Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus atrophaeus spores on different surfaces with ultraviolet light produced with a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or light emitting diodes.

AIMS: To obtain quantitative efficacy data of two ultraviolet light (UVC) technologies for surface inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Ames and Bacillus atrophaeus spores. METHODS AND RESULTS: Spores were deposited onto test coupons and controls of four different materials, via liquid suspension or aerosol deposition. The test coupons were then exposed to UVC light from either a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or a system comprised of light emitting diodes, with a range of dosages. Positive controls were held at ambient conditions and not exposed to UVC light. Following exposure to UVC, spores were recovered from the coupons and efficacy was quantified in terms of log10 reduction (LR) in the number of viable spores compared to that from positive controls. CONCLUSIONS: Decontamination efficacy varied by material and UVC dosage (efficacy up to 5·7 LR was demonstrated). There was no statistical difference in efficacy between the two species or between inoculation methods. Efficacy improved for the LED lamp at lower relative humidity, but this effect was not observed with the mercury vapor lamp. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study will be useful in determining whether UVC could be used for the inactivation of B. anthracis spores on different surface types.

Base pairs with 5-chloroorotic acid and comparison with the natural nucleobase. Structural and spectroscopic study, and three suggested antiviral modified nucleosides.

A structural and spectroscopic study of 5-chloroorotic acid (5-ClOA) biomolecule was carried out by IR and FT-Raman and the results obtained were compared to those achieved in 5-fluoroorotic acid and 5-aminoorotic acid compounds. The structures of all possible tautomeric forms were determined using DFT and MP2 methods. To know the tautomer form present in the solid state, the crystal unit cell was optimized through dimer and tetramer forms in several tautomeric forms. The keto form was confirmed through an accurate assignment of all the bands. For this purpose, an additional improvement in the theoretical spectra was carried out using linear scaling equations (LSE) and polynomic equations (PSE) deduced from uracil molecule. Base pairs with uracil, thymine and cytosine nucleobases were optimized and compared to the natural Watson-Crick (WC) pairs. The counterpoise (CP) corrected interaction energies of the base pairs were also calculated. Three nucleosides were optimized based on 5-ClOA as nucleobase, and their corresponding WC pairs with adenosine. These modified nucleosides were inserted in DNA:DNA and RNA:RNA microhelices, which were optimized. The position of the -COOH group in the uracil ring of these microhelices interrupts the DNA/RNA helix formation. Because of the special characteristic of these molecules they can be used as antiviral drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Base pairs with 4-amino-3-nitrobenzonitrile: comparison with the natural WC pairs. Dimer and tetramer forms, Infrared and Raman spectra, and several proposed antiviral modified nucleosides.

Base pairs of 4-amino-3-nitrobenzonitrile (4A-3NBN) molecule with uracil, thymine and cytosine nucleobases were optimized and compared to natural Watson-Crick (WC) pairs. The slightly greater flexibility of the -NO2 group of 4A-3NBN than the N3-H group of the natural nucleobases together with a noticeable higher dipole moment of its pairs can facilitate disruption of the DNA/RNA helix formation. Several new mutagenic modified nucleosides with 4A-3NBN and 3-amino-2-nitrobenzonitrile (3A-2NBN) were proposed as antiviral prodrugs and their base pairs optimized. The special characteristics of these prodrugs appear appropriated for their clinical use. The counterpoise (CP) corrected interaction energies of the base pairs were calculated and compared to the natural ones. The M06-2X DFT method was used for this purpose. The molecular structure of 4A-3NBN was analyzed in detail and the crystal unit cell was simulated by a tetramer form and eight dimer forms. The performance of the B3LYP, X3LYP and M06-2X methods was tested on the vibrational wavenumbers in the monomer, dimer and tetramer forms of 4A-3NBN. The observed IR and Raman bands were assigned according to the optimum dimer II form determined by B3LYP and by the tetramer form calculated by M06-2X, which is the expected unit cell that forms the crystal net. The two best scaling procedures were used.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effect of bromine atom on the different tautomeric forms of microhydrated 5-bromouracil, in the DNA:RNA microhelix and in the interaction with human proteins.

