In vivo near-infrared Raman spectroscopy: demonstration of feasibility during clinical gastrointestinal endoscopy

Raman spectroscopy (RS) has potential for disease classification within the gastrointestinal tract (GI). A near-infrared (NIR) fiber-optic RS system has been developed previously. This study reports the first in vivo Raman spectra of human gastrointestinal tissues measured during routine clinical endoscopy. This was achieved by using this system with a fiber-optic probe that was passed through the endoscope instrument channel and placed in contact with the tissue surface. Spectra could be obtained with good signal-to-noise ratio in 5 s. The effects on the spectra of varying the pressure of the probe tip on the tissue and of the probe-tissue angle were determined and shown to be insignificant. The limited set of spectra from normal and diseased tissues revealed only subtle differences. Therefore, powerful spectral-sorting algorithms, successfully implemented in prior ex vivo studies, are required to realize the full diagnostic potential of RS for tissue classification in the GI.     

On the synthesis of the N2F+5 cation. A critical comment on the paper by Toy and Stringham.

Toy and Stringham recently reported [1] the synthesis of N₂F⁺₅ (CF₃)₃CO^-, a salt containing the novel pentafluorohydrazinium cation. This cation would be of significant academic and practical interest [2] since it would constitute the first known example of a substituted NF⁺₄ cation, i.e. an NF⁺₄ cation in which a fluorine ligand is replaced by an NF₂ group. According to the authors of [1], N₂F⁺₅(CF₃)₃CO^- was formed in a very unusual reaction involving the transfer of a fluorine cation from (CF₃)₃COF to N₂F₄ according to:

     

Synthesis of a new chiral nonracemic C(2)-symmetric 2,2'-bipyridyl ligand and its application in copper(I)-catalyzed enantioselective cyclopropanation reactions

An efficient synthesis of a low molecular weight, chiral nonracemic and C(2)-symmetric bipyridyl ligand is reported. The ligand was prepared using a catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction of a pyrindine as a key step. The ligand was evaluated in the asymmetric copper(I)-catalyzed cyclopropanation reactions of a series of alkenes and diazoesters. Very high diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities were observed (>95:5 dr and up to 99% ee). These are the highest reported stereoselectivities for a chiral bipyridyl ligand. [structure: see text]     

Thermal Gradients for the Control of Elution in RP-LC: Application to the Separation of Model Drugs

The use of temperature as a variable in liquid chromatography enables the facile alteration of eluotropic strength without the need to change solvent composition. The ability to change eluotropic strength via temperature alone means that thermal gradients can be used to mimic the effects of solvent gradients but without many of the unwanted effects of changes in solvent composition. Here we illustrate the use of thermal gradients as a means of controlling chromatographic separations using either constant flow or, with the flow rate increased to maintain isobaric conditions, constant pressure, performed using columns packed with 1.7 μm particles. A model is described that can be used to used to predict flow, pressure and temperature under gradient conditions. Practical experimental factors such as the need for post column cooling and the use of frit restrictors in order to obtain optimum results are described.     

Investigation of the metabolic fate of 2-, 3- and 4-bromobenzoic acids in bile-duct-cannulated rats by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry/electrospray mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) has been used to determine the rate and routes of excretion of bromine following the intraperitoneal administration (50 mg kg(-1)) of 2-, 3- and 4-bromobenzoic acids to male bile-duct-cannulated rats. Analysis of urine and bile for (79/81)Br using ICPMS showed that all three bromobenzoic acids were rapidly excreted (82-98%) within 48 h of dosing, primarily via the urine. High-performance liquid chromatography/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC/ICPMS) was then used to obtain metabolite profiles for bile and urine. These profiles revealed that extensive metabolism had taken place, with the unchanged bromobenzoic acids forming a minor part of the total of compound-related material detected. Concomitant MS studies, supplemented by alkaline hydrolysis, enabled the identification of the major metabolite of all three of the bromobenzoic acids as a glycine conjugate. Ester glucuronide conjugates were also identified, but formed only a small proportion of total.     

Applications of prompt particle spectrometry to studies of tinplate surfaces

The use of alpha backscattering is described for the study of oleo-resinous lacquers on tinplate. The lacquer composition is measured as a function of curing temperature, duration of stoving and ageing. The effect of reheating understoved specimens is evaluated and the decomposition during alpha bombardment is measured. The use of prompt proton spectrometry from (d, p) reactions is described for the analysis of stains on tinplate surfaces produced by interaction with protein-rich foods.     

