Segregation of human prostate tissues classified high-risk (UK) versus low-risk (India) for adenocarcinoma using Fourier-transform infrared or Raman microspectroscopy coupled with discriminant analysis

Vibrational spectroscopy techniques can be applied to identify a susceptibility-to-adenocarcinoma biochemical signature. A sevenfold difference in incidence of prostate adenocarcinoma (CaP) remains apparent amongst populations of low- (e.g. India) compared with high-risk (e.g. UK) regions, with migrant studies implicating environmental and/or lifestyle/dietary causative factors. This study set out to determine the biospectroscopy-derived spectral differences between risk-associated cohorts to CaP. Benign prostate tissues were obtained using transurethral resection from high-risk (n = 11, UK) and low-risk (n = 14, India) cohorts. Samples were analysed using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, FTIR microspectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. Spectra were subsequently processed within the biochemical cell region (1,800⁻¹–500 cm^–1) employing principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to determine whether wavenumber–absorbance/intensity relationships might reveal biochemical differences associated with region-specific susceptibility to CaP. PCA-LDA scores and corresponding cluster vector plots identified pivotal segregating biomarkers as 1,582 cm⁻¹ (Amide I/II trough); 1,551 cm⁻¹ (Amide II); 1,667 cm⁻¹ (Amide I); 1,080 cm⁻¹ (DNA/RNA); 1,541 cm⁻¹ (Amide II); 1,468 cm⁻¹ (protein); 1,232 cm⁻¹ (DNA); 1,003 cm⁻¹ (phenylalanine); 1,632 cm⁻¹ [right-hand side (RHS) Amide I] for glandular epithelium (P < 0.0001) and 1,663 cm⁻¹ (Amide I); 1,624 cm⁻¹ (RHS Amide I); 1,126 cm⁻¹ (RNA); 1,761, 1,782, 1,497 cm⁻¹ (RHS Amide II); 1,003 cm⁻¹ (phenylalanine); and 1,624 cm⁻¹ (RHS Amide I) for adjacent stroma (P < 0.0001). Primarily protein secondary structure variations were biomolecular markers responsible for cohort segregation with DNA alterations exclusively located in the glandular epithelial layers. These biochemical differences may lend vital insights into the aetiology of CaP.     

Spectroscopy of selected copper group minerals: ktenasite,orthoserpierite and kipushite

Near-infrared (NIR) and IR spectroscopy have been applied for the characterisation of three complex Cu–Zn sulphate/phosphate minerals, namely ktenasite, orthoserpierite and kipushite. The spectral signatures of the three minerals are quite distinct in relation to their composition and structure. The effect of structural cation substitution (Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺) on band shifts is significant both in the electronic and in the vibrational spectra of these Cu–Zn minerals. The variable Cu:Zn ratio between Zn-rich and Cu-rich compositions shows a strong effect on Cu(II) bands in the electronic spectra. The Cu(II) spectrum is most significant in kipushite (Cu-rich) with bands displayed at high wavenumbers, 11,390 and 7,545 cm⁻¹. The isomorphic substitution of Cu²⁺ for Zn²⁺ is reflected in the NIR and IR spectroscopic signatures. The multiple bands for ν₃ and ν₄ (SO₄)²⁻ stretching vibrations in ktenasite and orthoserpierite are attributed to the reduction in symmetry of the sulphate ion from T_d to C_2V. The IR spectrum of kipushite is characterised by strong (PO₄)³⁻ vibrational modes at 1,090 and 990 cm⁻¹. The range of IR absorption is higher in ktenasite than in kipushite, while it is intermediate in orthoserpierite.     

An application of near-infrared and mid-infrared spectroscopy to the study of selected tellurite minerals: xocomecatlite,tlapallite and rodalquilarite

Near-infrared and mid-infrared spectra of three tellurite minerals have been investigated. The structures and spectral properties of copper bearing xocomecatlite and tlapallite are compared with an iron bearing rodalquilarite mineral. Two prominent bands observed at 9,855 and 9,015 cm⁻¹ are assigned to ²B_1g → ²B_2g and ²B_1g → ²A_1g transitions of Cu²⁺ ion in xocomecatlite. The cause of spectral distortion is the result of many cations of Ca, Pb, Cu and Zn in the tlapallite mineral structure. Rodalquilarite is characterised by ferric ion absorption in the range 12,300–8,800 cm⁻¹. Three water vibrational overtones are observed in xocomecatlite at 7,140, 7,075 and 6,935 cm⁻¹ whereas in tlapallite bands are shifted to lower wavenumbers at 7,135, 7,080 and 6,830 cm⁻¹. The complexity of rodalquilarite spectrum increases with the number of overlapping bands in the near-infrared. The observation of intense absorption feature near 7,200 cm⁻¹ confirms hydrogen bonding water molecules in xocomecatlite. Weak bands observed near 6,375 and 6,130 cm⁻¹ in tellurites are attributed to the hydrogen bonding between (TeO₃)²⁻ and H₂O. A number of overlapping bands at low wave numbers 4,800–4,000 cm⁻¹ are caused by combinational modes of tellurite ion. (TeO₃)²⁻ stretching vibrations are characterised by three main absorptions at ~1,070, 780 and 665 cm⁻¹. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Electrochemical intercalation of O2− in CuAlO2 single crystal and photoelectrochemical properties

