Metastable anions of dinitrobenzene: Resonances for electron attachment and kinetic energy release

Attachment of free, low-energy electrons to dinitrobenzene (DNB) in the gas phase leads to DNB as well as several fragment anions. DNB, (DNB-H), (DNB-NO), (DNB-2NO), and (DNB-NO2) are found to undergo metastable (unimolecular) dissociation. A rich pattern of resonances in the yield of these metastable reactions versus electron energy is observed; some resonances are highly isomer-specific. Most metastable reactions are accompanied by large average kinetic energy releases (KER) that range from 0.5 to 1.32 eV, typical of complex rearrangement reactions, but (1,3-DNB-H)(-) features a resonance with a KER of only 0.06 eV for loss of NO. (1,3-DNB-NO)(-) offers a rare example of a sequential metastable reaction, namely, loss of NO followed by loss of CO to yield C5H4O- with a large KER of 1.32 eV. The G4(MP2) method is applied to compute adiabatic electron affinities and reaction energies for several of the observed metastable channels. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3514931]

The effects of temperature on the performance of electrochemical double layer capacitors

An electrochemical double layer capacitor test cell containing activated carbon xerogel electrodes and ionic liquid electrolyte was tested at 15, 25 and 40 OC to examine the effect of temperature on electrolyte resistance (RS) and equivalent series resistance (ESR) measured using impedance spectroscopy and capacitance using charge/discharge cycling. A commercial 10F capacitor was used as a comparison. Viscosity, ionic self-diffusion coefficients and differential scanning calorimetry measurements were used to provide an insight into the behaviour of the 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimdazolium electrolyte. Both RS and ESR decreased with increasing temperature for both capacitors. Increasing the temperature also increased the capacitance for both the test cell and the commercial capacitor but proportionally more for the test cell. An increase in temperature decreased the ionic liquid electrolyte viscosity and increased the self diffusion coefficients of both the anion and the cation indicating an increase in dissociation and increase in ionic mobility.

The GAL genetic switch: visualisation of the interacting proteins by split-EGFP bimolecular fluorescence complementation

A split-EGFP bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay was used to visualise and locate three interacting pairs of proteins from the GAL genetic switch of the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both the Gal4p-Gal80p and Gal80p-Gal3p pairs were found to be located in the nucleus under inducing conditions. However, the Gal80p-Gal1p complex was located throughout the cell. These results support recent work establishing an initial interaction between Gal3p and Gal80p occurring in the nucleus. Labelling of all three protein pairs impaired the growth of the yeast strains and resulted in reduced galactokinase activity in cell extracts. The most likely cause of this impairment is decreased dissociation rates of the complexes, caused by the essentially irreversible reassembly of the EGFP fragments. This suggests that a fully functional GAL genetic switch requires dynamic interactions between the protein components. These results also highlight the need for caution in the interpretation of in vivo split-EGFP experiments.

Interaction of prothrombin with a phospholipid surface: evidence for a membrane-induced conformational change

Prothrombin interacts with phosphatidylserine containing platelet membranes via its N-terminal, gamma-carboxyglutamate (gla) residue-rich domain. Once bound it is cleaved to form the active protease, thrombin (factor IIa). Human prothrombin was cleaved with cathepsin G in the absence of calcium and magnesium ions. Under these conditions, the gla domain was removed. Phospholipid protected the protein from this proteolytic event, and this suggests that a conformational change may be induced by interaction with phospholipids. Binding of prothrombin to a surface containing 20% phosphatidylserine/80% phosphatidylcholine was detected by surface plasmon resonance, whereas no interaction with gla-domainless prothrombin was observed. Binding of intact prothrombin in the presence of calcium ions showed complex association kinetics, suggesting multiple modes of initial interaction with the surface. The kinetics of the dissociation phase could be fitted to a two-phase, exponential decay. This implies that there are at least two forms of the protein on the surface one of which dissociates tenfold more slowly than the other. Taken together, these data suggest that, on binding to a membrane surface, prothrombin undergoes a conformational change to a form which binds more tightly to the membrane.

