Hard-to-reach nuclei studied with deep-inelastic heavy-ion reactions

Spectroscopic studies performed with deep-inelastic heavy-ion reactions are reviewed for two regions of neutron-rich nuclei. The identification of isomers in nearly complete series of Sn isotopes and the resulting systematic of B(E2) values for isomeric transitions is presented and followed by the discussion of shell model states studied in neutron-rich Te isotopes including the new four neutron-hole isomers identified in ¹³⁰Te. Yrast spectroscopy studies of nuclei from the doubly magic ²⁰⁸Pb region are described by outlining the highest spin states observed in the ²⁰⁸Pb core nucleus. The E3 transitions observed abundantly in yrast decays are discussed within the framework of particle-octupole vibration coupling and the validity of a simple rule connecting energy shifts of octupole states built on one-particle states with the ones observed for two-particle states is demonstrated.Received: 15 January 2003, Published online: 23 March 2004PACS: 21.60.Cs Shell model - 23.20.Lv transitions and level energies - 27.60. + j - 27.80. + w      

The k-means range algorithm for personalized data clustering in e-commerce

This paper describes the k-means range algorithm, a combination of the partitional k-means clustering algorithm with a well known spatial data structure, namely the range tree, which allows fast range searches. It offers a real-time solution for the development of distributed interactive decision aids in e-commerce since it allows the consumer to model his preferences along multiple dimensions, search for product information, and then produce the data clusters of the products retrieved to enhance his purchase decisions. This paper also discusses the implications and advantages of this approach in the development of on-line shopping environments and consumer decision aids in traditional and mobile e-commerce applications.     

High-resolution NMR spectroscopy of membrane proteins in aligned bicelles

High-resolution solid-state NMR spectra can be obtained from uniformly (15)N-labeled membrane proteins in magnetically aligned bicelles. Fast uniaxial diffusion about the axis of the bilayer normal results in single-line spectra that contain the orientational information necessary for protein structure determination.     

Profiling and biomarker identification in plasma from different Zucker rat strains via high mass accuracy multistage mass spectrometric analysis using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with a quadrupole ion trap-time of flight mass spectrometer

High mass accuracy electrospray ionisation multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS(n)) was applied to metabolite profiling studies on plasma samples derived from two strains of rat (the Zucker (fa/fa) obese strain and the normal wild type). Using a quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight (QIT-TOF) mass spectrometer, metabolite profiling software was applied to locate components of biological significance that could account for the differences between the two strains of rat and a formula prediction software tool was used to help identify individual components. The primary factor discriminating between the two populations was the concentration of endogenous lipids. In the Zucker (fa/fa) obese strain, the dominant ion signals and MS(n) spectra were in agreement with lysoglycerophosphocholine components such as palmitoyllysophosphatidylcholine, 1-oleoylglycerophosphocholine, 1-octadecyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-stearoylglycerophosphocholine and these were found in relatively higher concentrations compared to the normal wild type. Components were identified using high mass accuracy MS(n) data, formula prediction software and by agreement with published mass spectra through internet databases, rather than using a conventional approach with authentic standards. This application shows that the use of high mass accuracy electrospray ionisation MS(n) together with a software tool can be used effectively to detect and characterise unknown analytes in complex matrices, and represents a promising approach for future profiling studies.     

Development of a multiplex microarray microsystem

A hybrid multiplex microarray microsystem has been developed that consists of 32 individually addressable array reaction chambers, supporting the use of multichannel pipettes for addition of up to 8 samples simultaneously. Discrimination between Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli bacteria was observed in DNA samples containing Campylobacter spp., with the same specificity and sensitivity as when compared to a full-size microarray. The spinloaded multiplex microarray microsystem described provides a novel and convenient test format for simultaneous low-density microarray analysis and is universally adaptable to other DNA, protein or small molecule microarray based applications.     

