Sb Region Research Articles

Air pollution, cardiorespiratory fitness and biomarkers of oxidative status and inflammation in the 4HAIE study

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), long-term air pollution exposure and biochemical markers of oxidative status and inflammation. This is a cross-sectional investigation focusing on biochemical markers of oxidative status and inflammation. Participants were Caucasian (N = 1188; age 18–65 years) who lived for at least 5 years in a high air-polluted (Moravian-Silesian; MS) or low air-polluted (South Bohemia; SB) region of the Czech Republic. Healthy runners and inactive individuals were recruited. A multiple regression analysis was used to explain the relationship between multiple independent variables (CRF, trunk fat mass, sex, socioeconomic status, and region (MS region vs. SB region) and dependent variables (oxidative status, inflammation). CRF, trunk fat mass, age and sex significantly predicted almost all selected markers of oxidative status and inflammation (except GSSG, GSH/GSSG and BDNF). Participants living in the MS region presented significantly higher GPx (by 3.1%) and lower BDNF values (by 4.5%). All other investigated biochemical markers were not significantly influenced by region. We did not find meaningful interactions between long-term air-pollution exposure versus markers of oxidative status and inflammation. However, we showed various significant interactions with sex, age, CRF and body composition. The significant association of living in the high air polluted MS region with the BDNF level warrants further attention.

Energetic particles in the central starburst, disc, and halo of NGC253

ABSTRACT Detailed modelling of the spectro-spatial distributions of energetic electrons and protons in galactic discs and haloes of starburst galaxies (SBGs) is needed in order to follow their interactions with the magnetized interstellar medium and radiation fields, determine their radiative yields, and for estimating their residual spectral densities in intergalactic environments. We have developed a semi-analytical approach for calculating the particle spectro-spatial distributions in the disc and halo based on a diffusion model for particle propagation from acceleration sites in the central SB and disc regions, including all their relevant interaction modes. Important overall normalization of our models is based on previous modelling of the Galactic disc (with the galprop code), scaled to the higher star-formations rate in NGC253, and on spatially resolved radio measurements of the central SB and disc. These provide the essential input for determining the particle distributions and their predicted radiative yields in the outer disc and inner halo for a range of values of the key parameters that affect diffusion rate and energy losses. Results of our work clearly indicate that quantitative description of non-thermal emission in SBGs has to be based on modelling of the particle distributions in the entire disc, not just the central SB region.

Comprehensive evaluation of typical planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes in China – Part 1: Understanding expressiveness of schemes for different regions from the mechanism perspective

Abstract. The optimal choice of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization scheme is of particular interest and urgency to a wide range of scholars, especially for many works involving models. At present, there have been many works to evaluate the PBL schemes. However, little research has been conducted into a more comprehensive and systematic assessment of the performance capability of schemes in key regions of China, especially when it comes to the differences in the mechanisms of the schemes themselves, primarily because there is scarcely sufficient observational data, computer resources, and storage support to complete the work. In this companion paper (i.e., Part 1), four typical schemes (i.e., YSU, ACM2, BL, and MYJ) are selected to systematically analyze and evaluate near-surface meteorological parameters, PBL vertical structure, PBL height (PBLH), and turbulent diffusion coefficient (TDC) in five key regions of China (i.e., North China Plain, NCP; Yangtze River Delta, YRD; Sichuan Basin, SB; Pearl River Delta, PRD and Northwest Semi-arid region, NS) in different seasons (i.e., January, April, July, and October). The differences in the simulated 2 m temperatures between the nonlocal closure schemes are mainly affected by the downward shortwave radiation, but to compare the nonlocal closure schemes with the local closure schemes, the effect of sensible heat flux needs to be further considered. The 10 m wind speed is under the influence of factors like the momentum transfer coefficient and the integrated similarity functions at night. The wind speeds are more significantly overestimated in the plains and basin, while less overestimated or even underestimated in the mountains, as a result of the effect on topographic smoothing in the model. Moreover, the overestimation of small wind speeds at night is attributable to the inapplicability of the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) at night. The model captures the vertical structure of temperature well, while the wind speed is outstandingly overestimated below 1000 m, largely because of the TDC. The difference between the MOST and the mixing length theory, PBLH, and Prandtl number is cited as the reason for the difference between the TDC of the YSU and ACM2 schemes. The TDCs of the BL and MYJ schemes are affected by the mixing length scale, which of BL is calculated on the basis of the effect of buoyancy, while MYJ calculates it with the consideration of the effect of the total turbulent kinetic energy. The PBLH of the BL scheme is better than the other schemes because of the better simulation results of temperature. In general, to select the optimal scheme, it is necessary to offer different options for different regions with different focuses (heat or momentum). The first focus is on the temperature field. The BL scheme is recommended for January in the NCP region, especially for Beijing, and the MYJ scheme is better for the other 3 months. The ACM2 scheme would be a good match for the YRD region, where the simulation differences between the four schemes are small. The topography of the SB region is more complex, but for most of the areas in the basin, the MYJ scheme is proposed, and if more stations outside the basin are involved, the BL scheme is recommended. The MYJ scheme is applied to the PRD region in January and April, and the BL scheme in July and October. The MYJ scheme is counseled for the NS region. The second focus is the wind field. The YSU scheme is recommended if the main concern is the near-surface layer, and the BL scheme is suggested if focusing on the variation in the vertical direction. The final evaluation of the parameterization scheme and uncertainties will lay the foundation for the improvement of the modules and forecasting of the GRAPES_CUACE regional model developed independently in China.

