Alterations in β-Cell Sphingolipid Profile Associated with ER Stress and iPLA2β: Another Contributor to β-Cell Apoptosis in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) development, in part, is due to ER stress-induced β-cell apoptosis. Activation of the Ca²⁺-independent phospholipase A₂ beta (iPLA₂β) leads to the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, which contribute to β-cell death and T1D. ER stress induces iPLA₂β-mediated generation of pro-apoptotic ceramides via neutral sphingomyelinase (NSMase). To gain a better understanding of the impact of iPLA₂β on sphingolipids (SLs), we characterized their profile in β-cells undergoing ER stress. ESI/MS/MS analyses followed by ANOVA/Student’s t-test were used to assess differences in sphingolipids molecular species in Vector (V) control and iPLA₂β-overexpressing (OE) INS-1 and Akita (AK, spontaneous model of ER stress) and WT-littermate (AK-WT) β-cells. As expected, iPLA₂β induction was greater in the OE and AK cells in comparison with V and WT cells. We report here that ER stress led to elevations in pro-apoptotic and decreases in pro-survival sphingolipids and that the inactivation of iPLA₂β restores the sphingolipid species toward those that promote cell survival. In view of our recent finding that the SL profile in macrophages—the initiators of autoimmune responses leading to T1D—is not significantly altered during T1D development, we posit that the iPLA₂β-mediated shift in the β-cell sphingolipid profile is an important contributor to β-cell death associated with T1D.     

Stabilization of the (C2H5)4NHSO4 High-Temperature Phase in New Silica-Based Nanocomposite Systems

In this study, the electrotransport, thermal and structural properties of composite solid electrolytes based on (C₂H₅)₄NHSO₄ plastic phase and silica (1 − x)Et₄NHSO₄₋xSiO₂, where x = 0.3–0.9) were investigated for the first time. The composites were prepared by mechanical mixing of silica (300 m²/g, R_pore = 70Å) and salt with subsequent heating at temperatures near the Et₄NHSO₄ melting point. Heterogeneous doping is shown to change markedly the thermodynamic and structural parameters of the salt. It is important that, with an increase in the proportion of silica in the composites, the high-temperature disordered I4₁/acd phase is stabilized at room temperature, as this determines the properties of the system. Et₄NHSO₄ amorphization was also observed in the nanocomposites, with an increase in the matrix contents. The enthalpies of the endoeffects of salt melting and phase transitions (160 °C) changed more significantly than the Et₄NHSO₄ contents in the composites and completely disappeared at x = 0.9. The dependence of proton conductivity on the mole fraction reached a maximum at x = 0.8, which was three or four orders of magnitude higher than the value for pure Et₄NHSO₄, depending on the composition and the temperature. The maximum conductivity values were close to those for complete pore filling. The conductivity of the 0.2Et₄NHSO₄-0.8SiO₂ composite reached 7 ∗ 10⁻³ S/cm at 220 °C and 10⁻⁴ S/cm at 110 °C.     

The synthesis and structural characterization of the new ternary nitrides: Ca4TiN4 and Ca5NbN5

The ternary nitrides, Ca₄TiN₄ and Ca₅NbN₅, were synthesized in sealed niobium tubes using lithium nitride as a flux at 900 and 1050 °C, respectively. The structures of both compounds were solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Ca₄TiN₄ is the first example of a calcium group IV nitride; it crystallizes in the triclinic space group (No. 2) with cell parameters a=5.9757(5) Å, b=6.0129(5) Å, c=6.0116(12) Å, α=71.565(4)°, β=79.471(4)°, γ=68.258(4)° and Z=2. Ca₄TiN₄ is isostructural with Na₄TiO₄ and contains tetrahedral TiN₄ units connected through edges and corners to CaN₄ tetrahedra and CaN₅ square pyramids. Ca₅NbN₅ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12) with cell parameters a=11.922(7) Å, b=6.878(5) Å, c=8.936(7) Å, β=101.22(3)° and Z=4. Ca₅NbN₅ is isostructural with Ba₅NbN₅; the structure contains NbN₄ tetrahedra that share vertices with CaN₅ trigonal bipyramids.     

