Design and investigation of UV image detectors

The results of investigation of optical image detectors designed for the largest problem, near-VUV, range of the spectrum are presented. The possibility of using a dual-stage image detection system to appreciably lower the sensitivity threshold and make computer data processing feasible is considered. The integration of a UV module into a wideband image detector is studied.     

Regio- and Stereoselective Addition of Selenium Dichloride to Alkyl Propiolates

Russian Journal of Organic Chemistry - The reaction of selenium dichloride with methyl and ethyl propiolates leads to formation of anti-Markovnikov adducts. The regio- and stereoselective synthesis...     

Point Mutations of Nicotinic Receptor α1 Subunit Reveal New Molecular Features of G153S Slow-Channel Myasthenia

Slow-channel congenital myasthenic syndromes (SCCMSs) are rare genetic diseases caused by mutations in muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits. Most of the known SCCMS-associated mutations localize at the transmembrane region near the ion pore. Only two SCCMS point mutations are at the extracellular domains near the acetylcholine binding site, α1(G153S) being one of them. In this work, a combination of molecular dynamics, targeted mutagenesis, fluorescent Ca²⁺ imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology has been applied to G153S mutant muscle nAChR to investigate the role of hydrogen bonds formed by Ser 153 with C-loop residues near the acetylcholine-binding site. Introduction of L199T mutation to the C-loop in the vicinity of Ser 153 changed hydrogen bonds distribution, decreased acetylcholine potency (EC₅₀ 2607 vs. 146 nM) of the double mutant and decay kinetics of acetylcholine-evoked cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ rise (τ 14.2 ± 0.3 vs. 34.0 ± 0.4 s). These results shed light on molecular mechanisms of nAChR activation-desensitization and on the involvement of such mechanisms in channelopathy genesis.     

Synthesis,Electronic Properties and WOLED Devices of Planar Phosphorus‐Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

We describe the synthesis and the physical properties of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) containing a phosphorus atom at the edge. In particular, the impact of the successive addition of aromatic rings on the electronic properties was investigated by experimental (UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry) and theoretical studies (DFT). The physical properties recorded in solution and in the solid state showed that the P‐containing PAHs exhibit properties expected for an emitter in white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs).     

Obituary Gilbert Grynberg (1948-2003)

We mourn the death of Professor Dr. Gilbert Grynberg, April 17, 1948 - January 27, 2003. We have lost an excellent and highly esteemed scientist, an outstanding character and a good friend. He has been a very active colleague in the merger of Zeitschrift für Physik and Journal de Physique in the early days. As one of the Co-Editors-in-Chief of The European Physical Journal D, from its start, he has formed the scienti.c standards of EPJ. Untiringly he has served our Journal with greatest dedication. We are grateful that he has been with us. The editorial board and o.ce of EPJ B Siegfried Grossmann, Denis Jérome, Antonio Paoletti     

Electronic excitation energy transfer between dye molecules in H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O and D<Subscript>2</Subscript>O solutions in the micellar phase

Processes of electronic excitation energy transfer (EEET) in H₂O+D₂O solutions within reversed micelles with different degrees of hydration were studied. It is ascertained that the structure of solutions forms a cluster distribution of interacting molecules having a fractal dimensionality. As a result, in regions with a locally high concentration of the dye molecules, an increase in the EEET efficiency is observed. Solubilization by reversed micelles leads to destruction of the cluster structure of the water system, with the dependence of the EEET efficiency on the degree of hydration being nonmonotonic. As the degree of hydration increases, the inhomogeneities of the structure inherent in bulk water are restored.     

Catalytic Self-Hydrogenation of Anthracene in the Presence of a Magnesium–Anthracene Adduct

The catalytic properties of cluster magnesium derivatives were studied using the self-hydrogenation reaction of unsaturated compounds as an example. In the presence of a cluster magnesium–anthracene adduct at 150–298 K, the self-hydrogenation of anthracene occurred with yields of up to 40 molecules per atom of magnesium.