Heterogeneous Polymer Dynamics Explored Using Static 1H NMR Spectra.

NMR spectroscopy continues to provide important molecular level details of dynamics in different polymer materials, ranging from rubbers to highly crosslinked composites. It has been argued that thermoset polymers containing dynamic and chemical heterogeneities can be fully cured at temperatures well below the final glass transition temperature (Tg). In this paper, we described the use of static solid-state 1H NMR spectroscopy to measure the activation of different chain dynamics as a function of temperature. Near Tg, increasing polymer segmental chain fluctuations lead to dynamic averaging of the local homonuclear proton-proton (1H-1H) dipolar couplings, as reflected in the reduction of the NMR line shape second moment (M2) when motions are faster than the magnitude of the dipolar coupling. In general, for polymer systems, distributions in the dynamic correlation times are commonly expected. To help identify the limitations and pitfalls of M2 analyses, the impact of activation energy or, equivalently, correlation time distributions, on the analysis of 1H NMR M2 temperature variations is explored. It is shown by using normalized reference curves that the distributions in dynamic activation energies can be measured from the M2 temperature behavior. An example of the M2 analysis for a series of thermosetting polymers with systematically varied dynamic heterogeneity is presented and discussed.

Synthesis of Well-Defined Dihydroxy Telechelics by (Co)polymerization of Morpholine-2,5-Diones Catalyzed by Sn(IV) Alkoxide.

Well-defined dihydroxy telechelic oligodepsipeptides (oDPs), which have a high application potential as building blocks for scaffold materials for tissue engineering applications or particulate carrier systems for drug delivery applications are synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of morpholine-2,5-diones (MDs) catalyzed by 1,1,6,6-tetra-n-butyl-1,6-distanna-2,5,7,10-tetraoxacyclodecane (Sn(IV) alkoxide). In contrast to ROP catalyzed by Sn(Oct)2 , the usage of Sn(IV) alkoxide leads to oDPs, with less side products and well-defined end groups, which is crucial for potential pharmaceutical applications. A slightly faster reaction of the ROP catalyzed by Sn(IV) alkoxide compared to the ROP initiated by Sn(Oct)2 /EG is found. Copolymerization of different MDs resulted in amorphous copolymers with T g s between 44 and 54 °C depending on the molar comonomer ratios in the range from 25% to 75%. Based on the well-defined telechelic character of the Sn(IV) alkoxide synthesized oDPs as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight measurements, they resemble interesting building blocks for subsequent postfunctionalization or multifunctional materials based on multiblock copolymer systems whereas the amorphous oDP-based copolymers are interesting building blocks for matrices of drug delivery systems.

Discovery of potential antiausterity agents from the Japanese cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa.

The chloroform extract of the Japanese cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa was found to kill PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells preferentially in the nutrient-deprived medium without causing toxicity in the nutrient rich condition. Phytochemical investigation on this extract led to the isolation of a new sesquiterpene (1), together with the six sesquiterpenes (2-7) and a lignan (8). The isolated compounds were tested for their preferential cytotoxicity activity against five different human pancreatic cancer cell lines [PANC-1, MIA PaCa2, CAPAN-1, PSN-1, and KLM-1] by utilizing an antiausterity strategy. Among them, α-cadinol (2) was identified as the most active constituent. α-Cadinol (2) was found to inhibit the activation of Akt/mTOR pathway, and the hyperactivation of autophagy leading to preferential PANC-1 cell death during nutrient-starvation.

Design and synthesis of novel δ opioid receptor agonists with an azatricyclodecane skeleton for improving blood-brain barrier penetration.

We designed and synthesized novel δ opioid receptor (DOR) agonists 3a-i with an azatricyclodecane skeleton, which was a novel structural class of DOR agonists. Among them, 3b exhibited high values of binding affinity and potent agonistic activity for the DOR that were approximately equivalent to those of 2 which bore an oxazatricyclodecane skeleton. In vitro assays using the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability test kit supported the idea that 3b achieved an excellent BBB permeability by converting an oxygen atom of 2 to a carbon atom (methylene group) in the core skeleton. As a result, 3b showed potent antinociceptive effects.

Synthesis of Tricyclo[4,3,1,0(1,5)]decane Core of Plumisclerin A Using Pauson-Khand Annulation and SmI2-Mediated Radical Cyclization.

An efficient synthesis of the tricyclo[4,3,1,0(1, 5)]decane core (B/C/D rings) of plumisclerin A, a unique cytotoxic marine diterpenoid, is described. A Pauson-Khand reaction and a SmI2-mediated radical 1,4-conjugate addition successfully served as key reactions for construction of the fully functionalized 5,6-fused rings and the highly strained cyclobutanol moiety with correct relative stereochemistries, respectively.

