PHOTO REACTION OF 4,5'',8-TRIMETHYLPSORALEN WITH ADENOSINE

The near-UV induced photoreaction of 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (TMP) with adenosine was investigated in a dry film state. Four major photoadducts were isolated and purified by reverse-phase liquid chromatography. The structures of the photoproducts were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including UV, FT-IR, mass spectrometry (FAB and EI methods) and 1H-NMR analysis. These photoproducts were characterized to be TMP-adenosine 1:1 adducts, which resulted from the covalent bond formation between the carbon C(4) of TMP and ribose 1' or 5' carbon of adenosine. Of the photoadducts, one photoadduct (V) was the major product, reflecting some selectivity in the photoreaction of TMP with adenosine in the solid state.     

Fluorene‐based alternating polymers containing electron‐withdrawing bithiazole units: Preparation and device applications

We report here the synthesis via Suzuki polymerization of two novel alternating polymers containing 9,9‐dioctylfluorene and electron‐withdrawing 4,4′‐dihexyl‐2,2′‐bithiazole moieties, poly[(4,4′‐dihexyl‐2,2′‐bithiazole‐5,5′‐diyl)‐alt‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)] (PHBTzF) and poly[(5,5′‐bis(2″‐thienyl)‐4,4′‐dihexyl‐2,2′‐bithiazole‐5″,5″‐diyl)‐alt‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)] (PTHBTzTF), and their application to electronic devices. The ultraviolet–visible absorption maxima of films of PHBTzF and PTHBTzTF were 413 and 471 nm, respectively, and the photoluminescence maxima were 513 and 590 nm, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry experiment showed an improvement in the n‐doping stability of the polymers and a reduction of their lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels as a result of bithiazole in the polymers' main chain. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels of the polymers were ?5.85 eV for PHBTzF and ?5.53 eV for PTHBTzTF. Conventional polymeric light‐emitting‐diode devices were fabricated in the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/Ca/Al configuration [where ITO is indium tin oxide and PEDOT:PSS is poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonic acid)] with the two polymers as emitting layers. The PHBTzF device exhibited a maximum luminance of 210 cd/m² and a turn‐on voltage of 9.4 V, whereas the PTHBTzTF device exhibited a maximum luminance of 1840 cd/m² and a turn‐on voltage of 5.4 V. In addition, a preliminary organic solar‐cell device with the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/(PTHBTzTF + C₆₀)/Ca/Al configuration (where C₆₀ is fullerene) was also fabricated. Under 100 mW/cm² of air mass 1.5 white‐light illumination, the device produced an open‐circuit voltage of 0.76 V and a short‐circuit current of 1.70 mA/cm². The fill factor of the device was 0.40, and the power conversion efficiency was 0.52%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1845–1857, 2005     

Fully crosslinked poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres by precipitation polymerization and their superior thermal properties

Fully crosslinked, stable poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres, which are composed of various concentrations of divilylbenzene from 5 to 75 mol % based on styrene monomer, were prepared without a significant particle coagulation by the precipitation polymerization. The number‐average particle diameter ranged from 3.5 to 2.8 μm and decreased with an increasing concentration of divinylbenzene in monomer. In addition, the coefficient of variation of the microspheres was slightly reduced with the increasing concentration of divinylbenzene. The circularity and the measured specific surface area indicated that lesser particles are coagulated because of the improved stability of individual particles at a high divinylbenzene concentration and that the resulting particles have a smooth surface without micropores. The glass‐transition temperature was not observed for all microspheres formed from the range of divinylbenzene concentrations. In addition, the onset of the thermal‐degradation temperature was increased from 339.8 to 376.9 °C upon higher contents of divinylbenzene. On the basis of the DSC and thermogravimetric data, the polymer microspheres prepared by the precipitation polymerization possessed a fully crosslinked structure and highly enhanced thermal stability. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 835–845, 2004     

Fano lineshape and phonon softening in single isolated metallic carbon nanotubes

Evolution of G-band modes of single metallic carbon nanotubes with the Fermi level shift is examined by simultaneous Raman and electron transport studies. Narrow Lorentzian line shape and upshifted frequencies are observed near the van Hove singularities. However, all G modes soften and broaden at the band crossing point. The concurrent appearance of an asymmetric Fano line shape at this point indicates that phonon-continuum coupling is intrinsic to single metallic tubes. The apparent Lorentzian line shapes of as-synthesized metallic tubes are induced by O2 adsorption causing the Fermi level shift.     

