Observation of 54Ni: cross-conjugate symmetry in f7/2 mirror energy differences

Gamma decays from excited states up to Jpi=6+ in the N=Z-2 nucleus 54Ni have been identified for the first time. Level energies are compared with those of the isobars 54Co and 54Fe and of the cross-conjugate nuclei of mass A=42. The good but puzzling f7/ cross-conjugate symmetry in mirror and triplet energy differences is analyzed. Shell model calculations reproduce the new data but the necessary nuclear charge-dependent phenomenology is not fully explained by modern nucleon-nucleon potentials.     

Lifetime measurement of the first excited 2+ state in 16C

The lifetime of the 2_+(1) state in 16C has been measured with the recoil distance method using the 9Be(9Be,2p) fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam energy of 40 MeV. The mean lifetime was measured to be 11.7(20) ps corresponding to a B(E2;2_+(1)-->0+) value of 4.15(73)e_2 fm_4 [1.73(30) W.u.], consistent with other even-even closed shell nuclei. Our result does not support an interpretation for "decoupled" valence neutrons.     

Separated cross-sections in \pi^{0}_{} electroproduction at threshold at Q2 = 0.05GeV2/c2

The differential cross-sections σ₀ = σ_T + εσ_L , σ_LT , and σ_TT of electroproduction from the proton were measured from threshold up to an additional center-of-mass energy of 40MeV, at a value of the photon four-momentum transfer of Q ² = 0.05 GeV²/c² and a center-of-mass angle of θ = 90^° . By an additional out-of-plane measurement with polarized electrons σ_LT' was determined. This showed for the first time the presence of an imaginary part of the s -wave above the threshold, which is usually interpreted as a unitary cusp. The predictions of the Heavy Baryon Chiral Perturbation Theory (HBChPT) are in disagreement with these data. On the other hand, the data are somewhat better predicted by the MAID phenomenological model and are in good agreement with the dynamical model DMT.     

Reconstructing reactivity in dynamic host–guest systems at atomistic resolution: amide hydrolysis under confinement in the cavity of a coordination cage

Spatial confinement is widely employed by nature to attain unique efficiency in controlling chemical reactions. Notable examples are enzymes, which selectively bind reactants and exquisitely regulate their conversion into products. In an attempt to mimic natural catalytic systems, supramolecular metal–organic cages capable of encapsulating guests in their cavity and of controlling/accelerating chemical reactions under confinement are attracting increasing interest. However, the complex nature of these systems, where reactants/products continuously exchange in-and-out of the host, makes it often difficult to elucidate the factors controlling the reactivity in dynamic regimes. As a case study, here we focus on a coordination cage that can encapsulate amide guests and enhance their hydrolysis by favoring their mechanical twisting towards reactive molecular configurations under confinement. We designed an advanced multiscale simulation approach that allows us to reconstruct the reactivity in such host–guest systems in dynamic regimes. In this way, we can characterize amide encapsulation/expulsion in/out of the cage cavity (thermodynamics and kinetics), coupling such host–guest dynamic equilibrium with characteristic hydrolysis reaction constants. All computed kinetic/thermodynamic data are then combined, obtaining a statistical estimation of reaction acceleration in the host–guest system that is found in optimal agreement with the available experimental trends. This shows how, to understand the key factors controlling accelerations/variations in the reaction under confinement, it is necessary to take into account all dynamic processes that occur as intimately entangled in such host–guest systems. This also provides us with a flexible computational framework, useful to build structure–dynamics–property relationships for a variety of reactive host–guest systems.

Encapsulation of guests in metal–organic cages allows control over chemical reactivity. Focusing on the hydrolysis of amides, here we show an effective molecular simulation approach to reconstruct reactivity in host–guest systems in dynamic regimes.     

The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions

The current review provides an up-to-date analysis of scientific data on astaxanthin (ASX) sources and experimental studies on its health benefits as a potent antioxidant in the aging process. ASX is a liposoluble carotenoid nutrient and reddish-orange pigment, naturally synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria as secondary metabolites. Provides a reddish hue to redfish and shellfish flesh that feed on ASX-producing microorganisms. The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the most important source for its industrial bioproduction. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, numerous investigations reported that natural ASX is a more significant antioxidant agent than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene. Furthermore, several data show that ASX possesses important nutraceutical applications and health benefits, especially in healthy aging processes. However, further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms through which ASX could lead to its effective role in the healthy aging process, such as supporting brain health and skin homeostasis. This review highlights the current investigations on the effective role of ASX in oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, skin physiology, and central nervous system functioning, and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption.     

Catalyst-free,ethylene glycol promoted one-pot three component synthesis of 3-amino alkylated indoles via Mannich-type reaction

A highly efficient and sustainable approach for the multi-component synthesis of biologically important 3-amino alkylated indoles has been investigated via Mannich-type reaction under catalyst-free, ethylene glycol as a recyclable promoting medium. The wide applicability of the present method was examined with various substrates viz substituted aldehydes, indoles and secondary amines. This method will be useful for a large scale synthesis of 3-amino alkylated indoles without the use of column chromatography. The present method provides higher environmental compatibility and sustainability factors such as smaller E-factor (0.433) and higher atom-economy (AE = 93.3%).