Proton Bunch Self-Modulation in Plasma with Density Gradient.

We study experimentally the effect of linear plasma density gradients on the self-modulation of a 400 GeV proton bunch. Results show that a positive or negative gradient increases or decreases the number of microbunches and the relative charge per microbunch observed after 10 m of plasma. The measured modulation frequency also increases or decreases. With the largest positive gradient we observe two frequencies in the modulation power spectrum. Results are consistent with changes in wakefields' phase velocity due to plasma density gradients adding to the slow wakefields' phase velocity during self-modulation growth predicted by linear theory.

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy to measure negative ion density in a helicon plasma source for fusion neutral beams.

Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) is used to measure the D- absolute density produced in the helicon plasma reactor RAID (Resonant Antenna Ion Device) at the Swiss Plasma Center. The birdcage geometry of the helicon antenna produces a homogeneous, high-density plasma column (n e ≅ 1.5 × 1018 m-3 in H2 and D2 at 0.3 Pa and 3 kW of input power) 1.4 m long. We present the CRDS experimental setup, its positioning on the RAID reactor, and how the mechanical and thermal effects of the plasma affect the measurement. First results in deuterium plasma confirm the production of negative ions (D-) with a significant density: an average value of 3.0 × 1016 m-3 of D- is obtained at 0.3 Pa and 5 kW of power input in Cs-free plasma. This result is in good agreement with calculations performed with the collisional radiative code YACORA.

Dual Langmuir-probe array for 3D plasma studies in TORPEX.

We have designed and installed a new Langmuir-probe (LP) array diagnostic to determine basic three-dimensional (3D) features of plasmas in TORPEX. The diagnostic consists of two identical LP arrays, placed on opposite sides of the apparatus, which provide comprehensive coverage of the poloidal cross section at the two different toroidal locations. Cross correlation studies of signals from the arrays provide a basic way to extract 3D information from the plasmas, as experiments show. Moreover, the remarkable signal-to-noise performance of the front-end electronics allows us to follow a different approach in which we combine information from all probes in both arrays to reconstruct elementary 3D plasma structures at each acquisition time step. Then, through data analysis, we track the structures as they evolve in time. The LP arrays include a linear-motion mechanism that can displace radially the probes located on the low field side for experiments that require fine-tuning of the probe locations, and for operational compatibility with the recently installed in-vessel toroidal conductor.

Destruxin analogs: variations of the alpha-hydroxy acid side chain.

This work describes the synthesis of three destruxin E cyclodepsipeptidic analogs. These compounds have an identical amino acid sequence but differ by the nature of the hydroxy acid residue with is 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic (Hpp), 2-hydroxy-5-trimethylsilyl-4-pentynoic (Hpy-TMS) and 2-hydroxy-4-pentynoic (Hpy) acid, respectively. The insecticidal properties on the Galleria mellonella larvae (paralysis and lethal effect) of these analogs are presented in comparison with the natural destruxin E. All these compounds have toxic effects, the most potent being Hpy that induces the same effect as destruxin E.

Use of a new sonically cleavable and acido-labile handle for solid-phase peptide amide synthesis.

A new handle usable for solid-phase peptide amide synthesis was designed. New releasing conditions of the peptide using sonication allowed much shorter reaction times at lower TFA concentrations.

Synthesis and biological activity of a destruxin analogue: D-Lac-6 destruxin E.

A general strategy for the synthesis of destruxin analogues is described and applied to a particular example, D-Lac-6 destruxin E. The tetrapeptide Boc-Ile-N-MeVal-N-MeAla-beta-Ala-OMe (2) was chosen as the basic starting compound, and its preparation was optimized. This fragment was then coupled with the compound (D)Lac-Pro, and the resulting peptide was cyclized by the DEPC or DPPA/HOBt/DMAP methods at 21 and 30% yield, respectively. The biological activity of the analogue obtained was established by injection to an insect host.

Enzymatic peptide synthesis in organic solvent mediated by gels of copolymerized acrylic derivatives of alpha-chymotrypsin and polyoxyethylene.

Copolymers of acrylated derivatives of alpha-chymotrypsin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been prepared and used as biocatalysts for the synthesis of model peptides in organic solvent containing a low quantity of water. Other peptide couplings have been tried to point out the chemico- and stereoselectivity and examples of segment couplings are given.

Synthesis of HC toxin and related cyclopeptides containing the (L-Ala-D-Ala-L-Ada-D-Pro) sequence.

In studies leading to HC toxin synthesis, a phytotoxic cyclic tetrapeptide with the sequence cyclo (L-Ala-D-Ala-L-Aoe-D-Pro), we have determined optimal conditions for the cyclization which constitutes one of the most important steps in the synthesis of the toxin. All four possible sequences containing an optically active precursor, i.e. L-Ada = (2 S)-2-amino-9-decenoic acid instead of Aoe, have been prepared and subjected to cyclization. Owing to the differences in racemization risk during activation of the terminal carboxyl aminoacid different cyclization procedures have been applied. Cyclopeptide yields and selectivity between cyclomonomer and dimer both containing the title sequence are mainly controlled by the linear precursor sequence. The cyclic tetrapeptide is only obtained with D-proline in the C-terminal position, the best yield reached by the -ONSu activation method. Starting from the peptide, the (9S, 9R) HC toxin epimer on the epoxidic carbon atom has been further synthesized in two steps.

Aggregation and ion transfer induced by tentoxin.

It is shown that tentoxin, a cyclic tetrapeptide with two N-methylated residues, is able, when added to lipid bilayers, to increase the transmembrane current through discrete events. Conformational investigations involving 1H-NMR, infrared and circular dichroism studies show that, at concentrations above 7 X 10(-5) M, the cyclic tetrapeptide aggregates in chloroform. We suggest that the aggregates could form a pore through a stacking of cycles.