High-throughput screening assay for the quantification of Cer d18:1/16:0, d18:1/24:0, d18:1/24:1, d18:1/18:0, d18:1/14:0, d18:1/20:0, and d18:1/22:0 in HepG2 cells using RapidFire mass spectrometry

Ceramides are known to be involved in various biological processes with their physiological levels elevated in various disease conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis. To facilitate the rapid screening of Cer d18:1/16:0, d18:1/24:0, d18:1/24:1, d18:1/18:0, d18:1/14:0, d18:1/20:0, and d18:1/22:0 inhibition in HepG2 cells, a RapidFire coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (RF–MS/MS) method has been developed. The RF platform provides an automated solid-phase extraction system that gave a throughput of 12.6 s per sample to an MS/MS system using electrospray ionization under the positive ion mode. Chromatographic separation of Cer d18:1/16:0, d18:1/24:0, d18:1/24:1, d18:1/18:0, d18:1/14:0, d18:1/20:0, and d18:1/22:0 was achieved using a ternary gradient on C₈ type E cartridge. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 538.2 → 264.2, 650.7 → 264.2, 648.6 → 264.2, 566.4 → 264.2, 510.4 → 264.2, 594.4 → 264.2, 622.5 → 264.2, and 552.3 → 250.2 for Cer d18:1/16:0, d18:1/24:0, d18:1/24:1, d18:1/18:0, d18:1/14:0, d18:1/20:0, d18:1/22:0, and the internal standard (Cer d17:1/18:0), respectively. The RF–MS/MS methodology showed an excellent performance with an average Z′ value of 0.5–0.7. This is the first report of an RF–MS/MS assay for screening of ceramides which is amenable for high-throughput screening.     

Effect of Ru addition on the structural characteristics and the electrochemical activity for ethanol oxidation of carbon supported Pt–Sn alloy catalysts

Binary Pt–Sn/C (1:1) and ternary Pt–Sn–Ru/C (1:1:0.3 and 1:1:1) catalysts were synthesized by reduction of precursors with formic acid, and their activity for ethanol oxidation was compared with that of commercial Pt/C and Pt–Ru/C catalysts. Linear sweep voltammetry measurements at 40 and 90 °C showed that for potentials higher than 0.3 V vs. RHE, the Pt–Sn–Ru/C (1:1:0.3) catalyst presents the highest activity for ethanol electro-oxidation, while the electrochemical activity of the Pt–Sn–Ru/C (1:1:1) catalyst was lower than that of both the binary Pt–Sn/C and Pt–Ru/C catalysts. Tests in a single direct ethanol fuel cell confirmed the superior performance of the Pt–Sn–Ru/C (1:1:0.3) electrocatalyst. The positive effect of the Ru presence in the Pt–Sn–Ru/C (1:1:0.3) catalyst was ascribed to the interactions between Sn and Ru oxides.     

Fluorocyclohexanes-II Cis- and trans- 1H:3H- and 1H:4H-decafluorocyclohexanes

An extension of the methods employed in the isolation of (trans) 1H/2H-decafluorocyclohexane,¹ (I) from the polyfluorocyclohexane mixture obtained by the vapour phase fluorination of benzene with cobaltic fluoride at about 150°, has afforded the four remaining members of the series of decafluorocyclohexanes [the cis- and trans-1H:3H- and 1H:4H-isomers (1H:3H/-(IV), 1H/3H-(III), 1H:4H/-(VII), and 1H/4H-(VIII), respectively)] and also the cis-1H:2H-decafluorocyclohexane (II), obtained previously^1,2 by the lithium aluminium hydride reduction of 1:2-dichlorodecafluorocyclohexane. The structures of the 1H:3H- and 1H:4H-decafluorides have been established by dehydrofluorination studies. The six decafluorocyclohexanes have been related to two new nonafluorocyclohexanes³ (IX and X) by further fluorination of the latter. 2H-Heptafluoroadipic acid has been obtained from 3H-nonafluorocyclohex-1-ene (V), one of the dehydrofluorination products of the 1H:3H-decafluorides.     

