AutoLink: automated sequential resonance assignment of biopolymers from NMR data by relative-hypothesis-prioritization-based simulated logic

We have developed a new computer algorithm for determining the backbone resonance assignments for biopolymers. The approach we have taken, relative hypothesis prioritization, is implemented as a Lua program interfaced to the recently developed computer-aided resonance assignment (CARA) program. Our program can work with virtually any spectrum type, and is especially good with NOESY data. The results of the program are displayed in an easy-to-read, color-coded, graphic representation, allowing users to assess the quality of the results in minutes. Here we report the application of the program to two RNA recognition motifs of Apobec-1 Complementation Factor. The assignment of these domains demonstrates AutoLink's ability to deliver accurate resonance assignments from very minimal data and with minimal user intervention.     

Validity of wave-front reconstruction and propagation of ultrabroadband pulses measured with a Hartmann-Shack sensor

Wave-front reconstruction for ultrabroadband laser pulses is verified by use of a Hartmann-Shack sensor. We estimate the accuracy of numerical wave-front propagation by comparing numerical with experimental results and verify that wave fronts of ultrabroadband laser pulses from a hollow fiber can be propagated correctly by a single polychromatic wave-front measurement to a place where detection is not practicable, e.g., inside a vacuum chamber or laser focus.     

Femtosecond fiber-feedback optical parametric oscillator

We demonstrate what is to our knowledge the first synchronously pumped high-gain optical parametric oscillator (OPO) with feedback through a single-mode fiber. This device generates 2.3-2.7 W of signal power in 700-900-fs pulses tunable in a wavelength range from 1429 to 1473 nm. The necessary high gain was obtained from a periodically poled LiTaO(3) crystal pumped with as much as 8.2 W of power at 1030 nm from a passively mode-locked Yb:YAG laser with 600-fs pulse duration and a 35-MHz repetition rate. The fiber-feedback OPO setup is compact because most of the resonator feedback path consists of a standard telecom fiber. Because of the high parametric gain, the fiber-feedback OPO is highly insensitive to intracavity losses. For the same reason, the synchronization of the cavity with the pump laser is not critical, so active stabilization of the cavity length is not required.     

Diluted antiferromagnets in exchange bias: proof of the domain state model

The exchange bias coupling at ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interfaces in epitaxially grown Co/CoO layers can intentionally be increased by a factor of up to 3 if the antiferromagnetic CoO layer is diluted by nonmagnetic defects in its volume part away from the interface. Monte Carlo simulations of a simple model of a ferromagnetic layer on a diluted antiferromagnet show exchange bias and explain qualitatively its dilution and temperature dependence. These investigations reveal that diluting the antiferromagnet leads to the formation of volume domains, which cause and control exchange bias.     

Die Kristallstruktur von AgCu3Cu(AsO4)3 und ihre strukturellen Beziehungen zu AgCo3H2(AsO4)3 bzw. AgZn3H2(AsO4)3

Crystal Structure of AgCu₃Cu(AsO₄)₃ and its Structural Relations to AgCo₃H₂(AsO₄)₃ and AgZn₃H₂ (AsO₄)₃ The compound AgCu₃Cu(AsO₄)₃ was synthesized and investigated by X-rays. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 1 212.7(2), b = 1 249.0(2), c = 727.8(1) pm, β = 117.94(1)°, Z = 4. The structure is closely related to the structures of AgCo₃H₂(AsO₄)₃ and AgZn₃H₂(AsO₄)₃. Only two hydrogen atoms are replaced by an additional copper atom forming a copper coordination square instead of two hydrogen bridges. The remaining copper atoms are sixfold coordinated with the generally observed Jahn-Teller distortion. Whereas in AgCo₃H₂(AsO₄)₃ and AgZn₃H₂(AsO₄)₃ silver has a (4+4) coordination, it is in this compound distinctly eightfold coordinated.     

A polyoxometallate-templated coordination polymer: synthesis and crystal structure of [Cu3(4,4'-bipy)5(MeCN)2]PW12O(40).2C6H5CN

The spherical phosphotungstate ion, PW12O40(3-), has been used as a non-coordinating anionic template for the construction of a novel, three-dimensional Cu(I) coordination polymer.     

Solution grown polymer crystals

Summary A survey is presented on some front line issues in the field of polymer crystallisation from dilute solution. The major portion of the review is devoted to the discussion of the problem of disorder in the simplest single crystal forms which can be considered as a preliminary for the understanding of the nature and behaviour of the amorphous content in a crystalline polymer. Available evidence for the existence of both disorder and crystallographic regularity along the fold surface is critically reviewed, and the compatibility of theoretical considerations with the various conceivable fold surface models is being analysed. The critical surveying of these issues suggests some obvious ways in which the apparently conflicting claims as regards the nature of the true fold surface could be reconciled, and along which future investigations could be fruitfully conducted. Some exploratory work aimed at the clarification of the disorder problem in single crystals pursued along some new lines in our laboratory is being outlined. In addition, single crystal growth from chemically inhomogeneous molecules (copolymers) is also touched upon.In the second part of the review a brief survey is presented of the research in a newly emerging field concerned with crystals with intrinsically fibrous habit resulting from crystallisation during flow, a topic which opens up new perspectives in the subject of polymer crystals.Finally some rather illuminating pictorial similarities between crystals from solution and the melt are placed in juxtaposition.     

Single-electron transistor spectroscopy of InGaAs self-assembled quantum dots

A single-electron transistor (SET) is used to detect tunneling of single electrons into individual InGaAs self-assembled quantum dots (QDs). By using an SET with a small island area and growing QDs with a low density we are able to distinguish and measure three QDs. The bias voltage at which resonant tunneling into the dots occurs can be shifted using a surface gate electrode. From the applied voltages at which we observe electrons tunneling, we are able to measure the electron addition energies of three QDs.