Minor Bands Research Articles

Optical properties of carbon dots generated in liquid by pulsed IR laser at 1064 nm

Biocompatible carbon dots (CDs) have been synthesized by the laser ablation of graphite and vegetable carbon (charcoal) placed in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. The carbon nanoparticles are produced by a pulsed IR laser beam, operating at 1064 nm, 100 mJ energy, and 3 ns pulse duration, interacting with the carbon matrix placed in the liquid at a 0.2 Hz repetition rate. The ablation rate, in terms of removed carbon mass per laser shot, was evaluated to be about 75.8 ng/pulse and 758 ng/pulse for graphite and charcoal, respectively. Optical and electronic microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and luminescence measurements were employed to evince the CDs dispersion through its photoluminescence emission. The UV excitation at a 365 nm wavelength induces CDs luminescence in the visible region, as a result of electron transition, at a wavelength band depending on the laser spot size, i.e., of the laser fluence. CDs luminescence emission obtained from charcoal is independent of the laser fluence, showing a major emission peak around 475 nm and a secondary emission peak at 515 nm. CDs luminescence emission obtained from graphite depends on the laser fluence, showing a minor wavelength band, around 474 nm, at high laser fluences and a major wavelength band, around 670 nm, at low laser fluence. The CDs luminescence of the produced biocompatible solution finds many applications in the bio-medical field, as will be presented and discussed.

Spin-dependent electronic phenomena in heavily-doped monolayer graphene

The controlled manipulation of doping levels in graphene is crucial for advancing next-generation low-power electronics. Owing to its peculiar band structure, graphene's electronic functionalities can be easily tuned by electron doping, resulting in the bandgap openings, orbital hybridization, and induced spin-polarization. Here, we unveil the substantial doping of the graphene layer and the emergence of a significant bandgap by sandwiching a monolayer graphene, supported on ferromagnetic cobalt, between two europium layers. Our angle- and spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments, accompanied by dedicated density functional theory calculations, demonstrate that single-spin electron pockets form as a result of the hybridization of the topmost europium majority bands with graphene, while hybridization gaps are induced in the graphene π∗ bands by the Eu minority bands. Spin-resolved measurements further emphasize a single-spin dispersionless contribution proximal to the Fermi level, possibly arising from the coupling of single-spin polarized graphene bands to optical phonons. This work provides crucial insights into the phase diagram of heavily doped graphene, with significant potential for the design and development of novel 2D systems.

Expression and basic biochemical characteristics of recombinant surfactant protein D of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopstruncatus)

We previously identified surfactant protein D (SP-D) in the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus as a unique evolutionary factor of the cetacean pulmonary immune system. In this short report, recombinant SP-D of bottlenose dolphin (dSP-D) was synthesized in mammalian cells, and its properties were analyzed in vitro. The recombinant proteins were purified using Ni-carrier or Co-carrier. Sodium dodecyl sulfate poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting revealed a 50 kDa major band with minor secondary bands. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-like methods revealed that recombinant dSP-D bonded to gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial walls. Our findings suggest the clinical usefulness of dSP-D for cetacean pneumonia.

Relative Protein Profile of Philippine Cinnamomum (Schaeffer) Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)

Philippine Cinnamomum are trees with aromatic leaves and bark. It has several economic and medicinal uses, but concerns about protein profile are limited. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the relative protein component of the species by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A total of 27 cinnamon species were run in Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate - Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-Page) with LSB (Laemli Sample Buffer) and Tris HCI (1:1) as sample buffer. Determining protein profiles is a tool for the systematic classification of the species. Results showed that Philippine Cinnamomum leaf samples have the same component proteins. The SDS-PAGE provided a similar protein banding pattern, although the same bands' intensity varies. Pronounced protein bands were observed corresponding to 50 to 75 kDa and 25 kDa, with additional minor bands indicating a higher protein content. The results in SDS-PAGE showed that the component proteins of Cinnamomum leaves were comparable regardless of geographical source and different stages of growth of the samples. However, the concentration of some component proteins may vary, as indicated by the difference in intensity of protein bands. Sodium dodecyl sulphate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a tool in the biochemical method of determining the relative protein profile of Cinnamomum species. It can be used to classify plants up to the species level. Based on the study results, Philippine Cinnamomum has a higher protein content that can be used in culinary, medicinal, and pharmaceuticals.