Effect of exciton transfer on recombination dynamics in vertically nonuniform GaAsSb epilayers

Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL), photoreflectance (PR), and temperature dependent time-resolved PL spectroscopies are employed to investigate optical emission processes and exciton dynamics in graded GaAsSb epilayers. The nonuniformity in the Sb composition along the growth direction is disclosed by low-temperature PL and PR measurements. Furthermore, significant differences in PL dynamics are found at low temperatures for the PL emissions originating from spatial regions with the low and high Sb compositions, with a fast decay and a slow rise at the early stage of the PL transient, respectively. This finding is attributed to exciton transfer from the low Sb region to the high Sb region. The obtained results are important for a general understanding of optical transitions and exciton/carrier dynamics in material systems with a graded alloy composition.

Liquidus projection and isothermal section at 650 °C of ternary Co–Sb–Ga system

Co–Sb–Ga ternary system is of interests for thermoelectric applications. Alloys quenched from completely molten state with compositions of the entire Co–Sb–Ga regime and alloys equilibrated at 650°C with compositions in the CoSb3–CoGa–Ga–Sb regime were prepared and analyzed. The liquidus projection and isothermal section at 650°C of ternary Co–Sb–Ga system were determined based on these experimental results and the phase diagrams of its three constituent binary systems. The liquidus projection has 10 primary solidification phase regions. They are Co, CoSb, CoSb2, CoSb3, Sb, GaSb, Ga, CoGa3, CoGa and a ternary compound, Co3Sb2Ga4, which is newly found. There are three class I and six class II invariant reactions involving with liquid phase. Except for the L↔Co+CoSb+CoGa, L+CoGa↔Co3Sb2Ga4+GaSb reaction, the reaction temperatures are determined using DTA. In the CoSb3–CoGa–Ga–Sb region, there are 5 tie-triangles, which are CoSb3+Liquid+GaSb, Co3Sb2Ga4+CoSb3+GaSb, CoGa+Co3Sb2Ga4+GaSb, CoGa+GaSb+CoGa3, and CoGa3+GaSb+Liquid. The ternary solubilities in most of the binary compounds are not significant, and the highest is 3.5at.% Sb in the CoGa.

Genetic characterization of haemagglutinin of novel H1N1 influenza viruses in Suzhou City

To investigate the genetic variation and molecular characteristics of HA gene of influenza A (H1N1) virus isolated in Suzhou during from2009 to 2011. Viral RNA of 5 Suzhou isolates was isolated and their HA gene were amplified and sequenced by the primers and protocol recommended by WHO, and the sequences together with other sequences downloaded from GenBank were analyzed by several bioinformatics software. Compared with vaccine strain, the average homogeneity of nucleotide and amino acids of 5 Suzhou isolates were between 98.8-99.4% and 98.8-99.4% respectively. All of the 5 strains have 1 amino acids replacement in Sb region and 2 strains have 2 amino acids replacement in Ca region. Strains from and outside Suzhou both showed a trend of clustering by collection year. The Suzhou strains are still in stable condition although 1-2 amino acids replacement had happened in antigenic sites.

