Theory of bulk, surface and interface phase transition kinetics in thin films

We report a theoretical study of phase transition kinetics in confined two-dimensional systems, motivated by recent experimental results on the amorphous-to-crystalline transition in supported, thin amorphous water films [E.H.G. Backus, M.L. Grecea, A.W. Kleyn, and M. Bonn, Phys. Rev. Lett. (to be published)]. We generalize and extend existing theories to simultaneously describe the converted (crystalline) fractions in the bulk, at the sample-vacuum surface, and at the sample-support interface as a function of time. The general approach presented here results in expressions for the time-dependent converted bulk, surface, and interface fractions, for arbitrary desorption rate from the thin film, nucleation and growth rates and also includes finite nucleation grain size. The converted bulk, surface, and interface fractions are calculated for nucleation of the new phase occurring (i) in the bulk, (ii) at the support-sample interface, and (iii) at the sample surface (sample-vacuum interface), resulting in nine expressions. The results demonstrate the advantage of monitoring bulk, surface and interface fractions simultaneously to make definite statements regarding the location of the nucleation, and to reliably determine the values of the relevant crystallization parameters.     

A new class of heterocyclic betaines: 1,1-dimethyl-3-phenylpyrazolium-5-oxide

1,1-Dimethyl-3-phenylpyrazolium-5-oxide (1) was isolated as a minor product (3%) in the reaction of ethyl benzoylacetate with 1,1-dimethylhydrazine and also was obtained as the major product (58%) from the reaction of methyl p-toluenesulfonate with ethyl benzoylacetate dimethylhydrazone. The structural assignment was made on the basis of chemical reactions and spectral data and the formula is represented by a resonance structure for which there are two principal canonical forms. Reaction of 1 with methanol at room temperature afforded methyl benzoylacetate dimethylhydrazone. Ethyl benzoylacetate dimethylhydrazone was shown to exist as a tautomeric mixture containing 65% of the imine form at room temperature.     

Hydroboration with pyridine borane at room temperature

Treatment of pyridine borane (Py.BH3) with iodine, bromine, or strong acids affords activated Py.BH2X complexes that are capable of hydroborating alkenes at room temperature. Evidence is presented for an unusual hydroboration mechanism involving leaving group displacement. In contrast to THF.BH3, hydroboration with Py.BH2I selectively affords the monoadducts. The crude hydroboration products are converted into synthetically useful potassium alkyltrifluoroborate salts upon treatment with methanolic KHF2.     

An effective method for the discrimination of motional anisotropy and chemical exchange

Analysis of the ratio of transverse and longitudinal relaxation rates (R2/R1) is an approach commonly used for estimation of overall correlation time and identification of chemical exchange in biological macromolecules. However, this analysis fails to distinguish between chemical exchange and motional anisotropy. We describe a simple method for identifying chemical exchange and motional anisotropy using the product, R1R2. In the slow tumbling regime, the R1R2 product results in a constant value that is independent of overall correlation time and motional anisotropy. This analysis provides a simple method for rapidly estimating and dissociating the effects of motional anisotropy and chemical exchange in NMR heteronuclear spin relaxation data. We demonstrate the utility of the method with 15N relaxation data collected on the proteins E. coli ribonuclease H and the trimeric E. coli membrane associated lipoprotein lpp.     

Chemistry of the neopolyoxins,pyrimidine and imidazoline nucleoside peptide antibiotics

New chitin synthetase inhibitors, neopolyoxins A, B, and C were isolated from the culture filtrate of Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. asoensis. Their absolute structures have been established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. They are structural analogs of the polyoxins. As a nucleobase, neopolyoxin C possesses uracil, while neopolyoxins A and B contain the imidazoline moiety. A ring contraction reaction of pyrimidine nucleoside into imidazoline nucleoside played a key role in the structure determination of the nucleoside moiety. A similar transformation was suggested for the biosynthesis of neopolyoxins A and B.     

On the semimartingale representation of reflecting Brownian motion in a cusp

Summary LetC be the symmetric cusp {(x, y)²:–x yx ,x0} where >1. In this paper we decide whether or not reflecting Brownian motion inC has a semimartingale representation. Here the reflecting Brownian motion has directions of reflection that make constant angles with the unit inward normals to the boundary. Our results carry through for a wide class of asymmetric cusps too.     

Spongistatin synthetic studies. An efficient, second-generation construction of an advanced ABCD intermediate

[reaction: see text] A short, efficient, and stereocontrolled synthesis of (-)-4, an advanced ABCD subunit of the spongistatins, has been achieved. Central to the synthetic strategy is the multicomponent linchpin union of silyl dithianes with epoxides to access both the AB and CD fragments. Fragment coupling was then achieved via an efficient stereoselective aldol reaction. The linear sequence required 22 steps and proceeded in 4.0% overall yield.     

KINETIC BEHAVIOR OF EPR SIGNAL I: INDUCTION EFFECTS IN INTACT ALGAE

Abstract— There is considerable evidence that the light-induced narrow EPR signal I at g = 2·0025 in green algae is a reflection of the turnover of the photosynthetic reaction center, P700. A lag period or induction effect of the formation of this signal, subsequent to a dark period in whole fresh cells, is similar to induction effects for the bleaching of P700. The rate of formation of the signal is slower the longer the preceding dark period. DCMU does not much affect the induction phenomenon, but heating the cells to 60° abolishes it. Some substance or process which exists in the intact cell is altered by light and is detectable by its effect on signal I and on the rate of light-induced oxidation of P700 and cytochrome.     

Control of off-flavor compounds in aluminum can production

Aluminum cans have intermittently been associated with the development of off-flavors in beverages. Certain organic compounds, e.g., aldehydes and ketones, are known to contribute to flavor defects; trans-2-nonenal can be detected at 0.1 μg l^?1 levels by trained tasters. In a recent study, the production process used to form two-piece aluminum cans was examined. Samples of aluminum coil stock, partly formed cans and finished cans were obtained from typical production lins and examined by a flavor panel and by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods in an effort to develop routine techniques for monitoring can production. Capillary-column gas chromatography and, after derivatization with dinitrophenylhydrazone, high-performance liquid chromatography are useful for quantifying off-flavor compounds and precursors in lubricants and other materials used in rolling mills and can-making operations, but are not adaptable to on-line monitoring. Correlations between gas-chromatographic data and flavor panel assessments were good.     

On-line enzymatic reaction,extraction, and chromatography of fatty acids and triglycerides with supercritical carbon dioxide

Supercritical carbon dioxide can be utilized both as an introduction solvent in capillary SFC and as a reaction medium; both possibilities are illustrated in this study. An off-line SFE unit was modified for on-line SFE-SFC. To facilitate rapid depressurization of the extraction cell and to prevent memory effects, a 6-port valve was installed at the outlet line of the extraction unit. An increased background signal was obtained when PEEK polymer was used in the construction of the extraction vessel; when stainless steel was used, the blanks improved. The synthesis of methyl esters and butyl esters of fatty acids from triglycerides in edible fat was examined using an immobilized lipase as a catalyst in on-line SFE-SFC. As a result of 30 minutes reaction – extraction time, high yields of fatty acid esters were obtained at a pressure of 150 bar and a temperature of 50°C.