Raman–Infrared Spectral Correlation of an Artificially Space-Weathered Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite

Raman and infrared measurements of the same locations were conducted on a northwest African (NWA) 10580 CO3 meteorite sample, before and after three proton irradiations (1 keV ion energy using 1011, 1014, and 1017 ion/cm2 fluent values), to simulate space weathering effects. In the case of Raman spectroscopy, both FWHM and peak positions of the major olivine and pyroxene bands changed after the irradiation, and the minor bands disappeared. In the FTIR spectra, the minor bands of olivine and pyroxene also disappeared; meanwhile, major IR bands of pyroxene remained visible, demonstrating both positive and negative peak shifts, and the olivines were characterised only by negative peak shifts. The olivines were characterised by negative FWHM changes for major bands, but positive FWHM changes for minor bands. The pyroxenes were characterised by elevated FWHM changes for minor bands after the irradiation. The disappearance of minor bands both of IR and Raman spectra indicates the amorphization of minerals. The negative peak shift in IR spectra indicates Mg loss for olivine and pyroxene, in agreement with the literature. The Raman spectra are characterised by positive peak shift and positive FWHM changes; the IR spectra are characterised by a negative peak shift. The Mg loss, which was detected by negative peak shifts of FTIR bands, may be caused by distortion of the crystal structure, which could be detected by a positive peak shift in Raman spectra. This joint observation and interpretation has not been formulated in the literature, but indicates further possibilities in the confirmation of mineral changes by different instruments. Shock alteration-based observations by other researchers could be used as a reference for irradiation experiments as irradiation makes a similar structural alteration, like a low-grade shock metamorphism.

Irradiation induced mineral changes of NWA10580 meteorite determined by infrared analysis

Context. Identifying minerals on asteroid surfaces is difficult as space weathering modifies the minerals’ infrared spectra. This should be better understood for proper interpretation. Aims. We simulated the space weathering effects on a meteorite and recorded the alterations of the crystalline structure, such as the change in peak positions and full width at half maximum values. Methods. We used proton irradiation to simulate the effects of solar wind on a sample of NWA 10580 CO3 chondrite meteorites. After irradiation in three gradually increased steps with 1 keV ion energy, we used infrared microscopic reflectance and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to identify and understand the consequences of irradiation. Results. We find negative peak shifts after the first and second irradiations at pyroxene and feldspar minerals, similarly to the literature, and this shift was attributed to Mg loss. However, after the third irradiation a positive change in values in wavenumber emerged for silicates, which could come from the distortion of SiO4 tetrahedra, resembling shock deformation. The full width at half maximum values of major bands show a positive (increasing) trend after irradiations in the case of feldspars, using IR reflection measurements. Comparing DRIFTS and reflection infrared data, the peak positions of major mineral bands were at similar wavenumbers, but differences can be observed in minor bands. Conclusions. We measured the spectral changes of meteorite minerals after high doses of proton irradiation for several minerals. We show the first of these measurements for feldspars; previous works only presented pyroxene, olivine, and phyllosilicates.

Exploring Antigenic Properties and Immune Responses in Bufo himalayanus: Implications for Conservation and Biodiversity Protection

Background: The objective of the study is to investigate antigenic property of soluble antigens of Nematodes Cosmocercoides dukae isolated from infected Bufo himalayanus (Class Amphibia, order: Anura) and to investigate the nature of protective immune response in laboratory rats. Bufo himalayanus is a species found in the districts of Darjeeling, Sikkim and adjoining hills of the sub-Himalayan belt, at an altitude of 6000 ft. above the sea level and known to be heavily infested by natural gut dwelling nematode infections. The present study is a small step towards protection and conservation of this amphibian species.
 Results: study of morphology of the nematode parasite confirmed it to be Cosmocercoides dukae. A crude whole body homogenate (antigenic protein) of the parasite was injected in healthy non-infected rats, spleen histo-architecture of treated rats differed from control rats. Humoral immune response assay by Gel Diffusion Precipitin (GDP) Test revealed that the parasite antigen invoked very little to no response. Study of the crude nematode antigenic protein extract concentration was 6.09 mg/ml and protein profile assay by SDS-PAGE showed seven major and several minor bands.
 Discussion: Though humoral immune response assay of parasite in experimental rats evoked very little or no immune response, this would not mean absence of antibodies, rather the antibody titers were presumably very low. It is to be noted that spleen of treated rats showed a distinctive histological feature. GDP test with infected toad serum also showed negative result. But protein profile assay of antigenic protein by SDS-PAGE showed many bands of proteins, which could be isolated and tested for further characterization.
 Conclusion: In order to maintain the Himalayan biodiversity, this amphibian species needs protection from such natural infective nematode parasites. If we are able to focus any light to this area, this knowledge might help the future research workers to plan for the protection of this species.

