Separation and micro-identification of metallic ions by ring oven technique. I

Summary Attempts to separate Hg(I), Pb(II), Ag(I), Hg(II), Bi(III), Cu(II), Cd(II), As(III), Sb(III) and Sn(II) in ternary, quaternary and quinary mixtures by the Weisz ring oven technique have been made, using oxalate as complexing agent and aqueous ethanol as solvent. It is found, in general, that addition of oxalate as complexing agent enables separations to be carried out which do not occur in the uncomplexed solutions. The effect of adding varying concentrations of the complexing agent to the solutions has been studied. The sequences of separation in ternary, quaternary and quinary mixtures with varying concentrations of the complexing agent have been described.

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Zusammenfassung Es wurde versucht, Hg(I), Pb(II), Ag(I), Hg(II), Bi(III), Cu(II), As(III), Sb(III) und Sn(II) in Drei-, Vier- und Fünfstoffgemischen unter Verwendung von Oxalat als Komplexbildner und wäßrigem Äthanol als Lösungsmittel nach der Ringofentechnik vonWeisz zu trennen. Im allgemeinen ermöglicht die Komplexierung mit Oxalat Trennungen, die sonst nicht durchführbar sind. Die Einwirkung verschiedener Konzentrationen des Komplexbildners auf die Probelösungen wurde geprüft. Die Reihenfolge der Trennung aus den angeführten Mischungen bei verschiedener Oxalatkonzentration wird angegeben.

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Résumé On a essayé de réaliser la séparation de Hg-I, Pb-II, Ag-I, Hg-II, Bi-III, Cu-II, Cd-II, As-III, Sb-III et Sn-II dans des mélanges ternaires, quaternaires et quinquénaires, au moyen de la technique du four annulaire deWeisz, en utilisant des oxalates comme agents complexants et l'éthanol aqueux comme solvant. On a trouvé que, généralement, l'addition d'oxalates comme agents complexants oblige à effectuer des séparations qui ne se rencontrent pas dans les solutions non complexées. On a étudié l'effet de l'addition de concentrations variables de l'agent complexant aux solutions. On a décrit les étapes de la séparation dans les mélanges ternaires, quaternaires et quinquénaires pour des concentrations variables de l'agent complexant.

     

Application of the Weisz Ring oven technique to the separation and identification of micro-quantities of some less familiar cations

Summary Use of the ring oven in separation and identification of mixtures of less familiar metal ions has been described. Separation of metal ions from the following mixtures has successfully been carried out: 1. UO₂(II) and Th(IV), 2. Th(IV) and Ce(IV), 3. Pd(II) and Au(III), 4. Pt(IV) and Au(III), 5. Ce(III) and Ce(IV), 6. UO₂(II), Th(IV) and Ti(IV), 7. Th(IV), Ti(IV) and Ce(IV), 8. Th(IV), Ce(IV) and Zr(IV), 9. Ti(IV), V(V) and Zr(IV), 10. Mo(VI), V(V) and W(VI) and 11. Be(II), Al(III) and Mg(II). In the case of binary mixtures, the separation was in the form of a central spot and a concentric ring; in ternary mixtures the metals were precipitated in a central spot and two concentric rings.

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Zusammenfassung Zur Trennung und Identifizierung folgender Gemische seltenerer Metallionen wurde der Ringofen mit Erfolg verwendet: 1. UO₂(II) und Th(IV), 2. Th(IV) und Ce(IV), 3. Pd(II) und Au(III), 4. Pt(IV) und Au(III), 5. Ce(III) und Ce(IV), 6. UO₂(II), Th(IV) und Ti(IV), 7. Th(IV), Ti(IV) und Ce(IV). 8. Th(IV), Ce(IV) und Zr(IV), 9. Ti(IV), V(V) und Zr(IV), 10. Mo(VI), V(V) und W(VI) und 11. Be(II), Al(III) und Mg(II). Bei binären Gemischen erfolgt die Trennung in einen zentralen Fleck und einen Ring, bei ternären Mischungen in einen Fleck und zwei konzentrische Ringe.

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Résumé On a décrit l'utilisation du four annulaire pour la séparation et l'identification de mélanges d'ions métalliques moins courants. On a effectué la séparation des ions métalliques à partir des mélanges suivants: 1. UO₂(II) et Th(IV), 2. Th(IV) et Ce(IV), 3. Pd(II) et Au(III), 4. Pt(IV) et Au(III), 5. Ce(III) et Ce(IV), 6. UO₂(II), Th(IV) et Ti(IV), 7. Th(IV), Ti(IV) et Ce(IV), 8. Th(IV), Ce(IV) et Zr(IV), 9. Ti(IV), V(V) et Zr(IV), 10. Mo(VI), V(V) et W(VI) et 11. Be(II), Al(III) et Mg(II). Dans le cas des mélanges binaires, la séparation se présentait sous forme d'une tache centrale et d'un anneau concentrique; chez les mélanges ternaires, les métaux étaient précipités en une tache centrale et deux anneaux concentriques.

