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Newsletter========================================
*********************************************** 1. CALL FOR PROPOSALS: DEADLINES APPROACHING The Call for Proposals is currently open and accepting General User Proposals. Research time allocated through the General User mechanism is via competitive peer review emphasizing the excellence of science where there is intent to publish scientific results. PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINES for crystallography are different than other beamlines. MACROMOLECULAR CRYSTALLOGRAPHY ALL OTHER BEAMLINES In addition to normal mode operations at 250 mA, three shifts are available for Single Bunch Mode and six for Coherent Synchrotron Radiation studies. These shifts must be applied for through the General User program. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.lightsource.ca/uso/call_proposals.php. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at mailto:clsuo@lightsource.ca or 306-657-3700. 2. ELECTION RESULTS – USERS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE It is my pleasure to inform you of the results of the Canadian Light Source Users' Advisory Committee (UAC) election held July 13-20, 2009. Congratulations to the following Regular Members, elected for a three-year term, commencing September 2009:
On behalf of the UAC, I would like to thank all candidates for volunteering in this election. We look forward to working with the new members of our committee. We would also like to thank retiring members – Ernst Bergmann (Past Chair), Grant Henderson, and Ramaswami Sammynaiken - for their valuable contributions to the committee. If you have any questions or suggestions, the members of the UAC welcome your input. Further information about the UAC can be found at http://www.lightsource.ca/uac Sincerely, 3. NEW USERS OFFICE TEAM MEMBERS The Users Office welcomes Jillayne Neufeld and Tanaya Smith, who will assist users to ensure they have as pleasant and productive a visit to CLS as possible. We wish our departing teammates, Jordan Hamel and Erin Sandwick, the best with their future endeavours, and we thank them for their valuable contributions over the past few years. 4. SCIENCE HIGHLIGHT: Interface reconstruction in V-oxide heterostructures determined by x-ray absorption spectroscopy We present an x-ray absorption study of the dependence of the V oxidation state on the thickness of LaVO3 (LVO) and capping LaAlO3 (LAO) layers in the multilayer structure of LVO sandwiched between LAO. We found that the change of the valence of V as a function of LAO layer thickness can be qualitatively explained by a transition between electronically reconstructed interfaces and a chemical reconstruction. The change as a function of LVO layer thickness is complicated by the presence of a considerable amount of V4+ in the bulk of the thicker LVO layers. H. Wadati, D. G. Hawthorn, J. Geck, T. Z. Regier,R. I. R. Blyth, T. Higuchi, Y. Hotta,Y. Hikita, H. Y. Hwang, and G. A. Sawatzky. Interface reconstruction in V-oxide heterostructures determined by x-ray absorption spectroscopy Appl. Phys. Lett. 95, 023115. 15 July 2009 (Web). DOI:10.1063/1.3177328 5. Toroidal Photoelectron Spectrometer on VLS-PGM Begins Testing The VLS-PGM team has begun testing the Toroidal Photoelectron Spectrometer. The result of a collaboration between the CLS, the University of Windsor and the University of Western Ontario, the spectrometer will expand gas phase research capabilities on VLS-PGM beamline. The new photoelectron-photoelectron coincidence spectrometer will add capacity to investigate:
Photoion-photoelectron coincidence experiments are also possible. Moreover, photoelectron angular distributions from single ionisation processes can be imaged directly on a position-sensitive detector. This energy resolved, angle- dispersive capability is a powerful tool which can be used in more conventional photoelectron spectroscopy. For example, this system allows one to monitor changes to the angular distribution while scanning the photon and/or photoelectron energy. Furthermore, threshold photoelectron studies, in which electrons with energies between 0-10meV are detected with very high efficiency, have been performed on noble gases. Experienced users interested in utilizing this new instrument, are welcome to contact the VLS-PGM beamline scientist, Dr. Lucia Zuin, at lucia.zuin@lightsource.ca 6. SCIENCE HIGHLIGHT: Microbial Architecture of Environmental Sulfur Processes: A Novel Syntrophic Sulfur-Metabolizing Consortia Microbial oxidation of sulfur-rich mining waste materials drives acid mine drainage (AMD) and affects the global sulphur biogeochemical cycle. The generation of AMD is a complex, dynamic process that proceeds via multiple reaction pathways. The role of natural consortia of microbes in AMD generation, however, has received very little attention despite their widespread occurrence in mining environments. Through a combination of geochemical experimentation and modeling, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, and fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show a novel interdependent metabolic arrangement of two ubiquitous and abundant AMD bacteria: chemoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus sp. and heterotrophic Acidiphilium sp. Highly reminiscent of anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) consortia, these bacteria are spatially segregated within a planktonic macrostructure of extracellular polymeric substance in which they syntrophically couple sulfur oxidation and reduction reactions in a mutually beneficial arrangement that regenerates their respective sulphur substrates. As discussed here, the geochemical impacts of microbial metabolism are linked to the consortial organization and development of the pod structure, which affects cell-cell interactions and interactions with the surrounding geochemical microenvironment. If these pods are widespread in mine waters, echoing the now widespread discovery of AOM consortia, then AMD-driven CO2 atmospheric fluxes from H2SO4 carbonate weathering could be reduced by as much as 26 TgC/yr. This novel sulfur consortial discovery indicates that organized metabolically linked microbial partnerships are likely widespread and more significant in global elemental cycling than previously considered. Kelsey L.I. Norlund, Gordon Southam, Tolek Tyliszczak, Yongfeng Hu, Chithra Karunakaran, Martin Obst, Adam P. Hitchcock, Lesley A. Warren. Environ. Sci. Technol., Article ASAP. July 21, 2009 (Web) DOI:10.1021/es803616k 7. GOODBYE SUMMER STUDENTS, HELLO NEW STAFF AND NOW HIRING As the new school year approaches, we would like to thank all our students who contributed their time and expertise to our facility over the summer months. Best wishes in your upcoming studies and careers. A number of internal transfers have recently taken place:
We would like to welcome the following new employees: George Belev, BMIT Science Associate—George recently joined the CLS from the University of Saskatchewan where he was a Professional Research Associate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Laurier Baribeau, Jr. Controls Systems Analyst/Engineer—Laurier recently graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Physics and a three year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Melissa Carlson, Financial Assistant—Melissa recently joined the CLS from Yanke Group of Companies where she was a Senior Credit Administrator. Uday Lanke, X-PEEM Research Associate—Uday has over sixteen years of UHV and surface science experience, and six years of synchrotron based photoemission electron microscope (PEEM) experience. His previously worked as a Professional Research Associate at the University of Saskatchewan and the Synchrotron Radiation Center in Wisconsin. Tracey Mack, Receptionist—Tracey recently graduated from the Saskatoon Business College; prior to that she spent over 20 years working in the travel industry. Denise Miller, BMIT Software Developer—Denise has over fourteen years of Information Technology experience, most recently working at the University of Saskatchewan in the College of Medicine as an IT Project Manager. Denise recently completed her Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. Jillayne Neufeld, User Services Assistant—Jillayne comes to the CLS from the University of Saskatchewan, Veterinary Teaching Hospital where she was working as a Clerical Services Worker. Janice Shaw, Research Administrative Assistant—Janice brings with her numerous years of administrative experience gained from her time at AREVA Resources Canada and the City of Saskatoon. Tanaya Smith, User Services Assistant—Tanaya spent a number of years working at the Saskatchewan Research Council as an Administrative Assistant/Lab Assistant prior to joining the CLS. CLS currently has a number of vacancies. Please visit http://www.lightsource.ca/careers for more information. ===============================================
Last modified: 2009-09-01 15:09:52 |
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