Intra-and Intermolecular Rovibrational States of HCI-H2O and DCI-H2O Dimers from Full-Dimensional and Fully Coupled Quantum Calculations

We report full-dimensional and fully coupled quantum bound-state cal-culations of the J=1 intra-and intermolecular rovibrational states of two isotopologues of ...     

To improve the key properties of nonlinear optical crystals assembled with tetrahedral functional building units

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals assembled with conventional non-π-conjugated tetrahedral functional building units (FBUs), generally referring to [PO₄] and [BO₄], usually exhibit weak nonlinearity and poor birefringence. It is currently proposed that partially substituting oxygen atoms with fluoride atoms in these FBUs could enhance these crucial properties. Hence, we investigated for the first time the NLO-related properties of NH₄BAsO₄F (ABAF), which was constructed from tetrahedral [BO₃F] and [AsO₄] FBUs, and enhancements of these properties were observed in this material, that is large second-harmonic generation (SHG) response (2 × KDP) and improved birefringence (0.03 at 1064 nm). Notably, both SHG coefficient and birefringence of ABAF exceeded those of a great majority of phosphates, sulfates, or boron phosphates and achieved a preferable balance. It is interesting that ABAF shows vast structural similarities to the typical NLO crystals Sr₂Be₂B₂O₇ (SBBO) and KBe₂BO₃F₂ (KBBF), which might be the partial reason why it showed improvement in these vital properties. This work may afford some inspiration for enhancing the key performances of NLO crystals assembled with non-π-conjugated tetrahedra.

We report a new nonlinear optical crystal assembled exclusively with tetrahedral functional building units in which enhanced birefringence (Δn) and second-harmonic generation (d_eff) were observed.     

Investigation of Antifungal Mechanisms of Thymol in the Human Fungal Pathogen,Cryptococcus neoformans

Due to lifespan extension and changes in global climate, the increase in mycoses caused by primary and opportunistic fungal pathogens is now a global concern. Despite increasing attention, limited options are available for the treatment of systematic and invasive mycoses, owing to the evolutionary similarity between humans and fungi. Although plants produce a diversity of chemicals to protect themselves from pathogens, the molecular targets and modes of action of these plant-derived chemicals have not been well characterized. Using a reverse genetics approach, the present study revealed that thymol, a monoterpene alcohol from Thymus vulgaris L., (Lamiaceae), exhibits antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans by regulating multiple signaling pathways including calcineurin, unfolded protein response, and HOG (high-osmolarity glycerol) MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways. Thymol treatment reduced the intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺ by controlling the expression levels of calcium transporter genes in a calcineurin-dependent manner. We demonstrated that thymol decreased N-glycosylation by regulating the expression levels of genes involved in glycan-mediated post-translational modifications. Furthermore, thymol treatment reduced endogenous ergosterol content by decreasing the expression of ergosterol biosynthesis genes in a HOG MAPK pathway-dependent manner. Collectively, this study sheds light on the antifungal mechanisms of thymol against C. neoformans.     

Silicon monohydride clusters Si(n)H (n = 4-10) and their anions: structures, thermochemistry, and electron affinities

The molecular structures, electron affinities, and dissociation energies of the Si(n)H/Si(n)H- (n = 4-10) species have been examined via five hybrid and pure density functional theory (DFT) methods. The basis set used in this work is of double-zeta plus polarization quality with additional diffuse s- and p-type functions, denoted DZP++. The geometries are fully optimized with each DFT method independently. The three different types of neutral-anion energy separations presented in this work are the adiabatic electron affinity (EA(ad)), the vertical electron affinity (EA(vert)), and the vertical detachment energy (VDE). The first Si-H dissociation energies, D(e)(Si(n)H --> Si(n) + H) for neutral Si(n)H and D(e)(Si(n)H- --> Si(n)- + H) for anionic Si(n)H- species, have also been reported. The structures of the ground states of these clusters are traditional H-Si single-bond forms. The ground-state geometries of Si5H, Si6H, Si8H, and Si9H predicted by the DFT methods are different from previous calculations, such as those obtained by Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics and nonorthogonal tight-binding molecular dynamics schemes. The most reliable EA(ad) values obtained at the B3LYP level of theory are 2.59 (Si4H), 2.84 (Si5H), 2.86 (Si6H), 3.19 (Si7H), 3.14 (Si8H), 3.36 (Si9H), and 3.56 (Si10H) eV. The first dissociation energies (Si(n)H --> Si(n) + H) predicted by all of these methods are 2.20-2.29 (Si4H), 2.30-2.83 (Si5H), 2.12-2.41 (Si6H), 1.75-2.03 (Si7H), 2.41-2.72 (Si8H), 1.86-2.11 (Si9H), and 1.92-2.27 (Si10H) eV. For the negatively charged ion clusters (Si(n)H- --> Si(n)- + H), the dissociation energies predicted are 2.56-2.69 (Si4H-), 2.80-3.01 (Si5H-), 2.86-3.06 (Si6H-), 2.80-3.03 (Si7H-), 2.69-2.92 (Si8H-), 2.92-3.18 (Si9H-), and 2.89-3.25 (Si10H-) eV.     