Structural insights into initial and intermediate steps of the ribosome-recycling process

The ribosome-recycling factor (RRF) and elongation factor-G (EF-G) disassemble the 70S post-termination complex (PoTC) into mRNA, tRNA, and two ribosomal subunits. We have determined cryo-electron microscopic structures of the PoTC·RRF complex, with and without EF-G. We find that domain II of RRF initially interacts with universally conserved residues of the 23S rRNA helices 43 and 95, and protein L11 within the 50S ribosomal subunit. Upon EF-G binding, both RRF and tRNA are driven towards the tRNA-exit (E) site, with a large rotational movement of domain II of RRF towards the 30S ribosomal subunit. During this intermediate step of the recycling process, domain II of RRF and domain IV of EF-G adopt hitherto unknown conformations. Furthermore, binding of EF-G to the PoTC·RRF complex reverts the ribosome from ratcheted to unratcheted state. These results suggest that (i) the ribosomal intersubunit reorganizations upon RRF binding and subsequent EF-G binding could be instrumental in destabilizing the PoTC and (ii) the modes of action of EF-G during tRNA translocation and ribosome-recycling steps are markedly different.

Influenza A virus in Taiwan, 1980–2006: Phylogenetic and antigenic characteristics of the hemagglutinin gene

Limited amount of information is available in Taiwan on the genetic or antigenic characteristics of influenza A virus prior to the establishment of a Taiwan surveillance network in 2000. Isolates of H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in Taiwan between 1980 and 2006 were studied, and part of the hemagglutinin gene was analyzed due to its importance in terms of viral infection and antibody neutralization. Results from a phylogenetic analysis indicate continuous evolutionary topology in H3N2 isolates, and two distinct H1N1 lineages. Many genetic relationships between vaccine strains and epidemic isolates appearing in Taiwan before other global locations were also observed and recorded in addition to a gradual increase in the number of N‐linked glycosylation sites on partial HA1 proteins since 1980. The results from pairwise comparisons of HA1 nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences indicate shared identities within groups organized according to their bootstrap and P‐values of approximately 95.5–100% and 95.7–100% in H1N1 and 94.5–100% and 93.2–100% in H3N2 viruses, respectively. Comparisons of amino acid substitutions in the five antigenic regions reveal highly non‐synonymous changes occurring in the Sb region of H1N1 and in the B region of H3N2. The results of an antigenic analysis using a hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) test indicate the presence of some epidemic strains 1–2 years earlier in Taiwan than in other parts of the world, as well as higher vaccine mismatch rates. This information supports the need for continuous surveillance of emerging influenza viruses in Taiwan, which will be useful for making global vaccine decisions. J. Med. Virol. 81:1457–1470, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Dynamical nuclear polarization in double quantum dots induced by hyperfine interaction

In this work the tunneling current through a weakly coupled DQDs in an external B DC is analyzed. We propose a model which includes hyperfine interaction. The time evolution for electronic charge occupations and for the nuclei polarizations in each dot is obtained by means of rate equations which are self-consistently solved. We analyze the current in the SB region as a function of B DC and observe hysteretic behavior for magnetic fields corresponding to the crossings between triplet and singlet states. Bistability is also produced for the induced nuclei spin polarizations within each quantum dot.

Cross-section measurements of capture reactions relevant to the p process using a4πγ-summing method

A new method employing a 12 inch \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 12 inch \ensuremath{\gamma}-summing single NaI crystal was developed for cross-section measurements of astrophysically relevant capture reactions on medium-mass nuclei. The response function of such a $4\ensuremath{\pi}$ detector enables the summing of all capture events. As a result, a single peak, the so-called sum peak, arises in the spectra. Its intensity can be used to obtain cross sections of capture reactions with unknown multiplicities. The method enables to first determine these multiplicities, which are then used to derive the corresponding efficiency of the sum peak by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Cross sections are finally obtained from the sum-peak intensity with an average uncertainty of $\ensuremath{\approx}15%$. The method was first applied to the $^{62}\mathrm{Ni}$($\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{66}\mathrm{Zn}$ reaction. The results obtained are in excellent agreement with those reported in literature. The new method proposed here was then employed to determine cross sections of 25 capture reactions in the Ni--Sb region. The cross sections measured for the $^{103}\mathrm{Rh}$($p,\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{104}\mathrm{Pd}$ reaction are also presented. A very good agreement between the cross sections measured in the present work and the corresponding predictions of the Hauser-Feshbach theory was found.

Proton and alpha-particle capture reactions at sub-Coulomb energies relevant to the p process

Several cross-section measurements of proton as well as α-particle capture reactions in the Se–Sb region have been carried out at sub-Coulomb energies with the aim to obtain global input parameters for Hauser–Feshbach (HF) calculations. Some of the results are compared with HF calculations using various optical model potentials and nuclear level densities.

