Genomic Sequence and Analysis of EhV-99B1, a New Coccolithovirus from the Norwegian Fjords

Coccolithoviruses are giant dsDNA viruses that infect Emiliania huxleyi, the most ubiquitous marine microalga. Here, we present the genome of the latest coccolithovirus strain to be sequenced, EhV-99B1, and compare it with two other coccolithovirus genomes (EhV-86 and EhV-163). EhV-99B1 shares a pairwise nucleotide identity of 98% with EhV-163 (the two strains were isolated from the same Norwegian fjord but in different years), and just 96.5% with EhV-86 (isolated in the same spring as EhV-99B1 but in the English Channel). We confirmed and extended the list of relevant genomic differences between these EhVs from the Norwegian fjord and EhVs from the English Channel, namely the removal/insertions of: a phosphate permease, an endonuclease, a transposase, and two specific tRNAs. As a whole, this study provided new clues and insights into the diversity and mechanisms driving the evolution of these large oceanic viruses, in particular those processes involving selfish genetic elements.

How many Coccolithovirus genotypes does it take to terminate an Emiliania huxleyi bloom?

Giant viruses are known to be significant mortality agents of phytoplankton, often being implicated in the terminations of large Emiliania huxleyi blooms. We have previously shown the high temporal variability of E. huxleyi-infecting coccolithoviruses (EhVs) within a Norwegian fjord mesocosm. In the current study we investigated EhV dynamics within a naturally-occurring E. huxleyi bloom in the Western English Channel. Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and marker gene sequencing, we uncovered a spatially highly dynamic Coccolithovirus population that was associated with a genetically stable E. huxleyi population as revealed by the major capsid protein gene (mcp) and coccolith morphology motif (CMM), respectively. Coccolithoviruses within the bloom were found to be variable with depth and unique virus populations were detected at different stations sampled indicating a complex network of EhV-host infections. This ultimately will have significant implications to the internal structure and longevity of ecologically important E. huxleyi blooms.

Discovery of an RNA virus 3'->5' exoribonuclease that is critically involved in coronavirus RNA synthesis

Replication of the giant RNA genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) and synthesis of as many as eight subgenomic (sg) mRNAs are mediated by a viral replicase-transcriptase of outstanding complexity that includes an essential endoribonuclease activity. Here, we show that the CoV replicative machinery, unlike that of other RNA viruses, also uses an exoribonuclease (ExoN) activity, which is associated with nonstructural protein (nsp) 14. Bacterially expressed forms of SARS-CoV nsp14 were shown to act on both ssRNAs and dsRNAs in a 3'5' direction. The activity depended on residues that are conserved in the DEDD exonuclease superfamily. The protein did not hydrolyze DNA or ribose-2'-O-methylated RNA substrates and required divalent metal ions for activity. A range of 5'-labeled ssRNA substrates were processed to final products of 8–12 nucleotides. When part of dsRNA or in the presence of nonlabeled dsRNA, the 5'-labeled RNA substrates were processed to significantly smaller products, indicating that binding to dsRNA in cis or trans modulates the exonucleolytic activity of nsp14. Characterization of human CoV 229E ExoN active-site mutants revealed severe defects in viral RNA synthesis, and no viable virus could be recovered. Besides strongly reduced genome replication, specific defects in sg RNA synthesis, such as aberrant sizes of specific sg RNAs and changes in the molar ratios between individual sg RNA species, were observed. Taken together, the study identifies an RNA virus ExoN activity that is involved in the synthesis of multiple RNAs from the exceptionally large genomic RNA templates of CoVs.

