Finding exoplanets orbiting young active stars - I. Technique

Stellar activity, such as starspots, can induce radial velocity (RV) variations that can mask or even mimic the RV signature of orbiting exoplanets. For this reason RV exoplanet surveys have been unsuccessful when searching for planets around young, active stars and are therefore failing to explore an important regime which can help to reveal how planets form and migrate. This paper describes a new technique to remove spot signatures from the stellar line-profiles of moderately rotating, active stars (v sin i ranging from 10 to 50 km s(-1)). By doing so it allows planetary RV signals to be uncovered. We used simulated models of a G5V type star with differing dark spots on its surface along with archive data of the known active star HD 49933 to validate our method. The results showed that starspots could be effectively cleaned from the line-profiles so that the stellar RV jitter was reduced by more than 80 per cent. Applying this procedure to the same models and HD 49933 data, but with fake planets injected, enabled the effective removal of starspots so that Jupiter mass planets on short orbital periods were successfully recovered. These results show that this approach can be useful in the search for hot-Jupiter planets that orbit around young, active stars with a v sin i of similar to 10-50 km/s.

In situ FTIR studies of the effect of temperature on the adsorption and electrooxidation of CO at the Ru(0001) electrode surface

The adsorption and electrooxidation of CO at a Ru(0001) electrode in perchloric acid solution have been investigated as a function of temperature, potential and time using in situ FTIR spectroscopy. This builds upon and extends previous work on the same system carried out at room temperature. As was observed at room temperature, both linear (CO) and 3-fold-hollow (CO) binding CO adsorbates (bands at 2000-2045 cm and 1768-1805 cm, respectively) were detected on the Ru(0001) electrode at 10°C and 50°C. However, the temperature of the Ru(0001) electrode had a significant effect upon the structure and behavior of the CO adlayer. At 10°C, the in-situ FTIR data showed that the adsorbed CO species still remain in rather compact islands up to ca. 1100 mV vs Ag/AgCl as the CO oxidation reaction proceeds, with oxidation occurring only at the boundaries between the CO and active surface oxide/hydroxide domains. However, the IR data collected at 50°C strongly suggest that the adsorbed CO species are present as relatively looser and weaker structures, which are more easily electro-oxidized. The temperature-, potential-, and coverage-dependent relaxation and compression of the CO adlayer at low coverages are also discussed.

Low loading platinum nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide-supported tungsten carbide crystallites as a highly active electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation

In this study, low loading platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) have been highly dispersed on reduced graphene oxide-supported WC nanocrystallites (Pt-WC/RGO) via program-controlled reduction-carburization technique and microwave-assisted method. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results show that WC nanocrystallites are homogeneously decorated on RGO, and Pt NPs with a size of ca. 3 nm are dispersed on both RGO and WC. The prepared Pt-WC/RGO is used as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Compared with the Pt/RGO, commercial carbon-supported Pt (Pt/C) and PtRu alloy (PtRu/C) electrocatalysts, the Pt-WC/RGO composites demonstrate higher electrochemical active surface area and excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the methanol oxidation, such as better tolerance toward CO, higher peak current density, lower onset potential and long-term stability, which could be attributed to the characterized RGO support, highly dispersed Pt NPs and WC nanocrystallites and the valid synergistic effect resulted from the increased interface between WC and Pt. The present work proves that Pt-WC/RGO composites could be a promising alternative catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells where WC plays the important role as a functional additive in preparing Pt-based catalysts because of its CO tolerance and lower price. 

The Role of Water and Adsorbed Hydroxyls on Ethanol Electrochemistry on Pd: New Mechanism, Active Centers and Energetics for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell Running in Alkaline Medium

First principles calculations with molecular dynamics are
utilized to simulate a simplified electrical double layer formed in the
active electric potential region during the electrocatalytic oxidation of
ethanol on Pd electrodes running in an alkaline electrolyte. Our
simulations provide an atomic level insight into how ethanol oxidation
occurs in fuel cells: New mechanisms in the presence of the simplified
electrical double layer are found to be different from the traditional
ones; through concerted-like dehydrogenation paths, both acetaldehyde
and acetate are produced in such a way as to avoid a variety of
intermediates, which is consistent with the experimental data obtained
from in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Our work shows that adsorbed OH on
the Pd electrode rather than Pd atoms is the active center for the
reactions; the dissociation of the C−H bond is facilitated by the
adsorption of an OH− anion on the surface, resulting in the formation
of water. Our calculations demonstrate that water dissociation rather than H desorption is the main channel through which
electrical current is generated on the Pd electrode. The effects of the inner Helmholtz layer and the outer Helmholtz layer are
decoupled, with only the inner Helmholtz layer being found to have a significant impact on the mechanistics of the reaction. Our
results provide atomic level insight into the significance of the simplified electrical double layer in electrocatalysis, which may be
of general importance.

