Rational Topological Design for Fluorescence Enhancement upon Aggregation of Distyrylfuran Derivatives

A series of 2,5-distyrylfuran derivatives bearing pentafluorophenyl- and cyanovinyl units have been synthesized for aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The effect of the type and extent of the supramolecular connections on the AIE of the furan derivatives were examined and correlated with their X-ray crystal structures. It was found that the simultaneous presence of cyano and perfluorophenyl units strongly enhances the fluorescence upon aggregation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that C — H⋅⋅⋅F, F⋅⋅⋅F, C — H⋅⋅⋅nitrile, Ar⋅⋅⋅ArF (Ar=aryl, ArF=fluoroaryl), and nitrile⋅⋅⋅ArF intra- and intermolecular interactions drive the topology of the molecule and that solid-state supramolecular contacts favor AIE of the furan derivatives

Topological and packing mode modification for solid-state emission enhancement of bis(perfluorostyryl)furan derivatives

An unsymmetric bis(perfluorostyryl)furan with a cyanovinyl unit was prepared (F1). Its crystallographic structure was resolved along with its cyano vinylene (1) and unsubstituted (2) aldehyde precursors. F1 was found to form ribbons involving C–H⋯F interactions, while also having multiple intermolecular contacts, including C–F⋯Fπ and π–π interactions. These contacts also occurred when F1 aggregated in 9 : 1 water/THF mixtures. When the supramolecular contacts are engaged, the emission intensity of F1 increases, with absolute emission yields of 9 and 25% occurring in aggregates and powder, respectively

Hybridization, ecological races and the nature of species: empirical evidence for the ease of speciation

Species are generally viewed by evolutionists as ‘real’ distinct entities in nature, making speciation appear difficult. Charles Darwin had originally promoted a very different uniformitarian view that biological species were continuous with ‘varieties’ below the level of species and became distinguishable from them only when divergent natural selection led to gaps in the distribution of morphology. This Darwinian view on species came under immediate attack, and the consensus among evolutionary biologists today appears to side more with the ideas of Ernst Mayr and Theodosius Dobzhansky, who argued 70 years ago that Darwin was wrong about species. Here, I show how recent genetic studies of supposedly well-behaved animals, such as insects and vertebrates, including our own species, have supported the existence of the Darwinian continuum between varieties and species. Below the level of species, there are well-defined ecological races, while above the level of species, hybridization still occurs, and may often lead to introgression and, sometimes, hybrid speciation. This continuum is evident, not only across vast geographical regions, but also locally in sympatry. The existence of this continuum provides good evidence for gradual evolution of species from ecological races and biotypes, to hybridizing species and, ultimately, to species that no longer cross. Continuity between varieties and species not only provides an excellent argument against creationism, but also gives insight into the process of speciation. The lack of a hiatus between species and ecological races suggests that speciation may occur, perhaps frequently, in sympatry, and the abundant intermediate stages suggest that it is happening all around us. Speciation is easy

Study and suppression of anomalous fast events in inorganic scintillators for dark matter searches

The status of dark matter searches with inorganic scintillator detectors at Boulby mine is reviewed and the results of tests with a CsI(Tl) crystal are presented. The objectives of the latter experiment were to study anomalous fast events previously observed and to identify ways to remove this background. Clear indications were found that these events were due to surface contamination of crystals by alphas, probably from radon decay. A new array of unencapsulated NaI(Tl) crystals immersed either in liquid paraffin or pure nitrogen atmosphere is under construction at Boulby. Such an approach allows complete control of the surface of the crystals and the ability to remove any surface contamination. First data from the unencapsulated NaI(Tl) do not show the presence of anomalous fast events.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

Birbeck Granules Are Subdomains of Endosomal Recycling Compartment in Human Epidermal Langerhans Cells, Which Form Where Langerin Accumulates

Birbeck granules are unusual rod-shaped structures specific to epidermal Langerhans cells, whose origin and function remain undetermined. We investigated the intracellular location and fate of Langerin, a protein implicated in Birbeck granule biogenesis, in human epidermal Langerhans cells. In the steady state, Langerin is predominantly found in the endosomal recycling compartment and in Birbeck granules. Langerin internalizes by classical receptor-mediated endocytosis and the first Birbeck granules accessible to endocytosed Langerin are those connected to recycling endosomes in the pericentriolar area, where Langerin accumulates. Drug-induced inhibition of endocytosis results in the appearance of abundant open-ended Birbeck granule-like structures appended to the plasma membrane, whereas inhibition of recycling induces Birbeck granules to merge with a tubular endosomal network. In mature Langerhans cells, Langerin traffic is abolished and the loss of internal Langerin is associated with a concomitant depletion of Birbeck granules. Our results demonstrate an exchange of Langerin between early endosomal compartments and the plasma membrane, with dynamic retention in the endosomal recycling compartment. They show that Birbeck granules are not endocytotic structures, rather they are subdomains of the endosomal recycling compartment that form where Langerin accumulates. Finally, our results implicate ADP-ribosylation factor proteins in Langerin trafficking and the exchange between Birbeck granules and other endosomal membranes