Determining Band Splitting and Spin-Flip Dynamics in Monolayer MoS2.

Femtosecond helicity-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy is performed to study the spin and valley dynamics in monolayer (ML) MoS2. Both the bright to dark intravalley exciton transition (∼50 fs) and the reverse transition process (<50 fs) are directly monitored. It suggests that the bright exciton state of ML MoS2 is lower in energy than the dark one, which is also confirmed by observing the temperature-dependent co-polarized photobleaching dynamics of A and B excitons. Furthermore, the band splitting in the conduction band of ML MoS2 with a value of 15 ± 0.3 meV is determined by fitting the temperature-dependent ratios of the population in bright and dark states using the Boltzmann distribution law. Such minor band splitting allows the phonon-mediated intravalley spin-flip to even occur from the lower to the upper conduction band within tens of femtoseconds, which will have non-negligible effects on the performance of these ML MoS2-based optoelectronic and photonic devices.

Interaction and linkage of basin-boundary fault segments control deformation bands distribution and damage zone permeability

Analyzing the factors that affect the fault damage zone parameters and the impact of deformation on host rock permeability is fundamental for predicting the fluid flow behavior in subsurface reservoirs. This study combines 3D seismic data with field-based structural and petrophysical analyses to determine the influence of a basin-boundary fault geometry on (1) the damage zone thickness, (2) the spatial distribution of deformation bands, and (3) the damage zone permeability. Seismic interpretation and outcrop investigation on the Portalegre Fault, NE Brazil, revealed complexity in the boundary fault geometry and subsidiary structures. The boundary fault exhibits significant local variation in its strike (from N45°E up to N85°), while minor faults and deformation bands establish cross-cutting relationships with NW–SE-oriented structures, displacing NE–SW- and E–W-oriented structures. By analyzing deformation bands frequency, we identified the presence of three subsequent fault damage zones, totaling approximately 275 m in width. The first damage zone was developed near the basin-bounding Portalegre Fault, and secondary rift faults developed the other two damage zones during breaching and segment overlap. We observed that the permeability distribution recorded successive increases and decreases as we moved away from one fault and approached another. This structural and petrophysical complexity led us to interpret this fault damage zone as a linking damage zone. These observed patterns contrast with the structural and petrophysical behavior of a wall damage zone, wherein the frequency of subseismic structures decreases and permeability increases with distance from the fault. Thus, our study highlights the effect of fault tip interaction and linkage on the distribution of deformation bands and permeability, clarifying aspects related to structural heterogeneities of siliciclastic reservoirs affected by faults.

SDS-PAGE protein profile of albumin extracted by steaming from four marine and three brackish-water fishes

Abstract. Fatma N, Metusalach, Taslim NA, Nurilmala M. 2023. SDS-PAGE protein profile of albumin extracted by steaming from four marine and three brackish-water fishes. Biodiversitas 24: 4027-4033. Snakehead fish is a type of fish that has been known as the best source of fish albumin. However, the increasing demand for and exploitation of snakehead fish albumin is not accompanied by the availability of sustainable snakehead fish stocks. Snakehead fish stocks in nature continue to experience depletion and cultivation efforts that have been carried out so far have not yielded satisfactory results. For this reason, it is necessary to find alternative sources of fish albumin. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular weight of the albumin proteins extracted by water bath steaming from four marine fishes (Indian scad Decapterus russelli, short-bodied mackerel Rastrelliger brachysoma, goldband fusilier Pterocaesio chrysozona, Japanese threadfin bream Nemipterus japonicus) and three brackish-water fishes (white-lipped eel catfish Paraplotosus albilabris, barramundi Lates calcarifer, milkfish Chanos chanos). The method used was Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) electrophoresis. Each sample was steamed in a water bath at 50°C for 30 minutes to obtain the crude extract's optimal yield and albumin content. The molecular weights of each protein band were analyzed using the Photocapt application, visualized and tabulated, and analyzed descriptively. Indian scad had six protein bands with three major (48 kD, 37 kD, 32 kD) and three minor bands (66 kD, 25 kD, 15 kD). Shortbodied mackerel had one major protein band (26 kD). Goldband fusilier had one major (33 kD) and four minor bands (50 kD, 69 kD, 57 kD, 26 kD). Japanese threadfin bream had one major (62 kD) and three minor bands (171 kD, 72 kD, 26 kD). White-lipped eel catfish had two major (41 kD, 34 kD and two minor bands (70 kD, 26 kD). Barramundi had one major (26 kD) and two minor bands (171 kD, 87 kD). Milkfish had one major (41 kD) and four minor bands (333 kD, 135 kD, 31 kD, 25 kD). It is hoped that this research will provide information on which fish have the potential as a source of fish albumin in terms of protein composition which resembles snakehead fish so that the properties provided are as good as albumin from snakehead fish.