Characterisation of the active/de-active transition of mitochondrial complex I

Oxidation of NADH in the mitochondrial matrix of aerobic cells is catalysed by mitochondrial complex I. The regulation of this mitochondrial enzyme is not completely understood. An interesting characteristic of complex I from some organisms is the ability to adopt two distinct states: the so-called catalytically active (A) and the de-active, dormant state (D). The A-form in situ can undergo de-activation when the activity of the respiratory chain is limited (i.e. in the absence of oxygen). The mechanisms and driving force behind the A/D transition of the enzyme are currently unknown, but several subunits are most likely involved in the conformational rearrangements: the accessory subunit 39 kDa (NDUFA9) and the mitochondrially encoded subunits, ND3 and ND1. These three subunits are located in the region of the quinone binding site. The A/D transition could represent an intrinsic mechanism which provides a fast response of the mitochondrial respiratory chain to oxygen deprivation. The physiological role of the accumulation of the D-form in anoxia is most probably to protect mitochondria from ROS generation due to the rapid burst of respiration following reoxygenation. The de-activation rate varies in different tissues and can be modulated by the temperature, the presence of free fatty acids and divalent cations, the NAD/NADH ratio in the matrix, the presence of nitric oxide and oxygen availability. Cysteine-39 of the ND3 subunit, exposed in the D-form, is susceptible to covalent modification by nitrosothiols, ROS and RNS. The D-form in situ could react with natural effectors in mitochondria or with pharmacological agents. Therefore the modulation of the re-activation rate of complex I could be a way to ameliorate the ischaemia/reperfusion damage. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 18th European Bioenergetic Conference. Guest Editors: Manuela Pereira and Miguel Teixeira.

Search for the Return of Activity in Active Asteroid 176P/LINEAR

We present the results of a search for the reactivation of active asteroid 176P/LINEAR during its 2011 perihelion passage using deep optical observations obtained before, during, and after that perihelion passage. Deep composite images of 176P constructed from data obtained between 2011 June and 2011 December show no visible signs of activity, while photometric measurements of the object during this period also show no significant brightness enhancements similar to that observed for 176P between 2005 November and 2005 December when it was previously observed to be active. An azimuthal search for dust emission likewise reveals no evidence for directed emission (i.e., a tail, as was previously observed for 176P), while a one-dimensional surface brightness profile analysis shows no indication of a spherically symmetric coma at any time in 2011. We conclude that 176P did not in fact exhibit activity in 2011, at least not on the level on which it exhibited activity in 2005, and suggest that this could be due to the devolatization or mantling of the active site responsible for its activity in 2005.

Dynamic properties of bright points in an active region

Context. Bright points (BPs) are small-scale, magnetic features ubiquitous across the solar surface. Previously, we have observed and noted their properties for quiet Sun regions. Here, we determine the dynamic properties of BPs using simultaneous quiet Sun and active region data.

Aims. The aim of this paper is to compare the properties of BPs in both active and quiet Sun regions and to determine any difference in the dynamics and general properties of BPs as a result of the varying magnetic activity within these two regions.

Methods. High spatial and temporal resolution G-band observations of active region AR11372 were obtained with the Rapid Oscillations in the Solar Atmosphere instrument at the Dunn Solar Telescope. Three subfields of varying polarity and magnetic flux density were selected with the aid of magnetograms obtained from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Bright points within these subfields were subsequently tracked and analysed.

Results. It is found that BPs within active regions display attenuated velocity distributions with an average horizontal velocity of ~0.6 km s-1, compared to the quiet region which had an average velocity of 0.9 km s-1. Active region BPs are also ~21% larger than quiet region BPs and have longer average lifetimes (~132 s) than their quiet region counterparts (88 s). No preferential flow directions are observed within the active region subfields. The diffusion index (γ) is estimated at ~1.2 for the three regions.

