Solid-State Photoquaternization of Polymer-Bound Pyridine

A study of the solid-state ultraviolet photoreaction of polymer-bound pyridine and p-nitrophenoxy groups has shown that pyridinium nitrite crosslinks result from the photoquaternization process. The generation of ionic groups in the crosslinking effectively inhibits the solubility of the irradiated polymer matrix in nonpolar solvents.     

NSLS Marks Silver Anniversary

November 22, 2007, marked the 25^th anniversary of the National Synchrotron Light Source's (NSLS) dedication. During the last quarter-century, Brookhaven National Laboratory's NSLS has made significant contributions to the field of synchrotron radiation, ranging from the Chasman-Green Lattice, novel insertion devices, and free electron laser research, to the development of numerous synchrotron experimental techniques and instrumentation.     

Optimization of a tracer-based PLIF diagnostic for simultaneous imaging of EGR and temperature in IC engines

A tracer-based planar laser-induced fluorescence (TB-PLIF) imaging diagnostic using 3-pentanone has been optimized for use in IC engines. The diagnostic utilizes dual-wavelength excitation of 3-pentanone in the ultraviolet to make simultaneous measurements of exhaust gas residual mole fraction and temperature. A merit function based optimization of the diagnostic precision was performed which allowed for selection of optimal excitation wavelengths for the conditions of interest. Optimized system performance was validated in a motored optical engine over a wide range of in-cylinder temperatures and pressures. In-cylinder results verify the utility of the uncertainty estimates. Differences in magnitude between the estimated and measured precision were determined to be due to errors in parameter values used in the calculations. The observed 2.1% temperature precision at a temperature of 600 K was compared with previous TB-PLIF temperature measurements and shown to be approximately a factor of 2 better than previous results.     

Charge Transfer Complexes of 1-Naphthylmethyl Cotton Cellulose

A cotton cellulose derivative that forms charge-transfer complexes was prepared in yarn form. A charge-transfer complex is composed of two partners, one referred to as the donor and the other as an acceptor of electrical charge. In the present investigation, a donor was chemically bound to the cotton. It was shown that the modified donor cellulose adsorbs various acceptors from solution. Celluloses possessing donor or acceptor moieties are potentially useful as chromatographic agents and also in medicinal chemistry where a controlled release of a chemical agent is desired.     

PCR-based detection of gene transfer vectors: application to gene doping surveillance

Athletes who illicitly use drugs to enhance their athletic performance are at risk of being banned from sports competitions. Consequently, some athletes may seek new doping methods that they expect to be capable of circumventing detection. With advances in gene transfer vector design and therapeutic gene transfer, and demonstrations of safety and therapeutic benefit in humans, there is an increased probability of the pursuit of gene doping by athletes. In anticipation of the potential for gene doping, assays have been established to directly detect complementary DNA of genes that are top candidates for use in doping, as well as vector control elements. The development of molecular assays that are capable of exposing gene doping in sports can serve as a deterrent and may also identify athletes who have illicitly used gene transfer for performance enhancement. PCR-based methods to detect foreign DNA with high reliability, sensitivity, and specificity include TaqMan real-time PCR, nested PCR, and internal threshold control PCR.     

Synthesis, structure, and electronic calculations of group VII substituted pyridazines

A series of 5,6-fused ring cyclopentadienyl tricarbonyl manganese and rhenium complexes, [M(CO)₃{η ⁵-1,2-C₅H₃(1,4-(R)₂N₂C₂}] (2a–3d) were isolated by employing an off-metal ring closure route. Reacting thallium cyclopentadienide (Cp) salts (1a–d) with [MBr(CO)₅] (M = Mn, Re) provided pyridazyl complexes (2a–3d) in high yield (75–99 %). Spectroscopic characterization (NMR, IR, MS) confirmed the identity of the desired organometallic pyridazines. The off-metal synthetic pathway employed did improve upon the isolation of these complexes as compared to previously reported routes. The molecular and electronic structure of complexes 2a–3d and their optimal energy structures have been characterized with quantum chemistry calculations. Vibrational frequencies calculated were compared to their experimental counterparts. The excited state calculations predict that the dominant low-energy transition involves a ligand-to-metal charge transfer.