Measurement of the decay constant f(Ds+) using D(s+)-->l+ nu

We measure the decay constant f(Ds+) using the D(s+)-->l+ nu channel, where the l+ designates either a mu+ or a tau+, when the tau+ -->pi+ nu. Using both measurements we find f(Ds+)=274+/-13+/-7 MeV. Combining with our previous determination of f(D+), we compute the ratio f(Ds+)/f(D+)=1.23+/-0.11+/-0.04. We compare with theoretical estimates.     

Signatures for a classical to quantum transition of a driven nonlinear nanomechanical resonator

We seek the first indications that a nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) is entering the quantum domain as its mass and temperature are decreased. We find them by studying the transition from classical to quantum behavior of a driven nonlinear Duffing resonator. Numerical solutions of the equations of motion, operating in the bistable regime of the resonator, demonstrate that the quantum Wigner function gradually deviates from the corresponding classical phase-space probability density. These clear differences that develop due to nonlinearity can serve as experimental signatures, in the near future, that NEMS resonators are entering the quantum domain.     

Observation of excitons in one-dimensional metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes

Excitons are generally believed not to exist in metals because of strong screening by free carriers. Here we demonstrate that excitonic states can in fact be produced in metallic systems of a one-dimensional character. Using metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes as a model system, we show both experimentally and theoretically that electron-hole pairs form tightly bound excitons. The exciton binding energy of 50 meV, deduced from optical absorption spectra of individual metallic nanotubes, significantly exceeds that of excitons in most bulk semiconductors and agrees well with ab initio theoretical predictions.     

Quantitative carbamylation as a stable isotopic labeling method for comparative proteomics

A method was developed that uses urea to both solublize and isotopically label biological samples for comparative proteomics. This approach uses either light or heavy urea ((12)CH(4)(14)N(2)O or (13)CH(4)(15)N(2)O, respectively) at a concentration of 8 M and a pH of 7 to dissolve the samples prior to digestion. After the sample is digested using standard proteomic protocols and dried, isotopic labeling is completed by resuspending the sample in a solution of 8 M urea at a pH of 8.5, using the same isotopic species of urea as used for digestion and incubating for 4 h at 80 degrees C. Under these conditions, carbamylation occurs only on the primary amines of the peptides. The effects of complete carbamylation on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) (collision-induced dissociation (CID)) were examined. Peptides that had a C-terminal carbamylated lysine residue were found to have a reduced intensity when viewed by MALDI-TOFMS. CID of a tryptic peptide that was carbamylated on both the N-terminus and the C-terminus was found to have a more uniform distribution of b- and y-ions, as well as prominent ions from loss of water. Reversed-phase chromatography coupled to ESI-MS/MS was used to identify and quantify the isotopically labeled standard proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), bovine transferrin, and bovine alpha-casein. Quantitative error between theoretical and observed data ranged from 1.7-10.0%. Relative standard deviations for protein quantitation ranged from 5.2-27.8% over a dynamic range from 0.1-10 (L/H). The development of a method utilizing urea-assisted carbamylation of lysines and N-termini to globally labeled samples for comparative proteomics may prove useful for samples that require a strong chaotrope prior to proteolysis.     

Bridge over troubled water: resolving the competing photosystem II crystal structures

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, at the Becke-Perdew/TZP level of theory, were used to investigate a set of CaMn(4)-containing clusters that model the active site of the water-oxidizing complex (WOC) of photosystem II (PSII). Metal-atom positions for three representative isomeric clusters of the formula [CaMn(4)C(9)N(2)O(16)H(10)](+)4 H(2)O are in good agreement with the disparate Mn(4) geometries of the three most recent X-ray crystal structures. Remarkably, interconversion between these three isomeric clusters is found to be facile, resulting from subtle changes in the coordination environment around the CaMn(4) centre. This result provides a clear rationalisation of the marked differences in reported crystal structures. Recent concerns have been raised regarding the opportunity for X-ray-damage-induced distortion of the metal-containing active centre during crystallographic analysis. Our calculations suggest that an even greater problem may be presented by the apparent fluxionality of the CaMn(4) skeleton within the active centre. Structural rearrangement may well precede crystallographic analysis, for example by the preferential "freezing-out" of one of several near-isoenergetic structures during the workup for crystallisation. This prospect, which our calculations cannot exclude, highlights the difficulties that will continue to be faced by experimentalists seeking unambiguous structural information on the WOC's active site.     

Following a protein kinase activity using a field-effect transistor device

The specific phosphorylation of a peptide-functionalized ion-sensitive field-effect transistor device by casein kinase II in the presence of ATP enables the electronic readout of the protein kinase activity; treatment of the phosphorylated surface with alkaline phosphatase results in the regeneration of the active sensing surface.     

Propylene Copolymers with Odd Carbon Number Olefins

Preliminary investigation on propylene copolymers with odd carbon number olefin are reviewed. Additional experimental data presents propylene copolymers with 1-heptene and 1-nonene having higher impact strength and lower tensile strength values than copolymers of propylene and 1-pentene.Thermoanalysis shows that the melting temperatures of the different copolymers decreases with increasing comonomer content. Slight changes were observed between the different propylene/1-heptene copolymer melting and propylene/1-pentene while the 1-nonene copolymers show broadening of the melting curves as the comonomer content increases. It was highlighted that the source of novelty for these polymers is the comonomer type and content.     

meso‐5,5,7,12,12,14‐Hexa­methyl‐4,11‐di­aza‐1,8‐diazo­nia­cyclo­tetra­decane (S)‐malate(2–) methanol disolvate: a chain of rings generated by two pairs of N—H⃛O hydrogen bonds

The title compound is a methanol‐solvated salt, C₁₆H₃₈N₄²⁺·C₄H₄O₅²⁻·2CH₃OH, in which the ionic components are linked into chains by two pairs of N—H⃛O hydrogen bonds [H⃛O = 1.78–2.21 Å, N⃛O = 2.702 (14)–3.094 (8) Å and N—H⃛O = 160–179°]. The methanol mol­ecules are pendent from the chain and are linked to it by O—H⃛O hydrogen bonds [H⃛O = 1.86 and 1.89 Å, O⃛O = 2.691 (9) and 2.708 (16) Å, and O—H⃛O = 168 and 165°].     

Sources of T1 variance in normal human white matter

The major factors contributing to T1 variance at 0.5 T in white matter were studied in healthy people. Anatomical location of the white matter sampled and differences between individuals contributed 74% of the total variance in serial measurements of the same subjects. There was also significant change over time within an individual subject that could not be attributed to machine drift. This information permitted estimates to be made concerning adequate sample size in future studies that examine for pathological white matter T1 change.     

Preparations and reactions of trifluoromethylthiocopper

Trifluoromethylthiocopper, a versatile reagent for the introduction of the trifluoromethylthio group into organic compounds, has been prepared in a crystalline form. The thiyl radicals, generated in situ from this precursor, cause the cleavage of the 3 S bond of di- and trisulfides to give unsymmetrical di- and trisulfides. Unsymmeirical n-butyl trifluoromethyl disulfide is formed by the cleaveage of the C S bond of n-butyl sulfide.