This study focuses on the effects of the bromine atom on the molecular structure parameters in the main tautomeric forms of 5-bromouracil (5BrU), and as well, its effect on hydration and on the Watson-Crick (WC) pairs as compared to uracil molecule. The influence of the bromine atom was studied in several environments. The hydration effect on the molecular structure and energies of the main tautomeric forms of 5BrU was analyzed by considering a variable number of water molecules in explicit form up to 30 to simulate the first and second hydration shells. The 'mutagenic' 2-hydroxy-4-oxo (U2) enol tautomer of 5BrU, but not of uracil, was absolutely favored over the keto form in clusters with more than 20 water molecules. For all calculations, B3LYP and M06-2X Methods were used. The effect of the bromine atom when it was inserted into the natural and reverse WC pairs uridine-adenosine was also determined, and counterpoise (CP) corrected interaction energies were calculated. The effect of the bromine atom was analyzed in several DNA:RNA hybrid microhelices. Different backbone and helical parameters were calculated and compared. The bromine atom destabilizes its base pair, with a remarkable increase in the rise parameter (Dz) corresponding to the microhelix, and to a slight increase in the diameter (d). Molecular docking calculations were also carried out with 5BrU for targeted proteins associated with diabetes, hepatocellular carcinoma and breast and lung cancers. The molecular docking analysis confirms that the 5BrU molecule may play an important role as a promising inhibitor against breast cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 5-chlorocytosine: Solid state simulation and tautomerism. Effect of the chlorine substitution in the Watson-Crick base pair 5-chlorodeoxycytidine-deoxyguanosine.

The laser Raman and IR spectra of 5-chlorocytosine have been recorded and accurately assigned in the solid state using Density functional calculations (DFT) together with the linear scaling equation procedure (LSE) and the solid state simulation of the crystal unit cell through a tetramer form. These results remarkably improve those reported previously by other authors. Several new scaling equations were proposed to be used in related molecules. The six main tautomers of the biomolecule 5-chlorocytosine were determined and optimized at the MP2 and CCSD levels, using different basis sets. The relative stabilities were compared with those obtained in cytosine and their 5-halo derivatives. Several relationships between energies, geometric parameters and NBO atomic charges were established. The effect of the chlorine substitution in the fifth position was evaluated through the stability of the Watson-Crick (WC) base pair of 5-chlorodeoxycytidine with deoxyguanosine, and through their vibrational spectra.

Effect of the sulphur atom on geometry and spectra of the biomolecule 2-thiouracil and in the WC base pair 2-thiouridine-adenosine. Influence of water in the first hydration shell.

The effect of the sulphur atom on 2-thiouracil (2TU) and 2-thiouridine molecules, as compared with uracil and uridine molecules, respectively, was carried out in several environments. The predicted IR spectrum of 2TU in the isolated state was compared with that obtained for uracil molecule and with those reported experimentally in matrix isolation. Its crystal unit cell in the solid state was simulated through a tetramer form using DFT methods for the first time. The calculated Raman spectrum was compared to the experimental ones in the solid state. A linear scaling procedure was used for this task. The first hydration shell was simulated by explicit number of water molecules surrounding 2TU up to 30 and was compared with that obtained in uracil molecule. Water molecules 'distributed' around 2TU was preferred over that 'clustering', because it can better reproduce the hydration and their effects on different parameters of the molecular structure of 2TU and uracil. The total atomic charges and several calculated thermodynamic parameters were discussed. The effect of the sulphur atom on the Watson-Crick (WC) and reverse WC base pair uridine-adenosine was estimated, and the CP corrected interaction energies were calculated. 2-thiouridine has a weaker WC pair than that with uridine, although its slight higher dipole moment (µ) facilitates the interaction with the water molecules. Several helical parameters were determined.

