In situ localization and chromosomal mapping of the AG1 (Dmp1) gene

Dentinogenesis is being used as a model for understanding the biomineralization process. The odontoblasts synthesize a structural matrix comprised of Type I collagen fibrils which define the basic architecture of the tissue. The odontoblasts also synthesize and deliver a number of dentin-specific acidic macromolecules into the extracellular compartment. These acidic macromolecules may be involved in regulating the ordered deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals within the matrix. AG1 is the first tooth-specific acidic macromolecule to have been cloned and sequenced. To identify which cells of the rat incisor pulp/odontoblast complex were responsible for synthesis of AG1, in situ hybridization was used. Digoxigenin labeled sense and anti-sense AG1 riboprobes were prepared. The AG1 mRNA was found to be expressed in the mature secretory odontoblasts. Neither pulp cells nor pre-odontoblasts showed any staining with the anti-sense probes. Chromosomal localization studies placed the AG1 gene on mouse chromosome 5q21, in tight linkage with Fgf5. AG1 has been renamed Dmp1 (dentin matrix protein 1) in accordance with present chromosomal nomenclature. Mouse 5q21 corresponds to the 4q21 locus in humans. This is the locus for the human tooth mineralization disorder dentinogenesis imperfecta Type II (DI-II). These data suggest that the Dmp1 gene is involved in mineralization and is a candidate gene for DI-II.     

Optical absorption in (Pb<Subscript>0.78</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>0.22</Subscript>)<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">X</Emphasis></Subscript>In<Subscript>X</Subscript>Te (<Emphasis Type="Italic">X</Emphasis>=0.001–0.005)

Optical absorption spectra of (Pb_0.78Sn_0.22)_1?XIn_XTe (X=0.001–0.005) have been studied at T=300 K. Asymmetric bands of additional absorption α₀ and α₁, characterized by steep long-wavelength edges, were revealed. The optical energy and the half-width of localized levels are determined, and assumptions concerning their nature are made.     

Possibilities of production of nanopowders with high power ELV electron accelerator

Electron-beam evaporation of various natural and industrial materials in the atmosphere of different gases at atmospheric pressure can be used for the synthesis of nanosize powders. These powders are characterized by high purity and may exhibit unusual properties. In particular, nanopowders of silicon dioxide and oxide (SiO₂, SiO), magnesia (MgO), alumina (Al₂O₃), titania (TiO₂), gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃), various metals (tantalum, molybdenum, nickel, aluminium, copper, silver), semiconductor (Si), nitrides (AlN, TiN), and some other substances had been produced. The process of nanopowder synthesis is highly effective; in particular, the yield of oxides can exceed ten kilograms per hour.     

Characterization of a novel dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein. Implications for induction of biomineralization

Acidic phosphorylated proteins have been shown to be prominent constituents of the extracellular matrix of bone and dentin. The acidic phosphoproteins of bone contain more glutamic acid than aspartic acid and a lower serine content than either. On the other hand, the major dentin acidic phosphoproteins, phosphophoryns, have been defined as aspartic acid- and serine-rich proteins, with a lesser content of glutamic acid. Both sets of phosphoproteins have been implicated as key participants in regulating mineralization, but it has been difficult to unify their mechanisms of action. We have now identified, by cDNA cloning, a new serine-rich acidic protein of the dentin matrix, AG1, with a composition intermediate between the bone acidic proteins and dentin phosphophoryns. AG1 has numerous acidic consensus sites for phosphorylation by both casein kinases I and II. Immunochemical and organ culture biosynthetic studies show that AG1 is present in phosphorylated form at low levels in the dentin matrix. If fully phosphorylated, AG1 would bear a net charge of -175/molecule of 473 residues. AG1 contains single RGD integrin binding and N-glycosylation sequences. The overall picture that emerges is that of a matrix-associated acidic phosphoprotein, with a potentially high calcium ion binding capacity, present at levels compatible with a regulatory role in dentin mineralization.     

On the conduction-band structure of bismuth telluride: optical absorption data

The optical absorption spectra of n-Bi₂Te₃ in the range 40–300 meV are studied at room temperature in relation to the electron concentration and sample thickness in order to determine the parameters of the additional subband in the conduction band of Bi₂Te₃ and to clarify the possible effect of this subband on charge-carrier transport. It is shown that bismuth telluride is a direct-gap semiconductor with an additional subband in the conduction band. These data are consistent with the results of studies of quantum oscillations in n-Bi₂Te₃ in high magnetic fields at temperatures below 20 K.     

Dynamics of native oxide growth on CdTe and CdZnTe X-ray and gamma-ray detectors

We studied the growth of the surface oxide layer on four different CdTe and CdZnTe X-ray and gamma-ray detector-grade samples using spectroscopic ellipsometry. We observed gradual oxidization of CdTe and CdZnTe after chemical etching in bromine solutions. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, we found that the oxide consists only of oxygen bound to tellurium. We applied a refined theoretical model of the surface layer to evaluate the spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. In this way we studied the dynamics and growth rate of the oxide layer within a month after chemical etching of the samples. We observed two phases in the evolution of the oxide layer on all studied samples. A rapid growth was visible within five days after the chemical treatment followed by semi-saturation and a decrease in the growth rate after the first week. After one month all the samples showed an oxide layer about 3 nm thick. The oxide thickness was correlated with leakage current degradation with time after surface preparation.