The Prenucleation Equilibrium of the Parathyroid Hormone Determines the Critical Aggregation Concentration and Amyloid Fibril Nucleation

Nucleation and growth of amyloid fibrils were found to only occur in supersaturated solutions above a critical concentration (c_crit). The biophysical meaning of c_crit remained mostly obscure, since typical low values of c_crit in the sub-μM range hamper investigations of potential oligomeric states and their structure. Here, we investigate the parathyroid hormone PTH₈₄ as an example of a functional amyloid fibril forming peptide with a comparably high c_crit of 67±21 μM. We describe a complex concentration dependent prenucleation ensemble of oligomers of different sizes and secondary structure compositions and highlight the occurrence of a trimer and tetramer at c_crit as possible precursors for primary fibril nucleation. Furthermore, the soluble state found in equilibrium with fibrils adopts to the prenucleation state present at c_crit. Our study sheds light onto early events of amyloid formation directly related to the critical concentration and underlines oligomer formation as a key feature of fibril nucleation. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the determinants of supersaturated peptide solutions. In the current study we present a biophysical approach to investigate c_crit of amyloid fibril formation of PTH₈₄ in terms of secondary structure, cluster size and residue resolved intermolecular interactions during oligomer formation. Throughout the investigated range of concentrations (1 μM to 500 μM) we found different states of oligomerization with varying ability to contribute to primary fibril nucleation and with a concentration dependent equilibrium. In this context, we identified the previously described c_crit of PTH₈₄ to mark a minimum concentration for the formation of homo-trimers/tetramers. These investigations allowed us to characterize molecular interactions of various oligomeric states that are further converted into elongation competent fibril nuclei during the lag phase of a functional amyloid forming peptide.     

Fluorine‐containing vinyl ether polymers: Living cationic polymerization in fluorinated solvents as new media and unique solubility characteristics in organic solvents

Living cationic polymerization of fluorine‐containing vinyl ethers [CH₂?CH? O? C₂H₄? O? C₃H₆? C_nF_2n+1: 5FVE (n = 2), 13FVE (n = 6)] was investigated in various solvents with a CH₃CH(OiBu)OCOCH₃/Et_1.5AlCl_1.5 initiating system in the presence of an added base. 5FVE was polymerized quantitatively in toluene at 0 °C, and the obtained polymers had predetermined molecular weights with narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n < 1.1). On the other hand, for the polymerization of 13FVE, the product polymers precipitated due to their extremely poor solubility in nonfluorinated organic solvents. Therefore, fluorinated solvents such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, or α,α,α‐trifluorotoluene, as‐yet uninvestigated for cationic polymerization, were employed. In these solvents, living polymerization was achieved even with 13FVE, yielding well‐defined polymers (M_w/M_n < 1.1, by size exclusion chromatography using a fluorinated solvent as an eluent). The solvents were also shown to be good for living polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether. The obtained fluorine‐containing polymers underwent temperature‐responsive solubility transitions in organic solvents. Poly(5FVE) showed sensitive upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type phase separation behavior in toluene. Copolymers of 13FVE and isobutyl vinyl ether showed UCST‐type phase separation in common organic solvents with different polarities depending on their composition, while a homopolymer of 13FVE was insoluble in all nonfluorinated organic solvents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Kinetic Study of Mercury(II) Transport through a Bulk Liquid Membrane Using Cyanex 301 as Carrier

A kinetic study of Hg(II) ions transport through a bulk liquid membrane (BLM) was investigated. The commercially available liquid bis(2,4,4‐trimethyl(pentyl) dithiophosphinic acid) (Cyanex 301) was employed as mobile carrier. The influences of the carrier concentration in the liquid membrane, HNO₃ concentration in the feed phase, type of organic solvent, composition of the receiving phase, and stirring speed on mass transfer were studied. Various solvents including CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃, C₂H₄Cl₂ and CCl₄ were used as organic membrane. Among the solvents, CHCl₃ provided the superior results. The kinetic parameters (k₁, k₂, R_m^max, t^max, J_d^max, and J_a^max) were calculated for the interface reaction assuming two consecutive, irreversible first‐order reactions. The analysis of Hg(II) accumulation in liquid membrane and the rate‐controlling step under different experimental conditions were elucidated. The experiments demonstrated that Cyanex 301 is an appropriate carrier for Hg(II) transport through liquid membrane.     