Conclusions. We confirm that the dynamic properties of BPs arise predominately from convective motions. The presence of stronger field strengths within active regions is the likely reason behind the varying properties observed. We believe that larger amounts of magnetic flux will attenuate BP velocities by a combination of restricting motion within the intergranular lanes and by increasing the number of stagnation points produced by inhibited convection. Larger BPs are found in regions of higher magnetic flux density and we believe that lifetimes increase in active regions as the magnetic flux stabilises the BPs.

Dendrons with spermine surface groups as potential building blocks for nonviral vectors in gene therapy

This paper investigates a series of dendrons based on the Newkome dendritic scaffold that displays a naturally occurring polyamine (spermine) on their surface. These dendrons have previously been shown to interact with DNA in a generation dependent manner with the more highly branched dendrons exhibiting a strong multivalency effect for the spermine surface groups. In this paper, we investigate the ability of these dendrons to transfect DNA into cells (human breast carcinoma cells, MDA-MB-231, and murine myoblast cells, C2C12) as determined by the luciferase assay. Although the dendrons are unable to transfect DNA in their own right, they are capable of delivering DNA in vitro when administered with chloroquine, which assists with escape from endocytic vesicles. The cytotoxicity of the dendrons was determined using the XTT assay, and it was shown that the dendrons were nontoxic either alone or in the presence of DNA. However, when administered with DNA and chloroquine, the most highly branched dendron did exhibit some cytotoxicity. This paper elucidates the relationship between in vitro transfection efficiency and toxicity. While transfection efficiencies are modest, the low toxicity of the dendrons, both in their own right, and in the presence of DNA, provides encouragement that this type of building block, which has a relatively high affinity for DNA, will provide a useful starting point for the further synthetic development of more effective gene transfection agents.

Synergism between high-pressure processing and active packaging against Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat chicken breast

The effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) in conjunction with an essential oil-based active packaging on the surface of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken breast were investigated as post-processing listericidal treatment. Three different treatments were used, and all samples were vacuum packed: (i) HPP at 500. MPa for 1. min (control), (ii) active packaging based on coriander essential oil, and (iii) active packaging and HPP. When applied individually, active packaging and pressurisation delayed the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The combination of HPP and active packaging resulted in a synergistic effect reducing the counts of the pathogen below the detection limit throughout 60. days storage at 4. °C. However, when these samples were stored at 8. °C, growth did occur, but again a delay in growth was observed. The effects on colour and lipid oxidation were also studied during storage and were not significantly affected by the treatments. Active packaging followed by in-package pressure treatment could be a useful approach to reduce the risk of L. monocytogenes in cooked chicken without impairing its quality. Industrial relevance: Ready-to-eat products are of great economic importance to the industry. However, they have been implicated in several outbreaks of listeriosis. Therefore, effective ways to reduce the risk from this pathogenic microorganism can be very attractive for manufacturers. This study showed that the use of active packaging followed by HPP can enhance the listericidal efficiency of the treatment while using lower pressure levels, and thus having limited effects on colour and lipid oxidation of RTE chicken breast.

Preaggregated Ag Nanoparticles in Dry Swellable Gel Films for Off-the-Shelf Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Large, thin (50 mu m) dry polymer sheets containing numerous surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active Ag nanopartide aggregates have been prepared by drying aqueous mixtures of hydroxyethylcelloulose (HEC) and preaggregated Ag colloid in 10 x 10 cm molds. In these dry films, the particle aggregates are protected from the environment during storage and are easy to handle; for example, they can be cut to size with scissors. When in use, the highly swellable HEC polymer allowed the films to rapidly absorb aqueous analyte solutions while simultaneously releasing the Ag nanoparticle aggregates to interact with the analyte and generate large SERS signals. Either the films could be immersed in the analyte solution or 5 mu L droplets were applied to the surface; in the latter method, the local swelling caused the active area to dome upward, but the swollen film remained physically robust and could be handled as required. Importantly, encapsulation and release did not significantly compromise the SERS performance of the colloid; the signals given by the swollen films were similar to the very high signals obtained from the parent citrate-reduced colloid and were an order of magnitude larger than a commercially available nanoparticle substrate. These "Poly-SERS" films retained 70% of their SERS activity after being stored for 1 year in air. The films were sufficiently homogeneous to give a standard deviation of 3.2% in the absolute signal levels obtained from a test analyte, primarily due to the films' ability to suppress "coffee ring" drying marks, which meant that quantitative analysis without an internal standard was possible. The majority of the work used aqueous thiophenol as the test analyte; however, preliminary studies showed that the Poly-SERS films could also be used with nonaqueous solvents and for a range of other analytes including theophylline, a therapeutic drug, at a concentration as low as 1.0 x 10(-5) mol dm(-3) (1.8 mg/dm(3)), well below the sensitivity required for theophylline monitoring where the target range is 10-20 mg/dm(3).

