Artificial metalloenzymes for olefin metathesis based on the biotin-(strept)avidin technology

Incorporation of a biotinylated Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst within (strept)avidin affords artificial metalloenzymes for the ring-closing metathesis of N-tosyl diallylamine in aqueous solution. Optimization of the performance can be achieved either by chemical or genetic means.     

The Cauchy Problem on a Characteristic Cone for the Einstein Equations in Arbitrary Dimensions

We derive explicit formulae for a set of constraints for the Einstein equations on a null hypersurface, in arbitrary space–time dimensions n + 1 ≥ 3. We solve these constraints and show that they provide necessary and sufficient conditions so that a spacetime solution of the Cauchy problem on a characteristic cone for the hyperbolic system of the reduced Einstein equations in wave-map gauge also satisfies the full Einstein equations. We prove a geometric uniqueness theorem for this Cauchy problem in the vacuum case.     

A combined mass spectrometry strategy for complete posttranslational modification mapping of Neisseria meningitidis major pilin

Herein, we report a new approach, based on the combination of mass profiling and tandem mass spectrometry, to address the issue of localising all post‐translational modifications (PTMs) on the major pilin protein PiIE expressed by the pathogenic Neisseria species. PilE is the main component of type IV pili; filamentous organelles expressed at the surface of many bacterial pathogens and important virulence factors. Previous reports have shown that PilE can harbour various combinations of PTMs and have established strong links between PTM and pathogenesis. Complete PTM mapping of proteins involved in bacterial infection is therefore highly desirable. The methodology we propose here allowed us to fully characterise the PilE proteoforms of Neisseria meningitidis strain 8013, definitively identifying all PTMs present on all proteoforms and localising their position on the protein backbone. These modifications include a processed and methylated N‐terminus, disulfide bridge, glycosylation and glycerophosphorylation at two different sites. A key element of our approach is high resolution, intact mass measurement of the proteoforms, a piece of information completely lacking in all classical bottom–up proteomics strategies used for PTM analysis and without which it is difficult to ensure complete PTM mapping. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simulation of round jets with nozzle-dependent inflow conditions using the k−ε turbulence model

In view of the “round jet initial condition anomaly”, discussed in literature, we investigate the effect of inflow conditions resulting from the use of different nozzle geometries to form the jet. RANS simulations in the framework of OpenFOAM using the k − ε turbulence model are performed. As the standard model coefficient C_ε1 = 1.44 is known to overpredict spreading rates for round jets, a value of C_ε1 = 1.6 was recommended for this case already in the 1970's. While this works well for jets issuing from long pipes, it does not give satisfactory results for other nozzle geometries. To overcome this deficiency while keeping the k − ε model, we suggest modified coefficients C_ε1 based on profiles of mean flow and turbulence at the nozzle exit. We determine optimal values of C_ε1 for three different nozzle geometries, and test them at various Reynolds numbers. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Metal Salts of Dinitro‐, Trinitropyrazole,and Trinitroimidazole

The syntheses of alkali and earth alkaline dinitropyrazolate (DNP), trinitropyrazolate (TNP), and trinitroimidazolate (TNI) salts are reported. Additionally, copper trinitroimidazolate was synthesized. Their characterization by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and vibrational spectroscopy is reported as well. Crystal structures of compound Ba(DNP)₂ ( 9 ), which crystallizes with one molecule of methanol and ethyl ether as well as of compounds Sr(TNP)₂ · 3H₂O ( 12 ), Ba(TNP)₂ · 3H₂O ( 13 ), and LiTNI · 3H₂O ( 14 ) were determined. The energetic and thermal properties were measured as well. Green‐ and red‐burning pyrotechnic formulations containing barium salts 9 and 13 as well as strontium salts 8 and 12 serving as colorants are tested. Additionally, formulations using Sr(TNP)₂ · 3H₂O ( 12 ) and Ba(TNP)₂ · 3H₂O ( 13 ) as the oxidizer and colorant at the same time were examined. The formulations were investigated with regard to their combustion behavior and performances such as burn time, dominant wavelength, spectral purity, luminous intensity, and luminous efficiency. The sensitivities towards ignition stimuli and the decomposition temperatures were determined as well.     