Low frequency rTMS effects on sensorimotor synchronization

Previous studies using low frequency (1 Hz) rTMS over the motor and premotor cortex have examined repetitive movements, but focused either on motor aspects of performance such as movement speed, or on variability of the produced intervals. A novel question is whether TMS affects the synchronization of repetitive movements with an external cue (sensorimotor synchronization). In the present study participants synchronized finger taps with the tones of an auditory metronome. The aim of the study was to examine whether motor and premotor cortical inhibition induced by rTMS affects timing aspects of synchronization performance such as the coupling between the tap and the tone and error correction after a metronome perturbation. Metronome sequences included perturbations corresponding to a change in the duration of a single interval (phase shifts) that were either small and below the threshold for conscious perception (10 ms) or large and perceivable (50 ms). Both premotor and motor cortex stimulation induced inhibition, as reflected in a lengthening of the silent period. Neither motor nor premotor cortex rTMS altered error correction after a phase shift. However, motor cortex stimulation made participants tap closer to the tone, yielding a decrease in tap-tone asynchrony. This provides the first neurophysiological demonstration of a dissociation between error correction and tap-tone asynchrony in sensorimotor synchronization. We discuss the results in terms of current theories of timing and error correction.

Trauma typology as a risk factor for aggression and self-harm in a complex PTSD population: The mediating role of alterations in self-perception

This study examined the role of prolonged, repeated traumatic experiences such as childhood and sectarian trauma in the development of posttraumatic aggression and self-harm. Forty-four adult participants attending therapy for complex trauma in Northern Ireland were obtained via convenience sampling. When social desirability was controlled, childhood emotional and physical neglect were significant correlates of posttraumatic hostility and history of self-harm. These relationships were mediated by alterations in self-perception (e.g., shame, guilt). Severity of sectarian-related experiences was not related to self-destructive behaviors. Moreover, none of the trauma factors were related to overt aggressive behavior. The findings have implications for understanding risk factors for posttraumatic aggression and self-harm, as well as their treatment. © 2013 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Electrochemistry of Sulfur and Polysulfides in Ionic Liquids

The electrochemistry of elemental sulfur (S-8) and the polysulfides Na2S4 and Na2S6 has been studied for the first time in nonchloroaluminate ionic liquids. The cyclic voltammetry of S-8 in the ionic liquids is different to the behavior reported in some organic solvents, with two reductions and one oxidation peak observed. Supported by in situ UV-vis spectro-electrochemical experiments, the main reduction products of S-8 in [C(4)mim][DCA] ([C(4)mim] = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium; DCA = dicyanamide) have been identified as s(6)(2-) and S-4(2-), and plausible pathways for the formation of these species are proposed. Dissociation and/or disproportionation of the polyanions S-6(2-) and S-4(2-) appears to be slow in the ionic liquid, with only small amounts of the blue radical species S3(center dot-) formed in the solutions at r.t., in contrast with that observed in most molecular solvents.

TUNING COLOURIMETRIC AND FLUOROMETRIC GAS SENSORS FOR CARBON-DIOXIDE

The basic theory behind conventional colourimetric and fluorimetric optical sensors for CO2 is examined and special attention is given to the effect on sensor response of the key parameters of initial base concentration and dye acid dissociation constant, K(D). Experimental results obtained in aqueous solution using a variety of different dyes and initial base concentrations are consistent with the predictions made by the theoretical model. A series of model-generated pK(D) versus %CO2 curves for different initial base concentrations allow those interested in constructing an optical CO2 sensor to readily identify the optimum dye/initial base combination for their sensor; the response of the sensor can be subsequently fine-tuned through a minor variation in the initial base concentration. The model and all its predictions appear also to apply to the new generation of plastic film CO2 sensors which have just been developed.

A focused ultrasoft X-ray microbeam for targeting cells individually with submicrometer accuracy

The application of microbeams is providing new insights into the actions of radiation at the cell and tissue levels. So far, this has been achieved exclusively through the use of collimated charged particles. One alternative is to use ultrasoft X rays, focused by X-ray diffractive optics. We have developed a unique facility that uses 0.2-0.8-mm-diameter zone plates to focus ultrasoft X rays to a beam of less than 1 mum diameter. The zone plate images characteristic K-shell X rays of carbon or aluminum, generated by focusing a beam of 5-10 keV electrons onto the appropriate target. By reflecting the X rays off a grazing-incidence mirror, the contaminating bremsstrahlung radiation is reduced to 2%. The focused X rays are then aimed at selected subcellular targets using rapid automated cell-finding and alignment procedures; up to 3000 cells per hour can be irradiated individually using this arrangement. (C) 2001 by Radiation Research Society.