The delafossite CuAlO₂ single crystal, prepared by the flux method, is a low mobility p-type semiconductor with a hole mobility of 1.2 × 10⁻⁵ cm⁻² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. The chronoamperometry showed an electrochemical O²⁻ insertion with a diffusion coefficient D _303K of 3.3 × 10⁻¹⁸ cm² s⁻¹. The thermal variation of D in the range 293–353 K gave an enthalpy of diffusion (ΔH) of 44.7 kJ mol⁻¹. CuAlO₂ is photoactive, and the Mott–Schottky plot indicates a flat band potential of +0.42 V vs saturated calomel electrode and a holes density (N _A) of 10¹⁶ cm⁻³. The photocurrent spectra have been analyzed by using the Gartner model from which the absorption coefficients and diffusion lengths were determined. An optical transition at 1.66 eV, indirectly allowed, has been obtained. The spectral photoresponse provides a high absorption at 480 nm. The low quantum yield (η) is attributed to a small depletion length (440 nm) and a hole diffusion width (271 nm) compared to a very large penetration depth (12 μm).     

Evolution of two acid steps sol–gel phases by FTIR

FTIR has been used to follow the evolution of a sol–gel preparation accomplished with two acid/acid steps. The reaction of methyltrimethoxysilane mixed with colloidal silica was taken as an example, aiming at proving the use of IR spectroscopy for the determination of reaction aspects like the kinetic behaviour that is essential for the scale-up of the application. The steps were carried out for 60 min each and samples were taken in each step at variable time intervals. For the spectroscopy analysis the dispersion samples were deposited on a spinning disc of KBr or ZnSe obtaining thin hybrid organic/inorganic films. The signals at 950 cm⁻¹ and 1,000–1,100 cm⁻¹ related to the hydrolysis and condensation reaction, respectively were recorded at variable time and their intensity normalised to the 1,273 cm⁻¹band of Si-CH₃ group not involved in the hydrolysis nor condensation reaction. The effects of pH and temperature have been investigated showing that reliable effective data on the reaction extent of SiO₂-doped sol–gel dispersions can be obtained by the FTIR spectroscopy. The data have been supported and interpreted also by SEM observations. The reactions degree of the (poly)condensation sharply increases after the addition of more alkoxysilane. Short reaction times can be designed that could be compatible with industrial production.     

Characterization of serpentine: a potential nuclear shielding material

The use of serpentine as a potential nuclear shielding material necessitates a chemical quality control of the samples before its use in reactors. With this in view, characterization of these mineral samples was carried out using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) methods. The analytical results obtained by both ICP-AES and NAA techniques were found to be comparable. Na, Cr, Co, Zn, and Cu were found to be present in all samples of Indian origin while Ga, Ag, Ni, and Cd were found to below the limits of detection. A comparison on the detection limits of elements of interest was also carried out by both the analytical techniques and found to be in good agreement. An infrared spectroscopic investigation was also carried out on all the mineral samples. Bands at 3,689 and 3,648 cm⁻¹ were attributed to inner and outer hydroxyl stretching of Mg–OH, respectively. The weak and broad band centered around 3,416 cm⁻¹ was assigned due to the stretching vibrations of the adsorbed water molecules while three bands at 1076, 1022 and 968 cm⁻¹ were prescribed to the vibrations of the SiO₄ tetrahedra.     

