Self-standing nanoparticle membranes and capsules

We perform coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of self-standing nanoparticle membranes observed in recent experiments (K. E. Mueggenburg et al., Nat. Mater., 2007, 6, 656). In order to make our simulations feasible, we model 2-3 times smaller gold nanoparticles (core radius of r(core) ≈ 0.8 nm) covered with alkanethiol ligands (length of l(ligand) ≈ 0.5-2.6 nm). We study the structure, stability, and mechanical properties of these membranes and show that these characteristics are controlled by the ratio of R(LC) = l(ligand)/r(core). For R(LC) ≈ 0.6, the ligated nanoparticles form well ordered monolayers with hexagonal packing, in agreement with the experiments (R(LC) ≈ 0.44). For R(LC) ≈ 1.6, the nanoparticles form less organized multilayers, which are more stable and flexible. We show that these membranes could potentially form stable capsules for molecular storage and delivery.     

Photochemistry of group 6 Fischer carbene complexes: beyond the photocarbonylation reaction

The seminal report by Hegedus in 1982, showing that alkoxychromium(0) carbenes reacted with imines under bright Colorado sunlight to yield β-lactams, marked the beginning of a key reaction in organometallic chemistry. Very little was known about the mechanism of this reaction. In fact, Hegedus proposed the reversible generation of a chromium-coordinated ketene, which would react with nucleophiles. This coordinated species would show all the advantages of ketenes without their shortcomings, namely, dimerization, formation of undesired adducts, and so forth. The quest for the detection of these species and the pursuit of the mechanism of the photocarbonylation (a reaction exclusive to Cr(0) and Mo(0) carbene complexes, not W(0) carbene complexes) remained unabated over the next 15 years. In fact, all attempts to experimentally determine the mechanism of this useful reaction have been fruitless. At the same time, the photocarbonylation of Cr(0) carbenes matured into a valuable synthetic reaction, allowing access to several families of organic compounds. Unfortunately, reactions other than photocarbonylation remained elusive. We used a combination of experimental and computational methodologies to study the photocarbonylation of Cr(0) carbene complexes and the subsequent reaction of the photogenerated ketenes with nucleophiles. In parallel, we discovered new photochemical processes and succeeded in making photoreactive the so-called "unreactive" W(0) carbene complexes. In this Account, we discuss the disentangling of the mechanisms of these transformations, thereby shedding some light onto the photochemistry of group 6 metal (Fischer) carbene complexes. The original designation of the electronic transitions of group 6 carbene complexes was reassigned, and the photocarbonylation step was analyzed again, resulting in the sequence S(0)-T(1)-S(0), which is far removed from conventional organic photochemistry. The T(1) species is a chromacyclopropanone; its unpaired electrons are primarily localized in the metal fragment and in the former carbene carbon atom. The T(1)-S(0) intersystem crossing occurs with the participation of the solvent through an unusual loose-bolt radiationless mechanism. The photogenerated S(0) species reacts with imines to form the final β-lactams in a mechanism that resembles the organic Staudinger reaction, but here the metal is present during the entire reaction coordinate. The selectivity of these reactions is defined by the nucleophilic attack on the O-bonded metallaketene instead of the subsequent conrotatory ring closure, a distinct departure from the organic reaction. Appropriate modification of the substituents of the carbene ligand or in the coordination sphere of the complex results in new photoprocesses; these include 1,2-metalladyotropic rearrangements as well as α-fragmentations in which W(0) carbene complexes become photoreactive. Moreover, the inclusion of additional metal centers usually results in new reactions, such as the formation of fulvenes by η(5)→ η(3) photoslippage, or in the complete inhibition of the photoreactivity. The photochemistry of group 6 metal-carbene complexes thus offers unexplored territory for pursuing new reactions and reaction mechanisms.     

