Axiomatization of abelian-by-G groups for a finite group G

We show that, for each finite group G, there exists an axiomatization of the class of abelian-by-G groups with a single sentence. In the proof, we use the definability of the subgroups M ⁿ in an abelian-by-finite group M, and the Auslander-Reiten sequences for modules over an Artin algebra. Received: 15 March 1996 / Published online: 18 July 2001     

AGGREGATION OF CHLOROPHYLL a SPECIES ABSORBING NEAR 700nm–1. THE INFRARED CARBONYL BANDS

Abstract— Amorphous chlorophyll a obtained by electrodeposition(Chl–678) undergoes a bathoch-romic shift upon solvation with gaseous alcohol at ambient temperatures. The process is reversible when the alcohol is removed. With 1-propanol, the red band of Chi a is displaced from 678 nm to 701 nm and a new aggregate is formed,Chl–701. To determine the nature of the new aggregate, the IR carbonyl bands of Chi are monitored. The free ketone massive band ofChl–678, situated at 1691 cm^-1, is decreased upon solvation to the profit of the associated ketone carbonyl massive band which absorbs at 1656 cm^-1. The bandwidths of the massive bands are much greater than the typical value of a carbonyl band of a ketone in solution. This is an indication that the massive bands are composed of overlapping bands. In order to determine the number and the position of the bands, the Fourier self-deconvolution technique has been used to enhance the spectral characteristics of the infrared spectra. The band fitting technique is then used on the original spectra to determine the difference in intensity between the bands ofChl–678 and those ofChl–701. The interpretation of the resolved IR spectra shows that the amorphous sample is composed of open dimers linked together by the CO-Mg coordinate bonds. When the solvated species are formed, these coordinate bonds are not ruptured and one molecule of alcohol for two molecules of chlorophyll is linked to these molecules by an hydrogen bond between the hydrogen of the alcohol and the available ketone and by a coordinate bond between the available Mg and the oxygen of the alcohol. Closed dimers are thus formed.     

2-Oxo-9C(3)-hydroxy- und 2-Oxo-9C(7)-hydroxy-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan

A synthesis of the two C(9) epimers 14 and 15 of 2-oxo-9-hydroxy-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane is described starting from the two C(2) epimers 3 and 4 of 2-hydroxy-9-oxo-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane.     

The development of a comprehensive toolbox based on multi-level,high-throughput screening of MOFs for CO/N2 separations

The separation of CO/N₂ mixtures is a challenging problem in the petrochemical sector due to the very similar physical properties of these two molecules, such as size, molecular weight and boiling point. To solve this and other challenging gas separations, one requires a holistic approach. The complexity of a screening exercise for adsorption-based separations arises from the multitude of existing porous materials, including metal–organic frameworks. Besides, the multivariate nature of the performance criteria that needs to be considered when designing an optimal adsorbent and a separation process – i.e. an optimal material requires fulfillment of several criteria simultaneously – makes the screening challenging. To address this, we have developed a multi-scale approach combining high-throughput molecular simulation screening, data mining and advanced visualization, as well as process system modelling, backed up by experimental validation. We have applied our recent advances in the engineering of porous materials'' morphology to develop advanced monolithic structures. These conformed, shaped monoliths can be used readily in industrial applications, bringing a valuable strategy for the development of advanced materials. This toolbox is flexible enough to be applied to multiple adsorption-based gas separation applications.

The separation of challenging mixtures through adsorption is a multidimensional problem that requires a holistic approach. Our toolbox combines experiments, molecular and process simulations with data visualization to find optimal, porous materials.     

Modification of amyloid-beta peptide aggregation via photoactivation of strained Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes

Alzheimer''s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive and irreversible damage to the brain. One of the hallmarks of the disease is the presence of both soluble and insoluble aggregates of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the brain, and these aggregates are considered central to disease progression. Thus, the development of small molecules capable of modulating Aβ peptide aggregation may provide critical insight into the pathophysiology of AD. In this work we investigate how photoactivation of three distorted Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes (Ru1–3) alters the aggregation profile of the Aβ peptide. Photoactivation of Ru1–3 results in the loss of a 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl (6,6′-dmb) ligand, affording cis-exchangeable coordination sites for binding to the Aβ peptide. Both Ru1 and Ru2 contain an extended planar imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline ligand, as compared to a 2,2′-bipyridine ligand for Ru3, and we show that the presence of the phenanthroline ligand promotes covalent binding to Aβ peptide His residues, and in addition, leads to a pronounced effect on peptide aggregation immediately after photoactivation. Interestingly, all three complexes resulted in a similar aggregate size distribution at 24 h, forming insoluble amorphous aggregates as compared to significant fibril formation for peptide alone. Photoactivation of Ru1–3 in the presence of pre-formed Aβ_1–42 fibrils results in a change to amorphous aggregate morphology, with Ru1 and Ru2 forming large amorphous aggregates immediately after activation. Our results show that photoactivation of Ru1–3 in the presence of either monomeric or fibrillar Aβ_1–42 results in the formation of large amorphous aggregates as a common endpoint, with Ru complexes incorporating the extended phenanthroline ligand accelerating this process and thereby limiting the formation of oligomeric species in the initial stages of the aggregation process that are reported to show considerable toxicity.

Photoactivation of a series of Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes leads to ligand exchange and modulation of amyloid-beta peptide aggregation of relevance to Alzheimer''s disease.