A comparison between photon counting histogram and fluorescence intensity distribution analysis

Photon counting histogram (PCH) and fluorescence intensity distribution analysis (FIDA) are two methods that were developed independently but reported almost simultaneously. Both of them have been successfully applied to fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS). Though publications have indicated that they are theoretically equivalent, they are still commonly considered as different methods, especially in their ways to treat the point spread functions (PSFs). In this paper, the two methods are examined in detail for a direct comparison. After a direct proof of the theoretical equivalence, the authors further point out that PCH and FIDA are completely equivalent in the way of modeling PSFs; that is, any modeling approach developed from one of them can always be applied to the other. It is also demonstrated that simplified FIDA and PCH formulas in the form of power series can be applied for fast and precise numerical calculations. The two methods are also compared for their merits in the calculation efficiency.     

Irradiation‐induced grafting of acrylonitrile onto activated carbon fiber

Viscose‐based activated carbon fiber (VACF) was modified with acrylonitrile (AN) by γ‐irradiation‐induced grafting polymerization. Effects of the grafting conditions, such as concentrations of AN and divinylbenzene (DVB), pH value, and solvent on the grafting process were studied. The physicochemical properties of the fibers were characterized. The results show that AN can be effectively grafted onto the surface of VACF with the addition of DVB. The grafting yield is higher than 12% according to thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The study shows that DVB can improve the grafting degree of AN in the form of grafting chains or agglomerate materials. After grafting modification, VACF shows a small decrease in the specific surface area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrophobic modification of starch via grafting with an oxazoline-derivative

The application of starch in tailored materials is limited because of the high hydrophilicity of the polysaccharide. Thus, simple and efficient paths for the hydrophobic modification of native, cationic or thermoplastic starches by means of a radical grafting process using bifunctional fatty acid oxazoline derivatives were investigated. The modified starches can be manufactured by means of an extrusion process showing high grafting yields at adjustable grafting contents from 2.5 to 30%. Resulting starch materials are distinguished by modified water absorption properties and solubility, which is a prerequisite for their application in the paper or painting industry. Moreover the structure of the oxazoline derivative supplies the opportunity for reactive blending of different polymers carrying carboxyl, amino, mercapto or epoxy groups. This is exemplarily shown for the conversion with biodegradable polyesters, which contain carboxylic acid functions. Film forming properties of the new starch-based materials were studied. Results of the examination of manufactured shouldered test bars of starches coupled with biodegradable polyesters are presented as well.     

Starch/Polycaprolactone Blends Compatibilized with Starch Modified Polyurethane

Starch modified polyurethane(St-PCL) was synthesized via chemical modification of corn starch with hexamethylene diisocyanate terminated polycaprolactone. The obtained St-PCL with different grafting rates was used as compatibilizer of starch/polycaprolactone(St/PCL) blend. The structure of St-PCL was confirmed by FTIR, and the grafting rate could reach as high as 64%. In addition, a lower St-PCL amount can effectively improve the compatibility of St/PCL blends. And the thermal, mechanical and hydrophobic properties of St/PCL blends could be tailored by the amount of St-PCL.     

Spontaneous formation of heteroligated PtII complexes with chelating hemilabile ligands

The spontaneous formation of the heteroligated complex [PtCl(kappa(2)-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SMe)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SPh)]Cl (8 a) by a novel ligand rearrangement process has been observed. By using the weak-link approach, the relative arrangement of the alkyl and aryl groups can be controlled by abstraction of chloride from 8 a to form the closed complex [Pt(kappa(2)-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SMe)(kappa(2)-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SPh)][BF(4)](2) (5) and reopening using halide ions to form semi-open complexes [PtX(kappa(2)-Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SMe)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SPh)]BF(4) (8 b; X=Cl(-)) and (8 c; X=I(-)). Analogous procedures using Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)SMe and 1,4-(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)S)(2)C(6)H(4) lead to heteroligated bimetallic complexes 7 and 9, illustrating that this ligand rearrangement process can be used as a tool for the assembly of complementary metallosupramolecular structures.     