Studies on the refolding of the reduced-denatured insulin with size exclusion chromatography

The refolding of the reduced-denatured insulin from bovine pancreas was investigated with the size exclusion chromatography (SEC). It was shown that the reduced-denatured insulin originally denatured with 7.0 mol L^?1 guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCI) or 8.0 mol L^?1 urea could not be refolded with a non-oxidized mobile phase. Although the oxidized and reduced glutathione (GSSG and GSH) were employed in the oxidized mobile phase, the reduced-denatured insulin still could not be renatured. However, in the presence of 2.0 mol L^t-1 urea in the oxidized mobile phase employed, the reduced-denatured insulin can be refolded with SEC, and the aggregation of denatured insulin can be diminished by urea. In addition, the disulfide exchange of reduced-denatured insulin also can be accelerated with GSSG/GSH in the oxidized mobile phase. The three disulfide bridges of insulin were formed correctly and the reduced-unfolded insulin can be renatured completely. The results were further tested with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).     

A new approach to highly electrooptically active materials using cross-linkable, hyperbranched chromophore-containing oligomers as a macromolecular dopant

A new, practical approach to a variety of highly electrooptically active polymers for device development is described. It involves the use of a new thermally cross-linkable, hyperbranched oligomer containing nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores as a macromolecular dopant in a common host polymer. A series of NLO polymeric blends were readily formulated and showed large and stable electrooptic (EO) coefficients (up to 65 pm/V). In comparison with previously studied linear NLO polyimides and guest-host polymers doped with molecular chromophores and even linear NLO analogous oligomers, this new approach offers clear advantages for device development in terms of improved poling efficiency, larger EO coefficients, good temporal stability, and versatile material formulation.     

Solvent extraction of uranium from aqueous solutions by α-benzoinoxime

Solvent extraction of uranium with α-benzoinoxime from aqueous solutions has been systematically investigated. The extraction equilibration was very fast and achieved at 60 s for uranium. The extraction of uranium was pH-dependent using α-benzoinoxime as extractant. The effect concentration of uranium and α-benzoinoxime was studied. The uranium loaded in the organic phase can be stripped efficiently with 93 % yield using 0.1 M HCl as the stripping agent in a single stripping step. A good selectivity for uranium was observed through α-benzoinoxime as extractant from aqueous solution with other interfering cation ions. Present study suggested that α-benzoinoxime can be used as a potential extractant for separation of uranium from aqueous solution using centrifugal extractor in industrial application.     

Comparing study on hydration properties of various cementitious systems

The hydration properties of slag sulfate cement (SSC), slag Portland cement (PSC), and ordinary Portland cement (POC) were compared in this study by determining the compressive strength of pastes, the hydration heat of binders within 72 h, the pore structure, the hydration products, and the hydration degree. The results indicated that main hydration products of PSC paste and POC paste are calcium hydroxide and C–S–H gel, while those of SSC paste are ettringite and C–S–H gel from the analyses of XRD, TG–DTA, and SEM. At the early curing age, the compressive strength depends on the clinker content in the cementitious system, while at the late curing age, which is related to the potential reactivity of slag. From hydration heat analysis, the cumulative hydration heat of PSC is lower than that of POC, but higher than that of SSC. Slag can limit chemical reaction and the delayed coagulation of gypsum, which also plays a role in the early hydration. So SSC shows the lowest heat release and slag can’t be simulated without a suitable alkaline solution. Based on MIP analysis, the porosity of POC paste is the smallest while the average pore size is the biggest. At the age of 90 days, the compressive strength of SSC can get higher development because of its relative smaller pore size than that of PSC and POC paste.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定农田土壤中31种三嗪类除草剂残留

建立了高效液相色谱-三重四极杆串联质谱(HPLC-MS/MS)同时检测农田土壤中31种三嗪类除草剂残留的分析方法。土壤样本经加速溶剂萃取,Oasis MCX固相萃取柱净化后,在多反应监测(MRM)正离子电喷雾模式下进行HPLC-MS/MS分析。色谱柱为Phenomenex Luna C18反相柱(150 mm×2.0 mm×3μm),流动相为梯度变化的乙腈和0.1%甲酸溶液。检出限(S/N≥3)为0.008~0.440μg/L,在各自的考察浓度范围内线性关系良好(r≥0.996);在0.40~40.0μg/kg添加水平内,平均加标回收率为76.9%~102.0%,RSD为3.4%~10.3%。利用本方法对沈阳地区农田表土的筛查发现,阿特拉津、西玛津、扑草净和脱乙基阿特拉津为该区域主要的三嗪类除草剂物种。     

Peripheral Templation‐Modulated Interconversion between an A4L6 Tetrahedral Anion Cage and A2L3 Triple Helicate with Guest Capture/Release

An anion‐coordination‐based A₄L₆ (“A” denotes anion and “L” is ligand) tetrahedral cage was constructed by a C₂‐symmetric bis‐bis(urea) ligand and phosphate anion, which showed reversible interconversion with the A₂L₃ triple helicate as a response to the template, concentration, or solvent. Notably, an unusual “peripheral” templation was found to be critical to stabilize the tetrahedral structure. This peripheral effect was utilized to assemble an “empty” A₄L₆ cage that allows the multi‐stimuli‐controlled capture/release of biologically important species such as choline and acetylcholine.