A new direct Fourier transform infrared analysis of free fatty acids in edible oils using spectral reconstitution

A new transmission-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic method for the direct determination of free fatty acids (FFA) in edible oils has been developed using the developed spectral reconstitution (SR) technique. Conventional neat-oil and SR calibrations were devised by spiking hexanoic acid into FFA-free canola oil and measuring the response to added FFA at 1,712 cm⁻¹ referenced to a baseline at 1,600 cm⁻¹(1,712 cm⁻¹/1,600 cm⁻¹). To compensate for the known oil dependency of such calibration equations resulting from variation of the triacylglycerol ester (C═O) absorption with differences in oil saponification number (SN), a correction equation was devised by recording the spectra of blends of two FFA-free oils (canola and coconut) differing substantially in SN and correlating the intensity of the ester (C═O) absorption at the FFA measurement location with the intensity of the first overtone of this vibration, measured at 3,471 cm⁻¹/3,427 cm⁻¹. Further examination of the spectra of the oil blends by generalized 2D correlation spectroscopy revealed an additional strong correlation with an absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) combination band region, which led to the development of a second correction equation based on the absorbance at 4,258 cm⁻¹/4,235 cm⁻¹. The NIR-based correction equation yielded superior results and was shown to completely eliminate biases due to variations in oil SN, thereby making a single FFA calibration generally applicable to oils, regardless of SN. FTIR methodology incorporating this correction equation and employing the SR technique has been automated.     

Compatibility and decomposition kinetics studies of prednicarbate alone and associated with glyceryl stearate

In this work, TG/DTG and DSC techniques were used to the determination of thermal behavior of prednicarbate alone and associated with glyceryl stearate excipient (1:1 physical mixture). TG/DTG curves obtained for the binary mixture showed a reduction of approximately 37 °C to the thermal stability of drug ( T_{\textdm/\textdt = 0 \textDTG}^\textMax T_{{{\text{d}}m/{\text{d}}t = 0\,{\text{DTG}}}}^{\text{Max}} ). The disappearance of stretching band at 1280 cm⁻¹ (ν_as C–O, carbonate group) and the presence of streching band with less intensity at 1750 cm⁻¹ (ν_s C–O, ester group) in IR spectrum obtained to the binary mixture submitted at 220 °C, when compared with IR spectrum of drug submitted to the same temperature, confirmed the chemical interaction between these substances due to heating. Kinetics parameters of decomposition reaction of prednicarbate were obtained using isothermal (Arrhenius equation) and non-isothermal (Ozawa) methods. The reduction of approximately 45% of activation energy value (E _a) to the first step of thermal decomposition reaction of drug in the 1:1 (mass/mass) physical mixture was observed by both kinetics methods.     

Thermal Degradation of Hydrolyzed and Oxidized Lignins

The infrared spectra of lignin treated with hydrochloric acid and peroxyacetic acid is investigated. The hydrolysed lignin spectra show a high intensity phenolic OH band at 1375 cm⁻¹ and a decrease in the intensities of CH vibration of methoxyl group at 2920–2810 cm⁻¹ and of the linkage (β–O–4 linkage) at 1120 cm⁻¹. In contrast, the intensity of methoxy group band increases in the case of lignin treated with peroxyacetic acid. This treatment increases also the intensity of the C=O band at 1710 cm⁻¹. The intensity of C=C of aromatic ring band at 1605 and1505 cm⁻¹ is highly affected by the treatment of lignin with peroxyacetic acid, it decreases with large value than in case of lignin treated with HCl. The thermal behavior of these types of lignin has also been studied. The initial and char temperatures of lignin were determined to be 280 and 700°C respectively for unreacted lignin while were 265and 550; 220 and 580°C for lignins treated with hydrochloric and peroxyacetic acid respectively. The rate constants of the mass loss of untreated, hydrolysed and oxidized lignins were found to be 0.05, 0.045 and 0.044 min⁻¹ respectively. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Vertical inventories and fluxes of <Superscript>210</Superscript>Pb, <Superscript>228</Superscript>Ra and <Superscript>226</Superscript>Ra at southern South China Sea and Malacca Straits

Inventories and fluxes of ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁸Ra and ²²⁶Ra were determined in sediment cores collected at nine stations covering of the southern South China Sea and Malacca Straits with the thickness of water column between 42 and 83 m depth. The inventories of ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁸Ra and ²²⁶Ra were calculated range from 0.15–2.55 Bq cm⁻², 0.05–0.40 Bq cm⁻² and 6.83–83.63 Bq cm⁻², meanwhile the fluxes ranged from 0.005–0.079 Bq cm⁻² yr⁻¹, 0.009–0.048 Bq cm⁻² yr⁻¹ and 0.003–0.037 Bq cm⁻² yr⁻¹, respectively. The results show that the highest inventories and fluxes for ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁸Ra and ²²⁶Ra were found at station WC 01 and EC 05. Because there are additional sources of ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁸Ra and ²²⁶Ra, where water transport will brings more dissolved isotopes, influence of the transportation and deposition of suspended particles, fast rate of regeneration and greater production of those radionuclides and others.     