Routes to unique palladium A-frame complexes with a bridging fluoro-ligand

Treatment of a toluene solution of [PdMe(2)(Cy(2)PCH(2)PCy(2))](1) with pentafluoropyridine in the presence of traces of water affords the generation of the A-frame complexes [(PdMe)(2){mu-kappa(2)(P,P)Cy(2)PCH(2)PCy(2)}(2)(mu-F)][SiMeF(4)]() and [(PdMe)(2){mu-kappa(2)(P,P)Cy(2)PCH(2)PCy(2)}(2)(mu-F)][OC(5)NF(4)](2b). If the reaction is performed in an NMR tube equipped with a PFA inliner, complex 2b is produced, only. Treatment of 1 with pentafluoropyridine in the presence of an excess water yields the pyridyloxy complex [PdMe(OC(5)NF(4))(Cy(2)PCH(2)PCy(2))](3). Compound [(PdMe)(2){mu-kappa(2)(P,P)Cy(2)PCH(2)PCy(2)}(2)(mu-F)][FHF](2c) bearing a bifluoride anion instead of SiMeF(4)(-) or OC(5)NF(4)(-) can be generated by reaction of 1 with substoichiometric amounts of Et(3)N.3HF. The analogous complex [(PdMe)(2){mu-kappa(2)(P,P)Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)}(2)(mu-F)][FHF] (5c) has been synthesized by addition of Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2) to a solution of [PdMe(2)(Me(2)NCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))](4) in THF and subsequent treatment of the reaction mixture with Et(3)N.3HF. The structure of the A-frame complex 5c has been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Single-step covalent functionalization of polylactide surfaces

A single-step, nondestructive, and versatile technique for the grafting and chemical surface modification of biodegradable polymers such as polylactide is described. The substrates are subjected to the vapor phase of any of three investigated vinyl monomers: acrylamide, maleic anhydride, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, and grafting is induced by photoinitiation of benzophenone under solvent free conditions. The modified surfaces exhibit higher wettability, and the grafting is verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform IR, contact-angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. The graft-chain pendant groups remain functional and can subsequently be modified so that a tailor-made surface with desired properties may be achieved.     

三醋酸纤维素膜辐射可控接枝甲基丙烯酸缩水甘油酯及其性能

三醋酸纤维素(CTA)是一种高强度的天然高分子衍生物,对其进行表面接枝改性将扩展其在物质分离、吸附、检测等领域的广泛应用,但是化学接枝改性CTA比较困难。 本文结合辐射引发接枝和可逆加成-断裂链转移(RAFT)聚合方法,成功地在CTA膜表面可控接枝了聚甲基丙烯酸缩水甘油酯(PGMA)。 研究了吸收剂量、单体GMA质量分数和RAFT试剂含量等因素对接枝率的影响,采用傅里叶变换红外光谱仪(FT-IR)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和接触角技术手段对CTA膜接枝前后的结构、形貌和表面性质进行了表征。 实验结果表明,为了得到较高的接枝率,同时又保持较好的形貌,合适的条件为:吸收剂量为10~12 kGy,GMA质量分数为30%,RAFT试剂与GMA的物质的量比为1：400;在不同条件下得到的最高接枝率为41%,接枝聚合物相对分子质量分布最低为1.33。 此外,接枝PGMA后的CTA膜疏水性增加。 该工作提供了可控接枝CTA的简便方法,与传统辐射接枝相比,RAFT辅助辐射接枝反应更加可控,得到的PGMA接枝链更加均匀,有利于根据实际应用来控制接枝率和进行后续的功能修饰。     

Effect of bin time on the photon counting histogram for one-photon excitation.

We have demonstrated that our photon counting histogram (PCH) model with the correction for one-photon excitation is valid at multiple bin times. The fitted apparent brightness and concentration follow the three-dimensional diffusion model. More importantly, the semi-empirical parameter, F, introduced in the PCH model for one-photon excitation to correct for the non-Gaussian shape of the observation volume, shows small variations with different bin times. These variations are consistent with the physical interpretation of F, and they do not affect the resolving power of the PCH model for one-photon excitation. Based on these findings, we extend the time-independent PCH analysis to time-dependent photon counting multiple histograms (PCMH). This model considers the effect of bin time on the PCH parameters in a way that is similar to fluorescence intensity multiple distribution analysis (FIMDA). From the same set of data, PCMH extracts time-dependent parameters (diffusion time and triplet-state relaxation time) as well as time-independent parameters (true specific brightness and true average number of molecules). Given a three- to fourfold experimental difference in molecular brightness, we find that PCMH can resolve each species in a two-species sample and extract their respective diffusion times even when fluorescence correlation spectroscopy cannot.     

