Communication: Unusual structure and transport in ionic liquid-hexane mixtures
Abstract not provided
Liang, Min↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “MAGNETIC RESONANCE”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Effect of epoxidation on 30% poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber polymer electrolytes
Epoxidized 30% poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (EMG 30) as a polymer host in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has been investigated. EMG30 was synthesized via performicepoxidation method onto 30% poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (MG30) and the formations of epoxy group were discussed. The EMG30 were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 1}HNMR) to investigate their chemical structure and differential scanning calorimeter to determine their crystallinity. A new peak in {sup 1}HNMR spectra (2.71 ppm) confirmed the appearance of epoxy group. SPE based on EMG30 doped with 40 wt% LiCF{sub 3}SO{sub 3} show the highest conductivity. The complexation between EMG30 and LiCF{sub 3}SO{sub 3} were confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Thermally activated nucleation and growth of cobalt and nickel oxide nanoparticles on porous silica
Integrating mesoscale to the molecular level understanding of nanoparticle nucleation phenomena can drive the bottom-up synthesis approach for target applications. In this work, we studied the thermal evolution of cobalt and nickel oxide nanoparticle structural phases on porous silica host from over wide spatial scale using multi-modal analysis involving scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), X-ray absorption (XANES) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies along with density functional theory (DFT) based calculations. The TEM analysis reveals thermally activated nanoparticle clustering and subsequent interaction with the porous host material. The Co and Ni K-edge XANES spectra revealed the evolution from metal hydroxide to metal oxide and subsequently metal silicate composites with calcinination temperature. 29 Si NMR analysis revealed the role of surface functional groups of silica host for silicate composite formation which is corroborated by DFT studies.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Synthesis of lithium cobalt oxide by single-step soft hydrothermal method
Lithium cobalt double oxide LiCoO{sub 2} was synthesized at 220 Degree-Sign C by soft hydrothermal method using Co(OH){sub 2} and LiOH as precursors, LiOH/NaOH as mineralizers and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} as oxidant. The soft hydrothermal synthesis method offers the dual advantage of a much lower synthesis time and a higher purity in comparison with other synthesis methods. The compound was identified by X-ray diffraction and its purity was checked by magnetic and electron magnetic resonance measurements. The grain morphology was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and an exponential growth of particle size with synthesis time was observed. - Graphical abstract: Concave cuboctohedrons obtained after 60 h reaction time. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An optimized soft hydrothermal method for a fast synthesis of high purity LiCoO{sub 2} compound is reported. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Both lamellar and cuboctahedral particles could be stabilized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Secondary phases content is lower than 0.1%. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Close to surface defects were evidenced using EMR.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
A microstructural analysis of isoprenol ether-based polycarboxylates and the impact of structural motifs on the dispersing effectiveness
Generally, polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) are synthesized via aqueous free radical copolymerization. The conditions during copolymerization such as relative reactivity and feeding mode and ratio of monomers can cause different monomer sequences in the final product. In this study, the sequence of monomers in PCE polymers synthesized from acrylic acid and isoprenyloxy polyethylene glycol (IPEG) macromonomer was characterized by {sup 13}C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Three different triads of monomer sequences (EAE, AAE and AAA; E = ether, A = acid monomer) were detected. It was found that IPEG PCEs predominantly contain the structural motifs of AAE and EAE, and less of AAA. Higher additions of acrylic acid do not incorporate into the structure of PCE, but convert to HMW polyacrylate as by-product instead. A PCE with optimal dispersing effectiveness was achieved at high contents of IPEG macromonomer, a molecular weight (M{sub w}) around 40,000 Da and narrow molecular weight distribution.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Elucidating Tricin-Lignin Structures: Assigning Correlations in HSQC Spectra of Monocot Lignins
Tricin [5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one] is a flavone that has been found to be incorporated in grass lignin polymers via 4′–O–β coupling. Herein, we investigated the tricin-lignin structure using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods by comparing the 1H–13C heteronuclear correlation (HSQC) NMR spectra of the isolated lignin with a series of dimeric and trimeric tricin-4′–O–β-ether model compounds. Results showed that the tricin moiety significantly affects the chemical shift of the Cβ/Hβ of 4′–O–β unit, producing peaks at around δC/δH 82.5–83.5/4.15–4.45, that differ from the Cβ/Hβ correlations from normal 4–O–β units formed solely by monolignols, and that have to date been unassigned.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
The E2-25K ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain aids in polyubiquitin chain synthesis and linkage specificity
Research highlights: {yields} We examine the role of a ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain in an E2 enzyme. {yields} The E2-25K UBA domain directs polyubiquitin chain linkage specificity. {yields} The E2-25K UBA domain regulates length of polyubiquitin chains synthesized. -- Abstract: E2-25K is an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme with the ability to synthesize Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chains. E2-25K and its homologs represent the only known E2 enzymes which contain a C-terminal ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain as well as the conserved catalytic ubiquitin-conjugating (UBC) domain. As an additional non-covalent binding surface for ubiquitin, the UBA domain must provide some functional specialization. We mapped the protein-protein interface involved in the E2-25K UBA/ubiquitin complex by solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and subsequently modeled the structure of the complex. Domain-domain interactions between the E2-25K catalytic UBC domain and the UBA domain do not induce significant structural changes in the UBA domain or alter the affinity of the UBA domain for ubiquitin. We determined that one of the roles of the C-terminal UBA domain, in the context of E2-25K, is to increase processivity in Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chain synthesis, possibly through increased binding to the ubiquitinated substrate. Additionally, we see evidence that the UBA domain directs specificity in polyubiquitin chain linkage.