Synthesis, characterization, and DNA binding of the biologically relevant novel cationic molybdenum(VI)–glutathione complex [Mo(GS)(Cl)(H2O)]Cl2

Abstract  

The complex [Mo(GS)(Cl)(H₂O)]Cl₂ (MoG) was synthesized in aqueous medium and its composition has been determined by elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. Binding modes were determined by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass, and FT-IR spectrometry. The molecular formula was confirmed by mass spectral analysis. The molecular weight of the complex determined by the Rast camphor method also supports the formulation M _r = 525. This molecular formula demands the compound to be a 1:2 electrolyte, which is also supported by the conductance measurement, its value being 210 Ω⁻¹ cm². The compound is found to be diamagnetic, indicating that the molybdenum is in the +6 oxidation state (d⁰). The binding of MoG with calf thymus DNA was studied by spectroscopic titration. The interaction ratio was determined by monitoring the DNA 260 nm band as well as the S → Mo LMCT band of the complex observed at 225 nm. The interaction ratio calculated from the above studies was found to be 1:0.70 (DNA:MoG) in both cases, while the binding constant of DNA–MoG was found to be (4.8 ± 0.5) × 10⁵ M⁻¹. The binding constant data indicate that the binding nature is intercalative.     

Modeling Ar and Kr matrix effect on the ν s (Cl–H) and ν l (Cl–H) of Cl–H···NH3 by the IEF-PCM method

Ar and Kr matrix effect on the geometry and Cl–H stretching (ν _s (Cl–H)) and librational (ν _l (Cl–H)) frequencies of the hydrogen-bonded complex Cl–H···NH₃ are simulated within the framework of polarizable continuum model with integral equation formalism (IEF-PCM) at B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory with the basis set 6-311++G(2df,2pd). Within the framework of B3LYP and IEF-PCM, the simulated gas phase, Ar, and Kr matrix ν _s (Cl–H) of the complex are 2140, 1684, and 1550 cm⁻¹, respectively, which deviate from the experimental values (~2200, 1371, and 1218 cm⁻¹) by −60, 313, and 332 cm⁻¹. Within the framework of MP2 and IEF-PCM, the gas phase, Ar, and Kr matrix ν _s (Cl–H) are calculated as 2366, 2037, and 1957 cm⁻¹ by the harmonic approximation, and as 2177, 1876, and 1665 cm⁻¹ by the full-dimensional anharmonic correction. The matrix effect modeling is of greater importance than the anharmonic correction in accounting for the large experimental gas phase to Ar or Kr matrix shift of the ν _s (Cl–H) (−829 or −982 cm⁻¹). Our calculations do not support the assignment of the 733.8 and 736.9 cm⁻¹ bands to the Ar and Kr matrix ν _l (Cl–H).     

Raman spectroscopic investigation of the antimalarial agent mefloquine

The antimalarial agent mefloquine was investigated using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT NIR) Raman and FT IR spectroscopy. The IR and Raman spectra were calculated with the help of density functional theory (DFT) and a very good agreement with the experimental spectra was achieved. These DFT calculations were applied to unambiguously assign the prominent features in the experimental vibrational spectra. The calculation of the potential energy distribution (PED) and the atomic displacements provide further valuable insight into the molecular vibrations. The most prominent NIR Raman bands at 1,363 cm⁻¹ and 1,434 cm⁻¹ are due to C=C stretching (in the quinoline part of mefloquine) and CH₂ wagging vibrations, while the most intense IR peaks at 1,314 cm⁻¹; 1,147 cm⁻¹; and 1,109 cm⁻¹ mainly consist of ring breathings and δCH (quinoline); C–F stretchings; and asymmetric ring breathings, C–O stretching as well as CH₂ twisting/rockings located at the piperidine moiety. Since the active agent (mefloquine) is usually present in very low concentrations within the biological samples, UV resonance Raman spectra of physiological solutions of mefloquine were recorded. By employing the detailed non-resonant mode assignment it was also possible to unambiguously identify the resonantly enhanced modes at 1,619 cm⁻¹, 1,603 cm⁻¹ and 1,586 cm⁻¹ in the UV Raman spectra as high symmetric C=C stretching vibrations in the quinoline part of mefloquine. These spectroscopic results are important for the interpretation of upcoming in vitro and in vivo mefloquine target interaction experiments.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles by Solid State Chemical Reaction Method

