From the Cube to the Dyck and Klein Tessellations: Implications for the Structures of Zeolite-like Carbon and Boron Nitride Allotropes

Geometrical transformations can be described which have the effect of multiplying the numbers of vertices in a trivalent polyhedron by three, four, or seven. Tripling the cube by the so-called leapfrog transformation gives the truncated octahedron. Quadrupling the cube followed by identifying the square faces to give a genus 3 surface gives the Dyck surface of 12 octagons. Septupling the cube by the so-called capra transformation followed by identifying the square faces to give a genus 3 surface gives the Klein surface of 24 heptagons. These geometrical transformations relate to the construction of low-density zeolite-like structures for carbon and boron nitride allotropes based on a cubic lattice     

A new polymer-supported reagent for the synthesis of beta-lactams in solution

A modified Mukaiyama reagent was prepared on a PS-DVB resin. This reagent was used for the preparation of beta-lactams, using the Staudinger reaction. The products were obtained by generating the ketene from a carboxylic acid under sonication with the resin followed by reaction with the imine. Excess of the imine was removed by reduction followed by acid scavenging.     

Comparison between isoelectric focusing methods for the detection of orosomucoid phenotypes

Orosomucoid (ORM) polymorphism was investigated by different methods including isoelectric focusing in acid pH ranges followed by silver staining, print immunofixation of desialyzed ORM, fixation using a lectin from the sea-weed Codium tomentosum, isoelectric focusing followed by immunofixation in miniaturized gels and isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradients. Population genetics studies were carried out in Galicia (NW Spain) and two new ORM variants were found.     

Study of the mechanism of formation of transparent polyacrylonitrile

The kinetics of bulk polymerization of acrylonitrile, leading to a transparent polymer, was studied. The reaction was followed by a dilatometer specially designed for high degrees of conversion and for continuous supply of monomer during the reaction. The last stages of polymerization were followed by density determinations. It was found that the kinetic scheme did not show any irregularities, and that the major condition for obtaining a transparent polymer is a continuous supply of monomer to fill up the gaps formed by the contraction during the polymerization process.     

Study of the mechanism of the photoisomerization and photooxidation of bilirubin using a model for the phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemia

Liquid chromatography was employed for a study of photochemical degradation of bilirubin in the complex with human albumin, using a model system in the presence of riboflavin. The concentrations of bilirubin, the photoisomers and biliverdin were monitored. The reaction mechanism was verified using a quantified mathematical model and was represented by a reaction scheme. Photoisomerization is the initial process, followed by photooxidation to degradation products of the tetrapyrrole skeleton, with formation of biliverdin as an intermediate. The blood of newborns that were irradiated for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia was studied for the sake of comparison. The effect of some biochemically important substances was followed, in view of possible inhibition of the processes. The experimental results demonstrate that riboflavin acts as a catalyst, even at the concentrations typical for its occurrence in blood. The results are discussed from the point of view of the mechanism of bilirubin degradation during phototherapy.     

On the Diels-Alder reactions of pentadienyl maleates and citraconates

Reactions between conjugated dienols and maleic anhydride provide either cis-fused or trans-fused bicyclic products as major products, depending upon how the reaction is carried out. Simply mixing the two reactants together generally leads to cis-fused lactone acids in thermal reactions which proceed viaintermolecular Diels-Alder reaction followed by intramolecular esterification. Pre-forming the maleate half ester derivative followed by heating affords predominantly trans-fused lactone acids in good yields by way of an intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction. Sorbyl citraconate half esters undergo a rapid thermolytic fragmentation in refluxing toluene to form the dienol and citraconic anhydride. The resulting diene-dienophile pair undergo an intermolecular cycloaddition followed by a rapid intramolecular esterification to give cis-fused bicyclic lactone acids as major products. The IMDA reaction of citraconic half esters is sufficiently rapid in DMSO to dominate over fragmentation: the exo-cycloadduct is formed almost exclusively. Nine literature reports of endo-selective IMDA reactions of triene acids are erroneous; the cycloadditions proceed in an intermolecular manner.     

Molecular profiles of the cell membrane bound and cytoplasmic forms of the human MHC class-II associated invariant polypeptides

Several sub-types of histocompatibility class-II molecules are known to exist, including DR, DQ and DP, each subset organized in alpha and beta heterodimers. These molecules play a central role in immunorecognition via direct noncovalent binding of degraded nonself immunogenic peptides followed by ligand-interaction with T cells. In the cytoplasm the class-II alpha and beta chains associate, in addition with a third backbone molecule known as the invariant chain. In this study we show that all class-II subsets associate with the invariant chain probably from the same pool and that a subset of invariant chain is expressed as a cell surface subunit. This sub-unit, whose function is still unknown, was detected by flow-cytometry and by two-dimensional gel analysis followed by antibody-mediated immunoprecipitations.     