Proof of polar ejection from the close-binary core of the planetary nebula Abell 63

We present the first detailed kinematical analysis of the planetary nebula Abell 63, which is known to contain the eclipsing close-binary nucleus UU Sge. Abell 63 provides an important test case in investigating the role of close-binary central stars on the evolution of planetary nebulae. Longslit observations were obtained using the Manchester echelle spectrometer combined with the 2.1-m San Pedro Martir Telescope. The spectra reveal that the central bright rim of Abell 63 has a tube-like structure. A deep image shows collimated lobes extending from the nebula, which are shown to be high-velocity outflows. The kinematic ages of the nebular rim and the extended lobes are calculated to be 8400 +/- 500 and 12900 +/- 2800 yr, respectively, which suggests that the lobes were formed at an earlier stage than the nebular rim. This is consistent with expectations that disc-generated jets form immediately after the common envelope phase. A morphological-kinematical model of the central nebula is presented and the best-fitting model is found to have the same inclination as the orbital plane of the central binary system; this is the first proof that a close-binary system directly affects the shaping of its nebula. A Hubble-type flow is well-established in the morphological-kinematical modelling of the observed line profiles and imagery. Two possible formation models for the elongated lobes of Abell 63 are considered, (i) a low-density, pressure-driven jet excavates a cavity in the remnant asymptotic giant branch (AGB) envelope; (ii) high-density bullets form the lobes in a single ballistic ejection event.

Early-type stars in the Galactic halo from the Palomar-Green survey - III. Completion of a magnitude range limited sample

High-resolution (R approximate to 40 000) echelle spectroscopic observations of 13 high-latitude early-type stars are presented. These stars comprise the final part of a complete magnitude range limited sample based on low-resolution spectroscopy of targets drawn from the Palomar-Green survey. The magnitude range under consideration is 13 less than or equal to B-PG less than or equal to 14.6, corresponding to an approximate distance limit for main-sequence B-type objects of 5 less than or equal to d less than or equal to 40 kpc. Three stars are found to be apparently normal, young stars, based on their positions on the (T-eff, log g) diagram, normal abundance patterns and relatively large projected rotational velocities. A further star, PG 1209+263, was found to belong to the chemically peculiar (CP) silicon star class of objects. The remainder are evolved subluminous stars lying on post- horizontal branch (post-HB) tracks, with the exception of PG 2120+062, which appears to be in a post-asymptotic giant branch evolutionary stage. For the young stars in the sample, we have derived distance and age estimates through comparison of the atmospheric parameters with recent theoretical evolutionary models. We discuss formation scenarios by comparing times-of- flight and evolutionary time-scales. It is found that all stars could have formed in the Galactic disc and been ejected from there soon after their birth, with the exception of PG 1209+263. The adopted proper motion is found to be a crucial factor in the kinematical analysis. We also present some number densities for young B-type halo stars, which indicate that they are extremely scarce objects.

A search for circumstellar material around B-type stars in the Galactic halo

19 B-type stars, selected from the Palomar-Green Survey, have been observed at infrared wavelengths to search for possible infrared excesses, as part of an ongoing programme to investigate the nature of early-type stars at high Galactic latitudes. The resulting infrared fluxes, along with Stromgren photometry, are compared with theoretical flux profiles to determine whether any of the targets show evidence of circumstellar material, which may be indicative of post-main- sequence evolution. Eighteen of the targets have flux distributions in good agreement with theoretical predictions. However, one star, PG 2120 + 062, shows a small near-infrared excess, which may be due either to a cool companion of spectral type F5-F7, or to circumstellar material, indicating that it may be an evolved object such as a post-asymptotic giant branch star, in the transition region between the asymptotic giant branch and planetary nebula phase, with the infrared excess due to recent mass loss during giant branch evolution.

A detailed abundance analysis of the hot post-AGB star ZNG-1 in M10

We present a model-atmosphere analysis for the bright (V similar to 13) star ZNG-1, in the globular cluster M10. From high-resolution (R similar to 40 000) optical spectra we confirm ZNG-1 to be a post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) star. The derived atmospheric parameters are T-eff = 26 500 +/- 1000 K and log g = 3.6 +/- 0.2 dex. A differential abundance analysis reveals a chemical composition typical of hot post-AGB objects, with ZNG-1 being generally metal poor, although helium is approximately solar. The most interesting feature is the large carbon underabundance of more than 1.3 dex. This carbon deficiency, along with an observed nitrogen enhancement relative to other elements, may suggest that ZNG-1 evolved off the AGB before the third dredge-up occurred. Also, iron depletions observed in other similar stars suggest that gas- dust fractionation in the AGB progenitor could be responsible for the observed composition of these objects. However, we need not invoke either scenario since the chemical composition of ZNG-1 is in good agreement with abundances found for a Population II star of the same metallicity.

