-Co thin films grown on MgO(100) deposited from a single alloy target

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Verhagen, T. G. A.; Boltje, D. B.; Ruitenbeek, J. M. van

2014-08-07

We have grown epitaxial Sm-Co thin films by sputter deposition from a single alloy target with a nominal SmCo{sub 5} composition on Cr(100)-buffered MgO(100) single-crystal substrates. By varying the Ar gas pressure, we can change the composition of the film from a SmCo{sub 5}-like to a Sm{sub 2}Co{sub 7}-like phase. The composition, crystal structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of these films have been determined using Rutherford Backscattering, X-ray diffraction, and magnetization measurements. We find that we can grow films with, at room temperature, coercive fields as high as 3.3 T, but with a remanent magnetization which is lower than can bemore » expected from the texturing. This appears to be due to the Sm content of the films, which is higher than expected from the content of the target, even at the lowest possible sputtering pressures. Moreover, we find relatively large variations of film properties using targets of nominally the same composition. At low temperatures, the coercive fields increase, as expected for these hard magnets, but in the magnetization, we observe a strong background signal from the paramagnetic impurities in the MgO substrates.« less

Superconductivity in Sm-doped CaFe2As2 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong-Yun, Chen; Bin-Bin, Ruan; Jia, Yu; Qi, Guo; Xiao-Chuan, Wang; Qing-Ge, Mu; Bo-Jin, Pan; Tong, Liu; Gen-Fu, Chen; Zhi-An, Ren

2016-06-01

In this article, the Sm-doping single crystals Ca1 - x Sm x Fe2As2 (x = 0 ˜ 0.2) were prepared by the CaAs flux method, and followed by a rapid quenching treatment after the high temperature growth. The samples were characterized by structural, resistive, and magnetic measurements. The successful Sm-substitution was revealed by the reduction of the lattice parameter c, due to the smaller ionic radius of Sm3+ than Ca2+. Superconductivity was observed in all samples with onset T c varying from 27 K to 44 K upon Sm-doping. The coexistence of a collapsed phase transition and the superconducting transition was found for the lower Sm-doping samples. Zero resistivity and substantial superconducting volume fraction only happen in higher Sm-doping crystals with the nominal x > 0.10. The doping dependences of the c-axis length and onset T c were summarized. The high-T c observed in these quenched crystals may be attributed to simultaneous tuning of electron carriers doping and strain effect caused by lattice reduction of Sm-substitution. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11474339), the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos. 2010CB923000 and 2011CBA00100), and the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB07020100).

Amino acid sequences of ribosomal proteins S11 from Bacillus stearothermophilus and S19 from Halobacterium marismortui. Comparison of the ribosomal protein S11 family.

PubMed

Kimura, M; Kimura, J; Hatakeyama, T

1988-11-21

The complete amino acid sequences of ribosomal proteins S11 from the Gram-positive eubacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus and of S19 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui have been determined. A search for homologous sequences of these proteins revealed that they belong to the ribosomal protein S11 family. Homologous proteins have previously been sequenced from Escherichia coli as well as from chloroplast, yeast and mammalian ribosomes. A pairwise comparison of the amino acid sequences showed that Bacillus protein S11 shares 68% identical residues with S11 from Escherichia coli and a slightly lower homology (52%) with the homologous chloroplast protein. The halophilic protein S19 is more related to the eukaryotic (45-49%) than to the eubacterial counterparts (35%).

Photoluminescence properties of a new orange–red emitting Sm{sup 3+}-doped Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15} phosphor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deng, Huajuan; Zhao, Ze; Wang, Jing

2015-08-15

A series of novel Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:xSm{sup 3+} ( (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) phosphors for white light-emitting (W-LEDs) were successfully prepared by the solid state reaction technology at 973 K for 12 h. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The emission spectra of the Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm{sup 3+} ions centered at 565 nm, 605 nm, 650 nm, and 712 nm. The strongest one is located at 605 nm due to {sup 4}G{sub 5/2}–{sup 6}H{sub 7/2}more » transition of Sm{sup 3+}, generating bright orange–red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm{sup 3+} ions in Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:xSm{sup 3+} is around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Sm{sup 3+} is calculated as 23.32 Å. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:0.05Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were located in the orange reddish region. The Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes. - Graphical abstract: The excitation spectrum of Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} is composed of a broad band and some sharp f–f transitions. Under 407 nm excitation, the phosphor presents some sharp emission peaks of Sm{sup 3+} ions. - Highlights: • An orange–red emitting Y{sub 2}Mo{sub 4}O{sub 15}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor has been firstly synthesized. • Their structures, luminescent properties have also been investigated. • The optical absorption edge for the molybdate lies around 325 nm. • The CIE chromaticity coordinates were located in the orange reddish region.« less

Role of SM22 in the differential regulation of phasic vs. tonic smooth muscle

PubMed Central

Ali, Mehboob

2015-01-01

Preliminary proteomics studies between tonic vs. phasic smooth muscles identified three distinct protein spots identified to be those of transgelin (SM22). The latter was found to be distinctly downregulated in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) vs. rectal smooth muscle (RSM) SMC. The major focus of the present studies was to examine the differential molecular control mechanisms by SM22 in the functionality of truly tonic smooth muscle of the IAS vs. the adjoining phasic smooth muscle of the RSM. We monitored SMC lengths before and after incubation with pFLAG-SM22 (for SM22 overexpression), and SM22 small-interfering RNA. pFLAG-SM22 caused concentration-dependent and significantly greater relaxation in the IAS vs. the RSM SMCs. Conversely, temporary silencing of SM22 caused contraction in both types of the SMCs. Further studies revealed a significant reverse relationship between the levels of SM22 phosphorylation and the amount of SM22-actin binding in the IAS and RSM SMC. Data showed higher phospho-SM22 levels and decreased SM22-actin binding in the IAS, and reverse to be the case in the RSM SMCs. Experiments determining the mechanism for SM22 phosphorylation in these smooth muscles revealed that Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor) but not Gö-6850 (protein kinase C inhibitor) caused concentration-dependent decreased phosphorylation of SM22. We speculate that SM22 plays an important role in the regulation of basal tone via Rho kinase-induced phosphorylation of SM22. PMID:25617350

Capsaicin sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis through Sp1-mediated DR5 up-regulation: Involvement of Ca{sup 2+} influx

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moon, Dong-Oh; Kang, Chang-Hee; Kang, Sang-Hyuck

2012-02-15

Although tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in various malignant cells, several cancers including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibit potent resistance to TRAIL-induced cell death. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-cancer potential of capsaicin in TRAIL-induced cancer cell death. As indicated by assays that measure phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial activity and activation of caspases, capsaicin potentiated TRAIL-resistant cells to lead to cell death. In addition, we found that capsaicin induces the cell surface expression of TRAIL receptor DR5, but not DR4 through the activation Sp1 on its promoter region. Furthermore, we investigated that capsaicin-induced DR5more » expression and apoptosis are inhibited by calcium chelator or inhibitors for calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Taken together, our data suggest that capsaicin sensitizes TRAIL-mediated HCC cell apoptosis by DR5 up-regulation via calcium influx-dependent Sp1 activation. Highlights: ► Capsaicin sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis through activation of caspases. ► Capsaicin induces expression of DR5 through Sp1 activation. ► Capsaicin activates calcium signaling pathway.« less

Can Autism Spectrum Disorders and Social Anxiety Disorders Be Differentiated by the Social Responsiveness Scale in Children and Adolescents?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cholemkery, Hannah; Mojica, Laura; Rohrmann, Sonja; Gensthaler, Angelika; Freitag, Christine M.

2014-01-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as social phobia (SP), and selective mutism (SM) are characterised by impaired social interaction. We assessed the validity of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) to differentiate between ASD, and SP/SM. Raw scores were compared in 6-18 year old individuals with ASD (N = 60), SP (N = 38), SM (N = 43), and…

Can autism spectrum disorders and social anxiety disorders be differentiated by the social responsiveness scale in children and adolescents?

PubMed

Cholemkery, Hannah; Mojica, Laura; Rohrmann, Sonja; Gensthaler, Angelika; Freitag, Christine M

2014-05-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as social phobia (SP), and selective mutism (SM) are characterised by impaired social interaction. We assessed the validity of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) to differentiate between ASD, and SP/SM. Raw scores were compared in 6-18 year old individuals with ASD (N = 60), SP (N = 38), SM (N = 43), and typically developed (N = 42). Sensitivity and specificity were examined. The three disorders showed overlapping SRS scores. Especially in boys with SM (ROC-AUC = .81), presence of ASD was overestimated by the SRS. A combination of three disorder specific questionnaires resulted in marginally improved diagnostic accuracy. For the clinically very relevant differential diagnosis of SP/SM, SRS results must be interpreted with caution.

Experimental geochemistry of Pu and Sm and the thermodynamics of trace element partitioning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, John H.; Burnett, Donald S.

1987-01-01

An experimental study of the partitioning of Pu and Sm between diopside/liquid and whitlockite/liquid supports the hypothesis that Pu behaves as a light rare earth element during igneous processes in reducing environments. D-Pu/D-Sm is found to be about 2 for both diopsidic pyroxene and whitlockite, and the amount of fractionation would be decreased further if Pu were compared to Ce or Nd. Data indicate that temperature, rather than melt composition, is the most important control on elemental partitioning, and that P2O5 in aluminosilicate melts serves as a complexing agent for the actinides and lanthanides.

Laser ablation U-Th-Sm/He dating of detrital apatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guest, B.; Pickering, J. E.; Matthews, W.; Hamilton, B.; Sykes, C.

2016-12-01

Detrital apatite U-Th-Sm/He thermochronology has the potential to be a powerful tool for conducting basin thermal history analyses as well as complementing the well-established detrital zircon U-Pb approach in source to sink studies. A critical roadblock that prevents the routine application of detrital apatite U-Th-Sm/He thermochronology to solving geological problems is the costly and difficult whole grain approach that is generally used to obtain apatite U-Th-Sm/He data. We present a new analytical method for laser ablation thermochronology on apatite. Samples are ablated using a Resonetics™ 193 nm excimer laser and liberated 4He is measured using an ASI (Australian Scientific Instruments) Alphachron™ quadrupole mass spectrometer system; collectively known as the Resochron™. The ablated sites are imaged using a Zygo ZescopeTM optical profilometer and ablated pit volume measured using PitVol, a custom MatLabTM algorithm. The accuracy and precision of the method presented here was confirmed using well-characterized Durango apatite and Fish Canyon Tuff (FCT) apatite reference materials, with Durango apatite used as a primary reference and FCT apatite used as a secondary reference. The weighted average of our laser ablation Durango ages (30.5±0.35 Ma) compare well with ages obtained using conventional whole grain degassing and dissolution U-Th-Sm/He methods (32.56±0.43 Ma) (Jonckheere et.al., 1 993; Farley, 2000; McDowell et.al., 2005) for chips of the same Durango crystal. These Durango ages were used to produce a K-value to correct the secondary references and unknown samples. After correction, FCT apatite has a weighted average age of 28.37 ± 0.96 Ma, which agrees well with published ages. As a further test of this new method we have conducted a case study on a set of samples from the British Mountains of the Yukon Territory in NW Canada. Sandstone samples collected across the British Mountains were analyzed using conventional U-Th-Sm/He whole grain

High-Performance Epoxy-Resin-Bonded Magnets Produced from the Sm2Fe17Nx Powders Coated by Copper and Zinc Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noguchi, Kenji; Machida, Ken-ichi; Adachi, Gin-ya

2001-04-01

Fine powders of Sm2Fe17Nx coated with copper metal reduced from CuCl2 and/or zinc metal subsequently derived by photo-decomposition of diethylzinc [Zn(C2H5)2] were prepared, and their magnetic properties were characterized in addition to those of epoxy-resin-bonded magnets produced from the coated powders (Cu/Sm2Fe17Nx, Zn/Sm2Fe17Nx and Zn/Cu/Sm2Fe17Nx). The remanence (Br) and maximum energy product [(\\mathit{BH})max] of double metal-coated Zn/Cu/Sm2Fe17Nx powders were maintained at higher levels than those of single Zn metal-coated Sm2Fe17Nx ones (Zn/Sm2Fe17Nx) even after heat treatment at 673 K since the oxidation resistance and thermal stability were effectively improved by formation of the thick and uniform protection layer on the surface of Sm2Fe17Nx particles. Moreover, the epoxy-resin-bonded magnets produced from the Zn/Cu/Sm2Fe17Nx powders possessed good corrosion resistance in air at 393 K which it resulted in the smaller thermal irreversible flux loss than that of uncoated and single Zn metal-coated Sm2Fe17Nx powders in the temperature range of above 393 K.

Thermogravimetric and Magnetic Studies of the Oxidation and Reduction Reaction of SmCoO3 to Nanostructured Sm2O3 and Co

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Brian; Cichocki, Ronald; Poirier, Gerald; Unruh, Karl

The SmCoO3 to nanostructured Sm2O3 and Co oxidation and reduction reaction has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements in forming gas (FG) and inert N2 atmospheres, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The TGA measurements showed two clearly resolvable reduction processes when heating in FG, from the initial SmCoO3 phase through an intermediate nanostructured mixture of Sm2O3 and CoO when heated to 330°C for several minutes, and then the conversion of CoO to metallic Co when heated above 500°C. These phases were confirmed by XRD and VSM. Similar measurements in N2 yielded little mass change below 900°C and coupled reduction processes at higher temperatures. Isoconversional measurements of the CoO to Co reduction reaction in FG yielded activation energies above 2eV/atom in the nanostructured system. This value is several times larger than those reported in the literature or obtained by similar measurements of bulk mixtures of Sm2O3 and CoO, suggesting the nanostructuring was the source of the large increase in activation energy.

Quantification of metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 receptors in the brain by an equilibrium method using 18F-SP203.

PubMed

Kimura, Yasuyuki; Siméon, Fabrice G; Zoghbi, Sami S; Zhang, Yi; Hatazawa, Jun; Pike, Victor W; Innis, Robert B; Fujita, Masahiro

2012-02-01

A new PET ligand, 3-fluoro-5-(2-(2-(18)F-(fluoromethyl)-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)benzonitrile (18F-SP203) can quantify metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 receptors (mGluR5) in human brain by a bolus injection and kinetic modeling. As an alternative approach to a bolus injection, binding can simply be measured as a ratio of tissue to metabolite-corrected plasma at a single time point under equilibrium conditions achieved by administering the radioligand with a bolus injection followed by a constant infusion. The purpose of this study was to validate the equilibrium method as an alternative to the standard kinetic method for measuring 18F-SP203 binding in the brain. Nine healthy subjects were injected with 18F-SP203 using a bolus plus constant infusion for 300 min. A single ratio of bolus-to-constant infusion (the activity of bolus equaled to that of infusion over 219 min) was applied to all subjects to achieve equilibrium in approximately 120 min. As a measure of ligand binding, we compared total distribution volume (VT) calculated by the equilibrium and kinetic methods in each scan. The equilibrium method calculated VT by the ratio of radioactivity in the brain to the concentration of 18F-SP203 in arterial plasma at 120 min, and the kinetic method calculated VT by a two-tissue compartment model using brain and plasma dynamic data from 0 to 120 min. VT obtained via the equilibrium method was highly correlated with VT obtained via kinetic modeling. Inter-subject variability of VT obtained via the equilibrium method was slightly smaller than VT obtained via the kinetic method. VT obtained via the equilibrium method was ~10% higher than VT obtained via the kinetic method, indicating a small difference between the measurements. Taken together, the results of this study show that using the equilibrium method is an acceptable alternative to the standard kinetic method when using 18F-SP203 to measure mGluR5. Although small differences in the measurements obtained via the

Spectroscopic properties of Sm3 + ions doped Alkaliborate glasses for photonics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagaraj, R.; Suthanthirakumar, P.; Vijayakumar, R.; Marimuthu, K.

2017-10-01

A new series of Sm3 + doped alkaliborate glasses have been prepared by melt quenching technique and their structural and spectroscopic properties were analysed employing XRD, FTIR, optical absorption, photoluminescence and decay spectral measurements in order to explore their suitability for photonic applications. The amorphous nature have been confirmed through XRD analysis and the FTIR spectra reveal the presence of fundamental stretching and bending vibrations of the borate networks in the prepared glasses. From the absorption peak positions, bonding parameter (δ) values were calculated to examine the nature of the metal-ligand bond. The optical band gap (Eopt) corresponds to the direct and indirect allowed transitions and the Urbach energies (ΔE) were calculated from the absorption spectra to understand the electronic band structure of the studied glasses. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4 and 6) were determined to explore the symmetry of the ligand environment around the Sm3 + ions in the studied glasses. The luminescence spectra exhibit four emission bands in the visible region due to the 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2 and 6H11/2 transitions. The radiative parameters such as transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section (σPE), branching ratios (βR) and radiative lifetime (τR) have been determined from the luminescence spectra using JO theory to ensure the suitability of the studied glasses for optoelectronic applications. The luminescence spectra were characterized through CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram to examine the dominant emission color of the studied glasses. The lifetime values of the Sm3 + doped studied glasses pertaining to the 4G5/2 excited level have been determined through decay curve measurements and the non-exponential decay curves were fitted to the Inokuti-Hirayama model to analyze the energy transfer mechanism between the nearby Sm3 + ions. The obtained results were discussed and compared with the

Structural and relaxor-like dielectric properties of unfilled tungsten bronzes Ba{sub 5−5x}Sm{sub 5x}Ti{sub 5x}Nb{sub 10−5x}O{sub 30}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wei, T., E-mail: weitong.nju@gmail.com, E-mail: weitong-nju@163.com; Dong, Z.; Zhou, Q. J.

