Epifluorescence and light microscopy evidencing structural and functional polymorphism of ribosomal DNA in fish (Teleostei: Astyanax fasciatus)

New karyotypic data are presented for the Astyanax fasciatus species complex from four different locations on the Upper Tibagi River in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Chromosome markers were analyzed using conventional (Ag-NOR) and molecular (FISH with 18S biotinylated probes) methods. Two cytotypes were found in cell counts with diploid number 2n = 48 chromosomes and 2n = 50 chromosomes, previously denominated Cytotype A and B, respectively. Two specific patterns of Ag-NORs markers (ribosomal gene activity) were found, with intra-population and inter-population variations. Cytotype A exhibited two to three chromosomes with NOR sites in the metaphases analyzed. In Cytotype B specimens, up to three markers were found, demonstrating greater intra-population and inter-population variation. All individuals with only one chromosome pair with NORs were located in the telomeric region of the short arm of Chromosome 5. This characteristic was interpreted as ancestral for the species. Another identified pattern revealed a site in the telomeric region probably in the long arm of Chromosome 4 and another submetacentric chromosome with bitelomeric marks exclusively in specimens with 2n = 50 chromosomes. In the FISH analysis (ribosomal gene structure), five to seven markers were identified in Cytotype A and three to seven markers were identified in Cytotype B. Structural chromosome events and/or transposable elements are required to explain the ribosomal gene location diversity in these organisms. The results of the present study corroborate the hypothesis that the A. fasciatus of the Upper Tibagi River region constitute a species complex.     

Cytogenetic analysis of two Coprophanaeus species (Scarabaeidae) revealing wide constitutive heterochromatin variability and the largest number of 45S rDNA sites among Coleoptera

The Coleopterans of Scarabaeinae clade presents Coprophanaeus (Megaphanaeus) ensifer and C. (Coprophanaeus) cyanescens (Scarabaeidae) when they are studied cytogenetically by different techniques. The species present symmetric karyotypes, diploid number of 2n = 20, and meta-submetacentric chromosomes. C. (M.) ensifer present an XY sex-determining mechanism and C. (C.) cyanescens an XY_p parachute mechanism. Analysis of constitutive heterochromatin (CH) in the two species revealed the presence of diphasic autosomes, with log arm heterochromatics. Moreover, an additional heterochromatic block in four autosomal bivalents were observed in C. (M.) ensifer. CMA₃/DA/DAPI fluorochrome staining detected CMA₃ positive heterochromatic blocks restricted to the sex chromosomes in C. (C.) cyanescens, whereas in C. (M.) ensifer CMA₃ positive pericentromeric blocks were present in all autosomes, in the Y chromosome and in the four additional heterochromatic blocks. DAPI staining was neutral in both species. Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) staining was inefficient for the detection of the nucleolar organizer region (NORs), but showed affinity for the heterochromatic regions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed the presence of 45S rDNA sites in the terminal region of the three autosomal bivalents of C. (C.) cyanescens and in seven bivalents and the Y chromosome of C. (M.) ensifer. These results contribute to a better understanding of chromosome evolution in the genus Coprophanaeus, and demonstrate a wide CH variability and the largest number of ribosomal sites among Coleoptera.     

Cytogenetic analysis of two related Deltochilum (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae) species: Diploid number reduction,extensive heterochromatin addition and differentiation

Male mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of two species of the genus Deltochilum (Scarabaeidae) were analyzed through conventional staining, C-banding, base-specific fluorochromes, silver nitrate staining (AgNO₃) and FISH (45S rDNA). The two species possessed karyotypes with 2n = 14, neo-XY and meta-submetacentric chromosomes. The analysis of constitutive heterochromatin (CH) revealed mainly diphasic chromosomes in the two species, showing heterochromatic long arms. Silver nitrate staining labeled the blocks corresponding to CH in D. (Deltohyboma) aff morbillosum while in D. (Deltohyboma) calcaratum, AgNO₃ staining revealed only the CH blocks of the diphasic autosomes. The fluorochrome staining revealed in D. (D.) calcaratum the diphasic autosomes and the sex chromosomes with CMA₃⁺ blocks, and in D. (D.) aff morbillosum, the GC-rich sequences were restricted to the terminal regions of the long arms of the pairs 1 and 2 and the X. The FISH revealed 45S rDNA sites in two autosomic pairs and in the X chromosome. The analyses performed allowed for the identification of cytogenetic markers and the discussion of possible chromosome rearrangements that have been involved in the karyotypic differentiation of these species mainly related to the repetitive genome.     

