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Sample records for gd-tex-malonato-platinum conjugates synthesis

  1. Synthesis of carbon-14 labelled cis-malonato [(4R,5R)-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-2-isopropyl-1,3-dioxolane] platinum(II) (SKI 2053R)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Dae-Kee; Kim, Youngseok; Rim, Jonggill; Kim, Ganghyeok; Gam, Jongsik; Song, Sungkun; Yoo, Kwanghee; Kim, Key H.

    1994-01-01

    The synthesis of 14 C-labelled cis-malonato[(4R,5R)-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-2-isopropyl-1,3-dioxolan e]platinum(II) from [1,4- 14 C] D-tartaric acid is described. The overall radiochemical yield of the product in a eight-step sequence was 23.8% and radiochemical purity was 98.5%. (author)

  2. Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of polyamidoamine conjugate containing pamidronate and platinum drug

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Ndamase, AS

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available Bisphosphonates have been found to be effective when combined with anticancer drugs for chemotherapy. In this paper, pamidronate and platinum complexes were conjugated to linear poly(amidoamine)s (PAMAM) to improve the drug efficacy. The conjugates...

  3. Gd(III)-nanodiamond conjugates for MRI contrast enhancement

    Science.gov (United States)

    Manus, Lisa M.; Mastarone, Daniel J.; Waters, Emily A.; Zhang, Xue-Qing; Schultz-Sikma, Elise A.; MacRenaris, Keith W.; Ho, Dean

    2010-01-01

    A Gd(III)-nanodiamond conjugate [Gd(III)-ND] was prepared and characterized, enabling detection of nanodiamonds by MR imaging. The Gd(III)-ND particles significantly reduced the T1 of water protons with a per-Gd(III) relaxivity of 58.82 ± 1.18 mM−1s−1 at 1.5 Tesla (60 MHz). This represents a tenfold increase compared to the monomer Gd(III) complex (r1 = 5.42 ± 0.20 mM−1s−1) and is among the highest per-Gd(III) relaxivities reported. PMID:20038088

  4. KINETICS OF SUBSTITUTION OF CIS-BIS(MALONATO ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

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    In this process, it indicated that the substitution reaction occurs through an Ia mechanism in the ... isotopic water exchange and other anation processes. ... The potassium salt of cis-bis(malonato)diaquochromate(III) was prepared by a reported [26] ... of the synthesized metal complex showed maxima at 415 nm (ε = 41.6 M-1 ...

  5. Development of Gd(III) porphyrin-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jahanbin, Tania [Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, INSERM U825, CHU Purpan, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9 (France); Sauriat-Dorizon, Hélène [Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d' Orsay, UMR CNRS 8182, ECBB, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay (France); Spearman, Peter [Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, University of Kingston, Penrhyn Road Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 2EE, London (United Kingdom); Benderbous, Soraya, E-mail: soraya.benderbous@univ-tlse3.fr [Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, INSERM U825, CHU Purpan, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9 (France); Korri-Youssoufi, Hafsa, E-mail: hafsa.korri-youssoufi@u-psud.fr [Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d' Orsay, UMR CNRS 8182, ECBB, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay (France)

    2015-07-01

    A novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent based on gadolinium meso-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin [Gd(TPyP)] conjugated with chitosan nanoparticles has been developed. The chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized following an ionic gelation method and the conditions optimized to generate small nanoparticles (CNs) with a narrow size distribution of 35–65 nm. The gadolinium meso-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin [Gd(TPyP)] was loaded into chitosan nanoparticles by passive adsorption. The interaction of chitosan with Gd(TPyP) has been examined by UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (FT-IR) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which indicate the successful association of Gd(TPyP) without any structural distortion throughout the chitosan nanoparticles. The potential of Gd(TPyP)-CNs as MRI contrast agent has been investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in-vitro. Relaxivities of Gd(TPyP)-CNs obtained from T{sub 1}-weighted images, increased with Gd concentration and attained an optimum r{sub 1} of 38.35 mM{sup −1} s{sup −1}, which is 12-fold higher compared to commercial Gd-DOTA (~ 4 mM{sup −1} s{sup −1} at 3T). The combination of such strong MRI contrast with the known properties of porphyrins in photodynamic therapy and biocompatibility of chitosan, presents a new perspective in using these compounds in cancer theranostics. - Highlights: • Synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles with small size • Study of loading properties with gadolinium porphyrins • In vitro properties of the conjugated complex as contrast agent for MRI imaging • Comparison of MRI properties with commercial contrast agent Gd-DOTA.

  6. Synthesis of Tumor-avid Photosensitizer-Gd(III)DTPA conjugates: impact of the number of gadolinium units in T1/T2 relaxivity, intracellular localization, and photosensitizing efficacy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Goswami, Lalit N; White, William H; Spernyak, Joseph A; Ethirajan, Manivannan; Chen, Yihui; Missert, Joseph R; Morgan, Janet; Mazurchuk, Richard; Pandey, Ravindra K

    2010-05-19

    To develop novel bifunctional agents for tumor imaging (MR) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), certain tumor-avid photosensitizers derived from chlorophyll-a were conjugated with variable number of Gd(III)aminobenzyl DTPA moieties. All the conjugates containing three or six gadolinium units showed significant T(1) and T(2) relaxivities. However, as a bifunctional agent, the 3-(1'-hexyloxyethyl)pyropheophorbide-a (HPPH) containing 3Gd(III) aminophenyl DTPA was most promising with possible applications in tumor-imaging and PDT. Compared to HPPH, the corresponding 3- and 6Gd(III)aminobenzyl DTPA conjugates exhibited similar electronic absorption characteristics with a slightly decreased intensity of the absorption band at 660 nm. However, compared to HPPH, the excitation of the broad "Soret" band (near 400 nm) of the corresponding 3Gd(III)aminobenzyl-DTPA analogues showed a significant decrease in the fluorescence intensity at 667 nm.

  7. Gd-Complexes of New Arylpiperazinyl Conjugates of DTPA-Bis(amides: Synthesis, Characterization and Magnetic Relaxation Properties

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Abdullah O. Ba-Salem

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available Two new DTPA-bis(amide based ligands conjugated with the arylpiperazinyl moiety were synthesized and subsequently transformed into their corresponding Gd(III complexes 1 and 2 of the type [Gd(LH2O]·nH2O. The relaxivity (R1 of these complexes was measured, which turned out to be comparable with that of Omniscan®, a commercially available MRI contrast agent. The cytotoxicity studies of these complexes indicated that they are non-toxic, which reveals their potential and physiological suitability as MRI contrast agents. All the synthesized ligands and complexes were characterized with the aid of analytical and spectroscopic methods, including elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, FT-IR, XPS and fast atom bombardment (FAB mass spectrometry.

  8. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-gadolinium (DTPA-Gd)-conjugated polysuccinimide derivatives as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Ha Young; Jee, Hye Won; Seo, Sung Mi; Kwak, Byung Kook; Khang, Gilson; Cho, Sun Hang

    2006-01-01

    Biocompatible polysuccinimide (PSI) derivatives conjugated with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid gadolinium (DTPA-Gd) were prepared as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In this study, we synthesized PSI derivatives incorporating methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as hydrophilic ligand, hexadecylamine as hydrophobic ligand, and DTPA-Gd as contrast agent. PSI was synthesized by the polycondensation polymerization of aspartic acid. All the synthesized materials were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). Critical micellization concentrations were determined using fluorescent probes (pyrene). Micelle size and shape were measured by electro-photometer light scattering (ELS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formed micelle size ranged from 100 to 300 nm. The T1-weighted MR images of the phantom prepared with PSI-mPEG-C16-(DTPA-Gd) were obtained in a 3.0 T clinical MR imager, and the conjugates showed a great potential as MRI contrast agents.

  9. Visualization of Tumor Angiogenesis Using MR Imaging Contrast Agent Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGF Receptor 2 Antibody Conjugate in a Mouse Tumor Model

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jun, Hong Young; Yin, Hong Hua; Kim, Sun Hee; Park, Seong Hoon; Kim, Hun Soo; Yoon Kwon Ha Yoon

    2010-01-01

    To visualize tumor angiogenesis using the MRI contrast agent, Gd- DTPA-anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody conjugate, with a 4.7-Tesla MRI instrument in a mouse model. We designed a tumor angiogenesis-targeting T1 contrast agent that was prepared by the bioconjugation of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) antibody. The specific binding of the agent complex to cells that express VEGFR2 was examined in cultured murine endothelial cells (MS-1 cells) with a 4.7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Angiogenesis-specific T1 enhancement was imaged with the Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate using a CT-26 adenocarcinoma tumor model in eight mice. As a control, the use of the Gd-DTPA-anti-rat immunoglobulin G (Gd-DTPA-anti-rat IgG) was imaged with a tumor model in eight mice. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. Tumor tissue was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate showed predominant binding to cultured endothelial cells that expressed a high level of VEGFR2. Signal enhancement was approximately three-fold for in vivo T1-weighted MR imaging with the use of the Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate as compared with the Gd-DTPA-rat IgG in the mouse tumor model (p < 0.05). VEGFR2 expression in CT-26 tumor vessels was demonstrated using immunohistochemical staining. MR imaging using the Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate as a contrast agent is useful in visualizing noninvasively tumor angiogenesis in a murine tumor model

  10. Visualization of Tumor Angiogenesis Using MR Imaging Contrast Agent Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGF Receptor 2 Antibody Conjugate in a Mouse Tumor Model

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jun, Hong Young; Yin, Hong Hua; Kim, Sun Hee; Park, Seong Hoon; Kim, Hun Soo; Yoon Kwon Ha Yoon [Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan (Korea, Republic of)

    2010-08-15

    To visualize tumor angiogenesis using the MRI contrast agent, Gd- DTPA-anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody conjugate, with a 4.7-Tesla MRI instrument in a mouse model. We designed a tumor angiogenesis-targeting T1 contrast agent that was prepared by the bioconjugation of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) antibody. The specific binding of the agent complex to cells that express VEGFR2 was examined in cultured murine endothelial cells (MS-1 cells) with a 4.7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Angiogenesis-specific T1 enhancement was imaged with the Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate using a CT-26 adenocarcinoma tumor model in eight mice. As a control, the use of the Gd-DTPA-anti-rat immunoglobulin G (Gd-DTPA-anti-rat IgG) was imaged with a tumor model in eight mice. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. Tumor tissue was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate showed predominant binding to cultured endothelial cells that expressed a high level of VEGFR2. Signal enhancement was approximately three-fold for in vivo T1-weighted MR imaging with the use of the Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate as compared with the Gd-DTPA-rat IgG in the mouse tumor model (p < 0.05). VEGFR2 expression in CT-26 tumor vessels was demonstrated using immunohistochemical staining. MR imaging using the Gd-DTPA-anti-VEGFR2 antibody conjugate as a contrast agent is useful in visualizing noninvasively tumor angiogenesis in a murine tumor model

  11. In vitro photothermal destruction of neuroblastoma cells using carbon nanotubes conjugated with GD2 monoclonal antibody

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Chung-Hao; Huang, Yao-Jhang; Chang, Chia-Wei; Peng, Ching-An; Hsu, Wen-Ming

    2009-01-01

    Despite aggressive multimodality therapy, most neuroblastoma-bearing patients relapse and survival rate remains poor. Exploration of alternative therapeutic modalities is needed. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), revealing optical absorbance in the near-infrared region, warrant their merits in photothermal therapy. In order to specifically target disialoganglioside (GD2) overexpressed on the surface of neuroblastoma stNB-V1 cells, GD2 monoclonal antibody (anti-GD2) was conjugated to acidified CNTs. To examine the fate of anti-GD2 bound CNTs after incubation with stNB-V1 cells, rhodamine B was labeled on carboxylated CNTs functionalized with and without anti-GD2. Our results illustrated that anti-GD2-linked CNTs were extensively internalized by neuroblastoma cells via GD2-mediated endocytosis. In addition, we showed that anti-GD2 bound CNTs were not ingested by PC12 cells without GD2 expression. After anti-GD2 conjugated CNTs were incubated with neuroblastoma cells for 6 h and endocytosed by the cells, CNT-laden neuroblastoma cells were further irradiated with an 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser with intensity ramping from 0.6 to 6 W cm -2 for 10 min which was then maintained at 6 W cm -2 for an additional 5 min. Post-NIR laser exposure, and after being examined by calcein-AM dye, stNB-V1 cells were all found to undergo necrosis, while non-GD2 expressing PC12 cells all remained viable. Based on the in vitro study, CNTs bound with anti-GD2 have the potential to be utilized as a therapeutic thermal coupling agent that generates heat sufficient to selectively kill neuroblastoma cells under NIR laser light exposure.

  12. Synthesis and characterization of Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Honghu; Malik, Vikash; Mallapragada, Surya; Akinc, Mufit

    2017-01-01

    Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles has attracted increasing interest due to their importance in biomedical and technological applications. Tunable magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles to meet specific requirements will greatly expand the spectrum of applications. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to studying and controlling the size, shape and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles. Here we investigate gadolinium (Gd) doping to influence the growth process as well as magnetic properties of magnetite nanocrystals via a simple co-precipitation method under mild conditions in aqueous media. Gd doping was found to affect the growth process leading to synthesis of controllable particle sizes under the conditions tested (0–10 at% Gd"3"+). Typically, undoped and 5 at% Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles were found to have crystal sizes of about 18 and 44 nm, respectively, supported by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that Gd-doped nanoparticles retained the magnetite crystal structure, with Gd"3"+ randomly incorporated in the crystal lattice, probably in the octahedral sites. The composition of 5 at% Gd-doped magnetite was Fe_(_3_−_x_)Gd_xO_4 (x=0.085±0.002), as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. 5 at% Gd-doped nanoparticles exhibited ferrimagnetic properties with small coercivity (~65 Oe) and slightly decreased magnetization at 260 K in contrast to the undoped, superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Templation by the bacterial biomineralization protein Mms6 did not appear to affect the growth of the Gd-doped magnetite particles synthesized by this method. - Highlights: • Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles are synthesized via aqueous co-precipitation method under mild conditions. • Gd doping affects growth of magnetite nanoparticles leading to tunable particle size. • Gd-doped magnetite nanoparticles exhibit ferrimagnetic properties.

  13. Development of a conjugated gadolinium and cisplatin-gelatin possessing properties as an intravascular contrast agent for MR imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sonoda, Akinaga; Nitta, Norihisa; Ohta, Shinichi; Seko, Ayumi; Jo, Jun-ichiro; Morikawa, Shigehiro; Tabata, Yasuhiko; Takahashi, Masashi; Murata, Kiyoshi

    2009-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to create a Gd-DTPA-Gel-Cis compound, which made from gadolinum (Gd), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-dianhydride, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (Cis) and bovine gelatin (Gel), that makes it possible to visualize Cis as intravascular agent under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and methods: The amount of DTPA, Gd, and Cis were titrated to determine the new compound's conjugation ratio with gelatin. Considering these functions, Gd-DTPA-Gel-Cis was synthesized, and its stability in bovine serum was evaluated. In addition, the signal intensity of the diluted sample was measured under 1.5 Tesla MRI. Results: The synthesized 10 mg/ml of Gd-DTPA-Gel-Cis contained 42.84 μg/ml of Gd and 1.53 μg/ml of platinum. Gd-DTPA-Gel-Cis (100 mg/10 ml) enclosed into the cellulose dialysis tubing was placed in 90 ml of bovine serum and shaken reciprocally at 72 stroke/min at 37 deg. C. Partial release of free Pt was shown at 6 and 24 h, but no release of Gd occurred for a 24-h period. And high stability of Gd conjugated to DTPA-Gel-Cis. This result suggests possible anti-tumor effectiveness and high stability of Gd conjugated to DTPA-Gel-Cis. The diluted sample presented high signal intensity under 1.5 Tesla MRI. Conclusion: Gd-DTPA-Gel-Cis has been developed successfully and we have proven its stability and contrast ability in MRI.

  14. Green synthesis and characterisation of platinum nanoparticles using quail egg yolk

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nadaroglu, Hayrunnisa; Gungor, Azize Alayli; Ince, Selvi; Babagil, Aynur

    2017-02-01

    Nanotechnology is extensively used in all parts today. Therefore, nano synthesis is also significant in all explored areas. The results of studies conducted have revealed that nanoparticle synthesis is performed by using both chemical and physical methods. It is well known that these syntheses are carried out at high charge, pressure and temperature in harsh environments. Therefore, this study investigated green synthesis method that sustains more mild conditions. In this study, quail egg yolk having high vitamin and protein content was prepared for green synthesis reaction and used for the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles in the reaction medium. Reaction situations were optimised as a function of pH, temperature, time and concentration by using quail egg yolk. The results showed that the highest platinum nanoparticles were synthesised at 20 °C and pH 6.0 for 4 h. Also, optimal concentration of metal ions was established as 0.5 mM. The synthesised platinum nanoparticles were characterised by using UV spectrum, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope.

  15. Synthesis and Characterization of Hollow Magnetic Alloy (GdNi2, Co5Gd Nanospheres Coated with Gd2O3

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wang Li

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Uniform magnetic hollow nanospheres (GdNi2, Co5Gd coated with Gd2O3 have been successfully prepared on a large scale via a urea-based homogeneous precipitation method using silica (SiO2 spheres as sacrificed templates, followed by subsequent heat treatment. Nitrogen sorption measurements and scanning electron microscope reveal that these hollow-structured magnetic nanospheres have the mesoporous shells that are composed of a large amount of uniform nanoparticles. After reduction treatment, these nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism that might have potential applications in medicine. Furthermore, the developed synthesis route may provide an important guidance for the preparation of other multifunctional hollow spherical materials.

  16. Improved tumor-targeting MRI contrast agents: Gd(DOTA) conjugates of a cycloalkane-based RGD peptide

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Park, Ji-Ae; Lee, Yong Jin; Ko, In Ok; Kim, Tae-Jeong; Chang, Yongmin; Lim, Sang Moo; Kim, Kyeong Min; Kim, Jung Young

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Development of improved tumor-targeting MRI contrast agents. • To increase the targeting ability of RGD, we developed cycloalkane-based RGD peptides. • Gd(DOTA) conjugates of cycloalkane-based RGD peptide show improved tumor signal enhancement in vivo MR images. - Abstract: Two new MRI contrast agents, Gd-DOTA-c(RGD-ACP-K) (1) and Gd-DOTA-c(RGD-ACH-K) (2), which were designed by incorporating aminocyclopentane (ACP)- or aminocyclohexane (ACH)-carboxylic acid into Gd-DOTA (gadolinium-tetraazacyclo dodecanetetraacetic acid) and cyclic RGDK peptides, were synthesized and evaluated for tumor-targeting ability in vitro and in vivo. Binding affinity studies showed that both 1 and 2 exhibited higher affinity for integrin receptors than cyclic RGDyK peptides, which were used as a reference. These complexes showed high relaxivity and good stability in human serum and have the potential to improve target-specific signal enhancement in vivo MR images

  17. Improved tumor-targeting MRI contrast agents: Gd(DOTA) conjugates of a cycloalkane-based RGD peptide

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Ji-Ae, E-mail: jpark@kirams.re.kr [Molecular Imaging Research Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Yong Jin; Ko, In Ok [Molecular Imaging Research Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Tae-Jeong; Chang, Yongmin [Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu (Korea, Republic of); Lim, Sang Moo [Department of Nuclear Medicine, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Kyeong Min [Molecular Imaging Research Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Jung Young, E-mail: jykim@kirams.re.kr [Molecular Imaging Research Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

    2014-12-12

    Highlights: • Development of improved tumor-targeting MRI contrast agents. • To increase the targeting ability of RGD, we developed cycloalkane-based RGD peptides. • Gd(DOTA) conjugates of cycloalkane-based RGD peptide show improved tumor signal enhancement in vivo MR images. - Abstract: Two new MRI contrast agents, Gd-DOTA-c(RGD-ACP-K) (1) and Gd-DOTA-c(RGD-ACH-K) (2), which were designed by incorporating aminocyclopentane (ACP)- or aminocyclohexane (ACH)-carboxylic acid into Gd-DOTA (gadolinium-tetraazacyclo dodecanetetraacetic acid) and cyclic RGDK peptides, were synthesized and evaluated for tumor-targeting ability in vitro and in vivo. Binding affinity studies showed that both 1 and 2 exhibited higher affinity for integrin receptors than cyclic RGDyK peptides, which were used as a reference. These complexes showed high relaxivity and good stability in human serum and have the potential to improve target-specific signal enhancement in vivo MR images.

  18. TEM and EELS studies of microwave-irradiation synthesis of bimetallic platinum nanocatalysts

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mathe, N R; Scriba, M R; Coville, N J; Olivier, J E

    2014-01-01

    Microwave-irradiation (MW) synthesis of nanostructured materials provides for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, using fast and uniform heating rates. This procedure affords better control of the shape and size of the nanoparticles when compared to conventional methods. In this work, microwave-irradiation was used to produce platinum-cobalt (Pt-Co) and platinum-nickel (Pt-Ni) nanoparticles for use as electrocatalysts in the methanol oxidation reaction. High resolution TEM imaging and EELS studies revealed that these bimetallic nanoparticles form islands or hetero-structures

  19. Modern methods for the synthesis of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zubin, Evgenii M; Oretskaya, Tat'yana S; Romanova, Elena A

    2002-01-01

    The published data on the methods of chemical solution and solid-phase synthesis of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates are reviewed. The known methods are systematised and their advantages and disadvantages are considered. The approaches to the solution synthesis of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates are systematised according to the type of chemical bonds between the fragments, whereas those to the solid-phase synthesis are classified according to the procedure used for the preparation of conjugates, viz., stepwise elongation of oligonucleotide and peptide chains on the same polymeric support or solid-phase condensation of two presynthesised fragments. The bibliography includes 141 references.

  20. Anti-Neuroblastoma Activity of Gold Nanorods Bound with GD2 Monoclonal Antibody under Near-Infrared Laser Irradiation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Peng, Ching-An; Wang, Chung-Hao

    2011-01-01

    High-risk neuroblastoma is one of the most common deaths in pediatric oncology. Current treatment of this disease involves a coordinated sequence of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Further advances in therapy will require the targeting of tumor cells in a more selective and efficient way so that survival can be improved without substantially increasing toxicity. To achieve tumor-selective delivery, disialoganglioside (GD2) expressed by almost all neuroblastoma tumors represents a potential molecular target that can be exploited for tumor-selective delivery. In this study, GD2 monoclonal antibody (anti-GD2) was conjugated to gold nanorods (GNRs) which are one of anisotropic nanomaterials that can absorb near-infrared (NIR) laser light and convert it to energy for photothermolysis of tumor cells. Thiolated chitosan, due to its biocompatibility, was used to replace cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) originally used in the synthesis of gold nanorods. In order to specifically target GD2 overexpressed on the surface of neuroblastoma stNB-V1 cells, anti-GD2 was conjugated to chitosan modified GNRs (CGNRs). To examine the fate of CGNRs conjugated with anti-GD2 after incubation with neuroblastoma cells, rhadoamine B was labeled on CGNRs functionalized with anti-GD2. Our results illustrated that anti-GD2-conjugated CGNRs were extensively endocytosed by GD2 + stNB-V1 neuroblastoma cells via antibody-mediated endocytosis. In addition, we showed that anti-GD2 bound CGNRs were not internalized by GD2 − SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. After anti-GD2-linked CGNRs were incubated with neuroblatoma cells for six hours, the treated cells were further irradiated with 808 nm NIR laser. Post-NIR laser exposure, when examined by calcein-AM dye, stNB-V1 cells all underwent necrosis, while non-GD2 expressing SH-SY5Y cells all remained viable. Based on the in vitro study, CGNRs bound with anti-GD2 has the potential to be utilized as a therapeutic thermal coupling agent that generates

  1. Ultrafast intersystem-crossing in platinum containing π-conjugated polymers with tunable spin-orbit coupling.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sheng, C-X; Singh, S; Gambetta, A; Drori, T; Tong, M; Tretiak, S; Vardeny, Z V

    2013-01-01

    The development of efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and organic photovoltaic cells requires control over the dynamics of spin sensitive excitations. Embedding heavy metal atoms in π-conjugated polymer chains enhances the spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and thus facilitates intersystem crossing (ISC) from the singlet to triplet manifolds. Here we use various nonlinear optical spectroscopies such as two-photon absorption and electroabsorption in conjunction with electronic structure calculations, for studying the energies, emission bands and ultrafast dynamics of spin photoexcitations in two newly synthesized π-conjugated polymers that contain intrachain platinum (Pt) atoms separated by one (Pt-1) or three (Pt-3) organic spacer units. The controllable SOC in these polymers leads to a record ISC time of white OLEDs.

  2. Synthesis of Mikto-Arm Star Peptide Conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Koo, Jin Mo; Su, Hao; Lin, Yi-An; Cui, Honggang

    2018-01-01

    Mikto-arm star peptide conjugates are an emerging class of self-assembling peptide-based structural units that contain three or more auxiliary segments of different chemical compositions and/or functionalities. This group of molecules exhibit interesting self-assembly behavior in solution due to their chemically asymmetric topology. Here we describe the detailed procedure for synthesis of an ABC Mikto-arm star peptide conjugate in which two immiscible entities (a saturated hydrocarbon and a hydrophobic and lipophobic fluorocarbon) are conjugated onto a short β-sheet forming peptide sequence, GNNQQNY, derived from the Sup35 prion, through a lysine junction. Automated and manual Fmoc-solid phase synthesis techniques are used to synthesize the Mikto-arm star peptide conjugates, followed by HPLC purification. We envision that this set of protocols can afford a versatile platform to synthesize a new class of peptidic building units for diverse applications.

  3. LDRD final report on synthesis of shape-and size-controlled platinum and platinum alloy nanostructures on carbon with improved durability.

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shelnutt, John Allen; Garcia, Robert M.; Song, Yujiang; Moreno, Andres M.; Stanis, Ronald J.

    2008-10-01

    This project is aimed to gain added durability by supporting ripening-resistant dendritic platinum and/or platinum-based alloy nanostructures on carbon. We have developed a new synthetic approach suitable for directly supporting dendritic nanostructures on VXC-72 carbon black (CB), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The key of the synthesis is to creating a unique supporting/confining reaction environment by incorporating carbon within lipid bilayer relying on a hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction. In order to realize size uniformity control over the supported dendritic nanostructures, a fast photocatalytic seeding method based on tin(IV) porphyrins (SnP) developed at Sandia was applied to the synthesis by using SnP-containing liposomes under tungsten light irradiation. For concept approval, one created dendritic platinum nanostructure supported on CB was fabricated into membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for durability examination via potential cycling. It appears that carbon supporting is essentially beneficial to an enhanced durability according to our preliminary results.

  4. Glypican-1-antibody-conjugated Gd-Au nanoclusters for FI/MRI dual-modal targeted detection of pancreatic cancer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Xin; Fan, Chengqi; Zhu, Huanhuan; Le, Wenjun; Cui, Shaobin; Chen, Xin; Li, Wei; Zhang, Fulei; Huang, Yong; Sh, Donglu; Cui, Zheng; Shao, Chengwei; Chen, Bingdi

    2018-01-01

    Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis with high mortality, due to the lack of effective early diagnostic and prognostic tools. In order to target and diagnose PC, we developed a dual-modal imaging probe using Glypican-1 (GPC-1) antibody conjugated with Gd-Au nanoclusters (NCs; Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1). GPC-1 is a type of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which is often highly expressed in PC. The probe was successfully prepared with a hydrodynamic diameter ranging from 13.5 to 24.4 nm. Spectral characteristics showed absorption at 280 nm and prominent emission at 650 nm. Confocal microscopic imaging showed effective detection of GPC-1 highly expressed PC cells by Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1, which was consistent with flow cytometry results. In vitro relaxivity characterization demonstrated that the r1 value of the probe was 17.722 s -1 mM -1 Gd, which was almost 4 times higher compared with that of Gd-diethylenetriaminepentacetate (DTPA; r1 value =4.6 s -1 mM -1 Gd). Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 exhibited similar magnetic resonance (MR) signals when compared to Gd-DTPA even at lower Gd concentrations. Much higher MR signals were registered in PC cells (COLO-357) compared with normal cells (293T). Furthermore, Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 could effectively detect PC cells in vivo by dual-modal fluorescence imaging/magnetic resonance imaging (FI/MRI) at 30 minutes postinjection. In addition, Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 did not show significant biotoxicity to normal cells at tested concentrations both in vitro and in vivo. Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 has demonstrated to be a promising dual-modal FI/MRI contrast agent for targeted diagnosis of PC.

  5. Single step synthesis of GdAlO3 powder

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sinha, Amit; Nair, S.R.; Sinha, P.K.

    2011-01-01

    Research highlights: → First report on direct formation of GdAlO 3 powder using a novel combustion process. → Study of combustion characteristics of Gd(NO 3 ) 3 and Al(NO 3 ) 3 towards three fuels. → Preparation of highly sinterable GdAlO 3 powders through fuel-mixture approach. → Significant reduction in energy consumption for production of GdAlO 3 sintered body. - Abstract: A novel method for preparation of nano-crystalline gadolinium aluminate (GdAlO 3 ) powder, based on combustion synthesis, is reported. It was observed that aluminium nitrate and gadolinium nitrate exhibit different combustion characteristics with respect to urea, glycine and β-alanine. While urea was proven to be a suitable fuel for direct formation of crystalline α-Al 2 O 3 from its nitrate, glycine and β-alanine are suitable fuels for gadolinium nitrate for preparation of its oxide after combustion reaction. Based on the observed chemical characteristics of gadolinium and aluminium nitrates with respect to above mentioned fuels for the combustion reaction, the fuel mixture composition could be predicted that could lead to phase pure perovskite GdAlO 3 directly after the combustion reaction without any subsequent calcination step. The use of single fuel, on the other hand, leads to formation of amorphous precursor powders that call for subsequent calcination for the formation of crystalline GdAlO 3 . The powders produced directly after combustion reactions using fuel mixtures were found to be highly sinterable. The sintering of the powders at 1550 o C for 4 h resulted in GdAlO 3 with sintered density of more than 95%. T.D.

  6. Novel Antitumor Platinum(II) Conjugates Containing the Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent Diclofenac: Synthesis and Dual Mechanisms of Antiproliferative Effects.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Intini, Francesco Paolo; Zajac, Juraj; Novohradsky, Vojtech; Saltarella, Teresa; Pacifico, Concetta; Brabec, Viktor; Natile, Giovanni; Kasparkova, Jana

    2017-02-06

    One concept how to improve anticancer effects of conventional metallodrugs consists in conjugation of these compounds with other biologically (antitumor) active agents, acting by a different mechanism. Here, we present synthesis, biological effects, and mechanisms of action of new Pt(II) derivatives containing one or two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory diclofenac (DCF) ligands also known for their antitumor effects. The antiproliferative properties of these metallic conjugates show that these compounds are potent and cancer cell selective cytotoxic agents exhibiting activity in cisplatin resistant and the COX-2 positive tumor cell lines. One of these compounds, compound 3, in which DCF molecules are coordinated to Pt(II) through their carboxylic group, is more potent than parental conventional Pt(II) drug cisplatin, free DCF and the congeners of 3 in which DCF ligands are conjugated to Pt(II) via a diamine. The potency of 3 is due to several factors including enhanced internalization that correlates with enhanced DNA binding and cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies show that 3 combines multiple effects. After its accumulation in cells, it releases Pt(II) drug capable of binding/damaging DNA and DCF ligands, which affect distribution of cells in individual phases of the cell cycle, inhibit glycolysis and lactate transport, collapse mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppress the cellular properties characteristic of metastatic progression.

  7. Synthesis and characterization of platinum supported on alumina doped with cerium catalyst

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yusof Abdullah; Abd Fatah Awang Mat; Mohd Ali Sufi; Sarimah Mahat; Razali Kassim; Nurhaslinda Abdullah.

    1996-03-01

    The synthesis and characterization of gamma-alumina doped with cerium as platinum support for the automobile exhaust catalyst are described. Platinum/alumina/ceria catalyst were prepared by impregnation of hexachloroplatinic acid and sintered at 500 degree Celsius to obtain metal dispersions of 1.0 wt%. Catalyst distribution inside the powder and the effects of the addition of cerium to alumina were analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). The results showed that the alumina - supported catalysts contained well dispersion of the noble metal

  8. Synthesis and evaluation of novel polysaccharide-Gd-DTPA compounds as contrast agent for MRI

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Guoying; Feng, Jianghua; Jing, Fengying; Pei, Fengkui; Liu, Maili

    2003-09-01

    Macromolecular conjugates of two kinds of natural polysaccharides, that from Panax quinquefolium linn (PQPS) and Ganoderma applanatum pat (GAPS), with gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) have been synthesized and characterized by means of FTIR, elementary analysis and ICP-AES. Their stability was investigated by competition study with Ca 2+, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and DTPA. Polysaccharide-bound complexes exhibit T1 relaxivities of 1.5-1.7 times that of Gd-DTPA in D 2O at 25°C and 9.4 T. MR imaging of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats showed remarkable enhancement in rat liver and kidney after i.v. injection of these two complexes: liver parenchyma 60.9±5.6%, 57.8±7.4% at 65-85 min; kidney 144.9±14.5%, 199.9±25.4% at 10-30 min for PQPS-Gd-DTPA, GAPS-Gd-DTPA at gadolinium dose of 0.083 and 0.082 mmol/kg, respectively. Our preliminary in vivo and in vitro study indicates that the two kinds of polysaccharide-bound complexes are potential tissue-specific contrast agents for MRI.

  9. Platinum(II)-gadolinium(III) complexes as potential single-molecular theranostic agents for cancer treatment.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Zhenzhu; Wang, Xiaoyong; Li, Tuanjie; Aime, Silvio; Sadler, Peter J; Guo, Zijian

    2014-11-24

    Theranostic agents are emerging multifunctional molecules capable of simultaneous therapy and diagnosis of diseases. We found that platinum(II)-gadolinium(III) complexes with the formula [{Pt(NH3)2Cl}2GdL](NO3)2 possess such properties. The Gd center is stable in solution and the cytoplasm, whereas the Pt centers undergo ligand substitution in cancer cells. The Pt units interact with DNA and significantly promote the cellular uptake of Gd complexes. The cytotoxicity of the Pt-Gd complexes is comparable to that of cisplatin at high concentrations (≥0.1 mM), and their proton relaxivity is higher than that of the commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent Gd-DTPA. T1-weighted MRI on B6 mice demonstrated that these complexes can reveal the accumulation of platinum drugs in vivo. Their cytotoxicity and imaging capabilities make the Pt-Gd complexes promising theranostic agents for cancer treatment. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Synthesis of regioregular pentacene-containing conjugated polymers

    KAUST Repository

    Okamoto, Toshihiro; Jiang, Ying; Becerril, Hector A.; Hong, Sanghyun; Senatore, Michelle L.; Tang, Ming L.; Toney, Michael F.; Siegrist, Theo; Bao, Zhenan

    2011-01-01

    We report the synthesis and characterization of a new class of regioregular pentacene-containing conjugated polymers via our synthetic routes reported previously. We found that our regioregular pentacene polymers showed improved ordering than their regiorandom counterpart as well as ambipolar OFET performance. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

  11. 33 CFR 110.77 - Amistad Reservoir, Tex.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Amistad Reservoir, Tex. 110.77... ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.77 Amistad Reservoir, Tex. (a) Diablo East, Tex. That portion of the Amistad Reservoir enclosed by a line connecting the following points, excluding a 300-foot...

  12. A monofunctional platinum complex coordinated to a rhodium metalloinsertor selectively binds mismatched DNA in the minor groove.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Weidmann, Alyson G; Barton, Jacqueline K

    2015-10-05

    We report the synthesis and characterization of a bimetallic complex derived from a new family of potent and selective metalloinsertors containing an unusual Rh-O axial coordination. This complex incorporates a monofunctional platinum center containing only one labile site for coordination to DNA, rather than two, and coordinates DNA nonclassically through adduct formation in the minor groove. This conjugate displays bifunctional, interdependent binding of mismatched DNA via metalloinsertion at a mismatch as well as covalent platinum binding. DNA sequencing experiments revealed that the preferred site of platinum coordination is not the traditional N7-guanine site in the major groove, but rather N3-adenine in the minor groove. The complex also displays enhanced cytotoxicity in mismatch repair-deficient and mismatch repair-proficient human colorectal carcinoma cell lines compared to the chemotherapeutic cisplatin, and it triggers cell death via an apoptotic pathway, rather than the necrotic pathway induced by rhodium metalloinsertors.

  13. Controlled synthesis of the tricontinuous mesoporous material IBN-9 and its carbon and platinum derivatives

    KAUST Repository

    Zhao, Yunfeng

    2011-08-23

    Controlled synthesis of mesoporous materials with ultracomplicated pore configurations is of great importance for both fundamental research of nanostructures and the development of novel applications. IBN-9, which is the only tricontinuous mesoporous silica with three sets of interpenetrating three-dimensional channel systems, appears to be an excellent model mesophase for such study. The extensive study of synthesis space diagrams proves mesophase transition among the cylindrical MCM-41, tricontinuous IBN-9 and bicontinuous MCM-48, and also allows a more precise control of phase-pure synthesis. On the other hand, rational design of structure-directing agents offers a possibility to extend the synthesis conditions of IBN-9, as well as tailor its pore size. Moreover, an unprecedented helical structure consisting of twisted 3-fold interwoven mesoporous channels is reported here for the first time. The unique tricontinuous mesostructure of IBN-9 has been well-replicated by other functional materials (e.g., carbon and platinum) via a "hard- templating" synthesis route. The obtained carbon material possesses large surface area (∼1900 m2/g), high pore volume (1.56 cm 3/g), and remarkable gas adsorption capability at both cryogenic temperatures and room temperature. The platinum material has an ordered mesostructure composed of highly oriented nanocrystals. © 2011 American Chemical Society.

  14. StarTeX - a TeX for beginners

    OpenAIRE

    Langmyhr, Dag

    1996-01-01

    This article describes StarTEX, a new TEX format for students writing their first report and other novice users. Its aim is to provide a simpler and more robust tool for users with no previous knowledge of TEX and LATEX.V

  15. A Convenient Synthesis of Conjugated Acetylenic Ketones by Copper(l)-Catalyzed under Microwave Irradiation

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    WANG; JinXian

    2001-01-01

    Alkynyl ketones are useful precursors and intermediates in synthetic organic chemistry1 and has evoked considerable interest. A number of methods for the synthesis of conjugated acetylenic ketones involve the reaction a metal acetylide with an acyl chlorides or another carboxylic acid derivative have been developed 2. Recently, the synthesis of α, β-conjugated acetylenic ketones catalyzed by Pd(Ⅱ) or by copper(Ⅰ)pd(Ⅱ) reaction of 1-alkynes and acyl chlorides have been described. The acylation of terminal alkynes by acyl chlorides in the presence of catalytic amounts copper(Ⅰ) salts leading to α, β-conjugated acetylenic ketones has also been reported. However, many of these reactions suffer from lack of high pressure (17 atm), long reaction time (30 h)and require low temperatures (-78℃). Our work involves the synthesis of conjugated acetylenic ketones via the reaction of terminal alkynes with aroyl chlorides in the presence of cuprous iodide under microwave irradiation conditions.……

  16. A Convenient Synthesis of Conjugated Acetylenic Ketones by Copper(l)-Catalyzed under Microwave Irradiation

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    WANG JinXian; WEI BangGuo; ZHAO LianBiao; HU YuLai; KANG LiQing

    2001-01-01

    @@ Alkynyl ketones are useful precursors and intermediates in synthetic organic chemistry1 and has evoked considerable interest. A number of methods for the synthesis of conjugated acetylenic ketones involve the reaction a metal acetylide with an acyl chlorides or another carboxylic acid derivative have been developed 2. Recently, the synthesis of α, β-conjugated acetylenic ketones catalyzed by Pd(Ⅱ) or by copper(Ⅰ)pd(Ⅱ) reaction of 1-alkynes and acyl chlorides have been described. The acylation of terminal alkynes by acyl chlorides in the presence of catalytic amounts copper(Ⅰ) salts leading to α, β-conjugated acetylenic ketones has also been reported. However, many of these reactions suffer from lack of high pressure (17 atm), long reaction time (30 h)and require low temperatures (-78℃). Our work involves the synthesis of conjugated acetylenic ketones via the reaction of terminal alkynes with aroyl chlorides in the presence of cuprous iodide under microwave irradiation conditions.

  17. Controlled synthesis of the tricontinuous mesoporous material IBN-9 and its carbon and platinum derivatives

    KAUST Repository

    Zhao, Yunfeng; Zhang, Daliang; Zhao, Lan; Wang, Guangchao; Zhu, Yihan; Cairns, Amy; Sun, Junliang; Zou, Xiaodong; Han, Yu

    2011-01-01

    materials (e.g., carbon and platinum) via a "hard- templating" synthesis route. The obtained carbon material possesses large surface area (∼1900 m2/g), high pore volume (1.56 cm 3/g), and remarkable gas adsorption capability at both cryogenic temperatures

  18. Controlled gas-liquid interfacial plasmas for synthesis of nano-bio-carbon conjugate materials

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kaneko, Toshiro; Hatakeyama, Rikizo

    2018-01-01

    Plasmas generated in contact with a liquid have been recognized to be a novel reactive field in nano-bio-carbon conjugate creation because several new chemical reactions have been yielded at the gas-liquid interface, which were induced by the physical dynamics of non-equilibrium plasmas. One is the ion irradiation to a liquid, which caused the spatially selective dissociation of the liquid and the generation of additive reducing and oxidizing agents, resulting in the spatially controlled synthesis of nanostructures. The other is the electron irradiation to a liquid, which directly enhanced the reduction action at the plasma-liquid interface, resulting in temporally controlled nanomaterial synthesis. Using this novel reaction field, gold nanoparticles with controlled interparticle distance were synthesized using carbon nanotubes as a template. Furthermore, nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates and nanocarbon-biomolecule conjugates were successfully synthesized by an aqueous-solution contact plasma and an electrolyte plasma, respectively, which were rapid and low-damage processes suitable for nano-bio-carbon conjugate materials.

  19. Comparison of platinum/MWCNTs Nanocatalysts Synthesis Processes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Xuan

    Due to the growing concerns on the depletion of petroleum based energy resources and climate change; fuel cell technologies have received much attention in recent years. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFCs) features high energy conversion efficiency and nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions, because of its combination of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) at anode side and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at cathode side. Synthesis of Pt nanoparticles supported on multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) possess a highly durable electrochemical surface area (ESA) and show good power output on proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell performance. Platinum on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) support were synthesized by two different processes to transfer PtCl62- from aqueous to organic phase. While the first method of Pt/MWCNTs synthesis involved dodecane thiol (DDT) and octadecane thiol (ODT) as anchoring agent, the second method used ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) as the dispersion/anchoring agent. The particle size and distribution of platinum were examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The TEM images showed homogenous distribution and uniform particle size of platinum deposited on the surface of MWCNTs. The single cell fuel cell performance of the Pt/MWCNTs synthesized thiols and ALS based electrode containing 0.2 (anode) and 0.4 mg (cathode) Pt.cm-2 were evaluated using Nafion-212 electrolyte with H2 and O2 gases at 80 °C and ambient pressure. The catalyst synthesis with ALS is relatively simple compared to that with thiols and also showed higher performance (power density reaches about 1070 mW.cm -2). The Electrodes with Pt/MWCNTs nanocatalysts synthesized using ALS were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) for durability evaluation using humidified H2 and N2 gases at room temperature (21 °C) along with commercial Pt/C for comparison. The ESA measured by cyclic voltammetry between 0.15 and 1.2 V showed significant

  20. The Effectiveness of Texas Teacher Certification Programs as Evidenced through Pass Rates on TExES PPR 160 Exam

    Science.gov (United States)

    Clouse, Scarlet

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between alternative certification pathways, specifically those offered through a university-based, post baccalaureate certification program and a regional education service center certification program. A quantitative research design was implemented and archived scores on the TExES PPR…

  1. Rapid, facile synthesis of conjugated polymer zwitterions in ionic liquids

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Page, Zachariah A. [Polymer Science & Engineering Department; Conte Center for Polymer Research; University of Massachusetts; Amherst, USA; Liu, Feng [Polymer Science & Engineering Department; Conte Center for Polymer Research; University of Massachusetts; Amherst, USA; Russell, Thomas P. [Polymer Science & Engineering Department; Conte Center for Polymer Research; University of Massachusetts; Amherst, USA; Emrick, Todd [Polymer Science & Engineering Department; Conte Center for Polymer Research; University of Massachusetts; Amherst, USA

    2014-01-01

    Ionic liquids (ILs) were utilized for the rapid air-stable Suzuki polymerization of polar zwitterionic thiophene monomers, precluding the need for volatile organic solvents, phosphine ligands and phase transfer catalysts typically used in conjugated polymer synthesis.

  2. Platinum(iv) prodrug conjugated Pd@Au nanoplates for chemotherapy and photothermal therapy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shi, Saige; Chen, Xiaolan; Wei, Jingping; Huang, Yizhuan; Weng, Jian; Zheng, Nanfeng

    2016-03-01

    Owing to the excellent near infrared (NIR) light absorption and efficient passive targeting toward tumor tissue, two-dimensional (2D) core-shell PEGylated Pd@Au nanoplates have great potential in both photothermal therapy and drug delivery systems. In this work, we successfully conjugate Pd@Au nanoplates with a platinum(iv) prodrug c,c,t-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] to obtain a nanocomposite (Pd@Au-PEG-Pt) for combined photothermal-chemotherapy. The prepared Pd@Au-PEG-Pt nanocomposite showed excellent stability in physiological solutions and efficient Pt(iv) prodrug loading. Once injected into biological tissue, the Pt(iv) prodrug was easily reduced by physiological reductants (e.g. ascorbic acid or glutathione) into its cytotoxic and hydrophilic Pt(ii) form and released from the original nanocomposite, and the NIR laser irradiation could accelerate the release of Pt(ii) species. More importantly, Pd@Au-PEG-Pt has high tumor accumulation (29%ID per g), which makes excellent therapeutic efficiency at relatively low power density possible. The in vivo results suggested that, compared with single therapy the combined thermo-chemotherapy treatment with Pd@Au-PEG-Pt resulted in complete destruction of the tumor tissue without recurrence, while chemotherapy using Pd@Au-PEG-Pt without irradiation or photothermal treatment using Pd@Au-PEG alone did not. Our work highlights the prospects of a feasible drug delivery strategy of the Pt prodrug by using 2D Pd@Au nanoplates as drug delivery carriers for multimode cancer treatment.Owing to the excellent near infrared (NIR) light absorption and efficient passive targeting toward tumor tissue, two-dimensional (2D) core-shell PEGylated Pd@Au nanoplates have great potential in both photothermal therapy and drug delivery systems. In this work, we successfully conjugate Pd@Au nanoplates with a platinum(iv) prodrug c,c,t-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] to obtain a nanocomposite (Pd@Au-PEG-Pt) for combined photothermal-chemotherapy. The

  3. Synthesis of nucleotide–amino acid conjugates designed for photo-CIDNP experiments by a phosphotriester approach

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tatyana V. Abramova

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Conjugates of 2’-deoxyguanosine, L-tryptophan and benzophenone designed to study pathways of fast radical reactions by the photo Chemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (photo-CIDNP method were obtained by the phosphotriester block liquid phase synthesis. The phosphotriester approach to the oligonucleotide synthesis was shown to be a versatile and economic strategy for preparing the required amount of high quality samples of nucleotide–amino acid conjugates.

  4. Thiolated pectin-doxorubicin conjugates: Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity studies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheewatanakornkool, Kamonrak; Niratisai, Sathit; Manchun, Somkamol; Dass, Crispin R; Sriamornsak, Pornsak

    2017-10-15

    In this paper, pectin was cross-linked by a coupling reaction with either thioglycolic acid or cystamine dihydrochloride to form thiolated pectins. The thiolated pectins were then coupled with doxorubicin (DOX) derivative to obtain thiolated pectin-DOX conjugates by two different methods, disulfide bond formation and disulfide bond exchange. The disulfide bond exchange method provided a simple, fast, and efficient approach for synthesis of thiolated pectin-DOX conjugates, compared to the disulfide bond formation. Characteristics, physicochemical properties, and morphology of thiolated pectins and thiolated pectin-DOX conjugates were determined. DOX content in thiolated pectin-DOX conjugates using low methoxy pectin was found to be higher than that using high methoxy pectin. The in vitro anticancer activity of thiolated pectin-DOX conjugates was significantly higher than that of free DOX, in mouse colon carcinoma and human bone osteosarcoma cells, but insignificantly different from that of free DOX, in human prostate cancer cells. Due to their promising anticancer activity in mouse colon carcinoma cells, the thiolated pectin-DOX conjugates might be suitable for building drug platform for colorectal cancer-targeted delivery of DOX. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Room temperature synthesis of colloidal platinum nanoparticles

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Unknown

    platinum cation used. ... Particle size increased with low reagent concentration. ... 2,100) was added separately to the starting solution. Argon gas was bubbled in the solution for 20 min. Later, reduction of platinum ions was carried out by bubbling hydrogen gas ... plex to aquate (Cl– → H2O ligand exchange). ... copper grid.

  6. Platinum boride nanowires: Synthesis and characterization

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ding Zhanhui; Qiu Lixia; Zhang Jian; Yao Bin; Cui Tian; Guan Weiming; Zheng Weitao; Wang Wenquan; Zhao Xudong; Liu Xiaoyang

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► Platinum boride nanowires have been synthesized via the direct current arc discharge method. ► XRD, TEM and SAED indicate that the nanowires are single-crystal PtB. ► Two broad photoluminescence emission peaks at about 586 nm and 626 nm have been observed in the PL spectroscopy of PtB nanowires. - Abstract: Platinum boride (PtB) nanowires have been successfully fabricated with direct current arc discharge method using a milled mixture of platinum (Pt) and boron nitride (BN) powders. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the compositions, morphology, and structures of the samples. The results show that PtB nanowires are 30–50 nm thick and 20–30 μm long. TEM and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns identify that the PtB nanowires are single-crystalline in nature. A growth mechanism based on vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) process is proposed for the formation of nanowires.

  7. Gd-DTPA-Dopamine-Bisphytanyl Amphiphile: Synthesis, Characterisation and Relaxation Parameters of the Nanoassemblies and Their Potential as MRI Contrast Agents.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gupta, Abhishek; Willis, Scott A; Waddington, Lynne J; Stait-Gardner, Tim; de Campo, Liliana; Hwang, Dennis W; Kirby, Nigel; Price, William S; Moghaddam, Minoo J

    2015-09-28

    Here, a new amphiphilic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, a Gd(III)-chelated diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid conjugated to two branched alkyl chains via a dopamine spacer, Gd-DTPA-dopamine-bisphytanyl (Gd-DTPA-Dop-Phy), which is readily capable of self-assembling into liposomal nanoassemblies upon dispersion in an aqueous solution, is reported. In vitro relaxivities of the dispersions were found to be much higher than Magnevist, a commercially available contrast agent, at 0.47 T but comparable at 9.40 T. Analysis of variable temperature (17)O NMR transverse relaxation measurements revealed the water exchange of the nanoassemblies to be faster than that previously reported for paramagnetic liposomes. Molecular reorientation dynamics were probed by (1)H NMRD profiles using a classical inner and outer sphere relaxation model and a Lipari-Szabo "model-free" approach. High payloads of Gd(III) ions in the liposomal nanoassemblies made solely from the Gd-DTPA-Dop-Phy amphiphiles, in combination with slow molecular reorientation and fast water exchange makes this novel amphiphile a suitable candidate to be investigated as an advanced MRI contrast agent. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. MODE-PP TeX: A GRM/GDMO Pretty Printing Library based on MODE-FE for the Generation of TeX Documents : Release 1.0 Reference Manual

    OpenAIRE

    Festor , Olivier

    1996-01-01

    MODE-PP TeX (MODE TeX Pretty-Printer) is a module which allows formatting and pretty printing of GRM (General Relationship Model) and GDMO (Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects) specifications. The tool allows the generation of one or more TeX files which contain formatted specifications according to different document style constrains. MODE-PP TeX is part of the MODE (Managed Object Development Environment) prototype which is developed for integrating the use of Formal Descriptio...

  9. Evaluation of texaphyrins as tumor selective radiation sensitizers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Qing Fan; Woodburn, Kathryn W.; Young, Stuart W.

    1997-01-01

    Texaphyrins are expanded porphyrin macrocycles that selectively localize and are retained in cancerous lesions. The function of the texaphyrin can be manipulated by the incorporation of different metal ions into the macrocycle's central cavity. Gadolinium texaphyrin (Gd-Tex) and lutetium texaphyrin (Lu-Tex) were evaluated as radiation sensitizers. Radiation sensitization studies were performed using SMT-F and EMT6 mammary tumor-bearing mice. Single and multifraction dose regimens were performed. SMT-F bearing DBA/2N mice and EMT6 bearing Balb/c mice were intravenously administered with Gd-Tex of Lu-Tex (5-40 μmol/kg) 30 minutes to 5 hours prior to radiation (10-50 Gray) for the single fraction studies. The more radioresistant EMT-6 sarcoma model was used for the multifraction studies. The tumor bearing animals were injected with Gd-Tex (5, 20, or 40 μmol/kg) to 2 hours prior radiation (1, 2, or 4 Gray), this regimen was performed for five consecutive days. Gd-Tex is paramagnetic and has a strong fluorescence signal. Tumor selectivity was determined by MRI and fluorescence spectral imaging before and up to 24 hours following the administration of Gd-Tex. Gd-Tex but not Lu-Tex, proved to be an effective radiation sensitizer. Administration of Gd-Tex (40 μmol/kg) prior to a single dose of 30 Gray radiation provided a significant improvement in survival in SMT-F-bearing DBA/2N mice as compared to animals receiving radiation alone (p = 0.0034). A significant radiation sensitization effect was also found in multiple fraction studies (five consecutive days) with Balb/C mice bearing EMT-6 neoplasma-- following 1 Gray of radiation for 5 days there was a significant difference between the 20 and 40 μmol/kg group and controls (p = 0.003, p = 0.005 respectively). MRI and fluorescence spectral imaging studies of tumor bearing animals revealed excellent contrast enhancement of the tumor which persisted up to 24 hours. Texaphyrins localize in neoplasms as visualized using MRI

  10. Synthesis of platinum nanowheels using a bicellar template.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Song, Yujiang; Dorin, Rachel M; Garcia, Robert M; Jiang, Ying-Bing; Wang, Haorong; Li, Peng; Qiu, Yan; van Swol, Frank; Miller, James E; Shelnutt, John A

    2008-09-24

    Disk-like surfactant bicelles provide a unique meso-structured reaction environment for templating the wet-chemical reduction of platinum(II) salt by ascorbic acid to produce platinum nanowheels. The Pt wheels are 496 +/-55 nm in diameter and possess thickened centers and radial dendritic nanosheets (about 2-nm in thickness) culminating in flared dendritic rims. The structural features of the platinum wheels arise from confined growth of platinum within the bilayer that is also limited at edges of the bicelles. The size of CTAB/FC7 bicelles is observed to evolve with the addition of Pt(II) complex and ascorbic acid. Synthetic control is demonstrated by varying the reaction parameters including metal salt concentration, temperature, and total surfactant concentration. This study opens up opportunities for the use of other inhomogeneous soft templates for synthesizing metals, metal alloys, and possibly semiconductors with complex nanostructures.

  11. Preparation of ubiquitin-conjugated proteins using an insect cell-free protein synthesis system.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Suzuki, Takashi; Ezure, Toru; Ando, Eiji; Nishimura, Osamu; Utsumi, Toshihiko; Tsunasawa, Susumu

    2010-01-01

    Ubiquitination is one of the most significant posttranslational modifications (PTMs). To evaluate the ability of an insect cell-free protein synthesis system to carry out ubiquitin (Ub) conjugation to in vitro translated proteins, poly-Ub chain formation was studied in an insect cell-free protein synthesis system. Poly-Ub was generated in the presence of Ub aldehyde (UA), a de-ubiquitinating enzyme inhibitor. In vitro ubiquitination of the p53 tumor suppressor protein was also analyzed, and p53 was poly-ubiquitinated when Ub, UA, and Mdm2, an E3 Ub ligase (E3) for p53, were added to the in vitro reaction mixture. These results suggest that the insect cell-free protein synthesis system contains enzymatic activities capable of carrying out ubiquitination. CBB-detectable ubiquitinated p53 was easily purified from the insect cell-free protein synthesis system, allowing analysis of the Ub-conjugated proteins by mass spectrometry (MS). Lys 305 of p53 was identified as one of the Ub acceptor sites using this strategy. Thus, we conclude that the insect cell-free protein synthesis system is a powerful tool for studying various PTMs of eukaryotic proteins including ubiqutination presented here.

  12. Design, synthesis and DNA interactions of a chimera between a platinum complex and an IHF mimicking peptide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rao, Harita; Damian, Mariana S; Alshiekh, Alak; Elmroth, Sofi K C; Diederichsen, Ulf

    2015-12-28

    Conjugation of metal complexes with peptide scaffolds possessing high DNA binding affinity has shown to modulate their biological activities and to enhance their interaction with DNA. In this work, a platinum complex/peptide chimera was synthesized based on a model of the Integration Host Factor (IHF), an architectural protein possessing sequence specific DNA binding and bending abilities through its interaction with a minor groove. The model peptide consists of a cyclic unit resembling the minor grove binding subdomain of IHF, a positively charged lysine dendrimer for electrostatic interactions with the DNA phosphate backbone and a flexible glycine linker tethering the two units. A norvaline derived artificial amino acid was designed to contain a dimethylethylenediamine as a bidentate platinum chelating unit, and introduced into the IHF mimicking peptides. The interaction of the chimeric peptides with various DNA sequences was studied by utilizing the following experiments: thermal melting studies, agarose gel electrophoresis for plasmid DNA unwinding experiments, and native and denaturing gel electrophoresis to visualize non-covalent and covalent peptide-DNA adducts, respectively. By incorporation of the platinum metal center within the model peptide mimicking IHF we have attempted to improve its specificity and DNA targeting ability, particularly towards those sequences containing adjacent guanine residues.

  13. Bio-inspired routes for synthesizing efficient nanoscale platinum electrocatalysts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cha, Jennifer N. [Univ. of California, San Diego, CA (United States); Wang, Joseph [Univ. of California, San Diego, CA (United States)

    2014-08-31

    The overall objective of the proposed research is to use fundamental advances in bionanotechnology to design powerful platinum nanocrystal electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications. The new economically-viable, environmentally-friendly, bottom-up biochemical synthetic strategy will produce platinum nanocrystals with tailored size, shape and crystal orientation, hence leading to a maximum electrochemical reactivity. There are five specific aims to the proposed bio-inspired strategy for synthesizing efficient electrocatalytic platinum nanocrystals: (1) isolate peptides that both selectively bind particular crystal faces of platinum and promote the nucleation and growth of particular nanocrystal morphologies, (2) pattern nanoscale 2-dimensional arrays of platinum nucleating peptides from DNA scaffolds, (3) investigate the combined use of substrate patterned peptides and soluble peptides on nanocrystal morphology and growth (4) synthesize platinum crystals on planar and large-area carbon electrode supports, and (5) perform detailed characterization of the electrocatalytic behavior as a function of catalyst size, shape and morphology. Project Description and Impact: This bio-inspired collaborative research effort will address key challenges in designing powerful electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications by employing nucleic acid scaffolds in combination with peptides to perform specific, environmentally-friendly, simultaneous bottom-up biochemical synthesis and patterned assembly of highly uniform and efficient platinum nanocrystal catalysts. Bulk synthesis of nanoparticles usually produces a range of sizes, accessible catalytic sites, crystal morphologies, and orientations, all of which lead to inconsistent catalytic activities. In contrast, biological systems routinely demonstrate exquisite control over inorganic syntheses at neutral pH and ambient temperature and pressures. Because the orientation and arrangement of the templating biomolecules can be precisely

  14. Synthesis and characterization of a porphyrazine-Gd(III) MRI contrast agent and in vivo imaging of a breast cancer xenograft model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Trivedi, Evan R; Ma, Zhidong; Waters, Emily A; Macrenaris, Keith W; Subramanian, Rohit; Barrett, Anthony G M; Meade, Thomas J; Hoffman, Brian M

    2014-01-01

    Porphyrazines (Pz), or tetraazaporphyrins, are being studied for their potential use in detection and treatment of cancer. Here, an amphiphilic Cu-Pz-Gd(III) conjugate has been prepared via azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition or 'click' chemistry between an azide functionalized Pz and alkyne functionalized DOTA-Gd(III) analog for use as an MRI contrast agent. This agent, Cu-Pz-Gd(III), is synthesized in good yield and exhibits solution-phase ionic relaxivity (r1  = 11.5 mM(-1) s(-1)) that is approximately four times higher than that of a clinically used monomeric Gd(III) contrast agent, DOTA-Gd(III). Breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) associate with Cu-Pz-Gd(III) in vitro, where significant contrast enhancement (9.336 ± 0.335 contrast-to-noise ratio) is observed in phantom cell pellet MR images. This novel contrast agent was administered in vivo to an orthotopic breast tumor model in athymic nude mice and MR images were collected. The average T1 of tumor regions in mice treated with 50 mg kg(-1) Cu-Pz-Gd(III) decreased relative to saline-treated controls. Furthermore, the decrease in T1 was persistent relative to mice treated with the monomeric Gd(III) contrast agent. An ex vivo biodistribution study confirmed that Cu-Pz-Gd(III) accumulates in the tumors and is rapidly cleared, primarily through the kidneys. Differential accumulation and T1 enhancement by Cu-Pz-Gd(III) in the tumor's core relative to the periphery offer preliminary evidence that this agent would find application in the imaging of necrotic tissue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. New electroluminescent carbazole-containing conjugated polymer: synthesis, photophysics, and electroluminescence

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Cimrová, Věra; Ulbricht, C.; Dzhabarov, Vagif; Výprachtický, Drahomír; Egbe, D. A. M.

    2014-01-01

    Roč. 55, č. 24 (2014), s. 6220-6226 ISSN 0032-3861 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP106/12/0827; GA ČR(CZ) GA13-26542S Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : carbazole-containing conjugated polymer * synthesis * photophysics and electroluminescence Subject RIV: CD - Macromolecular Chemistry Impact factor: 3.562, year: 2014

  16. Synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-protein conjugates for preparation and immunoassay of antibodies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Glushkov, Andrey N; Kostyanko, Mikhail V; Cherno, Sergey V; Vasilchenko, Ilya L

    2002-04-01

    The method is described dealing with the synthesis of conjugates protein-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), highly soluble in water, stable without special stabilizers and containing the minimum quantity of cross-linked products. The reaction of protein with PAH containing an aldehyde group, has been carried out in an alkaline solution, and stabilization of the conjugate has been achieved by reduction with sodium borohydride in the presence of a compound blocking the formation of an insoluble polymeric fraction. The efficiency of synthesized conjugates for the induction and immunoassay of Abs to PAH for benzo[a]pyrene is shown.

  17. Synthesis of platinum nanowire networks using a soft template.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Song, Yujiang; Garcia, Robert M; Dorin, Rachel M; Wang, Haorong; Qiu, Yan; Coker, Eric N; Steen, William A; Miller, James E; Shelnutt, John A

    2007-12-01

    Platinum nanowire networks have been synthesized by chemical reduction of a platinum complex using sodium borohydride in the presence of a soft template formed by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in a two-phase water-chloroform system. The interconnected polycrystalline nanowires possess the highest surface area (53 +/- 1 m2/g) and electroactive surface area (32.4 +/- 3.6 m2/g) reported for unsupported platinum nanomaterials; the high surface area results from the small average diameter of the nanowires (2.2 nm) and the 2-10 nm pores determined by nitrogen adsorption measurements. Synthetic control over the network was achieved simply by varying the stirring rate and reagent concentrations, in some cases leading to other types of nanostructures including wormlike platinum nanoparticles. Similarly, substitution of a palladium complex for platinum gives palladium nanowire networks. A mechanism of formation of the metal nanowire networks is proposed based on confined metal growth within a soft template consisting of a network of swollen inverse wormlike micelles.

  18. TEX-2 - experimental reports 1996

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Brokmeier, H.-G.; Witassek, B.

    1997-01-01

    In 1996 the FRG-1 has been operated during 262 days. Hence, numerous investigations on about 26 different projects were carried out at TEX-2. This report gives a short description of these projects. Beam time was given at about 50% for geological projects and about 50% for materials science projects. The different samples measured at TEX-2 represent a broad spectrum: Magnetite, hematite, gypsum, calcite, halite, galena, YBaCuO-superconductures, niobium, copper, titanium aluminides, intermetallic NiAl, composites (Fe-Cu, Al-Mg, Al-Nb, Cu-Mg, Ag-Ni) and zircaloy. Instrumental improvements were carried out at the loading device, at special sample holders and at the slit system. (orig.) [de

  19. Synthesis of Novel C-2- or C-15-Labeled BODIPY—Estrone Conjugates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ildikó Bacsa

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available Novel BODIPY–estrone conjugates were synthesized via Cu(I-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC. Estrone-alkynes or an estrone-azide as starting compounds were synthesized via Michael addition or Sonogashira reaction as key steps. Fluorescent dyes based on BODIPY-core were provided by azide or alkyne functional groups. Fluorescent labeling of estrone was efficiently achieved at the C-2 or C-15 position. The newly-elaborated coupling procedures might have a broad applicability in the synthesis of fluorescent-labeled estrone conjugates suitable for biological assays.

  20. Synthesis and evaluation of nanoglobule-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A, a biodegradable nanosized magnetic resonance contrast agent for dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rongzuo Xu

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available Rongzuo Xu1, Todd Lyle Kaneshiro1, Eun-Kee Jeong2, Dennis L Parker2, Zheng-Rong Lu31Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; 2Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USAAbstract: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has been recently shown to be effective for diagnostic urography. High-resolution urographic images can be acquired with T1 contrast agents for the kidney and urinary tract with minimal noise in the abdomen. Currently, clinical contrast agents are low molecular weight agents and can rapidly extravasate from blood circulation, leading to slow contrast agent elimination through kidney and consequently providing limited contrast enhancement in urinary tract. In this study, a new biodegradable macromolecular contrast agent, nanoglobule-G4-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A, was prepared by conjugating Gd-DO3A chelates on the surface of a generation 4 nanoglobule, poly-l-lysine octa(3-aminopropylsilsesquioxane dendrimer, via a disulfide spacer, where the carrier had a precisely defined nanosize that is far smaller than the renal filtration threshold. The in vivo contrast enhancement and dynamic imaging of the urinary tract of the agent was evaluated in nude mice using a low molecular weight agent Gd(DTPA-BMA as a control. The agent eliminated rapidly from blood circulation and accumulated more abundantly in urinary tract than Gd(DTPA-BMA. The fast elimination kinetics is ideal for functional evaluation of the kidneys. The morphology of the kidneys and urinary tract was better visualized by the biodegradable nanoglobular contrast agent than Gd(DTPA-BMA. The agent also resulted in low liver contrast enhancement, indicating low nonspecific tissue deposition. These features render the G4 nanoglobule-cystamine-(Gd-DO3A conjugate a promising contrast agent for magnetic

  1. 77 FR 50486 - Application To Export Electric Energy; TexMex Energy, LLC

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-08-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [OE Docket No. EA-294-B] Application To Export Electric Energy; TexMex Energy.... SUMMARY: TexMex Energy, LLC (TexMex) has applied to renew its authority to transmit electric energy from...Mex to transmit electric energy from the United States to Mexico as a power marketer for a five-year...

  2. Legionella dumoffii Tex-KL Mutated in an Operon Homologous to traC-traD is Defective in Epithelial Cell Invasion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Qin, Tian; Ken-Ichiro, Iida; Ren, Hong Yu; Zhou, Hai Jian; Yoshida, Shin-Ichi

    2016-06-01

    To understand the mechanism of invasion by Legionella dumoffii. The L. dumoffii strain Tex-KL was mutated using the Tn903 derivative, Tn903dIIlacZ. After screening 799 transposon insertion mutants, we isolated one defective mutant. We then constructed the gene-disrupted mutant, KL16, and studied its invasion of and intracellular growth in HeLa and A549 cells, and in A/J mice survival experiments. The structure of traC-traD operon was analyzed by RT-PCR. The transposon insertion was in a gene homologous to Salmonella typhi traC, which is required for the assembly of F pilin into the mature F pilus structure and for conjugal DNA transmission. Results from RT-PCR suggested that the traC-traD region formed an operon. We found that when the traC gene was disrupted, invasion and intracellular growth of L. dumoffii Tex-KL were impaired in human epithelial cells. When mice were infected by intranasal inoculation with a traC deficient mutant, their survival significantly increased when compared to mice infected with the wild-type strain.. Our results indicated that the traC-traD operon is required for the invasion and intracellular growth abilities of L. dumoffii Tex-KL in epithelial cells. Copyright © 2016 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

  3. Synthesis and characterization of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} doped UO{sub 2} nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Soldati, A.L., E-mail: asoldati@cab.cnea.gov.ar [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. De los Pioneros 2300, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Gana Watkins, I. [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Fernández Zuvich, A. [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Instituto Balseiro, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Napolitano, F.; Troiani, H. [Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB) – Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo 9500, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. De los Pioneros 2300, CP: 8400 Bariloche (Argentina); and others

    2016-10-15

    UO{sub 2} nanoparticles doped with 4, 8, 10 and 15 wt% Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}were synthesized by a reverse strike method. Crystal structure and chemical homogeneity were evaluated using a combination of X-ray diffraction and microscopy tools. An exhaustive study of the composition and its homogeneity at the micro and at the nanometer level was carried out in this nuclear fuel material. Field Emission Gun Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy images revealed the presence of micrometer scale agglomerates of nanoparticles, with rounded morphology and an average crystallite size of 100 nm. Rietveld refinements of high-statistic X-ray Diffraction data determined the crystal structure and composition. Furthermore, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy using a 2 nm{sup 2} spot on the sample surface determined a Gd concentration variation around the average of ±5% in different spots of a single crystallite and of ±10% between different crystallites. However, when measuring large amounts of nanoparticles the concentration averages, producing a homogeneous composition distribution at the micrometer scale. - Highlights: • Synthesis of 4, 8, 10 and 15wt% Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} doped UO{sub 2} nanoparticles. • Crystallite sizes around 100 nm and rounded morphology. • 90% Gd distribution homogeneity between particles for the less concentrated sample. • High Statistic X-ray Rietveld analysis determined an U{sub 1−x}Gd{sub x}O{sub 2−δ} fcc structure. • Phases with similar crystal structure and symmetry, but different lattice parameter.

  4. GLUT1-mediated selective tumor targeting with fluorine containing platinum(II) glycoconjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Ran; Fu, Zheng; Zhao, Meng; Gao, Xiangqian; Li, Hong; Mi, Qian; Liu, Pengxing; Yang, Jinna; Yao, Zhi; Gao, Qingzhi

    2017-06-13

    Increased glycolysis and overexpression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) are physiological characteristics of human malignancies. Based on the so-called Warburg effect, 18flurodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has successfully developed as clinical modality for the diagnosis and staging of many cancers. To leverage this glucose transporter mediated metabolic disparity between normal and malignant cells, in the current report, we focus on the fluorine substituted series of glucose, mannose and galactose-conjugated (trans-R,R-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine)-2-flouromalonato-platinum(II) complexes for a comprehensive evaluation on their selective tumor targeting. Besides highly improved water solubility, these sugar-conjugates presented improved cytotoxicity than oxaliplatin in glucose tranporters (GLUTs) overexpressing cancer cell lines and exhibited no cross-resistance to cisplatin. For the highly water soluble glucose-conjugated complex (5a), two novel in vivo assessments were conducted and the results revealed that 5a was more efficacious at a lower equitoxic dose (70% MTD) than oxaliplatin (100% MTD) in HT29 xenograft model, and it was significantly more potent than oxaliplatin in leukemia-bearing DBA/2 mice as well even at equimolar dose levels (18% vs 90% MTD). GLUT inhibitor mediated cell viability analysis, GLUT1 knockdown cell line-based cytotoxicity evaluation, and platinum accumulation study demonstrated that the cellular uptake of the sugar-conjugates was regulated by GLUT1. The higher intrinsic DNA reactivity of the sugar-conjugates was confirmed by kinetic study of platinum(II)-guanosine adduct formation. The mechanistic origin of the antitumor effect of the fluorine complexes was found to be forming the bifunctional Pt-guanine-guanine (Pt-GG) intrastrand cross-links with DNA. The results provide a rationale for Warburg effect targeted anticancer drug design.

