Intermolecular multiple quantum coherences at high magnetic field: the nonlinear regime

Experiments have been carried at magnetic-field strengths of 9.4, 14.1, and 17.6 T to explore the evolution of intermolecular multiple quantum coherences in the nonlinear regime where the system evolves for times that are much greater than the characteristic time of action of the long-range dipolar field, tau(d). The results show the expected Bessel function form of the recorded signal as a function of time of evolution, with evident zeros and sign changes. As expected, the rate of signal evolution increases at higher-field strengths as a result of the increased equilibrium magnetization. A numerical method for calculating the evolution of magnetization under the action of the distant dipolar field, relaxation, and diffusion that is based on Fourier analysis of the magnetization distribution has been applied to the correlated two-dimensional spectroscopy revamped by asymmetric z-gradient echo detection sequence in the nonlinear regime and shown to produce results that are in good agreement with experimental data acquired at different magnetic fields and rates of spatial modulation. Experiments and simulations have also been used to explore the evolution of magnetization in a mixture of two interacting spin species in the nonlinear regime.     

Development of a computer-based system for fast neutron cyclic activation analysis

We have developed a computer-controlled system for carrying out cyclic neutron activation analysis using fast neutrons. The system is basically a mechanical, pneumatic transfer system in which the sample is cycled between an irradiation position and a Ge detector. The sequence of movements between these two position is under computer control as is the timing of the various parts of the cycle. In addition, flux monitoring and correction are carried out using a computer-controlled scaler and the -ray counting is similarly controlled. The key to this control is the use of an interface containing a DCP BUS which receives signals from various valves for control of sample movement or to the scaler or ADC to initiate counting storage or calculations of the data. Finally, some preliminary data obtained with this technique are presented for the inelastic scattering reactions on barium.     

STUDIES OF ADHESION OF METAL PARTICLES TO SILICA PARTICLES BASED ON ZETA POTENTIAL MEASUREMENTS

The zeta-potentials of silica, copper, platinum and gold particles have been measured as a function of pH. The isoelectric points were found to be at pH 3.0, 5.8, 3.0 and 3.5, respectively. In the pH range 3.0 to 5.8 copper and silica particles are oppositely charged and accordingly the coating of silica with copper particles could be demonstrated. In the case of gold and platinum the sign of the charge is such that direct adhesion to silica particles cannot be expected and this was also demonstrated in the case of platinum.     

In vivo nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of aquatic organisms

NMR imaging and localized 1H spectroscopy of a variety of aquatic organisms in vivo is described for the first time. The practical consideration of life support, water volume, salinity, and anesthesia are discussed and solutions presented. Such animal studies shape our understanding of physiology, biochemistry, and biology, and provide models of human disease and normal function. These studies also have economic and ecological importance.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-arachidonoyl glycine,an abundant endogenous lipid,potently drives directed cellular migration through GPR18, the putative abnormal cannabidiol receptor

Background  

Microglia provide continuous immune surveillance of the CNS and upon activation rapidly change phenotype to express receptors that respond to chemoattractants during CNS damage or infection. These activated microglia undergo directed migration towards affected tissue. Importantly, the molecular species of chemoattractant encountered determines if microglia respond with pro- or anti-inflammatory behaviour, yet the signaling molecules that trigger migration remain poorly understood. The endogenous cannabinoid system regulates microglial migration via CB₂ receptors and an as yet unidentified GPCR termed the 'abnormal cannabidiol' (Abn-CBD) receptor. Abn-CBD is a synthetic isomer of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) and is inactive at CB₁ or CB₂ receptors, but functions as a selective agonist at this G_i/o-coupled GPCR. N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) is an endogenous metabolite of the endocannabinoid anandamide and acts as an efficacious agonist at GPR18. Here, we investigate the relationship between NAGly, Abn-CBD, the unidentified 'Abn-CBD' receptor, GPR18, and BV-2 microglial migration.