Study of the reactione + e −→K + K − in the energy range1350 \leqq \sqrt s \leqq 2400 MeV

Thee ⁺ e ^?→K ⁺ K ^? cross section has been measured from about 750 events in the energy interval \(1350 \leqq \sqrt s \leqq 2400 MeV\) with the DM2 detector at DCI. TheK ^± form factor |F _F ^±| cannot be explained by the ρ, ω, ? and ρ′(1600). An additional resonant amplitude at 1650 MeV has to be added as suggested by a previous experiment.     

Radiative decay ofJ/ψ into γ π+ π−

The radiative decayJ/ψ → γ π⁺ π^? has been studied using the 8.6 millionJ/ψ produced in the DM2 experiment at the DCIe ⁺e^? storage rings at Orsay. The π⁺ π^? mass spectrum shows a cleanf ₂ (1270) signal, and the possible presence of two other states at thef ₂ (1720) andf ₄ (2030) masses. For thef ₂ (1270), the branching ratio BR(J/ψ →γf)xBR(f→π⁺ π^?) is measured to be (7.50±0.30±1.12)×10^?4, and the spin analysis prefers theJ=2 assignment, with helicity parametersx=0.83±0.06 andy=0.01±0.06. The existence of higher mass states is discussed.     

Non-planar smoulder propagation governed by diffusion

The steady propagation of a thin smouldering front in a half-spacehas been considered. A suitable coordinate transformation hasallowed the region near the leading edge of the front to beexamined for both a maintained planar surface and with surfacecollapse due to material shrinkage. The change in the oxidizerconcentration for a small increment in the propagation speedfor large time and surface collapse has been determined. Theinfluence of two types of nonlinear diffusion on the shape ofthe smouldering front has been found; other cases can be dealtwith in a similar manner.     

Substituent effects on the amination of racemic allyl carbonates using commercially available chiral rhodium catalysts

In the presence of commercially available chiral rhodium catalysts, a competitive benzylamination of racemic allyl carbonates, substituted with p-X-Ph groups, shows that the reaction proceeds faster with substituents (X) that are more electron-withdrawing. Mechanistic implications of these results are discussed.     

0.7 and 3 T MRI and Sap Flow in Intact Trees: Xylem and Phloem in Action

Dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hardware is described that allows imaging of sap flow in intact trees with a maximal trunk diameter of 4 cm and height of several meters. This setup is used to investigate xylem and phloem flow in an intact tree quantitatively. Due to the fragile gradients in pressure present in both xylem and phloem, methods to study xylem and phloem transport must be minimally invasive. MRI flow imaging by means of this hardware certainly fulfils this condition. Flow is quantified in terms of (averaged) velocity, volume flow (flux) and flow conducting area, either in imaging mode or as a nonspatially resolved total. Results obtained for one tree, imaged at two different field strengths (0.7 and 3 T), are compared. An overall shortening of observed T ₂ values is manifest going from 0.7 to 3 T. Although some susceptibility artefacts may be present at 3 T, the results are still reliable and the gain in sensitivity results in shorter measurement time (or higher signal-to-noise ratio) with respect to the 0.7 T system. The results demonstrate that by use of dedicated hardware, xylem and phloem flow and its mutual interaction, can be studied in intact trees in relation to the water balance and in response to environmental (stress) conditions. Authors' address: Henk Van As, Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University, Drejenlaan 3, 6703 HA Wageningen, The Netherlands     

Monoalkylglycerol ether lipids promote adipogenesis

The molecular mechanisms that lead to the generation of adipose tissue (adipogenesis) are of basic and biomedical interest. Cellular models of adipogenesis have proven extremely valuable in defining biomolecules-primarily genes and proteins-that regulate adipogenesis. Here, the analysis of differentiating adipocytes using an untargeted metabolomics approach led to the discovery of the monoalkylglycerol ethers as a natural class of adipocyte differentiation factors.