P-N junctions in semiconducting TiO2 studied through computer modelling

The dependence of the formation of a p-n or p-p⁺ junction in semiconducting TiO₂ as a function of various parameters is investigated through a computer model. The effect of the polarizing conditions on the I–V characteristics is also discussed and related to experimental results. Paper presented at the 3rd Euroconference on Solid State Ionics, Teulada, Sardinia, Sept. 15–22, 1996     

Non-covalent polyvalent ligands by self-assembly of small glycodendrimers: a novel concept for the inhibition of polyvalent carbohydrate-protein interactions in vitro and in vivo

Polyvalent carbohydrate-protein interactions occur frequently in biology, particularly in recognition events on cellular membranes. Collectively, they can be much stronger than corresponding monovalent interactions, rendering it difficult to control them with individual small molecules. Artificial macromolecules have been used as polyvalent ligands to inhibit polyvalent processes; however, both reproducible synthesis and appropriate characterization of such complex entities is demanding. Herein, we present an alternative concept avoiding conventional macromolecules. Small glycodendrimers which fulfill single molecule entity criteria self-assemble to form non-covalent nanoparticles. These particles-not the individual molecules-function as polyvalent ligands, efficiently inhibiting polyvalent processes both in vitro and in vivo. The synthesis and characterization of these glycodendrimers is described in detail. Furthermore, we report on the characterization of the non-covalent nanoparticles formed and on their biological evaluation.     

Antioxidant activity of novel indole derivatives and protection of the myocardial damage in rabbits

Novel indole derivatives containing a triazole moiety (1a-d, 2a-c) were synthesized as lead compounds with interesting pharmacological profiles. Their antioxidant activity was investigated on in vitro non-enzymatic rat hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation. All compounds showed significant effect in the above assay. The effect depended mainly on the attachment position of the triazole moiety on the indole nucleus. The most potent antioxidant derivatives la, 1c and 1d were tested for their protective ability against the oxidative damage of the myocardium after ischemia-reperfusion, in male rabbits which were subjected to 30 min regional ischemia followed by reperfusion. The tested antioxidant compounds 1a, 1c and 1d were continuously infused for 30 min starting at 10th min of ischemia and lasted at 10th min of reperfusion. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation) and hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure and heart rate) were measured in the baseline, at 20th min of the sustained ischemia, 1st and 20th min of reperfusion. It was found that the examined compounds la, 1c and 1d reduced significantly the level of MDA in rabbits under ischemia-reperfusion and proved to be promising substances for further evaluation of anti-ischemic properties.     

Analysis of Ti-N films by calibration of Ti X-ray spectra

Summary An energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of Ti_1–xN_x films was performed by using an Si(Li) detector. The Ti_1–xN_x films were sputtered on polished steel substrates in a mixed Ar+N₂ atmosphere by a reactive magnetron sputtering technique. Because the nitrogen X-ray line is absorbed by the Be window, an analysis method was developed based solely on the calibration of the characteristic Ti-K-intensities using a high-purity Ti standard. The film compositions were computed by means of a ZAF procedure. The samples closest to stoichiometric composition show maximum hardness.     

Synthesis of a Sialyl Lewis x Mimic with Fixed Carboxylic Acid Group: Chemical Approach toward the Elucidation of the Bioactive Conformation of Sialyl Lewis x

The relation of the solution and bioactive conformation of sialyl Lewis x (sLe(x)) has been addressed by chemical means. To mimic the preferred solution conformation of sLe(x) 1, the more rigid analog 2 has been designed and synthesized. The sialic acid residue of 1 was replaced by a carboxylic acid function which is fixed in the equatorial position of a six membered ring acetal fused to galactose. Due to entropic considerations, an increased biological activity could be expected if the preferred solution conformation and bound form of sLe(x) were similar. Since mimic 2 was found to be inactive in an E-selectin binding assay, the bound form of sLe(x) most probably differs from the prevailing solution conformation.     

Plasma generation in silicon-based inductive grid arrays

Selective illumination of a silicon wafer can be used for the construction of non-permanent inductive grids. A numerical model is used for the calculation of plasma density distribution in silicon as a function of time. Some indicative results on the microwave properties of the device are presented.     

Selected parameters leading to an optimized DSSC performance

Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC), the third generation of photovoltaic devices, can be considered as most promising among renewable energy sources. Although DSSCs are devices very easy to fabricate, there is a large number of design parameters upon which their performance depends. In this review paper a lay out is given of the various parameters at which research groups focus aiming towards optimum performance of the DSSCs.