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative analysis of ceritinib in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies

Ceritinib is a highly selective inhibitor of an important cancer target, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Because it is an investigational compound, there is a need to develop a robust and reliable analytical method for its quantitative determination in human plasma. Here, we report the validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the rapid quantification of ceritinib in human plasma. The method consists of protein precipitation with acetonitrile, and salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) using a saturated solution of sodium chloride prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) technique in positive mode. Samples were eluted at 0.800 mL min^?1 on Ascentis Express® C₁₈ column (50 mm?×?2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase made of 0.1 % formic acid in water (A) and 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile (B). The method run time was 3.6 min and the low limit of quantification (LLOQ) was estimated at 1.00 ng mL^?1 when using 0.100 mL of human plasma. The assay was fully validated and the method exhibited sufficient specificity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. In addition, recovery data and matrix factor (MF) in normal and in hemolyzed plasmas were assessed, while incurred samples stability (ISS) for ceritinib was demonstrated for at least 21 months at a storage temperature of ?65 °C or below. The method was successfully applied to the measurement of ceritinib in clinical samples and the data obtained on incurred samples reanalysis (ISR) showed that our method was reliable and suitable to support the analysis of samples from the clinical studies.     

Near-infrared light activated release of nitric oxide from designed photoactive manganese nitrosyls: strategy, design, and potential as NO donors

Two new manganese complexes derived from the pentadentate ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-quinoline-2-carboxamide, PaPy2QH, where H is dissociable proton), namely, [Mn(PaPy2Q)(NO)]ClO4 (2) and [Mn(PaPy2Q)(OH)]ClO4 (3), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The Mn(III) complex [Mn(PaPy2Q)(OH)]ClO4 (3), though insensitive to dioxygen, reacts with nitric oxide (NO) to afford the nitrosyl complex [Mn(PaPy2Q)(NO)]ClO4 (2) via reductive nitrosylation. This diamagnetic {Mn-NO}6 nitrosyl exhibits nuNO at 1725 cm-1 and is highly soluble in water, with lambdamax at 500 and 670 nm. Exposure of solutions of 2 to near-infrared (NIR) light (810 nm, 4 mW) results in bleaching of the maroon solution and detection of free NO by an NO-sensitive electrode. The quantum yield of 2 (Phi = 0.694 +/- 0.010, lambdairr = 550 nm, H2O) is much enhanced over the first generation {Mn-NO}6 nitrosyl derived from analogous polypyridine ligand, namely, [Mn(PaPy3)(NO)]ClO4 (1, Phi = 0.385 +/- 0.010, lambdairr = 550 nm, H2O), reported by this group in a previous account. Although quite active in the visible range (500-600 nm), 1 exhibits very little photoactivity under NIR light. Both 1 and 2 have been incorporated into sol-gel (SG) matrices to obtain nitrosyl-polymer composites 1.SG and 2.SG. The NO-donating capacities of the polyurethane-coated hybrid materials 1.HM and 2.HM have been determined. 2.HM has been used to transfer NO to reduced myoglobin with 780 nm light. The various strategies for synthesizing photosensitive metal nitrosyls have been discussed to establish the merits of the present approach. The results of the present study confirm that proper ligand design is a very effective way to isolate photoactive manganese nitrosyls that could be used to deliver NO to biological targets under the control of NIR light.     

Cytotoxic half-sandwich rhodium(III) complexes: Polypyridyl ligand influence on their DNA binding properties and cellular uptake