Hysteresis loops of individual Co nanostripes measured by magnetic force microscopy

High-resolution magnetic imaging is of utmost importance to understand magnetism at the nanoscale. In the present work, we use a magnetic force microscope (MFM) operating under in-plane magnetic field in order to observe with high accuracy the domain configuration changes in Co nanowires as a function of the externally applied magnetic field. The main result is the quantitative evaluation of the coercive field of the individual nanostructures. Such characterization is performed by using an MFM-based technique in which a map of the magnetic signal is obtained as a function of both the lateral displacement and the magnetic field.     

gef Gene Expression in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells is Associated with a Better Prognosis and Induction of Apoptosis by p53-Mediated Signaling Pathway

Breast cancer research has developed rapidly in the past few decades, leading to longer survival times for patients and opening up the possibility of developing curative treatments for advanced breast cancer. Our increasing knowledge of the biological pathways associated with the progression and development of breast cancer, alongside the failure of conventional treatments, has prompted us to explore gene therapy as an alternative therapeutic strategy. We previously reported that gef gene from E. coli has shown considerable cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells. However, its action mechanism has not been elucidated. Indirect immunofluorescence technique using flow cytometry and immunocytochemical analysis were used to detect breast cancer markers: estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) hormonal receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 proto-oncogene (c-erbB-2), ki-67 antigen and p53 protein. gef gene induces an increase in ER and PR expressions and a decrease in ki-67 and c-erbB-2 gene expressions, indicating a better prognosis and response to treatment and a longer disease-free interval and survival. It also increased p53 expression, suggesting that gef-induced apoptosis is regulated by a p53-mediated signaling pathway. These findings support the hypothesis that the gef gene offers a new approach to gene therapy in breast cancer.     

Nutritional knowledge and consumption frequency of foods--a case study

The relationship between nutritional knowledge and the consumption frequency of preferred food-types was studied among one sample of Uruguayan consumers. A locally-adapted version of Parmenter & Wardle's General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire and a food consumption survey based on 39 food groups were completed by a total of 270 participants. Cluster Analysis enabled the identification of two clusters showing different levels of nutritional knowledge--cluster 1 (n = 177) and cluster 2 (n = 93), providing an average of 73.6% and 52.9% of correct answers, respectively. These clusters differed significantly (p < or = 0.05) in age and educational distribution--cluster 1 was composed mainly by older adults and persons with a higher educational level. A number of areas were identified where nutritional knowledge was extremely poor, as was the case with the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake and the caloric content of the nutrients. Overall, nutritional knowledge was found to have a positive influence on food preferences and consumption frequency, those participants with a higher nutritional knowledge reporting a higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and low-fat products, in addition to a lower consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Acylated Bacteriohopanehexol-Mannosamides from the Thermophilic Bacterium <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris</Emphasis>

Identification of molecular species of various N-acylated bacteriohopanehexol-mannosamides from the thermophilic bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris by semipreparative HPLC and by RP-HPLC with ESI is described. We used triple-quadrupole type mass spectrometer, ¹H and ¹³C NMR for analyzing this complex lipid. CD spectra of two compounds (model compound—7-deoxy-d-glycero-d-allo-heptitol obtained by stereospecific synthesis, and an isolated derivative of hopane) were also measured and the absolute configuration of both compounds was determined. On the basis of all the above methods, we identified the full structure of a new class of bacteriohopanes, represented by various N-acylated bacteriohopanehexol-mannosamides.     

Novel Esterification of Glycerol Catalysed by Tin Chloride (II): A Recyclable and Less Corrosive Process for Production of Bio-Additives

Abstract  

In this work, a novel process based on use of a SnCl₂·2H₂O catalyst which is less corrosive, inexpensive, and a water tolerant Lewis acid was employed for synthesis of fuel bio-additives from glycerol. High yields and selectivities were achieved for glycerol esterification with acetic acid under mild reaction conditions. The SnCl₂ catalyst showed to be as active as p-toluene sulfonic and sulfuric acid, catalysts commonly used in acid-catalysed esterification reactions. However, its use has significant advantages in comparison to these Br?nsted acid catalysts, including lower reactor corrosion and unnecessary neutralization at the end reaction. The SnCl₂ catalyst can also be recovered and reused without loss of catalytic activity. Additionally, effects of reaction temperature, HOAc:glycerol molar ratio and catalyst concentration on both selectivity and yield of glycerol acetates were also investigated. The lower corrosiveness, facilitated handling, as well as potential for reuse without activity loss after simple recycle protocols are positive aspects of SnCl₂ catalysts.     

