Alterations of HLA class I and II antigen expression in preinvasive, invasive and metastatic cervical cancers

HLA expression is altered in a large variety of human cancers. We performed immunohistochemical staining on tissues from normal, preinvasive, invasive and metastatic cervical cancer tissues using anti-HLA class I or class II antibody. In tissues from normal squamous epithelium, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and microinvasive carcinoma (MIC), the expressions of HLA-B, C heavy chains and class II heavy chain were significantly decreased as disease progressed. When the expression patterns were compared between primary and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lesions, statistically significant down-regulation of HLA class I and class II antigen in metastatic lesions was observed. The rates of HLA-B, C heavy chains and class II heavy chain expressions were all significantly down-regulated compared to the down-regulation rate of class I beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) in invasive squamous lesions, and the expressions of class II heavy chain in metastatic lesions was decreased further than that in primary lesions. Unlike SCC, the degree of HLA class I and class II loss was not evident as disease progressed in early stage of adenocarcinoma. In invasive adenocarcinoma lesions, only the expression of HLA-B, C heavy chains was decreased and no differences were seen in HLA-B, C heavy chain expression patterns between primary and metastatic lesions. These results suggest that alterations of HLA class I and II expressions seem to occur at a particular step in cervical cancer development and depend on tissue types: when the tumor becomes invasive and starts to metastasize.     

Fine specificity of antigen binding to two class I major histocompatibility proteins (B*2705 and B*2703) differing in a single amino acid residue

Starting from the X-ray structure of a class I majorhistocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded protein (HLA-B*2705), a naturallypresented self-nonapeptide and two synthetic analogues were simulated in thebinding groove of two human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles (B*2703 andB*2705) differing in a single amino acid residue. After 200 ps moleculardynamics simulations of the solvated HLA–peptide pairs, some molecularproperties of the complexes (distances between ligand and protein center ofmasses, atomic fluctuations, buried versus accessible surface areas,hydrogen-bond frequencies) allow a clear discrimination of potent from weakMHC binders. The binding specificity of the three nonapeptides for the twoHLA alleles could be explained by the disruption of one hydrogen-bondingnetwork in the binding pocket of the HLA-B*2705 protein where the singlemutation occurs. Rearrangements of interactions in the B pocket, which bindsthe side chain of peptidic residue 2, and a weakening of interactionsinvolving the C-terminal end of the peptide also took place. In addition,extension of the peptide backbone using a -Ala analogue did notabolish binding to any of the two HLA-B27 subtypes, but increased theselectivity for B*2703, as expected from the larger peptide binding groovein this subtype. A better understanding of the atomic details involved inpeptide selection by closely related HLA alleles is of crucial importancefor unraveling the molecular features linking particular HLA alleles toautoimmune diseases, and for the identification of antigenic peptidestriggering such pathologies.     

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein analysis by optimised two-dimensional electrophoretic methods

Human histocompatibility molecules HLA-Class I and Class II (DR, DQ, DP) were analysed using three two-dimensional protocols: nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis (NEPHGE), isoelectric focusing-acidic gradient (IEF-AG) and isoelectric focusing-basic gradient (IEF-BG). The three methods differ in their carrier ampholyte combinations and electrophoretic conditions. They provide different pH gradients and therefore different electrofocusing profiles. The NEPHGE protocol was adequate for separating proteins across a broad range of pI mobilities, i.e. 4.4 pH units between the acidic and the basic end. In contrast, the IEF-AG and the IEF-BG protocols gave a separation power across a narrow pH range, 1.9 and 1.7 pH units respectively. Thus, whereas the NEPHGE protocol provides a tool for a global major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen profile analysis, the IEF-AG and -BG allows one to investigate subcomponents of the individual MHC chains. For example, NEPHGE analysis of the HLA Class I heavy chain revealed a single spot. However, IEF-BG revealed the presence of six equidistantly spaced spots spanning a short pH gradient with identical molecular weight. Similar improved resolution was seen for the HLA-DR, DQ, and DP molecules. The IEF acidic gradient was adequate for separating the alpha chain; the IEF basic gradient gave better resolution of the beta chains. This data provides a baseline set of conditions for both analytical and preparative MHC protein studies prior to amino acid sequencing.     

