Characteristics of Exposure to Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) among Humidifier Disinfectant-Associated Lung Injury (HDLI) Patients in South Korea

This study aimed to quantify both chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) dissolved in different product brands and to characterize the exposure to these chemicals among humidifier disinfectant-associated lung injury (HDLI) patients. Both CMIT and MIT dissolved in different humidifier disinfectant (HD) products were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The inhalation level of CMIT and MIT was estimated based on HD-associated factors as reported by HDLI patients. A total of eleven HD products marketed until the end of 2011 were found to contain CMIT and/or MIT. The level of combined CMIT and/or MIT dissolved in these HD products ranged from 12 to 353 ppm. The level varied among HD products and the year of manufacture. The average inhalation levels were estimated to be 7.5, 4.1, and 3.2 μg/m³ for the definite, probable, and possible groups, respectively. If probable and possible groups were collapsed together, the inhalation level of the collapsed group was significantly different from that of the definite group (p < 0.001). All HDLI patients responded as having used HD not only while sleeping, but also as having a humidifier treated with HD within close proximity every day in insufficiently ventilated spaces. These HD use characteristics of patients may be directly/indirectly linked to the HDLI development.     

Simulation of Molecular Weight Distributions Obtained by Pulsed Laser Polymerization (PLP): New Analytical Expressions Including Intramolecular Chain Transfer to the Polymer

A new approach for the simulation of PLP (pulsed laser polymerization) is presented. This approach allows one to obtain new analytical solutions for different polymerization schemes, including either chain transfer to the monomer or intramolecular chain transfer to the polymer. The first results of the simulation of PLP experiments on n‐butyl acrylate at 20 °C and ambient pressure are presented.

MWDs simulated for PLP of n‐butyl acrylate, in bulk at 20 °C and ambient pressure using three models: the model with intramolecular chain transfer to the polymer (solid line), the model with chain transfer to monomer (dashed line), and the classical model (dotted line).     

水相沉淀聚合法合成超高相对分子质量聚醋酸乙烯

以N,N,N,′N′-四甲基乙二胺-过硫酸钾为氧化-还原引发体系,用水相沉淀聚合法合成了超高相对分子质量的聚醋酸乙烯(PVAc)。研究了引发剂浓度、反应温度、单体与水用量比、转化率等对聚合反应的影响。其结构用IR表征,相对分子质量及其分布和支化度用GPC测定。结果表明,醋酸乙烯最终转化率为90%~95%,PVAc的平均聚合度为8 000~15 000,相对分子质量分布指数为2.12~2.24,支化度为2.10~2.80。     

Oxidation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) part 3: Decomposition of hydroperoxides with SO2 and its effect on the chemiluminescence signal

Samples of slightly oxidised UHMWPE were treated with SO₂ to decompose hydroperoxides prior to chemiluminescence measurements. It was found that the effect was quite substantial, but it was not just due to the elimination of hydroperoxides; a stabilising effect was also manifested. This effect increased with an increasing concentration of hydroperoxides in the samples. The stabilising effect could not be seen in fresh samples or when the hydroperoxides were decomposed by heating the sample in nitrogen. In addition, a stabilising effect was also observed for samples in which the hydroperoxides were reduced by DMS. It was concluded that the stabilisation was due to the formation of H₂SO₄ in the case of SO₂ and DMSO in the case of DMS. Both these substances can act as stabilisers against oxidative degradation of polymers and were evenly distributed in the sample films after the reaction with the hydroperoxides.     

Comparison of Fractionation Methods for the Characterisation of Short Chain Branching as a Function of Molecular Weight in Ethylene 1-Olefin Copolymers

Summary: Rapid and automated analysis of polyolefins is becoming essential for product development in industry. Quantifying short chain branching in ethylene 1-olefin copolymers is common practice. Several different methods are available to perform this type of analysis. Preparative fractionation followed by subsequent analysis of the fraction by SEC and NMR, SEC-FTIR and SEC-IR were studied towards their applicability in polyolefin research and product development environment. The method of choice is defined by prerequisites such as accuracy, labour and time demands but also in versatility and practicability. The most accurate method is limited in terms of sample throughput and the most practical method is limited towards resolution of very low branching. SEC-FTIR is capable to measure even heterogeneous low branched samples like bimodal high density polyethylene in rapid and satisfactory matter.     

