170 research outputs found

    Collective excitations in liquid D2 confined within the mesoscopic pores of a MCM-41 molecular sieve

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    We present a comparative study of the excitations in bulk and liquid D2 confined within the pores of MCM-41. The material (Mobile Crystalline Material-41) is a silicate obtained by means of a template that yields a partially crystalline structure composed by arrays of nonintersecting hexagonal channels of controlled width having walls made of amorphous SiO2. Its porosity was characterized by means of adsorption isotherms and found to be composed by a regular array of pores having a narrow distribution of sizes with a most probable value of 2.45 nm. The assessment of the precise location of the sample within the pores is carried out by means of pressure isotherms. The study was conducted at two pressures which correspond to pore fillings above the capillary condensation regime. Within the range of wave vectors where collective excitations can be followed up (0.3<Q<3.0 A˚\AA&#8722;1), we found confinement brings forward a large shortening of the excitation lifetimes that shifts the characteristic frequencies to higher energies. In addition, the coherent quasielastic scattering shows signatures of reduced diffusivity.Comment: 6 page

    Molecular Deuterion crystallitation under cuasi-1D confienment

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    ECNS 2015, Zaragoza (Spain), August 30th-September 4th 2015A particularly interesting aspect of Carbon Nanotubes is their use as nearly one-dimensional nano-containers. Apart of their possibilities for controlled chemistry in nano- fluidics devices new phenomena induced by confinement are also expected, such as liquid like ordered structures or exotic crystalline phases. Here, we present a series of neutron diffraction measurements (instrument D20, ILL, Grenoble) of molecular deuterium confined within Multiple Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCTNs). Bulk liquid D2 at its vapour pressure crystallises in an hcp structure at ~18.7 K. At low uptakes we have found a clear depression of the solidification temperature down to ~13.25 K. Interestingly, at the lowest uptake the diffraction pattern is consistent with the minimal fcc lattice compatible with a cylindrical symmetry.Peer Reviewe

    Microscopic dynamics in molten Ni: Experimental scrutiny of embedded-atom-potential simulations

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    11 págs.; 10 figs. ; PACS number s : 66.10. x, 66.20. d, 63.20.LsThe stochastic dynamics in molten nickel is studied by neutron scattering. The quasielastic spectrum shows two distinct components having disparate linewidths. The wave-vector dependence of the narrow component is shown to arise from incoherent scattering at low momentum transfers. In turn, the spectral half-width of the wider component shows a modulation with wave vector characteristic of coherent quasielastic scattering. The analysis of both components provides direct experimental estimates for the self-diffusion coefficient, as well as the effective particle diameter. The experimental data are then used to validate computer simulation results which are derived using an embedded-atom potential. Such results are also employed to explore regions in frequency-wave-vector space not easily amenable to experiment. In addition, simulation results are also compared with data pertaining to the collective motions. Such an exercise reveals the need to develop a further level in the memory function expansion of the coherent dynamic structure factor. The implications of such findings for our current understanding of the dynamics of liquid metals are finally assessed. © 2007 The American Physical Society.Peer Reviewe

    Stochastic dynamics in molten potassium explored by polarized quasielastic neutron scattering

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    10 págs.; 8 figs. ; PACS number s : 61.25.Mv, 66.10. x, 66.30.Fq, 65.20. wThe coherent Sc (Q,ω) and single-particle Ss (Q,ω) dynamic structure factors which contribute to the low-energy spectrum of molten potassium are separated by means of neutron polarization analysis. The linewidth and amplitude of the single-particle spectra follow an apparent sub-Fickian behavior, with a diffusion coefficient below the value found by macroscopic means. Once this is accounted for, the results are found to conform with predictions made from kinetic theory. Also, the available theoretical recipes to account for the coherent quasielastic intensity are seen to reproduce the experimental observations within a region of momentum transfers located about the location where the static structure factor shows its main peak. From the measured data as well as from computer simulation results which are validated by comparison to measurement, a clear separation of time scales involving rapid rattling motions within the liquid cages from diffusional processes involving collective or single-particle rearrangements is established. © 2007 The American Physical Society.Peer Reviewe

    Nitric oxide deficiency decreases C-repeat binding factor-dependent and -independent induction of cold acclimation

