Synthesis of a novel spiro bisphosphinite ligand and its application in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation

A novel, chiral bisphosphinite ligand (R)-SpiroBIP has been synthesized. The rhodium complex of the ligand was found to be highly enantioselective in the asymmetric hydrogenation of α-dehydroamino acid derivatives.     

Photophysical properties of TICT molecule adsorbed on semiconductor titania–silica colloids

The effect of semiconductor titania–silica colloids on the fluorescent properties of adsorbed 4-(4′-N,N-diethylaminophenyl-3,5-dimethyl-1,7-diphenyl-bis-pyrazolo-[3,4-b, 3′-e]-pyridine (DEA-DMPP) has been studied by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. 3,5-dimethyl-1,7-diphenyl-bis-pyrazolo-[3,4-b,3′-e]-pyridine (DMPP) in presence of N,N-dimethylaniline has been employed as the system simulating the separate electron acceptor and electron donor subunits of DEA-DMPP molecule. Silica and titania–silica colloid surfaces inhibited the formation of the intramolecular charge transfer state (ICT) of adsorbed DEA-DMPP due to formation of H-bonds between the amino group of DEA-DMPP and OH-groups localized on the surface.     

Energy levels of the weakly interacting radicals

Energy levels of the weakly interacting radicals are estimated on the basis of planar methyl radical interaction as a model. These levels depend on the given separation r between the centers of mass. The appropriate Schrödinger equation is solved by using the Brillouin-Wigner series method. Analytical forms for the integrals used to estimate matrix elements are derived. The principle of total momentum conservation is strictly obeyed. Some energy levels cannot be estimated as a result of divergence.     

Dynamic complexities in a single-species discrete population model with stage structure and birth pulses

Natural population, whose population numbers are small and generations are non-overlapping, can be modelled by difference equations that describe how the population evolve in discrete time-steps. This paper investigates a recent study on the dynamics complexities in a single-species discrete population model with stage structure and birth pulses. Using the stroboscopic map, we obtain an exact cycle of system, and obtain the threshold conditions for its stability. Above this, there is a characteristic sequence of bifurcations, leading to chaotic dynamics, which implies that this the dynamical behaviors of the single-species discrete model with birth pulses are very complex, including (a) non-unique dynamics, meaning that several attractors and chaos coexist; (b) small-amplitude annual oscillations; (c) large-amplitude multi-annual cycles; (d) chaos. Some interesting results are obtained and they showed that pulsing provides a natural period or cyclicity that allows for a period-doubling route to chaos.     

Effect of ultrasound and centrifugal force on carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) slices during osmotic dehydration

Osmotic dehydration (OD) of carambola slices were carried out using glucose, sucrose, fructose and glycerol as osmotic agents with 70 °Bx solute concentration, 50 °C of temperature and for time of 180 min. Glycerol and sucrose were selected on the basis of their higher water loss, weight reduction and lowers solid gain. Further the optimization of OD of carambola slices (5 mm thick) were carried out under different process conditions of temperature (40–60 °C), concentration of sucrose and glycerol (50–70 °Bx), time (180 min) and fruit to solution ratio (1:10) against various responses viz. water loss, solid gain, texture, rehydration ratio and sensory score according to a composite design. The optimized value for temperature, concentration of sucrose and glycerol has been found to be 50 °C, 66 °Bx and 66 °Bx respectively. Under optimized conditions the effect of ultrasound for 10, 20, 30 min and centrifugal force (2800 rpm) for 15, 30, 45 and 60 min on OD of carambola slices were checked. The controlled samples showed 68.14% water loss and 13.05% solid gain in carambola slices. While, the sample having 30 min ultrasonic treatment showed 73.76% water loss and 9.79% solid gain; and the sample treated with centrifugal force for 60 min showed 75.65% water loss and 6.76% solid gain. The results showed that with increasing in treatment time the water loss, rehydration ratio were increased and solid gain, texture were decreased.     

Synthesis of ethoxalyl cyanide: A novel heterodieno- and heteroenophile

The action of di-n-heptylsulphide on diethyl 2,3-dicyanooxiran-2,3-dicarboxylate yields ethoxalyl cyanide, a new dieno- and enophile with active CO group.     

SEC ICP MS and CZE ICP MS investigation of medium and high molecular weight complexes formed by cadmium ions with phytochelatins

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were applied to characterize low, medium, and high molecular weight cadmium complexes with glutathione and phytochelatins (PCs). The dominant stoichiometry of the complexes formed in vitro was established as 1:1 using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Calculated molecular masses of Cd₁L₁ complexes were used for calibration of the SEC and CZE methods. The results showed a lower (2 kDa) SEC column exclusion limit for cadmium complexes compared with free peptides (10 kDa), and most of the high molecular weight cadmium species were eluted in the void volume of the column. Moreover, the CZE method based on the semiempirical model of Offord to elucidate peptide migration allowed us to show a high propensity of Cd–PC complexes for polymorphism on complexation, which was also observed for extracts of Arabidopsis thaliana treated with cadmium. All the information presented is vital for understanding the mechanism of metal deactivation in plants.

Influence of electron beam irradiation on growth of Phytophthora cinnamomi and its control in substrates

Very extensive production procedure, especially in plants growing under covering, require methods, which would allow quick elimination or substantial reduction of populations of specific pathogens without affecting the growth and development of the cultivated plants. Among soil-borne pathogens, the Phytophthora species are especially dangerous for horticultural plants. In this study, irradiation with electron beam was applied to control Phytophthora cinnamomi. The influence of irradiation dose on the reduction of in vitro growth and the population density of the pathogen in treated peat and its mixture with composted pine bark (1:1), as well as the health of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Lavandula angustifolia plants were evaluated. Application of irradiation at a dose of 1.5 kGy completely inhibited the in vitro development of P. cinnamomi. This irradiation effect was connected with the disintegration of the hyphae and spores of the species. Irradiation of peat and its mixture with composted pine bark with 10 kGy resulted in the inhibition of stem base rot development in Ch. lawsoniana. Symptoms of the disease were not observed when the substrates were treated with 15 kGy. In the case of L. angustifolia, stem root rot was not observed on cuttings transplanted to infected peat irradiated at a dose of 10 kGy. Irradiation of the horticultural substrates did not affect plant growth.