Mechanism of the biosynthesis of squalene from farnesyl pyrophosphate

The biosynthesis of squalene (1) from farnesyl pyrophosphate (2) has been studied by carrying out calculations for models. The suggested mechanism involves initial allylic attack on 2 by the enzyme, probably by the trapping of farnesyl cation, followed by S_N2' reaction with a second molecule of 2 to form a π complex which is deprotonated to presqualene pyrophosphate (3). Ionization of 3, followed by cyclopropylcarbinyl rearrangement and hydride reduction, gives 1. The rearrangement does not involve a cyclobutyl cation (bicyclobutanium ion) as an intermediate.     

Distillation of used liquid scintillation cocktail and the possibility of re-utilization of the recovered solvent

Liquid(toluene and dioxane)scintillation cocktail containing [methyl-3H]thymidine as a radioactive material was distilled by a rotary evaporator after storage for 0 to 12 months. The solvent obtained by distillation was then purified by several treatments, and the 3H-concentration in the solvent after each treatment was determined accurately. The 3H-concentration in the rotary evaporator-distillate of the cocktails reached about 0.2% of that of the original scintillation cocktails when they were stored for 12 months. But these radioactive materials could be removed completely from each solvent by several refining treatments: washing with water followed by dehydration with molecular sieves in case of toluene scintillation cocktail, and desiccation by adding excess amount of KOH in case of dioxane scintillation cocktail. It was concluded that the distillation followed by several simple refining treatments was useful to regenerate the refined solvent available for the preparation of liquid scintillation cocktail and also as a preliminary step to dispose of the waste scintillation cocktail.     

Identification of the rapamycin-sensitive phosphorylation sites within the Ser/Thr-rich domain of the yeast Npr1 protein kinase

The Saccharomyces cerevisae nitrogen permease reactivator Npr1 is a hyperphosphorylated protein that belongs to a fungus-specific family of Ser/Thr protein kinases dedicated to the regulation of plasma membrane transporters. Its activity is regulated by the TOR (target of rapamycin) signalling pathway. Inhibition of the TOR proteins by treating yeast cells with the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin promotes rapid dephosphorylation of Npr1. To identify the rapamycin-sensitive phosphorylation sites in yeast Npr1, glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-tagged Npr1 was isolated from untreated or rapamycin-treated cells, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Here, we report for the first time 22 phosphorylation sites that are clustered in two regions of the N-terminal serine-rich domain. All phosphorylation sites, except two, were found to be rapamycin-sensitive. Some phosphorylation sites are contained in motifs that closely resemble those in mammalian S6K (serines followed by a tyrosine or a phenylalanine) and 4E-BP1 (serines followed by a proline). Other sites, such as serines followed by Ala, Asn, Gln, His, Ile, Leu, or Val, appear to define new motifs. Thus, TOR controls an unusually broad array of phosphorylation sites in Npr1. In addition to phosphorylation by upstream kinases, Npr1 undergoes autophosphorylation that was mapped to three distinct serines in the N-terminal domain of which Ser257 appears to be the main autophosphorylation site. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the mass spectral assignments of the autophosphorylation sites and shows that Ser257 is specifically involved in forming an in vitro substrate-binding site.     

pH effects on the reduction of bilirubin in aqueous media

The electrochemical reduction of bilirubin at the mercury electrode was studied in aqueous media embracing an extended pH range; a variety of electrochemical techniques was used. Reduction in neutral solution results in three waves—the first a reversible adsorption prewave, followed by a pH dependent, reversible, two electron wave and finally by a one electron irreversible wave. In basic solution, only two waves are discernable: the reversible adsorption prewave, followed by a three electron wave resulting from the coalescence of the second and third waves seen in neutral solution. Familiarity with the detailed electrochemistry of bilirubin reduction provides the prerequisite basis for developing a sensitive analytical method for its determination.     

Novel synthesis of the glycosidase inhibitor deoxymannojirimycin and of a synthetic precursor D-lyxo-hexos-5-ulose

[reaction: see text]. The synthesis of D-lyxo-hexos-5-ulose (5-ketomannose, 1,5-dicarbonyl sugar), a synthetic precursor to the glycoprocessing inhibitor deoxymannojirimycin, was carried out by an in situ epoxidation and hydrolysis of a trimethylsilyl-protected 6-deoxyhex-5-enopyranoside followed by facile removal of the protecting groups. A novel nine-step synthesis of deoxymannojirimycin has also been achieved from methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside; this involved methanolysis of epoxides derived from an acetylated 1-azido-6-deoxyhex-5-enopyranoside followed by deprotection and catalytic hydrogenation.     

