Temperature-dependent energy gap of the primary charge separation in photosystem I: study of delayed fluorescence at 77-268 K

The dynamics of fluorescence decay and charge recombination were studied in the ether-extracted photosystem I reaction center isolated from spinach with picosecond resolution over a wide time range up to 100 ns. At all temperatures from 268 to 77 K, a slow fluorescence decay component with a 30-40 ns lifetime was detected. This component was interpreted as a delayed fluorescence emitted from the singlet excited state of the primary donor P700*, which is repopulated through charge recombination that was increased by the lack of secondary acceptor phylloquinone in the sample. Analysis of the fluorescence kinetics allowed estimation of the standard free-energy difference -DeltaG between P700* and the primary radical pair (P700(+)A0(-)) state over a wide temperature range. The values of -DeltaG were estimated to be 160/36 meV at 268/77 K, indicating its high sensitivity to temperature. A temperature-dependent -DeltaG value was also estimated in the delayed fluorescence of the isolated photosystem I in which the secondary acceptor quinone was partially prereduced by preillumination in the presence of dithionite. The results revealed that the temperature-dependent -DeltaG is a universal phenomenon common with the purple bacterial reaction centers, photosystem II and photosystem I reaction centers.     

Fatty acid chemistry at the oil-water interface: self-propelled oil droplets

Fatty acids have been investigated as boundary structures to construct artificial cells due to their dynamic properties and phase transitions. Here we have explored the possibility that fatty acid systems also demonstrate movement. An oil phase was loaded with a fatty acid anhydride precursor and introduced to an aqueous fatty acid micelle solution. The oil droplets showed autonomous, sustained movement through the aqueous media. Internal convection created a positive feedback loop, and the movement of the oil droplet was sustained as convection drove fresh precursor to the surface to become hydrolyzed. As the system progressed, more surfactant was produced and some of the oil droplets transformed into supramolecular aggregates resembling multilamellar vesicles. The oil droplets also moved directionally within chemical gradients and exhibited a type of chemotaxis.     

Dual-labeled oligonucleotide probe for sensing adenosine via FRET: a novel alternative to SNPs genotyping

A novel FRET based strategy for DNA sequence analysis utilising base-discriminating fluorescence (BDF) nucleoside, (Py)U/(2-Ant)U, as donor in the dual-labelled oligonucleotide probe is reported; a selective/specific emission from acceptor, was observed upon excitation at the donor, only when the opposite base of the "smart" fluorescently labeled BDF nucleoside, (Py)U/(2-Ant)U, is adenine on the complementary target sequence.     

Design of a novel G-quenched molecular beacon: a simple and efficient strategy for DNA sequence analysis

G-quenched MBs are devised from readily available starting materials and used for sequence specific DNA detection with high efficiency.     

Protonation and methylation of an Anderson-type polyoxoanion [IMo6O24]5-

A series of protonated and methylated Anderson-type molybdoperiodates as well as the unprotonated [IMo6O24]5- have been synthesized and structurally characterized as tetra-n-butylammonium salts: [(n-C4H9)4N]5[IMo6O24] [monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 33.6101(3) A, b = 15.2575(1) A, c = 24.0294(2) A, beta = 126.9569(3) degrees , Z = 4], [(n-C4H9)4N]4[IMo6O23(OH)] [monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 9.5587(1) A, b = 24.1364(2) A, c = 18.2788(2) A, beta = 90.1562(5) degrees , Z = 2], [(n-C4H9)4N]3[IMo6O22(OH)2].2DMF [monoclinic, space group P21/a, a = 17.6105(4) A, b = 15.5432(5) A, c = 29.3316(9) A, beta = 91.475(3) degrees , Z = 4], [(n-C4H9)4N]4[IMo6O23(OMe)].3H2O [orthorhombic, space group Pbca, a = 17.0679(4) A, b = 25.6998(6) A, c = 20.7428(4) A, Z = 4], [(n-C4H9)4N]3[IMo6O22(OMe)2] [monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 10.4009(1) A, b = 14.6658(3) A, c = 23.5395(4) A, beta = 100.324(1) degrees , Z = 2]. In all of these compounds, the [IMo6O24]5- anion is protonated or methylated selectively at O atoms shared by two Mo atoms. The results have also revealed that the protonated Anderson-type molybdoperiodates readily react with methanol in a very selective manner, while the unprotonated [IMo6O24]5- anion does not react with methanol under similar conditions.     

