The interaction of electron beams and electromagnetic fields in relativistic Cerenkov generators

A method of numerical analysis of linear and nonlinear nonstationary processes in relativistic Cerenkov generators based on periodic superdimensional waveguides is proposed. The main idea lies in considering a nonregular waveguide as a sequence of wave transformers and using a cross-section method. Configurations of eigenwave fields of periodic waveguides with a high-current relativistic electron beam are considered. The processes of generation development in a section of a relativistic multiwave generator are studied. We show that the system frequency is proved to be determined by the longitudinal resonances of surface waves and internal feedback.     

C carbide ligand in the trigonal prismatic environment of rheniums in [Re12CS17(CN)6] complexes

The electronic state of carbon in trigonal prismatic environment in [Re₁₂CS₁₇(CN)₆]ⁿ⁻ complexes with variable redox state n = 6 ↔ 8 was studied by molecular orbital method and electron localization function. The state is characterized by sp²-hybridisation and oxidation state −4. A weak long-distance interaction between μ₆-С and μ₂-S in the group [(μ₆-С)(μ₂-S)₃] was discovered for n = 6, the interaction disappears for n = 8.     

The effect of topical anesthesia on vocal fold motion

The objective of this study was to determine if topical anesthesia to the larynx and pharynx affects vocal fold motion during dynamic voice evaluation with transnasal flexible endoscopy. Transnasal dynamic laryngeal examinations of 10 patients with no voice complaints were evaluated by five blinded fellowship-trained laryngologists. Each patient was examined before and after application of topical anesthetic. Reviewers rated briskness of right and left vocal fold movement and longitudinal tension on a visual analogue scale. Statistical comparisons were made between individual subject scores before and after anesthetic application. Inter-rater reliability was also assessed. No statistical difference was observed between subject scores before and after anesthetic application. Average intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.643 and 0.591 for pre- and postanesthesia scores, respectively. Application of topical anesthesia to the larynx and pharynx does not affect vocal fold motion.     

The surprising nonlinear optical properties of conjugated polyyne oligomers

Polyynes represent a unique class of conjugated organic compounds. The third-order nonlinear optical response of polyynes has been extensively modeled theoretically, and it is generally believed that the increase in molecular second hyperpolarizability (gamma) as a function of length for polyynes should be lower than that for polyenes. Experimental evidence to test this prediction, however, has been absent. We have synthesized conjugated polyynes that contain up to 20 consecutive sp-hybridized carbons, and we have determined their nonresonant gamma-values as a function of the number of acetylene repeat units (n). These gamma-values demonstrate a power-law behavior versus n(gamma approximately n(4.28+/-0.13)), with an exponent that is both larger than theoretically predicted for polyynes and substantially higher than that observed for polyenes or polyenynes. Furthermore, no saturation of the linear or nonlinear optical properties is observed.     

Polyynes as a model for carbyne: synthesis, physical properties, and nonlinear optical response

With the Fritsch-Buttenberg-Wiechell rearrangement as a primary synthetic route, a series of conjugated, triisopropylsilyl end-capped polyynes containing 2-10 acetylene units has been assembled. In a few steps, significant quantities of the polyynes are made available, which allow for a thorough analysis of their structural, physical, and optical properties. Molecules in the series have been characterized in detail using (13)C NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, mass spectrometry, and, for four derivatives including octayne 6, X-ray crystallography. UV-vis spectroscopy of the polyynes 1-7 shows a consistent lowering of the HOMO-LUMO gap (E(g)) as a function of the number of acetylene units (n), fitting a power-law relationship of E(g) approximately n(-)(0.379)(+/-)(0.002). The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the polyyne series have been examined, and the nonresonant molecular second hyperpolarizabilities (gamma) increase as a function of length according to the power-law gamma approximately n(4.28)(+/-)(0.13). This result exhibits an exponent that is larger than theoretically predicted for polyynes and higher than is observed for polyenes and polyenynes. The combined linear and nonlinear optical results confirm recent theoretical studies that suggest polyynes as model 1-D conjugated systems. On the basis of UV-vis spectroscopic analysis, the effective conjugation length for this series of polyynes is estimated to be ca. n = 32, providing insight into characteristics of carbyne.     

Neuropeptide delivery to the brain: a von Willebrand factor signal peptide to direct neuropeptide secretion

Background  

Multiple neuropeptides, sometimes with opposing functions, can be produced from one precursor gene. To study the roles of the different neuropeptides encoded by one large precursor we developed a method to overexpress minigenes and establish local secretion.     

On the possibility of phase transitions with the formation of SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> peroxide forms in the earth mantle and their effect on mantle convection

Based on the hypothesis advanced by S. P. Gabuda that the SiO₂ molecule could undergo a transition from the linear form to the isomeric form with a ring-shaped (bent) structure, an idea is proposed that when the mantle substance melts, a phase transition of the bent SiO₂ form into the linear SiO₂ form can occur in the lower mantle. This phase transition might be of great importance for the lower-mantle convection processes and also for the rise of mantle plumes carrying both heat energy, and broad range of platinum group and rare elements to the Earth surface.     

YOYO as a Dye to Track Penetration of LK15 DNA Complexes in Spheroids: Use and Limits

To elucidate the reasons underlying the poor penetration of non-viral vectors in tissues, relating transport properties to physico-chemical parameters of vectors may be crucial. These properties can be influenced by the presence of multiples labels that are used. Therefore utilizing a vector with minimum of labels preferably not more than one is important to studying penetration in tissues. The cell impermeant bisintercalating dye YOYO-1 was found suitable to both monitor the formation of complexes between DNA and an amphipathic peptide LK15 and, to track their penetration in HCT116 spheroids by confocal microscopy. The results revealed a limited decrease of fluorescence ascribed to the high affinity of YOYO-1 to bind DNA. The residual fluorescence of complexes can be exploited to monitor penetration into spheroids, after correction for YOYO-1 attenuation, and to revealing hyaluronidase-induced reduced binding. Hence high affinity dyes such as YOYO-1 with inefficiently quenched fluorescence may be important to establish a relation between novel medicines characteristics and penetration in tissues.