A new structure type of phosphate: Crystal structure of Na2Zn5(PO4)4

A new compound, Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄, was identified in the system ZnONa₂OP₂O₅ and high-quality crystal was obtained by the melt method. The crystal structure of this compound was solved by direct method from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structure was then refined anisotropically using a full-matrix least square refinement on F² and the refinement converged to R₁=0.0233 and wR₂=0.0544. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with space group Pbcn, lattice parameters a=10.381(2) Å, b=8.507(1) Å, c=16.568(3) Å and Z=4. The structure is made up of 3D [Zn₅P₄O₁₆]_n²ⁿ⁻ covalent framework consisting of [Zn₄P₄O₁₆]_n⁴ⁿ⁻ layers. The powder diffraction pattern of Na₉Zn₂₁(PO₄)₁₇ is explained by simulating a theoretical pattern with NaZnPO₄ and Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ in the molar ratio of 1:4 and then by Rietveld refinement of experimental pattern. Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ melts congruently at 855 °C and its conductivity is 5.63×10⁻⁹ S/cm.     

5-Methyl-2-furylglyoxal, 5-Methyl-4-nitro-2-furylglyoxal, and Their Derivatives. Nitration of 2-(5-Methyl-2-furyl)quinoxaline

The oxidation of 2-acetyl-5-methyl-4-R-furans (R = H, NO₂) by selenious acid was studied. Derivatives substituted at the C=O groups of the corresponding glyoxals were obtained. The nitration of 2-(5-methyl-2-furyl)quinoxaline was carried out at C_(4'). Oxidative splitting of the -nitrofuryl group occurs at the C₍₄₎-C₍₅₎ and C₍₅₎-O bonds.     

Synthesis,Docking Studies and Pharmacological Evaluation of Serotoninergic Ligands Containing a 5-Norbornene-2-Carboxamide Nucleus

A new series of 5-norbornene-2-carboxamide derivatives was prepared and their affinities to the 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT_2C receptors were evaluated and compared to a previously synthesized series of derivatives characterized by exo-N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximidenucleus, in order to identify selective ligands for the above-mentioned subtype receptors. Arylpiperazines represents one of the most important classes of 5-HT_1AR ligands, and recent research concerning new derivatives has been focused on the modification of one or more portions of such pharmacophore. The combination of structural elements (heterocyclic nucleus, propyl chain and 4-substituted piperazine), known to be critical to the affinity to 5-HT_1A receptors, and the proper selection of substituents led to compounds with high specificity and affinity towards serotoninergic receptors. The most active compounds were selected for further in vivo assays to determine their functional activity. Finally, to rationalize the obtained results, molecular docking studies were performed. The results of the pharmacological studies showed that Norbo-4 and Norbo-18 were the most active and promising derivatives for the serotonin receptor considered in this study.     

MgAl2O4尖晶石对锂离子电池正极材料LiMn2O4的循环性能影响研究

MgAl₂O₄ spinel doping into cathode materials LiMn₂O₄ was used to improve the cyclic performance of the cathode. X-ray analysis results showed, when MgAl₂O₄ precursors were mixed with LiMn₂O₄ and sintered at 770 ℃ for 12 hour, MgAl₂O₄-LiMn₂O₄ mulriple spinel with the same physical characteristics as pure LiMn₂O₄ were synthesized. The electro-chemical performance testing showed, comparing with pure LiMn₂O₄, the first charge-discharge capacity of doping materials somewhat reduced, but the cyclic performance improved. The mechanism for doping material was also discussed.     

LiMn2O4表面包覆Li4Ti5O12的制备及倍率特性

采用固相法合成了尖晶石型LiMn₂O₄，并通过溶胶-凝胶法制备了不同物质的量的百分比含量Li₄Ti₅O₁₂包覆的正极材料。X-射线衍射和扫描电镜结果表明，Li₄Ti₅O₁₂微粒包覆在LiMn₂O₄的表面没有产生晶体结构的变化。实验电池在室温下，以1C，2C和5C倍率作充放电循环测试；结果表明，与未包覆的LiMn₂O₄相比，表面包覆Li₄Ti₅O₁₂微粒的正极材料在高倍率下具有更好的循环稳定性。     

SnCl4 and SbCl5 promoted aromatization of enamines

Aromatic amines have been synthesized efficiently from enamines using SnCl₄ and SbCl₅ in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature.     