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    [EN] Plant tolerance to freezing temperatures is governed by endogenous components and environmental factors. Exposure to low non-freezing temperatures is a key factor in the induction of freezing tolerance in the process called cold acclimation. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in cold acclimation was explored in Arabidopsis using triple nia1nia2noa1-2 mutants that are impaired in the nitrate-dependent and nitrate-independent pathways of NO production, and are thus NO deficient. Here, we demonstrate that cold-induced NO accumulation is required to promote the full cold acclimation response through C-repeat Binding Factor (CBF)-dependent gene expression, as well as the CBF-independent expression of other cold-responsive genes such as Oxidation-Related Zinc Finger 2 (ZF/OZF2). NO deficiency also altered abscisic acid perception and signaling and the cold-induced production of anthocyanins, which are additional factors involved in cold acclimation.We thank Isabel Lopez-Diaz and Esther Carrera for the hormone quantification carried out at the Plant Hormone Quantification Service, IBMCP, Valencia, Spain. This work was supported by grants from MINECO of Spain Government and FEDER EU funds [BIO2014-56067-P, BIO2017-82945-P to JL and BIO2016-79187-R to JS].Costa-Broseta, Á.; Perea-Resa, C.; Castillo, M.; Ruíz, MF.; Salinas, J.; Leon Ramos, J. (2019). Nitric oxide deficiency decreases C-repeat binding factor-dependent and -independent induction of cold acclimation. Journal of Experimental Botany. 70(12):3283-3296. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erz115S328332967012Adams, S., & Carré, I. A. (2011). Downstream of the plant circadian clock: output pathways for the control of physiology and development. 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Integration of low temperature and light signaling during cold acclimation response in Arabidopsis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(39), 16475-16480. doi:10.1073/pnas.1107161108Chen, M., & Thelen, J. J. (2016). Acyl-lipid desaturase 1primes cold acclimation response inArabidopsis. Physiologia Plantarum, 158(1), 11-22. doi:10.1111/ppl.12448Costa-Broseta, Á., Perea-Resa, C., Castillo, M.-C., Ruíz, M. F., Salinas, J., & León, J. (2018). Nitric Oxide Controls Constitutive Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis by Attenuating the Levels of Osmoprotectants, Stress-Related Hormones and Anthocyanins. Scientific Reports, 8(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-27668-8Cuevas, J. C., López-Cobollo, R., Alcázar, R., Zarza, X., Koncz, C., Altabella, T., … Ferrando, A. (2008). Putrescine Is Involved in Arabidopsis Freezing Tolerance and Cold Acclimation by Regulating Abscisic Acid Levels in Response to Low Temperature. Plant Physiology, 148(2), 1094-1105. doi:10.1104/pp.108.122945Diaz, C., Saliba-Colombani, V., Loudet, O., Belluomo, P., Moreau, L., Daniel-Vedele, F., … Masclaux-Daubresse, C. (2006). Leaf Yellowing and Anthocyanin Accumulation are Two Genetically Independent Strategies in Response to Nitrogen Limitation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant and Cell Physiology, 47(1), 74-83. doi:10.1093/pcp/pci225Eremina, M., Unterholzner, S. J., Rathnayake, A. I., Castellanos, M., Khan, M., Kugler, K. G., … Poppenberger, B. (2016). Brassinosteroids participate in the control of basal and acquired freezing tolerance of plants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(40), E5982-E5991. doi:10.1073/pnas.1611477113Fan, J., Chen, K., Amombo, E., Hu, Z., Chen, L., & Fu, J. (2015). Physiological and Molecular Mechanism of Nitric Oxide (NO) Involved in Bermudagrass Response to Cold Stress. PLOS ONE, 10(7), e0132991. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0132991Guo, F.-Q. (2003). Identification of a Plant Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Involved in Hormonal Signaling. Science, 302(5642), 100-103. doi:10.1126/science.1086770Hannah, M. A., Heyer, A. G., & Hincha, D. K. (2005). A Global Survey of Gene Regulation during Cold Acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLoS Genetics, 1(2), e26. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.0010026Igamberdiev, A. U., Ratcliffe, R. G., & Gupta, K. J. (2014). Plant mitochondria: Source and target for nitric oxide. Mitochondrion, 19, 329-333. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2014.02.003Jensen, M. K., Lindemose, S., de Masi, F., Reimer, J. J., Nielsen, M., Perera, V., … Skriver, K. (2013). ATAF1 transcription factor directly regulates abscisic acid biosynthetic gene NCED3 in Arabidopsis thaliana. FEBS Open Bio, 3(1), 321-327. doi:10.1016/j.fob.2013.07.006Jeon, J., Kim, N. Y., Kim, S., Kang, N. Y., Novák, O., Ku, S.-J., … Kim, J. (2010). A Subset of Cytokinin Two-component Signaling System Plays a Role in Cold Temperature Stress Response in Arabidopsis. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285(30), 23371-23386. doi:10.1074/jbc.m109.096644Kakei, Y., & Shimada, Y. (2014). AtCAST3.0 Update: A Web-Based Tool for Analysis of Transcriptome Data by Searching Similarities in Gene Expression Profiles. Plant and Cell Physiology, 56(1), e7-e7. doi:10.1093/pcp/pcu174Krol, M., Gray, G. R., Huner, N. P. A., Hurry, V. M., Öquist, G., & Malek, L. (1995). Low-temperature stress and photoperiod affect an increased tolerance to photoinhibition in Pinus banksiana seedlings. Canadian Journal of Botany, 73(8), 1119-1127. doi:10.1139/b95-122Lee, H. G., & Seo, P. J. (2015). The MYB 96– HHP module integrates cold and abscisic acid signaling to activate the CBF – COR pathway in Arabidopsis. The Plant Journal, 82(6), 962-977. doi:10.1111/tpj.12866León, J., Castillo, M. C., Coego, A., Lozano-Juste, J., & Mir, R. (2013). Diverse functional interactions between nitric oxide and abscisic acid in plant development and responses to stress. Journal of Experimental Botany, 65(4), 907-921. doi:10.1093/jxb/ert454Li, D., Li, Y., Zhang, L., Wang, X., Zhao, Z., Tao, Z., … Yang, Y. (2014). Arabidopsis ABA Receptor RCAR1/PYL9 Interacts with an R2R3-Type MYB Transcription Factor, AtMYB44. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 15(5), 8473-8490. doi:10.3390/ijms15058473Lozano-Juste, J., Colom-Moreno, R., & León, J. (2011). In vivo protein tyrosine nitration in Arabidopsis thaliana. Journal of Experimental Botany, 62(10), 3501-3517. doi:10.1093/jxb/err042Lozano-Juste, J., & León, J. (2009). Enhanced Abscisic Acid-Mediated Responses in nia1nia2noa1-2 Triple Mutant Impaired in NIA/NR- and AtNOA1-Dependent Nitric Oxide Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. Plant Physiology, 152(2), 891-903. doi:10.1104/pp.109.148023Morishita, T., Kojima, Y., Maruta, T., Nishizawa-Yokoi, A., Yabuta, Y., & Shigeoka, S. (2009). Arabidopsis NAC Transcription Factor, ANAC078, Regulates Flavonoid Biosynthesis under High-light. 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    Forming first-ranked early-type galaxies through hierarchical dissipationless merging

