Speciation and biosynthetic variation in four dictyoceratid sponges and their cyanobacterial symbiont, Oscillatoria spongeliae

Four species of marine sponges (Phylum Porifera, Order Dictyoceratida), which contain the filamentous cyanobacterial symbiont Oscillatoria spongeliae, were collected from four locations in Palau. The halogenated natural products associated with the symbiont were characterized from each sample, revealing that each species contained either chlorinated peptides, brominated diphenyl ethers, or no halogenated compounds. Analysis of the host sponges and the symbionts indicated that each species of sponge contained a distinct strain of morphologically similar cyanobacteria. Although cospeciation may be present in this group, we have identified that at least one host switching event has occurred in this symbiosis. Only the strain of O. spongeliae in the sponge containing the chlorinated compounds possessed genes involved in the biosynthesis of chlorinated leucine precursors, indicating that the chemical variation observed in these animals has a genetic foundation.     

Rotational and vibrational temperatures of naphthalene in a naphthalene-argon supersonic jet

In the $\text{A}$¹B_2u-$\text{X}$¹A_g system of naphthalene in a supersonic jet, rotational contour calculations show rotational temperatures of 2–60 K for argon carrier gas pressures of 1520-120 Torr. The b_1u vibration v₂₄ shows a high vibrational temperature which corresponds to the seeding temperature for pressures <400 Torr.     

Ion adsorption at the rutile-water interface: linking molecular and macroscopic properties

A comprehensive picture of the interface between aqueous solutions and the (110) surface of rutile (alpha-TiO2) is being developed by combining molecular-scale and macroscopic approaches, including experimental measurements, quantum calculations, molecular simulations, and Gouy-Chapman-Stern models. In situ X-ray reflectivity and X-ray standing-wave measurements are used to define the atomic arrangement of adsorbed ions, the coordination of interfacial water molecules, and substrate surface termination and structure. Ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, validated through direct comparison with the X-ray results, are used to predict ion distributions not measured experimentally. Potentiometric titration and ion adsorption results for rutile powders having predominant (110) surface expression provide macroscopic constraints of electrical double layer (EDL) properties (e.g., proton release) which are evaluated by comparison with a three-layer EDL model including surface oxygen proton affinities calculated using ab initio bond lengths and partial charges. These results allow a direct correlation of the three-dimensional, crystallographically controlled arrangements of various species (H2O, Na+, Rb+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Zn2+, Y3+, Nd3+) with macroscopic observables (H+ release, metal uptake, zeta potential) and thermodynamic/electrostatic constraints. All cations are found to be adsorbed as "inner sphere" species bonded directly to surface oxygen atoms, while the specific binding geometries and reaction stoichiometries are dependent on ionic radius. Ternary surface complexes of sorbed cations with electrolyte anions are not observed. Finally, surface oxygen proton affinities computed using the MUSIC model are improved by incorporation of ab initio bond lengths and hydrogen bonding information derived from MD simulations. This multitechnique and multiscale approach demonstrates the compatibility of bond-valence models of surface oxygen proton affinities and Stern-based models of the EDL structure, with the actual molecular interfacial distributions observed experimentally, revealing new insight into EDL properties including specific binding sites and hydration states of sorbed ions, interfacial solvent properties (structure, diffusivity, dielectric constant), surface protonation and hydrolysis, and the effect of solution ionic strength.     

Theoretical assessment of electronic transport in InN

Among the group-III nitrides, InN displays markedly unusual electronic transport characteristics due to its smaller effective mass, high peak velocity and high background electron concentration. First, a non-local empirical pseudopotential band structure of InN is obtained in the light of recent experimental and first-principles results. This is utilized within an ensemble Monte Carlo framework to illuminate the interesting transport properties. It is observed that InN has a peak velocity which is about 75% higher than that of GaN while at higher fields its saturation velocity is lower than that of GaN. Because of the strongly degenerate regime brought about by the high background electron concentration, the electron–electron interaction is also investigated, but its effect on the steady-state and transient velocity–field characteristics is shown to be negligible. Finally, hot phonon generation due to excessive polar optical phonon production in the electron scattering and relaxation processes is accounted for. The main findings are the appreciable reduction in the saturation drift velocity and the slower recovery from the velocity overshoot regime. The time evolution of the hot phonon distribution is analysed in detail and it is observed to be extremely anisotropic, predominantly along the electric force direction.     

Implications of the electromagnetic compatibility directive

The impact of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive on providers and users of electrical and electronic products is only starting to be appreciated by many of the very people who should by now have everything in place for 1st January 1996. This paper reviews the implications of the UK implementation of the Directive. All relevant products or systems supplied or brought into service from the end of 1995 are affected by the Directive, which must be complied with, otherwise serious criminal and civil penalties could result. The affixing of the CE-mark does not in itself assure adequate EMC performance of the product in each and every application     

The Ã1B2-X̃1A1 two-photon fluorescence excitation spectrum of 1,3-difluorobenzene

The $\text{A}\text{?}{}^1\text{B}{}_2\text{-}\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{A}{}_1$ system of 1,3-difluorobenzene has been observed using the technique of two-photon fluorescence excitation obtained with a pulsed dye laser. Calibration was achieved by a combination of the neon optogalvanic spectrum and etalon fringes. In circular, compared to linear, polarization the bands divide into two groups, those which are B₂-A₁ and which retain their intensity with circular polarization, and those which are A₁-A₁ and lose about 60% of their intensity under the same conditions. These two kinds of bands also show characteristic rotational contours. All of the A₁-A₁ bands whose assignments are established obtain their intensity through vibronic interaction in which the vibration ν′₂₅ (ν′₁₄ in the Wilson numbering) mixes the $\text{A}\text{?}$ with, presumably, the $\text{X}\text{?}$ state. There is an important Fermi resonance between the 9¹ and 10¹11¹ levels. Parts of the one-photon absorption spectrum have been photographed to identify sequences associated with the 0₀⁰ band for comparison with those observed in the two-photon spectrum, and to search for bands involving odd quanta of b₂ vibrations, including ν′₂₅ (ν′₁₄); none was found.