A higher-order parametric nonlinear reduced-order model for imperfect structures using Neumann expansion

Nonlinear Dynamics - We present an enhanced version of the parametric nonlinear reduced-order model for shape imperfections in structural dynamics we studied in a previous work. In this model, the...     

Synthetic and computational assessment of a chiral metal–organic framework catalyst for predictive asymmetric transformation

Understanding and controlling molecular recognition mechanisms at a chiral solid interface is a continuously addressed challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, the molecular recognition of a chiral peptide-functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF) catalyst towards a pro-chiral substrate is evaluated experimentally and in silico. The MIL-101 metal–organic framework is used as a macroligand for hosting a Noyori-type chiral ruthenium molecular catalyst, namely (benzene)Ru@MIL-101-NH-Gly-Pro. Its catalytic perfomance toward the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of acetophenone into R- and S-phenylethanol are assessed. The excellent match between the experimentally obtained enantiomeric excesses and the computational outcomes provides a robust atomic-level rationale for the observed product selectivities. The unprecedented role of the MOF in confining the molecular Ru-catalyst and in determining the access of the prochiral substrate to the active site is revealed in terms of highly face-specific host–guest interactions. The predicted surface-specific face differentiation of the prochiral substrate is experimentally corroborated since a three-fold increase in enantiomeric excess is obtained with the heterogeneous MOF-based catalyst when compared to its homogeneous molecular counterpart.

Understanding and controlling molecular recognition mechanisms at a chiral solid interface has been addressed in metal–organic framework catalysts for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reaction.     

N,O-Nucleoside Analogues: Metabolic and Apoptotic Activity

Two new families of N,O-nucleoside analogues containing the anthracene moiety introduced through the nitrosocarbonyl ene reaction with allylic alcohols were prepared. The core structure is an isoxazolidine heterocycle that introduces either atom either a phenyl ring or dimethyl moiety at the C3 carbon. Different heterobases were inserted at the position 5 of the heterocyclic ring. One of the synthesized compounds demonstrated a good capacity to induce cell death and an appreciable nuclear fragmentation was evidenced in treated cells.     

From cyclopentadiene to isoxazoline-carbocyclic nucleosides: a rapid access to biological molecules through aza-Diels-Alder reactions

A rapid access to carbocyclic nucleosides containing a fused isoxazoline ring is proposed through the Grieco cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene to iminium salts. The prolific elaboration of the isoxazoline cycloadducts allowed preparation of the target aminols through the unmasking of the hydroxymethylene group at the C3 level of the azanorbornene structure. The heterocyclic aminols are readily converted into nucleosides via the linear construction of purine heterocycles.     

Connecting mem-models with classical theories

A family of mem-models, including the mem-dashpots, mem-springs, and most recently, mem-inerters, is emerging as a new and powerful way of capturing complex nonlinear behaviors of materials and systems under various types of dynamic loads involving different frequency, amplitude, and loading histories (e.g., hysteresis). Under the framework of nonlinear state-space representation and hybrid dynamical systems, mem-springs may be formulated to effectively represent an inherent degradation of material state. It is shown in this study, for the first time, how the absement (time integral of strain/displacement), a signature state variable for a mem-spring, can be connected with the damage variable, a key quantity in continuum damage mechanics. The generalized momentum (time integral of stress), on the other hand, is shown to be efficient in modeling strain ratcheting via the concept of mem-dashpot. It is also shown in this study, for the first time, how two formulations of the memcapacitive system models (for mem-springs) are special cases of the Preisach model.

     

Methane activation by silica-supported Zr(IV) hydrides: the dihydride [(triple bond)SiO)2ZrH2] is much faster than the monohydride [(triple bond)SiO)3ZrH

The silica-supported Zr(iv) dihydride [(triple bond)SiO)2ZrH2] reacts quickly and completely with methane to yield [(triple bond)SiO)2ZrMe2] through the intermediate [(triple bond)SiO)2ZrHMe], while its monohydride analogue [(triple bond)SiO)3ZrH] yields the monomethylated product [(triple bond)SiO)3ZrMe] slowly and incompletely.     

From cyclopentadiene to isoxazoline-carbocyclic nucleosides: a rapid access to biological molecules through nitrosocarbonyl chemistry

A rapid access to carbocyclic nucleosides containing a fused isoxazoline ring is proposed starting from cyclopentadiene. The route involves an hetero Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction of nitrosocarbonylbenzene followed by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides, cleavage of the N-O tether and elaboration of the heterocyclic aminols into nucleosides via linear construction of purine and pyrimidine heterocycles.     

Comparison of theory and experiment for excited singlet states of the H2 molecule

This paper presents a survey of published and unpublished ab initio calculations of the vibrational structures of the ten lowest electronic singlet states of the hydrogen molecule up to the H(n = 1) + H(n = 2) dissociation limit. The data are based on adiabatic potential functions (clamped-nuclei electronic energies and nuclear-mass-dependent diagonal corrections). Nonadiabatic coupling has been treated ab initio within the five states. of ¹Λ symmetry (X,EF, GK, HH?) and ¹Σ I.¹Π_g. The accuracies of the theoretical energies are determined by comparisons with experimental data for H₂, HD, and D₂. The level shifts and predissociation probabilities of the excited ¹Σ states, generated by nonadiabatic coupling with the discrete and continuous vibrational structure of the ground state, and radiative properties have also been calculated.