Structural Study of N-(1-Benzoyl-3-Pyrrolidinyl) Benzamide

Oxazolidinones show potent activity against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(VRSA) species, and are currently under active development. We present NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics calculation studies on N-(1-benzoyl-3-pyrrolidinyl) benzamide, an oxazolidinone derivative with substitution at the amine group of 3-pyrrolidinamine. the ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectra exhibited two sets of peaks, one major and one minor, giving rise to the existence of isomers at room temperature. In order to deduce the nature of its isomeric distribution, a series of derivatives were synthesized and analyzed using NMR spectroscopy and computer-aided molecular modeling (CAMM) simulations. the results suggest that rotation of the benzoyl group attached to the secondary amine in N-(1-benzoyl-3-pyrrolidinyl) benzamide is responsible for conformational heterogeneity.     

Improved electroluminescence on nonpolar m ‐plane InGaN/GaN quantum wells LEDs

Improved nonpolar m ‐plane light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a thick InGaN multi‐quantum‐well (MQW) structure have been fabricated on low extended defect bulk m ‐plane GaN substrates using metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The peak wavelength of the electroluminescence emission from the packaged LEDs was 402 nm, which is in the blue‐violet region. The output power and EQE were 28 mW and 45.4%, respectively, at a pulsed driving current of 20 mA. With increasing current, the output power increased linearly, and fairly flat EQE was observed with increasing drive current. At 200 mA, the power and EQE were 250 mW and 41%, respectively. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Orbital-angular-momentum based origin of Rashba-type surface band splitting

We propose that the existence of local orbital angular momentum (OAM) on the surfaces of high-Z materials plays a crucial role in the formation of Rashba-type surface band splitting. Local OAM state in a Bloch wave function produces an asymmetric charge distribution (electric dipole). The surface-normal electric field then aligns the electric dipole and results in chiral OAM states and the relevant Rashba-type splitting. Therefore, the band splitting originates from electric dipole interaction, not from the relativistic Zeeman splitting as proposed in the original Rashba picture. The characteristic spin chiral structure of Rashba states is formed through the spin-orbit coupling and thus is a secondary effect to the chiral OAM. Results from first-principles calculations on a single Bi layer under an external electric field verify the key predictions of the new model.     

Markedly enhanced recyclability of osmium catalyst in asymmetric dihydroxylation reactions by using macroporous resins bearing both residual vinyl groups and quaternary ammonium moieties

Markedly enhanced recyclability of osmium catalyst in asymmetric dihydroxylation has been achieved by using osmylated macroporous resins bearing both residual vinyl groups and quaternary ammonium moiety.     

Hydroxylation of alkyl halides with water in ionic liquid: significantly enhanced nucleophilicity of water

A facile method for the nucleophilic hydroxylation of alkyl halides and mesylates with water has been developed in which the use of ionic liquid as an alternative reaction medium not only enhanced the nucleophilicity of water but also reduced the formation of elimination products predominantly formed under the conventional basic reaction conditions. For example, hydroxylation of model compound 2-(3-bromopropyl)naphthalene (1) to 2-(3-hydroxypropyl)naphthalene (2) with water in 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF(4)]) and 1,4-dioxane proceeded selectively in high yield (94%). The reactivity of other nucleophilic oxygen sources such as alcohol, phenol, and acetic acid in an ionic liquid was also investigated.     

Search for DeltaS = 2 nonleptonic hyperon decays

A sensitive search for the rare decays Omega(-)--> Lambdapi(-) and Xi(0)--> ppi(-) has been performed using data from the 1997 run of the HyperCP (Fermilab E871) experiment. Limits on other such processes do not exclude the possibility of observable rates for |DeltaS| = 2 nonleptonic hyperon decays, provided the decays occur through parity-odd operators. We obtain the branching-fraction limits B(Omega(-)-->Lambdapi(-)) < 2.9 x 10(-6) and B(Xi(0)--> ppi(-)) < 8.2 x 10(-6), both at 90% confidence level.     

Real-time production scheduling of an automated cardline

In this paper, we describe a flow model of an automated-printed circuit card assembly line at the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) plant at Tucson, Arizona. We use a simulation based on this model as a test bed to discuss the performance of a hierarchical scheduling policy described in [3]. We compare this with other policies for loading parts into a flexible manufacturing system. We demonstrate that the hierarchical strategy is effective in meeting production requirements (both total volume and balance among part types) while limiting average work-in-process (WIP). This is a consequence of the feedback nature of the policy. Hedging (i.e. building up buffer stock) compensates for machine failures, thus resulting in high production percentages. The work-in-process (WIP) is low, as the policy reduces internal queues by respecting the capacity constraints of the system at every instant.     

A response to ‘Comments on the effect of liquid layering on the thermal conductivity of nanofluids’, E. Doroodchi, T. M. Evans & B. Moghtaderi, 2009. J Nanopart Res 11(6):1501–1507

This article provides a response to a recent brief communication ‘Comments on the effect of liquid layering on the thermal conductivity of nanofluids’ by Doroodchi et al. in J Nanopart Res 11(6):1501–1507, 2009. It provides an opportunity for us to clarify the fundamental differences between the models of Yu and Choi (2003) and Leong et al. (2006) mentioned in the communication, followed by an explanation of the development of Leong et al.’s model. While we re-affirm that the model of Leong et al. (2006) was developed based on the right methodology, appropriate boundary conditions and mathematical basis and is therefore valid, there are at least three incorrect equations in Doroodchi et al.’s communication which raise serious doubts on their results calculated from the above models. Hence, the comments by Doroodchi et al. (2009) about the model of Leong et al. (2006) are not well-justified.     

The Fruits of Paris polyphylla Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration Induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Gut microbiota are highly associated with CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was found to be enriched in CRC lesions and correlated with CRC carcinogenesis and metastases. Paris polyphylla is a well-known herbal medicine that showed anticancer activity. The present study demonstrates that P. polyphylla inhibited the growth of CRC cells. In addition, treating with active compounds pennogenin 3-O-beta-chacotrioside and polyphyllin VI isolated from P. polyphylla inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum. We also found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from F. nucleatum could promote mitochondrial fusion and cell invasion in CRC cells, whereas active components from P. polyphylla could dampen such an impact. The data suggest that P. polyphylla and its active ingredients could be further explored as potential candidates for developing complementary chemotherapy for the treatment of CRC.