Spin correlation and relaxational dynamics in molecular-based single-chain magnets

We report the combined measurements of the dc susceptibility 0, the ac susceptibility , and the NMR relaxation rate T for the molecular-based heterometallic single-chain magnet [Mn(saltmen)]2[Ni(pao)2(py)2](PF6)2. At low temperatures, this system is well described by a one-dimensional array of effective spin S=3 chains comprising the MnIII-NiII-MnIII trimers and treated as the S=3 Ising chain with the single-ion term (Blume-Capel model). Using the exact solution of the model and based on the picture that the random motion of the local domain walls dominates the low-temperature spin dynamics, we succeeded in reproducing the experimental results of the dc susceptibility 0, the ac susceptibility , and the 19F-NMR relaxation rate T in a consistent manner

High-resolution melting curve analysis for rapid detection of mutations in a Medaka TILLING library

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During the last two decades, DNA sequencing has led to the identification of numerous genes in key species; however, in most cases, their functions are still unknown. In this situation, reverse genetics is the most suitable method to assign function to a gene. TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) is a reverse-genetic strategy that combines random chemical mutagenesis with high-throughput discovery of the induced mutations in target genes. The method has been applied to a variety of plant and animal species. Screening of the induced mutations is the most important step in TILLING. Currently, direct sequencing or nuclease-mediated screening of heteroduplexes is widely used for detection of mutations in TILLING. Both methods are useful, but the costs are substantial and turnaround times are relatively long. Thus, there is a need for an alternative method that is of higher throughput and more cost effective.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, we developed a high resolution melting (HRM) assay and evaluated its effectiveness for screening ENU-induced mutations in a medaka TILLING library. We had previously screened mutations in the <it>p53 </it>gene by direct sequencing. Therefore, we first tested the efficiency of the HRM assay by screening mutations in <it>p53</it>, which indicated that the HRM assay is as useful as direct sequencing. Next, we screened mutations in the <it>atr </it>and <it>atm </it>genes with the HRM assay. Nonsense mutations were identified in each gene, and the phenotypes of these nonsense mutants confirmed their loss-of-function nature.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results demonstrate that the HRM assay is useful for screening mutations in TILLING. Furthermore, the phenotype of the obtained mutants indicates that medaka is an excellent animal model for investigating genome stability and gene function, especially when combined with TILLING.</p

Valence XPS, IR, and C13 NMR spectral analysis of 6 polymers by quantum chemical calculations

Valence XPS (VXPS), IR, and C13 NMR spectra of 6 polymers (PE, PS, PMMA, PET, Nylon6, PVC) have been analyzed using the model oligomers from B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) basis calculations in GAUSSIAN 09. We simulated VXPS of the polymers by the negative of the orbital energies of the ground electronic state at the geometry-optimization of the model oligomers. The simulated VXPS spectra by B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) basis level were compared with simulated spectra by calculations of SAOP method of ADF program. Simulated IR, and C13 NMR spectra of polymers were obtained from the other SCF calculations of B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) basis using atomic coordinates of the model molecules at the geometry optimization, in order to gain the vibrational frequencies and nuclear magnetic shielding tensors, respectively. We have clarified the electronic states of the polymers from the good accordance of simulated VXPS, IR, and C13 NMR spectra of polymer models molecules with the experimental ones of the polymers. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Generation of medaka gene knockout models by target-selected mutagenesis

We have established a reverse genetics approach for the routine generation of medaka (Oryzias latipes) gene knockouts. A cryopreserved library of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenized fish was screened by high-throughput resequencing for induced point mutations. Nonsense and splice site mutations were retrieved for the Blm, Sirt1, Parkin and p53 genes and functional characterization of p53 mutants indicated a complete knockout of p53 function. The current cryopreserved resource is expected to contain knockouts for most medaka genes

地上測量から見たフィリピン・マニラ首都圏南東部の地盤変動

Buildings and pavements are damaged by vertical ground displacement along the creeping segment of the Marikina Valley fault system (MVFS) on the south-east part of Metro Manila, Philippines. To clarify fault creep trigger, ground deformation is monitored through repeated leveling surveys. And short term link between fault displacement and rainfall is also monitored through a continuous creep measurement device installed across one of the sites used for leveling survey. From repeated leveling surveys, the average slip rate since September 1999 to January 2010 ranges from 1.07cm/y to 2.16cm/y. Creep acceleration is observed in some leveling survey sites. Continuous creep measurement obtained an average slip rate of 0.01mm/day (3.65mm/y) until January 2009.However fault creep at NPC B appears to have stopped even with the coming of the rainy season in May 2009.Buildings and pavements are damaged by vertical ground displacement along the creeping segment of the Marikina Valley fault system (MVFS) on the south-east part of Metro Manila, Philippines. To clarify fault creep trigger, ground deformation is monitored through repeated leveling surveys. And short term link between fault displacement and rainfall is also monitored through a continuous creep measurement device installed across one of the sites used for leveling survey. From repeated leveling surveys, the average slip rate since September 1999 to January 2010 ranges from 1.07cm/y to 2.16cm/y. Creep acceleration is observed in some leveling survey sites. Continuous creep measurement obtained an average slip rate of 0.01mm/day (3.65mm/y) until January 2009.However fault creep at NPC B appears to have stopped even with the coming of the rainy season in May 2009

Monitoring of mining induced land subsidence using L- and C-band SAR interferometery

IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) -- JUL 23-27, 2007 -- Barcelona, SPAINWOS: 000256657302096In this study, we applied InSAR technique to Zonguldak Hardcoal Basin in Republic of Turkey using JERS1/SAR, RADARSAT and PALSAR data in order to monitor mining induced surface displacement.IEE