Predicting the bioconcentration factor through a conformation-independent QSPR study.

The ANTARES dataset is a large collection of known and verified experimental bioconcentration factor data, involving 851 highly heterogeneous compounds from which 159 are pesticides. The BCF ANTARES data were used to derive a conformation-independent QSPR model. A large set of 27,017 molecular descriptors was explored, with the main intention of capturing the most relevant structural characteristics affecting the studied property. The structural descriptors were derived with different freeware tools, such as PaDEL, Epi Suite, CORAL, Mold2, RECON, and QuBiLs-MAS, and so it was interesting to find out the way that the different descriptor tools complemented each other in order to improve the statistical quality of the established QSPR. The best multivariable linear regression models were found with the Replacement Method variable sub-set selection technique. The proposed QSPR model improves previous reported models of the bioconcentration factor in the present dataset.

QSPR study on refractive indices of solvents commonly used in polymer chemistry using flexible molecular descriptors.

A predictive Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) for the refractive indices of 370 solvents commonly used in the processing and analysis of polymers is presented, using as chemical information descriptors the simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES). The model employs a flexible molecular descriptor and a conformation-independent approach. Various well-known techniques, such as the use of an external test set of compounds, the cross-validation method, and Y-randomization were used to test and validate the established equations. The predicted values were finally compared with published results from the literature. The simple model proposed correlates the refractive index values with good accuracy, and it is not dependent on 3D-molecular geometries.

Sulfide-binding hemoglobins: Effects of mutations on active-site flexibility.

The dynamics of Hemoglobin I (HbI) from the clam Lucina pectinata, from wild-type sperm whale (SW) myoglobin, and from the L29F/H64Q/V68F triple mutant of SW, both unligated and bound to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), have been studied in molecular dynamics simulations. Features that account for differences in H2S affinity among the three have been examined. Our results verify the existence of an unusual heme rocking motion in unligated HbI that can promote the entrance of large ligands such as H2S. The FQF-mutant partially reproduces the amplitude and relative orientation of the motion of HbI's heme group. Therefore, besides introducing favorable electrostatic interactions with H2S, the three mutations in the distal pocket change the dynamic properties of the heme group. The active-site residues Gln-64(E7), Phe-43(CD1), and His-93(F8) are also shown to be more flexible in unligated HbI than in FQF-mutant and SW. Further contributions to H2S affinity come from differences in hydrogen bonding between the heme propionate groups and nearby amino acid residues.

(E,Z)-2-(2-chloro-5-nitrostyryl)-1-(1-propenyl)benzimidazole.

The title compound, C18H14ClN3O2, was synthesized by the condensation of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzaldehyde with 2-methyl-1-propenylbenzimidazole, and the molecule comprises a 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzene and a 1-(Z)-propenylbenzimidazole. The two aromatic moieties are conjugated through the vinyl group. The dihedral angle between the two rings is 1.4(6) degrees. The propenyl group lies out of the benzimidazole plane with a dihedral angle of 112.9(9) degrees.