Research and Development of High Efficiency Lightweight Solar Concentrators Interim Summary Report, 1 Nov. 1961 - 31 Mar. 1962

High efficiency lightweight solar concentrator development - backing, support structures, material electroforming, and toolin

Research and development techniques for fabrication of lightweight solar concentrators addendum report

Fabrication of copper and nickel solar concentrator

Magnetic Response of Magnetospirillum Gryphiswaldense

In this study we modelled and measured the U-turn trajectories of individual magnetotactic bacteria under the application of rotating magnetic fields, ranging in ampitude from 1 to 12 mT. The model is based on the balance between rotational drag and magnetic torque. For accurate verification of this model, bacteria were observed inside 5 m tall microfluidic channels, so that they remained in focus during the entire trajectory. From the analysis of hundreds of trajectories and accurate measurements of bacteria and magnetosome chain dimensions, we confirmed that the model is correct within measurement error. The resulting average rate of rotation of Magnetospirillum Gryphiswaldense is 0.74 +- 0.03 rad/mTs.Comment: 17 pages, 12 figure

Planar manipulation of magneto-tactic bacteria using unidirectional magnetic fields

We show for the first time that an alternating unidirectional magnetic field generated by a magnetic erase head allows planar manipulation of magneto-tactic bacteria (MTB), and is not restricted to parallel directions only. We used squared-shaped magnetic fields of approximately 4 mT while sweeping from 0.25 to 10 Hz, and found that at frequencies of over 3 Hz the mean orthogonal velocity becomes constant. The erase head offers a significant reduction in size and complexity over conventional manipulators

A comparative genomics approach to understanding the biosynthesis of the sunscreen scytonemin in cyanobacteria

BACKGROUND: The extracellular sunscreen scytonemin is the most common and widespread indole-alkaloid among cyanobacteria. Previous research using the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133 revealed a unique 18-gene cluster (NpR1276 to NpR1259 in the N. punctiforme genome) involved in the biosynthesis ofscytonemin. We provide further genomic characterization of these genes in N. punctiforme and extend it to homologous regions in other cyanobacteria. RESULTS: Six putative genes in the scytonemin gene cluster (NpR1276 to NpR1271 in the N. punctiforme genome), with no previously known protein function and annotated in this study as scyA to scyF, are likely involved in the assembly of scytonemin from central metabolites, based on genetic, biochemical, and sequence similarity evidence. Also in this cluster are redundant copies of genes encoding for aromatic amino acid biosynthetic enzymes. These can theoretically lead to tryptophan and the tyrosine precursor, p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, (expected biosynthetic precursors of scytonemin) from end products of the shikimic acid pathway. Redundant copies of the genes coding for the key regulatory and rate-limiting enzymes of the shikimic acid pathway are found there as well. We identified four other cyanobacterial strains containing orthologues of all of these genes, three of them by database searches (Lyngbya PCC 8106, Anabaena PCC 7120, and Nodularia CCY 9414) and one by targeted sequencing (Chlorogloeopsis sp. strain Cgs-089; CCMEE 5094). Genomic comparisons revealed that mostscytonemin-related genes were highly conserved among strains and that two additional conserved clusters, NpF5232 to NpF5236 and a putative two-component regulatory system (NpF1278 and NpF1277), are likely involved in scytonemin biosynthesis and regulation, respectively, on the basis of conservation and location. Since many of the protein product sequences for the newly described genes, including ScyD, ScyE, and ScyF, have export signal domains, while others have putative transmembrane domains, it can be inferred that scytonemin biosynthesis is compartmentalized within the cell. Basic structural monomer synthesis and initial condensation are most likely cytoplasmic, while later reactions are predicted to be periplasmic. CONCLUSION: We show that scytonemin biosynthetic genes are highly conserved among evolutionarily diverse strains, likely include more genes than previously determined, and are predicted to involve compartmentalization of the biosynthetic pathway in the cell, an unusual trait for prokaryotes

New acyclic diaminocarbenes cycloplatinated(II) complexes: synthesis, photophysical properties and cytotoxic activity

