Temperature Dependence Of Chemical Shifts Research Articles

In situ temperature determination using magnetic resonance spectroscopy thermometry for noninvasive postmortem examinations.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) thermometry offers a noninvasive, localized method for estimating temperature by leveraging the temperature-dependent chemical shift of water relative to a temperature-stable reference metabolite under suitable calibration. Consequentially, this technique has significant potential as a tool for postmortem MR examinations in forensic medicine and pathology. In these examinations, the deceased are examined at a wide range of body temperatures, and MRS thermometry may be used for the temperature adjustment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols or for corrections in the analysis of MRI or MRS data. However, it is not yet clear to what extent postmortem changes may influence temperature estimation with MRS thermometry. In addition, N-acetylaspartate, which is commonly used as an in vivo reference metabolite, is known to decrease with increasing postmortem interval (PMI). This study shows that lactate, which is not only present in significant amounts postmortem but also has a temperature-stable chemical shift, can serve as a suitable reference metabolite for postmortem MRS thermometry. Using lactate, temperature estimation in postmortem brain tissue of severed sheep heads was accurate up to 60 h after death, with a mean absolute error of less than 0.5°C. For this purpose, published calibrations intended for in vivo measurements were used. Although postmortem decomposition resulted in severe metabolic changes, no consistent deviations were observed between measurements with an MR-compatible temperature probe and MRS thermometry with lactate as a reference metabolite. In addition, MRS thermometry was applied to 84 deceased who underwent a MR examination as part of the legal examination. MRS thermometry provided plausible results of brain temperature in comparison with rectal temperature. Even for deceased with a PMI well above 60 h, MRS thermometry still provided reliable readings. The results show a good suitability of MRS thermometry for postmortem examinations in forensic medicine.

MAS and static NMR study on N–H⋯Br hydrogen bond in organic-inorganic perovskite [NH3(CH2)4NH3]CdBr4 crystal

In-depth understanding of the physicochemical properties of organic–inorganic perovskites is essential for their applications in batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. Considering its importance, the physicochemical behavior of [NH3(CH2)4NH3]CdBr4 was analyzed in this study. The crystal structure of the material was found to be monoclinic and the phase transition temperature was determined to be 508 K. The material was thermally stable up to 580 K. Further, the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of the cation, as observed through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, showed no structural changes with temperature. However, the temperature-dependent 14N chemical shifts of NH3 at both ends of the cation and the 113Cd chemical shifts of the CdBr4 anion indicated the changes in the N–H⋯Br hydrogen bond owing to the change in the structural geometry of CdBr4. The analyzed physicochemical properties revealed critical information regarding the basic mechanisms that will facilitate the broad-scale application of the organic–inorganic perovskite.

Biological thermometer based on the temperature sensitivity of magnetic nanoparticle paraSHIFT

In the paper, the temperature dependence of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) paramagnetic chemical shift (paraSHIFT) was studied by magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy. Based on it, iron oxide MNPs are considered as MR shifting probes for determining the temperature in liquids. With the increase in measurement temperature of the MNP reagent with MNPs, the decrease of MNP magnetization would make the peak of spectroscopy shift to the higher chemical shift area. The peak shift is related to the magnetic susceptibility of MNPs, which can be determined by MR frequency as a function of temperature and particle size. Experiments on temperature-dependent chemical shifts are performed for MNP samples with different core sizes and the estimated temperature accuracy can achieve 0.1 K. Combined with the contrast effect of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T, this technology can realize temperature imaging.

Extension and improvement of the methanol-d4 NMR thermometer calibration.

NMR thermometers are a convenient way to determine the temperature inside the sample of an NMR spectrometer. They rely on signals with strongly temperature-dependent chemical shifts, often of OH groups; 99.8% perdeuterated methanol is an established example which is particularly well suited for modern, high-sensitivity spectrometers, but it is so far calibrated only in the range of 282 to 330 K. In this work, we extend this calibration to the entire liquid range of methanol, 175 to 338 K. Additionally, we use a temperature sensor calibrated traceably to the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90) and accounted for the magnetic field effect on the sensor, yielding a more accurate calibration curve with an uncertainty (2σ) varying between 25 and 190 mK.

Conformational heterogeneity of Savinase from NMR, HDX-MS and X-ray diffraction analysis.

