Two-dimensional iron(II) spin crossover complex constructed of bifurcated NH...O- hydrogen bonds and pi-pi interactions: [FeII(HLH,Me)2](ClO4)2.1.5MeCN (HLH,Me = imidazol-4-yl-methylidene-8-amino-2-methylquinoline)

A 2D iron(II) spin crossover complex, [FeII(HLH,Me)2](ClO4)2.1.5MeCN (1), was synthesized, where HLH,Me = imidazol-4-yl-methylidene-8-amino-2-methylquinoline. 1 showed a gradual spin transition between the HS (S = 2) and LS (S = 0) states from 180 to 325 K within the first warming run from 5 to 350 K, in which 1.5MeCN is removed, and there was an abrupt spin transition at T1/2 downward arrow = 174 K in the first cooling run from 350 to 5 K. Following the first cycle, the compound showed an abrupt spin transition at T1/2 upward arrow = 185 K and T1/2 downward arrow = 174 K with 11 K wide hysteresis in the second cycle. The crystal structures of 1 were determined at 296 (an intermediate between the HS and LS states) and 150 K (LS state). The structure consists of a 2D extended structure constructed of both the bifurcated NH...O- hydrogen bonds between two ClO4- ions and two neighboring imidazole NH groups of the [FeII(HLH,Me)2]2+ cations and the pi-pi interactions between the two quinolyl rings of the two adjacent cations. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that solvent molecules are gradually eliminated even at room temperature and completely removed at 369 K. Desolvated complex 1' showed an abrupt spin transition at T1/2 upward arrow = 180 K and T1/2 downward arrow = 174 K with 6 K wide hysteresis.     

Characterization of chitosan nanofiber fabric by electrospray deposition: electrokinetic and adsorption behavior

Cationic biopolymer nanofiber fabrics were prepared from a chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) blend solution by electrospray deposition. Their electrokinetic properties and DNA adsorption behavior were analyzed as a function of pH. The zeta potential was determined from streaming potential/streaming current measurements. The adsorption of DNA onto the fabrics was investigated by spectrophotoscopy. The adsorption behavior of DNA correlated well with the electrokinetic properties of the fabrics. This revealed that the electrokinetic approach was a useful option for characterization of novel nanofiber assemblies made by the electrostatic spray process. In addition, these results provided fundamental information about chitosan nanofiber fabrics for both biomedical and analytical applications.     

Size-tuneable and micro-patterned iron nanoparticles derived from biomolecules via microcontact printing SAM-modified substrates and controlled-potential electrolyses

Site-selected and size-controlled iron nanoparticles were prepared on coplanar surfaces via microcontact printing of SAM-modified Au/mica electrodes and controlled-potential electrolytic reactions using ferritin biomolecules. Ferritin molecules packed like a full monolayer on 6-amino-1-hexanethiol (AHT)- and 11-amino-1-undecanethiol (AUT)-modified Au/mica surface via electrostatic interactions, which did not depend on the chain length of the amino terminal alkane thiols. After heat-treatment at 400 degrees C for 60 min, iron oxide nanoparticles (ca. 5 nm in diameter) derived from ferritin cores were observed at the Au/mica surface by atomic force microscopy (AFM). On the study on the electrochemistry of ferritin immobilized onto AHT- and AUT-modified Au/mica electrodes, the redox response of the ferritin immobilized AHT-modified electrode was clearly observed. On the other hand, no redox peak for ferritin was obtained at the AUT-modified electrode. The electron transfer between ferritin and the electrode through the AUT membrane could not take place. The difference in the electrochemical response of ferritin immobilized onto AHT- and AUT-modified Au/mica was caused by the chain length of the amino terminal alkane thiols. Uniform patterns of AHT and AUT on the Au/mica electrode surface were performed by use of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp. After the immobilization of ferritin onto both AHT- and AUT-modified electrode surfaces, the modified electrode was applied to a -0.5 V potential for 30 min in a phosphate buffer solution. After this procedure, the PDMS stamp patterning image appeared by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image. The SEM results induced by the size change of the ferritin core consisting of iron(III) by electrolysis.     

Exploring Neurofeedback Training for BMI Power Augmentation of Upper Limbs: A Pilot Study

Electroencephalography neurofeedback (EEG-NFB) training can induce changes in the power of targeted EEG bands. The objective of this study is to enhance and evaluate the specific changes of EEG power spectral density that the brain-machine interface (BMI) users can reliably generate for power augmentation through EEG-NFB training. First, we constructed an EEG-NFB training system for power augmentation. Then, three subjects were assigned to three NFB training stages, based on a 6-day consecutive training session as one stage. The subjects received real-time feedback from their EEG signals by a robotic arm while conducting flexion and extension movement with their elbow and shoulder joints, respectively. EEG signals were compared with each NFB training stage. The training results showed that EEG beta (12–40 Hz) power increased after the NFB training for both the elbow and the shoulder joints’ movements. EEG beta power showed sustained improvements during the 3-stage training, which revealed that even the short-term training could improve EEG signals significantly. Moreover, the training effect of the shoulder joints was more obvious than that of the elbow joints. These results suggest that NFB training can improve EEG signals and clarify the specific EEG changes during the movement. Our results may even provide insights into how the neural effects of NFB can be better applied to the BMI power augmentation system and improve the performance of healthy individuals.     

One-step synthesis of heteroaromatic-fused pyrrolidines via cyclopropane ring-opening reaction: application to the PKCbeta inhibitor JTT-010

A ring-opening reaction of cyclopropanes with five-membered heteroaromatics having a leaving group at C(2) was found to provide heteroaromatic-fused pyrrolidines in one step. This reaction was successfully applied to the synthesis of the protein kinase C-beta inhibitor JTT-010, which possesses a dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]indole core.     

Tetrakis(4-pyridyl)methane: synthesis, properties, and a diamondoid network structure of its silver(I) complex

The title compound, which has the highest symmetry among tetrapyridylmethane isomers, has been synthesized from tris(4-pyridyl)methane and 4-chloropyridine. The silver(I) complex of the title compound forms a three-dimensional, non-interpenetrated diamondoid network in a crystal.     

Synthesis of multisubstituted furans, pyrroles, and thiophenes via ynolates

An efficient synthetic method for the preparation of multisubstituted furans, thiophenes, and pyrroles using ynolates was developed. This novel formal [4 + 1] annulation by C2-C3 and C3-C4 bond formations includes cycloaddition, cyclization, decarboxylation, and dehydration as key steps.