Laser desorption VUV postionization MS imaging of a cocultured biofilm

Laser desorption postionization mass spectrometry (LDPI-MS) imaging is demonstrated with a 10.5 eV photon energy source for analysis and imaging of small endogenous molecules within intact biofilms. Biofilm consortia comprised of a synthetic Escherichia coli K12 coculture engineered for syntrophic metabolite exchange are grown on membranes and then used to test LDPI-MS analysis and imaging. Both E. coli strains displayed many similar peaks in LDPI-MS up to m/z 650, although some observed differences in peak intensities were consistent with the appearance of byproducts preferentially expressed by one strain. The relatively low mass resolution and accuracy of this specific LDPI-MS instrument prevented definitive assignment of species to peaks, but strategies are discussed to overcome this shortcoming. The results are also discussed in terms of desorption and ionization issues related to the use of 10.5 eV single-photon ionization, with control experiments providing additional mechanistic information. Finally, 10.5 eV LDPI-MS was able to collect ion images from intact, electrically insulating biofilms at ～100 μm spatial resolution. Spatial resolution of ～20 μm was possible, although a relatively long acquisition time resulted from the 10 Hz repetition rate of the single-photon ionization source.

Analysis of cell gap-dependent driving voltage in a fringe field-driven homogeneously aligned nematic liquid crystal display

We have studied cell gap-dependent driving voltage characteristics in a homogeneously aligned nematic liquid crystal (LC) cell driven by a fringe electric field, termed the fringe field switching (FFS) mode. The results show that for the FFS mode using a LC with positive dielectric anisotropy, the operating voltage decreases as the cell gap decreases, whereas it increases with a decreasing cell gap when using a LC with negative dielectric anisotropy. The difference between LCs is explained by simulation and experiment.     

Evidence for symplectic symmetry in Ab initio no-core shell model results for light nuclei

Clear evidence for symplectic symmetry in low-lying states of 12C and 16O is reported. Eigenstates of 12C and 16O, determined within the framework of the no-core shell model using the J-matrix inverse scattering potential with A相似文献   

Automatic 3D tracking of cardiac material markers using slice-following and harmonic-phase MRI

A method to track a grid of cardiac material points in three dimensions using slice-following (SF) tagged magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and harmonic-phase MRI is presented. A three-dimensional grid of material points on the lines of intersections of short-axis (SA) and long-axis (LA) planes is automatically tracked by combining two-dimensional pathlines that are computed on both SA and LA image planes. This process yields the true three-dimensional motion of points originating on the image plane intersections. Experimental data from normal volunteers, each obtained in four short breath-holds using the SF harmonic phase MRI pulse sequence, is presented. A validation of two-dimensional in-plane tracks using this pulse sequence on a moving phantom is also presented.     

Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis Potentially through th1/th2 Cytokine Balance by a Mixture of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng Extract and Persicaria tinctoria

Ginseng is a vastly used herbal supplement in Southeast Asian countries. Red ginseng extract enriched with Rg3 (Rg3-RGE) is a formula that has been extensively studied owing to its various biological properties. Persicaria tinctoria (PT), belonging to the Polygonaceae family, has also been reported for its anti-inflammatory properties. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is inflammation of the large intestine, particularly in the colon. This disease is increasingly common and has high probability of relapse. We investigated, separately and in combination, the effects of Rg3-RGE and PT using murine exemplary of UC induced by DSS (Dextran Sulfate Sodium). For in vitro and in vivo experiments, nitric oxide assay, qRT-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Western blot, ulcerative colitis introduced by DSS, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and flow cytometry analysis were performed. The results obtained demonstrate that treatment with Rg3-RGE + PT showed synergism to suppress inflammation (in vitro) in RAW 264.7 cells via mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor κB pathways. Moreover, in C57BL/6 mice, this mixture exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects in restoring colon length, histopathological damage, pro-inflammatory mediators, and cytokines amount, and decreasing levels of NLRP3 inflammasome (in vivo). Our results recommend that this mixture can be used for the prevention of UC as a prophylactic/therapeutic supplement.     

Flexible Total Synthesis of 11‐Deoxylandomycins and Their Non‐Natural Analogues by Way of Asymmetric Metal Catalysis

A de novo first collective total synthesis of 11‐deoxylandomycins is reported. A signature step is featured by the Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric addition of alcohol to ene‐alkoxyallenes that assembles oligomeric 2,3,6‐trideoxyoligosaccharides. The unique feature of the protocol is illustrated by a flexible access to various natural 11‐deoxylandomycins as well as non‐natural analogues.     

An Indium‐Seamed Hexameric Metal–Organic Cage as an Example of a Hexameric Pyrogallol[4]arene Capsule Conjoined Exclusively by Trivalent Metal Ions

A hexameric metal–organic nanocapsule is assembled from pyrogallol[4]arene units, which are stitched together with indium ions. This indium‐seamed capsule is the first instance of a M₂₄L₆ type hexameric coordination cage held together exclusively by trivalent metal ions. Explicitly, unlike previously reported pyrogallol[4]arene‐based metal‐seamed capsules, the current In³⁺ seamed capsule is entirely supported by O→In coordinate bonds. This work demonstrates the important proof of concept of the ability of pyrogallol[4]arene to react with metals in higher oxidation states to assemble into atomically‐precise hexameric coordination cages. As such, these results open up exciting avenues toward the assembly of previously unanticipated metal–organic capsules, for example offering inspiration for tackling metals exhibiting high valence states such as in the lanthanide and actinide series.     

Electron transfer behavior at polyoxometalate-adsorbed alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers

The interaction between polyoxometalate (POM) anions, SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻, and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of dodecanethiol (DT) on Au surfaces was investigated using electrochemical methods, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning probe microscopy. The SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ ions adsorb on the SAM of DT on Au to form a composite organic-inorganic hybrid layer. The adsorbed SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ ion on the SAM layer shows its characteristic redox waves with an electron transfer rate slower than that on a bare Au electrode. The electron transfer behavior at DT−SAM could be regulated by the adsorption of SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ depending on the charge of the investigated electroactive species: a significant increase toward a positively charged Ru(NH₃)₆³⁺ ion, a moderate increase toward a neutral 1,1′-ferrocenedimethanol molecule and a slight decrease toward a negatively charged Fe(CN)₆³⁻ ion. The effect of the chain length of alkanethiols on the adsorption of SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ ion was also investigated: as the chain length decreases, the amount of the adsorbed POM increases and the electron transfer rate through the composite layers increases. The nature of SiMo₁₂O₄₀⁴⁻ ions adsorbed on the SAMs of alkanethiols on Au is discussed in detail.