Enantioselective catalytic transannular ketone-ene reactions.

Highly enantio- and diastereoselective transannular ketone-ene reactions are catalyzed by a new chromium(III) triflate tridentate Schiff base complex. Electronically unactivated keto-olefins undergo heteroene reactions at ambient temperature to afford enantioenriched bicyclic alcohols, common structural motifs in natural products. The kinetic resolution of a configurationally stable planar-chiral cyclodecenone is also described.

Degree of conversion of nano-hybrid resin-based composites with novel and conventional matrix formulation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the degree of conversion (DC) of two nano-hybrid resin-based composites (RBCs) with novel monomer composition based on dimer acid derivates (hydrogenated dimer acid) and tricyclodecane-urethane structure compared to three nano-hybrid materials containing conventional matrices. DC was evaluated at 0.1, 2, and 6 mm depth at varying irradiation times (10, 20, and 40 s) and layering techniques (bulk and incremental). MATERIALS AND METHODS: DC was measured in real time by a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrometer with attenuated total reflectance accessory. The FTIR spectra were recorded on the bottom of the samples in real time for 5 min from photoinitiation. Results were compared using one- and multiple-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05), and partial eta-squared statistic. RESULTS: After 5 min of measurement, DC showed no significant difference by varying cure time for specimens of 0.1 mm thickness. At 2 mm depth, the DC significantly increased after a cure time of 20 s compared to 10 s, remaining equal after 40 s of irradiation. At 6 mm depth, bulk curing showed significantly lower DC compared to incremental curing for all polymerization times. Specimen geometry revealed a strong effect on DC (η (2) = 0.90) followed by curing time (η (2) = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: The RBCs containing the dimer acid and tricyclodecane-urethane structure showed a relatively low decrease of DC with increasing incremental thickness compared to the conventionally formulated materials. The former reached the highest DC among the tested materials. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For the tested RBCs, increments of 2 mm and irradiation time of at least 20 s may be recommended for clinical practice. The two materials containing novel monomer composition might be applied for enlarged increments because of the low decrease of DC they demonstrated for 6-mm increments.

The effect of aging on the mechanical properties of nanohybrid composites based on new monomer formulations.

OBJECTIVES: Nanohybrid resin-based composites (RBCs) containing new types of matrix monomers such as dimer acid-based dimethacrylate or tricyclodecane-urethane are assumed to show decreased water uptake and therefore better resistance to hydrolytic degradation than RBCs using bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) due to their hydropobic nature. Our study aimed to analyze the effect of aging on six nanohybrid RBCs, of which two are using these new types of monomers, with regard to differences in the mechanical properties of the materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diametral tensile strength (DTS), Vickers hardness (HV), and creep were measured. Mechanical tests were performed after storing samples for 24 h in distilled water, as well as after aging (thermocycling for 5,000 cycles at 5-55°C and storage for 4 weeks either in distilled water, artificial saliva, or ethanol). RESULTS: The effect of aging on all test parameters was lower than the effect of the material. This information was provided by a general linear model, showing higher partial η(2) values for the influence factor material than for the factor aging. The influence of aging on the micromechanical properties HV and creep was proven to be more sensitive than on the macromechanical property (DTS). This was also illustrated by lower η(2) values for the variable aging for DTS. An increase of the creep of all materials was observed after storage in alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: The use of new types of monomers could not be shown to be a significant advantage to the other examined materials containing BisGMA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nanohybrid composites can be recommended as universal filling materials, whether based on new or conventional monomers.

A new cyclododeca[d]oxazole derivative from Streptomyces spp. CIBYL1.

A novel secondary metabolite, N-trans-cinnamoyl 2-amino-3a,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,13a-dodecahydrocyclododeca[d]oxazole (1), was isolated from Streptomyces spp. CIBYL1, along with five known compounds, pimprinine (2), (3R,4S,5R,6R)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-2H-pyran-2-one (3), indolyl-3-carboxylic acid (4), 2-phenylacetamide (5) and di(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methanone (6). The structures of these metabolites were elucidated on the basis of extensive analysis of spectroscopic data, including OR, IR, HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR data and chemical derivation.

Design and synthesis of diazatricyclodecane agonists of the G-protein-coupled receptor 119.

