Scaled Quantum Mechanical scale factors for vibrational calculations using alternate polarized and augmented basis sets with the B3LYP density functional calculation model

The Scaled Quantum Mechanical (SQM) method of scaling calculated force constants to predict theoretically calculated vibrational frequencies is expanded to include a broad array of polarized and augmented basis sets based on the split valence 6-31G and 6-311G basis sets with the B3LYP density functional. Pulay's original choice of a single polarized 6-31G(d) basis coupled with a B3LYP functional remains the most computationally economical choice for scaled frequency calculations. But it can be improved upon with additional polarization functions and added diffuse functions for complex molecular systems. The new scale factors for the B3LYP density functional and the 6-31G, 6-31G(d), 6-31G(d,p), 6-31G+(d,p), 6-31G++(d,p), 6-311G, 6-311G(d), 6-311G(d,p), 6-311G+(d,p), 6-311G++(d,p), 6-311G(2d,p), 6-311G++(2d,p), 6-311G++(df,p) basis sets are shown. The double d polarized models did not perform as well and the source of the decreased accuracy was investigated. An alternate system of generating internal coordinates that uses the out-of plane wagging coordinate whenever it is possible; makes vibrational assignments via potential energy distributions more meaningful. Automated software to produce SQM scaled vibrational calculations from different molecular orbital packages is presented.

Binding and Catalytic Mechanisms of Veratryl Alcohol Oxidation by Lignin Peroxidase: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

Lignin peroxidase (LiP) and its natural substrate veratryl alcohol (VA) play a crucial role in lignin degradation by white-rot fungi. Understanding the molecular determinants for the interaction of this enzyme with its substrates is essential in the rational design of engineered peroxidases for biotechnological application. Here, we combine computational and experimental approaches to analyze the interaction of Phanerochaete chrysosporium LiP (isoenzyme H8) with VA and its radical cation (VA^•+, resulting from substrate oxidation by the enzyme). Interaction energy calculations at semiempirical quantum mechanical level (SQM) between LiP and VA/VA^•+ enabled to identify those residues at the acidic environment of catalytic Trp171 involved in the main interactions. Then, a battery of variants, with single and multiple mutations at these residues (Glu168, Asp165, Glu250, Asp264, and Phe267), was generated by directed mutagenesis, and their kinetics parameters were estimated on VA and two additional substrates. The experimental results show that Glu168 and Glu250 are crucial for the binding of VA, with Glu250 also contributing to the turnover of the enzyme. The experimental results were further rationalized through new calculations of interaction energies between VA/VA^•+ and LiP with each of the single mutations. Finally, the delocalization of spin density was determined with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations (QM/MM), further supporting the contribution of Glu250 to VA oxidation at Trp171.

A study of vibrational spectra and investigations of charge transfer and chemical bonding features of 2-chloro benzimidazole based on DFT computations

Benzimidazoles are bicyclic heteroatomic molecules. Polycyclic heteroatomic molecules have extensive coupling of different modes leading to strong coupling of force constants associated with the various chemical bonds of the molecules. To carry out a detailed vibrational spectroscopic analysis of such a bicyclic heteroatomic molecule, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 2-chloro benzimidazole (CBZ) have been recorded in the condensed phase. Density Functional Theory calculations in the B3LYP/6-31G(*) level have been carried out to determine the optimized geometry and vibrational frequencies. In order to obtain a close agreement between theoretical and observed frequencies and hence to perform a reliable assignment, the theoretical DFT force field was transformed from Cartesian to local symmetry co-ordinates and then scaled empirically using SQM methodology. The SQM treatment resulted in a RMS deviation of 9.4 cm(-1). For visual comparison, the observed and calculated spectra are presented on a common wavenumber scale. From the NBO analysis, the electron density (ED) charge transfers in the σ(*) and π(*) antibonding orbitals and second order delocalization energies E((2)) confirms the occurrence of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) within the molecule. The calculated Homo and Lumo energies show that charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The results obtained from the vibrational, NBO and HOMO-LUMO analyses have been properly tabulated.

