The use of stable isotopes to solve biogeochemical problems in ecosystem analysis is increasing rapidly because stable isotope data can contribute both source-sink (tracer) and process information: The elements C, N, S, H, and all have more than one isotope, and isotopic compositions of natural materials can be measured with great precision with a mass spectrometer. Isotopic compositions change in predictable ways as elements cycle through the biosphere. These changes have been exploited by geochemists to understand the global elemental cycles. Ecologists have not until quite recently employed these techniques. The reasons for this are, first, that most ecologists do not have the background in chemistry and geochemistry to be fully aware of the possibilities for exploiting the natural variations in stable isotopic compositions, and second, that stable isotope ratio measurements require equipment not normally available to ecologists. This is unfortunate because some of the more intractable problems in ecology can be profitably addressed using stable isotope measurements. Stable isotopes are ideally suited to increase our understanding of element cycles in ecosystems. This review is written for ecologists who would like to learn more about how stable isotope analyses have been and can be used in ecosystem studies. We begin with an explanation of isotope terminology and fractionation, then summarize isotopic distributions in the C, N, and S biogeochemical cycles, and conclude with five case studies that show how stable isotope measurements can provide crucial information for ecosystem analysis. We restrict this review to studies of natural variations in C, N, and S isotopic abundances, cxcluding from consideration ~5N enrichment studies and hydrogen and oxygen isotope studies. Our focus on C, N, and S derives in part from our

Stable isotopes in ecosystem studies

The Grotthuss mechanism

Cations bind to the π face of an aromatic structure through a surprisingly strong, noncovalent force termed the cation-π interaction. The magnitude and generality of the effect have been established by gas-phase measurements and by studies of model receptors in aqueous media. To first order, the interaction can be considered an electrostatic attraction between a positive charge and the quadrupole moment of the aromatic. A great deal of direct and circumstantial evidence indicates that cation-π interactions are important in a variety of proteins that bind cationic ligands or substrates. In this context, the amino acids phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), and tryptophan (Trp) can be viewed as polar, yet hydrophobic, residues.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/271/5246/163.full.pdf

Cation-π Interactions in Chemistry and Biology: A New View of Benzene, Phe, Tyr, and Trp

Nanosphere lithography (NSL) is an inexpensive, simple to implement, inherently parallel, high throughput, materials general nanofabrication technique capable of producing an unexpectedly large variety of nanoparticle structures and well-ordered 2D nanoparticle arrays. This article describes our recent efforts to broaden the scope of NSL to include strategies for the fabrication of several new nanoparticle structural motifs and their characterization by atomic force microscopy. NSL has also been demonstrated to be well-suited to the synthesis of size-tunable noble metal nanoparticles in the 20−1000 nm range. This characteristic of NSL has been especially valuable for investigating the fascinating richness of behavior manifested in size-dependent nanoparticle optics. The use of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy to probe the size-tunable optical properties of Ag nanoparticles and their sensitivity to the local, external dielectric environment (viz., the nanoenvironment) is discussed in...

Nanosphere Lithography: A Versatile Nanofabrication Tool for Studies of Size-Dependent Nanoparticle Optics

The interaction of water with solid surfaces: Fundamental aspects

The field of cluster research can trace its origins back to the mid-nineteenth century when early studies of colloids, aerosols, and nucleation phenomena were reported. The field underwent a resurgence of interest several decades ago when well-defined clusters were observed in supersonic expansions that could be investigated using mass spectrometers. The advent of the laser provided a new dimension, enabling detailed spectroscopic observations through the probing of systems of varying size and degree of solvation. Modern interest derives from recognition that interrogating clusters provides a way of studying the energetics and dynamics of intermediate states of matter as cluster systems evolve from the gas toward the condensed state. Herein, we endeavor to highlight some of the significant advances which have been made during the past several decades that have led to a nearly explosive growth of interest in the field of cluster science. Finally, we conclude that the field will continue to expand through i...

Clusters: Structure, Energetics, and Dynamics of Intermediate States of Matter

Cluster-assembled materials offer the ability to tune component properties, lattice parameters, and thus coupling of physical properties through the careful selection and assembly of building blocks. Multi-atom clusters have been found to exhibit physical properties beyond those available from the standard elements in the periodic table; classification of the properties of such clusters effectively enables expansion of the periodic table to a third dimension. Using clusters as superatomic building blocks for hierarchically assembled materials allows these properties to be incorporated into designer materials with tailored properties. Cluster-assembled materials are currently being explored and methods developed to control their design and function. Here, we discuss examples of building block syntheses, assembly strategies, and property control achieved to date.

Cluster-Assembled Materials

A comprehensive tabulation of the standard enthalpy change, ΔH°, entropy change, ΔS°, and free energy change, ΔG°, for the formation of ion clusters from ion‐molecule association reactions is given. The experimental methods which are used to derive the data are briefly discussed. For some experiments, dissociation energies of ion clusters are reported and listed under the category of ΔH°. The relationship between ΔH° and dissociation energy is discussed in the text.

Thermochemical Data on Gas‐Phase Ion‐Molecule Association and Clustering Reactions

The physical and chemical properties of cluster systems at the subnano and nanoscale are often found to differ from those of the bulk and display a unique dependence on size, geometry, and composition. Indeed, most interesting are systems which have properties that vary discontinuously with the number of atoms and composition, rather than scale linearly with size. This realm of cluster science where “one atom makes a difference” is undergoing an explosive growth in activity, and as a result of extensive collaborative activities through theory at VCU and experiment at PSU, our groups are recognized as pioneers in this area in which we have been active for many years. Herein we provide an overview of the field with primary focus on our joint undertakings which have spawned the superatom concept, giving rise to a 3-D periodic table of cluster elements and the prospect of using these as building blocks of new nanoscale materials with tailored properties.

Clusters, Superatoms, and Building Blocks of New Materials†

During the course of studying the dehydrogenation reactions of hydrocarbons by titanium atoms, ions, and clusters, an exceptionally stable and abundant cluster which contains 8 titaniums and 12 carbons was discovered "Titration" reactions with ND3 reveal the uptake of eight molecules, pointing to the fact that the titanium atoms are at exposed positions of similar coordination A dodecahedral structure of Th point group symmetry is proposed to account for the unusual stability of this molecular cluster The Ti8C12+ dodecahedron has 12 pentagonal rings and each of the rings is formed by two titanium and three carbon atoms, where each titanium is bound to three carbons Based on the model, it is expected that neutral Ti8C12 would be a stable metallo-carbododecahedral molecule and may comprise one member of a new class of molecules, namely metallo-carbohedrenes

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/255/5050/1411.full.pdf

A. W. Castleman

Papers

Clusters: Structure, Energetics, and Dynamics of Intermediate States of Matter

Cluster-Assembled Materials

Thermochemical Data on Gas‐Phase Ion‐Molecule Association and Clustering Reactions

Clusters, Superatoms, and Building Blocks of New Materials†

Ti8C12+-Metallo-Carbohedrenes: A New Class of Molecular Clusters?