On the Distribution and Scaling of Convective Wavespeeds in the Shear Layers of Heated Supersonic Jets

The noise generated by supersonic plumes is of growing concern given the enormous peak noise intensity radiated by tactical aircraft engines. A key component of this noise is the enhanced radiation of mixing noise caused by large scale eddies convecting supersonically relative to the surrounding quiescent medium. As very little data exist for eddy convection in high Reynolds number, supersonic plumes, our current ability to develop concepts that alter compressible eddy convection is limited. Herein we present new experimental data of eddy convective wavespeeds in the developing shear layer of supersonic heated jets. A new scaling of the wavespeed in radial similarity coordinates is proposed which takes into account the influence of the ratio of static densities between the jet and ambient streams. In particular, we observe a structural change in wavespeed spectra at the end of the potential core—in addition to high turbulence levels, the potential core breakdown region can have enhanced eddy wavespeeds, increasing noise radiation efficiency. The results provide a first examination of the interplay of density ratio effects and the dynamic breakdown process of the potential core in supersonic jets—physics integral to the noise generation process.     

Unexpected Acetylation of Endogenous Aliphatic Amines by Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase NAT2

N-Acetyltransferases play critical roles in the deactivation and clearance of xenobiotics, including clinical drugs. NAT2 has been classified as an arylamine N-acetyltransferase that mainly converts aromatic amines, hydroxylamines, and hydrazines. Herein, we demonstrate that the human arylamine N-acetyltransferase NAT2 also acetylates aliphatic endogenous amines. Metabolomic analysis and chemical synthesis revealed increased intracellular concentrations of mono- and diacetylated spermidine in human cell lines expressing the rapid compared to the slow acetylator NAT2 phenotype. The regioselective N⁸-acetylation of monoacetylated spermidine by NAT2 answers the long-standing question of the source of diacetylspermidine. We also identified selective acetylation of structurally diverse alkylamine-containing drugs by NAT2, which may contribute to variations in patient responses. The results demonstrate a previously unknown functionality and potential regulatory role for NAT2, and we suggest that this enzyme should be considered for re-classification.     

Symmetry‐Breaking Charge‐Transfer Chromophore Interactions Supported by Carbon Nanodots

Carbon dots (CDs) and their derivatives are useful platforms for studying electron‐donor/acceptor interactions and dynamics therein. Herein, we couple amorphous CDs with phthalocyanines (Pcs) that act as electron donors with a large extended π‐surface and intense absorption across the visible range of the solar spectrum. Investigations of the intercomponent interactions by means of steady‐state and pump‐probe transient absorption spectroscopy reveal symmetry‐breaking charge transfer/separation and recombination dynamics within pairs of phthalocyanines. The CDs facilitate the electronic interactions between the phthalocyanines. Thus, our findings suggest that CDs could be used to support electronic couplings in multichromophoric systems and further increase their applicability in organic electronics, photonics, and artificial photosynthesis.