Molecular weight effect on the complexation of poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(ethylene oxide) as studied by high-resolution solid-state C NMR spectroscopy

Complexes of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with different PEO molecular weight were studied by solid-state high-resolution ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, with the emphasis on the PEO molecular weight effect on inter-polymer interaction, morphology and molecular motion. It is found that the crystalline phase of PEO is completely destroyed in the complex. The results of ¹H transverse relaxation times and ¹³C spin-lattice relaxation times indicate that the chain mobility of both PEO and PMAA are greatly restricted by inter-molecular hydrogen-bonding interactions, especially when the molecular weight of PEO is 1500. The bulk structures of the complexes are found to be closely dependent on the molecular weight of PEO. The fraction of “free” PEO segments without forming hydrogen-bonds with PMAA increases with increasing PEO molecular weight.     

Cyclic voltammetric study on the catalysis of electrodeposited manganese oxide on the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIBF<Subscript>4</Subscript>) on glassy carbon clectrode

For the first time, the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) on the electrodeposited manganese oxide (MnO _x )-modified glassy carbon (MnO _x -GC) electrode in the room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) of EMIBF₄, i.e. 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIBF₄). The results demonstrated that, after being modified by MnO _x on a GC electrode, the reduction peak current of oxygen was increased to some extent, while the oxidation peak current, corresponding to the oxidation of superoxide anion, i.e., O₂⁻ was attenuated in some degree, suggesting that MnO _x could catalyze ORR in RTILs of EMIBF₄, which is consistent with the results obtained in aqueous solution. To accelerate the electron transfer rate, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was modified the GC electrode, and then MnO _x was electrodeposited onto the MWCNTs-modified GC electrode to give rise to a MnO _x /MWCNTs-modified GC electrode, consequently, the improved standard rate constant, k_s, originated from the modified MWCNTs, along with the modification of electrodeposited MnO _x , showed us a satisfactory electrocatalysis for ORR in RTILs of EMIBF₄. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2009, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 340–345. The article is published in the original.     

Cu2O(SO4), dolerophanite: Refinement of the crystal structure,with a comparison of [O Cu(II)4] tetrahedra in inorganic compounds

The refinement of the crystal structure of Cu₂O(SO₄), dolerophanite, [a=9.370 (1) Å,b=6.319 (1) Å,c=7.639 (1) Å, =122.34 (1)°; space group C 2/m;Z=4;R=0.035] confirmed the trigonal dipyramidal coordination of one Cu(II) atom (mean distance Cu-O=2.025 Å). One O atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by four Cu(II) atoms; the mean Cu(II)-O distance of 1.918 Å compares well to [O Cu(II)₄] tetrahedra found in inorganic crystal structures.de|Die Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur von Cu₂O(SO₄), Dolerophanit, [a=9.370 (1) Å,b=6.319 (1) Å,c=7.639 (1) Å, =122.34 (1)°; Raumgruppe C 2/m;Z=4;R=0.035] bestätigte die trigonal dipyramidale Koordination des einen Cu(II)-Atoms (mittlerer Cu-O-Abstand=2.025 Å). Ein O-Atom ist tetraedrisch von vier Cu(II)-Atomen umgeben; der mittlere Cu(II)-O-Abstand von 1.918 Å entspricht den in ähnlichen [O Cu(II)₄]-Tetraedern von anorganischen Kristallstrukturen gefundenen Werten.

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Cu₂O(SO₄), Dolerophanit: Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur mit einem Vergleich von [O Cu(II)₄]-Tetraedern in anorganischen Verbindungen

     

Quantum-chemical study on the catalytic activity of TinRumO2(1 1 0) surfaces on chlorine evolution

Based on the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), Perdew-Wang-91 (PW91) combined with a periodic slab model has been applied to study the catalytic activity of chlorine evolution on TinRumO2(1 1 0) surface. Metal oxide model TinRumO2 has been established with pure TiO2 and RuO2 on the basis set of Double Numerical plus polarization (DNP), in which the proportion of n:m was 3:1, 1:1, or 1:3. Analysis on the reaction activity in the electrochemical reaction and the electrochemical desorption reaction was based on Frontiermolecular orbital theory. The results show that the TinRumO2 with a ratio of Ti:Ru at 3:1 is best facilitates the electrochemical reaction and electrochemical desorption reaction to produce M-Clads intermediate and precipitate Cl2. In addition, the adsorption energy of Cl on the surface of Ti3Ru1O2 possesses the minimum value of 2.514 eV, and thus electrochemical desorption reaction could occur most easily.     

Analysis of Kinetic Models Proposed for the Controlled Degradation of Poly(propylene) – Presentation of a General and Analytical Solution

The objective of this work is to analyze kinetic models reported in the literature and used to describe the evolution of the molecular weight distribution during the controlled degradation of poly(propylene) in reactive extrusion processes. Although reported mathematical models are based on different kinetic mechanisms, a single set of differential equations can be written for all models if the degree of degradation is the independent variable, meaning that it is impossible to discriminate the proposed kinetic mechanisms based solely on molecular weight data. An original analytical solution is then developed for this set of equations, resulting in a simple recursive equation that depends only on one parameter – the final degree of degradation. Simulations using this solution are carried out and comparisons are performed with an approximate solution proposed previously by Saito. 1 - 4

Simulation results for distinct degrees of degradation.     