Understanding the acceleration in the ring-opening of lactones delivered by microwave heating

This paper reports the first detailed study focussed upon identifying the influence that microwave heating (MWH) has upon the mechanic steps involved in the tin catalysed ring-opening of lactones such as ?-caprolactone (CL). Direct comparison of conventional (CH) and microwave (MWH) heated kinetic studies showed that a key factor in the reduction of the polymerisation cycle time with MWH was the elimination of the induction period associated with in situ catalyst manufacture and initiation. NMR studies demonstrated that the most significant mechanistic change contributing to the observed induction time reduction/elimination was faster initiation (i.e., reaction of the initiatior/catalyst complex with the first monomer unit). Consequently, analysis of the dielectric properties of the reaction components predicted that this MWH induced change was related to the selective volumetric heating of both the catalyst and the monomer. Furthermore, this indication of the greater significance of the initiation step in defining the length of the induction period suggests that this is the rate determining step of the process, whether conducted by CH or MWH. Increasing the catalyst concentration was demonstrated to produce significant reductions in reaction heat-up time and to induce a significant (up to 30 °C) overshoot in reaction mixture bulk temperature in with MWH only. Thus supporting the conclusion that selective heating of the organometallic species in the system contributes directly to differences in the reaction conditions and which need to be taken into account when drawing comparisons with CH systems. Consequently, both effects were concluded to be thermally generated from selective volumetric heating.     

Panchromatic ruthenium sensitizer based on electron-rich heteroarylvinylene π-conjugated quaterpyridine for dye-sensitized solar cells

The first example of a heteroarylvinylene π-conjugated quaterpyridine Ru(II) sensitizer (N1044) was synthesized and used in dye-sensitized solar cells; the dye has an effective panchromatic absorption band, covering the entire visible spectrum up to the NIR region, and superior electrochemical characteristics (HOMO/LUMO and bandgap energies) with respect to previous representative Ru(II) bi- and quaterpyridine sensitizers. A record IPCE curve ranging from 360 to 920 nm has been measured with a maximum of 65% at 646 nm and still 33% efficiency at 800 nm; this leads to substantially increased photocurrent (19.2 mA cm(-2)) when compared to the prototype N719 Ru(II) sensitizer.     

The total synthesis of coleophomones B, C, and D

Members of the coleophomone family of natural products all possess several intriguing and challenging architectural features, as well as exhibit unusual biological activity. They, therefore, constitute attractive targets for synthesis. In this Article, we describe the total synthesis of coleophomones B (2), C (3), and D (4). The highly strained and congested 11-membered macrocycle of coleophomones B (2) and C (3) was constructed using an impressive olefin metathesis reaction. Furthermore, both of the requisite geometric isomers of the Delta(16,17) within the macrocycle could be accessed from a common precursor, facilitating a divergence that lent the coleophomone B (2)/C (3) synthesis an unusually high degree of efficiency. The synthesis of coleophomone D (4) confirmed that it exists as a dynamic mixture of isomeric forms with a different aromatic substitution pattern from the other family members.     

Comparison of a Rapid Light-Induced and Forced Test to Study the Oxidative Stability of White Wines

The oxidation processes of white wines can occur during storage and commercialization due to several factors, and these can negatively affect the color, aroma, and quality of the wine. Wineries should have faster and simpler methods that provide valuable information on oxidation stability of wines and allow fast decision-making procedures, able to trigger suitable technological interventions. Using a portable prototype instrument for light irradiations at different wavelengths and times was considered and evaluated on sensorial, spectrophotometric, and colorimetric parameters of white wines. The sensorial analysis revealed that white and light blue were the most significant, after only 1 h of irradiation. The experimental results showed that hydrogen peroxide could enhance the effect of light treatment, allowing a contemporary evaluation of the oxidation stability of wine against light and chemical stresses. As expected, a good correlation (R² > 0.89) between optical density at 420 nm and b* parameter was highlighted. The synergic effect of light and H₂O₂ was also studied on the hydrolyzable and condensed tannins’ additions to white wine. The proposed methodology could be used to evaluate the oxidative stability of white wines, but also to evaluate the effect of some oenological adjuvants on wine stability.