A systematic study of proton capture reactions in the SeSb region at energies relevant to the p process

A systematic investigation of (p,γ) cross sections of nuclei from Se to Sb is presented. In-beam cross section measurements were carried out at E p = 1.4–5 MeV by using an array of 4 HPGe detectors of 100% relative efficiency shielded with BGO crystals. The S factors obtained are compared with the predictions of the statistical model code MOST.

Regulation of integrin-mediated p130(Cas) tyrosine phosphorylation in human B cells. A role for p59(Fyn) and SHP2.

Engagement of beta1 integrins in terminally differentiated human B cell lines, such as ARH-77, leads to prominent tyrosine phosphorylation of the p130 Crk-associated substrate (Cas). Cas regulates the assembly of several SH2 and SH3 domain-containing proteins into signaling complexes, which are potentially involved in the propagation of downstream signals. We demonstrate here that immunoprecipitated Cas from beta1 integrin-stimulated ARH-77 cells was associated with tyrosine kinase and phosphatase activities and that integrin ligation led to the recruitment of at least p59(Fyn) tyrosine kinase and SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase in Cas immune complexes. Cotransfection studies in COS-7 cells further indicated that Fyn/Cas physical interaction and Fyn-mediated Cas phosphorylation required amino acids 638-889 in the C-terminal region of Cas. This sequence contains both c-Src SH2 and SH3 domain-binding motifs. In vitro binding studies using glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins derived from the SH2 or SH3 domains of Fyn suggested that both Fyn domains can participate in Fyn/Cas interaction. These data implicate Fyn and SHP2 as potential modulators of Cas signaling complexes in B cells.

121Sb-Mößbauerspektroskopische Untersuchungen von Graphit-Intercalationsverbindungen des Typs Cn · SbCl5 · MCl3 (M = Al, Fe, Sb, As)

Using 121Sb Moessbauer spectroscopy information concerning both ionicity and valence stale of the intercalate in ternary graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) can be obtained. It has been proved that the major portion of antimony in the SbCl5/MCl3-GIC has the valence state of Sb(V) whereas oxidation of the graphite is to be expected only to an insignificant extent. Two different antimony phases of a neutral and a negatively charged species were shown to exist by evaluation of the spectra in the Sb(V) region. In comparison with the binary SbCl5-GIC the changes of the isomer shift may be a consequence of intermolecidar interactions with the trichlorides. These changes are in accordance with Pauling's electronegativities. Assuming the existence of polymeric anions consisting of the species SbCl5, SbCl6 − and MCl3 in the interlaminary spacings an interpretation of the spectra is given. For the ternary GIC the following structure is suggested Cn +(m SbCl5 · p MCl3 · q SbCl6)−, at which M = Al, Fe, Sb and As is, respectively. The trichlorides act as links between the Sb species.

Structural investigations of graphite intercalation compounds of antimony chloride fluorides by Moessbauer spectroscopy

Natural graphite flakes were intercalated by SbCl 5, SbCl 4F and SbCl 2F 3 at T ≤ 125°C for a reaction time of t ≤ 2 hours. The 121Sb Moessbauer spectra of the stage 2 intercalation compounds show only one intense line in the Sb(+ 5) region. The spectra can be fitted both in terms of two inequivalent Sb(+ 5) sites and of a single Sb(+ 5) site. The isomer shifts 6 increase by replacing Cl by F in the intercalates as well as by intercalation of the halides in the graphite lattice. The isomer shifts of the intercalation compounds are attributed to polymeric species of the type (mSbX 5 · SbX 6) −. Because the spectra provide no evidence for Sb(+ 3), a significant oxidation of graphite is ruled out. Intercalation compounds heated for a long time at 150°C were found to exhibit a dramatically high concentration of Sb(+ 3) which is interpreted as the result of a thermal decomposition of the pentahalides.

Divergent Expression of HLA-DC/MB, -DR, and -SB region products on normal and pathological tissues as detected by monoclonal antibodies

A group of eight monoclonal antibodies directed against different monomorphic determinantsof HLA-class II molecules was used to investigate the distribution of HLA-DC/DS/MB, -DR and -SB-like antigens on normal and pathological lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues of human adult and fetal donors. HLA-MB/DC/DS-like molecules, as defined by the antibody TÜ 22, showed the most limited distribution as they were detected on B-lymphocytes, monocyte/macrophage subpopulations and distinct interstitial cells of various orpns. HLA-DR and -SB-like antigens characterized by the other anti-HLA-class II reagents (TÜ34, TÜ35, TÜ37, TÜ39, TÜ43, TÜ58) were also present on these cell types. However, selective expression of HLA-DR and/or -SB like molecules was demonstrated with these antibodies on certain vascular endothelia, as well as different B-cell lymphomas and distinct epithelial cells in adults. Exclusive reactivity of the antibody TÜ39 shown on endothelial cells of fetal liver and kidney suggested specific functions of HLA-SB antigens during ontogeny. Furthermore, HLA-DR and/or -SB like molecules but not TÜ22 + HLA-DC/MB antigens were found to be inducible on normally Ia-like antigen negative epithelial cells of various diseased organs. Implications of this differential tissue distribution of HLA-DC/MB/DS, -DR and -SB like products in relation to organ transplantation, regulation of immune responses and cell differentiation are discussed.