BackgroundSeveral examples have emerged of enzymes where slow conformational changes are of key importance for function and where low populated conformations in the resting enzyme resemble the conformations of intermediate states in the catalytic process. Previous work on the subtilisin protease, Savinase, from Bacillus lentus by NMR spectroscopy suggested that this enzyme undergoes slow conformational dynamics around the substrate binding site. However, the functional importance of such dynamics is unknown.MethodsHere we have probed the conformational heterogeneity in Savinase by following the temperature dependent chemical shift changes. In addition, we have measured changes in the local stability of the enzyme when the inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride is bound using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). Finally, we have used X-ray crystallography to compare electron densities collected at cryogenic and ambient temperatures and searched for possible low populated alternative conformations in the crystals.ResultsThe NMR temperature titration shows that Savinase is most flexible around the active site, but no distinct alternative states could be identified. The HDX shows that modification of Savinase with inhibitor has very little impact on the stability of hydrogen bonds and solvent accessibility of the backbone. The most pronounced structural heterogeneities detected in the diffraction data are limited to alternative side-chain rotamers and a short peptide segment that has an alternative main-chain conformation in the crystal at cryo conditions. Collectively, our data show that there is very little structural heterogeneity in the resting state of Savinase and hence that Savinase does not rely on conformational selection to drive the catalytic process.

Thermal perturbation of NMR properties in small polar and non-polar molecules

Water is an important constituent in an abundant number of chemical systems; however, its presence complicates the analysis of in situ1H MAS NMR investigations due to water’s ease of solidification and vaporization, the large changes in mobility, affinity for hydrogen bonding interactions, etc., that are reflected by dramatic changes in temperature-dependent chemical shielding. To understand the evolution of the signatures of water and other small molecules in complex environments, this work explores the thermally-perturbed NMR properties of water in detail by in situ MAS NMR over a wide temperature range. Our results substantially extend the previously published temperature-dependent 1H and 17O chemical shifts, linewidths, and spin-lattice relaxation times over a much wider range of temperatures and with significantly enhanced thermal resolution. The following major results are obtained: Hydrogen bonding is clearly shown to weaken at elevated temperatures in both 1H and 17O spectra, reflected by an increase in chemical shielding. At low temperatures, transient tetrahedral domains of H-bonding networks are evidenced and the observation of the transition between solid ice and liquid is made with quantitative considerations to the phase change. The 1H chemical shift properties in other small polar and non-polar molecules have also been described over a range of temperatures, showing the dramatic effect hydrogen bonding perturbation on polar species. Gas phase species are observed and chemical exchange between gas and liquid phases is shown to play an important role on the observed NMR shifts. The results disclosed herein lay the foundation for a clear interpretation of complex systems during the increasingly popular in situ NMR characterization at elevated temperatures and pressures for studying chemical systems.

Prototropic behavior of cyclohexane substituted urethane and urea compounds. Observation of H-bond mediated 4HJH1H3 coupling constants across urea fragments

Two 1-aryl-3-cyclohexylurea and two 1-aryl-3-cyclohexylurethane with and without alkyl tail in aryl fragments were synthesized and their variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra in chloroform, DMSO and DMF were recorded. The temperature dependences of chemical shift of NH protons for all compounds have been observed. The type of dependence has been explained by the aggregation of molecules and formation of ionic structures. The formation of intermolecular complexes leads to possible formation of symmetrical N1 … … H ……N3 intramolecular hydrogen bond in urea fragment. As a result,4hJH1H3 trans-hydrogen bond scalar coupling constants have been observed for the first time in low molecular weight compounds using a simple one-dimensional 1H NMR experiment. The formation of strong intramolecular H-bond leads to π-conjugation not only with spacer but with phenyl ring too. It support the Gilli conception that RAHB formation is a result of π-electron delocalization. The presence in urea fragment of such kind interaction leads to formation of ionic structure, which has been detected by NMR and UV spectroscopies. The formation of ionic structure can explain the catalytic activity of such compounds and the mechanism of transformation in organic and bioorganic reactions in which involved the urea compounds.