Investigation of Taxonomic Relationship and Effect of Seasonal Temperature Changes Based on Protein Profiles of Fishes From Beyşehir, Suğla Lakes and Dam Apa

Besides traditional methods based on morphological characters, electrophoretic methods such as SDS-PAGE are preferred by taxonomists to make the right decision in the species identification process. In addition, the effect of environmental factors, such as pH, salinity, heat, and temperature on protein profiles are essential in various studies. In this study, we aimed to determine the degree of relationship in some fish species, such as Squalius lepidus, Cyprinus carpio, Carassius gibelio, Pseudophoxinus anatolicus, Tinca tinca, Alburnus orontis, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Capoeta capoeta, Vimba vimba, Sander lucioperca living in Beyşehir, Suğla lakes and Apa Dam by SDS-PAGE method, and to examine seasonal differences by evaluating the effect of hot/cold water on protein profiles in fish. Although there were common major protein bands in all fish species studied, the presence of species-specific minor protein bands led to the separation of the species. The same fish species distributed in different lakes and dams were different both in minor bands, and changes in protein profiles were observed consequently on the same fish species synthesizing different proteins in different seasons. The data obtained from this study can contribute to systematic classification studies of fish.

Improvement of some techno-functional properties of aquafaba by pre-fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum MA2

Recently, modification of macromolecules in food products has gained special interest to increase their utilization during food processing. In this respect, the aim of this study was to modify chickpea aquafaba by using a pre-fermentation process with Lactobacillus plantarum MA2 for 3, 6 and 9 h and physicochemical and techno-functional of the modified aquafaba samples were investigated. The results showed that fermentation significantly improved foaming expansion, solubility and stability, with shorter fermentation times resulting in lower stability. Emulsifying properties were also improved by fermentation, with the 3-h fermentation sample having significantly higher emulsion stability. The protein profiles of chickpea during fermentation were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, and changes in the secondary structure of proteins were examined using FTIR spectroscopy. The major bands of low-molecular weight proteins were observed between 6.5 and 66 kDa, with minor bands between 66 and 200 kDa distributed similarly across all samples. The longer period of fermentation resulted in the formation of higher amounts of lower peptides. FTIR spectroscopy revealed changes in the secondary structure of proteins during fermentation, particularly in the amide-I region, which is sensitive to changes in the secondary structures of proteins consisting of layers such as the α-helix, β-turn, β-sheet, and random coil. Rheological properties of the aquafaba solution were investigated and all solutions showed shear thinning behavior while Ostwald de Waele model well described the flow behavior. The findings of the study highlighted that fermentation can be used as safe, eco-friendly, and green method for improving techno-functional characteristics of chickpea aquafaba.

Structural, Electronic, Elastic, and Optical Properties of Cubic BaLiX&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; (X = F, Cl, Br, or I) Perovskites: An &lt;i&gt;Ab-initio&lt;/i&gt; DFT Study

This study reports for the first time the theoretical prediction of structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties of cubic BaLiCl3, BaLiBr3, and BaLiI3 perovskites. The corresponding properties of the well-known BaLiF3 are also theoretically investigated. Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) was implemented within the Quantum Espresso package to investigate the properties of the perovskites. The results revealed that BaLiX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) are in ionic crystal forms with optimized lattice parameters of 4.04, 4.90, 5.21, and 5.66 Å, respectively. The minor band gaps were found to be 6.62 eV (Γ→Γ), 4.29 eV (R→Γ), 3.50 eV (R→Γ), and 2.58 eV (R→Γ) for the respective compounds. The investigation of their elastic properties indicated that these perovskites are all mechanically stable, while only BaLiBr3 and BaLiI3 are malleable. Finally, the studied perovskites exhibit excellent optical properties, including low reflectivity and high absorption in the ultraviolet region. Hence, it is predicted that these perovskites are suitable for various optoelectronic applications involving absorption in the UV region. However, BaLiBr3 and BaLiI3 are more favorable than BaLiF3 and BaLiCl3 to be deposited as thin films due to their flexibility.