Separation of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids from Asteris souliei by high‐performance counter‐current chromatography and their anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro

Eleven compounds were successfully separated from Asteris souliei by using a two‐step high‐performance counter‐current chromatography method. The first step involved a reversed phase isocratic counter‐current chromatography separation using hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:0.8:1:1 v/v/v/v), which produced three fractions, the first two of which were mixtures. The second step used step‐gradient reversed‐phase counter‐current chromatography with hexane/butanol/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:0.5:3.5:1:4 v/v/v/v/v) initially followed by hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:2:1:2 v/v/v/v) to separate Fraction 1 into seven compounds; and hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:1:1:1.2 v/v/v/v) to separate Fraction 2 into three further compounds. The chemical structures of the separated compounds were identified by ESI‐MS and NMR spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C). Baicalin ( 5 ), eriodictyol ( 7 ), apigenin‐7‐glycoside ( 8 ), quercetin ( 9 ), luteolin ( 10 ), and apigenin ( 11 ) showed obvious inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells at a concentration of 10 μg/mL.     

新型分子筛CFAP-5和CFSAPO-5的合成与性质

新型AlPO₄分子筛CFAP-5和硅磷铝分子筛CFSAPO-5分别水热合成于Pr₃N(三丙胺)-Al₂O₃-P₂O₅-H₂O体系和Pr₂N-Al₂O₃-P₂O₅-SiO₂-H₂O体系中。反应物摩尔配比分别.为:Pr₃N:Al₂O₃:P₂O₅:H₂O=1:(1～1.2):1:(40～80)和Pr₃N:Al₂O₃:P₂O₅:SiO₂:H₂O=1:(1～1.2):1:(0.5～2):(40～80),反应温度140℃。二丙胺亦可作为模板剂。经XRD、IR、TG、DTA和吸附等研究证明,CFAP-5在300～450℃之间、CFSAPO-5在300～600℃之间经焙烧后生成的相应分子筛,最大吸附孔径为4.4～4.9Å。     

Effect of D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) on surfactant monolayers

In the present study, the effects of an amphiphilic polymer, d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) on model surfactant monolayers dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), a binary mixture of DPPC with palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DPPC-POPG) 9:1 (w/w) and binary mixture of DPPC and oleic acid (DPPC-OA) were evaluated. The ability of TPGS to act as an antioxidant adjuvant for pulmonary surfactants was also evaluated. Compression isotherms of surfactant monolayers at 37 °C in a Langmuir-Blodgett trough showed that DPPC and DPPC:TPGS mixed monolayers (1:0.25-1:1, w/w) exhibited low minimum surface tensions (MST) of 1-2 mN/m. Similarly [DPPC:POPG (9:1, w/w)]:TPGS mixed films of 1:0.25-1:1 weight ratios reached 1-2 mN/m MST. DPPC:POPG:TPGS liposomes adsorbed to surface tensions of 29-31 mN/m within 1s. While monolayers of DPPC:OA (1:1, w/w) reached high MST of ～11 mN/m, DPPC:OA:TPGS (1:1:0.25, w/w) film reached near zero MST suggesting that low concentrations of TPGS reverses the effect of OA on DPPC monolayer. Capillary surfactometer studies showed DPPC:TPGS and [DPPC:POPG (9:1, w/w)]:TPGS liposomes maintained 84-95% airway patency. Fluorescence spectroscopy of Laurdan loaded DPPC:TPGS and DPPC:POPG:TPGS liposomes revealed no segregation of lipid domains in the lipid bilayer. Addition of TPGS to soybean liposome significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) by 29-39% confirming its antioxidant nature. The results suggest a potential use of TPGS as an adjuvant to improve the surfactant activity as well as act as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals.     