Coherent positronium molecule Psn and scanning clustering microscopy

The remarkable coherent features are indicated for the positronium molecules Ps_n, which are the lightest molecular system in the universe. The majority of Ps_n molecules undergo the coherent annihilation of all constituent Ps atoms yielding the coherent n‐pair photons which provide a unique method for observing Ps_n with identifying the order of clustering n. This leads to a new microscopy [scanning clustering microscopy (SCM)] in which Ps_n molecules are formed from surface positrons and Ps swarmed around a fine tip of a probe electrically biased with respect to a contacting matter surface to be investigated. It would open up new broad fields to study dynamical aspects of surface layer such as the catalytic activity on a subatomic scale. A method based on the Hunbury Brown–Twiss effect is also presented to determine the dimensions of Ps_n. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 71: 83–99, 1999     

Aerosol generation and measurement of multi-wall carbon nanotubes

Mass production of some kinds of carbon nanotubes (CNT) is now imminent, but little is known about the risk associated with their exposure. It is important to assess the propensity of the CNT to release particles into air for its risk assessment. In this study, we conducted aerosolization of a multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) to assess several aerosol measuring instruments. A Palas RBG-1000 aerosol generator applied mechanical stress to the MWCNT by a rotating brush at feed rates ranging from 2 to 20 mm/h, which the MWCNT was fed to a two-component fluidized bed. The fluidized bed aerosol generator was used to disperse the MWCNT aerosol once more. We monitored the generated MWCNT aerosol concentrations based on number, area, and mass using a condensation particle counter and nanoparticle surface area monitor. Also we quantified carbon mass in MWCNT aerosol samples by a carbon monitor. The shape of aerosolized MWCNT fibers was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The MWCNT was well dispersed by our system. We found isolated MWCNT fibers in the aerosols by SEM and the count median lengths of MWCNT fibers were 4–6 μm. The MWCNT was quantified by the carbon monitor with a modified condition based on the NIOSH analytical manual. The MWCNT aerosol concentration (EC mass base) was 4 mg/m³ at 2 mm/h in this study.     

Selectivity comparisons of monolithic silica capillary columns modified with poly(octadecyl methacrylate) and octadecyl moieties for halogenated compounds in reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Stationary phase selectivities for halogenated compounds in reversed-phase HPLC were compared using C18 monolithic silica capillary columns modified with poly(octadecyl methacrylate) (ODM) and octadecyl moieties (ODS). The preferential retention of halogenated benzenes on ODM was observed in methanol/water and acetonitrile/water mobile phases. In selectivity comparison of selected analytes on ODM and ODS, greater selectivities for halogenated compounds were obtained with respect to alkylbenzenes on an ODM column, while similar selectivities were observed with a homologous series of alkylbenzenes on ODM and ODS columns. These data can be explained by greater dispersive interactions by more densely packed octadecyl groups on the ODM polymer coated column together with the contribution of carbonyl groups in ODM side chains. For the positional isomeric separation of dihalogenated benzenes (ortho-, meta-, para-), the ODM column also provided better separation of these isomers for the adjacently eluted isomers that cannot be completely separated on an ODS column in the same mobile phase. These results imply that the ODM column can be used as a better alternative to the ODS column for the separation of other halogenated compounds.     

Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Macrolactonization Using MNBA in the Synthesis of Erythromycin A Aglycon

Various intermediates for the synthesis of erythronolide A, an aglycon of erythromycin A, are prepared from the corresponding seco‐acids using 2‐methyl‐6‐nitrobenzoic anhydride (MNBA) in the presence of 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) with or without triethylamine. The efficiency of the MNBA lactonization is assessed by studying this method and comparing the results with those of the other established macrocyclization protocols. It has been finally concluded that (i) the conformationally appropriate substrate for the monomeric cyclization gave the desired lactone in excellent yield under mild reaction conditions in the presence of MNBA and DMAP, (ii) the highly‐strained substrate for the cyclization also afforded the monomeric lactone in relatively good yield at 100°C in toluene, and (iii) the seco‐acid having stable linear conformation, which preferred dimerizing more than forming the monomeric lactone, provided the corresponding diolide in high yield with the constant ratio of the monomer to dimeric lactone (approximately 1/5). © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 305–320; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200900017