Anomalous properties of flavonoids in reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography

It is shown through reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography that a characteristic feature of such abundant natural flavonoids as flavon-3-ols is an anomalously strong antibate dependence of their retention indices (RI) on the organic solvent concentration (C) in the eluent, dRI/dC < 0. In order to interpret this anomaly, the specific optical rotation values [α]_D²⁰ of natural (+)-(2R,3R)-dihydroquercetin in different solvents are compared, confirming the reverse formation of hydrated flavonoids in aqueous solutions.     

Enhanced solubility of fullerene (C60) in water by inclusion complexation with cyclomaltononaose (δ-CD) using a cogrinding method

The solubilizing effects of cyclomaltononaose (δ-CD), a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of nine α-1,4-linked d-glucose units, on C₆₀ were investigated by using a ball-milling method based on a solid–solid mechanochemical reaction. The complex between C₆₀ and δ-CD was characterized by UV–VIS spectrometry, ¹³C-NMR, and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS). Coloration of the C₆₀/δ-CD system was yellowish-brown in aqueous solution, and the UV–VIS spectrum was in agreement with that of C₆₀ in hexane solution. The ¹³C-NMR spectrum of C₆₀/δ-CD system in aqueous solution revealed the presence of free δ-CD and dissolved C₆₀ giving one sharp peak at 144.4 ppm, which was close to that reported for C₆₀ in organic solvents. The FAB-MS spectrum of the C₆₀/δ-CD system showed a negative ion peak corresponding to the molecular weight of a complex between two δ-CDs and one C₆₀. Moreover, the phase solubility diagram of C₆₀ with δ-CD at 10 °C was classified as the Bs-type, resulting in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:2 (C₆₀:δ-CD), in agreement with the stoichiometry obtained from FAB-MS. These findings suggest that the solubilization of C₆₀ in water was due to complex formation of C₆₀ with δ-CD and that the stoichiometric ratio of the complex was 1:2 (C₆₀:δ-CD).     

Room temperature ionic liquid as a novel medium for liquid/liquid extraction of metal ions

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been used as novel solvents to replace traditional volatile organic solvents in organic synthesis, solvent extraction, and electrochemistry. The hydrophobic character and water immiscibility of certain ionic liquids allow their use in solvent extraction of hydrophobic compounds. In this work, a typical room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C₄mim][PF₆], was used as an alternative solvent to study liquid/liquid extraction of heavy metal ions. Dithizone was employed as a metal chelator to form neutral metal-dithizone complexes with heavy metal ions to extract metal ions from aqueous solution into [C₄mim][PF₆]. This extraction is possible due to the high distribution ratios of the metal complexes between [C₄mim][PF₆] and aqueous phase. Since the distribution ratios of metal dithiozonates between [C₄mim][PF₆] and aqueous phase are strongly pH dependent, the extraction efficiencies of metal complexes can be manipulated by tailoring the pH value of the extraction system. Hence, the extraction, separation, and preconcentraction of heavy metal ions with the biphasic system of [C₄mim][PF₆] and aqueous phase can be achieved by controlling the pH value of the extraction system. Preliminary results indicate that the use of [C₄mim][PF₆] as an alternate solvent to replace traditional organic solvents in liquid/liquid extraction of heavy metal ions is very promising.     

Fluorinated vinyl ether homopolymers and copolymers: Living cationic polymerization and temperature‐induced solubility transitions in various organic solvents including perfluoro solvents

Partially fluorinated poly(vinyl ether)s with C₄F₉ and C₆F₁₂H groups in the side chain were synthesized via living cationic polymerization in the presence of an added base in a fluorine‐containing solvent, dichloropentafluoropropanes. For comparison, the polymerization of vinyl ether monomers with C₂F₅ and C₆F₁₃ groups and nonfluorinated monomers were also carried out. The characterization of the product polymers using size exclusion chromatography with a fluorinated solvent as an eluent indicated that all polymers had narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n ～ 1.1). Interestingly, the moderately fluorinated polymers with C₄F₉ exhibited upper critical solution temperature‐type phase separation in various organic solvents with wide‐ranging polarities, whereas highly fluorinated polymers with C₆F₁₃ are insoluble in nonfluorinated solvents. Polymers with C₄F₉ groups exhibited temperature dependent solubility transitions not only in common organic solvents (e.g., toluene, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and acetone) but also in perfluoro solvents [e.g., perfluoro(methylcyclohexane) and perfluorodecalin]. On the other hand, the solubility of polymers with C₆F₁₂H showed completely different from that of polymers with C₆F₁₃, despite their similar fluorine content. In addition, various types of fluorinated block copolymers were prepared in a living manner. The block copolymers with a thermosensitive fluorinated segment underwent temperature‐induced micellization and sol–gel transition in various organic solvents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

