A T-matrix method and computer code for randomly oriented, axially symmetric coated scatterers

A computer code is described for the calculation of light-scattering properties of randomly oriented, axially symmetric coated particles, in the framework of the T-matrix theory. The underlying mathematical background is outlined briefly and convergence procedures are discussed. After outlining the input-output interaction between user and code, benchmark results are presented for two distinct shapes: coated, centered spheroids and offset coated spheres.     

Direct interfacial Y731 oxidation in α2 by a photoβ2 subunit of E. coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) is a fundamental mechanism important in a wide range of biological processes including the universal reaction catalysed by ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) in making de novo, the building blocks required for DNA replication and repair. These enzymes catalyse the conversion of nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs) to deoxynucleoside diphosphates (dNDPs). In the class Ia RNRs, NDP reduction involves a tyrosyl radical mediated oxidation occurring over 35 Å across the interface of the two required subunits (β₂ and α₂) involving multiple PCET steps and the conserved tyrosine triad [Y₃₅₆(β₂)–Y₇₃₁(α₂)–Y₇₃₀(α₂)]. We report the synthesis of an active photochemical RNR (photoRNR) complex in which a Re(i)-tricarbonyl phenanthroline ([Re]) photooxidant is attached site-specifically to the Cys in the Y₃₅₆C-(β₂) subunit and an ionizable, 2,3,5-trifluorotyrosine (2,3,5-F₃Y) is incorporated in place of Y₇₃₁ in α₂. This intersubunit PCET pathway is investigated by ns laser spectroscopy on [Re₃₅₆]-β₂:2,3,5-F₃Y₇₃₁-α₂ in the presence of substrate, CDP, and effector, ATP. This experiment has allowed analysis of the photoinjection of a radical into α₂ from β₂ in the absence of the interfacial Y₃₅₆ residue. The system is competent for light-dependent substrate turnover. Time-resolved emission experiments reveal an intimate dependence of the rate of radical injection on the protonation state at position Y₇₃₁(α₂), which in turn highlights the importance of a well-coordinated proton exit channel involving the key residues, Y₃₅₆ and Y₇₃₁, at the subunit interface.     

The Synthesis of Some Fused Pyrazolo‐1,4‐Naphthoquinones

New fused pyrazolo‐1,4‐naphthoquinones were prepared from the reaction of hydrazines with 6‐(4‐methyl‐3‐pentenyl)‐1,4‐naphthoquinone. The reaction was extended to hydroxylamine to afford the corresponding isoxazolo‐1,4‐napthoquinone compound.     

The development of an artificial organic networks toolkit for LabVIEW

Two of the most challenging problems that scientists and researchers face when they want to experiment with new cutting‐edge algorithms are the time‐consuming for encoding and the difficulties for linking them with other technologies and devices. In that sense, this article introduces the artificial organic networks toolkit for LabVIEW? (AON‐TL) from the implementation point of view. The toolkit is based on the framework provided by the artificial organic networks technique, giving it the potential to add new algorithms in the future based on this technique. Moreover, the toolkit inherits both the rapid prototyping and the easy‐to‐use characteristics of the LabVIEW? software (e.g., graphical programming, transparent usage of other softwares and devices, built‐in programming event‐driven for user interfaces), to make it simple for the end‐user. In fact, the article describes the global architecture of the toolkit, with particular emphasis in the software implementation of the so‐called artificial hydrocarbon networks algorithm. Lastly, the article includes two case studies for engineering purposes (i.e., sensor characterization) and chemistry applications (i.e., blood–brain barrier partitioning data model) to show the usage of the toolkit and the potential scalability of the artificial organic networks technique. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

On the Meromorphic Functions in the Punctured Plane Without Multiple Values

The study of meromorphic functions without multiple values in the plane started by F. Nevanlinna is extended to meromorphic functions in the punctured plane \({\mathbb {C}}^{{*}}.\) It is a classical result that a meromorphic function \(f\left( z\right) \) can be obtained as quotient of solutions of the second order differential equation \(u^{{\prime \prime }}+\left\{ f\left( z\right) ,z\right\} u=0,\) where \(\left\{ f\left( z\right) ,z\right\} \) is the Schwarzian derivative of \(f\left( z\right) \). In our hypothesis of meromorphic functions of finite order without multiple values in the puntured plane, the Schwarzian derivative \(\left\{ f\left( z\right) , z\right\} \) turns out to be a rational function with only possible poles at 0 and \(\infty \). In these conditions the asymptotic behaviour of \(f\left( z\right) \) can be described by a result of Hille (Lectures on Ordinary Differential Equations in the complex plane, Addison Wesley, Boston, 1969) on ordinary differential equations in the complex plane. The results obtained are framed in the value distribution theory of meromorphic functions, in particular in the punctured plane we shall consider the work of Khrystiyanin and Kondratyuk (Mat Stud 23(1):19–30, 2005; Mat Stud 23(1):57–68, 2005) and Korhonen (Nevanlinna theory on an annulus. Value distribution theory and related topics. Adv. Complex analysis and applications, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, 2004).     