Temperature dependence of luminescence color of Mn2+-doped ZnCN2 phosphor

Photoluminescent materials which show multi-wavelength luminescence have potential applications in temperature sensing device. In this study, Mn2+-doped ZnCN2 phosphor was prepared by ammonia nitridation of Zn-Mn oxalate precursors in the presence of carbon nitride. Upon UV excitation, it showed photoluminescence band at 580 nm due to isolated Mn2+ ions as well as minor broad emission bands at 500 and 670 nm due to anion vacancies and Mn-Mn pairs in the ZnCN2, respectively. Since the intensities of the luminescent bands had different temperature dependencies, and the total luminescence color changed from orange at 80 K to yellow green at 500 K.

Forensic characterization and differentiation of automotive lubricating greases using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy

Automotive lubricating greases may be recovered as stains on the ground at vehicular accident scenes or on the garments of persons of interest (i.e., suspects or victims) allegedly involved in events under investigation. Numerous studies have been performed differentiating automotive motor oil for forensic applications, however little research has been conducted to characterize and differentiate automotive greases for forensic purposes. This study aims to determine physical and chemical properties of greases to help with their characterization and differentiation in a forensic setting. Thirty-five commercially available grease samples were obtained from major US hardware stores and were initially characterized using light microscopy methods; then they were subsequently examined using attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The initial microscopical assessment showed the presence of microscopic particles that were part of the original formulation of the grease samples. In terms of shapes, sizes, colors, optical properties, and concentration, these particles differed considerably between the grease samples. Three classes of particles were identified and consequently labelled as opaque, isotropic, and anisotropic. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy enabled obtaining a common infrared profile characteristic of all for grease samples. Close inspection of the spectra also highlighted the presence of minor infrared absorption bands that were useful to the differentiation of different grease samples. Because of the high interference of the lubricating medium of the grease samples during SEM-EDS analyses, an oil-solid separation procedure to extract the observed microscopic particles from the grease medium was developed based on the investigation of three solvents – two petroleum solvents, hexane, and pentane, and one green solvent, D-limonene – which led to the selection of D-limonene. The developed extraction method enabled the successful isolation of the detected particles for conducting SEM-EDS analyses. The opaque particles were identified as solid lubricant additives, containing various amounts of molybdenum and niobium. Grease samples that did not contain opaque particles were missing these heavy elements. These differences in composition offered increased discriminating capabilities for the differentiation of automotive greases, also considering that such particles are not present in other automotive lubricating fluids like motor oils or brake fluids.

Characterization of light induced degradation in PECVD silicon nitride passivated Cz silicon wafers using spectroscopic techniques

In this work we investigate the chemical species involved in the light induced degradation of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) hydrogenated silicon nitride (SiNx:H) passivated p-type and n-type samples under normal outdoor ambient conditions. The electrical characterization measurements along with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic techniques were utilized in this study. Significant reduction in effective minority carrier lifetime values and band to band PL intensities were noticed for both p-type and n-type samples after outdoor light soaking. The apparent defect density increased from 3.39 × 10−3 µs−1 to 1.68 × 10−2 µs−1 and 3.42 × 10−4 µs−1 to 3.46 × 10−3 µs−1, respectively for p-type and n-type samples after light soaking of 111 h corresponding to cumulative solar insolation of 95.7 kWh/m2. The changes in FTIR absorbance intensities of chemical species such as SiNyHa, SiNzHb, SiHm, SiO2i and SiOn after light soaking confirmed the role of oxygen in addition to hydrogen in both p-type and n-type samples. Spectroscopic PL analysis further validated the decrease in concentration of silicon-oxygen species and reduction in effective lifetime for n-type samples. We demonstrate that the chemical species contributing to light induced bulk and surface degradation can be identified by FTIR and PL spectroscopic techniques. This work would be beneficial for understanding, modeling and mitigating the degradation mechanisms in Cz silicon wafers passivated using PECVD dielectric films.