Formation of a Syndiotactic Organic Polymer Inside a MOF by a [2+2] Photo‐Polymerization Reaction

Getting suitable crystals for single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis still remains an art. Obtaining single crystals of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) containing organic polymers poses even greater challenges. Here we demonstrate the formation of a syndiotactic organic polymer ligand inside a MOF by quantitative [2+2] photopolymerization reaction in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal manner. The spacer ligands with trans,trans,trans‐conformation in the pillared‐layer MOF with guest water molecules in the channels, undergo pedal motion to trans,cis,trans‐conformation prior to [2+2] photo‐cycloaddition reaction and yield single crystals of MOF containing two‐dimensional coordination polymers fused with the organic polymer ligands. We also show that the organic polymer in the single crystals can be depolymerized reversibly by cleaving the cyclobutane rings upon heating. These MOFs also show interesting photoluminescent properties and sensing of small organic molecules.     

Serum exosomal microRNAs as novel biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs are a potential biomarker in various types of malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using serum exosomal microRNAs as novel serological biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We measured the serum exosomal microRNAs and serum circulating microRNAs in patients with CHB (n=20), liver cirrhosis (LC) (n=20) and HCC (n=20). Serum exosomal microRNA was extracted from 500 μl of serum using an Exosome RNA Isolation kit. The expression levels of microRNAs were quantified by real-time PCR. The expression levels of selected microRNAs were normalized to Caenorhabditis elegans microRNA (Cel-miR-39). The serum levels of exosomal miR-18a, miR-221, miR-222 and miR-224 were significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with CHB or LC (P<0.05). Further, the serum levels of exosomal miR-101, miR-106b, miR-122 and miR-195 were lower in patients with HCC than in patients with CHB (P=0.014, P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the levels of miR-21 and miR-93 among the three groups. Additionally, the serum levels of circulating microRNAs showed a smaller difference between HCC and either CHB or LC. This study suggests that serum exosomal microRNAs may be used as novel serological biomarkers for HCC.     

Gold Nanorod–Photosensitizer Complex Obtained by Layer‐by‐Layer Method for Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy In Vitro

Gold nanorod (GNR)–photosensitizer (PS) complex was prepared using anionic PS (sodium salt of purpurin‐18) and cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) by layer‐by‐layer method, and was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV‐vis spectroscopy, and zeta potential. The GNR–PS complex is a promising agent for synergistic (photothermal and photodynamic) therapy (PTT/PDT), in which PTT generates heat as well as operates the PS release which maximize the following PDT activity. The combined dual therapy, PTT followed by PDT, exhibits a significantly higher photocytotoxicity result based on synergistic effect of hyperthermia from PTT as well as singlet oxygen photogeneration from PDT.     

Determination of Bone Trabeculae Modulus—An Ultrasonic Scanning and MicroCT (μCT) Imaging Combination Approach

To date, there is no method to measure non-destructively the modulus of trabeculae within cancellous bone, whilst retaining its structural integrity. In this study ultrasonic scanning, coupled with microCT imaging, is employed to determine trabeculae modulus along the three major anatomical axes non-destructively. The proposed method allows cancellous bone specimens to remain intact, for possible use in subsequent studies. Volume rendering of the microCT images allows three-dimensional visualization of cancellous bone specimens to be tested. This facilitates trabeculae selection and accurate measurement of distance traveled by the ultrasonic wave, thus yielding a good degree of confidence in the acoustic velocity measured. For all the three principal anatomical directions, the measured acoustic speeds ranged from 2,115 to 3,077 m/s, giving an average of 2,505 m/s. Average wave velocities in the superior–inferior, medial–lateral and anterior–posterior anatomical directions were found to be 2,295, 2,469 and 2,754 m/s, respectively; the differences corresponding to the three directions do not appear to be significant. Subsequently, the modulus was then determined using elastic wave propagation theory.