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
On the magnetic anisotropy and nuclear relaxivity effects of Co and Ni doping in iron oxide nanoparticles
We report a systematic experimental study of the evolution of the magnetic and relaxometric properties as a function of metal (Co, Ni) doping in iron oxide nanoparticles. A set of five samples, having the same size and ranging from stoichiometric cobalt ferrite (CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) to stoichiometric nickel ferrite (NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) with intermediate doping steps, was ad hoc synthesized. Using both DC and AC susceptibility measurements, the evolution of the magnetic anisotropy depending on the doping is qualitatively discussed. In particular, we observed that the height of the magnetic anisotropy barrier is directly proportional to the amount of Co, while the Ni has an opposite effect. By Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Dispersion (NMR-D) experiments, the experimental longitudinal r{sub 1} and transverse r{sub 2} relaxivity profiles were obtained, and the heuristic theory of Roch et al. was used to analyze the data of both r{sub 1} and, for the first time, r{sub 2}. While the experimental and fitting results obtained from r{sub 1} profiles were satisfying and confirmed the anisotropy trend, the model applied to r{sub 2} hardly explains the experimental findings.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Synthesis and structure of a new layered oxyfluoride Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F with photocatalytic property
Highlights: • A new oxyfluoride compound Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F was prepared by a solid state route. • The structure of this compound was determined by GSAS program based on XRD data. • The photocatalytic property was investigated under UV irradiation. - Abstract: A new Ruddlesden–Popper type scandium oxyfluoride, Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F, was synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction route. The detailed structure of Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The disorder distribution pattern of fluorine anions was determined by the {sup 19}F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. The compound crystallizes in a K{sub 2}NiF{sub 4}-type tetragonal structure (space group I4/mmm) with O/F anions disordered over the apical sites of the perovskite-type Sc(O,F){sub 6} octahedron layers interleaved with strontium cations. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflection spectrum of the prepared Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F indicates that it has an absorption in the UV–vis region. The photocatalytic activity of Sr{sub 2}ScO{sub 3}F was further investigated, showing an effective photodegradation of Rhodamine-B (RB) within 2 h under UV light irradiation.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Quantum Chemistry Calculations for Metabolomics
A primary goal of metabolomics and exposomics studies is to fully characterize the small molecule composition of complex biological and environmental samples. However, despite advances in analytical technologies over the past two decades, the majority of small molecules in complex samples are not readily identifiable due to the immense structural and chemical diversi-ty present within the metabolome and exposome. Current gold-standard identification methods rely on reference libraries built using authentic chemical materials (“standards”), which are not available for most molecules. Computational quantum chemis-try methods, which can be used to calculate chemical properties that are then measured by analytical platforms, offer an alter-native route for building reference libraries, i.e., in silico libraries for “standards-free” identification. In this review, we cover the major roadblocks currently facing metabolomics and discuss applications where quantum chemistry calculations offer a solu-tion. Several successful examples for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ion mobility spectrometry, infrared spectros-copy, and mass spectrometry methods are reviewed. Finally, we consider current best practices, sources of error, and provide an outlook for quantum chemistry calculations in metabolomics and exposomics studies. We expect this review will inspire researchers in the field of small molecule identification to accelerate adoption of in silico methods for generation of reference libraries and to add quantum chemistry calculations as another tool at their disposal to characterize complex samples.