Effect of oxygen vacancies on photoelectrochemical properties of amphoteric semiconductor Bi4Ti3O12 photoelectrode

Bi4Ti3O12 (BTO) photoelectrodes were fabricated by a sol-gel spin coating method and oxygen vacancy (OV) concentrations in BTO were regulated through a following heat-treatment in different atmospheres. Based on the results of XRD, XPS and HRTEM, OVs have been introduced in BTO after Ar processing. An interesting p/n type amphoteric photo-response characteristic was discovered in BTO as demonstrated by the LSV, CV plots and open-circuit photovoltage measurement. The typical amphoteric photo-response characteristic of BTO should be related to its special Fermi level structure and accordingly minor band bending in the interface between BTO and the electrolyte. The positive photocurrent density of Ar-BTO is 0.75 μA/cm2 at 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is 4.4 times over that of BTO, and its photocurrent onset potential showed an obvious negative shift (∼0.1 V) in relative to BTO. The charge carrier densities of Ar-BTO was over 60% higher than that of BTO. The enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of Ar-BTO was ascribed to its abundant OVs which effectively inhibited recombination, boosted carrier injection efficiency and activated electrode surface as demonstrated by the EIS and PL characterizations. These findings provide new perspective for fabricating new type bismuth-based photoelectrodes and optimizing its photoelectrochemical performance.

Comparison of two different infrared spectral analysis based evaluation of impact induced shock events of the Chelyabinsk meteorite

Shock metamorphic processes in minerals were observed in the recently fallen Chelyabinsk meteorite and compared with two infrared laboratory methods: DRIFT and ATR based spectral analysis types, attached to a Fourier Transformational Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). Both of ATR and DRIFT methods have advantages and disadvantages for shock stage identification. However, while the ATR method has wide literature background, the DRIFT method was not used in shock metamorphic research yet, hence this study links ATR spectra with DRIFT spectra to obtain reference for such IR methods in the analysis of shock metamorphism. The results show that shock-based spectral changes could be better followed by the decreasing number of peaks with DRIFT than with ATR data; while the situation is opposite for FWHM values, which better characterizes the shock consequences from ATR data. The DRIFT analyses made from bulk meteorite material. Hence more mineral phases were identified than by separate measurements of ATR. The ATR spectra includes rather major vibration, But with DRIFT the minor bands could be also measured. Hence the other shock indicator, the disappearance of minor bands with increasing shock stage could be better followed by DRIFT. The important shock metamorphic indicator, the FWHM could be identified rather from ATR spectra, as the DRIFT spectra includes small sized peaks, and the FWHM values are near to the spectral resolution of DRIFT spectra. Both of ATR and DRIFT methods show shift of IR bands to higher wavenumber with increasing shock stage. Moreover, the DRIFT method shows the split of some minor bands in case of feldspar and pyroxene due to dimerization of silicate structure.With increasing shock stage one band disappeared and a new one appeared in case of feldspar DRIFT data, while feldspar did not emerge using ATR observations. In case of olivine the major bands shifted by +2… +5 cm−1 using DRIFT and ATR spectra also. In case of pyroxene one band disappeared and new forbidden bands emerged. These results provide starting points to develop shock estimation using DRIFT method too, what is a much more available at various laboratories. However, it is worth mentioning that DRIFT method usually identifies more mineral phases than ATR because of the difference in spatial resolution.

Optical fingerprints of the electronic band reconstruction in van der Waals magnetic materials

We report a broadband study of the charge dynamics in the van der Waals magnetic materials 2H-M x TaS2 (M = Mn and Co), which span the onset of both long-range antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) order, depending on the intercalation M and its concentration x. We discover a spectral weight (SW) shift from high to low energy scales for FM compositions, while reversely SW is removed from low towards high spectral energies for AFM compounds. This maps the related reconstruction of the electronic band structure along the crossover from the FM to AFM order, which restores an occupation balance in the density of states between spin majority and minority bands of the intercalated 3d elements.

Potential Application of HSFI-8 Crude Protease as Meat Tenderizer and Anticoagulant Agent

Protease enzymes are enzymes that are able to hydrolyze peptide bonds in proteins into simple compounds. The protease enzyme used was derived from fermented sea cucumber digestive organs (HSFI-8). HSFI-8 uses meat tenderizer as well as an anticoagulant agent. The samples used were beef, chicken and tuna whose protein profile was analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Three types of meat were soaked in HSFI-8 at a concentration of 30% v/v for 3 h. In addition, protease enzymes as therapy for the treatment of CVD. The second sample, human blood, was tested for anticoagulant by Lee-White in vitro. Blood samples were treated with the addition of HSFI-8 as an anticoagulant which measured blood clotting time. The results showed that soaking beef using HSFI-8 was able to break the peptide bonds in proteins which were marked by the addition of minor protein bands. There was no change in the amount of protein bands in chicken and cob meat. The results of the anticoagulant test showed that HSFI-8 was able to prolong blood clotting time in samples given the addition of HSFI-8. Although HSFI-8 did not inhibit the clotting of the 10% EDTA anticoagulant, HSFI-8 was good as an anticoagulant.