  5. Synthesis and photophysicochemical studies of a water soluble conjugate between folic acid and zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khoza, Phindile; Antunes, Edith; Chen, Ji-Yao; Nyokong, Tebello

    2013-01-01

    This work reports on the synthesis of zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine (ZnTAPc) functionalized with folic acid (FA), forming ZnTAPcFA. The conjugate between FA and ZnTAPc was soluble in water whereas ZnTAPc alone is not. The structure of ZnTAPcFA conjugate was elucidated by 1 H NMR, MALDI-TOF mass and FTIR spectra. Photophysical and photochemical studies of ZnTAPcFA were conducted in DMSO. The increase in fluorescence quantum yield of the conjugate was accompanied by a decrease in the triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields. The changes in triplet quantum and singlet oxygen quantum yields were marginal when ZnTAPc was simply mixed with FA without a chemical bond. - Highlights: ► A conjugate between folic acid and a zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine was formed. ► The conjugate is water soluble even though the phthalocyanine alone is not. ► The fluorescence quantum yield of the conjugate was enhanced compared to the phthalocyanine alone. ► Triplet quantum yields decreased for the conjugate

  6. Convergent Synthesis of Piperidines by the Union of Conjugated Alkynes with Imines: A Unique Regioselective Bond Construction for Heterocycle Synthesis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Ming Z.; Micalizio, Glenn C.

    2009-01-01

    A two-step process is described for the union of aromatic imines, conjugated alkynes and aldehydes that results in a stereoselective synthesis of highly substituted piperidines. This synthetic process has been made possible by defining a unique regioselective functionalization of conjugated alkynes that establishes a suitably functionalized substrate for subsequent heterocycle-forming cationic annulation. Given the flexibility of the coupling process, heterocycles can be accessed through a process that establishes up to four stereogenic centers and four fused rings. PMID:19817447

  7. Alergia látex-fruta Latex-fruit allergy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Flávia Andréia MARIN

    2002-01-01

    Full Text Available O látex está sendo considerado o alergênico do ano 2000, tendo em vista que inúmeros indivíduos, principalmente profissionais da área de saúde e pacientes submetidos a várias intervenções diagnósticas e terapêuticas, estão freqüentemente expostos aos alérgenos do látex, presentes em produtos de borracha natural. As manifestações clínicas conseqüentes às reações alérgicas de hipersensibilidade imediata vão desde rinite, urticária, conjuntivite, angioedema, asma, até anafilaxia. Estudos recentes estão demonstrando que pacientes alérgicos ao látex desenvolvem concomitantemente sensibilização a certos alimentos de origem vegetal, especialmente frutas como papaia, figo, banana, abacate, kiwi, pêssego, abacaxi, melão e castanha, acreditando-se numa provável ocorrência de reações cruzadas entre os alérgenos do látex e destas frutas. Faz-se, então, uma revisão sobre a alergia ao látex, em particular sobre os grupos de risco, incluindo a presença de reatividade cruzada entre o látex e as frutas.The latex is being considered the allergenic agent of the year 2000, taking into account that several individuals, mainly health care professionals, and patients who had undergone many diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, are frequently exposed to latex allergens, which are present in natural rubber latex products. The clinical manifestations, derived from allergic reactions of immediate hypersensitivity vary from since rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema, asthma, to anaphylaxis. Recent researches are demonstrating that patients allergic to latex develop concomitantly sensitization to certain vegetable foods, especially fruits like papaya, fig, banana, avocado, kiwi, peach, pineapple, melon and chestnut, and a probable occurrence of cross reaction between allergens of latex and of these fruits is believed. A review is made about latex allergy, in particular about risk groups, including the presence of

  8. Platinum-Bismuth Bimetallic Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

    OpenAIRE

    Saucedo, Jose A, Jr; Xiao, Yang; Varma, Arvind

    2015-01-01

    Bimetallic catalysts have been explored and shown to exhibit unique characteristics which are not present in monometallic catalysts. Platinum is well known as an effective catalyst for oxidation and reduction reactions, and it can be made more effective when bismuth is introduced as a promotor. Thus, the effectiveness of the Pt-Bi catalyst was demonstrated in prior work. What is not clear, however, is the mechanism behind the catalyst function; why addition of bismuth to platinum decreases de...

  9. Electrochemical synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of poly(N-phenylpyrrole coatings in an organic medium on iron and platinum electrodes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A.K.D. Diaw

    2008-12-01

    Full Text Available The electrochemical synthesis of poly(N-phenylpyrrole film was achieved on pretreated iron and platinum electrodes in acetonitrile solutions containing 0.1 M N-phenylpyrrole as the monomer and 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (Bu4NCF3SO3 as the supporting-salt. The results showed that a surface treatment by 10 % aqueous nitric acid inhibits iron dissolution without preventing the N-phenylpyrrole oxidation. Very strongly adherent films were obtained at constant-potential, constant-current and cyclic voltammetry. XPS measurements, infrared (FT-IR and electronic absorption (UV-vis spectroscopies were used to characterize the iron and platinum-coated electrodes. Finally the anticorrosion properties of the PΦP film were evidenced.

  10. Synthesis and characterization of covalent diphenylalanine nanotube-folic acid conjugates

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    León, John Jairo Castillo; Rindzevicius, Tomas; Wu, Kaiyu

    2014-01-01

    Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a covalent nanoscale assembly formed between diphenylalanine micro/nanotubes (PNT) and folic acid (FA). The conjugate was obtained via chemical functionalization through coupling of amine groups of PNTs and carboxylic groups of FA. The sur...... for applications in the detection and diagnosis of cancer or tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis and as a carrier nanosystem delivering drugs to malignant tumors that overexpress folate receptors....

  11. Synthesis and photophysicochemical studies of a water soluble conjugate between folic acid and zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Khoza, Phindile; Antunes, Edith [Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown (South Africa); Chen, Ji-Yao [State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Nyokong, Tebello, E-mail: t.nyokong@ru.ac.za [Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown (South Africa)

    2013-02-15

    This work reports on the synthesis of zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine (ZnTAPc) functionalized with folic acid (FA), forming ZnTAPcFA. The conjugate between FA and ZnTAPc was soluble in water whereas ZnTAPc alone is not. The structure of ZnTAPcFA conjugate was elucidated by {sup 1}H NMR, MALDI-TOF mass and FTIR spectra. Photophysical and photochemical studies of ZnTAPcFA were conducted in DMSO. The increase in fluorescence quantum yield of the conjugate was accompanied by a decrease in the triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields. The changes in triplet quantum and singlet oxygen quantum yields were marginal when ZnTAPc was simply mixed with FA without a chemical bond. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A conjugate between folic acid and a zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine was formed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The conjugate is water soluble even though the phthalocyanine alone is not. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The fluorescence quantum yield of the conjugate was enhanced compared to the phthalocyanine alone. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Triplet quantum yields decreased for the conjugate.

  12. Platinum clusters with precise numbers of atoms for preparative-scale catalysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Imaoka, Takane; Akanuma, Yuki; Haruta, Naoki; Tsuchiya, Shogo; Ishihara, Kentaro; Okayasu, Takeshi; Chun, Wang-Jae; Takahashi, Masaki; Yamamoto, Kimihisa

    2017-09-25

    Subnanometer noble metal clusters have enormous potential, mainly for catalytic applications. Because a difference of only one atom may cause significant changes in their reactivity, a preparation method with atomic-level precision is essential. Although such a precision with enough scalability has been achieved by gas-phase synthesis, large-scale preparation is still at the frontier, hampering practical applications. We now show the atom-precise and fully scalable synthesis of platinum clusters on a milligram scale from tiara-like platinum complexes with various ring numbers (n = 5-13). Low-temperature calcination of the complexes on a carbon support under hydrogen stream affords monodispersed platinum clusters, whose atomicity is equivalent to that of the precursor complex. One of the clusters (Pt 10 ) exhibits high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of styrene compared to that of the other clusters. This method opens an avenue for the application of these clusters to preparative-scale catalysis.The catalytic activity of a noble metal nanocluster is tied to its atomicity. Here, the authors report an atom-precise, fully scalable synthesis of platinum clusters from molecular ring precursors, and show that a variation of only one atom can dramatically change a cluster's reactivity.

  13. A microscale synthesis of a promising radiolabelled antitumor drug: cis-1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato (2R)-2-methyl-1,4-butanediamine platinum(II), NK121

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Suwa, Masato; Kogawa, Osamu; Hashimoto, Yutaka

    1992-01-01

    A promising antitumor drug, cis-1,1-cyclobutane-dicarboxylato (2R)-2-methyl-1,4-butanediamine platinum (II), NK121, was synthesized from radionuclides of platinum such as 193m Pt, 195m Pt and 191 Pt which were produced by neutron irradiation of enriched 192 Pt. The overall yield was 38.6% in a synthesis time of 10 hours. The radioactivities present in 8.39 mg of NK121 were 115.3 μCi as 193m Pt, 29.9 μCi as 197 Pt, 22.0 μCi as 195m Pt, and 4.8 μCi as 191 Pt at the end of synthesis. The specific activity of the NK121 was 13.7 μCi ( 193m Pt)/mg NK121 at the end of synthesis. The radiochemical purity of NK121 was typically 99%. HPLC analyses confirmed that NK121 was in an adequate chemical purity and suitable for animal experimentation. (author)

  14. A microscale synthesis of a promising radiolabelled antitumor drug: cis-1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato (2R)-2-methyl-1,4-butanediamine platinum(II), NK121

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Suwa, Masato; Kogawa, Osamu; Hashimoto, Yutaka (Nippon Kayaku Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan). Research Labs. of Pharmaceuticals Group); Nowatari, Hiroyoshi (Nippon Kayaku Co. Ltd., Takasaki, Gumma (Japan). Takasaki Research Labs.); Murase, Yuko; Homma, Yoshio (Kyoritsu Coll. of Pharmacy, Tokyo (Japan))

    1992-05-01

    A promising antitumor drug, cis-1,1-cyclobutane-dicarboxylato (2R)-2-methyl-1,4-butanediamine platinum (II), NK121, was synthesized from radionuclides of platinum such as {sup 193m}Pt, {sup 195m}Pt and {sup 191}Pt which were produced by neutron irradiation of enriched {sup 192}Pt. The overall yield was 38.6% in a synthesis time of 10 hours. The radioactivities present in 8.39 mg of NK121 were 115.3 {mu}Ci as {sup 193m}Pt, 29.9 {mu}Ci as {sup 197}Pt, 22.0 {mu}Ci as {sup 195m}Pt, and 4.8 {mu}Ci as {sup 191}Pt at the end of synthesis. The specific activity of the NK121 was 13.7 {mu}Ci ({sup 193m}Pt)/mg NK121 at the end of synthesis. The radiochemical purity of NK121 was typically 99%. HPLC analyses confirmed that NK121 was in an adequate chemical purity and suitable for animal experimentation. (author).

  15. Synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior: Gd(NO3)3.6H2O to Gd2O3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ghonge, Darshana K.; Sheelvantra, Smita S.; Kalekar, Bhupesh B.; Raje, Naina

    2015-01-01

    Gadolinium oxide finds its application in nuclear as well as medical industry. It has been prepared from the thermal decomposition of gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate. Surface area of the synthesized compound was measured as 19 m 2 /g. EDS data shows only the presence of gadolinium and oxygen in the synthesized compound with the Gd to O ratio as calculated for Gd 2 O 3 , suggests the formation of pure Gd 2 O 3 . XRD analysis confirms the formation of pure cubic phase Gd 2 O 3 . In the absence of any report on the thermal behavior of GdNH, present studies have been carried out to understand the decomposition mechanism using simultaneous TG - DTA - EGA measurements

  16. Quaternary Alkylammonium Conjugates of Steroids: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, and Biological Studies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bogumił Brycki

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available The methods of synthesis as well as physical, spectroscopic (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FT-IR, ESI-MS, and biological properties of quaternary and dimeric quaternary alkylammonium conjugates of steroids are presented. The results were contrasted with theoretical calculations (PM5 methods and potential pharmacological properties (PASS. Alkylammonium sterols exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity comparable to squalamine.

  17. NaGd(MoO4)2 nanocrystals with diverse morphologies: controlled synthesis, growth mechanism, photoluminescence and thermometric properties.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Anming; Xu, Dekang; Lin, Hao; Yang, Shenghong; Shao, Yuanzhi; Zhang, Yueli

    2016-08-10

    Pure tetragonal phase, uniform and well-crystallized sodium gadolinium molybdate (NaGd(MoO4)2) nanocrystals with diverse morphologies, e.g. nanocylinders, nanocubes and square nanoplates have been selectively synthesized via oleic acid-mediated hydrothermal method. The phase, structure, morphology and composition of the as-synthesized products are studied. Contents of both sodium molybdate and oleic acid of the precursor solutions are found to affect the morphologies of the products significantly, and oleic acid plays a key role in the morphology-controlled synthesis of NaGd(MoO4)2 nanocrystals with diverse morphologies. Growth mechanism of NaGd(MoO4)2 nanocrystals is proposed based on time-dependent morphology evolution and X-ray diffraction analysis. Morphology-dependent down-shifting photoluminescence properties of NaGd(MoO4)2: Eu(3+) nanocrystals, and upconversion photoluminescence properties of NaGd(MoO4)2: Yb(3+)/Er(3+) and Yb(3+)/Tm(3+) nanoplates are investigated in detail. Charge transfer band in the down-shifting excitation spectra shows a slight blue-shift, and the luminescence intensities and lifetimes of Eu(3+) are decreased gradually with the morphology of the nanocrystals varying from nanocubes to thin square nanoplates. Upconversion energy transfer mechanisms of NaGd(MoO4)2: Yb(3+)/Er(3+), Yb(3+)/Tm(3+) nanoplates are proposed based on the energy level scheme and power dependence of upconversion emissions. Thermometric properties of NaGd(MoO4)2: Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanoplates are investigated, and the maximum sensitivity is determined to be 0.01333 K(-1) at 285 K.

  18. Gadolinium-conjugated PLA-PEG nanoparticles as liver targeted molecular MRI contrast agent.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Zhijin; Yu, Dexin; Liu, Chunxi; Yang, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Na; Ma, Chunhong; Song, Jibin; Lu, Zaijun

    2011-09-01

    A nanoparticle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent targeted to liver was developed by conjugation of gadolinium (Gd) chelate groups onto the biocompatible poly(l-lactide)-block-poly (ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) nanoparticles. PLA-PEG conjugated with diethylenetriaminopentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used to formulate PLA-PEG-DTPA nanoparticles by solvent diffusion method, and then Gd was loaded onto the nanoparticles by chelated with the unfolding DTPA on the surface of the PLA-PEG-DTPA nanoparticles. The mean size of the nanoparticles was 265.9 ± 6.7 nm. The relaxivity of the Gd-labeled nanoparticles was measured, and the distribution in vivo was evaluated in rats. Compared with conventional contrast agent (Magnevist), the Gd-labeled PLA-PEG nanoparticles showed significant enhancement both on liver targeting ability and imaging signal intensity. The T(1) and T(2) relaxivities per [Gd] of the Gd-labeled nanoparticles was 18.865 mM(-1) s(-1) and 24.863 mM(-1) s(-1) at 3 T, respectively. In addition, the signal intensity in vivo was stronger comparing with the Gd-DTPA and the T(1) weight time was lasting for 4.5 h. The liver targeting efficiency of the Gd-labeled PLA-PEG nanoparticles in rats was 14.57 comparing with Magnevist injection. Therefore, the Gd-labeled nanoparticles showed the potential as targeting molecular MRI contrast agent for further clinical utilization.

  19. Aplicaciones del Gore-tex en Oftalmología

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    María Cáceres Toledo

    Full Text Available Objetivo: evaluar los resultados terapéuticos en la corrección quirúrgica de afecciones oculares, con el uso del Gore-tex y con la modificación realizada a la técnica quirúrgica convencional de la suspensión al frontal. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo en una serie de 16 casos: 7 con ptosis, 5 con estrabismo y 4 con retracción palpebral inferior. Para la corrección de la retracción y la ptosis se utilizaron fragmentos del referido material y una sutura de Gore-tex en la corrección del estrabismo y en algunos casos con ptosis. Se colocaron 2 mm de Gore-tex por cada milímetro de retracción y de ptosis palpebral. Se corrigieron 2 dioptrías prismáticas por cada milímetro de retroinserción del músculo afectado. Resultados: fueron satisfactorios en un total de 13 casos (87 %. La mayoría de los pacientes operados con la modificación realizada a la técnica de la suspensión al frontal disminuyeron los mm de caída hasta el nivel fisiológico palpebral. Conclusiones: los resultados son satisfactorios en la mayoría de los casos operados con el uso del Gore-tex y con la técnica de suspensión al frontal modificada.

  20. Synthesis, characterisation and biomedical applications of curcumin conjugated chitosan microspheres.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saranya, T S; Rajan, V K; Biswas, Raja; Jayakumar, R; Sathianarayanan, S

    2018-04-15

    Curcumin is a diaryl heptanoid of curcuminoids class obtained from Curcuma longa. It possesses various biological activities like anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities. Chitosan is a biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic natural polymer which enhances the adhesive property of the skin. Chemical conjugation will leads to sustained release action and to enhance the bioavailability. This study aims to synthesis and characterize biocompatible curcumin conjugated chitosan microspheres for bio-medical applications. The Schiff base reaction was carried out for the preparation of curcumin conjugated chitosan by microwave method and it was characterised using FTIR and NMR. Curcumin conjugated chitosan microspheres (CCCMs) were prepared by wet milling solvent evaporation method. SEM analysis showed these CCCMs were 2-5μm spherical particles. The antibacterial activities of the prepared CCCMs were studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the zone of inhibition was 28mm and 23mm respectively. Antioxidant activity of the prepared CCCMs was also studied by DPPH and H 2 O 2 method it showed IC 50 esteem value of 216μg/ml and 228μg/ml, and anti-inflammatory activity results showed that CCCMs having IC 50 value of 45μg/ml. The results conclude that the CCCMs having a good antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This, the prepared CCCMs have potential application in preventing skin infections. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  1. Single crystal studies of platinum alloys for oxygen reduction electrodes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ulrikkeholm, Elisabeth Therese

    /Pt(111) in the following. The prepared alloys were investigate using Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ion Scattering Spectroscopy (ISS) and temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD). The LEED pattern indicated that the Y/Pt(111) sample had formed a 1...... peaks with a large shift towards lower temperatures. The change in desorption temperature was ∆T = −180°C for the Y/Pt(111) sample and ∆T = −200°C for the Gd/Pt(111) sample. The ORR activity was measured showing a large enhancement for both alloys. Angle resolved XPS performed on the samples after.......89×1.89 structure, and the Gd/Pt(111) sample has formed a 1.90×1.90 structure compared to pure platinum. From the XPS measurements, it is most likely that alloys with the Pt5Y and Pt5Gd stoichiometry have been formed. The reactivity of the surfaces were probed using TPD. These measurements showed sharp desorption...

  2. Enhanced conjugation stability and blood circulation time of macromolecular gadolinium-DTPA contrast agent

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jenjob, Ratchapol [Department of New Drug Development, School of Medicine, Inha University, 2F A-dong, Jeongseok Bldg., Sinheung-dong 3-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712 (Korea, Republic of); Kun, Na [Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 420-743 (Korea, Republic of); Ghee, Jung Yeon [Utah-Inha DDS and Advanced Therapeutics, B-403 Meet-You-All Tower, SongdoTechnopark, 7–50, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 406-840 (Korea, Republic of); Shen, Zheyu; Wu, Xiaoxia [Division of Functional Materials and Nano-Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering (NIMTE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 519 Zhuangshi Street, Zhenhai District, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201 (China); Cho, Steve K., E-mail: scho@gist.ac.kr [Division of Liberal Arts and Science, GIST College, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 500-712 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Don Haeng [Utah-Inha DDS and Advanced Therapeutics, B-403 Meet-You-All Tower, SongdoTechnopark, 7–50, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 406-840 (Korea, Republic of); Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon 420-751 (Korea, Republic of); Yang, Su-Geun, E-mail: Sugeun.Yang@Inha.ac.kr [Department of New Drug Development, School of Medicine, Inha University, 2F A-dong, Jeongseok Bldg., Sinheung-dong 3-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712 (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-04-01

    In this study, we prepared macromolecular MR T1 contrast agent: pullulan-conjugated Gd diethylene triamine pentaacetate (Gd-DTPA-Pullulan) and estimated residual free Gd{sup 3+}, chelation stability in competition with metal ions, plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics, and abdominal MR contrast on rats. Residual free Gd{sup 3+} in Gd-DTPA-Pullulan was measured using colorimetric spectroscopy. The transmetalation of Gd{sup 3+} incubated with Ca{sup 2+} was performed by using a dialysis membrane (MWCO 100–500 Da) and investigated by ICP-OES. The plasma concentration profiles of Gd-DTPA-Pullulan were estimated after intravenous injection at a dose 0.1 mmol/kg of Gd. The coronal-plane abdominal images of normal rats were observed by MR imaging. The content of free Gd{sup 3+}, the toxic residual form, was less than 0.01%. Chelation stability of Gd-DTPA-Pullulan was estimated, and only 0.2% and 0.00045% of Gd{sup 3+} were released from Gd-DTPA-Pullulan after 2 h incubation with Ca{sup 2+} and Fe{sup 2+}, respectively. Gd-DTPA-Pullulan displayed the extended plasma half-life (t{sub 1/2,α} = 0.43 h, t{sub 1/2,β} = 2.32 h), much longer than 0.11 h and 0.79 h of Gd-EOB-DTPA. Abdominal MR imaging showed Gd-DTPA-Pullulan maintained initial MR contrast for 30 min. The extended plasma half-life of Gd-DTPA-Pullulan probably allows the prolonged MR acquisition time in clinic with enhanced MR contrast. - Highlights: • Macromolecule (pullulan) conjugated Gd contrast agent (Gd-DTPA-Pullulan) showed the extended plasma half-life (t{sub 1/2,α} = 0.43 h, t{sub 1/2,β} = 2.32 h) in comparison with Gd-EOB-DTPA • Gd-DTPA-pullulan T1 contrast agent exhibited strong chelation stability against Gd. • The extended blood circulation attributed the enhanced and prolonged MR contrast on abdominal region of rats. • The extended blood circulation may provide prolonged MR acquisition time window in clinics.

  3. Optimizing Water Exchange Rates and Rotational Mobility for High-Relaxivity of a Novel Gd-DO3A Derivative Complex Conjugated to Inulin as Macromolecular Contrast Agents for MRI.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Granato, Luigi; Vander Elst, Luce; Henoumont, Celine; Muller, Robert N; Laurent, Sophie

    2018-02-01

    Thanks to the understanding of the relationships between the residence lifetime τ M of the coordinated water molecules to macrocyclic Gd-complexes and the rotational mobility τ R of these structures, and according to the theory for paramagnetic relaxation, it is now possible to design macromolecular contrast agents with enhanced relaxivities by optimizing these two parameters through ligand structural modification. We succeeded in accelerating the water exchange rate by inducing steric compression around the water binding site, and by removing the amide function from the DOTA-AA ligand [1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid mono(p-aminoanilide)] (L) previously designed. This new ligand 10[2(1-oxo-1-p-propylthioureidophenylpropyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclodecane-1,4,7-tetraacetic acid (L 1 ) was then covalently conjugated to API [O-(aminopropyl)inulin] to get the complex API-(GdL 1 )x with intent to slow down the rotational correlation time (τ R ) of the macromolecular complex. The evaluation of the longitudinal relaxivity at different magnetic fields and the study of the 17 O-NMR at variable temperature of the low-molecular-weight compound (GdL 1 ) showed a slight decrease of the τ M value (τM310 = 331 ns vs. τM310 = 450 ns for the GdL complex). Consequently to the increase of the size of the API-(GdL 1 )x complex, the rotational correlation time becomes about 360 times longer compared to the monomeric GdL 1 complex (τ R  = 33,700 ps), which results in an enhanced proton relaxivity. © 2018 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

  4. Synthesis and immunological evaluation of protein conjugates of Neisseria meningitidis X capsular polysaccharide fragments

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Laura Morelli

    2014-10-01

    Full Text Available A vaccine to prevent infections from the emerging Neisseria meningitidis X (MenX is becoming an urgent issue. Recently MenX capsular polysaccharide (CPS fragments conjugated to CRM197 as carrier protein have been confirmed at preclinical stage as promising candidates for vaccine development. However, more insights about the minimal epitope required for the immunological activity of MenX CPS are needed. We report herein the chemical conjugation of fully synthetic MenX CPS oligomers (monomer, dimer, and trimer to CRM197. Moreover, improvements in some crucial steps leading to the synthesis of MenX CPS fragments are described. Following immunization with the obtained neoglycoconjugates, the conjugated trimer was demonstrated as the minimal fragment possessing immunogenic activity, even though significantly lower than a pentadecamer obtained from the native polymer and conjugated to the same protein. This finding suggests that oligomers longer than three repeating units are possibly needed to mimic the activity of the native polysaccharide.

  5. Target binding improves relaxivity in aptamer-gadolinium conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bernard, Elyse D; Beking, Michael A; Rajamanickam, Karunanithi; Tsai, Eve C; Derosa, Maria C

    2012-12-01

    MRI contrast agents (CA) have been heavily used over the past several decades to enhance the diagnostic value of the obtained images. From a design perspective, two avenues to improve the efficacy of contrast agents are readily evident: optimization of magnetic properties of the CA, and optimization of the pharmacokinetics and distribution of the CA in the patient. Contrast agents consisting of DNA aptamer-gadolinium(III) conjugates provide a single system in which these factors can be addressed simultaneously. In this proof-of-concept study, the 15mer thrombin aptamer was conjugated to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (DTPA) dianhydride to form a monoamide derivative of the linear open-chain chelate present in the commonly used contrast agent Magnevist(®). The stability of the conjugated DNA aptamer-DTPA-Gd(III) chelate in a transmetallation study using Zn(II) was found to be similar to that reported for DTPA-Gd(III). Relaxivity enhancements of 35 ± 4 and 20 ± 1 % were observed in the presence of thrombin compared to a control protein at fields of 9.4 and 1.5 T, respectively. The inclusion of spacers between the aptamer and the DTPA to eliminate possible steric effects was also investigated but not found to improve the relaxation enhancement achieved in comparison to the unaltered aptamer conjugate.

  6. TexMo: A Multi-language Development Environment

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Pfeiffer, Rolf-Helge; Wasowski, Andrzej

    2012-01-01

    Contemporary software systems contain a large number of artifacts expressed in multiple languages, ranging from domain-specific languages to general purpose languages. These artifacts are interrelated to form software systems. Existing development environments insufficiently support handling...... relations between artifacts in multiple languages. This paper presents a taxonomy for multi-language development environments, organized according to language representation, representation of relations between languages, and types of these relations. Additionally, we present TexMo, a prototype of a multi-language...... development environment, which uses an explicit relation model and implements visualization, static checking, navigation, and refactoring of cross-language relations. We evaluate TexMo by applying it to development of a web-application, JTrac, and provide preliminary evidence of its feasibility by running...

  7. Inhibition of ATP synthesis by fenbufen and its conjugated metabolites in rat liver mitochondria

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Syed, Muzeeb; Skonberg, Christian; Hansen, Steen Honoré

    2016-01-01

    in the drug induced liver injury (DILI) by fenbufen, the inhibitory effect of fenbufen and its conjugated metabolites on oxidative phosphorylation (ATP synthesis) in rat liver mitochondria was investigated. Fenbufen glucuronide (F-GlcA), fenbufen-N-acetyl cysteine-thioester (F-NAC) and fenbufen...... and fenbufen show any protective effect on fenbufen mediated inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. Inclusion of NADPH in mitochondrial preparations with fenbufen did not modulate the inhibitory effects, suggesting no role of CYP mediated oxidative metabolites on the ATP synthesis in isolated mitochondria...

  8. Folic acid-conjugated GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2} Nanoprobe for folate receptor-targeted optical and magnetic resonance bi-modal imaging

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Xu, Xianzhu [Jiangxi Normal University, College of Life Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropical Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province (China); Zhang, Xiaoying; Wu, Yanli, E-mail: Wanny118@126.com [Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry (China)

    2016-11-15

    Both fluorescent and magnetic nanoprobes have great potential applications for diagnostics and therapy. In the present work, a folic acid-conjugated and silica-modified GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+} (GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2}-FA) dual nanoprobe was strategically designed and synthesized for the targeted dual-modality optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging via a facile aqueous method. Their structural, optical, and magnetic properties were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). These results indicated that GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2}-FA were uniform monodisperse core-shell structured nanorods (NRs) with an average length of ~200 nm and an average width of ~25 nm. The paramagnetic property of the synthesized GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2}-FA NRs was confirmed with its linear hysteresis plot (M-H). In addition, the NRs displayed an obvious T{sub 1}-weighted effect and thus it could potentially serve as a T{sub 1}-positive contrast agent. The NRs emitted green lights due to the {sup 5}D{sub 4} → {sup 7}F{sub 5} transition of the Tb{sup 3+}. The in vitro assays with NCI-H460 lung cancer cells and human embryonic kidney cell line 293T cells indicated that the GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2}-FA nanoprobe could specifically bind the cells bearing folate receptors (FR). The MTT assay of the NRs revealed that its cytotoxicity was very low. Further in vivo MRI experiments distinctively depict enhanced anatomical features in a xenograft tumor. These results suggest that the GdPO{sub 4}:Tb{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2}-FA NPs have excellent imaging and cell-targeting abilities for the folate receptor-targeted dual-modality optical and MR imaging and can be potentially used as the nanoprobe for bioimaging.

  9. source files for manuscript in tex format

    Data.gov (United States)

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Source tex files used to create the manuscript including original figure files and raw data used in tables and inline text. This dataset is associated with the...

  10. Carbohydrate protease conjugates: Stabilized proteases for peptide synthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wartchow, C.A.; Wang, Peng; Bednarski, M.D.; Callstrom, M.R. [Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH (United States)]|[Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (United States)

    1995-12-31

    The synthesis of oligopeptides using stable carbohydrate protease conjugates (CPCs) was examined in acetonitrile solvent systems. CPC[{alpha}-chymotrypsin] was used for the preparation of peptides containing histidine, phenylalanine, tryptophan in the P{sub 1} position in 60-93% yield. The CPC[{alpha}-chymotrypsin]-catalyzed synthesis of octamer Z-Gly-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly-OEt from Z-Gly-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly-Phe-OMe was achieved in 71% yield demonstrating that synthesis peptides containing both hydrophylic and hydrophobic amino acids. The P{sub 2} specificity of papain for aromatic residues was utilized for the 2 + 3 coupling of Z-Tyr-Gly-OMe to H{sub 2}N-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH to generate the leucine enkephalin derivative in 79% yield. Although papain is nonspecific for the hydrolysis of N-benzyloxycarbonyl amino acid methyl esters in aqueous solution, the rates of synthesis for these derivitives with nucleophile leucine tert-butyl ester differed by nearly 2 orders of magnitude. CPC[thermolysin] was used to prepare the aspartame precursor Z-Asp-Phe-OMe in 90% yield. The increased stability of CPCs prepared from periodate-modified poly(2-methacryl- amido-2-deoxy-D-glucose), poly(2-methacrylamido-2-deoxy-D-galactose), and poly(5-methacryl-amido-5-deoxy-D-ribose), carbohydrate materials designed to increase the aldehyde concentration in aqueous solution, suggests that the stability of CPCs is directly related to the aldehyde concentration of the carbohydrate material. Periodate oxidation of poly(2-methacrylamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose) followed by covalent attachment to {alpha}-chymotrypsin gave a CPC with catalytic activity in potassium phosphate buffer at 90{degrees}C for 2 h. 1 fig., 1 tab., 40 refs.

  11. Facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis and luminescence properties of Eu{sup 3+}-doped NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jiang, Zehan; Cai, Peiqing; Chen, Cuili; Pu, Xipeng; Kim, Sun Il, E-mail: sikim@pknu.ac.kr; Jin Seo, Hyo, E-mail: hjseo@pknu.ac.kr

    2017-06-01

    Eu{sup 3+}-doped NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphors were synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method without any surfactants or a further heat treatment. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, and decay curves were used to characterize NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors. The results show that the Eu{sup 3+}-concentration has little influence on the structure and morphology of the as-synthesized samples. However, pH value plays a vital role on the structure and morphology of NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2}. The well-crystallized sheet-like NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors can be obtained only at pH = 5–7. On the basis of the time-dependent synthesis, a possible growth mechanism of sheet-like architectures is proposed. The luminescence properties of NaGd{sub 1-x}Eu{sub x}(WO{sub 4}){sub 2} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are investigated. It is found that the charge transfer band of Eu{sup 3+} shifts to lower energy and broadens with increasing the Eu{sup 3+}-concentration. - Highlights: • NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanosheets were synthesized by facile one-step hydrothermal method. • Luminescence properties of NaGd(WO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphor were firstly reported. • The CT band of Eu{sup 3+} depends strongly on Eu{sup 3+}-concentrations.

  12. The synthesis of a D-glucosamine contrast agent, Gd-DTPA-DG, and its application in cancer molecular imaging with MRI

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Wei; Chen Yue; Guo Dajing; Huang Zhanwen; Cai Liang; He Ling

    2011-01-01

    Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the synthesis of Gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-deoxyglucosamine (Gd-DTPA-DG) which is a D-glucosamine metabolic MR imaging contrast agent. We will also discuss its use in a pilot MRI study using a xenograft mouse model of human adenocarcinoma. Methods: This novel contrast agent was specifically studied because of its ability to 'target' metabolically active tumor tissues. In this study Gd-DTPA-DG is used to investigate how tumor tissues would react to a dose of 0.2 mmol Gd/kg over a 120 min exposure in a xenograft mouse model. These experiments used athymic mice implanted with human pulmonary adenocarcinoma (A549) as demonstrated by dynamic MRI. Alternately, another contrast agent that is not specific for targeting, Gd-DTPA, was used as the control at a similar dose of gadolinium. Efficacy of the targeted contrast agent was assessed by measuring relaxation rate in vitro and signal intensity (SI) in vivo. Statistical differences were calculated using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The synthesized Gd-DTPA-DG was shown to improve the contrast of tumor tissue in this model. Gd-DTPA-DG was also shown to have a similar pharmacokinetic rate but generated a higher relaxation rate in tumor tissues relative to the control contrast Gd-DTPA. In comparison to the pre-contrast imaging, the SI of tumor tissue in the experimental group was shown to be significantly increased at 15 min after injection of Gd-DTPA-DG (p < 0.001). The enhanced signal intensity spread from the edge of the tumor to the center and seemed to strengthen the idea that MRI performance would be useful in different tumor tissues. Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that this new chelated contrast agent, Gd-DTPA-DG, can be specifically targeted to accumulation in tumor tissue as compared to normal tissues. This targeted paramagnetic contrast agent has potential for specific cancer molecular imaging with MRI.

  13. Co-precipitation synthesis and photoluminescence properties of K2GdZr (PO4)3:Eu3+—a deep red luminomagnetic nanophosphor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chawla, Santa; Ravishanker,; Rajkumar,; Khan, A.F.; Kotnala, R.K.

    2013-01-01

    Nanoparticles of Eu 3+ activated K 2 GdZr(PO 4 ) 3 has been successfully synthesized by controlled inclusive co-precipitation method in high alkaline environment to enable complex crystalline phase formation. Much enhanced deep red luminescence, broadened emission bands with unusually prominent 5 D 0 – 7 F 4 transition at 699 nm are defining characteristics of the nanoparticles compared to bulk counterpart synthesized by solid state reaction route. Among various excitation pathways such as charge transfer from O 2− –Eu 3+ , Gd 3+ –Eu 3+ , the direct excitation of Eu 3+ at 394 nm is the most effective as revealed by photoluminescence and time resolved studies. Occurrence and variation of superparamagnetism in undoped and Eu 3+ doped nanoparticles indicate the role of unpaired 4f electron spin of Gd 3+ in making the nanoparticles superparamagnetic. A room temperature cost effective synthesis process of Eu 3+ doped multimetallic complex phosphate supermagnetic nanophosphor can pave way for applications requiring such functionality. -- Highlights: ► Eu 3+ doped K 2 GdZr(PO 4 ) 3 nanocrystals have been synthesized successfully by coprecipitation. ► K 2 GdZr(PO 4 ) 3 :Eu 3+ emit intense deep red fluorescence. ► Red emitting K 2 GdZr(PO 4 ) 3 :Eu 3+ nanocrystals show superparamagnetism due to Gd 3+ . ► Luminomagnetic KGP:Eu 3+ have application potential in biology, lighting and display

  14. Synthesis of Platinum-Nickel Hydroxide Nanocomposites for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Water

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Lei

    2016-11-25

    Water electrolysis represents a promising solution for storage of renewable but intermittent electrical energy in hydrogen molecules. This technology is however challenged by the lack of efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Here we report on the synthesis of platinum-nickel hydroxide nanocomposites and their electrocatalytic applications for water reduction. An in situ reduction strategy taking advantage of the Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox has been developed to enable and regulate the epitaxial growth of Pt nanocrystals on single-layer Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. The obtained nanocomposites (denoted as Pt@2D-Ni(OH)2) exhibit an improvement factor of 5 in catalytic activity and a reduction of up to 130 mV in overpotential compared to Pt for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A combination of electron microscopy/spectroscopy characterization, electrochemical studies and density functional calculations was employed to uncover the structures of the metal-hydroxide interface and understand the mechanisms of catalytic enhancement.

  15. Synthesis of Platinum-Nickel Hydroxide Nanocomposites for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Water

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Lei; Zhu, Yihan; Zeng, Zhenhua; Lin, Chong; Giroux, Michael; Jiang, Lin; Han, Yu; Greeley, Jeffrey; Wang, Chao; Jin, Jian

    2016-01-01

    Water electrolysis represents a promising solution for storage of renewable but intermittent electrical energy in hydrogen molecules. This technology is however challenged by the lack of efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Here we report on the synthesis of platinum-nickel hydroxide nanocomposites and their electrocatalytic applications for water reduction. An in situ reduction strategy taking advantage of the Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox has been developed to enable and regulate the epitaxial growth of Pt nanocrystals on single-layer Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. The obtained nanocomposites (denoted as Pt@2D-Ni(OH)2) exhibit an improvement factor of 5 in catalytic activity and a reduction of up to 130 mV in overpotential compared to Pt for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A combination of electron microscopy/spectroscopy characterization, electrochemical studies and density functional calculations was employed to uncover the structures of the metal-hydroxide interface and understand the mechanisms of catalytic enhancement.

  16. Cross-Conjugated n-Dopable Aromatic Polyketone

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Voortman, Thomas P.; Bartesaghi, Davide; Koster, L. Jan Anton; Chiechi, Ryan C.

    2015-01-01

    This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a high molecular weight cross-conjugated polyketone synthesized via scalable Friedel Crafts chemistry. Cross-conjugated polyketones are precursors to conjugated polyions; they become orders of magnitude more conductive after a two-electron

  17. Platinum group metal nitrides and carbides: synthesis, properties and simulation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ivanovskii, Alexander L

    2009-01-01

    Experimental and theoretical data on new compounds, nitrides and carbides of the platinum group 4d and 5d metals (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum), published over the past five years are summarized. The extreme mechanical properties of platinoid nitrides and carbides, i.e., their high strength and low compressibility, are noted. The prospects of further studies and the scope of application of these compounds are discussed.

  18. Synthesis and Chromatography-Free Purification of PNA-PEO Conjugates for the Functionalisation of Gold Sensors

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Filippo Romanato

    2012-09-01

    Full Text Available Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs linked to high molecular weight (MW poly(ethylene oxide (PEO derivatives could be useful conjugates for the direct functionalisation of gold surfaces dedicated to Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR-based DNA sensing. However their use is hampered by the difficulty to obtain them through a convenient and economical route. In this work we compared three synthetic strategies to obtain PNA-high MW PEO conjugates composed of (a a 15-mer PNA sequence as the probe complementary to genomic DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, (b a PEO moiety (2 or 5 KDa MW and (c a terminal trityl-protected thiol necessary (after acidic deprotection for grafting to gold surfaces. The 15-mer PNA was obtained by solid-phase synthesis. Its amino terminal group was later condensed to bi-functional PEO derivatives (2 and 5 KDa MW carrying a Trt-cysteine at one end and a carboxyl group at the other end. The reaction was carried out either in solution, using HATU or PyOxim as coupling agents, or through the solid-phase approach, with 49.6%, 100% and 5.2% yield, respectively. A differential solvent extraction strategy for product purification without the need for chromatography is described. The ability of the 5 KDa PEO conjugate to function as a probe for complementary DNA detection was demonstrated using a Grating-Coupling Surface Plasmon Resonance (GC-SPR system. The optimized PEO conjugation and purification protocols are economical and simple enough to be reproduced also within laboratories that are not highly equipped for chemical synthesis.

  19. Luminescent and laser properties of Yb Er:GdCa4O(BO3)3: a new crystal for eye-safe 1.5-μm lasers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Denker, B.; Galagan, B.; Ivleva, L.; Osiko, V.; Sverchkov, S.; Voronina, I.; Hellstrom, J. E.; Karlsson, G.; Laurell, F.

    2004-09-01

    We present for the first time 1.5-μm laser emission in Yb Er:GdCa4O(BO3)3 (GdCOB). The crystals were grown by the Czochralski method from platinum crucibles. Spectroscopic and laser tests of the crystals are described. A continuous-wave output power of 80 mW was achieved in a monolithic microchip cavity under laser-diode pumping.

  20. Synthesis and study of conjugated polymers containing Di- or Triphenylamine

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sukwattanasinitt, M.

    1996-06-21

    This thesis consists of two separate parts. The first part addresses the synthesis and study of conjugated polymers containing di- or triphenylamine. Two types of polymers: linear polymers and dendrimers, were synthesized. The polymers were characterized by NMR, IR, UV, GPC, TGA and DSC. Electronic and optical properties of the polymers were studied through the conductivity measurements and excitation- emission spectra. the second part of this thesis deals with a reaction of electron-rich acetylenes with TCNE. The discovery of the reaction from charge transfer complex studies and the investigation of this reaction on various electron-rich acetylenes are presented.

  1. Topological Phase Diagrams of Bulk and Monolayer TiS2−xTex

    KAUST Repository

    Zhu, Zhiyong

    2013-02-12

    With the use of ab initio calculations, the topological phase diagrams of bulk and monolayer TiS2−xTex are established. Whereas bulk TiS2−xTex shows two strong topological phases [1;(000)] and [1;(001)] for 0.44Tex is a unique system for studying topological phases in three and two dimensions simultaneously.

  2. Topological Phase Diagrams of Bulk and Monolayer TiS2−xTex

    KAUST Repository

    Zhu, Zhiyong; Cheng, Yingchun; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

    2013-01-01

    With the use of ab initio calculations, the topological phase diagrams of bulk and monolayer TiS2−xTex are established. Whereas bulk TiS2−xTex shows two strong topological phases [1;(000)] and [1;(001)] for 0.44Tex is a unique system for studying topological phases in three and two dimensions simultaneously.

  3. Facile Synthesis of Gd-Functionalized Gold Nanoclusters as Potential MRI/CT Contrast Agents

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wenjun Le

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available Multi-modal imaging plays a key role in the earlier detection of disease. In this work, a facile bioinspired method was developed to synthesize Gd-functionalized gold nanoclusters (Gd-Au NCs. The Gd-Au NCs exhibit a uniform size, with an average size of 5.6 nm in dynamic light scattering (DLS, which is a bit bigger than gold clusters (3.74 nm, DLS, while the fluorescent properties of Gd-Au NCs are almost the same as that of Au NCs. Moreover, the Gd-Au NCs exhibit a high longitudinal relaxivity value (r1 of 22.111 s−1 per mM of Gd in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, which is six times higher than that of commercial Magnevist (A complex of gadolinium with a chelating agent, diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid, Gd-DTPA, r1 = 3.56 mM−1·s−1. Besides, as evaluated by nano single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT and computed tomography (CT the Gd-Au NCs have a potential application as CT contrast agents because of the Au element. Finally, the Gd-Au NCs show little cytotoxicity, even when the Au concentration is up to 250 μM. Thus, the Gd-Au NCs can act as multi-modal imaging contrast agents.

  4. Controlled synthesis of novel octapod platinum nanocrystals under microwave irradiation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dai, Lei; Chi, Quan; Zhao, Yanxi; Liu, Hanfan; Zhou, Zhongqiang; Li, Jinlin; Huang, Tao

    2014-01-01

    Graphical abstract: Under microwave irradiation, novel octapod Pt nanocrystals were synthesized by reducing H 2 PtCl 6 in TEG with PVP as a stabilizer. The as-prepared Pt nanocrystals displayed a unique octapod nanostructure with five little mastoids in each concave center. The use of KI was crucial to the formation of novel Pt octapods. Novel Octapod Platinum Nanocrystals. - Highlights: • A novel octapod Pt nanocrystals different from the common octapod were obtained. • The use of KI was crucial to the formation of the novel Pt octapods. • Microwave was readily employed in controlled synthesis of the novel Pt octapods. - Abstract: Microwave was employed in the shape-controlled synthesis of Pt nanoparticles. Novel octapod Pt nanocrystals enclosed with (1 1 1) facets were readily synthesized with H 2 PtCl 6 as a precursor, tetraethylene glycol (TEG) as both a solvent and a reducing agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer in the presence of an appropriate amount of KI under microwave irradiation for 140 s. The as-prepared Pt nanocrystals displayed a unique octapod nanostructure with five little mastoids in each concave center and exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity than commercial Pt black in the electro-oxidations of methanol and formic acid. The results demonstrated that the use of KI was crucial to the formation of Pt octapods. KI determined the formation of the novel octapod Pt nanocrystals by tuning up the reduction kinetics and adsorbing on the surfaces of growing Pt nanoparticles. The optimum molar ratio of H 2 PtCl 6 /KI/PVP was 1/30/45

  5. Synthesis of conjugated chitosan and its effect on drug permeation from transdermal patches.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Satheeshababu, B K; Shivakumar, K L

    2013-03-01

    The aim of this study was to synthesis the conjugated chitosan by covalent attachment of thiol moieties to the cationic polymer, mediated by a carbodiimide to improve permeation properties of chitosan. Thioglycolic acid was covalently attached to chitosan by the formation of amide bonds between the primary amino groups of the polymer and the carboxylic acid groups of thioglycolic acid. Hence, these polymers are called as thiomers or thiolated polymers. Conjugation of chitosan was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. Matrix type transdermal patches of carvedilol were prepared using the different proportions of chitosan and chitosan-thioglycolic acid conjugates (2:0, 1.7:0.3, 1.4:0.6, 1:1, 0.6:1.4 and 0.3:1.7) by solvent casting technique. Prepared matrix type patches were evaluated for their physicochemical characterization followed by in vitro evaluation. Selected formulations were subjected for their ex vivo studies on Wistar albino rat skin and human cadaver skin using the modified Franz diffusion cell. As the proportion of conjugated chitosan increased, the transdermal patches showed increased drug permeation. The mechanism of drug release was found to be nonFickian profiles. The present study concludes that the transdermal patches of carvedilol using conjugated chitosan with different proportions of chitosan were successfully developed to provide improved drug permeation. The transdermal patches can be a good approach to improve drug bioavailability by bypassing the extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism of the drug.

  6. Improved synthesis of glycine, taurine and sulfate conjugated bile acids as reference compounds and internal standards for ESI-MS/MS urinary profiling of inborn errors of bile acid synthesis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Donazzolo, Elena; Gucciardi, Antonina; Mazzier, Daniela; Peggion, Cristina; Pirillo, Paola; Naturale, Mauro; Moretto, Alessandro; Giordano, Giuseppe

    2017-04-01

    Bile acid synthesis defects are rare genetic disorders characterized by a failure to produce normal bile acids (BAs), and by an accumulation of unusual and intermediary cholanoids. Measurements of cholanoids in urine samples by mass spectrometry are a gold standard for the diagnosis of these diseases. In this work improved methods for the chemical synthesis of 30 BAs conjugated with glycine, taurine and sulfate were developed. Diethyl phosphorocyanidate (DEPC) and diphenyl phosphoryl azide (DPPA) were used as coupling reagents for glycine and taurine conjugation. Sulfated BAs were obtained by sulfur trioxide-triethylamine complex (SO 3 -TEA) as sulfating agent and thereafter conjugated with glycine and taurine. All products were characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The use of these compounds as internal standards allows an improved accuracy of both identification and quantification of urinary bile acids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Synthesis and characterization of nano-crystalline Ce1-xGd xO2-x/2 (x = 0-0.30) solid solutions

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jadhav, L. D.; Chourashiya, M. G.; Jamale, A. P.

    2010-01-01

    glycine-nitrate process (GNP) has been presented. Evolution of structural and morphological properties of nano-powders as a function of heat treatment has also been studied. The prepared samples were characterized using TG-DTA, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, etc. In addition, the effect of Gd......In recent years, doped ceria is an established and promising candidate as solid electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC). In this investigation, synthesis and characterizations of nano-crystalline Gd doped ceria, (Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2, where x = 0-0.3), prepared using...... of sintered samples was observed to hinder with an increase in Gd content....

  8. Research algorithm for synthesis of double conjugation optical systems in the Gauss region

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. B. Ostrun

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available The article focuses on the research of variable magnification optical systems of sophistic class - so-called double conjugation systems. When the magnification changes, they provide two pairs of fixed conjugate planes, namely object and image, as well as entrance and exit pupils. Similar systems are used in microscopy and complex schemes, where it is necessary to conform the pupils of contiguous removable optical components. Synthesis of double conjugation systems in Gauss region is not an easy task. To ensure complete immobility of the exit pupil in the system there should be three movable components or components with variable optical power.Analysis of the literature shows that the design of double conjugation optical system in the paraxial region has been neglected, all methods are not completely universal and suitable for automation.Based on the foregoing, the research and development of a universal method for automated synthesis of double conjugation systems in Gauss region formulated as an objective of the present work seem to be a challenge.To achieve this goal a universal algorithm is used. It is based on the fact that the output coordinates of paraxial rays are multilinear functions of optical surfaces and of axial thicknesses between surfaces. It allows us to create and solve a system of multilinear equations in semi-automatic mode to achieve the chosen values of paraxial characteristics.As a basic scheme for the synthesis a five-component system has been chosen with extreme fixed components and three mobile "internal" ones. The system was considered in two extreme states of moving parts. Initial values of axial thicknesses were taken from Hopkins' patent. Optical force five components were considered unknown. For calculation the system of five equations was created, which allowed us to obtain a certain back focal length, to provide the specified focal length and a fixed position of the exit pupil at a fixed entrance pupil.The scheme

  9. Aqueous synthesis and characterization of bovine hemoglobin-conjugated cadmium sulfide nanocrystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yang, Guangrui [Institute of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Conservancy and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450011 (China); Qin, Dezhi, E-mail: dezhiqin@163.com [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan 467000 (China); Du, Xian; Zhang, Li; Zhao, Ganqing; Zhang, Qiuxia; Wu, Jiulin [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan 467000 (China)

    2014-08-01

    Highlights: • CdS nanocrystals were synthesized by biomimetic method in bovine hemoglobin (BHb) solution. • The study of the interaction between Cd{sup 2+}/CdS and BHb. • The optical properties of BHb-conjugated CdS nanocrystals. • The synthesis process of BHb-conjugated CdS nanocrystals is facile, effective and environment friendly. • The change of secondary structure of BHb after binding to CdS nanocrystals. - Abstract: Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals with average diameter about 5.5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution of bovine hemoglobin (BHb) via simple biomimetic method. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) characterizations were used to determine the structure and morphology of CdS nanocrystals. It was revealed that amount of BHb, chelating of Cd{sup 2+} to BHb and reaction temperature were key factors in controlling shape and dispersion of CdS nanocrystals. The binding sites of BHb to CdS nanocrystals and the change of secondary structure of protein have been identified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. It was found that conjugating of BHb with Cd{sup 2+} and CdS could protect nanocrystals from agglomerating. Moreover, the thermostability of BHb enhanced after conjugating with CdS nanocrystals. The interaction mechanism of BHb with Cd{sup 2+}/CdS was also proposed. The quantum-confined effect of CdS nanocrystals was confirmed by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum. The nanocrystals exhibited a well-defined photoluminescence (PL) emission feature at about 510 nm with narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM)

  10. Bio-Conjugates for Nanoscale Applications

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Villadsen, Klaus

    Bio-conjugates for Nanoscale Applications is the title of this thesis, which covers three different projects in chemical bio-conjugation research, namely synthesis and applications of: Lipidated fluorescent peptides, carbohydrate oxime-azide linkers and N-aryl O-R2 oxyamine derivatives. Lipidated...

  11. Passing the English as a second language (ESL) supplemental texes exam keys to certification and language proficient learners

    CERN Document Server

    Wilmore, Elaine L

    2014-01-01

    Master the TExES with down-to-earth test prep strategies ESL certification is attainable if one understands the domains and competencies represented in the test and masters test prep skills. Dr. Elaine Wilmore, known for her popular TExES preparation seminars, synthesizes her knowledge and experiences and gives readers a practical approach to passing the ESL Supplemental Exam. Written in a conversational tone, the book uses real examples to help readers connect theory with actual practice and offers: Thorough discussions of relevant concepts related to domains and competencies Tables and graph

  12. CdS nanowires formed by chemical synthesis using conjugated single-stranded DNA molecules

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sarangi, S. N.; Sahu, S. N.; Nozaki, S.

    2018-03-01

    CdS nanowires were successfully grown by chemical synthesis using two conjugated single-stranded (ss) DNA molecules, poly G (30) and poly C (30), as templates. During the early stage of the synthesis with the DNA molecules, the Cd 2+ interacts with Poly G and Poly C and produces the (Cd 2+)-Poly GC complex. As the growth proceeds, it results in nanowires. The structural analysis by grazing angle x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the zinc-blende CdS nanowires with the growth direction of . Although the nanowires are well surface-passivated with the DNA molecules, the photoluminescence quenching was caused by the electron transfer from the nanowires to the DNA molecules. The quenching can be used to detect and label the DNAs.

  13. Study of half-sandwich mono and dinuclear complexes of platinum ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    of platinum group metals containing pyrazolyl pyridine analogues: Synthesis ... sis for specific reactions. Inclusion of ... was poured in to 100 ml of water, resulted in whitish precipitate ..... condition in the presence of potassium carbonate and.

  14. Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET Polymerization for Precise Synthesis of Defect-Free Conjugated Polymers with Well-Defined Chain Ends

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tahmina Haque

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available This accounts introduces unique characteristics by adopting the acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET polymerization for synthesis of conjugated polymers, poly(arylene vinylenes, known as promising molecular electronics. The method is more suitable than the other methods in terms of atom efficiency affording defect-free, stereo-regular (exclusive trans polymers with well-defined chain ends; the resultant polymers possess better property than those prepared by the conventional methods. The chain ends (vinyl group in the resultant polymer prepared by ruthenium-carbene catalyst(s can be modified by treating with molybdenum-alkylidene complex (olefin metathesis followed by addition of various aldehyde (Wittig type cleavage, affording the end-functionalized polymers exclusively. An introduction of initiating fragment, the other conjugated segment, and one-pot synthesis of end-functionalized block copolymers, star shape polymers can be achieved by adopting this methodology.

  15. Organometallic B12-DNA conjugate

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hunger, Miriam; Mutti, Elena; Rieder, Alexander

    2014-01-01

    Design, synthesis, and structural characterization of a B12-octadecanucleotide are presented herein, a new organometallic B12-DNA conjugate. In such covalent conjugates, the natural B12 moiety may be a versatile vector for controlled in vivo delivery of oligonucleotides to cellular targets in hum...

  16. Gd(iii)-doped carbon dots as a dual fluorescent-MRI probe

    KAUST Repository

    Bourlinos, Athanasios B.; Bakandritsos, Aristides; Kouloumpis, Antonios; Gournis, Dimitrios; Krysmann, Marta; Giannelis, Emmanuel P.; Polakova, Katerina; Safarova, Klara; Hola, Katerina; Zboril, Radek

    2012-01-01

    We describe the synthesis of Gd(iii)-doped carbon dots as dual fluorescence-MRI probes for biomedical applications. The derived Gd(iii)-doped carbon dots show uniform particle size (3-4 nm) and gadolinium distribution and form stable dispersions in water. More importantly, they exhibit bright fluorescence, strong T1-weighted MRI contrast and low cytotoxicity. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012.

  17. Histopathological changes in the human larynx following expanded polytetrafluroethylene (Gore-Tex® implantation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sheffield E

    2005-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Expanded polytetrafluroethelyne (e PTFE, Gore-Tex® has been advocated as an implant material for medialization of the vocal fold. Animal studies involving rabbits and a porcine model have demonstrated host tolerance of the implant. There have been no reports describing the histological changes in a human laryngectomy specimen with a Gore-Tex implant. Case presentation The histological findings in a laryngectomy specimen of a patient previously implanted with e PTFE for medialization of a paralyzed vocal fold following excision of a vagal neurofibroma were studied. Histopathology revealed a mild foreign-body giant cell granulomatous reaction with some associated fibrosis. The granulomatous response was limited to the periphery of the Gore-Tex and although it closely followed the profile of the material it did not encroach into or significantly break up the material. There was no significant neutrophilic or lymphocytic inflammation. Conclusions Our findings are consistent with the animal models confirming that Gore-Tex implantation does not result in a significant granulomatous reaction in the human larynx over a 13-month period. Moreover, there is no evidence of resorption or infection. Further, the lack of lymphocytes in association with the granulomas indicates that there is no significant immunological hypersensitivity. Histologically, the slight permeation by connective tissue is similar to that seen in Gore-Tex vascular and cardiac implants. The degree of the slight giant cell response appears to be dependent on the profile of the material; a sharp edge incited more of a response than a flat surface.

  18. Spin Hall magnetoresistance in the non-collinear ferrimagnet GdIG close to the compensation temperature.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dong, Bo-Wen; Cramer, Joel; Ganzhorn, Kathrin; Yuan, H Y; Guo, Er-Jia; Goennenwein, Sebastian T B; Kläui, Mathias

    2018-01-24

    We investigate the spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) in a gadolinium iron garnet (GdIG)/platinum (Pt) heterostructure by angular dependent magnetoresistance measurements. The magnetic structure of the ferromagnetic insulator GdIG is non-collinear near the compensation temperature, while it is collinear far from the compensation temperature. In the collinear regime, the SMR signal in GdIG is consistent with the usual [Formula: see text] relation well established in the collinear magnet yttrium iron garnet, with [Formula: see text] the angle between magnetization and spin Hall spin polarization direction. In the non-collinear regime, both an SMR signal with inverted sign and a more complex angular dependence with four maxima are observed within one sweep cycle. The number of maxima as well as the relative strength of different maxima depend strongly on temperature and field strength. Our results evidence a complex SMR behavior in the non-collinear magnetic regime that goes beyond the conventional formalism developed for collinear magnetic structures.

  19. Overview of the Benzene and Other Toxics Exposure (BEE-TEX) Field Study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Olaguer, Eduardo P

    2015-01-01

    The Benzene and other Toxics Exposure (BEE-TEX) field study was an experimental campaign designed to demonstrate novel methods for measuring ambient concentrations of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in real time and to attribute these concentrations to quantified releases from specific emission points in industrial facilities while operating outside facility fence lines. BEE-TEX was conducted in February 2015 at three neighboring communities in the Houston Ship Channel of Texas, where a large number of petrochemical facilities are concentrated. The novel technologies deployed during BEE-TEX included: (1) tomographic remote sensing based on differential optical absorption spectroscopy; (2) real-time broadcasting of ambient air monitoring data over the World Wide Web; (3) real-time source attribution and quantification of HAP emissions based on either tomographic or mobile measurement platforms; and (4) the use of cultured human lung cells in vitro as portable indicators of HAP exposure.

  20. Direct fluorescence in situ hybridization on human metaphase chromosomes using quantum dot-platinum labeled DNA probes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hwang, Gyoyeon [Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Future Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Biological Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Deajeon (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Hansol [Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Future Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Jiyeon, E-mail: jylee@kist.re.kr [Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Future Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Biological Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Deajeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-11-13

    The telomere shortening in chromosomes implies the senescence, apoptosis, or oncogenic transformation of cells. Since detecting telomeres in aging and diseases like cancer, is important, the direct detection of telomeres has been a very useful biomarker. We propose a telomere detection method using a newly synthesized quantum dot (QD) based probe with oligonucleotide conjugation and direct fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). QD-oligonucleotides were prepared with metal coordination bonding based on platinum-guanine binding reported in our previous work. The QD-oligonucleotide conjugation method has an advantage where any sequence containing guanine at the end can be easily bound to the starting QD-Pt conjugate. A synthesized telomeric oligonucleotide was bound to the QD-Pt conjugate successfully and this probe hybridized specifically on the telomere of fabricated MV-4-11 and MOLT-4 chromosomes. Additionally, the QD-telomeric oligonucleotide probe successfully detected the telomeres on the CGH metaphase slide. Due to the excellent photostability and high quantum yield of QDs, the QD-oligonucleotide probe has high fluorescence intensity when compared to the organic dye-oligonucleotide probe. Our QD-oligonucleotide probe, conjugation method of this QD probe, and hybridization protocol with the chromosomes can be a useful tool for chromosome painting and FISH. - Highlights: • We prepared a probe linked between QD and telomeric oligonucleotide with platinum-guanine bonding. • Telomeres were detected by our new telomere probes successfully in three different human metaphase chromosomes. • QDPt-DNA probe has high fluorescence intensity in comparison with organic dye-DNA probe.

  1. Synthesis and characterization of Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 thin films by spray pyrolysis technique

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Chourashiya, M. G.; Pawar, S. H.; Jadhav, L. D.

    2008-01-01

    The Gd doped ceria (CGO) in thin layers is of great interest for low temperature operation. In the present investigation, we report on the use of spray pyrolysis technique for the synthesis of CGO thin films. The process parameters were optimized for synthesizing Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 films. Films were...... characterized by XRD, EDS, SEM, and AFM and are observed to be phase pure and dense with surface roughness of the order of ∼5 nm. The d.c. conductivity was also measured and is observed to be ∼0.5 S/cm at 623 K....

  2. Cisplatin and a potent platinum(IV) complex-mediated enhancement of TRAIL-induced cancer cells killing is associated with modulation of upstream events in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Vondálová Blanářová, Olga; Jelínková, Iva; Szoor, A.; Skender, Belma; Souček, Karel; Horváth, Viktor; Vaculová, Alena; Anděra, Ladislav; Sova, P.; Szollosi, J.; Hofmanová, Jiřina; Vereb, G.; Kozubík, Alois

    2011-01-01

    Roč. 32, č. 1 (2011), s. 42-51 ISSN 0143-3334 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA301/07/1557; GA MZd NS9600 Grant - others:GA ČR(CZ) GD303/09/H048 Program:GD Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50040507; CEZ:AV0Z50040702; CEZ:AV0Z50520514 Keywords : TRAIL * platinum complexes * apoptosis Subject RIV: BO - Biophysics Impact factor: 5.702, year: 2011

  3. Välis-Eesti meets tex-mex / Moonika Siimets

    Index Scriptorium Estoniae

    Siimets, Moonika, 1980-

    2012-01-01

    Portreelugu Torontos väliseesti perekonnas sündinud ja paljudes riikides elanud ning kokana töötanud Kristina Luppist, kes sattus Tallinnasse elama seoses Nõukogude Eesti toidukultuurist magistritööd kirjutades. Tex-Mex toiduretseptid s.h Margarita ja Guacamole

  4. Enzymatic synthesis of tRNA-peptide conjugates and spectroscopic studies of fluorine-modified RNA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Graber, D.

    2010-01-01

    The research presented in this thesis concerns the enzymatic synthesis of artificially modified tRNA, in particular the preparation of non-hydrolysable tRNA-peptide conjugates. Another focus is on NMR-spectroscopic investigations of fluorine-modified RNA. In both projects, chemical methods were developed to address specific RNA-biological research questions. In the first part of this thesis the preparation of tRNA-peptide conjugates with a non-hydrolysable 3'-amide linkage is presented. These molecules are of high relevance for the characterization of ribosomal processes that occur in the peptidyl transferase center (such as peptide bond formation, peptide release, or translocation) using X-ray crystallography and biochemical methods. First, a novel concept to prepare chemically modified ('labeled') tRNA was elaborated based on the combination of solid-phase synthesis and enzymatic ligation. Thereby, a variety of differently labeled tRNAs was achieved. Moreover, the most successful high-yield ligation sites were identified to be situated within the TΨ C-loop. Optimization of the synthesis and the corresponding HPLC-purification of the conjugates were initially conducted with puromycin derivatized tRNA. In the course of this project, also two tRNAs with a ribose 3'-amino group at the terminal adenosine A76 were synthesized. For that purpose a protection group pattern had to be developed to obtain a functionalized solid-support bound to 3'-amino-3'-deoxyadenosine which was appropriate for RNA solid-phase synthesis. The successful preparation of tRNA-peptide conjugates was accomplished in cooperation with Holger Moroder and Jessica Steger (Micura group) who contributed short synthetic RNA-peptide conjugates. These fragments represented the tRNA 3'-termini that were required for exploring the new ligation strategies for non-hydrolisable tRNA - a main aim of this thesis. If the 5'-fragments are synthesized by solid-phase synthesis or in vitro transcription they do not

  5. Alergia ao látex e a frutas em profissionais da área da saúde

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marin Flávia Andréia

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available INTRODUÇÃO: A alergia ao látex tornou-se um risco crescente aos indivíduos expostos, como os profissionais da área da saúde, tendo como agravo a associação com hipersensibilidade a vários alimentos, especialmente frutas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a freqüência de sensibilização ao látex e a frutas em profissionais da área da saúde. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 53 profissionais da saúde, 81,9% do sexo feminino, aplicando-se questionário alergológico e testes cutâneos por puntura para alérgenos inaláveis, do látex e de frutas (mamão papaia, kiwi, abacate, banana, figo, tomate, noz. RESULTADOS: Dos 53 indivíduos estudados, 15 (28,5% eram alérgicos ao látex. A sensibilidade a frutas foi diagnosticada em 14 (26,4%, dos quais 10 (18,8% apresentavam teste por puntura positivo para o látex; as frutas alergênicas mais freqüentes foram papaia (80,0%, kiwi (60,0% e abacate (50,0%. CONCLUSÃO: Estes achados demonstram a existência da alergia látex-fruta, como descrito na literatura, sendo de suma importância uma avaliação in vivo em profissionais da área de saúde, caracterizados como potencial grupo de risco.

  6. Deletion of the pluripotency-associated Tex19.1 gene causes activation of endogenous retroviruses and defective spermatogenesis in mice

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ollinger, Rupert; Childs, Andrew J; Burgess, Hannah M

    2008-01-01

    . During male spermatogenesis, Tex19.1 expression is highest in mitotic spermatogonia and diminishes as these cells differentiate and progress through meiosis. In pluripotent stem cells, Tex19.1 expression is also downregulated upon differentiation. However, it is not clear whether Tex19.1 has an essential...... spermatogenesis. Immunostaining and histological analysis revealed defects in meiotic chromosome synapsis, the persistence of DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis, and a loss of post-meiotic germ cells in the testis. Furthermore, expression of a class of endogenous retroviruses is upregulated during meiosis...... in the Tex19.1(-/-) testes. Increased transposition of endogenous retroviruses in the germline of Tex19.1(-/-) mutant mice, and the concomitant increase in DNA damage, may be sufficient to disrupt the normal processes of recombination and chromosome synapsis during meiosis and cause defects...

  7. A smart T(1)-weighted MRI contrast agent for uranyl cations based on a DNAzyme-gadolinium conjugate.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Weichen; Xing, Hang; Lu, Yi

    2013-11-07

    Rational design of smart MRI contrast agents with high specificity for metal ions remains a challenge. Here, we report a general strategy for the design of smart MRI contrast agents for detecting metal ions based on conjugation of a DNAzyme with a gadolinium complex. The 39E DNAzyme, which has high selectivity for UO2(2+), was conjugated to Gd(III)-DOTA and streptavidin. The binding of UO2(2+) to its 39E DNAzyme resulted in the dissociation of Gd(III)-DOTA from the large streptavidin, leading to a decrease of the T1 correlation time, and a change in the MRI signal.

  8. CONJUGATED BLOCK-COPOLYMERS FOR ELECTROLUMINESCENT DIODES

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Hilberer, A; Gill, R.E; Herrema, J.K; Malliaras, G.G; Wildeman, J.; Hadziioannou, G

    In this article we review results obtained in our laboratory on the design and study of new light-emitting polymers. We are interested in the synthesis and characterisation of block copolymers with regularly alternating conjugated and non conjugated sequences. The blocks giving rise to luminescence

  9. Tetrafullerene conjugates for all-organic photovoltaics

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Fernández, G.; Sánchez, L.; Veldman, D.; Wienk, M.M.; Atienza, C.M.; Guldi, D.M.; Janssen, R.A.J.; Martin, N.

    2008-01-01

    The synthesis of two new tetrafullerene nanoconjugates in which four C60 units are covalently connected through different -conjugated oligomers (oligo(p-phenylene ethynylene) and oligo(p-phenylene vinylene)) is described. The photovoltaic (PV) response of these C60-based conjugates was evaluated by

  10. Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of PNA-peptide-DETA conjugates as potential cell penetrating artificial ribonucleases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Petersen, Lene; de Koning, Martijn C; van Kuik-Romeijn, Petra; Weterings, Jimmy; Pol, Christine J; Platenburg, Gerard; Overhand, Mark; van der Marel, Gijsbert A; van Boom, Jacques H

    2004-01-01

    We report the synthesis of novel artificial ribonucleases with potentially improved cellular uptake. The design of trifunctional conjugates 1a and 1b is based on the specific RNA-recognizing properties of PNA, the RNA-cleaving abilities of diethylenetriamine (DETA), and the peptide (KFF)(3)K for potential uptake into E. coli. The conjugates were assembled in a convergent synthetic route involving native chemical ligation of a PNA, containing an N-terminal cysteine, with the C-terminal thioester of the cell-penetrating (KFF)(3)K peptide to give 12a and 12b. These hybrids contained a free cysteine side-chain, which was further functionalized with an RNA-hydrolyzing diethylenetriamine (DETA) moiety. The trifunctional conjugates (1a, 1b) were evaluated for RNA-cleaving properties in vitro and showed efficient degradation of the target RNA at two major cleavage sites. It was also established that the cleavage efficiency strongly depended on the type of spacer connecting the PNA and the peptide.

  11. Synthesis, crystal structure, and physical properties of the Gd{sub 3}BiO{sub 3} and Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8} phases

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Forbes, Scott; Yuan, Fang [Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4M1 (Canada); Kosuda, Kosuke; Kolodiazhnyi, Taras [Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044 (Japan); Mozharivskyj, Yurij, E-mail: mozhar@mcmaster.ca [Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4M1 (Canada)

    2016-01-15

    The second and third known rare-earth bismuthide oxides, Gd{sub 3}BiO{sub 3} and Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8}, have been discovered via high temperature reactions at 1300 °C. Like its Gd–Sb–O counterparts, the Gd{sub 3}BiO{sub 3} and Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8} phases crystallize in the monoclinic C2/m space group, with the latter containing disordered Bi atoms along the b direction of the unit cell. Unlike the RE{sub 8}Sb{sub 3}O{sub 8} series, the formation of the Gd{sub 3}BiO{sub 3} phase does not necessarily precede the formation of Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8}, which is likely due to the difficulty of accommodating bismuth in the RE–O framework due to its larger size. Physical property measurements performed on a pure Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8} sample reveal semiconducting behavior. Although electronic structure calculations predict metallic behavior due to an unbalanced electron count, the semiconducting behavior originates from the Anderson localization of the Bi p states near the Fermi level as a result of atomic disorder. - Graphical abstract: Reaction of GdBi and Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} at high temperatures yields Gd–Bi–O phases. - Highlights: • Gd{sub 3}BiO{sub 3} and Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8}, the second and third rare-earth bismuthide oxides, have been discovered. • Gd{sub 3}BiO{sub 3} and Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8} are isostructural with RE{sub 3}SbO{sub 3} and RE{sub 8}Sb{sub 3}O{sub 8}. • Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8} displays semiconducting behavior despite an unbalanced electron count. • Anderson localization of Bi p states results in semiconducting behavior in Gd{sub 8}Bi{sub 3}O{sub 8}.

