Solution Structure of a Lanthanide-binding DNA Aptamer Determined Using High Quality pseudocontact shift restraints

In this contribution we report the high-resolution NMR structure of a recently identified lanthanide-binding aptamer (LnA). We demonstrate that the rigid lanthanide binding by LnA allows for the measurement of anisotropic paramagnetic NMR restraints which to date remain largely inaccessible for nucleic acids. One type of such restraints - pseudocontact shifts (PCS) induced by four different paramagnetic lanthanides - was extensively used throughout the current structure determination study and the measured PCS turned out to be exceptionally well reproduced by the final aptamer structure. This finding opens the perspective for a broader application of paramagnetic effects in NMR studies of nucleic acids through the transplantation of the binding site found in LnA into other DNA/RNA systems.     

Physicalist and Dispositionalist Views on Colour: a Physiological Objection

Using the results of the latest neurophysiological research on colour, the article rejects outright physicalism and dispositionalism as appropriate approaches to solving the problem of colour realism. Physicalism sees colour as a real property of objects, i.e. the reflectance profile, while dispositionalism takes subjects, objects and light as necessary elements for colour production. First, it briefly outlines the historical development of the theory of colour, pointing towards dispositionalism which, in some sense, considers colour as a real entity of the world, and then introduces the problem of colour realism, focusing on objections to physicalism as well as dispositionalism. After delineating the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the visual experience of colour, and with the help of the concrete results of practical neurophysiological experiments, the article points to why the physicalist and any dispositionalist theories of colour in the light of a new physiological objection do not present credible views on the nature of colour.     

Surface cationization of cellulose to enhance durable antibacterial finish in phytosynthesized silver nanoparticle treated cotton fabric

Cellulose - Elimination of disease-causing bacteria from cotton fabrics is critically important to control several bacteria-mediated infections in humans. Antibacterial nanoparticles, particularly...     

Novel Procedure for the Synthesis of 1‐Hydroxy‐1,1‐bisphosphonic Acids using Phenols as Medium

A facile synthetic route for the synthesis of bisphosphonates in phenols is described. Preparations of some of bisphosphonates, which are presently in clinical use such as risedronic acid and alendronate sodium, are synthesized following this new, simple method. This procedure can be useful for the synthesis of this class of bone‐resorptive inhibitors in bulk quantities.     

Highly Selective Removal of Perfluorinated Contaminants by Adsorption on All-Silica Zeolite Beta

Perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial and commercial applications, leading to a widespread occurrence of these persistent and harmful contaminants in our environment. Removal of these compounds from surface and waste waters is being mandated by European and U.S. governments. Currently, there are no treatment techniques available that lower the concentrations of these compounds for large water bodies in a cost- and energy-efficient way. We hereby propose a hydrophobic, all-silica zeolite Beta material that is a highly selective and high-capacity adsorbent for PFASs, even in the presence of organic competitors. Advanced characterization data demonstrate that the adsorption process is driven by a very negative adsorption enthalpy and favorable steric factors.     

Improved Methods for the Synthesis of Irbesartan,an Antihypertensive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

New methods for the preparation of irbesartan 1 have been described. The dehydration and tetrazole formation in one step from substituted cyclopentane derivative 7 with tributyltin chloride and sodium azide is described. Selective hydrolysis of nitrile 3 with HCl has also been described in the preparation of N‐acylaminocyclopentane‐2‐carboxylic acid 4, which is the key intermediate for the preparation of irbesartan. The impurity profiling of irbesartan has also been discussed.     

Studies toward the total synthesis of tedanolide: stereoselective synthesis of the C(8)-C(17) segment

The stereoselective synthesis of the C(8)-C(17) sub-unit (−)-5 of tedanolide (1), which involves iterative Evans aldol reactions as the key steps, is described.     

Remediation of Wastewater with Ultraviolet Irradiation Using a Novel Titanium (IV) Oxide Photocatalyst

Photocatalysis has become common and nanomaterials having photocatalytic functions have been widely characterized. At present, among the many candidates for photocatalysis, TiO₂ is almost the only material suitable for industrial use. In this paper, we present a TiO₂ synthesis starting from Ti sheets put in contact with a mixture of 0.1 N NaOH and acetone for 72?hours under ambient conditions. The obtained sheets were washed with distilled water and ethanol, and the surface was analyzed for its structural and morphological properties. Thus, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations indicated the formation of TiO₂ on the edges of nanometer circles on the surface of the Ti sheets. For characterizing the photocatalytic capacity for wastewater treatment, Ti sheets with TiO₂ on the surface contacted with methylene blue solutions at room temperature under ultraviolet light. The degradation of the methylene blue concentration was measured by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, demonstrating 99.94% efficiency for wastewater treatment using the obtained material.