Quantum chemical computations, vibrational spectroscopic analysis and antimicrobial studies of 2,3-Pyrazinedicarboxylic acid.

Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at B3PW91 level with 6-311G (d) basis sets were carried out for 2,3-Pyrazinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) to analyze in detail the equilibrium geometries and vibrational spectra. Calculations reveal that the optimized geometry closely resembles the experimental XRD data. Vibrational spectra were analyzed on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED) of each vibrational mode, which provides quantitative as well as qualitative interpretation of IR and Raman spectra. Information about size, shape, charge density distribution and site of chemical reactivity of the molecule were obtained by mapping electron density isosurface with the electrostatic potential surface (ESP). Based on optimized ground state geometries, NBO analysis was performed to study donor-acceptor (bond-antibond) interactions. TD-DFT analysis was also performed to calculate energies, oscillator strength of electronic singlet-singlet transitions and the absorption wavelengths. The (13)C and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of the molecule in the ground state were calculated by gauge independent atomic orbital (GIAO) method and compared with the experimental values. PDCA was screened for its antimicrobial activity and found to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial effects. Molecular docking was also performed for the different receptors.

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra, MEP and HOMO-LUMO of 2,5-dichlorobenzonitrile: DFT study.

The experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 2,5-dichlorobenzonitrile molecule were recorded at room temperature, and the results compared with quantum chemical theoretical values using MP2 and DFT methods. Molecular geometry, vibrational wavenumbers and thermodynamic parameters were calculated. With the help of specific scaling procedures for the computed wavenumbers, the experimentally observed FTIR and FT-Raman bands were analyzed and assigned to different normal modes of the molecule. Most of the modes have wavenumbers in the expected range and the error obtained was in general very low. Several general conclusions were deduced. The NBO analysis has been done and Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) has been plotted.

Alteromonas prolidase for organophosphorus G-agent decontamination.

Enzymes catalyzing the hydrolysis of highly toxic organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are classified as organophosphorus acid anhydrolases (OPAA; EC 3.1.8.2). Recently, the genes encoding OPAA from two species of Alteromonas were cloned and sequenced. Sequence and biochemical analyses of the cloned genes and enzymes have established Alteromonas OPAAs to be prolidases (E.C. 3.4.13.9), a type of dipeptidase hydrolyzing dipeptides with a prolyl residue in the carboxyl-terminal position (X-Pro). Alteromonas prolidases hydrolyze a broad range of G-type chemical warfare (CW) nerve agents. Efforts to over-produce a prolidase from A. sp.JD6.5 with the goal of developing strategies for long-term storage and decontamination have been successfully achieved. Large-scale production of this G-agent degrading enzyme is now feasible with the availability of an over-producing recombinant cell line. Use of this enzyme for development of a safe and non-corrosive decontamination system is discussed.

Quantum chemical predictions of the vibrational spectra of polyatomic molecules. The uracil molecule and two derivatives.

This work describes the different scaling procedures used to correct the quantum-chemical theoretical predictions of the IR and Raman vibrational wavenumbers. Examples of each case are shown, with special attention to the uracil molecule and some derivatives. The results obtained with different semiempirical and ab initio methods, and basis sets, are compared and discussed. A comprehensive compendium of the main scale factors and scaling equations available to obtain the scaled wavenumbers is also shown.

3,5-Difluorobenzonitrile: ab initio calculations, FTIR and Raman spectra.

Geometry, vibrational wavenumbers and several thermodynamic parameters were calculated using ab initio quantum chemical methods for the 3,5-difluorobenzonitrile molecule. The results were compared with the experimental values. With the help of three specific scaling procedures, the observed vibrational wavenumbers in FTIR and Raman spectra were analysed and assigned to different normal modes of the molecule. Most of the modes have wavenumbers in the expected range and the error obtained was in general very low. Using PEDs the contributions were determined for the different modes to each wavenumber. From the PED, it is apparent that the frequency corresponding to C[triple bond]N stretching contains 87% contribution from the C[triple bond]N stretching force constant and it mixes with the C-CN stretching mode 13 to the extent of 12%. Other general conclusions were also deduced.