Boron abundances in B-type stars: A test of rotational depletion during main-sequence evolution

Boron abundances have been derived for seven main-sequence B- type stars from Hubble Space Telescope STIS spectra around the B III lambda2066 line. In two stars, boron appears to be undepleted with respect to the presumed initial abundance. In one star, boron is detectable but is clearly depleted. In the other four stars, boron is undetectable, implying depletions of 1-2 dex. Three of these four stars are nitrogen enriched, but the fourth shows no enrichment of nitrogen. Only rotationally induced mixing predicts that boron depletions are unaccompanied by nitrogen enrichments. The inferred rate of boron depletion from our observations is in good agreement with these predictions. Other boron-depleted nitrogen-normal stars are identified from the literature. In addition, several boron- depleted nitrogen-rich stars are identified, and while all fall on the boron-nitrogen trend predicted by rotationally induced mixing, a majority have nitrogen enrichments that are not uniquely explained by rotation. The spectra have also been used to determine iron group (Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni) abundances. The seven B-type stars have near-solar iron group abundances, as expected for young stars in the solar neighborhood. We have also analyzed the halo B-type star PG 0832 + 676. We find [Fe/H] = -0.88 +/- 0.10, and the absence of the B III line gives the upper limit [B/H] <-2.5. These and other published abundances are used to infer the star's evolutionary status as a post-asymptotic giant branch star.

Cold collisions of electrons with molecules

Results are presented of high-resolution scattering experiments involving electron collisions with CO2 and CS2, between a few meV and 200 meV impact energy. Virtual state scattering is shown to dominate the low-energy behaviour for both species. The most striking features of the scattering spectrum for CS2 are, however, giant resonances with cross sections greater by more than an order of magnitude than those generally encountered in low-energy scattering. A strong feature centred at 15 meV is attributed to the involvement of CS2- and is interpreted to be a consequence of the virtual state effect.

More nitrogen rich B-type stars in the SMC cluster, NGC 330

High resolution spectra of seven early B-type giant/supergiant stars in the SMC cluster NGC330 are analysed to obtain their chemical compositions relative to SMC field and Galactic B-type stars. It is found that all seven stars are nitrogen rich with an abundance approximately 1.3 dex higher than an SMC main- sequence field B-type star, AV304. They also display evidence for deficiencies in carbon, but other metals have abundances typical of the SMC. Given the number of B-type stars with low projected rotational velocities in NGC330 (all our targets have v sin i <50 km s(-1)), we suggest that it is unlikely that the stars in our sample are seen almost pole-on, but rather that they are intrinsically slow rotators. Furthermore, none of our objects displays any evidence of significant Balmer emission excluding the possibility that these are Be stars observed pole-on. Comparing these results with the predictions of stellar evolution models including the effects of rotationally induced mixing, we conclude that while the abundance patterns may indeed be reproduced by these models, serious discrepancies exist. Most importantly, models including the effects of initially large rotational velocities do not reproduce the observed range of effective temperatures of our sample, nor the currently observed rotational velocities. Binary models may be able to produce stars in the observed temperature range but again may be incapable of producing suitable analogues with low rotational velocities. We also discuss the clear need for stellar evolution calculations employing the correct chemical mix of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen for the SMC.

A chemical analysis of five hot stars towards the Galactic centre

High resolution echelle spectroscopy is presented for thirteen stars lying in the direction of the Galactic centre which, on the basis of photographic photometry and low dispersion spectroscopy, have been classified as early-B-type. Eight of these stars have large rotational velocities which preclude a detailed analysis. The five stars with moderate to low projected rotational velocities have been analysed using model atmosphere techniques to determine atmospheric parameters and chemical compositions. Two of these stars appear to be evolved blue horizontal branch objects on the basis of their chemical compositions and small projected rotational velocity. The evolutionary status of a third is ambiguous but it is probably a post-asymptotic-giant branch star. The remaining two objects are probably young massive stars and show enhanced abundances of N, C, Mg and Si, consistent with their formation in the inner part of the Galactic disk. However their O abundances are normal, confirming results found previously for other early- type stars, which would imply a flat abundance gradient for this element in the inner region of our Galaxy.

