1-D polymers with alternate Cu2 and Ln2 units (Ln = Gd, Er, Y) and carboxylate linkages

Three isostructural Cu 2Ln 2 1-D polymers [Cu 2Ln 2L 10(H 2O) 4.3H 2O] n where Ln = Gd ( 1), Er ( 2), and Y ( 3) and HL= trans-2-butenoic acid, were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance, and magnetic measurements. Pairs of alternate Cu 2 and Ln 2 dinuclear units are combined into a linear array by a set of one covalent eta (2):eta (1):mu 2 carboxylate oxygen and two H bonds, at Cu...Ln distances of ca. 4.5 A. These units exhibit four eta (1):eta (1):mu 2 and two eta (2):eta (1):mu 2 carboxylate bridges, respectively. Magnetic measurements between 2 and 300 K, fields B 0 = mu 0 H between 0 and 9 T, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements at the X-band and room temperature are reported. The magnetic susceptibilities indicate bulk antiferromagnetic behavior of the three compounds at low temperatures. Magnetization and EPR data for 1 and 3 allowed evaluation of the exchange couplings between both Cu and Gd ions in their dinuclear units and between Cu and Gd neighbor ions in the spin chains. The data for the isolated Cu 2 units in 3 yield g || = 2.350 and g [symbol: see text] = 2.054, J Cu-Cu = -338 (3) cm (-1) for the exchange coupling [ H ex(1,2) = - J 1-2 S1 x S2], and D 0 = -0.342 (0.003) cm (-1) and E 0 = 0.003 (0.001) cm (-1) for the zero-field-splitting parameters of the triplet state arising from anisotropic spin-spin interactions. Considering tetranuclear blocks Gd-Cu-Cu-Gd in 1, with the parameters for the Cu 2 unit obtained for 3, we evaluated ferromagnetic interactions between Cu and Gd neighbors, J Cu-Gd = 13.0 (0.1) cm (-1), and between Gd ions in the Gd 2 units, J Gd-Gd = 0.25 (0.02) cm (-1), with g Gd = 1.991. The bulk antiferromagnetic behavior of 1 is a consequence of the antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu ions and of the magnitude, |J Cu-Gd|, of the Cu-Gd exchange coupling. Compound 2 displays a susceptibility peak at 15 K that may be interpreted as the combined result from antiferromagnetic couplings between Er (III) ions in Er 2 units and their coupling with the Cu 2 units.     

Characterization and evaluation of free and nanostructured ursolic acid incorporated in cosmetic formulation using thermal analysis

The ursolic acid (UA) increases the skin’s barrier function and acts in epidermal differentiation of keratinocytes in the epidermis, promoting cell renewal. Besides the mentioned properties UA also has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-irritant functions to cosmetic formulations. Thus, it is necessary formulation studies to insure the development of quality cosmetic products containing this active, increasing its antioxidant potential within nanoparticles. This study aims to characterize and evaluate the thermal behavior of UA in free and nanostructured forms, and both incorporated into a cosmetic base formulation, using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Through the study were observed that free UA, in the embedded nanoparticles and in base formulation exhibited different behavior in similar thermal profile and relative to the presence of UA. The UA remained stable to a temperature of 250 °C and the technique has been shown to be effective for characterizing UA, evaluate water content, and stability of the formulation base.     

Symmetric bent-shaped liquid crystal dimers showing transitions between optically uniaxial and biaxial smectic phases

We report the synthesis of a new homologous series of symmetric bent-shaped liquid crystal dimers bearing oxybiphenylcarboxylate mesogens linked by a pentamethylene spacer. The dimers were characterised by optical, thermal, X-ray diffraction and computational techniques. Shorter dimers showed an I-N-SmA-SmC phase sequence with strong first-order phase transitions. For the longer dimers, the unconventional uniaxial SmA phase present in shorter members collapsed. A 9:1 binary mixture of a bent dimer with a non-mesogenic dimer exhibited upon the SmA-SmC phase transition a maximum layer contraction of 1%.     

