Geometry optimization of gemcitabine was carried out by DFT with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level in the gas phase. Chemical activity (electronegativity, electrophilicity, hardness, chemical softness and chemical potential) was predicted with the help of HOMO-LUMO energy values. Experimental FT-IR was recorded and computed values are also analyzed using the same level of DFT. A complete vibrational spectrum was made to analyze the potential energy distribution (PED). Stability of the molecule arising from the hyper-conjugative interaction was analyzed by the natural bond orbital (NBO). The molecular electrostatic potential map was used to detect the possible electrophilic and nucleophilic sites in the molecule. Nonisothermal decomposition of gemcitabine was carried out in an air atmosphere. The two decomposition steps of the molecule were analyzed kinetically by linear and nonlinear methods for elucidation of the kinetic triplet (E_a, ln A and f(α)) of the decomposition processes. Powder X-ray diffraction indicated that gemcitabine crystallizes in the monoclinic system (SG P2/m). Molecular docking studies were also described.

The formation of 2-pyrone derivatives by the reaction of CO₂ with a model internal alkyne, 2-butyne, in the presence of (cod)₂Ni and a bisphosphine ligand (dppb), was studied using the M06/6-311G(d,p) density functional theory method, which revealed that the reaction takes place in three stages. The first stage is the formation of the 2-butyne complex intermediate (dppb)Ni(η²-MeC≡CMe). There are several pathways for the formation of 2-pyrone complexes from it, and the more favorable two pathways were found among them. In the second stage, the coupling of (dppb)Ni(η²-MeC≡CMe) with 2-butyne or CO₂ produces nickelacyclopentadiene or oxanickelacyclopentenone with the Ni–O bond, respectively. In the third stage, the reaction of CO₂ with nickelacyclopentadiene or that of 2-butyne with oxanickelacyclopentenone produces 2-pyrone Ni complexes. The rate-limiting step is the second, in which nickelacyclopentadiene or oxanickelacyclopentenone is formed. The formation of oxanickelacyclopentenone with the Ni–O bond is kinetically more favorable, while the formation of nickelacyclopentadiene is thermodynamically more favorable. Thus, depending on the experimental conditions, the two pathways are in competition. This supports the mechanisms suggested by Inoue et al. and Hoberg et al., and we discuss the factors that make these mechanisms more favorable.

A honey bee colony’s ability to grow and develop is dependent on adequate nutrition. Bees collect pollen from flowers as a source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. The crude protein content of corn pollen is considered low, around 15%; however, bees frequently visit the male flowers of the tassels for pollen. In this study, we aimed for the first time to improve the nutritious value of corn pollen by mechanically crushing its external pollen wall. We then compared the effect of feeding crushed vs. non-crushed corn pollen grains on honey bee diet consumption, digestibility, hemolymph protein content, hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) size, and thorax weight under laboratory conditions. We found that crushing corn pollen grains increased diet digestibility and hemolymph protein content while decreasing honey bee pollen consumption (− 39.88%). Crushing pollen however had no effect on HPG size or thorax weight. These findings may be beneficial to beekeepers in areas where corn monoculture is prevalent. The effect of crushed corn pollen on larval development and growth, as well as colony development and vitality, should be investigated in future studies.