Molecular dynamics of hybrid halide perovskite (CH3NH3)2CuX4 (X = Br and Cl) determined by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation processes

The thermal stability of hybrid halide perovskite (CH3NH3)2CuBr4 crystals are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. To elucidate the local environment of the cations, temperature-dependent chemical shifts and spin-lattice relaxation times are measured using 1H magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and 13C cross-polarization/MAS NMR techniques. The chemical shifts of 1H and 13C decrease with increasing temperature, which indicates that the environment around 1H and 13C changes with temperature. Moreover, the 1H and 13C spin-lattice relaxation times T1ρ increase significantly at high temperatures. These T1ρ results reveal that the cations are subject to high mobility at high temperatures. A comparison of the molecular dynamics of (CH3NH3)2CuX4 (X = Br, Cl) crystals is made, together with a discussion of the effect of substituting Cl ions for the Br ions in the structure.

Electron paramagnetic resonance and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance study of Y-doping effect on the hydrogen shallow donors in ZnO nanoparticles

Hydrogen shallow donors in sol-gel-derived pristine and rare-earth Y-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It is shown by EPR measurements that the energy level of the hydrogen shallow donors in the Y-doped ZnO is much deeper (E ∼ 174 meV) than in the pristine ZnO (E ∼ 75 meV). The temperature-dependent 1H NMR chemical shift and linewidth measurements of the pristine and the Y-doped ZnO systems indicated that Y-doping effectively modifies the lattice environment and hinders the hydrogen motions in the ZnO nanoparticles.

New Spin‐Crossover Complexes of Substituted 2,6‐Bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridines

Here we report two new ligands from a 2,6‐bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine family often used in spin‐crossover research and their iron(II) and cobalt(II) complexes with the metal ion trapped in the high‐spin state in solids (according to magnetometry and X‐ray diffraction data). The iron(II) complexes, however, show a gradual spin‐crossover in acetonitrile solution, as probed by the popular Evans method and an analysis of temperature dependent chemical shifts, both rooted in variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy. The observed stabilization of the high‐spin state by the electron‐withdrawing substituents mirrors the trend previously reported for spin‐crossover iron(II) complexes of isomeric 2,6‐bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridines.

Preparation, Thermal, and Physical Properties of Perovskite-Type (C3H7NH3)2CdCl4 Crystals

To investigate the thermal and physical properties of perovskite-type (C3H7NH3)2CdCl4, its temperature-dependent chemical shifts and spin–lattice relaxation times are measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR), and static NMR methods. Above 300 K, two phase transitions are observed at 398 K and 538 K. Each proton and carbon in the (C3H7NH3) cation is distinguished in the MAS NMR results. The environments around 1H, 13C, and 14N do not change with temperature according to the NMR spectra. In contrast, the resonance frequency of 113Cd in the CdCl6 octahedra decreases with increasing temperature, indicating an environmental change. The uniaxial rotations for 1H and 13C have high mobility at both high and low temperatures, and these are related to the phase transitions. In addition, the molecular motion of 113Cd in the anion becomes activated upon raising the temperature.

Cation dynamics by 1H and 13C MAS NMR in hybrid organic-inorganic (CH3CH2NH3)2CuCl4.

To understand the dynamics of the cation in layered perovskite-type (CH3CH2NH3)2CuCl4, the temperature-dependent chemical shifts and spin–lattice relaxation times T1ρ in the rotating frame have been measured using 1H magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and 13C cross-polarization (CP)/MAS NMR techniques. Each proton and carbon in the (CH3CH2NH3)+ cation is distinguished in MAS NMR spectra. The Bloembergen–Purcell–Pound (BPP) curves for 1H T1ρ in CH3CH2 and NH3, and for the 13C T1ρ in CH3 and CH2 are revealed to have minima at low temperatures. This implies that the curves represent the CH3 and NH3+ rotational motions. The amplitude of the cationic motion is enhanced at the C-end, that is, the N-end of the organic cation is fixed to the inorganic layer through N–H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, and T1ρ becomes short with larger-amplitude molecular motions.

