Spectral image adaptation and visual experience of DBA/PMMA

High resolution S0-->Sn and T1-->Tn electronic absorptions and B-type delayed fluorescence of 1,2,7,8-dibenzanthracene in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were experimentally observed by flash and laser flash photolysis technique. Dibenzanthracene (hereafter DBA) molecules were excited in a two-step process. In the first step, an excited singlet is created, which undergoes intersystem crossing to triplet state, then T-T absorption creates an excited triplet dibenzanthracene molecule, which returns to the first excited singlet level by intersystem crossing. The re-created first excited singlet of dibenzanthracene decays back to the ground state by emitting B-type of delayed fluorescence, which was observed at the same emission band of prompt (normal) fluorescence, and R-, E-, P-types of delayed fluorescences. For normal fluorescence, S1 state is decaying to S0 ground state. For E- and P-type of delayed fluorescences, T1 state is decaying to S0 via S1 state, and for B-type of delayed fluorescence, T2 state is decaying to S0 via S1 state. The spectrum image showing the absorption/emission bands mentioned was also examined by image processing techniques in order to improve the visual experience of each band by localizing to a specific region of interest (ROI). Experimental results illustrate how the exact location of emission/absorption bands was clearly extracted from the spectral image and further improvements in the visual detection of absorption/emission bands.     

Voltammetric studies on the α-tocopherol anion and α-tocopheroxyl (Vitamin E) radical in acetonitrile

The α-tocopheroxyl radical was generated voltammetrically by one-electron oxidation of the α-tocopherol anion (E ^r_1/2=−0.73 V versus Ag|Ag⁺) that was prepared by reacting α-tocopherol with Et₄NOH in acetonitrile (with Bu₄NPF₆ as the supporting electrolyte). Cyclic voltammograms recorded at variable scan rates (0.05–10 V s⁻¹), temperatures (−20 to 20°C) and concentrations (0.5–10 mM) were modelled using digital simulation techniques to determine the rate of bimolecular self-reaction of α-tocopheroxyl radicals. The k values were calculated to be 3×10³ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 20°C, 2×10³ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 0°C and 1.2×10³ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at −20°C. In situ electrochemical-EPR experiments performed at a channel electrode confirmed the existence of the α-tocopheroxyl radical.     

A computational study on the reactivity enhancement in the free radical polymerization of alkyl α‐hydroxymethacrylate and acrylate derivatives

The free radical polimerizability behavior of alkyl α‐hydroxymethacrylate (RHMA) derivatives ( M1–M3 ) has been modeled by considering the propagation of the dimeric units of the compounds of interest. All the transition structures in this class of monomers are stabilized by long‐range C?O…H? C interactions. The RHMA monomer bearing the ester functionality ( M2 ) polymerizes slightly faster than the one with the ether functionality ( M1 ) because of stronger electrostatic interactions between the C?O and H? C groups. 2‐(Methoxycarbonyl)allyl benzoate ( M3 ) shows higher reactivity as compared to M1 and M2 due to stronger electrostatic interactions. The same type of study has been carried out for hexyl ( M4 ), benzyl ( M5 ), and phenyl ( M6 ) acrylate derivatives whose increasing reactivity has been attributed to the presence of C?O…H? C, C?O…H‐? as well as π–π stabilizing interactions, respectively. While B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) has been used to locate the stationary points along the free radical polymerization of nonaromatic species, long‐range stabilizing interactions have only been detected with M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d). The kinetics that we obtain with this latter methodology for the free radical polymerization reactions of M1 – M6 agree well qualitatively with experiment. An implicit solvent model has reproduced the kinetics of M1–M3 in benzene the best. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Detection and structural features of the βB2‐B3‐crystallin heterodimer by radical probe mass spectrometry (RP‐MS)