Karyotype differentiation patterns in species of the subfamily Scarabaeinae (Scarabaeidae, Coleoptera)

The aim of this study was to describe the karyotype of species belonging to the subfamily Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) and to compile the conventional cytogenetic data available in the literature for this group. The karyotypes of ten species belonging to the tribes Canthonini, Coprini, Onthophagini and Phanaeini were analyzed by conventional staining. Eight of these species were described for the first time (Canthon aff carbonarius, Canthon chalybaeus, Coprophanaeus dardanus, Deltochilum aff amazonicum, Dichotomius geminatus, Oxysternon silenus, Phanaeus chalcomelas and Malagoniella aff astyanax) and two were redescribed (Diabroctis mimas and Digitonthophagus gazella) since their karyotypes differed from those previously published in the literature. Four species studied showed a diploid number of 2n = 20 and a parachute type sex determining system and the karyotype was 2n = 20,Xy in two species and 2n = 18,Xy_p, 2n = 19,X0, 2n = 12,XY and 2n = 14,neoXY in one each. The chromosome morphology of the different species varied, with the observation of metacentric, submetacentric, subacrocentric and acrocentric chromosomes. The X chromosome was predominantly meta or submetacentric in the species analyzed, whereas the y chromosome presented two arms or was punctiform. In conclusion, the subfamily Scarabaeinae comprises 120 species analyzed cytogenetically, and are observed the occurrence of five chromosome rearrangements (autosome–autosome and X-autosome fusions, pericentric inversions, fissions and loss of the y chromosome) that are related to the chromosome variability and evolution in the group.     

Different chromatin fractions of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and related species

Conventional chromosome staining has suggested that more than 75% of the tomato chromosomes are constituted by heterochromatin. In order to determine whether more deeply stained proximal regions are classic heterochromatin, the distributions of C-bands and chromomycin A₃ (CMA) bands, and the prophase condensation patterns, were analysed in tomato. In this and most other species of the tomato clade, the 5S and 45S rDNA sites were also localised. In tomato, CMA banding was similar to C-banding. After conventional staining, all species displayed large condensed heteropycnotic regions that did not correspond to C-bands or CMA bands. Analyses of the CMA banded karyotypes revealed a low heterochromatin content. Around 12–17% of the chromatin of tomato was CMA⁺ and 1/4 to 1/5 of this heterochromatin corresponded to 45S rDNA. In other species, the CMA⁺ heterochromatin showed extensive variation (8–35%), but was never near the values found in the literature for tomato. These data suggest the existence of three principal fractions of chromatin in tomato and related species: the late condensed euchromatin corresponding to the terminal regions of the chromosomes, the precocious condensed euchromatin that occupies the major part of the chromosomes and the constitutive heterochromatin that represents those regions revealed by C-bands.     

Cytogenetics of four species of Spirostreptidae (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida)

Considering an estimated number of millipedes of approximately 80,000, cytogenetic studies on these animals are rare, as only a total of 70 species have their karyotypes described. The present study reports on the chromosomal number of four Brazilian diplopods of the family Spirostreptidae: Urostreptus atrobrunneus with 2n = 24, XY; Gymnostreptus olivaceus 2n = 12, XY and Alloporus araraquarensis and A. principes, 2n = 18, XY. The C-banding pattern and NOR staining of U. atrobrunneus, G. olivaceus and A. araraquarensis are described.     

Application of the group foliation method to the complex Monge-Ampère equation

We apply the method of group foliation to the complex Monge-Ampère equation (CMA ₂) to establish a regular framework for finding its non-invariant solutions. We employ an infinite symmetry subgroup ofCMA ₂ to produce a foliation of the solution space into orbits of solutions with respect to this group and a corresponding splitting ofCMA ₂ into an automorphic system and a resolvent system. We propose a new approach to group foliation which is based on the commutator algebra of operators of invariant differentiation. This algebra together with its Jacobi identities provides the commutator representation of the resolvent system. Presented by M.B. Sheftel at the DI-CRM Workshop held in Prague, 18–21 June 2000.     