2016-03-28

New unfilled tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) oxides, Ba{sub 5−5x}Sm{sub 5x}Ti{sub 5x}Nb{sub 10−5x}O{sub 30} (BSTN-x), where 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.35, have been synthesized in this work. Their crystal structure was determined and analyzed based on Rietveld structural refinement. It is found that single TTB phase can be formed in a particular x range (i.e., 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) due to the competition interaction between tolerance factor and electronegativity difference. Furthermore, dielectric and ferroelectric results indicate that phase transitions and ferroelectric states are sensitive to x. Referring to the local chemistry, we suggest that the raise of vacancies at the A{sub 2}-site compared with that of A{sub 1}-sitemore » will intensely depress the normal ferroelectric phase and is in favor of relaxor ferroelectric state. Macroscopically, previous A-site size difference standpoint on fill TTB compounds cannot give a reasonable explanation about the variation of dielectric maximum temperature (T{sub m}) for present BSTN-x compounds. Alternatively, tetragonality (c/a) is adopted which can well describe the variation of T{sub m} in whole x range. In addition, one by one correspondence between tetragonality and electrical features can be found, and the compositions involving high c/a are usually stabilized in normal ferroelectric phase. It is believed that c/a is a more appropriate parameter to illustrate the variation of ferroelectric properties for unfilled TTB system.« less

Prominent spectral features of Sm3+ ion in disordered zinc tellurite glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanko, Y. A.; Sahar, M. R.; Ghoshal, S. K.

Trivalent rare earth doped glasses with modified spectroscopic features are essential for solid state lasers and diverse photonic applications. Glass composition optimisation may fulfil such demand. Stimulating the spectral properties of samarium (Sm3+) ions in tellurite glass host with desired enhancement is the key issue. Glasses with composition (80 - x)TeO2-20ZnO-(x)Sm2O3, where 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1.5 mol% are prepared using melt quenching method. The role of varying Sm3+ contents to improving the absorption and emission properties of the prepared glasses are determined. XRD pattern verifies amorphous nature of synthesised glasses. FTIR spectroscopy has been used to observe the structural modification of (TeO4) trigonal bipyramid structural units. DTA traces display prominent transition peaks for glass transition, crystallisation and melting temperature. Samples are discerned to be stable with desired Hruby parameter and superior glass forming ability. The UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra reveals nine peaks centred at 470, 548, 947, 1085, 1238, 1385, 1492, 1550 and 1589 nm. These bands arise due to 6H5/2 → 4I11/2, 4G5/2, 6F11/2, 6F9/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 6H15/2 and 6F1/2 transitions, respectively. The direct, indirect band gap and Urbach energy calculated from the absorption edge of UV-Vis-NIR spectra are found to appear within (2.75-3.18) eV, (3.22-3.40) eV, and (0.20-0.31) eV, respectively. The observed increase in refractive index from 2.45 to 2.47 is ascribed to the generation of non-bridging oxygen atoms via the conversion of TeO4 into TeO3 units. Conversely the decrease in refractive index to 2.39 is attributed to the lower ionic radii (1.079 Å) of Sm3+. PL spectra under the excitation of 452 nm display four emission bands centred at 563, 600, 644 and 705 nm corresponding to 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2 and 6H11/2 transitions of samarium ions. Excellent features of the results nominate these compositions towards prospective applications.

Structural, optical absorption and photoluminescence spectral studies of Sm3+ ions in Alkaline-Earth Boro Tellurite glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siva Rama Krishna Reddy, K.; Swapna, K.; Mahamuda, Sk.; Venkateswarlu, M.; Srinivas Prasad, M. V. V. K.; Rao, A. S.; Prakash, G. Vijaya

2018-05-01

Sm3+ ions doped Alkaline-Earth Boro Tellurite (AEBT) glasses were prepared by using conventional melt quenching technique and characterized using the spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, optical absorption, emission and decay spectral measurements to understand their utility in optoelectronic devices. From absorption spectra, the bonding parameters, nephelauxetic ratios were determined to know the nature of bonding between Sm3+ ions and its surrounding ligands. From the measured oscillator strengths, the Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters were evaluated and in turn used to estimate various radiative parameters for the fluorescent levels of Sm3+ ions in AEBT glasses. The PL spectra of Sm3+ ions exhibit three emission bands corresponding to the transitions 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2 and 6H9/2 in the visible region for which the emission cross-sections and branching ratios were evaluated. The decay spectral profiles measured for 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition showed single exponential for lower concentration and non-exponential for higher concentration of doped rare earth ion in the as prepared glasses. Conversion of decay spectral profiles from single to non-exponential have been analyzed using Inokuti-Hirayama (I-H) model to understand the energy transfer mechanism involved in the decay process. CIE Chromaticity coordinates were measured using emission spectral data to identify the exact region of emission from the as-prepared glasses. From the evaluated radiative parameters, emission cross-sections and quantum efficiencies, it was observed that AEBT glass with 1 mol% of Sm3+ ions is more suitable for designing optoelectronic devices.

Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr Ages for Northwest Africa 2977, A Young Lunar Gabbro from the PKT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C.-Y.; Reese, Y. D.; Irving, A. J.

2009-01-01

Northwest Africa (NWA) 2977 is an olivine gabbro cumulate equivalent to one of the lithologies in lunar mare breccia NWA 773 [1,2,3]. The Ar-39-Ar-40 age is 2.77+/-0.04 Ga based on the last approx.57% of the gas release [4], similar to results for NWA 773 [5]. A Sm-Nd age (T) of 2.865+/-0.031 Ga and Epsilon(sub Nd) = -7.84+/-0.22 for the NWA 773 gabbro reported by [6] has been revised to T = 2.993+/-=0.032 Ga, Epsilon(sub Nd) -4.5+/-0.3 [7]. Sm-147-Nd-143 isochron for NWA 2977: Whole rock, pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase, whole rock leachate (approx.phosphate) and the combined leachates from the mineral separates yield a well defined Sm-Nd isochron for an age T = 3.10+/-0.05 Ga and Epsilon(sub Nd-CHUR) = -3.74+/-0.26 [8], or Epsilon(sub Nd-HEDR) = -4.61+/-0.26 [9]. Rb-87-Sr-87 isochron: NWA 2977 contains only a modest amount of Rb and/or Sr contamination. The Sr-isotopic composition of the contaminant closely resembles that of seawater. The whole rock residue after leaching combined with leach residues for plagioclase and pyroxene define an isochron age of 3.29+/-0.11 Ga for initial Sr-87/Sr-86 = 0.70287+/-18. The olivine residue, with lower Sr abundance of approx 1.5 ppm, is only slightly displaced from the isochron. The relatively small uncertainties of the Rb-Sr isochron parameters and near-concordancy with the Sm-Nd age indicate that both the Rb-Sr and the Sm-Nd ages are reliable.

Cooling rate dependence of structural order in Al90Sm10 metallic glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yang; Zhang, Yue; Zhang, Feng; Ye, Zhuo; Ding, Zejun; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Ho, Kai-Ming

2016-07-01

The atomic structure of Al90Sm10 metallic glass is studied using molecular dynamics simulations. By performing a long sub-Tg annealing, we developed a glass model closer to the experiments than the models prepared by continuous cooling. Using the cluster alignment method, we found that "3661" cluster is the dominating short-range order in the glass samples. The connection and arrangement of "3661" clusters, which define the medium-range order in the system, are enhanced significantly in the sub-Tg annealed sample as compared with the fast cooled glass samples. Unlike some strong binary glass formers such as Cu64.5Zr35.5, the clusters representing the short-range order do not form an interconnected interpenetrating network in Al90Sm10, which has only marginal glass formability.

New Sm(III) complexes as electronic-excitation donors of the Seta-632 squaraine dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorova, A. V.; Leonenko, I. I.; Aleksandrova, D. I.; Skripinets, Yu. V.; Antonovich, V. P.; Obukhova, E. N.; Patsenker, L. D.

2015-07-01

We have found optimal formation conditions of new Sm(III) chelate complexes with derivatives of oxoquinolinecarboxylic acid ( L 1 and L 2) and determined their spectral-luminescent characteristics (the luminescence and luminescence excitation wavelength maxima and the luminescence lifetimes). We have revealed that the Seta-632 squaraine dye (a fluorescent label of proteins and other biological molecules) quenches the luminescence of complexes Sm(III)- L 1 and Sm(III)- L 2. The quenching of chelate complexes is caused by the Förster resonant electronic-excitation energy transfer (FRET) from the donor (Sm(III)- L 1 or Sm(III)- L 2) to the acceptor (Seta-632). In this case, the luminescence intensity of the Seta-632 dye in the presence of Sm(III)- L 1 and Sm(III)- L 2 increases by factors of 64 and 27, respectively. The values of the Förster radii ( R 0(Sm- L1) = 38 Å, R 0(Sm- L2) = 35 Å) and the overlap integrals of the luminescence spectra of the two energy donors with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor ( J Sm- L1 = 1.22 × 1012 M-1 cm-1 nm4 and J Sm- L2 = 1.06 × 1012 M-1 cm-1 nm4), which have been calculated from the luminescence quantum intensity of the donors and from the absorption spectrum of the acceptor and its molar absorption coefficient, have made it possible to characterize the Seta-632 dye as an efficient quencher of the luminescence of Sm(III) ions. We are the first to propose Sm(III)- L 1 and Sm(III)- L 2 chelate complexes as FRET donors.

Evaluation of children with selective mutism and social phobia: a comparison of psychological and psychophysiological arousal.

PubMed

Young, Brennan J; Bunnell, Brian E; Beidel, Deborah C

2012-07-01

Although children with social phobia (SP) and selective mutism (SM) present similarly in a clinical setting, it remains unclear whether children with SM are unable to speak due to overwhelming anxiety, or whether withholding speech functions as an avoidance mechanism. A total of 35 children (ages 5-12 years) with either SM (n = 10), SP (n = 11), or no diagnosis (n = 14) participated in the current study. Measurements included clinician, child, and parent ratings as well as behavioral observations and psychophysiological measures. Independent evaluators and clinicians rated children with SM as more severely impaired, more anxious, and less socially effective, but the groups did not differ in self- or parent-reported anxiety. Psychophysiological measures indicated that children in the SM group experienced less arousal than other children during social interaction tasks. The authors postulate that lack of speech may serve as an avoidance mechanism and thus account for this lack of arousal.

Low temperature Mössbauer spectroscopic studies on Sm3+ doped Zn-Mn ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagadeesha Angadi, V.; Kubrin, S. P.; Sarychev, D. A.; Matteppanavar, Shidaling; Rudraswamy, B.; Liu, Hsiang-Lin; Praveena, K.

2017-11-01

For the first time, we report on the low temperature Mössbauer spectroscopic study of Zn2+0.5Mn2+0.5Sm3+xFe3+2-xO4 (where x = 0.01-0.05) prepared by the modified solution combustion method using a mixture of urea and glucose as a fuel. The Mössbauer spectroscopy at room and low temperatures was applied to understand the magnetic properties of the samples. The room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy results suggest that the occupation of the octahedral sites by Sm3+ ions leads to the distortion enhancement of 57Fe nuclei environments, which leads to an increase in quadrupole splitting Δ values of D2 and D3 doublets. The low temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy results indicate that the presence of Sm3+ ions in the octahedron sites causes the decrease in the number of Fe-O-Fe chains. The transformation of Mössbauer spectra doublets into Zeeman sextets is accompanied by a significant decrease in the magnitude IM of Mössbauer spectra intensity within the 0-1.2 mm/s velocity range normalized to its value at 300 K. This drop in the temperature dependence of IM allows one to obtain the magnetic phase transition temperature TM from the Mössbauer experiment.

The Sm-Nd history of KREEP. [in lunar rocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lugmair, G. W.; Carlson, R. W.

1978-01-01

Sm-Nd whole rock measurements on a variety of KREEP-rich samples from different landing sites are reported. Despite a variation of Nd and Sm concentrations of almost a factor of 3, the Sm-Nd ratios, as well as the Nd-143/Nd-144 values, show an extremely close grouping. No systematic differences between samples from different landing sites are resolved. These results are taken to be indicative of a moon-wide process having been responsible for the generation of the KREEP source reservoir, 4.36 plus or minus 0.06 AE ago, as estimated from model age calculation.

Mixed Messages from Garnet Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd Geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vervoort, J. D.; Wang, D.; Johnson, T. A.

2017-12-01

Garnet geochronology provides important information on the timing and conditions of metamorphism. As a major indicator mineral formed during metamorphism, its direct dating can not only help establish the timing of metamorphism, provide the "t" for P-T-t paths, but also, if the dated garnet can be placed in a textural context, can provide information on the timing of deformational features. With advances in chemistry and mass spectrometry, garnet Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd geochronology has become an important geochronological tool and we can now reliably (if not routinely) date a wide variety of garnet compositions formed under diverse conditions. In the course of dating a variety of lithologies using both Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotope systems, however, some intriguing results have emerged. Although there are many examples where the Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd systems give the same date within uncertainty, there are also many cases where these systems yield significantly different dates, and the differences between these dates can be considerable—many 10's of Ma of and even 100's of Ma. For example, in garnet-bearing Mesoproterozoic gneisses from across the Blue Ridge Province in Virginia, both Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd analyses (determined on the same solutions) define narrow time spans, but with the Sm-Nd dates systematically younger (for orthogneisses Lu-Hf dates are 1032 to 1019 Ma whereas Sm-Nd dates are 965 to 949 Ma—a difference of 67 to 80 Ma). There are many other examples of systematically younger Sm-Nd garnet dates in both the literature and with our ongoing research. Potential explanations for these differences include: 1) strong partitioning of Lu into garnet during growth yielding ages weighted toward the beginning of growth; 2) faster Lu diffusion from high Lu regions after garnet formation, potentially leading to isochron rotation and anomalously old Lu-Hf dates; and 3) differences in closure temperatures of the two isotope systems. We will review several examples of divergent Lu

31 CFR 585.314 - Goods and services originating in the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., grown, or processed within the FRY (S&M); (b) Goods which have entered into the commerce of the FRY (S&M... FRY (S&M). 585.314 Section 585.314 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and... HERZEGOVINA SANCTIONS REGULATIONS General Definitions § 585.314 Goods and services originating in the FRY (S&M...

The effect of heat treatment on the performance of the Ni/(Zr-Sm oxide) catalysts for carbon dioxide methanation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Hiroyuki; Izumiya, Koichi; Kumagai, Naokazu; Hashimoto, Koji

2011-07-01

The active catalysts for methane formation from the gas mixture of CO 2 + 4H 2 with almost 100% methane selectivity were prepared by reduction of the oxide mixture of NiO and ZrO 2 prepared by calcination of aqueous ZrO 2 sol with Sm(NO 3) 3 and Ni(NO 3) 2. The 50 at%Ni-50 at%(Zr-Sm oxide) catalyst consisting of 50 at%Ni-50 at%(Zr + Sm) with Zr/Sm = 5 calcined at 650 or 800 °C showed the highest activity for methanation. The active catalysts were Ni supported on tetragonal ZrO 2, and the activity for methanation increased by an increase in inclusion of Sm 3+ ions substituting Zr 4+ ions in the tetragonal ZrO 2 lattice as a result of an increase in calcination temperature. However, the increase in calcination temperature decreased BET surface area, metal dispersion and hydrogen uptake due to grain growth. Thus, the optimum calcination temperature existed.

Bacterial cellulose production by Gluconacetobacter sp. PKY5 in a rotary biofilm contactor.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Jun; Kim, Jin-Nam; Wee, Young-Jung; Park, Don-Hee; Ryu, Hwa-Won

2007-04-01

A rotary biofilm contactor (RBC) inoculated with Gluconacetobacter sp. RKY5 was used as a bioreactor for improved bacterial cellulose production. The optimal number of disk for bacterial cellulose production was found to be eight, at which bacterial cellulose and cell concentrations were 5.52 and 4.98 g/L. When the aeration rate was maintained at 1.25 vvm, bacterial cellulose and cell concentrations were maximized (5.67 and 5.25 g/L, respectively). The optimal rotation speed of impeller in RBC was 15 rpm. When the culture pH in RBC was not controlled during fermentation, the maximal amount of bacterial cellulose (5.53 g/L) and cells (4.91 g/L) was obtained. Under the optimized culture conditions, bacterial cellulose and cell concentrations in RBC reached to 6.17 and 5.58 g/L, respectively.

Bacterial Cellulose Production by Gluconacetobacter sp. RKY5 in a Rotary Biofilm Contactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yong-Jun; Kim, Jin-Nam; Wee, Young-Jung; Park, Don-Hee; Ryu, Hwa-Won

A rotary biofilm contactor (RBC) inoculated with Gluconacetobacter sp. RKY5 was used as a bioreactor for improved bacterial cellulose production. The optimal number of disk for bacterial cellulose production was found to be eight, at which bacterial cellulose and cell concentrations were 5.52 and 4.98 g/L. When the aeration rate was maintained at 1.25 vvm, bacterial cellulose and cell concentrations were maximized (5.67 and 5.25 g/L, respectively). The optimal rotation speed of impeller in RBC was 15 rpm. When the culture pH in RBC was not controlled during fermentation, the maximal amount of bacterial cellulose (5.53 g/L) and cells (4.91 g/L) was obtained. Under the optimized culture conditions, bacterial cellulose and cell concentrations in RBC reached to 6.17 and 5.58 g/L, respectively.

Quaternary rare-earth sulfides RE{sub 3}M{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7} (RE=La–Nd, Sm; M=Co, Ni) and Y{sub 3}Pd{sub 0.5}SiS{sub 7}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iyer, Abishek K.; Yin, Wenlong; Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900

The two metal-deficient series of quaternary Ge-containing sulfides RE{sub 3}M{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7} (RE = La–Nd, Sm; M = Co, Ni), as well as the related Si-containing sulfide Y{sub 3}Pd{sub 0.5}SiS{sub 7}, were prepared by reactions of the elements at 1050 °C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis performed on all compounds confirmed noncentrosymmetric hexagonal structures (space group P6{sub 3}, Z =2) with cell parameters in the ranges of a =10.0–10.3 Å and c =5.7–5.8 Å for RE{sub 3}Co{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7} and RE{sub 3}Ni{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7}, or a =9.7891(3) Å and c =5.6840(4) Å for Y{sub 3}Pd{sub 0.5}SiS{sub 7}. They are classified asmore » La{sub 3}Mn{sub 0.5}SiS{sub 7}-type structures, with M atoms centred within octahedra (in contrast to La{sub 3}CuSiS{sub 7}-type structures in which M atoms occupy trigonal planar sites) and Ge atoms centred within tetrahedra, both types of polyhedra being arranged in one-dimensional stacks aligned along the c-direction. Charge balance requirements dictate half-occupancy of the M sites. However, bond valence sum arguments indicated that the M atoms are somewhat underbonded within these octahedral sites, so that there is evidence that in some compounds, they can also enter the trigonal planar site at low occupancy (~5%). Magnetic measurements on RE{sub 3}Co{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7} (RE = Ce, Pr, Sm) revealed paramagnetic behaviour for the Ce and Pr members and apparent antiferromagnetic ordering (T{sub N} =14 K) for the Sm member; fitting to the Curie-Weiss law gave effective magnetic moments consistent with the presence of RE{sup 3+} and Co{sup 2+} species. Band structure calculations on ordered models of La{sub 3}M{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7} (M = Co, Ni) showed that the Fermi level cuts through M 3d states in the DOS curve and supported the presence of strong M–S and Ge–S bonding interactions. - Graphical abstract: RE{sub 3}M{sub 0.5}GeS{sub 7} (M = Co, Ni) and Y{sub 3}Pd{sub 0.5}SiS{sub 7} contain M atoms partially

Isolation and characterization of styrene metabolism genes from styrene-assimilating soil bacteria Rhodococcus sp. ST-5 and ST-10.