An Alternative Stereoselective Synthesis of Protected Trans-5-Alkyl-4-Hydroxy-2-Pyrrolidinones

A flexible approach to protected trans-5-alkyl-4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinones was described. The key step involved the α-amidoalkylation of benzene-sulfone derived from (S)-malic acid, with organozinc reagents generated in situ from Grignard reagents and anhydrous ZnCl₂-OEt₂.     

Supramolecular aggregation in new crystals with nonlinear optical properties: 2-aminophenol-HClO4, 3-aminophenol-HClO4 and 4-aminophenol-HClO4

Three new hybrid crystals of 2-aminophenol-HClO₄ (2-AP-HClO₄, 1), 3-aminophenol-HClO₄ (3-AP-HClO₄, 2) and 4-aminophenol-HClO₄ (4-AP-HClO₄, 3) were obtained and their crystal structures determined. The 1 crystallises in centrosymmetric space group C2/c of monoclinic system while the other two (2 and 3) crystallise in the non-centro symmetric space group P2₁ and P2₁2₁2₁, respectively. The oppositely charged units of the crystals, i.e. positively charged 2-APH⁺, 3-APH⁺ and 4-APH⁺ and ClO₄⁻, interact via weak N⁺–HO and O–HO hydrogen bonds forming 3D-supramolecular network. Relative to KDP the SHG efficiencies are 0.62 for 2 and 0.33 for 3, measured at 1064 nm using the Kurtz–Perry method.     

Interaction Between Two Similar Plane Parallel Double Layers for (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 or (NH4)2Cu(SO4)2 Type Complex Salt Electrolytes at Positive Surface Potential

Interaction energies between two similar plane parallel double layers for (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂ or (NH₄)₂Cu(SO₄)₂ type complex salt electrolytes at positive surface potential were expanded in a power series and accurate numeral results were given for 0.1 ≤ y _e  < y ₀ ≤ 20. The general expressions were given for the interaction energies of A _ν +B _ν′ +C_ν? type complex salt electrolytes at y > 0. The interaction energies for simple salts NaCl, CaCl₂, Na₂SO₄, FeCl₃, Na₃PO₄, Mg₃(PO₄)₂, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and complex salts (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂ or (NH₄)₂Cu(SO₄)₂ at y ₀ = 1 were compared. There was hardly difference between these simple salts and this complex salt for the interaction energies. The interaction energy for complex salt (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂ was close to that for simple salt Na₃PO₄.

Supplemental files are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of the Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology to view the free supplemental file.     

High-pressure transitions in MgAl2O4 and a new high-pressure phase of Mg2Al2O5

Phase transitions in MgAl₂O₄ were examined at 21-27 GPa and 1400-2500 °C using a multianvil apparatus. A mixture of MgO and Al₂O₃ corundum that are high-pressure dissociation products of MgAl₂O₄ spinel combines into calcium-ferrite type MgAl₂O₄ at 26-27 GPa and 1400-2000 °C. At temperature above 2000 °C at pressure below 25.5 GPa, a mixture of Al₂O₃ corundum and a new phase with Mg₂Al₂O₅ composition is stable. The transition boundary between the two fields has a strongly negative pressure-temperature slope. Structure analysis and Rietveld refinement on the basis of the powder X-ray diffraction profile of the Mg₂Al₂O₅ phase indicated that the phase represented a new structure type with orthorhombic symmetry (Pbam), and the lattice parameters were determined as a=9.3710(6) Å, b=12.1952(6) Å, c=2.7916(2) Å, V=319.03(3) Å³, Z=4. The structure consists of edge-sharing and corner-sharing (Mg, Al)O₆ octahedra, and contains chains of edge-sharing octahedra running along the c-axis. A part of Mg atoms are accommodated in six-coordinated trigonal prism sites in tunnels surrounded by the chains of edge-sharing (Mg, Al)O₆ octahedra. The structure is related with that of ludwigite (Mg, Fe²⁺)₂(Fe³⁺, Al)(BO₃)O₂. The molar volume of the Mg₂Al₂O₅ phase is smaller by 0.18% than sum of molar volumes of 2MgO and Al₂O₃ corundum. High-pressure dissociation to the mixture of corundum-type phase and the phase with ludwigite-related structure has been found only in MgAl₂O₄ among various A²⁺B³⁺₂O₄ compounds.     