Interactions of cholesterol with cyclodextrins in aqueous solution

The interaction of cholesterol with several cyclodextrins (CDs) was investigated in water using solubility method. It was found that heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-CD (DOM-beta-CD) forms two types of soluble complex, with molar ratios of 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 (cholesterol : DOM-beta-CD), and neither a soluble nor insoluble complex is formed between cholesterol and alpha-CD, beta-CD, and gamma-CD, although a minor soluble complex formation was observed between cholesterol and 2-hydroxylpropyl-beta-CD. The thermodynamic parameters for 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complex formation of cholesterol with DOM-beta-CD obtained from the changes in K with temperature are as follows: DeltaG degrees (1 : 1)=-11.6 kJ/mol at 25 degrees C (K(1 : 1)=1.09x10(2) M(-1)); DeltaH degrees (1 : 1)=-3.38 kJ/mol; TDeltaS degrees (1 : 1)=8.25 kJ/mol; DeltaG degrees (1 : 2)=-27.1 kJ/mol at 25 degrees C (K(1 : 2)=5.68x10(4) M(-1)); DeltaH degrees (1 : 2)=-3.96 kJ/mol; and TDeltaS degrees (1 : 2)=23.2 kJ/mol. The formation of the 1 : 2 complex occurred much more easily than that of the 1 : 1 complex. The driving force for 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complex formation was considered to be mainly hydrophobic interaction. Also, based on the measurements of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and studies with Corey-Pauling-Koltun atomic models, the probable structutures of the 1 : 2 complex were estimated.     

Fluorocyclohexanes-III 1H:4H/2H- and 1H/2H:4H-nonafluorocyclohexane and derived compounds

Two nonafluorocyclohexanes of b.p. 92° and 101°, made by fluorination of benzene,¹ have each been dehydrofluorinated to give the same six unsaturated products. These were identified by oxidation and other studies as 3H:4H- and 4H:5H-octafluorocyclohexene, 1H-1:4-, 1H-1:3-, and 2H-1:3-heptafluorocyclohexadiene, and hexafluorobenzene,² thus indicating a 1H:2H:4H-structure for the saturated precursors. The stereochemistry of the adjacent> CHF groups was established by resolution, via the brucine salt, of the 3H:4H-hexafluoroadipic acid obtained by oxidation of the 4H:5H-mono-olefin, showing that the hydrogens were trans. The complete stereochemistry of the nonafluorides was suggested by the dehydrofluorinations and confirmed by further fluorination³ to give known decafluorocyclohexanes. Treatment of 4H/5H-octafluorocyclohexene with lithium aluminium hydride in diethyl ether gave 1H,4H/5H-heptafluorocyclohexene, a precursor of pentafluorobenzene.⁴     

Hydrogen electrosorption in nanocrystalline Ti-based alloys

The electrochemical behavior in alkaline solution (1 M NaOH) of nanocrystalline Ti:Ru:Fe:O (2:1:1:2) prepared by high-energy ball milling was studied over its whole electroactivity domain, with a particular emphasis on the hydrogen evolution reaction (her). Comparison has also been made with nanocrystalline Ti:Ru:Fe (2:1:1) and a mixture of Ti:TiO:Ru:Fe₂O₃ (3/2:1/2:1:1/2). It was shown by cyclic voltammetry, open circuit potential decay and chronopotentiometry measurements that hydrogen absorption in the electrode material occurs during hydrogen discharge. The electrochemical behavior of nanocrystalline Ti:Ru:Fe:O (2:1:1:2) closely follows that of Ti:Ru:Fe (2:1:1), but differs radically from that of Ti:TiO:Ru:Fe₂O₃ (3/2:1/2:1:1/2). This is due to the fact that the former two compounds contain a significant fraction of B2 phase (59 and 97 wt.%, respectively), while the latter does not. In steady state conditions, the ratio H/B2 phase in nanocrystalline Ti:Ru:Fe:O (2:1:1:2) is 0.15, about 1.6 times less than that for the O-free nanocrystalline compound. The coefficient of diffusion of hydrogen in nanocrystalline Ti:Ru:Fe:O (2:1:1:2) is 2.6×10⁻¹³ cm² s⁻¹, more than three times less than that in nanocrystalline Ti:Ru:Fe (2:1:1). The difference between the hydrogen absorption characteristics of both nanocrystalline compounds are tracked down to the fact that their B2 phases have different stoichiometries.     

