Phase-transfer dynamic combinatorial chemistry

A two-phase approach to dynamic combinatorial chemistry is described using disulfide exchange chemistry; the use of two phases significantly increases the possibilities and the scope of dynamic combinatorial chemistry by facilitating the combination of otherwise incompatible building blocks.     

An alternative approach for the calculation of correlation energy in periodic systems: a hybrid MP2(B3LYP) study of the He-MgO(100) interaction

A practical and efficient method for exploiting second order Rayleigh-Schr?dinger perturbation theory to approximate the correlation energy contribution to the London dispersion interaction is presented. The correlation energy is estimated as the M?ller-Plesset contribution computed using single particle orbitals from hybrid exchange density functional theory as the reference state.     

Preparation of [48V]-VO2+ for biomedical studies

A new method for the highly efficient separation of⁴⁸V for radiotracer experiments is presented. It is based on the proton irradiation of a high purity Ti plate which is dissolved in sulfuric acid to form Ti³⁺ and V⁴⁺. Both ions are quantitatively absorbed on AG50W-X8 cation exchange resin and are converted to the respective higher valence state by an on-column reaction with diluted nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The eluate containing V⁵⁺ is evaporated to dryness in presence of sulfuric acid and treated with ethanol to reduce [⁴⁸V]-vanadate to [⁴⁸V]-vanadyl for labeling experiments in pharmaceutical research.     

Novel open-chain and cyclic conformationally constrained (R)- and (S)-α,α-disubstituted tyrosine analogues

A series of novel open-chain and cyclic conformationally constrained (R)- and (S)-α,α-disubstituted tyrosine analogues 1a–e were synthesized in good yields and high optical purities (Schemes 1 and 2). The absolute configurations of these tyrosine analogues were unambiguously determined based on the X-ray structures of the precursor diastereoisomeric peptides of type 4 and 5 . Four of these structures are described (Figs. 1–4), showing β-turn type-I geometries for dipeptides 4a, 5b , and 4c and an extended conformation for peptide 5c (Table 3). The conversion of the free amino acids 1a–c into suitably protected building blocks 11a–d and 15d,e for peptide synthesis is discussed (Schemes 3 and 4).     

Expression and Function of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Pathogenesis of UV-Induced Cutaneous Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer(†)

Chronic skin exposure to ultraviolet light stimulates the production of cytokines known to be involved in the initiation of skin cancer. Recent studies in mouse models suggested a role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the UVB‐induced pathogenesis of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Our studies aimed at defining the pathophysiological function of MIF in cutaneous inflammatory reactions and in the development and progression of NMSC. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a moderate expression of MIF in normal human skin samples but an enhanced expression of this cytokine in lesional skin of patients with actinic keratosis or cutaneous SCC. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay studies showed a time‐dependent increase in MIF secretion after a moderate single‐dose UVB irradiation in NHEKs and SCC tumor cells. MIF is known to interact with CXCR2, CXCR4 and CD74. These receptors are not constitutively expressed in keratinocytes and HaCaT cells and their expression is not induced by UVB irradiation either. However, stimulation with IFNγ upregulated CD74 surface expression in these cells. Affymetrix^® Gene Chip analysis revealed that only keratinocytes prestimulated with IFNγ are responsive to MIF. These findings indicate that MIF may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of NMSC tumorigenesis and progression in an inflammatory environment.     

Overgrowth of Rhodium on Gold Nanorods

This study focuses on the deposition and growth mode of rhodium (Rh) on gold (Au) seed nanorods (NRs). Using a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, we show that Rh deposition results in an uneven overlayer morphology on the Au NR seeds, with a tendency for Rh deposition to occur preferentially on the Au NR ends. The results suggest that complex and kinetically driven metal-metal interactions take place in this system.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Sterically Encumbered Derivatives of Aluminum Hydrides and Halides: Assessment of Steric Properties of Bulky Terphenyl Ligands

The synthesis and characterization of several sterically encumbered monoterphenyl derivatives of aluminum halides and aluminum hydrides are described. These compounds are [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(3)LiOEt(2)](n)() (1), (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)-), 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)OEt(2) (2), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)](2) (3), 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)OEt(2) (4), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(3)LiOEt(2)](n)() (5), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)](2) (6), TriphAlBr(2)OEt(2) (7), (Triph = 2,4,6-Ph(3)C(6)H(2)-), [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(3)LiOEt(2)](2) (8) (Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2)-), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)OEt(2) (9), [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)](2) (10), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)OEt(2) (11), and the partially hydrolyzed derivative [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)Al(Cl)(0.68)(H)(0.32)(&mgr;-OH)](2).2C(6)H(6) (12). The structures of 2, 3a, 4, 6, 7, 9a, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structures of 3a, 9a, 10a, and 10b, are related to 3, 9, and 10, respectively, by partial occupation of chloride or hydride by hydroxide. The compounds were also characterized by (1)H, (13)C, (7)Li, and (27)Al NMR and IR spectroscopy. The major conclusions from the experimental data are that a single ortho terphenyl substituent of the kind reported here are not as effective as the ligand Mes (Mes = 2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2)-) in preventing further coordination and/or aggregation involving the aluminum centers. In effect, one terphenyl ligand is not as successful as a Mes substituent in masking the metal through agostic and/or steric effects.     

A comparison of double-focusing sector field ICP-MS, ICP-OES and octopole collision cell ICP-MS for the high-accuracy determination of calcium in human serum

Human serum is routinely measured for total calcium content in clinical studies. A definitive high-accuracy and low-uncertainty method is required for reference measurements to underpin medical diagnoses. This study presents a novel octopole collision cell ICP-MS, high-accuracy, methodology and comparison of that technique with double-focusing sector field ICP-MS and an ICP-OES method. Double-matched isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) was employed for ICP-MS techniques and an exact matching bracketing technique using scandium as an internal standard was used for ICP-OES analysis. Medium resolution mode was utilised for double-focusing sector field ICP-MS analysis to resolve the dominant interferences on the ⁴⁴Ca/⁴²Ca isotope pair. Hydrogen reaction gas was employed to chemically resolve a number of polyatomic interferences predominantly through charge transfer reactions in the octopole collision cell. Comparison data presented for NIST CRM 909b human serum analysis from all three techniques demonstrates highest accuracy (99.6%) and lowest uncertainty (1.1%) for octopole collision cell ICP-MS. Data from ICP-OES using a non-IDMS technique produces comparably accurate data and low-uncertainties. The much higher total expanded uncertainties for double-focusing sector field ICP-MS compared with octopole collision cell data are explained by lower precision on the measurement of the ⁴⁴Ca/⁴²Ca isotope ratio. Data for octopole collision cell ICP-MS submitted for an international blind trial comparison (CCQM K-14) demonstrated excellent agreement with the mean of all participants with a low expanded uncertainty.     

A simple and fast micromethod for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in air by sorbent enrichment and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction

A combination of sorbent enrichment and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction has been used to determine polychlorinated biphenyls in air. Analytes were sampled by pumping a known volume of air through a porous polymer (Tenax TA). The enriched adsorbent was transferred into a glass vial, and ultrasound-assisted extraction of the analytes was then performed in n-hexane. Quantification was carried out by using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Breakthrough volume of the sampling step was studied, indicating that 10 m³ of air could be processed without losses of the most volatile compounds. Good recoveries (75–96%) were obtained, and limits of detection at the sub ng m^–3 were achieved for all the analytes. The proposed method is very simple and fast, avoiding the use of large solvent volumes and time-consuming preconcentration steps.