Coil-stretch Transition of DNA Molecules in Slit-like Confinement.

We experimentally investigate the influence of slit-like confinement on the coil-stretch transition of single DNA molecules in a homogeneous planar elongational electric field. We observe a more gradual coil-stretch transition characterized by two distinct critical strain rates for DNA in confinement, different from the unconfined case where a single critical strain rate exists. We postulate that the change in the coil-stretch transition is due to a modified spring law in confinement.

Simulation of electrophoretic stretching of DNA in a microcontraction using an obstacle array for conformational preconditioning.

Recently our group has reported experiments using an obstacle array to precondition the conformations of DNA molecules to facilitate their stretch in a microcontraction. Based upon previous successes simulating electrophoretic stretching in microcontractions without obstacles, we use our simulation model to study the deformation of DNA chains in a microcontraction preceded by an array of cylindrical obstacles. We compare our data to the experimental results and find good qualitative, and even quantitative, agreement concerning the behavior of the chains in the array; however, the simulations overpredict the mean stretch of the chains as they leave the contraction.

Toward rational control of metal stoichiometry in heterobimetallic coordination complexes: synthesis and characterization of Pb(Hsal)2(Cu(salen*))2, [Pb(NO3)(Cu(salen*))2](NO3), Pb(OAc)2(Cu(salen*)), and [Pb(OAc)(Ni(salen*))2](OAc).

The ability of the transition metal complex M(salen)* (M = Ni, Cu) to form Lewis acid-base adducts with lead(II) salts has been explored. The new complexes Pb(Hsal)(2)(Cu(salen*))(2) (1), [Pb(NO(3))(Cu(salen*))(2)](NO(3)) (2), Pb(OAc)(2)(Cu(salen*)) (3), and [Pb(OAc)(Ni(salen*)(2)](OAc) (4) (Hsal = O(2)CC(6)H(4)-2-OH, salen* = bis(3-methoxy)salicylideneimine) have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination environment of the lead in the heterobimetallic complex is sensitive both to the initial lead salt and to the transition metal salen* complex that is employed in the synthesis.