Imaging the spatial distribution of radiofrequency field, sample and temperature in MAS NMR rotor

We investigate using nutation experiments the spatial distribution of radiofrequency (rf) field, sample, temperature and cross-polarization transfer efficiency in 1.3 mm rotor. First, two-dimensional (2D) 1H nutation experiments on silicone thin cylinders in the presence of B0 field gradient generated by shim coils are used to image the spatial distribution of rf field inside the rotor. These experiments show that the rf field is asymmetrical with respect to the center of the rotor. Moreover, they show the large inhomogeneity that still remains across the sample when using spacers, and that even in this case, the rf-field close to the drive cap is decreased to ca. only 20% of its maximum value. Such 2D nutation experiment in the presence of B0 field gradient are also employed to demonstrate the migration of adamantane sample from the center of the rotor to its ends during Magic-Angle Spinning (MAS). Furthermore, 2D 1H nutation experiments on nickelocene exhibiting temperature-dependent isotropic chemical shift provides insights into the temperature distribution inside rotor. Finally three-dimensional (3D) 1H → 13C Cross-Polarization under MAS (CPMAS) nutation experiment indicates that only nuclei subject to the largest rf field contribute to the CPMAS transfer, when using rf field of constant amplitude on both channels. Such high selectivity allows the determination of accurate dipolar coupling constants in the Cross-Polarization with Variable Contact (CP-VC) experiment under fast MAS, at the expense of low sensitivity. Conversely when using ramped-amplitude on the 1H channel during the CPMAS transfer, nuclei subject to smaller rf field contributes to the transfer, which increases the sensitivity of CPMAS experiment but does not allow an accurate determination of dipolar coupling constants using CP-VC experiment.

Temperature dependence of 1H NMR chemical shifts and its influence on estimated metabolite concentrations.

Temperature dependent chemical shifts of important brain metabolites measured by localised 1H MRS were investigated to test how the use of incorrect prior knowledge on chemical shifts impairs the quantification of metabolite concentrations. Phantom measurements on solutions containing 11 metabolites were performed on a 7 T scanner between 1 and 43°C. The temperature dependence of the chemical shift differences was fitted by a linear model. Spectra were simulated for different temperatures and analysed by the AQSES program (jMRUI 5.2) using model functions with chemical shift values for 37°C. Large differences in the temperature dependence of the chemical shift differences were determined with a maximum slope of about ±7.5×10-4ppm/K. For 32-40°C, only minor quantification errors resulted from using incorrect chemical shifts, with the exception of Cr and PCr. For 1-10°C considerable quantification errors occurred if the temperature dependence of the chemical shifts was neglected. If 1H MRS measurements are not performed at 37°C, for which the published chemical shift values have been determined, the temperature dependence of chemical shifts should be considered to avoid systematic quantification errors, particularly for measurements on animal models at lower temperatures.

NMR chemical shift and J coupling parameterization and quantum mechanical reference spectrum simulation for selected nerve agent degradation products in aqueous conditions.

The spectral parameters of selected nerve agent degradation products relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention, namely, ethyl methylphosphonate, isopropyl methylphosphonate, pinacolyl methylphosphonate and methylphosphonic acid, were studied in wide range of pH conditions and selected temperatures. The pH and temperature dependence of chemical shifts and J couplings was parameterized using Henderson-Hasselbalch-based functions. The obtained parameters allowed calculation of precise chemical shifts and J coupling constants in arbitrary pH conditions and typical measurement temperatures, thus facilitating quantum mechanical simulation of reference spectra in the chosen magnetic field strength for chemical verification. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Accurate MR thermometry by hyperpolarized 129 Xe.

To investigate the temperature dependence of the resonance frequency of lipid-dissolved xenon (LDX) and to assess the accuracy of LDX-based MR thermometry. The chemical shift temperature dependence of water protons, methylene protons, and LDX was measured from samples containing tissues with varying fat contents using a high-resolution NMR spectrometer. LDX results were then used to acquire relative and absolute temperature maps in vivo and the results were compared with PRF-based MR thermometry. The temperature dependence of proton resonance frequency (PRF) is strongly affected by the specific distribution of water and fat. A redistribution of water and fat compartments can reduce the apparent temperature dependence of the water chemical shift from -0.01 ppm/°C to -0.006 ppm, whereas the LDX chemical shift shows a consistent temperature dependence of -0.21 ppm/°C. The use of the methylene protons resonance frequency as internal reference improves the accuracy of LDX-based MR thermometry, but degrades that of PRF-based MR thermometry, as microscopic susceptibility gradients affected lipid and water spins differently. The LDX resonance frequency, with its higher temperature dependence, provides more accurate and precise temperature measurements, both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, the resonance frequency of nearby methylene protons can be used to extract absolute temperature information. Magn Reson Med 78:1070-1079, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

NMR chemical shift analysis of the conformational transition between the monomer and tetramer of melittin in an aqueous solution.