The predilection of the β‐crystallin B2 subunit to interact with the βB3 subunit rather than self associate is evident by the detection of the βB2‐B3‐crystallin heterodimer by native gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionisation time‐of‐flight (ESI‐TOF) mass spectrometry under non denaturing conditions. The complex has been detected for the first time and its molecular mass is measured to be 47 450 ± 1 Da. Radical probe mass spectrometry (RP‐MS) was subsequently applied to investigate the nature of the heterodimer through the limited oxidation of the subunits in the complex. Two peptide segments of the βB2 subunit and six of the βB3 subunit were found to oxidise, with far greater oxidation observed within the βB3 versus the βB2 subunit. This, and the observation that the oxidation data of βB2 subunit is inconsistent with the structure of the βB2 monomer, demonstrates that the protection of βB2 is conferred by its association with βB3 subunit within the heterodimer where only the residues of, and towards, its N‐terminal domain remain exposed to solvent. The results suggest that the βB2 subunit adopts a more compacted form than in its monomeric form in order for much of its structure to be enveloped by the βB3 subunit within the heterodimer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solid phase microextraction for the determination of volatile organics in the foliage of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri)

Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) was investigated for the determination of volatile chemicals in the foliage of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri). Advantages of SPME include its speed, sensitivity, and ability to determine volatiles without chemical solvents. In this study, qualitative comparisons were performed of the volatiles emitted from living foliage (in situ), damaged living foliage (in situ damaged), and severed foliage (ex situ). These studies suggest that β-phellandrene and γ-terpinene may be emitted as a response to foliar injury. Comparisons were made of the volatiles collected by SPME with ex situ sampling to previous studies in our laboratory using methylene chloride extraction. Similar results were obtained by the two extraction methods.     

Backbiting and β‐scission reactions in free‐radical polymerization of methyl acrylate

Multiple mechanisms of backbiting and β‐scission reactions in free‐radical polymerization of methyl acrylate are modeled using different levels of theory, and the rigid‐rotor harmonic‐oscillator (RRHO) and hindered‐rotor (HR) approximations. We identify the most cost‐effective computational method(s) for studying the reactions and assess the effects of different factors (e.g., functional type and chain length) on thermodynamic quantities, and then identify the most likely mechanisms with first‐principles thermodynamic calculations and simulations of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. To this end, the composite method G4(MP2)‐6X is used to calculate the energy barrier of a representative backbiting reaction. This calculated barrier is then compared with values obtained using density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP, M06‐2X, and PBE0) and a wavefunction‐based quantum chemistry method (MP2) to establish the benchmark method. Our study reveals that the barriers predicted using B3LYP, M06‐2X, and G4(MP2)‐6X are comparable. The entropies calculated using the RRHO and HR approximations are also comparable. DFT calculations indicate that the 1:5 backbiting mechanism with a six‐membered ring transition state and 1:7 backbiting with an eight‐membered ring transition state are energetically more favored than 1:3 backbiting and 1:9 backbiting mechanisms. The thermodynamic favorability of 1:5 versus 1:7 backbiting depends on the live polymer chain length. The activation energies and rate constants of the left and right β‐scission reactions are nearly equal. The calculated and experimental ¹³C and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of polymer chains affected by backbiting and β‐scission reactions agree with each other, which provides further evidence in favor of the proposed mechanisms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The role of mid‐chain radicals in acrylate free radical polymerization: Branching and scission

The past 5 years have seen a significant increase in the understanding of the fate of so‐called mid‐chain radicals (MCR), which are formed during the free radical polymerization of monomers that form highly reactive propagating radicals and contain an easily abstractable hydrogen atom. Among these monomers, acrylates are, beside ethylene, among the most prominent. Typically, a secondary propagating acrylate‐type macroradical (SPR) can easily transfer its radical functionality via a six‐membered transition state to a position within the polymer chain (in a so‐called backbiting reaction), creating a tertiary MCR. Alternatively, the radical function can be transferred intramolecularly to any position within the chain (also forming an MCR) or intermolecularly to another polymer strand. This article aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the up‐to‐date knowledge about the rates at which MCRs are formed, their secondary reactions as well as the consequences of their occurrence under variable reaction conditions. We explore the latest aspects of their detection (via electron spin resonance spectroscopy) as well as the characterization of the polymer structures to which they lead (via high resolution mass spectrometry). The presence of MCRs leads to the formation of branched polymers and the partial formation of polymer networks. They also limit the measurement of kinetic parameters (such as the SPR propagation rate coefficient) with conventional methods. However, their occurrence can also be used as a synthetic handle, for example, the high‐temperature preparation of macromonomers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7585–7605, 2008     