PubMed

Toda, Hiroshi; Itoh, Nobuya

2012-01-01

Styrene metabolism genes were isolated from styrene-assimilating bacteria Rhodococcus sp. ST-5 and ST-10. Strain ST-5 had a gene cluster containing four open reading frames which encoded styrene degradation enzymes. The genes showed high similarity to styABCD of Pseudomonas sp. Y2. On the other hand, strain ST-10 had only two genes which encoded styrene monooxygenase and flavin oxidoreductase (styAB). Escherichia coli transformants possessing the sty genes of strains ST-5 and ST-10 produced (S)-styrene oxide from styrene, indicating that these genes function as styrene degradation enzymes. Metabolite analysis by resting-cell reaction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that strain ST-5 converts styrene to phenylacetaldehyde via styrene oxide by styrene oxide isomerase (styC) reaction. On the other hand, strain ST-10 lacked this enzyme, and thus accumulated styrene oxide as an intermediate. HPLC analysis showed that styrene oxide was spontaneously isomerized to phenylacetaldehyde by chemical reaction. The produced phenylacetaldehyde was converted to phenylacetic acid (PAA) in strain ST-10 as well as in strain ST-5. Furthermore, phenylacetic acid was converted to phenylacetyl-CoA by the catalysis of phenylacetate-CoA ligase in strains ST-5 and ST-10. This study proposes possible styrene metabolism pathways in Rhodococcus sp. strains ST-5 and ST-10. Copyright © 2011 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the effects of platinum and CeO2 on the properties of single grain, Sm-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Wen; Shi, Yunhua; Radušovská, Monika; Dennis, Anthony R.; Durrell, John H.; Diko, Pavel; Cardwell, David A.

2016-12-01

SmBa2Cu3O7-δ (Sm-123) is a light-rare-earth barium-cuprate (LRE-BCO) high-temperature superconductor (HTS) with significant potential for high field industrial applications. We report the fabrication of large, single grain bulk [Sm-Ba-Cu-O (SmBCO)] superconductors containing 1 wt% CeO2 and 0.1 wt% Pt using a top-seeded melt growth process. The performance of the SmBCO bulk superconductors containing the different dopants was evaluated based on an analysis of their superconducting properties, including critical transition temperature, T c and critical current density, J c , and on sample microstructure. We find that both CeO2 and Pt dopants refine the size of Sm2BaCuO5 (Sm-211) particles trapped in the Sm-123 superconducting phase matrix, which act as effective flux pinning centres, although the addition of CeO2 results in broadly improved superconducting performance of the fully processed bulk single grain. However, 1 wt% CeO2 is significantly cheaper than 0.1 wt% Pt, which has clear economic benefits for use in medium to large scale production processes for these technologically important materials. Finally, the use of CeO2 results generally in the formation of finer Sm-211 particles and to the generation of fewer macro-cracks and Sm-211 free regions in the sample microstructure.

Clinical problems of sloths (Bradypus sp. and Choloepus sp.) in captivity.

PubMed

Diniz, L S; Oliveira, P M

1999-03-01

A 20-yr retrospective study of disease prevalence was carried out for 51 sloths (34 Bradypus sp. and 17 Choloepus sp.) at the São Paulo Zoo. A total of 81 clinical disorders were detected, including nutritional (45.7%), digestive (12.3%), and respiratory (12.3%) problems and injuries (6.1%). A definitive diagnosis was not possible in 8.6% of the cases. The incidence of disease varied according to seasonal climate (winter, 32.5%; spring, 24%; summer, 22.9%; autumn, 20.5%), time in captivity (96.4% of diseases occurred within the first 6 mo and 3.6% occurred thereafter), and type of enclosure (quarantine cage, 96.4%; exhibition enclosure, 3.6%). Both young animals (86.7%) and adults (3.2%) were affected. Parasites were identified by fecal examination in 45.4% of animals with clinical illness (Ascaris sp., 80%; Coccidia sp., 20%). Bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii were isolated from feces and/or organs. The first 6 mo in captivity are critical for these animals. Proper management and early identification of medical conditions in captivity have implications for sloth population in the wild.

Kinetics and inhibition of cyclomaltodextrinase from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. I-5.

PubMed

Kim, M J; Park, W S; Lee, H S; Kim, T J; Shin, J H; Yoo, S H; Cheong, T K; Ryu, S; Kim, J C; Kim, J W; Moon, T W; Robyt, J F; Park, K H

2000-01-01

The cyclomaltodextrinase from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. I-5 (CDase I-5) was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified enzyme was used for characterization of the enzyme action. The hydrolysis products were monitored by both HPLC and high-performance ion chromatography analysis that enable the kinetic analysis of the cyclomaltodextrin (CD)-degrading reaction. Analysis of the kinetics of cyclomaltodextrin hydrolysis by CDase I-5 indicated that ring-opening of the cyclomaltodextrin was the major limiting step and that CDase I-5 preferentially degraded the linear maltodextrin chain by removing the maltose unit. The substrate binding affinity of the enzyme was almost same for those of cyclomaltodextrins while the rate of ring-opening was the fastest for cyclomaltoheptaose. Acarbose and methyl 6-amino-6-deoxy-alpha-d-glucopyranoside were relatively strong competitive inhibitors with K(i) values of 1.24 x 10(-3) and 8.44 x 10(-1) mM, respectively. Both inhibitors are likely to inhibit the ring-opening step of the CD degradation reaction. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Environmental conditions affecting exopolysaccharide production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus sp., and Ochrobactrum sp.

PubMed

Kiliç, Nur Koçberber; Dönmez, Gönül

2008-06-15

Three different chromium-resistant microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus sp., and Ochrobactrum sp.) were tested with regard to their EPS production at different pH levels, temperatures, Cr(VI) concentrations, and incubation periods. The optimum pH level was 7 for P. aeruginosa and Micrococcus sp., while it was 8 for Ochrobactrum sp. according to the highest EPS amount at 100 mg/L Cr(VI) concentration. The highest production of EPSs by the three bacteria was obtained under different environmental conditions. P. aeruginosa produced the highest EPS (863.3 mg/L) after incubation for 96 h on media with 50 mg/L Cr(VI) at 20 degrees C, Micrococcus sp. gave the highest yield (444.6 mg/L) after incubation for 72 h on media with 100 mg/L Cr(VI) at the same temperature, and Ochrobactrum sp. had the highest production (430.5 mg/L) on media with 150 mg/L Cr(VI) at 30 degrees C at the end of 48 h of incubation.

Calculations of the Low-Lying Structures in the Even-Even Nd/Sm/Gd/Dy Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Su Youn; Lee, J. H.; Lee, Young Jun

2018-05-01

The nuclear structure of deformed nuclei has been studied using the interacting boson model (IBM). In this study, energy levels and E2 transition probabilities were determined for even nuclei in the Nd/Sm/Gd/Dy chains which have a transition characteristic between the rotational, SU(3) and vibrational, U(5) limits. The structure of the nuclei exhibits a slight breaking of the SU(3) symmetry in the direction of U(5), and therefore, we add the d-boson number operator n d , which is the main term of the U(5) symmetric Hamiltonian, to the SU(3) Hamiltonian of the IBM. The calculated results for low-lying energy levels and E2 transition rates in Nd/Sm/Gd/Dy isotopes are in reasonably good agreement with known experimental results.

Characterization of a fluoride-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter sp. RH5 towards assessment of its water defluoridation capability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Shraboni; Yadav, Vaibhav; Mondal, Madhumanti; Banerjee, Soumya; Halder, Gopinath

2017-07-01

The present study investigates the defluoridation capability of fluoride-resistant bacteria from contaminated groundwater collected from Asanjola and Madhabpur, West Bengal, India. Seven strains of fluoride-resistant bacteria were isolated employing culture media containing 10-250 mg/L of fluoride to evaluate their ability in reducing fluoride concentration in water. Five isolates exhibited significant amount of reduction in fluoride. Isolate RH5 achieved a maximum fluoride removal of 25.7 % from the media at 30 °C and pH 7 after 8 days of incubation. Based on morphological, physiological characteristics and analysis of 16S rDNA gene sequence, isolate RH5 was identified as Acinetobacter sp. RH5. Growth of RH5 was analysed at a diverse pH range, and it could thrive at pH 5-10. The present investigation revealed that the selective pressure of fluoride results in growth of fluoride-resistant bacteria capable of secreting high-affinity anion-binding compounds. This bacterium played a dominant bioremediative role by concentrating the anions so that they become less available. Hence, the fluoride-resistant bacteria, Acinetobacter sp. RH5, could be used as a promising strain for application in water defluoridation from contaminated sites.

Genome-Wide Protein Interaction Screens Reveal Functional Networks Involving Sm-Like Proteins

PubMed Central

Fromont-Racine, Micheline; Mayes, Andrew E.; Brunet-Simon, Adeline; Rain, Jean-Christophe; Colley, Alan; Dix, Ian; Decourty, Laurence; Joly, Nicolas; Ricard, Florence; Beggs, Jean D.

2000-01-01

A set of seven structurally related Sm proteins forms the core of the snRNP particles containing the spliceosomal U1, U2, U4 and U5 snRNAs. A search of the genomic sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has identified a number of open reading frames that potentially encode structurally similar proteins termed Lsm (Like Sm) proteins. With the aim of analysing all possible interactions between the Lsm proteins and any protein encoded in the yeast genome, we performed exhaustive and iterative genomic two-hybrid screens, starting with the Lsm proteins as baits. Indeed, extensive interactions amongst eight Lsm proteins were found that suggest the existence of a Lsm complex or complexes. These Lsm interactions apparently involve the conserved Sm domain that also mediates interactions between the Sm proteins. The screens also reveal functionally significant interactions with splicing factors, in particular with Prp4 and Prp24, compatible with genetic studies and with the reported association of Lsm proteins with spliceosomal U6 and U4/U6 particles. In addition, interactions with proteins involved in mRNA turnover, such as Mrt1, Dcp1, Dcp2 and Xrn1, point to roles for Lsm complexes in distinct RNA metabolic processes, that are confirmed in independent functional studies. These results provide compelling evidence that two-hybrid screens yield functionally meaningful information about protein–protein interactions and can suggest functions for uncharacterized proteins, especially when they are performed on a genome-wide scale. PMID:10900456

Cooling rate dependence of structural order in Al 90Sm 10 metallic glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yang; Zhang, Yue; Zhang, Feng

2016-07-07

Here, the atomic structure of Al 90Sm 10 metallic glass is studied using molecular dynamics simulations. By performing a long sub-T g annealing, we developed a glass model closer to the experiments than the models prepared by continuous cooling. Using the cluster alignment method, we found that “3661” cluster is the dominating short-range order in the glass samples. The connection and arrangement of “3661” clusters, which define the medium-range order in the system, are enhanced significantly in the sub-T g annealed sample as compared with the fast cooled glass samples. Unlike some strong binary glass formers such as Cu 64.5Zrmore » 35.5, the clusters representing the short-range order do not form an interconnected interpenetrating network in Al 90Sm 10, which has only marginal glass formability.« less

Puzzle maker in SmB6: accompany-type valence fluctuation state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qi; Sun, Liling

2017-11-01

In recent years, studying the Kondo insulator SmB6, a strongly correlated electron material that has been puzzling the community for decades, has again become an attractive topic due to the discovery of its unusual metallic surface state coexisting with the bulk insulating state. Many efforts have been made to understand the microphysics in SmB6, but some puzzles that have been hotly debated and argued have not been solved. In this article, based on the latest progress made in our high-pressure studies on SmB6 and the accumulating results reported by other groups, we propose a notion named the ‘accompany-type valence fluctuation state’, which possibly coexists with the bulk Kondo insulating ground state of SmB6. We expect that this notion could be taken as a common starting point for understanding in a unified way most of the low-temperature phenomena observed by different experimental investigations on SmB6, thus promoting the deciphering of the puzzles. We also expect that this notion could attract rigorous theoretical interpretation and further experimental investigation, or stimulate better thinking on the physics in SmB6.

Botanical pesticides effect from shells of bean’s cashew nut on biological agents of trichoderma sp. and gliocladium sp.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bande, L. O. S.; Mariadi; Gusnawaty, HS; Nuriadi; Trisulpa, L.; Rahmania

2018-02-01

A shell of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentanle) has contained Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) that is used as botanical pesticides. CNSL oil consists of active substance such as anacardat acid, cardol and cardanol. Utilization of the pesticides from shells of cashew nut to control pests and diseases of plants would be affected on biological agents. The objective of this research was to investigate pesticides inhibition on the increase of mycelium Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. by in vitro method. The tested concentration sample consisted of 0.0% (control), 2.5%, 7.5% and 10.0% in PDA media. The results of this research showed that 2.5% botanical pesticides concentration could minimize mycelium of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. 22.73% and 21.04% respectively and also the increase shells of cashew extract could be affected the increase of mycelium inhibition. The extract with 2.5% concentration was the recommended concentration to control of fruit rot diseases and if concentration was 10.0% then its inhibition become 54.98% and 49.35%, respectively. The results proved that uncontrolled utilization of the pesticides could be affected on decrease of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. growth.

Novel Acetone Metabolism in a Propane-Utilizing Bacterium, Gordonia sp. Strain TY-5▿

PubMed Central

Kotani, Tetsuya; Yurimoto, Hiroya; Kato, Nobuo; Sakai, Yasuyoshi

2007-01-01

In the propane-utilizing bacterium Gordonia sp. strain TY-5, propane was shown to be oxidized to 2-propanol and then further oxidized to acetone. In this study, the subsequent metabolism of acetone was studied. Acetone-induced proteins were found in extracts of cells induced by acetone, and a gene cluster designated acmAB was cloned on the basis of the N-terminal amino acid sequences of acetone-induced proteins. The acmA and acmB genes encode a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) and esterase, respectively. The BVMO encoded by acmA was purified from acetone-induced cells of Gordonia sp. strain TY-5 and characterized. The BVMO exhibited NADPH-dependent oxidation activity for linear ketones (C3 to C10) and cyclic ketones (C4 to C8). Escherichia coli expressing the acmA gene oxidized acetone to methyl acetate, and E. coli expressing the acmB gene hydrolyzed methyl acetate. Northern blot analyses revealed that polycistronic transcription of the acmAB gene cluster was induced by propane, 2-propanol, and acetone. These results indicate that the acmAB gene products play an important role in the metabolism of acetone derived from propane oxidation and clarify the propane metabolism pathway of strain TY-5 (propane → 2-propanol → acetone → methyl acetate → acetic acid + methanol). This paper provides the first evidence for BVMO-dependent acetone metabolism. PMID:17071761

Autophagy-Associated Protein SmATG12 Is Required for Fruiting-Body Formation in the Filamentous Ascomycete Sordaria macrospora

PubMed Central

Werner, Antonia; Herzog, Britta; Frey, Stefan; Pöggeler, Stefanie

2016-01-01

In filamentous fungi, autophagy functions as a catabolic mechanism to overcome starvation and to control diverse developmental processes under normal nutritional conditions. Autophagy involves the formation of double-membrane vesicles, termed autophagosomes that engulf cellular components and bring about their degradation via fusion with vacuoles. Two ubiquitin-like (UBL) conjugation systems are essential for the expansion of the autophagosomal membrane: the UBL protein ATG8 is conjugated to the lipid phosphatidylethanolamine and the UBL protein ATG12 is coupled to ATG5. We recently showed that in the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora autophagy-related genes encoding components of the conjugation systems are required for fruiting-body development and/or are essential for viability. In the present work, we cloned and characterized the S. macrospora (Sm)atg12 gene. Two-hybrid analysis revealed that SmATG12 can interact with SmATG7 and SmATG3. To examine its role in S. macrospora, we replaced the open reading frame of Smatg12 with a hygromycin resistance cassette and generated a homokaryotic ΔSmatg12 knockout strain, which displayed slower vegetative growth under nutrient starvation conditions and was unable to form fruiting bodies. In the hyphae of S. macrospora EGFP-labeled SmATG12 was detected in the cytoplasm and as punctate structures presumed to be phagophores or phagophore assembly sites. Delivery of EGFP-labelled SmATG8 to the vacuole was entirely dependent on SmATG12. PMID:27309377

Autophagy-Associated Protein SmATG12 Is Required for Fruiting-Body Formation in the Filamentous Ascomycete Sordaria macrospora.