Glycan side chains on naturally presented MHC class II ligands

The molecular characterization of unknown naturally presented major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II glycopeptides carrying complex glycans has so far not been achieved, reflecting the different fragmentation characteristics of sugars and peptides in mass spectrometric analysis. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR-bound peptides were isolated by affinity purification, separated via high performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We were able to identify two naturally processed MHC class II ligands, CD53(122-136) and CD53(121-136), carrying complex N-linked glycan side chains by a combination of in-source and collision-induced fragmentation on a quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer.     

Structure and surface properties of polyacrylates with short fluorocarbon side chain: Role of the main chain and spacer group

The degradation of poly(fluoroalkyl acrylate)s with long perfluoroalkyl groups, especially with perfluorooctyl group, leads to the release of biopersistent perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). To find the environmentally friendly substitutes, a series of nonbiopersistant fluorinated polymers containing perfluorohexyl groups in the side chains have been synthesized and characterized. This study was then focused on the role played by the main chain and spacer group located in the side chain between the backbone and the fluorinated segment and, in particular, on the properties of poly[2‐[[[[2‐(perfluorohexyl)]‐sulfonyl]methyl]amino]ethyl] acrylate (PC6SA), methacrylate (PC6SMA) and poly[(perfluorohexyl)ethyl] methacrylate (PC6MA). Surface properties and bulk organization of fluorinated side chains of those polymers were investigated by contact angles, differential scanning calorimetry, optical polaring microscopy, and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. Results were compared with those obtained with poly[(perfluorohexyl) ethyl] acrylate (PC6A). They all had very low surface free energies. Surprisingly, with the same perfluoalkyl chain, PC6SA and PC6SMA with a N‐methylsulfonamide spacer group were found to be organized in a liquid crystalline lamellar structure, whereas PC6A and PC6MA were found to be amorphous. This was mainly attributed to the steric term and polarity of N‐methylsulfonamide group that tended to facilitate the orientation of the perfluorinated segments in smectic phases. PC6SA, PC6SMA, and PC6MA had rich dynamic water repellency because of the low surface molecular mobility. This phenomenon relates to the crystallization of side chains or high glass transition temperature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2584–2593, 2010     

Cs3AgAs4Se8 and CsAgAs2Se4: selenoarsenates with infinite 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains in different Ag+ coordination environments

Two quaternary silver selenoarsenates Cs3AgAs4Se8 (I) and CsAgAs2Se4 (II) have been discovered by methanothermal reaction of Li3AsSe3 with AgBF4 in the presence of the respective alkali metal sources Cs2CO3 and CsCl. Orange crystals of Cs3AgAs4Se8 (I) were formed after reaction at 120 degrees C for 72 h, whereas red CsAgAs2Se4 (II) was obtained under slightly different conditions at 140 degrees C for 70 h. Both compounds possess novel two-dimensional (2D) polyanions consisting of infinite 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains that are interconnected by Ag+ ions in different coordination patterns. In I, a double layer of 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains is bridged by distorted trigonal planar coordinated Ag+ atoms to form a 2 infinity[AgAs4Se8]3- layer with a thickness of about 11.3 A. The nonbonding Ag...Ag distances are about 4.220 A, and large cavities within the layers accommodate for three of the four crystallographic Cs+ cations. The double amount of Ag+ atoms per AsSe2 chain unit in II leads to simple layers 2 infinity[AgAs2Se4]- [=[Ag2As4Se8]2-] in which the Ag+ atoms are arranged in rows between the 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains, with alternating Ag...Ag distances of 3.053(3) and 3.488(3) A. Hereby the 1 infinity[AsSe2]- polyanions show a disorder within the central (-As-Seb)- chain (b = bridging), while the positions of the terminal Se atoms (Set) remain unaffected. The thermal, optical, and spectroscopic properties of the compounds are reported. Both I and II melt with decomposition and are wide band gap semiconductors with values of 2.07 and 1.79 eV, respectively. Raman spectroscopic data show typical band patterns expected for infinite [AsSe2]- chains. Crystal Data: Cs3AgAs4Se8 (I), monoclinic, C2/c, a = 25.212(2) A, b = 8.0748(7) A, c = 22.803(2) A, beta = 116.272(2) degrees, Z = 8; CsAgAs2Se4 (II), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 10.9211(1) A, b = 6.5188(2) A, c = 13.7553(3) A, beta = 108.956(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

APdCu(Se2)(Se3) (A = K and Rb): new quaternary copper palladium polyselenides with unusual metal-selenium coordination

