The S1, S2 and SGA1 ancestral genes for the STA glucoamylase genes all map to chromosome IX in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The polymorphic extracellular glucoamylase-encoding genes STA1 (chr. IV), STA2 (chr. II) and STA3 (chr. XIV), from Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus probably evolved by genomic rearrangement of DNA regions (S1, S2 and SGA1) present in S. cerevisiae, and subsequent translocation to unlinked regions of chromosomal regions. S1, encoding a homologue to the threonine/serine-rich domain of STA glucoamylases (GAI-III), mapped to the right arm of chromosome IX. S2, encoding the hydrophobic leader peptide of GAI-III, was also mapped on the right arm of chromosome IX, next to S1, close to DAL81. The SGA1 sporulation-specific, intracellular glucoamylase-encoding gene is located on the left arm of chromosome IX, 32 kb proximal of HIS5.     

Electrode microchamber for noninvasive perturbation of mammalian cells with nanosecond pulsed electric fields

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields can pass through the external membrane of biological cells and disturb fast-responding intracellular structures and processes. To enable real-time imaging and investigation of these phenomena, a microchamber with integral electrodes and optical path for observing individual cells exposed to ultrashort electric pulses was designed and fabricated utilizing photolithographic and microelectronic methods. SU-8 photoresist was patterned to form straight sidewalls from 10 to 30 /spl mu/m in height, with gold film deposited on the top and sidewalls for conductive, nonreactive electrodes and a uniform electric field. Channel dimensions (10-30 /spl mu/m/spl times/100 /spl mu/m/spl times/12000 /spl mu/m) are suitable for observations of mammalian cells during nanosecond, megavolt-per-meter pulsed electric field exposure. Experimental studies utilizing the electrode microchamber include live-cell imaging of nanoelectropulse-induced intracellular calcium bursts and membrane phospholipid translocation.     

Small-molecule vacuum processed melamine-C60, organic field-effect transistors

The transfer of benchtop knowledge into large scale industrial production processes represents a challenge in the field of organic electronics. Large scale industrial production of organic electronics is envisioned as roll to roll (R2R) processing which nowadays comprises usually solution-based large area printing steps. The search for a fast and reliable fabrication process able to accommodate the deposition of both insulator and semiconductor layers in a single step is still under way. Here we report on the fabrication of organic field effect transistors comprising only evaporable small molecules. Moreover, both the gate dielectric (melamine) and the semiconductor (C₆₀) are deposited in successive steps without breaking the vacuum in the evaporation chamber. The material characteristics of evaporated melamine thin films as well as their dielectric properties are investigated, suggesting the applicability of vacuum processed melamine for gate dielectric layer in OFETs. The transistor fabrication and its transfer and output characteristics are presented along with observations that lead to the fabrication of stable and virtually hysteresis-free transistors. The extremely low price of precursor materials and the ease of fabrication recommend the evaporation processes as alternative methods for a large scale, R2R production of organic field effect transistors.     

A Michael-type reaction between acrylato ions and ethylenediamine coordinated to Ni(II). Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of [Ni2(EDDP)2(H2O)2] · 2H2O (H2EDDP = ethylenediamine-N,N-dipropionic acid)

The reaction between NiCO₃ · Ni(OH)₂, acrylic acid and ethylenediamine in a 2:4:1 molar ratio affords the binuclear complex, [Ni₂(EDDP)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O 1. The organic ligand, EDDP^2? (the dianion of the ethylenediamine-N,N-dipropionic acid ligand), results from the addition of one amine group to the carbon–carbon double bonds of two acrylato ions. The crystal structure of 1 consists of neutral centrosymmetric entities, with the nickel ions connected by two carboxylato groups, each one acting as a monoatomic bridge. The intramolecular Ni?Ni distance is 3.212 Å. The metal ions exhibit an octahedral geometry. The cryomagnetic investigation of 1 reveals an antiferromagnetic coupling of the nickel(II) ions (J = ?21.8 cm^?1, H = ?JS_Ni1S_Ni2).     

Four‐junction spectral beam‐splitting photovoltaic receiver with high optical efficiency

A spectral beam‐splitting architecture is shown to provide an excellent basis for a four junction photovoltaic receiver with a virtually ideal band gap combination. Spectrally selective beam‐splitters are used to create a very efficient light trap in form of a 45° parallelepiped. The light trap distributes incident radiation onto the different solar cells with an optical efficiency of more then 90%. Highly efficient solar cells including III–V semiconductors and silicon were fabricated and mounted into the light trapping assembly. An integrated characterization of such a receiver including the measurement of quantum efficiency as well as indoor and outdoor I–V measurements is shown. Moreover, the optical loss mechanisms and the optical efficiency of the spectral beam‐splitting approach are discussed. The first experimental setup of the receiver demonstrated an outdoor efficiency of more than 34% under unconcentrated sunlight. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact strength elastomer composites based on polystyrene components separated from waste electrical and electronic equipment

The reuse of plastic components of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is an important concern both for environmental issues and to preserve the material resources, with minimum energy consumption. Considering that polystyrene fraction was reported as approximate 80% of the total amount of WEEE plastic, this article aims to evaluate the recycling of this fraction, without separation by components, by melt compounding with styrene-butadiene block-copolymer (SBS) and hydrogenated and maleinized SBS, the blend of the two elastomers acting both as an impact modifier and compatibilizer. The composites are characterized by mechanical analysis, impact tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The recycling conditions of the polystyrene fraction as composites without eliminating the WEEE additives for improved UV and flame resistance, with physical mechanical properties comparable to those of high-impact polystyrene resulted from the study. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48329.     

Ultrasonic Fabrication of Polymer Plate Reactors with a Surface Coating

Microreactors offer several advantages compared to the industrial scale when developing new chemical processes. Especially the production and investment costs are low if polymer microreactors are generated by ultrasonic processes. In order to observe the chemical reaction and the flow configuration, these microreactors need to be optically transparent, mechanically stable, and chemically inert to several reagents. The manufacturing process of a transparent polymer plate reactor with a chemically inert surface coating by ultrasonic fabrication is described. Experimental characterization of the microreactors showed that they are leak tight up to a pressure difference of at least 300 kPa and the mixing times are in the range of milliseconds.