PubMed

Werner, Antonia; Herzog, Britta; Frey, Stefan; Pöggeler, Stefanie

2016-01-01

In filamentous fungi, autophagy functions as a catabolic mechanism to overcome starvation and to control diverse developmental processes under normal nutritional conditions. Autophagy involves the formation of double-membrane vesicles, termed autophagosomes that engulf cellular components and bring about their degradation via fusion with vacuoles. Two ubiquitin-like (UBL) conjugation systems are essential for the expansion of the autophagosomal membrane: the UBL protein ATG8 is conjugated to the lipid phosphatidylethanolamine and the UBL protein ATG12 is coupled to ATG5. We recently showed that in the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora autophagy-related genes encoding components of the conjugation systems are required for fruiting-body development and/or are essential for viability. In the present work, we cloned and characterized the S. macrospora (Sm)atg12 gene. Two-hybrid analysis revealed that SmATG12 can interact with SmATG7 and SmATG3. To examine its role in S. macrospora, we replaced the open reading frame of Smatg12 with a hygromycin resistance cassette and generated a homokaryotic ΔSmatg12 knockout strain, which displayed slower vegetative growth under nutrient starvation conditions and was unable to form fruiting bodies. In the hyphae of S. macrospora EGFP-labeled SmATG12 was detected in the cytoplasm and as punctate structures presumed to be phagophores or phagophore assembly sites. Delivery of EGFP-labelled SmATG8 to the vacuole was entirely dependent on SmATG12.

Starmerella camargoi f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella ilheusensis f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella litoralis f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella opuntiae f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella roubikii f.a., sp. nov. and Starmerella vitae f.a., sp. nov., isolated from flowers and bees, and transfer of related Candida species to the genus Starmerella as new combinations.

PubMed

Santos, Ana Raquel O; Leon, Marina P; Barros, Katharina O; Freitas, Larissa F D; Hughes, Alice F S; Morais, Paula B; Lachance, Marc-André; Rosa, Carlos A

2018-04-01

Six novel yeast species, Starmerella camargoi f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella ilheusensis f.a., sp. nov., Starmerella litoralis f.a., Starmerella opuntiae f.a., sp. nov., sp. nov., Starmerella roubikii f.a., sp. nov. and Starmerella vitae f.a, sp. nov. are proposed to accommodate 19 isolates recovered from ephemeral flowers or bees in Brazil, Costa Rica and Belize. Sequence analysis of the ITS-5.8S region (when available) and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene showed that the six novel yeasts are phylogenetically related to several species of the Starmerella clade. The type strains are Starmerella camargoi f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y595 T (=CBS 14130 T ; Mycobank number MB 822640), Starmerella ilheusensis f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y596 T (=CBS CBS14131 T ; MB 822641), Starmerella litoralis f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y603 T (=CBS14104 T ; MB 822642), Starmerella opuntiae f.a., sp. nov. UFMG-CM-Y286 T (=CBS 13466 T ; MB 822643), Starmerella roubikii f.a., sp. nov. UWOPS 01-191.1 (=CBS 15148; MB 822645) and Starmerella vitae f.a., sp. nov. UWOPS 00-107.2 (=CBS 15147 T ; MB 822646). In addition, 25 species currently assigned to the genus Candida are reassigned formally to the genus Starmerella.

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of Lily-type lectin ( SmLTL) in turbot Scophthalmus maximus, and its response to Vibrio anguillarum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Dandan; Ma, Aijun; Huang, Zhihui; Shang, Xiaomei; Cui, Wenxiao; Yang, Zhi; Qu, Jiangbo

2018-03-01

A full-length lily-type lectin ( SmLTL) was identified from turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus) in this study. By searching database for protein identification and function prediction, SmLTL were confirmed. The full-length cDNA of SmLTL is composed of 569 bp and contains a 339 bp ORF that encodes 112 amino acid residues. The SmLTL peptide is characterized by a specific β-prism architecture and contains three mannose binding sites in a three-fold internal repeat between amino acids 30-99; two of the repeats share the classical mannose binding domain (QxDxNxVxY) while the third binding site was similar to other fish-specific binding motifs (TxTxGxRxV). The primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of SmLTL were predicted and analyzed, indicating that the SmLTL protein was hydrophilic, contained 5.36% α-helices, 39.29% extended strands, 16.07% β-folds, and 39.29% random coils, and three β-folds. Quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis revealed that the SmLTL mRNA was abundantly expressed in skin, gill, and intestine. Low levels of SmLTL expression were observed in other tissues. The expression of SmLTL in gill, skin and intestine increased at mRNA level after stimulation of Vibrio anguillarum, our results suggest that SmLTL serve as the first line of defence against microbial infections and play a pivotal role in the innate mucosal immune system. The current study indicates that SmLTL is a member of the lilytype lectin family and the information reported here will provide an important foundation for future research on the role of this protein.

Functional organization of DNA elements regulating SM30alpha, a spicule matrix gene of sea urchin embryos.

PubMed

Yamasu, K; Wilt, F H

1999-02-01

The SM30a gene encodes a protein in the embryonic endoskeleton of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and is specifically expressed in the skeletogenic primary mesenchyme cell lineage. To clarify the mechanism for the differentiation of this cell lineage, which proceeds rather autonomously in the embryo, regulation of the SM30alpha gene was investigated previously and it was shown that the distal DNA region upstream of this gene from - 1.6 to - 1.0 kb contained numerous negative regulatory elements that suppressed the ectopic expression of the gene in the gut. Here we study the influence of the proximal region from - 303 to + 104 bp. Analysis of the expression of reporter constructs indicated that a strong positive enhancer element existed in the region from -142 to -105bp. This element worked both in forward and reverse orientations and additively when placed tandemly upstream to the reporter gene. In addition, other weaker positive and negative regulatory sites were also detected throughout the proximal region. Electrophoretic gel mobility shift analyses showed that multiple nuclear proteins were bound to the putative strong enhancer region. One of the proteins binding to this region was present in ear y blastulae, a time when the SM30 gene was still silent, but it was not in prism embryos actively expressing the gene. The binding region for this blastula-specific protein was narrowed down to the region from - 132 to -122 bp, which included the consensus binding site for the mammalian proto-oncogene product, Ets. Two possible SpGCF1 binding sites were identified in the vicinity of the enhancer region. This information was used to make a comparison of the general regulatory architecture of genes that contribute to the formation of the skeletal spicule.

Plant growth promotion and root colonization by EPS producing Enterobacter sp. RZS5 under heavy metal contaminated soil.

PubMed

Sayyed, R Z; Patel, P R; Shaikh, S S

2015-02-01

The heavy metal resistant bacterium isolated from field soil and identified as Enterobacter sp. RZS5 tolerates a high concentration (100-2000 μM) of various heavy metal ions such as Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, CO2+ and Fe2+ when grown in such environment and produces exopolysaccharides (EPS). Here, we have demonstrated EPS production by Enterobacter sp. RZS5 during 60 h of growth in yeast extract mannitol broth (YEMB). The yield increased by two fold after the addition of 60 μM of Ca2+; 50 μM of Fe2+ and 60 μM of Mg2+ ions in YEMB, and the optimization of physico-chemical parameters. EPS was extracted with 30% (v/v) of isopropanol as against the commonly used 50% (v/v) isopropanol method. EPS-rich broth promoted seed germination, shoot height, root length, number of leaves and chlorophyll content of wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) seed. The higher colony-forming unit of Enterobacter sp. in soil inoculated with EPS rich broth of Enterobacter sp. indicated the root colonizing potential and rhizosphere competence of the isolate. The FTIR spectra of the EPS extract confirmed the presence of the functional group characteristics of EPS known to exhibit a high binding affinity towards certain metal ions. This overall growth and vigour in plants along with the effective root colonization, reflected the potential of the isolate as an efficient bio-inoculant in bioremediation.

The Sm-(146,147)-Nd-(142,143) formation interval for the lunar mantle and implications for lunar evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C.-Y.; Wiesmann, H.; Bansal, B. M.

1993-01-01

Small anomalies in the isotopic abundance of Nd-142 have been measured for two A17 high-Ti basalts, ilmenite basalt 12056, olivine-pigeonite basalt 12039, feldspathic basalt 12038, and two KREEP basalts. These anomalies correlate with Sm-147/Nd-144 for the basalt source regions as calculated from initial Nd-143/Nd-144 ratios in the basalts, and are interpreted to be from decay of Sm-146 (t sub 1/2 = 103 Ma) in distinct lunar mantle reservoirs. A three-stage model for evolution of Nd-143/Nd-144 and Nd-142/Nd-144 yields reservoir Sm-147/Nd-144 ratios which, with the Nd-142/Nd-144 ratios in the basalts, form a 'mantle isochron' giving a lunar mantle formation interval of 94+2230 Ma (2c(rho)). Calculated reservoir Sm/Nd ratios are in the range expected from some earlier models of basalt petrogenesis. The isochron value of Nd-142/Nd-144 at Sm-147/Nd-144 sub CHUR = 0.1967 is within error limits of the average Nd-142/Nd-144 measured for an L6 chondrite, an H5 chondrite, and the Orgueil carbonaceous chondrite. Evolution of Nd-143 and Nd-142 for high-Ti basalt 70135 was modeled precisely, starting from chondritic relative REE and Nd-isotopic abundances and using the initial (Sm-146/Sm-144) sub 0 ratio inferred from a previous study of angrite LEW86010 as the initial solar system value of this parameter. We infer that the initial Sm/Nd ratio in precursor lunar materials was very nearly chondritic (within approximately 8 percent) prior to lunar differentiation.

Structural and spectral properties of MgZnO2:Sm3+ phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajput, Preasha; Sharma, Pallavi; Biswas, Pankaj; Kamni

2018-05-01

The samarium doped MgZnO2 phosphor was synthesized by the low-cost combustion method. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystallinity and phase purity of the phosphor. The lattice parameters were determined by indexing the diffraction peaks. The photoluminescence (PL) study revealed that the phosphor exhibited a broad excitation band in the UV region ranging between 200 to 350 nm. The 601 nm emission was ascribed to 4G5/2 to 6H7/2 transitions of the Sm3+ ion. The optical bandgap of MgZnO2:Sm3+ was obtained to be 3.56 eV. The phosphor can be projected as a useful material in X- and gamma-ray scintillators.

SM2RAIN-CCI: a new global long-term rainfall data set derived from ESA CCI soil moisture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciabatta, Luca; Massari, Christian; Brocca, Luca; Gruber, Alexander; Reimer, Christoph; Hahn, Sebastian; Paulik, Christoph; Dorigo, Wouter; Kidd, Richard; Wagner, Wolfgang

2018-02-01

Accurate and long-term rainfall estimates are the main inputs for several applications, from crop modeling to climate analysis. In this study, we present a new rainfall data set (SM2RAIN-CCI) obtained from the inversion of the satellite soil moisture (SM) observations derived from the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) via SM2RAIN (Brocca et al., 2014). Daily rainfall estimates are generated for an 18-year long period (1998-2015), with a spatial sampling of 0.25° on a global scale, and are based on the integration of the ACTIVE and the PASSIVE ESA CCI SM data sets.The quality of the SM2RAIN-CCI rainfall data set is evaluated by comparing it with two state-of-the-art rainfall satellite products, i.e. the Tropical Measurement Mission Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis 3B42 real-time product (TMPA 3B42RT) and the Climate Prediction Center Morphing Technique (CMORPH), and one modeled data set (ERA-Interim). A quality check is carried out on a global scale at 1° of spatial sampling and 5 days of temporal sampling by comparing these products with the gauge-based Global Precipitation Climatology Centre Full Data Daily (GPCC-FDD) product. SM2RAIN-CCI shows relatively good results in terms of correlation coefficient (median value > 0.56), root mean square difference (RMSD, median value < 10.34 mm over 5 days) and bias (median value < -14.44 %) during the evaluation period. The validation has been carried out at original resolution (0.25°) over Europe, Australia and five other areas worldwide to test the capabilities of the data set to correctly identify rainfall events under different climate and precipitation regimes.The SM2RAIN-CCI rainfall data set is freely available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.846259.

Sm 3+-doped polymer optical waveguide amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Lihui; Tsang, Kwokchu; Pun, Edwin Yue-Bun; Xu, Shiqing

2010-04-01

Trivalent samarium ion (Sm 3+) doped SU8 polymer materials were synthesized and characterized. Intense red emission at 645 nm was observed under UV laser light excitation. Spectroscopic investigations show that the doped materials are suitable for realizing planar optical waveguide amplifiers. About 100 μm wide multimode Sm 3+-doped SU8 channel waveguides were fabricated using a simple UV exposure process. At 250 mW, 351 nm UV pump power, a signal enhancement of ˜7.4 dB at 645 nm was obtained for a 15 mm long channel waveguide.

Germinal Center Kinases SmKIN3 and SmKIN24 Are Associated with the Sordaria macrospora Striatin-Interacting Phosphatase and Kinase (STRIPAK) Complex

PubMed Central

Frey, Stefan; Reschka, Eva J.; Pöggeler, Stefanie

2015-01-01

The striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex is composed of striatin, protein phosphatase PP2A and protein kinases that regulate development in animals and fungi. In the filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora, it is required for fruiting-body development and cell fusion. Here, we report on the presence and function of STRIPAK-associated kinases in ascomycetes. Using the mammalian germinal center kinases (GCKs) MST4, STK24, STK25 and MINK1 as query, we identified the two putative homologs SmKIN3 and SmKIN24 in S. macrospora. A BLASTP search revealed that both kinases are conserved among filamentous ascomycetes. The physical interaction of the striatin homolog PRO11 with SmKIN3 and SmKIN24 were verified by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) interaction studies and for SmKIN3 by co-Immunoprecipitation (co-IP). In vivo localization found that both kinases were present at the septa and deletion of both Smkin3 and Smkin24 led to abnormal septum distribution. While deletion of Smkin3 caused larger distances between adjacent septa and increased aerial hyphae, deletion of Smkin24 led to closer spacing of septa and to sterility. Although phenotypically distinct, both kinases appear to function independently because the double-knockout strain ΔSmkin3/ΔSmkin24 displayed the combined phenotypes of each single-deletion strain. PMID:26418262

Germinal Center Kinases SmKIN3 and SmKIN24 Are Associated with the Sordaria macrospora Striatin-Interacting Phosphatase and Kinase (STRIPAK) Complex.

PubMed

Frey, Stefan; Reschka, Eva J; Pöggeler, Stefanie

2015-01-01

The striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex is composed of striatin, protein phosphatase PP2A and protein kinases that regulate development in animals and fungi. In the filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora, it is required for fruiting-body development and cell fusion. Here, we report on the presence and function of STRIPAK-associated kinases in ascomycetes. Using the mammalian germinal center kinases (GCKs) MST4, STK24, STK25 and MINK1 as query, we identified the two putative homologs SmKIN3 and SmKIN24 in S. macrospora. A BLASTP search revealed that both kinases are conserved among filamentous ascomycetes. The physical interaction of the striatin homolog PRO11 with SmKIN3 and SmKIN24 were verified by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) interaction studies and for SmKIN3 by co-Immunoprecipitation (co-IP). In vivo localization found that both kinases were present at the septa and deletion of both Smkin3 and Smkin24 led to abnormal septum distribution. While deletion of Smkin3 caused larger distances between adjacent septa and increased aerial hyphae, deletion of Smkin24 led to closer spacing of septa and to sterility. Although phenotypically distinct, both kinases appear to function independently because the double-knockout strain ΔSmkin3/ΔSmkin24 displayed the combined phenotypes of each single-deletion strain.

Chemical and valence reconstruction at the surface of SmB6 revealed by means of resonant soft x-ray reflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabolotnyy, V. B.; Fürsich, K.; Green, R. J.; Lutz, P.; Treiber, K.; Min, Chul-Hee; Dukhnenko, A. V.; Shitsevalova, N. Y.; Filipov, V. B.; Kang, B. Y.; Cho, B. K.; Sutarto, R.; He, Feizhou; Reinert, F.; Inosov, D. S.; Hinkov, V.

2018-05-01

Samarium hexaboride (SmB6), a Kondo insulator with mixed valence, has recently attracted much attention as a possible host for correlated topological surface states. Here, we use a combination of x-ray absorption and reflectometry techniques, backed up with a theoretical model for the resonant M4 ,5 absorption edge of Sm and photoemission data, to establish laterally averaged chemical and valence depth profiles at the surface of SmB6. We show that upon cleaving, the highly polar (001) surface of SmB6 undergoes substantial chemical and valence reconstruction, resulting in boron termination and a Sm3 + dominated subsurface region. Whereas at room temperature, the reconstruction occurs on a timescale of less than 2 h, it takes about 24 h below 50 K. The boron termination is eventually established, irrespective of the initial termination. Our findings reconcile earlier depth resolved photoemission and scanning tunneling spectroscopy studies performed at different temperatures and are important for better control of surface states in this system.

Whole genome analysis of halotolerant and alkalotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Klebsiella sp. D5A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wuxing; Wang, Qingling; Hou, Jinyu; Tu, Chen; Luo, Yongming; Christie, Peter

2016-05-01

This research undertook the systematic analysis of the Klebsiella sp. D5A genome and identification of genes that contribute to plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, especially genes related to salt tolerance and wide pH adaptability. The genome sequence of isolate D5A was obtained using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing system with average coverages of 174.7× and 200.1× using the paired-end and mate-pair sequencing, respectively. Predicted and annotated gene sequences were analyzed for similarity with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enzyme database followed by assignment of each gene into the KEGG pathway charts. The results show that the Klebsiella sp. D5A genome has a total of 5,540,009 bp with 57.15% G + C content. PGP conferring genes such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol synthesis, and N2 fixation were determined. Moreover, genes putatively responsible for resistance to high salinity including glycine-betaine synthesis, trehalose synthesis and a number of osmoregulation receptors and transport systems were also observed in the D5A genome together with numerous genes that contribute to pH homeostasis. These genes reveal the genetic adaptation of D5A to versatile environmental conditions and the effectiveness of the isolate to serve as a plant growth stimulator.

Novel degradation pathway and kinetic analysis for buprofezin removal by newly isolated Bacillus sp.

