Interlayer Reaction of Polyamine/α-Zirconium Phosphate Intercalation Compounds with Some Aldehydes

Abstract

The intercalation compound between α-zirconium phosphate and N,N′-bis-(3-aminopropyl)-1, 3-propanediamine has two different modifications with respect to the conformation of the guest amine molecules: one is “bent form” and the other “straight form”. Reactivity of each phase with a series of aldehydes was examined. ¹³C CP/MAS NMR indicated that the tetraamine reacts stereoselectively with aldehydes to form cis-imine in the interlayer spacing. Depending on the molecular size of aldehyde, it is found that a significant difference can be recognized in the yields of the imine products for the two phases of intercalation compounds. It is also noted that residual water molecules in the interlayer spacing play an important role in the imine formation reaction.     

A new synthetic strategy for catechin-class polyphenols: concise synthesis of (-)-epicatechin and its 3-O-gallate

Concise synthesis of (-)-epicatechin and its 3-O-gallate is described, illustrating efficacy of the new strategy for catechin-class polyphenols based on assembly of lithiated fluorobenzene and epoxy alcohol followed by a pyran cyclization. 1,3,5-Trifluorobenzene serves as the A-ring equivalent for functionalization and the pyran annulation.     

Isolation and identification of two new flavanones and a chalcone from Citrus kinokuni

Two new flavanones and one chalcone were isolated from the peel of Citrus kinokuni Hort. ex Tanaka and identified as (2S)-5,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxyflavanone (1), (2S)-5,6,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavanone (2) and 2'-hydroxy-3,4,3',4',6'-pentamethoxychalcone (3). The structures of new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis.     

Solid‐Phase Synthesis of a Combinatorial Methylated (±)‐Epigallocatechin Gallate Library and the Growth‐Inhibitory Effects of these Compounds on Melanoma B16 Cells

We report on the solid‐phase synthesis of a combinatorial methylated (±)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) library and its biological evaluation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its methylated derivatives, which are members of the catechin family, exhibit various anti‐cancer effects. The solid‐phase synthesis of methylated EGCG involves the preparation of the α‐acyloxyketone by the coupling of a solid‐supported aldehyde with a ketone and an acid. The subsequent release and reductive etherification reaction of the solid‐supported α‐acyloxyketone provide the protected EGCG in good total yields. Sixty‐four methylated EGCGs were successfully prepared. The growth‐inhibitory effects of the methylated EGCG library were also examined. Although methylation of EGCG generally causes reduced growth inhibition, the growth‐inhibitory effect of 7‐OMe EGCGs was comparable to that of EGCG. The 7‐OMe EGCGs are attractive drug candidates because of their enhanced bioavailability.     

Molecular dynamics simulation on the nanofiber formation of conducting polymers in solutions

We study the initial nucleation dynamics of poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in solution, with particular regard to the effect of rigid backbone length on the ordering dynamics. We carried out Langevin dynamics simulation, and found that the initial nucleation processes of P3HT in solution begin with the ring ordering, followed by the main chain ordering. In the meantime, ordering of side chains was slow and induced by the packing of main chains. This basic ordering mechanism is common regardless of chain length of P3HT in this study, although the longer chain systems showed slower growth than the shorter chain systems. Our simulation results demonstrated the unique and universal ordering features of comb-like polymers with flexible side chains and rigid main chains in the initial crystallization processes.     

Thermodynamic analysis of vapor-phase epitaxial growth of GaAsN on Ge

In this paper, we use thermodynamic analysis to determine how the nitrogen (N) ratio in the source gases affects the solid composition of coherently grown GaAs_1?xN_x(x～0.03). The source gases for Ga, As, and N are trimethylgallium ((CH₃)₃Ga), arsine (AsH₃), and ammonia (NH₃), respectively. The growth occurs on a Ge substrate, and the analysis includes the stress from the substrate–crystal lattice mismatch. Calculation results indicate that to have just a few percent N incorporation into the grown solid, the V/III ratio in the source gases should be several thousands and the input-gas partial-pressure ratio NH₃/(NH₃+AsH₃) should exceed 0.99. We also find that the lattice mismatch stress from the Ge substrate increases the V/III source–gas ratio required for stable growth, whereas an increase in input Ga partial pressure ratio has the opposite effect.     

Inner-valence states of N2+ and the dissociation dynamics studied by threshold photoelectron spectroscopy and configuration interaction calculation

The N2(+) states lying in the ionization region of 26-45 eV and the dissociation dynamics are investigated by high-resolution threshold photoelectron spectroscopy and threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy. The threshold photoelectron spectrum exhibits several broad bands as well as sharp peaks. The band features are assigned to the N2(+) states associated with the removal of an inner-valence electron, by a comparison with a configuration interaction calculation. In contrast, most of the sharp peaks on the threshold photoelectron spectrum are allocated to ionic Rydberg states converging to N2(2+). Dissociation products formed from the inner-valence N2(+) states are determined by threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy. The dissociation dynamics of the inner-valence ionic states is discussed with reference to the potential energy curves calculated.     

Overexpression of the Gene Encoding Neurosecretory Protein GL Precursor Prevents Excessive Fat Accumulation in the Adipose Tissue of Mice Fed a Long-Term High-Fat Diet

We previously identified a novel small hypothalamic protein, neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL), which induces feeding behavior and fat accumulation in rodents depending on their diet. In the present study, we explored the effects of NPGL on feeding behavior and energy metabolism in mice placed on a long-term high-fat diet with 60% calories from fat (HFD 60). Overexpression of the NPGL precursor gene (Npgl) over 18 weeks increased food intake and weight. The weekly weight gain of Npgl-overexpressing mice was higher than that of controls until 7 weeks from induction of overexpression, after which it ceased to be so. Oral glucose tolerance tests showed that Npgl overexpression maintained glucose tolerance and increased blood insulin levels, and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests showed that it maintained insulin sensitivity. At the experimental endpoint, Npgl overexpression was associated with increased mass of the perirenal white adipose tissue (WAT) and decreased mass of the epididymal WAT (eWAT), resulting in little effect on the total WAT mass. These results suggest that under long-term HFD 60 feeding, Npgl overexpression may play a role in avoiding metabolic disturbance both by accelerating energy storage and by suppressing excess fat accumulation in certain tissues, such as the eWAT.