High-temperature reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Compound‐specific isotope analysis (CSIA) by liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC/IRMS) has until now been based on ion‐exchange separation. In this work, high‐temperature reversed‐phase liquid chromatography was coupled to, and for the first time carefully evaluated for, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HT‐LC/IRMS) with four different stationary phases. Under isothermal and temperature gradient conditions, the column bleed of XBridge C₁₈ (up to 180 °C), Acquity C₁₈ (up to 200 °C), Triart C₁₈ (up to 150 °C), and Zirchrom PBD (up to 150 °C) had no influence on the precision and accuracy of δ¹³C measurements, demonstrating the suitability of these columns for HT‐LC/IRMS analysis. Increasing the temperature during the LC/IRMS analysis of caffeine on two C₁₈ columns was observed to result in shortened analysis time. The detection limit of HT‐RPLC/IRMS obtained for caffeine was 30 mg L^–1 (corresponding to 12.4 nmol carbon on‐column). Temperature‐programmed LC/IRMS (i) accomplished complete separation of a mixture of caffeine derivatives and a mixture of phenols and (ii) did not affect the precision and accuracy of δ¹³C measurements compared with flow injection analysis without a column. With temperature‐programmed LC/IRMS, some compounds that coelute at room temperature could be baseline resolved and analyzed for their individual δ¹³C values, leading to an important extension of the application range of CSIA. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Acid–base complexes of polymers

The physical interactions of polymers with neighboring molecules are determined by only two kinds of interactions: London dispersion forces and Lewis acid–base interactions. These two kinds of attractive energies (together with certain steric restrictions) determine solubility, solvent retention, plasticizer action, wettability, adsorption, adhesion, reinforcement, crystallinity, and mechanical properties. The London dispersion force interaction energies of polymers have been quantified by the dispersion force contribution to cohesive energy density (δ²_d) and the dispersion force contribution to surface energy (δ^d). The Lewis acid–base interactions, often referred to as “polar” interactions, can be best quantified by Drago's C_A and E_A constants for acid sites and C_B and E_B constants for basic sites. In this article infrared spectral shifts are featured as a method of determining enthalpies of acid–base interaction, and the C and E constants for polymers, plasticizers, and solvents. Examples are given where acid–base complexation of polymers with solvents dominate solubility and swelling phenomena. Enthalpies of acid–base complexation in polymer blends are determined from spectral shifts.     

Self-assembling of fullerene C<Subscript>60</Subscript> into (C<Subscript>60</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> clasters in aromatic solvents

Self-assembling of fullerene C₆₀ into (C₆₀) _n clusters in aromatic solvents was studied. The role of the π-π interactions and dispersion forces in the (C₆₀) _n cluster formation in these media is demonstrated using the data on the solubility of fullerene C₆₀ in these solvents and their ionization potentials and also spectral characteristics of fullerene C₆₀ in the range of 326–340 nm in different solvents.     

Modified headspace solid‐phase microextraction for the determination of quantitative relationships between components of mixtures consisting of alcohols,esters, and ethers — impact of the vapor pressure difference of the compounds

The quantitative relationship between analytes established by the headspace solid‐phase microextraction procedure for multicomponent mixtures depends not only on the character and strength of interactions of individual components with solid‐phase microextraction fiber but also on their vapor pressure in the applied headspace solid‐phase microextraction system. This study proves that vapor pressure is of minor importance when the sample is dissolved/suspended in a low‐volatility liquid of the same physicochemical character as that of the used solid phase microextraction fiber coating. It is demonstrated for mixtures of alcohols, esters, ethers and their selected representatives by applying a headspace solid‐phase microextraction system composed of Carbowax fiber and sample solutions in polyethyleneglycol. The observed differences in quantitative relations between components of the examined mixtures established by their direct analysis and by modified headspace solid‐phase microextraction are insignificant (F _exp < F _crit). It is explained by a significant diminution in vapor pressure difference between individual components of the examined mixture in the applied headspace solid phase microextraction system due to low components concentration in polyethyleneglycol suspensions (Raoult's law) and due to strong specific interactions of analyte molecules with polyethyleneglycol molecules.     