Preparation and properties of two novel selenoacetic acids: HCF2C(O)SeH and ClCF2C(O)SeH

The novel selenocarboxylic Se-acids, HCF(2)C(O)SeH and ClCF(2)C(O)SeH, were prepared by treating the corresponding carboxylic acids with Woollins' reagent. The boiling points were extrapolated from the vapor pressure curves to be 364 and 359 K for HCF(2)C(O)SeH and ClCF(2)C(O)SeH, respectively. Both compounds are unstable at ambient temperatures and decompose to the corresponding seleno anhydrides and release of H(2)Se. Hydrolysis results in formation of the carboxylic acids and hydrogen selenide, while diselenides presumably are obtained by oxidation. The conformational properties of these acids were studied by vibrational spectroscopy in combination with ab initio and DFT methods. IR vapor-phase spectra, Raman spectra of the neat liquids, and IR spectra of the Ar-matrix-isolated compounds deposited at two different nozzle temperatures were interpreted in terms of quenching conformational equilibria. The most stable structure of both acids was found to be syn-gauche in equilibrium with a second anti-syn form in HCF(2)C(O)SeH and with another two conformers, anti-gauche and anti-syn, in ClCF(2)C(O)SeH.     

Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposites of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from Kraft pulp of Eucalyptus urograndis. The CNC were isolated by acid hydrolysis with H₂SO₄ 64% (w/w) solution, for 20 minutes at 45 °C. The morphology and crystallinity of the CNC were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The AFM image supports the evidence for the development of crystals of cellulose in nanometric scale. These nanoparticles were used as reinforcement material in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) matrix. Nanocomposites films were prepared by casting. The nanocomposites were characterized by thermal (TGA) and mechanical (DMA) analyses. A large reinforcing effect of the filler was observed. The tensile strength of nanocomposites was significantly improved by 107%, the elongation at break decreased by 48% and the thermal resistance increased slightly. The improvements in thermo-mechanical properties suggest a close association between filler and matrix.     

Microwave-assisted benzyl-transfer reactions of commercially available 2-benzyloxy-1-methylpyridinium triflate

Benzylation of alcohols and other substrates under thermal conditions translates smoothly from conventional heating into MW-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS). Reactions times are decreased from hours to minutes while good to excellent yields are maintained. MW heating should be considered for benzylation of high-value substrates using the title reagent.     

New synthetic approach to paullones and characterization of their SIRT1 inhibitory activity

A series of 7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepine-6(5H)-ones (paullones) substituted at C9/C10 (Br) and C2 (Me, CF(3), CO(2)Me) have been synthesized by a one-pot Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of an o-aminoarylboronic acid and methyl 2-iodoindoleacetate followed by intramolecular amide formation. Other approaches to the paullone scaffold based on Pd-catalyzed C-H activation were unsuccessful. In vitro enzymatic assay with recombinant human SIRT-1 indicated a strong inhibitory profile for the series, in particular the analogue with a methoxycarbonyl group at C2 and a bromine at C9. These compounds are, in general, inducers of granulocyte differentiation of the U937 acute leukemia cell line and cause a marked increase in pre-G1 of the cell cycle.     

Guanidine affects differentially the twitch response of diaphragm, extensor digitorum longus and soleus nerve-muscle preparations of mice

Guanidine has been used with some success to treat myasthenia gravis and myasthenic syndrome because it increases acetylcholine release at nerve terminals through K?, Na? and Ca2? channels-involving mechanisms. Currently, guanidine derivatives have been proposed for treatment of several diseases. Studies aimed at providing new insights to the drug are relevant. Experimentally, guanidine (10 mM) induces on mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations neurotransmission facilitation followed by blockade and a greatest secondary facilitation after its removal from bath. Herein, we hypothesized that this peculiar triphasic response may differ in muscles with distinct twitch/metabolic characteristics. Morphological alterations and contractile response of PND, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) preparations incubated with guanidine (10 mM) for 15, 30, 60 min were analyzed. Guanidine concentrations of 5 mM (for PND and EDL) and 1 mM (for EDL) were also tested. Guanidine triphasic effect was only observed on PND regardless the concentration. The morphological alterations in muscle tissue varied along time but did not impede the PND post-wash facilitation. Higher doses (20-25 mM) did not increase EDL or SOL neurotransmission. The data suggest a complex mechanism likely dependent on the metabolic/contractile muscle phenotype; muscle fiber types and density/type of ion channels, sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria organization may have profound impact on the levels and isoform expression pattern of Ca2? regulatory membrane proteins so reflecting regulation of calcium handling and contractile response in different types of muscle.