Metabolism↗
Structure and Stability of Hexa-Aqua V(III) Cations in Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Electrolytes
The Vanadium (III) cation structure in mixed acid based electrolyte solution from vanadium redox flow batteries were studied by 17O and 35/37Cl Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) based computational modeling. Both computational and experimental results reveals that the V(III) species can complex with counter anions (sulfate/chlorine) 10 depend on the composition of its solvation sphere. By analyzing the powder precipitate it was found that the formation of sulfate complexed V(III) species is the crucial process in the precipitation reaction. The precipitation occurs through nucleation of neutral species formed through deprotonation and ion-pair formation process. However, the powder precipitate shows a multiphase nature which warrants multiple reaction pathways for precipitation reaction.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Management of Lumbar Spondylolysis in Athletes: Role of Imaging
Purpose of review: Spondylolysis is a broad term, with advances in imaging enabling more accurate diagnosis of the activity and severity of a lesion. This review discusses the role of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis and management of lumbar spondylolysis in athletes. Recent Findings: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has diagnostic and practical advantages over other imaging modalities and is particularly useful for detecting early stages of bone stress, including pre-symptomatic screening for active lumbar bone stress injuries. Whilst computed tomography remains the best imaging technique to visualise cortical breaches, specialised MRI sequences offer a viable alternative to detect active bone stress and chronic non-united defects. Summary: Imaging provides important information for the clinical management of athletes with lumbar spondylolysis. Roles for imaging, in particular MRI, include: (a) proactive screening and early detection, (b) diagnosis of a symptomatic lesion and (c) monitor healing and readiness to return to sport.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
Structure/Function Implications in a Dynamic Complex of the Intrinsically Disordered Sic1 with the Cdc4 Subunit of an SCF Ubiquitin Ligase
Intrinsically disordered proteins can form highly dynamic complexes with partner proteins. One such dynamic complex involves the intrinsically disordered Sic1 with its partner Cdc4 in regulation of yeast cell cycle progression. Phosphorylation of six N-terminal Sic1 sites leads to equilibrium engagement of each phosphorylation site with the primary binding pocket in Cdc4, the substrate recognition subunit of a ubiquitin ligase. ENSEMBLE calculations using experimental nuclear magnetic resonance and small-angle X-ray scattering data reveal significant transient structure in both phosphorylation states of the isolated ensembles (Sic1 and pSic1) that modulates their electrostatic potential, suggesting a structural basis for the proposed strong contribution of electrostatics to binding. A structural model of the dynamic pSic1-Cdc4 complex demonstrates the spatial arrangements in the ubiquitin ligase complex. These results provide a physical picture of a protein that is predominantly disordered in both its free and bound states, enabling aspects of its structure/function relationship to be elucidated.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
A Variable Light Domain Fluorogen Activating Protein Homodimerizes To Activate Dimethylindole Red
Novel fluorescent tools such as green fluorescent protein analogues and fluorogen activating proteins (FAPs) are useful in biological imaging for tracking protein dynamics in real time with a low fluorescence background. FAPs are single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) selected from a yeast surface display library that produce fluorescence upon binding a specific dye or fluorogen that is normally not fluorescent when present in solution. FAPs generally consist of human immunoglobulin variable heavy (V{sub H}) and variable light (V{sub L}) domains covalently attached via a glycine- and serine-rich linker. Previously, we determined that the yeast surface clone, V{sub H}-V{sub L} M8, could bind and activate the fluorogen dimethylindole red (DIR) but that the fluorogen activation properties were localized to the M8V{sub L} domain. We report here that both nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction methods indicate the M8V{sub L} forms noncovalent, antiparallel homodimers that are the fluorogen activating species. The M8V{sub L} homodimers activate DIR by restriction of internal rotation of the bound dye. These structural results, together with directed evolution experiments with both V{sub H}-V{sub L} M8 and M8V{sub L}, led us to rationally design tandem, covalent homodimers of M8V{sub L} domains joined by a flexible linker that have a high affinity for DIR and good quantum yields.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
From sequence to protein structure and conformational dynamics with artificial intelligence/machine learning
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded in part for de novo protein structure prediction using AlphaFold2, an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) model trained on vast amounts of sequence and three-dimensional structure data. AlphaFold2 and related models, including RoseTTAFold and ESMFold, employ specialized neural network architectures driven by attention mechanisms to infer relationships between sequence and structure. At a fundamental level, these AI/ML models operate on the long-standing hypothesis that the structure of a protein is determined by its amino acid sequence. More recently, AlphaFold2 has been adapted for the prediction of multiple protein conformations by subsampling multiple sequence alignments. Herein, we provide an overview of the deterministic relationship between sequence and structure, which was hypothesized over half a century ago with profound implications for the biological sciences ever since. We postulate that protein conformational dynamics are also determined, at least in part, by amino acid sequence and that this relationship may be leveraged for construction of AI/ML models dedicated to predicting protein conformational ensembles. Accordingly, we describe a conceptual model architecture, which may be trained on sequence data in combination with conformationally sensitive structural information, coming primarily from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Notwithstanding certain limitations in this context, NMR offers abundant structural heterogeneity conducive to conformational ensemble prediction. As NMR and other data continue to accumulate, sequence-informed prediction of protein structural dynamics with AI/ML has the potential to emerge as a transformative capability across the biological sciences.
