A beta-keto ester as a novel, efficient, and versatile ligand for copper(I)-catalyzed C-N, C-O, and C-S coupling reactions

Employing ethyl 2-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate as a novel, efficient, and versatile ligand, the copper-catalyzed coupling reactions of various N/O/S nucleophilic reagents with aryl halides could be successfully carried out under mild conditions. A variety of products including N-arylamides, N-arylimidazoles, aryl ethers, and aryl thioethers were synthesized in good to excellent yields.     

Enhanced luminescence of Eu(3+) by Y(3+) in ternary complexes Eu(X)Y(1-X)(TTA)3Dipy

Rare-earth ternary complexes Eu(X)Y(1-X)(TTA)3Dipy {X=0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.0, using thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) as ligand and 2,2'-dipyridyl (Dipy) as synergic agent} were synthesized. Characterization with X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR and elemental analysis had also been carried out. The photophysical properties of these complexes were studied in detail with ultraviolet absorption spectra and fluorescent spectra. It is found that the enhanced luminescence of Eu(3+) ions by Y(3+) ions occurs in ternary complexes. And we monitored the spectra of Eu(X)Y(1-X)(TTA)3Dipy (PVK:Eu/BCP/AlQ/Al) at the different rate (rpm). The results showed that the Y(3+) ion acts as an energy transfer bridge that helps energy transfer from PVK to Eu(3+).     

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AFFINITY POLYMER BASIC MICROSPHERES BY SOAP-FREE EMULSION POLYMERIZATION

Poly(styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) latex microspheres with uniform size and high-density epoxy groups on the surface were prepared by soap-free emulsion polymerization with batch wise operation mode in the presence of 2.2′- azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride as an initiator.The kinetics of soap-free emulsion polymerization and the effects of polymerization factors were examined.In addition,the optimum polymerization conditions of poly(styrene-co- glycidyl methacrylate) latex microspheres ...     

Coptidis rhizoma extract protects against cytokine-induced death of pancreatic beta-cells through suppression of NF-kappaB activation

We demonstrated previously that Coptidis rhizoma extract (CRE) prevented S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine-induced apoptotic cell death via the inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and cytochrome c release in RINm5F (RIN) rat insulinoma cells. In this study, the preventive effects of CRE against cytokine-induced beta-cell death was assessed. Cytokines generated by immune cells infiltrating pancreatic islets are crucial mediators of beta-cell destruction in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The treatment of RIN cells with IL-1beta and IFN-gamma resulted in a reduction of cell viability. CRE completely protected IL-1beta and IFN-gamma-mediated cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. Incubation with CRE induced a significant suppression of IL-1beta and IFN-gamma-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, a finding which correlated well with reduced levels of the iNOS mRNA and protein. The molecular mechanism by which CRE inhibited iNOS gene expression appeared to involve the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. The IL-1beta and IFN-gamma-stimulated RIN cells showed increases in NF-kappaB binding activity and p65 subunit levels in nucleus, and IkappaB alpha degradation in cytosol compared to unstimulated cells. Furthermore, the protective effects of CRE were verified via the observation of reduced NO generation and iNOS expression, and normal insulin-secretion responses to glucose in IL-1beta and IFN-gamma-treated islets.     

Recent advances in the application of nanomaterials in enzymatic glucose sensors

Due to the critical role of glucose level in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, as well as the increasing number of diabetics, there is an overwhelming demand for developing glucose sensors. It is well acknowledged that these sensors, especially those based on glucose oxidase, have played an important role in blood glucose detection. Inspired by the attractive properties, nanomaterials, especially nanostructured carbon and metal/metal oxides, have been extensively explored to develop enzymatic glucose sensors with high sensitivity, fast response time, and satisfied stability. In this review, a brief history of glucose biosensors is firstly presented. Furthermore, we discuss the currently available fabrication possesses in the field of enzymatic glucose biosensors based on nanomaterials, focusing on the carbon-based, metal-based, and metal oxides-based nanocomposites. What is more, we discuss the challenges and attempt to give an outlook on the possible further developments.     

Highly efficient non-doped blue fluorescent OLEDs with low efficiency roll-off based on hybridized local and charge transfer excited state emitters

Designing a donor–acceptor (D–A) molecule with a hybridized local and charge transfer (HLCT) excited state is a very effective strategy for producing an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) with a high exciton utilization efficiency and external quantum efficiency. Herein, a novel twisting D–π–A fluorescent molecule (triphenylamine–anthracene–phenanthroimidazole; TPAAnPI) is designed and synthesized. The excited state properties of the TPAAnPI investigated through photophysical experiments and density functional theory (DFT) analysis reveal that its fluorescence is due to the HLCT excited state. The optimized non-doped blue OLED using TPAAnPI as a light-emitting layer exhibits a novel blue emission with an electroluminescence (EL) peak at 470 nm, corresponding to the Commission International de L''Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.22). A fabricated device termed Device II exhibits a maximum current efficiency of 18.09 cd A⁻¹, power efficiency of 12.35 lm W⁻¹, luminescence of ≈29 900 cd cm⁻², and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.47%, corresponding to a high exciton utilization efficiency of 91%. Its EQE remains as high as 9.70% at a luminescence of 1000 cd m⁻² with a low efficiency roll-off of 15%. These results are among the best for HLCT blue-emitting materials involved in non-doped blue fluorescent OLEDs. The performance of Device II highlights a great industrial application potential for the TPAAnPI molecule.

A new pure fluorescent blue HLCT-emitter was designed and synthesized. Highly efficient non-doped blue OLEDs with low efficiency roll-off were achieved.     

Luminescent zinc salen complexes as single and two-photon fluorescence subcellular imaging probes

A novel class of ZnSalens (ZnL(1-10)) with lipophilic and cationic conjugates as optical probes in single and two-photon fluorescence microscopy images of living cells were prepared, which exhibited chemo- and photostability, low cytotoxicity and high subcellular selectivity.