First description of B chromosomes in the family Auchenipteridae,Parauchenipterus galeatus (Siluriformes) of the São Francisco River basin (MG,Brazil)

B chromosomes are considered additional and non-essential; they likely originate from A chromosomes and follow a distinct evolution. In fish, approximately half of the Neotropical species with B chromosomes are Characiformes and 35% are Siluriformes. There has been no report of B chromosomes in Auchenipteridae until this moment. B chromosomes found in a population of Parauchenipterus galeatus from the São Francisco River basin in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) were small, metacentric, totally heterochromatic and exhibited intra-individual and inter-individual variation. The diploid number was 58 chromosomes (22 metacentric, 16 submetacentric, 12 subtelocentric and 8 acrocentric). The nucleolar organizing regions were simple and the heterochromatin intercalated in the ribosomal sites, characterized by CMA₃ and DAPI fluorochromes, was of a GC-rich constitution. The 5S rDNA genes were located in an intercalary position in only one chromosome pair. An hypothesis about the origin of the B chromosomes in P. galeatus and a review on B chromosomes in catfish are also presented in this study.     

Molecular cytogenetics of Salminus fish (Characiformes) based on 5S and 18S rRNA genes hybridization, fluorochrome staining and C-banding

Karyotype, mapping of nucleolar and 5S rRNA genes and distribution of constitutive heterochromatin supposedly AT-rich were characterized on two isolate populations of Salminus brasiliensis, the biggest characid fish, and three population of Salminus hilarii. The diploid number 2n=50 and the karyotype formulae (10M+20SM+20ST/A) were the same to Salminus species studied. The position of 18S rDNA cluster identified by FISH coincide with chromomycin A(3) labeling (CMA(+)) in the long arm telomeric portion of sixth pair. Subtle differences for the disposal of the 5S rRNA gene in the chromosome of the Salminus are presented. The distribution of the constitutive heterochromatins and DA/DAPI(+) bands are described.     

Nonlinear optical responses of Sudan IV doped liquid crystal by z-scan and moiré deflectometry techniques

The nonlinear optical properties of a nematic liquid crystal doped with an azo dye were investigated. The magnitude and the sign of the third-order nonlinear refractive index, n₂, were measured using both single-beam z-scan and moiré deflectometry techniques. The measurements were performed at 532 nm using a Nd:Yag CW laser. The positive sign showed that sample which was studied possess a self-focusing optical nonlinearity. Rather close agreement was found between the values for n₂ obtained by z-scan and by moiré deflectometry. The nonlinear refractive index was found to be in the order of 10^− 6 (cm²/W) and the nonlinear absorption coefficient to be β = 0.171 (cm/W).     

NOR gate response in a double quantum ring: An exact result

NOR gate response in a double quantum ring, where each ring is threaded by a magnetic flux , is investigated. The double quantum ring is sandwiched symmetrically between two semi-infinite one-dimensional metallic electrodes, and two gate voltages, namely, V_a and V_b, are applied, respectively, in lower arms of the two rings those are treated as the two inputs of the NOR gate. A simple tight-binding model is used to describe the system, and all the calculations are done through the Green’s function formalism. Here we calculate exactly the conductance–energy and current–voltage characteristics as functions of the ring-to-electrode coupling strengths, magnetic flux and gate voltages. Our numerical study predicts that, for a typical value of the magnetic flux =₀/2 (₀=ch/e, the elementary flux-quantum), a high output current (1) (in the logical sense) appears if both the inputs to the gate are low (0), while if one or both are high (1), a low output current (0) results. It clearly demonstrates the NOR gate behavior, and this aspect may be utilized in designing an electronic logic gate.     

Semiclassical relativistic strings in and long scalar operators in SYM theory

We review recent progress in quantitative checking of AdS/CFT duality in the sector of ‘semiclassical’ string states dual to ‘long’ scalar N=4 super Yang–Mills operators. In particular, we describe the effective action approach, in which the same sigma model type action describing coherent states is shown to emerge from the AdS₅×S⁵ string action and from an integrable spin chain Hamiltonian representing the SYM dilatation operator. To cite this article: A.A. Tseytlin, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).

