scholarly journals Iridescent structural colour production in male blue-black grassquit feather barbules: the role of keratin and melanin

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Maia ◽  
João Victor O Caetano ◽  
Sônia N Báo ◽  
Regina H Macedo
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Coherent Scattering ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Stray Light ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Keratin Layer

Iridescent coloration plays an important role in the visual communication system of many animal taxa. It is known that iridescent structural colours result from layers of materials with different refractive indexes, which in feathers usually are keratin, melanin and air. However, the role of these materials in the production of structural iridescent coloration is still poorly documented. Despite the great interspecific variation in the organization of such structures in bird plumage, melanin layers are usually considered too opaque, suggesting its main role is to delineate the outermost keratin layer and absorb incoherently scattered stray light. We combined spectrometry, electron microscopy and thin-film optical modelling to describe the UV-reflecting iridescent colour of feather barbules of male blue-black grassquits ( Volatinia jacarina ), characterized by a keratin layer overlying a single melanin layer. Our models indicate that both the keratin and the melanin layers are essential for production of the observed colour, influencing the coherent scattering of light. The melanin layer in some barbules may be thin enough to allow interaction with the underlying keratin; however, individuals usually have, on an average, the minimum number of granules that optimizes absorbance by this layer. Also, we show that altering optical properties of the materials resulted in better-fitting models relative to the empirically measured spectra. These results add to previous findings concerning the influence of melanin in single-layer iridescence, and stress the importance of considering natural variation when characterizing such photonic structures.

scholarly journals What makes a feather shine? A nanostructural basis for glossy black colours in feathers

2010 ◽  
Vol 278 (1714) ◽  
pp. 1973-1980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Maia ◽  
Liliana D'Alba ◽  
Matthew D. Shawkey
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy Data ◽  
Specular Reflectance ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Ordered Nanostructures ◽  
Thin Film Interference ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
Microscopy Data ◽  
Keratin Layer

Colours in feathers are produced by pigments or by nanostructurally organized tissues that interact with light. One of the simplest nanostructures is a single layer of keratin overlying a linearly organized layer of melanosomes that create iridescent colours of feather barbules through thin-film interference. Recently, it has been hypothesized that glossy (i.e. high specular reflectance) black feathers may be evolutionarily intermediate between matte black and iridescent feathers, and thus have a smooth keratin layer that produces gloss, but not the layered organization of melanosomes needed for iridescence. However, the morphological bases of glossiness remain unknown. Here, we use a theoretical approach to generate predictions about morphological differences between matte and glossy feathers that we then empirically test. Thin-film models predicted that glossy spectra would result from a keratin layer 110–180 nm thick and a melanin layer greater than 115 nm thick. Transmission electron microscopy data show that nanostructure of glossy barbules falls well within that range, but that of matte barbules does not. Further, glossy barbules had a thinner and more regular keratin cortex, as well as a more continuous underlying melanin layer, than matte barbules. Thus, their quasi-ordered nanostructures are morphologically intermediate between matte black and iridescent feathers, and perceived gloss may be a form of weakly chromatic iridescence.

Role of spectrin in membrane fusion and in shape change of human erythrocyte ghost

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 328-329
Author(s):  
Hideo Hayashi ◽  
Yoshikazu Hirai ◽  
John T. Penniston
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Human Erythrocyte ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Slight Modification ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Bank Blood ◽  
Human Erythrocyte Ghost

Spectrin is a membrane associated protein most of which properties have been tentatively elucidated. A main role of the protein has been assumed to give a supporting structure to inside of the membrane. As reported previously, however, the isolated spectrin molecule underwent self assemble to form such as fibrous, meshwork, dispersed or aggregated arrangements depending upon the buffer suspended and was suggested to play an active role in the membrane conformational changes. In this study, the role of spectrin and actin was examined in terms of the molecular arrangements on the erythrocyte membrane surface with correlation to the functional states of the ghosts.Human erythrocyte ghosts were prepared from either freshly drawn or stocked bank blood by the method of Dodge et al with a slight modification as described before. Anti-spectrin antibody was raised against rabbit by injection of purified spectrin and partially purified.

