A Convenient Synthesis of N-Functionalized Perfluoroalkanesulfonamides

This article describes the synthesis of new N-functionalized perfluoroalkanesulfonamides (5) with two sulfonamides functionalities. Perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride underwent a reaction with 2-chloroethylamine hydrochloride or 3-bromopropylamine hydrobromide to give N-(2-chloroethyl or 3-bromopropyl) perfluoroalkanesulfonamides (1). Reaction of (1) with potassium thiocyanate gave N-(2-thiocyanatoethyl or 3-thiocyanatopropyl) perfluoroalkanesulfonamides (3). The sulfonyl chloride derivatives (4) were prepared by reaction of 3 with sulfuryl chloride. In the last step, 4 reacted with ammonia to give the bis sulfonamides derivatives (5). The structures of all new compounds prepared were determined by ¹H, ¹⁹F, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies and by HR-MS.     

Synthesis in ionic liquids only: access to α-oxo-γ-thio-esters via Mukaiyama coupling

Ionic liquids are solvents general enough to conduct a multi-step process in organic synthesis. We show that both the preparation of starting materials (thioacetals and enoxysilane) as well as their coupling can be realized in such medium.     

Hematite reaction with tar to produce carbon/iron composites for the reduction of Cr(VI) contaminant

In this work, highly reactive carbon–iron composites were prepared using a waste, i.e. tar, as carbon precursor and a simple iron oxide, i.e. hematite. Tar was impregnated on Fe₂O₃ with different tar/hematite weight ratios of 1:1; 2:1 and 4:1, and thermally treated under N₂ atmosphere (400°C, 600°C and 800°C). Mössbauer, XRD and magnetization measurements suggested that treatment at 400°C and 600°C produces Fe₃O₄ but treatment at 800°C produced mainly Fe°. Raman and TG analyses of the different composites suggested the formation of carbon contents of 18, 24 and 32 wt.% as amorphous and graphitic highly dispersed on the Fe surface. The composites obtained at 800°C showed high efficiency to reduce Cr(VI) as CrO $_{4}^{2-}$ in aqueous medium with much better results compared to finely ground commercial Fe°.     

Corticospinal interaction during isometric compensation for modulated forces with different frequencies

Background

The zebrafish visual system is a good research model because the zebrafish retina is very similar to that of humans in terms of the morphologies and functions. Studies of the retina have been facilitated by improvements in imaging techniques. In vitro techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in vivo imaging using transgenic zebrafish have been proven useful for visualizing specific subtypes of retinal cells. In contrast, in vivo imaging using organic fluorescent molecules such as fluorescent sphingolipids allows non-invasive staining and visualization of retinal cells en masse. However, these fluorescent molecules also localize to the interstitial fluid and stain whole larvae.

Results

We screened fluorescent coumarin derivatives that might preferentially stain neuronal cells including retinal cells. We identified four coumarin derivatives that could be used for in vivo imaging of zebrafish retinal cells. The retinas of living zebrafish could be stained by simply immersing larvae in water containing 1 μg/ml of a coumarin derivative for 30 min. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy, the lamination of the zebrafish retina was clearly visualized. Using these coumarin derivatives, we were able to assess the development of the zebrafish retina and the morphological abnormalities induced by genetic or chemical interventions. The coumarin derivatives were also suitable for counter-staining of transgenic zebrafish expressing fluorescent proteins in specific subtypes of retinal cells.

Conclusions

The coumarin derivatives identified in this study can stain zebrafish retinal cells in a relatively short time and at low concentrations, making them suitable for in vivo imaging of the zebrafish retina. Therefore, they will be useful tools in genetic and chemical screenings using zebrafish to identify genes and chemicals that may have crucial functions in the retina.     

Concentration dependent fluorescence quantum efficiency of neodymium doped phosphate glass matrix

In this work, we have studied the optical and thermal properties of Nd-doped phosphate glass matrix. The studied samples have concentration ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt% of Nd₂O₃. Here we report the measurements of fluorescence quantum efficiency, η, obtained through the thermal lens technique using a reference sample. Also, the refractive index, n, specific heat, c_p, mass density, and the thermal diffusivity and conductivity measurements were performed. The knowledge of these characteristics as a function of neodymium concentration is very important to design optical devices, especially high power solid state lasers.     

Experimental sound insulation performance of double frame partitions with slits

In this paper the influence of slits on sound reduction index of double steel frame partitions with and without mineral wool in the cavity was examined. It was shown that the sound insulation of the partition is strongly dependent on the relative position of the slits on each steel frame. As could be expected, the reduction in sound insulation due to slits is lower in partitions without mineral wool in the cavity, since the effect of slits is more important in the case of partitions with high sound insulation.