超临界条件下离子液体催化苯与丙烯烷基化的反应机理研究

用FT-IR和¹H NMR分析KOH无水乙醇溶液滴定前后的盐酸三乙胺无水乙醇溶液, 发现(C₂H₅)₃NHCl中的H具有显著的质子酸性, 且在滴定过程中有KCl生成, 滴定后的¹H NMR谱中δ 7.3处的谱峰完全消失. 将合成的(C₂H₅)₃NHCl/AlCl₃离子液体脱水, 在超临界条件下催化全氘代苯与丙烯的烷基化. 用同位素取代法, 研究了反应机理. 结果表明, 脱水后的离子液体仍然可以催化烷基化反应, 液体产物的GC-MS分析结果支持正碳离子机理. 对比反应前后离子液体的¹H NMR谱图发现, 反应后离子液体中盐酸三乙胺中与N相连H的谱峰强度较反应前降低了80.12%, 可能是引发反应消耗了这部分H.     

Solvent Effects on the 1H-NMR Chemical Shifts of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids

The ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectrum is a useful tool for characterizing the hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) interactions in ionic liquids (ILs). As the main hydrogen bond (H-bond) donor of imidazolium-based ILs, the chemical shift (δ_H2) of the proton in the 2-position of the imidazolium ring (H2) exhibits significant and complex solvents, concentrations and anions dependence. In the present work, based on the dielectric constants (ϵ) and Kamlet-Taft (KT) parameters of solvents, we identified that the δ_H2 are dominated by the solvents polarity and the competitive H-bonding interactions between cations and anions or solvents. Besides, the solvents effects on δ_H2 are understood by the structure of ILs in solvents: 1) In diluted solutions of inoizable solvents, ILs exist as free ions and the cations will form H-bond with solvents, resulting in δ_H2 being independent with anions but positively correlated with β_S. 2) In diluted solutions of non-ionzable solvents, ILs exist as contact ion-pairs (CIPs) and H2 will form H-bond with anions. Since non-ionizable solvents hardly influence the H-bonding interactions between H2 and anions, the δ_H2 are not related to β_S but positively correlated with β_IL.     

1‐Octanol/Water Partition Coefficients of 1Alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Chloride

The solubilities of 1alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride, [C_nmim][Cl], where n=4, 8, 10, and 12, in 1octanol and water have been measured by a dynamic method in the temperature range from 270 to 370 K. The solubility data was used to calculate the 1octanol/water partition coefficients as a function of temperature and alkyl substituent. The melting point, enthalpies of fusion, and enthalpies of solid–solid phase transitions were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC. The solubility of [C_nmim][Cl], where n=10 or 12 in 1octanol is comparable and higher than that of [C₄mim][Cl] in 1octanol. Liquid 1n‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride, [C₈mim][Cl], is not miscible with 1octanol and water, consequently, the liquid–liquid equilibrium, LLE was measured in this system. The differences between the solubilities in water for n=4 and 12 are shown only in α₁ and γ₁ solid crystalline phases. Additionally, the immiscibility region was observed for the higher concentration of [C₁₀mim][Cl] in water. The intermolecular solute–solvent interaction of 1butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride with water is higher than for other 1alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chlorides. The data was correlated by means of the UNIQUAC ASM and two modified NRTL equations utilizing parameters derived from the solid–liquid equilibrium, SLE. The root‐mean‐square deviations of the solubility temperatures for all calculated data are from 1.8 to 7 K and depend on the particular equation used. In the calculations, the existence of two solid–solid first‐order phase transitions in [C₁₂mim][Cl] has also been taken into consideration. Experimental partition coefficients (log P) are negative at three temperatures; this is evidence for the possible use of these ionic liquids as green solvents.     

Experimental study of the influence of solvent and asphaltenes on liquid–solid phase behavior of paraffinic model systems by using DSC and FT-IR techniques

This experimental work presents the results of a study about the liquid–solid phase behavior of high molecular weight n-paraffins (C₂₄–C₂₈ mixture and C₃₆ pure) in aliphatic (n-decane and squalane) and aromatic (xylene and 1-phenyl dodecane) solvents. The effect of asphaltenes of different chemical nature over the liquid–solid behavior of heavy n-paraffins is also studied. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to obtain the phase transitions onsets and enthalpies as well as the wax solubility curves. Crystallinity was studied by using both DSC and Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The results obtained and presented in this study showed that both, solvent and asphaltenes as well as their chemical nature have a significant effect on paraffin crystallization process.     