Controlled free radical ring-opening polymerization and chain extension of the “living” polymer

Free radical ring-opening polymerization of 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDP) in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy free radical (TEMPO) has been achieved to afford a chain polyester (PMDP) with di-t-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as an initiator at 125°C. The polydispersity of the polymers decreases as the concentration of TEMPO is increased. At high TEMPO concentrations, the polydispersity as low as 1.2 was obtained, which is below the theoretical lower limit for a conventional free radical polymerization. A linear relationship between the number-average molecular weight (M_n) and the monomer conversion was observed with the best-fit line passing very close to the origin of the M_n-conversion plot. The isolated and purified TEMPO-capped PMDP polymers have been employed to prepare chain extended polymers upon addition of more MDP monomer. These results are suggestive of the “living” polymerization process. A possible polymerization mechanism might involve thermal homolysis of the TEMPO-PMDP bonds followed by the addition of the monomers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 761–771, 1998     

Spectral characteristics of tramadol in different solvents and β-cyclodextrin

Effect of solvents and β-cyclodextrin on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of tramadol drug has been investigated and compared with anisole. The solid inclusion complex of tramadol with β-CD is investigated by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, scanning electron microscope (SEM), DSC and semiempirical methods. The thermodynamic parameter (ΔG) of inclusion process is determined. A solvent study shows (i) the spectral behaviour of both tramadol and anisole molecules is similar to each other and (ii) the cyclohexanol group in tramadol is not effectively conjugated with anisole group. However, in β-CD, due to space restriction of the CD cavity, a weak interaction is present between the above groups in tramadol. β-Cyclodextrin studies show that tramadol forms 1:2 inclusion complex with β-CD. A mechanism is proposed for the inclusion process.     

Blind image analysis for the compositional and structural characterization of plant cell walls

A new image analysis strategy is introduced to determine the composition and the structural characteristics of plant cell walls by combining Raman microspectroscopy and unsupervised data mining methods. The proposed method consists of three main steps: spectral preprocessing, spatial clustering of the image and finally estimation of spectral profiles of pure components and their weights. Point spectra of Raman maps of cell walls were preprocessed to remove noise and fluorescence contributions and compressed with PCA. Processed spectra were then subjected to k-means clustering to identify spatial segregations in the images. Cell wall images were reconstructed with cluster identities and each cluster was represented by the average spectrum of all the pixels in the cluster. Pure components spectra were estimated by spectral entropy minimization criteria with simulated annealing optimization. Two pure spectral estimates that represent lignin and carbohydrates were recovered and their spatial distributions were calculated. Our approach partitioned the cell walls into many sublayers, based on their composition, thus enabling composition analysis at subcellular levels. It also overcame the well known problem that native lignin spectra in lignocellulosics have high spectral overlap with contributions from cellulose and hemicelluloses, thus opening up new avenues for microanalyses of monolignol composition of native lignin and carbohydrates without chemical or mechanical extraction of the cell wall materials.     

Optimization of the parameters for nickel electrowinning using interference microscopy and digital image analysis

Ni electrodeposition experiments at a constant current density 220 A/m² were performed to determine the optimum concentrations of chloride and an organic additive used for an industrial Ni electrowinning. White light interference microscopy was used to acquire digital images of the morphology of the electrodeposited nickel. The scaling analysis was employed to parameterize the morphological information encoded in the images. The standard deviation of the surface height, δ, the critical scaling length, L _c, and the optical roughness, 4δ/L _c, were determined as a function of the chloride concentration and the amount of organic additives. These parameters were plotted as a function of the two compositional variables. These three-dimensional plots allowed us to find conditions corresponding to the minimum of 4δ/L _c, at which the deposited nickel is well leveled. Dedicated to Prof O.A. Petrii on the occasion of his 70th birthday and in recognition of his contribution to electrochemistry.     