Résumé

Nous passons en revue les progrès récents sur les vérifications quantitatives de la dualité AdS/CFT dans le régime où les états « semiclassiques » de cordes sont du aux « longs » opérateurs scalaires de la théorie de super Yang–Mills N=4. En particulier, nous décrivons l'approche effective, dans laquelle le modèle sigma décrivant les états cohérents est montré émerger de l'action de la corde sur AdS₅×S⁵ et de l'Hamiltonien d'une chaîne de spin intégrable représentant l'opérateur de dilatation en SYM. Pour citer cet article : A.A. Tseytlin, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).     

The influence of CHx coating on the optical properties of porous silicon

In this work, we report a study on the influence of CH_x thickness layer on optical properties of CH_x/PS/Si structures. The hydrocarbon groups were deposited by plasma of methane–argon mixture.The properties of these structures are investigated by photoluminescence (PL), reflection and spectral response measurements from where a different behavior depending on CH_x layer thickness has been observed.The entire total reflection spectrum is modulated by Fabry–Pérot fringes that are a result of thin film interference. As the CH_x layer thickness increases, the amplitude of the interferences decreases and a positive shift of the maximum peak is observed.The PL spectra from CH_x/PS samples with two CH_x layer thicknesses show more intense luminescence than that observed from PS sample and the existence of an optimum thickness CH_x that gives the maximum PL intensity. The spectral response spectra show the presence of an intense peak at 450 nm. Finally, the results point out the importance of CH_x coating in optoelectronic applications.     

Experimental analysis of thermal displacement and strain distributions in a small outline J-leaded electronic package by using wedged-glass phase-shifting moiré interferometry

To evaluate the influence of a printed wiring board (PWB) with a high coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) on the thermal deformation of a small outline J-leaded electronic package (SOJ), a newly developed phase-shifting method was applied to moiré interferometry. This phase-shifting moiré interferometry method uses a wedged glass plate as a phase shifter to obtain displacement fields with a sensitivity of 100 nm/line. This technique also enabled the quantitative determination of strain distributions in all observation areas. Thermal loading was applied from room temperature (25 °C) to an elevated temperature (100 °C), and then the thermal strains of SOJ with and without the PWB were compared. The results showed that the concentrations of the longitudinal strains ε_xx and ε_yy became increasingly prominent when mounted on the PWB, and the shear strains γ_xy were concentrated at the corners of the silicon chip. The values of these strains increased by about 50% when the SOJ was mounted on the PWB.     

Densities, excess molar volumes, and viscosities of the binary and ternary mixtures of {diethylcarbonate (1) + p-chloroacetophenone (2) + 1-hexanol (3)} at 303.15 K for the liquid region and at ambient pressure

Densities ρ, dynamic viscosities η, of the ternary mixture (diethylcarbonate + p-chloroacetophenone + 1-hexanol) and the involved binary mixtures (diethylcarbonate + p-chloroacetophenone), (diethylcarbonate + 1-hexanol), and (p-chloroacetophenone + 1-hexanol) have been measured over the whole composition range at 303.15 K for the liquid region and at ambient pressure. The data obtained are used to calculate excess molar volumes V_m^E, excess partial molar volumes V¯_m,i^E, limiting excess partial molar volumes V¯_m,i^E,∞, and viscosity deviations Δη, of the binary and ternary mixtures. The data of excess molar volumes of the binary systems were fitted to the Redlich–Kister equation while for the ternary system the Cibulka equation was used. The McAllister's four body, and Kalidas and Laddha interaction models are used to correlate the kinematic viscosities of binary and ternary mixtures, respectively, to determine the fitting parameters and the standard deviations. The experimental data of the constitute binaries and ternary are analyzed to discuss the nature and strength of intermolecular interactions in these mixtures.     