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    We have developed a computationally competitive N-body model of a previrialized aggregation of galaxies in a flat Λ cold dark matter Universe to assess the role of the multiple mergers that take place during the formation stage of such systems in the configuration of the remnants assembled at their centres. An analysis of a suite of 48 simulations of low-mass forming groups (Mtot,gr ∼ 1013 h−1 M⊙) demonstrates that the gravitational dynamics involved in their hierarchical collapse is capable of creating realistic first-ranked galaxies without the aid of dissipative processes. Our simulations indicate that the brightest group galaxies (BGGs) constitute a distinct population from other group members, sketching a scenario in which the assembly path of these objects is dictated largely by the formation of their host system. We detect significant differences in the distribution of Sérsic indices and total magnitudes, as well as a luminosity gap between BGGs and the next brightest galaxy that is positively correlated with the total luminosity of the parent group. Such gaps arise from both the grow of BGGs at the expense of lesser companions and the decrease in the relevance of second-ranked objects in equal measure. This results in a dearth of intermediate-mass galaxies which explains the characteristic central dip detected in their luminosity functions in dynamically young galaxy aggregations. The fact that the basic global properties of our BGGs define a thin mass Fundamental Plane strikingly similar to that followed by giant early-type galaxies in the local Universe reinforces confidence in the results obtained

    Crystallization of para-Hydrogen: a quantum phase transition at finite temperature?