A series of GPR119 agonists based on a 2,6-diazatricyclo[3.3.1.1∼3,7∼]decane ring system is described. Also provided is a detailed account of the development of a multigram scale synthesis of the diazatricyclic ring system, which was achieved using a Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag reaction as the key step. The basis for the use of this complex framework lies in an attempt to constrain one end of the molecule in the "agonist conformation" as was previously described for 3-oxa-7-aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes. Optimization of carbamate analogues of the diazatricylic compounds led to the identification of 32i as a potent agonist of the GPR119 receptor with low unbound human liver microsomal clearance. The use of an agonist response weighted ligand lipophilic efficiency (LLE) termed AgLLE is discussed along with the issues of applying efficiency measures to agonist programs. Ultimately, solubility limited absorption and poor exposure reduced further interest in these molecules.

Kinetics and products of the reactions of OH radicals with cyclohexene, 1-methyl-1-cyclohexene, cis-cyclooctene, and cis-cyclodecene.

Rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with four C(6)-C(10) cycloalkenes have been measured at 297 ± 2 K using a relative rate technique. The rate constants (in units of 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) were cyclohexene, 6.35 ± 0.12; cis-cyclooctene, 5.16 ± 0.15; cis-cyclodecene, 4.18 ± 0.06; and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexene, 9.81 ± 0.18, where the indicated errors are two least-squares standard deviations and do not include uncertainties in the rate constant for the reference compound 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. In addition, a rate constant of (4.8 ± 1.3) × 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) was derived for the reaction of OH radicals with 1,6-hexanedial, relative to our measured rate constant for OH + cyclohexene. Analyses of products of the OH + cyclohexene, 1-methyl-1-cyclohexene, and cis-cyclooctene reactions by direct air sampling atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry and/or by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed the presence of products attributed to cyclic 1,2-hydroxynitrates and the dicarbonyls 1,6-hexanedial, 6-oxo-heptanal, and 1,8-octanedial, respectively. These dicarbonyl products, which are those formed after decomposition of the intermediate cyclic 1,2-hydroxyalkoxy radicals, were quantified as their dioximes, with molar formation yields of 76 ± 10%, 82 ± 12%, and 84 ± 18% from the cyclohexene, 1-methyl-1-cyclohexene, and cis-cyclooctene reactions, respectively. Combined with literature data concerning 1,2-hydroxynitrate formation from OH + alkenes and the estimated fractions of the overall reactions proceeding by H-atom abstraction, 90 ± 12%, 95 ± 13% and 108 ± 20% of the products or reaction pathways from the OH radical-initiated reactions of cyclohexene, 1-methyl-1-cyclohexene, and cis-cyclooctene in the presence of NO are accounted for.

Lanthanide(III) complexes of 4,10-bis(phosphonomethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid (trans-H6do2a2p) in solution and in the solid state: structural studies along the series.

Complexes of 4,10-bis(phosphonomethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diacetic acid (trans-H(6)do2a2p, H(6)L) with transition metal and lanthanide(III) ions were investigated. The stability constant values of the divalent and trivalent metal-ion complexes are between the corresponding values of H(4)dota and H(8)dotp complexes, as a consequence of the ligand basicity. The solid-state structures of the ligand and of nine lanthanide(III) complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. All the complexes are present as twisted-square-antiprismatic isomers and their structures can be divided into two series. The first one involves nona-coordinated complexes of the large lanthanide(III) ions (Ce, Nd, Sm) with a coordinated water molecule. In the series of Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb, the complexes are octa-coordinated only by the ligand donor atoms and their coordination cages are more irregular. The formation kinetics and the acid-assisted dissociation of several Ln(III)-H(6)L complexes were investigated at different temperatures and compared with analogous data for complexes of other dota-like ligands. The [Ce(L)(H(2)O)](3-) complex is the most kinetically inert among complexes of the investigated lanthanide(III) ions (Ce, Eu, Gd, Yb). Among mixed phosphonate-acetate dota analogues, kinetic inertness of the cerium(III) complexes is increased with a higher number of phosphonate arms in the ligand, whereas the opposite is true for europium(III) complexes. According to the (1)H NMR spectroscopic pseudo-contact shifts for the Ce-Eu and Tb-Yb series, the solution structures of the complexes reflect the structures of the [Ce(HL)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Yb(HL)](2-) anions, respectively, found in the solid state. However, these solution NMR spectroscopic studies showed that there is no unambiguous relation between (31)P/(1)H lanthanide-induced shift (LIS) values and coordination of water in the complexes; the values rather express a relative position of the central ions between the N(4) and O(4) planes.

Effect of molecular weight, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity on the acoustic activation of polymer-shelled ultrasound contrast agents.

