Cryo-EM analysis of complement C3 reveals a reversible major opening of the macroglobulin ring.

The C3 protein is the central molecule within the complement system and undergoes proteolytic activation to C3b in the presence of pathogens. Pattern-independent activation of C3 also occurs via hydrolysis, resulting in C3(HO), but the structural details of C3 hydrolysis remain elusive. Here we show that the conformation of the C3(HO) analog, C3MA, is indistinguishable from C3b.

Triazenide based metal precursors for vapour deposition.

Molecules featuring a metal centre in a positive valence surrounded by 1,3-dialkyltrianzenide ligands, M[R-NN-N-R'], were shown to have both high thermal stability and volatility, making them interesting as precursors in chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). So far, metals from groups 11-14 and lanthanoids form stable triazenides and the In and Ga triazenides have proven to be excellent precursors for InN, InO, GaN and InGaN. We believe the exploration of the triazenides as CVD and ALD precursors has only begun and hope to inspire further research with this perspective.

Interatomic Coulombic decay in lithium-doped large helium nanodroplets induced by photoelectron impact excitation.

Irradiation of condensed matter with ionizing radiation generally causes direct photoionization as well as secondary processes that often dominate the ionization dynamics. Here, large helium (He) nanodroplets with radius ≳ 40 nm doped with lithium (Li) atoms are irradiated with extreme ultraviolet (XUV) photons of energy hν ≥ 44.4 eV and indirect ionization of the Li dopants is observed in addition to direct photoionization of the He droplets.

Plasma decomposition of ferrocene.

Ferrocene [Fe(C5H5)2 or FeCp2] is a well-known precursor molecule for iron in vapor deposition of iron containing films by, e.g., chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes.

Interatomic Coulombic decay in lithium-doped large helium nanodroplets induced by photoelectron impact excitation.

Irradiation of condensed matter with ionizing radiation generally causes direct photoionization as well as secondary processes that often dominate the ionization dynamics. Here, large helium (He) nanodroplets with radius ≳ 40 nm doped with lithium (Li) atoms are irradiated with extreme ultraviolet (XUV) photons of energy hν ≥ 44.4 eV and indirect ionization of the Li dopants is observed in addition to direct photoionization of the He droplets.