Helical polyacetylene synthesized with a chiral nematic reaction field

Helical polyacetylene was synthesized under an asymmetric reaction field consisting of chiral nematic (N*) liquid crystals (LCs). The chiral nematic LC was prepared by adding a chiroptical binaphthol derivative as a chiral dopant to a mixture of two nematic LCs. Acetylene polymerizations were carried out using the catalyst titanium tetra-n-butoxide-triethylaluminum dissolved in the chiral nematic LC solvent. The polyacetylene film was shown by scanning electron microscopy to consist of clockwise or counterclockwise helical structure of fibrils. A Cotton effect was observed in the region of the pi --> pi* transition of the polyacetylene chain in circular dichroism spectra. The high electrical conductivities of approximately 1500 to 1800 siemens per centimeter after iodine doping and the chiral helicity of these films may be exploited in electromagnetic and optical applications.     

Spontaneous formation of macroscopic chiral domains in a fluid smectic phase of achiral molecules

A smectic liquid-crystal phase made from achiral molecules with bent cores was found to have fluid layers that exhibit two spontaneous symmetry-breaking instabilities: polar molecular orientational ordering about the layer normal and molecular tilt. These instabilities combine to form a chiral layer structure with a handedness that depends on the sign of the tilt. The bulk states are either antiferroelectric-racemic, with the layer polar direction and handedness alternating in sign from layer to layer, or antiferroelectric-chiral, which is of uniform layer handedness. Both states exhibit an electric field-induced transition from antiferroelectric to ferroelectric.     

Chiral fiber gratings

Chiral gratings with double helix symmetry were produced by twisting glass optical fiber with a noncircular core cross section as it passed through a miniature oven. We observed polarization-selective transmission in chiral fibers with pitches of tens of micrometers. Two modes of optical interaction were differentiated. In chirallong-period gratings, dips in transmission were observed at wavelengths associated with scattering into distinct cladding modes mediated by the chiral grating. In chiral intermediateperiod gratings, a broad scattering band was observed. These gratings can be used to produce sharp or broad polarization-selective filters.     

Biological Responses of Atta texana to Its Alarm Pheromone and the Enantiomer of the Pheromone

S-(+)-4-Methyl-3-heptanone is the principal alarm pheromone of Atta texana. The dextrorotatory form of the ketone has also been identified from Atta cephalotes. Both enantiomers have been synthesized in high optical purity; Atta texana is more responsive to the (+) enantiomer than to the (-) form. These results implicate a chiral receptor system.     

Fiber composite alloys: preparation by controlled dissociation of metallic solid solutions

Fiber-reinforced alloys have been prepared by the controlled dissociation of gold-nickel and aluminum-zinc solid solutions. To cause the dissociation, the alloys were taken from a one-phase field to a two-phase field by lowering the temperature. The new two-phase structure was in each case formed by diffusion controlled processes, and under certain conditions one of the new equilibrium phases appeared in the form of fibers, a few tenths of a micron in diameter, embedded in a matrix of the other. The precipitated phase first appeared in the form of spherical particles, but these aligned and then coalesced to form the fibers.     

A zinc clasp structure tethers Lck to T cell coreceptors CD4 and CD8

The T cell coreceptors CD4 and CD8 both associate via their cytoplasmic tails with the N-terminus of the Src-family tyrosine kinase Lck. These interactions require zinc and are critical for T cell development and activation. We examined the folding and solution structures of ternary CD4-Lck-Zn2+ and CD8alpha-Lck-Zn2+ complexes. The coreceptor tails and the Lck N-terminus are unstructured in isolation but assemble in the presence of zinc to form compactly folded heterodimeric domains. The cofolded complexes have similar "zinc clasp" cores that are augmented by distinct structural elements. A dileucine motif required for clathrin-mediated endocytosis of CD4 is masked by Lck.     

Metals and DNA: molecular left-handed complements

Chiral metal complexes provide unique molecular probes for DNA. Chiral reagents that "recognize" different local structures along the DNA strand have been designed by a process in which the asymmetry in shape and size of the complex is matched to that of the DNA helical groove. As a result, the chiral metal complexes provide very sensitive probes for local helical structure, both left- and right-handed. Direct coordination of chiral complexes to the DNA bases adds an element of sequence selectivity to the probe design. With a suitable reactive metal center, reagents that target chemically specific sites along the strand may be developed. One such chiral reagent, which cleaves left-handed DNA sites with photoactivation, has been useful in mapping this distinct conformation and examining its biological role. The conformation-specific molecular cleaver, much like a DNA-binding enzyme, recognizes and reacts at discrete sites along the DNA strand. These site-specific chiral metal complexes provide exciting new tools for probing the local variations in DNA structure and its role in the regulation of gene expression.     