Two novel metal polyselenides, KPdCu(Se(2))(Se(3)) (I) and RbPdCu(Se(2))(Se(3)) (II), have been synthesized from solvothermal reactions in superheated ethylenediamine at 160 degrees C. The isostructural compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m, Z = 2, with a = 6.145(1) A, b = 7.268(1) A, c = 8.865(2) A, beta = 102.41(3) degrees for I, and a = 6.253(1) A, b = 7.267(1) A, c = 8.993(2) A, beta = 102.28(3) degrees for II. Their crystal structures are two-dimensional networks with [PdCu(Se(2))(Se(3))](-) anionic layers built from one-dimensional [Pd(Se(2))(Se(3))](2)(-) "chains" that are "stitched" together by tetrahedrally coordinated Cu atoms. The DSC data show that I and II are stable up to 400 degrees C and decompose at ca. 436 and 424 degrees C, respectively. Both compounds are narrow band-gap semiconductors with estimated band gaps of about 0.7 eV (I) and 0.8 eV (II), respectively. They are the first structurally characterized quaternary copper palladium polychalcogenides with a (Se(2))(2)(-) and a (Se(3))(2)(-) fragment, both exhibiting interesting and unusual metal-selenium coordination.     

Computer simulation of linkage of two ring chains

We performed off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations of links of two model ring chains with chain length N up to 32,768 in the theta solution or amorphous bulk state by using a random walk model (Model I), and molecular dynamics simulations of two model ring chains in solution with excluded volume interaction (Model II) to investigate topological effects on the geometry of link and ring conformation. In the case of Model I, the mean squared linking number, its distribution, and the size of two chains with fixed linking number are investigated. Our simulation results confirm the previous theoretical prediction that the mean squared linking number decays as pe(-qs(2)) with the distance of centers of chain mass s, where p and q are found to be chain length dependent and q asymptotically approaches to 0.75 as chain length increases. The linking number distribution of two chains has a universal form for long chains, but our simulation results clearly show that the distribution function deviates from the Gaussian distribution, a fact not predicted by any previous theoretical work. A scaling prediction is proposed to predict the link size, and is checked for our simulations for the Model II. The simulation results confirmed the scaling prediction of the blob picture that the link with linking number m occupies a compact volume of m blobs, and the size of the link is asymptotic to R(L) ≈ bN(ν)m(1/3-ν), where N is the chain length, and v is the Flory exponent of polymer in solutions.     

Synthesis and characterization of ReO4-containing microporous and open framework structures

A microporous and an open framework structure, [Cu(2)(pzc)(2)(H(2)O)(2)ReO(4)] (I) and [Cu(pzc)(H(2)O)ReO(4)].2H(2)O (II) (pzc = 2-pyrazinecarboxylate), respectively, have been prepared using hydrothermal methods and characterized using IR, TGA, and X-ray diffraction (I Pnma, No. 62, Z = 4, a = 7.4949(9) A, b = 24.975(3) A, c = 9.141(1) A; II P2(1)/c, No. 14, Z = 4, a = 8.5878(9) A, b = 12.920(1) A, c = 9.741(1) A, beta = 92.830(2) degrees ). I and II crystallize as red and blue solids, respectively, and each contains chains constructed from alternating Cu(pzc)(2)/ReO(4) oxide-bridged metal sites. The bidentate pzc ligand further bridges each -Cu-O-Re-O- chain to adjacent chains, via the Cu sites, to form a 3D net in I, with ellipsoidal channels that are approximately 3.3-4.7 A x 12.5 A, and in II, stacked layers of square nets with H(2)O-filled cavities that are approximately 4.4 x 5.1 A. Local ReO(4)(-) groups, a component of common oxidation catalysts, are directed at the channels and cavities of each structure, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that I loses up to 64% of its H(2)O content before decomposition at 225 degrees C, while II loses approximately 100% of its H(2)O content by 265 degrees C.     