High-Stable Mesoporous Ni-Ce/Clay Catalysts for Syngas Production

Abstract  

A mesoporous-type catalytic support was synthesized through the modification of a smectite with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microwaves. Texture and micro-morphology of the support was determined. Several techniques were employed in order to describe the chemical environment of active species on the surface. Ni⁰ particle sizes were dependent on the structural site of reducible species. High stable Ni-Ce catalysts (calcined at 800 °C) were evaluated in the CO₂ reforming of methane reaction at 700 °C (WHSV = 96 L g⁻¹ h⁻¹, without dilution gas and pre-reduction). The catalysts have presented CH₄ conversions between 40 and 65%, CO₂ conversion between 35 and 65% and H₂/CO ratios between 0.2 and 0.4.     

Exploring the effect of alkyl end group on poly(L-lactide) oligo-esters. Synthesis and characterization

Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) oligo-esters with α-hydroxyl-ω-alkyl (alkyl = −CH₂−[CH₂−CH₂]_m−CH₃, where m = 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) end groups were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L-LA) catalyzed by tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate Sn(Oct)₂ in the presence of aliphatic alcohols as initiators (HO−CH₂−[CH₂−CH₂]_m−CH₃, where m = 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). High yields (~ 62 to 71%) and M _n(NMR) in the range of 2120–2450 Da (PLLA) were obtained. Effects of alkyl end groups on thermal properties of the oligo-esters were analyzed by DSC, TGA and SAXS. Glass transition temperature (T _g) gradually decreases with increase in the percent of−CH₂−[CH₂−CH₂]_m−CH₃ end group, as results alkyl end group provides most flexibility to PLLA. An important effect of alkyl end group on a double cold crystallization (T _c1 and T _c2) was observed, and is directly related with the segregation phase between alkyl end group and PLLA. TGA analysis revealed that PLLA oligo-esters are more thermally stable with docosyl (−C₂₂H₄₅) respect to the butyl (−C₄H₉) end group, probably is due to steric hindrance of the end group (docosyl respect to butyl) toward intermolecular and intramolecular transesterification. SAXS analysis showed that alkyl end group as docosyl restricted the growth of lamellae thickness (D) due to steric hindrance. Characterization of hydroxyl and alkyl end groups in the PLLA oligo-esters was determined by MALDI-TOF, GPC, FT-IR and ¹ H and ¹³ C NMR.     

Host Sex Discrimination by an Egg Parasitoid on Brassica Leaves

Egg parasitoids are able to find their hosts by exploiting their chemical footprints as host location cues. In nature, the apolar epicuticular wax layer of plants that consists of several classes of hydrocarbons serves as the substrate that retains these contact kairomones. However, experiments on chemical footprints generally have used filter paper as substrate to study insect behavior. Here, we explored the ability of Trissolcus basalis (Scelionidae) females to discriminate between footprint cues left by male and female Nezara viridula (Pentatomidae) on leaves of their host plant Brassica oleracea (broccoli). Furthermore, we analyzed the chemical composition of the outermost wax layer of broccoli leaves to evaluate the degree of overlap in insect and plant cuticular hydrocarbons that could lead to masking effects in the detection of footprint cues. Our results showed that B. oleracea epicuticular wax retains the chemical footprints of adult bugs and allows T. basalis females to differentiate hosts of different sex. Traces of female bugs elicited more extensive searching behavior in egg parasitoids than traces of males. The application of n-nonadecane, a compound specific to male N. viridula, on the tarsi of female bugs prevented parasitoid females from distinguishing between host male and host female footprints. Analyses of B. oleracea leaves revealed that epicuticular waxes were mainly composed of linear alkanes, ketones, and secondary alcohols. Alkanes were dominated by n-nonacosane (nC29) and n-hentriacontane (nC31), while male-specific n-nonadecane (nC19) was absent. The ecological significance of these results for parasitoid host location behavior is discussed.