  12. Electrical and optical characterization of green synthesized Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Paul, Somnath, E-mail: somnathpaul459@gmail.com; Sarkar, A. [Dept of Physics, Bijoy Krishna Girls’ College, 5/3, M. G. Road, Howrah-711101 (India)

    2016-05-06

    Gadolinium sulphide (Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3}) is a magnetic semiconductor with large band gap. Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3} was synthesized following chemical and green techniques. Later process provides good stability of the nano clusters (NC) due to in-situ capping of Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3} NC. It has been found that the optical band gap in Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3} developed by green synthesis is lowered considerably over that in chemically synthesized Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3}. The green agencies used in this work are Jatropha Latex and dilute Garlic extract; both are enriched in sulphur and other organic polymer molecules. Simple observation shows that Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3} NC retains residual magnetization. In this work optical and electrical characterization of the developed Gd{sub 2}S{sub 3} specimens are carried out. The overall results obtained are good.

  13. Nanodiamond-chymotrypsin and nanodiamond-papain conjugates, their synthesis and activity and visualization of their interaction with cells using optical and electron microscopy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Golyshev, Sergey A; Berkovich, Anna K; Yakovlev, Ruslan Yu; Bystrov, Dmitry M; Ivanov, Nikita M; Balandina, Galina N; Rudenskaya, Galina N

    2017-07-28

    Two novel conjugates of detonation nanodiamonds (dNDs) with the proteolytic enzymes chymotrypsin and papain were synthesized. The synthesis was performed via functionalization of the dNDs' surface with acidic/alkali treatment followed by carbodiimide-mediated protein binding. Covalent binding of the enzymes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrographic analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) amino acid analysis. HPLC also proved the preservation of the enzymes' composition during synthesis. The same assay was used to determine the binding ratios. The ratios were 12% (mass to mass) for chymotrypsin and 7.4% for papain. The enzymatic activity of the conjugates was measured using chromogenic substrates and appeared to be approximately 40% of that of the native enzymes. The optimum pH values and stability under various conditions were determined. The sizes of resulting particles were measured using dynamic light scattering and direct electron microscopic observation. The enzyme conjugates were shown to be prone to aggregation, resulting in micrometer-sized particles. The ζ-potentials were measured and found to be positive for the conjugates. The conjugated enzymes were tested for biological activity using an in vitro model of cultured transformed human epithelial cells (HeLa cell line). It was shown that dND-conjugated enzymes effectively bind to the surface of the cells and that enzymes attack exposed proteins on the plasma membrane, including cell adhesion molecules. Incubation with conjugated enzymes results in morphological changes of the cells but does not affect cell viability, as judged by monitoring the cell division index and conducting ultrastructural studies. dNDs are internalized by the cells via endocytosis, being enclosed in forming coated vesicles by chance, and they accumulate in single membrane-bound vacuoles, presumably late endosomes/phagosomes, along with multimembranous onionlike structures. The authors propose a

  14. Synthesis and stability test of radiogadolinium(III-DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab as SPECT-MRI molecular imaging agent for diagnosis of HER-2 positive breast cancer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hardiani Rahmania

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Nonivasive diagnosis of cancer can be provided by molecular imaging using hybrid modality to obtain better sensitivity, specificity and depiction localization of the disease. In this study, we developed a new molecular imaging agent, radiogadolinium(III-DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab in the form of 147Gd-DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab, that can be both target-specific radiopharmaceutical in SPECT as well as targeted contrast agent in MRI for the purpose of diagnosis of HER-2 positive breast cancer. 147Gd radionuclide emits γ-rays that can be used in SPECT modality, but because of technical constraint, 147Gd radionuclide was simulated by its radioisotope, 153Gd. Gd-DOTA complex has also been known as good MRI contrast agent. PAMAM G3.0 is useful to concentrate Gd-DOTA compelexes in large quantities, thus minimizing the number of trastuzumab molecules used. Trastuzumab is human monoclonal antibody that can spesifically interact with HER-2. Synthesis of radiogadolinium(III-DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab was initiated by conjugating DOTA NHS ester ligand with PAMAM G3.0 dendrimer. The DOTA-PAMAM G3.0 produced was conjugated to trastuzumab molecule and labeled with 153Gd. Characterization DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab immunoconjugate was performed using HPLC system equipped with SEC. The formation of immunoconjugate was indicated by the shorter retention time (6.82 min compared to that of trastuzumab (7.06 min. Radiochemical purity of radiogadolinium(III-DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab was >99% after purification process by PD-10 desalting column. Radiogadolinium(III-DOTA-PAMAM G3.0-trastuzumab compound was stable at room temperature and at 2–8 0C as indicated by its radiochemical purity 97.6 ± 0.5%–99.1 ± 0.5% after 144 h storage.

  15. Synthesis, characterization and application of lipase-conjugated citric acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles for ester synthesis using waste frying oil.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Patel, Unisha; Chauhan, Kishor; Gupte, Shilpa

    2018-04-01

    In the present work, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by chemical precipitation of trivalent and divalent iron ions which were functionalized using citric acid. The bacterial isolate Staphylococcus epidermidis KX781317 was isolated from oil-contaminated site. The isolate produced lipase, which was purified and immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for ester synthesis from waste frying oil (WFO). The characterization of MNPs employed conventional TEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. TEM analysis of MNPs showed the particle size in the range of 20-50 nm. FTIR spectra revealed the binding of citric acid to Fe 3 O 4 and lipase on citric acid-coated MNPs. The citric acid-coated MNPs and lipase-conjugated citric acid-coated MNPs had similar XRD patterns which indicate MNPs could preserve their magnetic properties. The maximum immobilization efficiency 98.21% of lipase-containing citric acid-coated MNPs was observed at ratio 10:1 of Cit-MNPs:lipase. The pH and temperature optima for lipase conjugated with Cit-MNPs were 7 and 35 °C, respectively. Isobutanol was found to be an effective solvent for ester synthesis and 1:2 ratio of oil:alcohol observed significant for ester formation. The ester formation was determined using TLC and the % yield of ester conversion was calculated. The rate of ester formation is directly proportional to the enzyme load. Formed esters were identified as isobutyl laurate ester and isobutyl myristate ester through GC-MS analysis.

  16. Platinum incorporation in the Na Y zeolite through impregnation method, and characterization by XRD, FTIR and nitrogen adsorption

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Araujo, A.S.; Sousa, B.V.; Andrade, A.C.C.; Rodrigues, M.G.F.; Rangel, M.C.

    2007-01-01

    Supported metal catalysts are widely used in petroleum refining, chemical and petroleum industries. These catalysts are important in ammonia synthesis, conversion of hydrocarbons with water vapor to synthesis gas, reforming, hydrocracking, ... Platinum has long been used in cracking, hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. The aim of this project is the Na Y zeolitic sample preparation through impregnation for incipient humidity, with 0,5% concentration of platinum, aiming its use as a catalyst in the steam reforming reaction. The characterization techniques used were: X Rays Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nitrogen Adsorption (BET Method). From the obtained results through the techniques mentioned previously it is possible to evidence that the platinum impregnation process did not change the Na Y zeolite structure. Through the superficial specific area (BET) it was possible to observe that the platinum impregnation process caused a decrease in the specific area due to the reduction to the accessibility to the micropores of the zeolitic structure. (author)

  17. Enhanced conjugation stability and blood circulation time of macromolecular gadolinium-DTPA contrast agent.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jenjob, Ratchapol; Kun, Na; Ghee, Jung Yeon; Shen, Zheyu; Wu, Xiaoxia; Cho, Steve K; Lee, Don Haeng; Yang, Su-Geun

    2016-04-01

    In this study, we prepared macromolecular MR T1 contrast agent: pullulan-conjugated Gd diethylene triamine pentaacetate (Gd-DTPA-Pullulan) and estimated residual free Gd(3+), chelation stability in competition with metal ions, plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics, and abdominal MR contrast on rats. Residual free Gd(3+) in Gd-DTPA-Pullulan was measured using colorimetric spectroscopy. The transmetalation of Gd(3+) incubated with Ca(2+) was performed by using a dialysis membrane (MWCO 100-500 Da) and investigated by ICP-OES. The plasma concentration profiles of Gd-DTPA-Pullulan were estimated after intravenous injection at a dose 0.1 mmol/kg of Gd. The coronal-plane abdominal images of normal rats were observed by MR imaging. The content of free Gd(3+), the toxic residual form, was less than 0.01%. Chelation stability of Gd-DTPA-Pullulan was estimated, and only 0.2% and 0.00045% of Gd(3+) were released from Gd-DTPA-Pullulan after 2h incubation with Ca(2+) and Fe(2+), respectively. Gd-DTPA-Pullulan displayed the extended plasma half-life (t1/2,α=0.43 h, t1/2,β=2.32 h), much longer than 0.11h and 0.79 h of Gd-EOB-DTPA. Abdominal MR imaging showed Gd-DTPA-Pullulan maintained initial MR contrast for 30 min. The extended plasma half-life of Gd-DTPA-Pullulan probably allows the prolonged MR acquisition time in clinic with enhanced MR contrast. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Enhancement of Hsp70 synthesis protects common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., against lethal ammonia toxicity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sung, Y Y; Roberts, R J; Bossier, P

    2012-08-01

    Exposure to TEX-OE®, a patented extract of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) containing chaperone-stimulating factor, was shown to protect common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., fingerlings against acute ammonia stress. Survival was enhanced twofold from 50% to 95% after exposure to 5.92 mg L(-1) NH(3) , a level determined in the ammonia challenge bioassay as the 1-h LD50 concentration for this species. Survival of TEX-OE®-pre-exposed fish was enhanced by 20% over non-exposed controls during lethal ammonia challenge (14.21 mg L(-1)  NH(3) ). Increase in the levels of gill and muscle Hsp70 was evident in TEX-OE®-pre-exposed fish but not in the unexposed controls, indicating that application of TEX-OE® accelerated carp endogenous Hsp70 synthesis during ammonia perturbation. Protection against ammonia was correlated with Hsp70 accretion. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  19. Synthesis, characterization and properties

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Unknown

    work, we report herein the synthesis, structural cha- racterization and properties of a chiral Mn(IV) mononuclear ... atmosphere with a platinum disc working electrode, a platinum wire auxiliary electrode and a Ag/AgCl ... SMART APEX CCD area detector system [λ(Mo-. Kα) = 0⋅71073 Å], graphite monochromator, 2400.

  20. Synthesis of nanocrystalline Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}NCN from a versatile single-source precursor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ionescu, Emanuel; Wiehl, Leonore; Mera, Gabriela; Riedel, Ralf [Fachbereich Material- und Geowissenschaften, Technische Universitaet Darmstadt (Germany); Li, Wenjie [Fachbereich Material- und Geowissenschaften, Technische Universitaet Darmstadt (Germany); Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems, Mechanical Engineering Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA (United States)

    2017-11-17

    Nanocrystalline Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}NCN (P anti 3m1, crystallite size 30-40 nm) was synthesized upon ammonolysis of bis[[(N-carboxymethyl,N-carboxy-κO-methyl)amino-κN-ethyl]-glycinato( 3-)-κN,κO]gadolinium(III) (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid gadolinium(III) dihydrogen salt or gadopentetic acid, Gd-H{sub 2}DTPA hereafter) at 900 C. The conversion of Gd-H{sub 2}DTPA into Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}NCN takes place in several steps, probably via transient formation of iminodiacetate-, glycinate-, and carbamate-containing complexes of Gd. Thermal treatment in air of Gd-H{sub 2}DTPA at 750 and 1300 C delivers nanocrystalline bixbyite-type Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} (Ia anti 3, crystallite size 30-70 nm); in an argon or nitrogen atmosphere the formation of monoclinic Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} (C2/m) was observed at 1300 C. The synthesized Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}NCN converts upon thermal treatment in air, nitrogen, or argon atmosphere into monoclinic Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} (C2/m). In ammonia atmosphere, Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}NCN seems to be stable against decomposition, even upon prolonged exposure to 1000 C. This study indicates that Gd-H{sub 2}DTPA may be a robust, low-cost, and flexible precursor for nanoscaled Gd-based nanopowders. Moreover, precursor approaches based on metal complexes using H{sub 5}DTPA as a ligand are suggested as promising access pathways towards nanocrystalline materials in the M/O/C/N system. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  1. Repair of bile duct injuries with Gore-Tex vascular grafts: experimental study in dogs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gómez, Néstor A; Alvarez, Ludwig R; Mite, Alfredo; Andrade, Jean P; Alvarez, José R; Vargas, Paola E; Tomalá, Nancy E; Vivas, Alex F; Zapatier, Jorge A

    2002-01-01

    Bile duct injury is the most feared complication related to biliary tract operations. The goal of this investigation was to offer an alternative treatment that might prevent this complication. Twelve mongrel dogs, thin-walled FEP-ringed Gore-Tex vascular grafts, and Gore-Tex sutures were used in this study. The dogs were randomized into three groups of four according to the length of time of graft implantation: group 1 = 1 month; group 2 = 2 months; and group 3 = 3 months. During the first part of the study, a biliary injury was induced by ligating the middle choledocus after performing a conventional cholecystectomy. During the second part of the study, biliodigestive and biliobiliary anastomosis were performed using Gore-Tex vascular grafts prior to resection of the stenotic area. Initially, an increase in serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels was noted. Two weeks later, after implantation of the grafts, these values returned to normal. Thin-walled FEP-ringed Gore-Tex vascular grafts were found to be useful in the repair of bile duct injuries, especially in complete transections of the common bile duct. The ductility and flexibility of the material allows any type of anastomosis to be performed, especially when bile duct-gut anastomosis is technically difficult.

  2. Third-Party Evaluation of Petro Tex Hydrocarbons, LLC, ReGen Lubricating Oil Re-refining Process

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Compere, A L [ORNL; Griffith, William {Bill} L [ORNL

    2009-04-01

    This report presents an assessment of market, energy impact, and utility of the PetroTex Hydrocarbons, LLC., ReGen process for re-refining used lubricating oil to produce Group I, II, and III base oils, diesel fuel, and asphalt. PetroTex Hydrocarbons, LLC., has performed extensive pilot scale evaluations, computer simulations, and market studies of this process and is presently evaluating construction of a 23 million gallon per year industrial-scale plant. PetroTex has obtained a 30 acre site in the Texas Industries RailPark in Midlothian Texas. The environmental and civil engineering assessments of the site are completed, and the company has been granted a special use permit from the City of Midlothian and air emissions permits for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

  3. Late Pleistocene temperature history of Southeast Africa: A TEX

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Woltering, M.; Johnson, T.C.; Werne, J.P.; Schouten, S.; Sinninghe Damsté, J.S.

    2011-01-01

    We present a TEX86-derived surface water temperature record for Lake Malawi that provides the first continuous continental record of temperature variability in the continental tropics spanning the past similar to 74 kyr with millennial-scale resolution. Average temperature during Marine Isotope

  4. Efficient light-emitting devices based on platinum-complexes-anchored polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane materials

    KAUST Repository

    Yang, Xiaohui

    2010-08-24

    The synthesis, photophysical, and electrochemical characterization of macromolecules, consisting of an emissive platinum complex and carbazole moieties covalently attached to a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) core, is reported. Organic light-emitting devices based on these POSS materials exhibit a peak external quantum efficiency of ca. 8%, which is significantly higher than that of the analogous devices with a physical blend of the platinum complexes and a polymer matrix, and they represent noticeable improvement in the device efficiency of solution-processable phosphorescent excimer devices. Furthermore, the ratio of monomer and excimer/aggregate electroluminescent emission intensity, as well as the device efficiency, increases as the platinum complex moiety presence on the POSS macromolecules decreases. © 2010 American Chemical Society.

  5. Synthesis of novel bifunctional chelators and their use in preparing monoclonal antibody conjugates for tumor targeting

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Westerberg, D.A.; Carney, P.L.; Rogers, P.E.; Kline, S.J.; Johnson, D.K.

    1989-01-01

    Bifunctional derivatives of the chelating agents ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, in which a p-isothiocyanatobenzyl moiety is attached at the methylene carbon atom of one carboxymethyl arm, was synthesized by reductive alkylation of the relevant polyamine with (p-nitrophenyl)pyruvic acid followed by carboxymethylation, reduction of the nitro group, and reaction with thiophosgene. The resulting isothiocyanate derivatives reacted with monoclonal antibody B72.3 to give antibody-chelator conjugates containing 3 mol of chelator per mole of immunoglobulin, without significant loss of immunological activity. Such conjugates, labeled with the radioisotopic metal indium-111, selectively bound a human colorectal carcinoma implanted in nude mice when given intravenously. Uptake into normal tissues was comparable to or lower than that reported for analogous conjugates with known bifunctional chelators. It is concluded that substitution with a protein reactive group at this position in polyaminopolycarboxylate chelators does not alter the chelating properties of these molecules to a sufficient extent to adversely affect biodistribution and thus provides a general method for the synthesis of such chelators

  6. Synthesis, Characterization and Comparative Luminescence Studies of Rare-Earth-Doped Gd2O3 Nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pyngrope, D.; Singh, L. R.; Prasad, A. I.; Bora, A.

    2018-04-01

    A facile direct precipitation method was used for the synthesis of luminescence nanomaterial. Gd2O3 doped with rare earth element Eu3+ is synthesized by polyol route. The synthesized nanoparticles show their characteristic red emission. The nanoparticles are characterized by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) study. The synthesized nanoparticles are spherical particles with 30 nm size. The photoluminescence studies show the characteristic Eu3+ red emission. The PL study shows the intensity of the magnetic dipole transition ( 5 D0 \\to 7 F1 ) at 592 nm compared to that of the electronic dipole transition ( 5 D0 \\to 7 F2 ) at 615 nm. The nanomaterials can show significant application in various display devices and biomedical applications for tracking.

  7. Synthesis and Characterization of a Gd-DOTA-D-Permeation Peptide for Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Enhancement of Intracellular Targets

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andrew M. Prantner

    2003-10-01

    Full Text Available Many MR contrast agents have been developed and proven effective for extracellular nontargeted applications, but exploitation of intracellular MR contrast agents has been elusive due to the permeability barrier of the plasma membrane. Peptide transduction domains can circumvent this permeability barrier and deliver cargo molecules to the cell interior. Based upon enhanced cellular uptake of permeation peptides with D-amino acid residues, an all-D Tat basic domain peptide was conjugated to DOTA and chelated to gadolinium. Gd-DOTA-D-Tat peptide in serum at room temperature showed a relaxivity of 7.94 ± 0.11 mM−1 sec−1 at 4.7 T. The peptide complex displayed no significant binding to serum proteins, was efficiently internalized by human Jurkat leukemia cells resulting in intracellular T1 relaxation enhancement, and in preliminary T1-weighted MRI experiments, significantly enhanced liver, kidney, and mesenteric signals.

  8. Synthesis Of Gd-dtpa-folat For Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent And Characterization By Using 153gd-dtpa-folate Radioactive

    OpenAIRE

    G., Adang H; S., Yono; Maskur

    2012-01-01

    Contrast agent was used to clarify the image of the organ that is difficult to distinguish by MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) techniques, particularly in soft tissues of the central nervous system, liver, digestive system, lymphatic system, breast, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. One of the commonly used contrast agents in hospitals is Gadolinium-DieThylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (Gd-DTPA). Gd-DTPA is non specific contrast agent, therefore it has led to develop a contrast agent that ...

  9. 77 FR 35959 - Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent WestTex, LLC; Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.; Notice of...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-06-15

    ... Mid-Continent WestTex, LLC; Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.; Notice of Application Take notice that on May 30, 2012, Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent WestTex, LLC (Atlas) and Pioneer Natural Resources... President and General Counsel, Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent, LLC, 110 W. 7th Street, Suite 2300, Tulsa, OK...

  10. Interactions of DNA with a new platinum(IV) azide dipyridine complex activated by UVA and visible light: Relationship to toxicity in tumor cells

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Prachařová, J.; Zerzánková, Lenka; Štěpánková, Jana; Nováková, Olga; Farrer, N.J.; Sadler, P.J.; Brabec, Viktor; Kašpárková, Jana

    2012-01-01

    Roč. 25, č. 5 (2012), s. 1099-1111 ISSN 0893-228X R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP301/10/0598; GA ČR(CZ) GD301/09/H004 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50040702 Keywords : antitumor platinum * photoactivation * DNA Subject RIV: BO - Biophysics Impact factor: 3.667, year: 2012

  11. Synthesis and luminescence properties of BaTiO3:RE (RE = Gd , Dy ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    thermoluminescence (TL) properties of BaTiO3 samples doped with Gd3+, Dy3+, Tb3+ and Lu3+ were investigated. ... electron microscope using an accelerating voltage of 20 kV. .... doping of 1% mole Gd3+ ion into the BaTiO3 compound.

  12. Characterization and bacterial anti-adherent effect on modified PMMA denture acrylic resin containing platinum nanoparticles

    OpenAIRE

    Nam, Ki-Young

    2014-01-01

    PURPOSE This study characterized the synthesis of a modified PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) denture acrylic loading platinum nanoparticles (PtN) and assessed its bacterial inhibitory efficacy to produce novel antimicrobial denture base material. MATERIALS AND METHODS Polymerized PMMA denture acrylic disc (20 mm × 2 mm) specimens containing 0 (control), 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L of PtN were fabricated respectively. The obtained platinum-PMMA nanocomposite (PtNC) was characterized by TEM (transm...

  13. One-pot production of 18F-biotin by conjugation with 18F-FDG for pre-targeted imaging: Synthesis and radio-labelling of a PEGylated precursor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Simpson, Michael; Trembleau, Laurent; Cheyne, Richard W.; Smith, Tim A.D.

    2011-01-01

    The biotin-avidin affinity system is exploited in pre-targeted imaging using avidin-conjugated antibodies. 18 F-FDG is available at all PET centres. 18 F-FDG forms oximes by reaction with oxyamine. Herein we describe the synthesis of oxyamine-funtionalised biotin, its 18 F-labelling by conjugation with 18 F-FDG and confirm its ability to interact with avidin.

  14. Zinc-Catalyzed Synthesis of Conjugated Dienoates through Unusual Cross-Couplings of Zinc Carbenes with Diazo Compounds.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mata, Sergio; González, María J; González, Jesús; López, Luis A; Vicente, Rubén

    2017-01-23

    Zinc-catalyzed selective cross-coupling of two carbene sources, such as vinyl diazo compounds and enynones, enabled the synthesis of conjugated dienoate derivatives. This reaction involved the unprecedented coupling of a zinc furyl carbene with vinyl diazo compounds through the γ-carbon. Alternatively, dienoates were also prepared by a commutative cross-coupling of zinc vinyl carbenes generated from cyclopropenes and simple diazo compounds. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. KneeTex: an ontology-driven system for information extraction from MRI reports.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Spasić, Irena; Zhao, Bo; Jones, Christopher B; Button, Kate

    2015-01-01

    In the realm of knee pathology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the advantage of visualising all structures within the knee joint, which makes it a valuable tool for increasing diagnostic accuracy and planning surgical treatments. Therefore, clinical narratives found in MRI reports convey valuable diagnostic information. A range of studies have proven the feasibility of natural language processing for information extraction from clinical narratives. However, no study focused specifically on MRI reports in relation to knee pathology, possibly due to the complexity of knee anatomy and a wide range of conditions that may be associated with different anatomical entities. In this paper we describe KneeTex, an information extraction system that operates in this domain. As an ontology-driven information extraction system, KneeTex makes active use of an ontology to strongly guide and constrain text analysis. We used automatic term recognition to facilitate the development of a domain-specific ontology with sufficient detail and coverage for text mining applications. In combination with the ontology, high regularity of the sublanguage used in knee MRI reports allowed us to model its processing by a set of sophisticated lexico-semantic rules with minimal syntactic analysis. The main processing steps involve named entity recognition combined with coordination, enumeration, ambiguity and co-reference resolution, followed by text segmentation. Ontology-based semantic typing is then used to drive the template filling process. We adopted an existing ontology, TRAK (Taxonomy for RehAbilitation of Knee conditions), for use within KneeTex. The original TRAK ontology expanded from 1,292 concepts, 1,720 synonyms and 518 relationship instances to 1,621 concepts, 2,550 synonyms and 560 relationship instances. This provided KneeTex with a very fine-grained lexico-semantic knowledge base, which is highly attuned to the given sublanguage. Information extraction results were evaluated

  16. Magnetic properties of GdMnO3 nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tajiri, Takayuki; Mito, Masaki; Deguchi, Hiroyuki; Kohno, Atsushi

    2018-05-01

    Perovskite manganite GdMnO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using mesoporous silica as a template, and their magnetic properties and crystal structure were investigated. Powder X-ray diffraction data indicated successful synthesis of the GdMnO3 nanoparticles, with mean particle sizes of 13.9 and 20.9 nm. The lattice constants for the nanoparticles were slightly different from those for the bulk material and varied with the particle size. The magnetic transition temperatures for the nanoparticles were higher than those of the bulk crystal. The synthesized GdMnO3 nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behaviors: The blocking temperature, coercive field, and transition temperature depended on the particle size. Magnetic measurements and crystal structure analysis suggest that the changes in the magnetic properties for GdMnO3 nanoparticles can be attributed to the modulation of the crystallographic structure.

  17. Lectin conjugates as biospecific contrast agents for MRI. Coupling of Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin to linear water-soluble DTPA-loaded oligomers.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pashkunova-Martic, Irena; Kremser, Christian; Galanski, Markus; Schluga, Petra; Arion, Vladimir; Debbage, Paul; Jaschke, Werner; Keppler, Bernhard

    2011-06-01

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires synthesis of contrast media bearing targeting groups and numerous gadolinium chelating groups generating high relaxivity. This paper explores the results of linking the gadolinium chelates to the targeting group, a protein molecule, via various types of linkers. Polycondensates of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) with either diols or diamines were synthesised and coupled to the targeting group, a lectin (Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin, tomato lectin) which binds with high affinity to specific oligosaccharide configurations in the endothelial glycocalyx. The polycondensates bear up to four carboxylic groups per constitutive unit. Gd-chelate bonds are created through dative interactions with the unshared pair of electrons on each oxygen and nitrogen atom on DTPA. This is mandatory for complexation of Gd(III) and avoidance of the severe toxicity of free gadolinium ions. The polymer-DTPA compounds were characterised by (1)H NMR and mass spectrometry. The final lectin-DTPA-polycondensate conjugates were purified by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). The capacity for specific binding was assessed, and the MRI properties were examined in order to evaluate the use of these oligomers as components of selective perfusional contrast agents.

  18. The Synthesis of Substituted Piperazine-cholesterol Conjugates for ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    A small library of cholesterol-piperazine conjugates were synthesized by the reaction of cholesteryl chloroformate with a set of substituted piperazines in dichloromethane at room temperature. The conjugates, all obtained in good to excellent yields, were synthesized to be key components of nucleic acid transfection ...

  19. Hyaluronic Acid-Chitosan Nanoparticles to Deliver Gd-DTPA for MR Cancer Imaging

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Li Zhang

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available Molecular imaging is essential to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of cancer diagnosis especially at the early stage of tumors. Recently, polyionic nanocomplexes (PICs, which are composed of polyanions and opposite polycations, have been demonstrated to be a promising strategy for biomedical applications. In this work, chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (GCHN were developed to deliver Gd-DTPA as MRI contrast agents for tumor diagnosis. The Gd-labeled conjugates (CS-DTPA-Gd were successfully synthesized by carbodiimide reaction, and then GCHN were prepared by ionic gelation using the obtained CS-DTPA-Gd and hyaluronic acid. The morphology of GCHN was spherical or ellipsoidal, which is observed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM. The mean particle size and zeta potential of GCHN were 213.8 ± 2.6 nm and 19.92 ± 1.69 mV, respectively. The significant enhancement of signal intensity induced by GCHN was observed both in vitro and in vivo. Also, compared with Magnevist, GCHN was witnessed for a prolonged imaging time in the B16 tumor-bearing mice model. Furthermore, GCHN were verified as below toxic both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated that GCHN could potentially be an alternative to current MRI contrast agents for tumor diagnosis.

  20. Synthesis and Characterization of Gd2O3 Hollow Microspheres Using a Template-Directed Method

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xueliang Jiang

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available Uniform rare-earth gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3 hollow microspheres, as formed through a urea-assisted homogenous precipitation process using carbon spheres as a template and a subsequent heat treatment, were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Tellet surface area measurement. The results indicate that the final products can be indexed to a cubic Gd2O3 phase with high purity and have a uniform morphology at 500 nm in diameter and 20 nm in shell thickness. The as-synthesized Gd2O3 hollow microspheres exhibited a superior photooxidation activity to that of Gd2O3 powder and an effect similar to P25, significantly broadening the potential of Gd2O3 hollow microspheres for many practical applications.

  1. Gd-Ni-Si system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bodak, O.I.; Shvets, A.F.

    1983-01-01

    By X-ray phase analysis method isothermal cross section of phase diagram of the Gd-Ni-Si system at 870 K is studied. The existence of nine previously known compounds (GdNisub(6.72)Sisub(6.28), GdNi 10 Si 2 , GdNi 5 Si 3 , GdNi 4 Si, GdNi 2 Si 2 , GdNiSi 3 , GdNiSi 2 , Gd 3 Ni 6 Si 2 and GdNiSi) is confirmed and three new compounds (GdNisub(0.2)Sisub(1.8), Gdsub(2)Nisub(1-0.8)Sisub(1-1.2), Gd 5 NiSi 4 ) are found. On the base of Gd 2 Si 3 compound up to 0.15 at. Ni fractions, an interstitial solid solution is formed up to 0.25 at Ni fractions dissolution continues of substitution type. The Gd-Ni-Si system is similar to the Y-Ni-Si system

  2. Recent Seismicity in Texas and Research Design and Progress of the TexNet-CISR Collaboration

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hennings, P.; Savvaidis, A.; Rathje, E.; Olson, J. E.; DeShon, H. R.; Datta-Gupta, A.; Eichhubl, P.; Nicot, J. P.; Kahlor, L. A.

    2017-12-01

    The recent increase in the rate of seismicity in Texas has prompted the establishment of an interdisciplinary, interinstitutional collaboration led by the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology which includes the TexNet Seismic Monitoring and Research project as funded by The State of Texas (roughly 2/3rds of our funding) and the industry-funded Center for Integrated Seismicity Research (CISR) (1/3 of funding). TexNet is monitoring and cataloging seismicity across Texas using a new backbone seismic network, investigating site-specific earthquake sequences by deploying temporary seismic monitoring stations, and conducting reservoir modeling studies. CISR expands TexNet research into the interdisciplinary realm to more thoroughly study the factors that contribute to seismicity, characterize the associated hazard and risk, develop strategies for mitigation and management, and develop methods of effective communication for all stakeholders. The TexNet-CISR research portfolio has 6 themes: seismicity monitoring, seismology, geologic and hydrologic description, geomechanics and reservoir modeling, seismic hazard and risk assessment, and seismic risk social science. Twenty+ specific research projects span and connect these themes. We will provide a synopsis of research progress including recent seismicity trends in Texas; Fort Worth Basin integrated studies including geological modeling and fault characterization, fluid injection data syntheses, and reservoir and geomechanical modeling; regional ground shaking characterization and mapping, infrastructure vulnerability assessment; and social science topics of public perception and information seeking behavior.

  3. Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of GdBO3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb) nanofibers by electrospinning

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shen, Hongzhi; Feng, Shuo; Wang, Ying; Gu, Yipeng; Zhou, Jing; Yang, Hang; Feng, Guanlin; Li, Liang; Wang, Wenquan; Liu, Xiaoyang; Xu, Dapeng

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: ► GdBO 3 :Ln 3+ nanofibers were synthesized successfully by electrospinning. ► The samples have the average diameter of 150 nm and the flexible morphology. ► The GdBO 3 : Eu 3+ nanofibers have the stronger orange emission. ► The luminescence properties are different from the reported bulk material. ► We describe the energy transform process of GdBO 3 :Ln 3+ system. - Abstract: GdBO 3 :Ln 3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb) nanofibers were synthesized using electrospinning combined with heat treatment. The synthesized nanofibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, and photoluminescence. The experimental results show that the flexible synthesized nanofibers have an average diameter of approximately 150 nm. The nanofibers consist of crystalline grains with diameters of about 40 nm and have a vaterite-type structure of GdBO 3 . The GdBO 3 :Eu 3+ nanofibers exhibit strong orange and weak red emissions with a low ratio of red to orange emission intensities, which is different from those of the reported bulk materials and nanoparticles. The luminescence properties of the synthesized GdBO 3 :Tb 3+ nanofibers are essentially consistent with those of the synthesized GdBO 3 :Tb 3+ powders by solid-state reaction.

  4. Solvent extraction of platinum with thiobenzanilide. Separation of platinum from copper

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shkil', A.N.; Zolotov, Yu.A.

    1989-01-01

    The solvent extraction of micro concentrations of platinum has been investigated from hydrochloric acid media using thiobenzanilide in the presence of SnCl 2 and KI. In the presence of SnCl 2 platinum is extracted rapidly and to significant completion. Conditions have been developed for the quantitative extraction of platinum. The authors have also examined the solvent extraction of copper(II) using thiobenzanilide, interference due to copper(II) and iron(III) on solvent extraction of platinum, and methods to suppress this interference. A procedure has also been developed for the separation of platinum from copper. Solvent extraction of metals was studied using radioactive isotopes: 197 Pt, 64 Cu, 59 Fe, 198 Au, 109 Pd, 110m Ag

  5. Synthetic strategies for efficient conjugation of organometallic complexes with pendant protein reactive markers

    KAUST Repository

    Jantke, Dominik; Marziale, Alexander N.; Reiner, Thomas; Kraus, Florian; Herdtweck, Eberhardt; Raba, Andreas; Eppinger, Jö rg

    2013-01-01

    Site-directed conjugation of metal centers to proteins is fundamental for biological and bioinorganic applications of transition metals. However, methods for the site-selective introduction of metal centers remain scarce. Herein, we present broadly applicable synthetic strategies for the conjugation of bioactive molecules with a range of organometallic complexes. Following three different synthetic strategies, we were able to synthesize a small library of metal conjugated protein markers featuring different types of protein reactive sites (epoxides, phenylphosphonates, fluorosulfonates and fluorophosphonate groups) as well as different late transition metals (iron, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and platinum). The products were isolated in moderate to excellent yields and high purity. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction of the metalated protein markers corroborates structural integrity of the metal complex and the protein reactive site. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Synthetic strategies for efficient conjugation of organometallic complexes with pendant protein reactive markers

    KAUST Repository

    Jantke, Dominik

    2013-11-01

    Site-directed conjugation of metal centers to proteins is fundamental for biological and bioinorganic applications of transition metals. However, methods for the site-selective introduction of metal centers remain scarce. Herein, we present broadly applicable synthetic strategies for the conjugation of bioactive molecules with a range of organometallic complexes. Following three different synthetic strategies, we were able to synthesize a small library of metal conjugated protein markers featuring different types of protein reactive sites (epoxides, phenylphosphonates, fluorosulfonates and fluorophosphonate groups) as well as different late transition metals (iron, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and platinum). The products were isolated in moderate to excellent yields and high purity. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction of the metalated protein markers corroborates structural integrity of the metal complex and the protein reactive site. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Synthesis and characterization of nido-carborane-cobalamin conjugates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hogenkamp, Harry P.C.; Collins, Douglas A.; Live, David; Benson, Linda M.; Naylor, Stephen

    2000-01-01

    Three vitamin B 12 (cyanocobalamin) conjugates bearing one nido-carborane molecule or two nido-carborane molecules linked to the propionamide side chains via a four carbon linker have been synthesized. Reaction of o-carboranoylchloride with 1,4-diaminobutane in pyridine produced nido-carboranoyl(4-amidobutyl)amine, which was linked to the b- and d-monocarboxylic acids and the b,d-dicarboxylic acid of cyanocobalamin. Mass spectrometry analysis as well as 11 B nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated that during the reaction of o-carboranonylchloride with diaminobutane one of the boron atoms was eliminated. In vitro biological activity of the cyanocobalamin-nido-carborane conjugates was assessed by the unsaturated vitamin B 12 binding capacity assay. When compared with 57 Co cyanocobalamin, the biological activity of cyanocobalamin-b-nido-carborane, cyanocobalamin-d-nido-carborane, and cyanocobalamin-b-d-bis-nido-carborane conjugates were 92.93%, 35.75%, and 37.02%, respectively. These findings suggest that the 10 B cobalamin conjugates might be useful agents in treating malignant tumors via neutron capture therapy

  8. Gd3+-ESR and magnetic susceptibility of GdCu4Al8 and GdMn4Al8

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Coldea, R.; Coldea, M.; Pop, I.

    1994-01-01

    Gd ESR of GdCu 4 Al 8 and GdMn 4 Al 8 and magnetic susceptibility of GdCu 4 Al 8 , GdMn 4 Al 8 , and YMn 4 Al 8 were measured in the temperature range of 290K--460K and 90K--1050K, respectively. The occurrence of the Mn moment in YMn 4 Al 8 and GdMn 4 Al 8 is strongly correlated with the critical value of d∼2.6 angstrom of the Mn-Mn distance below which the Mn moment is not stable. The experimental data for GdMn 4 Al 8 , compared with the data for the isostructural compounds GdCu 4 Al 8 and YMn 4 Al 8 , show that near the critical value of d, the existence of Mn moment depends not only on the value of d, but also on the local magnetic surroundings. It has been revealed that the magnetic character of Mn moment in YMn 4 Al 8 and GdMn 4 Al 8 changes from an itinerant electron type to a local-moment type with increasing temperature

  9. One-pot production of 18F-biotin by conjugation with 18F-FDG for pre-targeted imaging: synthesis and radio-labelling of a PEGylated precursor.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Simpson, Michael; Trembleau, Laurent; Cheyne, Richard W; Smith, Tim A D

    2011-02-01

    The biotin-avidin affinity system is exploited in pre-targeted imaging using avidin-conjugated antibodies. (18)F-FDG is available at all PET centres. (18)F-FDG forms oximes by reaction with oxyamine. Herein we describe the synthesis of oxyamine-funtionalised biotin, its (18)F-labelling by conjugation with (18)F-FDG and confirm its ability to interact with avidin. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. TEX86 paleothermometry : proxy validation and application in marine sediments

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Huguet, C.

    2007-01-01

    Determination of past sea surface temperature (SST) is of primary importance for the reconstruction of natural climatic changes, modelling of climate and reconstruction of ocean circulation. Recently, a new SST proxy was introduced, the TetraEther indeX of lipids with 86 carbons (TEX86), which is

  11. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of gold nanoparticle conjugates with cefotaxime

    Science.gov (United States)

    Titanova, Elena O.; Burygin, Gennady L.

    2016-04-01

    Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have attracted significant interest as a novel platform for various applications to nanobiotechnology and biomedicine. The conjugates of GNPs with antibiotics and antibodies were also used for selective photothermal killing of protozoa and bacteria. Also the conjugates of some antibiotics with GNPs decreased the number of bacterial growing cells. In this work was made the procedure optimization for conjugation of cefotaxime (a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic) with GNPs (15 nm) and we examined the antimicrobial properties of this conjugate to bacteria culture of E. coli K-12. Addition of cefotaxime solution to colloidal gold does not change their color and extinction spectrum. For physiologically active concentration of cefotaxime (3 μg/mL), it was shown that the optimum pH for the conjugation was more than 9.5. A partial aggregation of the GNPs in saline medium was observed at pH 6.5-7.5. The optimum concentration of K2CO3 for conjugation cefotaxime with GNPs-15 was 5 mM. The optimum concentration of cefotaxime was at 0.36 μg/mL. We found the inhibition of the growth of E. coli K12 upon application cefotaxime-GNP conjugates.

  12. Novel Aflatoxin Derivatives and Protein Conjugates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Reinhard Niessner

    2007-03-01

    Full Text Available Aflatoxins, a group of structurally related mycotoxins, are well known for their toxic and carcinogenic effects in humans and animals. Aflatoxin derivatives and protein conjugates are needed for diverse analytical applications. This work describes a reliable and fast synthesis of novel aflatoxin derivatives, purification by preparative HPLC and characterisation by ESI-MS and one- and two-dimensional NMR. Novel aflatoxin bovine serum albumin conjugates were prepared and characterised by UV absorption and MALDI-MS. These aflatoxin protein conjugates are potentially interesting as immunogens for the generation of aflatoxin selective antibodies with novel specificities.

  13. Magnetic and transport properties of amorphous ferro magnetic Gd--Au, Gd--Ni and Gd--Co alloys obtained by splat-cooling

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Durand, J.; Poon, S.J.

    1977-06-01

    We present the results of magnetization and transport measurements on the amorphous Gd 80 Au 20 , Gd 68 Ni 32 and Gd 67 Co 33 alloys over a temperature range of 1.8 to 300 0 K in fields up to 75 kOe. These ferromagnetic alloys obtained by splat-cooling have Curie temperatures T/sub c/ of 150, 125 and 175 0 K, respectively. The saturation moment per Gd atom extrapolated to 0 0 K is estimated to be 7 +- 0.1 μ/sub B/. The exchange integrals for Gd-Au and Gd-Ni are determined from the value of T/sub c/ and from the temperature dependence of the saturation magnetization. The zero-field resistivity for Gd-Ni and Gd-Co exhibits maxima around T/sub c/. We present some preliminary results of magnetoresistivity measurements with applied field parallel and perpendicular to the foil plane. The anisotropy is in-plane for Gd-Co. For the Gd-Au and Gd-Ni alloys, there is no well-defined easy axis

  14. Hydrothermal synthesis of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors: Effect of surfactant on structural and luminescence properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dhananjaya, N.; Nagabhushana, H.; Sharma, S.C.; Rudraswamy, B.; Shivakumara, C.; Nagabhushana, B.M.

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Gd(OH) 3 :Eu 3+ , GdOOH:Eu 3+ and Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ phases were prepared by hydrothermal method. • Phosphors were well characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, UV–Vis, FT-IR. • Cubic Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ show intense red emission, which was highly useful for photonics application. • HDA surfactant plays an important role in conversion of cubic to hexagonal phases. -- Abstract: Various morphologies of Eu 3+ activated gadolinium oxide have been prepared by hydrothermal method using hexadecylamine (HDA) as surfactant at different experimental conditions. The powder X-ray diffraction studies reveal as-formed product is hexagonal Gd(OH) 3 :Eu 3+ phase and subsequent heat treatment at 350 and 600 °C transforms to monoclinic GdOOH:Eu 3+ and cubic Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ phases respectively. SEM pictures of without surfactant show irregular shaped rods along with flakes. However, in the presence of HDA surfactant, the particles are converted into rods of various sizes. The temperature dependent morphological evolution of Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ without and with HDA surfactant is studied. TEM micrographs of Gd(OH) 3 :Eu 3+ sample with HDA confirms smooth nanorods with various diameters in the range 20–100 nm. FTIR studies reveal that HDA surfactant plays an important role in conversion of cubic to hexagonal phases. Among these three phases, cubic phase Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ (λ ex = 254 nm) show red emission at 612 nm corresponding to 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 and is more efficient host than the monoclinic counterpart. The band gap for hexagonal Gd(OH) 3 :Eu 3+ is more when compared to monoclinic GdOOH:Eu 3+ and cubic Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+

  15. TRATAMIENTOS PARA REDUCIR LOS DAÑOS POR LÁTEX EN MANGO (Mangifera indica

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marta Montero

    2005-01-01

    Full Text Available El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar tratamientos alternativos para reducir las manchas de látex en mango. Se utilizaron frutos del cultivar Amarilla y soluciones (1% en agua de eter lauril sulfonato de sodio (ELSS, ácido sulfónico (AS, amida de coco (AC y nonil fenol etoxilado (NFE; hipoclorito de sodio (100 y 200 mg l-1 en agua; agua; con 3 tratamientos testigo (deslechado en seco y manchado intencional con limpieza posterior y sin ella. Se midió la incidencia y severidad de las manchas sobre la cáscara y en las lenticelas. Los residuos de látex y las manchas sobre la cáscara generalmente cubrieron menos de 5% del área total; sin embargo, cuando los frutos se deslecharon en agua, en las soluciones con los tensoactivos,o al mancharlos intencionalmente, las manchas fueron severas. Los tensoactivos AS, AC y NFE provocaron oscurecimiento de las lenticelas en el 60-100% de la superficie, con grado de severidad alto (3,8-4,0, sin estar asociados a residuos de látex sobre la cáscara. La severidad de la mancha de látex resultó leve cuando la fruta se deslechó en seco (0,8 y fue moderada cuando se hizo en agua y en las soluciones de cloro con 100 y 200 mg l-1 (1,7, 1,6 y 1,3, respectivamente. El trata- miento posterior con fungicida y agua caliente hizo más visibles las manchas. Los 3 mejores tratamientos fueron el deslechado en ELSS al 1%, en la solución de hipoclorito de sodio (100 mg l-1 y en seco.

  16. A smart magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent responsive to adenosine based on a DNA aptamer-conjugated gadolinium complex.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Weichen; Lu, Yi

    2011-05-07

    We report a general strategy for developing a smart MRI contrast agent for the sensing of small molecules such as adenosine based on a DNA aptamer that is conjugated to a Gd compound and a protein streptavidin. The binding of adenosine to its aptamer results in the dissociation of the Gd compound from the large protein, leading to decreases in the rotational correlation time and thus change of MRI contrast. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  17. Platinum metals in the environment

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zereini, Fathi [Frankfurt Univ. (Germany). Dept. of Environmental Analytical Chemistry; Wiseman, Clare L.S. (ed.) [Toronto Univ. (Canada). School of the Environment

    2015-03-01

    This book contains the five chapters with the following topics: 1. SOURCES OF PGE EMISSIONS ELEMENTS: Sources of Platinum Group Elements (PGE) in the Environment; Impact of Platinum Group Element Emissions from Mining and Production Activities. 2. ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PGE IN BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATRICES: Appraisal of Biosorption for Recovery, Separation and Determination of Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium in Environmental Samples; On the Underestimated Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Determination of Pt and Pd by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Road Dust Samples; Application of Solid Sorbents for Enrichment and Separation of Platinum Metal Ions; Voltammetric Analysis of Platinum in Environmental Matrices; Speciation Analysis of Chloroplatinates; Analysis of Platinum Group Elements in Environmental Samples: A Review. 3. OCCURRENCE, CHEMICAL BEHAVIOR AND FATE OF PGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT: Brazilian PGE Research Data Survey on Urban and Roadside Soils; Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium in a Bavarian Roadside Soil; Increase of Platinum Group Element Concentrations in Soils and Airborne Dust During the Period of Vehicular Exhaust Catalysts Introduction; Platinum-Group Elements in Urban Fluvial Bed Sediments-Hawaii; Long-Term Monitoring of Palladium and Platinum Contents in Road Dust of the City of Munich, Germany; Characterization of PGEs and Other Elements in Road Dusts and Airborne Particles in Houston, Texas; Accumulation and Distribution of Pt and Pd in Roadside Dust, Soil and Vegetation in Bulgaria; Increase of the Environmental Pt Concentration in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City Associated to the Use of Automobile Catalytic Converters; Solubility of Emitted Platinum Group Elements (Pt, Pd and Rh) in Airborne Particulate Matter (PM10) in the Presence of Organic Complexing Agents; The Influence of Anionic Species (Cl{sup -}, NO{sub 3}{sup -}, SO{sub 4}{sup 2-}) on the Transformation and Solubility of Platinum in

  18. Luminescence and spectroscopic investigations on Gd3+ doped ZnO nanophosphor

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    G. Krishna Reddy

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available The present paper describes the synthesis of 0.1 mol% Gadolinium (Gd doped Zinc oxide (ZnO nanophosphor by solution combustion method using Oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH fuel. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD peaks are well matched with the standard hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO (JCPDS card no. 36-1451. SEM and TEM analysis reveals porous morphology of as -formed sample with particles having narrow size distribution in the range ∼60–70 nm, in good agreement with XRD data. The PL spectrum of Gd doped ZnO sample exhibits an extra blue emission at 441 nm (∼2.81 eV in addition to the emission bands from undoped ZnO. From the TL data of ZnO:Gd nanophosphor with UV irradiation, it is observed that considerable amount of re-trapping is taking place in all the TL second order peaks. The EPR spectrum exhibits a number of resonance signals suggesting that Gd3+ ions are experiencing different crystal field strength and Zeeman interactions.

  19. Novel 3-(aminomethyl)naphthoquinone mannich base-platinum(IV) complexes: synthesis, characterization, electrochemical and cytotoxic studies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Silva, Gustavo B. da; Neves, Amanda P.; Vargas, Maria D.; Alves, Wagner A.; Marinho-Filho, Jose D.B.; Pessoa, Claudia; Moraes, Manoel O.; Costa-Lotufo, Leticia V.

    2013-01-01

    Three novel platinum(IV) complexes cis,cis,trans-[Pt(HL1-3)Cl 2 (OH) 2 ] 1b-3b(HL = 2-hydroxy-3-[(R 1 -amino)(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1,4-naphthoquinone, R 1 = n-butyl, HL1; n-heptyl, HL2 and n-decyl, HL3) have been obtained from the oxidation of the respective precursors cis-[Pt(HL1-3)Cl 2 ] 1a-3a. Cyclic voltammetry studies of 1b-3b in MeCN showed the quasi reversible naphthoquinonate (NQO - , i.e., L - ) redox process and irreversible process attributed to the reduction of the Pt 4+ /Pt 2+ pair, at potentials about 400 mV less negative than for the cisplatin precursor cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH 3 ) 2 Cl 2 (OH) 2 ]. Hydrogen bond interaction between the naphthoquinone 2-hydroxyl group and an axially coordinated hydroxide ligand in 1b-3b has been proposed to favor the Pt 4+ /Pt 2+ reduction. The cytotoxicity studies against four human cancer cell lines have shown that in general the platinum(IV) and platinum(II)derivatives exhibit the same cytotoxic profile and are all more active than cisplatin. The lowest in vitro IC 50 values have been observed for 2b-3b, which bear ligands with the largest R 1 groups (HL2-HL3) being the most lipophilic. Furthermore similar IC 50 values for platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes of the same ligands have been associated with rapid in vitro reduction of the latter complexes to afford 1a-3a. (author)

  20. Nanostructured conjugated polymers in chemical sensors: synthesis, properties and applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Correa, D S; Medeiros, E S; Oliveira, J E; Paterno, L G; Mattoso, Luiz C

    2014-09-01

    Conjugated polymers are organic materials endowed with a π-electron conjugation along the polymer backbone that present appealing electrical and optical properties for technological applications. By using conjugated polymeric materials in the nanoscale, such properties can be further enhanced. In addition, the use of nanostructured materials makes possible miniaturize devices at the micro/nano scale. The applications of conjugated nanostructured polymers include sensors, actuators, flexible displays, discrete electronic devices, and smart fabric, to name a few. In particular, the use of conjugated polymers in chemical and biological sensors is made feasible owning to their sensitivity to the physicochemical conditions of its surrounding environment, such as chemical composition, pH, dielectric constant, humidity or even temperature. Subtle changes in these conditions bring about variations on the electrical (resistivity and capacitance), optical (absorptivity, luminescence, etc.), and mechanical properties of the conjugated polymer, which can be precisely measured by different experimental methods and ultimately associated with a specific analyte and its concentration. The present review article highlights the main features of conjugated polymers that make them suitable for chemical sensors. An especial emphasis is given to nanostructured sensors systems, which present high sensitivity and selectivity, and find application in beverage and food quality control, pharmaceutical industries, medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and homeland security, and other applications as discussed throughout this review.

  1. Influence of deep-water derived isoprenoid tetraether lipids on the TEX

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kim, J.H.; Schouten, S.; Rodrigo-Gámiz, M.; Rampen, S.W.; Marino, G.; Huguet, C.; Helmke, P.; Buscail, R.; Hopmans, E.C.; Pross, J.; Sangiorgi, F.; Middelburg, J.; Sinninghe Damsté, J.S.

    2015-01-01

    The View the MathML sourceTEX86H paleothermometer based on isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (isoGDGTs) has widely been applied in various marine settings to reconstruct past sea surface temperatures (SSTs). However, it still remains uncertain how well this proxy reconstructs annual

  2. ShapeTex : Implementing shape-changing structures in fabric for wearable actuation

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Du, Jiachun; Markopoulos, Panos; Wang, Qi; Toeters, Marina; Gong, Ting

    2018-01-01

    Research in smart textiles and garments has mostly focused on integrating sensing technology. In order to make garments that are truly interactive it is also essential to develop technologies for actuating smart garments and textiles. This paper introduces ShapeTex, a thermal shape changing fabric

  3. Design of a novel theranostic nanomedicine: synthesis and physicochemical properties of a biocompatible polyphosphazene–platinum(II conjugate

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Avaji PG

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Prakash G Avaji,1,2,* Jung Hyun Park,1,* Hyun Jeong Lee,1 Yong Joo Jun,2 Kyung Su Park,3 Kyung Eun Lee,3 Soo-Jin Choi,4 Hwa Jeong Lee,1 Youn Soo Sohn2 1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2C & Pharm, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 3Advanced Analysis Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4Department of Food Science and Technology, Seoul Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: To develop a theranostic nanomedicine involving the antitumor-active moiety (dachPt(II (dach: trans-(±-1,2-diaminocyclohexane of oxaliplatin (OX, a new biocompatible polyphosphazene carrier polymer was designed by grafting with a methoxy poly(ethylene glycol (MPEG to increase duration of circulation in the blood and with aminoethanol (AE as a spacer group. The antitumor (dachPt moiety was conjugated to the carrier polymer using cis-aconitic acid (AA as a linker, resulting in a polymer conjugate formulated as [NP(MPEG550(AE-AAPt(dach]n, named “Polyplatin” (PP. PP was found to self-assemble into very stable polymeric nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 55.1 nm and a critical aggregation concentration of 18.5 mg/L in saline. PP could easily be labeled with a fluorescence dye such as Cy5.5 for imaging studies. The time-dependent ex vivo image studies on organ distributions and clearance of Cy-labeled PP have shown that PP accumulated in the tumor with high selectivity by the enhanced permeability and retention effect but was cleared out from all the major organs including the liver in about 4 weeks postinjection. Another time-dependent bioimaging study on distribution and clearance of PP in mouse kidney using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy has shown that PP accumulates much less in kidney and is more rapidly excreted than monomeric OX, which is in accord with the

  4. Peritoneostomy with latex coated polypropylene: experimental study in rats Peritoniostomia com polipropileno revestido por látex: estudo experimental em ratos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Renato Hugues Atique Claudio

    2006-12-01

    Full Text Available PURPOSE: To evaluate if latex coated polypropylene mesh leads to less adhesions formation. METHODS: 90 rats were distributed in three groups. Group I (control was submitted to median laparotomy and posterior synthesis; Group II (polypropylene was submitted to a segment resection of the abdominal wall, and the defect was corrected with a polypropylene mesh; Group III using the new material (latex coated polypropylene. After 45 days the euthanasia procedure was done and the adhesions were evaluated in 2 ways: 1 classification in a grading system; 2 evaluation of the adhesion area, which was calculated by resection of the adhesions after dying with Indian blue ink. RESULTS: The classification in a grading system showed that Group III animals had less adhesions formation (P0.05. The severe complications (fistula, evisceration and obstruction, which were lethal, were not reduced by the latex coated material. CONCLUSION: Latex coated polypropylene causes fewer adhesion formations than polypropylene alone, although it does not diminish the severe early complications.OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o revestimento da tela de polipropileno com látex leva a menor formação de aderências. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 90 ratos, distribuídos em três grupos de 30: grupo I (controle animais submetidos a laparotomia mediana e posterior síntese; grupo II (polipropileno ressecção de segmento da parede abdominal e síntese com tela de polipropileno; grupo III, (polipropileno revestido por látex. Eutanásia foi realizada após 45 dias e as aderências avaliadas sob duas formas: 1 classificação em graus; 2 avaliação da área aderida, calculada corando-se o segmento da parede contendo as aderências que posteriormente foram ressecadas produzindo uma região clara em contraste com o restante da peça, corada. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação por meio de graus, o grupo III apresentou menor formação de aderências (p0,05. As complicações graves não foram reduzidas pelo

  5. Influence of platinum group metal-free catalyst synthesis on microbial fuel cell performance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Santoro, Carlo; Rojas-Carbonell, Santiago; Awais, Roxanne; Gokhale, Rohan; Kodali, Mounika; Serov, Alexey; Artyushkova, Kateryna; Atanassov, Plamen

    2018-01-01

    Platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) ORR catalysts from the Fe-N-C family were synthesized using sacrificial support method (SSM) technique. Six experimental steps were used during the synthesis: 1) mixing the precursor, the metal salt, and the silica template; 2) first pyrolysis in hydrogen rich atmosphere; 3) ball milling; 4) etching the silica template using harsh acids environment; 5) the second pyrolysis in ammonia rich atmosphere; 6) final ball milling. Three independent batches were fabricated following the same procedure. The effect of each synthetic parameters on the surface chemistry and the electrocatalytic performance in neutral media was studied. Rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) experiment showed an increase in half wave potential and limiting current after the pyrolysis steps. The additional improvement was observed after etching and performing the second pyrolysis. A similar trend was seen in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), in which the power output increased from 167 ± 2 μW cm-2 to 214 ± 5 μW cm-2. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to evaluate surface chemistry of catalysts obtained after each synthetic step. The changes in chemical composition were directly correlated with the improvements in performance. We report outstanding reproducibility in both composition and performance among the three different batches.

  6. Pd(II)/Bipyridine-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Arylboronic Acids to α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids. Synthesis of β-Quaternary Carbons Substituted Carboxylic Acids.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Rui; Yang, Zhenyu; Ni, Yuxin; Song, Kaixuan; Shen, Kai; Lin, Shaohui; Pan, Qinmin

    2017-08-04

    Pd(II)/bipyridine-catalyzed conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids (including β,β-disubstituted acrylic acids) was developed and optimized, which provided a mild and convenient method for the highly challenging synthesis of β-quaternary carbons substituted carboxylic acids.

  7. Surfactant mediated hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and luminescent properties of GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} @ GdPO{sub 4} core shell nanorods

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Khajuria, Heena; Ladol, Jigmet; Khajuria, Sonika; Shah, Mohd Syed; Sheikh, H.N., E-mail: hnsheikh@rediffmail.com

    2016-08-15

    Highlights: • Core shell nanorods were synthesised by surfactant assisted hydrothermal method. • Morphology of core shell nanorods resembles those of core nanorods indicating coating of shell on cores. • More uniform and non-aggregated core shell nanorods were prepared in presence of surfactants. • Surfactant assisted prepared core shell nanorods show intense emission as compared to uncoated core nanorods. - Abstract: Core shell GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} @ GdPO{sub 4} nanorods were synthesized via hydrothermal route in the presence of different surfactants [cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)]. The nanorods were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The X-ray diffraction results indicate good crystallinity and effective doping in core and core shell nanorods. SEM and TEM micrographs show that all of the as prepared gadolinium phosphate products have rod like shape. The compositional analysis of GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} core was done by EDS. The emission intensity of the GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} @ GdPO{sub 4} core shell increased significantly with respect to those of GdPO{sub 4}: Ce{sup 3+}/Tb{sup 3+} core nanorods. The effect of surfactant on the uniformity, thickness and luminescence of the core shell nanorods was investigated.

  8. Synthesis and evaluation of the antioxidative potential of minoxidil-polyamine conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hadjipavlou-Litina, Dimitra; Magoulas, George E; Bariamis, Stavros E; Tsimali, Zinovia; Avgoustakis, Konstantinos; Kontogiorgis, Christos A; Athanassopoulos, Constantinos M; Papaioannou, Dionissios

    2013-07-01

    A series of conjugates (MNX-CO-PA) of minoxidil (MNX) with the polyamines (PAs) putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) as well as dopamine were produced through activation of MNX with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole, followed by reaction with dopamine or selectively protected PAs and acid-mediated deprotection. These conjugates together with conjugates of the general type MNX-PA or PA-MNX-PA, readily produced using literature protocols, were tested as antioxidants. The most potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation were the conjugates MNX-SPM (2, 94%), SPM-MNX-SPM (4, 94%) and MNX-N(4)-SPD (7, 91%) and MNX (91%). The most powerful lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors were MNX (IC50 = 20 μM) and the conjugates MNX-N(8)-SPD (9, IC50 = 22.1 μM), MNX-CO-dopamine (11, IC50 = 28 μM) and MNX-N(1)-SPD (8, IC50 = 30 μM). The most interesting conjugates 2, MNX-CO-PUT (5), 8 and 11 as well as MNX were generally found to exhibit weaker (22-36.5%) or no (conjugate 8) anti-inflammatory activity than indomethacin (47%) with the exception of MNX which showed almost equal potency (49%) to indomethacin. The cytocompatibility of conjugates and MNX at the highest concentration of 100 μM showed a survival percentage of 87-107%, with the exception of conjugates with SPM (compound 2) and MNX-CO-SPM (6), which showed considerable cytotoxicity (survival percentage 8-14%). Molecular docking studies were carried on conjugate 9 and the parent compound MNX and were found to be in accordance with our experimental biological results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. Novel 3-(aminomethyl)naphthoquinone mannich base-platinum(IV) complexes: synthesis, characterization, electrochemical and cytotoxic studies

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Silva, Gustavo B. da; Neves, Amanda P.; Vargas, Maria D., E-mail: mdvargas@vm.uff.br [Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niteroi, RJ (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica; Alves, Wagner A. [Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ (Brazil). Departamento de Quimica; Marinho-Filho, Jose D.B.; Pessoa, Claudia; Moraes, Manoel O.; Costa-Lotufo, Leticia V. [Universidade Federal do Ceara (UFCE), Fortaleza, CE (Brazil). Centro de Ciencias da Saude. Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia

    2013-04-15

    Three novel platinum(IV) complexes cis,cis,trans-[Pt(HL1-3)Cl{sub 2}(OH){sub 2}] 1b-3b(HL = 2-hydroxy-3-[(R{sup 1} -amino)(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1,4-naphthoquinone, R{sup 1} = n-butyl, HL1; n-heptyl, HL2 and n-decyl, HL3) have been obtained from the oxidation of the respective precursors cis-[Pt(HL1-3)Cl{sub 2}] 1a-3a. Cyclic voltammetry studies of 1b-3b in MeCN showed the quasi reversible naphthoquinonate (NQO{sup -}, i.e., L{sup -}) redox process and irreversible process attributed to the reduction of the Pt{sup 4+}/Pt{sup 2+} pair, at potentials about 400 mV less negative than for the cisplatin precursor cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH{sub 3}){sub 2}Cl{sub 2}(OH){sub 2}]. Hydrogen bond interaction between the naphthoquinone 2-hydroxyl group and an axially coordinated hydroxide ligand in 1b-3b has been proposed to favor the Pt{sup 4+}/Pt{sup 2+} reduction. The cytotoxicity studies against four human cancer cell lines have shown that in general the platinum(IV) and platinum(II)derivatives exhibit the same cytotoxic profile and are all more active than cisplatin. The lowest in vitro IC{sub 50} values have been observed for 2b-3b, which bear ligands with the largest R{sup 1} groups (HL2-HL3) being the most lipophilic. Furthermore similar IC{sub 50} values for platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes of the same ligands have been associated with rapid in vitro reduction of the latter complexes to afford 1a-3a. (author)

  10. Engineering Platinum Alloy Electrocatalysts in Nanoscale for PEMFC Application

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    He, Ting [Idaho National Laboratory

    2016-03-01

    Fuel cells are expected to be a key next-generation energy source used for vehicles and homes, offering high energy conversion efficiency and minimal pollutant emissions. However, due to large overpotentials on anode and cathode, the efficiency is still much lower than theoretically predicted. During the past decades, considerable efforts have been made to investigate synergy effect of platinum alloyed with base metals. But, engineering the alloy particles in nanoscale has been a challenge. Most important challenges in developing nanostructured materials are the abilities to control size, monodispersity, microcomposition, and even morphology or self-assembly capability, so called Nanomaterials-by-Design, which requires interdisciplinary collaborations among computational modeling, chemical synthesis, nanoscale characterization as well as manufacturing processing. Electrocatalysts, particularly fuel cell catalysts, are dramatically different from heterogeneous catalysts because the surface area in micropores cannot be electrochemically controlled on the same time scale as more transport accessible surfaces. Therefore, electrocatalytic architectures need minimal microporous surface area while maximizing surfaces accessible through mesopores or macropores, and to "pin" the most active, highest performance physicochemical state of the materials even when exposed to thermodynamic forces, which would otherwise drive restructuring, crystallization, or densification of the nanoscale materials. In this presentation, results of engineering nanoscale platinum alloy particles down to 2 ~ 4 nm will be discussed. Based on nature of alloyed base metals, various synthesis technologies have been studied and developed to achieve capabilities of controlling particle size and particle microcomposition, namely, core-shell synthesis, microemulsion technique, thermal decomposition process, surface organometallic chemical method, etc. The results show that by careful engineering the

  11. PREPARATION OF CHEMICALLY WELL-DEFINED CARBOHYDRATE DENDRIMER CONJUGATES

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    2004-01-01

    A method for the synthesis of dendrimer conjugates having a well-defined chemical structure, comprising one or more carbohydrate moieties and one or more immunomodulating substances coupled to a dendrimer, is presented. First, the carbohydrate is bound to the dendrimer in a chemoselective manner...... conjugates and their use in vaccination, production of antibodies, high throughput screening, diagnostic assays and libraries....

  12. Carbon nanotube/platinum nanoparticle nanocomposites: preparation, characterization and application in electro oxidation of alcohols

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kalinke, Adir H.; Zarbin, Aldo J. G.

    2014-01-01

    The synthesis and characterization of different platinum nanoparticle/ carbon nanotube nanocomposite samples are described along with the application of these nanocomposites as electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation. Samples were prepared by a biphasic system in which platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) are synthesized in situ in contact with a carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion. Variables including platinum precursor/CNT ratio, previous chemical treatment of carbon nanotubes, and presence or absence of a capping agent were evaluated and correlated with the characteristic of the synthesized materials. Samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Glassy carbon electrodes were modified by the nanocomposite samples and evaluated as electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation. Current densities of 56.1 and 79.8/104.7 mA cm -2 were determined for the oxidation of methanol and ethanol, respectively. (author)

  13. Ganglioside GD2 in reception and transduction of cell death signal in tumor cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Doronin, Igor I; Vishnyakova, Polina A; Kholodenko, Irina V; Ponomarev, Eugene D; Ryazantsev, Dmitry Y; Molotkovskaya, Irina M; Kholodenko, Roman V

    2014-01-01

    Ganglioside GD2 is expressed on plasma membranes of various types of malignant cells. One of the most promising approaches for cancer immunotherapy is the treatment with monoclonal antibodies recognizing tumor-associated markers such as ganglioside GD2. It is considered that major mechanisms of anticancer activity of anti-GD2 antibodies are complement-dependent cytotoxicity and/or antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. At the same time, several studies suggested that anti-GD2 antibodies are capable of direct induction of cell death of number of tumor cell lines, but it has not been investigated in details. In this study we investigated the functional role of ganglioside GD2 in the induction of cell death of multiple tumor cell lines by using GD2-specific monoclonal antibodies. Expression of GD2 on different tumor cell lines was analyzed by flow cytometry using anti-GD2 antibodies. By using HPTLC followed by densitometric analysis we measured the amount of ganglioside GD2 in total ganglioside fractions isolated from tumor cell lines. An MTT assay was performed to assess viability of GD2-positive and -negative tumor cell lines treated with anti-GD2 mAbs. Cross-reactivity of anti-GD2 mAbs with other gangliosides or other surface molecules was investigated by ELISA and flow cytometry. Inhibition of GD2 expression was achieved by using of inhibitor for ganglioside synthesis PDMP and/or siRNA for GM2/GD2 and GD3 synthases. Anti-GD2 mAbs effectively induced non-classical cell death that combined features of both apoptosis and necrosis in GD2-positive tumor cells and did not affect GD2-negative tumors. Anti-GD2 mAbs directly induced cell death, which included alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, induction of apoptotic volume decrease and cell membrane permeability. This cytotoxic effect was mediated exclusively by specific binding of anti-GD2 antibodies with ganglioside GD2 but not with other molecules. Moreover, the level of GD2 expression correlated with

  14. Synthesis and characterization of Na(Gd0.5Lu0.5)F4: Nd3+,a core-shell free multifunctional contrast agent.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mimun, L Christopher; Ajithkumar, G; Rightsell, Chris; Langloss, Brian W; Therien, Michael J; Sardar, Dhiraj K

    2017-02-25

    Compared to conventional core-shell structures, core-shell free nanoparticles with multiple functionalities offer several advantages such as minimal synthetic complexity and low production cost. In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterization of Nd 3+ doped Na(Gd 0.5 Lu 0.5 )F 4 as a core-shell free nanoparticle system with three functionalities. Nanocrystals with 20 nm diameter, high crystallinity and a narrow particle size distributions were synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques to understand their phase and morphology. Fluorescence characteristics under near infrared (NIR) excitation at 808 nm as well as X-ray excitation were studied to explore their potential in NIR optical and X-ray imaging. At 1.0 mol% Nd concentration, we observed a quantum yield of 25% at 1064 nm emission with 13 W/cm 2 excitation power density which is sufficiently enough for imaging applications. Under 130 kVp (5 mA) power of X-ray excitation, Nd 3+ doped Na(Gd 0.5 Lu 0.5 )F 4 shows the characteristic emission bands of Gd 3+ and Nd 3+ with the strongest emission peak at 1064 nm due to Nd 3+ . Furthermore, magnetization measurements show that the nanocrystals are paramagnetic in nature with a calculated magnetic moment per particle of ~570 μB at 2T. These preliminary results support the suitability of the present nanophosphor as a multimodal contrast agent with three imaging features viz. optical, magnetic and X-ray.

  15. Temperature effects on separation of Gd3+ from Gd-DTPA-folate using nanofiltration method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rahayu, I.; Indraneli, R. P.; Yuliyati, Y. B.; Anggraeni, A.; Soedjanaatmadja, U. M. S.; Bahti, H. H.

    2018-05-01

    MRI is one of the best techniques in medical diagnostics. Contrast agents are used to improve the visual of organs that are difficult to distinguish through MRI. Gd-DTPA-folate is one of the specific contrast agents against cancer diagnosis, because it has a high affinity to folate receptors. In the complexing Gd-DTPA-folate, does not rule out the complexity step runs imperfectly, so there is still Gd3+ in the Gd-DTPA-folate complex. The separation of Gd3+ from the Gd-DTPA-folate complex is important to eliminate toxic effects on the contrast agent. This study aims to determine the effect of temperature on the separation of Gd-DTPA-folate from Gd3+ with nanofiltration. The method are preparation Gd-DTPA-folate from GdCl3.6H2O and DTPA-folate by reflux method, then separated Gd-DTPA-folate complex from Gd3+ with nanofiltration at variation temperature (40, 41, 42, 43, 44oC ). Then, the values of flux and rejection coefficients were analyzed. The results showed that the optimum temperature for the separation of Gd3+ from Gd-DTPA-folate was achieved at 42.6°C with the rejection coefficient of 24% and the permeate flux of 403 L.m-2.h-1.