Artificial intelligence↗
Novel candidate genes for lignin structure identified through genome-wide association study of naturally varying Populus trichocarpa
Populus is a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for biofuels and bioproducts. However, the cell wall biopolymer lignin is a major barrier in conversion of biomass to biofuels. To investigate the variability and underlying genetic basis of the complex structure of lignin, a population of 409 three-year-old, naturally varying Populus trichocarpa genotypes were characterized by heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A subsequent genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using approximately 8.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which identified 756 genes that were significantly associated (−log 10 ( p -value)>6) with at least one lignin phenotype. Several promising candidate genes were identified, many of which have not previously been reported to be associated with lignin or cell wall biosynthesis. These results provide a resource for gaining insights into the molecular mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis and new targets for future genetic improvement in poplar.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
New generation NMR bioreactor coupled with high-resolution NMR spectroscopy leads to novel discoveries in Moorella thermoaceticum metabolic profiles
An in-situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) bioreactor was developed and employed to monitor microbial metabolism under batch-growth conditions in real time. We selected Moorella thermoacetica ATCC 49707 as a test case. M. thermoacetica (formerly Clostridium thermoaceticum) is a strictly anaerobic, thermophilic, acetogenic, gram-positive bacterium with potential for industrial production of chemicals. The metabolic profiles of M. thermoacetica were characterized during growth in batch mode on xylose (a component of lignocellulosic biomass) using the new generation NMR bioreactor in combination with high-resolution, high sensitivity NMR (HR-NMR) spectroscopy. In-situ NMR measurements were performed using water-suppressed H-1 NMR spectroscopy at an NMR frequency of 500 MHz, and aliquots of the bioreactor contents were taken for 600 MHz HR-NMR spectroscopy at specific intervals to confirm metabolite identifications and expand metabolite coverage. M. thermoacetica demonstrated the metabolic potential to produce formate, ethanol and methanol from xylose, in addition to its known capability of producing acetic acid. Real-time monitoring of bioreactor conditions showed a temporary pH decrease, with a concomitant increase in formic acid during exponential growth. Fermentation experiments performed outside of the magnet showed that the strong magnetic field employed for NMR detection did not significantly affect cell metabolism. Use of the in-situ NMR bioreactor facilitated monitoring of the fermentation process in real time, enabling identification of intermediate and end-point metabolites and their correlation with pH and biomass produced during culture growth. Real-time monitoring of culture metabolism using the NMR bioreactor in combination with the HR-NMR spectroscopy will allow optimization of the metabolism of microorganisms producing valuable bioproducts.
Bioproducts↗
Carbonation of model cement pastes: The mineralogical origin of microstructural changes and shrinkage
This study explored the reactive processes of atmospheric carbonation and the consequences with respect to cementitious materials. Two model pastes were used: hydrated C{sub 3}S (including C-S-H and portlandite) and a paste prepared by hydrating a blend of C{sub 3}S and nanosilica (including C-S-H only). The two pastes were carbonated under accelerated conditions in the laboratory. The resulting mineralogical assemblage was examined using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance. The microstructural changes were studied by X-ray tomography and porosimetry, and their macroscopic impacts were evaluated through gas diffusion and shrinkage measurements. The use of model pastes allowed for the evaluation of the change in solid volume induced by the carbonation of C-S-H. C-S-H decalcification and subsequent silica chain polymerisation were found responsible for carbonation shrinkage (and potentially cracking). Finally, the results highlight the protective role of portlandite: portlandite helped in limiting C-S-H decalcification and then reducing carbonation shrinkage and cracking.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