A stereochemical anomaly: the cyclised (R)-AMPA analogue (R)-3-hydroxy-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid [(R)-5-HPCA] resembles (S)-AMPA at glutamate receptors

(RS)-3-Hydroxy-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid (5-HPCA)(), which is a conformationally constrained cyclised analogue of AMPA has previously been described as causing glutamate receptor mediated excitations of spontaneously firing cat spinal interneurons in a similar fashion to AMPA. We have now prepared the enantiomers of through chiral chromatographic resolution of (RS)-3-(carboxymethoxy)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid () followed by a stereoconservative hydrolysis resulting in the enantiomers of with high enantiomeric excess (% ee [greater-than-or-equal] 99). The absolute configurations indicated by an X-ray analysis of (-)- monohydrate were confirmed by comparing observed and ab initio calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra and by stereoconservative synthesis of (S)- from (S)-AMPA, the pharmacologically active form of AMPA. The pharmacological effects at native and cloned (GluR1-4) AMPA receptors were shown to reside exclusively with (R)-(+)-, in striking contrast to the usual stereoselectivity trend among AMPA receptor agonists. The reasons for this anomalous behaviour became clear upon docking both enantiomers of to the agonist binding site of GluR2.     

Vessel effects in organic chemical reactions; a century-old,overlooked phenomenon

One of the most intriguing aspects of synthetic chemistry is the interplay of numerous dependent and independent variables en route to achieve a successful, high-yielding chemical transformation. The experienced synthetic chemist will probe many of these variables during reaction development and optimization, which will routinely involve investigation of reaction temperature, solvent, stoichiometry, concentration, time, choice of catalyst, addition sequence or quenching conditions just to name some commonly addressed variables. Remarkably, little attention is typically given to the choice of reaction vessel material as the surface of common laboratory borosilicate glassware is, incorrectly, assumed to be chemically inert. When reviewing the scientific literature, careful consideration of the vessel material is typically only given during the use of well-known glass-etching reagents such as HF, which is typically only handled in HF-resistant, polyfluorinated polymer vessels. However, there are examples of chemical transformations that do not involve such reagents but are still clearly influenced by the choice of reaction vessel material. In the following review, we wish to condense the most significant examples of vessel effects during chemical transformations as well as observations of container-dependent stability of certain molecules. While the primary focus is on synthetic organic chemistry, relevant examples from inorganic chemistry, polymerization reactions, atmospheric chemistry and prebiotic chemistry are also covered.

One of the most intriguing aspects of synthetic chemistry is the interplay of numerous dependent and independent variables en route to achieve a successful, high-yielding chemical transformation.     

Proteome Analysis of Aflibercept Intervention in Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Aflibercept is a frequently used inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the treatment of macular edema following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Retinal proteome changes following aflibercept intervention in CRVO remain largely unstudied. Studying proteomic changes of aflibercept intervention may generate a better understanding of mechanisms of action and uncover aspects related to the safety profile. In 10 Danish Landrace pigs, CRVO was induced in both eyes with an argon laser. Right eyes were treated with intravitreal aflibercept while left control eyes received isotonic saline water. Retinal samples were collected 15 days after induced CRVO. Proteomic analysis by tandem mass tag-based mass spectrometry identified a total of 21 proteins that were changed in content following aflibercept intervention. In retinas treated with aflibercept, high levels of aflibercept components were reached, including the VEGF receptor-1 and VEGF receptor-2 domains. Fold changes in the additional proteins ranged between 0.70 and 1.19. Aflibercept intervention resulted in a downregulation of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) (fold change = 0.84) and endoplasmin (fold change = 0.91). The changes were slight and could thereby not be confirmed with less precise immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Our data suggest that aflibercept had a narrow mechanism of action in the CRVO model. This may be an important observation in cases when macular edema secondary to CRVO is resistant to aflibercept intervention.     

Ab initio MRD-CI investigation of the electronic spectrum of glyoxal (CHO)2

Multireference configuration interaction (MRD-CI) calculations are used to compute the electronic spectrum of glyoxal (CHO)₂, a key species in atmospheric chemistry. The calculations place the first dipole-allowed transition 1¹A_u←X¹A_g at 2.80?eV (442.8?nm) with an oscillator strength of 0.0002 and the dipole forbidden 1¹B_g?←?X¹A_g transition at 4.22?eV (293.8?nm), in accordance with prior experiments. In addition, a much stronger transition (3¹B_u?←?X¹A_g) at 8.51?eV (145.7?nm) is predicted, which has not yet been reported in the literature. This transition corresponds to 1b_g?→?2a_u excitation and can be characterized as π(CO)?→?π?(CO) type in accordance with the computed relatively large oscillator strength f?=?0.38. The corresponding triplet states are also computed.     

A simulation-based genetic algorithm approach for reducing emissions from import container pick-up operation at container terminal

Emissions from idle truck engines are a main source of pollution at container terminals. In this study, we focus on reducing such emission from waiting trucks as well as the related crane operations with a new truck arrival control method that gives individual truck limited time slots for entry. We develop a method to optimize the time slot assignment for individual trucks, aiming at minimizing total emissions from trucks and cranes at import yards. The method applies discrete event simulation to estimate total truck waiting times and crane moving distance, and then applies a genetic algorithm to minimize the generated emissions from these trucks and cranes. The experiment result shows that the truck arrivals should be controlled based on the stacking of import containers, and that such control is necessary for reducing truck idling emissions at a congested container terminal.     

Design and Sensing Properties of a Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Oligomer

Supramolecular polymers are a class of macromolecules stabilized by weak non‐covalent interactions. These self‐assembled aggregates typically undergo stimuli‐induced reversible assembly and disassembly. They thus hold great promise as so‐called functional materials. In this work, we present the design, synthesis, and responsive behavior of a short supramolecular oligomeric system based on two hetero‐complementary subunits. These “monomers” consist of a tetrathiafulvalene‐functionalized calix[4]pyrrole (TTF‐C[4]P) and a glycol diester‐linked bis‐2,5,7‐trinitrodicyanomethylenefluorene‐4‐carboxylate (TNDCF), respectively. We show that when mixed in organic solvents, such as CHCl₃, CH₂ClCH₂Cl, and methylcyclohexane, supramolecular aggregation takes place to produce short oligomers stabilized by hydrogen bonding and donor–acceptor charge‐transfer (CT) interactions. The self‐associated materials were characterized by ¹H NMR and UV/Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, as well as by concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent absorption spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses of both the monomeric and oligomerized species. The self‐associated system produced from TTF‐C[4]P and TNDCF exhibits a concentration‐dependent aggregation behavior typical of supramolecular polymers. Further support for the proposed self‐assembly came from theoretical calculations. The fluorescence emitting properties of TNDCF are quenched under conditions that promote the formation of supramolecular aggregates containing TTF‐C[4]P and TNDCF. This quenching effect has been utilized as a probe for the detection of substrates in the form of anions (i.e., chloride) and nitroaromatic explosives (i.e., 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene). Specifically, the addition of these substrates to mixtures of TTF‐C[4]P and TNDCF produced a fluorescence “turn‐on” response.