     

PCR-based detection in a micro-fabricated platform

We present a novel, on-chip system for the electrokinetic capture of bacterial cells and their identification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The system comprises a glass-silicon platform with a set of micro-channels, -chambers, and -electrodes. A platinum thin film resistor, placed in the proximity of the chambers, is used for temperature monitoring. The whole chip assembly is mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and wire-bonded to it. The PCB has an embedded heater that is utilized for PCR thermal cycle and is controlled by a Lab-View program. Similar to our previous work, one set of electrodes on the chip inside the bigger chamber (0.6 microl volume) is used for diverting bacterial cells from a flowing stream into to a smaller chamber (0.4 nl volume). A second set of interdigitated electrodes (in smaller chamber) is used to actively trap and concentrate the bacterial cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP). In the presence of the DEP force, with the cells still entrapped in the micro-chamber, PCR mix is injected into the chamber. Subsequently, PCR amplification with SYBR Green detection is used for genetic identification of Listeria monocytogenes V7 cells. The increase in fluorescence is recorded with a photomultiplier tube module mounted over an epifluorescence microscope. This integrated micro-system is capable of genetic amplification and identification of as few as 60 cells of L. monocytogenes V7 in less than 90 min, in 600 nl volume collected from a sample of 10(4) cfu ml(-1). Specificity trials using various concentrations of L. monocytogenes V7, Listeria innocua F4248, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were carried out successfully using two different primer sets specific for a regulatory gene of L. monocytogenes, prfA and 16S rRNA primer specific for the Listeria spp., and no cross-reactivity was observed.     

Potent HIV-1 protease inhibitors incorporating meso-bicyclic urethanes as P2-ligands: structure-based design, synthesis, biological evaluation and protein-ligand X-ray studies

Recently, we designed a series of novel HIV-1 protease inhibitors incorporating a stereochemically defined bicyclic fused cyclopentyl (Cp-THF) urethane as the high affinity P2-ligand. Inhibitor with this P2-ligand has shown very impressive potency against multi-drug-resistant clinical isolates. Based upon the -bound HIV-1 protease X-ray structure, we have now designed and synthesized a number of meso-bicyclic ligands which can conceivably interact similarly to the Cp-THF ligand. The design of meso-ligands is quite attractive as they do not contain any stereocenters. Inhibitors incorporating urethanes of bicyclic-1,3-dioxolane and bicyclic-1,4-dioxane have shown potent enzyme inhibitory and antiviral activities. Inhibitor (K(i) = 0.11 nM; IC(50) = 3.8 nM) displayed very potent antiviral activity in this series. While inhibitor showed comparable enzyme inhibitory activity (K(i) = 0.18 nM) its antiviral activity (IC(50) = 170 nM) was significantly weaker than inhibitor . Inhibitor maintained an antiviral potency against a series of multi-drug resistant clinical isolates comparable to amprenavir. A protein-ligand X-ray structure of -bound HIV-1 protease revealed a number of key hydrogen bonding interactions at the S2-subsite. We have created an active model of inhibitor based upon this X-ray structure.     

Ruthenium and osmium carbonyl clusters incorporating stannylene and stannyl ligands

The reaction of [Ru(3)(CO)(12)] with Ph(3)SnSPh in refluxing benzene furnished the bimetallic Ru-Sn compound [Ru(3)(CO)(8)(mu-SPh)(2)(mu(3)-SnPh(2))(SnPh(3))(2)] which consists of a SnPh(2) stannylene bonded to three Ru atoms to give a planar tetra-metal core, with two peripheral SnPh(3) ligands. The stannylene ligand forms a very short bond to one Ru atom [Sn-Ru 2.538(1) A] and very long bonds to the other two [Sn-Ru 3.074(1) A]. The germanium compound [Ru(3)(CO)(8)(mu-SPh)(2)(mu(3)-GePh(2))(GePh(3))(2)] was obtained from the reaction of [Ru(3)(CO)(12)] with Ph(3)GeSPh and has a similar structure to that of as evidenced by spectroscopic data. Treatment of [Os(3)(CO)(10)(MeCN)(2)] with Ph(3)SnSPh in refluxing benzene yielded the bimetallic Os-Sn compound [Os(3)(CO)(9)(mu-SPh)(mu(3)-SnPh(2))(MeCN)(eta(1)-C(6)H(5))] . Cluster has a superficially similar planar metal core, but with a different bonding mode with respect to that of . The Ph(2)Sn group is bonded most closely to Os(2) and Os(3) [2.786 and 2.748 A respectively] with a significantly longer bond to Os(1), 2.998 A indicating a weak back-donation to the Sn. The reaction of the bridging dppm compound [Ru(3)(CO)(10)(mu-dppm)] with Ph(3)SnSPh afforded [Ru(3)(CO)(6)(mu-dppm)(mu(3)-S)(mu(3)-SPh)(SnPh(3))] . Compound contains an open triangle of Ru atoms simultaneously capped by a sulfido and a PhS ligand on opposite sides of the cluster with a dppm ligand bridging one of the Ru-Ru edges and a Ph(3)Sn group occupying an axial position on the Ru atom not bridged by the dppm ligand.     