  16. Covalently bound conjugates of albumin and heparin: Synthesis, fractionation and characterization

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Hennink, Wim E.; Feijen, Jan; Ebert, Charles D.; Kim, Sung Wan

    1983-01-01

    Covalently bound conjugates of human serum albumin and heparin were prepared as compounds which could improve the blood-compatibility of polymer surfaces either by preadsorption or by covalent coupling of the conjugates onto blood contacting surfaces. The conjugates (10–16 weight % of heparin) were

  17. Tracheal reconstruction by re-inforced Gore-Tex in esophageal submuscular tunneling: An experimental study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hodjati Hossein

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Tracheal reconstructions are aimed at rearranging or replacing parts of the tracheal tissue by different techniques. Here we introduce a new technique for tracheal reconstruction. Methods: In 10 adult dogs, after intubation with an endotracheal tube, a segment of trachea including seven tracheal rings was resected circumferentially. A submuscular tunnel was induced between mucosal and muscular layers of the adjacent esophagus lying right next to the trachea. The esophageal submuscular tunnel starts and ends exactly at the level of distal and proximal ends of tracheal resection, respectively. Inforced Gore-Tex passed through the esophageal submuscular tunnel the distal segment of trachea and end-to-end anastomosis were made between distal ends of Gore-Tex and trachea, then endotracheal tube removed and the same procedure was made for proximal ends of Gore-Tex and trachea. Afterward, the proximal and distal ends of the esophageal tunnel were approximated to proximal and distal tracheal parts over the anastomosis. Results: All dogs, except one due to anesthetic problem, survived and tolerated the operation; the first two dogs experienced postoperative fever, aspiration pneumonia, and died due to tracheoesophageal fistula. All survived animals were eating and barking well. We started to scarify dogs at least 6 and 12 weeks after operation for microscopy and pathologic examination. The Gore-Texes were patent and supported externally with fibrous connective tissue in esophageal tunneling, with in growth of respiratory epithelium on inner surfaces. Conclusion: Air tightness, good re-epithelialization, and relatively no limitation of esophageal length and no risk of luminal collapse are advantages of tracheal reconstruction by submuscular esophageal tunneling. This new method is worthy of further investigation, as it is technically feasible and easy to implement.

  18. Adsorption and temperature-programmed desorption of hydrogen with dispersed platinum and platinum-gold catalysts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Anderson, J.R.; Foger, K.; Breakspere, R.J.

    1979-05-01

    Adsorption and temperature-programmed desorption of hydrogen with dispersed platinum and platinum-gold catalysts was studied with 0.9-3Vertical Bar3< platinum on silica gel, aerosil, sodium and lanthanum Y zeolites, and ..gamma..-alumina, and on aerosil-supported gold-platinum alloys containing 2, 10, 24, 33, and 85Vertical Bar3< gold. Surface enrichment with gold in the alloy systems, as derived from hydrogen adsorption data and predicted from surface enrichment theory and electron microscopic measurements of particle size, were in good agreement, which indicated that equilibrium was achieved by the thermal treatment (oxygen at 573/sup 0/K, hydrogen at 620/sup 0/K, repeated cycles) used. Hydrogen spillover to gold was observed at the higher hydrogen pressures tested on the alloys with high gold content, and to the zeolite supports. The temperature-programed desorption profiles were independent of gold content, which indicated that gold acts only as diluent, and that isolated surface platinum atoms become populated with hydrogen atoms either by hydrogen atom spillover from platinum ensembles to gold and from the gold to the isolated platinum, and/or by adsorption of a molecule directly on the isolated platinum and chemisorption of one H atom at an adjacent gold atom. The distribution of surface platinum ensembles was evaluated by a computer simulation method.

  19. Synthesis and study of bifunctional core–shell nanostructures based on ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Babayevska, Nataliya, E-mail: natbab@amu.edu.pl; Nowaczyk, Grzegorz; Jarek, Marcin; Załęski, Karol; Jurga, Stefan

    2016-07-05

    Bifunctional nanostructures based on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} shell thicknesses were obtained by simple low-temperature methods (sol–gel technique and seed deposition method). The morphology, nanostructure, phase and chemical composition as well as luminescent and magnetic properties of the obtained core–shell nanostructures were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, optical spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometer. As-obtained ZnO NPs are highly monodispersed and crystalline with mean particles size distribution of about 7 nm. Modification of the ZnO NPs surface by Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} shell leads to an increase of the ZnO particles size up to 80–160 nm and the formation the Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} shell with size of 2–4 nm. The dependence of the phase composition, luminescent and magnetic properties on Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} content are also discussed. - Highlights: • The bifunctional ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures were obtained by sol–gel technique. • ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} have intensive luminescence in the visible range under 325 nm excitation. • Gd{sup 3+} content allows to control paramagnetic properties of the ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}. • ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures are potential objects for application in medicine.

  20. Inflammation-Specific T1 Imaging Using Anti-Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Antibody-Conjugated Gadolinium Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kyu-Sil Choi

    2007-03-01

    Full Text Available To examine inflammatory tissue, an initial and common symptom of various types of pathogenesis, we designed inflammation-targeted T1 contrast agents prepared by bioconjugation of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1 antibody. The anti-ICAM-1 antibody was coupled with DTPA and was then conjugated with Gd. The specific binding of the Gd-DTPA-anti-ICAM-1 antibody complex to the ICAM-1-expressing cells was examined in the cultured endothelial cells where ICAM-1 expression was stimulated. Inflammation-specific T1 imaging was then assessed using a mouse abscess model with the 1.5-Tesla module. The Gd-DTPA-anti-ICAM-1 antibody displayed increased r1, which was two times higher than that of Gd-DTPA and showed predominant binding to cultured endothelial cells, which expressed a high level of ICAM-1. Moreover, the inflammation-specific T1 enhancement was imaged with the Gd-DTPA-anti-ICAM-1 antibody in the mouse acute inflammation model. The Gd-DTPA-anti-ICAM-1 antibody showed significantly increased vascular circulation time, which thereby offered a greater chance for its binding to the target cells. The Gd-DTPA-anti-ICAM-1 antibody displays a potential targeted T1 contrast agent specific to the inflammatory tissue that expresses ICAM-1.

  1. Marine crenarchaeotal membrane lipids in decapods: Implications for the TEX86 paleothermometer

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Huguet, C.; Cartes, J.E.; Sinninghe Damsté, J.S.; Schouten, S.

    2006-01-01

    Pelagic Crenarchaeota produce glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) as membrane lipids, and the GDGT composition changes according to growth temperature. This forms the basis of the TEX86 paleotemperature proxy. This ratio correlates with sea surface temperature (SST) despite the fact

  2. The Impact of TexAQS 2000 on Air Quality Planning in Houston

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thomas, J. W.; Price, J. H.

    2002-12-01

    Before the Texas 2000 Air Quality Study (TexAQS 2000) the State used the Urban Airshed Model to model nine different episodes in Houston with very poor results: only one episode met EPA model performance criteria. Questions existed regarding emissions uncertainties, meteorological modeling, and model chemistry. NOAA, DOE, and SOS led more than 35 organizations and 250 investigators who participated in TexAQS 2000. Major findings from TexAQS 2000 are: 1. There are two types of meteorological patterns that lead to ozone episodes in the Houston area: (i) stagnation associated with the sea breeze flow reversal causes a pool of industrial emissions and ozone to accumulate, then to move across the city as the wind flow picks up and (ii) plumes of ozone form when relatively persistent winds carry the emissions away from the city and industrial areas. 2. The chemistry that produces high ozone concentrations and rapid rises in ozone in the Houston area has been explained: multiple investigators in TexAQS 2000 have documented more rapid and more efficient formation of ozone in the plume from the Houston industrial area than any of them has observed in any previous field study. Houston's exceptionally rapid ozone formation arises from large amounts of anthropogenic VOCs in the atmosphere, often from the same plants that provide sufficient NOx. 3. This rapid and efficient ozone formation results most often from the presence of a specific subclass of hydrocarbons called light olefins, primarily ethylene and propylene. 4. Sometimes it is other specific hydrocarbons that cause the rapid formation of high concentrations of ozone, and sometimes it is just the total mass of a lot of relatively unreactive hydrocarbons. 5. The current emissions inventory for ethylene and propylene, as well as other VOCs, underestimates their routine emissions by a factor of roughly five to ten or perhaps even more. 6. It is not clear whether the emissions causing Houston's rapid ozone formation are

  3. Time domain simulation of Gd3+-Gd3+ distance measurements by EPR

    Science.gov (United States)

    Manukovsky, Nurit; Feintuch, Akiva; Kuprov, Ilya; Goldfarb, Daniella

    2017-07-01

    Gd3+-based spin labels are useful as an alternative to nitroxides for intramolecular distance measurements at high fields in biological systems. However, double electron-electron resonance (DEER) measurements using model Gd3+ complexes featured a low modulation depth and an unexpected broadening of the distance distribution for short Gd3+-Gd3+ distances, when analysed using the software designed for S = 1/2 pairs. It appears that these effects result from the different spectroscopic characteristics of Gd3+—the high spin, the zero field splitting (ZFS), and the flip-flop terms in the dipolar Hamiltonian that are often ignored for spin-1/2 systems. An understanding of the factors affecting the modulation frequency and amplitude is essential for the correct analysis of Gd3+-Gd3+ DEER data and for the educated choice of experimental settings, such as Gd3+ spin label type and the pulse parameters. This work uses time-domain simulations of Gd3+-Gd3+ DEER by explicit density matrix propagation to elucidate the factors shaping Gd3+ DEER traces. The simulations show that mixing between the |+½, -½> and |-½, +½> states of the two spins, caused by the flip-flop term in the dipolar Hamiltonian, leads to dampening of the dipolar modulation. This effect may be mitigated by a large ZFS or by pulse frequency settings allowing for a decreased contribution of the central transition and the one adjacent to it. The simulations reproduce both the experimental line shapes of the Fourier-transforms of the DEER time domain traces and the trends in the behaviour of the modulation depth, thus enabling a more systematic design and analysis of Gd3+ DEER experiments.

  4. Air stability and magnetic properties of GdN, TiN, and (Gd,Ti)N nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Si Pingzhan; Choi, C. J.; Tegus, O.; Brueck, E.; Geng, D. Y.; Zhang, Z. D.

    2008-01-01

    GdN, TiN, and (Gd,Ti)N nanoparticles were prepared by arc evaporating Gd, Ti, and Gd-Ti alloys in N 2 , respectively. Most of these nanoparticles show narrow size distribution with average diameter of 20 nm. Shell/core structure was observed in the (Gd,Ti)N nanoparticles, in which the shell was formed by surface reaction with air. (Gd,Ti)N nanoparticles are more stable than GdN nanoparticles in air due partially to the formation of the protective shell. The Curie temperature of GdN nanoparticles is lower than that of the bulk GdN. Both GdN and (Gd, Ti)N nanoparticles are difficult to reach magnetic saturation and show zero coercivity

  5. Efecto in vitro del látex de Ficus insipida sobre la cascada de la coagulación sanguínea.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fernando Concha-Benavente

    2010-07-01

    Full Text Available Es necesario investigar drogas naturales nuevas que aporten principios farmacológicos activos para ser utilizadas como una alternativa terapéutica. Por este motivo nos propusimos estudiar a Ficus insipida, cuyo látex ha sido usado como antihelmíntico durante muchos años en la amazonía, pero se investigó solo superficialmente su efecto anticoagulante in vitro. Objetivo: Comprobar el efecto anticoagulante in vitro y determinar la vía de la coagulación sobre la que actúa el látex de Ficus insípida. Material y métodos: Se obtuvo el látex de Ficus insipida y se prepararon diferentes concentraciones del mismo. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre venosa periférica de 5 donantes voluntarios, anticoagulándolas con citrato de sodio. Luego, éstas se mezclaron con las diluciones del látex, se centrifugaron y se extrajo el plasma. Posteriormente, se obtuvo un pool de plasma para cada concentración del látex y se procedió a determinar el Tiempo de Protrombina (TP y el Tiempo de Tromboplastina Parcial activada (TTPa, respectivamente. Resultados: Se encontró que el látex de Ficus insipida prolongó el TP a una concentración mayor o igual a 0,03125% (V/V, y ambos, el TP y TTPa a una concentración mayor o igual a 0,15% (V/V. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos nos permiten afirmar que el látex de Ficus insipida posee un efecto anticoagulante in vitro dosis dependiente sobre la vía extrínseca de la coagulación sanguínea a una concentración igual o mayor a 0,03125% (V/V y que a una concentración igual o mayor a 0,15% (V/V posee un potente efecto anticoagulante sobre ambas vías de la coagulación.(Rev Med Hered 2010;21:146-152.

  6. Facile synthesis, single crystal analysis, and computational studies of sulfanilamide derivatives

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Khalid, Muhammad; Islam, Ayesha; Ali Mashhadi, Syed Muddassir; Braga, Ataualpa A. C.

    2017-01-01

    Antibacterial resistance is a worldwide problem. Sulfanilamide is widely used antibacterial. For the first time, we report here a simple method for the derivative synthesis of the title drugs, single crystal XRD and density functional theory (DFT) studies. The optimized molecular structure, natural bond orbital (NBO), frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) molecular electrostatic potential studies (MEP) and Mulliken population analysis (MPA) have been performed using M06-2X/6-31G(d, p). The FT-IR spectra and thermodynamic parameters were calculated at M06-2X/6-311 + G(2d,p) and B3LYP/6-31G(d, p) levels respectively, while, the UV-Vis analysis was performed using TD-DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d, p) method. The experimental FT-IR spectra of both compounds were also carried out to reconfirm sbnd H⋯Osbnd hydrogen bonds. The DFT optimized parameters exhibiting good agreement with the experimental data. NBO analysis explored the hyper conjugative interaction and stability of title crystals, especially, reconfirmed the existence of sbnd H⋯Osbnd hydrogen bonds between the dimers. The FT-IR, thermodynamic parameters, MEP and MPA also revealed the hydrogen bonding detail is harmonious to XRD data. As a matter of the fact, the hydrogen bonding is a significant parameter for the understanding and design of molecular crystals, subsequently; it can also play a vital role in the supramolecular chemistry. Moreover, the global reactivity descriptors suggest that title compounds might be bioactive.

  7. Synthesis and characterization of an MRI Gd-based probe designed to target the translocator protein

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cerutti, Erika; Aime, Silvio; Damont, Annelaure; Dolle, Frederic; Baroni, Simona

    2013-01-01

    DPA-713 is the lead compound of a recently reported pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acetamide series, targeting the translocator protein (TSPO 18 kDa), and as such, this structure, as well as closely related derivatives, have been already successfully used as positron emission tomography radioligands. On the basis of the pharmacological core of this ligands series, a new magnetic resonance imaging probe, coded DPA-C6-(Gd)DOTAMA was designed and successfully synthesized in six steps and 13% overall yield from DPA-713. The Gd-DOTA monoamide cage (DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) represents the magnetic resonance imaging reporter, which is spaced from the phenyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acetamide moiety (DPA-713 motif) by a six carbon-atom chain. DPA-C6-(Gd)DOTAMA relaxometric characterization showed the typical behavior of a small-sized molecule (relaxivity value: 6.02 mM -1 s -1 at 20 MHz). The good hydrophilicity of the metal chelate makes DPAC6-(Gd)DOTAMA soluble in water, affecting thus its biodistribution with respect to the parent lipophilic DPA-713 molecule. For this reason, it was deemed of interest to load the probe to a large carrier in order to increase its residence lifetime in blood. Whereas DPA-C6-(Gd)DOTAMA binds to serum albumin with a low affinity constant, it can be entrapped into liposomes (both in the membrane and in the inner aqueous cavity). The stability of the supramolecular adduct formed by the Gd-complex and liposomes was assessed by a competition test with albumin. (authors)

  8. Photoluminescence related to Gd3+:N-vacancy complex in GaN:Gd multi-quantum wells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Almokhtar, Mohamed; Emura, Shuichi; Koide, Akihiro; Fujikawa, Takashi; Asahi, Hajime

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • We grew Gd-doped GaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) with quantum layer thickness of one nm by MBE. • The X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra observed at Gd LIII-edge indicate a nitrogen vacancy adjacent to Gd substituting the Ga ion in Gd-doped GaN MQW. • The photoluminescence of the samples is discussed considering the formation of a Gd 3+ :Nitrogen-vacancy complex. • A model is presented considering exciton-polaron formation trapped in defect sites around the Gd 3+ :N-vacancy complex in Gd-doped GaN MQWs. - Abstract: The photoluminescence of Gd-doped GaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) is presented and discussed considering the formation of a Gd 3+ :Nitrogen-vacancy (N-vacancy) complex. A lower energy photoluminescence peak was observed for the Gd-doped GaN MQW sample with respect to the main peak assigned to a neutral donor bound exciton (D 0 X) of the undoped GaN MQW sample. The X-ray absorption near edge structure spectrum observed at Gd L III -edge indicates a nitrogen vacancy adjacent to the Gd substituting the Ga ion in Gd-doped GaN MQW sample. Local stresses around the Gd dopants in Gd-doped GaN matrix generated due to the larger diameter of the Gd 3+ ion with respect to the Ga 3+ ion can be relieved by the creation of vacancies. The lower formation energy of N-vacancies in GaN matrix introduce them as a preferred candidate to relieve the generated stresses. A Gd 3+ :N-vacancy complex consisting of a Gd 3+ ion and the created nitrogen vacancy adjacent to the Gd 3+ dopant is likely to form in GaN:Gd matrix. The lower photoluminescence peak energy observed in the Gd-doped GaN MQW sample is assigned to the recombination of an exciton captured at the Gd 3+ :N-vacancy complex forming a small polaron-like state. A model is presented considering the small exciton-polaron population in defect sites captured around the Gd 3+ ions in the Gd-doped GaN

  9. Synthesis, characterization, mucoadhesion and biocompatibility of thiolated carboxymethyl dextran-cysteine conjugate.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shahnaz, G; Perera, G; Sakloetsakun, D; Rahmat, D; Bernkop-Schnürch, A

    2010-05-21

    This study was aimed at improving the mucoadhesive properties of carboxymethyl dextran by the covalent attachment of cysteine. Mediated by a carbodiimide, l-cysteine was covalently attached to the polymer. The resulting CMD-cysteine conjugate (CMD-(273) conjugate) displayed 273+/-20 micromol thiol groups per gram of polymer (mean+/-S.D.; n=3). Within 2h the viscosity of an aqueous mucus/CMD-(273) conjugate mixture pH 7.4 increased at 37 degrees C by more than 85% compared to a mucus/carboxymethyl dextran mixture indicating enlarged interactions between the mucus and the thiolated polymer. Due to the immobilization of cysteine, the swelling velocity of the polymer was significantly accelerated (ppolymer disintegrated within 15 min, whereas tablets of the CMD-(273) conjugate remained stable for 160 min (means+/-S.D.; n=3). Results from LDH and MTT assays on Caco-2 cells revealed 4.96+/-0.98% cytotoxicity and 94.1+/-0.9% cell viability for the CMD-(273) conjugate, respectively. Controlled release of model compound from CMD-(273) conjugate tablets was observed over 6h. These findings suggest that CMD-(273) conjugate is a promising novel polymer for drug delivery systems providing improved mucoadhesive and cohesive properties, greater stability and biocompatibility. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. High Relaxivity Gadolinium Hydroxypyridonate-Viral Capsid Conjugates: Nano-sized MRI Contrast Agents

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Meux, Susan C.; Datta, Ankona; Hooker, Jacob M.; Botta, Mauro; Francis, Matthew B.; Aime, Silvio; Raymond, Kenneth N.

    2007-08-29

    High relaxivity macromolecular contrast agents based on the conjugation of gadolinium chelates to the interior and exterior surfaces of MS2 viral capsids are assessed. The proton nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles of the conjugates show up to a five-fold increase in relaxivity, leading to a peak relaxivity (per Gd{sup 3+} ion) of 41.6 mM{sup -1}s{sup -1} at 30 MHz for the internally modified capsids. Modification of the exterior was achieved through conjugation to flexible lysines, while internal modification was accomplished by conjugation to relatively rigid tyrosines. Higher relaxivities were obtained for the internally modified capsids, showing that (1) there is facile diffusion of water to the interior of capsids and (2) the rigidity of the linker attaching the complex to the macromolecule is important for obtaining high relaxivity enhancements. The viral capsid conjugated gadolinium hydroxypyridonate complexes appear to possess two inner-sphere water molecules (q = 2) and the NMRD fittings highlight the differences in the local motion for the internal ({tau}{sub RI} = 440 ps) and external ({tau}{sub RI} = 310 ps) conjugates. These results indicate that there are significant advantages of using the internal surface of the capsids for contrast agent attachment, leaving the exterior surface available for the installation of tissue targeting groups.

  11. NMR measurements in milled GdCo2 and GdFe2 intermetallic compounds

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tribuzy, C.V.B.; Guimaraes, A.P.; Biondo, A.; Larica, C.; Alves, K.M.B.

    1998-12-01

    We have used the nuclear magnetic resonance technique to study the magnetic and structural properties of the Gd-Co and Gd-Fe metallic systems, starting with the C15 laves phase intermetallic compounds, and submitting them to a high energy milling process. This leads to the amorphization of the samples, as determined by the X-ray diffraction spectra. For the Gd-Co system the NMR study used the 59 Co nucleus; in the Gd-Fe system, 155,157 Gd and 57 Fe were used. Both systems showed segregation of the pure elements, after a few hours of milling. In the Gd-Co system, a single line, of increasing width, was observed in the 59 Co spectrum. In the Gd-Fe system, the 155 Gd and 157 Gd resonances show three lines, arising from electrical quadrupole interaction. With increasing milling time, the lines broaden, and extra lines appear attributed to a cubic phase of Gd; this interpretation is supported by the X-ray analysis of the samples. The 57 Fe NMR spectrum of this system also informs on the direction of magnetization of the samples in the early stages of milling. From 1 h to 7 h of milling, a spectrum of α-Fe was observed. The study of the NMR line intensity as a function of radio frequency (r.f.) power in Gd Co 2 suggests the existence of regions of the samples with different degrees of disorder. We have observed the persistence of NMR signals from the original intermetallic compounds in the samples with up to 10 h and 7 h of milling, respectively, for Gd Co 2 and Gd Fe 2 . (author)

  12. The Gore-Tex prosthetic ligament as a salvage procedure in deficient knees

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Roolker, W.; Patt, T. W.; van Dijk, C. N.; Vegter, M.; Marti, R. K.

    2000-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of prosthetic ligament replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with the Gore-Tex polytetrafluorethyene prosthesis (W.L. Gore and Co., Flagstaff, Ariz. ) in 52 patients (54 knees). All patients

  13. Monoclonal antibody-dendrimer conjugates enable radiolabeling of antibody with markedly high specific activity with minimal loss of immunoreactivity

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kobayashi, H.; Togashi, K. [Kyoto Univ. (Japan). School of Medicine; Sato, N.; Saga, T.; Nakamoto, Y.; Ishimori, T.; Konishi, J. [Dept. of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging, Kyoto Univ. Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto (Japan); Toyama, S. [Inst. for Virus Research, Kyoto Univ., Kyoto (Japan); Brechbiel, M.W. [Chemistry Section, Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Inst., National Inst. of Health, Bethesda, Md. (United States)

    2000-09-01

    For the purpose of radioimmunotherapy, labelling of monoclonal antibody with high specific activity is often necessary, especially when using a radionuclide with a shorter half-life. Polyamine dendrimers (PAMAM) are novel synthetic polymeric molecules with large numbers of amine residues on their spherical surface. In order to bind large numbers of radiometals to single antibody molecules, the generation-4 PAMAM (G4), which has 64 amines, was conjugated with 43 molecules of 2-(p-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-6-methyl-diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (1B4M), a derivative of DTPA. This product [G4-(1B4M){sub 43}] was then conjugated with OST7, a murine monoclonal IgG{sub 1}. We evaluated the achievable specific activity for {sup 111}In labeling, immunore-activity, biodistribution, and tumor targeting in mice of the {sup 111}In- or {sup 153}Gd-OST7-G4-(1B4M){sub 43} as compared with radiolabeled OST7-1B4M or 56C-1B4M. The maximum specific activity of {sup 111}In-OST7-G4-(1B4M){sub 43} and {sup 111}In-OST7-1B4M was 470 and 8.7 GBq/mg (12,700 and 263 mCi/mg), respectively. Immunoreactivity of radiolabeled OST7-G4-(1B4M){sub 43} and OST7-1B4M, as determined by the binding to KT005 cells expressing the antigen, was respectively 91% and 84% of that of {sup 125}I-labelled OST7. Biodistribution studies for preparations with maximum specific activity in normal mice 3 h after injection showed that {sup 111}In- or {sup 153}Gd-OST7-G4-(1B4M){sub 43} cleared faster from the blood and accumulated more in the liver than did {sup 111}In- or {sup 153}Gd-OST7-1B4M. The dendrimer 1B4M [G4-(1B4M){sub 64}] itself showed similar saturation effects with metals. The radioactivity in all the other organs reflected the rapid clearance of radioactivity from the blood. {sup 153}Gd-OST7-G4-(1B4M){sub 43} showed specific accumulation in the KT005 tumor. In conclusion, we could successfully bind 49 times as many metal atoms to an antibody molecule as is possible with conventional metal labeling for

  14. A facile synthesis approach and impact of shell formation on morphological structure and luminescent properties of aqueous dispersible NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er upconversion nanorods

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ansari, Anees A., E-mail: aneesaansari@gmail.com [King Saud University, King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology (Saudi Arabia); Yadav, Ranvijay; Rai, S. B. [Banaras Hindu University, Department of Physics (India)

    2016-12-15

    A general facile synthesis approach was used for fabrication of highly emissive aqueous dispersible hexagonal phase upconversion luminescent NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er nanorods (core NRs) through metal complex decomposition process. An inert NaGdF{sub 4} and porous silica layers were grafted surrounding the surface of each and every NRs to enhance their luminescence efficiency and colloidal dispersibility in aqueous environment. Optical properties in terms of band gap energy of core, core/shell, and silica-coated core/shell/SiO{sub 2} nanorods were observed to investigate the influence of surface coating, which was gradually decreased after surface coating because of increase crystalline size after growth of inert and silica shells. The inert shell formation before silica surface grafting, upconversion luminescence intensity was greatly improved by about 20 times, owing to the effective surface passivation of the seed core and, therefore, protection of Er{sup 3+} ion in the core from the nonradiative decay caused by surface defects. Moreover, after silica coating, core/shell nanorods shows strong upconversion luminescence property similar to the hexagonal upconversion core NRs. It is expected that these NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er@NaGdF{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} (core/shell/SiO{sub 2}) NRs including highly upconversion emissive and aqueous dispersible properties make them an ideal materials for various photonic-based potential applications such as in upconversion luminescent bioimaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and photodynamic therapy.

  15. 1.7 nm Platinum Nanoparticles: Synthesis with Glucose Starch, Characterization and Catalysis

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Engelbrekt, Christian; Sørensen, Karsten Holm; Lubcke, T.

    2010-01-01

    Monodisperse platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) were synthesized by a green recipe. Glucose serves as a reducing agent and starch as a stabilization agent to protect the freshly formed PtNP cores in buffered aqueous solutions. Among the ten buffers studied, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES), ...

  16. Synthesis and properties of platinum on multiwall carbon nanotube modified by chitosan

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fikriyyah, A. K.; Chaldun, E. R.; Indriyati

    2018-03-01

    Platinum nanoparticles on multiwall carbon nanotubes (Pt/MWCNT) play an important role in fuel cell to convert the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity. In this study, Pt/MWCNT electrocatalysts were prepared by chemical reduction of the metal salts in chitosan as the support. Firstly, commercial MWCNTs were functionalized by oxidative process using a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Then, functionalized MWCNTs were mixed with chitosan-acetic acid solution to conduct grafting reaction with NH2 groups in chitosan by solution polymerization method. Platinum nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of the MWCNTs after hexachloroplatinic acid was reduced by sodium hydroxide solution. The result showed that Pt was attached on MWCNT based on analysis from EDS, XRD, and UV Vis Spectroscopy. UV Vis analysis indicates the plasmon absorbance band of Pt nanoparticles in Pt/MWCNT, while XRD analysis confirmed the size of Pt particle in nanometer. This elucidates the potential procedure to synthesize Pt/MWCNT using chitosan.

  17. Constructing experimental devices for half-ton synthesis of gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillator and its performance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Park, Young Seo; Jang, Yeong Min; Joo, Kyung Kwang

    2018-04-01

    This paper describes in brief features of various experimental devices constructed for half-ton synthesis of gadolinium(Gd)-loaded liquid scintillator (GdLS) and also includes the performances and detailed chemical and physical results of a 0.5% high-concentration GdLS. Various feasibility studies on useful apparatus used for loading Gd into solvents have been carried out. The transmittance, Gd concentration, density, light yield, and moisture content were measured for quality control. We show that with the help of adequate automated experimental devices and tools, it is possible to perform ton scale synthesis of GdLS at moderate laboratory scale without difficulty. The synthesized GdLS was satisfactory to meet chemical, optical, and physical properties and various safety requirements. These synthesizing devices can be expanded into massive scale next-generation neutrino experiments of several hundred tons.

  18. Synthesis and Characterization of Water-soluble Conjugates of Cabazitaxel Hemiesters-Dextran.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Parhizkar, Elahehnaz; Ahmadi, Fatemeh; Daneshamouz, Saeid; Mohammadi-Samani, Soliman; Sakhteman, Amirhossein; Parhizkar, Golnaz

    2017-11-24

    Cabazitaxel (CTX) is a second- generation taxane derivative, a class of potent anticancer drugs with very low water solubility. CTX is used in patients with resistant prostate cancer unresponsive to the first generation taxane, docetaxel. Currently marketed formulations of CTX contain high concentrations of surfactant and ethanol, which cause severe hypersensitivity reactions in patients. In order to increase its solubility, two hemiester analogs; CTX-succinate and CTX-glutarate were synthesized and characterized. To improve the solubility of hemiesters even more, dextran as a biocompatible polymer was also conjugated to hemiester analogs. MTT assay was performed on MCF-7 cell line to evaluate the cytotoxicity effect of hemiesters and conjugates. Based on the results, hemiester analogs increased water solubility of the drug up to about 3 and 8 fold. Conjugation to dextran enhanced the CTX solubility to more than 1500 fold. These conjugates released the conjugated CTX in less than 24 hours in a pH dependent manner and showed proper hemocompatibility characteristics. The hemiesters had approximately similar cytotoxicity in comparison with CTX and the dextran conjugates showed higher cytotoxicity effect on MCF-7 cell line. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  19. Reações de alergia provocadas pelo látex: um alerta aos trabalhadores da área da saúde

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rosimeire Aparecida Mendes Lopes

    1999-09-01

    Full Text Available É apresentado um levantamento bibliográfico de artigos referentes às reações de alergia ao látex, publicados nos últimos anos. O primeiro artigo sobre reação de alergia associado ao uso do látex foi publicado em 1979, na Grã-Bretanha, e desde então, de forma crescente, outros casos têm sido relatados(Barion, 1993. As reações do Tipo I (reação imediata e Tipo IV (resposta tardia estão envolvidas nos processos de alergia ao látex (Steelman, 1995. Uma das explicações para a alergia por contato é o processo inadequado de lavagem durante a manufatura, com retenção de proteínas hidrossolúveis que causam reação alérgica em pessoas susceptíveis. Na literatura são descritos casos de reações que variam de dermatite de contato à choque anafilático. Conclui-se que os achados evidenciam a necessidade da equipe de saúde ter conhecimento das implicações prováveis da alergia ao látex.

  20. Synthesis of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid conjugated inulin and utility for cellular uptake of liposomes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Essien, H.; Lai, J.Y.; Hwang, K.J.

    1988-01-01

    The synthesis, binding of radioactive cations, liposomal encapsulation, and biodistribution of the oxidized-inulin reaction product with ethylenediamine and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (4) are described. The four-step synthesis of the inulin derivative proceeded in a good overall yield of 72%. The complex of the inulin derivative with either 67 Ga3+ or 111 In3+ was stable in vivo and did not readily distribute into tissues, being excreted primarily in urine after intravenous administration to mice. The liposome-entrapped inulin derivative can be loaded with radioactive heavy metal cations by mobile ionophores in high radiochemical yields of 80-91%. Following the intravenous administration of the liposomal encapsulation of the indium-111-labeled inulin derivative, the entrapped compound had a biodistribution characteristic of liposomes and allowed an estimation of the extent of the intracellular uptake of liposomes. The ability of the inulin derivative to chelate many different types of metals will allow the use of this probe for studying subtle differences in tissue distribution resulting from different drug targeting or delivery protocols in the same animal by multiple labeling techniques. Moreover, the chelate-conjugated inulin permits studies of the applications of drug delivery systems in primates or human subjects by noninvasive techniques such as gamma-scintigraphic or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging methods

  1. Frontal suspension for congenital ptosis using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex® sheet: one-year follow-up

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nakauchi K

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Kazuaki Nakauchi,1 Hidenori Mito,2 Osamu Mimura11Hospital of Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, 2Ide Eye Hospital, Yamagata, JapanBackground: The frontalis suspension technique is the surgical method of choice in patients with ptosis and a levator function of 4 mm or less. Several types of materials have been used, including Gore-Tex®, which has been used successfully as a frontalis sling material since 1986. Recently, a Gore-Tex sheet (wider than a sling or strip suspension was reported. This paper reports the results of 27 eyes from 20 patients with congenital ptosis treated using the frontalis suspension technique with the newly developed Gore-Tex Most Versatile Patch (MVP sheet.Methods: All patients underwent surgery between April 2007 and September 2011 and were followed up for at least one year. The average follow-up duration was 18 months, with a range of 12–36 months. The average patient age was 45 (5–85 years, and the group included 11 males and nine females. Thirteen cases demonstrated ptosis in one eye, and seven cases involved both eyes. The patients were divided by age into a younger group and an older group. All ptosis procedures were performed using the Gore-Tex MVP sheet. The implant was normally 7 mm wide for adults and 5 mm wide for children. The implantation method was the same as that used for the sheet shape fascia.Results: In all patients, satisfactory functional results were observed at the 6-month follow-up examination. Eyelid opening heights were also obtained. The average marginal reflex distance (MRD was -0.5 mm preoperatively, which improved to +1.9 mm after surgery. After one year, average MRD was +1.6 mm. MRD attenuation was more frequent in the younger group. There were no cases requiring redo surgery and only one case of exposure.Keywords: polytetrafluoroethylene, Gore-Tex®, frontalis suspension, congenital ptosis, recurrence

  2. Photonics of a conjugated organometallic Pt-Ir polymer and its model compounds exhibiting hybrid CT excited states.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Soliman, Ahmed M; Fortin, Daniel; Zysman-Colman, Eli; Harvey, Pierre D

    2012-04-13

    Trans- dichlorobis(tri-n-butylphosphine)platinum(II) reacts with bis(2- phenylpyridinato)-(5,5'-diethynyl-2,2'-bipyridine)iridium(III) hexafluorophosphate to form the luminescent conjugated polymer poly[trans-[(5,5'-ethynyl-2,2'-bipyridine)bis(2- phenylpyridinato)-iridium(III)]bis(tri-n-butylphosphine)platinum(II)] hexafluorophosphate ([Pt]-[Ir])n. Gel permeation chromatography indicates a degree of polymerization of 9 inferring the presence of an oligomer. Comparison of the absorption and emission band positions and their temperature dependence, emission quantum yields, and lifetimes with those for models containing only the [Pt] or the [Ir] units indicates hybrid excited states including features from both chromophores. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Molecular imaging of alpha v beta3 integrin expression in atherosclerotic plaques with a mimetic of RGD peptide grafted to Gd-DTPA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burtea, Carmen; Laurent, Sophie; Murariu, Oltea; Rattat, Dirk; Toubeau, Gérard; Verbruggen, Alfons; Vansthertem, David; Vander Elst, Luce; Muller, Robert N

    2008-04-01

    The integrin alpha v beta3 is highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques by medial and intimal smooth muscle cells and by endothelial cells of angiogenic microvessels. In this study, we have assessed non-invasive molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of plaque-associated alpha v beta3 integrin expression on transgenic ApoE-/- mice with a low molecular weight peptidomimetic of Arg-Gly-Asp (mimRGD) grafted to gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD). The analogous compound Eu-DTPA-g-mimRGD was employed for an in vivo competition experiment and to confirm the molecular targeting. The specific interaction of mimRGD conjugated to Gd-DTPA or to 99mTc-DTPA with alpha v beta3 integrin was furthermore confirmed on Jurkat T lymphocytes. The mimRGD was synthesized and conjugated to DTPA. DTPA-g-mimRGD was complexed with GdCl3.6H2O, EuCl3.6H2O, or with [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+. MRI evaluation was performed on a 4.7 T Bruker imaging system. Blood pharmacokinetics of Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD were assessed in Wistar rats and in c57bl/6j mice. The presence of angiogenic blood vessels and the expression of alpha v beta3 integrin were confirmed in aorta specimens by immunohistochemistry. Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD produced a strong enhancement of the external structures of the aortic wall and of the more profound layers (possibly tunica media and intima). The aortic lumen seemed to be restrained and distorted. Pre-injection of Eu-DTPA-g-mimRGD diminished the Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD binding to atherosclerotic plaque and confirmed the specific molecular targeting. A slower blood clearance was observed for Gd-DTPA-g-mimRGD, as indicated by a prolonged elimination half-life and a diminished total clearance. The new compound is potentially useful for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and of other pathologies characterized by alpha v beta3 integrin expression, such as cancer and inflammation. The delayed blood clearance, the significant enhancement of the signal

  4. Photocatalytic properties of TiO{sub 2} prepared by coprecipitation and by hydrothermal synthesis and study of the effect of doping Gd{sup 3+}; Fotokatalyticke vlastnosti TiO{sub 2} pripraveneho koprecipitaciou a hydrotermalnou syntezou a studium vplyvu dopovania Gd{sup 3+}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sipos, M [Univerzita Komenskeho v Bratislave, Prirodovedecka fakulta, Katedra anorganickej chemie, 84215 Bratislava (Slovakia)

    2012-04-25

    In this paper we described a synthesis of TiO{sub 2} nanopowders by coprecipitation and by hydrothermal method. We examined the effect of sample preparation procedure, of annealing temperature and doping by Gd{sup 3+} ions on the photocatalytic properties of TiO{sub 2}. We did not observe a correlation between primary micro-crystallites largeness and their photocatalytic activity. Sulfation and samples doping by G{sup d}3{sup +} ions enhances their photodegradation properties. Effect of doping is significantly larger at hydrothermally prepared samples. (authors)

  5. Thiophene fused azacoronenes: regioselective synthesis, self organization, charge transport, and its incorporation in conjugated polymers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yi; He, Bo

    2015-09-15

    A regioselective synthesis of an azacoronene fused with two peripheral thiophene groups has been realized through a concise synthetic route. The resulting thienoazacoronene (TAC) derivatives show high degree of self-organization in solution, in single crystals, in the bulk, and in spuncast thin films. Spuncast thin film field-effect transistors of the TACs exhibited mobilities up to 0.028 cm.sup.2V.sup.-1 S.sup.-1, which is among the top field effect mobilities for solution processed discotic materials. Organic photovoltaic devices using TAC-containing conjugated polymers as the donor material exhibited a high open-circuit voltage of 0.89 V, which was ascribable to TAC's low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital energy level.

  6. Evaluating Production of Cyclopentyl Tetraethers by Marine Group II Euryarchaeota in the Pearl River Estuary and Coastal South China Sea: Potential Impact on the TEX86 Paleothermometer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jin-Xiang Wang

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available TEX86 [TetraEther indeX of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs with 86 carbon atoms] has been widely applied to reconstruct (paleo- sea surface temperature. Marine Group I (MG-I Thaumarchaeota were thought to be the primary source of GDGTs constituting the TEX86 formula; however, recent research has suggested that Marine Group II (MG-II Euryarchaeota may also contribute significantly to the GDGT pool in the ocean. Little is known regarding the potential impact of MG-II Euryarchaeota-derived GDGTs on TEX86 values recorded in marine sediments. In this study, we assessed the relationship between distributions of GDGTs and MG-II Euryarchaeota and evaluated its potential effect on the TEX86 proxy. Lipid and DNA analyses were performed on suspended particulate matter and surface sediments collected along a salinity gradient from the lower Pearl River (river water and its estuary (mixing water to the coastal South China Sea (SCS, seawater. TEX86-derived temperatures from the water column and surface sediments were significantly correlated and both were lower than satellite-based temperatures. The ring index (RI values in these environments were higher than predicted from the calculated TEX86-RI correlation, indicating that the GDGT pool in the water column of the PR estuary and coastal SCS comprises relatively more cyclopentane rings, which thereby altered TEX86 values. Furthermore, the abundance of MG-II Euryarchaeota 16S rRNA gene in the mixing water was two to three orders of magnitude higher than those observed in the river or seawater. Significant linear correlations were observed between the gene abundance ratio of MG-II Euryarchaeota to total archaea and the fractional abundance of GDGTs with cyclopentane rings. Collectively, these results suggest that MG-II Euryarchaeota likely produce a large proportion of GDGTs with 1–4 cyclopentane moieties, which may bias TEX86 values in the water column and sediments. As such, valid

  7. Sinter-Resistant Platinum Catalyst Supported by Metal-Organic Framework.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, In Soo; Li, Zhanyong; Zheng, Jian; Platero-Prats, Ana E; Mavrandonakis, Andreas; Pellizzeri, Steven; Ferrandon, Magali; Vjunov, Aleksei; Gallington, Leighanne C; Webber, Thomas E; Vermeulen, Nicolaas A; Penn, R Lee; Getman, Rachel B; Cramer, Christopher J; Chapman, Karena W; Camaioni, Donald M; Fulton, John L; Lercher, Johannes A; Farha, Omar K; Hupp, Joseph T; Martinson, Alex B F

    2018-01-22

    Single atoms and few-atom clusters of platinum are uniformly installed on the zirconia nodes of a metal-organic framework (MOF) NU-1000 via targeted vapor-phase synthesis. The catalytic Pt clusters, site-isolated by organic linkers, are shown to exhibit high catalytic activity for ethylene hydrogenation while exhibiting resistance to sintering up to 200 °C. In situ IR spectroscopy reveals the presence of both single atoms and few-atom clusters that depend upon synthesis conditions. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray pair distribution analyses reveal unique changes in chemical bonding environment and cluster size stability while on stream. Density functional theory calculations elucidate a favorable reaction pathway for ethylene hydrogenation with the novel catalyst. These results provide evidence that atomic layer deposition (ALD) in MOFs is a versatile approach to the rational synthesis of size-selected clusters, including noble metals, on a high surface area support. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Reactions of neopentane and neohexane on platinum/Y-zeolite and platinum/silica catalysts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Foger, K.; Anderson, J.R.

    1978-10-13

    The hydrocracking/hydroisomerization reaction of 20:1 hydrogen/neopentane at 455-625/sup 0/K was studied on platinum-exchanged sodium, calcium, and lanthanum Y zeolites and Aerosil-supported platinum of 1-20 nm average platinum particle size, by analysis of the product distribution, ESCA, and temperature-programed desorption. The results suggested that the reaction occurs only on platinum and that it proceeds by two parallel pathways which have different activation energies and whose relative proportion depends on the particle size. One pathway is the conventionally accepted one on low-index crystallite facets; the other proceeds on single-surface platinum atoms of low coordination (corner or edge atoms) which become more abundant at lower crystallite size. In both cases, the adsorbed intermediate may undergo either isomerization or hydrogenolysis; the selectivity depends on the hydrogen partial pressure and the relative strength of adsorption of hydrogen and neopentane. Neohexane isomerization selectivity on the same catalysts is consistent with a carbonium ion mechanism on a dual-function catalyst.

  9. HiPer-tex{sup TM} WindStrand{sup TM}: A new generation of high performance reinforcement

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Peters, L.; Adolphs, G. [Owens Corning S and T, Battice (Belgium); Bech, J.I.; Broendsted, P. [Risoe National Lab., Material Research Dept., Roskilde (Denmark)

    2006-07-01

    Owens Corning has recently introduced the HiPer-texTM family of high performance reinforcements of which WindStrandTM is engineered to specific customer process requirements of resin infusion and prepregs for Wind Turbine blades manufacture. The new HiPer-tex technology platform enables up to 35% higher strength, 17% higher modulus, better impact, corrosion and high temperature resistance and significantly better fatigue properties versus traditional E Glass laminates. These attributes have been measured with various laminates types and are presented in this paper. These better performances are needed in markets such as Wind Energy, pressure vessels, armour, aerospace and light weight structural component. (au)

  10. Translanguaging, TexMex, and Bilingual Pedagogy: Emergent Bilinguals Learning through the Vernacular

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sayer, Peter

    2013-01-01

    This article presents an ethnographic study of how bilingual teachers and children use their home language, TexMex, to mediate academic content and standard languages. From the premise that TESOL educators can benefit from a fuller understanding of students' linguistic repertoires, the study describes language practices in a second-grade classroom…

  11. Ni3d-Gd4f correlation effects on the magnetic behaviour of GdNi

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Paulose, P L [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India); Patil, Sujata [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India); Mallik, R [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India); Sampathkumaran, E V [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India); Nagarajan, V [Tata Inst. of Fundamental Research, Bombay (India)

    1996-07-01

    The results of magnetization and heat-capacity measurements on the alloys, Gd{sub 1-x}Y{sub x}Ni (x=0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 0.9) are reported. The data suggest that there is a Gd induced magnetic moment on Ni, which may in turn enhance Gd-Gd exchange interaction strength in GdNi. The induced moment (on Ni) apparently exhibits itinerant ferromagnetism in the magnetically ordered state of GdNi. (orig.).

  12. One-step flame synthesis of an active Pt/TiO2 catalyst for SO2 oxidation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Johannessen, Tue; Koutsopoulos, Sotiris

    2002-01-01

    Flame synthesis as a route for production of composite metal oxides has been employed for the one-step synthesis of a supported noble metal catalyst, i.e. a Pt/TiO2 catalyst, by simultaneous combustion of Ti-isopropoxide and platinum acetylacetonate in a quench-cooled flame reactor. The average...... size of the platinum particles supported on aggregated nano-particles of TiO2 is approximately 2 nm. The high SO2-oxidation activity of the catalyst proves that platinum is not hidden in the titania matrix. The flame-produced catalyst showed catalytic activity similar to samples prepared by wet...

  13. Conjugated Polymers for Flexible Energy Harvesting and Storage.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Zhitao; Liao, Meng; Lou, Huiqing; Hu, Yajie; Sun, Xuemei; Peng, Huisheng

    2018-03-01

    Since the discovery of conjugated polymers in the 1970s, they have attracted considerable interest in light of their advantages of having a tunable bandgap, high electroactivity, high flexibility, and good processability compared to inorganic conducting materials. The above combined advantages make them promising for effective energy harvesting and storage, which have been widely studied in recent decades. Herein, the key advancements in the use of conjugated polymers for flexible energy harvesting and storage are reviewed. The synthesis, structure, and properties of conjugated polymers are first summarized. Then, their applications in flexible polymer solar cells, thermoelectric generators, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries are described. The remaining challenges are then discussed to highlight the future direction in the development of conjugated polymers. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Evaluation of Gd and Gd{sup 159} as new approaches for cancer treatment

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Galvao, I.; Neves, M.J., E-mail: nevesmj@cdtn.br [Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN-MG), Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil). Grupo de Desenvolvimento de Radiofarmacos; Santos, R.G., E-mail: santosr@cdtn.br [Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia em Medicina Molecular (INCT-MM), Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil)

    2011-07-01

    Metal compounds have shown many biological activities and have been successfully used as anticancer agents such cisplatin. Actually gadolinium (Gd) complexed with a porphyrin Motexafin (MGd) has been investigated as redox-active compound for treatment of cancer. 1{sup 59G}d decays by beta emission with an energy of 970 keV and half-life of 18.59 hours. The de-excitation can be via gamma ray and internal conversion electron emission followed by auger electrons and x rays. Considering all of this 1{sup 59G}d could be a interesting radionuclide to be as a radio therapeutical agent. The aims of this works were to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Gd and 1{sup 59G}d on malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiform, the most frequent brain tumors which has a very poor prognosis. For this purpose, it was used human glioblastoma cell lines T98 (mutant p53) and U87 (wild-type p53) to investigate the cytotoxicity of gadolinium on cell metabolism by MTT assay and also morphological changes, chromatin condensation by DAPI assay and ROS generation. Gadolinium was able to decrease cell viability, the cells presented morphological changes like round shapes and blebs formation after cell treatment with 5x10{sup -6}M of Gd. Nuclear changing and ROS generation occurred in a dose dependent way indicating the cytotoxic effect of Gd. Treatment with 1{sup 59G}d increased all of changes observed with treatment with Gd. These results state for an additive effect of metal toxicity and radioactivity inducing ROS generation as the main mechanism of anti tumoral action of 1{sup 59G}d. The results obtained indicated that the radioactive analogues of Gd have increased cytotoxic effects and gadolinium can be a metal of choice for development of new drugs for cancer treatment. (author)

  15. Synthesis and luminescence studies of novel rare earth activated lanthanum pentaborate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nagpure, P.A.; Bajaj, N.S.; Omanwar, S.K.; Sonekar, R.P.

    2011-01-01

    The lanthanum pentaborate (LaB 5 O 9 ) is a novel material which exhibits excellent luminescence when doped with rare earth ions. It was prepared by a novel technique which is a slight variation of solution combustion synthesis. The synthesis is based on the exothermic reaction between the fuel (urea) and oxidizer (ammonium nitrate). The structure of the prepared material was confirmed by powder XRD technique. The photoluminescence of rare earth ions (Ce 3+ , Eu 3+ ) and sensitized luminescence of Gd 3+ (Pr 3+ -Gd 3+ and Bi 3+ -Gd 3+ ) in LaB 5 O 9 have been studied. LaB 5 O 9 :Ce 3+ shows broad band UV emission at 317 nm and LaB 5 O 9 :Eu 3+ shows orange red emission. LaB 5 O 9 : Pr 3+ -Gd 3+ and LaB 5 O 9 : Bi 3+ -Gd 3+ exhibit efficient luminescence of Gd 3+ in narrow UVB region at 310 nm. The material (La 0.5 Pr 0.4 )B 5 O 9 :Gd 0.1 exhibits intense narrow band UVB emission at 310 nm and could be a potential candidate for UVB phosphors used in phototherapy lamps. (author)

  16. tex de amapá (Parahancornia fasciculata (Poir Benoist, Apocynaceae: remédio e renda na floresta e na cidade

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Murilo da Serra Silva

    Full Text Available O estudo abordou a cadeia de produção e de comercialização e os aspectos do consumo do látex medicinal de amapá amargoso (Parahancornia fasciculata em Belém e Ponta de Pedras, no Pará. Nosso objetivo foi investigar diversos aspectos do manejo e uso desse produto, revelando a sua importância na vida de seus produtores e consumidores. Foram utilizados a abordagem da 'cadeia de produção ao consumo' e métodos qualitativos e quantitativos de pesquisa, incluindo pesquisa de mercado, entrevistas com extrativistas, comerciantes e consumidores, oficinas, turnês guiadas e inventário florestal. Os oito mil litros de látex de amapá comercializados anualmente na região de Belém beneficiam, principalmente, consumidores de baixa renda, que têm tradição secular do uso desse látex. A renda obtida com esse produto representa 42% da renda total dos extrativistas com produtos florestais não madeireiros. A grande abundância da espécie e a distribuição diamétrica das árvores indicam possibilidade de regeneração natural. A melhoria na técnica de extração do látex realizada por alguns extrativistas revela que eles têm conhecimento da anatomia da árvore. A tradição de uso e manejo do látex e as características ecológicas da espécie sugerem grande potencial para programas de produção sustentável.

  17. Structure and magnetism in Fe-Gd based dinuclear and chain systems: the interplay of weak exchange coupling and zero field splitting effects

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Ferbinteanu, M.; Cimpoesu, F.; Gîrtu, M. A.; Enachescu, C.; Tanase, S.

    2012-01-01

    The synthesis and characterization of two Fe-Gd systems based on bpca- (Hbpca = bis(2-pyridilcarbonyl)amine) as bridging ligand is presented, taking the systems as a case study for structure-property correlations. Compound 1, [FeLSII(μ-bpca)2Gd(NO3)2(H2O)]NO3·2CH3NO2, is a zigzag polymer,

  18. Fullerene-biomolecule conjugates and their biomedicinal applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Xinlin; Ebrahimi, Ali; Li, Jie; Cui, Quanjun

    2014-01-01

    Fullerenes are among the strongest antioxidants and are characterized as "radical sponges." The research on biomedicinal applications of fullerenes has achieved significant progress since the landmark publication by Friedman et al in 1993. Fullerene-biomolecule conjugates have become an important area of research during the past 2 decades. By a thorough literature search, we attempt to update the information about the synthesis of different types of fullerene-biomolecule conjugates, including fullerene-containing amino acids and peptides, oligonucleotides, sugars, and esters. Moreover, we also discuss in this review recently reported data on the biological and pharmaceutical utilities of these compounds and some other fullerene derivatives of biomedical importance. While within the fullerene-biomolecule conjugates, in which fullerene may act as both an antioxidant and a carrier, specific targeting biomolecules conjugated to fullerene will undoubtedly strengthen the delivery of functional fullerenes to sites of clinical interest.

  19. 33 CFR 208.32 - Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith, Canadian River, Tex.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith... OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FLOOD CONTROL REGULATIONS § 208.32 Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith, Canadian River, Tex. The Bureau of Reclamation, or its designated agent, shall operate the Sanford Dam and...

  20. Late Neogene Orbitally-Forced Sea Surface Temperature Variability in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific as Measured by Uk'37 and TEX86

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lawrence, K. T.; Pearson, A.; Castañeda, I. S.; Peterson, L.

    2017-12-01

    Key features of late Neogene climate remain uncertain due to conflicting records derived from different sea surface temperature (SST) proxies. To resolve these disputes, it is necessary to explore both the consistencies and differences between paleotemperature estimates from critical oceanographic regimes. Here, we report orbital-scale climate variability at ODP Site 846 in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) in the interval from 5-6 Ma using alkenone and TEX86 temperature estimates. Results from both proxies are very similar in their secular trends and magnitude of long-term temperature change; and spectral analysis demonstrates that the records are coherent and in-phase or nearly in-phase in both the obliquity and precession bands. However, we find that the temperatures reconstructed by TEX86 are consistently offset towards colder values by 2ºC with orbital-scale variations approximately twice the amplitude of the Uk'37 derived estimates. Both temperature records are antiphased - i.e. "colder" - at higher sediment alkenone concentrations, a qualitative indicator of increased glacial productivity. Temperature differences between the proxies are accentuated during glacial intervals in contrasts to modern observations of EEP surface and subsurface temperatures, which show that thermocline temperatures are fairly stable, and thus by analogy, glacial cooling and/or enhanced upwelling should have reduced rather than accentuated temperature gradients in the upper water column. Therefore, arguments that Uk'37 corresponds to temperature variability in the surface, while TEX86 responds to the subsurface, may be too simplistic. Instead, it appears generally true that high-productivity environments, including the EEP, tend to have negative TEX86 anomalies. This may reflect a dual dependence of TEX86 records on both water column temperature and local productivity. Overall, our data suggest that in the EEP and likely in other upwelling zones, paleotemperature data derived

  1. Hydrogenation of hexene over platinum on alumina vs. platinum in a Na-Y zeolite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Miner, R.S. Jr.; Ione, K.G.; Namba, S.; Turkevich, J.

    1978-01-01

    In order to study the efficacy of zeolites as supports, several platinum H--Y zeolites were prepared by ion exchanging an H--Y zeolite with Pt(NH 3 ) 4 Cl 2 and reducing these products with hydrazine hydrate (A, B, C). Another preparation was made by adsorbing 32-A platinum sol on the zeolite crystallites (D). These catalysts were studied for hydrogenation and isomerization of hexene-1, ethylene hydrogenation, hydrogen chemisorption, and poison titration. They were compared with monodisperse Pt (32 A diameter) on alumina. A marked difference was found between the behavior of hexene-1 with the platinum-in-zeolite and with the platinum-on-alumina

  2. Electrosynthesis of vanillin from isoeugenol using platinum electrode

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mubarok, H.; Hilyatudini; Saepudin, E.; Ivandini, T. A.

    2017-04-01

    Vanillin was synthesized from isoeugenol through electrochemical method in one compartment cell using platinum electrode. Cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M TBAP in methanol and acetonitrile indicated the first oxidation potential at +0.21 and +0.16 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. Isoeugenolis was proposed to undergo the oxidation accompanied by oxidative cleavage of alkene bond into aldehyde. Accordingly, the synthesis of vanillin was conducted using chronoamperometry technique. The electrosynthesis result was analyzed by HPLC and GC/MS. The optimum condition of the oxidation potential, solvent ratio, time of electrolysis and amount of water was investigated.

  3. Conversion of green emission into white light in Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jayasimhadri, M.; Ratnam, B.V. [Department of Physics, Changwon National University, Changwon, 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Kiwan, E-mail: kwjang@changwon.ac.k [Department of Physics, Changwon National University, Changwon, 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Ho Sueb [Department of Physics, Changwon National University, Changwon, 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Yi, Soung-Soo [Department of Photonics, Silla University, Busan (Korea, Republic of); Jeong, Jung-Hyun [Department of Physics, Pukyong National University, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

    2010-09-01

    Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors were prepared by combustion synthesis with and without doping of Dy{sup 3+} ions. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicate that as-prepared Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} and 0.1 mol% Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} doped Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors have monoclinic structures. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies revealed that the as-prepared phosphors had an average crystallite sizes around 37 nm. The excitation and emission properties have been investigated for Dy{sup 3+} doped and undoped Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors. New emission bands were observed in the visible region for Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors without any rare earth ion doping under different excitations. A tentative mechanism for the origin of luminescence from Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} host was discussed. Emission properties also measured for 0.1 mol% Dy{sup 3+} doped Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors and found the characteristic Dy{sup 3+} visible emissions at 489 and 580 nm due to {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} {yields} {sup 6}H{sub 15/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} {yields} {sup 6}H{sub 13/2} transitions, respectively. The chromaticity coordinates were calculated based on the emission spectra of Dy{sup 3+} doped and undoped Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors and analyzed with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity diagram. These nanophosphors exhibit green color in undoped Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} and white color after adding 0.1 mol% Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} to Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanophosphors under UV excitation. These phosphors could be a promising phosphor for applications in flat panel displays.

  4. NMR relaxometric properties and cytotoxicity of Gd2O3 nanoparticle suspensions in an organic liquid

    Science.gov (United States)

    Babić-Stojić, Branka; Jokanović, Vukoman; Milivojević, Dušan; Požek, Miroslav; Jagličić, Zvonko; Makovec, Darko; Arsikin, Katarina; Paunović, Verica

    2014-10-01

    Gd2O3 nanoparticles and their agglomerates from approximately 10 to 80 nm in size suspended in an organic liquid were synthesized via polyol route. The reaction between diethylene glycol and added acetic acid, which occurred simultaneously with the synthesis of Gd2O3 nanoparticles, was catalyzed by sodium bisulfate to transform as much as possible diethylene glycol in corresponding ester at the end of complete reaction. The produced nanosized material of gadolinium oxide was investigated by TEM, DLS, FTIR spectroscopy, and NMR relaxometry. Biological evaluation of this material was done by MTT and crystal violet assays to determine the cell viability. Longitudinal and transverse relaxivities of water-diluted Gd2O3 nanoparticle suspensions estimated to be r 1 = 13.6 and r 2 = 14.7 s-1 mM-1 are about three times higher compared to the relaxivities obtained for standard contrast agent Gd-DTPA (Magnevist). Good MRI signal intensities of the water-diluted Gd2O3 nanoparticle suspensions were recorded in the Gd concentration range 0.2-0.3 mM for which the suspensions were not toxic exhibiting simultaneously higher signal intensities than those for Magnevist in the Gd concentration range 0.4-1 mM for which this standard contrast agent was not toxic. These properties make the produced Gd2O3 nanoparticle material promising for potential application as MRI contrast agent.

  5. Multivalent contrast agents based on Gd-DTPA-terminated poly (propylene imine) dendrimers for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Langereis, S.; Lussanet, de Q.G; Genderen, van M.H.P.; Backes, W.H.; Meijer, E.W.

    2004-01-01

    A convenient methodol. has been developed for the synthesis of gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-terminated poly(propylene imine) dendrimers as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In our strategy, isocyanate-activated, tert-butyl-protected DTPA analogs were

  6. Synthesis and characterization of physical properties of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} semi-nanoflower phosphor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bagheri, A.; Rezaee Ebrahim Saraee, Kh.; Shakur, H.R. [University of Isfahan, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Advance Sciences and Technologies, Isfahan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Zamani Zeinali, H. [Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Agriculture, Medical and Industrial Research School, Karaj (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

    2016-05-15

    Pure gadolinium oxysulfide phosphor (Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S) and trivalent praseodymium-doped gadolinium oxysulfide phosphor (Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+}) scintillators with semi-nanoflower crystalline structures were successfully synthesized through a precipitation method and subsequent calcination treatment as a converter for X-ray imaging detectors. The characterization such as the crystal structures and nanostructure of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} scintillator measured by XRD and FeE-SEM experiment. The optical properties of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} scintillator were studied. Luminescence spectra of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} under 320 nm UV excitation show a green emission at near 511 nm corresponding to the {sup 3}P{sub 0}-{sup 3}H{sub 4} of Pr ions. After scintillation properties of synthesized Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} scintillator investigated, Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} scintillating film fabricated on a glass substrate by a sedimentation method. X-ray imaging of the fabricated scintillators confirmed that the Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Pr{sup 3+} scintillator could be used for radiography applications in which good spatial resolution is needed. (orig.)

  7. Organometallic DNA-B12 Conjugates as Potential Oligonucleotide Vectors: Synthesis and Structural and Binding Studies with Human Cobalamin-Transport Proteins.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mutti, Elena; Hunger, Miriam; Fedosov, Sergey; Nexo, Ebba; Kräutler, Bernhard

    2017-11-16

    The synthesis and structural characterization of Co-(dN) 25 -Cbl (Cbl: cobalamin; dN: deoxynucleotide) and Co-(dN) 39 -Cbl, which are organometallic DNA-B 12 conjugates with single DNA strands consisting of 25 and 39 deoxynucleotides, respectively, and binding studies of these two DNA-Cbl conjugates to three homologous human Cbl transporting proteins, transcobalamin (TC), intrinsic factor (IF), and haptocorrin (HC), are reported. This investigation tests the suitability of such DNA-Cbls for the task of eventual in vivo oligonucleotide delivery. The binding of DNA-Cbl to TC, IF, and HC was investigated in competition with either a fluorescent Cbl derivative and Co-(dN) 25 -Cbl, or radiolabeled vitamin B 12 ( 57 Co-CNCbl) and Co-(dN) 25 -Cbl or Co-(dN) 39 -Cbl. Binding of the new DNA-Cbl conjugates was fast and tight with TC, but poorer with HC and IF, which extends a similar original finding with the simpler DNA-Cbl, Co-(dN) 18 -Cbl. The contrasting affinities of TC versus IF and HC for the DNA-Cbl conjugates are rationalized herein by a stepwise mechanism of Cbl binding. Critical contributions to overall affinity result from gradual conformational adaptations of the Cbl-binding proteins to the DNA-Cbl, which is first bound to the respective β domains. This transition is fast with TC, but slow with IF and HC, with which weaker binding results. The invariably tight interaction of the DNA-Cbl conjugates with TC makes the Cbl moiety a potential natural vector for the specific delivery of oligonucleotide loads from the blood into cells. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Thermodynamics of translesion synthesis across a major DNA adduct of antitumor oxaliplatin: Differential scanning calorimetric study

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Florian, Jakub; Brabec, Viktor

    2012-01-01

    Roč. 18, č. 6 (2012), s. 1634-1639 ISSN 0947-6539 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GD301/09/H004; GA ČR(CZ) GAP301/10/0598 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50040702 Keywords : antitumor platinum * DNA * calorimetry Subject RIV: BO - Biophysics Impact factor: 5.831, year: 2012

  9. Glypican-1-antibody-conjugated Gd–Au nanoclusters for FI/MRI dual-modal targeted detection of pancreatic cancer

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Huanhuan; Le, Wenjun; Cui, Shaobin; Chen, Xin; Li, Wei; Zhang, Fulei; Huang, Yong; Sh, Donglu; Cui, Zheng; Shao, Chengwei; Chen, Bingdi

    2018-01-01

    Introduction Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis with high mortality, due to the lack of effective early diagnostic and prognostic tools. Materials and methods In order to target and diagnose PC, we developed a dual-modal imaging probe using Glypican-1 (GPC-1) antibody conjugated with Gd–Au nanoclusters (NCs; Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1). GPC-1 is a type of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which is often highly expressed in PC. The probe was successfully prepared with a hydrodynamic diameter ranging from 13.5 to 24.4 nm. Results Spectral characteristics showed absorption at 280 nm and prominent emission at 650 nm. Confocal microscopic imaging showed effective detection of GPC-1 highly expressed PC cells by Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1, which was consistent with flow cytometry results. In vitro relaxivity characterization demonstrated that the r1 value of the probe was 17.722 s−1 mM−1 Gd, which was almost 4 times higher compared with that of Gd-diethylenetriaminepentacetate (DTPA; r1 value =4.6 s−1 mM−1 Gd). Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 exhibited similar magnetic resonance (MR) signals when compared to Gd-DTPA even at lower Gd concentrations. Much higher MR signals were registered in PC cells (COLO-357) compared with normal cells (293T). Furthermore, Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 could effectively detect PC cells in vivo by dual-modal fluorescence imaging/magnetic resonance imaging (FI/MRI) at 30 minutes postinjection. In addition, Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 did not show significant biotoxicity to normal cells at tested concentrations both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Gd-Au-NC-GPC-1 has demonstrated to be a promising dual-modal FI/MRI contrast agent for targeted diagnosis of PC. PMID:29750031

  10. Calculation of the band structure of GdCo2, GdRh2 e GdIr2 by the APW method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Carvalho, J.A.B. de.

    1974-03-01

    The band structure of GdCo 2 , GdRh 2 , GdIr 2 has been calculated by the APW method. A histogram of the density of states is presented for each compound. The bands are transition-metal-like, with s-d hybridization near the Fermi level. The 5d character near the Fermi level increases as one goes from Co to Ir

  11. Phosphoric acid fuel cell platinum use study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lundblad, H. L.

    1983-05-01

    The U.S. Department of Energy is promoting the private development of phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) power plants for terrestrial applications. Current PAFC technology utilizes platinum as catalysts in the power electrodes. The possible repercussions that the platinum demand of PAFC power plant commercialization will have on the worldwide supply and price of platinum from the outset of commercialization to the year 2000 are investigated. The platinum demand of PAFC commercialization is estimated by developing forecasts of platinum use per unit of generating capacity and penetration of PAFC power plants into the electric generation market. The ability of the platinum supply market to meet future demands is gauged by assessing the size of platinum reserves and the capability of platinum producers to extract, refine and market sufficient quantities of these reserves. The size and timing of platinum price shifts induced by the added demand of PAFC commercialization are investigated by several analytical methods. Estimates of these price shifts are then used to calculate the subsequent effects on PAFC power plant capital costs.

  12. A stereo-controlled route to conjugated E-enediynes

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    ZHOU Lei; JIANG Huanfeng

    2007-01-01

    3-Ene-1,5-diynes are important components of many enediyne antitumor agents and luminescent materials.A stereo-controlled approach to the synthesis of E-enediynes was developed,and it consists of the following two steps:(1)a mild and economical synthesis of dihalo vinyl derivatives via addition of CuBr2 to alkynes;(2) the Sonogashira coupling reaction of the dihalo vinyl derivatives with terminal alkynes to form conjugated enediynes.

  13. Dye sensitized solar cell based on platinum decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes as catalytic layer on the counter electrode

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mathew, Ambily; Rao, G. Mohan; Munichandraiah, N.

    2011-01-01

    Graphical abstract: I-V characteristics of the DSSCs with Pt CE and Pt/MWCNT CE measured at 100 mW/cm 2 . It shows relatively better performance with Pt/MWCNT counter electrodes. Highlights: → Synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by pyrolysis. → Synthesis of Pt/MWCNT composite by chemical reduction. → Fabrication DSSC using Pt/MWCNT as catalytic layer on the counter electrode. → Study of catalytic activity by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. -- Abstract: In this study we have employed multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), decorated with platinum as catalytic layer for the reduction of tri-iodide ions in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). MWCNTs have been prepared by a simple one step pyrolysis method using ferrocene as the catalyst and xylene as the carbon source. Platinum decorated MWCNTs have been prepared by chemical reduction method. The as prepared MWCNTs and Pt/MWCNTs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In combination with a dye adsorbed TiO 2 photoanode and an organic liquid electrolyte, Pt/MWCNT composite showed an enhanced short circuit current density of 16.12 mA/cm 2 leading to a cell efficiency of 6.50% which is comparable to that of Platinum.

  14. Dye sensitized solar cell based on platinum decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes as catalytic layer on the counter electrode

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mathew, Ambily [Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 India (India); Rao, G. Mohan, E-mail: gmrao@isu.iisc.ernet.in [Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 India (India); Munichandraiah, N. [Department of Inorgonic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 India (India)

    2011-11-15

    Graphical abstract: I-V characteristics of the DSSCs with Pt CE and Pt/MWCNT CE measured at 100 mW/cm{sup 2}. It shows relatively better performance with Pt/MWCNT counter electrodes. Highlights: {yields} Synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by pyrolysis. {yields} Synthesis of Pt/MWCNT composite by chemical reduction. {yields} Fabrication DSSC using Pt/MWCNT as catalytic layer on the counter electrode. {yields} Study of catalytic activity by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. -- Abstract: In this study we have employed multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), decorated with platinum as catalytic layer for the reduction of tri-iodide ions in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). MWCNTs have been prepared by a simple one step pyrolysis method using ferrocene as the catalyst and xylene as the carbon source. Platinum decorated MWCNTs have been prepared by chemical reduction method. The as prepared MWCNTs and Pt/MWCNTs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In combination with a dye adsorbed TiO{sub 2} photoanode and an organic liquid electrolyte, Pt/MWCNT composite showed an enhanced short circuit current density of 16.12 mA/cm{sup 2} leading to a cell efficiency of 6.50% which is comparable to that of Platinum.

  15. Observations of Radical Precursors during TexAQS II: Findings and Implications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Olaguer, E. P.; Lefer, B. L.; Rappenglueck, B.; Pinto, J. P.

    2009-12-01

    The Texas Environmental Research Consortium (TERC) sponsored and helped organize significant components of the Second Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS II). Some of the TERC-sponsored experiments, most notably those associated with the TexAQS II Radical and Aerosol Measurement Project (TRAMP) sited on top of the Moody Tower at the University of Houston, found evidence for the importance of short-lived radical sources such as formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrous acid (HONO) in increasing ozone productivity. During TRAMP, daytime HCHO pulses as large as 32 ppb were observed and attributed to industrial activities upwind in the Houston Ship Channel (HSC), and HCHO peaks as large as 52 ppb were detected by in-situ surface monitors in the HSC. In addition, an instrumented Piper Aztec aircraft observed plumes of apparent primary formaldehyde in flares from petrochemical facilities in the HSC. In one such combustion plume, depleted of ozone by large NOx emissions, the Piper Aztec measured an HCHO-to-CO ratio three times that of mobile sources. HCHO from uncounted primary sources or ozonolysis of underestimated olefin emissions could significantly increase ozone productivity in Houston beyond previous expectations. Simulations with the CAMx model show that additional emissions of HCHO from industrial flares can increase peak ozone in Houston by up to 30 ppb, depending on conditions in the planetary boundary layer. Other findings from TexAQS II include significant concentrations of HONO throughout the day, well in excess of current air quality model predictions, with large nocturnal vertical gradients indicating a surface or near-surface source of HONO, and large concentrations of night-time radicals (~30 ppt HO2). Additional HONO sources could increase daytime ozone by more than 10 ppb. Improving the representation of primary and secondary HCHO and HONO in air quality models could enhance the effectiveness of simulated control strategies, and thus make ozone attainment

  16. Hydrothermal synthesis of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} nanophosphors: Effect of surfactant on structural and luminescence properties

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dhananjaya, N., E-mail: dhanu.siri@yahoo.co.in [B.S. Narayan Centre of Excellence for Advanced Materials, B.M.S. Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560 064 (India); Department of Physics, B.M.S. Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560 064 (India); Nagabhushana, H., E-mail: bhushanvlc@gmail.com [Prof. C.N.R. Rao Centre for Advanced Materials, Tumkur University, Tumkur 572 103 (India); Sharma, S.C. [B.S. Narayan Centre of Excellence for Advanced Materials, B.M.S. Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560 064 (India); Department of Mechanical Engineering, B.M.S. Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560 064 (India); Rudraswamy, B. [Department of Physics, J.B. Campus, Bangalore University, Bangalore 560 056 (India); Shivakumara, C. [Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012 (India); Nagabhushana, B.M. [Department of Chemistry, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560 054 (India)

    2014-02-25

    Highlights: • Gd(OH){sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}, GdOOH:Eu{sup 3+} and Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phases were prepared by hydrothermal method. • Phosphors were well characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, UV–Vis, FT-IR. • Cubic Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} show intense red emission, which was highly useful for photonics application. • HDA surfactant plays an important role in conversion of cubic to hexagonal phases. -- Abstract: Various morphologies of Eu{sup 3+} activated gadolinium oxide have been prepared by hydrothermal method using hexadecylamine (HDA) as surfactant at different experimental conditions. The powder X-ray diffraction studies reveal as-formed product is hexagonal Gd(OH){sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phase and subsequent heat treatment at 350 and 600 °C transforms to monoclinic GdOOH:Eu{sup 3+} and cubic Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phases respectively. SEM pictures of without surfactant show irregular shaped rods along with flakes. However, in the presence of HDA surfactant, the particles are converted into rods of various sizes. The temperature dependent morphological evolution of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} without and with HDA surfactant is studied. TEM micrographs of Gd(OH){sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} sample with HDA confirms smooth nanorods with various diameters in the range 20–100 nm. FTIR studies reveal that HDA surfactant plays an important role in conversion of cubic to hexagonal phases. Among these three phases, cubic phase Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} (λ{sub ex} = 254 nm) show red emission at 612 nm corresponding to {sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2} and is more efficient host than the monoclinic counterpart. The band gap for hexagonal Gd(OH){sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} is more when compared to monoclinic GdOOH:Eu{sup 3+} and cubic Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}.