超亲水聚偏氟乙烯中空纤维膜的制备及性能

采用超声辅助接枝聚合技术, 将甲基丙烯酸缩水甘油酯(GMA)接枝到聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)膜表面, 制备PVDF-g-GMA膜; 再利用氨基诱导环氧基团发生开环反应, 将苏氨酸(Thr)接枝到PVDF-g-GMA膜表面, 制备了具有两性离子结构表面的PVDF-g-GMA-Thr膜. 通过衰减全反射傅里叶变换红外光谱(ATR-FTIR)、 X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、 接触角测试仪、 场发射扫描电子显微镜(FESEM)和牛血清白蛋白(BSA)过滤实验等系统研究了改性前后PVDF膜表面的化学组成、 润湿性能、 表面形貌和抗污染性能. 研究结果表明, 随着PVDF-g-GMA接枝Thr反应时间的增加, PVDF-g-GMA-Thr膜的亲水性能明显提高, 接触角从90°降为0°, 呈现出超亲水性能. 同时PVDF-g-GMA-Thr膜的水通量明显提高, 当Thr诱导开环反应时间为12 h时, PVDF-g-GMA-Thr膜的水通量高达686 L/(m ²·h), 与PVDF原膜相比, 水通量提高了204.5%. 在BSA的过滤测试中, 与PVDF膜相比, PVDF-g-GMA-Thr膜呈现出良好的截留性能和抗污染性能, BSA截留率从42%提高到84%,水通量恢复率从53%提高到87%, 不可逆污染率从47%降到12%, 表明通过接枝Thr构筑两性离子结构表面可以有效减小膜污染.     

Synthesis and reactivity studies of palladium(II) complexes containing the N-phosphorylated iminophosphorane-phosphine ligands Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OR)2}Ph2 (R=Et, Ph): application to the catalytic synthesis of 2,3-dimethylfuran

Reactions of [PdCl2(COD)] with 1 equiv. of the iminophosphorane-phosphine ligands Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OR)2}Ph2 (R=Et, Ph) lead to the novel Pd(II) derivatives cis-[PdCl2(kappa2-(P,N)-Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OR)2}Ph2)] (R=Et, Ph). Pd-N bond cleavage readily takes place upon treatment of these species with a variety of two-electron donor ligands. By this way, complexes cis-[PdCl2(kappa1-(P)-Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OR)2}Ph2)(L)] (R=Et, L=CNtBu, CN-2,6-C6H3Me2, py, P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3; R=Ph, L=CNtBu, CN-2,6-C6H3Me2, py, P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3) have been synthesized in high yields. The addition of two equivalents of ligands to dichloromethane solutions of [PdCl2(COD)] results in the formation of complexes trans-[PdCl2(kappa1-(P)-Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OR)2}Ph2)2] (R=Et, Ph), which can be converted into the dicationic species [Pd(Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OR)2}Ph2)2][SbF6]2 (R=Et, Ph) by treatment with AgSbF6. Complex also reacts with CNtBu to afford trans-[Pd(kappa1(P)-Ph2PCH2P{=NP(=O)(OPh)2}Ph2)2(CNtBu)2][SbF6]2. The structures of and have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. In addition, the ability of these Pd(II) complexes to promote the catalytic cycloisomerization of (Z)-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol into 2,3-dimethylfuran has also been studied.     

Hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes used as reducing and stabilizing agent for the formation of gold nanoparticles

This paper is focused on the synthesis and characterization of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes and their use as reducing as well as stabilizing agents for the formation of gold nanoparticles. Commercially available poly(acrylic acid) has been hydrophobically modified with various degrees of grafting of butylamine introduced randomly along the chain. Different analytical methods are performed, i.e., IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy in combination with elemental analysis to determine the degree of grafting. The modified polymers can successfully be used for the controlled single-step synthesis and stabilization of gold nanoparticles. The process of nanoparticle formation is investigated by means of UV-vis spectroscopy. The size and shape of the particles obtained in the presence of unmodified or modified polyelectrolytes are characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements and transmission electron microscopy. The polyelectrolytes were involved in the crystallization process of the nanoparticles, and in the presence of hydrophobic microdomains at the particle surface, a better stabilization at higher temperature can be observed.     

Synthesis of beta-P,N aminophosphines and coordination chemistry to Pd(II). X-ray structures of [PdCl2(Ph2PCH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] and PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)

The reaction of the C=N bond in PhCH=NPh with the carbanionic species Ph2PCH2-, leading to the N-phenyl beta-aminophosphine Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh, L1, is described. This molecule reacts with different organic electrophiles to afford related compounds Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NPhX (X = SiMe3, L2; COPh, L4), [Ph2MePCH2CH(Ph)NHPh]+(I-), L3, and [Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)N(Ph)CO]2, L5, containing two amido and two phosphino functions. The coordination properties of L1, L2, and L4 have been studied in palladium chemistry. The X-ray structure of [PdCl2(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] shows the bidentate coordination mode for the L1 ligand with equatorial C(Ph)-N(Ph) phenyl groups. [PdCl2(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] crystallizes at 298 K in the space group P2(1)/n with cell parameters a = 10.689(2) A, b = 21.345(3) A, c = 12.282(2) A, beta = 90.294(12) degrees, Z = 4, D(calcd) = 1.526. The reaction between 2 equiv of L1 and [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)]2 affords the [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)] complex in which an unexpected N-H.Cl intramolecular interaction has been observed by an X-ray diffraction analysis. [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)] crystallizes at 298 K in the monoclinic space group Cc with cell parameters a = 10.912(1) A, b = 17.194(2) A, c = 14.169(2) A, beta = 100.651(9) degrees, Z = 4, D(calcd) = 1.435. Neutral and cationic alkyl or allyl palladium chloride complexes containing L1 are also reported as well as a neutral allyl palladium chloride complex containing L4. Variable-temperature 31P[1H] NMR studies on the allyl complexes show that the eta3/eta1 allyl interconversion is enhanced by a positive charge and also by a N-H.Cl intramolecular interaction.     

Topochemistry of cellulose nanofibers resulting from molecular and polymer grafting

The aim of this study was to synthesize hydrophobic cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using different chemical treatments including polymer and molecular grafting. For polymer grafting, immobilizing poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on CNFs were implemented by the free radical method. Also, acetyl groups were introduced directly onto the CNFs surface by acetic anhydride for molecular grafting. The gravimetric and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed the high grafting density of PMMA on the surface of CNFs. AFM results revealed that molecular grafting created non-uniformity on the CNFs surface, as compared to polymer brushes. In addition, thermodynamic work of adhesion and work of cohesion for the modified CNFs were reduced in water and diiodomethane solvents. Dispersion factor was studied to indicate the dispersibility of CNFs in polar and non-polar media. Dispersion energy was reduced after modification as a result of decreasing interfacial tension and the dispersibility of modified CNFs was improved in diiodomethane.     

Three New Silver Alkylenediphosphonates with Pillar-like Open-frameworks

1 INTRODUCTION From 1970s many research interests have focused on metal organophosphonates due to their structural diversities, including layers[1, 2], zeolite-like[3], inor- ganic channel with organic shell[4], cage-like[5], homo- chiral framework[6] and ring-[7] or sphere-like[8] clus- ters, as well as their potential or practical applica- tions as Langmuir-Blodgett Film (LB)[9], meso/mi- cro-porous materials[10, 11], ion-exchangers [12], small molecular sensors[13], adsorptions/desorp…     