On the role of tin underlays for the prevention of thermal grooving in thin gold films

1986 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 732-733
Author(s):  
Jin Young Kim ◽  
R. E. Hummel ◽  
R. T. DeHoff
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Free Surface ◽  
Grain Boundary ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Failure Mechanism ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Distinct Advantage ◽  
Gold Films ◽  
Gold Thin Film

Gold thin film metallizations in microelectronic circuits have a distinct advantage over those consisting of aluminum because they are less susceptible to electromigration. When electromigration is no longer the principal failure mechanism, other failure mechanisms caused by d.c. stressing might become important. In gold thin-film metallizations, grain boundary grooving is the principal failure mechanism.Previous studies have shown that grain boundary grooving in gold films can be prevented by an indium underlay between the substrate and gold. The beneficial effect of the In/Au composite film is mainly due to roughening of the surface of the gold films, redistribution of indium on the gold films and formation of In2O3 on the free surface and along the grain boundaries of the gold films during air annealing.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Sports Photography and Historical Development

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-115
Author(s):  
Miloš Stamenković
Keyword(s):  
Historical Development ◽  
Emotional Reaction ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Primary Role

SummarySports photography undoubtedly has a significant place in sports press and publicism. It’s main and primary role is to present sports to the readers as art, which it is. Sport is characterized by dynamic and varied movements, and the main role of sports photography is reflected in the fact that it is in this way that sport shows its essence. Having in mind that photography tells more than a thousand words it sends a clear message to the reader as well to people who are informed about events via sports portals. Sports photography is a multidimensional art for many reasons. When we say “multi”, it primarily refers to a wider range that sports photography has to offer, which means sports photography is not only directed at presenting athletes on the move and the main actors who contribute to achieving the results by their engagement – it also has the role of sports “psychophotography” which is an analysis and capture of the emotional reaction of an athlete after winning or losing from the opposing team.

Problems and prospects for the Russian banking supervision development in modern conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1283-1296
Author(s):  
K.A. Omarieva ◽  
P.G. Isaeva
Keyword(s):  
Banking System ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Banking Supervision ◽  
Monetary System ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Document Flow ◽  
Development Methods ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Development Prospects

Subject. The article addresses problems and prospects for the banking supervision development in the Russian Federation under modern conditions. Objectives. We review the essence and methods of organization of the banking supervision, and identify the main problems and prospects for its development. Methods. To provide valid, reliable and reasoned recommendations, we apply normative and integrated approaches to the study of the banking supervision effectiveness in the current circumstances. Results. The paper investigates main problems and development prospects for the Russian banking supervision. The essential importance of supervision comes from the main role of the banking system in maintaining accounts of economic entities and making settlements. Even minor failures or delays in operations can lead to negative outcomes and disastrous consequences for the entire monetary system and the national economy. Therefore, we highlight issues that require attention, and make proposals for further development of the banking supervision. Conclusions. In the context of dynamically developing economy, the banking practice is becoming more complex. As a result, there is a need for new financial instruments that can reduce risks, increase the speed and efficiency of operations and document flow, and help achieve the world levels of introduced standards.

Biological Role of CDK 11 and 12 in Cell Cycle and its Function in Tumorigenesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamim Mushtaq
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
The Body ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Hallmarks Of Cancer ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinases ◽  
Tumor Studies ◽  
Cycle Regulation

Uninhibited proliferation and abnormal cell cycle regulation are the hallmarks of cancer. The main role of cyclin dependent kinases is to regulate the cell cycle and cell proliferation. These protein kinases are frequently down regulated or up regulated in various cancers. Two CDK family members, CDK 11 and 12, have contradicting views about their roles in different cancers. For example, one study suggests that the CDK 11 isoforms, p58, inhibits growth of breast cancer whereas, the CDK 11 isoform, p110, is highly expressed in breast tumor. Studies regarding CDK 12 show variation of opinion towards different parts of the body, however there is a consensus that upregulation of cdk12 increases the risk of breast cancer. Hence, CDK 11 and CDK 12 need to be analyzed to confirm their mechanism and their role regarding therapeutics, prognostic value, and ethnicity in cancer. This article gives an outline on both CDKs of information known up to date from Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science search engines, which were explored and thirty relevant researches were finalized.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document