It is known that melittin in an aqueous solution undergoes a conformational transition between the monomer and tetramer by variation in temperature. The transition correlates closely with isomers of the proline residue; monomeric melittin including a trans proline peptide bond (trans-monomer) is involved directly in the transition, whereas monomeric melittin having a cis proline peptide bond (cis-monomer) is virtually not. The transition has been explored by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in order to clarify the stability of the tetrameric conformation and the cooperativity of the transition. In the light of temperature dependence of chemical shifts of resonances from the isomeric monomers, we qualitatively estimate the temperature-, salt-, and concentration-dependence of the relative equilibrium populations of the trans-monomer and tetramer, and show that the tetramer has a maximum conformational stability at 30-45 °C and that the transition cooperativity is very low.

Evaluation of radiofrequency safety by high temperature resolution MR thermometry using a paramagnetic lanthanide complex.

The current practice of calculating the specific absorption rate (SAR) relies on local temperature measurements made using temperature probes. For an accurate SAR measurement, a temperature imaging method that provides high temperature sensitivity is desirable, because acceptable levels of SAR produce small temperature changes. MR thermometry using paramagnetic lanthanide complexes can be used to obtain absolute temperature measurements with sub-degree temperature and sub-millimeter spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a high temperature resolution MR technique to determine SAR. MR thermometry using a paramagnetic lanthanide complex thulium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetrakis (methylene phosphonate) (TmDOTP(5-)), which has an almost 10(2) times stronger chemical shift temperature dependence than water, was used to develop a novel method for SAR measurement. Three-dimensional temperature and SAR images were calculated using MR images acquired with a conventional gradient recalled echo sequence and SAR-intensive T1ρ sequence. Effects of the presence of conducting wire and increasing T1ρ spin-lock pulse duration were also examined. SAR distribution could be visualized clearly and surges associated with conducting wires and increasing pulse duration were identified clearly in the computed high spatial resolution SAR images. A novel method with high temperature sensitivity is proposed as a tool to evaluate radiofrequency safety in MRI.

"Invisible" conformers of an antifungal disulfide protein revealed by constrained cold and heat unfolding, CEST-NMR experiments, and molecular dynamics calculations.

Transition between conformational states in proteins is being recognized as a possible key factor of function. In support of this, hidden dynamic NMR structures were detected in several cases up to populations of a few percent. Here, we show by two- and three-state analysis of thermal unfolding, that the population of hidden states may weight 20–40 % at 298 K in a disulfide-rich protein. In addition, sensitive 15N-CEST NMR experiments identified a low populated (0.15 %) state that was in slow exchange with the folded PAF protein. Remarkably, other techniques failed to identify the rest of the NMR “dark matter”. Comparison of the temperature dependence of chemical shifts from experiments and molecular dynamics calculations suggests that hidden conformers of PAF differ in the loop and terminal regions and are most similar in the evolutionary conserved core. Our observations point to the existence of a complex conformational landscape with multiple conformational states in dynamic equilibrium, with diverse exchange rates presumably responsible for the completely hidden nature of a considerable fraction.

Rate of tunneling nonequilibrium quasiparticles in superconducting qubits

In superconducting qubits the lifetime of quantum states cannot be prolonged arbitrarily by decreasing temperature. At low temperature quasiparticles tunneling between the electromagnetic environment and superconducting islands takes the condensate state out of equilibrium due to charge imbalance. We obtain the tunneling rate from a phenomenological model of non-equilibrium, where nonequilibrium quasiparticle tunnelling stimulates a temperature-dependent chemical potential shift in the superconductor. As a result we obtain a non-monotonic behavior for relaxation rate as a function of temperature. Depending on the fabrication parameters for some qubits, the lowest tunneling rate of nonequilibrium quasiparticles can take place only near the onset temperature below which nonequilibrium quasiparticles dominate over equilibrium one. Our theory also indicates that such tunnelings can influence the probability of transitions in qubits through a coupling to the zero-point energy of phase fluctuations.