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    4 págs.; 3 figs.; Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 3.0; 7th Meeting of the Spanish Neutron Scattering Association (SETN)Recent neutron scattering measurements have revealed that para-Hydrogen prepared in its fundamental state solidifies in a crystal that do not show temperature response (temperature independent molecular displacement and first rotational level linewidth as well as negligible thermal expansion). Here, it is argued that such unique behaviour in the crystal phase can be understood if the crystallization is driven by pure quantum fluctuations.Work supported in part by grants MAT2007-65711-C04-01 and MAT2012-33633 from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.Peer Reviewe

    Static structure factor of liquid parahydrogen

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    7 págs.; 5 figs. ; PACS number~s!: 61.20.2p, 61.12.2q, 78.70.2gThe single-differential neutron-scattering cross section of liquid parahydrogen has been measured at 15.2 K and 2 bars of applied pressure by means of low-energy neutron diffraction. Our experimental conditions enable the direct observation of the peak of the liquid structure factor and therefore largely improve the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to measurements carried out using higher-energy neutron diffraction. This avoids the need of performing corrections of approximate nature to the measured cross section that is dominated by molecular rotational components if measured by conventional neutron diffraction. ©2004 American Physical SocietyPeer Reviewe

    Rotational dynamics in the plastic-crystal phase of ethanol: Relevance for understanding the dynamics during the structural glass transition

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    12 págs.; 14 figs.; 1 tab.; 1 apéndiceThe reorientational dynamics within the rotationally disordered cubic plastic phase of solid ethanol is investigated by means of the concurrent use of computer molecular dynamics and quasielastic neutron scattering. Motions involving widely different time scales are shown to take place above the calorimetric >glass transition> which is centered at Tg≈97 K. These correspond to well-defined reorientations belonging to the cubic point group. The dynamics of this solid exhibits features remarkably close to those of the supercooled liquid that can exist at the same temperature. Such similitude of dynamic behavior serves to provide some clues for the understanding of the nature of molecular motions at temperatures close to the canonical liquid→glass transition. ©2000 The American Physical Society.This work was supported in part by Grant No. DGICYTPB95- 0072-C03 (Spain). Work at ANL was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, BES–Materials Sciences, under Contract No. W-31-109-ENG-38.Peer Reviewe

    Characterizing the role of brain derived neurotrophic factor genetic variation in Alzheimer’s Disease neurodegeneration

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    There is accumulating evidence that neurotrophins, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), may impact aging and Alzheimer's Disease. However, traditional genetic association studies have not found a clear relationship between BDNF and AD. Our goal was to test whether BDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) impact Alzheimer's Disease-related brain imaging and cognitive markers of disease. We completed an imaging genetics study on 645 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants (ND=175, MCI=316, AD=154) who had cognitive, brain imaging, and genetics data at baseline and a subset of those with brain imaging data at two years. Samples were genotyped using the Illumina Human610-Quad BeadChip. 13 SNPs in BDNF were identified in the dataset following quality control measures (rs6265(Val66Met), rs12273363, rs11030094, rs925946, rs1050187, rs2203877, rs11030104, rs11030108, rs10835211, rs7934165, rs908867, rs1491850, rs1157459). We analyzed a subgroup of 8 SNPs that were in low linkage disequilibrium with each other. Automated brain morphometric measures were available through ADNI investigators, and we analyzed baseline cognitive scores, hippocampal and whole brain volumes, and rates of hippocampal and whole brain atrophy and rates of change in the ADAS-Cog over one and two years. Three out of eight BDNF SNPs analyzed were significantly associated with measures of cognitive decline (rs1157659, rs11030094, rs11030108). No SNPs were significantly associated with baseline brain volume measures, however six SNPs were significantly associated with hippocampal and/or whole brain atrophy over two years (rs908867, rs11030094, rs6265, rs10501087, rs1157659, rs1491850). We also found an interaction between the BDNF Val66Met SNP and age with whole brain volume. Our imaging-genetics analysis in a large dataset suggests that while BDNF genetic variation is not specifically associated with a diagnosis of AD, it appears to play a role in AD-related brain neurodegeneration
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