A theoretical study on the alkene insertion step in Rh-Yanphos catalyzed hydroformylation

This paper studied the mechanism of the alkene insertion elementary step in the asymmetric hydroformylation （AHF） catalyzed by RhH（CO）2[（R,S）-Yanphos] using four alkene substrates （CH2=CH- Ph, CH2=CH-Ph-（p）-Me, CH2=CH-C（==O）OCH3 and CH2=CH-OC（=O）-Ph, abbreviated as A1-A4）. Interestingly, the equatorial vertical coordination mode （A mode） with respect to the Rh center was found for AI and A2 but not for A3 and A4, although the equatorial in-plane coordination mode （E mode） was found for A1 -A4. The relative energy of the E mode of the -q2-intermediates is lower than that of the A mode. In the alkene insertion step, Path 1 is more favorable than Path 2 for this system. As for AI and A2, there could be a transformation between 2eq and 2ax.     

Interaction of heptakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin with cholesterol in aqueous solution

The interaction of cholesterol with heptakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (TOM-beta-CyD) was investigated in water using solubility method. It was found that TOM-beta-CyD forms two kinds of soluble complexes, with molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 (cholesterol:TOM-beta-CyD). The thermodynamic parameters for 1:1 and 1:2 complex formation of cholesterol with TOM-beta-CyD were: DeltaG0(1:1)=-11.0 kJ/mol at 25 degrees C (K1:1=7.70 x 10 M(-1)); DeltaH0(1:1)=-1.28 kJ/mol; TDeltaS0(1:1)=9.48 kJ/mol; DeltaG0(1:2)=-27.8 kJ/mol at 25 degrees C (K1:2)=7.55 x 10(4) M(-1)); DeltaH0(1:2)=-0.57 kJ/mol; TDeltaS0(1:1)=27.3 kJ/mol. The formation of the 1:2 complex occurred much more easily than that of the 1:1 complex. The driving force for 1:1 and 1:2 complex formation was suggested to be exclusively hydrophobic interaction. Based on the measurements of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and studies with Corey-Pauling-Koltun atomic models, the probable structures of the 1:2 complex were estimated. In addition, the interaction of TOM-beta-CyD with cholesterol was compared with that of heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-CyD (DOM-beta-CyD). The interaction of TOM-beta-CyD is more hydrophobic than that of DOM-beta-CyD, and the life time of the complexed TOM-beta-CyD is sufficiently long to give separated signals, at the NMR time scale, which differs from that of complexed DOM-beta-CyD.     

Influence of sulfur groups on carboxylic acid strengths

The relative acid strength for a series of monocarboxylic acids of the general formula RX(CH₂)_nCOOH and related dicarboxylic acids of the general formula HOOC(CH₂)_nX(CH₂)_nCOOH, where R?=?Ph or Me, X?=?CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; and n?=?1 or 2 as appropriate; have been studied as a function of X. It is found that sulfur containing acids have lower pKa values than the corresponding carbon analogues, that the pK_a is highest for the thioacids and lowest for the sulfonyl acids, that the pK_as increase as n increases, and that for the dicarboxylic acid systems only the thio members show a significant reduction in pK_a (2) – pK_a (1) differences upon changing n from 1 to 2.     