The semiempirical study on the addition of the chiral ammonium hypophosphite to an aldehyde

The PM3 and AM1 semiempirical computations were performed in order to explain the stereochemistry of the addition of the chiral α-methylbenzylammonium hypophosphite to an aldehyde, which is stereoselective to 100%. Both mechanisms: one considering the intermediate formation of α-hydroxy phosphonous acids followed by the nucleophilic substitution with a chiral amine and the second considering the formation of a Schiff base followed by the addition of hypophosphorous acid to an azomethine bond were taken. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:162–168, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10230     

Methodology for the synthesis of the core EFGH rings of diazonamide A

Conversion of substituted 2-oxindoles into 2-thionoindoles followed by Raney nickel desulfurization provides a mild method for synthesizing the core EFGH rings of diazonamide A.     

Insights into the Oxidation Chemistry of 2‐Hydroxypurine by Electrochemical Methods

The oxidation chemistry of 2‐hydroxypurine has been investigated in phosphate containing supporting electrolytes at pH 1.4–9.8 at a pyrolytic graphite electrode by voltammetric studies, spectral studies, controlled potential electrolysis and related techniques. The kinetics of decay of the UV‐absorbing intermediate generated during electrooxidation was followed spectrophotometrically and the decay occurred in a pseudo‐first‐order reaction. The course of the electrode reaction has been deduced to involve a 6e, 6H⁺ oxidation of 2‐hydroxypurine via the formation of 2, 8‐dihydroxypurine. The electrooxidation of 2‐hydroxypurine has been found to be an EC reaction (electrode reaction followed by chemical reactions) in which charge transfer is followed by competitive chemical reactions. A detailed interpretation of the redox mechanism of 2‐hydroxypurine has been presented.     

In situ spectroscopic study of the oxidation and reduction of Pd(111)

Using a photoemission spectroscometer that operates close to ambient conditions of pressure and temperature we have determined the Pd-O phase diagram and the kinetic parameters of phase transformations. We found that on the (111) surface oxidation proceeds by formation of stable and metastable structures. As the chemical potential of O2 increases chemisorbed oxygen forms followed by a thin surface oxide. Bulk oxidation is a two-step process that starts with the metastable growth of the surface oxide into the bulk, followed by a first-order transformation to PdO.     

Ligand effects in the Rh(II) catalyzed reaction of α-diazo ketoamides

The rhodium(II) catalyzed decomposition of several α-diazo ketoamides resulted in either formation of a push-pull carbonyl ylide intermediate followed by intramolecular [3+2]-cycloaddition across the tethered π-bond or C-H insertion of the initially formed rhodium carbenoid into the C₅-position of the lactam ring followed by a carboethoxy-decarboxylation reaction. The chemoselectivity exhibited by the rhodium carbenoid intermediate was found to be markedly dependent on the metal ligands employed.     

Evaluating the use of chiral anthracene templates to access pyroglutamic acids

An approach for the asymmetric synthesis of pyroglutamic acid derivatives is described based on an anthracene chiral auxiliary. The introduction of a furan ring as a masked carboxylic acid moiety proceeded with excellent levels of diastereo-selectivity, followed by conversion into a carboxylate ester. The ensuing retro-Diels–Alder procedure using flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) followed by reduction gave pyroglutamate esters in good yield but poor enantioselectivity, the latter of which was found to be dependant on the electronic nature of the N-protecting group.     

A highly stereoselective synthesis of (-)-(ent)-julifloridine from the cyclization of an alanine-derived chloroamine with an acetylenic sulfone

The cyclization of gamma-chloroamine 11, derived from l-alanine, and acetylenic sulfone 12 afforded the dehydropiperidine 19 via conjugate addition followed by intramolecular alkylation of the corresponding sulfone-stabilized anion. An unexpected acid-catalyzed desulfonylation of 19 occurred in one step via desilylation and tautomerization of the enamine moiety to the corresponding aldehyde, followed by elimination of p-toluenesulfinic acid. The highly stereoselective reduction of the resulting unsaturated aldehyde 25 with sodium cyanoborohydride produced piperidine 23 with a diastereomeric ratio of >98:2. (-)-(ent)-Julifloridine (8) was obtained by Swern oxidation of 23, followed by Wittig olefination and hydrogenation/debenzylation.     

Reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatographic method for the determination of low concentrations of haloperidol in plasma

A sensitive liquid chromatographic method for the determination of haloperidol in plasma is described. The efficient and simple extraction procedure, followed by reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography on a 3-micron octadecylsilica column and UV absorbance detection, makes it possible to determine concentrations down to 0.5 nmol/l with acceptable precision. In a pharmacokinetic study, in which 5 mg of haloperidol were given orally, the plasma levels were followed for 48 h.