Alkaline-Earth Metal Mediated Benzene-to-Biphenyl Coupling.

Complex [( BDI)Ca] (C H ), with a C H dianion bridging two Ca ions, reacts with benzene to yield [( BDI)Ca] (biphenyl) with a bridging biphenyl dianion ( BDI=HC[C(Me)N-DIPeP] ; DIPeP=2,6-CH(Et) -phenyl). The biphenyl complex was also prepared by reacting [( BDI)Ca] (C H ) with biphenyl or by reduction of [( BDI)CaI] with KC in presence of biphenyl. Benzene-benzene coupling was also observed when the deep purple product of ball-milling [( BDI)CaI(THF)] with K/KI was extracted with benzene (DIPP=2,6-CH(Me) -phenyl) giving crystalline [( BDI)Ca(THF)] (biphenyl) (52 % yield).

Fission of Lipid-Vesicles by Membrane Phase Transitions in Thermal Convection.

Unilamellar lipid vesicles can serve as model for protocells. We present a vesicle fission mechanism in a thermal gradient under flow in a convection chamber, where vesicles cycle cold and hot regions periodically. Crucial to obtain fission of the vesicles in this scenario is a temperature-induced membrane phase transition that vesicles experience multiple times.

New predictors of complications in carotid body tumor resection.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between two new variables, tumor distance to base of skull (DTBOS) and tumor volume, with complications of carotid body tumor (CBT) resection, including bleeding and cranial nerve injury.

Methods: Patients who underwent CBT resection between 2004 and 2014 were studied using a standardized, multi-institutional database. Demographic, perioperative, and outcomes data were collected.

Heat-Flow-Driven Oligonucleotide Gelation Separates Single-Base Differences.

DNA phase transitions are often induced by the addition of condensation agents or by dry concentration. Herein, we show that the non-equilibrium setting of a moderate heat flow across a water-filled chamber separates and gelates DNA strands with single-base resolution. A dilute mix of DNA with two slightly different gel-forming sequences separates into sequence-pure hydrogels under constant physiological solvent conditions.