Exponential increase of energy level density in atoms: Th and Th II

We present analytical estimates and numerical calculations showing that the energy level density in open-shell atoms increases exponentially with increase of excitation energy. As an example, we use the relativistic Hartree-Fock and configuration interaction methods to calculate the density of states of Th and Th II. The result is used to estimate the effect of electrons on the nuclear transition which is considered for the use in a nuclear clock.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, 3 tables

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Grape Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Gene Superfamily

The completion of the grape genome sequencing project has paved the way for novel gene discovery and functional analysis. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) comprise a gene superfamily encoding NAD(P)(+)-dependent enzymes that catalyze the irreversible oxidation of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. Although ALDHs have been systematically investigated in several plant species including Arabidopsis and rice, our knowledge concerning the ALDH genes, their evolutionary relationship and expression patterns in grape has been limited.A total of 23 ALDH genes were identified in the grape genome and grouped into ten families according to the unified nomenclature system developed by the ALDH Gene Nomenclature Committee (AGNC). Members within the same grape ALDH families possess nearly identical exon-intron structures. Evolutionary analysis indicates that both segmental and tandem duplication events have contributed significantly to the expansion of grape ALDH genes. Phylogenetic analysis of ALDH protein sequences from seven plant species indicates that grape ALDHs are more closely related to those of Arabidopsis. In addition, synteny analysis between grape and Arabidopsis shows that homologs of a number of grape ALDHs are found in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, suggesting that these genes arose before the speciation of the grape and Arabidopsis. Microarray gene expression analysis revealed large number of grape ALDH genes responsive to drought or salt stress. Furthermore, we found a number of ALDH genes showed significantly changed expressions in responses to infection with different pathogens and during grape berry development, suggesting novel roles of ALDH genes in plant-pathogen interactions and berry development.The genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analysis of grape ALDH genes should facilitate research in this gene family and provide new insights regarding their evolution history and functional roles in plant stress tolerance

The 3He/4He Halo of the Kazbek Volcanic Center, Northern Caucasus

Manifestations of recent volcanism in the Greater Caucasus are grouped in the El’brus and Kazbek volcanic areas [1]. The last episodes of activity in the majority of their eruptive centers date back to the Late Holocene or even first centuries of the recent era (El’brus Volcano) [2]. This implies potential volcanic hazards in the Greater Caucasus. Therefore, it is important to outline contours of this potentially hazardous region with the maximal possible accuracy. The region is characterized by indications of geodynamic stress, such as recent eruptions, crustal deformations, seismic activity, geothermal anomalies, and others. The 3He/4He value in natural gases can serve as one of such indications

The 3He/4He Halo of the Kazbek Volcanic Center, Northern Caucasus

Manifestations of recent volcanism in the Greater Caucasus are grouped in the El’brus and Kazbek volcanic areas [1]. The last episodes of activity in the majority of their eruptive centers date back to the Late Holocene or even first centuries of the recent era (El’brus Volcano) [2]. This implies potential volcanic hazards in the Greater Caucasus. Therefore, it is important to outline contours of this potentially hazardous region with the maximal possible accuracy. The region is characterized by indications of geodynamic stress, such as recent eruptions, crustal deformations, seismic activity, geothermal anomalies, and others. The 3He/4He value in natural gases can serve as one of such indications.Published605–6083.2. Tettonica attivaJCR Journalreserve

The 3He/4He Halo of the Kazbek Volcanic Center, Northern Caucasus

Manifestations of recent volcanism in the Greater Caucasus are grouped in the El’brus and Kazbek volcanic areas [1]. The last episodes of activity in the majority of their eruptive centers date back to the Late Holocene or even first centuries of the recent era (El’brus Volcano) [2]. This implies potential volcanic hazards in the Greater Caucasus. Therefore, it is important to outline contours of this potentially hazardous region with the maximal possible accuracy. The region is characterized by indications of geodynamic stress, such as recent eruptions, crustal deformations, seismic activity, geothermal anomalies, and others. The3He/4He value in natural gases can serve as one of such indications