Gold nanoparticle surface functionalization: a necessary requirement in the development of novel nanotherapeutics

With several gold nanoparticle-based therapies currently undergoing clinical trials, these treatments may soon be in the clinic as novel anticancer agents. Gold nanoparticles are the subject of a wide ranging international research effort with preclinical studies underway for multiple applications including photoablation, diagnostic imaging, radiosensitization and multifunctional drug-delivery vehicles. These applications require an increasingly complex level of surface modification in order to achieve efficacy and limit off-target toxicity. This review will discuss the main obstacles in relation to surface functionalization and the chemical approaches commonly utilized. Finally, we review a range of recent preclinical studies that aim to advance gold nanoparticle treatments toward the clinic.

Active sites on hydrogen evolution photocatalyst

Solar hydrogen production assisted with semiconductor materials is a promising way to provide alternative energy sources in the future. Such a photocatalytic reaction normally takes place on the active sites of the catalysts surface, and the identification of the active sites is crucial for understanding the photocatalytic reaction mechanism and further improving the photocatalytic efficiency. However, the active sites of model catalysts are still largely disputed because of their structural complexity. Conventionally, H-2 evolution from solar water splitting over Pt/TiO2 is widely deemed to take place on metallic Pt nanoparticles. Oppositely, we report through a combined experimental and theoretical approach, that metallic Pt nanoparticles have little contribution to the activity of photocatalytic H-2 evolution; the oxidized Pt species embedded on the TiO2 surface are the key active sites and primarily responsible for the activity of the hydrogen evolution Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst.

Time-dependent tegumental surface changes in juvenile Fasciola gigantica in response to triclabendazole treatment in goat

Triclabendazole (TCBZ), the anthelmintic drug active against both mature and immature liver flukes, was used to investigate the effect of in vivo treatment on the tegumental surface of juvenile Fasciola gigantica. Five goats were infected with 150 F. gigantica metacercariae each by oral gavage. Four of them were treated with single dose of TCBZ at 10mg/kg at four weeks post-infection. They were euthanized at 0 (untreated), 24, 48, 72 and 96h post treatment. Juvenile flukes were manually retrieved from the goat livers and processed for scanning electron microscopy. In control flukes, the anterior region was adorned with sharply pointed spines projecting away from the surface, while in the posterior region, spines become shorter and narrower, loosing serration and with the appearance of distinct furrows and papillae. The dorsal surface retained the same pattern of surface architecture similar to that of ventral surface. Flukes obtained from 24h post-treatment did not show any apparent change and were still very active. However, there were limited movements and some blebbing, swelling, deposition of tegumental secretions and some flattening displayed by the flukes of 48h post-treatment. All the worms were found dead 72h post-treatment and showed advanced level of tegumental disruptions, consisting of severe distortion of spines, sloughing off the tegument to expose the basal lamina, formation of pores and isolated patches of lesions. By 96h post-treatment, the disruption was extremely severe and the tegument was completely sheared off causing deeper lesions that exposed the underlying musculature. The disruption was more severe at posterior than anterior region and on ventral than dorsal surface. The present study further establishes the time-course of TCBZ action in vivo with 100% efficacy against the juvenile tropical liver fluke.

Irradiation of bioresorbable biomaterials for controlled surface degradation

Bioresorbable polymers increasingly are the materials of choice for implantable orthopaedic fixation devices. Controlled degradation of these polymers is vital for preservation of mechanical properties during tissue repair and controlled release of incorporated agents such as osteoconductive or anti-microbial additives. The work outlined in this paper investigates the use of low energy electron beam irradiation to surface modify polyhydroxyacid samples incorporating beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). This work uniquely demonstrates that surface modification of bioresorbable polymers through electron beam irradiation allows for the early release of incorporated agents such as bioactive additives. Samples were e-beam irradiated at an energy of 125 keV and doses of either 150 kGy or 500 kGy. Irradiated and non-irradiated samples were degraded in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), to simulate bioresorption, followed by characterisation. The results show that low energy e-beam irradiation enhances surface hydrolytic degradation in comparison to bulk and furthermore allows for earlier release of incorporated calcium via dissolution into the surrounding medium.