NeuO: a Fluorescent Chemical Probe for Live Neuron Labeling

To address existing limitations in live neuron imaging, we have developed NeuO , a novel cell‐permeable fluorescent probe with an unprecedented ability to label and image live neurons selectively over other cells in the brain. NeuO enables robust live neuron imaging and isolation in vivo and in vitro across species; its versatility and ease of use sets the basis for its development in a myriad of neuronal targeting applications.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Cross‐Linked Poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene)s

Summary: Conjugated poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) networks with interesting optoelectronic properties were synthesized by the palladium‐catalyzed polycondensation of 2,5‐diiodo‐4‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]methoxybenzene, and 1,4‐diethynyl‐2,5‐bis‐(octyloxy)benzene, with 1,2,4‐tribromobenzene as cross‐linker. The cross‐linker concentration was varied and materials with different cross‐link densities were prepared. The materials were processed into films by simultaneous polymerization and shaping. An alternative approach is to synthesize these cross‐linked polymers in the form of spherical particles, which can be processed from dispersions.

Schematic representation of the cross‐linking process.     

Total Synthesis of Myceliothermophins C,D, and E

The total synthesis of cytotoxic polyketides myceliothermophins E ( 1 ), C ( 2 ), and D ( 3 ) through a cascade‐based cyclization to form the trans‐fused decalin system is described. The convergent synthesis delivered all three natural products through late‐stage divergence and facilitated unambiguous C21 structural assignments for 2 and 3 through X‐ray crystallographic analysis, which revealed an interesting dimeric structure between its enantiomeric forms.     

An expedient and straightforward solvent-free synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes using eco-friendly aluminized polyborate catalyst

The present work deals with a catalytic application of aluminized polyborate as a mild solid acid catalyst for multicomponent synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes under solvent-free condition at 100°C-110°C. It involves selective domino Knoevenagel-Michael reaction of 1 mole of aromatic aldehyde with 2 moles dimedone. The aluminized polyborate is simply synthesized by using boric acid and aluminum trichloride and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM and EDAX techniques. The mild Lewis acidity, crystalline solid nature, stability and recyclability are significant features of the catalyst. The solvent-free condition, clean reaction profile, inexpensive and non-toxic catalyst, operational simplicity, good to excellent product yields, reduced reaction time and applicability to wide range of substrate are crucial features of this protocol.     

The pH of the reaction controls the stereoselectivity of organocatalyzed direct aldol reactions in water

The direct aldol reaction of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and cyclohexanone, catalyzed by a protonated prolinamide catalyst in water, proceeds with the formation of aldol product that has high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity in an optimal pH range of 4–5.     

The Effect of Wettability on Three-Phase Relative Permeability

We study three-phase flow in water-wet, oil-wet, and fractionally-wet sandpacks. We use CT scanning to measure directly the oil and water relative permeabilites for three-phase gravity drainage. In an analogue experiment, we measure pressure gradients in the gas phase to determine the gas relative permeability. Thus we find all three relative permeabilities as a function of saturation. We find that the gas relative permeability is approximately half as much in a oil-wet medium than in an water-wet medium at the same gas saturation. The water relative permeability in the water-wet medium and the oil relative permeability in the oil-wet medium are similar. In the water-wet medium the oil relative permeability scales as k _roS _o ⁴ for S _o>S _or, where S _or is the waterflood residual oil saturation. With octane as the oil phase, k _roS _o ² for S _o<S _or, while with decane as the oil phase, k _ro falls sharply for S _o<S _or. The water relative permeability in the oil-wet medium resembles the oil relative permeability in the water-wet medium for a non-spreading oil such as decane. These observations can be explained in terms of wetting, spreading, and the pore scale configurations of fluid.     

Riemann problems for generalized gas dynamics

In this paper, a few classes of exact solutions are obtained using the differential constraints method for generalized gas dynamics equations. The solutions to Riemann problems for two different kinds of initial data are determined with a complete characterization of the solutions through shock waves and/or rarefaction waves.     

Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of Antibiotic CJ‐16,264

The total synthesis and structural revision of antibiotic CJ‐16,264 is described. Starting with citronellal, the quest for the target molecule featured a novel bis‐transannular Diels–Alder reaction that casted stereoselectively the decalin system and included the synthesis of six isomers before demystification of its true structure.