Scaling in second-order electron correlation calculations using systematic sequences of even-tempered basis sets

Improved results can often be obtained from second-order Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation calculations of electron correlation energies using large basis sets by introducing a scaling factor in the zero-order Hamiltonian. The scaling parameter may be determined from full third-order calculations using a smaller basis set. This scaling procedure can be applied in a systematic fashion by employing a sequence of even-tempered basis sets. Calculations illustrating this approach for the beryllium atom and the neon atom are presented. The scaling procedure is also employed in conjunction with a universal systematic sequence of basis functions. Calculations illustrating this Correlation energy — Mang-body perturbation theory.Work supported in part by S.R.C. Research Grant GR/B/4738.6.S.R.C. Advanced Fellow.     

Selective syntheses of novel polyether fullerene multiple adducts

We have applied a modified macrocyclic tether approach to control multiple additions to C60. The technique of 3He NMR was used to confirm the selective formation of specific C60 multiple adducts by the macrocyclic tether approach. An oligoglycol was used as a flexible linker to produce macrocyclic polyether-linked malonates 5, 6, 8, and 9 under solid-liquid PTC (phase-transfer-catalysis) conditions. The formation of a single C60 tris-adduct, 3, from macrocyclic malonate 1 and 3He@C60 was proven by 3He NMR. Similarly, multiple additions to C60 of macrocyclic polyether malonate 5 gave C60 bis-adduct 10 selectively, while the reaction of C60 with macrocyclic malonate 8 gave bis-adducts 11 and 12. A similar process with macrocyclic malonate 6 gave tris-adduct 13 with high selectivity as well. Saponification of these C60 multiple adducts gives the corresponding polyacids that are potentially useful in biological applications. Macrocyclic polyether fullerenes are a new class of ionophores, which could be interesting for molecular recognition and for the development of biosensors.     

TWO WATER-SOLUBLE FLUORESCENCE PROBES FOR CHEMIEXCITATION STUDIES: SODIUM 9,10-DIBROMO- AND 9, 10-DIPHENYLANTHRACENE-2-SULFONATE. SYNTHESIS, PROPERTIES AND APPLICATION TO TRIPLET ACETONE AND TETRAMETHYLDIOXETANE

The syntheses of sodium 9,10-dibromo- and 9,10-diphenylanthracene-2-sulfonate (DBAS and DPAS, respectively) are described and their photophysical properties determined. These two probes were used in aqueous solution studies of the kinetic parameters of tetramethyldioxetane thermolysis, which were found to be the same as in organic solvents. The yields of triplet and singlet acetone generated by the decomposition of this dioxetane in water are also comparable to the literature values in organic medium. The lifetime of triplet acetone in water was determined to be 13 ± 2 u.s by a method based on the measurement of the fluorescence decay of DBAS excited via energy transfer from triplet acetone, by the time-correlated single-photon counting technique. Sorbate ion quenches triplet acetone from tetramethyldioxetane with a rate constant smaller but close to the diffusion-controlled limit.     

Stereoselective association of binuclear metallacycles in coordination polymers

A series of structurally related binuclear metallacycles [Cd(NO(3))(2)L](2), where L is an angular exo-bidentate ligand, have been synthesized. Each metallacycle contains two coordinatively unsaturated, chiral metal centers within a single molecule, and the assembly of these metallacycles into polymeric framework structures has been studied systematically for the first time. Stereoselective homochiral association of [Cd(NO(3))(2)L](2) leads to the formation of helical coordination polymers, whereas meso type association results in nonhelical chain structures. The type of stereoselective aggregation depends on the conditions of self-assembly as well as on ligand functionality. Both helical and nonhelical polymeric complexes have been isolated for the metallacycle [Cd(NO(3))(2)(2,4'-pyacph)](2) (2,4'-pyacph = 2,4'-(4-ethynylphenyl)bipyridyl). Homochiral association results in the formation of helical [Cd(NO(3))]( infinity ) chains which link the binuclear [Cd(NO(3))(2)(2,4'-pyacph)](2) metallacycles into racemic two-dimensional sheets which contain both P and M [Cd(NO(3))]( infinity ) helices. In contrast, meso-association leads to the formation of nonhelical one-dimensional chains. It is shown that the product of homochiral association is predominately formed at room temperature and that of meso-association is generated at elevated temperatures. Thus, it may be concluded that the homochiral association appears to be energetically less favorable than the meso-association, a conclusion that has been confirmed by theoretical calculations of the crystal lattice energy. Several high-yield syntheses of bipyridyl-type ligands used for metallacyclic assembly are also reported.