High purity tin oxide nanopowders have been synthesized by using a solid-state chemical reaction technique with annealing at elevated temperature. The effects of two parameters, specifically by controlling the annealing temperature and kind of alkaline chlorides as precursors, the effect on particle size, morphology and IR spectra of synthesized tin oxide nanopowder were investigated. From the X-ray pattern, the crystal structure of the synthesized powders was confirmed as a tetragonal structure. Based on the recorded FTIR spectrum of SnO₂, the IR bands due to SnO₂ vibrations and its lattice modes were observed at 625 and 690 cm⁻¹, respectively. In addition, an important characterization peak has been identified at 1,450 cm⁻¹ due to Sn–O–Sn bridges observed only when LiCl was used as precursor. The formation of Sn–O–Sn bridges was confirmed by TGA–DTA analysis. According to the SEM images, it is obvious to notice that the kind of alkaline chlorides as precursors play a dominant role in controlling the morphology of tin oxide nanopowders.     

Spectral investigations of multiple charge transfer complex of p-nitrophenol as an electron acceptor with donor p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde

The convincing evidence have been given that both the interactions π-π and π-π* (between p-nitrophenol (p-NTP) and p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p-DAB)) are simultaneously involved. This has been established by using IR spectrometry. Association constant K evaluated by the method of Foster under the condition [A]₀ = [D]₀ with apply in this equation, [A]₀/A = 1/Kɛ_λ[D]₀ + 2/ɛ_λ, where [A]₀ is the initial concentration of acceptor equal to [D]₀, A is the absorbance of the complex at λ, K is the association constant, and ɛ_λ is the molar absorptivity of the complex at λ. In the IR spectral studies of several related organic compounds, one comes to the conclusion that p-NTP shows a broad band centred at 1600 cm⁻¹ and to nitro asymmetric stretching vibrations. In the complex while the 1500 cm⁻¹ band remains without shift, the broad band localized at 1600 cm⁻¹ shift to 1610 cm⁻¹. A shift of 10 cm⁻¹ shows weak interactions. Studies on molecular complexes of organ metallic donors and acceptors are of very recent origin. Though alkyl donors have been extensively studied, very few studies have appeared on aryl donors.     

Biophysical, spectroscopic vis-à-vis biochemical investigation on DNA–metalloprotein interaction: a model study involving cobalt(II)-glutathione complex

Abstract  

The interaction of cobalt(II)-glutathione (CoGSH) with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been studied by UV–vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), thin-film infrared (IR), and viscometric techniques. From the UV-spectroscopic method, binding constant (K _b) was determined and was found to be 2.3 × 10⁶ M⁻¹. In fluorimetric analysis, the quenching of fluorescence intensity of DNA bound to ethidium bromide (EB) was investigated. The Stern–Volmer quenching constant (K _sv) was also estimated from this study and was found to be 2.8 × 10⁶ M⁻¹at 37 °C. The solution CD spectra of DNA and DNA–CoGSH indicate that in each case, DNA exists in the ‘B’ conformation and suggested an intercalative binding mode. Thin-film IR data also reveal that DNA attains the ‘B’ family of conformations after interaction with CoGSH complex. The increase in DNA viscosity in the presence of CoGSH complexes is attributed to the lengthening of DNA helix due to intercalation.     

Crystal structure of N-phenyl-N′-isopropylp-phenylenediamine

We have previously reported the results of studies of the hydrogen bond nature in N-phenyl-N′-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine by a quantum chemistry method and FTIR spectroscopy [1–3]. It is shown that the IR spectrum of N-phenyl-N′-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine has IR bands in the vNH absorption region at 3380 cm⁻¹ and 3400 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the NH groups involved in hydrogen bonding.     

Natural and synthetic solid polymer hybrid dual network membranes as electrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells

Hybrid dual-network membranes comprising chitosan (CS)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) networks crosslinked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) and modified with stabilized silicotungstic acid (SWA) are reported for their application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Physico-chemical properties of these membranes are evaluated using thermo-gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with their mechanical properties. Based on water sorption and proton conductivity measurements for the membranes, the optimum content of 10 wt.% SWA in the membrane is established. The methanol crossover for these membranes are studied by measuring the mass balance of methanol using density meter and are found to be lower compared to Nafion-117 membrane. The membrane–electrode assembly with 10 wt.% stabilized SWA–CS–PVA hybrid membrane with SSA and GA as crosslinking agent delivers a peak power density of 156 mW cm⁻² at a load current density of 400 mA cm⁻² and 88 mW cm⁻² at a load current density of 300 mA cm⁻², respectively, in DMFC at 70 °C.