g-C3N4/CaTi2O5复合材料制备及其光催化性能

利用类石墨氮化碳（g-C₃N₄）和亚稳相钙钛氧化物（CaTi₂O₅）固相法制备C₃N₄/CaTi₂O₅复合材料。利用X射线衍射（XRD）、金相显微镜、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）及附带能谱分析仪（EDS）和N₂吸附-脱附对样品的显微结构和比表面积进行检测分析,并用紫外-可见吸收光度计（UV-Vis）测试了样品的光吸收性能,研究C₃N₄与CaTi₂O₅物质的量之比（n_C3N4/nCaTi₂O₅）对C₃N₄/CaTi₂O₅复合样品的物相结构和微观形貌的影响,同时考察C₃N₄/CaTi₂O₅复合样品在可见光照射下光催化降解罗丹明染料效果。实验结果表明：相比纯C₃N₄和CaTi₂O₅样品,C₃N₄/CaTi₂O₅复合样品在可见光下具有较高的光催化性能,随着n_C3N4/nCaTi₂O₅增加,样品的光催化降解率随之增加而后降低,当n_C3N4/nCaTi₂O₅=1：1时,样品的光催化降解率达到最大值99.5%,并且循环重复利用5次后,样品的光催化剂降解率仍几乎保持不变。复合样品光催化性能提高主要归因于复合能级结构有效地抑制了电子和空穴复合所致。     

Decomposition of P2S2N4(Si(CH3)3)4A12C14 as Studied by FT-Raman and Quantum Chemistry Means

The dimeric title compound decomposes upon heating to give the monomer and desulphurized monomer as shown by FT-Raman and quantum chemical means.     

Topotactic insertion of lithium in the layered structure Li4VO(PO4)2: The tunnel structure Li5VO(PO4)2

A new V(III) lithium phosphate Li₅VO(PO₄)₂ has been synthesized by electrochemical insertion of lithium into Li₄VO(PO₄)₂. This phase, which crystallizes in the space group I4/mcm, exhibits a tunnel structure closely related to the layered structure of Li₄VO(PO₄)₂ and to the tunnel structure of VO(H₂PO₄)₂. The topotactic reactions that take place during lithium exchange and intercalation, starting from VO(H₂PO₄)₂ and going to the final phase Li₅VO(PO₄)₂ are explained on the basis of the flexible coordinations of V⁴⁺ and V³⁺ species. The electrochemical and magnetic properties of this new phase are also presented and explained on the basis of the structure dimensionality.     

Facile one-pot synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles catalyzed by H3PO4/TiO2-ZrO2 (1/1) under solvent-free conditions

A highly efficient and simple protocol for the preparation of 2-arylbenzothiazoles through condensation of 2-aminothiophenol and different aldehydes in the presence of H₃PO₄/TiO₂-ZrO₂(1/1)-cetyl pyridinium bromide (CPB) is described. The reaction proceeded under mild and solvent-free conditions to afford 2-arylbenzothiazole derivatives. In this method, the title compounds were obtained in good to excellent yields and short reaction times. The structures of synthesized products were identified by infrared, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectroscopy.     

V2O5-TiO2复合半导体光催化材料结构及光响应性能研究

采用溶胶凝胶法制备了V₂O₅-TiO₂复合半导体材料，通过Raman、XRD及UV-Vis DRS等实验方法研究了V₂O₅与TiO₂复合对材料表面组成、晶体结构以及光响应性能的影响。结果表明：钒加入后优先与TiO₂作用形成较为稳定的金红石型TiVO₄晶相，其中V⁴⁺是促进TiO₂发生相变的关键；随着钒加入量的增加，V₂O₅由表面高分散状态逐渐聚集形成晶相，并释放部分Ti⁴⁺使之形成锐钛矿型TiO₂晶相，使得体相中金红石型TiO₂的含量有所下降；复合后形成的TiVO₄晶相显著提高了材料对可见光的吸收率，并使其吸光域红移至460 nm左右。     

