Readily Accessible and Predictable Naphthalene‐Based Two‐Photon Fluorophore with Full Visible‐Color Coverage

Herein we report 22 acedan‐derived, two‐photon fluorophores with synthetic feasibility and full coverage of visible wavelength emission. The emission wavelengths were predicted by computational analysis, which enabled us to visualize multicolor images by two‐photon excitation with single wavelength, and to design a turn‐on, two‐photon fluorescence sensor for endogenous H₂O₂ in Raw 264.7 macrophage and rat brain hippocampus ex vivo.     

Influence of Molecular Conformation on the Constitutive Response of Polyethylene: A Comparison of HDPE, UHMWPE, and PEX

The current work presents the characterization and comparison of the mechanical response of three different industrial forms of polyethylene. Specifically, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) were tested in compression as a function of temperature (−75 to 100°C) and strain-rate (10⁻⁴ to 2,600 s⁻¹). The responses of UHMWPE and PEX are very similar, whereas HDPE exhibits some differences. The HDPE samples display a significantly higher yield stress followed by a flat flow behavior. Conversely UHMWPE and PEX both exhibit significant strain hardening after yield. The temperature and strain-rate dependence are captured by simple linear and logarithmic fits over the full range of conditions investigated. The yield behavior is presented in terms of an empirical mapping function that is extended to analytically solve for the mapping constant. The power-law dependence on strain-rate observed in some polymers is explained using this mapping function.     

Some Observations on Measuring Sound Speeds in Polymers Using Time-of-Flight

Experimental Techniques - The time-of-flight method has been used to measure the longitudinal and shear wave speeds in six polymers (polyether ether ketone [PEEK], PEEK with 10% carbon fibers,...     

Theory versus Practice in the Twentieth-Century Search for the Ideal Anaesthetic Gas

At the beginning of the twentieth century, an anaesthetist could choose between nitrous oxide, chloroform, and ether (diethyl ether) for the induction of painrelieving unconsciousness. By the end of century, the choice was between a small number of fluorinated aliphatic ethers such as Enflurane, Desflurane, and Sevoflurane, and (in some jurisdictions) the rare gas, xenon. Between these endpoints researchers had identified a surprisingly broad range of hydrocarbons, noble gases, organohalogens, and aliphatic ethers that possessed anaesthetic properties. None was entirely satisfactory, but clinicians at various times and in various places employed substances in each of these categories. Behind the search for new anaesthetic gases was a theory of action (Meyer- Overton theory) that was known to be inadequate, but as no alternative was strong enough to displace it the search continued on purely empirical grounds, while lip-service was paid to the theory. By the time a theory couched in more modern terms was proposed, a suite of modern anaesthetic gases was in place, and there have been no attempts to use that theory to drive a new search.     

Two‐Photon Probes for Zn2+ Ions with Various Dissociation Constants. Detection of Zn2+ Ions in Live Cells and Tissues by Two‐Photon Microscopy

A series of Zn²⁺‐selective two‐photon fluorescent probes (AZnM1−AZnN) that had a wide range of dissociation constants (K_d^TP=8 nm‐ 12 μM ) were synthesized. These probes showed appreciable water solubility (>3 μM ), cell permeability, high photostability, pH insensitivity at pH>7, significant two‐photon action cross‐sections (86–110 GM) upon complexation with Zn²⁺, and can detect the Zn²⁺ ions in HeLa cells and in living tissue slices of rat hippocampal at a depth of >80 μm without mistargeting and photobleaching problems. These probes can potentially find application in the detection of various amounts of Zn²⁺ ions in live cells and intact tissues.     

Two‐Photon Fluorescent Probes for Metal Ions

Two‐photon microscopy (TPM) has become an indispensible tool in biology and medicine owing to the capability of imaging the intact tissue for a long period of time. To make it a versatile tool in biology, a variety of two‐photon probes for specific applications are needed. In this context, many research groups are developing two‐photon probes for various applications. In this Focus Review, we summarize recent results on model studies and selected examples of two‐photon probes that can detect intracellular free metal ions in live cells and tissues to provide a guideline for the design of useful two‐photon probes for various in vivo imaging applications.     

High‐energy collision‐induced dissociation of [M+Na]+ ions desorbed by fast atom bombardment of ceramides isolated from the starfish Distolasterias nipon

Ten ceramides and four cerebrosides were extracted from the starfish Distolasterias nipon by solvent extraction, silica gel column chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Structural identification was conducted using tandem mass spectrometry of monosodiated ions desorbed by fast atom bombardment. The complete structures of four cerebrosides were determined by a previously reported method. The high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID) spectral characteristics of ceramides with various structures depend on the number and positions of double bonds on both the N‐acyl and sphingoid chains, the presence of a hydroxyl group or a double bond at the C‐4 position of the sphingoid chain and the presence of an α‐hydroxy group on the N‐acyl chain. The high‐energy CID of the monosodiated ion, [M+Na]⁺, of each ceramide molecular species generated abundant ions, providing information on the composition of the fatty acyl chains and sphingoid long‐chain bases. Each homologous ion series along the fatty acyl group and aliphatic chain of the sphingoid base was used for locating the double‐bond positions of both chains and hydroxyl groups on the sphingoid base chain. The double‐bond positions were also confirmed by the m/z values of abundant allylic even‐ and odd‐electron ions, and the intensity ratio of the T ion peak relative to the O ion peak. This technique could determine the complete structures of ceramides and cerebrosides in an extract mixture and has great potential for determining other sphingolipids isolated from various biological sources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.