Photofragment helicity caused by matter-wave interference from multiple dissociative states

Isolated diatomic molecules of iodine monochloride (ICl) were photodissociated by a beam of linearly polarized light, and the resulting ground-state Cl atom photofragments were detected by a method that is sensitive to the handedness (helicity) of the electronic angular momentum. It was found that this helicity oscillates between "topspin" and "backspin" as a function of the wavelength of the dissociating light. The helicity originates solely from the (de Broglie) matter-wave interference of multiple dissociating pathways of the electronic excited states of ICl. These measurements can be related to the identity and to the detailed shapes of the dissociating pathways, thus demonstrating that it is possible to probe repulsive states by spectroscopic means.     

Crystal structure of the extracellular segment of integrin alpha Vbeta3

Integrins are alphabeta heterodimeric receptors that mediate divalent cation-dependent cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion through tightly regulated interactions with ligands. We have solved the crystal structure of the extracellular portion of integrin alphaVbeta3 at 3.1 A resolution. Its 12 domains assemble into an ovoid "head" and two "tails." In the crystal, alphaVbeta3 is severely bent at a defined region in its tails, reflecting an unusual flexibility that may be linked to integrin regulation. The main inter-subunit interface lies within the head, between a seven-bladed beta-propeller from alphaV and an A domain from beta3, and bears a striking resemblance to the Galpha/Gbeta interface in G proteins. A metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) in the betaA domain is positioned to participate in a ligand-binding interface formed of loops from the propeller and betaA domains. MIDAS lies adjacent to a calcium-binding site with a potential regulatory function.     

内蒙古中西部地区一次强沙尘暴的垂直螺旋度诊断分析

利用常规观测资料和2.5°×2.5°NCEP资料对2010年3月19日发生在内蒙古中西部地区的一次强沙尘暴天气的垂直螺旋度进行了诊断分析。结果表明,沙尘暴发生期间,螺旋度分布呈现出明显的＂上负下正＂分层结构,这种分层结构出现的时间与强沙尘暴出现的时间基本一致,且随着正螺旋度区域范围扩大、高度抬高,沙尘暴发展愈强烈;高层螺旋度负值的演变与沙尘暴的出现有一定的对应关系,该诊断分析对于沙尘暴预报有一定指示意义。     

Molecular structure of DNA by scanning tunneling microscopy

Uncoated DNA molecules marked with an activated tris(l-aziridinyl) phosphine oxide (TAPO) solution were deposited on gold substrates and imaged in air with the use of a high-resolution scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Constant-current and gap-modulated STM images show clear evidence of the helicity of the DNA structure: pitch periodicity ranges from 25 to 35 angstroms, whereas the average diameter is 20 angstroms. Molecular structure within a single helix turn was also observed.     

2009年湖北入梅首场暴雨的垂直螺旋度分析

利用湖北省自动雨量站资料和NCEP1°×1°全球再分析资料,对湖北省2009年6月28～30日发生的暴雨天气过程进行垂直螺旋度分析。结果表明,整层强的垂直上升运动稳定维持情况下,垂直螺旋度时空演变特征能很好地反映强降水出现时段及其落区范围的大小;间隔6h的700hPa垂直螺旋度梯度大值区和∑θse（500＋700＋850）水平能量锋区叠加区的的分布对6h强降水的落区有很好的指示意义;大降水中心出现的区域有低层正与高层负垂直螺旋度的配置,在低层正垂直螺旋度略高于高层负值时,更有利于大暴雨中心产生。     

3个杨桃品种茎次生木质部导管分子结构研究(英文)

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide the theoretical basis for variety identification of carambola and pomiculture.[Method] The molecular structure of vessels in stem secondary xylem from three carambola varieties of Malaysia 8,Misi and Malaysia B17 were studied by cell image analysis system and microphotography.[Result] The molecular structure of vessels in stem secondary xylem from carambola was as follows:the first type had tails in two ends,the second type had tail in one end,and the third type had no tails in two ends.The average length of vessel elements was from 328.88 to 366.09 μm,while its average width was from 44.61 to 52.43 μm.Most of the end wall was simple perforation plates,while the alternate-opposite pitting was the major forms of pitting.[Conclusion] Most characteristics of vessel elements from carambola were evolutionary characters of vessel elements in the process of phylogeny,but there were more primitive characters,for example,both two ends of vessel had tails or just one end had tail,and end wall was inclined.The molecular structure of vessel from carambola was in accordance with its ecological adaptability,and the growth characteristics of different varieties were also in accordance with the difference of molecular structure of vessel.     