PubMed

Wang, Guangli; Xu, Dayong; Xiong, Minghua; Zhang, Hui; Li, Feng; Liu, Yuan

2016-09-15

Given the intensive and widespread application of the pesticide, buprofezin, its environmental residues potentially pose a problem; yet little is known about buprofezin's kinetic and metabolic behaviors. In this study, a novel gram-positive strain, designated BF-5, isolated from aerobic activated sludge, was found to be capable of metabolizing buprofezin as its sole energy, carbon, and nitrogen source. Based on its physiological and biochemical characteristics, other aspects of its phenotype, and a phylogenetic analysis, strain BF-5 was identified as Bacillus sp. This study investigated the effect of culture conditions on bacterial growth and substrate degradation, such as pH, temperature, initial concentration, different nitrogen source, and additional nitrogen sources as co-substrates. The degradation rate parameters, qmax, Ks, Ki and Sm were determined to be 0.6918 h(-1), 105.4 mg L(-1), 210.5 mg L(-1), and 148.95 mg L(-1) respectively. The capture of unpublished potential metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis has led to the proposal of a novel degradation pathway. Taken together, our results clarify buprofezin's biodegradation pathway(s) and highlight the promising potential of strain BF-5 in bioremediation of buprofezin-contaminated environments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Samarium Monosulfide (SmS): Reviewing Properties and Applications

PubMed Central

Sousanis, Andreas

2017-01-01

In this review, we give an overview of the properties and applications of samarium monosulfide, SmS, which has gained considerable interest as a switchable material. It shows a pressure-induced phase transition from the semiconducting to the metallic state by polishing, and it switches back to the semiconducting state by heating. The material also shows a magnetic transition, from the paramagnetic state to an antiferromagnetically ordered state. The switching behavior between the semiconducting and metallic states could be exploited in several applications, such as high density optical storage and memory materials, thermovoltaic devices, infrared sensors and more. We discuss the electronic, optical and magnetic properties of SmS, its switching behavior, as well as the thin film deposition techniques which have been used, such as e-beam evaporation and sputtering. Moreover, applications and possible ideas for future work on this material are presented. Our scope is to present the properties of SmS, which were mainly measured in bulk crystals, while at the same time we describe the possible deposition methods that will push the study of SmS to nanoscale dimensions, opening an intriguing range of applications for low-dimensional, pressure-induced semiconductor–metal transition compounds. PMID:28813006

Coilin phosphorylation mediates interaction with SMN and SmB'.

PubMed

Toyota, Cory G; Davis, Misty D; Cosman, Angela M; Hebert, Michael D

2010-04-01

Cajal bodies (CBs) are subnuclear domains that participate in spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis and play a part in the assembly of the spliceosomal complex. The CB marker protein, coilin, interacts with survival of motor neuron (SMN) and Sm proteins. Several coilin phosphoresidues have been identified by mass spectrometric analysis. Phosphorylation of coilin affects its self-interaction and localization in the nucleus. We hypothesize that coilin phosphorylation also impacts its binding to SMN and Sm proteins. In vitro binding studies with a C-terminal fragment of coilin and corresponding phosphomimics show that SMN binds preferentially to dephosphorylated analogs and that SmB' binds preferentially to phosphomimetic constructs. Bacterially expressed full-length coilin binds more SMN and SmB' than does the C-terminal fragment. Co-immunoprecipitation and phosphatase experiments show that SMN also binds dephosphorylated coilin in vivo. These data show that phosphorylation of coilin influences interaction with its target proteins and, thus, may be significant in managing the flow of snRNPs through the CB.

Coilin phosphorylation mediates interaction with SMN and SmB′

PubMed Central

Toyota, Cory G.; Davis, Misty D.; Cosman, Angela M.; Hebert, Michael D.

2010-01-01

Cajal bodies (CBs) are subnuclear domains that participate in spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis and play a part in the assembly of the spliceosomal complex. The CB marker protein, coilin, interacts with survival of motor neuron (SMN) and Sm proteins. Several coilin phosphoresidues have been identified by mass spectrometric analysis. Phosphorylation of coilin affects its self-interaction and localization in the nucleus. We hypothesize that coilin phosphorylation also impacts its binding to SMN and Sm proteins. In vitro binding studies with a C-terminal fragment of coilin and corresponding phosphomimics show that SMN binds preferentially to dephosphorylated analogs and that SmB′ binds preferentially to phosphomimetic constructs. Bacterially expressed full-length coilin binds more SMN and SmB′ than does the C-terminal fragment. Co-immunoprecipitation and phosphatase experiments show that SMN also binds dephosphorylated coilin in vivo. These data show that phosphorylation of coilin influences interaction with its target proteins and, thus, may be significant in managing the flow of snRNPs through the CB. PMID:19997741

Optical spectroscopy and magnetic behaviour of Sm3+ and Eu3+ cations in Li6Eu1-xSmx(BO3)3 solid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belhoucif, Rekia; Velázquez, Matias; Plantevin, Olivier; Aschehoug, Patrick; Goldner, Philippe; Christian, George

2017-11-01

A new borate solid solution series of powders, Li6Eu1-xSmx(BO3)3 (LSEBx, x = 0.35, 0.5, 0.6, 1), were synthesized by solid-state reaction, characterized and their luminescent properties were investigated. The absorption spectra indicate that absorption takes place mainly from the Sm3+6H5/2 ground state, with a strong band at 405 nm. The photoluminescence spectra reveal that the Eu3+ red emission intensity strongly depends on the Sm3+ content x. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to experimental data for the quantitative determination of phenomenological parameters Ωi (i = 2, 4, 6) Judd Ofelt parameters, radiative transition rates and emission quantum efficiency. Owing to the energy transfer from Sm3+ to Eu3+ the intense red light detected at 613 nm at room temperature under UV or blue light excitation, was improved by ∼35% as compared with Sm3+-free samples. This energy transfer was confirmed by faster decay times of Sm3+ as energy donors. Moreover, the energy transfer between Sm3+ and Eu3+ is unidirectional and irreversible, implying that the energy transfer wastage between Sm3+ and Eu3+ is very low. Magnetic susceptibility (χ) measurements of LSEBx were carried out in the temperature range 2-320 K and are used to compare calculated and experimental energy levels.

The success and complementarity of Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf garnet geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baxter, E. F.; Scherer, E. E.

2013-12-01

Garnet's potential as a direct chronometer of tectonometamorphic processes and conditions was first realized over 30 years ago. Since then, the Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf systems have emerged as the most effective, with both permitting age precision < ×1 Myr. Both have proven successful not merely in dating garnet growth itself, but rather in constraining the ages, durations, and rates of particular earth processes or conditions that can be directly linked to garnet growth via chemical, thermodynamic, or petrographic, means. Appreciating important differences between Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf in terms of contaminant phases, partitioning, daughter element diffusivity, and isotopic analysis makes these two systems powerfully complementary when used and interpreted in concert. Well established, robust analytical methods mitigate the effects of ubiquitous mineral inclusions (monazite is most significant for Sm-Nd; zircon is most significant for Lu-Hf), improving the precision and accuracy of garnet dates from both systems. Parent-daughter ratios tend to be higher for Lu-Hf leading to the potential for better age precision in general. The Lu-176 decay rate is faster than Sm-147, meaning that Lu-Hf provides better age precision potential for young (Cenozoic) samples. However, Sm-Nd provides better precision potential for older (Precambrian) samples primarily because of the higher precisions on the parent-daughter ratios (i.e., 147Sm/144Nd) that can be achieved by ID-TIMS analysis. For dating microsampled zones or growth rings in single garnet crystals, Sm-Nd has proven most successful owing to more uniform distribution of Sm, and established methods to measure <10 ng quantities of Nd at high precision via TIMS. However, new MC-ICP-MS sample introduction technologies are closing this gap for small samples. For analyses of bulk garnet that grew over a protracted interval, Lu-Hf dates are expected to be older than Sm-Nd dates owing to differences in Lu and Sm zonation (i.e. Lu tends to be

Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-4Y-1.6Nd-1Sm-0.5Zr alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Guilong; Guo, Erjun; Feng, Yicheng; Wang, Liping; Wang, Changliang

2018-03-01

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-4Y-1.6Nd-1Sm-0.5Zr alloy during heat treatments were investigated, while the room-temperature tensile fractographs were observed and analyzed. The results show that the eutectic phases almost dissolve into the matrix after being solutionized at 525 °C for 8 h. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation reach 300 MPa, 219 MPa, 6.5% respectively after being under-aged at 200 °C for 16 h. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the alloy decrease gradually, while the elongation increases gradually with increasing the test temperatures. The room-temperature tensile fracture modes of the as-cast alloy, solutionized alloy, aged alloy are mixed fracture of transgranular and intergranular, transgranular cleavage fracture, transgranular fracture, respectively.

31 CFR 585.507 - Certain exportations to the FRY (S&M) authorized.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Certain exportations to the FRY (S&M... exportations to the FRY (S&M) authorized. (a) All transactions ordinarily incident to the exportation of any item, commodity, or product from the United States to or destined for the FRY (S&M) are authorized if...

Investigation of discrete states and quasidiscrete structures observed in 150Sm and 152Sm using the ( p,tγ) reaction

DOE PAGES

Peter, Humby; Simon, Anna; Beausang, C. W.; ...

2016-01-01

New levels and γ-ray transitions were identified in 150,152Sm utilizing the (p,t) reaction and particle-γ coincidence data. A large, peak-like structure observed between 2.3–3.0 MeV in excitation energy in the triton energy spectra was also investigated. The orbital angular-momentum transfer was probed by comparing the experimental angular distributions of the outgoing tritons to calculated distorted wave Born approximation curves. The angular distributions of the outgoing tritons populating the peak-like structure are remarkably similar in the two reactions and are significantly different from the angular distributions associated with the nearby continuum region. Relative partial cross sections for the observed levels, anglemore » averaged between 34 and 58 degrees, were measured. In 150Sm, 39(4)% of the strength of the peak-like structure could be accounted for by the observed discrete states. This compares with a value of 93(15)% for 152Sm« less

Investigation of discrete states and quasidiscrete structures observed in 150Sm and 152Sm using the ( p,tγ) reaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peter, Humby; Simon, Anna; Beausang, C. W.

New levels and γ-ray transitions were identified in 150,152Sm utilizing the (p,t) reaction and particle-γ coincidence data. A large, peak-like structure observed between 2.3–3.0 MeV in excitation energy in the triton energy spectra was also investigated. The orbital angular-momentum transfer was probed by comparing the experimental angular distributions of the outgoing tritons to calculated distorted wave Born approximation curves. The angular distributions of the outgoing tritons populating the peak-like structure are remarkably similar in the two reactions and are significantly different from the angular distributions associated with the nearby continuum region. Relative partial cross sections for the observed levels, anglemore » averaged between 34 and 58 degrees, were measured. In 150Sm, 39(4)% of the strength of the peak-like structure could be accounted for by the observed discrete states. This compares with a value of 93(15)% for 152Sm« less

Tuning the Magnetic Properties and Structural Stabilities of the 2-17-3 Magnets Sm2Fe17X3 (X =C , N) by Substituting La or Ce for Sm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Tribhuwan; Du, Mao-Hua; Parker, David S.

2018-03-01

Designing a permanent magnet with reduced critical rare-earth content is of paramount importance in the development of cost-effective modern technologies. By performing comprehensive first-principles calculations, we investigate the potential avenues for reducing the critical rare-earth content in Sm2Fe17N3 and Sm2Fe17C3 by making a La or Ce substitution for Sm. The calculated magnetic properties of base compounds are in good agreement with the previous low-temperature (4.2-K) experimental measurements, and they show a large axial anisotropy. Although La or Ce substitution results in a slight reduction of magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic moments of Fe atoms mostly remain unchanged. Specifically, large axial anisotropies of 7.2 and 4.1 MJ /m3 are obtained for SmCeFe17 N3 and SmLaFe17 N3 , respectively. These values of anisotropies are comparable to the state-of-the-art permanent magnet Nd2 Fe14 B . The foremost limitation of Sm2 Fe17X3 magnets for practical application is the formation nitrogen or carbon vacancies at high temperatures. By calculating the N- (C)- vacancy formation energy, we show that La or Ce substitution enhances the vacancy formation energy. This enhanced vacancy formation energy will likely improve the thermodynamic stability of these alloys at high temperatures. Therefore, La- or Ce-substituted Sm2Fe17C3 and Sm2Fe17N3 compounds are promising candidates for high-performance permanent magnets with substantially reduced rare-earth content.

Tuning the Magnetic Properties and Structural Stabilities of the 2-17-3 Magnets Sm 2Fe 17X 3 (X=C, N) by Substituting La or Ce for Sm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pandey, Tribhuwan; Du, Mao-Hua; Parker, David S.

Designing a permanent magnet with reduced critical rare-earth content is of paramount importance in the development of cost-effective modern technologies. By performing comprehensive first-principles calculations, we investigate the potential avenues for reducing the critical rare-earth content in Sm 2Fe 17N 3 and Sm 2Fe 17C 3 by making a La or Ce substitution for Sm. The calculated magnetic properties of base compounds are in good agreement with the previous low-temperature (4.2-K) experimental measurements, and they show a large axial anisotropy. Although La or Ce substitution results in a slight reduction of magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic moments of Fe atoms mostlymore » remain unchanged. Specifically, large axial anisotropies of 7.2 and 4.1 MJ/m 3 are obtained for SmCeFe 17N 3 and SmLaFe 17N 3, respectively. These values of anisotropies are comparable to the state-of-the-art permanent magnet Nd 2Fe 14B. The foremost limitation of Sm 2Fe 17X 3 magnets for practical application is the formation nitrogen or carbon vacancies at high temperatures. By calculating the N- (C)- vacancy formation energy, we show that La or Ce substitution enhances the vacancy formation energy. Here, this enhanced vacancy formation energy will likely improve the thermodynamic stability of these alloys at high temperatures. Therefore, La- or Ce-substituted Sm 2Fe 17C 3 and Sm 2Fe 17N 3 compounds are promising candidates for high-performance permanent magnets with substantially reduced rare-earth content.« less

Tuning the Magnetic Properties and Structural Stabilities of the 2-17-3 Magnets Sm 2Fe 17X 3 (X=C, N) by Substituting La or Ce for Sm

DOE PAGES

Pandey, Tribhuwan; Du, Mao-Hua; Parker, David S.

2018-03-05

Designing a permanent magnet with reduced critical rare-earth content is of paramount importance in the development of cost-effective modern technologies. By performing comprehensive first-principles calculations, we investigate the potential avenues for reducing the critical rare-earth content in Sm 2Fe 17N 3 and Sm 2Fe 17C 3 by making a La or Ce substitution for Sm. The calculated magnetic properties of base compounds are in good agreement with the previous low-temperature (4.2-K) experimental measurements, and they show a large axial anisotropy. Although La or Ce substitution results in a slight reduction of magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic moments of Fe atoms mostlymore » remain unchanged. Specifically, large axial anisotropies of 7.2 and 4.1 MJ/m 3 are obtained for SmCeFe 17N 3 and SmLaFe 17N 3, respectively. These values of anisotropies are comparable to the state-of-the-art permanent magnet Nd 2Fe 14B. The foremost limitation of Sm 2Fe 17X 3 magnets for practical application is the formation nitrogen or carbon vacancies at high temperatures. By calculating the N- (C)- vacancy formation energy, we show that La or Ce substitution enhances the vacancy formation energy. Here, this enhanced vacancy formation energy will likely improve the thermodynamic stability of these alloys at high temperatures. Therefore, La- or Ce-substituted Sm 2Fe 17C 3 and Sm 2Fe 17N 3 compounds are promising candidates for high-performance permanent magnets with substantially reduced rare-earth content.« less

Biosorption characteristics of copper (II), chromium (III), nickel (II), and lead (II) from aqueous solutions by Chara sp. and Cladophora sp.

PubMed

Elmaci, Ayşe; Yonar, Taner; Ozengin, Nihan

2007-09-01

The aim of this research was to expose individual removals of copper, chromium, nickel, and lead from aqueous solutions via biosorption using nonliving algae species, Chara sp. and Cladophora sp. Optimum pH values for biosorption of copper (II), chromium (III), nickel (II), and lead (II) from aqueous solutions were determined to be 6, 7, 7, and 3 for Cladophora sp. and 5, 3, 5, and 4 for Chara sp. respectively. Maximum adsorption capacities of Chara sp. [10.54 for chromium (III) and 61.72 for lead (II)] and Cladophora sp. [6.59 for chromium (III) and 16.75 and 23.25 for lead (II)] for chromium (III) and lead (II) are similar. On the other hand, copper (II) and nickel (II) biosorption capacity of Cladophora sp. [14.28 for copper (II) and 16.75 for nickel (II)] is greater than Chara sp. [6.506 for copper (II) and 11.76 for nickel (II)]. Significantly high correlation coefficients indicated for the Langmuir adsorption isotherm models can be used to describe the equilibrium behavior of copper, chromium, nickel, and lead adsorption onto Cladophora sp. and Chara sp.

Biodegradation of 3,5-dimethyl-2,4-dichlorophenol in saline wastewater by newly isolated Penicillium sp. yz11-22N2.

PubMed

Yan, Zhou; He, Huijun; Yang, Chunping; Zeng, Guangming; Luo, Le; Jiao, Panpan; Li, Huiru; Lu, Li

2017-07-01

In this study, the performance of 3,5-dimethyl-2,4-dichlorophenol (DCMX) degradation by a screened strain was investigated. 18S rDNA and the neighbor-joining method were used for identification of the isolated strain. The results of phylogenetic analysis and scanning electron micrographs showed that the most probable identity of the screened strain should be Penicillium sp. Growth characteristics of Penicillium sp. and degradation processes of DCMX were examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the inoculated DCMX solution was recorded, which supported the capacity of DCMX degradation by the screened Penicillium sp. Under different salinity conditions, the highest growth rate and removal efficiency for DCMX were obtained at pH6.0. The removal efficiency decreased from 100% to 66% when the DCMX concentration increased from 5 to 60mg/L, respectively. Using a Box-Behnken design, the maximum DCMX removal efficiency was determined to be 98.4%. With acclimation to salinity, higher removal efficiency could be achieved. The results demonstrate that the screened Penicillium sp. has the capability for degradation of DCMX. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Optical Studies of CaS:Eu, Sm Infrared Stimulable Phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Yasuaki; Shibukawa, Atsushi

1993-07-01

The photoluminescence (PL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (ISL) spectra of CaS:Eu,Sm infrared stimulable phosphors (ISPs) are studied. In addition, the concentration dependence of ISL intensity is examined. Sm3+- and Eu2+-related structures are found in both the PL excitation and emission spectra. Two types of Sm3+ are found, one of which exhibits strong emission at around 650 nm and the other, weak emission compared to the other emissions at around 565 nm and 605 nm. These are assigned to an asymmetric and a symmetric site, respectively. ISL excitation spectra coincide with the Eu2+ 4f7 to 4f65d1 and 4f66s1 transitions and range from 220 to 650 nm. ISL emission spectra coincide with the Eu2+ 4f65d1 to 4f7 transition and range from 550 to 750 nm. ISL stimulation spectra range from 0.8 μm to 1.7 μm and are thought to indicate the Sm2+ ion transition from 4f6 to 4f55d1. The maximum ISL intensity is obtained from a sample with Eu and Sm concentrations of 500 and 130 ppm, respectively.

