Molecular and vibrational structure of the extracellular bacterial signal compound N-butyryl-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL)

The molecular and vibrational structure of the title compound (C4-HSL) was studied by experimental and theoretical methods. The infrared (IR) absorption spectrum was measured in the solid state and in CCl₄ suspension. The observed absorption bands were compared with transitions obtained with B3LYP/cc-pVTZ density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two stable molecular conformations were predicted, corresponding to an endo- and an exo-conformer with similar energies. Intermolecular amide–amide hydrogen bonding in the crystal state was approximated by a simple cluster model, leading to excellent agreement with the observed solid state IR spectrum. Due to the low solubility of C4-HSL in common solvents for IR spectroscopy, such as CS₂ and CCl₄, a liquid solution spectrum of pure, monomeric C4-HSL was not obtained. However, absorbance peaks observed in oversaturated CCl₄ solution could be assigned to distinct contributions from suspended micro-crystalline aggregates and dissolved monomeric species. The key vibrational bands of the monomeric form of C4-HSL are reported here for the first time: 3425 cm^?1 [ν(N–H)], 1784 cm^?1 [ν(CO), lactone], 1688 cm^?1 [amide I], and 1494 cm^?1 [amide II] (CCl₄).     

Isotropic C6, C8 and C10 interaction coefficients for CH4, C2H6, C3H8, n-C4H10 and cyclo-C3H6

The non-empirical generalized Kirkwood, Unsöld, and the single-Δ Unsöld methods (with double-zeta quality SCF wave-functions) are used to calculate isotropic dispersion (and induction) energy coefficients C_2n, with n ? 5, for interactions involving ground state CH₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₈, n-C₄H₁₀ and cyclo-C₃H₆. Results are also given for the related multipole polarizabilities α_l, multipole sums S₁/(0) and S₁(?1) which are evaluated using sum rules, and the permanent multipole moments. for l = 1 (dipole) to l = 3 (octupole). Estimates of the reliability of the non-empirical methods, for the type of molecules considered, are obtained by a comparison with accurate literature values of α₁S₁(?1) and C₆. This, and the asymptotic properties of the multipolar expansion of the dispersion energy, the use to discuss recommended representation for the isotropic long range interaction energies through R^?10 where R is the intermolecular separation.     

Purification of phospholipase C by hydrophobic interaction affinity chromatography.

A simple procedure is described for the purification of phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase C(PLC). Lecithin, the substrate for PLC, was ligated hydrophobically to octyl-Sepharose in 2 M (NH4)2SO4. The washed lecithin-conjugated resin was then used to purify PLC from crude preparations by affinity chromatography. PLC binds to the lecithin moiety in the presence of Zn2+ and is eluted with an acidic buffer containing EDTA. PLC activity was recovered in the eluate. Both sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and pI electrofocusing showed that the eluate contained a single monomeric protein with an apparent molecular mass of 66 kDa and a pI of 5.5.     

Complete 1H and 13C signal assignment of prenol‐10 with 3D NMR spectroscopy

The complete assignment of ¹H and ¹³C chemical shifts of natural abundance prenol‐10 is reported for the first time. It was achieved using 3D NMR experiments, which were based on random sampling of the evolution time space followed by multidimensional Fourier transform. This approach makes it possible to acquire 3D NMR spectra in a reasonable time and preserves high resolution in indirectly detected dimensions. It is shown that the interpretation of 3D COSY–HMBC and 3D TOCSY–HSQC spectra is crucial in the structural analysis of prenol‐10. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Electronic Structure of Pentaprismane (C10H10), as Revealed by its Photoelectron Spectrum

The photoelectron (PE.) spectrum of the title compound has been assigned by comparison with the PE. spectrum of cubane ( 2 ), aided by ab initio STO-3G calculations using localized molecular orbitals. On the basis of the information available to date, the most satisfactory orbital sequence, Koopmans theorem implied, is, in descending order of energy: band system : (2e″₂, 3e′₂ 2e″₁, 3e′₁); band system : 3a′₁ (2e′₂, 2a″₂); band : 2e′₁.(Sequence of orbitals in parenthesis uncertain).     

Characterization of C8H10 alkylbenzenes by negative ion mass spectrometry

The O^?˙ chemical ionization mass spectrri of the C₈H₁₀ alkylbenzenes, o-, m-. andp -xylene and ethylbenzene, show formation of [M ? H + O]^?, [M ? H]^?, [M ? H₂]^?˙ and, for the xylenes, [M ? CH₃ + O]^? as primary reaction products; the relative importance of these products depends on the isomer. However, [OH]^? is a primary product from reaction of O^?˙ with both the C₈H₁₀ isomers and hydrogen-containing impurities; [OH]^? reacts further with the alkylbenzenes to produce [M ? H]^? with the result that the chemical ionization mass spectra depend on experimental conditions such as sample size and the presence of impurities. The collision-induced charge inversion mass spectra of the [M ? H + O]^? and [M ? H]^? products allow only distinction of ethylbenzene from the xylenes. However, the collision-induced charge inversion mass spectra of the [M ? H₂]^?˙ ions show differences which allow identification of each isomer.     