Core-level shifts of InP(1 0 0)(2 × 4) surface: Theory and experiment

Surface core-level shifts (SCLSs) of the (2 × 4)-reconstructed InP(1 0 0) surface with the established mixed In–P dimer structure have been investigated by first-principles calculations and photoelectron spectroscopy. Theoretical values were calculated using both the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange-correlation energy functional. The obtained theoretical values are quite similar within both approximations. The found differences originate in the tiny structural differences. It is concluded that the expansion or contraction of the crystal lattice has smaller effect on the SCLSs than the geometrical details of the reconstruction, which suggests that the Madelung potential has the dominant effect on the SCLSs. The results support the presence of a P 2p peak at higher binding energy (BE) compared to bulk peak, as proposed with recent measurements [P. Laukkanen, J. Pakarinen, M. Ahola-Tuomi, M. Kuzmin, R. E. Perälä, I. J. Väyrynen, A. Tukiainen, V. Rimpiläinen, M. Pessa, M. Adell, J. Sadowski, Surf. Sci. 600 (2006) 3022], and reveal several hitherto not reported SCLSs. The calculated SCLSs reproduce the measured spectra within reasonable accuracy. Furthermore, the atomic origins of the InP(1 0 0)(2 × 4) SCLSs are solved. In particular, it is shown that the lowest SCLS of P 2p of the InP(1 0 0)(2 × 4) arises from the topmost In–P dimers.     

Cytogenetics of the land snails Cantareus aspersus and C. mazzullii (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

A cytogenetic study was carried out on the chromosomes and nuclear DNA contents of the land snails Cantareus aspersus and C. mazzullii (Gastropoda: Pulmonata). Chromosomes were studied using Giemsa staining, banding methods and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with three repetitive DNA probes [18S rDNA, (GATA)(n) and (TTAGGG)(n)]. Results were very similar in the two species both showing (1) 54 bi-armed chromosomes [submetacentrics (SM) + metacentrics (M) + subtelocentrics (ST)]; (2) 10 terminal NORs after sequential application of rDNA FISH and silver staining; (3) uniform DNA fluorescence with CMA(3) and DAPI staining and (4) genomic composition considerably enriched both in highly- and moderately-repeated DNAs. The telomeric (TTAGGG)(n) sequence hybridized with the termini of all of the chromosomes in the two species. In spite of their apparent karyological uniformity, flow cytometry DNA assays showed that C. aspersus and C. mazzullii are characterized by different nuclear DNA content (C values are 3.58 and 3.08 pg, respectively) and slightly different base composition in their genomes. Present data on GS and AT% in C. mazzullii and C. aspersus confirm the trend toward high GS values and GC percentages among land snails.     

Fabrication and electrical characterization of p-Sb2S3/n-Si heterojunctions for solar cells application

Antimony trisulphide (Sb₂S₃) films were prepared by thermal evaporation technique on n-type single crystal Si substrates to fabricate p-Sb₂S₃/n-Si heterojunctions. The electrical transport properties of the p–Sb₂S₃/n-Si heterojunctions were investigated by current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. The temperature-dependent I–V characteristics revealed that the forward conduction was determined by multi-step tunnelling current and the activation energy of saturation current was about 0.54 eV. The 1/C²–V plots indicated the junction was abrupt and the junction built-in potential was 0.6 V at room temperature and decreased with increasing temperature. The solar cell parameters have been calculated for the fabricated cell as V_oc = 0.50 V, J_sc = 14.53 mA cm⁻², FF = 0.32 and η = 4.65% under an illumination of 50 mW cm⁻².     

Chromosomal differentiation of populations of Lysapsus limellus limellus, L. l. bolivianus, and of Lysapsus caraya (Hylinae, Hylidae)

Cytogenetic analysis were done on specimens from two populations of Lysapsus limellus limellus, three of L. l. bolivianus and of one of Lysapsus caraya. All animals showed a diploid chromosomal number of 2n=24. The karyotypes of the two L. limellus subspecies were very similar, differing only by the larger amount of telomeric heterochromatin and a small pericentromeric C-band on the short arms of pair 2 in L. l. limellus specimens. The karyotype of L. caraya differed from those of the two L. limellus subspecies in terms of chromosomal morphology, C-banding pattern and location of the main NOR on chromosomes 7 and 6, respectively. The karyotype of the L. l. bolivianus population from Guajará-Mirim/RO differed from those of the other populations of the same subspecies in morphology and heterochromatin pattern of chromosomes 7 and 8. Additional NORs were detected by silver staining and confirmed by FISH in one of the homologues of pairs 1 and 8 in L. l. bolivianus and in pair 7 in L. caraya. These results suggest that a reassessment of the taxonomic status of L. limellus subspecies, especially of the L. l. bolivianus populations, may be necessary.