On-chip fraction collection for multiple selected ssDNA fragments using isolated extraction channels

High efficiency and high-purity fraction collection is highly sought in analysis of fragments-of-interest from selective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products generated by High Coverage Gene Expression Profiling (HiCEP) methods. Here we demonstrate a new electrophoretic chip device enabling automatic high-efficient fractionation of multiple ssDNA target fragments during a run of separation. We used thoroughly isolated extraction channels for each selected target to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between targets due to cross-talk of extraction channels. Fragments of 35, 108 and 138 b, were successfully isolated, then the recovery was PCR-amplified and assessed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) analysis. Total impurity level of the targets due to unwanted fragments of 0.7%, 2% and 6% respectively, was estimated. Difficulties in collecting multiple target factions are due to band diffusion and DNA adsorption to the walls for the fragments in the separation channel, which is generated by transferring the DNA target fraction from the extraction section to the target reservoir. Therefore, we have carefully measured band broadening and analyzed its influence on the separation resolution due to the delay.     

Synthesis of oligonucleotides possessing versatile probes for PET labelling and their rapid ligand-free click reaction

We synthesised aryl acetylene derivatives as versatile probes for labelling of oligonucleotides. RNA oligomers bearing an aryl acetylene molecule rapidly reacted with benzylazide derivatives under ligand-free click reaction conditions.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of two tetrasubstituted cationic porphyrin derivatives

An imidazolium tetrasubstituted cationic porphyrin derivative (the free base and its Zn(II) complex) with five-membered heterocyclic groups in the meso-positions were synthesized using microwave irradiation, and the compounds obtained characterized by (1)H-NMR and mass spectrometry. We observed that under microwave irradiation the yield is similar to when the synthesis is performed under conventional heating, however, the time required to prepare the porphyrins decreases enormously. In order to investigate the electronic state of these compounds, we employed UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical calculations. The results reveal the presence, in both compounds, of a large number of electronic states involving the association between the Soret and a blue-shifted band. The Soret band in both compounds also shows a considerable solvent dependence. As for emission, these compounds present low quantum yield at room temperature and no solvent influence on the fluorescence spectra was observed.     

Carbon-14 dating of tree rings for tritium measurement

The carbon-14 concentration in tree-ring cellulose of an 80-year-old pine tree which has been used for tritium measurement was measured during the 1941–1987 period. This was done to determine the formation year of each tree ring in order to study the pathway of tritium uptake into the tree rings. In the 1941 to 1953 period, the Δ¹⁴C value remained slightly lower than 0%., It began to increase from 1954 to a small broad peak of 250% between 1959 and 1961, followed by rapid increase to the highest value of approximately 800% in 1964. Since 1964, it had been diminishing year by year to reach a level of 190% in 1987. The two peak years coincided with those in the known carbon-14 patterns in tree rings. However, there existed a difference in the amplitude of the Δ¹⁴C values during the period of 1963–1967.     

Preparation of magnetic nanoparticles by the use of self-assembled fluorinated oligomeric aggregates—A new approach to the dispersion of magnetic particles on poly(methyl methacrylate) film surface

Fluoroalkyl end-capped acrylic acid oligomer-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by the coprecipitation of aqueous ferric and ferrous ions in the presence of the corresponding oligomers under alkaline conditions. The dynamic light scattering measurements showed that these fluorinated oligomer magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in the self-assemblies of fluoroalkyl end-capped oligomers. Fluoroalkyl end-capped oligomer-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles thus obtained were applied to the dispersion of magnetic particles on the poly(methyl methacrylate) film surface to exhibit not only the surface active property imparted by fluorine but also magnetic behavior toward a permanent magnet.     

Field-induced functions of porous Si as a confined system

Electroluminescent porous Si (PS) diodes exhibit various useful functions under a high-electric field. The experimental PS diodes are composed of thin semitransparent metal films, PS layers (about 500 nm thick in minimum), p- or n-type Si substrates and ohmic back contacts. Definite nonlinear electrical behavior (negative resistance and nonvolatile bistable memory effects) and cold electron emission phenomena appear in these PS diodes associated with the EL emission. Both the negative resistance and memory effects are related to the charging of Si nanocrystallites by field-induced carrier injection. The electron emission observed in the PS diodes formed on n+–Si substrates is caused by hot electrons tunnelling through the top contact. By an appropriate structural control of PS, the effective drift length under a high-field conduction is significantly increased, and then electrons are emitted ballistically. These functions reflect the activity of PS as a nanocrystalline confined system.     

Selective sulfonation of a secondary hydroxyl group of β-cyclodextrin

Tosylation of the secondary side of β-cyclodextrin, which has previously been incorrectly reported, can be achieved by tosyl transfer from 3-nitrophenyl toluenesulfonate to the C-2 hydroxyl of the cyclodextrin.