Investigations on Sm- and Nb-SUBSTITUTED PZT Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Chandra; Juneja, J. K.

In the present paper, we report the effect of Samarium substitution and Niobium doping on the properties of a PZT(52:48). The properties studied are: structural, dielectric and ferroelectric. The samples with chemical formula Pb0.99Sm0.01Zr0.52Ti0.48O3 were prepared by solid-state dry ceramic method. Small amount (0.5 wt%) of Nb2O5 was also added. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed formation of a single phase with tetragonal structure. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of temperature and frequency. Transition temperature, Tc, was determined from dielectric constant versus temperature plot. The material shows well-defined ferroelectric (PE) hysteresis loop.

Effect of Pseudomonas sp. MT5 baths on Flavobacterium columnare infection of rainbow trout and on microbial diversity on fish skin and gills.

PubMed

Suomalainen, L R; Tiirola, M A; Valtonen, E T

2005-01-25

Use of Pseudomonas sp. strain MT5 to prevent and treat Flavobacterium columnare infection was studied in 2 experiments with fingerling rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. In the first experiment, length heterogeneity analysis of PCR-amplified DNA fragments (LH-PCR) was used to assess the effect of antagonistic baths on the microbial diversity of healthy and experimentally infected fish. In the 148 samples studied, no difference was found between bathed and unbathed fish, and 3 fragment lengths were detected most frequently: 500 (in 75.7% of the samples), 523 (62.2%) and 517 bp (40.5%). The species contributing to these fragment sizes were Pseudomonas sp., Rhodococcus sp. and F. columnare, respectively. A specific PCR for detection of Pseudomonas sp. MT5 was designed, but none of the tissue samples were found to be positive, most likely indicating poor adhesion of the strain during bathing. LH-PCR was found to be a more powerful tool for detecting F. columnare in fish tissue than traditional culture methods (chi2 = 3.9, df = 1, p < 0.05). Antagonistic baths had no effect on the outbreak of infection or on fish mortality. F. columnare was also detected in healthy fish prior to and after experimental infection, indicating that these fish were carriers of the disease. In the second experiment, intensive Pseudomonas sp. MT5 antagonistic baths were given daily to rainbow trout suffering from a natural columnaris infection. Again, the antagonistic bacteria had no effect on fish mortality, which reached 95 % in both control and antagonist-treated groups in 7 d.

The simultaneous mass and energy evaporation (SM2E) model.

PubMed

Choudhary, Rehan; Klauda, Jeffery B

2016-01-01

In this article, the Simultaneous Mass and Energy Evaporation (SM2E) model is presented. The SM2E model is based on theoretical models for mass and energy transfer. The theoretical models systematically under or over predicted at various flow conditions: laminar, transition, and turbulent. These models were harmonized with experimental measurements to eliminate systematic under or over predictions; a total of 113 measured evaporation rates were used. The SM2E model can be used to estimate evaporation rates for pure liquids as well as liquid mixtures at laminar, transition, and turbulent flow conditions. However, due to limited availability of evaporation data, the model has so far only been tested against data for pure liquids and binary mixtures. The model can take evaporative cooling into account and when the temperature of the evaporating liquid or liquid mixture is known (e.g., isothermal evaporation), the SM2E model reduces to a mass transfer-only model.

31 CFR 586.304 - Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro); FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (Serbia & Montenegro); FRY (S&M). 586.304 Section 586.304 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating... Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro); FRY (S&M). The term Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia & Montenegro) or FRY (S&M) means the territory of the Republics of Serbia and Montenegro. ...

Structural hierarchy as a key to complex phase selection in Al-Sm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ye, Z.; Zhang, F.; Sun, Y.

Investigating the unknown structure of the complex cubic phase, previously observed to crystallize from melt-spun amorphous Al–10 at.% Sm alloy, we determine the structure in full site-occupancy detail, highlighting several critical structural features that govern the far-from-equilibrium phase selection pathway. Using an efficient genetic algorithm combining molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and x-ray diffraction, the structure is clearly identified as body-centered cubic Im¯3m (No. 229) with ~140 atoms per cubic unit cell and a lattice parameter of 1.4 nm. The complex structure is further refined to elucidate the detailed site occupancy, revealing full Sm occupancy on 6b sites and splitmore » Sm/Al occupancy on 16f sites. Based on the refined site occupancy associated with the experimentally observed phase, we term this phase ε–Al 60Sm 11(bcc), corresponding to the limiting situation when all 16f sites are occupied by Sm. However, it should be recognized that the range of solubility enabled by split occupancy at Sm sites is an important feature in phase selection under experimental conditions, permitting an avenue for transition with little or no chemical partitioning. Our analysis shows that the ε–Al 60Sm 11(bcc) exhibits a “3-6-6-1” first-shell packing around Sm centers on 16f sites, the same dominant motif exhibited by the undercooled liquid. Here, the coincident motif supports the notion that liquid/glass ordering at high undercooling may give rise to topological invariants between the noncrystalline and crystalline states that provide kinetic pathways to metastable phases that are not accessible during near-equilibrium processing.« less

Structural hierarchy as a key to complex phase selection in Al-Sm

DOE PAGES

Ye, Z.; Zhang, F.; Sun, Y.; ...

2017-10-12

Investigating the unknown structure of the complex cubic phase, previously observed to crystallize from melt-spun amorphous Al–10 at.% Sm alloy, we determine the structure in full site-occupancy detail, highlighting several critical structural features that govern the far-from-equilibrium phase selection pathway. Using an efficient genetic algorithm combining molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and x-ray diffraction, the structure is clearly identified as body-centered cubic Im¯3m (No. 229) with ~140 atoms per cubic unit cell and a lattice parameter of 1.4 nm. The complex structure is further refined to elucidate the detailed site occupancy, revealing full Sm occupancy on 6b sites and splitmore » Sm/Al occupancy on 16f sites. Based on the refined site occupancy associated with the experimentally observed phase, we term this phase ε–Al 60Sm 11(bcc), corresponding to the limiting situation when all 16f sites are occupied by Sm. However, it should be recognized that the range of solubility enabled by split occupancy at Sm sites is an important feature in phase selection under experimental conditions, permitting an avenue for transition with little or no chemical partitioning. Our analysis shows that the ε–Al 60Sm 11(bcc) exhibits a “3-6-6-1” first-shell packing around Sm centers on 16f sites, the same dominant motif exhibited by the undercooled liquid. Here, the coincident motif supports the notion that liquid/glass ordering at high undercooling may give rise to topological invariants between the noncrystalline and crystalline states that provide kinetic pathways to metastable phases that are not accessible during near-equilibrium processing.« less

A new calibration of the effective scattering albedo and soil roughness parameters in the SMOS SM retrieval algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez-Moran, R.; Wigneron, J.-P.; De Lannoy, G.; Lopez-Baeza, E.; Parrens, M.; Mialon, A.; Mahmoodi, A.; Al-Yaari, A.; Bircher, S.; Al Bitar, A.; Richaume, P.; Kerr, Y.

2017-10-01

This study focuses on the calibration of the effective vegetation scattering albedo (ω) and surface soil roughness parameters (HR, and NRp, p = H,V) in the Soil Moisture (SM) retrieval from L-band passive microwave observations using the L-band Microwave Emission of the Biosphere (L-MEB) model. In the current Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Level 2 (L2), v620, and Level 3 (L3), v300, SM retrieval algorithms, low vegetated areas are parameterized by ω = 0 and HR = 0.1, whereas values of ω = 0.06 - 0.08 and HR = 0.3 are used for forests. Several parameterizations of the vegetation and soil roughness parameters (ω, HR and NRp, p = H,V) were tested in this study, treating SMOS SM retrievals as homogeneous over each pixel instead of retrieving SM over a representative fraction of the pixel, as implemented in the operational SMOS L2 and L3 algorithms. Globally-constant values of ω = 0.10, HR = 0.4 and NRp = -1 (p = H,V) were found to yield SM retrievals that compared best with in situ SM data measured at many sites worldwide from the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN). The calibration was repeated for collections of in situ sites classified in different land cover categories based on the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) scheme. Depending on the IGBP land cover class, values of ω and HR varied, respectively, in the range 0.08-0.12 and 0.1-0.5. A validation exercise based on in situ measurements confirmed that using either a global or an IGBP-based calibration, there was an improvement in the accuracy of the SM retrievals compared to the SMOS L3 SM product considering all statistical metrics (R = 0.61, bias = -0.019 m3 m-3, ubRMSE = 0.062 m3 m-3 for the IGBP-based calibration; against R = 0.54, bias = -0.034 m3 m-3 and ubRMSE = 0.070 m3 m-3 for the SMOS L3 SM product). This result is a key step in the calibration of the roughness and vegetation parameters in the operational SMOS retrieval algorithm. The approach presented here is the

Detection of Salmonella sp., Vibrio sp. and total plate count bacteria on blood cockle (Anadara granosa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekawati, ER; Yusmiati, S. N. H.

2018-01-01

Blood cockle (Anadara granosa) has high level of zinc and protein, which is beneficial for therapeutic function for malnourished particularly stunting case in children. Zinc in animal foods is more absorbable than that from vegetable food. Blood cockle (Anadara granosa) is rich in nutrient and an excellent environment for the growth of microorganisms. This research aimed to identify the contamination of Salmonella sp., Vibrio sp. and total plate count bacteria on blood cockle (Anadara granosa). This was observation research with laboratory analysis. Salmonella sp. and Vibrio sp. were detected from blood cockle. Total plate count was determine of the total amount of the bacteria. Results detected from 20 samples of blood cockle showed that all samples were negative of Salmonella sp. and 1 sample positive Vibrio sp. The result of total plate count bacteria was < 5 x 105 colony/g sample.

Luminescence properties of phosphate phosphor Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Fu; Liu, Yufeng, E-mail: liuyufeng4@126.com; Tian, Xiaodong

2015-05-15

A series of reddish orange-emitting phosphate phosphors Ba{sub 3}Y{sub 1−x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:xSm{sup 3+}(0.01≤x≤0.20) were synthesized by solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of as-synthesized phosphors. The optimized phosphors Ba{sub 3}Y{sub 0.95}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:0.05Sm{sup 3+} present several excitation bands from 300 to 500 nm, and exhibit intense reddish orange-emitting properties. The energy transfer type between Sm{sup 3+} ions was confirmed as d–d interaction by using Van Uitert model. The chromatic properties of the typical sample Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:0.05Sm{sup 3+} phosphor have been found to have chromaticity coordinates of (0.583, 0.405),more » which are located in reddish orange region under the excitation of 401 nm. These results indicated that Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors have potential applications in the field of lighting and display due to their effective excitation in the near-ultraviolet range. - Graphical abstract: The color coordinates for 5 mol% Sm{sup 3+} doped Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} phosphor were calculated to be (0.583, 0.405), which are located in reddish orange region under the excitation of 401 nm. The peaks of Ba{sub 3}Y{sub 0.95}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:0.05Sm{sup 3+} phosphor with the highest emission intensity at 600 nm are broader than those of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} and Y{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors. All these characteristics suggest that Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors are suitable for near-UV (370–410 nm) excitation and can be applicable to near UV-based WLEDs. ▪ - Highlights: • Different concentration Sm{sup 3+}-doped Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} phosphors were fabricated by solid state method. • The optimized phosphors present the several excitation bands from 300 to 500 nm. • The Ba{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} shows bright reddish

Mantle evolution on Mars: Constraints from Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotope systematics of SNC meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherer, E. E.; Kurahashi, E.; Mezger, K.

2012-12-01

The long-lived 176Lu-176Hf and 147Sm-143Nd isotope systems are commonly employed to track the evolution of complementary mantle and crust reservoirs. The four elements involved are refractory and lithophile, and thus their relative abundances are not expected to have been changed by accretion or core formation. Subsequent silicate differentiation processes, however, e.g., the formation of crust by extraction of melts from the mantle, will fractionate Lu/Hf and Sm/Nd. This typically leaves a depleted mantle with higher Lu/Hf and Sm/Nd values than those of the undifferentiated, presumably chondritic parental reservoir. On the other hand, these same values in crustal rocks tend to be lower than those of their source. (Apparent exceptions are the Martian shergottites, which tend to have lower Lu/Hf as expected, but Sm/Nd higher than their presumed sources. Such decoupling of the two isotope systems may be explained by two-stage melting [e.g., 1, 5].) The ensuing chemical variability among secondary and later generation silicate reservoirs causes their isotopic compositions (e.g., 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd) to diverge from that of the bulk silicate planet over hundreds of millions of years. The resulting isotopic diversity preserved (SNC) meteorites is being used to constrain the differentiation history, melting mineralogy, and dynamics of the Martian mantle [e.g., 1-8]. However, interpretations based on the initial isotope compositions of Hf and Nd strongly depend on the accuracy of crystallization ages. The ages of shergottites in particular are debated (e.g., [3,4,7]). To resolve this issue and gain a better understanding of Martian mantle evolution, we are investigating the Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd systematics of bulk SNC meteorites and constructing internal (mineral) isochrons. Eleven bulk Martian meteorites (5 shergottites, 4 nakhlites, and 2 chassignites) were digested without prior leaching in high-pressure autoclaves for 5 days. Initial ɛ176Hf and ɛ143Nd values

Structure and photoluminescence properties of Ba2-xSi4O10:2xSm3+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramteke, D. D.; Swart, H. C.

2018-04-01

We investigated the structure and photoluminescence properties of novel Ba2-xSi4O10:2xSm3+ phosphor prepared by the solid state reaction method. In the prepared phosphor the high temperature monoclinic phase was dominant over the low temperature orthorhombic phase. The shifting of the X-ray diffraction peaks with the Sm3+ ion addition was explained on the basis of the refinement results. The photoluminescence study showed that on excitation with 402 nm the phosphor emitted at 560 nm, 600 nm and 645 nm which corresponds to the 4G5/2→4H5/2, 4G5/2→4H7/2 and 4G5/2→4H9/2 transitions, respectively. Concentration quenching effect was also observed in the prepared phosphor. CIE chromaticity coordinates showed that the phosphor can be further developed for display applications.

Synthesis, energy transfer and luminescence properties of Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+}, Bi{sup 3+} phosphor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cao, Renping, E-mail: jxcrp@163.com; Xu, Haidong; Luo, Wenjie

Graphical abstract: PL spectra of Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+} and Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+}, Bi{sup 3+} phosphors with excitation at 407 nm, and the corresponding CIE chromaticity diagram and chromaticity coordinates. - Highlights: • Novel Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+}, Bi{sup 3+} phosphor is synthesized by solid-state reaction method in air. • Emission intensity of Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor is enhanced ∼2 times after co-doped Bi{sup 3+} ion. • Charge compensation and energy transfer may be explained via luminescence properties. • Luminous mechanism is analyzed by energy level diagrams of WO{sub 6}{sup 6−} group, Sm{sup 3+} and Bi{sup 3+} ions.more » - Abstract: Novel Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+}, Bi{sup 3+} phosphor is synthesized by solid-state reaction method in air. Host Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6} with excitation 300 nm emits blue light. Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Bi{sup 3+} phosphor with excitation 300 and 338 nm emits yellow light. Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor with excitation 300 nm exhibits tunable emission from blue to red light by increasing Sm{sup 3+} doping concentration from 0 to 8 mol%, however, only emits red light with excitation 407 nm. Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+}, Bi{sup 3+} phosphor with excitation 300 and 338 nm emits red light. The optimal Sm{sup 3+} doping concentration is ∼5 mol% in Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor. After Bi{sup 3+} ion is co-doped, luminescence properties of Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor can be improved obviously because of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} as fluxing agent role and energy transfer from Bi{sup 3+} to Sm{sup 3+} ions. The possible luminous mechanism of Ca{sub 2}MgWO{sub 6}:Sm{sup 3+}, Bi{sup 3+} phosphor is analyzed and explained by simplified energy level diagrams of WO{sub 6}{sup 6−} group, Bi{sup 3+} and Sm{sup 3+} ions.« less

Nontrivial Nature and Penetration Depth of Topological Surface States in SmB6 Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tao; Li, Yufan; Gu, Lei; Ding, Junjia; Chang, Houchen; Janantha, P. A. Praveen; Kalinikos, Boris; Novosad, Valentyn; Hoffmann, Axel; Wu, Ruqian; Chien, C. L.; Wu, Mingzhong

2018-05-01

The nontrivial feature and penetration depth of the topological surface states (TSS) in SmB6 were studied via spin pumping. The experiments used SmB6 thin films grown on the bulk magnetic insulator Y3Fe5O12 (YIG). Upon the excitation of magnetization precession in the YIG, a spin current is generated in the SmB6 that produces, via spin-orbit coupling, a lateral electrical voltage in the film. This spin-pumping voltage signal becomes considerably stronger as the temperature decreases from 150 to 10 K, and such an enhancement most likely originates from the spin-momentum locking of the TSS and may thereby serve as evidence for the nontrivial nature of the TSS. The voltage data also show a unique film thickness dependence that suggests a TSS depth of ˜32 nm . The spin-pumping results are supported by transport measurements and analyses using a tight binding model.

A Model Sea Urchin Spicule Matrix Protein Self-Associates To Form Mineral-Modifying Protein Hydrogels.

