Sequence,Chromatin and Evolution of Satellite DNA

Satellite DNA consists of abundant tandem repeats that play important roles in cellular processes, including chromosome segregation, genome organization and chromosome end protection. Most satellite DNA repeat units are either of nucleosomal length or 5–10 bp long and occupy centromeric, pericentromeric or telomeric regions. Due to high repetitiveness, satellite DNA sequences have largely been absent from genome assemblies. Although few conserved satellite-specific sequence motifs have been identified, DNA curvature, dyad symmetries and inverted repeats are features of various satellite DNAs in several organisms. Satellite DNA sequences are either embedded in highly compact gene-poor heterochromatin or specialized chromatin that is distinct from euchromatin. Nevertheless, some satellite DNAs are transcribed into non-coding RNAs that may play important roles in satellite DNA function. Intriguingly, satellite DNAs are among the most rapidly evolving genomic elements, such that a large fraction is species-specific in most organisms. Here we describe the different classes of satellite DNA sequences, their satellite-specific chromatin features, and how these features may contribute to satellite DNA biology and evolution. We also discuss how the evolution of functional satellite DNA classes may contribute to speciation in plants and animals.     

High efficient corrosion inhibitor of water-soluble polypyrrole–sulfonated melamine formaldehyde nanocomposites for 316 L stainless steel

In this work, new water-soluble polypyrrole–sulfonated melamine formaldehyde nanocomposites (PPy–SMF NCs) were first synthesized by one-step in-situ polymerization of pyrrole with FeCl₃ in the presence of various mole ratios of sulfonated melamine formaldehyde (SMF). The characterization of the PPy–SMF NCs was investigated via ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and conductivity measurements. The resulting PPy–SMF NCs were proved to improve the solubility, electrical properties, and thermal stability. The anti-corrosion performance of PPy-SMF NCs on 316 L stainless steel (316 L SS) was examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, and weight-loss method. The result showed that the PPy–SMF NCs acts as a mixed-type inhibitor, as well as a protective layer to 316 L SS against corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solution. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was well fitted and suitable to explain the adsorption behavior of the PPy-SMF NCs on 316 L SS surface. The inhibition efficiency of PPy-SMF NCs is 99% by the weight-loss method which could be attributed to the protective layer formed on 316 L SS surface by the adsorption of PPy-SMF NCs.     

Design of compact low pass filter with wide stop band using tri-section stepped impedance resonator

This paper reports the design of a compact low pass filter (LPF) with wide stop band region using tri-section stepped impedance resonators in microstrip medium. Experimental results of a low pass filter designed at 1 GHz have been compared against the analytical and EM simulation results for the validation of the design. Results are satisfactorily matching each other. The maximum insertion of the measured filter is 0.2 dB and minimum return loss is 13.5 dB over the pass band. The stop band rejection is better than 20 dB from 1.5 GHz to 4.2 GHz and hence wide stop band performance is achieved. Overall size of the filter is 30 mm × 20 mm × 0.78 mm which is 0.1λ × 0.066λ × 0.0026λ at 1 GHz.     

Use of partially overlapped suspended substrate striplines for the realization of wideband microwave filters

This article presents realization of low loss, wide stop‐band suspended substrate stripline (SSS) wideband pass filters using interdigital and stepped‐impedance resonators. SSSs have been characterized using the finite‐difference method (FDM). The experimental results of the fabricated filters are compared with the theoretical results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.     

Design of wideband diplexer in suspended substrate stripline medium

A wideband diplexer is designed and developed in suspended substrate medium using wide‐bandpass filters of 10–14 GHz and 14–18 GHz. Tight coupling between resonators is achieved by etching the resonators on the top and bottom layers of the substrate. The diplexer is designed by combining these filters on a common transformer. Each filter is channelised to avoid waveguide modes. Suspended substrate striplines (SSSs) are characterized using the Finite‐Difference Method (FDM). The theoretical and measured results of the diplexer are presented. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.