University of Grenoble

About: University of Grenoble is a education organization based out in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 25658 authors who have published 45143 publications receiving 909760 citations.

An algal photoenzyme converts fatty acids to hydrocarbons

Abstract: Although many organisms capture or respond to sunlight, few enzymes are known to be driven by light. Among these are DNA photolyases and the photosynthetic reaction centers. Here, we show that the microalga Chlorella variabilis NC64A harbors a photoenzyme that acts in lipid metabolism. This enzyme belongs to an algae-specific clade of the glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase family and catalyzes the decarboxylation of free fatty acids to n-alkanes or -alkenes in response to blue light. Crystal structure of the protein reveals a fatty acid–binding site in a hydrophobic tunnel leading to the light-capturing flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor. The decarboxylation is initiated through electron abstraction from the fatty acid by the photoexcited FAD with a quantum yield >80%. This photoenzyme, which we name fatty acid photodecarboxylase, may be useful in light-driven, bio-based production of hydrocarbons.

Performance of the ALICE VZERO system

Abstract: ALICE is an LHC experiment devoted to the study of strongly interacting matter in proton-proton, proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions at ultra-relativistic energies. The ALICE VZERO system, made of two scintillator arrays at asymmetric positions, one on each side of the interaction point, plays a central role in ALICE. In addition to its core function as a trigger source, the VZERO system is used to monitor LHC beam conditions, to reject beam-induced backgrounds and to measure basic physics quantities such as luminosity, particle multiplicity, centrality and event plane direction in nucleus-nucleus collisions. After describing the VZERO system, this publication presents its performance over more than four years of operation at the LHC.

Is the Cu/Zn disorder the main culprit for the voltage deficit in kesterite solar cells?

Abstract: Photovoltaic thin film solar cells based on kesterite Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se1–x)4 compounds (CZTSSe) have reached >12% sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency. This is still far from the >20% record devices known in Cu(In1–y,Gay)Se2 and CdTe parent technologies. A selection of >9% CZTSSe devices reported in the literature is examined to review the progress achieved over the past few years. These devices suffer from a low open-circuit voltage (Voc) never better than 60% of the Voc max, which is expected from the Shockley-Queisser radiative limit (S-Q limit). The possible role of anionic (S/Se) distribution and of cationic (Cu/Zn) disorder on the Voc deficit and on the ultimate photovoltaic performance of kesterite devices, are clarified here. While the S/Se anionic distribution is expected to be homogeneous for any ratio x, some grain-to-grain and other non-uniformity over larger area can be found, as quantified on our CZTSSe films. Nevertheless, these anionic distributions can be considered to have a negligible impact on the Voc deficit. On the Cu/Zn order side, even though significant bandgap changes (>10%) can be observed, a similar conclusion is brought from experimental devices and from calculations, still within the radiative S-Q limit. The implications and future ways for improvement are discussed.

Surface compositions across Pluto and Charon

Abstract: The New Horizons spacecraft mapped colors and infrared spectra across the encounter hemispheres of Pluto and Charon. The volatile methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen ices that dominate Pluto's surface have complicated spatial distributions resulting from sublimation, condensation, and glacial flow acting over seasonal and geological time scales. Pluto's water ice "bedrock" was also mapped, with isolated outcrops occurring in a variety of settings. Pluto's surface exhibits complex regional color diversity associated with its distinct provinces. Charon's color pattern is simpler, dominated by neutral low latitudes and a reddish northern polar region. Charon's near-infrared spectra reveal highly localized areas with strong ammonia absorption tied to small craters with relatively fresh-appearing impact ejecta.

Disks around T tauri stars with SPHERE (DARTTS-S). I. SPHERE/IRDIS polarimetric imaging of eight prominent T tauri disks

Abstract: European Commission Sixth Framework Programme as part of the Optical Infrared Coordination Network for Astronomy (OPTICON) RII3-Ct-2004-001566 European Commission Seventh Framework Programme as part of the Optical Infrared Coordination Network for Astronomy (OPTICON) 226604 312430 Millennium Science Initiative (Chilean Ministry of Economy) RC130007 FONDECYT 3150643 Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF CONICYT through FONDECYT grant 3170657 project CONICYT PAI/Concurso Nacional Insercion en la Academia, convocatoria 2015 79150049 ICM Nucleo Milenio de Formacion Planetaria, NPF ANR of France ANR-16-CE31-0013 Australian Research Council (ARC) FT170100040 CONICYT FONDECYT grant 1171624 Millennium Nucleus RC130007 CONICYT-Gemini grant 32130007