Interactions in confined polariton condensates

We investigate the effect of interactions in zero-dimensional polariton condensates. The shape of the condensate wave function is shown to be modified by repulsive interactions with the reservoir of uncondensed excitons. In large micropillar cavities, when uncondensed excitons are located at the center, the condensate is ejected toward the pillar edges. The same effect results in the generation of optical traps in wire cavities. Once polariton condensates are spatially separated from the excitonic reservoir, spectral signatures of polariton-polariton interactions within the condensate are evidenced.     

Enabling the synthesis of perfluoroalkyl bicyclobutanes via 1,3 γ-silyl elimination

Two new bicyclobutanes were prepared from cyclobutyl systems by a novel, solvolytic, carbocation-based methodology. An electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl group at the incipient cationic center enhances neighboring-group participation of the γ-silyl group, inducing facile, remarkably selective 1,3-elimination yielding only bicyclobutanes. The method unlocks potential access to a host of EWG-substituted strained rings and a potential new method for the synthesis of trifluoromethylcyclopropanes.     

Synthesis of Trideuteriomethyl 5-Deuterium-β-D-Mannopyranoside

Abstract

The title compound was prepared by first converting trideuteriomethyl 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-mannopyranoside to a 6-bromo-6-deoxy derivative which on elimination by using DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene) or DBN (1,5-diazabi-cyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene) gave a hex-5-enopyranoside derivative. The deuteroboration of the hex-5-enopyranoside followed by oxidation and subsequent deblocking produced trideuteriomethyl 5-deuterium-β-D-mannopyranoside.     

W/O/W Multiple Emulsions Obtained by One‐Step Emulsification Method and Evaluation of the Involved Variables

The effects of some composition variables on the development of multiple emulsions by one‐step method were evaluated and their morphology characterized. The formulations that remained stable during the period of the test were submitted to centrifugation and thermal stress tests. The stability and the morphology of multiple droplets were affected not only by the type and concentration of the surfactants employed, but also by the water/oil ratios used. The results suggest that the formation of multiple droplets could involve a combination of transitional and catastrophic phase inversions. The results provide improved knowledge about the one‐step emulsification method, a simplified process to prepare multiple emulsions when compared to the two‐steps method.     

Uranium iodides as catalysts for Diels–Alder reactions

Uranium triiodide is found to be an efficient Lewis acid catalyst for various Diels–Alder reactions which are performed in mild conditions and with low amounts of catalysts. The replacement of an iodide by a dihydrobis(pyrazolyl)borate ligand does not increase activity or selectivity.     

Lipid Masking and Reactivation of Angiotensin Analogues

Studies on post-angioplastic restenosis have shown the implication of angiotensin II (Ang) as a myoproliferative mediator. The antiproliferative efficacy of non-peptide Ang antagonists on the rat carotid model is of 50%, whereas a continuously infused peptide antagonist at low doses totally blocks neointimal growth. To explore the feasibility of depot forms of Ang that may be introduced during angioplasty and thus prevent restenois, lipid-masked Ang analogues of the following general structure were prepared: [Xxx°, Yyy¹]Ang with Xxx = decanoyl or palmitoyl and Yyy = Ser, Cys, Asp, β-lactoyl, 3-mercaptopropanoyl or succinyl. All fatty acylated peptides [Xxx°, Yyy¹]Ang were practically inactive, and O- or S-esterified Ser and Cys peptides underwent intramolecular transcylation giving inactive N^x-acylated peptides. O-Acylated [β-mercaptopropanoyl¹]Ang were easily hydrolyzed into their biologically active[Yyy¹]Ang forms, either by mild saponification or by lipase activity.     

Synthesis of D-erythro-sphingosine and D-erythro-ceramide

A 1,2-metallate rearrangment of a higher order cuprate derived from an alpha-lithiated xylal derivative and tridecyllithium is the key step in a synthesis of D-erythro-sphingosine and ceramide. A convenient method for preparing alpha-lithiated glycals from alpha-phenylsulfinyl glycals is also described.     

Solid-state Fermentation of Xylanase from Penicillium canescens 10–10c in a Multi-layer-packed Bed Reactor

Xylanase is produced by Penicillium canescens 10–10c from soya oil cake in static conditions using solid-state fermentation. The impact of several parameters such as the nature and the size of inoculum, bed-loading, and aeration is evaluated during the fermentation process. Mycelial inoculum gives more production than conidial inoculum. Increasing the quantity of inoculum enhances slightly xylanase production. Forced aeration induces more sporulation of strain and reduces xylanase production. However, forced moistened air improves the production compared to production obtained with forced dry air. In addition, increasing bed-loading reduces the specific xylanase production likely due to the incapacity of the Penicillium strain to grow deeply in the fermented soya oil cake mass. Thus, the best cultivation conditions involve mycelial inoculum form, a bed loading of 1-cm height and passive aeration. The maximum xylanase activity is obtained after 7 days of fermentation and attains 10,200 U/g of soya oil cake. These levels are higher than those presented in the literature and, therefore, show all the potentialities of this stock and this technique for the production of xylanase.