PubMed

Jain, Gaurav; Pendola, Martin; Rao, Ashit; Cölfen, Helmut; Evans, John Spencer

2016-08-09

In the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, the formation and mineralization of fracture-resistant skeletal elements such as the embryonic spicule require the combinatorial participation of numerous spicule matrix proteins such as the SpSM30A-F isoforms. However, because of limited abundance, it has been difficult to pursue extensive biochemical studies of the SpSM30 proteins and deduce their role in spicule formation and mineralization. To circumvent these problems, we expressed a model recombinant spicule matrix protein, rSpSM30B/C, which possesses the key sequence attributes of isoforms "B" and "C". Our findings indicate that rSpSM30B/C is expressed in insect cells as a single polypeptide containing variations in glycosylation that create microheterogeneity in rSpSM30B/C molecular masses. These post-translational modifications incorporate O- and N-glycans and anionic mono- and bisialylated and mono- and bisulfated monosaccharides on the protein molecules and enhance its aggregation propensity. Bioinformatics and biophysical experiments confirm that rSpSM30B/C is an intrinsically disordered, aggregation-prone protein that forms porous protein hydrogels that control the in vitro mineralization process in three ways: (1) increase the time interval for prenucleation cluster formation and transiently stabilize an ACC polymorph, (2) promote and organize single-crystal calcite nanoparticles, and (3) promote faceted growth and create surface texturing of calcite crystals. These features are also common to mollusk shell nacre proteins, and we conclude that rSpSM30B/C is a spiculogenesis protein that exhibits traits found in other calcium carbonate mineral modification proteins.

Evaluation of secretome of highly efficient lignocellulolytic Penicillium sp. Dal 5 isolated from rhizosphere of conifers.

PubMed

Rai, Rohit; Kaur, Baljit; Singh, Surender; Di Falco, Macros; Tsang, Adrian; Chadha, B S

2016-09-01

Penicillium sp. (Dal 5) isolated from rhizosphere of conifers from Dalhousie (Himachal Pradesh, India) was found to be an efficient cellulolytic strain. The culture under shake flask on CWR (cellulose, wheat bran and rice straw) medium produced appreciably higher levels of endoglucanase (35.69U/ml), β-glucosidase (4.20U/ml), cellobiohydrolase (2.86U/ml), FPase (1.2U/ml) and xylanase (115U/ml) compared to other Penicillium strains reported in literature. The mass spectroscopy analysis of Penicillium sp. Dal 5 secretome identified 108 proteins constituting an array of CAZymes including glycosyl hydrolases (GH) belonging to 24 different families, polysaccharide lyases (PL), carbohydrate esterases (CE), lytic polysaccharide mono-oxygenases (LPMO) in addition to swollenin and a variety of carbohydrate binding modules (CBM) indicating an elaborate genetic potential of this strain for hydrolysis of lignocellulosics. Further, the culture extract was evaluated for hydrolysis of alkali treated rice straw, wheat straw, bagasse and corn cob at 10% substrate loading rate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is there a common water-activity limit for the three domains of life?

PubMed Central

Stevenson, Andrew; Cray, Jonathan A; Williams, Jim P; Santos, Ricardo; Sahay, Richa; Neuenkirchen, Nils; McClure, Colin D; Grant, Irene R; Houghton, Jonathan DR; Quinn, John P; Timson, David J; Patil, Satish V; Singhal, Rekha S; Antón, Josefa; Dijksterhuis, Jan; Hocking, Ailsa D; Lievens, Bart; Rangel, Drauzio E N; Voytek, Mary A; Gunde-Cimerman, Nina; Oren, Aharon; Timmis, Kenneth N; McGenity, Terry J; Hallsworth, John E

2015-01-01

Archaea and Bacteria constitute a majority of life systems on Earth but have long been considered inferior to Eukarya in terms of solute tolerance. Whereas the most halophilic prokaryotes are known for an ability to multiply at saturated NaCl (water activity (aw) 0.755) some xerophilic fungi can germinate, usually at high-sugar concentrations, at values as low as 0.650–0.605 aw. Here, we present evidence that halophilic prokayotes can grow down to water activities of <0.755 for Halanaerobium lacusrosei (0.748), Halobacterium strain 004.1 (0.728), Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Halococcus morrhuae (0.717), Haloquadratum walsbyi (0.709), Halococcus salifodinae (0.693), Halobacterium noricense (0.687), Natrinema pallidum (0.681) and haloarchaeal strains GN-2 and GN-5 (0.635 aw). Furthermore, extrapolation of growth curves (prone to giving conservative estimates) indicated theoretical minima down to 0.611 aw for extreme, obligately halophilic Archaea and Bacteria. These were compared with minima for the most solute-tolerant Bacteria in high-sugar (or other non-saline) media (Mycobacterium spp., Tetragenococcus halophilus, Saccharibacter floricola, Staphylococcus aureus and so on) and eukaryotic microbes in saline (Wallemia spp., Basipetospora halophila, Dunaliella spp. and so on) and high-sugar substrates (for example, Xeromyces bisporus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Aspergillus and Eurotium spp.). We also manipulated the balance of chaotropic and kosmotropic stressors for the extreme, xerophilic fungi Aspergillus penicilloides and X. bisporus and, via this approach, their established water-activity limits for mycelial growth (∼0.65) were reduced to 0.640. Furthermore, extrapolations indicated theoretical limits of 0.632 and 0.636 aw for A. penicilloides and X. bisporus, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that there is a common water-activity limit that is determined by physicochemical constraints for the three domains of life. PMID:25500507

Tumor Dosimetry and Response for 153Sm-Ethylenediamine Tetramethylene Phosphonic Acid Therapy of High-Risk Osteosarcoma

PubMed Central

Senthamizhchelvan, Srinivasan; Hobbs, Robert F.; Song, Hong; Frey, Eric C.; Zhang, Zhe; Armour, Elwood; Wahl, Richard L.; Loeb, David M.; Sgouros, George

2012-01-01

153Sm-ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid (153Sm-EDTMP) therapy for osteosarcoma is being investigated. In this study, we analyzed the influence of 153Sm-EDTMP administered activity (AA), osteosarcoma tumor density, mass, and the shape of the tumor on absorbed dose (AD). We also studied the biologic implication of the nonuniform tumor AD distribution using radio-biologic modeling and examined the relationship between tumor AD and response. Methods Nineteen tumors in 6 patients with recurrent, refractory osteosarcoma enrolled in a phase I or II clinical trial of 153Sm-EDTMP were analyzed using the 3-dimensional radiobiologic dosimetry (3D-RD) software package. Patients received a low dose of 153Sm-EDTMP (37.0–51.8 MBq/kg), followed on hematologic recovery by a second, high dose (222 MBq/kg). Treatment response was evaluated using either CT or MRI after each therapy. SPECT/CT of the tumor regions were obtained at 4 and 48 h or 72 h after 153Sm-EDTMP therapy for 3D-RD analysis. Mean tumor AD was also calculated using the OLINDA/EXM unit-density sphere model and was compared with the 3D-RD estimates. Results On average, a 5-fold increase in the AA led to a 4-fold increase in the mean tumor AD over the high- versus low-dose–treated patients. The range of mean tumor AD and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for low-dose therapy were 1.48–14.6 and 0.98–3.90 Gy, respectively. Corresponding values for high-dose therapy were 2.93–59.3 and 1.89–12.3 Gy, respectively. Mean tumor AD estimates obtained from OLINDA/EXM were within 5% of the mean AD values obtained using 3D-RD. On an individual tumor basis, both mean AD and EUD were positively related to percentage tumor volume reduction (P = 0.031 and 0.023, respectively). Conclusion The variations in tumor density, mass, and shape seen in these tumors did not affect the mean tumor AD estimation significantly. The tumor EUD was approximately 2- and 3-fold lower than the mean AD for low-and high-dose therapy

Magnetism of cyano-bridged hetero-one-dimensional Ln3+-M3+ complexes (Ln3+ = Sm, Gd, Yb; M3+ = FeLS, Co).

PubMed

Figuerola, Albert; Diaz, Carmen; Ribas, Joan; Tangoulis, Vassilis; Sangregorio, Claudio; Gatteschi, Dante; Maestro, Miguel; Mahía, José

2003-08-25

The reaction of Ln(NO(3))(3).aq with K(3)[Fe(CN)(6)] or K(3)[Co(CN)(6)] and 2,2'-bipyridine in water led to five one-dimensional complexes: trans-[M(CN)(4)(mu-CN)(2)Ln(H(2)O)(4) (bpy)](n)().XnH(2)O.1.5nbpy (M = Fe(3+) or Co(3+); Ln = Sm(3+), Gd(3+), or Yb(3+); X = 4 or 5). The structures for [Fe(3)(+)-Sm(3+)] (1), [Fe(3)(+)-Gd(3+)] (2), [Fe(3)(+)-Yb(3+)] (3), [Co(3)(+)-Gd(3+)] (4), and [Co(3)(+)-Yb(3+)] (5) have been solved; they crystallize in the triclinic space P1 and are isomorphous. The [Fe(3+)-Sm(3+)] complex is a ferrimagnet, its magnetic studies suggesting the onset of weak ferromagnetic 3-D ordering at 3.5 K. The [Fe(3+)-Gd(3+)] interaction is weakly antiferromagnetic. The isotropic nature of Gd(3+) allowed us to evaluate the exchange interaction (J = 0.77 cm(-)(1)).

Relaxivity of Ferumoxytol at 1.5 T and 3.0 T.

PubMed

Knobloch, Gesine; Colgan, Timothy; Wiens, Curtis N; Wang, Xiaoke; Schubert, Tilman; Hernando, Diego; Sharma, Samir D; Reeder, Scott B

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine the relaxation properties of ferumoxytol, an off-label alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents, under physiological conditions at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. Ferumoxytol was diluted in gradually increasing concentrations (0.26-4.2 mM) in saline, human plasma, and human whole blood. Magnetic resonance relaxometry was performed at 37°C at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. Longitudinal and transverse relaxation rate constants (R1, R2, R2*) were measured as a function of ferumoxytol concentration, and relaxivities (r1, r2, r2*) were calculated. A linear dependence of R1, R2, and R2* on ferumoxytol concentration was found in saline and plasma with lower R1 values at 3.0 T and similar R2 and R2* values at 1.5 T and 3.0 T (1.5 T: r1saline = 19.9 ± 2.3 smM; r1plasma = 19.0 ± 1.7 smM; r2saline = 60.8 ± 3.8 smM; r2plasma = 64.9 ± 1.8 smM; r2*saline = 60.4 ± 4.7 smM; r2*plasma = 64.4 ± 2.5 smM; 3.0 T: r1saline = 10.0 ± 0.3 smM; r1plasma = 9.5 ± 0.2 smM; r2saline = 62.3 ± 3.7 smM; r2plasma = 65.2 ± 1.8 smM; r2*saline = 57.0 ± 4.7 smM; r2*plasma = 55.7 ± 4.4 smM). The dependence of relaxation rates on concentration in blood was nonlinear. Formulas from second-order polynomial fittings of the relaxation rates were calculated to characterize the relationship between R1blood and R2 blood with ferumoxytol. Ferumoxytol demonstrates strong longitudinal and transverse relaxivities. Awareness of the nonlinear relaxation behavior of ferumoxytol in blood is important for ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging applications and for protocol optimization.

Tuning the magnetic phase transition and the magnetocaloric properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 compounds through Sm-doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thanh, Tran Dang; Dung, Nguyen Thi; Van Dang, Nguyen; Bau, Le Viet; Piao, Hong-Guang; Phan, The Long; Huyen Yen, Pham Duc; Hau, Kieu Xuan; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Yu, Seong-Cho

2018-05-01

In this work, we point out that the width and the nature of the magnetic phase transition, TC value, and as well as magnetocaloric effect in La0.7-xSmxCa0.3MnO3 compounds can be easily modified through Sm-doped into La-site. With an increasing Sm concentration, a systematic decrease in the magnetization, TC, and magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) are observed. The Arrott-plot proveds that the samples with x = 0 and 0.1 undergoing a first-order phase transition. Meanwhile, sample x = 0.2 undergoes a second-order phase transition, which exhibits a high value of the relative cooling power (81.5 J/kg at ΔH = 10 kOe). An analysis of the critical behavior based on the modified Arrott plots method has been done for sample x = 0.2. The results proved a coexistence of the long- and short-range interactions in La0.5Sm0.2Ca0.3MnO3 compound.

Complete amino acid sequences of the ribosomal proteins L25, L29 and L31 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui.

PubMed

Hatakeyama, T; Kimura, M

1988-03-15

Ribosomal proteins were extracted from 50S ribosomal subunits of the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui by decreasing the concentration of Mg2+ and K+, and the proteins were separated and purified by ion-exchange column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Ten proteins were purified to homogeneity and three of these proteins were subjected to sequence analysis. The complete amino acid sequences of the ribosomal proteins L25, L29 and L31 were established by analyses of the peptides obtained by enzymatic digestion with trypsin, Staphylococcus aureus protease, chymotrypsin and lysylendopeptidase. Proteins L25, L29 and L31 consist of 84, 115 and 95 amino acid residues with the molecular masses of 9472 Da, 12293 Da and 10418 Da respectively. A comparison of their sequences with those of other large-ribosomal-subunit proteins from other organisms revealed that protein L25 from H. marismortui is homologous to protein L23 from Escherichia coli (34.6%), Bacillus stearothermophilus (41.8%), and tobacco chloroplasts (16.3%) as well as to protein L25 from yeast (38.0%). Proteins L29 and L31 do not appear to be homologous to any other ribosomal proteins whose structures are so far known.

Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein 4 (SmVAL4) is a novel lipid-binding SCP/TAPS protein that lacks the prototypical CAP motifs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kelleher, Alan; Darwiche, Rabih; Rezende, Wanderson C.

2014-08-01

The first structure of an S. mansoni venom allergen-like protein is presented. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects over 200 million people. Vaccine candidates have been identified, including Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like proteins (SmVALs) from the SCP/TAPS (sperm-coating protein/Tpx/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1/Sc7) superfamily. The first SmVAL structure, SmVAL4, was refined to a resolution limit of 2.16 Å. SmVAL4 has a unique structure that could not be predicted from homologous structures, with longer loops and an unusual C-terminal extension. SmVAL4 has the characteristic α/β-sandwich and central SCP/TAPS cavity. Furthermore, SmVAL4 has only one of the signature CAP cavity tetrad amino-acid residuesmore » and is missing the histidines that coordinate divalent cations such as Zn{sup 2+} in other SCP/TAPS proteins. SmVAL4 has a cavity between α-helices 1 and 4 that was observed to bind lipids in tablysin-15, suggesting the ability to bind lipids. Subsequently, SmVAL4 was shown to bind cholesterol in vitro. Additionally, SmVAL4 was shown to complement the in vivo sterol-export phenotype of yeast mutants lacking their endogenous CAP proteins. Expression of SmVAL4 in yeast cells lacking endogenous CAP function restores the block in sterol export. These studies suggest an evolutionarily conserved lipid-binding function shared by CAP proteins such as SmVAL4 and yeast CAP proteins such as Pry1.« less

Evidence-based safety (EBS) management: A new approach to teaching the practice of safety management (SM).

PubMed

Wang, Bing; Wu, Chao; Shi, Bo; Huang, Lang

2017-12-01

In safety management (SM), it is important to make an effective safety decision based on the reliable and sufficient safety-related information. However, many SM failures in organizations occur for a lack of the necessary safety-related information for safety decision-making. Since facts are the important basis and foundation for decision-making, more efforts to seek the best evidence relevant to a particular SM problem would lead to a more effective SM solution. Therefore, the new paradigm for decision-making named "evidence-based practice (EBP)" can hold important implications for SM, because it uses the current best evidence for effective decision-making. Based on a systematic review of existing SM approaches and an analysis of reasons why we need new SM approaches, we created a new SM approach called evidence-based safety (EBS) management by introducing evidence-based practice into SM. It was necessary to create new SM approaches. A new SM approach called EBS was put forward, and the basic questions of EBS such as its definition and core were analyzed in detail. Moreover, the determinants of EBS included manager's attitudes towards EBS; evidence-based consciousness in SM; evidence sources; technical support; EBS human resources; organizational culture; and individual attributes. EBS is a new and effective approach to teaching the practice of SM. Of course, further research on EBS should be carried out to make EBS a reality. Practical applications: Our work can provide a new and effective idea and method to teach the practice of SM. Specifically, EBS proposed in our study can help safety professionals make an effective safety decision based on a firm foundation of high-grade evidence. Copyright © 2017 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Color-specific conditioning effects due to both orange and blue stimuli are observed in a Halobacterium salinarum strain devoid of putative methylatable sites on HtrI.

PubMed

Lucia, S; Cercignani, G; Frediani, A; Petracchi, D

2003-01-01

Behavioral responses of Halobacterium salinarum appear as changes in the frequency of motion reversals. Turning on orange light decreases the reversal frequency, whereas blue light induces reversals. Light pulses normally induce the same response as step-up stimuli. However, anomalous behavioral reactions, including inverse responses, are seen when stimuli are applied in sequence. The occurrence of a prior stimulus is conditioning for successive stimulation on a time scale of the same order of adaptational processes. These prolonged conditioning effects are color-specific. The only adaptation process identified so far is methylation of the transducers, and this could be somehow color-specific. Therefore we tested for the behavioral anomalies in a mutant in which all methylation sites on the transducer have been eliminated. The results show that behavioral anomalies are unaffected by the absence of methylation processes on the transducer.

The formation, structure and physical properties of M(2)Pd(14+x)B(5-y) compounds, with M =  La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Lu and Th.

PubMed

Royanian, E; Bauer, E; Kaldarar, H; Galatanu, A; Khan, R T; Hilscher, G; Michor, H; Reissner, M; Rogl, P; Sologub, O; Giester, G; Gonçalves, A P

2009-07-29

Novel ternary compounds, M(2)Pd(14+x)B(5-y) (M =  La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Lu, Th; x∼0.9, y∼0.1), have been synthesized by arc melting. The crystal structures of Nd(2)Pd(14+x)B(5-y) and Th(2)Pd(14+x)B(5-y) were determined from x-ray single-crystal data and both are closely related to the structure type of Sc(4)Ni(29)B(10). All compounds were characterized by Rietveld analyses and found to be isotypic with the Nd(2)Pd(14+x)B(5-y) type. Measurements of the temperature dependent susceptibility and specific heat as well as the temperature and field dependent resistivity were employed to derive basic information on bulk properties of these compounds. The electrical resistivity of M(2)Pd(14+x)B(5-y), in general, is characterized by small RRR (residual resistance ratio) values originating from defects inherent to the crystal structure. Whereas the compounds based on Ce, Nd, Sm and Gd exhibit magnetic order, those based on Pr and Eu seem to be non-magnetic, at least down to 400 mK. While the non-magnetic ground state of the Pr based compound is a consequence of crystalline electric field effects in the context of the non-Kramers ion Pr, the lack of magnetic order in the case of the Eu based compound results from an intermediate valence state of the Eu ion.