Regeneration of C4H10 dry reforming catalyst by nonthermal plasma

Carbon deposition via coke formation is one of the critical problems causing catalyst deactivation during the reforming of hydrocarbons. An effort was made to regenerate the catalyst (Ni/γ-alumina) by oxidation methods. Two approaches were carried out for the regeneration of the deactivated catalyst. The first one involves the plasma treatment of the deactivated catalyst in the presence of dry air over a temperature range of 300～500 °C, while the second one only the thermal treatment in the same temperature range. The performance of the regenerated catalyst was evaluated in terms of C₄H₁₀ and CO₂ conversions and the physicochemical characteristics were examined using a surface area analyzer, an elemental analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that the carbon deposit (coke) on the catalyst was about 9.89 wt% after reforming C₄H₁₀ for 5 h at 540 °C. The simple thermal treatment at 400 °C reduced carbon content to 6.59 wt% whereas it was decreased to 3.25 wt% by the plasma and heat combination. The specific surface area was fully restored to the original state by the plasma-assisted regeneration at 500 °C. As far as the catalytic activity is concerned, the fresh and regenerated catalysts exhibited similar C₄H₁₀ and CO₂ conversion efficiencies.     

Regulating signal enhancement with coordination-coupled deprotonation of a hydrazone switch

Proton relay plays an important role in many biocatalytic pathways. In order to mimic such processes in the context of molecular switches, we developed coordination-coupled deprotonation (CCD) driven signaling and signal enhancement sequences. This was accomplished by using the zinc(ii)-initiated CCD of a hydrazone switch to instigate an acid catalyzed imine bond hydrolysis that separates a quencher from a fluorophore thus leading to emission amplification. Because CCD is a reversible process, we were able to show that the catalysis can be regulated and turned “on” and “off” using a metalation/demetalation cycle.     

氨基黑10B与牛血清白蛋白作用的光谱法研究

用紫外、荧光、圆二色光谱法研究了氨基黑10B与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)结合反应的光谱特性.结果表明氨基黑10B对牛血清白蛋白的荧光有猝灭作用,其猝灭类型属于静态猝灭;得到了不同温度下的结合常数和结合位点数;利用Gibbs-Helmholtz方程计算得到该猝灭反应的热力学参数,表明氨基黑10B主要以氢键和范德华力与BSA相互作用;圆二色和同步荧光光谱显示氨基黑10B对BSA构象产生了影响.     

The absolute configuration of the palmarumycins C9, C10, and C12 by quantum-mechanical calculations of CD spectra

The absolute configurations of the palmarumycins C₉ 1a, C₁₀ 2, and C₁₂ 3 were assigned by comparison of the quantum-mechanically calculated with the experimental CD spectra as (2R,3S,4aS,8aR), (2R,3R,4S,4aS,8aR), and (2R,3R,4R), respectively.     

光谱法研究11-羟基喜树碱与牛血清白蛋白的相互作用

在生理pH条件下用荧光光谱法和紫外光谱法结合化学计量学来研究10-羟基喜树碱(10-HCPT)与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)的相互作用,结果发现,10-HCPT对BSA的内源荧光有静态猝灭作用。以华法林作为标记药物,采用三维荧光技术,分别对竞争实验过程进行扫描,进而用平行因子法(PARAFAC)处理所得三维数据,并根据蛋白质结合位上药物的置换作用确定了10-HCPT的结合位置是BSA的site I。利用同步荧光光谱,考察了10-HCPT对BSA构象的影响,10-HCPT的加入使BSA构象发生变化,BSA内部残基所处环境的疏水性下降。     

Circular dichroism of distorted helices. C(10)-Adamantyl and C(10)-tert-butyl biliverdins

Bulky adamantyl and tert-butyl substituents at the central carbon of biliverdins cause the intrinsic verdin helical conformation to distort, and this results in a shift in pigment color from blue to red. Such distorted `verdins' when derivatized as L-alanyl methyl ester bis-amides give modest circular dichroism Cotton effects.     

Nanoscale organization of ionic liquids and their interaction with peptides probed by C NMR spectroscopy

An NMR study of 10 l-alanine- and l-valine-containing peptides was carried out in the native [C₂MIM][Cl], [C₄MIM][Cl], [C₆MIM][Cl], [C₄MIM][BF₄], [C₄MIM][PF₆], and [C₄Py][BF₄] ionic liquid media. A unique high sensitivity of the ionic liquid system to the nature of peptide and ability to tune solvent–solute interactions were observed in contrast to regular organic solvents. The l-valine peptides can be selectively dissolved in [C₄MIM][Cl] and [C₆MIM][Cl], whereas their solubility in [C₂MIM][Cl] and other ionic liquids was dramatically lower. In spite of structural similarity between the amino acids, a distinct behavior was observed for the l-alanine peptides. Solvent–solute interactions with an ionic liquid impose significant changes, and NMR spectroscopy is a useful probe for the molecular-level and nanoscale organization of the studied systems. An even/odd effect of the number of amino acids in the peptide on molecular interactions in ionic liquids was observed. Enhancement of chemical properties of peptides in ionic liquids and application of ionic liquids in the separation of peptides are the areas of practical interest in the studied systems.     

