High-p T αα andαp interactions

Properties of secondaries associated with a high-p _T charged trigger particle (3<p _T <5 GeV/c) were studied for αp and αα interactions at c.m. energies \(\sqrt s = 88\) GeV and 125 GeV, respectively. Thep _T distributions of secondaries in the away-jet and trigger-jet regions were compared with those for high-p _{T pp} interactions. No statistically significant differences were seen, except at lowp _T . Momentum and angular distributions of spectator and leading protons were studied as a function of charge and rapidity of the trigger hadron. The observed correlations between trigger charge and number of spectator protons provide evidence of valence quark contributions to the trigger jet.     

R?ntgenspektrometrische Elementbestimmung in Abwasser: Probenvorbereitung und Matrixkorrekturverfahren

Zusammenfassung Für Elementbestimmungen in Abwasser wird ein Röntgenfluorescenzverfahren beschrieben. Zur Probenvorbereitung werden die Elemente durch Gefriertrocknung auf einem inerten Träger angereichert. Diese Anreicherung ist nicht selektiv und erfaßt praktisch alle in Abwasser gelösten und suspendierten Verunreinigungen. Für die Berechnung der Elementkonzentrationen aus den gemessenen Fluorescenzintensitäten wird ein Matrixkorrekturverfahren angegeben, welches dem unterschiedlichen Absorptionsverhalten der Probenmatrix Rechnung trägt. Die Massenabsorptionskoeffizienten werden durch Messung der diffus gestreuten Bremsstrahlung bzw. der Comptonstreustrahlung ermittelt. Die Selbstabsorption des zu bestimmenden Elementes wird rechnerisch berücksichtigt. Das Korrekturverfahren kann auf alle mit Röntgenfluorescenzanalyse bestimmbaren Elemente angewendet werden.

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Determination of elements in waste water by x-ray fluorescence analysis: Sample preparation and matrix correction method

Summary For sample preparation the elements are enriched upon an inert carrier by freeze-drying. This enriching procedure is not selective and collects all dissolved and suspended contaminations from the waste water. In order to calculate the element concentrations from the measured fluorescence intensities a matrix correction method is given which considers the different absorption behaviour of the matrix. The mass absorption coefficients are obtained by measuring the scattered X-ray tube spectrum or a Compton scattered X-ray tube line, respectively. The self-absorption of the element to be determined is taken into account. The correction method is applicable to all elements detectable by X-ray fluorescence.

Herrn Dr. H. Wagner danken wir für das stete Interesse, die zahlreichen konstruktiven Diskussionen und die Hilfe beim Abfassen des Manuskripts.     

Negatively charged hyperbranched polyether-based polyelectrolytes

The preparation of carboxylated hyperbranched polyglycerols of narrow polydispersity was achieved by modification (78–90%) of the hydroxyl end groups via Michael addition of acrylonitrile, followed by hydrolysis. High conversion could only be achieved for low molecular weight starting materials (520 and 1,030 g mol⁻¹). The solution properties of the resulting materials were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), showing the formation of large aggregates with size depending on the pH value. After deposition on a negatively charged mica surface, the structures observed by atomic force microscope (AFM) show the coexistence of aggregates and single macromolecules. Most interesting, in the case of the lower molecular weight sample (PG 520 g mol⁻¹), extended and ordered terrace structures were formed, which are unprecedented for hyperbranched polymers and are of interest for surface modification in general.     

Electron-transfer reduction of selected alcohols with alkalide K, K(15-crown-5)2 via organometallic intermediates

The course of the reaction of alkalide K⁻, K⁺(15-crown-5)₂1 with selected alcohols depends on the kind of alcohol and the mode of substrate delivery. In the case of methanol, potassium methoxide formed initially undergoes destruction at the excess of 1. It results in potassium oxide and methylpotassium. The latter opens the crown ether ring giving potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether and methane. A similar course of the process is observed for propanol. Potassium glycidoxide is the main product formed in the reaction of 1 with glycidol. Its oxirane ring is opened at the excess of 1. Organopotassium alkoxides, i.e., potassium potassiomethoxide and dipotassium potassiopropane-1,2-dioxide are intermediate products of this reaction. They react then with the crown ether. Potassium methoxide, potassium enolate of acetaldehyde, dipotassium propane-1,2-dioxide and potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether are the final products of this process.     

The role of radicals in enzymatic processes

Research on the mechanism of action of coenzyme B12, adenosylcobalamin, as a graduate student introduced the author to the field of organic free radicals in enzymology. Twenty years later, related work on S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a "poor man's coenzyme B12" was initiated in a detailed analysis of the mechanism of action of lysine 2,3-aminomutase (LAM). The interconversion of L-lysine and L-beta-lysine is catalyzed by LAM, which requires SAM, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), and a [4Fe-4S] cluster as coenzymes. The mechanism of this reaction has been delineated as a radical isomerization, in which radical formation is initiated by the [4Fe-4S]-dependent cleavage of the SAM into methionine and the 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical. The mechanism of this process is discussed, together with the role of this radical in hydrogen abstraction from lysine to initiate the substrate radical isomerization. The chemistry underlying the functions of SAM, PLP, and [4Fe-4S] in the action of LAM is novel in all respects, except for the formation of a lysine-PLP aldimine at the active site. Of the four free radicals in the mechanism, three have been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. In the suicide inactivation of adenosylcobalamin-dependent dioldehydrase (DDH) by glycolaldehyde, the formation of cob(II)alamin and 5'-deoxyadenosine is accompanied by the conversion of glycolaldehyde to cis-ethanesemidione radical at the active site. The cis-ethanesemidione radical has been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. Its exceptional stability at the active site is the basis for the inactivation of DDH by glycolaldehyde.