Natural history of idiopathic erythrocytosis - A retrospective case series review

Idiopathic Erythrocytosis (IE) is a diagnosis given to patients who have an absolute erythrocytosis (red cell mass more than 25% above their mean normal predicted value) but who do not have a known form of primary or secondary erythrocytosis (BCSH guideline, 2005). We report here the results of a follow-up study of 80 patients (44 male and 36 female) diagnosed with IE from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland over a 10 year period. Baseline information was initially collected when investigating for molecular causes of erythrocytosis in this group. The diagnosis of IE was made on the basis of a raised red cell mass >25% above mean normal predicted value, absence of Polycythaemia Vera (PV) based on the criteria of Pearson and Messinezy (1996), and the exclusion of secondary erythrocytosis (oxygen saturation >92% on pulse oximetry, no history of sleep apnoea, no renal or hepatic pathology, and a normal oxygen dissociation curve (if indicated). The average age at diagnosis of erythrocytosis was 34.5 (2–74 years). Erythropoietin levels were available for 77/80 of the patients and were low in 18 (23%) and normal or high in 59 (74%). Ultrasound imaging was carried out in 67 patients (84%) at time of diagnosis and no significant abnormalities found. Fourteen patients had a family history of erythrocytosis. These patients have now been followed up for an average of 9.4 years (range 1–39). Out of 80 patients 56 patients can still be classified as having IE, of whom 52 are living (cause of death in the other 4 - lung cancer, RTA, sepsis, unknown). Thirty-five of these patients are regularly venesected, 3 take hydroxyurea (one also venesected), 11 receive no treatment while treatment is unknown in 2. Twenty take aspirin, 1 warfarin and 31 no thromboprophylaxis. Four of these patients had suffered thromboembolic complications (3 with CVA/TIAs and 1 with recurrent DVT) at or before their original diagnosis. Since diagnosis 8 patients have had 9 thrombotic events of which 7 were arterial (1 CVA, 3 TIAs, 1 MI, 2 PVD) and 2 venous (DVT/PE). Twenty take aspirin, 1 dipyridamole, 1 warfarin and 30 take no thromboprophylaxis. Out of the 24 patients who now have a diagnosis other than IE, 8 have been diagnosed with myelo-proliferative disease. Thirteen patients have a molecular abnormality which is likely to account for their erythrocytosis (11 VHL, 1 PHD-2, 1 EPO-receptor mutations). Three patients have secondary erythrocytosis. Older case studies identified a heterogenous group of patients, some of whom probably had apparent erythrocytosis and some who had either primary polycythaemia or secondary causes later identified (Modan and Modan, Najean et al). More recent reviews have identified a more homogenous group with low rates of transformation to myelofibrosis/acute leukaemia and low rates of thrombosis of around 1% patient-year. Follow up of our initial patient group does indeed reveal a heterogeneous group of patients with 10% now diagnosed with an MPD, although when analysis is confined to those patients who continue to fulfil the criteria for IE, the clinical course has been more stable. There has been no progression to MDS or leukaemia in this group (one patient with PV progressed to AML). The rate of thrombosis is 1.6% patient-years which is lower than the rate seen in PV and is consistent with the rate identified in other series. Molecular defects continue to be identified in this group and future investigation is likely to reveal further abnormalities.

Effects of Charge Location on the Absorptions and Lifetimes of Protonated Tyrosine Peptides in Vacuo

Nearby charges affect the electronic energy levels of chromophores, with the extent of the effect being determined by the magnitude of the charge and degree of charge-chromophore separation. The molecular configuration dictates the charge chromophore distance. Hence, in this study, we aim to assess how the location of the charge influences the absorption of a set of model protonated and diprotonated peptide ions, and whether spectral differences are large enough to be identified. The studied ions were the dipeptide YK, the tripeptide KYK (Y = tyrosine; K = lysine) and their complexes with 18-crown-6-ether (CE). The CE targets the ammonium group by forming internal ionic hydrogen bonds and limits the folding of the peptide. In the tripeptide, the distance between the chromophore and the backbone ammonium is enlarged relative to that in the dipeptide. Experiments were performed in an electrostatic ion storage ring using a tunable laser system, and action spectra based on lifetime measurements were obtained in the range from 210 to 310 nm. The spectra are all quite similar though there seems to be some changes in the absorption band between 210 and 250 nm, while in the lower energy band all ions had a maximum absorption at similar to 275 nm. Lifetimes after photoexcitation were found to shorten upon protonation and lengthen upon CE complexation, in accordance with the increased number of degrees of freedom and an increase in activation energies for dissociation as the mobile proton model is no longer operative.

