TD-1HNMR measurements show enantioselective dissociation of ribose and glucose in the presence of H2(17)O

We used Time Domain (1)H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to characterize changes in proton exchange between water and sugar enantiomers at different concentrations of H(2)(17)O (approximately 15-450 mM) and found that dissociation of the (-)-enantiomers of glucose and ribose occurs at significantly higher rates at higher concentrations of H(2)(17)O. The mechanism behind this enantioselective effect is unclear. The hypothesis we propose is that the large magnetic field (B(o) approximately 0.6T) applied during NMR measurements induces electric moments opposite in sign for the D and L-isomers. Because (17)O has a nuclear electric quadrupole moment not = 0, asymmetrically hydrated complexes may form between the B(o)-polarized enantiomers and H(2)(17)O. Either H(2)(17)O is more often hydrating the (+) than the (-)-enantiomers--and consequently pK differences between H(2)(16)O and H(2)(17)O lead to differences in proton exchange between enantiomers and water--or the orientation of H(2)(17)O relative to the B(o)-polarized enantiomers is different, in total or in part, which leads to hydrated complexes with different spatial geometries and different proton exchange properties. This effect is significant for Magneto-Chiral Stereo-Chemistry (MCSC) and astrobiology, and it may help us better understand specific instances of mass independent isotopic fractionation and aid in the development of new technologies for chiral and isotopic separation.     

The dynamic heliosphere,solar activity,and cosmic rays

This brief review addresses the relation between solar activity, cosmic ray variations and the dynamics of the heliosphere. The global features of the heliosphere influence what happens inside its boundaries on a variety of time-scales. Galactic and anomalous cosmic rays are the messengers that convey vital information on global heliospheric changes in the manner that they respond to these changes. By observing cosmic rays over a large range of energies at Earth, and with various space detectors, a better understanding is gained about space weather and climate. The causes of the cosmic ray variability are reviewed, with emphasis on the 11-year and 22-year cycles, step modulation, charge-sign dependent modulation and particle drifts. Advances in this field are selectively discussed in the context of what still are some of the important uncertainties and outstanding issues.     

Test-Particle Trajectories in a “Sheared” Stationary Field: Newton–Lorentz and First Order Drift Numerical Simulations1

We study a magnetic field distribution that is nonuniform and sheared like in tangential discontinuities. This distribution is an input parameter for the numerical integration of the equations of motion of the test-particle and of its guiding center. Two different electric field distributions are alternatively tested. In the first case, the electric field is uniform and constant like the electric field prescribed in the large-scale, steady-state reconnection models. The numerical solution shows that in this case the test-particle is trapped within the discontinuity into a region where (i) B goes to zero or (ii) the magnetic vector becomes exactly parallel to the electric field. In the second case, we consider an electric field, which is nonuniform. Its components are computed such that the zero order (or electric) drift is everywhere perpendicular to the discontinuity surface and its value is conserved throughout the simulation. In this case the numerically integrated trajectory of the test-particle penetrates the discontinuity for any angle of shear of B. Direct comparison between exact (Newton–Lorentz) and approximated (first order drift) numerical solutions shows that the mathematical singularities of the latter do not correspond to any physical singularity of the exact equation of motion of the particle.     

Effects of Staged Injection on Supersonic Mixing and Combustion

The three-dimensional (3D) reacting flow in a staged supersonic combustor is examined numerically. In order to obtain the optimum stream-wise vortices, a swept ramp injector is chosen as the second-stage wall injection combined with the first-stage central strut injection. The performance of the two-staged injection is compared with that of a one-staged injection, while the strut is kept installed in both cases. The two-staged injections can make full use of the residual oxygen near the wall and release more heat. The second-stage injection further downstream avoids the strong shock waves in the isolator and results in a rising wall pressure and good burning effects after the wall injection. Therefore, it allows more fuel to be injected into the supersonic combustor without causing thermal choking. Parallel injection from the second-stage swept ramp shows low total pressure loss and the best burning efficiency, compared with the other injection angles.