Examining the levels of ganglioside and cholesterol in cell membrane on attenuation the cytotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide

The deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) on cell membranes is considered as one of the primary factors in having Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have suggested that certain components of plasma membrane, ganglioside and cholesterol could accelerate the accumulation of Abeta on the plasma membranes. However, the effect of cholesterol and ganglioside (GM1) on Abeta cytotoxicity is still a controversial issue. The aim of this study is to understand the roles of GM1 and cholesterol in AD by using PC12, a neuron-like cell. The effects of the sequence, conformation, and concentration of Abeta on cytotoxicity were also investigated. Monomeric Abeta could attack the plasma membrane resulting in cytotoxicity, however, fibrillar Abeta was found to be less toxic. Our results showed that Abeta (1-40) was more toxic than Abeta (25-35) and the cytotoxicity of Abeta was proportional to its concentration. Besides, the depletion of GM1 from plasma membrane, it would block the Abeta-induced cytotoxicity. Decreasing the cholesterol level by around 30% could attenuate the cytotoxicity of Abeta. These findings validate our idea that the cholesterol could stabilize the lateral pressure derived from the formation of GM1-Abeta complex on the membrane surface. Furthermore, both GM1 and cholesterol are essential in mechanism of Abeta accumulation and could modulate the cytotoxicity of monomeric Abeta.     

Evaluation of reactivity for nitroxide radical trapping by correlation analysis using steric substituent parameter (ΩS)

The reactivity of nitroxide radical trapping (NRT), where stable nitroxide radicals react with transient carbon-centered radicals to form diamagnetic molecules, was evaluated. This was done with the use of the steric substituent parameter of both radicals by correlation analysis on the basis of the reactivity data determined by Ingold's group. In the case where the transient carbon-centered radicals were not resonance stabilized, the rate constant could be well correlated by using only Ω_S parameters of R₂NO⋅ and U⋅. If the transient radicals were stabilized by resonance, the parameter to estimate the amount of the resonance stabilization of U⋅ was necessary in the regression equation to evaluate the reactivity correctly. When the spin density, calculated by PM3 UHF molecular orbital calculations, was used as the resonance stabilization parameter, the rate constant could be well evaluated by a dual-parameter regression equation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 19: 215–221, 1998.     

NH2SO3H–SiO2 as a new water‐compatible,recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of novel (α,β‐unsaturated) β‐amino ketones via aza‐Michael reaction

NH₂SO₃H–SiO₂/water as a novel catalytic system was used for the synthesis of (α,β‐unsaturated) β‐amino ketones via aza‐Michael reaction at reflux conditions. The methodology was of general applicability and the catalyst exhibited activity up to five cycles. The catalyst was characterized for the first time using FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic–energy dispersion analytical X‐ray. The stability of the catalyst was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and TGA/differential thermal analysis. High efficiency of the catalyst along with its recycling ability and the rather low loading demonstrated in reactions are the merits of the presented protocol. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Diffusion Measurements vs. Chemical Shift Titration for Determination of Association Constants on the Example of Camphor–Cyclodextrin Complexes

Measurements on camphor–cyclodextrin complexes reveal that precise association constants are more easily determined by chemical shift titration. Diffusion measurements using HR-DOSY allow easy following of the complex composition at different concentration ratios and estimation of the binding energy. Linear dependence of the diffusion coefficients on the molecular mass of free and associated cyclodextrins has been observed in D₂O. The solution structures of α- and β-cyclodextrin complexes of camphor in D₂O were deduced from intermolecular cross-relaxation data. Different preferential orientation in the 2:1 α-CD and 1:1 β-CD species have been derived in contrast to the loose 1:1 complex with γ-CD. Proton NMR chemical shift values proved to be much more sensitive to diastereomeric complex formation than diffusion coefficients.     

Torsion angle relationship of the 17O NMR chemical shift in α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds

The torsion angle effect on the isotropic shielding of ¹⁷O nucleus in α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl groups is studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations using a polarizable continuum model (PCM) for the solvent, employing the PBE0 functional together with the 6‐311G(d,p) basis set for geometry optimization, and the 6‐311+G(2d,p) basis set for calculating the NMR shielding with the gauge‐including atomic orbitals (GIAO) method. This study adds new information on the sensitivity of the ¹⁷O nucleus to conformational changes, revealing a strong dependence of the ¹⁷O NMR chemical shift on the dihedral angle between the carbonyl and the vinyl moiety in all studied compounds; remarkable differences are observed with the data reported for α‐diketones. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.