The DNA binding of polypyridyl (pp) (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh^III complexes of the types [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl(pp)](CF₃SO₃) (2-6) (pp = bpy, phen, dpq, dppz, dppn), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh{(Me₂N)₂CS}(pp)](CF₃SO₃)₂ (7-9) (pp = dpq, dppz, dppn) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(L)(pp)](CF₃SO₃) (10) (L = C₆H₅S⁻) and (11) (L = C₁₀H₇S⁻) has been studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy, circular dichroismus and viscosity measurements. Complexes 3-11 are cytotoxic towards the human MCF-7 breast and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines and exhibit IC₅₀ values in the range 0.56-10.7 μM. Stable intercalative binding into CT-DNA is indicated for the dpq and dppz complexes by large increases ΔT_m of 6-12 °C in the DNA thermal denaturation temperature for r = [complex]/[DNA] = 0.1 and by induced CD bands and large viscosity increases. In contrast, significant DNA lengthening is not observed after incubation of the biopolymer with the dppn complexes 2 and 9 at molar ratios of r < 0.08. Pronounced hypochromic shifts for the π-π^∗ transitions of the dppn ligands in the range 320-425 nm indicate the possible presence of surface stacking. The in vitro cytotoxicities of the chloro complexes 4-6 and the (Me₂N)₂CS complexes 7-9 are dependent on the size of the polypyridyl ligand with IC₅₀ values decreasing in the order dpq > dppz > dppn. For instance, IC₅₀ values of 5.3, 1.5 and 0.91 μM were determined for 7-9 against MCF-7 cells. Rapid Cl⁻/H₂O exchange leads the formation of aqua dications for 4-6, whose levels of cellular uptake and cytotoxicities are similar to those established for 7-9. Intramolecular interactions between the aromatic thiolate and dppz ligands of 10 and 11 prevent significant DNA intercalation. X-ray structural determinations have been performed for 2-7 and 11.     

The Low and High Temperature Crystal Structures of [Mg(H2O)6]XBr3 Double Salts (X = Rb,Cs

The crystal structures of the alkali double salts [Mg(H₂O)₆]XBr₃ (X = Rb⁺, Cs⁺) were analyzed in dependence on temperature from laboratory and synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction data. At room temperature, both compounds are isostructural to [Mg(H₂O)₆](NH₄)Br₃ (C2/c; Z = 4; a = 9.64128(6) Å, b = 9.86531(5) Å, c = 13.78613(9) Å, β = 90.0875(5)° for [Mg(H₂O)₆]RbBr₃; a = 9.82304(7) Å, b = 9.98043(6) Å, c = 14.0100(1) Å, β = 90.1430(4)° for [Mg(H₂O)₆]CsBr₃). At a temperature of T = 358 K, [Mg(H₂O)₆]RbBr₃ undergoes a reversible phase transition towards a cubic perovskite type of structure with the [Mg(H₂O)₆]²⁺ octahedron in the cuboctahedral cavity exhibiting 4‐fold disorder ( ; a = 6.94198(1) Å at T = 458 K). In case of [Mg(H₂O)₆]CsBr₃ the lattice parameters in dependence on temperature show a distinct kink at T = 340 K, but no symmetry breaking phase transition occurs before decomposition starts. The dominant role of hydrogen bonding with respect to the stability of the crystal structures is discussed.     

Application of belief theory to similarity data fusion for use in analog searching and lead hopping

A wide variety of computational algorithms have been developed that strive to capture the chemical similarity between two compounds for use in virtual screening and lead discovery. One limitation of such approaches is that, while a returned similarity value reflects the perceived degree of relatedness between any two compounds, there is no direct correlation between this value and the expectation or confidence that any two molecules will in fact be equally active. A lack of a common framework for interpretation of similarity measures also confounds the reliable fusion of information from different algorithms. Here, we present a probabilistic framework for interpreting similarity measures that directly correlates the similarity value to a quantitative expectation that two molecules will in fact be equipotent. The approach is based on extensive benchmarking of 10 different similarity methods (MACCS keys, Daylight fingerprints, maximum common subgraphs, rapid overlay of chemical structures (ROCS) shape similarity, and six connectivity-based fingerprints) against a database of more than 150,000 compounds with activity data against 23 protein targets. Given this unified and probabilistic framework for interpreting chemical similarity, principles derived from decision theory can then be applied to combine the evidence from different similarity measures in such a way that both capitalizes on the strengths of the individual approaches and maintains a quantitative estimate of the likelihood that any two molecules will exhibit similar biological activity.