一种新的二帽Keggin多金属氧酸盐的合成、表征及磁性

在水热条件下合成了一种新的二帽二支撑的Keggin型钼钒多金属氧酸盐[Cu(2,2'-bpy)₃]{[Cu(2,2'-bpy)₂]₂HP^ⅤMo8VIV6IVO₄₂]}·2H₂O(1,bpy=联吡啶),利用元素分析、红外光谱、X射线光电子能谱,粉末和X射线单晶衍射等分析技术对化合物的晶体结构进行了表征。 结果表明,该化合物属于单斜晶系,C2/c空间群,a=2.8734(3) nm,b=1.47333(12) nm,c=2.31023(16) nm,β=112.509(5)°,V=9.0351(12) nm³,Z=1,R₁=0.0489,wR₂=0.1286。 化合物的阴离子是二帽α-Keggin结构P/Mo/V多金属氧簇,通过簇阴离子两个钒帽上的端氧分别支撑两个铜过渡金属配合物,化合物簇阴离子,水分子和2,2'-联吡啶分子之间通过π-π和氢键作用形成了三维超分子结构。     

苯胺基桥联双芳氧基稀土金属配合物的合成、表征及催化性能

通过配体前体苯胺基桥联双酚（PhN｛CH₂-（2-HO-C₆H₂-B{\mathrm{u}}_{\mathrm{2}}^t-3,5）｝₂,L¹H₂）与三硅胺基稀土金属配合物的质子交换反应,合成了苯胺基桥联双芳氧基稀土金属配合物,发现反应介质对反应的产物有明显的影响。L¹H₂与Ln［N（TMS）₂］₃（μ-Cl）Li（THF）₃以物质的量比1∶1在甲苯中90 ℃下反应,可以得到预期的苯胺基桥联双芳氧基稀土金属胺化物L¹LnN（TMS）₂（THF） （Ln=Yb（1）,Sm（2））。而L¹H₂与Sm［N（TMS）₂］₃（μ-Cl）Li（THF）₃以1∶1的物质的量比在四氢呋喃（THF）中50 ℃下反应,则得到钐-锂杂双金属配合物（THF）LiL¹₂Sm （3）。这些配合物均经过了红外光谱、元素分析和单晶结构测定的表征。发现配合物1和2可以有效地催化L-丙交酯和D,L-丙交酯的开环聚合,得到高相对分子质量的聚丙交酯。其中,配合物1对D,L-丙交酯的开环聚合显示很好的选择性,可以得到杂同含量（Pr）达到0.87的聚丙交酯。     

Anodic reductions—V The reduction of diketones by unipositive magnesium anodically generated

A series of diketones of the general formula C₆H₅CO(CH₂nCOC₆H₅ has been prepared and subjected to “anodic reduction” in sodium iodide-pyridine solution between magnesium electrodes. In every case hydrolysis of the anolyte following electrolysis yielded a 1:2-diol as the reduction product as evidenced by titration with standard lead tetraacetate solution. The diketones, 1:3-dibenzoylpropane (n = 3) and 1:4-dibenzoylbutane (n = 4), gave cis-1:2-diphenylcyclopentane-1:2-diol and cis-1:2-diphenylcyclohexane-1:2-diol, respectively. On the assumption that the other diketones also gave cyclic 1:2-diols, there is a striking correlation between the initial mean valence number (V_i) of the magnesium entering solution from the anode and the size of the ring; the lowest V_i values were obtained in those instances where the diketones originally in solution gave the most stable cyclic diols. Interpretations are offered for these results and for corrosion phenomena observed.     

Hydration of superoxide studied by molecular dynamics simulation

Molecular dynamics was used to study the hydration of superoxide (O). The Helmholtz free energy of hydration of O was estimated by the thermodynamic integration method. The diffusion of O and the water structure around O were also studied. Two water models were used in the calculations and the results were compared to experiments.     