Vibrational spectra, monomer, dimer, NBO, HOMO, LUMO and NMR analyses of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline

This work presents the characterization of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (abbreviated as THLP) by quantum chemical calculations and spectral techniques. The spectroscopic properties were investigated by FT-IR, FT-Raman and (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The FT-IR (4000-400 cm(-1)) and FT-Raman (3500-10 cm(-1)) spectra in the solid phase were recorded for THLP. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra were recorded in DMSO solution. The energies of THLP are obtained for all the eight conformers form density functional theory (DFT) with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set calculations. From the computational results, C1 conformer is identified as the most stable conformer of THLP. The theoretical wavenumbers were scaled and compared with experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. The complete assignments were performed on the basis of the experimental results and potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method in terms of fundamental modes. The values of the total dipole moment (μ) and the first order hyperpolarizability (β) of the investigated compound were computed using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energies reveal charges transfer occurs within the molecule. The isotropic chemical shift computed by (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts of the THLF, calculated using the gauge invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method also shows good agreement with experimental observations.

A vibrational spectroscopy study on anserine and its aqueous solutions

In this study based on vibrational spectroscopic measurements and Density Functional Theory (DFT), we aimed for a reliable interpretation of the IR and Raman spectra recorded for anserine in the solid phase and water (H2O) and heavy water (D2O) solutions. Initial DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) searched possible conformers of the anserine zwitterion using a systematic conformational search. The corresponding equilibrium geometrical parameters and vibrational spectral data were determined for each of the stable conformers (in water) by the geometry optimization and hessian calculations performed at the same level of theory using the polarized continuum model (PCM). The same calculations were repeated to determine the most energetically preferred dimer structure for the molecule and the associated geometry, force field and vibrational spectral data. The harmonic force constants obtained from these calculations were scaled by the Scaled Quantum Mechanical Force Field (SQM) method and then used in the calculation of the refined wavenumbers, potential energy distributions, IR and Raman intensities. These refined theoretical data, which confirm the zwitterion structure for anserine in the solid phase or aqueous solvents, revealed the remarkable effects of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on the structural properties and observed IR and Raman spectra of this molecule.

A study of the molecular, vibrational, electronic and quantum chemical investigation of 2-methyl-1-vinylimidazole

The spectroscopic properties of 2-methyl-1-vinylimidazole (abbreviated as 2M1VIM) were examined by FT-IR, FT-Raman and NMR techniques. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra were recorded in the region 4000-400cm(-1) and 3500-50cm(-1), respectively. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl3. The structural and spectroscopic data of the molecule in the ground state were calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP and LSDA methods with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The geometry of the molecule was fully optimized, vibrational spectra were calculated and fundamental vibration were assigned on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes calculated with scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method. The optimized structure of the compound was interpreted and compared with the reported experimental values. The observed vibrational ware numbers, absorption wavelengths and chemical shifts were compared with calculated values. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occur within the molecule. As a result, the optimized geometry, and calculated spectroscopic data show a good agreement with the experimental results.

Search for Strange Quark Matter and Nuclearites on Board the International Space Station (SQM-ISS): A Future Detector to Search for Massive, Non-Relativistic Objects in Space

SQM-ISS is a detector that will search from the International Space Station for massive particles possibly present among the cosmic rays. Among them, we mention strange quark matter, Q-Balls, lumps of fermionic exotic compact stars, Primordial Black Holes, mirror matter, Fermi balls, etc. These compact, dense objects would be much heavier than normal nuclei, have velocities of galaxy-bound systems, and would be deeply penetrating. The detector is based on a stack of scintillator and piezoelectric elements which can provide information on both the charge state and mass, with the additional timing information allowing to determine the speed of the particle, searching for particles with velocities of the order of galactic rotation speed (v ≲ 250 km/s). In this work, we describe the apparatus and its observational capabilities.

The Ten Test and Sensory Evaluation of Hand and Finger Injuries in the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Hand and finger injuries are a common presenting complaint to the emergency department (ED) and are associated with significant morbidity. Neurologic evaluation of these injuries is a crucial component of the patient assessment and can be done via a variety of testing methods.

DISCUSSION

Although most taught and cited in the ED literature, the two-point discrimination test for sensation has several drawbacks, including limited reproducibility and reliability. Although often utilized by hand surgical specialists, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Test are not practical for the emergency physician due to the need for specialized equipment and frequent calibration. The Ten Test, a relatively new sensory evaluation method, has been shown to be reliable, reproducible, and pragmatic in varying types of clinical environments.

CONCLUSION

The Ten Test is a pragmatic alternative method of evaluation to two-point that is utilized by specialists in hand surgery and injuries. The emergency physician should consider adding the Ten Test to their evaluation and reporting of hand and finger injuries in the ED.