Solid state radiolysis of sulphur-containing amino acids: cysteine,cystine and methionine

The sulphur-containing proteinaceous amino acids l-cysteine, l-cystine and l-methionine were irradiated in the solid state to a dose of 3.2 MGy. This dose corresponds to that delivered by radionuclide decay in a timescale of 1.05 × 10⁹ years to the organic matter buried at a depth >20 m in comets and asteroids. The purity of the sulphur-containing amino acids was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) before and after the solid state radiolysis and the preservation of the chirality after the radiolysis was studied by chirooptical methods (optical rotatory dispersion, ORD) and by FT-IR spectroscopy. Although the high radiation dose of 3.2 MGy delivered, all the amino acids studied show a high radiation resistance. The best radiation resistance was offered by l-cysteine. The radiolysis of l-cysteine leads to the formation of l-cystine. The radiation resistance of l-methionine is not at the level of l-cysteine but also l-methionine is able to survive the dose of 3.2 MGy. Furthermore in all cases examined the preservation of chirality after radiolysis was clearly observed by the ORD spectroscopy although a certain level of radioracemization was measured in all cases. The radioracemization is minimal in the case of l-cysteine and is more pronounced in the case of l-methionine. In conclusion, the study shows that the sulphur-containing amino acids can survive for 1.05 × 10⁹ years and, after extrapolation of the data, even to the age of the Solar System i.e. to 4.6 × 10⁹ years.     

The structure of a triosmium carbonyl cluster-phenylarsine oxide derivative

The reaction between the dihydride of decacarbonyltriosmium [H₂Os₃(CO)₁₀] and phenyl arsine oxide (PAO) in benzene yields only one product [Os₃(O)₉(μ-H){μ-PhAs(O)OAsPh}] (1), which is characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), Fast Atomic Bombardment Mass Spectrometry (FAB)⁺, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid state X-ray diffraction study of compound (1) shows that the molecule is polycyclic and has an osmium triangle with a bridging hydride bonded to a PhAs(O)-O-AsPh ligand.     

Concurrent symmetries: the interplay between local and global molecular symmetries

We analyze in this article the degree to which different groups of atoms retain local symmetries when assembled in a molecule. This study is carried out by applying continuous symmetry measures to several families of mixed sandwiches, a variety of piano-stool molecules, and several organic groups. An analysis of the local symmetry of the electron density shows that, sandwiched between two regions of different symmetry that correspond to the ligand sets, its symmetry is cylindrical at the central metal atom.     

Aldimines generated from aza-Wittig reaction between bis(iminophosphoranes) derived from 1,1'-diazidoferrocene and aromatic or heteroaromatic aldehydes: electrochemical and optical behaviour towards metal cations

Aldimine 4 bearing a 2-quinolyl group was prepared by aza-Wittig reaction between the triphenyliminophosphorane derived from the 1,1'-diazidoferrocene and 2-formylquinoline. However, aldimine 5, bearing a pyrene ring, was prepared using the most reactive tributyliminophosphorane derivative and the corresponding 1-formylpyrene. On the other hand, formation of aldimine 8 involves a tandem process, Staudinger reaction/intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction, by using directly 1,1'-diazidoferrocene and 2-(diphenylphosphonyl)benzaldehyde. Aldimine 4 behaves as chemosensor molecule for Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+) cations through two different channels: electrochemical (ΔE(1/2) = 222-361 mV) and chromogenic (Δλ = 122-153 nm), which can be used for the "naked eye" detection of these metal cations. Aldimine 5 behaves as a highly selective redox (in CH(3)CN) and fluorescent (in CH(3)Cl-DMF) probe for Hg(2+) metal cations even in the presence of a large excess of the other metal cations tested. Aldimine 8 displays electrochemical affinity (ΔE(1/2) = 60-288 mV) to Li(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+) metal cations, with the phosphorus oxide functionality as a binding site. From the (1)H NMR titration data as well as DFT calculations, different tentative binding modes have been established, for these structurally related ferrocenyl derivatives.     

A simple but effective dual redox and fluorescent ion pair receptor based on a ferrocene-imidazopyrene dyad

The ferrocene-imidazopyrene dyad, bearing the imidazole ring as the only receptor site, acts as a redox and optical molecular sensor for ion pairs, exhibiting an easily detectable signal change in the redox potential of the ferrocene/ferrocinium redox couple and in the emission spectrum. Perturbation of the emission spectrum follows the order Pb(2+) > Hg(2+) > Zn(2+) for cations and H(2)PO(4)(-) > AcO(-) for anions.