Liquid-liquid equilibrium in the-<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-heptane-<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-perfluorohexane system

The shape of the liquid-liquid coexistence curve in the C₇H₁₆-C₆F₁₄ system in the molar concentration-temperature coordinates close to the critical solution point was studied by narrow-beam gamma-raying of two-phase samples. The molar volumes of the coexisting liquid phases and critical point coordinates (critical temperature T _c = 316.266 ± 0.03 K and critical concentration x _c = 39.0 ± 0.4 mol % C₆F₁₄) were determined. The critical index β of the coexistence curve was found to be 0.322 ± 0.005. The diameter of the coexistence curve did not obey the classic “rectilinear diameter rule.”     

Self‐Assembly of Imidazolium‐Based Surfactants in Magnetic Room‐Temperature Ionic Liquids: Binary Mixtures

The phase behaviour of binary mixtures of ionic surfactants (1‐alkyl‐3‐imidazolium chloride, C_nmimCl with n=14, 16 and 18) and imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate, C_nmimFeCl₄, with n=2 and 4) over a broad temperature range and the complete range of compositions is described. By using many complementary methods including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarised microscopy, small‐angle neutron and X‐ray scattering (SANS/SAXS), and surface tension, the ability of this model system to support self‐assembly is described quantitatively and this behaviour is compared with common water systems. The existence of micelles swollen by the solvent can be deduced from SANS experiments and represent a possible model for aggregates, which has barely been considered for ionic‐liquid systems until now, and can be ascribed to the rather low solvophobicity of the surfactants. Our investigation shows that, in general, C_nmimCl is a rather weak amphiphile in these ionic liquids. The amphiphilic strength increases systematically with the length of the alkyl chain, as seen from the phase behaviour, the critical micelle concentration, and also the level of definition of the aggregates formed.     

Maximum acceptable deviations from additivity in the photometric analysis of two-component mixtures by Firordt’s method

Photometric analysis of mixtures by Firordt’s method yields relative errors that do not exceed the specified limits only if the deviations from additivity at the analytical wavelengths do not exceed (in their numerical value) their own critical values (δA _crit). These deviations depend on the ratio of component concentrations. By virtue of the analytical geometry technique, we derived equations for the evaluation of δA _crit. These equations allow one to predict the possibility of the precise determination of two components in a mixture under investigation at one and the same set of wavelengths. The developed algorithm was verified on 40 model mixtures of organic compounds.     

Conditions for the onset of current oscillations at the limiting current of the iron electrodissolution in sulfuric acid solutions

The experimental conditions and parameters that control the transition from a steady to an nonsteady limiting current and vice versa in the anodic Fe dissolution are studied in sulfuric acid solutions by using a downward-facing Fe electrode. Periodic and chaotic current oscillations are observed at the beginning of the limiting current region within a fixed potential region by decreasing the sulfuric acid concentration, by increasing the Fe-disk rotation rate and by increasing a series external resistance. It is found that current oscillations emerge when theIR drop exceeds a critical value (IR)_crit. The latter depends on the hydrodynamic conditions pertaining to the system. This is realized by the differences appeared in the value of (IR)_crit on using a stationary or a rotating Fe electrode. The effect of hydrodynamic conditions is shown by additional experimental results obtained by using an upward-facing Fe electrode, by increasing the density and viscosity of the solution on addition of glycerol, and by altering the solution properties near the Fe surface on addition of halide ions. Dedicated to the ninetieth anniversary of Ya.M. Kolotyrkin’s birth. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Effect of carbon nanotubes on phase transitions of nematic liquid crystals

Phase diagrams of multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWNT)/nematic liquid crystal (E7) and buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀‐I _h)/nematic liquid crystal (E7) binary systems have been investigated by means of polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the isotropic–nematic phase transition temperature (T _NI) of the liquid crystal component was enhanced by the incorporation of MWNT within a small composition gap. A chimney‐type phase diagram can be identified in the MWNT/E7 mixture over a narrow range of ～0.1–0.2% MWNT concentration. Upon substituting the nanotubes with isotropic fillers such as fullerene, the (C₆₀‐I _h)/E7 blend showed no discernible change of T _NI in the same concentration range of the chimney of the MWNT/E7 mixture, suggesting a significant contribution of anisotropy (or the aspect ratio) of the nanotubes to the entropy of the system containing liquid crystal molecules. This enhanced T _NI phenomenon may be attributed to anisotropic alignment of liquid crystal molecules along the carbon nanotube bundles.