M(bipyridine)V(4)O(10) (M = Cu, Ag): hybrid analogues of low-dimensional reduced vanadates

New hybrid layered vanadates, M(bpy)V4O10 (I, M = Cu+; II, M = Ag+; bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine), were prepared from hydrothermal reactions at 220-230 degrees C, and their structures were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction [I, P21/c (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 3.6154(3) A, b = 21.217(1) A, c = 20.267(1) A, and beta = 90.028(3) degrees ; II, P (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 3.5731(4) A, b = 10.429(1) A, c = 21.196(2) A, alpha = 89.031(5) degrees , beta = 89.322(5) degrees , and gamma = 85.546(5) degrees ]. The structures of I and II are closely related, though not isostructurally, with both containing partially reduced V4O10- layers that are constructed from zigzag chains of edge-sharing VO5 tetragonal pyramids. Neighboring zigzag chains within a layer condense via shared vertices and alternate between versions containing V4.5+ and V5+ ions, such that two out of four symmetry-unique V atoms are reduced by a half-electron on average. The interlayer spaces contain unusual M(bpy)+ chains formed from the coordination of two bridging bpy ligands to Ag+/Cu+ in a nearly linear fashion and each with a third bond to a single apical O atom of the reduced (V4.5+) VO5 tetragonal pyramids. Both I and II are stable until approximately 350-400 degrees C in O2, at which point the ligands are liberated to yield the purely inorganic MxV4O10 (M = Ag, Cu) solids. The electrical conductivities of both compounds show a temperature dependence that is consistent with Mott's variable-range-hopping model for randomly localized electrons. Magnetic susceptibilities of both I and II can be fitted to a Curie-Weiss expression (theta = -25 and -31 K, respectively; C approximately 0.40 emu.mol-1.K for both) at higher temperatures and one unpaired spin per formula. However, at below approximately 12-18 K, both show evidence for an antiferromagnetic transition that can be fitted well to the Heisenberg linear antiferromagnetic chain model. These results are analyzed with respect to related reduced vanadates and help to provide new structure-property insights for strongly correlated electron systems.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of two chemically modified peptide epitopes for the class I MHC protein HLA-B*2705

The T-cell receptor of a CD8(+) T-cell recognises peptide epitopes bound by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) glycoproteins presented in a groove on their upper surface. Within the groove of the MHC molecule are 6 pockets, two of which mostly display a high degree of specificity for binding amino acids capable of making conserved and energetically favourable contacts with the MHC. One type of MHC molecule, HLA-B*2705, preferentially binds peptides containing an arginine at position 2. In an effort to increase the affinity of peptides for HLA-B*2705, potentially leading to better immune responses to such a peptide, we synthesised two modified epitopes where the amino acid at position 2 involved in anchoring the peptide to the class I molecule was replaced with the alpha-methylated beta,gamma-unsaturated arginine analogue 2-(S)-amino-5-guanidino-2-methyl-pent-3-enoic acid. The latter was prepared via a multi-step synthetic sequence, starting from alpha-methyl serine, and incorporated into dipeptides which were fragment-coupled to resin-bound heptameric peptides yielding the target nonameric sequences. Biological characterisation indicated that the modified peptides were poorer than the native peptides at stabilising empty class I MHC complexes, and cells sensitised with these peptides were not recognised as well by cognate CD8(+) T-cells, where available, compared to those sensitised with the native peptide. We suggest that the modifications made to the peptide have decreased its ability to bind to the peptide binding groove of HLA-B*2705 molecules which may explain the decrease in recognition by cytotoxic T-cells when compared to the native peptide.     

Two coordination polymers created via in situ ligand synthesis involving C-N and C-C bond formation

We report the synthesis and crystal structures of two transition metal-based coordination polymers comprising ligand molecules not included in the original reaction mixtures but instead formed in situ during hydrothermal treatment. Zinc meso-iminodisuccinate hydrate (I), Zn(2)(C(8)H(7)NO(8)).0.57H(2)O, formed from zinc acetate and L-aspartic acid, and tetraaquanickel(II) 5,10-dioxo-5,10-dihydro-4,9-dioxa-pyrene-2,7-dicarboxylate (II), Ni(H(2)O)(4)(C(16)H(4)O(8)), formed from nickel acetate and 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid. We show that the formation of I takes place via a fumaric acid intermediate, while the formation of II requires the formation of a new C-C bond. The structure of I consists of weakly interacting sheets, while the structure of II consists of strongly hydrogen-bonded chains. Crystal data: for I, P2(1)/n (14), a = 10.073 A, b = 9.894 A, c = 12.053 A, beta = 105.605 degrees, V = 1156.87(13) A(3), Z = 4; for II, P1 (2), a = 5.011 A, b = 6.526 A, c = 12.305 A, alpha = 76.868 degrees, beta = 84.988 degrees, gamma = 87.619 degrees, V = 390.3(4) A(3), Z = 1.     

