Magnetic dipole transitions and proton-neutron degrees of freedom in nuclear deformation

The M1 transitions between low-lying collective states are discussed from the viewpoint of the Proton-Neutron Interacting Boson Model, with particular emphasis on the mixed-symmetry states. Mixed-symmetry 2⁺ states are studied for⁵⁶Fe and⁵⁴Cr in terms of realistic and large-scale shell-model calculations, including M1 properties. The Doorway-state character of the mixed-symmetry 2⁺ state is proposed with examples in these nuclei. The possible candidate of the mixed-symmetry 2⁺ state in¹³⁴Ba is analyzed based on recent experiment by Molnaret al. on M1 transitions. The M1 transitions from the quasi-γ to quasi-g bands in γ-unstable or O(6) nuclei are discussed next, by taking Ba isotopes as an example. It is suggested that such M1 transitions are enhanced compared to axially symmetric nuclei as an indication of softness towards proton-neutron incoherent motion in γ-unstable nuclei,i.e., mixture of mixed-symmetry states. A new mirror-type symmetry is introduced for γ-unstable nuclei, and the M1 selection rule due to this symmetry is presented, making 4 ₂ ⁺ →4 ₁ ⁺ transition allowed but 3 ₁ ⁺ →2 ₁ ⁺ forbidden, for instance.     

RECONSTITUTION OF SQUID RHODOPSIN IN RHABDOMAL MEMBRANES

Abstract— Squid opsin which is capable of combining with 11- cis or 9- cis retinal to reconstitute photo-pigment has been prepared by irradiation of rhabdomal membranes with orange light (> 530 nm) in the presence of 0.2 M hydroxylamine. When the irradiation is carried out either at concentrations of hydroxylamine higher than 0.2 M or with light of wavelength shorter than 530 nm, rhodopsin in the membranes is bleached quickly, but the ability of the resultant opsin to form rhodopsin is greatly reduced.
The optimum pH for rhodopsin regeneration in rhabdomal membranes was found to be between 6.5 and 8.5. The rate of regeneration of rhodopsin increases with raising temperature, and at about 20°C it is almost the same as that of isorhodopsin. Even after solubilization in digitonin solution, opsin still preserves the ability to reform rhodopsin.
All- trans retinal can be incorporated into retinochrome-bearing membranes, in which it is isomerized into 11- cis isomer by the photoisomerase activity of retinochrome. Rhabdomal membranes retaining active opsin can take up 11- cis retinal from retinochrome membranes so as to synthesize rhodopsin.     

Facile oxidation of aldehydes and α-keto acids as catalyzed by flavin and thiazolium ion

Oxidation of aldehydes and α-keto acids to carboxylic acids ocurrs readily in the presence of a flavin, thiazolium ion, and cationic micelles, the reaction involving trapping by the flavin of the intermediate formed from the substrate-thiazolium adducts through deprotonation or decarboxylation.     

Spin-dependent nuclear weak processes and nucleosynthesis in stars

Spin dependent nuclear weak processes and nucleosynthesis in stars are investigated based on recent advances in shell model studies of stable and unstable exotic nuclei. Three topics on (1) neutrino-nucleus reactions in supernova explosions and nucleosynthesis of light elements as well as Mn, (2) electron capture reaction rates on Ni and Co isotopes at high densities and temperatures in the core-collapse process, and (3) new β-decay half-lives of N=126 isotones obtained by including both the Gamow-Teller and the first-forbidden transitions, and the effects on the element abundance in the r-process at the third peak region (A∼195), are studied with the use of new shell model Hamiltonians.     

How have they started? – A brief guide for pedestrians

I shall present a very brief summary of subjects selected from what Prof. Akito Arima has done in the past years. I will focus on the initial works on the configuration mixing and on the Interacting Boson Model. Since there are many literatures on these subjects, I shall concentrate what have been done at the initial or at the pre-history stages. By doing this, we shall see how Prof. Akito Arima started from the scratch.