Mass spectrum of nitromethane

The mass spectrum of nitromethane points to rupture of the CH₃? NO₂ bond as the dominant primary reaction, as also observed in pyrolysis, photolysis and radiolysis. Isomerization of the molecular ion to the nitrite configuration seems to contribute little in the mass spectrum of nitromethane, in contrast to those of nitrobenzene and other nitroarenes. The nitrite ion is probably the immediate precursor of [NO]⁺ at its appearance potential, but most of the [NO]+ yield seems to stem from secondary decomposition of excited [NO₂]⁺.     

Discrimination of methylcytosine from hydroxymethylcytosine in DNA molecules

Modified DNA bases are widespread in biology. 5-Methylcytosine (mC) is a predominant epigenetic marker in higher eukaryotes involved in gene regulation, development, aging, cancer, and disease. Recently, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC) was identified in mammalian brain tissue and stem cells. However, most of the currently available assays cannot distinguish mC from hmC in DNA fragments. We investigate here the physical properties of DNA with modified cytosines, in efforts to develop a physical tool that distinguishes mC from hmC in DNA fragments. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that polar cytosine modifications affect internal base pair dynamics, while experimental evidence suggest a correlation between the modified cytosine's polarity, DNA flexibility, and duplex stability. On the basis of these physical differences, solid-state nanopores can rapidly discriminate among DNA fragments with mC or hmC modification by sampling a few hundred molecules in the solution. Further, the relative proportion of hmC in the sample can be determined from the electronic signature of the intact DNA fragment.     

Keggin type heteropolyacids-catalyzed synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives in water

Keggin type heteropolyacids was found to be an efficient and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of biologically active quinoxaline derivatives from the condensation of 1,2-diamine with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds in excellent yields in water.This method provides a new and efficient protocol in terms of small quantity of catalyst,a wide scope of substrates,and simple work-up procedure.     

Search for an annual modulation in a p-type Point Contact germanium dark matter detector

Fifteen months of cumulative CoGeNT data are examined for indications of an annual modulation, a predicted signature of weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) interactions. Presently available data support the presence of a modulated component of unknown origin, with parameters prima?facie compatible with a galactic halo composed of light-mass WIMPs. Unoptimized estimators yield a statistical significance for a modulation of ～2.8σ, limited by the short exposure.     

Signal Processing and Analysis Applied to Powder Behavior in a Rotating Drum

Previous studies of the flow of granular materials in a rotating drum have described the observed time sequences of angle of repose or time to avalanche. The time between avalanches approach has been incorporated into a commercially available powder flow analysis tool. In the present study, the time to avalanche analysis was complemented with a Fourier Transform power spectrum and phase space analysis of the angle of repose time series and avalanche size variability determination. The avalanche size variability approach was found to most readily differentiate between the flow properties of powders across material types. A model was constructed to provide an explanation for the utility of this method.