Dynamic interaction among the platform domain and two membrane-proximal immunoglobulin-like domains of class I major histocompatibility complex: normal mode analysis

Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules have three domains, a platform domain and two membrane-proximal immunoglobulin-like domains, an alpha3 domain and a beta2-immunoglobulin (beta2m). To understand the dynamic interactions among the three domains, we simulated the behavior of a partial model deficient in beta2m and another model deficient in the alpha3 domain, by normal mode analysis. As a result, the partial model deficient in beta2m was more flexible in interdomain conformation than the other model. The lowest frequency modes (<2 cm(-1)) observed for the simulations of the partial model deficient in beta2m showed clear interdomain motions as if each domain moved like a rigid body. Such low frequencies and clear interdomain motions were not observed for the simulations of the other model, therefore the interdomain flexibility of the partial model deficient in beta2m may be due to the lowest frequency modes (<2 cm(-1)). These results suggest that beta2m contributes to maintaining the interdomain conformation of class I MHC molecules more than the alpha3 domain does, and may offer convincing evidence to support the notion that the alpha3 domain and beta2m do not have an equal influence on the structural stability of class I MHC molecules.     

Hydro/solvothermal synthesis and structures of new zinc phosphates of varying dimensionality

Hydro/solvothermal reactions of ZnO, HCl, H(3)PO(4), 1,4-diazacycleheptane (homopiperazine), and H(2)O under a variety of conditions yielded three new organic-inorganic hybrid materials, [C(5)N(2)H(14)][Zn(HPO(4))(2)].xH(2)O (x = approximately 0.46), I, [C(5)N(2)H(14)][Zn(3)(H(2)O)(PO(4))(2)(HPO(4))], II, and [C(5)N(2)H(14)][Zn(2)(HPO(4))(3)].H(2)O, III. While I has a one-dimensional structure, II possesses a two-dimensional layered structure, and III has a three-dimensional structure closely related to the ABW zeolitic architecture. All the compounds consist of vertex linking of ZnO(4), PO(4), and HPO(4) tetrahedral units. The fundamental building unit, single four-membered ring (S4R), is present in all the cases, and the observed differences in their structures result from variations in the connectivity between the S4R units. Thus I has a corner-shared S4R forming an infinite one-dimensional chain, II has two corner-shared chains fused through a 3-coordinated oxygen atom forming a strip and a layer with eight-membered apertures, and III has S4R units connected via oxygen atoms to give rise to channels bound by eight T atoms (T = Zn, P) in all crystallographic directions. Crystal data: I, monoclinic, space group = P2(1)/n (No. 14), a = 8.6053(3) A, b = 13.7129(5) A, c = 10.8184(4) A, beta = 97.946(1) degrees, V = 1264.35(8) A(3), Z = 4; II, monoclinic, space group = P2(1)/c (No. 14), a = 11.1029(1) A, b = 17.5531(4) A, c = 8.2651(2) A, beta = 97.922(2) degrees, V = 1595.42(5) A(3), Z = 4; III, monoclinic, space group = P2(1) (No. 4), a = 8.0310(2) A, b = 10.2475(3) A, c = 10.570(3) A, beta = 109.651(1) degrees, V = 819.24(3) A(3), Z = 2.     

Layer guided-acoustic plate mode biosensors for monitoring MHC-peptide interactions

The transduction signals from the immobilisation of a class I heavy chain, HLA-A2, on a layer guided acoustic plate mode device, followed by binding of beta(2)-microglobulin and subsequent selective binding of a target peptide are reported.     

Two members of the bis­phospho­nate class of drugs: a zwitterion and a molecular compound

The compounds studied in this paper, viz. (1‐ammonio‐1‐phosphono­propyl)­phospho­nate, C₃H₁₁NO₆P₂, (I), and 1‐(acetyl­amino)­propyl­idene‐1,1‐bis­phospho­nic acid dihydrate, C₅H₁₃NO₇P₂·2H₂O, (II), are members of a commonly used family of therapeutic agents. Compound (I) is an inner salt with separated negative (on the ionized PO₃ group) and positive (on the tetrahedral N atom) charges, while (II) possesses neutral phospho­nyl groups and one amide N atom. Both structures have a C—C—C—N backbone, which has comparable geometric parameters in (I) and (II); the main difference was found in one of the N—C—P bond angles, which is lengthened in (II) because of an intramolecular O_PO3—H⃛O_C=O interaction. The hydrogen‐bonding scheme in the crystal of (I) includes all possible donor atoms, namely all the H atoms of the ammonium group and the phospho­nic acid functions. As a result of these interactions, the zwitterions are organized into a plane running along the crystallographic x axis. In (II), the intermolecular interactions include all possible donor atoms, except for the N atom; the packing differs from that of (I) in that the mol­ecules are arranged in a chain running parallel to the x axis. In the chains, the mol­ecules form head‐to‐head dimers, while the crystallization water mol­ecules contribute to the intra‐ and interchain cohesion.     