Phase behavior of C60 by computer simulation using ab‐initio interaction potential

A first‐principles intermolecular potential recently proposed by Pacheco and Ramalho [Phys Rev Lett 1997, 79, 3873–3876] has been used with the Gibbs ensemble and Gibbs–Duhem integration Monte Carlo methods to simulate the vapor–liquid and fluid–solid coexistence properties of C₆₀. The critical properties were calculated by fitting the results to the laws of rectilinear diameters and order parameter scaling. The triple‐point properties were determined from the limiting behavior of the Gibbs ensemble vapor–liquid simulations at the lowest temperature range. A stable liquid phase is predicted for temperatures between 1570±20 and 2006±27 K and densities between 0.444±0.003 and 1.05±0.01 nm^?3. The estimated critical and triple‐point pressures are, respectively, 35±6 and 5±16 bars. We show for the first time, to our knowledge, that it is possible, strictly by computer simulation, to estimate a triple point for C₆₀ in accordance with the predictions of theoretical methods and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. The liquid and fluid radial distribution functions indicate the presence of solid or glasslike features. This may support the suggestion of a more cooperative interaction of clusters in C₆₀. A comparison of our results with the data obtained by other authors is presented and discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 84: 375–387, 2001     

Formation of CoQ10 reduced form by mixing CoQ10 oxidized form γCD complex and vitamin C in powder

We have already reported the enhancement of the stability and bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) oxidized form by γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) complexation. In a series of the studies, we investigated an easy and economical conversion of CoQ10 oxidized form to its reduced form in complex powder, using inexpensive vitamin C (VC) as the reductant. CoQ10 oxidized form or its γCD complex and VC were physically mixed at the molar ratio of 1:0 to 1:50. The mixtures were stored at 60 °C and 75% RH. The sampling was made at certain interval, and both CoQ10 oxidized and reduced form contents were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The result shows that the conversion ratio to CoQ10 reduced form in γCD complex was significantly higher than that of non-inclusion compound (ca. 80% versus ca. 30% at the maximum). It was also confirmed that CoQ10 reduced form in γCD complex remains as stable as its oxidized form in γCD complex. Free radical scavenging potential of partially reduced CoQ10–γCD complex was assayed with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).     

Synthesis of C60/[10]CPP-Catenanes by Regioselective,Nanocapsule-Templated Bingel Bis-Addition

The addition of two unsymmetric malonate esters to the Buckminster fullerene C₆₀ can lead to 22 spectroscopically distinguishable isomeric products and therefore represents a formidable synthesis challenge. In this work, we achieve 87 % selectivity for the formation of a single (in,out-trans-3) isomer by combining three approaches: (i) we use a starting material, in which the two malonates are covalently connected (tether approach); (ii) we form the strong supramolecular complex of C₆₀ with the shape-persistent [10]CPP macrocycle (template approach) and (iii) we embed this complex further within a self-assembled nanocapsule (shadow mask approach). Variation of the spacer chain shed light on the limitations of the approach and the ring dynamics in the unusual [2]catenanes were studied in silico with atomistic resolution. This work significantly widens the scope of mechanically interlocked architectures comprising cycloparaphenylenes (CPP).     

低频外信号选择性优化的钙信号与IP3信号

用数值模拟的方法研究了钙信号系统中钙振荡与IP3振荡共存时,噪音和低频外信号对它们的选择性优化和调控.研究结果显示,低频外信号能够协同噪音作用,在一定强度范围内优化钙信号和IP3信号,但能够协同优化钙信号的条件范围明显较宽,说明协同作用对钙信号具有优先选择性.此外,在两种化学信号均可以被优化的外信号参数作用下,信号被优化的噪音强度范围也具有选择性.     

Synthesis of the C1‐C10 Fragment of Muamvatin

This report delineates our efforts towards the synthesis of a stereochemically well‐defined ketone, the C₁?C₁₀ fragment of muamvatin, the first example of a 2, 4, 6‐trioxaadamantane ring skeletal polypropionate marine natural product, using two non‐aldol variants. i) The Shimizu reaction, a Pd(0) mediated stereoselective epoxy‐ring opening of alkenyl oxiranes, was employed for the stereoselective installation of methyl groups in syn‐fashion and ii) Bode's protocol, a NHC‐mediated reaction on β‐epoxy aldehydes, was utilized for stereoselective construction of methyl and hydroxyl groups in anti‐fashion.