3个杨桃品种茎次生木质部导管分子结构研究(英文)

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide the theoretical basis for variety identification of carambola and pomiculture.[Method] The molecular structure of vessels in stem secondary xylem from three carambola varieties of Malaysia 8,Misi and Malaysia B17 were studied by cell image analysis system and microphotography.[Result] The molecular structure of vessels in stem secondary xylem from carambola was as follows:the first type had tails in two ends,the second type had tail in one end,and the third type had no tails in two ends.The average length of vessel elements was from 328.88 to 366.09 μm,while its average width was from 44.61 to 52.43 μm.Most of the end wall was simple perforation plates,while the alternate-opposite pitting was the major forms of pitting.[Conclusion] Most characteristics of vessel elements from carambola were evolutionary characters of vessel elements in the process of phylogeny,but there were more primitive characters,for example,both two ends of vessel had tails or just one end had tail,and end wall was inclined.The molecular structure of vessel from carambola was in accordance with its ecological adaptability,and the growth characteristics of different varieties were also in accordance with the difference of molecular structure of vessel.     

3个杨桃品种茎次生木质部导管分子结构研究

[目的]为杨桃的品种鉴定及果树栽培提供理论依据。[方法]运用细胞图象分析系统及显微照相方法,对3个杨桃品种(秤锤杨桃、蜜丝杨桃、红杨桃)茎次生木质部导管分子结构进行研究。[结果]杨桃茎次生木质部导管分子有两端具尾、一端具尾和无尾3种类型;导管分子平均长度为328.88~366.09μm,平均宽度为44.61~52.43μm;端壁多数为单穿孔板;壁上纹孔式以互列-对列混合纹孔式为主。[结论]杨桃导管分子的多数特征表现为导管分子系统演化过程中较为进化的特征,但也存在导管两端或一端有尾、端壁倾斜等较为原始的性状;杨桃导管分子的结构与其生态适应性相一致,不同品种的生长特性也与导管分子结构差异相一致。     

Structure-assigned optical spectra of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Spectrofluorimetric measurements on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) isolated in aqueous surfactant suspensions have revealed distinct electronic absorption and emission transitions for more than 30 different semiconducting nanotube species. By combining these fluorimetric results with resonance Raman data, each optical transition has been mapped to a specific (n,m) nanotube structure. Optical spectroscopy can thereby be used to rapidly determine the detailed composition of bulk SWNT samples, providing distributions in both tube diameter and chiral angle. The measured transition frequencies differ substantially from simple theoretical predictions. These deviations may reflect combinations of trigonal warping and excitonic effects.     

Synthesis of todorokite

Todorokite of chemical composition (Mg(0.77)Na(0.03))(Mg(0.18)Mn(2+)(0.60)Mn(4+)(5.22)22) O(12).3.07 H(2)O was synthesized by a two-step procedure. First, sodium birnessite was synthesized and magnesium was exchanged for sodium to form magnesium birnessite, which was autoclaved under a saturated steam pressure at 155 degrees C for 8 hours to form well-crystallized todorokite. Synthesized todorokite particles consisted of fibers extending from a central plate. The plate itself was made of twinned fibers forming a trilling pattern. The infrared spectra and x-ray diffraction patterns were similar to those of natural todorokite samples. Calcium birnessite and nickel birnessite, when autoclaved under conditions similar to those for magnesium birnessite, yielded a todorokite structure. However, the formation of todorokite from calcium and nickel birnessite was less extensive.     

Emerging chirality in artificial spin ice

Artificial spin ice, made up of planar nanostructured arrays of simple ferromagnetic bars, is a playground for rich physics associated with the spin alignment of the bars and spin texture associated with the magnetic frustration at the bar vertices. The phase diagram is exotic, showing magnetic monopole-like defects and liquid and solid phases of spins arranged in loop states with predicted chiral order. We show that magnetotransport measurements in connected honeycomb structures yield the onset of an anomalous Hall signal at 50 kelvin. The temperature scale can be attributed to the long-range dipolar ice phase. The topological Hall signal arises because chiral loops form at the sample edges, indicating a generic route to exotic states via nanoarray edge structure.     

螺旋度技术在辽宁3月4日大暴雪中的应用

利用辽宁2007年3月3日~4日的暴雪资料和NCEP资料,应用螺旋度技术分析了此次大暴雪天气过程。结果表明,暴雪发生前后,暴雪区的螺旋度分布特征明显;垂直分布上,暴雪发生时雪区上空大致为上负下正分布,中上层有较强的负螺旋度;水平分布上,暴雪中心位于低层螺旋度中心北侧的500 hPa正值中心与东北侧负值中心的连线之间。