Among all phosphorescent molecules, cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes have receivedconsiderable attention because of their photophysical properties and potential applications asdopants in OLEDs, LECs, photocatalysts or bioimaging. Another research of relevant interest istheir employment as anticancer drugs with a broader spectrum of action against differenttumours and fewer side effects than the well-known cisplatin. For that reason, the choice of thecyclometalated group and ancillary ligands play an important role not only in emissive behaviorbut also on the biological activity.1N-acyclic diaminocarbenes (ADCs) show several appealing characteristics; they display strongelectron-donating ability with structural flexibility and can be easily prepared. However, thereare only a few examples of ADC-platinum complexes used as perspective metal-based drugs inthe literature.2In this contribution, we describe a series of new luminescent ADC cycloplatinated(II) compoundsfeaturing 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine (3) and 2-phenylquinoline (4) cyclometalated groups[Pt(C^N)Cl{C(NHXyl)(NHR)}] (R = Pr a, Benzyl b) obtained by nucleophilic addition of primarypropyl and benzyl amines, to the isocyanide ligand of the corresponding precursors[Pt(C^N)Cl(CNXyl)] (1, 2) recently reported by our group.3 Their optical properties haveexamined and interpreted with the aid of DFT/TD-DFT calculations and, finally, all newcompounds have been screened for their cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines

Abordagem da hipertrigliceridemia severa na gravidez: a propósito de um caso clínico

RESUMO Durante a gravidez o metabolismo lipídico é afectado pelas hormonas placentárias de modo a assegurar um adequado aporte nutricional para o feto, constatando-se um aumento fisiológico dos níveis de triglicerídeos (TG), em particular no terceiro trimestre. Se o aumento do valor dos triglicerídeos for superior ao esperado na gravidez a paciente deve ser cuidadosamente monitorizada. A principal complicação da hipertrigliceridemia severa é a pancreatite aguda que está associada a uma mortalidade materno-fetal elevada (20%). Os autores apresentam o caso de uma mulher de 31 anos, com gestação de 34 semanas e hipertrigliceridemia severa (TG=1127 mg/dl). Foi internada e submetida a dieta pobre em gorduras, suplementos de ácidos gordos ómega 3 e a apertada vigilância clínica e analítica. O parto decorreu às 37 semanas de gestação sem complicações. O recém-nascido, do sexo feminino, pesava 3220 g e o score Apgar era de 9 ao primeiro minuto. Após o parto os níveis de TG maternos mostraram uma redução marcada. Este caso ilustra a importância do diagnóstico precoce e da instituição de medidas estratégicas relativamente simples na prevenção de pancreatite aguda em grávidas com hipertrigliceridemia severa

The Merluza Graben: How a failed spreading center influenced margin structure, and salt deposition and tectonics in the Santos Basin, Brazil

The relative timing between crustal extension and salt deposition can vary spatially along passive margin salt basins as continents unzip, or as the locus of extension shifts toward the embryonic ocean spreading center. Determining the relative timing of salt deposition, rifting, and seafloor spreading is often problematic due to the diachronous nature of rifting, the ability of salt to fill pre-existing topography, and the subsequent flow and deformation of that salt. We here use 2D PSDM seismic data and structural restorations to investigate the Merluza Graben, a large rift-related depocentre located in the southern, most proximal part of the Santos Basin, Brazil, along-strike of a failed spreading center, the Abimael Ridge. The graben is defined by up to 3.5km of base-salt relief along its basinward-bounding fault and internal base-salt horsts that are up to 1km high. This compartmentalizes deformation, producing intra-graben extensional and contraction salt structures, ramp-syncline basins, and expulsion rollovers, resulting in a remarkably different salt-tectonic structural style to that seen in the adjacent areas. We also conduct structural restorations to analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of salt-tectonic structural styles and the relationship this has to potential prolonged crustal extension in the Merluza Graben. This approach further constrains local variations in the relative timing of rifting and salt deposition, and the impact this has on salt tectonics along the margin. The results of our study can be applied to better understand the tectono-stratigraphic development of other salt-bearing rifted margins