Polymer-shelled microbubbles are applied as ultrasound contrast agents. To investigate the effect of the polymer on microbubble preparation and acoustic properties, polylactides with systematic variations in molecular weight, crystallinity, and end-group hydrophobicity were used. Polymer-shelled cyclodecane filled capsules were prepared by emulsification, and the cyclodecane was removed by lyophilization to obtain hollow capsules. Complete removal of cyclodecane from the microcapsules was only achieved for short chain (about M(w) 6000) crystalline polymers. The pressure threshold for acoustic destruction of the microbubbles was found to increase with molecular weight. Noncrystalline polymers showed a higher threshold for destruction than crystalline polymers. Hydrophobically modified short chain crystalline polymers showed the steepest increase in acoustic destruction after the threshold as a function of the applied pressure, which is a favorable characteristic for ultrasound mediated drug delivery. Microcapsules made with such polymers had an inhomogeneous surface including pores through which cyclodecane was lyophilized efficiently.

Oil-filled polymer microcapsules for ultrasound-mediated delivery of lipophilic drugs.

The use of ultrasound contrast agents as local drug delivery systems continues to grow. Current limitations are the amount of drug that can be incorporated as well as the efficiency of drug release upon insonification. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of novel polymeric microcapsules for ultrasound-triggered delivery of lipophilic drugs. Microcapsules with a shell of fluorinated end-capped poly(L-lactic acid) were made through pre-mix membrane emulsification and contained, apart from a gaseous phase, different amounts of hexadecane oil as a drug-carrier reservoir. Mean number weighted diameters were between 1.22 microm and 1.31 microm. High-speed imaging at approximately 10 million fames per second showed that for low acoustic pressures (1 MHz, 0.24 MPa) microcapsules compressed but remained intact. At higher diagnostic pressures of 0.51 MPa, microcapsules cracked, thereby releasing the encapsulated gas and model lipophilic drug. Using conventional ultrasound B-mode imaging at a frequency of 2.5 MHz, a marked enhancement of scatter intensity over a tissue-mimicking phantom was observed for all differently loaded microcapsules. The partially oil-filled microcapsules with high drug loads and well-defined acoustic activation thresholds have great potential for ultrasound-triggered local delivery of lipophilic drugs under ultrasound image-guidance.

Fragrance material review on 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[4.4.0]dec-3-yl acetate.

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[4.4.0]dec-3-yl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.

Fragrance material review on tricyclodecanyl acetate.

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of tricyclodecanyl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.

Fragrance material review on tricyclodecenyl acetate.

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of tricyclodecenyl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.

Fragrance material review on tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-4-en-8-yl acetate.

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-4-en-8-yl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.

Di(azacrown) conjugates of 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides as sequence-selective artificial ribonucleases.

Functionalized 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides bearing two 3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane ligands attached via a phosphodiester linkage to a single non-nucleosidic building block have been prepared on a solid-support by conventional phosphoramidite chemistry. The branching units employed for the purpose include 2,2-bis(3-hydroxypropylaminocarbonyl)propane-1,3-diol, 2-hydroxyethyl 3'-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-beta-D-ribofuranoside, and 2-hydroxyethyl 2'-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-beta-D-ribofuranoside. Each of these has been introduced as a phosphoramidite reagent either into the penultimate 3'-terminal site or in the middle of the oligonucleotide chain. The dinuclear Zn2+ complexes of these conjugates have been shown to exhibit enhanced catalytic activity over their monofunctionalized counterpart, the 3'-terminal conjugate derived from 2-hydroxyethyl 3'-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-beta-D-ribofuranoside being the most efficient cleaving agent. This conjugate cleaves an oligoribonucleotide target at a single phosphodiester bond and shows turnover and 1000-fold cleaving activity compared to the free monomeric Zn2+ chelate of 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane.

Identification of difurocumenonol, a new antimicrobial compound from mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) rhizome.

AIM: The aim of the present work was to purify and characterize potential natural antibacterial compound from mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) rhizome. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mango ginger rhizome powder was sequentially extracted and screened for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method and broth dilution method. Nonpolar extracts of mango ginger showed high antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria with low minimum inhibitory concentration (60-180 ppm). Among five extracts of mango ginger, the chloroform extract demonstrated highest antibacterial activity. Antibacterial activity-guided fractionation of the chloroform extract by repeated silica gel column chromatography yielded pure compound. The purified antibacterial compound was analysed by UV, IR, LC-MS and 2D-HMQCT NMR spectra and was identified as a difurocumenonol, a novel compound not reported previously. CONCLUSIONS: Mango ginger extracts and isolated difurocumenonol demonstrated high antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A novel and natural antibacterial compound as well as mango ginger extracts can be used as food preservative to control the growth of food-borne pathogens and as a source of mango flavour.