Correlation function of spin noise due to atomic diffusion

We use paramagnetic Faraday rotation to study spin noise spectrum from unpolarized Rb vapor in a tightly focused probe beam in the presence of N$_2$ buffer gas. We derive an analytical form for the diffusion component of the spin noise time-correlation function in a Gaussian probe beam. We also obtain analytical forms for the frequency spectrum of the spin noise in the limit of a tightly focused or a collimated Gaussian beam in the presence of diffusion. In particular, we find that in a tightly focused probe beam the spectral lineshape can be independent of the buffer gas pressure. Experimentally, we find good agreement between the calculated and measured spin noise spectra for N$_2$ gas pressures ranging from 56 to 820 torr.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Voltage-dependent Block of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Cl- Channel by Two Closely Related Arylaminobenzoates

The gene defective in cystic fibrosis encodes a Cl- channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR is blocked by diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) when applied extracellularly at millimolar concentrations. We studied the block of CFTR expressed in Xenopus oocytes by DPC or by a closely related molecule, flufenamic acid (FFA). Block of whole-cell CFTR currents by bath-applied DPC or by FFA, both at 200 µM, requires several minutes to reach full effect. Blockade is voltage dependent, suggesting open-channel block: currents at positive potentials are not affected but currents at negative potentials are reduced. The binding site for both drugs senses ~40% of the electric field across the membrane, measured from the inside. In single-channel recordings from excised patches without blockers, the conductance was 8.0 ± 0.4 pS in symmetric 150 mM Cl^-. A subconductance state, measuring ~60% of the main conductance, was often observed. Bursts to the full open state lasting up to tens of seconds were uninterrupted at depolarizing membrane voltages. At hyperpolarizing voltages, bursts were interrupted by brief closures. Either DPC or FFA (50 µM) applied to the cytoplasmic or extracellular face of the channel led to an increase in flicker at V_m =-100 mV and not at V_m = +100 mV, in agreement with whole-cell experiments. DPC induced a higher frequency of flickers from the cytoplasmic side than the extracellular side. FFA produced longer closures than DPC; the FFA closed time was roughly equal (~ 1.2 ms) at -100 mV with application from either side. In cell-attached patch recordings with DPC or FFA applied to the bath, there was flickery block at V_m = -100 mV, confirming that the drugs permeate through the membrane to reach the binding site. The data are consistent with the presence of a single binding site for both drugs, reached from either end of the channel. Open-channel block by DPC or FFA may offer tools for use with site-directed mutagenesis to describe the permeation pathway

Marine biodiversity: A science roadmap for Europe

In the past ten years, Europe has made significant progress in marine biodiversity research and knowledge generation owing to strong support, funding, and coordination of research effort. However, there is still a major knowledge deficit and many of the important programmes and initiatives which have driven this progress have now ended. While biodiversity policy has also advanced, Europe has failed to achieve the biodiversity targets it has set itself. To meet these targets, effective science-based decisions and management will be necessary. This requires good science, strong European research collaboration, enhanced observing and research capacities, and effective science-policy interfaces

EurOcean 2010 Conference Report and Ostend Declaration. EurOCEAN 2010 – Grand challenges for marine research in the next decade. Thermae Palace, Oostende, Belgium, 12-13 October 2010

This Conference report provides a summary of the main highlights and key messages delivered by the speakers and chairs at the EurOCEAN 2010 Conference. The overarching recommendations from the Conference are summarized in the Ostend Declaration which calls for the recognition that “The Seas and Oceans are one of the Grand Challenges for the 21st Century”. The declaration states that the European marine science research community stands ready to provide knowledge, services and support the EU, and its Member and Associated States, to address critical marine and maritime challenges and opportunities which can, in turn, directly contribute to solving some of the most pressing societal challenges facing Europe and the worldtoday.The full text of the Ostend Declaration is included at the beginning of this report. Further information on the EurOCEAN 2010 Conference - including the Ostend Declaration in all official EU languages - is available at: www.eurocean2010.eu</a

EurOcean 2014. Connecting Science, Policy and People. Conference report and Rome Declaration 7-9 October 2014, Rome, Italy

This publication presents the Conference Report from EurOCEAN 2014 – a major European marine science policy conference which took place on 7-9 October 2014 in Rome, Italy. The report provides the key messages from the Conference including the Rome Declaration, a consensus view of some 340 participants spanning science, policy and industry. The Declaration sets a vision for seas and ocean science to achieve an ecosystem approach to the management of Europe’s marine resources as a fundamental requirement for sustainable Blue Growth whilst driving European leadership in marine science and technology. EurOCEAN 2014 was an official event of the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, co-organized by the European Marine Board (EMB), the European Commission (Directorate-General for Research and Innovation), the Italian National Research Council (CNR), National Inter-university Consortium for Ocean Science (CoNISMa), and the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS