One-dimensional photonic crystal design

In this article we present a method to determine the band spectrum, band gaps, and discrete energy levels, of a one-dimensional photonic crystal with localized impurities. For one-dimensional crystals with piecewise constant refractive indices we develop an algorithm to recover the refractive index distribution from the period map. Finally, we derive the relationship between the period map and the scattering matrix containing the information on the localized modes.     

Parallel preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm on GPU

We propose a parallel implementation of the Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient algorithm on a GPU platform. The preconditioning matrix is an approximate inverse derived from the SSOR preconditioner. Used through sparse matrix–vector multiplication, the proposed preconditioner is well suited for the massively parallel GPU architecture. As compared to CPU implementation of the conjugate gradient algorithm, our GPU preconditioned conjugate gradient implementation is up to 10 times faster (8 times faster at worst).     

Quantification of midazolam,morphine and metabolites in plasma using 96‐well solid‐phase extraction and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Currently, pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic studies of sedatives and analgesics are performed in neonates and children to find suitable dose regimens. As a result, sensitive assays using only small volumes of blood are necessary to determine drug and metabolite concentrations. We developed an ultra‐performance liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometry detection for quantification of midazolam, 1‐hydroxymidazolam, hydroxymidazolamglucuronide, morphine, morphine‐3‐glucuronide and morphine‐6‐glucuronide in 100 μL of plasma. Cleanup consisted of 96 wells micro‐solid phase extraction, before reversed‐phase chromatographic separation (ultra‐performance liquid chromatography) and selective detection using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Separate solid‐phase extraction methods were necessary to quantify morphine, midazolam and their metabolites because of each group's physicochemical properties. Standard curves were linear over a large dynamic range with adequate limits of quantitation. Intra‐ and interrun accuracy and precision were within 85–115% (of nominal concentration using a fresh calibration curve) and 15% (coefficient of variation, CV) respectively. Recoveries were >80% for all analytes, with interbatch CVs (as a measure of matrix effects) of less than 15% over six batches of plasma. Stability in plasma and extracts was sufficient, allowing large autosampler loads. Runtime was 3.00 min per sample for each method. The combination of 96‐well micro‐SPE and UPLC‐MS/MS allows reliable quantification of morphine, midazolam and their major metabolites in 100 μL of plasma. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An efficient and versatile synthesis of GlcNAcstatins-potent and selective O-GlcNAcase inhibitors built on the tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffold

We report a novel approach to the synthesis of GlcNAcstatins-members of an emerging family of potent and selective inhibitors of peptidyl O-GlcNAc hydrolase build upon tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffold. Making use of a streamlined synthetic sequence featuring de novo synthesis of imidazoles from glyoxal, ammonia and aldehydes, a properly functionalised linear GlcNAcstatin precursor has been efficiently prepared starting from methyl 3,4-O-(2',3'-dimethoxybutane-2',3'-diyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside. Subsequent ring closure of the linear precursor in an intramolecular S(N)2 process furnished the key fused d-mannose-imidazole GlcNAcstatin precursor in excellent yield. Finally, a sequence of transformations of this key intermediate granted expeditious access to a variety of the target compounds bearing a C(2)-phenethyl group and a range of N(8) acyl substituents. The versatility of the new approach stems from an appropriate choice of a set of acid labile permanent protecting groups on the monosaccharide starting material. Application was demonstrated by the synthesis of GlcNAcstatins containing polyunsaturated and thiol-containing amido substituents.     

Towards the synthesis of sulfonamide-based RNA mimetics

The scalable, divergent synthesis of all four monomers required for the preparation of sulfonamide-based RNA mimetics is described. Such mimetics may combine excellent mimicry of the parent RNA with enhanced (bio)chemical robustness and convenient oligomerization. As a proof of principle, a dimer resulting from the monomers is described.     

From workplace air measurement results toward estimates of exposure? Development of a strategy to assess exposure to manufactured nano-objects

In the past few years, an increasing number of studies on workplace air measurements on manufactured nano-materials and -objects have been published. Most of the studies had a more explorative character, so a direct interpretation to workers” exposure for a given exposure situation, activity, or process is not a straight-forward process. In general, the studies use a quite similar package of devices for near real-time monitoring of particle number- and mass concentration in size ranges <100 nm up to 10 μm, and the collection of samples for off-line characterization of air samples. Various approaches for addressing background concentrations and its use to indicate the potential for exposure to nano-objects could be observed. Within the EU-sponsored NANOSH project, a harmonized approach for measurement strategy, data analysis and reporting was developed. In addition to time/activity–concentration profiles as reported by most studies, this approach enables a first step to estimate the potential for exposure to manufactured nano-objects, more quantitatively. The NANOSH data will be collated into a base, which may form the starting point for a harmonized database facilitating overall analysis in near future, to derive estimates for exposure for several exposure situations.     

The phosphorescence of benzene: Zeeman effect and microwave induced emission

Results are given of Zeeman and microwave induced delayed phosphorescence experiments which determine the relative activities of the three zero-field spin components in the phosphorescence of benzene. The results allow one to decide which of the mechanisms proposed by Albrecht are responsible for the intensity of some of the most prominent bands in the phosphorescence spectrum. It is confirmed that vibronic coupling in the triplet manifold plays the dominant role for the phosphorescence bands that involve e _2g vibrations and it follows that the phosphorescence in these bands is almost purely out-of-plane polarized. Our results indicate that spin-orbit coupling occurs via the same mechanism as in other aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Multiscale Approach to the Study of the Electronic Properties of Two Thiophene Curcuminoid Molecules

We studied the electronic and conductance properties of two thiophene–curcuminoid molecules, 2‐thphCCM ( 1 ) and 3‐thphCCM ( 2 ), in which the only structural difference is the position of the sulfur atoms in the thiophene terminal groups. We used electrochemical techniques as well as UV/Vis absorption studies to obtain the values of the HOMO–LUMO band gap energies, showing that molecule 1 has lower values than 2 . Theoretical calculations show the same trend. Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of these molecules were studied by using electrochemistry, showing that the interaction with gold reduces drastically the HOMO–LUMO gap in both molecules to almost the same value. Single‐molecule conductance measurements show that molecule 2 has two different conductance values, whereas molecule 1 exhibits only one. Based on theoretical calculations, we conclude that the lowest conductance value, similar in both molecules, corresponds to a van der Waals interaction between the thiophene ring and the electrodes. The one order of magnitude higher conductance value for molecule 2 corresponds to a coordinate (dative covalent) interaction between the sulfur atoms and the gold electrodes.