High-resolution STM imaging of novel single G4-DNA molecules

The molecular morphology of long G4-DNA wires made by a novel synthetic method was, for the first time, characterized by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The STM images reveal a periodic structure seen as repeating "bulbs" along the molecules. These bulbs reflect the helix morphology of the wires. The STM measurements were supported by a statistical morphology analysis of the DNA pitch length and apparent height relative to the surface. In the absence of X-ray and NMR data for these wires, the STM measurements provide a unique alternative to characterize the helix morphology.     

Diffraction of a plane, finite-radius wave by a spiral phase plate

We derive analytical expressions containing a hypergeometric function to describe the Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction of a plane wave of circular and ringlike cross section by a spiral phase plate (SPP) of an arbitrary integer order. Experimental diffraction patterns generated by an SPP fabricated in resist through direct e-beam writing are in good agreement with the theoretical intensity distribution.     

X-ray absorption spectra of cobalt in ferromagnetic borides

The K x-ray absorption spectra of cobalt in the borides, the oxide, and in the pure metal are compared with the magnetic properties. The intensity of the initial absorption region decreases essentially linearly with the transition to higher borides, because of the progressive filling of d-like vacancies in the valence band of the metal by valence sp electrons of boron.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii Fizika, No. 1, pp. 24–28, January, 1970.     

Synthesis, characterization, and intracellular uptake of carboxyl-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles

We report the synthesis and characterization of a group of carboxyl-functionalized poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of generation 3 (G3) that were used for the stabilization of superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles (NPs). Folic acid (FA) molecules were conjugated onto the dendrimer surfaces in an attempt to achieve specific targeted imaging of tumor cells that overexpress FA receptors using dendrimer-stabilized Fe(3)O(4) NPs. Fe(3)O(4) NPs were synthesized using controlled co-precipitation of Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) ions and the formed dendrimer-stabilized Fe(3)O(4) NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The intracellular uptake of dendrimer-stabilized Fe(3)O(4) NPs was tested in vitro using KB cells (a human epithelial carcinoma cell line) that overexpress FA receptors. It appears that carboxyl-terminated PAMAM dendrimer-stabilized Fe(3)O(4) NPs can be uptaken by KB cells regardless of the repelling force between the negatively charged cells and the negatively charged particles. In the presence of a large amount of carboxyl terminal groups on the dendrimer surface, the receptor-mediated endocytosis of Fe(3)O(4) NPs stabilized by FA-modified dendrimers was not facilitated. It implies that the surface charge of dendrimer-stabilized magnetic iron oxide NPs in biological medium is an important factor influencing their biological performance.     

Effect of the Structure of Benzo- and Dibenzocrown Ethers on Their Reaction with the Aerosil Surface

The adsorption of 4-substituted benzo- and 5,5′-disubstituted dibenzocrown ethers from benzene by aerosil A-300 was studied. The ethers included a total of 45 compounds with diphenyl oxide, diphenyl, and diphenyl sulfide fragments. Analysis of the Henry coefficients (K_H) and the extent of desorption, the IR spectra of the adsorbed compounds, and the relationship between their structure and adsorption capacity indicated that all structural fragments of the crown ethers studied interact to some extent with aerosil surface fragments. The number of oxygen atoms in the polyether fragment and the size of the macrocycle are the predominant factors. A large, nonadditive increase in K_H is observed in going from pentadentate to hexadentate crown ethers. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Eksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 41, No. 4, pp. 247–251, July–August, 2005.     

Microwave subsurface remote sensing in the Negev Desert: monitoring of soil water-content

We report the use of the microwave remote sensing as a technique with great potential for the mapping of subsurface properties including the monitoring of soil water conditions. Remote sensing experiments with microwave instrumentation were conducted in the Negev desert in Israel. The remote sensors used were a P-band (68 cm, 441 MHz) scatterometer and an ERS-2 C-band (5.3 cm, 5.7 GHz) SAR (synthetic aperture radar) along with the collection of ground truth data such as volumetric and gravimetric soil water-content, surface roughness and dielectric measurements. Corner reflectors in the field were used for calibration and geo-rectification of the SAR data. The results of the microwave experiments are in a good agreement with the developed theoretical models that take into account the effects of the random surface roughness. The optical modelling of microwave processes is presented as a tool for developing the physical basis for empirical studies. This practice simplifies testing theoretical predictions and reduces the immense cost of running field and laboratory measurements in the microwave range.     

Binary diffraction optical element focusing a Gaussian beam to a longitudinal segment

A phase binary ring diffraction optical element (DOE) with a radius of 3.5 mm and microrelief height of 1.06 μm was calculated and fabricated. The element focuses a Gaussian beam of a He-Ne laser with radius of 1.5 mm to a 1.7 mm long axial segment, which ranges from 51.9 to 53.6 mm, with a focal spot diameter of about 30 μm.     

Transformations of Cyclic Acetals under the Action of Some Organic and Inorganic Oxidants

Liquid-phase oxidation of cyclic acetals and 2,2-disubstituted 1,3-dioxacyclanes with dimethyldioxirane, Caro salt, potassium persulfate, and complex of potassium chlorodiperoxochromate with 15-crown-5 was studied.