Universal fluorescent labeling of amplification products using locked nucleic acids

Amplification/hybridization‐based genetic analyses using primers containing locked nucleic acids (LNAs) present many benefits. Here, we developed a novel design for universal fluorescent PCR using LNAs. Universal fluorescent PCR generates intermediate nonlabeled fragments and final fluorescent fragments in a two‐step amplification process that uses locus‐specific primers with universal tails and universal fluorescent primers. In this study, a few standard nucleotides were replaced with LNAs only in the fluorescent universal primers. The sequence of the fluorescent universal primer significantly affected the amplification efficiency. For primers with three LNAs, the fluorescent primers with stable M13(‐47) sequences provided the most efficient signal (approximately tenfold higher than the primers with M13(‐21) sequences at lower Tm values). Moreover, AT‐rich LNA substitutions in the fluorescent primers produced much lower amplification efficiencies than GC‐rich substitutions. GC‐rich LNAs produced greater differences in Tm values among primers, and resulted in the preferential production of fluorescently labeled amplicons. The specificity and sensitivity of LNA‐containing fluorescent primers were assessed by genotyping eight STRs in Japanese individuals, and full STR profiles could be generated using as little as 0.25 ng of genomic DNA. The method permitted clear discrimination of alleles and represents sensitive STR genotyping at a reduced cost.     

Templated nucleation of hybrid iron oxide nanoparticles on polysaccharide nanogels

Novel organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles consisting of polymer–hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) and iron oxide were developed for potential biomedical applications. Hybrid nanoparticles were prepared by a simple procedure using polysaccharide nanogels as a reactive site for iron oxide formation. The hybrid nanoparticles have a narrow size distribution with a diameter of approximately 30 nm and show high colloidal stability. These nanohybrid particles could be used as a contrast medium for magnetic resonance imaging or for magnetic hyperthermia therapy.     

Effects of post-deposition annealing on chemical composition of SiNx film in SiO2/SiNx/SiO2/Si stacked structure

To systematically evaluate the quality of SiN_x films in multi-stacked structures, we investigated the effects of post-deposition annealing (PDA) on the film properties of SiN_x within the SiO₂/SiN_x/SiO₂/Si stacked structure by performing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscope–electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) analyses. The XPS results showed that PDA induces the oxidation of the SiN_x layer. In particular, new finding is that Si-rich SiN_x in the SiN_x layer is preferentially oxidized by PDA even in multi-stacked structure. The XRR results showed that the SiN_x layer becomes thinner, whereas the interface layer between the SiN_x layer and Si becomes thicker. It is concluded by STEM-EELS and XPS that this interface layer is SiON layer. The density of N–H and Si–H bonding within the stacked structure strongly depends on the PDA temperature. Our study helps elucidate the properties of SiN_x films in stacked structures from various perspectives.     

Diastereomeric Difference of the Self-Inclusion Complex of N(N′-Formyl-Phenylalanyl)-Deoxyamino-β-Cyclodextrin Caused by the Interaction between the Arm and the Rim of the Cavity

A complete assignment of proton resonances for N(N-formyl d-phenylalanyl)-deoxyamino--cyclodextrin (1d) was performed by means of 1D and 2D NMR,¹H–^1H-COSY, ¹H–^13C-COSY, TOCSYand NOESY spectroscopy. Based on 2D-NMR ROESY and circular dichroism spectroscopy, the conformation of 1d was determined; the phenyl group stays inside the distorted cyclodextrin (CyD) cavity forming a self-inclusion complex, which is almost the same as N(N-formyl l-phenylalanyl)-deoxyamino--CyD (1l). The remarkable diastereomeric difference was observed in the chemical shifts of H(5) and H(6) protons at the narrow rim of the CyD cavity and induced circular dichroism spectra. These results suggest the existence of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl group on CyD and the amide groups on the arms, which provides the difference in the molecular recognition properties.     

Characterization of Si-added aluminum oxide (AlSiO) films for power devices

Synthesis of Si-added aluminum oxide (AlSiO) films is attempted as an insulating film with both a wide bandgap and a high dielectric constant. Electrical characteristics of AlSiO films are investigated. Leakage current of the AlO film is suppressed by Si addition and is minimized with Si composition ratio of 12%. Capacitance versus voltage (C-V) measurements are carried out for Au/AlSiO/Si MIS structure. Both flat band shift and hysteresis of the C-V characteristics are suppressed by Si addition. A low leakage current is demonstrated for Au/AlSiO/n-SiC MIS structure.     

Density-fluctuation-induced swelling of polymer thin films in carbon dioxide

We report an anomalous swelling of polymer thin films in carbon dioxide (CO(2)) which is associated (in both locus and form) with the density fluctuation ridge that forms along the extension of the coexistence curve of gas and liquid in the P-T phase diagram. Neutron reflectivity results showed that CO(2) could be sorbed to a large extent ( approximately 60%) in thin polymer films even when the bulk miscibility of the polymer with CO(2) is very poor. The anomalous swelling is found to scale with the polymer radius of gyration (R(g)) and extends to a distance approximately 10 R(g).     

New 2,5-dialkylthio-2-formyl-2,3-dihydro-γ-pyrans

Conclusions A number of new 2,5-dialkylthio-2-formyl-2, 3-dihydro--pyrans was synthesized via the Mannich reaction using alkylthioacetaldehydes.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1652–1655, July, 1977.     

Hydrosilylation of divinyl ether

Russian Chemical Bulletin -     

Reaction of α-alkoxyacroleins with thiols

Conclusions The nucleophilic or radical addition of thiols to -alkoxyacroleins leads to 2-alkoxy-3-organylthiopropanals. Depending on the reaction conditions, the product of the electrophilic reaction of the same reagents is a 2-alkoxy-2-organylthiopropanal or 1-alkoxy-1-organylthiopropanone.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 722–724, March, 1986.