Lithium Insertion Mechanism in Iron-Based Oxyfluorides with Anionic Vacancies Probed by PDF Analysis

The mechanism of lithium insertion that occurs in an iron oxyfluoride sample with a hexagonal–tungsten–bronze (HTB)-type structure was investigated by the pair distribution function. This study reveals that upon lithiation, the HTB framework collapses to yield disordered rutile and rock salt phases followed by a conversion reaction of the fluoride phase toward lithium fluoride and nanometer-sized metallic iron. The occurrence of anionic vacancies in the pristine framework was shown to strongly impact the electrochemical activity, that is, the reversible capacity scales with the content of anionic vacancies. Similar to FeOF-type electrodes, upon de-lithiation, a disordered rutile phase forms, showing that the anionic chemistry dictates the atomic arrangement of the re-oxidized phase. Finally, it was shown that the nanoscaling and structural rearrangement induced by the conversion reaction allow the in situ formation of new electrode materials with enhanced electrochemical properties.     

Azasugar inhibitors as pharmacological chaperones for Krabbe disease

Krabbe disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rapid demyelination of nerve fibers. This disease is caused by defects in the lysosomal enzyme β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC), which hydrolyzes the terminal galactose from glycosphingolipids. These lipids are essential components of eukaryotic cell membranes: substrates of GALC include galactocerebroside, the primary lipid component of myelin, and psychosine, a cytotoxic metabolite. Mutations of GALC that cause misfolding of the protein may be responsive to pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT), whereby small molecules are used to stabilize these mutant proteins, thus correcting trafficking defects and increasing residual catabolic activity in cells. Here we describe a new approach for the synthesis of galacto-configured azasugars and the characterization of their interaction with GALC using biophysical, biochemical and crystallographic methods. We identify that the global stabilization of GALC conferred by azasugar derivatives, measured by fluorescence-based thermal shift assays, is directly related to their binding affinity, measured by enzyme inhibition. X-ray crystal structures of these molecules bound in the GALC active site reveal which residues participate in stabilizing interactions, show how potency is achieved and illustrate the penalties of aza/iminosugar ring distortion. The structure–activity relationships described here identify the key physical properties required of pharmacological chaperones for Krabbe disease and highlight the potential of azasugars as stabilizing agents for future enzyme replacement therapies. This work lays the foundation for new drug-based treatments of Krabbe disease.     

Laser spectroscopy of the 1s HFS of H-like ions at a bunched beam in the storage ring ESR

The investigation of the 1s HFS provides a good possibility for testing QED effects in a combination of a strong electric and magnetic field. Here, we report about the laserspectroscopic measurements of the ground state hyperfine splitting in ²⁰⁷Pb⁸¹⁺. To handle this M1-transition in the infrared optical regime with its long lifetime, we developed a new detection technique using a bunched ion beam. For the observation of fluorescence light, a new mirror system is adapted to the emission characteristics from an ion beam at relativistic velocities. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Interactions between the components in isotactic polypropylene blended with EPDM

The interaction of isotactic polypropylene with ethylene propylene diene terpolymer in their blends has been investigated by use of differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, wide- and small-angle x-ray scattering, and by investigating the nucleation and kinetics of crystallization of the iPP component under the polarization microscope. It is found, that the dispersion of the EPDM component in the iPP matrix is dependent on blend composition and is maximal at 10% EPDM content. An interface layer between the two components is formed by migration of iPP molecules into the EPDM phase. A model for this interface is proposed.