Copolymerization of Fullerene (C60) and Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) using Triphenylbismuthonium Ylide as a Novel Initiator and Characterization of the Copolymers (C60-MMA)

Copolymerization of fullerene (C₆₀) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out using triphenylbismuthonium ylide (abbreviated as Ylide) as a novel initiator in dioxan at 60°C for 4 h in a dilatometer under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction follows ideal kinetics: R_p∝ [Ylide]^0.5[C₆₀]^?1.0[MMA]^1.0. The rate of polymerization increases with an increase in concentration of initiator and MMA. However, it decreases with increasing concentration of fullerene due to the radical scavenging effect of fullerene. The overall activation energy of copolymerization was estimated to be 57 KJ mol^?1. The fullerene-MMA copolymers (C₆₀-MMA) were characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis, NMR and GPC analyses.     

Optimization of simultaneous thermal analysis for fast screening of polycondensation catalysts

Dynamic simultaneous thermal analysis was optimized to screen activity of different catalysts for polycondensation of bis-hydroxy ethylene terephthalate (BHET) to polyethylene terephthalate. Reactions were performed by heating BHET to 300 °C at a linear heating rate in 50 μl thermal analysis crucibles under inert gas purging. A sensitive and reproducible screening method was obtained after overcoming of critical problems such as monomer evaporation, catalytic activity of crucible material, and optimization of gas purging, monomer amount in the crucible and heating rate. Under the applied conditions mass transport limitations were absent and the reaction was controlled solely by chemistry. The temperature at which maximum reaction rate occurs was used as an index of catalytic activity. It was obtained from maximum differential scanning calorimetry signal together with the maximum derivative of thermogravimetry signal. Temperature at which the reaction starts was also applied as an activity index. It was obtained from the onset of mass loss. The value of these three indices was smaller for more active catalysts.The optimized method was applied to study the activity of a new polycondensation heterogeneous catalyst based on hydrotalcite. This new catalyst was shown to be much more active than the conventional antimony catalyst under the applied conditions.     

Vapor–liquid equilibria of the carbon dioxide (CO2) + 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R123) system and carbon dioxide (CO2) + 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R124) system

Binary vapor–liquid equilibrium data were measured for the carbon dioxide (CO₂) + 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R123) system and the carbon dioxide (CO₂) + 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R124) system at temperature from 313.15 to 333.15 K. These experiments were carried out with a circulating-type apparatus with on-line gas chromatography. The experimental data were correlated well by Peng–Robinson equation of state using the Wong–Sandler mixing rules.     

Tricoordinate Organochromium(III) Complexes Supported by a Bulky Silylamido Ligand Produce Ultra‐High‐Molecular Weight Polyethylene in the Absence of Activators

Low‐coordinate organoCr(III) complexes supported by the silylamido ligand –N(SiMe₃)DIPP (DIPP = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) are ethylene polymerization catalyst precursors without the need of additional cocatalyst. The reaction of CrCl₃(THF)₃ with 3 or 2 equiv. of LiN(SiMe₃)DIPP yields either a four‐membered cyclometalated Cr complex or Cr[N(SiMe₃)DIPP]₂Cl, respectively, with no trace of Cr[N(SiMe₃)DIPP]₃. Addition of 1 equiv. of LiN(SiMe₃)DIPP to Cr[N(SiMe₃)DIPP]₂Cl also leads to the four‐membered metallacycle, which upon heating transforms to a new six‐membered Cr metallacycle, likely via a σ‐bond metathesis step. Cr[N(SiMe₃)DIPP]₂Cl can be readily converted to bis(amido)Cr(III) vinyl and alkyl complexes Cr[N(SiMe₃)DIPP]₂R (R = vinyl, Bn, and Me). All of these structurally characterized low‐coordinate Cr(III) complexes with a Cr–C bond initiate the polymerization of ethylene in the absence of activators or cocatalysts, producing ultra‐high‐molecular weight polyethylene.     