2-(1H-1,2,4-三唑-3-基)吡啶MnⅡ配合物的合成、结构及荧光性质

采用水热合成法,通过配体[2-(1H-1,2,4-三唑-3-基)吡啶](2-HTP)与MnSO₄·H₂O中的Mn²⁺离子组装配位,得到一个结构新颖的配合物[Mn(C₇H₅N₄)·(SO₄)·2H₂O](1),对其进行元素分析、红外光谱、X射线单晶衍射、固体荧光以及热重分析等测试。 结构分析表明,配合物1属于单斜晶系P2₁/n空间群,部分晶胞参数:a=1.16373(12) nm,b=0.79324(9) nm,c=1.40241(15) nm,V=1.1996(2) nm³,Z=4。 在配合物1中,配体2-HTP与Mn²⁺离子以双齿的方式配位,Mn²⁺离子还与两个结晶水分子相连并与SO42-中O原子的桥联作用连接成为一维的链状结构。 此外,配体的芳香环之间还存在弱的π-π空间堆积效应,通过对配合物进行固体荧光测试表明其具有良好的蓝光性质,在477 nm处存在较强的荧光发射峰。     

四丁基碘化铵催化甲基丙烯酸甲酯的可逆-休眠自由基溶液聚合

以四丁基碘化铵(BNI) 为有机催化剂, 碘单质(I₂) 与偶氮二异庚腈(ABVN) 原位生成的碘代异庚腈为引发剂, 进行甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA) 的溶液聚合. 以甲苯为溶剂, MMA:I₂:ABVN的摩尔比为200:1:1.7, 考察了催化剂用量对聚合的影响. 结果表明, 加入催化剂可以缩短诱导期, 当I₂:BNI摩尔比为1:1时聚合反应的诱导期最短(1.7 h); 当BNI:I₂摩尔比为0.25:1~2:1之间时, 聚合物实测分子量与理论值十分接近, 分子量分布较窄, 分子量分布指数(M_w/M_n) 多在1.2以下. 考察了在N,N'-二甲基甲酰胺(DMF)、 四氢呋喃(THF)、 苯甲醚、 苯和甲苯5种溶剂中的聚合反应, 发现在苯和甲苯中聚合可控性最佳, M_w/M_n多在1.2以下; 苯甲醚和THF中聚合速率较快, 聚合物分子量分布较苯中的略宽. 以DMF为溶剂时所得聚合物分子量分布很宽, 聚合可控性差. 核磁共振分析聚合物为碘封端结构, 碘原子封端的聚合物链所占比为91.6%.     

Characterization of Chitosan/Alginate Self-Assembled Nanoparticles as a Protein Carrier

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the polymeric ratios on the characteristics of chitosan/alginate (ch/alg) self-assembled nanoparticles and their potential as protein delivery vehicle. The nanoparticles were prepared using proper mixing of polymers in presence or absence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a protein model. Three formulations of nanoparticles comprising ch/alg ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 were prepared. Size, shape and zeta potential of the formulations were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanosizer instruments. FTIR, and differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) studies were performed to investigate polymer-polymer or polymer-protein interactions. Release profiles and entrapment efficiencies of the nanoparticles were determined by calorimetric technique using appropriate techniques. Entrapment efficiency was 70% for ch/alg ratio of 1:1, 65% for 1:2, and 60% for 2:1. The z-average size of the nanoparticles were 403, 205, and 318 nm for ch/alg ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively. Average zeta potentials were ?47, +15, ?25 mV for 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 as well. Considering the favorable features required for protein delivery systems, ch/alg (1:1) due to its smallest size, highest loading, and most homogenous shape was regarded as the best ratio.     

Molecular Ions of Transient Species: Vinyl-Alcohol Cation

Vinyl alcohol 1 was prepared by thermolysis of cyclobutanol and its photoelectron spectrum was determined. I = 9.18 eV and I = 9.52 eV were found, the vibrations progression (? = 1400 cm^?1) for this lowest energy transition 1(X)→1⁺(X?) indicating significant skeletal changes in the ion. The question of the relative stability of the syn ( 1 )- vs. anti-ions ( 1 ) is discussed in the light of theoretical calculations. The energy of the second π-state of 1 ⁺ is estimated at 13.6–14.1 eV above the ground state of 1 .