Syntheses and crystal structures of NH4Ag2(AsS2)3 and (NH4)5Ag16(AsS4)7 with a discussion of (NH4)Sx polyhedra

Summary The atomic arrangements within the structures of NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃ [a=9.557(2),b=7.414(2),c=16.29(1) Å; =91.30(5)°; space group P2₁/n;R(F)=0.042] and (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇ [a=64.49(6),b=6.471(2),c=12.806(4) Å; =95.47(5)°; space group Cc;R(F)=0.073] were determined from single crystal X-ray data. In these two compounds the coordination spheres of the Ag atoms are quite different. In NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃, the Ag atoms exhibit a [2+2]- and a [3+1]-coordination to S atoms up to 3.3 Å and with Ag atom neighbours at 2.93 Å and 3.05 Å respectively. In (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇, the Ag atoms are — with one exception- [4] coordinated (Ag-S<3.3 Å) and the distances to further Ag atom neighbours are greater than 3.1 Å. NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃ represents an ordered cyclo-thioarsenate(III) with three-membered As₃S₆ rings, (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇ a neso-thioarsenate(V) with two split Ag atom positions. Both compounds were synthesized under moderate hydrothermal conditions.

---

Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen von NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃ und (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇ mit einer Diskussion über (NH₄)S_x Polyeder

Zusammenfassung Die Atomanordnungen in den Strukturen von NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃ [a=9.557(2),b=7.414(2),c=16.29(1) Å; =91.30(5)°; Raumgruppe P2₁/n;R(F)=0.042] und (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇ [a=64.49(6),b=6.471(2),c=12.806(4) Å; =95.47(5)°; Raumgruppe Cc;R(F)=0.073] wurden anhand von röntgenographischen Einkristalldaten bestimmt. In diesen beiden Verbindungen sind die Koordinationsverhältnisse um die Ag-Atome sehr unterschiedlich. In NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃ besitzen die Ag-Atome bis 3.3 Å eine [2+2]- und [3+1]-Koordination durch S-Atome mit weiteren Ag-Atomen bei 2.93 Å und 3.05 Å. In (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇ sind die Ag-Atome mit einer Ausnahme [4]-koordiniert (Ag-S < 3.3 Å), und die Abstände zu weiteren Ag-Atomen sind größer als 3.1 Å. NH₄Ag₂(AsS₂)₃ stellt ein geordnetes Cyclothioarsenat(III) mit dreigliedrigen As₃S₆-Ringen dar, (NH₄)₅Ag₁₆(AsS₄)₇ ein Nesothioarsenat (V) mit zwei aufgespaltenen Ag-Positionen. Beide Verbindungen wurden unter mäßigen Hydrothermalbedingungen synthetisiert.

     

Design and Synthesis of Arylpiperazine Serotonergic/Dopaminergic Ligands with Neuroprotective Properties

Long-chain arylpiperazine scaffold is a versatile template to design central nervous system (CNS) drugs that target serotonin and dopamine receptors. Here we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of ten new arylpiperazine derivatives designed to obtain an affinity profile at serotonin 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT₇ receptor, and dopamine D₂ receptor of prospective drugs to treat the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychosis. Besides the structural features required for affinity at the target receptors, the new compounds incorporated structural fragments with antioxidant properties to counteract oxidative stress connected with ASD and psychosis. All the new compounds showed CNS MultiParameter Optimization score predictive of desirable ADMET properties and cross the blood–brain barrier. We identified compound 12a that combines an affinity profile compatible with antipsychotic activity (5-HT_1A K_i = 41.5 nM, 5-HT_2A K_i = 315 nM, 5-HT₇ K_i = 42.5 nM, D₂ K_i = 300 nM), and compound 9b that has an affinity profile consistent with studies in the context of ASD (5-HT_1A K_i = 23.9 nM, 5-HT_2A K_i = 39.4 nM, 5-HT₇ K_i = 45.0 nM). Both compounds also had antioxidant properties. All compounds showed low in vitro metabolic stability, the only exception being compound 9b, which might be suitable for studies in vivo.