Synthesis of conformationally constrained cyclic peptides using an intramolecular sonogashira coupling

[Reaction: see text]. Small peptides having a 3-bromobenzyl group at the C-termini and n-alkynoyl group at the N-termini undergo a smooth copper-free intramolecular Sonogashira coupling reaction to afford the corresponding cyclic peptides in moderate yields. Scope and limitations of this macrocyclization is demonstrated with di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides.     

Determination of zirconium and hafnium in solution by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The samples were introduced into the XRF spectrometer in ordinary flat bottom polyethylene bottles for the estimation of Zr or Hf in presence of one another in solution. By using high voltage (50 kV) and high current (50 mA) least limits of detection obtained were an order of magnitude better than other conventional analytical techniques. Relations of intensity to concentration in various concentration ranges have been determined and the results are compared with those of other analytical techniques.     

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of vinylogous carbamates from alkyl azides

A mild and efficient one-pot method for the synthesis of vinylogous carbamates is reported starting from alkyl azides under a hydrogen atmosphere using 10% Pd/C. The resulting products are useful intermediates for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, natural products, and in peptidomimetics.     

Stereoselective synthesis of the C1-C10 fragment of rhizoxin D

A novel approach towards the synthesis of the C1-C10 fragment of the biologically active antimitotic agent rhizoxin D is described. The synthesis involves a stereoselective Michael addition reaction of lithium diallyl cuprate with an α,β-unsaturated six membered lactone.     

Scattering from a PEC strip buried in non-integer dimensional planar grounded dielectric slab by using Kobayashi potential method

Solution for electromagnetic scattering from a perfect electric conducting strip buried in a planar grounded dielectric slab is determined by using the Kobayashi Potential Method. It is assumed that the dimension of mediums, above and within the slab, is non-integer in the direction normal to interface of the slab. The scattering problem is divided into two parts. In the first part, fields in the absence of strip are determined for plane wave excitation. In the second part, presence of the strip is taken into account. It has been assumed that spacings between the strip and interfaces of the slab are comparatively very larger than the wavelength of monochromatic operating frequency. Due to this assumption, scattered field after reflection from the interfaces has no interaction with the strip. In order to gains more insight, several special cases of the geometry are treated. Using saddle point method, far-zone scattered field for region above the grounded slab is also determined.     

Peristaltic motion of an Oldroyd‐B fluid in a channel with compliant walls

This paper is an analysis of the peristaltic flow of an Oldroyd‐B fluid in a channel with compliant walls. The flow is induced by the sinusoidal waves on the channel walls. A series solution of the resulting boundary value problem is derived under small amplitude assumption. Emphasis is placed on determining the effects of various interesting flow parameters. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biofabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles by leaf extract of Rhamnus virgata: Characterization and evaluation of cytotoxic,antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials

In the present study, plant‐mediated synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using leaves extract of Rhamnus virgata (Roxb.) as a potential stabilizing, reducing and chelating agent is reported. The biogenic IONPs are extensively characterized for their physical and biological properties. The morphology, structure and physicochemical properties of biogenic IONPs were characterized using ultraviolet spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The Scherrer equation deduced a mean crystallite size of ~20 nm for IONPs. Detailed in vitro biological activities revealed significant therapeutic potentials for IONPs. Potential antibacterial and antifungal activities are reported for IONPs. Bioinspired IONPs have shown potential results against HepG2 cells (IC₅₀: 13.47 μg/ml). Dose‐dependent cytotoxicity assays were revealed against Leishmania tropica (KMH₂₃) promastigotes (IC₅₀: 8.08 μg/ml) and amastigotes (IC₅₀: 20.82 μg/ml) using different concentrations of IONPs (1–200 μg/ml). The cytotoxic activity was also studied using brine shrimps, and their IC₅₀ value was calculated as 32.41 μg/ml. Significant antioxidant [TAC (51.4%), DPPH (79.4%) and total reducing power (62%)], protein kinase and alpha amylase inhibition assays were revealed. The biocompatibility assays using red blood cells (> 200 μg/ml) and macrophages (> 200 μg/ml) confirmed the biosafe nature of IONPs. In conclusion, bioinspired IONPs have shown potential biological applications and should be subjected to further research work to develop their nano‐pharmacological relevance in biomedical applications.     

An Efficient Synthesis of Silyl Dienol Ethers from α, β-Unsaturated Aldehydes and Ketones

α, β-Unsaturated aldehydes and Ketones when reacted with NaBr-Me₃SiCl-Et₃N in DMF at ambient temperature, yield silyl dienol ethers in high yields.     

Stretching a Curved Surface in a Viscous Fluid

This work is concerned with the viscous flow due to a curved stretching sheet. The similarity solution of the problem is obtained numerically by a shooting method using the Runge-Kutta algorithm. The physical quantities of interest like the fluid velocity and skin friction coefficient are obtained and discussed under the influence of dimensionless curvature. It is evident from the results that dimensionless curvature causes an increase in boundary layer thickness and a decrease in the skin friction coefficient.