SB subregion of the human major histocompatibility complex: gene organization, allelic polymorphism and expression in transformed cells.

The SB region of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been cloned from cosmid and lambda phage libraries made from the human B-lymphoblastoid cell line Priess (DR4/4, DC4/4, SB3/4). Two alpha genes and two beta genes are encoded in the 100 kb long SB region in the order SB alpha-SB beta-SX alpha-SX beta. The SB alpha and SB beta genes encode the alpha and beta subunits of the SB subset of class II MHC molecules. Both the SX alpha and the SX beta genes are pseudogenes in the haplotype examined. From the isolated clones, the two haplotypes of the Priess cell line, SB3 and SB4, are distinguished by nucleotide sequencing and blot hybridization analyses. Restriction site polymorphisms between the SB3 and SB4 clones were observed only in relatively small regions of the SB beta and SX beta genes. A mouse macrophage cell line was transfected with one of the cosmid clones containing both SB alpha and SB beta genes. Expression of the alpha and beta genes was detected by fluorescene-activated cell sorting (FACS) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis using SB-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Genetic mapping of a human class II antigen beta-chain cDNA clone to the SB region of the HLA complex.

A class II antigen beta-chain cDNA clone was isolated from a human B-cell cDNA library by using as a probe the murine I-A beta gene. This cDNA clone, pHA beta, was shown to be distinct from the DC beta- and DR beta-related loci by DNA sequence analysis, thus suggesting that it might correspond to a third polymorphic human class II locus, SB, which encodes secondary B-cell antigens. Genetic mapping of this beta-chain cDNA clone to the SB region was performed by the blot hybridization procedure. We showed that (i) within panels of HLA-DR homozygous human B-cell lines and of unrelated individuals who have been typed for HLA antigens, differential mobility of DNA fragments segregated with distinct SB genotypes; (ii) gamma-ray-induced deletion mutants that have lost the expression of DR or DC/MT antigens but maintain SB expression preserved a pattern consistent with (a) their SB phenotype and (b) the genetic independence of the SB locus with respect to DR and DC/MT; and (iii) within an informative family, two siblings differing only for one allele at the SB locus (because of the occurrence of an internal recombination between DR and GLO) and otherwise HLA identical exhibited a restriction enzyme polymorphism linked to the SB locus. Therefore, all available data are compatible with identity between HA beta and SB beta.

121Sb MöSsbauer Studies of Graphite–SbF5 Intercalation Compounds

ABSTRACTStage 2 samples of graphite-SbF5 intercalVtion compounds were prepared by reacting SbF5 with HOPG at 200°C for 5 days. 121Sb Mössbauer spectra taken at 4.2K reveal an intense and narrow feature in the Sb(5+) region and a weak and broad feature in the Sb(3+) region. Interpretation of these data in terms of possible Sb(5+) and Sb(3+) intercalant species is discussed in connection with chemical aspects of intercalation.

The indium-antimony-tellurium system

An investigation of the phase constitution of the indium-antimony-tellurium system (excluding the indium and tellurium corners), using X-ray powder- and differential thermal analyses, is described. A survey is made of the data published on both the binary and ternary systems. The results of these analyses are reported: a solubility of 49 at.% tellurium in antimony and of 11 at.% antimony in InTe are deduced, and the consequent modifications of the structures are examined. It is concluded that InTe solid solutions undergo a transition at 57O °C. The process of decomposition at approximately 556 °C of the ternary compound, X, having a small solid-solubility about In 50, Sb 15, Te 35 at.%, is discussed. The ternary eutectic temperatures for the InSb + InTe + X and InSb + InTe + Sb regions are 480 °C and 485 °C, respectively. Initial melting of InTe + In 2 Te 3 + Sb samples occurs at 551 °C at a peritectic point within the In 2 Te 3 + Sb region. A minimum in the binary curve results in a solidus temperature of 542 °C for most of the broad In 2 Te3 + Sb region.