Microwave‐assisted suzuki coupling reaction for rapid synthesis of conjugated polymer–poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)s as an example

Long reaction period (dozens of hours) is often required for the synthesis of conjugated polymers by palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki polymerization reaction. This work shows that microwave can accelerate Suzuki polymerization to realize the ultra‐rapid synthesis of conjugated polymers, here poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)s (PDHFs) as an example. The effects of reaction conditions on the polymerization have been systematically investigated, including the mode of microwave irradiation, microwave power, reaction temperature, reaction time, solvents, catalyst species, and catalyst concentrations. Compared with the conventional heating method (oil bath) for the synthesis of PDHFs (48 h, M_w = 20,000 g/mol), Suzuki polymerization under optimized microwave condition can yield PDHFs with higher molecular weight (M_w = 40,000 g/mol) in a much shorter time (14 min). The structures of obtained PDHFs samples are fully characterized spectroscopically, demonstrating well‐defined PDHFs have been prepared through microwave‐assisted (MA) Suzuki polymerization reaction. In addition, the mechanism of MA Suzuki polymerization is proposed preliminarily. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Improvement in the synthesis of (Z)-organylthioenynes via hydrothiolation of buta-1,3-diynes: a comparative study using NaOH or TBAOH as base

Hydrothiolation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical buta-1,3-diynes with sodium organylthiolate anions in reflux, generated in situ by reacting C₄H₉SH with NaOH, afforded (Z)-organylthioenynes in low to good yields (25-80%). By using tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) as base instead of NaOH, the hydrothiolation of buta-1,3-diynes was more rapid and efficient, providing (Z)-organylthioenynes in good to excellent yields (70-95%).     

A comparative study on the interaction with calf thymus DNA of a Ni(II) complex of the anticancer drug adriamycin and a Ni(II) complex of sodium 1,4-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulphonate

The anthracycline drug adriamycin and its metal complexes are efficient in treating several forms of human cancers with recognized antineoplastic activity attributed to strong interactions with DNA within the target cells. The hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone unit present in the molecule controls and regulates drug action. Metal ions when linked to adriamycin help to reduce the generation of radicals responsible for toxic side effects. A complex of adriamycin with Ni(II) was prepared and its physicochemical characteristics and DNA-binding ability were compared to a Ni(II) complex of sodium-1,4-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulphonate (NaLH₂), an analog of adriamycin. Interactions with calf thymus DNA of both complexes were studied by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Binding parameters determined for both complexes agree with each other. Binding of the Ni(II)-adriamycin complex to DNA was five to eight times stronger than for the Ni(II) complex of the hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone analog, Na₂[Ni(NaLH)₂Cl₂]?·?2H₂O, i.e., Ni(NaLH)₂. The difference in binding was attributed to the presence of sugar units in adriamycin and to its absence in NaLH₂. Although the Ni(II) complex of the hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone analog of adriamycin [Ni(NaLH)₂] was slightly weaker in binding DNA than the drug and its Ni(II) complex, a much lower cost of the former justifies its consideration as a substitute for the anthracycline drugs that are now in use.     

Silica-Supported LiHSO4 as a Highly Efficient,Mild, Heterogeneous,and Reusable Catalytic System for the Solvent-Free Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes

Silica-supported LiHSO₄ (LiHSO₄/SiO₂) is used as a green, cheap, and efficient catalytic system for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes via the condensation of indoles with carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions. The reactions proceed rapidly at room temperature, and the title compounds are obtained in high to excellent yields.     

Simultaneous capillary electrophoretic determination of Sb(III) and Bi(III) based on the complex-formation with a W(VI)-P(V) reagent

A capillary electrophoretic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of Sb(III) and Bi(III). A 1.0 mM W(VI)-0.10 mM P(V) complexing reagent readily reacted with a mixture of trace amounts of Sb(III) and Bi(III) to form the corresponding ternary Keggin-type complexes; [P(Sb^IIIW₁₁)O₄₀]⁶⁻ and [P(Bi^IIIW₁₁)O₄₀]⁶⁻ in 0.01 M malonate buffer (pH 2.4). Since the peaks due to the migrations of the ternary complex anions were well separated in the electropherogram, the pre-column complex-formation reaction was applied to the simultaneous CE determination of Sb(III) and Bi(III) with direct UV detection at 255 nm. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 2×10⁻⁷-5×10⁻⁵ M; a detection limit of 1×10⁻⁷ M was achieved for Sb(III) or Bi(III) (the signal-to-noise ratio=3).     

原位生成的Ph3C+均相有机催化剂催化4,4’-芳亚甲基-二（3-甲基-1-苯基-1H-吡唑-5-醇）高效合成（英文）简

Trityl chloride (Ph₃CCl) efficiently catalyzes the condensation of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol- 5(4H)-one and aromatic aldehydes under mild and solvent-free conditions, affording 4,4''- (arylmethylene)-bis(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H- pyrazol-5-ol)s in high to excellent yields and in short reaction time. The presence of the requisite organocatalytic trityl carbocation (Ph₃C⁺) species was confirmed by analysis of infrared, ¹H NMR, and ultra violet spectral data. A plausible mechanism was proposed for the reaction based on the observations and literature precedent.