Polyelectrolytes in multivalent salt solutions

We study conformational and electrophoretic properties of polyelectrolytes (PEs) in tetravalent salt solutions under the action of electric fields by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Chain conformations are found to have a sensitive dependence on the salt concentration C(s). As C(s) is increased, the chains first shrink to a globular structure and subsequently re-expand above a critical concentration C(s)*. An external electric field can further alter the chain conformation. If the field strength E is larger than a critical value E*, the chains are elongated. E* is shown to be a function of C(s) by using two estimators E(I)* and E(II)* through the study of the polarization energy and the onset point of chain unfolding, respectively. The electrophoretic mobility of the chains depends strongly on C(s), and the magnitude increases significantly, accompanying the chain unfolding, when E>E(II)*. We study the condensed ion distributions modified by electric fields and discuss the connection of the modification with the change of chain morphology and mobility. Finally, E* is studied by varying the chain length N. The inflection point is used as a third estimator E(III)*. E(III)* scales as N(-0.63(4)) and N(-0.76(2)) at C(s) =0.0 and C(s)*, respectively. E(II)* follows a similar scaling law to E(III)* but a crossover appears at C(s) =C(s)* when N is small. The E(I)* estimator fails to predict the critical field, which is due to oversimplifying the critical polarization energy to the thermal energy. Our results provide valuable information to understand the electrokinetics of PE solutions at the molecular level and could be helpful in micro/nanofluidic applications.     

Thermotropic phase behaviour of sodium oleate as studied by FT-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction

The thermotropic behaviour of sodium oleate (NaOl) has been studied in the temperature range 10–125°C by using Fourier transform-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The temperature dependence of conformationally sensitive bands in the CH₂ stretching (2800–2900 cm⁻¹), C–C stretching (1050–1150 cm⁻¹) and CH₃ rocking region (830–900 cm⁻¹) has been used to characterize the order/disorder behaviour of alkyl chains. It is found that in phase I, NaOl exhibits the crystalline ordered lamellar structure with a repeat period of 4.51 nm. The first broad peak in the DSC trace is due to superposition of two transitions (phase I to phase II and phase II to phase III), therefore, it is not possible to determine the lamellar structure of phase II. This broad transition from phase I to phase III is associated with the melting of methyl-sided chains and increase in gauche conformers in carboxylate-sided chains. Finally, NaOl undergoes a transition from crystalline to a liquid crystalline phase IV, which is associated with the melting of the carboxylate-sided chain.     

Structure and phase transitions in poly[bis-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy) phosphazene]

The structure and phase transitions in poly[bis-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)phosphazene] have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction. Two crystalline phases and one mesomorphic phase are found, denoted I, II, and III, respectively. These phases convert reversibly one into the other on heating and cooling. The Phase I–Phase II transition occurs in a temperature range from 5 to 30°C whereas the Phase II mesophase (Phase III) transition proceeds above 80°C. Heats of transitions are measured to be about 29.0 J/g and 3.6 J/g, respectively. Crystalline Phase I is characterized by a monoclinic unit cell with the parameters: α = 24.4 Å, b = 9.96 Å, c = 4.96 Å, γ = 123°. The axes of both chains, traversing the unit cell, are directed along the “c” axis, the main chains having cis-trans conformation. Phase I is the common crystalline structure for the main chain and side chains. The structure of Phase II is controlled mainly by packing of the side chains. Transition of Phase II into mesomorphic Phase III is accompanied with distortion of packing of the side chains. Only regular packing of the main chains of macromolecules in the plane perpendicular to their axes exists in Phase III. Mesomorphic phase III is stable up to the degradation temperature of the polymer. A significant effect of stress on the Phase II–III transition in oriented samples was found.     

