Single-shot extreme ultraviolet laser imaging of nanostructures with wavelength resolution

We have demonstrated near-wavelength resolution microscopy in the extreme ultraviolet. Images of 50 nm diameter nanotubes were obtained with a single ~1 ns duration pulse from a desktop-size 46.9 nm laser. We measured the modulation transfer function of the microscope for three different numerical aperture zone plate objectives, demonstrating that 54 nm half-period structures can be resolved. The combination of near-wavelength spatial resolution and high temporal resolution opens myriad opportunities in imaging, such as the ability to directly investigate dynamics of nanoscale structures.     

Single-element objective lens for soft x-ray differential interference contrast microscopy

High-resolution soft x-ray differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging was demonstrated through the use of a single-element objective, the XOR pattern, in a full-field soft x-ray microscope. DIC images of the magnetic domains in a 59 nm thick amorphous Gd25Fe75 layer were obtained and magnetic phase contributions were directly imaged. With its elemental, chemical, and magnetic specificity, compatibility with various sample environments, and ease of implementation, we expect this soft x-ray DIC technique to become one of the standard modes of operation for existing full-field soft x-ray microscopes.     

α-Alkoxystannanes as masked oxonium ions: application to the synthesis of furo[2,3-b]pyrans

α-Alkoxystannanes undergo oxidation upon treatment with cerium ammonium nitrate generating oxonium ions, which can be trapped in an intramolecular fashion affording furo[2,3-b]pyrans.     

Heterologous Expression,Biosynthetic Studies,and Ecological Function of the Selective Gq‐Signaling Inhibitor FR900359

The cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR), isolated from the tropical plant Ardisia crenata, is a strong and selective inhibitor of Gq proteins, making it an indispensable pharmacological tool to study Gq‐related processes, as well as a promising drug candidate. Gq inhibition is a novel mode of action for defense chemicals and crucial for the ecological function of FR, as shown by in vivo experiments in mice, its affinity to insect Gq proteins, and insect toxicity studies. The uncultured endosymbiont of A. crenata was sequenced, revealing the FR nonribosomal peptide synthetase (frs) gene cluster. We here provide a detailed model of FR biosynthesis, supported by in vitro enzymatic and bioinformatic studies, and the novel analogue AC‐1, which demonstrates the flexibility of the FR starter condensation domains. Finally, expression of the frs genes in E. coli led to heterologous FR production in a cultivable, bacterial host for the first time.     

Influence of concentration on the particle size analysis of polymer latexes using diffusing-wave spectroscopy

The use of a diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS) technique for the particle size analysis of a series of suspensions of polymer latexes with diameters ranging between 90 nm and 1300 nm and volume fractions from 0.02 to 0.18 has been investigated. Particle sizes from DWS were in reasonable agreement with those from transmission electron microscopy and disc centrifuge photosedimentometry. Photon correlation spectroscopy was applicable only to the latexes with particle sizes less than 500 nm. For polymer latexes with volume fractions (V_f) up to 0.09, the decay rate of the autocorrelation function from DWS was related to the particle size over the range of particle sizes examined. At the highest volume fraction (V_f = 0.18), it was possible to distinguish between particles with diameters of 740 and 1,300 nm from their autocorrelation functions, but not between particles with diameters of 90 and 430 nm.     

Micellisation and gelation of block-copoly(oxyethylene/oxybutylene/oxyethylene) E58 B17 E58

A triblock-copoly(oxybutylene/oxyethylene), denoted E₅₈ B₁₇ E₅₈ (80 wt-% E), was prepared by sequential anionic copolymerisation and its micellar and gelation properties in aqueous solution were determined. The oxybutylene/oxyethylene copolymer had the advantage over comparable oxypropylene/oxyethylene copolymers of greater uniformity of composition and chain length. The methods generally used were surface tension, light scattering intensity, photon correlation spectroscopy, together with observation of gelation. Measurements were made at 30°, 40° and 55° C over a full concentration range from dilute solution into the gel (>200 g dm^–3) and at specified concentrations, including the gel, over the temperature range from 10° to 70° C. The lower and upper temperature boundaries of the gel region were identified, and the occurrence of syneresis was noted. The properties investigated and discussed include critical micelle and gel concentrations, micellar weights and sizes, and structures and mobilities in the gel.     

Die quantitative Bestimmung des Quecksilbers mit dem L?throhre

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Effects of block architecture and composition on the association properties of poly(oxyalkylene) copolymers in aqueous solution

A block copolymer of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) and a hydrophobic poly(alkylene oxide) can associate in dilute aqueous solution to form micelles. The results of recent investigations of the micellisation behaviour and micelle properties of such copolymers are described. Copolymers of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide, 1,2‐butylene oxide or styrene oxide are considered, including aspects of their preparation. Experimental methods for determination of critical conditions for micellisation, micelle association number and spherical‐micelle radius are summarised. Effects of temperature, composition, block length and block architecture (diblock, triblock and cyclic‐diblock) are described and, where possible, related to the predictions of theory. Brief consideration is given to the dynamics of micelle formation/dissociation, to cylindrical micelles, and to effects of added salts.     

Direct measurement of index of refraction in the extreme-ultraviolet wavelength region with a novel interferometer

To the best of our knowledge, the first direct measurement of the dispersive part of the refractive index is performed at extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths, where absorption is higher as compared with hard-x-ray and visible wavelengths. A novel diffractive optical element that combines the functions of a grating and a zone plate is fabricated with Fourier optical techniques and employed here for the first time at EUV/soft-x-ray wavelengths. Both the real and the imaginary parts of the complex refractive indices are measured directly by this technique without recourse to Kramers-Kronig transformations. Data for Al and Ni in the vicinity of their L and M edges, respectively, are presented as first examples of this technique.