Selective Hydrogenation of alpha,beta-Unsaturated Aldehydes and Ketones using Novel Manganese Oxide and Platinum Supported on Manganese Oxide Octahedral Molecular Sieves as Catalysts

The selective hydrogenation of ,-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones has been studied using ketoisophorone and cinnamaldehyde as model substrates using manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2) based catalysts. For the first time, OMS-2 has been shown to be an efficient and selective hydrogenation catalyst. High selectivities for either the CC or CO double bond at approximate to 100% conversion were achieved by using OMS-2 and platinum supported on OMS-2 catalysts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the dissociation of H2 on OMS-2 was water assisted and occurred on the surface Mn of OMS-2(001) that had been modified by an adsorbed H2O molecule. The theoretically calculated activation barrier was in good agreement with the experimentally determined value for the hydrogenation reactions, indicating that H2 dissociation on OMS-2 is likely to be the rate-determining step. A significant increase in the rate of reaction was observed in the presence of Pt as a result of the enhancement of H2 dissociative adsorption and subsequent reaction on the Pt or spillover of the hydrogen to the OMS-2 support. The relative adsorption strengths of ketoisophorone and cinnamaldehyde on the OMS-2 support compared with the Pt were found to determine the product selectivity.

Density Functional Theory Study on the Cleavage Mechanism of the Carbonyl Bond in Amides on Flat and Stepped Ru Surfaces: Hydrogen-Induced or Direct C-O Bond Breaking?

We have performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the reaction mechanism of the cleavage of the carbonyl bond in amides on both flat and stepped Ru surfaces. The simplest amide molecule, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), was used as the exemplar model molecule. Through the calculations, the most stable transition states (TSs) in all the pathways on both flat and stepped Ru surfaces are identified. Comparing the energy profiles of different reaction pathways, we find that a direct cleavage mechanism is always energetically favored as compared with an alternative hydrogen-induced mechanism on either the flat or stepped Ru surface. It is easier for the dissociation process to occur on the stepped surface than on the flat surface. However, as compared with the terrace, the superiority of step sites boosting the C-O bond dissociation is not as evident as that on CO dissociation.

Exchange-correlation energy and potential as approximate functionals of occupied and virtual Kohn-Sham orbitals: Application to dissociating H-2

The standard local density approximation and generalized gradient approximations fail to properly describe the dissociation of an electron pair bond, yielding large errors (on the order of 50 kcal/mol) at long bond distances. To remedy this failure, a self-consistent Kohn-Sham (KS) method is proposed with the exchange-correlation (xc) energy and potential depending on both occupied and virtual KS orbitals. The xc energy functional of Buijse and Baerends [Mol. Phys. 100, 401 (2002); Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 133004 (2001)] is employed, which, based on an ansatz for the xc-hole amplitude, is able to reproduce the important dynamical and nondynamical effects of Coulomb correlation through the efficient use of virtual orbitals. Self-consistent calculations require the corresponding xc potential to be obtained, to which end the optimized effective potential (OEP) method is used within the common energy denominator approximation for the static orbital Green's function. The problem of the asymptotic divergence of the xc potential of the OEP when a finite number of virtual orbitals is used is addressed. The self-consistent calculations reproduce very well the entire H-2 potential curve, describing correctly the gradual buildup of strong left-right correlation in stretched H-2. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

Long-range synchronization and local desynchronization of alpha oscillations during visual short-term memory retention in children

Local alpha-band synchronization has been associated with both cortical idling and active inhibition. Recent evidence, however, suggests that long-range alpha synchronization increases functional coupling between cortical regions. We demonstrate increased long-range alpha and beta band phase synchronization during short-term memory retention in children 6-10 years of age. Furthermore, whereas alpha-band synchronization between posterior cortex and other regions is increased during retention, local alpha-band synchronization over posterior cortex is reduced. This constitutes a functional dissociation for alpha synchronization across local and long-range cortical scales. We interpret long-range synchronization as reflecting functional integration within a network of frontal and visual cortical regions. Local desynchronization of alpha rhythms over posterior cortex, conversely, likely arises because of increased engagement of visual cortex during retention.