Synthesis and characterization of diverse coordination polymers. Linear and zigzag chains involving their structural transformation via intermolecular hydrogen-bonded, interpenetrating ladders polycatenane, and noninterpenetrating square grid from long, rigid N,N'-bidentate ligands: 1,4-bis[(x-pyridyl)ethynyl]benzene (x = 3 and 4)

The long, rigid ligands 1,4-bis[(3-pyridyl)ethynyl]benzene (L1) and 1,4-bis[(4-pyridyl)ethynyl]benzene (L2) were used in the synthesis of 10 new organic-inorganic coordination frameworks, each of them adopting different structural motifs. Synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure determination, and spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses are presented. The reactions between M(NO3)2 x xH2O; M = Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II); x = 3-6 and Cu(hfac)2 x H2O [hfac = bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)] with L1 afforded the following one-dimensional zigzag chain structures: [Cd(C20H12N2)0.5(NO3)(CH3OH)]n (1, monoclinic, C2/c; a = 7.586(1) A, b = 23.222(1) A, c = 13.572(1) A, beta = 92.824(1), Z = 4); [{Cu(C20H12N2)(NO3)2(CH3OH)} x CH3OH]n (2, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1); a = 8.589(1) A, b = 15.766(1) A, c = 17.501(1) A, Z = 4); [Co(C20H12N2)2(NO3)2(H2O)2] (5, triclinic, P1; a = 7.493(1) A, b = 8.948(1) A, c = 14.854(1) A, alpha = 100.427(1), beta = 97.324(1), gamma = 110.901(1), Z = 1); [Cu(C20H12N2)(hfac)2]n (4, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 18.828(1) A, b = 14.671(1) A, c = 13.427(1) A, beta = 90.447(1) degrees, Z = 4). Moreover, the minority phase compound formed from Cu(NO3)2 x 3H2O and L1 yielded a metallocyclic chain structure, [Cu(C20H12N2)(NO3)]n (3, triclinic, P; a = 8.728(1) A, b = 10.018(1) A, c = 11.893(1) A, alpha = 109.991(1), beta = 97.109(1), gamma = 115.542(1), Z = 1). In addition to the dinuclear coordination complex 5, all other polymeric structures (1-4) from L1 are composed of interpenetrating 2D and 3D cross-linked zigzag chains via hydrogen-bonding interactions. The reactions between M(NO3)2 x xH2O; M = Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II); x = 3-6 and Cu(hfac)2 x H2O [hfac = bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)] and L2 were dependent on the nature of the metal center and resulted in the formation of four different interpenetrating and noninterpenetrating compounds (6-10): [Co(C20H12N2)1.5(NO3)2]n (6, triclinic, P; a = 14.172(1) A, b = 15.795(1) A, c = 18.072(1) A, alpha = 115.380(1), beta = 101.319(1), gamma = 93.427(2), Z = 4), which consists of T-shaped building blocks assembled into three-dimensional interpenetrating polycatenated ladders; [Cd(C20H12N2)2(NO3)2]n (7, monoclinic, I2/a; a = 11.371(1) A, b = 20.311(2) A, c = 15.240(2) A, beta = 100.201(2) degrees, Z = 4), which adopts a two-dimensional noninterpenetrating square-grid motif; [Cu(C20H12N2)(hfac)2]n (8, monoclinic, I2/a; a = 11.371(1) A, b = 20.311(2) A, c = 15.240(2) A, beta = 100.201(2) degrees, Z = 4), composed of three sets of distinct one-dimensional linear chains; [Cu(C20H12N2)(EtOH)(NO3)2] [Cu(C20H12N2)1.5(NO3)2] x 2EtOH (9, triclinic, P; a = 12.248(2) A, b = 13.711(3) A, c = 18.257(4) A, alpha = 108.078(4) degrees, beta = 97.890(4) degrees, gamma = 103.139(5) degrees, Z = 2) and [Cu(C20H12N2)(MeOH)(NO3)2] [Cu(C20H12N2)1.5(NO3)2] x 2MeOH (10, triclinic, P; a = 12.136(1) A, b = 13.738(2) A, c = 17.563(3) A, alpha = 107.663(3) degrees, beta = 94.805(4) degrees, gamma = 104.021(4) degrees, Z = 2). Both 9 and 10 stack into infinite interpenetrating ladders through bundles of infinite chains and are described in our preliminary communication.