Effect of Cr spacer on structural and magnetic properties of Fe/Gd multilayers

In this work we analyse the role of a thin Cr spacer between Fe and Gd layers on structure and magnetic properties of a [Fe(35A)/Cr(tCr)/Gd(50A)/Cr(tCr)]x12 superlattice. Samples without the Cr spacer (tCr=0) and with a thin tCr=4A are investigated using X-ray diffraction, polarized neutron and resonance X-ray magnetic reflectometry, SQUID magnetometery, magneto-optical Kerr effect and ferromagnetic resonance techniques. Magnetic properties are studied experimentally in a wide temperature range 4-300K and analysed theoretically using numerical simulation on the basis of the mean-field model. We show that a reasonable agreement with the experimental data can be obtained considering temperature dependence of the effective field parameter in gadolinium layers. The analysis of the experimental data shows that besides a strong reduction of the antiferromagnetic coupling between Fe and Gd, the introduction of Cr spacers into Fe/Gd superlattice leads to modification of both structural and magnetic characteristics of the ferromagnetic layers

Bacterial formate dehydrogenase. Increasing the enzyme thermal stability by hydrophobization of alpha-helices

AbstractNAD+-dependent formate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.2, FDH) from methylotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas sp.101 exhibits the highest stability among the similar type enzymes studied. To obtain further increase in the thermal stability of FDH we used one of general approaches based on hydrophobization of protein α-helices. Five serine residues in positions 131, 160, 168, 184 and 228 were selected for mutagenesis on the basis of (i) comparative studies of nine FDH amino acid sequences from different sources and (ii) with the analysis of the ternary structure of the enzyme from Pseudomonas sp.101. Residues Ser-131 and Ser-160 were replaced by Ala, Val and Leu. Residues Ser-168, Ser-184 and Ser-228 were changed into Ala. Only Ser/Ala mutations in positions 131, 160, 184 and 228 resulted in an increase of the FDH stability. Mutant S168A was 1.7 times less stable than the wild-type FDH. Double mutants S(131,160)A and S(184,228)A and the four-point mutant S(131,160,184,228)A were also prepared and studied. All FDH mutants with a positive stabilization effect had the same kinetic parameters as wild-type enzyme. Depending on the position of the replaced residue, the single point mutation Ser/Ala increased the FDH stability by 5–24%. Combination of mutations shows near additive effect of each mutation to the total FDH stabilization. Four-point mutant S(131,160,184,228)A FDH had 1.5 times higher thermal stability compared to the wild-type enzyme

Magnetization and ferromagnetic resonance in a Fe/Gd multilayer: Experiment and modelling

Static and dynamic magnetic properties of a [Fe(35 Å<rf)/Gd(50 Å)]12 superlattice are investigated experimentally in the temperature range 5-295 K using SQUID magnetometery and the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique at frequencies 7-38 GHz. The obtained magnetization curves and FMR spectra are analysed theoretically using numerical simulation on the basis of the effective field model. At every given temperature, both static and resonance experimental data can be approximated well within the proposed model. However, a considerable temperature dependence of the effective field parameter in gadolinium layers has to be taken into account to achieve reasonable agreement with the experimental data in the entire temperature range studied. To describe the peculiarities of experimental FMR spectra, a non-local diffusion-type absorption term in Landau-Lifshitz equations is considered in addition to the Gilbert damping term. Possible reasons for the observed effects are discussed. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd

Ant-aphid relations in Costa Rica, Central America (Hymenoptera: Formicidae; Hemiptera: Aphididae)

We present the first catalogue of ant-aphid associations (Hymenoptera: Formicidae / Hemiptera: Aphididae) of Costa Rica. 29 species of ants and 18 species of aphids establish 48 relationships. Those interactions seem not to be rare in Costa Rica

Синдром боли в спине у детей в практике семейного врача

The paper presents the current views on the problem of back pain in children in the family doctor's practice. Discussion covered questions regarding the etiological factors. Proposed a differential diagnosis of conditions that provocation these pains, also set out the principles of providing medical care at home.У статті представлені сучасні погляди на проблему болів у спині у дітей в практиці сімейного лікаря. Висвітлено дискусійні питання щодо етіологічних факторів.Запропоновано диференціальна діагностика станів, які є провокуючими болю в спині, також викладено принципи надання медичноїдопомоги вдома.В статье представлены современные взгляды на проблему болей в спине у детей в практике семейного врача. Освещены дискуссионные вопросы относительно этиологических факторов. Предложена дифференциальная диагностика состояний, провоцирующих эти боли, также изложены принципы предоставления медицинской помощи на дому

The ultrasound use of simulators, current view, and perspectives: Requirements and technical aspects (WFUMB state of the art paper)

Simulation has been shown to improve clinical learning outcomes, speed up the learning process and improve learner confidence, whilst initially taking pressure off busy clinical lists. The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) state of the art paper on the use of simulators in ultrasound education introduces ultrasound simulation, its advantages and challenges. It describes different simulator types, including low and high-fidelity simulators, the requirements and technical aspects of simulators, followed by the clinical applications of ultrasound simulation. The paper discusses the role of ultrasound simulation in ultrasound clinical training, referencing established literature. Requirements for successful ultrasound simulation acceptance into educational structures are explored. Despite being in its infancy, ultrasound simulation already offers a wide range of training opportunities and likely holds the key to a broader point of care ultrasound education for medical students, practicing doctors, and other health care professionals. Despite the drawbacks of simulation, there are also many advantages, which are expanding rapidly as the technology evolves

Sample Handling and Chemical Kinetics in an Acoustically Levitated Drop Microreactor

Accurate measurement of enzyme kinetics is an essential part of understanding the mechanisms of biochemical reactions. The typical means of studying such systems use stirred cuvettes, stopped-flow apparatus, microfluidic systems, or other small sample containers. These methods may prove to be problematic if reactants or products adsorb to or react with the container’s surface. As an alternative approach, we have developed an acoustically-levitated drop reactor eventually intended to study enzyme-catalyzed reaction kinetics related to free radical and oxidative stress chemistry. Microliter-scale droplet generation, reactant introduction, maintenance, and fluid removal are all important aspects in conducting reactions in a levitated drop. A three capillary bundle system has been developed to address these needs. We report kinetic measurements for both luminol chemiluminescence and the reaction of pyruvate with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase, to demonstrate the feasibility of using a levitated drop in conjunction with the developed capillary sample handling system as a microreactor

Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 (RSK2) Maintains Genomic Stability by Activating the Atm/p53-Dependent DNA Damage Pathway

10.1371/journal.pone.0074334PLoS ONE89-POLN