Rechargeable molecular cluster batteries

We fabricated a rechargeable molecular cluster battery, based on a cathode active material, [Mn(12)O(12)(CH(3)COO)(16)(H(2)O)(4)]. The charging-discharging experiments revealed rechargeable battery performance with a capacity of ca. 90 A h kg(-1), while the first discharging process exhibited an extremely high value of 200-250 A h kg(-1).     

Rational design and real time, in-cell detection of the proapoptotic activity of a novel compound targeting Bcl-X(L)

Antiapoptotic Bcl-2-family proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) have been recently validated as drug discovery targets for cancer. Here, by using a combination of molecular modeling, NMR-based structural analysis, fluorescence polarization assays, and cell-based assays, we have designed and characterized a novel proapoptotic compound targeting these proteins. Our compound, Apogossypol, is capable of binding and inhibiting Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) with high affinity and induces apoptosis of tumor cell lines. Mechanistic studies on the action of our compound were also performed via confocal microscopy that provided real-time detection of the interaction with Bcl-X(L) in intact cells. Finally, preliminary data on cells freshly isolated from patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukemia strongly suggest potential applications of Bcl-2 antagonists as chemosensitizers in cancer therapy.     

A note on a property of a weak self-similar perfect set

Let S be a compact, weak self-similar perfect set based on a system of weak contractions f_j, j=1,…,m each of which is characterized by a variable contraction coefficient _j(l) as d(f_j(x),f_j(y)) _j(l)d(x,y), d(x,y)<l, l>0. If the relation ∑^m_j=1j(l₀)<1 holds at at least one point l₀, then every nonempty compact metric space is a continuous image of the set S.     

Microdetermination of carbon and hydrogen using nitrogen as a transport gas

Summary A method for the microdetermination of carbon and hydrogen is described. In this method a sample is burned in a stream of nitrogen by adding a suitable amount of oxygen generated electrolytically. In the combustion tube, a new absorbent for halogens and sulphur oxides, a combustion catalyst and a roll of reduced copper gauze are packed. Nitrogen oxides resulting from samples containing nitrogen are reduced to nitrogen by the copper gauze. About 50 successive determinations can be carried out with a copper gauze without renewing it. A new absorbent for halogens and sulphur oxides has an extremely high capacity compared with the usual absorbents such as silver wire, or silver granules, and it does not damage the combustion tube when it is exhausted. For the absorption tubes for water and carbon dioxide, the author's metal needle tubes are used, and the results obtained with various samples are found to be satisfactory.

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Zusammenfassung Ein Verfahren zur Mikrobestimmung von Kohlenstoff und Wasserstoff wurde beschrieben. Dabei wird die Probe im Stickstoffstrom verbrannt, dem eine geeignete Menge elektrolytisch hergestellten Sauerstoffs zugemischt wird. Ein neues Absorptionsmittel für Halogene und Schwefeloxyde, ein Verbrennungskatalysator und eine Rolle aus reduziertem Kupferdrahtnetz dienen als Rohrfüllung. Die Stickstoffoxyde aus stickstoffhältigen Substanzen werden am Kupferdrahtnetz reduziert. Etwa 50 Bestimmungen können ohne Erneuerung der Drahtnetzrolle durchgeführt werden. Das neue Absorptionsmittel für Halogene und Schwefeloxyde hat im Vergleich zu dem sonst verwendeten Silberdraht oder granuliertem Silber eine besonders große Kapazität und beschädigt das Verbrennungsrohr nicht, wenn es erschöpft ist. Als Absorptionsröhrchen für Wasser und Kohlendioxyd werden die vom Verfasser angegebenen Metall-Nadel-Röhrchen verwendet. Die mit verschiedenen Substanzen erhaltenen Resultate sind befriedigend.

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Résumé On décrit une méthode de microdosage du carbone et de l'hydrogène. Dans cette méthode, on brûle l'échantillon dans un courant d'azote, en ajoutant une quantité convenable d'oxygène (formé électrolytiquement). On dispose dans le tube à combustion un nouvel absorbant des halogènes et des oxydes du soufre, un catalyseur de combustion et une toile de cuivre réduit enroulée. Les oxydes d'azote provenant des échantillons qui contiennent de l'azote sont réduits en azote par la toile de cuivre. On peut effectuer environ 50 dosages successifs avec une toile de cuivre, sans la changer. Le nouvel absorbant des halogènes et des oxydes du soufre a une capacité extrêmement élevée par rapport aux absorbants usuels, tels qu'un fil d'argent ou des grains d'argent, et il n'abîme pas le tube à combustion quand il est épuisé. En ce qui concerne les tubes à absorption pour l'eau et le gaz carbonique, on utilise les tubes à aiguilles métalliques de l'auteur. Les résultats obtenus avec divers échantillons ont été satisfaisants.

     

Chemistry of renieramycins. Part 4.synthesis of a simple natural marine product, 6-hydroxy-7-methoxyisoquinolinemethanol

6-Hydroxy-7-methoxyisoquinolinemethanol (15) and mimosamycin (1) were recently isolated from a marine sponge, Haliclona sp. The former was prepared in ten steps from vanillin (22) in 26% overall yield using an isopropyl for phenol protection.