  17. Seed-mediated synthesis of NaY F4:Y b, Er/NaGdF4 nanocrystals with improved upconversion fluorescence and MR relaxivity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guo Hai; Li Zhengquan; Qian Haisheng; Hu Yong; Muhammad, Idris Niagara

    2010-01-01

    Rational combination of different functional lanthanide materials within a single nanocrystal presents a feasible way to develop a multifunctional nanoplatform for various biomedical applications. The conventional methods of synthesizing and integrating two kinds of material together generally involve laborious procedures, whilst codoping different functional ions inside a single lanthanide nanocrystal usually results in a decrease in both its fluorescence and its magnetic resonance relaxivity. Here, we present a seed-mediated synthetic route to prepare core-shell structured NaY F 4 :Y b, Er/NaGdF 4 nanocrystals. Epitaxial growth of a gadolinium layer on an upconversion lanthanide seed not only improves its upconversion fluorescence, but also creates a paramagnetic shell with high magnetic resonance relaxivity. The prepared nanocrystals are uniform in size, stable in water and easy for conjugation after modification, which may have the potential to serve as a versatile imaging tool for smart detection or diagnosis in future biomedical engineering.

  18. Caracterização da hipersensibilidade a luvas de látex em profissionais da odontologia = Rubber latex gloves hypersensitivities in dental workers

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Flávia Sukekava

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available As reações alérgicas ao látex vêm aumentando em profissionais da saúde e se manifestam como um incômodo local ou sintomatologia sistêmica. Para conhecer a freqüência das manifestações alérgicas nos usuários de luvas de látex foi realizada busca entre os profissionais da odontologia via aplicação de questionários. Foram aplicados 450questionários e, dentre os respondedores (140, 19% relataram manifestar reações locais ao contato com as luvas de látex e 5% reações sistêmicas a outros produtos de látex. Cerca de 2,5% declararam dermatite de contato e reações sistêmicas (anafiláticas, 1,5% apenas dermatite de contato e 1% sintomas de anafilaxia ao uso das luvas. Vinte por cento dos profissionais atenderam pacientes com alergia ao látex e 29% declararam questionar, durante a anamnese, a respeito de alergia ao látex. As reações alérgicas a luvas de látex foram freqüentes e é objeto de preocupação entre os profissionais da odontologia.Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased in dental practice affecting both the professional and the patients. Allergic reactions may range from skin disease to asthma and anaphylaxis. This study aimed at determining the incidence of latex gloves allergy amongdental care workers. 450 allergy questionnaires were used to collect information on latex gloves reactions and 140 dental works answered them. Latex gloves reaction occurred in 19% of them and 5% reported allergic reactions to other latex products. 2.5% reported symptoms suggesting contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis hypersensitivities, 1.5% contact dermatitis, and 1% reported anaphylaxis symptoms when wearing them. 20% of them had patients who presented symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis hypersensitivity to rubber gloves latex. Our study confirms that rubber latex gloves reactions are frequent among dental care workers, and dentists must be aware of the latex allergy in dental practice.

  19. DNA-Conjugated Organic Chromophores in DNA Stacking Interactions

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Filichev, Vyacheslav V.; Pedersen, Erik Bjerregaard

    2009-01-01

    Since the discovery of the intercalation of acridine derivatives into DNA (1961), chemists have synthesized many intercalators tethered to DNA. Advances in the chemical synthesis of modified nucleosides along with progress in oligonucleotide synthesis have made it possible to introduce organic ch...... review presents those efforts in the design of intercalators/organic chromophores as oligonucleotide conjugates that form a foundation for the generation of novel nucleic acid architectures......Since the discovery of the intercalation of acridine derivatives into DNA (1961), chemists have synthesized many intercalators tethered to DNA. Advances in the chemical synthesis of modified nucleosides along with progress in oligonucleotide synthesis have made it possible to introduce organic...

  20. Chiral amides via copper-catalysed enantioselective conjugate addition

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Schoonen, Anne K.; Fernández-Ibáñez, M. Ángeles; Fañanás-Mastral, Martín; Teichert, Johannes F.; Feringa, Bernard

    2014-01-01

    A highly enantioselective one pot procedure for the synthesis of beta-substituted amides was developed starting from the corresponding alpha,beta-unsaturated esters. This new methodology is based on the copper-catalysed enantioselective conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to

  1. Synthesis of selectively 13C-labelled benzoic acid for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurement of glycine conjugation activity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Akira, Kazuki; Hasegawa, Hiroshi; Baba, Shigeo

    1995-01-01

    The synthesis of [4- 13 C]benzoic acid (BA) labelled in a single protonated carbon, for use as a probe to measure glycine conjugation activity by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, has been reported. The labelled compound was prepared by a seven-step synthetic scheme on a relatively small scale using [2- 13 C] acetone as the source of label in overall yield of 16%. The usefulness of [4- 13 C]BA was demonstrated by the NMR spectroscopic monitoring of urinary excretion of [4- 13 C]hippuric acid in the rat administered with the labelled BA. (Author)

  2. Developments in platinum anticancer drugs

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tylkowski, Bartosz; Jastrząb, Renata; Odani, Akira

    2018-01-01

    Platinum compounds represent one of the great success stories of metals in medicine. Following the unexpected discovery of the anticancer activity of cisplatin (Fig. 1) in 1965 by Prof. Rosenberg [1], a large number of its variants have been prepared and tested for their ability to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. Although cisplatin has been in use for over four decades, new and more effective platinum-based therapeutics are finally on the horizon. A wide introduction to anticancer studies is given by the authors of the previous chapter. This chapter aims at providing the readers with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of recent developments of platinum anticancer drugs and to review the state of the art. The chapter is divided into two parts. In the first part we present a historical aspect of platinum and its complexes, while in the second part we give an overview of developments in the field of platinum anticancer agents.

  3. Selective modification of NMR relaxation time in human colorectal carcinoma by using gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid conjugated with monoclonal antibody 19-9.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Curtet, C; Tellier, C; Bohy, J; Conti, M L; Saccavini, J C; Thedrez, P; Douillard, J Y; Chatal, J F; Koprowski, H

    1986-01-01

    Monoclonal antibody 19-9 (mAb 19-9) against human colon adenocarcinoma was conjugated with gadolinium X diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd X DTPA) and used as a contrast agent in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in an effort to improve tumor target selectivity in nude mice. The data indicate that Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 in solution decreased the T1 relaxation of water protons at 90 MHz in direct proportion to the gadolinium concentration, and this effect was greater than in Gd X DTPA solutions. T1 relaxation time at 90 MHz, measured in tumors removed from nude mice 24 hr after injection of Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 (Gd, 20 mumol/kg; 16 DTPA molecules per mAb molecule), was significantly decreased (by 15%) as compared with the control group. Similar results were obtained in tumors from mice injected with Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 solutions in which Gd was used at 2, 6, or 10 mumol/kg (16 DTPA molecules per mAb molecule). These doses are lower than those commonly used for Gd X DTPA (10-100 mumol/kg) as contrast agent. Tumor localization by the Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 complex containing radioactive Gd (0.3 microCi/microgram of 153Gd) to confirm scintigraphy revealed significant concentrations of the complex (5% of the injected dose per gram of tissue) in the tumor. Scan images recorded in planar scintigraphy at day 5 showed good visualization of tumors. Images PMID:3459174

  4. The Gd14Ag51 structure type and its relation to some complex amalgam structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tambornino, Frank; Sappl, Jonathan; Hoch, Constantin

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • The Gd 14 Ag 51 structure type has been revisited on the basis of single crystal diffraction data. • Symmetry analysis from electron density and TEM shows the space group P6/m to be true. • Gd 14 Ag 51 shows good metallic behaviour. • Structure relations to alkali, alkaline-earth and rare-earth metal amalgams can be established. • Complexity values for the RE 14 Ag 51 structure family were calculated. - Abstract: A plethora of binary and ternary intermetallic compounds has been assigned to the Gd 14 Ag 51 structure type, crystallising in the hexagonal system (space group P6/m, a = 1264.30(18) pm, c = 933.58(11) pm for Gd 14 Ag 51 ). Starting in the late 1960s, much work has been invested in the structural elucidation of these crystal structures. However, reliable single crystal data are scarce, and most structure type assignments have been performed merely on the basis of powder data. We have redetermined four representatives of the binary RE 14 Ag 51 structure type (RE = Y, Ce, Gd, Tb) with modern high-precision single crystal X-ray methods. The assignment of the Gd 14 Ag 51 structure type to space group P6/m was additionally verified by careful analysis of high resolution transmission electron micrographs. We emphasise the close relation of the Gd 14 Ag 51 structure type to the structures of some recently described amalgams of similar composition focussing on disorder phenomena and structural complexity. Furthermore, we provide detailed information on synthesis as well as electrical and magnetic properties for Gd 14 Ag 51 , the parent compound of this structure family

  5. Effect of Al2Gd on microstructure and properties of laser clad Mg–Al–Gd coatings

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen, Hong; Zhang, Ke; Yao, Chengwu; Dong, Jie; Li, Zhuguo; Emmelmann, Claus

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • Mg–Al–Gd coatings with different Gd contents were fabricated by fiber laser cladding. • Chemical compositions and crystal structures of the second phases were characterized. • Dispersion of Al 2 Gd led to further grain refining and elevated mechanical properties. • Al 2 Gd improved high-temperature performances by preventing tiny liquation. - Abstract: In order to investigate the effects of Gd addition on the microstructures and properties of magnesium coatings, the Mg–7.5Al–xGd (x = 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt.%) coatings on cast magnesium alloy were fabricated by laser cladding with wire feeding. The results indicated that the gadolinium (Gd) addition led to the formation of a cubic Al 2 Gd phase as well as suppressed the precipitation of eutectic Mg 17 Al 12 phase. The laser clad coating containing nominally 7.5 wt.% Gd presented the highest microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength at both room temperature and high temperatures. The enhancement of heat resistant capacities was chiefly attributed to the existence of thermally stable Al 2 Gd particles, which prevented tiny liquation of eutectic phases along the grain boundaries and made great contributions on maintaining high yield ratio during high-temperature deformation

  6. TEX-SIS Occ/Tec Non-Returning Student Follow-Up, Volume 1, Number 1.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gose, Frank

    In 1981, selected data about nonreturning occupational/technical students were collected at Yavapai College using the TEX-SIS follow-up system, which was developed by the Texas Education Agency and Texas Coordinating Board for Universities and Colleges. A sample of 449 students was selected from the approximately 900 students who had enrolled in…

  7. Microwave-induced combustion synthesis and electrical conductivity of Ce1-xGd xO2-1/2x ceramics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fu, Y.-P.; Chang, Y.-S.; Wen, S.-B.

    2006-01-01

    Ce 1-x Gd x O 2-1/2x nanopowder were successfully synthesized by microwave-induced combustion process. For the preparation, cerium nitrate, gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate, and urea were used for the microwave-induced combustion process. The process took only 30 min to obtain Ce 1-x Gd x O 2-1/2x powders. The exo-endo temperature, phase identification, and morphology of resultant powders were investigated by TG/DTA, XRD, and SEM. The as-received Ce 1-x Gd x O 2-1/2x powders showed that the average particle size ranged from 18 to 50 nm, crystallite dimension varied from 11 to 20 nm, and the specific surface area was distribution from 16 to 46 m 2 /g. As for Ce 1-x Gd x O 2-1/2x ceramics sintered at 1450 deg. C for 3 h, the bulk density of Ce 1-x Gd x O 2-1/2x ceramics were over 91% of the theoretical density, the maximum electrical conductivity, σ 700deg.C = 0.017 S/cm with minimum activation energy, E a = 0.869 eV was found at Ce 0.80 Gd 0.20 O 1.90 ceramic

  8. Methotrexate and epirubicin conjugates as potential antitumor drugs

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Szymon Wojciech Kmiecik

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available Introduction: The use of hybrid molecules has become one of the most significant approaches in new cytotoxic drug design. This study describes synthesis and characterization of conjugates consisting of two well-known and characterized chemotherapeutic agents: methotrexate (MTX and epirubicin (EPR. The synthesized conjugates combine two significant anticancer strategies: combinatory therapy and targeted therapy. These two drugs were chosen because they have different mechanisms of action, which can increase the anticancer effect of the obtained conjugates. MTX, which is a folic acid analog, has high cytotoxic properties and can serve as a targeting moiety that can reach folate receptors (FRs overexpresing tumor cells. Combination of nonselective drugs such as EPR with MTX can increase the selectivity of the obtained conjugates, while maintaining the high cytotoxic properties.Materials and methods: Conjugates were purified by RP-HPLC and the structure was investigated by MS and MS/MS methods. The effect of the conjugates on proliferation of LoVo, LoVo/Dx, MCF-7 and MV-4-11 human cancer cell lines was determined by SRB or MTT assay.Results: The conjugation reaction results in the formation of monosubstituted (α, γ and disubstituted MTX derivatives. In vitro proliferation data demonstrate that the conjugates synthesized in our study show lower cytotoxic properties than both chemotherapeutics used alone.Discussion: Epirubicin cytotoxicity was not observed in obtained conjugates. Effective drugs release after internalization needs further investigation.

  9. Controlled synthesis of different multilayer architectures of GdBO{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors and shape-dependent luminescence properties

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Leng, Zhihua; Zhang, Nannan; Liu, Yali; Li, Linlin; Gan, Shucai, E-mail: gansc@jlu.edu.cn

    2015-03-01

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Pancake-like/flower-like/leaf-like GdBO{sub 3} were obtained via a hydrothermal method. • Gd(OH){sub 3} nanorods and borates were used as the precursors for the first time. • A dissolution and recrystallization process was happened induced by the excess borax. • Three products have the similar stacked arrangements to reduce the surface energy. • The luminescence properties of GdBO{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} are related to shape and crystallinity. - Abstract: Monodisperse pancake-like/flower-like/leaf-like GdBO{sub 3} samples have been successfully synthesized via a designed hydrothermal conversion method using H{sub 3}BO{sub 3}, Na{sub 2}B{sub 4}O{sub 7}·10H{sub 2}O, or NaBO{sub 2}·4H{sub 2}O as boron sources, respectively. It was found that different boron sources have crucial influences on the formation and morphology of the products. The Gd(OH){sub 3} nanorods precursors were prepared through a simple hydrothermal process, which then served as sacrificial templates for the fabrication of GdBO{sub 3} micropancakes/microflowers/microleaves via a hydrothermal conversion process. FT-IR spectra confirm that vaterite-type GdBO{sub 3} can be synthesized by this method. The possible formation mechanisms for different microstructures were put forward on the basis of a series of time-dependent control experiments. The products have similar stacked arrangements driven by the minimization of the interfacial and surface energy of the hydrothermal system. An investigation on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of GdBO{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} samples with different morphologies indicates that the PL properties of as-obtained GdBO{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors are strongly dependent on their morphology and crystallinity. The flower-like structure exhibits the strongest red emission.

  10. Pericardial tissue valves and Gore-Tex conduits as an alternative for right ventricular outflow tract replacement in children.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Allen, Bradley S; El-Zein, Chawki; Cuneo, Betina; Cava, Joseph P; Barth, Mary Jane; Ilbawi, Michel N

    2002-09-01

    There is still no perfect conduit for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in children. Homografts are not always available in the appropriate size, and degenerate in a few years. This study evaluates the pericardial valve with Gore-Tex conduit as an alternative for RVOT construction. From January 1, 1993, to September 30, 1999, a pericardial tissue valve was inserted in all patients undergoing RVOT reconstruction or pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) who were large enough to accommodate a tissue valve. In patients without a native main pulmonary artery, a new technique was used to construct an RV-PA conduit out of a flat sheet of Gore-Tex, as Dacron frequently leads to stenosis. Data were collected by retrospective review, follow-up echocardiograms, and assessment by a single cardiologist. There were 48 patients, 22 undergoing a PVR alone and 26 a RV-PA valved Gore-Tex conduit. Diagnosis included tetralogy of Fallot (n = 25); truncus arteriosis (n = 9); ventricular septal defect with PA (n = 5); DORV (n = 4); D-TGA with PS (n = 2); and 1 each IAA with sub AS, VSD with PI, and PS s/p Ross procedure. Patient age ranged from 3 to 33 years and 98% were reoperations. The valve sizes ranged from 19 to 33 mm and the median hospital length of stay was 4 days. There were 2 (4.2%) perioperative and 1 (2.1%) late deaths, none related to the valve or Gore-Tex conduit. At a follow-up of 15 to 86 months (mean 43 +/- 16 months), all remaining 45 patients are New York Heart Association class I, all valves are functional, and no patient has required valve or conduit replacement or revision; more importantly, echocardiogram revealed no significant valve or conduit stenosis (mean gradient 16 +/- 8 mm Hg) and no evidence of regurgitation or structural degeneration. A pericardial tissue valve and Gore-Tex conduit provides a reliable alternative for RVOT reconstruction in pediatric patients. It is readily available, molds in the limited retrosternal space, and

  11. TP53 status and taxane-platinum versus platinum-based therapy in ovarian cancer patients: A non-randomized retrospective study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Markowska Janina

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Taxane-platinum therapy (TP has replaced platinum-based therapy (PC or PAC, DNA damaging chemotherapy in the postoperative treatment of ovarian cancer patients; however, it is not always effective. TP53 protein plays a differential role in response to DNA-damaging agents and taxanes. We sought to define profiles of patients who benefit the most from TP and also of those who can be treated with PC. Methods We compared the effectiveness of PC/PAC (n = 253 and TP (n = 199 with respect to tumor TP53 accumulation in ovarian cancer patients with FIGO stage IIB-IV disease; this was a non-randomized retrospective study. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 452 archival tumors; univariate and multivariate analysis by the Cox's and logistic regression models was performed in all patients and in subgroups with [TP53(+] and without TP53 accumulation [TP53(-]. Results The advantage of taxane-platinum therapy over platinum-based therapy was seen in the TP53(+, and not in the TP53(- group. In the TP53(+ group taxane-platinum therapy enhanced the probability of complete remission (p = .018, platinum sensitivity (p = .014, platinum highly sensitive response (p = .038 and longer survival (OS, p = .008. Poor tumor differentiation diminished the advantage from taxane-platinum therapy in the TP53(+ group. In the TP53(- group PC/PAC was at least equally efficient as taxane-platinum therapy and it enhanced the chance of platinum highly sensitive response (p = .010. However, in the TP53(- group taxane-platinum therapy possibly diminished the risk of death in patients over 53 yrs (p = .077. Among factors that positively interacted with taxane-platinum therapy in some analyses were endometrioid and clear cell type, FIGO III stage, bulky residual tumor, more advanced age of patient and moderate tumor differentiation. Conclusion Our results suggest that taxane-platinum therapy is particularly justified in patients with TP53(+ tumors or older

  12. The Chameleonic Nature of Platinum(II) Imidazopyridine Complexes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pinter, Piermaria; Pittkowski, Rebecca; Soellner, Johannes; Strassner, Thomas

    2017-10-12

    The synthesis and characterization of cyclometalated C^C* platinum(II) complexes with unique photophysical properties, aggregation induced enhancement of the quantum yields with a simultaneous decrease of phosphorescence lifetimes, is reported. Additionally, a change of emission color is induced by variation of the excitation wavelength. The aggregation behavior of these complexes is controlled by the steric demand of the substituents. The photophysical properties of these complexes are investigated through emission-excitation matrix analysis (EEM). The monomeric complexes are excellent room temperature phosphorescent blue emitters with emission maxima below 470 nm and quantum yields of up to 93 %. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. A comparison of Gd-BOPTA and Gd-DOTA for contrast-enhanced MRI of intracranial tumours

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Colosimo, C.; Knopp, M.V.; Barreau, X.; Gerardin, E.; Kirchin, M.A.; Guezenoc, F.; Lodemann, K.P.

    2004-01-01

    A two-centre intra-individual crossover study was performed in 23 patients with suspected high-grade glioma or metastases to assess and compare the safety and enhancement characteristics of two different MRI contrast media (gadobenate dimeglumine, Gd-BOPTA and gadoterate meglumine, Gd-DOTA) at equivalent doses of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight. T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) and T2-weighted fast SE images were obtained before and T1-weighted images 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 15 min after injection. T1-weighted images with magnetisation transfer contrast were acquired 12 min after injection. Qualitative assessment by blinded, off-site readers (reader 1: 19 patients; reader 2: 21) and on-site investigators (23) revealed significant (P ≤0.005) overall preference for Gd-BOPTA over Gd-DOTA for contrast enhancement (Gd-BOPTA preferred in 18, 15 and 18 cases; Gd-DOTA in 0, 1 and 1 and no preference in 1, 5 and 4; off-site readers 1 and 2, and on-site investigators, respectively). A similar significant preference for Gd-BOPTA was expressed by off-site readers and on-site investigators for lesion-to-brain contrast, lesion delineation, internal lesion structure, and overall image preference. Quantitative assessment by off-site readers revealed significantly (p<0.05) greater lesion enhancement with Gd-BOPTA than with Gd-DOTA at all times from 2 min after injection. (orig.)

  14. General synthesis and structural evolution of a layered family of Ln8(OH)20Cl4 x nH2O (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Y).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Geng, Fengxia; Matsushita, Yoshitaka; Ma, Renzhi; Xin, Hao; Tanaka, Masahiko; Izumi, Fujio; Iyi, Nobuo; Sasaki, Takayoshi

    2008-12-03

    The synthesis process and crystal structure evolution for a family of stoichiometric layered rare-earth hydroxides with general formula Ln(8)(OH)(20)Cl(4) x nH(2)O (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Y; n approximately 6-7) are described. Synthesis was accomplished through homogeneous precipitation of LnCl(3) x xH(2)O with hexamethylenetetramine to yield a single-phase product for Sm-Er and Y. Some minor coexisting phases were observed for Nd(3+) and Tm(3+), indicating a size limit for this layered series. Light lanthanides (Nd, Sm, Eu) crystallized into rectangular platelets, whereas platelets of heavy lanthanides from Gd tended to be of quasi-hexagonal morphology. Rietveld profile analysis revealed that all phases were isostructural in an orthorhombic layered structure featuring a positively charged layer, [Ln(8)(OH)(20)(H(2)O)(n)](4+), and interlayer charge-balancing Cl(-) ions. In-plane lattice parameters a and b decreased nearly linearly with a decrease in the rare-earth cation size. The interlamellar distance, c, was almost constant (approximately 8.70 A) for rare-earth elements Nd(3+), Sm(3+), and Eu(3+), but it suddenly decreased to approximately 8.45 A for Tb(3+), Dy(3+), Ho(3+), and Er(3+), which can be ascribed to two different degrees of hydration. Nd(3+) typically adopted a phase with high hydration, whereas a low-hydration phase was preferred for Tb(3+), Dy(3+), Ho(3+), Er(3+), and Tm(3+). Sm(3+), Eu(3+), and Gd(3+) samples were sensitive to humidity conditions because high- and low-hydration phases were interconvertible at a critical humidity of 10%, 20%, and 50%, respectively, as supported by both X-ray diffraction and gravimetry as a function of the relative humidity. In the phase conversion process, interlayer expansion or contraction of approximately 0.2 A also occurred as a possible consequence of absorption/desorption of H(2)O molecules. The hydration difference was also evidenced by refinement results. The number of coordinated water

  15. Synthesis and Characterization of Gd and Nd Nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Romero, Dulce G.; Ho, Pei-Chun; Attar, Saeed

    2009-03-01

    Due to the reduced dimensionality, nano-sized materials have physical properties significantly different from the bulk material, such as, superparamagnetic behavior, enhanced magnetization, and self-organization [1-3]. Nano-sized materials have great potential for technical applications, for example, magnetic information storage, imaging, medical devices, and magnetic refrigeration. In this report, we will present the growth and filtration of rare-earth Gd and Nd nanoparticles by the inverse micelle technique [4]. The results of the characterization of these clusters by X- ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy will be presented. [1] D.C. Douglass, et al. Phys. Rev. B. 47, 19 (1993). [2] J.P. Chen, et al. Phys. Rev. B. 51, 11527 (1995). [3] C. Petit, et al. Advanced Materials. 10, 259 (1998). [4] X.M. Lin, et al. Langmuir. 14, 7140 (1998).

  16. Novel non-platinum metal catalyst material

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    2014-01-01

    The present invention relates to a novel non-platinum metal catalyst material for use in low temperature fuel cells and electrolysers and to fuel cells and electrolysers comprising the novel non-platinum metal catalyst material. The present invention also relates to a novel method for synthesizing...... the novel non-platinum metal catalyst material....

  17. Methyllithium-Doped Naphthyl-Containing Conjugated Microporous Polymer with Enhanced Hydrogen Storage Performance.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Dan; Sun, Lei; Li, Gang; Shang, Jin; Yang, Rui-Xia; Deng, Wei-Qiao

    2016-06-01

    Hydrogen storage is a primary challenge for using hydrogen as a fuel. With ideal hydrogen storage kinetics, the weak binding strength of hydrogen to sorbents is the key barrier to obtain decent hydrogen storage performance. Here, we reported the rational synthesis of a methyllithium-doped naphthyl-containing conjugated microporous polymer with exceptional binding strength of hydrogen to the polymer guided by theoretical simulations. Meanwhile, the experimental results showed that isosteric heat can reach up to 8.4 kJ mol(-1) and the methyllithium-doped naphthyl-containing conjugated microporous polymer exhibited an enhanced hydrogen storage performance with 150 % enhancement compared with its counterpart naphthyl-containing conjugated microporous polymer. These results indicate that this strategy provides a direction for design and synthesis of new materials that meet the US Department of Energy (DOE) hydrogen storage target. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Mass production of bacterial communities adapted to the degradation of volatile organic compounds (TEX).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lapertot, Miléna; Seignez, Chantal; Ebrahimi, Sirous; Delorme, Sandrine; Peringer, Paul

    2007-06-01

    This study focuses on the mass cultivation of bacteria adapted to the degradation of a mixture composed of toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m- and p-xylenes (TEX). For the cultivation process Substrate Pulse Batch (SPB) technique was adapted under well-automated conditions. The key parameters to be monitored were handled by LabVIEW software including, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. Other parameters, such as biomass, ammonium or residual substrate concentrations needed offline measurements. SPB technique has been successfully tested experimentally on TEX. The overall behavior of the mixed bacterial population was observed and discussed along the cultivation process. Carbon and nitrogen limitations were shown to affect the integrity of the bacterial cells as well as their production of exopolymeric substances (EPS). Average productivity and yield values successfully reached the industrial specifications, which were 0.45 kg(DW)m(-3) d(-1) and 0.59 g(DW)g (C) (-1) , respectively. Accuracy and reproducibility of the obtained results present the controlled SPB process as a feasible technique.

  19. Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of polycrystalline gadolinium aluminum perovskite (GdAlO3, GAP

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    N. Girish H.

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available Gadolinium aluminum perovskite (GdAlO3, GAP is a promising high temperature ceramic material, known for its wide applications in phosphors. Polycrystalline gadolinium aluminum perovskites were synthesized using a precursor of co-precipitate gel of GdAlO3 by employing hydrothermal supercritical fluid technique under pressure and temperature ranging from 150 to 200 MPa and 600 to 700 °C, respectively. The resulted products of GAP were studied using the characterization techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD, infrared spectroscopy (IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX. The X-ray diffraction pattern matched well with the reported orthorhombic GAP pattern (JCPDS-46-0395.

  20. New heparin–indomethacin conjugate with an ester linkage: Synthesis, self aggregation and drug delivery behavior

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Nan-Nan; Zheng, Bing-Na [DSAPM Lab and PCFM Lab, Institute of Polymer Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China); Lin, Jian-Tao [DSAPM Lab and PCFM Lab, Institute of Polymer Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China); Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan 523808 (China); Zhang, Li-Ming, E-mail: ceszhlm@mail.sysu.edu.cn [DSAPM Lab and PCFM Lab, Institute of Polymer Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China)

    2014-01-01

    New heparin–indomethacin conjugate with an ester linkage was prepared by the carbodiimide-mediated condensation reaction, and then characterized by FTIR and {sup 1}HNMR analyses. Due to its amphiphilic character, such a conjugate could self-aggregate into spherical nanoparticles in aqueous system, as confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. By the in vitro drug release tests, the resultant conjugate nanoparticles were found to have a sustained and esterase-sensitive release behavior for conjugated indomethacin. In addition, the uptake of these conjugate nanoparticles into human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. - Highlights: • New heparin–indomethacin conjugate with an ester linkage was prepared. • Such a conjugate could self-aggregate into spherical nanoparticles in aqueous system. • The resultant conjugate nanoparticles exhibited an esterase-sensitive drug release behavior. • The resultant conjugate nanoparticles showed the cellular uptake ability in CNE1 cells.

  1. Synthesis and different optical properties of Gd2O3 doped sodium zinc tellurite glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Samanta, Buddhadev; Dutta, Dibakar; Ghosh, Subhankar

    2017-06-01

    A series of Gd2O3 doped sodium zinc tellurite [xGd2O3-(0.8-x) TeO2-0.1Na2O-0.1ZnO] glasses are prepared by the conventional melt quenching method and their optical properties have been studied. UV-vis spectrophotometric studies within the wavelength range from 230 nm-800 nm are carried out in the integrating sphere mode to study the effect of Gd2O3 doping on the optical band gap (Eg), refractive index (n), dielectric constant (εr) and susceptibility (χ). Other physical properties like molar volume, molar refraction, polarizability, metallization criterion, number density of rare-earth ions (N), polaron radius (rp), inter ionic distance (ri), molar cation polarizability (∑αi), number of oxide ions in chemical composition (NO2-), optical band gap based electronic oxide ion polarizability (αO2-) and optical basicity (Λ) of glass samples have been studied on the basis of UV-vis spectra and density profile of the different glasses.

  2. Synthesis of taurine–fluorescein conjugate and evaluation of its retina-targeted efficiency in vitro

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Meihong Huang

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available In this work, retinal penetration of fluorescein was achieved in vitro by covalent attachment of taurine to fluorescein, yielding the F–Tau conjugate. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS were used to confirm the successful synthesis of F–Tau. The cellular uptake of F–Tau in adult retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs was visualized via confocal scanning microscopy. The results indicated an improvement of solubility and a reduction of logP of F–Tau compared with fluorescein. As compared with fluorescein, F–Tau showed little toxicity, and was retained longer by cells in uptake experiments. F–Tau also displayed higher transepithelial permeabilities than fluorescein in ARPE-19 and hRMECs monolayer cells (P<0.05. These results showed that taurine may be a useful ligand for targeting small-molecule hydrophobic pharmaceuticals into the retina.

  3. Rotating disk atomization of Gd and Gd-Y for hydrogen liquefaction via magnetocaloric cooling

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Slinger, Tyler [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

    2016-12-17

    In order to enable liquid hydrogen fuel cell technologies for vehicles the cost of hydrogen liquefaction should be lowered. The current method of hydrogen liquefaction is the Claude cycle that has a figure of merit (FOM) of 0.3-0.35. New magnetocaloric hydrogen liquefaction devices have been proposed with a FOM>0.5, which is a significant improvement. A significant hurdle to realizing these devices is the synthesis of spherical rare earth based alloy powders of 200μm in diameter. In this study a centrifugal atomization method that used a rotating disk with a rotating oil quench bath was developed to make gadolinium and gadolinium-yttrium spheres. The composition of the spherical powders included pure Gd and Gd0.91Y0.09. The effect of atomization parameters, such as superheat, melt properties, disk shape, disk speed, and melt system materials and design, were investigated on the size distribution and morphology of the resulting spheres. The carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen impurity levels also were analyzed and compared with the magnetic performance of the alloys. The magnetic properties of the charge material as well as the resulting powders were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The saturation magnetization and Curie temperature were the target properties for the resulting spheres. These values were compared with measurements taken on the charge material in order to investigate the effect of atomization processing on the alloys.

  4. Peptide/protein-polymer conjugates: synthetic strategies and design concepts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gauthier, Marc A; Klok, Harm-Anton

    2008-06-21

    This feature article provides a compilation of tools available for preparing well-defined peptide/protein-polymer conjugates, which are defined as hybrid constructs combining (i) a defined number of peptide/protein segments with uniform chain lengths and defined monomer sequences (primary structure) with (ii) a defined number of synthetic polymer chains. The first section describes methods for post-translational, or direct, introduction of chemoselective handles onto natural or synthetic peptides/proteins. Addressed topics include the residue- and/or site-specific modification of peptides/proteins at Arg, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Lys, Met, Phe, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr and Val residues and methods for producing peptides/proteins containing non-canonical amino acids by peptide synthesis and protein engineering. In the second section, methods for introducing chemoselective groups onto the side-chain or chain-end of synthetic polymers produced by radical, anionic, cationic, metathesis and ring-opening polymerization are described. The final section discusses convergent and divergent strategies for covalently assembling polymers and peptides/proteins. An overview of the use of chemoselective reactions such as Heck, Sonogashira and Suzuki coupling, Diels-Alder cycloaddition, Click chemistry, Staudinger ligation, Michael's addition, reductive alkylation and oxime/hydrazone chemistry for the convergent synthesis of peptide/protein-polymer conjugates is given. Divergent approaches for preparing peptide/protein-polymer conjugates which are discussed include peptide synthesis from synthetic polymer supports, polymerization from peptide/protein macroinitiators or chain transfer agents and the polymerization of peptide side-chain monomers.

  5. Thermodynamic calculation of Al-Gd and Al-Gd-Mg phase equilibria checked by key experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Groebner, J.; Kevorkov, D.; Schmid-Fetzer, R.

    2001-01-01

    The binary Al-Gd and the ternary Al-Gd-Mg systems were calculated using the Calphad method. It is demonstrated that previous interpretation of ternary liquidus temperatures below 700 C must be related to other phase equilibria. The actual ternary liquidus temperatures are much higher, up to some 600 C above the previous interpretation in literature. They are widely governed by the high-melting compounds Al 2 Gd and Al 3 Gd with liquidus surfaces stretching far into the ternary system. A small number of key experiments in this work confirmed the calculated liquidus temperature and the phase relations. The available experimental data in literature fit excellently with the calculation in the binary Al-Gd system. In the ternary Al-Gd-Mg system, which is shown in several sections of the phase diagram, a good agreement can be observed too, considering the necessary reinterpretation of the liquidus temperatures suggested by Rokhlin et al. Ternary solubilities were not found experimentally. The ternary compound Al 4 GdMg (τ) forms in a ternary peritectic reaction at 761 C. (orig.)

  6. Near-infrared (NIR) emitting conjugated polymers for biomedical applications (Presentation Recording)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Repenko, Tatjana; Kuehne, Alexander J. C.

    2015-10-01

    Fluorescent biomedical markers of today such as dye-infiltrated colloids, microgels and quantum dots suffer from fast bleaching, lack surface functionality (for targets or pharmaceutical agents) and potentially leach heavy metals in case of quantum dots (e.g. Cd). By contrast, conjugated polymer particles are non-cytotoxic, exhibit reduced bleaching, as the entire particle consists of fluorophore, they are hydrophobic and show high quantum yields. Consequently, conjugated polymer particles represent ideal materials for biological applications and imaging. However currently, conjugated polymer particles for biomedical imaging usually lack near-infrared (NIR) emission and are polydisperse. Fluorescent agents with emission in the NIR spectrum are interesting for biomedical applications due to their low photo-damage towards biological species and the ability of NIR radiation to penetrate deep into biological tissue.. I will present the development and synthesis of new conjugated polymers particles with fluorescence in the NIR spectral region for bio-imaging and clinical diagnosis. The particle synthesis proceeds in a one-step Pd or Ni-catalyzed dispersion polymerization of functional NIR emitters. The resulting monodisperse conjugated polymer particles are obtained as a dispersion in a non-hazardous solvent. Different sizes in the sub-micrometer range with a narrow size distribution can be produced. Furthermore biological recognition motifs can be easily attached to the conjugated polymers via thiol-yne click-chemistry providing specific tumor targeting without quenching of the fluorescence. References [1] Kuehne AJC, Gather MC, Sprakel J., Nature Commun. 2012, 3, 1088. [2] Repenko T, Fokong S, De Laporte L, Go D, Kiessling F, Lammers T, Kuehne AJC.,Chem Commun 2015, accepted.

  7. Synthesis, characterization and the release kinetics of antiproliferative agents from polyamidoamine conjugates

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Aderibigbe, BA

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Polyamidoamine conjugates containing curcumin and bisphosphonate were synthesized via a one-pot aqueous phase Michael addition reaction. In the design of the conjugate, bisphosphonate formed an integral part of the polymer carrier backbone. Curcumin...

  8. Controllable ALD synthesis of platinum nanoparticles by tuning different synthesis parameters

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Chuandao; Lin, Yuyuan; Marks, Laurence; Hu, Linhua; Poeppelmeier, Kenneth; Stair, Peter

    2017-01-01

    Pt nanoparticles were successfully deposited using three different atomic layer deposition (ALD) methods, e.g. AB-type, ABC-type and static ABC-type ALD, on two different types of strontium titanate nanocuboids (STO-NCs) samples in a reaction temperature window of 125 °C–300 °C. The influence of reaction temperature, number of ALD cycles, type of substrate, 2nd reagent and type of ALD method on Pt nanoparticle deposition are comprehensively studied and discussed in this work. Varying the reaction temperature and number of cycles across the three different ALD methods affects Pt particle size, density, and loading. Surface termination of STO-NCs substrate will change deposited Pt nanoparticle growth orientation and thermodynamic shape. The B reagent besides platinum precursor can lead to different ligand decomposition mechanism when Pt precursors are exposed: oxygen allows more effective ligand combustion compared to water, however, the Pt particles are more oxidized according to XPS studies. We expect this work provides a way for tailoring nanoparticles with desired size, dispersion, exposed surfaces and chemical state etc, which helps controlling and optimizing their performance when applied as catalysts or nanosensors. (paper)

  9. Synthesis and luminescence behavior of SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 host for display and dosimetric applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Singh, Jyoti; Manam, J.; Singh, Fouran

    2018-05-01

    Novel SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 materials were synthesized by conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method in air ambiance. The structural and luminescence properties of as-prepared phosphors were explored by XRD, FESEM, TEM, PL and TL techniques. The confirmation of orthorhombic phase formation was obtained by XRD studies. The agglomerated ginger-like morphology of as-synthesized SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 samples was unfolded by FESEM and TEM studies. Upon 276 and 395 nm UV excitation, SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 phosphors showed intense red emission. The TL glow curve of SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 irradiated with γ-rays exhibits two well-resolved peaks at 393 K and 598 K having a shoulder at 537 K. Linearity in a wide dose range 500 Gy-3 kGy are observed in the as-formed SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 samples. Intense red emission, linear dose response and high reproducibility of SrGd1.76Eu0.24O4 samples broadly indicated its suitability for display and TL dosimetry applications.

  10. Health assessment for Tex Tin Corporation, National Priorities List Site, Texas City, Texas, Region 6. CERCLIS No. TXD062113329. Preliminary report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1990-01-01

    The Tex Tin Corporation facility, formerly Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical Corporation, is a proposed National Priorities List site located in Texas City, Galveston County, Texas. Tex Tin previously operated as a primary tin smelter, but currently operates as a copper smelter. Significant concentrations of metals (antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silver, tin, and zinc) have been detected on-site in surface water, groundwater, and soil. Significant concentrations of metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, and tin) have also been detected in ambient air samples collected off-site. Some remediation activities have occurred on-site including the closure of a 19-million-gallon ferric chloride pond and the removal of approximately 4,000 drums containing radioactive material. The Tex Tin site poses a potential public health concern for on-site workers, residents living in nearby neighborhoods, and possibly for a limited number of residents on private wells located within approximately one mile of the site

  11. Ti-Catalyzed Hydroamination for the Synthesis of Amine-Containing π-Conjugated Materials.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hao, Han; Thompson, Kyle A; Hudson, Zachary M; Schafer, Laurel L

    2018-04-11

    A series of conjugated enamines were prepared by Ti catalyzed anti-Markovnikov hydroamination. The synthetic route is efficient with yields of up to 94 % and the 100 % atom efficiency of the reaction means that these products are easily isolated and purified. Due to the extended conjugated system, the enamine tautomers were observed exclusively in both solid and solution phases, as determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. These new conjugated molecules, with N incorporated into the backbone, show interesting photophysical properties including photo-luminescent quantum yields of up to 0.26. Notably, through the incorporation of B to give a donor-acceptor π-conjugated system, a redshift of approximately 100 nm is observed for the emission maximum along with the anticipated solvatochromic shifts. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, luminescent and magnetic properties of a new mononuclear GdIII coordination complex

    Science.gov (United States)

    Coban, Mustafa Burak

    2018-06-01

    A new GdIII coordination complex, {[Gd(2-stp)2(H2O)6].2(4,4'-bipy).4(H2O)}, complex 1, (2-stp = 2-sulfoterephthalate anion and 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine), has been synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, solid state UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solid state photoluminescence and variable-temperature magnetic measurements. The crystal structure determination shows that GdIII ions are eight coordinated and adopt a distorted square-antiprismatic geometry. Molecules interacting through intra- and intermolecular (O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N) hydrogen bonds in complex 1, give rise to 3D hydrogen bonded structure and the discrete lattice 4,4'-bipy molecules occupy the channel of the 3D structure. π-π stacking interactions also exist 4,4'-bipy-4,4'-bipy and 4,4'-bipy-2-stp molecule rings in 3D structures. Additionally, solid state photoluminescence properties of complex 1 at room temperature have been investigated. Under the excitation of UV light (at 349 nm), the complex 1 exhibited green emissions (at 505 nm) of GdIII ion in the visible region. Furthermore, Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization as function of external magnetic field studies reveal that complex 1 displays possible antiferromagnetic interaction.

  13. Effect of Al{sub 2}Gd on microstructure and properties of laser clad Mg–Al–Gd coatings

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chen, Hong; Zhang, Ke; Yao, Chengwu [Shanghai Key Lab of Materials Laser Processing and Modification, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Dong, Jie [National Engineering Research Center of Light Alloy Net Forming, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Li, Zhuguo, E-mail: lizg@sjtu.edu.cn [Shanghai Key Lab of Materials Laser Processing and Modification, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Emmelmann, Claus [Institute of Laser and System Technologies, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, 21073 (Germany)

    2015-03-01

    Highlights: • Mg–Al–Gd coatings with different Gd contents were fabricated by fiber laser cladding. • Chemical compositions and crystal structures of the second phases were characterized. • Dispersion of Al{sub 2}Gd led to further grain refining and elevated mechanical properties. • Al{sub 2}Gd improved high-temperature performances by preventing tiny liquation. - Abstract: In order to investigate the effects of Gd addition on the microstructures and properties of magnesium coatings, the Mg–7.5Al–xGd (x = 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 wt.%) coatings on cast magnesium alloy were fabricated by laser cladding with wire feeding. The results indicated that the gadolinium (Gd) addition led to the formation of a cubic Al{sub 2}Gd phase as well as suppressed the precipitation of eutectic Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} phase. The laser clad coating containing nominally 7.5 wt.% Gd presented the highest microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength at both room temperature and high temperatures. The enhancement of heat resistant capacities was chiefly attributed to the existence of thermally stable Al{sub 2}Gd particles, which prevented tiny liquation of eutectic phases along the grain boundaries and made great contributions on maintaining high yield ratio during high-temperature deformation.

  14. Novel platinum black electroplating technique improving mechanical stability.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Raeyoung; Nam, Yoonkey

    2013-01-01

    Platinum black microelectrodes are widely used as an effective neural signal recording sensor. The simple fabrication process, high quality signal recording and proper biocompatibility are the main advantages of platinum black microelectrodes. When microelectrodes are exposed to actual biological system, various physical stimuli are applied. However, the porous structure of platinum black is vulnerable to external stimuli and destroyed easily. The impedance level of the microelectrode increases when the microelectrodes are damaged resulting in decreased recording performance. In this study, we developed mechanically stable platinum black microelectrodes by adding polydopamine. The polydopamine layer was added between the platinum black structures by electrodeposition method. The initial impedance level of platinum black only microelectrodes and polydopamine added microelectrodes were similar but after applying ultrasonication the impedance value dramatically increased for platinum black only microelectrodes, whereas polydopamine added microelectrodes showed little increase which were nearly retained initial values. Polydopamine added platinum black microelectrodes are expected to extend the availability as neural sensors.

  15. Synthesis and characterization of platinum(II) complexes with 2,2'-bipyridine derivative supporting ligands.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Kwang Woon; Hwang, Hey Eun; Jung, Hee Sun; Kwak, Chee Hun; Lee, Ji Hoon; Jung, Sang-Chul; Ahn, Ho Geun; Chung, Min Chul

    2011-08-01

    The reaction of the [Pt(bpy-R)Cl2](bpy-R: R=H (2,2'-bipyridine); R=CH3 (4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-biypridine (DM-bpy), 3,3'-5,5'-tertamethyl-2,2'-bipyridiyl (TM-bpy)) with 1,4-Bis(5'-2',2"-bipyridine)benzene (bpy-Ph-bpy) affords the following mono- and di-platinum complexes of [(bpy)Pt(bpy-Ph-bpy)][PF6]2 (1), [(bpy)Pt(bpy-Ph-bpy)Pt(bpy)])[PF6]4 (2), [(DM-bpy)Pt(bpy-Ph-bpy)])][PF6]2 (3), and [(TM-bpy)Pt(bpy-ph-bpy)[PF6]2 (4), respectively. These complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, UV/VIS, PL and cyclic voltammetry. The internal quantum yields of these platinum(II) complexes are very high (0.83-0.99) and these complexes emit light at deep blue regions (373-417 nm). The redox behavior of complexes 1 and 2 shows quasi-reversible process.

  16. Synthesis of a Cytokinin Linked by a Spacer to Dexamethasone and Biotin: Conjugates to Detect Cytokinin-Binding Proteins

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    You Wang

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available Yeast cells expressing cDNA libraries have provided two new approaches to facilitate further identification of cytokinin-binding proteins and receptors. These are the yeast three hybrid (Y3H system and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS. The Y3H system requires a synthetic hybrid ligand comprising an “anchor” moiety (e.g., dexamethasone linked to a cytokinin via a spacer. In the yeast nucleus, this ligand by binding connects two fusion proteins leading to a reporter gene activation and detection and characterisation of cytokinin binding proteins. Herein is reported the first synthesis of dexamethasone-cytokinin ligands with a spacer linkage. This was attached to the purine ring of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP at positions 2, 8 or 9. To achieve this, dexamethasone was modified by periodate oxidation yielding a carboxylic group used for conjugation to the spacer by amide formation. Biotinyl derivatives of cytokinins for FACS included those synthesised by reaction of an activated ester of biotin with 8-(10-amino-decylamino derivatives of BAP and BAP 9-riboside. Properties of the conjugates and some biological situations where they could be applicable are discussed briefly.

  17. Thiolated polymers: synthesis and in vitro evaluation of polymer-cysteamine conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bernkop-Schnürch, A; Clausen, A E; Hnatyszyn, M

    2001-09-11

    The purpose of the present study was to synthesize and characterize novel thiolated polymers. Mediated by a carbodiimide cysteamine was covalently linked to sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polycarbophil (PCP). The resulting CMC-cysteamine conjugates displayed 77.9+/-6.7 and 365.1+/-8.7 micromol thiol groups per gram of polymer, whereas the PCP-cysteamine conjugates showed 26.3+/-1.9 and 122.7+/-3.8 micromol thiol groups per gram of polymer (mean+/-S.D.; n=3). In aqueous solutions above pH 5.0 both modified polymers were capable of forming inter- and/or intra-molecular disulfide bonds. The reaction velocity of this oxidation process was accelerated with a decrease in the proton concentration. The oxidation proceeded more rapidly within thiolated CMC than within thiolated PCP. Permeation studies carried out in Ussing-type chambers with freshly excised intestinal mucosa from guinea pigs utilizing sodium fluorescein as model drug for the paracellular uptake revealed an enhancement ratio (R=P(app) (conjugate)/P(app) (control)) of 1.15 and 1.41 (mean+/-S.D.; n=3) for the higher thiolated CMC-cysteamine (0.5%; m/v) and PCP-cysteamine conjugate (1.0%; m/v), respectively. The decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance values was in good correlation with the enhancement ratios. Due to a high crosslinking tendency by the formation of disulfide bonds stabilizing drug carrier systems based on thiolated polymers and a permeation enhancing effect, CMC- and PCP-cysteamine conjugates represent promising excipients for the development of novel drug delivery systems.

  18. Hydrothermal synthesis of controllable size, morphology and optical properties of β-NaGdF{sub 4}: Eu{sup 3+} microcrystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhou, Ting; Jiang, Xiaojiao [College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 5 Jing' an Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu 610068 (China); Zhong, Cheng [Department of Basic Education, Dazhou Vocational and Technical College, No. 448 Xu' jiaba Road, Tongchuan District, Dazhou 635001 (China); Tang, Xiaoxue; Ren, Shanshan; Zhao, Yan; Liu, Mengjiao; Lai, Xin; Bi, Jian [College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 5 Jing' an Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu 610068 (China); Gao, Daojiang, E-mail: daojianggao@126.com [College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 5 Jing' an Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu 610068 (China)

    2016-07-15

    Eu{sup 3+}-doped β-NaGdF{sub 4} (hexagonal NaGdF{sub 4}) microcrystals with various sizes and morphologies have been prepared via a facile hydrothermal route with and without trisodium citrate (Na{sub 3}Cit) under different Ln{sup 3+}/NaF (Ln=Gd, Eu) molar ratios and pH values. The microstructures and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized microcrystals were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Moreover, the photoluminescent properties of Eu{sup 3+}-doped β-NaGdF{sub 4} samples synthesized at different pH values were systematically discussed. As a result, monodisperse and uniform spherical and rod-like crystals were successfully synthesized by varying Ln{sup 3+}/NaF molar ratio, Ln{sup 3+}/Na{sub 3}Cit molar ratio and pH value, and the obtained feasible range of pH value is 8–11, the optimal molar ratios of Ln{sup 3+}/NaF and Ln{sup 3+}/Na{sub 3}Cit are 1:6 and 1:3, respectively. Our results show that there is an energy transfer process between the host and activator ions, emissions from high energy configurations to ground state are gradually quenched in the β-NaGdF{sub 4}: Eu{sup 3+} phosphors obtained in the strong alkaline solution. In addition, pure orange-red photoluminescent color can be obtained from β-NaGdF{sub 4}: 2 mol% Eu{sup 3+} phosphors synthesized under the obtained processing conditions. - Highlights: • A facile hydrothermal technique is used to prepare β-NaGdF{sub 4}: Eu{sup 3+} microcrystals. • Phosphors with higher performance can be obtained in proper hydrothermal conditions. • The as-synthesized β-NaGdF{sub 4}: Eu{sup 3+} microcrystals can exhibit orange-red emissions.

  19. Anticancer activity of drug conjugates in head and neck cancer cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Majumdar, Debatosh; Rahman, Mohammad Aminur; Chen, Zhuo Georgia; Shin, Dong M

    2016-06-01

    Sexually transmitted oral cancer/head and neck cancer is increasing rapidly. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is playing a role in the pathogenesis of a subset of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). Paclitaxel is a widely used anticancer drug for breast, ovarian, testicular, cervical, non-small cell lung, head and neck cancer. However, it is water insoluble and orally inactive. We report the synthesis of water soluble nanosize conjugates of paclitaxel, branched PEG, and EGFR-targeting peptide by employing native chemical ligation. We performed a native chemical ligation between the N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester of paclitaxel succinate and cysteine at pH 6.5 to give the cysteine-conjugated paclitaxel derivative. The thiol functionality of cysteine was activated and subsequently conjugated to multiarm thiol-PEG to obtain the paclitaxel branched PEG conjugate. Finally, we conjugated an EGFR-targeting peptide to obtain conjugates of paclitaxel, branched PEG, and EGFR-targeting peptide. These conjugates show anticancer activity against squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cells (SCCHN, Tu212).

  20. Hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured Y2O3 and (Y0.75Gd0.25)2O3 based phosphors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mančić, Lidija; Lojpur, Vesna; Marinković, Bojan A.; Dramićanin, Miroslav D.; Milošević, Olivera

    2013-08-01

    Examples of (Y2O3-Gd2O3):Eu3+ and Y2O3:(Yb3+/Er3+) rare earth oxide-based phosphors are presented to highlight the controlled synthesis of 1D and 2D nanostructures through simple hydrothermal method. Conversion of the starting nitrates mixture into carbonate hydrate phase is performed with the help of ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution during hydrothermal treatment at 200 °C/3 h. Morphological architectures of rare earth oxides obtained after subsequent powders thermal treatment at 600 and 1100 °C for 3 and 12 h and their correlation with the optical characteristics are discussed based on X-ray powder diffractometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements. Strong red and green emission followed by the superior decay times are attributed to the high powders purity and homogeneous dopants distribution over the host lattice matrix.

  1. Late Pleistocene temperature history of Southeast Africa: A TEX(86) temperature record from Lake Malawi

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Woltering, M.; Johnson, T.C.; Werne, J.P.; Schouten, S.; Sinninghe Damsté, J.S.

    2011-01-01

    We present a TEX86-derived surface water temperaturerecord for LakeMalawi that provides the first continuous continental record of temperature variability in the continental tropics spanning the past ∼ 74 kyr with millennial-scale resolution. Average temperature during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5A

  2. Gd-labeled glycol chitosan as a pH-responsive magnetic resonance imaging agent for detecting acidic tumor microenvironments.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nwe, Kido; Huang, Ching-Hui; Tsourkas, Andrew

    2013-10-24

    Neoplastic lesions can create a hostile tumor microenvironment with low extracellular pH. It is commonly believed that these conditions can contribute to tumor progression as well as resistance to therapy. We report the development and characterization of a pH-responsive magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent for imaging the acidic tumor microenvironment. The preparation included the conjugation of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid 1-(2,5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinyl) ester (DOTA-NHS) to the surface of a water-soluble glycol chitosan (GC) polymer, which contains pH-titrable primary amines, followed by gadolinium complexation (GC-NH2-GdDOTA). GC-NH2-GdDOTA had a chelate-to-polymer ratio of approximately1:24 and a molar relaxivity of 9.1 mM(-1) s(-1). GC-NH2-GdDOTA demonstrated pH-dependent cellular association in vitro compared to the control. It also generated a 2.4-fold enhancement in signal in tumor-bearing mice 2 h postinjection. These findings suggest that glycol chitosan coupled with contrast agents can provide important diagnostic information about the tumor microenvironment.

  3. Platinum-group elements

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zientek, Michael L.; Loferski, Patricia J.; Parks, Heather L.; Schulte, Ruth F.; Seal, Robert R.; Schulz, Klaus J.; DeYoung,, John H.; Seal, Robert R.; Bradley, Dwight C.

    2017-12-19

    The platinum-group elements (PGEs)—platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium—are metals that have similar physical and chemical properties and tend to occur together in nature. PGEs are indispensable to many industrial applications but are mined in only a few places. The availability and accessibility of PGEs could be disrupted by economic, environmental, political, and social events. The United States net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption is about 90 percent.PGEs have many industrial applications. They are used in catalytic converters to reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrous oxide emissions in automobile exhaust. The chemical industry requires platinum or platinum-rhodium alloys to manufacture nitric oxide, which is the raw material used to manufacture explosives, fertilizers, and nitric acid. In the petrochemical industry, platinum-supported catalysts are needed to refine crude oil and to produce aromatic compounds and high-octane gasoline. Alloys of PGEs are exceptionally hard and durable, making them the best known coating for industrial crucibles used in the manufacture of chemicals and synthetic materials. PGEs are used by the glass manufacturing industry in the production of fiberglass and flat-panel and liquid crystal displays. In the electronics industry, PGEs are used in computer hard disks, hybridized integrated circuits, and multilayer ceramic capacitors.Aside from their industrial applications, PGEs are used in such other fields as health, consumer goods, and finance. Platinum, for example, is used in medical implants, such as pacemakers, and PGEs are used in cancer-fighting drugs. Platinum alloys are an ideal choice for jewelry because of their white color, strength, and resistance to tarnish. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium in the form of coins and bars are also used as investment commodities, and various financial instruments based on the value of these PGEs are traded on major exchanges

  4. Measurement of Gd content in (U,Gd)O2 using thermal gravimetric analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Keon Sik; Yang, Jae Ho; Kang, Ki Won; Song, Kun Woo; Kim, Gil Moo

    2004-01-01

    We propose a simple and precise method for measuring the Gd content in the (U,Gd)O 2 pellet by only measuring the weight variation of the pellet during thermal heat treatment in air. The (U,Gd)O 2 fuel pellets were oxidized at 475 deg. C, subsequently heat treated at 1300 deg. C, and then cooled to room temperature in air. The accompanying weight variations were measured using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The measured weight variations were mathematically analyzed with reference to the successive phase reactions during the heat treatment. This method provides an advantage in that the rare-earth element content including Gd can be measured using relatively simple equipment such as an electric furnace and a balance

  5. Optimizing the Relaxivity of MRI Probes at High Magnetic Field Strengths With Binuclear GdIII Complexes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Loredana Leone

    2018-05-01

    Full Text Available The key criteria to optimize the relaxivity of a Gd(III contrast agent at high fields (defined as the region ≥ 1.5 T can be summarized as follows: (i the occurrence of a rotational correlation time τR in the range of ca. 0.2–0.5 ns; (ii the rate of water exchange is not critical, but a τM < 100 ns is preferred; (iii a relevant contribution from water molecules in the second sphere of hydration. In addition, the use of macrocycle-based systems ensures the formation of thermodynamically and kinetically stable Gd(III complexes. Binuclear Gd(III complexes could potentially meet these requirements. Their efficiency depends primarily on the degree of flexibility of the linker connecting the two monomeric units, the absence of local motions and the presence of contribution from the second sphere water molecules. With the aim to maximize relaxivity (per Gd over a wide range of magnetic field strengths, two binuclear Gd(III chelates derived from the well-known macrocyclic systems DOTA-monopropionamide and HPDO3A (Gd2L1 and Gd2L2, respectively were synthesized through a multistep synthesis. Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST experiments carried out on Eu2L2 at different pH showed the occurrence of a CEST effect at acidic pH that disappears at neutral pH, associated with the deprotonation of the hydroxyl groups. Then, a complete 1H and 17O NMR relaxometric study was carried out in order to evaluate the parameters that govern the relaxivity associated with these complexes. The relaxivities of Gd2L1 and Gd2L2 (20 MHz, 298 K are 8.7 and 9.5 mM−1 s−1, respectively, +77% and +106% higher than the relaxivity values of the corresponding mononuclear GdDOTAMAP-En and GdHPDO3A complexes. A significant contribution of second sphere water molecules was accounted for the strong relaxivity enhancement of Gd2L2. MR phantom images of the dinuclear complexes compared to GdHPDO3A, recorded at 7 T, confirmed the superiority of Gd2L2. Finally, ab initio

  6. CW laser properties of Nd:GdYAG, Nd:LuYAG, and Nd:GdLuAG mixed crystals

    Science.gov (United States)

    Di, J. Q.; Xu, X. D.; Li, D. Z.; Zhou, D. H.; Wu, F.; Zhao, Z. W.; Xu, J.; Tang, D. Y.

    2011-10-01

    Three mixed crystals, Nd:GdYAG, Nd:LuYAG, and Nd:GdLuAG, were grown by Czochralski method. We report the continuous-wave (CW) Nd:GdYAG, Nd:LuYAG, and Nd:GdLuAG laser operation under laser diode pumping. The maximum output powers are 4.11, 5.31, and 7.47 W, with slope efficiency of 73.0, 55.3, and 57.1%, respectively. With replacing Lu3+ or Y3+ ions with large Gd3+ ions, the pump efficiency increases.

  7. Synthesis, electronic structure and luminescent properties of a new red-emitting phosphor GdBiW2O9:Eu3+

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xie, Zhi; Zhou, Weiwei; Zhao, Wang; Zhang, Hao; Hu, Qichang; Xu, Xuee

    2017-10-01

    Red phosphor of GdBiW2O9:Eu3+ was prepared by solid-state reaction method. The phase purity and structure of the samples were characterized by XRD. The electronic structures of GdBiW2O9 host were estimated by DFT calculation. The PLE and PL spectra were also investigated. The optimal luminescent properties of GdBiW2O9:Eu3+ phosphors were obtained at 900 °C with 40 mol% of Eu3+ concentration. The phosphors can be excited efficiently by 396 nm NUV light and emit intense red light peaking at 618 nm. The results indicate GdBiW2O9:Eu3+ can act as a potential red-emitting phosphor for LEDs application.

  8. Stability and phase transfer of catalytically active platinum nanoparticle suspensions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sriram, Indira; Curtin, Alexandra E.; Chiaramonti, Ann N.; Cuchiaro, J. Hunter; Weidner, Andrew R.; Tingley, Tegan M.; Greenlee, Lauren F.; Jeerage, Kavita M.

    2015-01-01

    In this work, we present a robust synthesis protocol for platinum nanoparticles that yields a monomodal dispersion of particles that are approximately 100 nm in diameter. We determine that these particles are actually agglomerates of much smaller particles, creating a “raspberry” morphology. We demonstrate that these agglomerates are stable at room temperature for at least 8 weeks by dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, we demonstrate consistent electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation. Finally, we quantitatively explore the relationship between dispersion solvent and particle agglomeration; specifically, particles are found to agglomerate abruptly as solvent polarity decreases

  9. Stability and phase transfer of catalytically active platinum nanoparticle suspensions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sriram, Indira; Curtin, Alexandra E.; Chiaramonti, Ann N.; Cuchiaro, J. Hunter; Weidner, Andrew R.; Tingley, Tegan M.; Greenlee, Lauren F.; Jeerage, Kavita M., E-mail: jeerage@boulder.nist.gov [National Instrument of Standards and Technology, Applied Chemicals and Materials Division (United States)

    2015-05-15

    In this work, we present a robust synthesis protocol for platinum nanoparticles that yields a monomodal dispersion of particles that are approximately 100 nm in diameter. We determine that these particles are actually agglomerates of much smaller particles, creating a “raspberry” morphology. We demonstrate that these agglomerates are stable at room temperature for at least 8 weeks by dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, we demonstrate consistent electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation. Finally, we quantitatively explore the relationship between dispersion solvent and particle agglomeration; specifically, particles are found to agglomerate abruptly as solvent polarity decreases.

  10. Peculiar features of thermal emission of GdB4 and GdB6 single crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ostrovskij, E.K.; Taran, A.A.; Kovalev, A.V.; Tkachenko, V.F.; Dudnik, E.M.; Matvienko, A.A.

    1990-01-01

    Thermoemission parameters of single crystals (410) GdB 4 and (110) GdB 6 are studied. Work function is calculated by total current. It is stated that work function of GdB 6 within temperature range of 1500-1880 K after 80 h of annealing varies from 2.95 to 3.10 eV practically with the same temperature coefficient as GdB 4 , i.e. 4.1x10 -4 eV/K. It is shown that single crystal gadolinium hexaboride during the high-temperature annealing in the surface region (∼70 mm) is transformed into gadolinium tetraboride. Influence of free air has been first studied on the GdB 4 emissivity which is determined to increase to p=1.3x10 -2 Pa within the range of T=1640-1840 K

  11. A simple polyol-free synthesis route to Gd2O3 nanoparticles for MRI applications: an experimental and theoretical study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ahrén, Maria; Selegård, Linnéa; Söderlind, Fredrik; Linares, Mathieu; Kauczor, Joanna; Norman, Patrick; Käll, Per-Olov; Uvdal, Kajsa

    2012-01-01

    Chelated gadolinium ions, e.g., Gd-DTPA, are today used clinically as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An attractive alternative contrast agent is composed of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles as they have shown to provide enhanced contrast and, in principle, more straightforward molecular capping possibilities. In this study, we report a new, simple, and polyol-free way of synthesizing 4–5-nm-sized Gd 2 O 3 nanoparticles at room temperature, with high stability and water solubility. The nanoparticles induce high-proton relaxivity compared to Gd-DTPA showing r 1 and r 2 values almost as high as those for free Gd 3+ ions in water. The Gd 2 O 3 nanoparticles are capped with acetate and carbonate groups, as shown with infrared spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and combined thermogravimetric and mass spectroscopy analysis. Interpretation of infrared spectroscopy data is corroborated by extensive quantum chemical calculations. This nanomaterial is easily prepared and has promising properties to function as a core in a future contrast agent for MRI.

  12. A simple polyol-free synthesis route to Gd2O3 nanoparticles for MRI applications: an experimental and theoretical study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ahrén, Maria; Selegård, Linnéa; Söderlind, Fredrik; Linares, Mathieu; Kauczor, Joanna; Norman, Patrick; Käll, Per-Olov; Uvdal, Kajsa

    2012-08-01

    Chelated gadolinium ions, e.g., Gd-DTPA, are today used clinically as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An attractive alternative contrast agent is composed of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles as they have shown to provide enhanced contrast and, in principle, more straightforward molecular capping possibilities. In this study, we report a new, simple, and polyol-free way of synthesizing 4-5-nm-sized Gd2O3 nanoparticles at room temperature, with high stability and water solubility. The nanoparticles induce high-proton relaxivity compared to Gd-DTPA showing r 1 and r 2 values almost as high as those for free Gd3+ ions in water. The Gd2O3 nanoparticles are capped with acetate and carbonate groups, as shown with infrared spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and combined thermogravimetric and mass spectroscopy analysis. Interpretation of infrared spectroscopy data is corroborated by extensive quantum chemical calculations. This nanomaterial is easily prepared and has promising properties to function as a core in a future contrast agent for MRI.

  13. Prevalência de sinais/sintomas sugestivos de sensibilização ao látex em profissionais de saúde Prevalencia de señales/síntomas sugestivos de sensibilidad al l átex en profesionales de la salud Prevalence of signs/symptoms suggestive of latex sensitization in health care workers

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lígia Andrade da Silva Telles Mathias

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As referências na literatura sobre reações aos derivados do látex têm aumentado significativamente nos últimos anos. Faltam, entretanto, dados do nosso país relativos à prevalência de sensibilização ao látex nos profissionais da área da saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de sinais/sintomas sugestivos de sensibilização ao látex em profissionais da área da saúde. MÉTODO: Após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética foram selecionados indivíduos pertencentes ao quadro da instituição: funcionários do Setor de Limpeza, Contabilidade e Divisão de Enfermagem do Centro Cirúrgico; Médicos da Cirurgia, Ginecologia, Obstetrícia, Anestesiologia, Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e Clínica Médica. Após consentimento informado, os indivíduos foram submetidos a um questionário sobre: idade, sexo, categoria profissional; tipo e tempo de contato profissional com derivados do látex; tipo de luva; sinais/sintomas sugestivos de sensibilização ao látex dentro e fora do ambiente hospitalar; sinais/sintomas sugestivos de atopia e de alergia a alimentos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 326 questionários (193 mulheres e 133 homens, com idade entre 30 e 73 anos. Setenta e cinco por cento dos entrevistados apresentaram até 10 anos de tempo na profissão. A prevalência dos sinais/sintomas sugestivos de sensibilização ao látex dentro do ambiente hospitalar em relação aos grupos compostos pelos funcionários do Setor de Contabilidade (não expostos a derivados do látex no ambiente de trabalho e o restante dos indivíduos (expostos a derivados do látex no ambiente de trabalho mostrou diferença significativa (p JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Las referencias en la literatura sobre reacciones a los derivados del látex han aumentado significativamente en los últimos años. Sin embargo faltan datos de nuestro país relativos a la prevalencia de sensibilidad al látex en los profesionales del

  14. Activation analysis for platinum in gold and metals of the platinum group through 199Au

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Foerster, H.

    1976-01-01

    Platinum was determined in gold and in metals of the platinum group through 199 Au by activation analysis. The matrix was separated at the end of irradiation before the daughter nuclide was formed. Gold was separated by extraction with MIBK from 1

  15. Low platinum catalyst and method of preparation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Di-Jia; Chong, Lina

    2017-11-21

    A low platinum catalyst and method for making same. The catalyst comprises platinum-transition metal bimetallic alloy microcrystallites over a transition metal-nitrogen-carbon composite. A method of making a catalyst comprises preparation of transition metal organic frameworks, infusion of platinum, thermal treatment, and reduction to form the microcrystallites and composite.

  16. ZnO1-xTex and ZnO1-xSx semiconductor alloys as competent materials for opto-electronic and solar cell applications: a comparative analysis

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    Utsa Das; Partha P.Pal

    2017-01-01

    ZnO1-xTex ternary alloys have great potential to work as a photovoltaic (PV) absorber in solar cells.ZnO1-xSx is also a ZnO based alloy that have uses in solar cells.In this paper we report the comparative study of various parameters of ZnO1-xTex and ZnO1-xSx for selecting it to be a competent material for solar cell applications.The parameters are mainly being calculated using the well-known VCA (virtual crystal approximation) and VBAC (Valence Band Anti-Crossing) model.It was certainly being analysed that the incorporation of Te atoms produces a high band gap lower than S atoms in the host ZnO material.The spin-orbit splitting energy value of ZnO1-xTex was found to be higher than that of ZnO1-xSx.Beside this,the strain effects are also higher in ZnO1-xTex than ZnO1-xSx.The remarkable notifying result which the paper is reporting is that at a higher percentage of Te atoms in ZnO1-xTex,the spin-orbit splitting energy value rises above the band gap value,which signifies a very less internal carrier recombination that decreases the leakage current and increases the efficiency of the solar ceil.Moreover,it also covers a wide wavelength range compared to ZnO1-xSx.

  17. Comparison of MRI properties between derivatized DTPA and DOTA gadolinium-dendrimer conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nwe, K; Bernardo, M; Regino, C A S; Williams, M; Brechbiel, M W

    2010-08-15

    In this report we directly compare the in vivo and in vitro MRI properties of gadolinium-dendrimer conjugates of derivatized acyclic diethylenetriamine-N,N',N',N'',N''-pentaacetic acid (1B4M-DTPA) and macrocyclic 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (C-DOTA). The metal-ligand chelates were pre-formed in alcohol prior to conjugation to the generation 4 PAMAM dendrimer (G4D), and the dendrimer-based agents were purified by Sephadex(R) G-25 column. The analysis and SE-HPLC data indicated chelate to dendrimer ratios of 30:1 and 28:1, respectively. Molar relaxivity measured at pH 7.4, 22 degrees C, and 3T are comparable (29.5 vs 26.9 mM(-1)s(-1)), and both conjugates are equally viable as MRI contrast agents based on the images obtained. The macrocyclic agent however exhibits a faster rate of clearance in vivo (t(1/2)=16 vs 29 min). Our conclusion is that the macrocyclic-based agent is the more suitable agent for in vivo use for these reasons combined with kinetic inertness associated with the Gd(III) DOTA complex stability properties. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  18. Redeposition of electrochemically dissolved platinum as nanoparticles on carbon

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Norgaard, C. F.; Stamatin, S. N.; Skou, E. M.

