Classical fluids of negative heat capacity

It is shown that new parametersX can be defined such that the heat capacity C_xT(S/T)_x is negative, even when the canonical ensemble [i.e., at fixed T=(U/S)_Y and YX] is stable. This implies an extension of the classical theory of polytropes from ideal gases to general fluids. As examples of negative heat capacity systems we treat blackbody radiation and general gas systems with nonsingular _T. For the case of a simple ideal gas we even exhibit an apparatus which enforces a constraint X(p, V)=const that makes C_x<0. We then show that it is possible to infer the statistical mechanics of canonicallyunstable systems-for which even the traditional heat capacities are negative-by imposing constraints that stabilize the associated noncanonical ensembles. Two explicit models are discussed.     

Strategies for locating disulfide bonds in a monoclonal antibody via mass spectrometry

The location of the disulfide bonds in a recombinant monoclonal antibody was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS). A non-reduced Endoproteinase Lys-C (Endo Lys-C) digest of the antibody was analyzed directly by MALDI-TOFMS. The sample was then reduced on-plate by depositing dithiothreitol (DTT) on the sample spot and re-analyzed by MALDI-TOFMS. The disulfide bonds were assigned based on the disappearance of certain mass ions in the non-reduced digest and the appearance of product ions in the reduced digest. A rapid LC/ESI-MS protocol was also developed to determine the location of the disulfide bonds. The peptides generated from the Endo Lys-C digest of the antibody were partially separated on a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column by utilizing a steep gradient and analyzed by ESI-MS. The masses of the partially resolved peptides were determined by deconvoluting the mass spectra.     

The crystal and molecular structures of bis (pentafluorophenyl)disulphide and bis(pentafluorophenyl)diselenide

The structures of (C₆F₅)₂S₂ and (C₆F₅)₂Se₂ have been determined by single crystal, X-ray diffraction techniques. The compounds are isostructural although the molecules are packed differently in the crystal in comparison with their phenyl analogues. Important bond lengths and angles are: SS, 2.059(4)Å; SeSe, 2.319(4)Å; SC, 1.770Å; SeC, 1.910(15)Å; SSC, 101.3(3)°; SeSeC, 98.8(1)°.     

Narrow band quantitative and multivariate electroencephalogram analysis of peri-adolescent period

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The peri-adolescent period is a crucial developmental moment of transition from childhood to emergent adulthood. The present report analyses the differences in Power Spectrum (PS) of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) between late childhood (24 children between 8 and 13 years old) and young adulthood (24 young adults between 18 and 23 years old). RESULTS: The narrow band analysis of the Electroencephalogram was computed in the frequency range of 0--20 Hz. The analysis of mean and variance suggested that six frequency ranges presented a different rate of maturation at these ages, namely: low delta, delta-theta, low alpha, high alpha, low beta and high beta. For most of these bands the maturation seems to occur later in anterior sites than posterior sites. Correlational analysis showed a lower pattern of correlation between different frequencies in children than in young adults, suggesting a certain asynchrony in the maturation of different rhythms. The topographical analysis revealed similar topographies of the different rhythms in children and young adults. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated the same internal structure for the Electroencephalogram of both age groups. Principal Component Analysis allowed to separate four subcomponents in the alpha range. All these subcomponents peaked at a lower frequency in children than in young adults. CONCLUSIONS: The present approaches complement and solve some of the incertitudes when the classical brain broad rhythm analysis is applied. Children have a higher absolute power than young adults for frequency ranges between 0-20 Hz, the correlation of Power Spectrum (PS) with age and the variance age comparison showed that there are six ranges of frequencies that can distinguish the level of EEG maturation in children and adults. The establishment of maturational order of different frequencies and its possible maturational interdependence would require a complete series including all the different ages.     

Nonlocal cosmology

We explore nonlocally modified models of gravity, inspired by quantum loop corrections, as a mechanism for explaining current cosmic acceleration. These theories enjoy two major advantages: they allow a delayed response to cosmic events, here the transition from radiation to matter dominance, and they avoid the usual level of fine-tuning; instead, emulating Dirac's dictum, the required large numbers come from the large time scales involved. Their solar system effects are safely negligible, and they may even prove useful to the black hole information problem.     

Integral equation formulation for buoyancy-driven convection problems

An integral equation formulation for buoyancy-driven convection problems is developed and illustrated. Buoyancy-driven convection in a bounded cylindrical geometry with a free surface is studied for a range of aspect ratios and Nusselt numbers. The critical Rayleigh number, the nature of the cellular motion, and the heat transfer enhancement are computed using linear theory. Green's functions are used to convert the linear problem into linear Fredholm integral equations. Theorems are proved which establish the properties of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the linear integral operator which appears in these equations.     

Structure of trans-W(C0)4(CNC6H11)(CS) and a correlation of ν(cs) frequencies with CS bond distances in metal thiocarbonyl complexes

An X-ray structural investigation of $\text{trans}$-W(C0)₄(CNC₆H₁₁)(CS) shows that the Wz.bnd;C bond distances to the 3 isoelectronic ligands increase in the order: WCS(1.944Å) < WCO(2.0645Å, average) < WCNC₆H₁(2.158Å). Using data from this molecule as well as results from other thiocarbonyl complexes reported in the literature, an excellent correlation of low ν(CS) frequencies with long CS bond distances is observed, a trend which supports current bonding theories for thiocarbonyl complexes.