Vibrational frequencies and structure of 2-thiouracil by Hartree-Fock, post-Hartree-Fock and density functional methods.

Vibrational study of the biomolecule 2-thiouracil was carried out. Ab initio and density functional calculations were performed to assign the experimental spectra. A comparison with the uracil molecule was made, and specific scale factors were deduced and employed in the predicted frequencies of 2-thiouracil. Several scaling procedures were used. The geometry structure of the molecule was determined. The effect of sulfur substitution at C2 position in the uracil molecule, on the N1-H and N3-H frequencies and intensities reflects changes in proton donor abilities of these groups. Calculations with the 6-31 G** basis set with HF and DFT methods appear in general to be useful for interpretation of the general features of the IR and Raman spectra of the molecule. Using specific scale factors a very small error was obtained. The use of these specific scale factors resolve and correct some of the controversial assignments in the literature.

Ab initio calculations, FTIR and raman spectra of 2,3-difluorobenzonitrile.

Geometry, vibrational frequencies, atomic charges and several thermodynamic parameters (the total energy, the zero point energy, the rotational constants and the room temperature entropy) were calculated using ab initio quantum chemical methods for 2,3-difluorobenzonitrile molecule. The results were compared with experimental values. With the help of two specific scaling procedures, observed FTIR and Raman vibrational frequencies were analysed and assigned to different normal modes of the molecule. The error obtained was in general very low. Other general conclusions have also been deduced.

Laser Raman and IR spectra and force fields for 2,4-dichlorobenzonitrile.

Raman spectrum of 2,4-dichlorobenzonitrile (2,4-DCBN) in powder form has been recorded in the region 50-4000 cm(-1) on a Jasco K-500 Raman spectrophotometer using the 488.0 nm radiation from an argon laser. FTIR spectra in the region 200-4000 cm(-1) have been recorded in KBr pellet and nujol mull on a Nicolet DX spectrometer. Using the observed Raman and IR frequencies, normal co-ordinate analysis has been carried out to support the vibrational analysis and to determine the planar and non-planar force fields.

NMR structural characterisation of a hairpin DNA with two-base loop: solution conformation of d-GGTACIAGTACC.

An inosine-adenosine mismatched base-pair oligonucleotide, d-GGTACIAGTACC has been studied by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Almost complete 1H and 31P resonance assignments of the oligomer at 0.90 mM concentration and 310 K have been achieved. NMR results demonstrate that the oligomer adopts a hairpin conformation, which has a structure with two purines I6 and A7 forming a two-base loop on a B-DNA stem. Stacking is continued on the 5'-side of the loop, with the I6 stacked upon C5. The base A7, on the 3'-side of the loop stacks partially with I6. All the bases are in anti conformation with respect to their respective sugar moiety.

Theoretical investigations on the molecular structure, vibrational spectra, thermodynamics, HOMO-LUMO, NBO analyses and paramagnetic susceptibility properties of p-(p-hydroxyphenoxy)benzoic acid.

The experimental FT-IR (4000-400 cm(-1)) and FT-Raman (3500-100 cm(-1)) spectra of p-(p-hydroxyphenoxy) benzoic acid have been recorded. Quantum chemical calculations of energies, geometries, and vibrational wavenumbers of p-(p-hydroxyphenoxy) benzoic acid (PPHPBA) are carried out using HF and DFT/B3LYP methods with 6-311G (d,p) basis set. The optimized geometrical parameters obtained by B3LYP method show a good agreement with experimental data. The difference between the observed and scaled wave number values of most of the fundamentals is very small. The complete assignments were performed on the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes calculated with scaled quantum mechanical method. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies allow the calculation of atomic and molecular properties and they also show that charge transfer occurs in the molecule. A detailed molecular picture of PPHPBA and its intermolecular interactions were obtained from NBO analysis. The temperature dependence of various thermodynamic parameters was also studied. The paramagnetic behavior of the molecule under consideration has been investigated and the variation of paramagnetic susceptibility with temperature has been studied.