    2014-01-01

    communication reports a simple chemical method for reprecipitating platinum as nanoparticles of reasonable particle size on a carbon substrate without intermediary separation and handling of solid platinum salt. After electrochemical dissolution, platinum was reprecipitated using a polyol based method. Platinum...

  19. The effect of Gd doping on the electrical and photoelectrical properties of Gd:ZnO/p-Si heterojunctions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Baturay, Silan [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Dicle University, 21280 Diyarbakir (Turkey); Ocak, Yusuf Selim, E-mail: yusufselim@gmail.com [Department of Science, Faculty of Education, Dicle University, 21280 Diyarbakir (Turkey); Science and Technology Application and Research Center, Dicle University, 21280 Diyarbakir (Turkey); Kaya, Derya [Department of Physics, Institute of Natural Applied Sciences, Dicle University, 21280 Diyarbakir (Turkey)

    2015-10-05

    Highlights: • Undoped and Gd doped ZnO thin films were deposited onto p-Si semiconductor. • The Gd:ZnO/p-Si heterojunctions were compared with undoped ZnO/p-Si heterojunction. • A strong effect of Gd doping on the performance of the devices were reported. - Abstract: Undoped ZnO thin films, as well as 1%, 3% and 5% Gd-doped ZnO films, were deposited on p-type Si using spin coating. The structural properties of these thin films were analysed using X-ray diffraction, and the current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics of the Gd:ZnO/p-Si heterojunctions were compared with those of the undoped ZnO/p-Si heterojunctions. We found that Gd doping had a strong effect on the performance of the devices, and that the Gd:ZnO/p-Si heterojunctions formed with 1% Gd-doped ZnO were the most strongly rectifying, and had the highest barrier height and the lowest series resistance. Furthermore, the I–V measurements of the 1% Gd-doped ZnO/p-Si heterojunction exhibited the strongest response to light.

  20. Strategies for the fabrication of porous platinum electrodes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kloke, Arne; Stetten, Felix von; Kerzenmacher, Sven [Laboratory for MEMS Applications, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Freiburg (Germany); Zengerle, Roland [Laboratory for MEMS Applications, Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Freiburg (Germany); BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg (Germany)

    2011-11-16

    Porous platinum is of high technological importance due to its various applications in fuel cells, sensors, stimulation electrodes, mechanical actuators and catalysis in general. Based on a discussion of the general principles behind the reduction of platinum salts and corresponding deposition processes this article discusses techniques available for platinum electrode fabrication. The numerous, different strategies available to fabricate platinum electrodes are reviewed and discussed in the context of their tuning parameters, strengths and weaknesses. These strategies comprise bottom-up approaches as well as top-down approaches. In bottom-up approaches nanoparticles are synthesized in a first step by chemical, photochemical or sonochemical means followed by an electrode formation step by e.g. thin film technology or network formation to create a contiguous and conducting solid electrode structure. In top-down approaches fabrication starts with an already conductive electrode substrate. Corresponding strategies enable the fabrication of substrate-based electrodes by e.g. electrodeposition or the fabrication of self-supporting electrodes by dealloying. As a further top-down strategy, this review describes methods to decorate porous metals other than platinum with a surface layer of platinum. This way, fabrication methods not performable with platinum can be applied to the fabrication of platinum electrodes with the special benefit of low platinum consumption. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  1. Low-frequency dielectric dispersion and magnetic properties of La, Gd modified Pb(Fe1/2Ta1/2)O3 multiferroics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choudhury, R.N.P.; Rodriguez, C.; Bhattacharya, P.; Katiyar, R.S.; Rinaldi, C.

    2007-01-01

    Pb(Fe 1/2 Ta 1/2 )O 3 (PFT) modified by rare-earth (La and Gd) ions has been synthesized in a single phase using a double-stage synthesis (i.e., Columbite) technique. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the pellet samples have shown a significant change in their grain size and uniform distribution of Gd/La at the Fe-sites. The room temperature X-ray structural analysis shows that the reported cubic (or tetragonal) structure of PFT has been distorted to a monoclinic system on substitution of La/Gd at the Fe-site. Detailed studies of dielectric properties of the above compound on La/Gd substitution have shown strong dielectric dispersion at low frequency (i.e. relaxor behavior) with drastic change in transition temperature. Magnetic characterization shows that though the PFT sample displays an antiferromagnetic transition at ∼150 K, the rare-earth ions-substituted samples do not. Furthermore, temperature dependence of magnetization measurements shows that spin glass transition observed in PFT at low temperatures (5-20 K) does not exist in the La and Gd substituted PFT. Doping of Gd in PFT increases the sample magnetization, especially at low temperature

  2. Fullerene–biomolecule conjugates and their biomedicinal applications

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yang X

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Xinlin Yang,1 Ali Ebrahimi,1 Jie Li,1,2 Quanjun Cui11Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; 2School of Materials Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of ChinaAbstract: Fullerenes are among the strongest antioxidants and are characterized as "radical sponges." The research on biomedicinal applications of fullerenes has achieved significant progress since the landmark publication by Friedman et al in 1993. Fullerene–biomolecule conjugates have become an important area of research during the past 2 decades. By a thorough literature search, we attempt to update the information about the synthesis of different types of fullerene–biomolecule conjugates, including fullerene-containing amino acids and peptides, oligonucleotides, sugars, and esters. Moreover, we also discuss in this review recently reported data on the biological and pharmaceutical utilities of these compounds and some other fullerene derivatives of biomedical importance. While within the fullerene–biomolecule conjugates, in which fullerene may act as both an antioxidant and a carrier, specific targeting biomolecules conjugated to fullerene will undoubtedly strengthen the delivery of functional fullerenes to sites of clinical interest.Keywords: fullerene, amino acid, peptide, oligonucleotide, sugar, ester

  3. Improved sensitivity for W-band Gd(III)-Gd(III) and nitroxide-nitroxide DEER measurements with shaped pulses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bahrenberg, Thorsten; Rosenski, Yael; Carmieli, Raanan; Zibzener, Koby; Qi, Mian; Frydman, Veronica; Godt, Adelheid; Goldfarb, Daniella; Feintuch, Akiva

    2017-10-01

    Chirp and shaped pulses have been recently shown to be highly advantageous for improving sensitivity in DEER (double electron-electron resonance, also called PELDOR) measurements due to their large excitation bandwidth. The implementation of such pulses for pulse EPR has become feasible due to the availability of arbitrary waveform generators (AWG) with high sampling rates to support pulse shaping for pulses with tens of nanoseconds duration. Here we present a setup for obtaining chirp pulses on our home-built W-band (95 GHz) spectrometer and demonstrate its performance on Gd(III)-Gd(III) and nitroxide-nitroxide DEER measurements. We carried out an extensive optimization procedure on two model systems, Gd(III)-PyMTA-spacer-Gd(III)-PyMTA (Gd-PyMTA ruler; zero-field splitting parameter (ZFS) D ∼ 1150 MHz) as well as nitroxide-spacer-nitroxide (nitroxide ruler) to evaluate the applicability of shaped pulses to Gd(III) complexes and nitroxides, which are two important classes of spin labels used in modern DEER/EPR experiments. We applied our findings to ubiquitin, doubly labeled with Gd-DOTA-monoamide (D ∼ 550 MHz) as a model for a system with a small ZFS. Our experiments were focused on the questions (i) what are the best conditions for positioning of the detection frequency, (ii) which pump pulse parameters (bandwidth, positioning in the spectrum, length) yield the best signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvements when compared to classical DEER, and (iii) how do the sample's spectral parameters influence the experiment. For the nitroxide ruler, we report an improvement of up to 1.9 in total SNR, while for the Gd-PyMTA ruler the improvement was 3.1-3.4 and for Gd-DOTA-monoamide labeled ubiquitin it was a factor of 1.8. Whereas for the Gd-PyMTA ruler the two setups pump on maximum and observe on maximum gave about the same improvement, for Gd-DOTA-monoamide a significant difference was found. In general the choice of the best set of parameters depends on the D

  4. Platinum recycling in the United States in 1998

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hilliard, Henry E.

    2001-01-01

    In the United States, catalytic converters are the major source of secondary platinum for recycling. Other sources of platinum scrap include reforming and chemical process catalysts. The glass industry is a small but significant source of platinum scrap. In North America, it has been estimated that in 1998 more than 20,000 kilograms per year of platinum-group metals from automobile catalysts were available for recycling. In 1998, an estimated 7,690 kilograms of platinum were recycled in the United States. U.S. recycling efficiency was calculated to have been 76 percent in 1998; the recycling rate was estimated at 16 percent.

  5. Kinetics of photoirradiation-induced synthesis of soy oil-conjugated linoleic acid isomers.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jain, Vishal P; Proctor, Andrew

    2007-02-07

    Photoirradiation of soy oil with UV/visible light has been shown to produce significant amounts of trans,trans conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers through conversion of various synthesized intermediate cis,trans isomers. The objective of this study was to determine the kinetics of CLA isomers synthesis to better understand the production of various isomers. Soy oil was irradiated with UV/visible light for 144 h in the presence of an iodine catalyst and CLA isomers analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). Arrhenius plots were developed for the conversion of soy oil linoleic acid (A) to form cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA (B), conversion of cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA to form trans,trans-CLA (C) with respect to B, and formation of trans,trans-CLA isomers with respect to C. The kinetics of consumption of linoleic acid (LA) to form cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA was found to be of second-order with a rate constant of 9.01 x 10-7 L/mol s. The rate of formation of cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA isomers depends on the rate of formation from LA and its rate of consumption to form trans,trans-CLA isomers. The conversion of cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA isomers to trans,trans-CLA isomers was found to be of first-order with a rate constant of 2.75 x 10-6 s-1. However, the formation of thermodynamically stable trans,trans-CLA isomers (C) with respect to C was found to be a zero-order reaction with a rate constant of 10.66 x 10-7 mol/L s. The consumption of LA was found to be the rate-determining step in the CLA isomers formation reaction mechanism. The findings provide a better understanding of the mechanism of CLA isomers synthesis by photoirradiation and the factors controlling the ratio of various isomers.

  6. Giant magnetocaloric effect in Gd5(Si2Ge2 alloy with low purity Gd

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cleber Santiago Alves

    2004-12-01

    Full Text Available Gd5(Ge1-xSi x, x < 4 based alloys are potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration in the range ~20 - ~290 K. However, one of the greatest obstacles for the use of that technology in large scale is the utilization of high pure Gd metal (99.99 wt. (% to produce the GdGeSi alloys, since the impurity elements decrease the intensity of the magnetocaloric effect (EMC¹. In this work, we prove that annealing of the Gd5Ge2Si2 can promote remarkable values for the EMC in comparison to those obtained for the alloy with high pure Gd. Also, the as cast alloy and the annealed alloy are not monophasic, but have at least two crystalline phases in their microstructure. Results for X-ray analysis, optical and electronic microscopy and magnetization measurements are reported.

  7. Phase-Transition and Magnetic Moment of the Gd3+ Ion in the Gd2Fe17 Compound

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    HAO Yan-Ming; FU Bin; ZHOU Yan; ZHAO Miao

    2009-01-01

    The structure and magnetic phase transitions of the Gd2Fe17 compound are investigated by using a differential thermal/thermogravimetric analyzer, x-ray diffraction, and magnetization measurements. The result shows that there are two phase structures for the Gd2Fe17 compound: the hexagonal Th2Ni17-type structure at high tem-peratures (above 1243℃), and the rhombohedrai Th2Zn17-type structure, respectively. A method to measure the magnetic moments of the Gd-sublattice and the Fe-sublattice in the Gd2Fe17 compound is presented. The moments of the Gd-sublattice and the Fe-sublattice in the Gd2Fe17 compound from 77 to 500 K are measured in this way with a vibrating sample magnetometer. A detailed discussion is presented.

  8. Synthesis and Properties of 1,8-Carbazole-Based Conjugated Copolymers

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tsuyoshi Michinobu

    2010-07-01

    Full Text Available A new series of conjugated carbazole polymers based on the 1,8-carbazolylene unit was synthesized by the Pd-catalyzed polycondensation between the 1,8-diiodocarbazole derivative and various bifunctional counter comonomers. An alkyne spacer was found to be a key to increasing the molecular weight of the resulting polymers. All the obtained polymers showed good solubilities in the common organic solvents, and they were fully characterized by Gel permeation chromatography (GPC, and 1H NMR and infrared (IR spectroscopies. The UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra revealed the relationship between the chemical structure and effective conjugation length. The efficiency order of the carbazole connectivity was 2,7-carbazolylene > 1,8-carbazolylene > 3,6-carbazolylene. The electrochemical properties of these polymers suggested the relatively facile oxidation at ca. +0.5–0.7 V vs. Fc/Fc+ or a high potential as p-type semiconductors. The combination of the electrochemical oxidation potentials and the optical band gaps allowed us to estimate the HOMO and LUMO levels of the polymers. It was shown that the energy levels of the 1,8-carbazole-based conjugated polymers can be tunable by selecting the appropriate comonomer structures.

  9. Impact of water depth on the distribution of iGDGTs in the surface sediments from the northern South China Sea: applicability of TEX86 in marginal seas

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Jiali; Hu, Pengju; Li, Xing; Yang, Yang; Song, Jinming; Li, Xuegang; Yuan, Huamao; Li, Ning; Lü, Xiaoxia

    2018-03-01

    The TEX 86 H paleothermometer on the base of isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (iGDGTs) has been widely applied to various marine settings to reconstruct past sea surface temperatures (SSTs). However, it remains uncertain how well this proxy reconstructs SSTs in marginal seas. In this study, we analyze the environmental factors governing distribution of iGDGTs in surface sediments to assess the applicability of TEX 86 H paleothermometer in the South China Sea (SCS). Individual iGDGT concentrations increase gradually eastwards. Redundancy analysis based on the relative abundance of an individual iGDGT compound and environmental parameters suggests that water depth is the most influential factor to the distribution of iGDGTs, because thaumarchaeota communities are water-depth dependent. Interestingly, the SST difference (Δ T) between TEX 86 H derived temperature and remote-sensing SST is less than 1°C in sediments with water depth>200 m, indicating that TEX 86 H was the robust proxy to trace the paleo-SST in the region if water depth is greater than 200 m.

  10. Synthesis of minoxidil conjugates and their evaluation as HL-60 differentiation agents.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stoica, Sonia; Magoulas, George E; Antoniou, Antonia I; Suleiman, Sherif; Cassar, Analisse; Gatt, Lucienne; Papaioannou, Dionissios; Athanassopoulos, Constantinos M; Schembri-Wismayer, Pierre

    2016-02-15

    Activation of minoxidil (MNX) with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole and coupling with natural polyamines (PAs) and commercially available aliphatic or aromatic amines provided a series of new conjugates which were evaluated for their ability to induce differentiation to HL-60 acute myeloid leukemia cancer cells, using a modified NBTZ reduction test. Although neither MNX nor 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA) or 2,7-diaminofluorene (DAF), alone or in combination, had any effect, the MNX-spermine (SPM) conjugate (11) and the conjugates 7 and 8 of MNX with MDA and DAF exhibited a differentiation-inducing effect at a concentration of 10 μM without being toxic on proliferating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Gadolinium Complex of 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-1,4,7-trisacetic Acid (DO3A) Conjugate of Tranexamates: A Quest for a Liver-specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nam, Kisoo; Jeong, Hyunjeong; Kim, Heekyung; Choi, Garam; Chang, Yongmin; Kim, Taejeong; Suh, Kyungjin

    2014-01-01

    The work is directed toward the synthesis of a series of DO3A conjugates of tranexamates (1c-e) and their Gd complexes (2c-e) for use as a liver-specific MRI CA. All these complexes show thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities comparable to those of structurally related clinical agents such as Dotarem. Their R 1 relaxivities also compare well with those of commercial agent, ranging 3.68-4.84 mM -1 s -1 . In vivo MR images of mice with 2a-e reveal that only 2a exhibits liver-specificity. Although 2b and 2c show strong enhancement in liver, yet no bile-excretion is observed to be termed as a liver-specific agent. The rest behaves much like ordinary ECF CAs like Dotarem. The new series possess no toxicity to be employed in vivo

  12. Phantom and animal studies of a new hepatobiliary agent for MR imaging: comparison of Gd-DTPA-DeA with Gd-EOB-DTPA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yoshikawa, Kohki; Inoue, Yusuke; Akahane, Masaaki; Shimada, Morio; Itoh, Sayaka; Seno, Atsushi; Hayashi, Sanshin

    2003-08-01

    To investigate the characteristics of Gd-DTPA-DeA as a hepatobiliary contrast agent for MR imaging in comparison with those of Gd-EOB-DTPA. We undertook phantom experiments to assess T1 relaxivity for Gd-DTPA-DeA, Gd-EOB-DTPA, and Gd-DTPA in human plasma. For Gd-DTPA-DeA and Gd-EOB-DTPA, we evaluated the contrast effect in rats using an SPGR sequence. The contrast ratios of liver and abdominal aorta were measured up to 21 minutes after intravenous administration of the agents. Visualization of the bile duct and renal pelvis was also assessed. In human plasma, T1 relaxivity was similar for Gd-DTPA-DeA and Gd-EOB-DTPA, and higher than those for Gd-DTPA. Whereas the contrast ratio of liver peaked about five minutes after the injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA and was followed by a subsequent decline, a continuous rise was shown for Gd-DTPA-DeA, resulting in a larger maximal contrast effect. Contrast ratios of the abdominal aorta were larger for Gd-DTPA-DeA. Biliary excretion was observed for both agents but occurred earlier with Gd-EOB-DTPA. While renal excretion was shown for all rats three minutes after the injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA, it was not observed for Gd-DTPA-DeA. Gd-DTPA-DeA may be used as a hepatobiliary contrast agent and shows different pharmacokinetics from Gd-EOB-DTPA. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  13. A review on transition-metal mediated synthesis of quinolines

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Rashmi Sharma

    2018-06-14

    Jun 14, 2018 ... Special Section on Transition Metal Catalyzed Synthesis of Medicinally Relevant Molecules. A review on ...... iron(III) chloride and TEMPO oxoammonium salt as an .... propyl-3-ethylquinoline (209) in presence of platinum.

  14. The production and use of a 148Gd charged particle target in a spectroscopic study of 147Gd

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Massey, T.N.

    1988-01-01

    This thesis discusses the nuclear structure of 147 Gd elucidated by the neutron pickup reactions (p,d), (d,t) and ( 3 He,α) on the unstable 148 Gd target. The neutron pickup reaction on 148 Gd probes the two-particle-one-hole states by the pickup of neutrons in the shell model orbitals below the N = 82 gap and one-particle states by pickup of neutrons in shell model orbitals above the N = 82 gap. Our experiments will provide information on the location of neutron single-particle energies which can be used for shell-model calculations in the 146 Gd region. The 2-particle-1-hole (2p-1h) states which are probed directly by the neutron transfer reaction in the experiments with the 148 Gd target, will bear indirectly on the energies of one-hole states in 145 Gd. They will also provide information on the strongest single-particle states in 147 Gd because all the single-particle states in the 148 Gd target are partially occupied because of the mixing by the pairing interaction. 107 refs., 23 figs., 20 tabs

  15. Alergia ao látex: diagnóstico acidental após procedimento urológico. Relato de caso Alergia al látex: diagnóstico accidental después procedimiento urológico. Relato de caso Latex allergy: accidental diagnosis after urological procedure. Case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bruno Araújo Verdolin

    2003-08-01

    Full Text Available JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A alergia aos produtos derivados do látex tem-se tornado um problema de grandes proporções, afetando tanto os pacientes como os profissionais da saúde. O objetivo deste relato é descrever o diagnóstico acidental de alergia ao látex após uma cirurgia urológica sob raquianestesia em que o paciente apresentou quadro clínico compatível ao choque anafilático. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 16 anos, portador de lesão de uretra posterior e em uso de sonda vesical por 3 anos, devido a duas cirurgias prévias sem sucesso. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico sob raquianestesia com bupivacaína, o paciente apresentou, logo após a exploração da cavidade abdominal, confusão, dispnéia, prurido e eritema generalizado, broncoespasmo, hipotensão arterial e taquicardia. Houve melhora gradativa das alterações apresentadas com o tratamento instituído. Durante a permanência no hospital, o paciente apresentou, ao soprar um balão de festa, urticária de contato na face e broncoespasmo, que foram prontamente tratados. O teste de punção cutânea e a dosagem de IgE específica para o látex confirmaram a hipótese diagnóstica de alergia ao látex. CONCLUSÕES: A combinação da história clínica do paciente com os dados laboratoriais permitiram a identificação do quadro de alergia ao látex. Esta entidade vem apresentando grande importância recentemente, principalmente naqueles pacientes de risco, como é o do presente caso.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La alergia a los productos derivados del látex se han convertido en un problema de grandes proporciones, afectando tanto los pacientes como también, los profesionales de la salud. El objetivo de este relato es describir el diagnóstico accidental de alergia al látex después de una cirugía urológica sobre raquianestesia en que el paciente presentó cuadro clínico compatible con choque anafilático. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente del sexo masculino, 16 a

  16. Liberação de componentes do extrato de Casearia sylvestris Swartz empregando membranas de látex natural como suporte

    OpenAIRE

    Alberto Trecco; Felipe Azevedo Borges; Elaise G. Pierri; André Gonzaga dos Santos; Chung Man Chin; Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano

    2014-01-01

    A membrana de látex natural (NRL – Natural Rubber Latex), manipulada a partir do látex extraído da seringueira Hevea brasiliensis, tem apresentado grande potencial de aplicação no campo da biomedicina e dos biomateriais. Graças a sua biocompatibilidade e baixa taxa de rejeição, ela tem sido utilizada para próteses e enxertos, atuando como estimulante da angiogênese, adesão celular e barreira física a agentes infecciosos. Além dessas aplicações, as membranas são utiliza...

  17. Synthesis and Characterization of Cefotaxime Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles and Their Use to Target Drug-Resistant CTX-M-Producing Bacterial Pathogens.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shaikh, Sibhghatulla; Rizvi, Syed Mohd Danish; Shakil, Shazi; Hussain, Talib; Alshammari, Thamir M; Ahmad, Waseem; Tabrez, Shams; Al-Qahtani, Mohammad H; Abuzenadah, Adel M

    2017-09-01

    Multidrug-resistance due to "β lactamases having the expanded spectrum" (ESBLs) in members of Enterobacteriaceae is a matter of continued clinical concern. CTX-M is among the most common ESBLs in Enterobacteriaceae family. In the present study, a nanoformulation of cefotaxime was prepared using gold nanoparticles to combat drug-resistance in ESBL producing strains. Here, two CTX-M-15 positive cefotaxime resistant bacterial strains (i.e., one Escherichia coli and one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain) were used for testing the efficacy of "cefotaxime loaded gold-nanoparticles." Bromelain was used for both reduction and capping in the process of synthesis of gold-nanoparticles. Thereafter, cefotaxime was conjugated onto it with the help of activator 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. For characterization of both unconjugated and cefotaxime conjugated gold nanoparticles; UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning, and Transmission type Electron Microscopy methods accompanied with Dynamic Light Scattering were used. We used agar diffusion method plus microbroth-dilution method for the estimation of the antibacterial-activity and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration or MIC values, respectively. MIC values of cefotaxime loaded gold nanoparticles against E. coli and K. pneumoniae were obtained as 1.009 and 2.018 mg/L, respectively. These bacterial strains were completely resistant to cefotaxime alone. These results reinforce the utility of conjugating an old unresponsive antibiotic with gold nanoparticles to restore its efficacy against otherwise resistant bacterial pathogens. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2802-2808, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Developing Tele-Operated Laboratories for Manufacturing Engineering Education. Platform for E-Learning and Telemetric Experimentation (PeTEX

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. Erman Tekkaya

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available The aim of the PeTEX-project is to establish an e-Learning platform for the development, implementation, and delivery of educational training programs in the field of manufacturing engineering. The PeTEX team designs both: a technical platform for eLearning based on “Moodle” including distributed tele-operated experimentation facilities, and didactic and socio-technical requirements for a successful online learning community. User interfaces are deployed for remote access to instruments, data analysis and multiplexed data access via network protocols. Hence, the platform provides complex tools in order to perform various activities to support the educational process, from telemetric experimentation to virtual project groups for an entire community to the purpose of domain specific learning. This paper describes important steps of interdisciplinary participatory design and development of a remote lab-prototype in the field of manufacturing engineering.

  19. Facile combustion synthesis of novel CaZrO3:Eu , Gd red phosphor ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    When the Gd3+ ions were introduced in this compound, the emissions of ... a doped nanostructure may suppress resonant energy trans- ... light.17,18 In this paper, we report a fast and efficient pro- cedure for .... stages of weight loss at temperatures between 258 and 600 ... or particle size as the dopant ions are introduced.

  20. SEM method for direct visual tracking of nanoscale morphological changes of platinum based electrocatalysts on fixed locations upon electrochemical or thermal treatments.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zorko, Milena; Jozinović, Barbara; Bele, Marjan; Hodnik, Nejc; Gaberšček, Miran

    2014-05-01

    A general method for tracking morphological surface changes on a nanometer scale with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is introduced. We exemplify the usefulness of the method by showing consecutive SEM images of an identical location before and after the electrochemical and thermal treatments of platinum-based nanoparticles deposited on a high surface area carbon. Observations reveal an insight into platinum based catalyst degradation occurring during potential cycling treatment. The presence of chloride clearly increases the rate of degradation. At these conditions the dominant degradation mechanism seems to be the platinum dissolution with some subsequent redeposition on the top of the catalyst film. By contrast, at the temperature of 60°C, under potentiostatic conditions some carbon corrosion and particle aggregation was observed. Temperature treatment simulating the annealing step of the synthesis reveals sintering of small platinum based composite aggregates into uniform spherical particles. The method provides a direct proof of induced surface phenomena occurring on a chosen location without the usual statistical uncertainty in usual, random SEM observations across relatively large surface areas. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. The Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure type and its relation to some complex amalgam structures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tambornino, Frank; Sappl, Jonathan; Hoch, Constantin, E-mail: constantin.hoch@cup.uni-muenchen.de

    2015-01-05

    Highlights: • The Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure type has been revisited on the basis of single crystal diffraction data. • Symmetry analysis from electron density and TEM shows the space group P6/m to be true. • Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} shows good metallic behaviour. • Structure relations to alkali, alkaline-earth and rare-earth metal amalgams can be established. • Complexity values for the RE{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure family were calculated. - Abstract: A plethora of binary and ternary intermetallic compounds has been assigned to the Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure type, crystallising in the hexagonal system (space group P6/m, a = 1264.30(18) pm, c = 933.58(11) pm for Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51}). Starting in the late 1960s, much work has been invested in the structural elucidation of these crystal structures. However, reliable single crystal data are scarce, and most structure type assignments have been performed merely on the basis of powder data. We have redetermined four representatives of the binary RE{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure type (RE = Y, Ce, Gd, Tb) with modern high-precision single crystal X-ray methods. The assignment of the Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure type to space group P6/m was additionally verified by careful analysis of high resolution transmission electron micrographs. We emphasise the close relation of the Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51} structure type to the structures of some recently described amalgams of similar composition focussing on disorder phenomena and structural complexity. Furthermore, we provide detailed information on synthesis as well as electrical and magnetic properties for Gd{sub 14}Ag{sub 51}, the parent compound of this structure family.

  2. Flow Injection Analysis with Electrochemical Detection for Rapid Identification of Platinum-Based Cytostatics and Platinum Chlorides in Water

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marketa Kominkova

    2014-02-01

    Full Text Available Platinum-based cytostatics, such as cisplatin, carboplatin or oxaliplatin are widely used agents in the treatment of various types of tumors. Large amounts of these drugs are excreted through the urine of patients into wastewaters in unmetabolised forms. This phenomenon leads to increased amounts of platinum ions in the water environment. The impacts of these pollutants on the water ecosystem are not sufficiently investigated as well as their content in water sources. In order to facilitate the detection of various types of platinum, we have developed a new, rapid, screening flow injection analysis method with electrochemical detection (FIA-ED. Our method, based on monitoring of the changes in electrochemical behavior of analytes, maintained by various pH buffers (Britton-Robinson and phosphate buffer and potential changes (1,000, 1,100 and 1,200 mV offers rapid and cheap selective determination of platinum-based cytostatics and platinum chlorides, which can also be present as contaminants in water environments.

  3. The effects of thermal-neutron irradiation on platinum and dilute platinum-gold alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Piani, C.S.B.

    1978-12-01

    The effect of varying defect concentrations on the recovery spectrum of thermal-neutron-irradiated pure platinum after isochronal anneals was investigated. The dose-independence of substages I(A), I(B) and I(C), and the dose dependence of substage I(D) and I(E), were observed to be in agreement with electron-irradiated studies. The 120 K substage in pure platinum was shown not to be due to interstitial-interstitial reactions, but could possibly be accounted for in terms of detrapping of interstitials from impurities or intrinsic immobile defects. The 360 K stage was shown to shift and was suppressed with increasing defect concentration. The possible conversion of the crowdion to a dumbbell near 160 K in Stage ll in platinum, as predicted by the two-interstitial model, was investigated by consideration of the initial slopes of the production curves between 80 K and 300 K. A minimum in these slopes was observed near 160 K and could be interpreted as due to the conversion of the highly mobile crowdion to an immobile dumbbell at this temperature. The influence of varying gold concentrations on the recovery spectrum of platinum was investigated in dilute platinum-gold alloys. The characteristics of several additional substages in Stage ll, due to the gold alloying were comparable to the results of electron-irradiation experiments. The observations made with regard to the impurity (gold) dependence of these substages could be interpreted in terms of the concentrations of the interstitials, vacancies and impurities present in the material. The interpretation of these substages was found to be consistent, if the recovery spectrum was investigated as a function of defect concentration [af

  4. Albumin–Polymer–Drug Conjugates: Long Circulating, High Payload Drug Delivery Vehicles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Smith, Anton Allen Abbotsford; Zuwala, Kaja; Pilgram, Oliver

    2016-01-01

    Albumin is an exquisite tool of nature used in biomedicine to achieve long blood residence time for drugs, but the payload it can carry is typically limited to one molecule per protein. In contrast, synthetic macromolecular prodrugs contain multiple copies of drugs per polymer chain but offer only...... a marginal increase in the circulation lifetime of the drugs. We combine the benefits of the two platforms and at the same time overcome their respective limitations. Specifically, we develop the synthesis of albumin–polymer–drug conjugates to obtain long circulating, high payload drug delivery vehicles....... In vivo data validate that albumin endows the conjugate with a blood residence time similar to that of the protein and well exceeding that of the polymer. Therapeutic activity of the conjugates is validated using prodrugs of panobinostat, an HIV latency reversal agent, in which case the conjugates matched...

  5. DNA-templated antibody conjugation for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Liu, Tianqiang

    2016-01-01

    -templated organic synthesis due to the wide existence of the 3-histidine cluster in most wild-type proteins. In this thesis, three projects that relate to targeted drug delivery to cancer cells based on the DTPC method is described. The first project was a delivery system which uses transferrin as the targeting....... The study shows that DNA is a highly useful tool for the assembly of proteins with potential therapeutic applications. The DNA-templated protein conjugation shows a promising application in constructing antibody-toxin conjugates or antibody-drug conjugates. In addition, DNA strands used for antibody...... either antibody engineering or special expression systems and are both time and labor consuming. To avoid the drawbacks caused by conventional chemical modification and recombinant methodologies, an ideal site specific conjugation technique would use natural amino acid residues to the protein by a new...

  6. Synthesis, characterization, and in vivo efficacy evaluation of PGG–docetaxel conjugate for potential cancer chemotherapy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jiang X

    2012-02-01

    Full Text Available Danbo Yang1, Sang Van2, Yingyi Shu1, Xiaoqing Liu1, Yangfeng Ge1, Xinguo Jiang3, Yi Jin2, Lei Yu1,21Biomedical Engineering and Technology Institute, Institutes for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Biomedical Group, Nitto Denko Technical Corporation, CA, USA; 3School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaAim: This work is intended to develop and evaluate a biopolymeric poly(L-γ-glutamyl-glutamine (PGG–docetaxel (DTX conjugate that can spontaneously self-assemble in aqueous solutions to become nanoparticles.Methods: DTX was covalently attached to hydrophilic PGG by direct esterification, and the conjugate was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, molecular weight gel permeation chromatography, solubility, size distribution and morphology, and hemolysis. Conjugated DTX was found to have 2000 times improved water solubility compared with free DTX. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy revealed the particle size, distribution and morphology of the PGG–DTX conjugate. In addition, the conjugate was further tested for in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor efficacy on the human non-small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H460.Results: Conjugated DTX was found to have 2000 times improved water solubility compared with free DTX. The conjugate formed nanoparticles with an average diameter of 30 nm in spherical shape and unimodal particle size distribution. The conjugate exhibited about 2% hemolysis at 10 mg/mL, compared with 56% for Tween 80® at 0.4 mg/mL, and 33% for Cremophor EL® at 10 mg/mL. In addition, the conjugate was further tested for in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor efficacy on the human non-small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H460. As expected, conjugated DTX exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to that of free DTX, in concentration

  7. Radiation characteristics of GD-2 fuel

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chrapciak, V.

    2008-01-01

    The assembly WWER-440 type Gd-2 has radial profile of enrichment and has 6 pins with Gd 2 O 3 . The maximal enrichment is 4.4%. Some analyses are done for assembly with flat enrichment (4.4%) and without Gd 2 O 3 . In this article are compared some characteristics (decay heat, some nuclide concentration, photon and gamma sources) for real Gd-2 assembly and for flat 4.4% assembly. The TRITON module (in SCALE 5.1) was used. (Author)

  8. Synthesis and luminescence properties of novel Sr{sub 3}Gd(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Xu, Qiguang; Sun, Jiayue, E-mail: Jiayue_sun@126.com; Cui, Dianpeng; Di, Qiumei; Zeng, Junhui

    2015-02-15

    Sr{sub 3}(Gd{sub 1−x}Dy{sub x})(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} phosphors for white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs) were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. Luminescence properties shows that the phosphor can be efficiently excited by the ultraviolet visible light in the region from 300 to 450 nm, and it exhibits blue (483 nm) and yellow (575 nm) emission corresponding to {sup 4}F{sub 9/2}→{sup 6}H{sub 15/2} transition and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2}→{sup 6}H{sub 13/2} transition, respectively. It has been found that concentration quenching occurs via dipole–dipole interaction according to Dexter's theory. The temperature dependence of photoluminescence properties is investigated from 25 to 250 °C and the prepared Sr{sub 3}Gd(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphors show good thermal quenching properties. - Highlights: • Sr{sub 3}Gd(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. • The phosphor could be efficiently excited by the UV–vis light region from 300 to 450 nm. • Sr{sub 3}Gd(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphors exhibited blue (483 nm) and yellow (575 nm) emission. • The Sr{sub 3}Gd(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphors concentration quenching occurred as a result of dipole–dipole interaction. • Sr{sub 3}Gd(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphors showed good thermal quenching properties.

  9. Evaluation of Gd and Gd159 as new approaches for cancer treatment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Galvao, I.; Neves, M.J.

    2011-01-01

    Metal compounds have shown many biological activities and have been successfully used as anticancer agents such cisplatin. Actually gadolinium (Gd) complexed with a porphyrin Motexafin (MGd) has been investigated as redox-active compound for treatment of cancer. 1 59G d decays by beta emission with an energy of 970 keV and half-life of 18.59 hours. The de-excitation can be via gamma ray and internal conversion electron emission followed by auger electrons and x rays. Considering all of this 1 59G d could be a interesting radionuclide to be as a radio therapeutical agent. The aims of this works were to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Gd and 1 59G d on malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiform, the most frequent brain tumors which has a very poor prognosis. For this purpose, it was used human glioblastoma cell lines T98 (mutant p53) and U87 (wild-type p53) to investigate the cytotoxicity of gadolinium on cell metabolism by MTT assay and also morphological changes, chromatin condensation by DAPI assay and ROS generation. Gadolinium was able to decrease cell viability, the cells presented morphological changes like round shapes and blebs formation after cell treatment with 5x10 -6 M of Gd. Nuclear changing and ROS generation occurred in a dose dependent way indicating the cytotoxic effect of Gd. Treatment with 1 59G d increased all of changes observed with treatment with Gd. These results state for an additive effect of metal toxicity and radioactivity inducing ROS generation as the main mechanism of anti tumoral action of 1 59G d. The results obtained indicated that the radioactive analogues of Gd have increased cytotoxic effects and gadolinium can be a metal of choice for development of new drugs for cancer treatment. (author)

  10. Synthesis of DOTA-conjugated multimeric [Tyr3]octreotide peptides via a combination of Cu(I)-catalyzed "click" cycloaddition and thio acid/sulfonyl azide "sulfo-click" amidation and their in vivo evaluation.

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Yim, C.B.; Dijkgraaf, I.; Merkx, R.; Versluis, C.; Eek, A.; Mulder, G.E.; Rijkers, D.T.; Boerman, O.C.; Liskamp, R.M.

    2010-01-01

    Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of DOTA-conjugated monomeric, dimeric, and tetrameric [Tyr(3)]octreotide-based analogues as a tool for tumor imaging and/or radionuclide therapy. These compounds were synthesized using a Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar

  11. Platinum-TM (TM = Fe, Co) alloy nanoparticles dispersed nitrogen doped (reduced graphene oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotube) hybrid structure cathode electrocatalysts for high performance PEMFC applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vinayan, B P; Ramaprabhu, S

    2013-06-07

    The efforts to push proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) for commercial applications are being undertaken globally. In PEMFC, the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) at the cathode can be improved by the alloying of platinum with 3d-transition metals (TM = Fe, Co, etc.) and with nitrogen doping, and in the present work we have combined both of these aspects. We describe a facile method for the synthesis of a nitrogen doped (reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)) hybrid structure (N-(G-MWNTs)) by the uniform coating of a nitrogen containing polymer over the surface of the hybrid structure (positively surface charged rGO-negatively surface charged MWNTs) followed by the pyrolysis of these (rGO-MWNTs) hybrid structure-polymer composites. The N-(G-MWNTs) hybrid structure is used as a catalyst support for the dispersion of platinum (Pt), platinum-iron (Pt3Fe) and platinum-cobalt (Pt3Co) alloy nanoparticles. The PEMFC performances of Pt-TM alloy nanoparticle dispersed N-(G-MWNTs) hybrid structure electrocatalysts are 5.0 times higher than that of commercial Pt-C electrocatalysts along with very good stability under acidic environment conditions. This work demonstrates a considerable improvement in performance compared to existing cathode electrocatalysts being used in PEMFC and can be extended to the synthesis of metal, metal oxides or metal alloy nanoparticle decorated nitrogen doped carbon nanostructures for various electrochemical energy applications.

  12. UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induce melanoma-associated ganglioside GD3 synthase gene in melanocytes via secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Miyata, Maiko [Department of Life and Medical Sciences, Chubu University Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Kasugai 487-8501 (Japan); Department of Biochemistry II, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-0065 (Japan); Ichihara, Masatoshi; Tajima, Orie; Sobue, Sayaka; Kambe, Mariko [Department of Life and Medical Sciences, Chubu University Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Kasugai 487-8501 (Japan); Sugiura, Kazumitsu [Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-0065 (Japan); Furukawa, Koichi, E-mail: koichi@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp [Department of Biochemistry II, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-0065 (Japan); Furukawa, Keiko [Department of Life and Medical Sciences, Chubu University Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Kasugai 487-8501 (Japan); Department of Biochemistry II, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-0065 (Japan)

    2014-03-07

    Highlights: • Melanocytes showed low ST8SIA1 and high B3GALT4 levels in contrast with melanomas. • Direct UVB irradiation of melanocytes did not induce ganglioside synthase genes. • Culture supernatants of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced ST8SIA1 in melanocytes. • TNFα and IL-6 secreted from keratinocytes enhanced ST8SIA1 expression in melanocytes. • Inflammatory cytokines induced melanoma-related ST8SIA1 in melanocytes. - Abstract: Although expression of gangliosides and their synthetic enzyme genes in malignant melanomas has been well studied, that in normal melanocytes has been scarcely analyzed. In particular, changes in expression levels of glycosyltransferase genes responsible for ganglioside synthesis during evolution of melanomas from melanocytes are very important to understand roles of gangliosides in melanomas. Here, expression of glycosyltransferase genes related to the ganglioside synthesis was analyzed using RNAs from cultured melanocytes and melanoma cell lines. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that melanomas expressed high levels of mRNA of GD3 synthase and GM2/GD2 synthase genes and low levels of GM1/GD1b synthase genes compared with melanocytes. As a representative exogenous stimulation, effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) on the expression levels of 3 major ganglioside synthase genes in melanocytes were analyzed. Although direct UVB irradiation of melanocytes caused no marked changes, culture supernatants of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) induced definite up-regulation of GD3 synthase and GM2/GD2 synthase genes. Detailed examination of the supernatants revealed that inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6 enhanced GD3 synthase gene expression. These results suggest that inflammatory cytokines secreted from UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced melanoma-associated ganglioside synthase genes, proposing roles of skin microenvironment in the promotion of melanoma-like ganglioside profiles in melanocytes.

  13. UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induce melanoma-associated ganglioside GD3 synthase gene in melanocytes via secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Miyata, Maiko; Ichihara, Masatoshi; Tajima, Orie; Sobue, Sayaka; Kambe, Mariko; Sugiura, Kazumitsu; Furukawa, Koichi; Furukawa, Keiko

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Melanocytes showed low ST8SIA1 and high B3GALT4 levels in contrast with melanomas. • Direct UVB irradiation of melanocytes did not induce ganglioside synthase genes. • Culture supernatants of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced ST8SIA1 in melanocytes. • TNFα and IL-6 secreted from keratinocytes enhanced ST8SIA1 expression in melanocytes. • Inflammatory cytokines induced melanoma-related ST8SIA1 in melanocytes. - Abstract: Although expression of gangliosides and their synthetic enzyme genes in malignant melanomas has been well studied, that in normal melanocytes has been scarcely analyzed. In particular, changes in expression levels of glycosyltransferase genes responsible for ganglioside synthesis during evolution of melanomas from melanocytes are very important to understand roles of gangliosides in melanomas. Here, expression of glycosyltransferase genes related to the ganglioside synthesis was analyzed using RNAs from cultured melanocytes and melanoma cell lines. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that melanomas expressed high levels of mRNA of GD3 synthase and GM2/GD2 synthase genes and low levels of GM1/GD1b synthase genes compared with melanocytes. As a representative exogenous stimulation, effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) on the expression levels of 3 major ganglioside synthase genes in melanocytes were analyzed. Although direct UVB irradiation of melanocytes caused no marked changes, culture supernatants of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) induced definite up-regulation of GD3 synthase and GM2/GD2 synthase genes. Detailed examination of the supernatants revealed that inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6 enhanced GD3 synthase gene expression. These results suggest that inflammatory cytokines secreted from UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced melanoma-associated ganglioside synthase genes, proposing roles of skin microenvironment in the promotion of melanoma-like ganglioside profiles in melanocytes

  14. Red emitting phosphors of Eu3+ doped Na2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = Gd, Y) for white light emitting diodes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Niumiao; Guo, Chongfeng; Yin, Luqiao; Zhang, Jianhua; Wu, Mingmei

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • Layered red phosphors Na 2 Ln 2 Ti 3 O 10 (Ln = Gd, Y):Eu 3+ were prepared. • The synthesis parameters of phosphors were optimized. • PL and thermal stability of the samples were investigated. • LED devices were also fabricated including the present red phosphor. - Abstract: A series of Eu 3+ doped Na 2 Ln 2 Ti 3 O 10 (Ln = Gd, Y) red-emitting phosphors for application in ultraviolet based light emitting diodes (LEDs) were successfully synthesized by a modified sol–gel method. Their structure and luminescent properties were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission (PL) spectra and absorption spectra, according to these results the optimal compositions and synthesis parameters were determined. In addition, the thermal stabilities of the phosphors were investigated according to the temperature-dependent PL spectra. The red and white-LEDs (W-LEDs) comprising the Na 2 Ln 2 Ti 3 O 10 :Eu 3+ (Ln = Gd, Y) red emitting phosphors were fabricated with a near-ultraviolet (n-UV) chip. In comparison with Na 2 Y 1.4 Eu 0.6 Ti 3 O 10 , the Na 2 Gd 0.6 Eu 1.4 Ti 3 O 10 phosphor offers higher brightness, quantum efficiency, and excellent thermal stability. W-LEDs comprising Na 2 Gd 0.6 Eu 1.4 Ti 3 O 10 showed bright white emission with a color rendering index (Ra) of 82, a color temperature of 2151 K, and Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates of (0.34, 0.37). The phosphor Na 2 Gd 0.6 Eu 1.4 Ti 3 O 10 is more suitable candidate for application in LEDs

  15. Diastereoselective and enantioselective conjugate addition reactions utilizing α,β-unsaturated amides and lactams

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Katherine M. Byrd

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available The conjugate addition reaction has been a useful tool in the formation of carbon–carbon bonds. The utility of this reaction has been demonstrated in the synthesis of many natural products, materials, and pharmacological agents. In the last three decades, there has been a significant increase in the development of asymmetric variants of this reaction. Unfortunately, conjugate addition reactions using α,β-unsaturated amides and lactams remain underdeveloped due to their inherently low reactivity. This review highlights the work that has been done on both diastereoselective and enantioselective conjugate addition reactions utilizing α,β-unsaturated amides and lactams.

  16. Platinum-decorated reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) hybrid paste for flexible dipole tag-antenna applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Jun Seop; Kim, Minkyu; Lee, Choonghyeon; Cho, Sunghun; Oh, Jungkyun; Jang, Jyongsik

    2015-02-01

    With recent developments in technology, tremendous effort has been devoted to producing materials for flexible device systems. As a promising approach, solution-processed conducting polymers (CPs) have been extensively studied owing to their facile synthesis, high electrical conductivity, and various morphologies with diverse substrates. Here, we report the demonstration of platinum decorated reduced graphene oxide intercalated polyanililne:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (Pt_rGO/PANI:PSS) hybrid paste for flexible electric devices. First, platinum decorated reduced graphene oxide (Pt_rGO) was fabricated through the chemical reduction of platinum cations and subsequent heat reduction of GO sheets. Then, the Pt_rGO was mixed with PANI:PSS solution dispersed in diethylene glycol (DEG) using sonication to form a hybrid PANI-based paste (Pt_rGO/PANI:PSS). The Pt_rGO/PANI:PSS was printed as a micropattern and exhibited high electrical conductivity (245.3 S cm-1) with flexible stability. Moreover, it was used in a dipole tag antenna application, where it displayed 0.15 GHz bandwidth and high transmitted power efficiency (99.6%).With recent developments in technology, tremendous effort has been devoted to producing materials for flexible device systems. As a promising approach, solution-processed conducting polymers (CPs) have been extensively studied owing to their facile synthesis, high electrical conductivity, and various morphologies with diverse substrates. Here, we report the demonstration of platinum decorated reduced graphene oxide intercalated polyanililne:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (Pt_rGO/PANI:PSS) hybrid paste for flexible electric devices. First, platinum decorated reduced graphene oxide (Pt_rGO) was fabricated through the chemical reduction of platinum cations and subsequent heat reduction of GO sheets. Then, the Pt_rGO was mixed with PANI:PSS solution dispersed in diethylene glycol (DEG) using sonication to form a hybrid PANI-based paste (Pt_rGO/PANI:PSS). The Pt

  17. GdF Suez, the real energy champion;GdF Suez, le vrai champion de l'energie

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dupin, L.

    2010-09-15

    During summer 2010, France discovered that she owned a second energy giant, GdF Suez, ranked number two as a power producer just behind EdF, but world number one in the energy domain thanks to the taking over of International Power (UK) in 2010. Until now, GdF Suez and EdF were confronting with each other in a fair game, keeping their respective seizure on their historical monopolies, gas for GdF Suez and electricity for EdF. From now onward the two giants have started an open fight on all markets, with the exception of nuclear energy for which the French government continues to favour EdF. This paper recalls the main steps of the last 15 years of GdF Suez progress, from the Suez investment bank in 1995 to the merger with GdF in 2008 and the acquisition of International Power in 2010. Then it makes a comparative portrait of both GdF Suez and EdF energy groups with their respective advantages and, finally, it ends with an interview of G. Mestrallet, president of GdF Suez who explains the strategy of his group. (J.S.)

  18. Synthesis and magnetism of μ-oxamido-bridged Cu2IILnIII - type heterotrinuclear complexes (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li, Y.T.; Yan, C.W.

    2001-01-01

    Eight new Cu 2 II Ln III - type (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er) heterotrinuclear complexes bridged by N,N'-bis (2-aminopropyl)oxamidocopper(II) [Cu(oxdn)], namely Cu 2 (oxdn)Ln(NO 3 ) 3 , have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements and spectroscopic (IR, UV, ESR) studies. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (4.2 ∼300 K) and studies of Cu 2 (oxdn)Gd(NO 3 ) 3 complex have revealed that the central gadolinium(III) and terminal copper(II) ions are ferromagnetically coupled with the exchange integral J (Cu-Gd) = +2.98 cm -1 , while an antiferromagnetic coupling is detected between the terminal copper(II) metal ions with the exchange integral J' (Cu-Gd) = -0.75 cm -1 , on the basis of the spin Hamiltonian operator [H -2J(S Cu1 -S Gd +S Cu2 +S Gd )-2J'(S Cu1 S Cu2 )]. (author)

  19. Biological role in the transformation of platinum-group mineral grains

    Science.gov (United States)

    Reith, Frank; Zammit, Carla M.; Shar, Sahar S.; Etschmann, Barbara; Bottrill, Ralph; Southam, Gordon; Ta, Christine; Kilburn, Matthew; Oberthür, Thomas; Ball, Andrew S.; Brugger, Joël

    2016-04-01

    Platinum-group elements are strategically important metals. Finding new deposits is becoming increasingly difficult owing to our limited understanding of the processes that affect their mobility in surface environments. Microorganisms have been shown to promote the mobility of metals around ore deposits. Here we show that microorganisms influence the mobility of platinum-group elements in mineral grains collected from Brazil, Australia and Colombia. Scanning electron microscopy showed biofilms covering the platinum-group mineral grains. The biofilms contained abundant platinum-group element nanoparticles and microcrystalline aggregates, and were dominated by Proteobacteria, many of which were closely related to known metal-resistant species. Some platinum-group mineral grains contained carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, selenium and iodine, suggesting the grains may be biogenic in origin. Molecular analyses show that Brazilian platinum-palladium grains hosted specific bacterial communities, which were different in composition from communities associated with gold grains, or communities in surrounding soils and sediments. Nano-phase metallic platinum accumulated when a metallophillic bacterium was incubated with a percolating platinum-containing medium, suggesting that biofilms can cause the precipitation of mobile platinum complexes. We conclude that biofilms are capable of forming or transforming platinum-group mineral grains, and may play an important role for platinum-group element dispersion and re-concentration in surface environments.

  20. Enhanced photoluminescence of Sm{sup 3+}/Bi{sup 3+} co-doped Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} phosphors by combustion synthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu Guangsheng; Zhang Ying [Institute of Micro-system Physics, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001 (China); Yin Jiang [Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093 (China); Zhang, W.F. [Institute of Micro-system Physics, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001 (China)], E-mail: wfzhang@henu.edu.cn

    2008-12-15

    Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} and Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+},Bi{sup 3+} powders were prepared by a combustion method. Their structures were determined using X-ray diffraction. UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectra were investigated for Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} and Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+},Bi{sup 3+} at different annealing temperatures and different doping concentrations. The emission spectra of all samples presented the characteristic emission narrow lines arising from the {sup 4}G{sub 5/2}{yields}{sup 6}H{sub J} transitions (J=5/2, 7/2, and 9/2) of Sm{sup 3+} ions upon excitation with UV irradiation. The emission intensity of Sm{sup 3+} ions was largely enhanced with introducing Bi{sup 3+} ions into Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Sm{sup 3+} and the maximum occurred at a Bi{sup 3+} concentration of 0.5 mol%. The relevant mechanisms were discussed with the sensitization theory by Dexter and the aggregation behavior of Bi{sup 3+} ions.

  1. Experimental MR imaging with Gd-DOTA: Preliminary results

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schouman-Claeys, E.; Kien, P.; Caille, J.M.; Bonnemain, B.; Frija, G.

    1986-01-01

    To evaluate the paramagnetic properties of a new gadolinium chelate, Gd-DOTA, in vitro and in vivo MR imaging was performed with a 0.5-T supraconductive magnet. The in vitro study consisted in measuring the MR signal obtained with various concentrations of Gd-DOTA and Gd-DTPA in different solutions. Potentialization of the paramagnetic properties of both DOTA and DTPA can be achieved by deuterium, glycerol, and protein solutions. The in vivo study was performed in rabbits with various experimental lesions. Enhancement of anatomic details was obtained with both Gd-DOTA and Gd-DTPA. There was no significant difference between Gd-DOTA and Gd-DTPA, both for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Gd-DOTA appears to be a potential paramagnetic agent for MR imaging

  2. Gore-tex® versus resolut adapt® GTR membranes with perioglas® in periodontal regeneration

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Amit Wadhawan

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Successful reconstruction of periodontal tissues destroyed due to periodontitis has been an evasive goal for the periodontists. Several GTR materials and bone grafts have been tried with varied success rates. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of non-resorbable (GoreTex® and bioabsorbable (Resolut Adapt® membranes in combination with bioactive glass (PerioGlas® in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Ten chronic periodontitis patients having bilateral matched intrabony defects were treated with non-resorbable membrane (GoreTex® and bioactive glass or the bioresorbable membrane (Resolut Adapt® and bioactive glass in split mouth design. Clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival recession were recorded at baseline and 9 months post-operatively. Similarly, radiographic (linear CADIA and intra-surgical (re-entry measurements were evaluated at baseline and 9 months post-operatively. Results: Both the membrane groups showed clinically and statistically significant improvement in clinical parameters i.e., reduction in probing depth (4.6 ± 1.4 mm vs. 3.7 ± 1.3 mm and gain in clinical attachment level (4.6 + 1.6 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5 mm for non-resorbable and bioresorbable membrane groups, respectively. Similar trend was observed when radiographical and intra-surgical (re-entry measurements were evaluated and compared, pre- and post-operatively at 9 months. However, on comparison between the two groups, the difference was statistically not significant. Conclusion: Both the barrier membranes i.e., non-resorbable (Gore-Tex® and bioabsorbable (Resolut Adapt® membranes in combination with bioactive glass (PerioGlas® were equally effective in enhancing the periodontal regeneration.

  3. Synthesis and structural elucidation of glutathione and N-aceyl-cysteine conjugates of 5-aminosalicylic acid

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jensen, J.; Cornett, Claus; Olsen, C. E.

    1993-01-01

    The ability of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) to be oxidized to a quinone monoimine compound capable of conjugating with nucleophilic compounds such as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH) has been investigated in vitro. Three isomeric conjugates of 5-ASA and NAC as well as three isomeric...... conjugates of 5-ASA and GSH were found to be formed. 5-ASA was initially oxidized by PbO2 in a solution of TRIS-HCl buffer pH 9.3 followed by the in situ addition of N-acetyl-cysteine or glutathione to the oxidized 5-ASA at pH 7.5. The resulting conjugates were N-acetylated at the aromatic amino group...... to investigate whether such conjugates are excreted in the urine from persons treated with 5-ASA. The N-acetyl-cysteine conjugates could be detected by fluorescense, which resulted in low detection limits ranging from 0.02 mug to 0.06 mug per ml corresponding to the transformation of about 0.003% of the daily...

  4. The effect of complexation with platinum in polyfluorene derivatives: A photo- and electro-luminescence study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Assaka, Andressa M.; Hu Bin; Mays, Jimmy; Iamazaki, Eduardo T.; Atvars, Teresa D.Z.; Akcelrud, Leni

    2011-01-01

    The synthesis and characterization of a polymeric structure containing fluorene units statistically linked to 3-cyclohexyl-thiophene and bipyridine PFOTBipy-poly[(4-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)(9,9-dihexyl-fluoren-2,7-diyl) -co-(bipyridine-5.5'-diyl)(9,9-dihexyl-fluoren-2,7-diyl)], is reported. The complexation with platinum was possible through the bipyridil units present in 10%, 50% and 100% content. The structure has a fluorenyl moiety between each bipyridine and thiophene groups resulting in a stable and efficient light-emitting polymeric material combining the well known emissive properties of fluorene, the charge mobility generated by thiophene and the electron-transfer properties of a metal complex as well. All the polymers were photo and electroluminescent materials, and showed phosphorescence at low temperatures. Photoluminescence properties were studied by steady state and time resolved spectroscopy and showed changes of both emission peak and relative intensity of the emission bands depending on the relative amount of the platinum complex. The electroluminescence followed the trends found for photoluminescence. The blue emission of the copolymer without platinum is due to the fluorenyl segments and for higher complex contents the emission is characteristic of the aggregates involving the bipyridinyl moieties. Therefore, emission color can be tuned by the complex content. The turn-on voltage was strongly reduced from 22 to 8 V for the 100% complexed copolymer, as compared to the device made with the non complexed one, but the luminance decreased, due to quenching or trapping effects. - Research Highlights: →Statistic copolymer containing fluorine, thiophene and bipyridine. →Complexation of platinum with platinum with bipyridine. →Electroluminescence and electrophosphorescence at low temperatures. →Emission color can be tuned by the complex content.

  5. Energy transfer from Pr3+ to Gd3+ ions in BaB8O13 phosphor for phototherapy lamps

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tamboli, Sumedha; Nair, Govind B.; Dhoble, S. J.; Burghate, D. K.

    2018-04-01

    A series of BaB8O13 phosphors doped with different concentrations of Gd3+ ions and co-doped with Pr3+ ions were synthesized by solid state synthesis method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of the compound in a crystalline and homogeneous form. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to study the surface morphology of the compound and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy measurements determined the nature of bonding between elements of the compounds. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectra of BaB8O13:Gd3+ phosphor showed excitation peaks at 246 nm, 252 nm and 274 nm. The prominent emission peak was observed at 313 nm which is in narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) range. Energy transfer was achieved by co-doping Pr3+ ions with Gd3+ ions. PL decay time was also measured for BaB8O13: Gd3+, Pr3+ phosphor. Emission at 313 nm can be used for the treatment of skin diseases.

  6. Diketopyrrolopyrrole-diketopyrrolopyrrole-based conjugated copolymer for high-mobility organic field-effect transistors

    KAUST Repository

    Kanimozhi, Catherine K.; Yaacobi-Gross, Nir; Chou, Kang Wei; Amassian, Aram; Anthopoulos, Thomas D.; Patil, Satish P.

    2012-01-01

    In this communication, we report the synthesis of a novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP-DPP)-based conjugated copolymer and its application in high-mobility organic field-effect transistors. Copolymerization of DPP with DPP yields a

  7. Preparation and characterization of conjugated polymers made by postpolymerization reactions of alternating polyketones.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Chen; Guironnet, Damien; Barborak, James; Brookhart, Maurice

    2011-06-29

    Conjugated polymers possessing a poly(2,5-dimethylene-2,5-dihydrofuran) backbone were prepared through postpolymerization reaction of styrenic polyketones with bromine in one-pot reactions. The modification is proposed to proceed via condensation of two repeating units to form a fully characterized polymer with a poly(2,5-dimethylenetetrahydrofuran) backbone. Subsequent bromination and elimination of HBr yield a polymer with a fully conjugated carbon backbone. The new conjugated polymers were characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopies and by CV. These polymers have strong absorption in the visible region, with the absorption peaks shifted to the NIR region upon doping with acids. The ease of the synthesis of the starting polyketone and of the modifications allows large-scale preparation of those conjugated polymers.

  8. Synthesis and Characterization of Platinum(II) Complexes with Various Substituted 2,2'-Bipyridine Ligands.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Son, Seokhwan; Lee, Hwan Gyu; Lee, Nopl; Ryu, Minwoo; Kwak, Cheenhun; Lee, Jihoon; Ahn, Hogeun; Chung, Minchu

    2016-02-01

    The reaction of platinum 5,5"-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)di-2,2'-bipyridine with 2,2'-bipyridine) PtCI2, (1,10-phenanthroline)PtC2 and (2,2'-bipyrimidine)PtC2: (2,2'-bipyridine)Pt[5,5"-(9,9-dioctyl-9H- fluorene-2,7-diyl)di-2,2'-bipyridine] (1) (2,2'-bipyrimi-dine)Pt[5,5"-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)di- 2,2'-bipyridine] (2) (1,10-Phenantroline)-Pt[5,5"-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)di-2,2'-bipyridine] (3). In the study, new platinum complex compounds were synthesized utilizing the ligand of a 5,5"-(9,9- dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)di-2,2'-bipyridine). Each of the three complexes was obtained through the reaction carried out in this study. These complexes were analyzed using 1H(13C)-NMR, PL, and a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The maximum wavelengths of complexes 1, 2, and 3 appear at 519 nm, 375 nm, and 517 nm, respectively. The quantum yields of these complexes are in the range of 0.35-0.67.

  9. Synthesis of novel 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered C-5 substituted uracil-isatin conjugates and their cytotoxic evaluation

    KAUST Repository

    Kumar, Kewal; Sagar, Sunil; Esau, Luke; Kaur, Mandeep; Kumar, Vipan

    2012-01-01

    The present manuscript describes the synthesis of uracil-isatin hybrids via azide-alkyne cycloadditions and their cytotoxic evaluation against three human cancer cell lines viz. HeLa (cervix), MCF-7 (breast) and DU145 (prostate) using MTT assay. The evaluation studies revealed the dependence of cytotoxicity on C-5 substituents of both uracil and isatin as well as the alkyl chain length with compounds 6g and 6k showing IC50 values 18.21 and 13.90 μM respectively against DU145 cell lines. Most of the synthesized conjugates exhibited considerable selectivity against MCF-7 and DU145 cell lines. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Synthesis of novel 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered C-5 substituted uracil-isatin conjugates and their cytotoxic evaluation

    KAUST Repository

    Kumar, Kewal

    2012-12-01

    The present manuscript describes the synthesis of uracil-isatin hybrids via azide-alkyne cycloadditions and their cytotoxic evaluation against three human cancer cell lines viz. HeLa (cervix), MCF-7 (breast) and DU145 (prostate) using MTT assay. The evaluation studies revealed the dependence of cytotoxicity on C-5 substituents of both uracil and isatin as well as the alkyl chain length with compounds 6g and 6k showing IC50 values 18.21 and 13.90 μM respectively against DU145 cell lines. Most of the synthesized conjugates exhibited considerable selectivity against MCF-7 and DU145 cell lines. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  11. Synthesis of highly stable folic acid conjugated magnetite nanoparticles for targeting cancer cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mohapatra, S; Mallick, S K; Maiti, T K; Ghosh, S K; Pramanik, P

    2007-01-01

    A new approach towards the design of folic acid conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for enhancing their site specific intracellular uptake against a folate receptor overexpressing cancer cells is reported. Magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation from an Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ solution followed by surface modification with 2-carboxyethyl phosphonic acid to form carboxyl group terminated nanoparticles. Then folic acid and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) were conjugated with carboxylic acid functionalized magnetite nanoparticles using 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)-bis-ethylamine. These folate-conjugated nanoparticles were characterized in terms of their size by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Surface functional groups and surface composition were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Vibration sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements showed the superparamagnetic nature of the particles at room temperature. Folate-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles are noncytotoxic and receptor mediated internalization by HeLa and B16 melanoma F0 cancer cells was confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy

  12. Introducing TEX86 as a Water pH Proxy for Alkaline Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, M.; Tian, Q.; Li, X.; Liang, J.; Yue, H.; Hou, J.

    2017-12-01

    Lake water pH represents one of the most important indicators for lake evolution and factors influencing the evolution of aquatic ecosystem, however, which is less studied on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Applicability of diatom assemblages, an effective proxy of lake water pH variation in freshwater lakes, is highly limited on the TP because the widespread distribution of alkaline lakes is unfavorable for preservation of diatom shells. Glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) are a series of specific membrane lipids biosynthesized by archaea and bacteria, which appear to be a promising method to reflect lake water pH variation. Here we present the distribution of iGDGTs compounds in surface sediments across the TP to discuss the effect of various environmental factors on iGDGTs distribution. The results show that TEX86 is a promising proxy for lake water pH in high-elevation alkaline lakes, as water pH appears to be the most important factor to affect the cyclization of iGDGTs. We proposed the water pH calibration for lakes (salinitywater pH. The TEX86-derived pH at Bangong Co varied from 8.69 to 9.49 since the last 16 kyr BP, which is generally consistent with precipitation isotope variation that was reconstructed from leaf wax D/H ratios in the same sediment core, suggesting the lake water pH was mainly controlled by local hydrology. We believe that TEX86 will be able to infer past water pH of alkaline lakes over TP and could be a potentially useful tool for reconstructing pH in alkaline lakes worldwide after regional calibrated.

  13. Synthesis, structural characterization, and pro-apoptotic activity of 1-indanone thiosemicarbazone platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes: potential as antileukemic agents.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gómez, Natalia; Santos, Diego; Vázquez, Ramiro; Suescun, Leopoldo; Mombrú, Alvaro; Vermeulen, Monica; Finkielsztein, Liliana; Shayo, Carina; Moglioni, Albertina; Gambino, Dinorah; Davio, Carlos

    2011-08-01

    In the search for alternative chemotherapeutic strategies against leukemia, various 1-indanone thiosemicarbazones, as well as eight novel platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes, with the formula [MCl₂(HL)] and [M(HL)(L)]Cl, derived from two 1-indanone thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and tested for antiproliferative activity against the human leukemia U937 cell line. The crystal structure of [Pt(HL1)(L1)]Cl·2MeOH, where L1=1-indanone thiosemicarbazone, was solved by X-ray diffraction. Free thiosemicarbazone ligands showed no antiproliferative effect, but the corresponding platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Platinum(II) complexes also displayed selective apoptotic activity in U937 cells but not in peripheral blood monocytes or the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line used to screen for potential hepatotoxicity. Present findings show that, in U937 cells, 1-indanone thiosemicarbazones coordinated to palladium(II) were more cytotoxic than those complexed with platinum(II), although the latter were found to be more selective for leukemic cells suggesting that they are promising compounds with potential therapeutic application against hematological malignancies. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Determination of Gd concentration profile in UO{sub 2}–Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} fuel pellets

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tobia, D., E-mail: dina.tobia@cab.cnea.gov.ar [Laboratorio de Resonancias Magnéticas, Centro Atómico Bariloche – CNEA and CONICET, 8400 S.C. de Bariloche (Argentina); Winkler, E.L.; Milano, J.; Butera, A. [Laboratorio de Resonancias Magnéticas, Centro Atómico Bariloche – CNEA and CONICET, 8400 S.C. de Bariloche (Argentina); Kempf, R. [División Caracterización de Combustibles Avanzados, Gerencia Ciclo Combustible Nuclear, Centro Atómico Constituyentes – CNEA, 1650 San Martín, Pcia. de Buenos Aires (Argentina); Bianchi, L.; Kaufmann, F. [Departamento de Combustibles Avanzados, Gerencia Ciclo Combustible Nuclear, Centro Atómico Constituyentes – CNEA, 1650 San Martín, Pcia. de Buenos Aires (Argentina)

    2014-08-01

    A transversal mapping of the Gd concentration was measured in UO{sub 2}–Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nuclear fuel pellets by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The quantification was made from the comparison with a Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} reference sample. The nominal concentration in the pellets is UO{sub 2}: 7.5% Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}. A concentration gradient was found, which indicates that the Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} amount diminishes towards the edges of the pellets. The concentration varies from (9.3 ± 0.5)% in the center to (5.8 ± 0.3)% in one of the edges. The method was found to be particularly suitable for the precise mapping of the distribution of Gd{sup 3+} ions in the UO{sub 2} matrix.

  15. Synthesis and characterization of a cysteine xyloglucan conjugate as mucoadhesive polymer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mangesh Bhalekar

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this study was to improve the mucoadhesive potential of xyloglucan polymer by the covalent attachment of cysteine as thiol moiety. The parent polymer xyloglucan was chemically modified by introducing sulphydryl bearing compound L-cysteine HCl. Different batches of xyloglucan-cysteine conjugates were prepared at varying reaction pH (2-6 and evaluated for optimum thiol incorporation, disulphide group content, swelling behavior, rheological properties and mucoadhesive properties. The obtained conjugates characterized in vitro by quantification of immobilized thiol groups; showed maximum thiol incorporation on xyloglucan (7.67 ± 0.14 % at pH 5. The disulphide group content was found maximum (2.83 ± 0.12 at pH 6. The water uptake at end of 4 h was 5.0 for xyloglucan and was found to decrease in thiolated derivatives with increase in thiolation. Mucoadhesion studies revealed that mucoadhesion of xyloglucan-cysteine conjugate increased more than twice compared to the unmodified polymer. The viscosity of thiomer was more than that of xyloglucan because of formation of disulphide bonds.

  16. Sequence-specific DNA alkylation targeting for Kras codon 13 mutation by pyrrole-imidazole polyamide seco-CBI conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Taylor, Rhys Dylan; Asamitsu, Sefan; Takenaka, Tomohiro; Yamamoto, Makoto; Hashiya, Kaori; Kawamoto, Yusuke; Bando, Toshikazu; Nagase, Hiroki; Sugiyama, Hiroshi

    2014-01-27

    Hairpin N-methylpyrrole-N-methylimidazole polyamide seco-CBI conjugates 2-6 were designed for synthesis by Fmoc solid-phase synthesis, and their DNA-alkylating activities against the Kras codon 13 mutation were compared by high-resolution denaturing gel electrophoresis with 225 base pair (bp) DNA fragments. Conjugate 5 had high reactivity towards the Kras codon 13 mutation site, with alkylation occurring at the A of the sequence 5'-ACGTCACCA-3' (site 2), including minor 1 bp-mismatch alkylation against wild type 5'-ACGCCACCA-3' (site 3). Conjugate 6, which differs from conjugate 5 by exchanging one Py unit with a β unit, showed high selectivity but only weakly alkylated the A of 5'-ACGTCACCA-3' (site 2). The hairpin polyamide seco-CBI conjugate 5 thus alkylates according to Dervan's pairing rule with the pairing recognition which β/β pair targets T-A and A-T pairs. SPR and a computer-minimized model suggest that 5 binds to the target sequence with high affinity in a hairpin conformation, allowing for efficient DNA alkylation. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. SEM method for direct visual tracking of nanoscale morphological changes of platinum based electrocatalysts on fixed locations upon electrochemical or thermal treatments

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zorko, Milena [National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Centre of Excellence for Low-Carbon Technologies, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Jozinović, Barbara [Centre of Excellence for Low-Carbon Technologies, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Bele, Marjan [National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Centre of Excellence for Low-Carbon Technologies, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Hodnik, Nejc, E-mail: nejc.hodnik@ki.si [National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Gaberšček, Miran [National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia); Centre of Excellence for Low-Carbon Technologies, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana (Slovenia)

    2014-05-01

    A general method for tracking morphological surface changes on a nanometer scale with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is introduced. We exemplify the usefulness of the method by showing consecutive SEM images of an identical location before and after the electrochemical and thermal treatments of platinum-based nanoparticles deposited on a high surface area carbon. Observations reveal an insight into platinum based catalyst degradation occurring during potential cycling treatment. The presence of chloride clearly increases the rate of degradation. At these conditions the dominant degradation mechanism seems to be the platinum dissolution with some subsequent redeposition on the top of the catalyst film. By contrast, at the temperature of 60 °C, under potentiostatic conditions some carbon corrosion and particle aggregation was observed. Temperature treatment simulating the annealing step of the synthesis reveals sintering of small platinum based composite aggregates into uniform spherical particles. The method provides a direct proof of induced surface phenomena occurring on a chosen location without the usual statistical uncertainty in usual, random SEM observations across relatively large surface areas. - Highlights: • A new SEM method for observations of identical locations. • Nanoscale morphological consecutive changes on identical locations. • Electrochemical and thermal treatments on platinum based nanoparticles. • Potential cycling induces platinum dissolution with redeposition on top of the film. • At 1.4 V vs. RHE and 60 °C carbon corrosion and particle aggregation is observed.

