Asymmetric [2 + 2] olefin cross photoaddition in a self-assembled host with remote chiral auxiliaries

Remote chirality at the periphery of a self-assembled cage brings about the slight twist of aromatic rings, which is yet sufficient to induce considerable asymmetric induction (up to 50% ee) in the hitherto unknown [2 + 2] cross photoadditions of fluoranthenes.     

Orientational ordering of crystal domains in ionic liquid based mixtures

By in situ observations using simultaneous X-ray diffraction and the DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) method, the effect of water, methanol, ethanol, and benzene on the crystallization has been observed in an ionic liquid (IL)-rich phase. The IL is a hydrophilic ionic liquid, N, N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-2-methoxyethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, [DEME][BF4]. At a small amount of the above additional molecules in the IL, the conventional preferred orientation on the Debye rings was seen by the X-ray diffraction. At 0.9 mol % H2O, twinlike crystal domains develop extraordinary on the microdomains. By the "crystal-growth enhancement effect" at a slight amount of water, a composite domain structure, which consists of the large domain and the weakly orientated microdomains, is formed without internal strains. Above 2.9 mol % H2O, the domain structure, however, disappears completely. It is remarkable that, in a thermal cycling experiment using pure [DEME][BF4], the similar composite domain structure appeared. This is also caused by an uptake of a slight amount of water.     

Structural determination of montanacin D by total synthesis

The first total syntheses of acetogenin 3 and its 4 S,8 R-isomer are described. The key step involves intermolecular metathesis of an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone carrying a tetrahydropyranyl lactone with a tetrahydrofuran derivative. Compound 3 has spectroscopic and physical data consistent with those of natural montanacin D, suggesting that the absolute configuration of the natural product is as shown in 3.     

Colloidal crystal-derived nanoporous electrode materials of Cut SWNTs-assembly and TiO2/SWNTs nanocomposite

Relatively ordered macroporous films of a cut single-walled carbon nanotubes (c-SWNTs) assembly and a TiO 2/c-SWNTs nanocomposite were successfully fabricated by colloidal crystal template processes using polystyrene particles. The macroporous TiO2/c-SWNTs nanocomposite film showed excellent rate capability of Li-insertion/extraction. The rate-dependent Li-insertion/extraction capacities were close to theoretical values expected from Li-diffusion in anatase--TiO2 thin layer without blocking electrolyte-ion and electron access.     

A complement of the Ando-Hiai inequality

In this paper, we present a complement of a generalized Ando-Hiai inequality due to Fujii and Kamei [M. Fujii, E. Kamei, Ando-Hiai inequality and Furuta inequality, Linear Algebra Appl. 416 (2006) 541-545]. Let A and B be positive operators on a Hilbert space H such that 0<m₁?A?M₁ and 0<m₂?B?M₂ for some scalars m_i?M_i (i=1,2), and let α∈[0,1]. Put for i=1,2. Then for each 0<r?1 and s?1

     

Could Light-Based Technologies Improve Stem Cell Therapy for Skin Wounds? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies†

Several diseases or conditions cause dermatological disorders that hinder the process of skin repair. The search for novel technologies has inspired the combination of stem cell (SC) and light-based therapies to ameliorate skin wound repair. Herein, we systematically revised the impact of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) combined with SCs in animal models of skin wounds and quantitatively evaluated this effect through a meta-analysis. For inclusion, SCs should be irradiated in vitro or in vivo, before or after being implanted in animals, respectively. The search resulted in nine eligible articles, which were assessed for risk of bias. For the meta-analysis, studies were included only when PBM was applied in vivo, five regarding wound closure, and three to wound strength. Overall, a positive influence of SC + PBM on wound closure (mean difference: 9.69; 95% CI: 5.78–13.61, P < 0.00001) and strength (standardized mean difference: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.68–2.72, P = 0.001) was detected, although studies have shown moderate to high heterogeneity and a lack of information regarding some bias domains. Altogether, PBM seems to be an enabling technology able to be applied postimplantation of SCs for cutaneous regeneration. Our findings may guide future laboratory and clinical studies in hopes of offering wound care patients a better quality of life.     

Nanocage aggregates composed of bilayer sheets

A partially fluorinated carboxylate-type anionic gemini surfactant, N,N'-di(3-perfluorohexyl-2-hydroxypropyl)- N,N'-diacetic acid-ethylenediamine (2C6Fedda), formed aggregates with a cagelike structure in an aqueous alkali solution. These aggregates were composed of several bilayer sheets. The TEM micrograph showed that the bilayer sheets were produced from a condensed self-assembly core. The leaflike bilayer sheets can form folds and link to each other at their edges. The typical size of the spherical cage ranged from ca. 200 to 1500 nm.     

Site-specific dense immobilization of antibody fragments on polymer brushes supported by silicone nanofilaments

For site-specific dense immobilization of antibodies on a solid support, we prepared phosphorylcholine copolymer brushes on silicone nanofilaments. The nanofilaments were prepared on a silicon wafer by treatment with trichloromethylsilane (MeSiCl 3). To generate Si-OH groups on the nanofilaments, O 2 plasma was irradiated on the surface. Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were then coupled on the filaments. Phosphorylcholine copolymer brushes were prepared by a "grafting from" process, and pyridyl disulfide groups were introduced into the polymer chains. F(ab') fragments were then specifically immobilized onto these surfaces via a thiol-disulfide interchange reaction. The amount of antibodies immobilized on the nanofilament-supported copolymer brushes was approximately 65 times greater than that on smooth wafer-supported copolymer brushes.