Total Synthesis of Potent Antitumor Agent (−)‐Lasonolide A: A Cycloaddition‐Based Strategy

A detailed account of the enantioselective total synthesis of (?)‐lasonolide A is described. Our initial synthetic route to the top tetrahydropyran ring involved Evans asymmetric alkylation as the key step. Initially, we relied on the diastereoselective alkylation of an α‐alkoxyacetimide derivative containing an α′ stereogenic center and investigated such an asymmetric alkylation reaction. Although alkylation proceeded in good yield, the lack of diastereoselectivity prompted us to explore alternative routes. Our subsequent successful synthetic strategies involved highly diastereoselective cycloaddition routes to both tetrahydropyran rings of lasonolide A. The top tetrahydropyran ring was constructed stereoselectively by an intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction. The overall process constructed a bicyclic isoxazoline, which was later unravelled to a functionalized tetrahydropyran ring as well as a quaternary stereocenter present in the molecule. The lower tetrahydropyran ring was assembled by a Jacobsen catalytic asymmetric hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction as the key step. The synthesis also features a Lewis acid catalyzed epoxide opening to form a substituted ether stereoselectively.     

Bioanalytical Method Development and Validation Study of Neuroprotective Extract of Kashmiri Saffron Using Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS): In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of Apocarotenoids and Carotenoids

Kashmir saffron (Crocus sativus L.), also known as Indian saffron, is an important Asian medicinal plant with protective therapeutic applications in brain health. The main bioactive in Kashmir or Indian Saffron (KCS) and its extract (CSE) are apocarotenoids picrocrocin (PIC) and safranal (SAF) with carotenoids, crocetin esters (crocins), and crocetins. The ultra-fast liquid chromatography(UFLC)- photodiode array standardization confirmed the presence of biomarkers PIC, trans-4-GG-crocin (T4C), trans-3-Gg-crocin (T3C), cis-4-GG-crocin (C4C), trans-2-gg-crocin (T2C), trans-crocetin (TCT), and SAF in CSE. This study’s objectives were to develop and validate a sensitive and rapid UFLC-tandem mass spectrometry method for PIC and SAF along T4C and TCT in rat plasma with internal standards (IS). The calibration curves were linear (R² > 0.990), with the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) as 10 ng/mL. The UFLC-MS/MS assay-based precision (RSD, <15%) and accuracy (RE, −11.03–9.96) on analytical quality control (QC) levels were well within the acceptance criteria with excellent recoveries (91.18–106.86%) in plasma samples. The method was applied to investigate the in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of 40 mg/kg CSE in the rats (n = 6). The active metabolite TCT and T4C, PIC, SAF were quantified for the first time with T3C, C4C, T2C by this validated bioanalytical method, which will be useful for preclinical/clinical trials of CSE as a potential neuroprotective dietary supplement.     

Oxidation of substituted triazines by sulfate radical anion (SO) in aqueous medium: a laser flash photolysis and steady state radiolysis study

Laser flash photolysis has been used to determine the bimolecular rate constants and the spectral nature of the intermediates obtained by the reaction of sulfate radical anion (SO) with 1,3,5‐triazine (T), 2,4,6‐trimethoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine (TMT), 2,4‐dioxohexahydro‐1,3,5‐triazine (DHT), and 6‐chloro N‐ethyl N'‐(1‐methylethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diamine (atrazine, AT). The rate constants determined were in the range 4.6 × 10⁷–3 × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 at pH 6. The transient absorption spectra obtained from the reaction of SO with T, TMT, DHT and AT has an absorption maximum in the region 320–350 nm and was found to undergo second‐order decay. The intermediate species is assigned to N‐yl C(OH) radical of T (TOH^?), carbon centered neutral radical of TMT, an OH‐adduct of AT and an N‐centered radical in the case of DHT. The interpretations on the experimental results obtained from TMT are supported by DFT calculation using Gaussian 03. Steady state radiolysis technique has also been used to investigate the degradation of AT induced by SO. The degradation profile indicated that about 99% of AT has been decomposed after an absorbed gamma‐radiation dose of 7.5 kGy. The degradation yield of AT (expressed as G(‐AT)) was found to be 0.26 µ mol J^?1. The degradation reactions initiated by SO may thus be employed as a potential alternative for ^?OH‐induced degradation of triazines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protein refolding assisted by periodic mesoporous organosilicas

Herein we report a new strategy for protein refolding by taking advantage of the unique surface and pore characteristics of ethylene-bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO), which can effectively entrap unfolded proteins and assist refolding by controlled release into the refolding buffer. Hen egg white lysozyme was used as a model protein to demonstrate the new method of protein refolding. Through loading of denatured proteins inside uniform mesoporous channels tailored to accommodate individual protein, protein aggregation was minimized, and the folding rate was increased. Poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG)-triggered continuous release of entrapped denatured lysozyme allowed high-yield refolding with high cumulative protein concentrations. The new method enhances the oxidative refolding of lysozyme (e.g., over 80% refolding yield at about 0.6 mg/mL).