  18. Peptide- and saccharide-conjugated dendrimers for targeted drug delivery: a concise review

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Jie; Gray, Warren D.; Davis, Michael E.; Luo, Ying

    2012-01-01

    Dendrimers comprise a category of branched materials with diverse functions that can be constructed with defined architectural and chemical structures. When decorated with bioactive ligands made of peptides and saccharides through peripheral chemical groups, dendrimer conjugates are turned into nanomaterials possessing attractive binding properties with the cognate receptors. At the cellular level, bioactive dendrimer conjugates can interact with cells with avidity and selectivity, and this function has particularly stimulated interests in investigating the targeting potential of dendrimer materials for the design of drug delivery systems. In addition, bioactive dendrimer conjugates have so far been studied for their versatile capabilities to enhance stability, solubility and absorption of various types of therapeutics. This review presents a brief discussion on three aspects of the recent studies to use peptide- and saccharide-conjugated dendrimers for drug delivery: (i) synthesis methods, (ii) cell- and tissue-targeting properties and (iii) applications of conjugated dendrimers in drug delivery nanodevices. With more studies to elucidate the structure–function relationship of ligand–dendrimer conjugates in transporting drugs, the conjugated dendrimers hold promise to facilitate targeted delivery and improve drug efficacy for discovery and development of modern pharmaceutics. PMID:23741608

  19. Caracterización de diversas fracciones del látex Carica papaya como biocatalizadores en la hidrólisis de triglicéridos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rivera, I.

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available Carica papaya latex contains interesting enzymes; the best known is papain, but lipolytic activity is also present. Due to the complexity of the latex polymeric matrix, it has not been possible to completely isolate enzymes responsible of lipolytic activity. The aim of this work was to characterize the lipolytic activity in the raw latex (CPLtx and two partially purified fractions of papaya latex (without protease, CPL-p and without esterase CPL-e. Thermostability, optimal temperature and pH in the hydrolysis of two model triglycerides (tributyrin and triolein and the selectivity towards triglycerides with different chain lengths were determined. The lipolytic activity of these biocatalysts in the hydrolysis of tributyrin and olive oil was similar to other commercially available immobilized microbial lipases (RM IM and Novozyme 435.El látex de Carica papaya es fuente de interesantes enzimas, la más conocida es la papaína, pero la actividad lipolítica también está presente. No obstante, debido a la complejidad de la matriz polimérica del látex, hasta la fecha no ha sido posible aislar las enzimas responsables de la actividad lipolítica del látex. Este trabajo está dedicado a la caracterización de la actividad lipolítica en el látex crudo (CPLtx y dos fracciones parcialmente purificadas de látex de papaya (sin proteasas, CPL-p y sin esterasas, CPL-e, a las cuales se determinaron la termostabilidad, temperatura y pH óptimos en la hidrólisis de dos triglicéridos modelo (tributirina y trioleina, así como la selectividad hacia triglicéridos con diferentes longitudes de cadena. Los tres presentaron actividades lipolíticas en hidrólisis de tributirina y aceite de oliva comparables con otras lipasas microbianas inmovilizadas disponibles comercialmente (RM IM y Novozyme 435.

  20. Influence of the size of Gd211 starting powder on the critical current density of Gd-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nariki, S.; Seo, S.J.; Sakai, N.; Murakami, M.

    2000-01-01

    The relationship between the particle size of Gd211 powder in the precursor and the particle size of Gd211 inclusions in Gd-Ba-Cu-O bulk has been investigated. Gd211 starting powders with various diameters were prepared by the calcination of Gd 2 O 3 , BaO 2 and CuO powders at different temperatures between 800 and 1000 deg. C. The particle size of Gd211 in the melt-grown bulk was proportional to the particle size of the initial Gd211 powder. In conclusion, the employment of fine Gd211 powder led to a size reduction of 211 particles in the bulk, while largely enhancing the J c values in low magnetic fields. A large Gd-Ba-Cu-O/Ag bulk sample, 32 mm in diameter, could also be fabricated by the hot-seeding method. The maximum trapped field value revealed 1.5 T at 77 K. (author)

  1. Novel HPC-ibuprofen conjugates: synthesis, characterization, thermal analysis and degradation kinetics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hussain, M.A.; Lodhi, B.A.; Abbas, K.

    2014-01-01

    Naturally occurring hydrophilic polysaccharides are advantageously used as drug carriers because they provide a mechanism to improve drug action. Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) is water-soluble, biocompatible and bears hydroxyl groups for drug conjugation outside the parent polymeric chains. This unique geometry allows the attachment of drug molecules with higher covalent loading. The HPC-Ibuprofen conjugates as macromolecular prodrugs were therefore synthesized employing homogenous and one pot reaction methodologies using p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in N,N-dimethylacetamide solvent at 80 degree C for 24 h under nitrogen atmosphere. The imidazole was used as a base for neutralization of acidic impurities. Present strategy appeared effective to get high yield (77-81%) and high degree of drug substitution (DS 0.88-1.40) onto the HPC polymer as determined by the acid-base titration and verified by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The gel permeation chromatography has shown uni-modal absorption which indicates no significant degradation of polymer during reaction. Macromolecular prodrugs with different DS of ibuprofen were synthesized, purified, characterized and found soluble in organic solvents. From thermogravimetric analysis, initial, maximum and final degradation temperatures of the conjugates were calculated and compared for relative thermal stability. Thermal degradation kinetics was also studied and results have indicated that degradation of conjugates follows about first order kinetics as calculated by Kissinger model. The energy of activation was also found moderate 92.38, 99.34 and 87.34 kJ/mol as calculated using Friedman, Broido and Chang models. It was found that these novel prodrugs of ibuprofen were thermally stable therefore these may have potential pharmaceutical applications. (author)

  2. 99Tcm labelling and in vitro binding of dextran-somatostatin conjugate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cui Haiping; China Inst. of Atomic Energy, Beijing; Zhai Shizhen; Du Jin; Beijing Univ., Beijing

    2006-01-01

    Natural somatostatin and dextran-20 are used to synthesis somatostatin-dextran (SMS-Dx 20 ). The in vitro somatostatin receptor competition binding study of somatostatin-dextran is carried out by using rate brain cortex membranes (express somatostatin receptor type 2) and 125 I-Tyr 3 -Octreotide as a radioligand. The somatostatin-dextran conjugate is then labelled with 99 Tc m using SnCl 2 as reduce agent and tested for its in vitro binding properties. The somatostatin-dextran conjugate shows high somatostatin receptor binding affinity, i.e. in the same IC 50 value as the reference ligand Octreotide (IC 50 ∼5.95 nmol/L). The labelling efficiency is more than 85%. The specific binding of 99 Tc m labeled somatostatin-dextran conjugate is 25%-40%. The somatostatin-dextran conjugate is worthy of further investigation for 99 Tc m radiolabeling with diagnostic possibilities for somatostatin receptor positive tumors. (authors)

  3. Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Two Metal Complexes Incorporating Malonate and Organodiamine Ligands

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Quan Zheng; Yang, Wen Bin; Chen, Shu Mei; Lu, Can Zhong

    2005-01-01

    In the present work we report the synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of two new malonato complexes incorporating organodiamine ligands: [Ni(phen)(mal)(H_2O)_2]·3H_2O (H_2mal = malonic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [Zn(bpy)(H_2O)]_2[Zn(bpy)(mal)(H_2O)_2]_2(NO_3)_4·4H_2O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Investigation on novel organic-inorganic hybrid framework assemblies represents one of the most active areas of material science and chemical research. Major advances have been made in these materials due to their interesting properties and potential in various applications, e. g., electrical conductivity, magnetism, host-guest chemistry, ion exchange, catalysis, nonlinear optics, etc. Moreover, discovery and design of such new materials with specific networks remain of a particularly important and active subject in the field of supramolecuar chemistry and crystal engineering. A variety of complexes with interesting compositions and topologies have been prepared through taking certain factors into account, such as the coordination nature of the metal ion and the shape, functionality, flexibility, and symmetry of organic ligand. Recently, some dicarboxylate ligands, such as oxalate, malonate, and terephthalate, have been widely used in the construction of these interesting structures

  4. Characterization of electrochemically modified polycrystalline platinum surfaces

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Krebs, L.C.; Ishida, Takanobu.

    1991-12-01

    The characterization of electrochemically modified polycrystalline platinum surfaces has been accomplished through the use of four major electrochemical techniques. These were chronoamperometry, chronopotentiommetry, cyclic voltammetry, and linear sweep voltammetry. A systematic study on the under-potential deposition of several transition metals has been performed. The most interesting of these were: Ag, Cu, Cd, and Pb. It was determined, by subjecting the platinum electrode surface to a single potential scan between {minus}0.24 and +1.25 V{sub SCE} while stirring the solution, that the electrocatalytic activity would be regenerated. As a consequence of this study, a much simpler method for producing ultra high purity water from acidic permanganate has been developed. This method results in water that surpasses the water produced by pyrocatalytic distillation. It has also been seen that the wettability of polycrystalline platinum surfaces is greatly dependent on the quantity of oxide present. Oxide-free platinum is hydrophobic and gives a contact angle in the range of 55 to 62 degrees. We have also modified polycrystalline platinum surface with the electrically conducting polymer poly-{rho}-phenylene. This polymer is very stable in dilute sulfuric acid solutions, even under applied oxidative potentials. It is also highly resistant to electrochemical hydrogenation. The wettability of the polymer modified platinum surface is severely dependent on the choice of supporting electrolyte chosen for the electrochemical polymerization. Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate produces a film that is as hydrophobic as Teflon, whereas tetraethylammonium perchlorate produces a film that is more hydrophilic than oxide-free platinum.

  5. Characterization of electrochemically modified polycrystalline platinum surfaces

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Krebs, Leonard C. [State Univ. of New York (SUNY), Stony Brook, NY (United States); Ishida, Takanobu [State Univ. of New York (SUNY), Stony Brook, NY (United States)

    1991-12-01

    The characterization of electrochemically modified polycrystalline platinum surfaces has been accomplished through the use of four major electrochemical techniques. These were chronoamperometry, chronopotentiommetry, cyclic voltammetry, and linear sweep voltammetry. A systematic study on the under-potential deposition of several transition metals has been performed. The most interesting of these were: Ag, Cu, Cd, and Pb. It was determined, by subjecting the platinum electrode surface to a single potential scan between -0.24 and +1.25 VSCE while stirring the solution, that the electrocatalytic activity would be regenerated. As a consequence of this study, a much simpler method for producing ultra high purity water from acidic permanganate has been developed. This method results in water that surpasses the water produced by pyrocatalytic distillation. It has also been seen that the wettability of polycrystalline platinum surfaces is greatly dependent on the quantity of oxide present. Oxide-free platinum is hydrophobic and gives a contact angle in the range of 55 to 62 degrees. We have also modified polycrystalline platinum surface with the electrically conducting polymer poly-ρ-phenylene. This polymer is very stable in dilute sulfuric acid solutions, even under applied oxidative potentials. It is also highly resistant to electrochemical hydrogenation. The wettability of the polymer modified platinum surface is severely dependent on the choice of supporting electrolyte chosen for the electrochemical polymerization. Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate produces a film that is as hydrophobic as Teflon, whereas tetraethylammonium perchlorate produces a film that is more hydrophilic than oxide-free platinum.

  6. Development and preclinical evaluation of new 124I-folate conjugates for PET imaging of folate receptor-positive tumors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    AlJammaz, I.; Al-Otaibi, B.; Al-Rumayan, F.; Al-Yanbawi, S.; Amer, S.; Okarvi, S.M.

    2014-01-01

    In an attempt to develop new folate radiotracers with favorable biochemical properties for detecting folate receptor-positive cancers, we have synthesized [ 124 I]-SIB- and [ 124 I]-SIP-folate conjugates using a straightforward and two-step simple reactions. Radiochemical yields for [ 124 I]-SIB- and [ 124 I]-SIP-folate conjugates were greater than 90 and 60% respectively, with total synthesis time of 30–40 min. Radiochemical purities were always greater than 98% without HPLC purification. These synthetic approaches hold considerable promise as rapid and simple method for 124 I-folate conjugate preparation with high radiochemical yield in short synthesis time. In vitro tests on KB cell line showed that the significant amounts of the radioconjugates were associated with cell fractions. In vivo characterization in normal Balb/c mice revealed rapid blood clearance of these radioconjugates and favorable biodistribution profile for [ 124 I]-SIP-folate conjugate over [ 124 I]-SIB-folate conjugate. Biodistribution studies of [ 124 I]-SIP-folate conjugate in nude mice bearing human KB cell line xenografts, demonstrated significant tumor uptake. The uptake in the tumors was blocked by excess injection of folic acid, suggesting a receptor-mediated process. These results demonstrate that [ 124 I]-SIP-folate conjugate may be useful as a molecular probe for detecting and staging of folate receptor-positive cancers, such as ovarian cancer and their metastasis as well as monitoring tumor response to treatment

  7. Conjugated Polymers for Energy Production

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Livi, Francesco

    This dissertation is aimed at developing materials for flexible, large area, ITO-free polymer solar cells (PSCs) fully printed under ambient conditions. A large screening of conjugated polymers, both novel and well-known materials, has been carried out in order to find suitable candidates...... polymerization method for industrial production of polymers. Several DArP protocols have been employed for the synthesis of PPDTBT leading to polymers with high structural regularity and photovoltaic performances comparable with the same materials synthesized via Stille cross-coupling polymerization...

  8. Less is More: A Comparison of Antibody-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates of Different Ratios.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Byzova, Nadezhda A; Safenkova, Irina V; Slutskaya, Elvira S; Zherdev, Anatoly V; Dzantiev, Boris B

    2017-11-15

    This comprehensive study is related to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) conjugated with antibodies. The goal of the study is to determine the minimal concentration of antibodies for conjugate synthesis when the conjugates have high antigen-capturing activity. Two systems were studied: gold nanoparticles conjugated with monoclonal antibodies (mAb-GNP) specific to Helicobacter pylori and gold nanoparticles conjugated with polyclonal antibodies (pAb-GNP) specific to mouse immunoglobulins. Several conjugates were synthesized with different GNP-to-antibody molar ratios (from 1:1 to 1:245) through nondirectional and noncovalent immobilization on a surface of GNPs with a diameter of 25.3 ± 4.6 nm. The maximal antigen-capturing activities and equilibrium constants of the conjugates correlate with the formation of a constant hydrodynamic radius of the conjugates for mAb-GNP (GNP to antibody molar ratio 1:58) and with the stabilizing concentration by flocculation curves for pAb-GNP (GNP to antibody molar ratio 1:116). The application of the conjugates to the lateral flow immunoassay shows that the antibody concentrations used for the conjugation can be reduced (below the stabilizing concentration) without losing activity for the mAb-GNP conjugates. The findings highlight that the optimal concentration of antibodies immobilized on the surface of GNPs is not always equal to the stabilizing concentration determined by the flocculation curve.

  9. Quantitative Molecular Imaging with a Single Gd-Based Contrast Agent Reveals Specific Tumor Binding and Retention in Vivo.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Johansen, Mette L; Gao, Ying; Hutnick, Melanie A; Craig, Sonya E L; Pokorski, Jonathan K; Flask, Chris A; Brady-Kalnay, Susann M

    2017-06-06

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, especially cancer. However, the poor sensitivity of MRI relative to other imaging modalities, such as PET, has hindered the development and clinical use of molecular MRI contrast agents that could provide vital diagnostic information by specifically locating a molecular target altered in the disease process. This work describes the specific and sustained in vivo binding and retention of a protein tyrosine phosphatase mu (PTPμ)-targeted, molecular magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent with a single gadolinium (Gd) chelate using a quantitative MRI T 1 mapping technique in glioma xenografts. Quantitative T 1 mapping is an imaging method used to measure the longitudinal relaxation time, the T 1 relaxation time, of protons in a magnetic field after excitation by a radiofrequency pulse. T 1 relaxation times can in turn be used to calculate the concentration of a gadolinium-containing contrast agent in a region of interest, thereby allowing the retention or clearance of an agent to be quantified. In this context, retention is a measure of molecular contrast agent binding. Using conventional peptide chemistry, a PTPμ-targeted peptide was linked to a chelator that had been conjugated to a lysine residue. Following complexation with Gd, this PTPμ-targeted molecular contrast agent containing a single Gd ion showed significant tumor enhancement and a sustained increase in Gd concentration in both heterotopic and orthotopic tumors using dynamic quantitative MRI. This single Gd-containing PTPμ agent was more effective than our previous version with three Gd ions. Differences between nonspecific and specific agents, due to specific tumor binding, can be determined within the first 30 min after agent administration by examining clearance rates. This more facile chemistry, when combined with quantitative MR techniques, allows for widespread adoption by academic

  10. Bulk and nanocrystalline electron doped Gd0.15Ca0.85MnO3: Synthesis and magnetic characterization

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dhal, Lakshman; Chattarpal; Nirmala, R.; Santhosh, P. N.; Kumary, T. Geetha; Nigam, A. K.

    2014-09-01

    Polycrystalline Gd0.15Ca0.85MnO3 sample was prepared by solid state reaction method and nanocrystalline samples of different grain sizes of the same were prepared by sol-gel method. Phase purity and composition were verified by room temperature X-ray diffraction and SEM-EDAX analysis. Magnetization data of bulk Gd0.15Ca0.85MnO3 in 5 kOe field shows a peak at 119 K (TN) suggesting an antiferromagnetic transition. Nanocrystalline Gd0.15Ca0.85MnO3 sample ( 54 nm size) also shows a cusp at 107 K and a broad thermal hysteresis between field cooled cooling (FCC) and field cooled warming (FCW) data around this temperature. This thermal hysteresis suggests possible crystal structural transition. Field variation of magnetization of bulk Gd0.15Ca0.85MnO3 at 5 K shows a tendency to saturate, but yields a magnetic moment value of only 1.12 μB/f.u. in 70 kOe. The value of magnetization of nanocrystalline sample at 5 K in 70 kOe field is slightly larger and is 1.38 μB/f.u. which is probably due to the surface moments of the nanoparticle samples. Both the samples show Curie-Weiss-like behaviour in their paramagnetic state.

  11. Development of antibacterial conjugates using sulfamethoxazole with monocyclic terpenes: A systematic medicinal chemistry based computational approach.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Swain, Shasank S; Paidesetty, Sudhir K; Padhy, Rabindra N

    2017-03-01

    . aureus) and -10.19 (conjugate-2 against S. pneumoniae. Conjugates-2 and -5 were the most effective antibacterials based on Lipinski rule of five with lethal doses 3471 and 3500mg/kg, respectively and toxicity class levels. Conjugate-2 and conjugate-5 were more effective than individual monoterpenes and SMZ, against pathogenic bacteria. Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antibacterial study with acute toxicity testing for Wister rat model of the conjugate-5 could land at success in the recorded computational trial and it could be promoted for synthesis in the control of MDR bacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Platinum-group elements and gold in base metal sulfides, platinum-group minerals, and Re-Os isotope compositions of the Uitkomst complex, South Africa

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Trubač, Jakub; Ackerman, Lukáš; Gauert, Ch.; Ďurišová, Jana; Hrstka, Tomáš

    2018-01-01

    Roč. 113, č. 2 (2018), s. 439-461 ISSN 0361-0128 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA13-15390S Institutional support: RVO:67985831 Keywords : binary alloys * copper compounds * economic geology * gold * iridium * isotopes * ore deposits * osmium * palladium * platinum * platinum metals * pyrites * Rhenium * rhenium alloys * ruthenium * solid solutions * sulfur compounds * crustal materials * mass-balance calculations * massive sulfides * mineralized zone * monosulfide solid solutions * platinum group elements * platinum group elements (PGEs) * platinum group minerals Subject RIV: DB - Geology ; Mineralogy; AC - Archeology, Anthropology, Ethnology (ARUB-Q) OBOR OECD: Geology; Archaeology (ARUB-Q) Impact factor: 2.519, year: 2016

  13. Synthesis, crystal structure and anticancer activity of tetrakis(N-isopropylimidazolidine-2-selenone)platinum(II) chloride

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ahmad, Saeed; Altoum, Ali Osman S.; Vančo, Ján; Křikavová, Radka; Trávníček, Zdeněk; Dvořák, Zdeněk; Altaf, Muhammad; Sohail, Manzar; Isab, Anvarhusein A.

    2018-01-01

    A Platinum(II) complex of N-isopropylimidazolidine-2-selenone (i-PrImSe), [Pt(i-PrImSe)4]Cl2 (1) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (1H, 13C, 77Se &195Pt) spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The structure of 1 consists of [Pt(i-PrImSe)4]2+ complex ion and chloride counter ions. The platinum(II) atom adopts a distorted square planar geometry. The in vitro antitumor activity of 1 as well as cisplatin, was evaluated by MTT assay against human; ovarian carcinoma A2780 and its cisplatin-resistant subline A2780R, prostate cancer 22Rv1 and breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines. The title complex displayed the activity against the A2780 cells (IC50 = 30.8 μM) at the level comparable to cisplatin (IC50 = 26.8 μM). The interaction studies with sulfur-containing biomolecules revealed its ability to form a variety of intermediates and oxidized species with L-cysteine and reduced glutathione.

  14. Hierarchical assembly of branched supramolecular polymers from (cyclic Peptide)-polymer conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Koh, Ming Liang; Jolliffe, Katrina A; Perrier, Sébastien

    2014-11-10

    We report the synthesis and assembly of (N-methylated cyclic peptide)-polymer conjugates for which the cyclic peptide is attached to either the α- or both α- and ω- end groups of a polymer. A combination of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and scattering techniques reveals that the assembly of the conjugates follows a two-level hierarchy, initially driven by H-bond formation between two N-methylated cyclic peptides, followed by unspecific, noncovalent aggregation of this peptide into small domains that behave as branching points and lead to the formation of branched supramolecular polymers.

  15. Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of the alkaloid (+)-myrtine

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Pizzuti, Maria Gabriefla; Minnaard, Adriaan J.; Feringa, Ben L.

    2008-01-01

    A new protocol for the asymmetric synthesis of trans-2,6-disubstituted-4-piperidones has been developed using a catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition reaction in combination with a diastereoselective lithiation-substitution sequence; an efficient synthesis of (+)-myrtine has been achieved

  16. Estudo da atividade do látex do Croton urucurana Baill. sobre o trânsito gastrintestinal de camundongos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luilma Albuquerque Gurgel

    Full Text Available O presente trabalho tem como propósito avaliar uma possível atividade inibitória do látex do Croton urucurana Baill. sobre o trânsito gastrintestinal de camundongos, bem como tentar esclarecer os possíveis mecanismos de ação envolvidos em sua atividade. Foram utilizados os modelos de trânsito gastrintestinal normal e trânsito gastrintestinal estimulado por fisostigmina em camundongos. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o látex inibiu o trânsito gastrintestinal de camundongos, e, muito embora seu mecanismo de ação ainda não seja claro, seu efeito é independente da participação de mecanismo opióide, colinérgico, α2-adrenérgico ou nitriérgico.

  17. Corrosion Studies of Platinum Nano-Particles for Fuel Cells

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Shim, Signe Sarah

    The main focus of the present thesis is on corrosion and prevention of corrosion of platinum particles supported on carbon. This is important for instance in connection with start up and shutdown of fuel cells. The degradation mechanism of platinum particles supported on carbon has been character......The main focus of the present thesis is on corrosion and prevention of corrosion of platinum particles supported on carbon. This is important for instance in connection with start up and shutdown of fuel cells. The degradation mechanism of platinum particles supported on carbon has been...... characterized during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) condition using identical location (IL) transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A TEM grid was used as the working electrode in an electrochemical setup allowing a direct correlation between the electrochemical response and the TEM analysis. The main results...... thirds and one monolayer of gold on platinum supported on carbon were synthesized by an inverse micelle method. The results obtained appear independent of the gold coverage. It has been shown that the electrochemical active surface areas of the platinum and platinum gold particles synthesized...

  18. Reaction pathways for reduction of nitrate ions on platinum, rhodium, and platinum-rhodium alloy electrodes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cunha, M.C.P.M. da; De Souza, J.P.I.; Nart, F.C.

    2000-01-01

    The reduction of nitrate ions on platinum, rhodium, and platinum-rhodium alloy electrodes has been investigated using differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and in situ FTIR measurements. For 3 M HNO 3 concentration it has been found that nitrate starts the reduction with partial N-O bond dissociation and N-N bond formation generating NO and N 2 O. At potentials lower than 0.2 V the reaction proceeds forming dissolved NH 4 + . For potentials lower than 0 V the reduction continues via a multiple pathway reaction leading to the nonselective production of N 2 , NH 2 OH, and N 2 H 2 . On the alloyed electrodes, the production of NO and N 2 O has been observed in both cathodic and anodic scans, while on pure platinum and rhodium electrodes the reaction has been observed only during the cathodic scan. Contrasting with the pure platinum and rhodium alloys, where the N-O bond break starts forming NO and N 2 O, on the alloys HNO 2 has been observed as the first reaction step. For alloys with higher rhodium composition, like Pt 75 Rh 25 , no N 2 has been detected for potentials lower than 0 V

  19. Outpatient desensitization in selected patients with platinum hypersensitivity reactions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Malley, David M; Vetter, Monica Hagan; Cohn, David E; Khan, Ambar; Hays, John L

    2017-06-01

    Platinum-based chemotherapies are a standard treatment for both initial and recurrent gynecologic cancers. Given this widespread use, it is important to be aware of the features of platinum hypersensitivity reactions and the subsequent treatment of these reactions. There is also increasing interest in the development of desensitization protocols to allow patients with a history of platinum hypersensitivity to receive further platinum based therapy. In this review, we describe the management of platinum hypersensitivity reactions and the desensitization protocols utilized at our institution. We also describe the clinical categorizations utilized to triage patients to appropriate desensitization protocols. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Aqueous synthesis of porous platinum nanotubes at room temperature and their intrinsic peroxidase-like activity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cai, Kai; Lv, Zhicheng; Chen, Kun; Huang, Liang; Wang, Jing; Shao, Feng; Wang, Yanjun; Han, Heyou

    2013-07-11

    Platinum nanotubes (PtNTs) exhibiting high porosity were constructed by sacrificing the exterior of tellurium nanowires (TeNWs) and disintegrating the inner part spontaneously in aqueous solution at room temperature, in which the Kirkendall effect may play an important role. The present PtNTs exhibited intrinsic peroxidase-like activity in the presence of H2O2.

  1. Purificación y caracterización preliminar de proteasas del látex de Vasconcellea candicans (A. Gray A. DC (Mito

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana I. F. Gutiérrez

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available E studios preliminares indican que , el látex fresco del “ M ito” tiene una actividad específica de papaína de 1,84 veces mayor a la encontrada en el látex of papaya, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue purificar y caracterizar las proteasa s del látex fresco del “ M ito” que tuvieran actividad de papaína. El e xtracto crudo de proteasas se obtuvo a partir del látex de “Mito” el cual fue resuspendido (1:1 en buffer acetato de Na 10 mM a pH 5,0; inmediatamente se precipitaron proteínas a pH 9,0 y luego con sulfato de amonio al 45%. Posteriormente se purific ó en una columna de Sephadex G - 100 y se obtuvieron tres fracciones: A, B y C ; u tilizando como sustrato caseína se midió la actividad enzimática específica (AEE . S e encontró que para la Fracción A la AE E fue de 87,74 nkat.mg - 1 proteína, para la Fracción B fue de 14,93 nkat.mg - 1 proteína y para la Fracción C fue de 16,13 nkat.mg - 1 proteína . La AEE de la fracción A frente a la de papaína de látex fresco de C. papaya fue 13,3 veces mayor. En el análisis electrofor é tico (gel desnaturalizante , 12% se observa para la fracción A dos bandas de proteínas teniendo una de ellas una “ relación de frente ” semejante al estándar de papaína. Además, se observó que la fracción A (papaína de “Mito” frente a diferentes concentraciones de caseína, usada como sustrato, presenta una curva sigmoidea michaeliana; a diferentes volúmenes de enzima se muestra un comportamiento lineal; tiene un pH óptimo a 7,5 y es activa hasta 60 ºC .

  2. Synthesis and evaluation of 99mTc/99Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates for antibody pretargeting strategies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gog, Frank B. van; Visser, Gerard W.M.; Gowrising, Radjish W.A.; Snow, Gordon B.; Dongen, Guus A.M.S. van

    1998-01-01

    Four 99m Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates were synthesized to determine their potential use in antibody pretargeting strategies for radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS). To use these 99m Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates as model compounds for 186 Re-MAG3-biotin conjugates for radioimmunotherapy (RIT), nanomolar amounts of 99 Tc were added as carrier to 99m Tc. The biotin derivatives used for the preparation of the conjugates - biocytin, biotin hydrazide, biotinyl-piperazine, and biotinyl-diaminosuccinic acid - differed at the site that is regarded to be susceptible to hydrolysis by biotinidase present in human plasma. All four conjugates were produced with high radiochemical purity, were stable in PBS, and demonstrated full binding capacity to streptavidin. The 99m Tc/ 99 Tc-MAG3-labeled biotinyl-piperazine and biotinyl-diaminosuccinic acid conjugates were stable in mouse as well as human plasma, whereas the corresponding biocytin and biotin hydrazide conjugates were rapidly degraded. The biodistribution in nude mice at 30 min after injection was similar for all conjugates, and a rapid blood clearance and high intestinal excretion were both observed. It is concluded that the metabolic routing of a conjugate containing biotin and MAG3 is dominated by these two moieties. For this reason, MAG3-biotin conjugates do not seem suited for pretargeted RIT, for which quantitative and fast renal excretion is a prerequisite to minimize radiation toxicity. However, in a pretargeted RIS approach the 99m Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates might have potential

  3. New perspective for GdNCT. Gd-DTPA reaches the nucleus of glioblastoma cells in culture and in vivo

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stasio, G. de; Gilbert, B.; Frazer, B.H.

    2000-01-01

    We investigated the prospects of gadolinium as a neutron capture therapy agent by combining three independent techniques to study the uptake of Gd-DTPA in vitro, in cultured glioblastoma cells, and in vivo, in the glioblastoma tissue sections after injection of Gd-DTPA and tumor extraction. We show that gadolinium not only penetrates the plasma membrane of glioblastoma cells grown in culture, but we also observe a statistically significant higher concentration of Gd in the nucleus relative to the cytoplasm. For the in vivo experiments, Gd-DTPA was administered to 6 glioblastoma patients before neurosurgery. The extracted bioptic tissue was then analyzed with spectromictroscopy, showing Gd localized in the nuclei of glioblastoma cells in 5 patients out of the 6 analyzed. (author)

  4. FRHAM-TEX trademark cool suit - OST reference No. 1854. Deactivation and decommissioning focus area

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1998-02-01

    This paper describes a demonstration project for the FRHAM-TEX Cool Suit trademark manufactured by FRHAM Safety Products. It is a one-piece, disposable, breathable, waterproof coverall designed to permit moisture generated by the wearer to be transmitted outside the suit. The performance of this suit was compared to a Tyvek reg-sign suit as a baseline. The suit is proposed as safety ware for workers at decontamination and decommissioning projects

  5. Properties of ceria doped with gadolinia via microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Carregosa, J.D.C.; Oliveira, R.M.P.B.; Macedo, D.A.; Nascimento, R.M.

    2016-01-01

    The solid solution of CeO_2 doped with Gd"3"+ (CGO) is a promising candidate for electrolyte in Solid Oxide Full Cells (SOFCs) operating in intermediate and low temperatures. The reduction of the working temperature of these energy conversion devices is the great technological challenge to its marketing. In this work, nanocrystalline powders of Ce_1_-_xGd_xO_2_-_x_/_2 with x=0, x=0.1 e x=0.2 were obtained via microwave-hydrothermal synthesis at low temperature and times of synthesis (10 and 20 min at 120° C). The powders were analyzed by TG-DTA, DRX and dilatometry. The results showed characteristic peaks of the cubic fluorite-type structure, referring to the cerium oxide (CeO_2), without the presence of secondary peaks. It was also observed that the samples processed at levels of 10 and 20 minutes showed distinct behaviors in contrast to the concentrations of Gd"3"+. (author)

  6. Development of XFCT imaging strategy for monitoring the spatial distribution of platinum-based chemodrugs: Instrumentation and phantom validation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kuang Yu [Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5847 and Medical Physics Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-3037 (United States); Pratx, Guillem; Bazalova, Magdalena; Qian Jianguo; Meng Bowen; Xing Lei [Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5847 (United States)

    2013-03-15

    Purpose: Developing an imaging method to directly monitor the spatial distribution of platinum-based (Pt) drugs at the tumor region is of critical importance for early assessment of treatment efficacy and personalized treatment. In this study, the authors investigated the feasibility of imaging platinum (Pt)-based drug distribution using x-ray fluorescence (XRF, a.k.a. characteristic x ray) CT (XFCT). Methods: A 5-mm-diameter pencil beam produced by a polychromatic x-ray source equipped with a tungsten anode was used to stimulate emission of XRF photons from Pt drug embedded within a water phantom. The phantom was translated and rotated relative to the stationary pencil beam in a first-generation CT geometry. The x-ray energy spectrum was collected for 18 s at each position using a cadmium telluride detector. The spectra were then used for the K-shell XRF peak isolation and sinogram generation for Pt. The distribution and concentration of Pt were reconstructed with an iterative maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm. The capability of XFCT to multiplexed imaging of Pt, gadolinium (Gd), and iodine (I) within a water phantom was also investigated. Results: Measured XRF spectrum showed a sharp peak characteristic of Pt with a narrow full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) (FWHM{sub K{alpha}1}= 1.138 keV, FWHM{sub K{alpha}2}= 1.052 keV). The distribution of Pt drug in the water phantom was clearly identifiable on the reconstructed XRF images. Our results showed a linear relationship between the XRF intensity of Pt and its concentrations (R{sup 2}= 0.995), suggesting that XFCT is capable of quantitative imaging. A transmission CT image was also obtained to show the potential of the approach for providing attenuation correction and morphological information. Finally, the distribution of Pt, Gd, and I in the water phantom was clearly identifiable in the reconstructed images from XFCT multiplexed imaging. Conclusions: XFCT is a promising modality for monitoring

  7. Platinum complexes of 5,6-Dihydroacenaphtho[5,6-cd]-1,2-dichalcogenoles

    OpenAIRE

    Benson, Callum G. M.; Schofield, Catherine M.; Randall, Rebecca A. M.; Wakefield, Lucy; Knight, Fergus R.; Slawin, Alexandra M. Z.; Woollins, J. Derek

    2013-01-01

    Six bis(phosphane) platinum complexes bearing dichalcogen acenaphthene ligands have been prepared by metathesis from cis-[PtCl2(PR3)(2)] (R-3 = Ph-3, Ph2Me, PhMe2) and the dilithium salts of the parent 5,6-dihydroacenaphtho[5,6-cd]-1,2-dichalcogenoles (AcenapE(2), L1 E = S, L2 E = Se). For their synthesis, the appropriate disulfide or diselenide species was treated with super hydride [LiBEt3H] to afford the dilithium salt by in situ reduction of the AcenapE(2) E-E bond. Further reaction, by m...

  8. Effect of rapid quenching on the magnetism and magnetocaloric effect of equiatomic rare earth intermetallic compounds RNi (R = Gd, Tb and Ho)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rajivgandhi, R. [Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036 (India); Arout Chelvane, J. [Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad 500 058 (India); Quezado, S.; Malik, S.K. [Departamento de F’ısica Teorica e Experimental, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970 (Brazil); Nirmala, R., E-mail: nirmala@physics.iitm.ac.in [Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036 (India)

    2017-07-01

    Highlights: • Melt-spinning yields microcrystalline RNi (R = Gd, Tb and Ho) samples with texture. • The texture-induced anisotropy affects magnetic and magnetocaloric properties. • Melt-spinning helps one engineer magnetocaloric effect in rare-earth compounds. - Abstract: Magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in RNi (where R = Gd, Tb and Ho) compounds has been studied in their arc-melted and melt-spun forms. The compound GdNi has the orthorhombic CrB-type structure (Space group Cmcm, No. 63) and the compound HoNi has the orthorhombic FeB-type structure (Space group Pnma, No. 62) at room temperature regardless of their synthesis condition. However, arc-melted TbNi orders in a monoclinic structure (Space group P2{sub 1}/m, No. 11) and when it is rapidly quenched to a melt-spun form, it crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure (Space group Pnma, No. 62). The arc-melted GdNi, TbNi and HoNi compounds order ferromagnetically at ∼69 K, ∼67 K and ∼36 K (T{sub C}) respectively. While the melt-spun GdNi shows about 6 K increase in T{sub C}, the ordering temperature of TbNi remains nearly the same in both arc-melted and melt-spun forms. In contrast, a reduction in T{sub C} by about 8 K is observed in melt-spun HoNi, when compared to its arc-melted counterpart. Isothermal magnetic entropy change, ∆S{sub m}, calculated from the field dependent magnetization data indicates an enhanced relative cooling power (RCP) for melt-spun GdNi for field changes of 20 kOe and 50 kOe. A lowered RCP value is observed in melt-spun TbNi and HoNi. These changes could have resulted from the competing shape anisotropy and the granular microstructure induced by the melt-spinning process. Tailoring the MCE of rare earth intermetallic compounds by suitably controlled synthesis techniques is certainly one of the directions to go forward in the search of giant magnetocaloric materials.

  9. Comparison of two brain tumor-localizing MRI agent. GD-BOPTA and GD-DTPA. MRI and ICP study of rat brain tumor model

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, T.; Matsumura, A.; Yamamoto, T.; Yoshida, F.; Nose, T.

    2000-01-01

    In this study, we compared the behavior of Gd-BOPTA as a brain tumor selective contrast agent with Gd-DTPA in a common dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. We performed a MRI study using those two agent as contrast material, and we measured tissue Gd-concentrations by ICP-AES. As a result, Gd-BOPTA showed a better MRI enhancement in brain tumor. ICP showed significantly greater uptake of Gd-BOPTA in tumor samples, at all time course peaked at 5 minutes after administration, Gd being retained for a longer time in brain tumor till 2 hours, without rapid elimination as Gd-DTPA. We conclude that Gd-BOPTA is a new useful contrast material for MR imaging in brain tumor and an effective absorption agent for neutron capture therapy for further research. (author)

  10. Structural and magnetic properties of Gd-doped ZnO

    KAUST Repository

    Bantounas, Ioannis

    2014-01-01

    We use density functional theory to investigate structural and magnetic properties of Gd doped ZnO, accounting for the impurity 4f states using the GGA + U method. (i) We calculate the binding energy of forming [Gd-Gd] dimers, [VO - GdZn] and [VZn - GdZn] complexes and find that while the formation of [VZn - GdZn] is favourable, [GdZn - GdZn] and [VO - GdZn] complexes are less likely to form. Next, (ii) we investigate the spacial arrangement of two (and three) GdZn impurities in a 3 × 3 × 2 supercell and find that the magnetic impurities are energetically favourable when occupying distant lattice sites. Finally, we study the nature of interactions between the magnetic impurities (iii) for Gd in nearest-neighbour and non-nearest-neighbour Zn sites, (iv) in the presence of Zn or O vacancies, and (v) with and without additional charge carriers. Our results show mainly paramagnetic behaviour. In a few cases, e.g. magnetic impurities occupying in-plane nearest-neighbour zinc sites with n-type carrier doping, weak ferromagnetic coupling is observed. This magnetic ordering is of the order of a few meV and can be easily destroyed by thermal fluctuations. We thus expect Gd:ZnO to show paramagnetic behaviour at temperatures approaching room temperature.

  11. Pyrene–nucleobase conjugates: synthesis, oligonucleotide binding and confocal bioimaging studies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Artur Jabłoński

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available Fluorescent pyrene–linker–nucleobase (nucleobase = thymine, adenine conjugates with carbonyl and hydroxy functionalities in the linker were synthesized and characterized. X-ray single-crystal structure analysis performed for the pyrene–C(OCH2CH2–thymine (2 conjugate reveals dimers of molecules 2 stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the thymine moieties. The photochemical characterization showed structure-dependent fluorescence properties of the investigated compounds. The conjugates bearing a carbonyl function represent weak emitters as compared to compounds with a hydroxy function in the linker. The self-assembly properties of pyrene nucleobases were investigated in respect to their binding to single and double strand oligonucleotides in water and in buffer solution. In respect to the complementary oligothymidine T10 template in water, compounds 3 and 5 both show a self-assembling behavior according to canonical base–base pairing. However, in buffer solution, derivative 5 was much more effective than 3 in binding to the T10 template. Furthermore the adenine derivative 5 binds to the double-stranded (dA10–T10 template with a self-assembly ratio of 112%. Such a high value of a self-assembly ratio can be rationalized by a triple-helix-like binding, intercalation, or a mixture of both. Remarkably, compound 5 also shows dual staining pattern in living HeLa cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed that 5 predominantly stains mitochondria but it also accumulates in the nucleoli of the cells.

  12. Investigation of Gd compounds using synchrotron radiation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tyszka, B.; Szade, J.; Burian, W.; Skorek, G.; Deniszczyk, J.; Sikora, M.; Zajac, D.; Kapusta, Cz.; Matteucci, M.; Bondino, F.; Zacchigna, M.; Zangrando, M.

    2005-01-01

    The electronic structure of ferromagnetic compound GdTiGe has been investigated using element sensitive methods-X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). Additionally, another ferromagnet GdTiSi has been studied using XMCD. XMCD revealed a strong dichroic signal at Gd L 2 and L 3 edges, which can be related to polarisation of Gd 5d band. XAS at Ti L 2,3 edges has exhibited a structure which appeared to be in general agreement with the LAPW calculations. RIXS spectra have shown some resonance features for photon energies close to Ti L 2 and Gd M 5 edges

  13. Synthesis, thermionic emission and magnetic properties of (NdxGd1–x)B6

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bao Li-Hong; Zhang Jiu-Xing; Zhou Shen-Lin; Tegus

    2011-01-01

    Polycrystalline rare-earth hexaborides (Nd x Gd 1–x )B 6 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1) were prepared by the reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS) method using mixed powder of GdH 2 , NdH 2 and B. The effects of Nd doping on the crystal structure, the grain orientation, the thermionic emission and the magnetic properties of the hexaboride were investigated by X-ray diffraction, electron backscattered diffraction and magnetic measurements. It is found that all the samples sintered by the SPS method exhibit high densities (> 95%) and high values of Vickers hardness (2319 kg/mm 2 ). The values are much higher than those obtained in the traditional method. With the increase of Nd content, the thermionic emission current density increases from 11 to 16.30 A/cm 2 and the magnetic phase transition temperature increases from 5.85 to 7.95 K. Thus, the SPS technique is a suitable method to synthesize the dense rare-earth hexaborides with excellent properties. (interdisciplinary physics and related areas of science and technology)

  14. Synthesis and Properties of Platinum Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Isabel Mendivil Palma

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Platinum (Pt nanoparticles were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL technique in different liquids (acetone, ethanol, and methanol. Ablation was performed using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with output energy of 230 mJ/pulse for 532 nm wavelength. Ablation time and laser energy fluence were varied for all the liquids. Effects of laser energy fluence, ablation time, and nature of the liquid were reported. The mean size, size distributions, shape, elemental composition, and optical properties of Pt nanoparticles synthesized by PLAL were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy.

  15. Synthesis RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} (R = Gd and Sm) nano- and microstructures by a simple hydrothermal method

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhu Gangqiang, E-mail: zgq2006@snnu.edu.cn [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Liu Peng [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos [Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Nano-materials and Technology, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an 710055 (China); Ge Bao [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Liu Yun; Miao Hongyan; Tan Guoqiang [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710021 (China)

    2009-12-15

    Single-phase RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} (R = Gd and Sm) nano- and microstructures have been successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process at 250 deg. C for 24 h using NaOH as mineralizer. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selective area electron diffraction patterns (SAED) were used to characterize the as-synthesized GdMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} and SmMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} samples. The effect of NaOH concentration and the molar ratio of Mn{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 7+} on the morphology and size of the final products was studied, and a possible formation mechanism of RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} (R = Gd and Sm) nanoplates and nanorods under hydrothermal conditions was proposed.

  16. Platinum stable isotopes in ferromanganese crust and nodules

    Science.gov (United States)

    Corcoran, Loretta; Seward, Terry; Handler, Monica R.

    2015-04-01

    Hydrogenetic ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crust and nodules are slow-growing chemical sediments that form by direct precipitation from seawater, resulting in a record of changing seawater chemistry. These sediments are the primary sink for platinum in the modern oxic marine environment, hosting well-documented enrichments over other platinum-group elements (PGEs): the Pt anomaly [1]. Platinum is a non-bio-essential, highly siderophile, transition metal with six stable isotopes (190Pt, 192Pt, 194Pt, 195Pt, 196Pt, and 198Pt) with several oxidation states (Pt0, Pt2+ and Pt4+). Platinum is generally considered to exist in the hydrosphere as Pt2+ although its behaviour in the marine environment is poorly constrained, and Pt4+may also be present. Variations in ocean redox state, together with changes in source fluxes to the oceans, may therefore lead to small variations (Leaching experiments conducted on platinum rich terrestrial materials underwent platinum stable isotopic measurement as an analogue for the Pt isotopic fractionation associated with continental weathering. [1] Hodge, V.F. et al. (1985) Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 72, 158-162. [2] Creech, J. et al. (2013) Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 28. 853-865.

  17. Magnetism at the V/Gd interface

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mouketo, L; M'Passi-Mabiala, B; Binggeli, N

    2010-01-01

    Recent experimental investigations into the magnetic properties of V/Gd bilayers have shown that vanadium, which is nonmagnetic in the bulk, can acquire a magnetic moment in such systems. We have performed ab initio pseudopotential calculations to examine the magnetic behavior of V(110)/Gd(0001) bilayers for V layers with thicknesses up to 4 monolayers (ML). We considered both abrupt and atomic intermixed V/Gd interfaces. In both cases, the magnetic moment of the V layer is found to align antiparallel to the moment of the Gd layer, consistent with the experimental observation. However, the magnitude of the V moment at the abrupt interface is considerably smaller than the moments reported experimentally. In the presence of atomic intermixing, instead, substantially larger V moments are found, closer to the experimentally reported moments. On the basis of the calculated atomic and spin resolved density of states, we discuss the possible mechanism responsible for the observed Gd-V antiferromagnetic coupling.

  18. GdF Suez, the real energy champion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dupin, L.

    2010-01-01

    During summer 2010, France discovered that she owned a second energy giant, GdF Suez, ranked number two as a power producer just behind EdF, but world number one in the energy domain thanks to the taking over of International Power (UK) in 2010. Until now, GdF Suez and EdF were confronting with each other in a fair game, keeping their respective seizure on their historical monopolies, gas for GdF Suez and electricity for EdF. From now onward the two giants have started an open fight on all markets, with the exception of nuclear energy for which the French government continues to favour EdF. This paper recalls the main steps of the last 15 years of GdF Suez progress, from the Suez investment bank in 1995 to the merger with GdF in 2008 and the acquisition of International Power in 2010. Then it makes a comparative portrait of both GdF Suez and EdF energy groups with their respective advantages and, finally, it ends with an interview of G. Mestrallet, president of GdF Suez who explains the strategy of his group. (J.S.)

  19. Growth of uniform nanoparticles of platinum by an economical approach at relatively low temperature

    KAUST Repository

    Shah, M.A.

    2012-01-01

    Current chemical methods of synthesis have shown limited success in the fabrication of nanomaterials, which involves environmentally malignant chemicals. Environmental friendly synthesis requires alternative solvents, and it is expected that the use of soft options of green approaches may overcome these obstacles. Water, which is regarded as a benign solvent, has been used in the present work for the preparation of platinum nanoparticles. The average particle diameter is in the range of ∼13±5 nm and particles are largely agglomerated. The advantages of preparing nanoparticles with this method include ease, flexibility and cost effectiveness. The prospects of the process are bright, and the technique could be extended to prepare many other important metal and metal oxide nanostructures. © 2012 Sharif University of Technology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Growth of uniform nanoparticles of platinum by an economical approach at relatively low temperature

    KAUST Repository

    Shah, M.A.

    2012-06-01

    Current chemical methods of synthesis have shown limited success in the fabrication of nanomaterials, which involves environmentally malignant chemicals. Environmental friendly synthesis requires alternative solvents, and it is expected that the use of soft options of green approaches may overcome these obstacles. Water, which is regarded as a benign solvent, has been used in the present work for the preparation of platinum nanoparticles. The average particle diameter is in the range of ∼13±5 nm and particles are largely agglomerated. The advantages of preparing nanoparticles with this method include ease, flexibility and cost effectiveness. The prospects of the process are bright, and the technique could be extended to prepare many other important metal and metal oxide nanostructures. © 2012 Sharif University of Technology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Experimental evaluation of contrast-enhanced high-reselution MR angiography in the rabbit. Gd-DTPA versus Gd-DTPA polylysin

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vogl, T.J.; Hoffmann, Y.; Juergens, M.; Weinmann, H.J.; Muehler, A.; Yucel, S.; Felix, R.

    1996-01-01

    In ten anesthesized rabbits (average weight 4.3 kg) MR angiography was performed using a 1.5 TMR unit (Magnetom SP63; Siemens Erlangen) and a CP head coil. Arterial MRA (FISP 3D TONE, TR/TE=33/8, Flip 20 ) and venous MRA (FLASH 2D, TR/TE=37/10, Flip 60 ) was performed before and after administration of the paramagnetic contrast agents Gd-DTPA (n=5) or Gd-DTPA polylysine (n=5) at a doseage of 0.1 mmol/kg. In all studies the single selections and the MIP reconstructions were evaluated quantitatively by measuring and calculating signal intensity, percentage enhancement, signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios. All studies were assessed qualitatively for visualization and distinction of the arterial and venous vessel system by three independent observers before and after the administration of contrast agent. Results: Gd-DTPA-enhanced arterial FISP 3D tone led to a percentage enhancement of 30% for the kidneys, 12% for the superior mesenteric artery, 18% for the deep circumfluent iliac artery, and 7% for the internal iliac artery. In FLASH 2D sequences Gd-DTPA led to a good C/N only for venous abdominal vessels like the left renal vein (2.59) and internal iliac vein (1.66); the percentage enhancement of these structures was between 16 and 21%. Qualitative comparison also showed no significant improvement after injection of Gd-DTPA. In FISP 3D TONE sequences Gd-DTPA polylysine led to a strong percentlage enhancement of right and left kidney (21 and 40%) and deep circumfluent iliac artery (17%). Qualitative evaluation showed improved delineation and contrast of low-diameter vessels, while the soft tissue was only slightly enhanced and did not impair vessel visualization. Conclusion: CMRA using Gd-DTPA and Gd-DTPA polylysine significantly improved the delineation of abdominal vessels, with Gd-DTPA polylysine being superior. (orig.) [de

  2. Magnetic upconverting fluorescent NaGdF4:Ln3+ and iron-oxide@NaGdF4:Ln3+ nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shrivastava, Navadeep; Rocha, Uéslen; Muraca, Diego; Jacinto, Carlos; Moreno, Sergio; Vargas, J. M.; Sharma, S. K.

    2018-05-01

    Microwave assisted solvothermal method has been employed to synthesize multifunctional upconverting β-NaGdF4:Ln3+ and magnetic-upconverting Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3@NaGdF4:Ln3+ (Ln = Yb and Er) nanoparticles. The powder x-ray diffraction data confirms the hexagonal structure of NaGdF4:Ln3+ and high resolution transmission electron microscopy shows the formation of rod shaped NaGdF4:Ln3+ (˜ 20 nm) and ovoid shaped Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3@NaGdF4:Ln3+ (˜ 15 nm) nanoparticles. The magnetic hysteresis at 300 K for β-NaGdF4:Ln3+ demonstrates paramagnetic features, whereas iron-oxide@β-NaGdF4:Ln3+ exhibits superparamagnetic behavior along with a linear component at large applied field due to paramagnetic NaGdF4 matrix. Both nanoparticle samples provide an excellent green emitting [(2H11/2, 4S3/2)→4I15/2 (˜ 540 nm)] upconversion luminescence emission under excitation at 980 nm. The energy migration between Yb and Er in NaGdF4 matrix has been explored from 300-800 nm. Intensity variation of blue, green and red lines and the observed luminescence quenching due to the presence of Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 in the composite has been proposed. These kinds of materials contain magnetic and luminescence characteristics into single nanoparticle open new possibility for bioimaging applications.

  3. Citrate mediated synthesis and tuning of luminescence in Eu3+ incorporated Gd2O3 nanophosphors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Abhilash Kumar, R. G.; Gopchandran, K. G.

    2015-02-01

    Gd1.9Eu0.1O3 nanophosphors were prepared successfully by a large-scale facile solution based citrate-metal complex controlled combustion method and was systematically studied by varying the citric acid to metal cation ratio. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) measurements and radiative properties were done to evaluate the crystal structure, phase formation, phase composition, surface morphology, radiative and luminescent properties of the prepared nanophosphors. Photoluminescent emission intensity of the samples can be correlated with the amount of citric acid, improved crystallinity, uniform morphology, particle size, reduced defects, and proper diffusion of Eu3+ in to the crystal structure of Gd2O3. Higher asymmetricity results in intense red emission (612 nm) due to 5D0-7F2 forced electric dipole transition and found that photoluminescence intensity is highest for the sample prepared with citric acid to metal cation ratio of 2:1. The existence of strong red emission from Gd1.9Eu0.1O3 nanophosphor corresponding to 5D0-7F2 transition (612 nm) of Eu3+ under UV light excitation make it a promising candidate for applications in bio assays, magnetic resonance imaging, deep uv LED's, solid state lighting, fluorescent lamps and flat panel displays.

  4. Lifetime measurement in 144Gd

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jensen, H.J.; Gast, W.; Georgiev, A.; Jaeger, H.M.; Lieder, R.M.; Utzelmann, S.; Gierlik, M.; Morek, T.; Przestrzelska, K.; Rzaca-Urban, T.; Dewald, A.; Kuehn, R.; Meier, C.; Ender, C.; Haertlein, T.

    1996-01-01

    The lifetime measurements of excited states in 144 Gd were carried out using the Koeln RDM-plunger together with the 2 x 3 CLUSTER detector setup in Heidelberg. The nucleus was populated in the 100 Mo( 48 Ti,4n) 144 Gd reaction at a beam energy of 205 MeV giving a recoil velocity of v/c = 2.6 %. Three and higher fold γ-ray coincidences were measured at 12 target-stopper distances ranged from 0 to 400 μm. Both the dipole and quadrupole bands in 144 Gd have been observed. The analysis is in progress

  5. Synthesis and Studies of Sulfur-Containing Heterocyclic Molecules for Molecular Electronics

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Mazzanti, Virginia

    This work describes the synthesis and studies of sulfur containing π conjugated heterocycles, which are considered interesting motifs in the field of molecular electronics. The first project, which is covered in Chapter 1, concerns the functionalization of tetracycle dibenzo[bc,fg][1,4]dithiapent......This work describes the synthesis and studies of sulfur containing π conjugated heterocycles, which are considered interesting motifs in the field of molecular electronics. The first project, which is covered in Chapter 1, concerns the functionalization of tetracycle dibenzo[bc,fg][1......,4]dithiapentalene (DDP). Attempts to prepare the S-O analog are also discussed. Chapter 2, focuses upon the studies performed on DDP and other sulfur containing π conjugated organic molecules. Organic Field Effect Transistor devices were fabricated and their performances were evaluated. Chapter 3 entails...... the synthesis of dimeric structures of redox active system tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). Molecules with different conjugation pathways bridging two TTFs were synthesized and studied using CV and DPV in order to probe the electronic interaction between these two redox units. The last aspect of this thesis, which...

  6. Natural dendrimers: Synthesis and in vitro characterization of glycogen-cysteamine conjugates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Perrone, Mara; Lopedota, Angela; Liberati, Elisa; Russo, Vincenzo; Cutrignelli, Annalisa; Laquintana, Valentino; de Sousa, Irene Pereira; Franco, Massimo; Tongiani, Serena; Denora, Nunzio; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

    2017-06-01

    The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the mucoadhesive properties of the first thiolated hyperbranched natural polysaccharide with biodegradability and biocompatibility features. In detail, glycogen-cysteamine conjugates were synthesized through a first step of oxidative ring opening applying increasing concentrations of sodium periodate, to obtain polymers with different degrees of oxidation, and a second step of reductive amination with a constant amount of cysteamine. The obtained glycogen-cysteamine conjugates were characterized regarding their content of free and total thiol groups by Ellman's assay, biocompatibility, swelling/erosion behavior, rheological synergism and mucoadhesive properties in comparison to the unmodified glycogen. The higher the concentration of periodate was, the higher was the content of total thiol groups being in the range of 255.7±12-1194.5±82μmol/g, biocompatibility remained unaffected by these structural changes. On the contrary, the mucoadhesive properties, evaluated by tensile, rheological synergism and rotating cylinder studies, appear to be influenced by the thiol groups concentration on the glycogen. In particular the glycogen-cysteamine conjugate exhibiting the highest degree of thiolation showed a 79-fold increase in viscosity over a time period of 8h, as well as, remained attached on freshly excised porcine mucosa 32-fold longer than the unmodified polymer. The higher was the amount of conjugated thiol groups, the higher was the water absorption capacity of glycogen-cysteamine tablets in Simulated Intestinal Fluid pH 6.8 (SIF). The introduction of thiol moieties on polymer changed the characteristics of the polysaccharide by improving mucoadhesion properties. Therefore, this work represents the first study describing thiolated natural dendrimers as potential platform useful to realize appropriate mucoadhesive nanocarrier systems suitable to prolong mucosal residence time. Copyright © 2017

  7. Iodometric determination of platinum(4) using amperometry

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zakharov, V.A.; Gavva, N.F.; Songina, O.A.

    1976-01-01

    The possibility of iodometric determination of platinum (4) by amperometric titration has been investigated. Titration has been conducted at zero potential of platinum reference electrode. Voltampere curves and absorption spectra of the solutions have been recorded to elucidate the nature of platinum (4) interaction with iodide-ion. It has been established that in the case of small excess of iodide complex [PtI 6 ] 2- is formed. When there is a considerable excess of KI, platinum (4) is reduced to Pt(2) with the formation of [PtI 4 ] 2 - and liberation of free iodine. Optimal for iodometric titration of Pt(4) is the use of acetate ot phosphate background solution with pH 6-8 with respect to 1M KI which is attained by adding 3 g of solid KI to 20 ml of the solution being titrated. Under these conditions the limit of platinum detection is 0.5 mkg/ml. Determination of Pt (4) is not hindered by the presence of 200-fold amounts of Cr(6), V(5), and Ni(2) as well as by 20-10-fold amounts of As(5), Sb(5), Se(4), Te(4), Rh(3), and Ir(3), Determination is hindered by the presence of Pd(2), Fe(3), Ir(4), and Cu(2) which, however, can easily be overcome. The possibility has been shown of using the developed technique for analysis of platinum catalysts and alloys

  8. Ferrimagnetic properties of Co/(Gd-Co) multilayers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Svalov, A.V.; Fernandez, A.; Vas'kovskiy, V.O.; Tejedor, M.; Barandiaran, J.M.; Orue, I.; Kurlyandskaya, G.V.

    2006-01-01

    Co/(Gd-Co) multilayers have been prepared by rf-sputtering and investigated by means of Transverse Magnetooptic Kerr Effect (TMOKE), SQUID and VSM magnetometry. The composition of amorphous Gd 0.36 Co 0.64 layers was chosen so that their saturation magnetization was dominated by Gd moments in all the temperature range. Co and Gd-Co layers formed a macroscopic ferrimagnetically coupled system displaying a compensation temperature. Complete magnetic moment compensation was found at such point. An inversion of TMOKE hysteresis loops and a divergent behaviour of coercivity were also observed. By changing the layers thickness it has been possible to control the magnetic characteristics of the Co/(Gd-Co) structures, in particular the compensation takes place at different temperatures

  9. Enzymatic degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of silk fibroin-starch-chitosan conjugate membranes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Baran, Erkan T., E-mail: erkantur@metu.edu.tr; Tuzlakoglu, Kadriye, E-mail: kadriye@dep.uminho.pt; Mano, Joao F., E-mail: jmano@dep.uminho.pt; Reis, Rui L., E-mail: rgreis@dep.uminho.pt

    2012-08-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of silk fibroin and oxidized starch conjugation on the enzymatic degradation behavior and the cytocompatability of chitosan based biomaterials. The tensile stress of conjugate membranes, which was at 50 Megapascal (MPa) for the lowest fibroin and starch composition (10 weight percent (wt.%)), was decreased significantly with the increased content of fibroin and starch. The weight loss of conjugates in {alpha}-amylase was more notable when the starch concentration was the highest at 30 wt.%. The conjugates were resistant to the degradation by protease and lysozyme except for the conjugates with the lowest starch concentration. After 10 days of cell culture, the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2) was stimulated significantly by higher fibroin compositions and the DNA synthesis on the conjugate with the highest fibroin (30 wt.%) was about two times more compared to the native chitosan. The light microscopy and the image analysis results showed that the cell area and the lengths were decreased significantly with higher fibroin/chitosan ratio. The study proved that the conjugation of fibroin and starch with the chitosan based biomaterials by the use of non-toxic reductive alkylation crosslinking significantly improved the cytocompatibility and modulated the biodegradation, respectively. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Silk fibroin, starch and chitosan conjugates were prepared by reductive alkylation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The enzymatic biodegradation and the cytocompatibility of conjugates were tested. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The conjugate with 30% starch composition was degraded by {alpha}-amylase significantly. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Higher starch composition in conjugates prevented protease and lysozyme degradation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Fibroin incorporation effectively increased the cell proliferation of conjugates.

  10. Rhenium–platinum antitumor systems

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. V. Shtemenko

    2017-04-01

    Full Text Available This review provides an overlook of design (in short, antitumor and other biological activity of quadruple-bonded cluster dirhenium(III compounds and their synergism with cisplatin. In particular, we describe the work of the rhenium-platinum antitumor system (introduction of rhenium and platinum compounds. Among known metal-based anticancer drugs and drug candidates dirhenium(III compounds differ profoundly due to their strong antiradical and antioxidant properties determined by quadruple bond unsaturation. Such advantages of metal complexes as more expressed redox chemical propertie should be exploited for creating more efficient anticancer drugs. Combination of drugs leads to synergistic effects and/or to lowe­ring toxicity of platinides and is very promising in cancer chemotherapy. The review covers the follo­wing items: design of quadruple bonded dirhenium(III clusters, their spectral and antiradical properties (in short; interaction of the dirhenium(III compounds with lipids and formation of liposomes; interaction of the dirhenium(III compounds with erythrocytes and their antihemolytic activity in the models of hemolytic anemia; anticancer activity of dirhenium clusters and work of the rhenium-platinum antitumor system; antianemic and antioxidant properties of the dirhenium(III compounds in the model of tumor growth; interaction of the dirhenium(III compounds with nucleobases and DNA. Some modern trends in the field of bioinorganic and medicinal chemi­stry are also considered regarding their connection to the rhenium-platinum system efficiency: use of combinational therapy and nanomaterials; involvement of some biologically active ligands and redox-activation strategy, etc.

  11. 33 CFR 208.19 - Marshall Ford Dam and Reservoir (Mansfield Dam and Lake Travis), Colorado River, Tex.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Marshall Ford Dam and Reservoir... Marshall Ford Dam and Reservoir (Mansfield Dam and Lake Travis), Colorado River, Tex. The Secretary of the Interior, through his agent, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) shall operate the Marshall Ford Dam...

  12. Synthesis of retinoid vitamin A-vitamin B6 conjugate analogues for antiviral chemotherapy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kesel, Andreas J.

    2003-01-01

    The synthesis of retinoid vitamin A-vitamin B 6 conjugate analogues from a vitamin B 6 coenzyme analogue and putative HIV-1 trans-activating transcriptional regulatory protein Tat antagonist (Z)-5 ' -O-phosphono-pyridoxylidenerhodanine (B6PR) monosodium salt hemiheptadecahydrate [(Z)-B6PRNa8.5H 2 O] is discussed here. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is coupled to B6PR by a modified Stork enamine acylation. It results in a product library of more than eight compounds, each with at least one intact all-trans or 13-cis vitamin A double bond system. This yellow oily concentrate mixture was subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry (MS), UV/VIS-spectrophotometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-NMR). The chemical structures of six components of the concentrate mixture could be established by combination of these analytical methods. The two main components are 65% 2 ' C,3O-(all-trans-retinylidyne)B6PT (B6RA) and 25% 2 ' C-(all-trans-retinoyl)B6PT, chemically derived from (5RS)-5-(5 ' -O-phosphono-pyridoxyl)-2,4-thiazolidinedione (B6PT). This new retinoid selection could be of further interest in antiviral applications, especially treating conditions caused by RNA viruses like HIV

  13. A NEW EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PLATINUM SPOT RETURNS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Simone Kruse

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available The global platinum market has been in downturn and unstable for five consecutive years, and thus market participants are demanding effective quantitative risk management tools. Since platinum is so widely used and serves as an important investment vehicle, the importance of risk management of platinum spot returns cannot be understated. In this paper, we take advantage of a very popular econometric model, the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH model, for platinum returns. We received two important findings by using the conventional GARCH models in explain daily platinum spot returns. First, it is crucial to introduce heavy-tailed distribution to explain conditional heavy tails; and second, the NRIG distribution performs better than the most widely-used heavy-tailed distribution, the Student’s t distribution.

  14. Mechanism of Platinum Derivatives Induced Kidney Injury

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Feifei YAN

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available Platinum derivatives are the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents to treat solid tumors including ovarian, head and neck, and testicular germ cell tumors, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Two major problems exist, however, in the clinic use of platinum derivatives. One is the development of tumor resistance to the drug during therapy, leading to treatment failure. The other is the drug’s toxicity such as the cisplatin’s nephrotoxicity, which limits the dose that can be administered. This paper describes the mechanism of platinum derivatives induced kidney injury.

  15. A template-free solvothermal synthesis and photoluminescence properties of multicolor Gd2O2S:xTb3+, yEu3+ hollow spheres

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sang, Xiaotong; Xu, Guangxi; Lian, Jingbao; Wu, Nianchu; Zhang, Xue; He, Jiao

    2018-06-01

    The multicolor Gd2O2S:xTb3+, yEu3+ hollow spheres were successfully synthesized via a template-free solvothermal route without the use of surfactant from commercially available Ln (NO3)3·6H2O (Ln = Gd, Tb and Eu), absolute ethanol, ethanediamine and sublimed sulfur as the starting materials. The phase, structure, particle morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-obtained products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence spectra. The influence of synthetic time on phase, structure and morphology was systematically investigated and discussed. The possible formation mechanism depending on synthetic time t for the Gd2O2S phase has been presented. These results demonstrate that the Gd2O2S hollow spheres could be obtained under optimal condition, namely solvothermal temperature T = 220 °C and synthetic time t = 16 h. The as-obtained Gd2O2S sample possesses hollow sphere structure, which has a typical size of about 2.5 μm in diameter and about 0.5 μm in shell thickness. PL spectroscopy reveals that the strongest emission peak for the Gd2O2S:xTb3+ and the Gd2O2S:yEu3+ samples is located at 545 nm and 628 nm, corresponding to 5D4→7F5 transitions of Tb3+ ions and 5D0→7F2 transitions of Eu3+ ions, respectively. The quenching concentration of Tb3+ ions and Eu3+ ions is 7%. In the case of Tb3+ and Eu3+ co-doped samples, when the concentration of Tb3+ or Eu3+ ions is 7%, the optimum concentration of Eu3+ or Tb3+ ions is determined to be 1%. Under 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, the Gd2O2S:7%Tb3+, the Gd2O2S:7%Tb3+,1%Eu3+ and the Gd2O2S:7%Eu3+ samples give green, yellow and red light emissions, respectively. And the corresponding CIE coordinates vary from (0.3513, 0.5615), (0.4120, 0.4588) to (0.5868, 0.3023), which is also well consistent with their luminous photographs.

  16. Biocompatible transferrin-conjugated sodium hexametaphosphate-stabilized gold nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Parab, Harshala J; Huang, Jing-Hong; Liu, Ru-Shi; Lai, Tsung-Ching; Jan, Yi-Hua; Wang, Jui-Ling; Hsiao, Michael; Chen, Chung-Hsuan; Hwu, Yeu-Kuang; Tsai, Din Ping; Chuang, Shih-Yi; Pang, Jong-Hwei S

    2011-01-01

    The feasibility of using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for biomedical applications has led to considerable interest in the development of novel synthetic protocols and surface modification strategies for AuNPs to produce biocompatible molecular probes. This investigation is, to our knowledge, the first to elucidate the synthesis and characterization of sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP)-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au-HMP) in an aqueous medium. The role of HMP, a food additive, as a polymeric stabilizing and protecting agent for AuNPs is elucidated. The surface modification of Au-HMP nanoparticles was carried out using polyethylene glycol and transferrin to produce molecular probes for possible clinical applications. In vitro cell viability studies performed using as-synthesized Au-HMP nanoparticles and their surface-modified counterparts reveal the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. The transferrin-conjugated nanoparticles have significantly higher cellular uptake in J5 cells (liver cancer cells) than control cells (oral mucosa fibroblast cells), as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This study demonstrates the possibility of using an inexpensive and non-toxic food additive, HMP, as a stabilizer in the large-scale generation of biocompatible and monodispersed AuNPs, which may have future diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

  17. Biocompatible transferrin-conjugated sodium hexametaphosphate-stabilized gold nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Parab, Harshala J; Huang, Jing-Hong; Liu, Ru-Shi [Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Lai, Tsung-Ching; Jan, Yi-Hua; Wang, Jui-Ling; Hsiao, Michael; Chen, Chung-Hsuan [Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan (China); Hwu, Yeu-Kuang [Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan (China); Tsai, Din Ping [Department of Physics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Chuang, Shih-Yi; Pang, Jong-Hwei S, E-mail: rsliu@ntu.edu.tw, E-mail: mhsiao@gate.sinica.edu.tw [Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan (China)

    2011-09-30

    The feasibility of using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for biomedical applications has led to considerable interest in the development of novel synthetic protocols and surface modification strategies for AuNPs to produce biocompatible molecular probes. This investigation is, to our knowledge, the first to elucidate the synthesis and characterization of sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP)-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au-HMP) in an aqueous medium. The role of HMP, a food additive, as a polymeric stabilizing and protecting agent for AuNPs is elucidated. The surface modification of Au-HMP nanoparticles was carried out using polyethylene glycol and transferrin to produce molecular probes for possible clinical applications. In vitro cell viability studies performed using as-synthesized Au-HMP nanoparticles and their surface-modified counterparts reveal the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. The transferrin-conjugated nanoparticles have significantly higher cellular uptake in J5 cells (liver cancer cells) than control cells (oral mucosa fibroblast cells), as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This study demonstrates the possibility of using an inexpensive and non-toxic food additive, HMP, as a stabilizer in the large-scale generation of biocompatible and monodispersed AuNPs, which may have future diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

  18. An investigation of the Pd-Ag-Ru-Gd quaternary system phase diagram

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Kanghou; Xu Yun

    2005-01-01

    On the basis of the Ag-Pd-Gd, Ag-Ru-Gd and Pd-Ru-Gd ternary systems, the partial phase diagram of Pd-Ag-Ru-Gd (Gd 3 Gd and Ag 51 Gd 14 ; five two-phase regions: Pd(Ag) + (Ru), Pd(Ag) + Ag 51 Gd 14 (Ru) + Ag 51 Gd 14 , Pd(Ag) + Pd 3 Gd and (Ru) + Pd 3 Gd; three three-phase regions: Pd(Ag) + Pd 3 Gd + (Ru), Pd(Ag) + Ag 51 Gd 14 + (Ru) and (Ru) + Ag 51 Gd 14 + Pd 3 Gd; one four-phase region Pd(Ag) + (Ru) + Ag 51 Gd 14 + Pd 3 Gd. No new quaternary intermetallic phase has been found

  19. Radioluminescence studies of colloidal oleate-capped β-Na(Gd,Lu)F4:Ln3+ nanoparticles (Ln = Ce, Eu, Tb).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cooper, Daniel R; Capobianco, John A; Seuntjens, Jan

    2018-04-26

    We report on the synthesis, characterization, and radioluminescence quantification of several new varieties of nanoparticles with the general composition β-NaLnF4, incorporating known luminescent activator/sensitizer pairs. Using Monte Carlo modeling to complement luminescence measurements, we have calculated the radioluminescence yields and intrinsic conversion efficiencies of colloidally-dispersed nanoparticles by comparison to an organic liquid scintillator. While five of the compositions had low to modest radioluminescence yields relative to bulk materials, colloidal β-Na(Lu0.65Gd0.2Tb0.15)F4 displayed a strong output of 39 460 photons per MeV absorbed, comparable to some of the best non-hygroscopic bulk crystal scintillators and X-ray phosphors such as Gd2O2S:Tb. Measurements of β-Na(Lu0.65Gd0.2Tb0.15)F4 powder samples revealed persistent luminescence as well as stable charge trapping, warranting further investigation.