31 CFR 585.207 - Prohibited transportation-related transactions involving the FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... transactions involving the FRY (S&M). 585.207 Section 585.207 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating... transactions involving the FRY (S&M). Except as otherwise authorized, the following are prohibited: (a) Any... transportation to or from the FRY (S&M); (b) The provision of transportation to or from the United States by: (1...

Influence of samarium doping on electronic and magneto-transport properties of La{sub 0.9−x}Sm{sub x}Sr{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} (0.1≤x≤0.5) nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, Proloy T., E-mail: dasproloy@phy.iitkgp.ernet.in; Nath, Tapan Kumar; Gupta, Kajal

2014-04-24

We report detailed field dependent electronic- (ρ-T) and magneto- transport (MR-H) studies of La{sub 1−x}Sm{sub x}Sr{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} (0.1≤x≤0.5) nanoparticles. Doping induced disorder at La site is observed in field dependent ρ-T measurements of the sample. At low doping side, nice metal to insulator transition (MIT) peak appears in ρ-T data whereas with increasing of Sm{sup +3} contents, metallic behavior is suppressed under the insulating background although a weak signature of MIT is found. Anomalous resistive nature of the samples with increasing of x can be explained in such a way that doping at nonmagnetic La site with magnetic Sm+3more » ion induces an extra magnetic coupling in the system which changes the long range ferromagnetic ordering to spin glass/cluster glass state in antiferromagnetic background. The field dependent magneto resistance (MR) mechanism at different temperatures is investigated using spin polarized tunneling model of conduction electrons between two adjacent grains at the grain boundaries. For the sample of x=0.5, maximum 83 % change in MR is found at 8 T near MIT which leads the colossal magneto resistance effect.« less

'Enterococcus timonensis' sp. nov., 'Actinomyces marseillensis' sp. nov., 'Leptotrichia massiliensis' sp. nov., 'Actinomyces pacaensis' sp. nov., 'Actinomyces oralis' sp. nov., 'Actinomyces culturomici' sp. nov. and 'Gemella massiliensis' sp. nov., new bacterial species isolated from the human respiratory microbiome.

PubMed

Fonkou, M D Mbogning; Bilen, M; Cadoret, F; Fournier, P-E; Dubourg, G; Raoult, D

2018-03-01

We report the main characteristics of 'Enterococcus timonensis' strain Marseille-P2817 T (CSUR P2817), 'Leptotrichia massiliensis' sp. nov., strain Marseille-P3007 T (CSUR P3007), 'Actinomyces marseillensis' sp. nov., strain Marseille-P2818 T (CSUR P2818), 'Actinomyces pacaensis' sp. nov., strain Marseille-P2985 T (CSUR P2985), 'Actinomyces oralis' sp. nov., strain Marseille-P3109 T (CSUR P3109), 'Actinomyces culturomici' sp. nov., strain Marseille-P3561 T (CSUR P3561) and 'Gemella massiliensis' sp. nov., strain Marseille-P3249 T (CSUR P3249) which were isolated from human sputum samples.

Systematic analysis of DEMETER-like DNA glycosylase genes shows lineage-specific Smi-miR7972 involved in SmDML1 regulation in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

PubMed

Li, Jiang; Li, Caili; Lu, Shanfa

2018-05-08

DEMETER-like DNA glycosylases (DMLs) initiate the base excision repair-dependent DNA demethylation to regulate a wide range of biological processes in plants. Six putative SmDML genes, termed SmDML1-SmDML6, were identified from the genome of S. miltiorrhiza, an emerging model plant for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) studies. Integrated analysis of gene structures, sequence features, conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic analysis and differential expression showed the conservation and divergence of SmDMLs. SmDML1, SmDML2 and SmDML4 were significantly down-regulated by the treatment of 5Aza-dC, a general DNA methylation inhibitor, suggesting involvement of SmDMLs in genome DNA methylation change. SmDML1 was predicted and experimentally validated to be target of Smi-miR7972. Computational analysis of forty whole genome sequences and almost all of RNA-seq data from Lamiids revealed that MIR7972s were only distributed in some plants of the three orders, including Lamiales, Solanales and Boraginales, and the number of MIR7972 genes varied among species. It suggests that MIR7972 genes underwent expansion and loss during the evolution of some Lamiids species. Phylogenetic analysis of MIR7972s showed closer evolutionary relationships between MIR7972s in Boraginales and Solanales in comparison with Lamiales. These results provide a valuable resource for elucidating DNA demethylation mechanism in S. miltiorrhiza.

Luminescent Enhancement of Na+ and Sm3+ Co-doping Reddish Orange SrCa3Si2O8 Phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chun, Fengjun; Zhang, Binbin; Li, Wen; Liu, Honggang; Deng, Wen; Chu, Xiang; Osman, Hanan; Zhang, Haitao; Yang, Weiqing

2018-04-01

Reddish orange SrCa3Si2O8 phosphors, prepared by the facile solid state reaction method, are a luminescent enhancement of Na+ and Sm3+ co-doping luminescent material. Na+ was designed to compensate the charge imbalance of Sm3+ ion substituting for the Sr2+ ion of orthorhombic SrCa3Si2O8 crystals. The results suggest that Na+ can effectively enhance the luminescent intensity of the reddish orange light peaked at about 562 nm (4 G 5/2 → 6 H 5/2), 600 nm (4 G 5/2 → 6 H 7/2) and 645 nm (4 G 5/2 → 6 H 9/2) excited by the near ultraviolet excited light 404 nm (4 L 13/2 → 6 H 5/2). The energy transfer has been further verified by the florescence lifetime. Additionally, the luminescent lifetime τ of as-grown phosphors was separated into two parts, a rapid lifetime and a slow lifetime. The average lifetime results ranged from 2.098 to 1.329 ms which were influenced by the concentration of Sm3+ doping. The systematic researches of as-grown phosphors have clearly suggested a potential application for white-light-emitting diodes ( w-LEDs).

Metamorphic Formation of Extraterrestrial Portlandite in the Sutter's Mill Meteorite (SM3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haberle, C. W.; Garvie, L. A.; Domanik, K. J.; Christensen, P. R.

2013-12-01

The Sutter's Mill meteorite fell on April 22nd, 2012. Only three small stones (totaling 14.6 g) were collected before heavy rains fell over the fall site, one of which (SM3, 5.0 g) was obtained by Arizona State University's Center for Meteorite Studies. Bulk powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation of seven stones shows that SM3, 6, 8 and 9 are olivine-rich and SM38, 41 and 65 are clay-rich [Garvie 2013]. The olivine-rich stones are largely anhydrous, with mass losses of ~3 wt%, as measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SM3 also contains Fe-sulfides, magnetite, oldhamite, and minor enstatite. Reflected-light observations show a heterogeneous distribution of clasts, chondrules, sulfides and bluish-white grains embedded in a dark, fine-grained matrix. Three visually prominent bluish-white mineral grains were identified for study: Grain 1, 100 um surrounded by matrix; Grain 2, 200 x 100 um with a rim of ferrous olivine; and Grain 3, 350 x 150 um surrounded by a thick rim of microcrystalline Fe-Ni sulfides. Wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS) data of these grains are dominated by Ca and O exhibiting a 1:2 Ca:O ratio, with minor Cl and S. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) reveals abundant H. Compositional maps show an even distribution of Ca across the grains, with enrichments of S at the rims. The chemical data of these grains is consistent with portlandite, Ca(OH)2. This is the first indigenous report of meteoritic portlandite. Portlandite can form through the thermal decomposition of CaCO3 or via the carbothermic reduction of CaSO4 to CaO. CaCO3 decomposes to CO2 and CaO at temperatures >840° C. Carbothermic reduction of CaSO4 to CaO can occur at temperatures >700° C. Both reactions produce CaO which can then easily hydrate to Ca(OH)2, with a likely source of H from dehydroxylation of pre-existing serpentines. Dehydroxylation of serpentine occurs between 550° and 800° C with complete dehydration to olivine >800° C [Ivanova 2010, Gualtieri

Promise and Pitfalls of Lu/Hf-Sm/Nd Garnet Geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, R. L.; Vervoort, J. D.; Kohn, M. J.; Zirakparvar, N. A.; Hart, G. L.; Corrie, S. L.; Cheng, H.

2007-12-01

Our ability to routinely measure Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotopes in garnet allows broad new applications in geochronology, petrology, and tectonics. However, applications of these data can be limited by challenges in interpreting the petrologic record and preparing garnets for analysis. Here, we examine petrologic and chemical pitfalls encountered in garnet geochronology. Petrologic factors influencing trace element compositions in garnet include reactions that modify REE availability and partitioning (1,2), kinetically limited transfer of REEs to garnet (3), and bulk compositional heterogeneities (4). Interpreting the effects of these processes on Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf ages requires characterizing REE zonation prior to isotope analysis and age interpretation. Because garnet fractions are traditionally picked from crushed samples without regard to intracrystalline origins or chemistries, isochrons will represent mixtures derived to varying degrees from all periods of garnet growth. While measured zoning might generally indicate what garnet portion dominates the Lu/Hf or Sm/Nd budget, traditional mineral separation will rarely realize the chronologic potential afforded by high precision Hf and Nd isotope measurements. The potential use of alternative techniques, such as microsampling, necessitates selective digestion and/or leaching to eliminate inclusions within garnet. For Sm/Nd geochronology, H2SO4 leaching removes LREE-rich phosphates (e.g. apatite), but not silicates (e.g. epidote), precluding Sm-Nd dating of some rocks. For Lu/Hf geochronology, ubiquitous zircon microinclusions (c. 1 μm) can significantly disrupt age determinations. Microinclusions cannot be detected optically or separated physically, requiring selective chemical digestion. If complete digestion methods, such as bomb digestion, are used for garnet fractions, then "common Hf" from zircon will be contained in final solutions. These mixed analyses are of dubious utility and will fall into one of two

The human luteinizing hormone receptor gene promoter: activation by Sp1 and Sp3 and inhibitory regulation.

PubMed

Geng, Y; Tsai-Morris, C H; Zhang, Y; Dufau, M L

1999-09-24

To understand the transcriptional mechanism(s) of human LH receptor (LHR) gene expression, we have identified the dominant functional cis-elements that regulate the activity of the promoter domain (-1 to -176 bp from ATG). Mutagenesis demonstrated that the promoter activity was dependent on two Sp1 domains (-79 bp, -120 bp) in a transformed normal placental cell (PLC) and the choriocarcinoma JAR cell. Both elements interacted with endogenous Sp1 and Sp3 factors but not with Sp2 or Sp4. In Drosophila SL2 cells, the promoter was activated by either Sp1 or Sp3. An ERE half-site (EREhs) at -174 bp was inhibitory (by 100%), but was unresponsive to estradiol and did not bind the estrogen receptor or orphan receptors ERR1 and SF-1. The 5' upstream sequence (-177 to -2056 bp) inhibited promoter activity in PLC by 60%, but only minimally in JAR cells. Activation of the human LHR promoter through Sp1/3 factors is negatively regulated through EREhs and upstream sequences to exert control of gene expression. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission L4_SM Data Product Assessment (Version 2 Validated Release)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reichle, Rolf Helmut; De Lannoy, Gabrielle J. M.; Liu, Qing; Ardizzone, Joseph V.; Chen, Fan; Colliander, Andreas; Conaty, Austin; Crow, Wade; Jackson, Thomas; Kimball, John;

31 CFR 585.313 - Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); FRY (S&M).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (Serbia and Montenegro); FRY (S&M). 585.313 Section 585.313 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations... Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); FRY (S&M). The term Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) or FRY (S&M) means the territory of Serbia and Montenegro. ...

POZ domain transcription factor, FBI-1, represses transcription of ADH5/FDH by interacting with the zinc finger and interfering with DNA binding activity of Sp1.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Kee; Suh, Dongchul; Edenberg, Howard J; Hur, Man-Wook

2002-07-26

The POZ domain is a protein-protein interaction motif that is found in many transcription factors, which are important for development, oncogenesis, apoptosis, and transcription repression. We cloned the POZ domain transcription factor, FBI-1, that recognizes the cis-element (bp -38 to -22) located just upstream of the core Sp1 binding sites (bp -22 to +22) of the ADH5/FDH minimal promoter (bp -38 to +61) in vitro and in vivo, as revealed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The ADH5/FDH minimal promoter is potently repressed by the FBI-1. Glutathione S-transferase fusion protein pull-down showed that the POZ domains of FBI-1, Plzf, and Bcl-6 directly interact with the zinc finger DNA binding domain of Sp1. DNase I footprinting assays showed that the interaction prevents binding of Sp1 to the GC boxes of the ADH5/FDH promoter. Gal4-POZ domain fusions targeted proximal to the GC boxes repress transcription of the Gal4 upstream activator sequence-Sp1-adenovirus major late promoter. Our data suggest that POZ domain represses transcription by interacting with Sp1 zinc fingers and by interfering with the DNA binding activity of Sp1.

Outstanding problems in the band structures of 152Sm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, J. B.; Hamilton, J. H.

2017-09-01

The recent data on B (E 2 ) values, deduced from the multi-Coulex excitation of the low spin states in the decay of 152Sm, and other experimental findings in the last two decades are compared with the predictions from the microscopic dynamic pairing plus quadrupole model of Kumar and Baranger. The 1292.8 keV 2+ state is assigned to the 03 + band, and the K =2 assignment of the 1769 keV 2+ state is confirmed. The anomaly of the shape coexistence of the assumed spherical β band versus the deformed ground band is resolved. The values from the critical point symmetry X(5) support the collective character of the β band. The problem with the two-term interacting boson model Hamiltonian in predicting β and γ bands in 152Sm leads to interesting consequences. The collective features of the second excited Kπ=03 + band are preferred over the "pairing isomer" view. Also the multiphonon nature of the higher lying Kπ=22 +β γ band and Kπ=4+ band are illustrated vis-à-vis the new data and the nuclear structure theory.

Production of induced secondary metabolites by a co-culture of sponge-associated actinomycetes, Actinokineospora sp. EG49 and Nocardiopsis sp. RV163.

PubMed

Dashti, Yousef; Grkovic, Tanja; Abdelmohsen, Usama Ramadan; Hentschel, Ute; Quinn, Ronald J

2014-05-22

Two sponge-derived actinomycetes, Actinokineospora sp. EG49 and Nocardiopsis sp. RV163, were grown in co-culture and the presence of induced metabolites monitored by ¹H NMR. Ten known compounds, including angucycline, diketopiperazine and β-carboline derivatives 1-10, were isolated from the EtOAc extracts of Actinokineospora sp. EG49 and Nocardiopsis sp. RV163. Co-cultivation of Actinokineospora sp. EG49 and Nocardiopsis sp. RV163 induced the biosynthesis of three natural products that were not detected in the single culture of either microorganism, namely N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-acetamide (11), 1,6-dihydroxyphenazine (12) and 5a,6,11a,12-tetrahydro-5a,11a-dimethyl[1,4]benzoxazino[3,2-b][1,4]benzoxazine (13a). When tested for biological activity against a range of bacteria and parasites, only the phenazine 12 was active against Bacillus sp. P25, Trypanosoma brucei and interestingly, against Actinokineospora sp. EG49. These findings highlight the co-cultivation approach as an effective strategy to access the bioactive secondary metabolites hidden in the genomes of marine actinomycetes.

U-Th-Pb and Sm-Nd Isotopic Systematics of the Goalpara Ureilite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torigoye, N.; Misawa, K.; Tatsumoto, M.

1993-07-01

One of the interesting features of ureilites is the light REE-enriched component that is dissolved by HNO3 leaching [1,2]. In this work, we performed acid-leaching of several mineral fractions from Goalpara ureilite for U-Th-Pb and Sm-Nd analyses. Olivine and pyroxene grains were hand-picked from 150-300- micrometer-sized fraction. Because they still contained carbon and metal sulfide they were further crushed to <63 micrometers and metal was removed with a hand magnet. These separates and whole-rock powders were washed by ethanol, and leached in 0.01N HBr, 1N HNO3, and in some cases, 7N HNO3. Concentrations of U, Th, and Pb in residues are 0.05-0.3 ppb, 0.1-0.7 ppb, and 5-100 ppb, respectively, corresponding to <=0.01X CI chondrites. Lead isotopic compositions of the residues are less radiogenic and close to Canon Diablo troilite (CDT) Pb [3] (Fig. 1). The U-Pb and Th-Pb ages of all the fractions are older than 4.5 Ga, indicating terrestrial Pb contamination (MT). Because of low concentration of U, Th, and Pb, a small amount of Pb can have a significant effect on the U-Pb and Th-Pb model ages. 238U/204Pb (mu) value of the least contaminated residue is 3, which is higher than mu (0.14-0.5) value of carbonaceous chondrites [3,4]. The higher mu value may be due to either volatile depletion by nebula fractionation or to depletion of Pb during segregation of sulfide that occurred prior to the formation of ureilite as an ultramafic cumulate. The Sm and Nd abundances in the residues are also extremely low; 0.4-2 ppb and 1-2.5 ppb, respectively, corresponding to 0.002-0.01X CI chondritic abundances. All the residues show high 147Sm/144Nd ratios (0.23 ~ 0.44), and the fraction with the highest Sm/Nd plots on the 4.55 Ga chondritic isochron (Fig. 2). The 1N HNO3 leachates do not contain light-REE-enriched components, except for the samples containing black metal-carbon phases, which also contain a large amount of terrestrial Pb in the residual fractions. Therefore

The structures and luminescence properties of lanthanide (Ln = Sm, Eu and Tb) metal-organic coordination polymers based on 5-(2-hydroxyethoxy)isophthalate ligand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Peng; Zhang, Yu-Jie; Qin, Jie; Chen, Yong; Zhao, Ying

2015-03-01