Photon Counting Histogram Analysis for Two‐Dimensional Systems

Photon counting statistics in 3D photon counting histogram analysis for one‐photon excitation is a function of the number of molecules of particular brightness in the excitation‐detection volume of a confocal microscope. In mathematical form that volume is approximated by a three‐dimensional Gaussian function which is embedded in the PCH theoretical equations. PCH theory assumes that a molecule can be found anywhere inside the excitation‐detection volume with equal probability. However, one can easily imagine systems in which this assumption is violated because molecules are constrained by the geometry of the sample. For example, molecules on a surface or in a membrane would be constrained to two dimensions. To enable the analysis of such systems by PCH, the theoretical framework requires modification. Herein, we present an extension of the PCH analysis to systems where molecules exist in thin structures that are effectively two‐dimensional. The method, aptly called two‐dimensional photon counting histogram (2D PCH), recovers the number of fluorescent particles per unit area and their molecular brightness. Both theoretical background and experimental results are presented. The theory was tested using computer‐simulated and experimental 2D PCHs obtained from confocal experiments. We demonstrate that this modification of the theoretical framework provides a tool to extract data that reveal states of aggregation, surface photophysics, and reactivity.     

Synthesis of a Dicyclohepta[a,g]heptalene-Containing Polycyclic Conjugated Hydrocarbon and the Impact of Non-Alternant Topologies

Incorporating non-hexagonal rings into polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons (PCHs) can significantly affect their electronic and optoelectronic properties and chemical reactivities. Here, we report the first bottom-up synthesis of a dicyclohepta[a,g]heptalene-embedded PCH ( 1 ) with four continuous heptagons, which are arranged in a “Z” shape. Compared with its structural isomer bischrysene 1 R with only hexagonal rings, compound 1 presents a distinct antiaromatic character, especially the inner heptalene core, which possesses clear antiaromatic nature. In addition, PCH 1 exhibits a narrower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap than its benzenoid contrast 1 R , as verified by experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. Our work reported herein not only provides a new way to synthesize novel PCHs with non-alternant topologies but also offers the possibility to tune their electronic and optical properties.     

Conformational studies by nuclear magnetic resonance in nematic phases: Benzyl chloride

Spectra of benzyl chloride were analysed in two nematic phases (PCH and ZLI). The existence of the molecule as conformer with the C? Cl bond perpendicular or parallel to the benzene plane can be safely excluded. The data are consistent with a conformer with the C? Cl bond forming an angle of 60° with the benzene plane. A full discussion of the conformational problem was not possible owing to the small number of independent D_ij couplings related to the internal motion. In addition, when dealing with low potential barriers, the LCNMR technique does not give rigorous answers.     

Potassium diperiodatonickelate‐initiated graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto organophilic montmorillonite

Using potassium diperiodatonickelate (Ni (IV)) as an efficient initiator, the graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) onto organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) was successfully performed in an alkaline medium. Three grafting parameters were systematically evaluated as functions of the temperature, the initiator concentration, reaction time, pH value, and the ratio of MA to OMMT substrate. The structure of the titled graft copolymers (OMMT‐g‐PMA) were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that Ni (IV) was a highly efficient initiator for graft copolymerization of the MA onto OMMT, i.e., grafting efficiency is as high as 95% and grafting percentage can be facilely controlled within 700% in this study. In addition, the highest grafting efficiency and grafting percentage were obtained when temperature adopted was over 40°C and pH was about 10.3. A single‐electron‐transfer mechanism was proposed to illustrate the formation of radicals and the initiation reaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthese et etude de celluloses echangeuses d'ions. Leur emploi dans l'epuration des eaux residuaires de l'industrie textile—1: Synthese d'une cellulose greffee par des chaines poly (acide acrylique) et d'une cellulose renfermant des fonctions ammonium quaternaire

For use as ion exchangers and particularly as purification agents for textile industrial effluents, cellulose grafted with polyacrylic acid and cellulose substituted by quaternary ammonium functions have been prepared. For both syntheses, the influences of experimental parameters have been studied in detail and the optimum conditions for large-scale preparation have been determined. Large amounts of modified cellulose have been obtained and tested in industry (cf. part III). The grafting by acrylic acid has been carried out by the ceric-ion method; the quaternary ammonium cellulose has been obtained by condensation of cellulose with epoxy propyl triethyl ammonium chloride. Synthesis of this salt in the presence of cellulose has been achieved so that the quaternary ammonium cellulose can be obtained from cellulose and epichlorhydrin in one step.