Visible-light promoted photoprocesses on aqueous gallic acid in the presence of riboflavin. Kinetics and mechanism

Within the frame of possible precursory photoreactions in the generation of humic substances, the visible-light promoted interaction between riboflavin (Rf), a native photosensitizer in aqueous systems, and gallic acid (GA), a polyphenol naturally formed after lignin degradation, was investigated. A systematic kinetic and mechanistic study was conducted under aerobic conditions in aqueous media, through visible-light continuous photolysis, polarographic detection of oxygen uptake, stationary and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, time resolved near-IR phosphorescence detection and laser flash photolysis techniques. GA is degraded relatively fast in pH 7 aqueous solutions, where singlet molecular oxygen (O₂(¹Δ_g)), superoxide radical anion (O₂^?) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) – all three species photogenerated from triplet excited Rf – participate in the photoprocess. The general conclusion is that in natural waters GA can undergo spontaneous phototodegradation under environmental conditions. Radical species generated in the presence of Rf can participate in condensation or polymerization reactions promoting the natural synthesis of humic products.     

Thermodynamics and structure of a two-dimensional asymmetric electrolyte by integral equation theory

Integral equation theories and Monte–Carlo simulations were used to determine the thermodynamic and structural properties of a two-dimensional asymmetric Coulomb system. We check correctness of different closures in integral equations and their ability to reproduce Kosterlitz–Thouless and vapour–liquid phase transitions of the electrolyte and critical points. Integral equation theory results were compared with Monte–Carlo data. Among selected closures, hypernetted-chain approximation results matched computer simulation data best, but these equations unfortunately break down at temperatures well above the Kosterlitz–Thouless transition. The Kovalenko-Hirata closure produces results even at very low temperatures and densities, but no sign of phase transition was detected.     

Simple method of fabrication of hydrophobic coatings for polyurethanes

The aim of this study was to develop a method of manufacturing versatile hydrophobic coatings for polymers. Authors present a simple technique of polyurethane (PU) surface modification with covalently attached silicones (PDMS) or fluorocarbons (PFC). Diisocyanates were applied as linker molecules. The obtained coatings were characterized using spectroscopic analysis (FTIR), scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and water contact angle measurements. FTIR analysis revealed high efficiency of grafting reaction. The results of contact angle measurement indicated significant increase of hydrophobicity — from 66° (unmodified PU) to 113° (PU grafted with PDMS) and 118° (PU grafted with PFC). Acoustic microscopy analysis confirmed satisfactory homogeneity and smoothness of the fabricated layers. In vitro cell tests revealed non-adherent properties of the surfaces. Both, MTT assay and fluorescence staining confirmed non-cytotoxicity of the coatings, which makes them potential candidates for use in biomedical applications.      

Multicomponent synthesis of dihydrobenzoxazepinones,bearing four diversity points,as potential <Emphasis Type=Italic>α</Emphasis>-helix mimics

A very short convergent synthesis of dihydrobenzoxazepinones, bearing four diverse diversity points, based on coupling the Ugi reaction with a Mitsunobu cyclization, was developed. These compounds are potential α-helix mimics, where three of the four appendages are expected to imitate the residues in i, i + 4 and i + 7 positions. A library of 22 compounds bearing lipophilic substituents, designed to interact with the hydrophobic cleft of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL, was synthesized. Preliminary biochemical tests, based on competitive binding, have already been carried out.     

Proton femtoscopy at STAR

The analysis of two-particle femtoscopy provides a powerful tool to study the properties of matter created in heavy ion collisions. Applied to identical and nonidentical hadron pairs, it makes the study of space-time evolution of the source in femtoscopic scale possible. Baryon femtoscopy allows extraction of the radii of produced sources which can be compared to those deduced from identical pion studies, providing additional information about source characteristics. In this paper we present the correlation functions obtained for protons and antiprotons for Au + Au collisions √s _NN = 62.4 and 200 GeV. On the other hand, as STAR experiment participates in Beam Energy Scan program, we present theoretical predictions of p − p, [`(p)] - [`(p)]\bar p - \bar p and p - [`(p)]p - \bar p femtoscopic measurements, based on UrQMD simulation for √s _NN = 5–39 GeV.     

Multicomponent synthesis of dihydrobenzoxazepinones by coupling Ugi and Mitsunobu reactions

Various dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]oxazepin-5-ones have been convergently prepared in 2-3 steps by coupling Ugi and Mitsunobu reactions. Two alternative methodologies were used: in the first one the Ugi condensation was followed by a Mitsunobu cyclization (2 steps); in the second one an intermolecular Mitsunobu reaction was followed by a deprotection step and then by an intramolecular Ugi reaction. Also a "convertible" isocyanide was used.     

Synthesis of the first double-functionalized dinucleotide mRNA cap analogue for its specific labeling

The modification of various important nucleotide-based molecules (such as nucleotides, RNA, DNA, oligonucleotides) with fluorophores, affinity tags and reactive moieties is of enormous utility for studying their localization, structure and dynamics, as well as diverse biological functions involving their interacting partners. Herein, we report chemical methodology in which the dinucleotide mRNA cap analogue is doubly modified within its second nucleotide. The prepared dinucleotide contains an alkyne at the N2-position of guanine, and levulinic acid within the ribose moiety. Such modifications may be further used for specific labeling of the cap, for instance with a fluorophore that will allow the molecule to be tracked inside the cell and an attachment cell-penetrating peptide that will help to deliver it to the area of interest. Exemplar molecules were attached in order to demonstrate the utility of the newly synthesized cap analogue.