A non-LTE abundance analysis of the post-AGB star ROA 5701

An analysis of high-resolution Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT)/University College London Echelle Spectrograph (UCLES) optical spectra for the ultraviolet (UV)-bright star ROA 5701 in the globular cluster omega Cen (NGC 5139) is performed, using non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) model atmospheres to estimate stellar atmospheric parameters and chemical composition. Abundances are derived for C, N, O, Mg, Si and S, and compared with those found previously by Moehler et al. We find a general metal underabundance relative to young B-type stars, consistent with the average metallicity of the cluster. Our results indicate that ROA 5701 has not undergone a gas-dust separation scenario as previously suggested. However, its abundance pattern does imply that ROA 5701 has evolved off the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) prior to the onset of the third dredge-up.

Understanding B-type supergiants in the low metallicity environment of the SMC

Spectroscopic analyses of 7 SMC B-type supergiants and 1 giant have been undertaken using high resolution optical data obtained on the VLT with UVES. FASTWIND, a non-LTE, spherical, line-blanketed model atmosphere code was used to derive atmospheric and wind parameters of these stars as well as their absolute abundances. Mass-loss rates, derived from H-alpha profiles, are in poor agreement with metallicity dependent theoretical predictions. Indeed the wind-momenta of the SMC stars appear to be in good agreement with the wind-momentum luminosity relationship (WLR) of Galactic B-type stars, a puzzling result given that line-driven wind theory predicts a metallicity dependence. However the galactic stars were analysed using unblanketed model atmospheres which may mask any dependence on metallicity. A mean nitrogen enhancement of a factor of 14 is observed in the supergiants whilst only an enrichment of a factor of 4 is present in the giant, AV216. Similar excesses in nitrogen are observed in O-type dwarfs and supergiants in the same mass range, suggesting that the additional nitrogen is produced while the stars are still on the main-sequence. These nitrogen enrichments can be reproduced by current stellar evolution models, which include rotationally induced mixing, only if large initial rotational velocities of 300 kin s(-1) are invoked. Such large rotational velocities appear to be inconsistent with observed v sin i distributions for O-type stars and B-type supergiants. Hence it is suggested that the currently available stellar evolution models require more efficient mixing for lower rotational velocities.

Magnetic and structural properties of Co films deposited onto obliquely sputtered Pt underlayers

Co films deposited on obliquely sputtered Pt underlayers of 100 Angstrom or greater have produced coercivities in excess of 800 Oe, and anisotropy fields over 950 Oe. The coercivity and anisotropy field increase with Pt deposition angle and thickness. A Pt capping layer has a detrimental effect on properties but a Cu capping layer does not. Films with an obliquely deposited underlayer exhibit reduced density and increased interface roughness compared to normally deposited films. Normally deposited Pt underlayers display a (111) texture, while those deposited obliquely show an increasingly random texture with Pt thickness and deposition angle. The trilayers fabricated in this study are presented as candidates for use in giant magnetoresistance sensors. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.

Ferroelectricity and isotope effects in hydrogen-bonded KDP crystals

Based on an accurate first principles description of the energetics in H-bonded potassium-dihydrogen-phosphate crystals, we conduct a first study of nuclear quantum effects and of the changes brought about by deuteration. Tunneling is allowed only for clusters involving correlated protons and heavy ion displacements, the main effect of deuteration being a depletion of the proton probability density at the O-H-O bridge center, which in turn weakens its proton-mediated covalent bonding. The ensuing lattice expansion couples self-consistently with the proton off-centering, thus explaining both the giant isotope effect and its close connection with geometrical effects.