In this paper we propose a nonlinear elasticity model of macromolecular conformational change (deformation) induced by electrostatic forces generated by an implicit solvation model. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electrostatic potential is analyzed in a domain varying with the elastic deformation of molecules, and a new continuous model of the electrostatic forces is developed to ensure...

The color tuning mechanism of the rhodopsin protein family has been in the focus of research for decades. However, the structural basis of the tuning mechanism in general and of the absorption shift between rhodopsins in particular remains under discussion. It is clear that a major determinant for spectral shifts between different rhodopsins are electrostatic interactions between the chromophor...

We studied electrostatic charging of ice films induced by the impact of 1−200-keV Ar+ ions and their subsequent discharging postirradiation. We derived the positive surface electrostatic potential from the kinetic energy of sputtered molecular ions and with a Kelvin probe. Measurements were performed as a function of film thickness, temperature, and ion energy. Charging requires that the projec...