A back-of-the-envelope algorithm for the analysis of ABX systems

It is shown that one of the two conjugate solutions compatible with the AB part of an ABX system can easily be eliminated, at an early stage of the analysis, by considering intensity ratios in the X region.     

Hot twists for the single-point model of large-N QCD

We construct two types of twists for the SU(N→∞) twisted-Eguchi-Kawai model, which mimic a periodic boundary condition in the temporal direction only and over an arbitrary extent N₀. In this way we introduce finite temperature (T=N₀^?1 in lattice units) in the single-point model. In weak coupling one gets the correct planar expansion.     

Do enzymes sleep and work?

Single-enzyme studies suggest that dynamic disorder is a general characteristic of enzyme catalysis.     

Characterising ontogenetic niche shifts in Nile crocodile using stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analyses of scute keratin

Nile crocodiles undergo a three to five order of magnitude increase in body size during their lifespan. This shift coincides with a change in resource and habitat use which influences the strength, type and symmetry of interactions with other species. Identifying size-specific crocodile groups displaying similar traits is important for conservation planning. Here, we illustrate how stable carbon (δ¹³ C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵ N) isotope analysis of scute keratin, together with breakpoint modelling analysis can be used to characterise ontogenetic niche shifts. Using a sample set of 238 crocodiles from the Okavango Delta, Botswana (35–463 cm total length), we found prominent size-related changes in the scute keratin δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N profiles close to 40 and 119 cm snout-vent length. The first shift corroborated the findings of a traditional stomach-content study conducted on the same population at the same time, and the second conformed to known crocodile ecology. This approach can be used as a first approximation to identify size-specific groups within crocodile populations, and these can then be investigated further using isotopic or other methods.     

Synthesis and adsorption of shape-persistent macrocycles containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rigid framework

Shape-persistent macrocycles with interiors in the nanometer regime were prepared by the oxidative cyclization of the appropriate bisacetylene precursors under high-dilution conditions. These compounds contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the ring backbone and are decorated with extra annular oligoalkyl or silyl side groups. Interestingly, after depositing them on different surfaces and investigating the self-assembled structures by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), various nanostructures were observed. STM showed that these macrocycles are organized in two-dimensional (2D) layers, whereas AFM showed, in addition, the formation of 2D crystallites and one-dimensional fibrils. These results reveal the importance of the extra annular substitution of the macrocycles in creating patterned surfaces and nanoscale objects.     

Laser pulse fluorometry as a tool in polymer research

A time-resolved fluorescence spectrometer with laser excitation and picosecond time-correlated single photon counting detection is described. The parameter recovery from experimental data is discussed in detail. Correction methods for errors in the time-correlated single photon counting technique are indicated. Applications of this photophysical tool to polymer research are given.