Structural features of the 2-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone by means of vibrational spectroscopy HF and DFT, first order hyperpolarizability, NBO, HOMO-LUMO and theromodynamic properties.

The FT-IR and Raman spectra of 2-amino-5-nitrobenzophenone (ANBP) molecule have been recorded using Brucker IFS 66 V spectrometer in the range of 4000-100 cm(-1). The molecular geometry and vibrational frequencies in the ground state are calculated using the Hartree-Fock (HF) and B3LYP with 6-311+G(d) basis set. The computed values of frequencies are scaled using a suitable scale factor to yield good coherence with the observed values. The isotropic HF and DFT analysis showed good agreement with experimental observations comparison of the fundamental vibrational frequencies with calculated results by HF and B3LYP methods indicates that B3LYP/6-311+G(d) is superior to HF/6-311+G(d) for molecular vibrational problems. The electric dipole moment (µ) and first hyper polarizability (ß) values of the investigated molecule were computed using density functional theory calculations. Stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjucative interactions leading to its bioactivity, charge delocalization have been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energies shows that charge transfer occur within the molecule. The thermodynamic functions (heat capacity, internal heat energy, Gibbs energy and entropy) from spectroscopic data by statistical methods were obtained for the range of temperature 100-1000 K. The observed and calculated frequencies are found to be in good agreement.

FT-IR, FT-Raman spectra and other molecular properties of 2,4- dichlorobenzonitrile: a interpretation by a DFT study.

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 2,4-dichlorobenzonitrile at room temperature have been recorded in the regions 200-3500cm(-)(1) and 0-3400cm(-)(1), respectively. The observed vibrational bands were analyzed and assigned to different normal modes of the molecule according to the Wilson's notation. Density functional calculations were performed to support our frequency assignments. Specific scale equations deduced from the benzene molecule were employed to improve the calculated values. For the majority of the normal modes, the deviations between the corresponding experimental and scaled theoretical wavenumbers are located in the expected range. A correct characterization of each normal mode is of vital importance in the assignment of the observed bands, and the same has been successfully done by the aid of Potential Energy Distributions (PEDs) calculated separately for each normal mode of 2,4-dichlorobenzonitrile. The molecular structure was optimized and several thermodynamic parameters were determined. HOMO and LUMO orbital energy analysis were carried out.

Vibrational spectroscopic studies and DFT computation of the nonlinear optical molecule L-Valinium formate.

The Fourier Transform Infrared and Raman spectra of the L-Valinium formate have been recorded and analyzed. The assignments of the bands of the vibrational spectra have been carried out with the aid of Normal Coordinate Analysis following the calculated quantum mechanical force field methodology. Optimized geometry of the molecule has computed using of Density Functional Theory method. Natural Bond Orbital Analysis, Mulliken's net charges and the atomic natural charges are also predicted. HOMO and LUMO energy gap value suggest the possibility of charge transfer within the molecule. The thermodynamic properties at different temperatures are also calculated.

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 5-fluoroorotic acid with solid state simulation by DFT methods.

FT-Raman and FT-IR studies of the biomolecule 5-fluoroorotic acid in the solid state were carried out. The unit cell found in the crystal was simulated as a tetramer form by density functional calculations. They were performed to clarify wavenumber assignments of the experimental observed bands in the spectra. Correlations with the molecule of uracil were made, and specific scale equations were employed to scale the wavenumbers of 5-fluoroorotic acid. Good reproduction of the experimental wavenumbers is obtained and the % error is very small in the majority of the bands. This fact confirms our simplified solid state model. The molecular structure was fully optimized using DFT and MP2 methods. The relative stability of both the syn and anti conformations was investigated, and the anti-form was found to be slightly more stable, by 7.49 kJ/mol at the MP2 level. The structures of all possible tautomeric forms were determined. The keto-form appeared as the most stable one. The NBO atomic charges and several thermodynamic parameters were also calculated.