In situ X-ray observation of phase transformation in Fe2O3 at high pressures and high temperatures

A laser-heated sample in a diamond anvil cell and synchrotron X-ray radiation was used to carry out structural characterization of the phase transformation of Fe₂O₃ at high pressures (30-96 GPa) and high temperature. The Rh₂O₃(II) (or orthorhombic perovskite) structure transforms to a new phase, which exhibits X-ray diffraction data that are indicative of a CaIrO₃-type structure. The CaIrO₃-type structure exhibited an orthorhombic symmetry (space group: Cmcm) that was stable at temperatures of 1200-2800 K and pressure of 96 GPa (the highest pressure used). Unambiguous assignment of such a structure requires experimental evidence for the presence of two Fe species. Based on the equation of state of gold, the phase boundary of the CaIrO₃-type phase transformation was P (GPa)=59+0.0022×(T−1200) (K).     

A sensitive and quantitative technique for detecting autophagic events based on lysosomal delivery

We sought to develop a sensitive and quantitative technique capable of monitoring the entire flux of autophagy involving fusion of lysosomal membranes. We observed the accumulation inside lysosomal compartments of Keima, a coral-derived acid-stable fluorescent protein that emits different-colored signals at acidic and neutral pHs. The cumulative fluorescent readout can be used to quantify autophagy at a single time point. Remarkably, the technique led us to characterize an autophagy pathway in Atg5-deficient cells, in which conventional LC3-based autophagosome probes are ineffective. Due to the large Stokes shift of Keima, this autophagy probe can be visualized in conjunction with other green-emitting fluorophores. We examined mitophagy as a selective autophagic process; time-lapse imaging of mitochondria-targeted Keima and GFP-Parkin allowed us to observe simultaneously Parkin recruitment to and autophagic degradation of mitochondria after membrane depolarization.     

Fibrin glue increases the cell survival and the transduced gene product secretion of the ceiling culture-derived adipocytes transplanted in mice

The development of clinically applicable scaffolds is important for the application of cell transplantation in various human diseases. The aims of this study are to evaluate fibrin glue in a novel protein replacement therapy using proliferative adipocytes and to develop a mouse model system to monitor the delivery of the transgene product into the blood and the fate of the transduced cells after transplantation. Proliferative adipocytes from mouse adipose tissue were transduced by a retroviral vector harboring the human lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (lcat) gene, and were subcutaneously transplanted into mice combined with fibrin glue. The lcat gene transduction efficiency and the subsequent secretion of the product in mouse adipocytes were enhanced using a protamine concentration of 500 μg/ml. Adipogenesis induction did not significantly affect the lcat gene-transduced cell survival after transplantation. Immunohistochemistry showed the ectopic enzyme production to persist for 28 days in the subcutaneously transplanted gene- transduced adipocytes. The increased viability of transplanted cells with fibrin glue was accompanied with the decrease in apoptotic cell death. The immunodetectable serum LCAT levels in mice implanted with the fibrin glue were comparable with those observed in mice implanted with Matrigel, indicating that the transplanted lcat gene-transduced adipocytes survived and functioned in the transplanted spaces with fibrin glue as well as with Matrigel for 28 days. Thus, this in vivo system using fibrin is expected to serve as a good model to further improve the transplanted cell/scaffold conditions for the stable and durable cell-based replacement of defective proteins in patients with LCAT deficiency.     

Ag/AAO纳米有序阵列复合结构等效光学参量的确定

引入厚度偏差Δd, 修正了薄膜透射率表达式.基于Ag/AAO纳米有序阵列复合结构实验透射光谱(500—2700nm)的两条极值包络线, 定义了一个优化函数, 结合最优化数值算法尝试确定具有较强吸收的Ag/AAO纳米有序阵列复合结构的等效光学参量. 由此计算了该结构的等效折射率n、等效消光系数k、平均等效厚度d以及厚度偏差Δd. 该方法对Ag/AAO纳米复合结构平均等效厚度的相对计算误差仅为0.3%, 与实测厚度基本一致, 且Ag/AAO纳米复合结构的模拟透射谱与实验透射光谱在500—2700nm波段范围内相符. 这表明该计算方法可有效确定Ag/AAO纳米复合结构的等效光学参量, 并与实验结果是自洽的. 关键词： 薄膜光学 光学参量 纳米复合结构 最优化算法     

Polarized target asymmetry in π° photoproduction between 0.4 and 1.0 GeV around 100°

The polarized target asymmetry in the reaction γp→π°p has been measured at c.m. angles around 100° for photon energies between 0.4 and 1.0 GeV by detecting both the recoil proton and the π°. The result is compared with recent analyses.     

Trimethylsilylmethyl derivatives of thallium(III)

Some trimethylsilylmethyl derivatives of thallium(III) have higher stability and unusual coordination behavior in comparison with simple alkylthallim(III) analogs for steric reasons.     

Absorption of millimeter to submillimeter waves by atmospheric water molecules

Using the values of the rotational molecular parameters (including cencrifugal distortion terms) of the H₂ ¹⁶O molecule, which can explain 12 observed transitions below 800 GHz, all rotational energy levels with normalized Boltzmann factors larger than 5×10^–8 at 300°K are calculated. Probabilities of all possible electric dipole transitions among these states, 2277 lines, are calculated using the eigenfunctions thus obtained, and the permanent electric dipole moment of 1.8546 Debye. Assuming the single and full Lorentzian line forms, we calculated the absorption coefficient for millimeter to submillimeter region. Our result, using the single term Lorentzian line form, agrees quite well with experiment for 1 Torr of water vapor in 760 Torr air at 300°K.