  20. Collective Behavior of Water on Platinum

    Science.gov (United States)

    Limmer, David; Willard, Adam; Chandler, David

    2012-02-01

    We present the results of molecular dynamics simulations of a interface between water and a platinum electrode. Using importance sampling techniques we probe a variety of collective phenomenon that emerge at the interface. We consider platinum electrodes with two different geometries and discuss how different behaviors result from a competition between geometrical frustration and favorable local interactions.

  1. Structure and magnetic properties of Gd{sub x}Y{sub 1−x}FeO{sub 3} obtained by mechanosynthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bolarín-Miró, A.M. [Área Académica de Ciencias de la Tierra y Materiales, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo 42184 (Mexico); Sánchez-De Jesús, F., E-mail: fsanchez@uaeh.edu.mx [Área Académica de Ciencias de la Tierra y Materiales, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo 42184 (Mexico); Cortés-Escobedo, C.A. [Centro de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica del IPN, Distrito Federal 02250 (Mexico); Valenzuela, R. [Depto. de Materiales Metálicos y Cerámicos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510 (Mexico); Ammar, S. [ITODYS, UMR 7086, Université de Paris-Diderot, 75250 Paris Cedex (France)

    2014-02-15

    Highlights: • Orthohombic GDxY1-xFeO3 was obtained by mechanosynthesis after 5 h of milling. • Mechanosynthesized GdxY1-xFeO3 show weak ferromagnetic behavior. • Mechanosynthesis promotes unexpected magnetic properties in GdxY1-xFeO3. • The maximum magnetization that was reached 7.7 emu/g for Gdo.75Y0.25FeO3. • For Gd0.5Y0.5FeO3, the magnetization decreases down to 2.1 emu/g. -- Abstract: Solid solutions of yttrium–gadolinium orthoferrites Gd{sub x}Y{sub 1−x}FeO{sub 3} (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) were prepared by high-energy ball milling. The aim of this work was to study the influence of the synthesis parameters on the crystal structure and the magnetic behavior of these solid solutions. The precursors, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3}, mixed in a stoichiometric ratio to obtain these orthoferrites, were milled for different times (up to 5 h). X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement were used to elucidate the phase transformation as a function of the milling time. Results showed the complete formation of orthoferrite with an orthorhombic structure (S.G. Pbnm) without any annealing after 5 h of milling for all of the compositions. The effect of the synthesis process and the x value on the crystal structure and the magnetic properties were also studied. All of the synthesized powders demonstrated weak ferromagnetic behavior. In particular, an increase in the maximum magnetization for all the compositions was found, with a maximum that reached 7.7 emu/g for Gd{sub 0.75}Y{sub 0.25}FeO{sub 3}. For Gd{sub 0.5}Y{sub 0.5}FeO{sub 3}, the magnetization decreases down to 2.1 emu/g. A small contamination of metallic Fe was confirmed through electron spin resonance experiments.

  2. Study of gold-platinum and platinum-gold surface modification and its influence on hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    BRANIMIR N. GRGUR

    2005-02-01

    Full Text Available Surface modification of the electrodes was conducted from sulfuric acid solutions containing the corresponding metal–chloride complexes using cyclic voltammetry. Comparing the charges of the hydrogen underpotential deposition region, and the corresponding oxide reduction regions, it is concluded that a platinum overlayer on gold forms 3D islands, while gold on platinum forms 2D islands. Foreign metals present in an amount of up to one monolayer exert an influence on the change in reaction rate with respect to both hydrogen evolution (HER and oxygen reduction (ORR reactions. Aplatinum overlayer on a gold substrate increases the activity forHER and for ORR, compared with pure gold. These results can be understood in terms of a simple model, in which the change in the H and OH binding energies are directly proportional to the shift of the d-bond center of the overlayer. On the contrary, a gold layer on platinum slightly decreases the activity for both reactions compared with pure platinum.

  3. Complex comprised of dextran magnetite and conjugated cisplatin exhibiting selective hyperthermic and controlled-release potential

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Akinaga Sonoda

    2010-07-01

    Full Text Available Akinaga Sonoda1, Norihisa Nitta1, Ayumi Nitta-Seko1, Shinich Ohta1, Shigeyuki Takamatsu2, Yoshio Ikehata3, Isamu Nagano3, Jun-ichiro Jo4, Yasuhiko Tabata4, Masashi Takahashi1, Osamu Matsui3, Kiyoshi Murata11Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan; 2Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Takara-machi 13-1, Kanazawa Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan; 3Department of Natural Science and Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; 4Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Shogoin kawara-machi 53, Sakyo-ku 606-8507, Kyoto, JapanAbstract: We developed a dextran-magnetite conjugated cisplatin (DM-Cis complex for use in thermal ablation and as a chemotherapeutic drug. To produce DM-Cis we reacted Cis with 1 mL DM (56 mg/mL iron. The temperature rise of DM-Cis was measured in vitro and in vivo under a portable induction-heating (IH device. Platinum desorption from DM-Cis over 24 hours was measured in bovine serum. In in vivo accumulation and magnet and exothermic experiments we used four rat groups. In group 1 we delivered DM-Cis intraperitoneally (ip and placed magnets subcutaneously (sc. In group 2 we injected saline (ip and placed magnets (sc. In group 3 we injected DM-Cis (ip and placed a sc incision (sham. The control (group 4 received an ip injection of saline. Rectus abdominis muscle tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and iron-stained tissue areas (µm2 were calculated. The maximum platinum concentration in DM-Cis was approximately 105.6 µg/mL. Over 24 hours, 33.48% of platinum from DM-Cis was released. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05 in the iron-stained area between group 1 and the other groups. The temperature in muscle tissue registered a maximum of 56°C after about 4 min. DM-Cis may represent a

  4. Synthesis of a conjugated pyrrolopyridazinedione–benzodithiophene (PPD–BDT) copolymer and its application in organic and hybrid solar cells

    KAUST Repository

    Knall, Astrid-Caroline

    2017-03-30

    Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a conjugated donor–acceptor copolymer consisting of a pyrrolopyridazinedione (PPD) acceptor unit, and a benzodithiophene (BDT) donor unit. The polymerization was done via a Stille cross-coupling polycondensation. The resulting PPD–BDT copolymer revealed an optical bandgap of 1.8 eV and good processability from chlorobenzene solutions. In an organic solar cell in combination with PC70BM, the polymer led to a power conversion efficiency of 4.5%. Moreover, the performance of the copolymer was evaluated in polymer/nanocrystal hybrid solar cells using non-toxic CuInS2 nanocrystals as inorganic phase, which were prepared from precursors directly in the polymer matrix without using additional capping ligands. The PPD–BDT/CuInS2 hybrid solar cells showed comparably high photovoltages and a power conversion efficiency of 2.2%.Graphical abstract

  5. Synthesis of a conjugated pyrrolopyridazinedione-benzodithiophene (PPD-BDT) copolymer and its application in organic and hybrid solar cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Knall, Astrid-Caroline; Jones, Andrew O F; Kunert, Birgit; Resel, Roland; Reishofer, David; Zach, Peter W; Kirkus, Mindaugas; McCulloch, Iain; Rath, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a conjugated donor-acceptor copolymer consisting of a pyrrolopyridazinedione (PPD) acceptor unit, and a benzodithiophene (BDT) donor unit. The polymerization was done via a Stille cross-coupling polycondensation. The resulting PPD-BDT copolymer revealed an optical bandgap of 1.8 eV and good processability from chlorobenzene solutions. In an organic solar cell in combination with PC 70 BM, the polymer led to a power conversion efficiency of 4.5%. Moreover, the performance of the copolymer was evaluated in polymer/nanocrystal hybrid solar cells using non-toxic CuInS 2 nanocrystals as inorganic phase, which were prepared from precursors directly in the polymer matrix without using additional capping ligands. The PPD-BDT/CuInS 2 hybrid solar cells showed comparably high photovoltages and a power conversion efficiency of 2.2%.

  6. Templated synthesis, characterization, and sensing application of macroscopic platinum nanowire network electrodes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Wang, D. H.; Kou, R.; Gil, M. P.

    2005-01-01

    properties of the electrodes, such as electrochemical active area and methanol oxidation, have also been studied. Compared with conventional polycrystalline Pt electrodes, these novel nanowire network electrodes possess high electrochemical active areas and demonstrate higher current densities and a lower...... onset potential for methanol electro-oxidation. Enzymatic Pt nanowire-network-based sensors show higher sensitivity for glucose detection than that using conventional polycrystalline Pt electrode. Such macroscopic nanowire network electrodes provide ideal platforms for sensing and other device......Abstract: Novel platinum nanowire network electrodes have been fabricated through electrodeposition using mesoporous silica thin films as templates. These electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and scanning electron microscope. The electrochemical...

  7. Reação anafilática durante transplante renal intervivos em criança alérgica ao látex: relato de caso Reacción anafiláctica durante transplante renal intervivos en niño alérgico al látex: relato de caso Anaphylaxis during renal transplantation of live donor graft in a child with latex allergy: case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Glória Maria Braga Potério

    2009-04-01

    Full Text Available JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A alergia ao látex vem se tornando frequente, atingindo pacientes e profissionais de saúde. O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso de criança alérgica ao látex que desenvolveu crise anafilática durante anestesia para transplante renal e destacar algumas condutas multiprofissionais empregadas para diminuir o risco de choque anafilático após a reperfusão do transplante. RELATO DO CASO: Criança do sexo masculino, com 5 anos e 10 meses, P3 pela classificação da ASA, com história de alergia ao látex, diagnosticada após contato com bexigas de festa e confirmada por testes Rast específico para o látex e Prick teste, foi submetida a transplante renal intervivos, por insuficiência renal terminal em consequência de malformação urológica. Os cuidados para evitar a exposição da criança ao látex seguiram os protocolos para paciente alérgico ao látex, adotados pelo Serviço de Anestesia e de Enfermagem do Hospital das Clínicas da UNICAMP. Foram iniciados na véspera da operação com a limpeza terminal das salas cirúrgicas e a substituição de todos os produtos médico-hospitalares por produtos isentos de látex. Os equipamentos e materiais utilizados durante o procedimento possuíam laudo técnico de isenção completa de látex, fornecido pelo fabricante. A operação foi realizada sob anestesia geral com ventilação controlada mecânica. Ao final da operação necessitou de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias administrado com auxílio de pressurizador, apresentando rash cutâneo, cessou-se a transfusão, administrou-se hidrocortisona e aumentou-se a infusão de cristaloides. A resposta ao tratamento foi satisfatória e imediata. CONCLUSÕES: A alergia ao látex tornou-se um problema de saúde pública e o conhecimento de condutas terapêuticas específicas possibilita o pronto atendimento e menor risco para os pacientesJUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La alergia al látex ha venido alcanzando

  8. Study of the influence of the codopant over the photoluminescent properties of PAA doped with Eu3+, Gd3+, and Tb3+

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Flores, M.; Arroyo, R.

    2003-01-01

    The results are presented obtained about the synthesis of acrylic poly acid characterization (PAA) doped with Eu 3+ , Gd 3+ and Tb 3+ . They got ready materials with even of these ions and it was studied the influence of the co dopant in the processes of emission of Eu 3+ (λ em = 618 nm), Gd 3+ (λ em = 624 nm) and Tb 3+ (λ em = 546 nm), as well as their effect in the phosphorescence (λ em = 450 nm) of the polymeric matrix. It was found that the intensity of the emission of Eu 3+ diminishes substantially due to the presence of the ions Gd 3+ , contrary to what happens when the co dopant is Tb 3+ , which causes an increase. In the one case of the emission of Tb 3+ , this it increases with the presence of Gd 3+ but it diminishes when Eu 3+ is present. These results are consequence of the homogeneous distribution of those dopants and of the phenomena of energy transfer that happen in the materials synthesized. (Author)

  9. Anomalous Hall effect in Fe/Gd bilayers

    KAUST Repository

    Xu, W. J.; Zhang, Bei; Liu, Z. X.; Wang, Z.; Li, W.; Wu, Z. B.; Yu, R. H.; Zhang, Xixiang

    2010-01-01

    Non-monotonic dependence of anomalous Hall resistivity on temperature and magnetization, including a sign change, was observed in Fe/Gd bilayers. To understand the intriguing observations, we fabricated the Fe/Gd bilayers and single layers of Fe and Gd simultaneously. The temperature and field dependences of longitudinal resistivity, Hall resistivity and magnetization in these films have also been carefully measured. The analysis of these data reveals that these intriguing features are due to the opposite signs of Hall resistivity/or spin polarization and different Curie temperatures of Fe and Gd single-layer films. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2010

  10. Anomalous Hall effect in Fe/Gd bilayers

    KAUST Repository

    Xu, W. J.

    2010-04-01

    Non-monotonic dependence of anomalous Hall resistivity on temperature and magnetization, including a sign change, was observed in Fe/Gd bilayers. To understand the intriguing observations, we fabricated the Fe/Gd bilayers and single layers of Fe and Gd simultaneously. The temperature and field dependences of longitudinal resistivity, Hall resistivity and magnetization in these films have also been carefully measured. The analysis of these data reveals that these intriguing features are due to the opposite signs of Hall resistivity/or spin polarization and different Curie temperatures of Fe and Gd single-layer films. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2010

  11. π-Clamp-mediated cysteine conjugation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Chi; Welborn, Matthew; Zhu, Tianyu; Yang, Nicole J.; Santos, Michael S.; van Voorhis, Troy; Pentelute, Bradley L.

    2016-02-01

    Site-selective functionalization of complex molecules is one of the most significant challenges in chemistry. Typically, protecting groups or catalysts must be used to enable the selective modification of one site among many that are similarly reactive, and general strategies that selectively tune the local chemical environment around a target site are rare. Here, we show a four-amino-acid sequence (Phe-Cys-Pro-Phe), which we call the ‘π-clamp’, that tunes the reactivity of its cysteine thiol for site-selective conjugation with perfluoroaromatic reagents. We use the π-clamp to selectively modify one cysteine site in proteins containing multiple endogenous cysteine residues. These examples include antibodies and cysteine-based enzymes that would be difficult to modify selectively using standard cysteine-based methods. Antibodies modified using the π-clamp retained binding affinity to their targets, enabling the synthesis of site-specific antibody-drug conjugates for selective killing of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. The π-clamp is an unexpected approach to mediate site-selective chemistry and provides new avenues to modify biomolecules for research and therapeutics.

  12. Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation Enhances the Antiacanthamoebic Effects of Chlorhexidine

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aqeel, Yousuf; Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah; Anwar, Ayaz; Shah, Muhammad Raza

    2015-01-01

    Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious infection with blinding consequences and often associated with contact lens wear. Early diagnosis, followed by aggressive topical application of drugs, is a prerequisite in successful treatment, but even then prognosis remains poor. Several drugs have shown promise, including chlorhexidine gluconate; however, host cell toxicity at physiologically relevant concentrations remains a challenge. Nanoparticles, subcolloidal structures ranging in size from 10 to 100 nm, are effective drug carriers for enhancing drug potency. The overall aim of the present study was to determine whether conjugation with gold nanoparticles enhances the antiacanthamoebic potential of chlorhexidine. Gold-conjugated chlorhexidine nanoparticles were synthesized. Briefly, gold solution was mixed with chlorhexidine and reduced by adding sodium borohydride, resulting in an intense deep red color, indicative of colloidal gold-conjugated chlorhexidine nanoparticles. The synthesis was confirmed using UV-visible spectrophotometry that shows a plasmon resonance peak of 500 to 550 nm, indicative of gold nanoparticles. Further characterization using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry showed a gold-conjugated chlorhexidine complex at m/z 699 ranging in size from 20 to 100 nm, as determined using atomic force microscopy. To determine the amoebicidal and amoebistatic effects, amoebae were incubated with gold-conjugated chlorhexidine nanoparticles. For controls, amoebae also were incubated with gold and silver nanoparticles alone, chlorhexidine alone, neomycin-conjugated nanoparticles, and neomycin alone. The findings showed that gold-conjugated chlorhexidine nanoparticles exhibited significant amoebicidal and amoebistatic effects at 5 μM. Amoebicidal effects were observed by parasite viability testing using a Trypan blue exclusion assay and flow-cytometric analysis using propidium iodide, while amoebistatic effects were observed using growth

  13. Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of TiO2/conjugated polymer complex nanoparticles

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    Shi Xiong Min; Fang Wang; Lei Feng; Yong Chun Tong; Zi Rong Yang

    2008-01-01

    A photocatalyst of nanometer TiO2/conjugated polymer complex was successfully synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and photocatalytic experiments. The complex photocatalyst could be activated by absorbing both ultraviolet and visible light (λ=190-800nm). Methylene blue (MB) could be degraded more efficiently on the complex photocatalyst than on the TiO2 under natural light. The conjugated polymer played a promoting role in the photocatalytic degradation of MB. The calcination temperature had an important effect in degradation of dye and could be summarized as 260℃>300℃>340℃>220℃>180℃.

  14. Recovery of Platinum from Dilute Chloride Media Using Biosorbents

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zeytuncu, B.; Morcali, M. H.; Yucel, O.

    Pistachio nut shells and Rice husk, a biomass residue, were investigated as adsorbents for the platinum uptake from synthetically prepared dilute chloroplatinic acid solutions. The effects of the different uptake parameters on platinum uptake (%) were studied in detail on a batch sorption. Before the pistachio nut shell material was activated, platinum uptake (%) was poor compared with rice husk. However, after the pistachio nut shell material was activated at 1000°C under an argon atmosphere, the platinum uptake (%) increased two-fold. The pistachio nut shell (inactivated and activated) and rice husk were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).

  15. Phase equilibrium of the Gd-Fe-Co system at 873 K

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Huang Jinli; Zhong Haichang; Xia Xiuwen; He Wei; Zhu Jinming; Deng Jianqiu; Zhuang Yinghong

    2009-01-01

    Phase equilibrium of the ternary Gd-Fe-Co system at 873 K was investigated by using X-ray diffraction technique, electron probe microanalysis, metallographic analysis and differential thermal analysis. The 873 K isothermal section of the phase diagram of the Gd-Fe-Co ternary system consists of 11 single-phase regions, 16 two-phase regions and 6 three-phase regions. Three pairs of corresponding compounds of Gd-Co and Gd-Fe, i.e., Gd 2 Co 17 and Gd 2 Fe 17 , GdCo 3 and GdFe 3 , GdCo 2 and GdFe 2 , form a continuous series of solid solution. The compound Gd 2 Co 7-x Fe x was found to have a broad solubility range from 0 to 31 at.% Fe. The maximum solubility of Co in Gd 6 Fe 23 is about 7 at.% Co. At 873 K, the maximum solubilities of Fe in Gd 3 Co and Gd 4 Co 3 are about 3 and 1 at.% Fe, respectively. No ternary compound was found in all ternary alloy samples

  16. Effect of Gd substitution on structure and spectroscopic properties of (Lu,Gd)2O3:Eu ceramic scintillator

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cao, Maoqing; Hu, Zewang; Ivanov, Maxim; Dai, Jiawei; Li, Chaoyu; Kou, Huamin; Shi, Yun; Chen, Haohong; Xu, Jiayue; Pan, Yubai; Li, Jiang

    2018-02-01

    In this paper, (Lu1-xGdx)2O3:Eu (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9) ceramics were consolidated by the solid-state reaction method combined with vacuum sintering without sintering aids. We investigated the effect of the varying contents of Gd2O3 on the structure and spectroscopic properties of (Lu1-xGdx)2O3:Eu ceramics. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that proper amount of Gd2O3 can incorporate well with Lu2O3 and form Lu2O3-Gd2O3 solid solution. However, excessive Gd3+-doping in Lu2O3 will lead to the cubic phase transforming into monoclinic even hexagonal phase. The Gd3+ substitution no more than 50% of Lu2O3 enhances the radioluminescence, and reduces the fluorescence lifetime. Transmittance, photoluminescence, and radiation damage of the (Lu1-xGdx)2O3:Eu scintillation ceramics were also studied.

  17. Synthesis, Spectroscopic and DFT Characterization of 4â-(4-tert ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    In this work the synthesis, spectral characterization and non-linear optical properties of metal-free .... following literature methods23–26 The advantage of this method ..... Synthesis of phthalocyanine conjugates with gold nanoparticles and.

  18. Radiation and platinum drug interaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nias, A.H.W.

    1985-01-01

    The ideal platinum drug-radiation interaction would achieve radiosensitization of hypoxic tumour cells with the use of a dose of drug which is completely non-toxic to normal tissues. Electron-affinic agents are employed with this aim, but the commoner platinum drugs are only weakly electron-affinic. They do have a quasi-alkylating action however, and this DNA targeting may account for the radiosensitizing effect which occurs with both pre- and post-radiation treatments. Because toxic drug dosage is usually required for this, the evidence of the biological responses to the drug and to the radiation, as well as to the combination, requires critical analysis before any claim of true enhancement, rather than simple additivity, can be accepted. The amount of enhancement will vary with both the platinum drug dose and the time interval between drug administration and radiation. Clinical schedules may produce an increase in tumour response and/or morbidity, depending upon such dose and time relationships. (author)

  19. Structures of 38-atom gold-platinum nanoalloy clusters

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ong, Yee Pin; Yoon, Tiem Leong [School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang (Malaysia); Lim, Thong Leng [Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Melaka Campus, 75450 Melaka (Malaysia)

    2015-04-24

    Bimetallic nanoclusters, such as gold-platinum nanoclusters, are nanomaterials promising wide range of applications. We perform a numerical study of 38-atom gold-platinum nanoalloy clusters, Au{sub n}Pt{sub 38−n} (0 ≤ n ≤ 38), to elucidate the geometrical structures of these clusters. The lowest-energy structures of these bimetallic nanoclusters at the semi-empirical level are obtained via a global-minimum search algorithm known as parallel tempering multi-canonical basin hopping plus genetic algorithm (PTMBHGA), in which empirical Gupta many-body potential is used to describe the inter-atomic interactions among the constituent atoms. The structures of gold-platinum nanoalloy clusters are predicted to be core-shell segregated nanoclusters. Gold atoms are observed to preferentially occupy the surface of the clusters, while platinum atoms tend to occupy the core due to the slightly smaller atomic radius of platinum as compared to gold’s. The evolution of the geometrical structure of 38-atom Au-Pt clusters displays striking similarity with that of 38-atom Au-Cu nanoalloy clusters as reported in the literature.

  20. Hyperfine structure in the Gd II spectrum and the nuclear electric quadrupole moment of 157Gd

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Clieves, H.P.; Steudel, A.

    1979-01-01

    The hyperfine structure of 157 Gd was investigated in 20 Gd II lines by means of a photoelectric recording Fabry-Perot interferometer with digital data processing. The hyperfine splitting factors, A and B, were obtained by computer fits to the observed line structures. Using a multiconfigurational set of wave functions in intermediate coupling derived by Wyart, mono-electronic parameters were deduced by a parametric treatment. The nuclear electric quadrupole moment of 157 Gd was evaluated from the quadrupole interaction of the 5d electron in 4f 7 5d6s, the 5d electron in 4f 7 5d6p, and the 6p electron in 4f 7 5d6p. The three values obtained for the quadrupole moment agree very well. The final result, corrected for Sternheimer shielding, is Q( 157 Gd) = 1.34(7) x 10 -24 cm 2 . (orig.) [de

  1. Functionalized multimodal ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanosystems to use as perspective contrast agent for MRI

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Babayevska, Nataliya, E-mail: natbab@amu.edu.pl; Florczak, Patryk; Woźniak-Budych, Marta; Jarek, Marcin; Nowaczyk, Grzegorz; Zalewski, Tomasz; Jurga, Stefan

    2017-05-15

    Highlights: • The multimodal ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures were obtained by wet chemistry methods. • FA and Dox have been effectively bonded onto the ZnO nanoparticles surface. • Functionalized ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} NPs are good contrast agents, useful for MR imaging. - Abstract: The main aim of this research was the synthesis of the multimodal hybrid ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures as prospective contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for bio-medical applications. The nanoparticles surface was functionalized by organosilicon compounds (OSC) then, by folic acid (FA) as targeting agent and doxorubicin (Dox) as chemotherapeutic agent. Doxorubicin and folic acid were attached to the nanoparticles surface by amino groups as well as due to attractive physical interactions. The morphology and crystallography of the nanostructures were studied by HRTEM and SAXS techniques. After ZnO nanoparticles surface modification by Gd{sup 3+} and annealing at 900 °C, ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures are polydispersed with size 30–100 nm. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) studies of ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} were performed on fractionated particles with size up to 50 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurements and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) showed that functional groups have been effectively bonded onto the nanoparticles surface. The high adsorption capacity of folic acid (up to 20%) and doxorubicin (up to 40%) on nanoparticles was reached upon 15 min of adsorption process in a temperature-dependent manner. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements confirmed that the obtained ZnO@Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures could be good contrast agents, useful for magnetic resonance imaging.

  2. Facile fabrication of novel silver-polypyrrole-multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for replacement of platinum in dye-sensitized solar cell

    OpenAIRE

    Shaista Rafique; Rehana Sharif; Imran Rashid; Sheeba Ghani

    2016-01-01

    This paper demonstrates the facile synthesis of high performance silver-polypyrrole-multiwall carbon nanotubes (Ag-PPy-FMWCNTS) nanocomposites via electrodeposition method on stainless steel substrate and its application as a low cost counter electrode (CE) for the precious platinum (Pt) free DSSC. The nanocomposites were characterized by variety of techniques such as Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Four pr...

  3. Diseño del sistema de automatización de la fabricación de pinturas y del sistema para la transferencia fiscal del látex en la fábrica pintec, de Guayaquil

    OpenAIRE

    Espol; Salazar Aguirre, Jorge Patricio

    2016-01-01

    Se analizó el proceso de fabricación de pinturas. Se identificaron las deficiencias y se hicieron las propuestas de mejoras. Las propuestas de mejoras se realizaron en dos áreas: área de almacenamiento de látex y área de fabricación de pinturas. Se propuso mejorar el control del inventario y transferencia de látex desde los camiones de transporte de látex y controlar con exactitud el llenado de los tanques de preparación de pinturas según las recetas establecidas para la fabricación, así como...

  4. Alergia al látex en los trabajadores sanitarios (I: Vigilancia de la salud

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    María Soledad Gil Micharet

    2007-09-01

    Full Text Available La alergia al látex constituye un importante problema de salud entre los trabajadores sanitarios, tanto por su elevada prevalencia como por la gravedad de las reacciones que puede producir. La detección temprana de los síntomas mediante una vigilancia de la salud específica, y las medidas encaminadas a evitar la sensibilización y a prevenir la aparición de sintomatología y la progresión de la enfermedad en los trabajadores ya sensibilizados, son las mejores estrategias de intervención sobre este problema ocupacional. El artículo, realiza en esta primera parte, una revisión de la epidemiología, clínica y diagnóstico, y propone un protocolo médico específico.Látex allergy constitutes an important problem of health in the healthcare workers, so much for its high prevalence as for the graveness of the reactions that can take place. The early detection of the symptoms by means of specific health surveillance, and the measures guided to avoid the sensitization and to prevent the symptomatology appearance and progression of the illness in the sensitized workers, are the best intervention strategies on this occupational problem. The article carries out in this first part, a revision of the epidemiology, clinic and diagnosis, and it proposes a specific medical protocol.

  5. Mono(p-tolyl)platinum(II) and bis(p-tolyl)platinum(II) complexes of diethylsulfide as reagents for organoplatinum synthesis. Structures of [Pt(p-Tol)2(µ-SEt2)]2 and PtCl(p-Tol)(bpy) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine)

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Koten, G. van; Casado Lacabra, M.A.; Canty, A.J.; Lutz, M.H.; Patel, J.; Spek, A.L.; Sun, H.

    2001-01-01

    The complex trans-PtCl(p-Tol)(SEt{2}){2} is obtained from the reaction of [Pt(p-Tol){2}(SEt{2})]{2} with PtCl{2}(SEt{2}){2} and SEt{2} in mole ratio 1:2:2. The mono(p-tolyl)platinum(II) and bis(p-tolyl)platinum(II) complexes of diethylsulfide react with 2, 2'-bipyridine to form the complexes

  6. TRATAMIENTOS PARA REDUCIR LOS DAÑOS POR LÁTEX EN MANGO (Mangifera indica)

    OpenAIRE

    Marta Montero; Manuel Enrique Molina

    2005-01-01

    El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar tratamientos alternativos para reducir las manchas de látex en mango. Se utilizaron frutos del cultivar Amarilla y soluciones (1% en agua) de eter lauril sulfonato de sodio (ELSS), ácido sulfónico (AS), amida de coco (AC) y nonil fenol etoxilado (NFE); hipoclorito de sodio (100 y 200 mg l-1 en agua); agua; con 3 tratamientos testigo (deslechado en seco y manchado intencional con limpieza posterior y sin ella). Se midió la incidencia y severidad de ...

  7. Determination of trace platinum by supramolecular catalytic kinetic spectrofluorimetry of {beta}-cyclodextrin-platinum-KBrO{sub 3}-salicylaldehyde furfuralhydrazone

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tang, Bo; Zhang, Ning; Chen, Zhen-Zhen; Kong, Qing-Cheng [Shandong Normal University, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Jinan (China)

    2006-02-01

    A supramolecular catalytic kinetic spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of platinum(IV) and the possible mechanism of catalytic reaction was discussed. The method was based on the fluorescence-enhancing reaction of salicylaldehyde furfuralhydrazone (SAFH) with potassium bromate, which was catalysed by platinum(IV) in a water-ethanol medium. {beta}-Cyclodextrin ({beta}-CD) obviously sensitized the determination at pH 5.20 and 25 C. Under optimum conditions, the {beta}-CD-platinum-KBrO{sub 3}-SAFH supramolecular kinetic catalytic reaction system had excitation and emission maxima at 372 and 461 nm, respectively. The linear range of this method was 0.60-180 ng ml{sup -1} with a relative standard deviation of 1.2%, and the detection limit was 0.18 ng ml{sup -1}. Investigation of the mechanism and the effects of interferences is presented. The proposed method was applied successfully to determine trace platinum(IV) in the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin and serum from patients with satisfactory results. (orig.)

  8. Synthesis and Photophysical Characterizations of Thermal -Stable Naphthalene Benzimidazoles

    OpenAIRE

    Erten Ela, Şule; Özçelik, Serdar; Eren, Ersin

    2011-01-01

    Microwave-assisted synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties of thermal-stable naphthalene benzimidazoles and naphthalimides are studied in this paper. Microwave-assisted synthesis of naphthalene benzimidazoles provide higher yields than the conventional thermal synthesis. Comparative photophysical properties of naphthalene benzimidazoles and naphthalimides are revealed that conjugation of electron-donating group onto naphthalimide moiety increases fluorescence ...

  9. Synthesis, structure, antioxidant activity, and water solubility of trolox ion conjugates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yuliya V. Yushkova

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available The interaction of trolox with ammonia, alkylamines of different classes, and amino derivatives of heterocyclic compounds, including nitroxyl radicals and alkaloids, led to the production of ammonium salts called ion conjugates (ICs. Five ICs were characterised by X-ray diffraction. This is the first time a wide range of ICs were made from trolox with amines, and ESI-MS data demonstrated they have the potential to generate pseudomolecular [(A−B+ + H]+ ions. For all obtained trolox ICs, a significant increase (1–3 orders of magnitude in water solubility was achieved while retaining high antioxidant activity. ICs synthesised from two biologically active fragments may be used to create polyfunctional agents with varying solubility and bioavailability. Keywords: Trolox, Amines, Ion conjugates, Antioxidants, Mass-spectrometry

  10. Design, synthesis and anticancer activity of diam(m)ine platinum(II) complexes bearing a small-molecular cell apoptosis inducer dichloroacetate.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Weiping; Jiang, Jing; Xu, Yongping; Hou, Shuqian; Sun, Liping; Ye, Qingsong; Lou, Liguang

    2015-05-01

    Four new diam(m)ine platinum complexes containing the dichloroacetate moiety in 3-dichoroacetoxylcyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylate as the leaving group were synthesized, characterized by elemental analysis as well as by ESI(+)-MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive mode), FT-IR, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR, and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against human lung cancer cell line (A549) and ovarian cancer cell lines (SK-OV-3, SK-OV-3/DDP). Diam(m)ines used in the present study belong to the carriers of six clinically approved platinum drugs. Among the complexes synthesized, complex 2, cis-[Pt(II)(1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane)·(3-dichoroacetoxylcyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylate)] is the most promising in terms of water solubility and potential of being totally devoid of cross-drug resistance with cisplatin. Therefore, complex 2 was selected for the dichloroacetate release test. The test shows dichloroacetate can be efficiently released from complex 2 under physiological conditions via the hydrolysis of an ester bond bridging the dichloroacetate moiety and platinum pharmacophores together. Our study supports the further evaluation of this complex as a drug candidate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Hydrothermal synthesis and luminescent properties of LnPO4:Tb,Bi (Ln=La,Gd) phosphors under UV/VUV excitation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang Yuhua; Wu Chunfang; Wei Jie

    2007-01-01

    Monoclinic LnPO 4 :Tb,Bi (Ln=La,Gd) phosphors were prepared by hydrothermal reaction and their luminescent properties under ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation were investigated. LaPO 4 :Tb,Bi phosphor and GdPO 4 :Tb phosphor showed the strongest emission intensity under 254 and 147 nm excitation, respectively, because of the different energy transfer models. In UV region, Bi 3+ absorbed most energy then transferred to Tb 3+ , but in VUV region it was the host which absorbed most energy and transferred to Tb 3+

  12. Platinum-group metals from nuclear reactions as a possible resource

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jensen, G.A.

    1985-03-01

    Spent nuclear fuels contain significant quantities of three of the platinum-group metals (ruthenium, rhodium, and palladium), and a related element technetium, which is nearly absent in nature. Applications for ruthenium, rhodium, and palladium are well established. Since the supply of these and other platinum metals is largely from foreign sources, they are considered strategic materials. Existing and future spent nuclear fuels contain quantities of these platinum metals that exceed the United States reserve base. Technetium has properties similar to platinum metals and has unique, useful properties of its own. The technical feasibility of recovering and using fission product platinum metals (and technetium) extensively in industry depends on: thoroughly decontaminating platinum-group metals from all other radioactive materials in the waste stream; separating platinum-group metals from one another in very high purity; using applications where appropriate control of the residual radioactivity is possible; and whether or not the United States will recover or process spent fuel prior to repository storage. If the radioactivity must be removed, isotope separation or long term storage to allow decay of the contained radioisotopes may be possible. 7 figs., 7 tabs

  13. Gd-doped GaN studied with element specificity: Very small polarization of Ga, paramagnetism of Gd and the formation of magnetic clusters

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ney, A., E-mail: ney@maglomat.d [Fachbereich Physik and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), Universitaet Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstr. 1, D-47057 Duisburg (Germany); Kammermeier, T.; Ollefs, K.; Ney, V.; Ye, S. [Fachbereich Physik and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), Universitaet Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstr. 1, D-47057 Duisburg (Germany); Dhar, S. [Fachbereich Physik and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), Universitaet Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstr. 1, D-47057 Duisburg (Germany); Paul-Drude-Institut fuer Festkoerperelektronik, Hausvogteiplatz 5-7, D-10117 Berlin (Germany); Ploog, K.H. [Paul-Drude-Institut fuer Festkoerperelektronik, Hausvogteiplatz 5-7, D-10117 Berlin (Germany); Roever, M.; Malindretos, J.; Rizzi, A. [IV. Physikalisches Institut and Virtual Institute of Spinelectronics (VISel), Georg August Universitaet Goettingen, D-37077 Goettingen (Germany); Wilhelm, F.; Rogalev, A. [European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, BP 220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex (France)

    2010-05-15

    Element specific X-ray linear dichroism (XLD), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Ga K- and Ga and Gd L{sub 3}-edges and magnetic resonance measurements have been carried out on Gd:GaN grown by molecular beam epitaxy with different Gd concentrations. XMCD studies at the Ga K-edge reveal only a very weak magnetic polarization, which is too small to account for the colossal moments reported before by SQUID. In the dilute limit we can show by XLD that the majority of the Gd dopant atoms go to substitutional Ga sites. XMCD studies demonstrate that the Gd sublattice behaves paramagnetic which is in contrast to integral SQUID measurements. The absence of ferromagnetic order at room temperature is corroborated by magnetic resonance studies. First signatures of phase separation are visible. At higher Gd concentrations phase separation is found by XLD. In such samples ferromagnetic-like order is consistently found by SQUID, XMCD and magnetic resonance which is characteristic for a blocked superparamagnetic ensemble. In turn, phase separated ferromagnetic Gd/GdN clusters cannot account for magnetic order observed at and above 300 K by SQUID.

  14. Conjugated Fatty Acid Synthesis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rawat, Richa; Yu, Xiao-Hong; Sweet, Marie; Shanklin, John

    2012-01-01

    Conjugated linolenic acids (CLNs), 18:3 Δ9,11,13, lack the methylene groups found between the double bonds of linolenic acid (18:3 Δ9,12,15). CLNs are produced by conjugase enzymes that are homologs of the oleate desaturases FAD2. The goal of this study was to map the domain(s) within the Momordica charantia conjugase (FADX) responsible for CLN formation. To achieve this, a series of Momordica FADX-Arabidopsis FAD2 chimeras were expressed in the Arabidopsis fad3fae1 mutant, and the transformed seeds were analyzed for the accumulation of CLN. These experiments identified helix 2 and the first histidine box as a determinant of conjugase product partitioning into punicic acid (18:3 Δ9cis,11trans,13cis) or α-eleostearic acid (18:3 Δ9cis,11trans,13trans). This was confirmed by analysis of a FADX mutant containing six substitutions in which the sequence of helix 2 and first histidine box was converted to that of FAD2. Each of the six FAD2 substitutions was individually converted back to the FADX equivalent identifying residues 111 and 115, adjacent to the first histidine box, as key determinants of conjugase product partitioning. Additionally, expression of FADX G111V and FADX G111V/D115E resulted in an approximate doubling of eleostearic acid accumulation to 20.4% and 21.2%, respectively, compared with 9.9% upon expression of the native Momordica FADX. Like the Momordica conjugase, FADX G111V and FADX D115E produced predominantly α-eleostearic acid and little punicic acid, but the FADX G111V/D115E double mutant produced approximately equal amounts of α-eleostearic acid and its isomer, punicic acid, implicating an interactive effect of residues 111 and 115 in punicic acid formation. PMID:22451660

  15. Gd-EDDA/HYNIC-RGD as an MR molecular probe imaging integrin alphanubeta3 receptor-expressed tumor-MR molecular imaging of angiogenesis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huo, Tianlong; Du, Xiangke; Zhang, Sen; Liu, Xia; Li, Xubing

    2010-02-01

    The aim of this study is to develop a novel MR probe containing arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif for imaging integrin alphanubeta3 receptor-expressed tumor. Commercially available HYNIC-RGD conjugated with co-ligand EDDA was labeled with Gd(3+), and the mixture was isolated and purified by solid phase extract (SPE) to get the entire probe Gd-EDDA/HYNIC-RGD. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HHCC) cell line BEL-7402 was cultured and the cells harvested and suspended in serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) were subcutaneously inoculated into athymic nude mice for tumor growth. In vitro cell binding assay to integrin alphanubeta3 receptor and cell viability experiments were conducted. The in vivo imaging of the three arms of xenografts were performed by MR scan with a dedicated animal coil at time points of 0, 30, 60, 90min and 24-h post-intravenous injection (p.i.). Three arms of nude mice then were sacrificed for histological examination to confirm the imaging results. Gd-EDDA/HYNIC-RGD was successfully isolated by SPE and validity was verified on signal enhancement through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The nude mice model bearing HHCC was well established. There was approx. 30% signal enhancement on T1WI FSE images at 90min post-intravenous injection of the Gd-EDDA/HYNIC-RGD compared with baseline, and the signal to time curve is straightforward over time in the span of 0-90min p.i., while the control arms do not show this tendency. Gd-EDDA/HYNIC-RGD has the potential to serve as an MR probe detecting integrin alphanubeta3 receptor-expressed tumor. Copyright (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. TeX4 (X = F, Cl, Br) as Lewis acids--complexes with soft thio- and seleno-ether ligands.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hector, Andrew L; Jolleys, Andrew; Levason, William; Reid, Gillian

    2012-08-28

    TeF(4) reacts with OPR(3) (R = Me or Ph) in anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2) to give the colourless, square based pyramidal 1 : 1 complexes [TeF(4)(OPR(3))] only, in which the OPR(3) is coordinated basally in the solid state, (R = Me: d(Te-O) = 2.122(2) Å; R = Ph: d(Te-O) = 2.1849(14) Å). Variable temperature (19)F{(1)H}, (31)P{(1)H} and (125)Te{(1)H} NMR spectroscopic studies strongly suggest this is the low temperature structure in solution, although the systems are dynamic. The much softer donor ligands SMe(2) and SeMe(2) show a lower affinity for TeF(4), although unstable, yellow products with spectroscopic features consistent with [TeF(4)(EMe(2))] are obtained by the reaction of TeF(4) in neat SMe(2) or via reaction in CH(2)Cl(2) with SeMe(2). TeX(4) (X = F, Cl or Br) causes oxidation and halogenation of TeMe(2) to form X(2)TeMe(2). The Br(2)TeMe(2) hydrolyses in trace moisture to form [BrMe(2)Te-O-TeMe(2)Br], the crystal structure of which has been determined. TeX(4) (X = Cl or Br) react with the selenoethers SeMe(2), MeSe(CH(2))(3)SeMe or o-C(6)H(4)(SeMe)(2) (X = Cl) in anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2) to give the distorted octahedral monomers trans-[TeX(4)(SeMe(2))(2)], cis-[TeX(4){MeSe(CH(2))(3)SeMe}] and cis-[TeCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(SeMe)(2)}], which have been characterised by IR, Raman and multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (77)Se{(1)H} and (125)Te{(1)H}) spectroscopy, and via X-ray structure determinations of representative examples. Tetrahydrothiophene (tht) can form both 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 Te : L complexes. For X = Br, the former has been shown to be a Br-bridged dimer, [Br(3)(tht)Te(μ-Br)(2)TeBr(3)(tht)], by crystallography with the tht ligands anti, whereas the latter are trans-octahedral monomers. Like its selenoether analogue, MeS(CH(2))(3)SMe forms distorted octahedral cis-chelates, [TeX(4){MeS(CH(2))(3)SMe}], whereas the more rigid o-C(6)H(4)(SMe)(2) unexpectedly forms a zig-zag chain polymer in the solid state, [TeCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(SMe)(2)}](n), in which the dithioether adopts an

  17. High performance platinum single atom electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Jing; Jiao, Menggai; Lu, Lanlu; Barkholtz, Heather M.; Li, Yuping; Wang, Ying; Jiang, Luhua; Wu, Zhijian; Liu, Di-Jia; Zhuang, Lin; Ma, Chao; Zeng, Jie; Zhang, Bingsen; Su, Dangsheng; Song, Ping; Xing, Wei; Xu, Weilin; Wang, Ying; Jiang, Zheng; Sun, Gongquan

    2017-07-01

    For the large-scale sustainable implementation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in vehicles, high-performance electrocatalysts with low platinum consumption are desirable for use as cathode material during the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Here we report a carbon black-supported cost-effective, efficient and durable platinum single-atom electrocatalyst with carbon monoxide/methanol tolerance for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. The acidic single-cell with such a catalyst as cathode delivers high performance, with power density up to 680 mW cm-2 at 80 °C with a low platinum loading of 0.09 mgPt cm-2, corresponding to a platinum utilization of 0.13 gPt kW-1 in the fuel cell. Good fuel cell durability is also observed. Theoretical calculations reveal that the main effective sites on such platinum single-atom electrocatalysts are single-pyridinic-nitrogen-atom-anchored single-platinum-atom centres, which are tolerant to carbon monoxide/methanol, but highly active for the oxygen reduction reaction.

  18. Solid-phase based synthesis of ureidopyrimidinone-peptide conjugates for supramolecular biomaterials

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Feijter, de I.; Goor, O.J.G.M.; Hendrikse, S.I.S.; Comellas Aragones, M.; Sontjens, S.H.M.; Zaccaria, S.; Fransen, P.P.K.H.; Peeters, J.W.; Milroy, L.G.; Dankers, P.Y.W.

    2015-01-01

    Supramolecular polymers have shown to be powerful scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Supramolecular biomaterials functionalized with ureidopyrimidinone (UPy) moieties, which dimerize via quadruple hydrogen-bond formation, are eminently suitable for this purpose. The conjugation of the

  19. Platinum uptake from chloride solutions using biosorbents

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mehmet Hakan Morcali

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available Present work investigates platinum uptake from synthetically prepared, dilute platinum-bearing solutions using biomass residues, i.e. pistachio nut shell and rice husk, which are abundant in Turkey, and provides a comparison between these two biosorbents. Effects of the different uptake parameters, sorbent dosage, contact time, temperature and pH of solution on platinum uptake (% were studied in detail on a batch sorption. Before the pistachio nut shell was activated, platinum uptake (% was poor compared to the rice husk. However, after the pistachio nut shell was activated at 1000 °C under an argon atmosphere, the platinum uptake (% increased two-fold. The pistachio nut shell (original and activated and rice husk were shown to be better than commercially available activated carbon in terms of adsorption capacity. These two sorbents have also been characterized by FTIR and SEM. Adsorption equilibrium data best complied with the Langmuir isotherm model. Maximum adsorption capacities, Qmax, at 25 °C were found to be 38.31 and 42.02 mg.g- 1for the activated pistachio nut shell and rice husk, respectively. Thermodynamic calculations using the measured ∆H°, ∆S° and ∆G° values indicate that the uptake process was spontaneous and endothermic. The experimental data were shown to be fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

  20. Monodisperse Platinum and Rhodium Nanoparticles as Model Heterogeneous Catalysts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Grass, Michael Edward [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)

    2008-09-01

    Model heterogeneous catalysts have been synthesized and studied to better understand how the surface structure of noble metal nanoparticles affects catalytic performance. In this project, monodisperse rhodium and platinum nanoparticles of controlled size and shape have been synthesized by solution phase polyol reduction, stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Model catalysts have been developed using these nanoparticles by two methods: synthesis of mesoporous silica (SBA-15) in the presence of nanoparticles (nanoparticle encapsulation, NE) to form a composite of metal nanoparticles supported on SBA-15 and by deposition of the particles onto a silicon wafer using Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayer deposition. The particle shapes were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM) and the sizes were determined by TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and in the case of NE samples, room temperature H2 and CO adsorption isotherms. Catalytic studies were carried out in homebuilt gas-phase reactors. For the nanoparticles supported on SBA-15, the catalysts are in powder form and were studied using the homebuilt systems as plug-flow reactors. In the case of nanoparticles deposited on silicon wafers, the same systems were operated as batch reactors. This dissertation has focused on the synthesis, characterization, and reaction studies of model noble metal heterogeneous catalysts. Careful control of particle size and shape has been accomplished though solution phase synthesis of Pt and Rh nanoparticles in order to elucidate further structure-reactivity relationships in noble metal catalysis.

  1. Test of E1-radiative strength function and level density models by 155 Gd (n,2γ) 156 Gd reaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Voinov, A.V.

    1996-01-01

    The information about the level density of 156 Gd nucleus and strength functions of γ transitions extracted from two γ-cascade spectra of the 155 Gd (n,2γ) 156 Gd reaction is analyzed. The method of statistical simulation of γ-cascade intensity is applied for calculation of the main parameters of experimental spectra. The method is used to extract the information on the E1-radiative strength function of γ transitions and level density in the 156 Gd nucleus. It is shown that at an excitation energy above 3 MeV the level density of 156 Gd nucleus must decrease in comparison with that calculated within the Fermi gas model. Its is concluded that possible explanation of the observed effect is connected with the influence of pairing correlations on the level density in nuclei

  2. Solid-phase synthesis of protein-polymers on reversible immobilization supports.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Murata, Hironobu; Carmali, Sheiliza; Baker, Stefanie L; Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof; Russell, Alan J

    2018-02-27

    Facile automated biomacromolecule synthesis is at the heart of blending synthetic and biologic worlds. Full access to abiotic/biotic synthetic diversity first occurred when chemistry was developed to grow nucleic acids and peptides from reversibly immobilized precursors. Protein-polymer conjugates, however, have always been synthesized in solution in multi-step, multi-day processes that couple innovative chemistry with challenging purification. Here we report the generation of protein-polymer hybrids synthesized by protein-ATRP on reversible immobilization supports (PARIS). We utilized modified agarose beads to covalently and reversibly couple to proteins in amino-specific reactions. We then modified reversibly immobilized proteins with protein-reactive ATRP initiators and, after ATRP, we released and analyzed the protein polymers. The activity and stability of PARIS-synthesized and solution-synthesized conjugates demonstrated that PARIS was an effective, rapid, and simple method to generate protein-polymer conjugates. Automation of PARIS significantly reduced synthesis/purification timelines, thereby opening a path to changing how to generate protein-polymer conjugates.

  3. Synthesis and electrical properties of the pyrochlore-type Gd2-yLayZr2O7 solid solution

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    León, C.

    2008-06-01

    Full Text Available Different compositions in the pyrochlore-type Gd2-yLayZr2O7 solid solution (0 ≤ y ≤ 1 were prepared at room-temperature by mechanically milling stoichiometric mixtures of the corresponding oxides. Irrespective of their lanthanum content, as-prepared powder samples consist of single-phase anion deficient fluorite materials, although long-range ordering of cations and anion vacancies characteristic of pyrochlores was observed in all cases after firing the samples at 1500°C. Interestingly, activation energy for oxygen migration in the series decreases as La-content increases, from 1.13 eV for Gd2Zr2O7 to 0.81 eV for GdLaZr2O7, whereas ionic conductivity was found to be almost La-content independent, at least for y ≤ 0.8 at T = 500°C and y ≤ 0.4 at T = 800°C. These results are explained in terms of weaker ion-ion interactions in better ordered structures (i.e., as La-content increases and highlight the importance of structural ordering/disordering in determining the dynamics of mobile oxygen ions.Partiendo de mezclas estequiométricas de los óxidos correspondientes, se prepararon por molienda mecánica y a temperatura ambiente diferentes composiciones en la solución sólida Gd2-yLayZr2O7 (0 ≤ y ≤ 1 con estructura de tipo pirocloro y conductora de iones oxígeno. Independientemente del contenido de lantano, los polvos extraídos del molino presentaron difractogramas similares al de una fluorita no estequiométrica aunque en todos los casos, el tratamiento térmico a 1500°C indujo la aparición del ordenamiento de largo alcance de cationes y vacancias aniónicas característico de pirocloros. La energía de activación para el proceso de migración de iones oxígeno en la serie disminuye a medida que se incrementa el contenido de lantano, desde 1.13 eV de Gd2Zr2O7 hasta 0.81 eV de GdLaZr2O7, mientras que la conductividad resultó ser prácticamente independiente del mismo hasta y ≤ 0.8 para T = 500°C e y ≤ 0.4 para T = 800

  4. Homogeneous vertical ZnO nanorod arrays with high conductivity on an in situ Gd nanolayer

    KAUST Repository

    Flemban, Tahani H.

    2015-10-30

    We demonstrate a novel, one-step, catalyst-free method for the production of size-controlled vertical highly conductive ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays with highly desirable characteristics by pulsed laser deposition using a Gd-doped ZnO target. Our study shows that an in situ transparent and conductive Gd nanolayer (with a uniform thickness of ∼1 nm) at the interface between a lattice-matched (11-20) a-sapphire substrate and ZnO is formed during the deposition. This nanolayer significantly induces a relaxation mechanism that controls the dislocation distribution along the growth direction; which consequently improves the formation of homogeneous vertically aligned ZnO NRs. We demonstrate that both the lattice orientation of the substrate and the Gd characteristics are important in enhancing the NR synthesis, and we report precise control of the NR density by changing the oxygen partial pressure. We show that these NRs possess high optical and electrical quality, with a mobility of 177 cm2 (V s)-1, which is comparable to the best-reported mobility of ZnO NRs. Therefore, this new and simple method has significant potential for improving the performance of materials used in a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic applications.

  5. Graphite-supported platinum catalysts: Effects of gas and aqueous phase treatments

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vleeming, J.H.; Kuster, B.F.M.; Marin, G.B. [Eindhoven Univ. of Technology (Netherlands)] [and others

    1997-03-01

    The effects on the platinum particle diameter and the available platinum surface area of a graphite-supported platinum catalyst resulting from pretreatments and from performing a selective oxidation reaction are investigated. In the gas phase considerable catalyst sintering occurs only in the presence of oxygen at 773 K due to extensive carbon burn-off, whereas in an aqueous phase platinum particle growth is limited upon oxidative treatment. A hydrogen treatment in aqueous phase at 363 K causes platinum particle growth, aggregate formation, and covering of metal sites. These phenomena become more important with increasing pH. Platinum particle growth and aggregate formation are attributed to platinum particle rather than platinum adatom mobility and is caused by the destruction of the oxygen-containing surface groups on the graphite support, which serve as anchorage sites for the platinum particles. Site covering is caused by products originating from the graphite support, which are formed as a result of the reductive treatments. When performing the aqueous phase oxidation of methyl {alpha}-D-glucopyranoside at 323 K and a pH of 9, catalyst modifications are small under oxidative conditions. Exposure of the catalyst for several hours to methyl {alpha}-D-glucopyranoside under the same conditions but in the absence of oxygen causes site covering. 50 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

  6. Effect of the synthesis method on the properties of a Pb-bearing (Y-Gd-Ce) rare-earth phosphate used for the confinement of high-level radioactive waste

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kamel, Nour-el-hayet; Remil, Khadoudja; Arabi, Malika; Kamel, Ziane; Zahri, Ahmed; Metahri, Samia

    2010-01-01

    In this study, a Pb-containing (Y-Gd-Ce) rare-earth phosphate with the general chemical formula of (Y 0.1 Pb 0.1 Ce 0.4 Gd 0.4 )PO 4 was synthesized by two methods, namely the sol-gel and the metallurgical method. The sol-gel route consists of an external gel precipitation method, followed by two calcinations at 873 and 1473 K; and the dry route was a natural sintering at 1473 K of a mixture of micropowders activated at 873 K. The sol-gel route of synthesis gives a stronger and harder monazite mineral than the one obtained by the dry route of synthesis, both of them have a very low porosity. The sintering densities are 4.70 and 4.55 g/cm 3 for both the sol-gel and dry-route made monazites. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows a main monoclinic crystalline structure for the two ways of synthesis. However, a secondary anorthic phosphate phase appears for the dry-route made monazite. Three leaching tests simulating several radiological events were performed: an acidic static test at different pH, a static water leach test in an argilous media and a dynamic microwave leach test. For the whole of leaching processes, the kinetic of dissolution is fast. The acidic tests at pH 1, 4 and 7 gave few amounts of dissolved Ce in the leachates, about 5.668, 0.189 and 0.346 x 10 -2 g/m 2 day at the steady-state, respectively. The Pb was totally dissolved at pH 1 and 3. The sol-gel made monazite has a weak chemical durability in acidic media. In neutral pH, both the sol-gel and the dry-route made monazites give comparable values of Ce normalized dissolution rates (0.346 x 10 -2 and 0.389 x 10 -2 g/m 2 day, respectively). The leaching in kaolin media decreases with a ten factor the amounts of leached Ce. However, for the whole of the leaching tests performed in neutral pH conditions, the monazite materials have a good chemical durability. The dissolution of the minerals under the microwave leaching is partially achieved, with only 3.5% and 4.0% of solubilised minerals, for

  7. Localization and screening in GdNi alloy films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wu, N.; Dowben, P.A. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Theodore Jorgenson Hall, 855 North 16th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0299 (United States); LaGraffe, D. [Office of Proliferation Detection NA-22, National Nuclear Security Administration, US Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585 (United States); Yakovkin, I.N. [National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Institute of Physics, Prospect Nauki 46, 03028 Kiev (Ukraine)

    2011-05-15

    Gd/Ni compounds with different Gd concentration have been investigated with constant initial state spectroscopy (CIS) of photoemission utilizing the light of synchrotron radiation. The photoemission cross-sections of Gd 5d and 4f states show a strong resonance in CIS spectra at the Gd 5p absorption edge. The screenings of Gd ions by Ni 3d conduction electrons results in a dramatic suppression of the 5p{sup 6}4f{sup 7}5d{sup 1}6s{sup 2} to 5p{sup 5}4f{sup 7}5d{sup 2}6s{sup 2} resonant enhancement of photoemission valence band intensities. This decrease in the super-Coster-Kronig photoemission resonant enhancement of the valence band can be related to the hybridized Gd 5d and Ni 3d bands near the Fermi level, consistent with performed first-principles calculations of local densities of states. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  8. Investigation of nanocrystalline Gd films loaded with hydrogen

    KAUST Repository

    Hruška, Petr; Čí žek, Jakub; Dobroň, Patrik; Anwand, Wolfgang; Mü cklich, Arndt; Gemma, Ryota; Wagner, Stefan; Uchida, Helmut; Pundt, Astrid

    2015-01-01

    The present work reports on microstructure studies of hydrogen-loaded nanocrystalline Gd films prepared by cold cathode beam sputtering on sapphire (112¯0) substrates. The Gd films were electrochemically step-by-step charged with hydrogen and the structural development with increasing concentration of absorbed hydrogen was studied by transmission electron microscopy and in-situ   X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. The relaxation of hydrogen-induced stresses was examined by acoustic emission measurements. In the low concentration range absorbed hydrogen occupies preferentially vacancy-like defects at GBs typical for nanocrystalline films. With increasing hydrogen concentration hydrogen starts to occupy interstitial sites. At the solid solution limit the grains gradually transform into the ββ-phase (GdH2). Finally at high hydrogen concentrations xH>2.0xH>2.0 H/Gd, the film structure becomes almost completely amorphous. Contrary to bulk Gd specimens, the formation of the γγ-phase (GdH3) was not observed in this work.

  9. OFFGEL isoelectric focusing and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation of platinum-binding proteins.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mena, Ma Luz; Moreno-Gordaliza, Estefanía; Moraleja, Irene; Cañas, Benito; Gómez-Gómez, Ma Milagros

    2011-03-04

    In this work a 2D electrophoretic separation procedure able to maintain the integrity of platinum-protein bonds has been developed. The method is based on the use of sequential OFFGEL isoelectric focussing (IEF) and PAGE. A systematic study of the reagents used for PAGE, for OFFGEL-IEF separation, and post-separation treatment of gels (such as enzymatic digestion and sample preparation for MS analysis) was tackled regarding their suitability for the identification of platinum binding proteins using standard proteins incubated with cisplatin. The distribution of platinum in high and low molecular weight fractions (separated by cut-off filters) was determined by ICP-MS, which allows evaluating platinum-protein bond stability under the conditions studied. SDS-PAGE in the absence of β-mercaptoethanol or dithiotreitol preserved the platinum-protein bonds. In addition, neither the influence of the electric field during the electrophoretic separation, nor the processes of fixing, staining and destaining of proteins in the gel did result in the loss of platinum from platinum binding proteins. SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions provides separation of platinum-binding proteins in very narrow bands with quantitative recoveries. Different amounts of platinum-bound proteins covering the range 0.3-2.0 μg were separated and mineralised for platinum determination, showing good platinum linearity. Limits of detection for a mixture of five standard proteins incubated with cisplatin were between the range of 2.4 and 13.9 pg of platinum, which were satisfactory for their application to biological samples. Regarding OFFGEL-IEF, a denaturing solution without thiourea and without dithiotreitol is recommended. The suitability of the OFFGEL-IEF for the separation of platinum binding proteins of a kidney cytosol was demonstrated. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Evaluación de las pruebas dot blot y aglutinación de látex para el diagnóstico de cisticercosis en Perú

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eduardo Miranda-Ulloa

    Full Text Available Con el objetivo de evaluar las pruebas dot blot y aglutinación de látex para la detección de cisticercosis humana con antígeno de líquido de cisticerco de Taenia solium, se usaron 125 sueros humanos, de los cuales 60 procedían de personas con cisticercosis confirmada por Western Blot, 45 de personas con otras enfermedades parasitarias y 20 de personas aparentemente sanas. La concentración óptima del antígeno para impregnar las tiras dot blot fue de 0,01 ug/uL, y para impregnar las partículas de látex fue de 0,092 ug/uL. Para la prueba dot blot se encontró una sensibilidad del 100% y especificidad del 87,7%; para la aglutinación de látex una sensibilidad del 93,3% y especificidad del 89,2%. Ambas pruebas podrían ser de utilidad y factibles de implementar como alternativas de diagnóstico serológico en laboratorios de áreas endémicas del Perú

  11. 77 FR 17121 - RailAmerica, Inc., Palm Beach Rail Holding, Inc., RailAmerica Transportation Corp., RailTex, Inc...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-03-23

    ...% of the Class A Common Units of TransRail, giving RailTex a 70% ownership interest in TransRail and control of W&C through TransRail. The MG Principals will retain the Class B Common Units of TransRail... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35605] RailAmerica, Inc...

  12. Point defects in platinum

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Piercy, G.R.

    1960-01-01

    An investigation was made of the mobility and types of point defect introduced in platinum by deformation in liquid nitrogen, quenching into water from 1600 o C, or reactor irradiation at 50 o C. In all cases the activation energy for motion of the defect was determined from measurements of electrical resistivity. Measurements of density, hardness, and x-ray line broadening were also made there applicable. These experiments indicated that the principal defects remaining in platinum after irradiation were single vacant lattice sites and after quenching were pairs of vacant lattice sites. Those present after deformation In liquid nitrogen were single vacant lattice sites and another type of defect, perhaps interstitial atoms. (author)

  13. Synthesis of a novel 'smart' bifunctional chelating agent 1-(2-[beta,D-galactopyranosyloxy]ethyl)-7-(1-carboxy-3-[4-aminophenyl]propyl)-4,10-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Gal-PA-DO3A-NH2) and its Gd(III) complex.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wardle, Nick J; Herlihy, Amy H; So, Po-Wah; Bell, Jimmy D; Bligh, S W Annie

    2007-07-15

    A new synthetic pathway to 1-(2-[beta,D-galactopyranosyloxy]ethyl)-7-(1-carboxy-3-[4-aminophenyl]propyl)-4,10-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Gal-PA-DO3A-NH2) and 1-(2-[beta,D-galactopyranosyloxy]ethyl)-4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1, 4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Gal-DO3A) chelating agents was developed involving full hydroxyl- and carboxyl-group protection in precursors to product. Two sequences of cyclen-N-functionalisation were subsequently investigated, one successfully, towards synthesis of the novel 'smart' bifunctional Gal-PA-DO3A-NH2 chelate. The longitudinal proton relaxivities of the neutral [Gd-(Gal-PA-DO3A-NH2)] and [Gd-(Gal-DO3A)] complexes were increased by 28% and 37% in the presence of beta-galactosidase, respectively.

  14. Synthesis and functionalization of NaGdF4:Yb,Er@NaGdF4 core–shell nanoparticles for possible application as multimodal contrast agents

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dovile Baziulyte-Paulaviciene

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs are promising, new imaging probes capable of serving as multimodal contrast agents. In this study, monodisperse and ultrasmall core and core–shell UCNPs were synthesized via a thermal decomposition method. Furthermore, it was shown that the epitaxial growth of a NaGdF4 optical inert layer covering the NaGdF4:Yb,Er core effectively minimizes surface quenching due to the spatial isolation of the core from the surroundings. The mean diameter of the synthesized core and core–shell nanoparticles was ≈8 and ≈16 nm, respectively. Hydrophobic UCNPs were converted into hydrophilic ones using a nonionic surfactant Tween 80. The successful coating of the UCNPs by Tween 80 has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD, photoluminescence (PL spectra and magnetic resonance (MR T1 relaxation measurements were used to characterize the size, crystal structure, optical and magnetic properties of the core and core–shell nanoparticles. Moreover, Tween 80-coated core–shell nanoparticles presented enhanced optical and MR signal intensity, good colloidal stability, low cytotoxicity and nonspecific internalization into two different breast cancer cell lines, which indicates that these nanoparticles could be applied as an efficient, dual-modal contrast probe for in vivo bioimaging.

  15. Platinum uptake by the freshwater isopod Asellus Aquaticus in urban rivers

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rauch, S.; Morrison, G.M. [Department of Sanitary Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96 Goeteborg (Sweden)

    1999-09-01

    Platinum has been increasing in the environment as a result of emissions from catalytic converters. The platinum emitted is principally located in the vicinity of roads but might be transported to urban rivers through highway and urban run-off water. Platinum concentrations in the freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus were measured for two urban rivers and a stormwater detention pond. Concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 12.4 {mu}g g{sup -1} for direct analysis and from 0.16 to 4.5 {mu}g g{sup -1} after depuration. Analyses of water, pore water and sediments indicate that platinum in urban rivers is mostly found in the sediments and these provide the major contribution of platinum to Asellus aquaticus. Exposure experiments showed the importance of platinum speciation for uptake.

  16. Radiation damage in CaF2: Gd

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Prado, L.

    1979-01-01

    Calcium fluoride crystals doped with Gd 3+ at four different concentrations were irradiated at room temperature. The damage produced by radiation and the primary and secondary effects as well were studied by optical spectroscopy. The increase in optical absorption (with loss of transparency) varied from sample as a function of concentration and dose. The coloration curves showed an evolution from two to three radiation damage steps when going from a pure to the most Gd 3+ concentrated sample. The obtained spectra were analysed at characteristic wave lenghts of electronic defects (photochromic centers, F and its aggregates) and of Gd 3+ and Gd 2+ defects. As a result of the radiation damage the valence change (Gd 3+ →Gd 2+ ) and its reversible character under thermal activation were directly observed. These effects were correlated with other observed effects such as the room temperature luminescence after the irradiation ceased. The non radiative F centers formation from the interaction of holes and photochromic centers was also observed and analysed. A thermal activation study of the several defects responsible for the different absorption bands was made. Values of activation energies were obtained as expected for the kind of defects involved in these processes [pt

  17. Brain Delivery of Drug and MRI Contrast Agent: Detection and Quantitative Determination of Brain Deposition of CPT-Glu Using LC-MS/MS and Gd-DTPA Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tabanor, Kayann; Lee, Phil; Kiptoo, Paul; Choi, In-Young; Sherry, Erica B.; Eagle, Cheyenne Sun; Williams, Todd D.; Siahaan, Teruna J.

    2015-01-01

    Successful treatment and diagnosis of neurological diseases depend on reliable delivery of molecules across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts penetration of pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostic agents into the brain. Thus, developing new non-invasive strategies to improve drug delivery across the BBB is critically needed. This study was aimed at evaluating the activity of HAV6 peptide (Ac-SHAVSS-NH2) in improving brain delivery of camptothecin-glutamate (CPT-Glu) conjugate and gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA) contrast agent in Sprague-Dawley rats. Brain delivery of both CPT-Glu and Gd-DTPA was evaluated in an in situ rat brain perfusion model in the presence and absence of HAV6 peptide (1.0 mM). Gd-DTPA (0.6 mmol/kg) was intravenously (i.v.) administered with and without HAV6 peptide (0.019 mmol/kg) in rats. The detection and quantification of CPT-Glu and Gd-DTPA in the brain were carried out by LC-MS/MS and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Rats perfused with CPT-Glu in combination with HAV6 had significantly higher deposition of drug in the brain compared to CPT-Glu alone. MRI results also showed that administration of Gd-DTPA in the presence of HAV6 peptide led to significant accumulation of Gd-DTPA in various regions of the brain in both the in situ rat brain perfusion and in vivo studies. All observations taken together indicate that HAV6 peptide can disrupt the BBB and enhance delivery of small molecules into the brain. PMID:26705088

  18. Brain Delivery of Drug and MRI Contrast Agent: Detection and Quantitative Determination of Brain Deposition of CPT-Glu Using LC-MS/MS and Gd-DTPA Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tabanor, Kayann; Lee, Phil; Kiptoo, Paul; Choi, In-Young; Sherry, Erica B; Eagle, Cheyenne Sun; Williams, Todd D; Siahaan, Teruna J

    2016-02-01

    Successful treatment and diagnosis of neurological diseases depend on reliable delivery of molecules across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts penetration of pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostic agents into the brain. Thus, developing new noninvasive strategies to improve drug delivery across the BBB is critically needed. This study was aimed at evaluating the activity of HAV6 peptide (Ac-SHAVSS-NH2) in improving brain delivery of camptothecin-glutamate (CPT-Glu) conjugate and gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Gd-DTPA) contrast agent in Sprague-Dawley rats. Brain delivery of both CPT-Glu and Gd-DTPA was evaluated in an in situ rat brain perfusion model in the presence and absence of HAV6 peptide (1.0 mM). Gd-DTPA (0.6 mmol/kg) was intravenously (iv) administered with and without HAV6 peptide (0.019 mmol/kg) in rats. The detection and quantification of CPT-Glu and Gd-DTPA in the brain were carried out by LC-MS/MS and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Rats perfused with CPT-Glu in combination with HAV6 had significantly higher deposition of drug in the brain compared to CPT-Glu alone. MRI results also showed that administration of Gd-DTPA in the presence of HAV6 peptide led to significant accumulation of Gd-DTPA in various regions of the brain in both the in situ rat brain perfusion and in vivo studies. All observations taken together indicate that HAV6 peptide can disrupt the BBB and enhance delivery of small molecules into the brain.

  19. Synthetic Nucleic Acid Analogues in Gene Therapy: An Update for Peptide–Oligonucleotide Conjugates

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Taskova, Maria; Mantsiou, Anna; Astakhova, Kira

    2017-01-01

    The main objective of this work is to provide an update on synthetic nucleic acid analogues and nanoassemblies as tools in gene therapy. In particular, the synthesis and properties of peptide–oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs), which have high potential in research and as therapeutics, are described...

  20. Synthesis And Characterization Of 6,6'-Bis (2-Hydroxyphenyl)-2,2'-Bipyridyl Ligand And Its Platinum Complex for the Interaction with CT-DNA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Norhidayah Selamat; Heng, L.Y.; Nurul Izzaty Hassan; Nurul Huda Abd Karim

    2016-01-01

    A tetradentate ligand with four donor atoms OONN and its platinum metal complex were synthesized. Bis(phenoxy)bipyridine ligand was prepared by Suzuki coupling reaction between 6,6 ' -dibromo-2,2 ' -bipyridyl and 2-hydroxy phenylboronic acid with the presence of palladium (II) acetate. The formation of platinum complex was done by introducing the ligand with platinum (II) chloride in benzonitrile. Both ligand and complex structures were confirmed by 1 H, 2D cosy and 13 C NMR spectroscopy, ESIMS spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy. Binding studies of small molecules with DNA are useful to understand the reaction mechanism and to provide guidance for the application and design of new and more efficient drugs or sensors targeted on DNA. In this study, the binding interaction between the synthesized ligand and complex with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated using UV-Visible and emission DNA titration. From the UV-Visible DNA study, it showed that platinum (II) bipyridine complex had higher affinity towards CT-DNA with binding constant K b =(3.1 ± 0.02 x 10 5 ) ± 0.02 M -1 compared to that of bis(phenoxy) bipyridine ligand with binding constant (K b ) = (1.19 ± 0.08) x 10 3 M -1 . These findings will be valuable for the potential use of platinum (II) bipyridine complex as a phosphorescent probe in optical sensor DNA. (author)