The MR detection of neuronal depolarization during 3-Hz spike-and-wave complexes in generalized epilepsy

Previously, an analysis of activations observed in a patient with idiopathic generalized epilepsy using electroencephalogram-correlated functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during runs of 3-Hz generalized spike–wave discharge (GSWD) was presented by Salek-Haddadi. Time-locked, bilateral, thalamic blood oxygenation level-dependent increases were reported to be accompanied by widespread, symmetric, cortical deactivation with a frontal maximum. In light of recent investigations into MRI detection of the magnetic field perturbations caused by neuronal current loops during depolarization, we revisited the analysis of the data of Salek-Haddadi as a preliminary search for a neuroelectric signal. We modeled the MRI response as the sum of a fast signal and a slower signal and demonstrated significant MRI activity at a time scale of the order of 30 ms associated with GSWDs. Further work is necessary before firm conclusions may be drawn about the nature of this signal.     

Synthesis of composite TiN/Ni3N/a-Si3N4 thin films using the plasma focus device

Composite films of TiN/Ni₃N/a-Si₃N₄ were synthesized using the Mather-type plasma focus device with varying numbers of focus deposition shots (5, 15, and 25) at 0° and 10° angular positions. The composition and structural analysis of these films were analyzed by using Rutherford backscattering (RBS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope were used to study the surface morphology of films. XRD patterns confirm the formation of composite TiN/Ni₃N/a-Si₃N₄ films. The crystallite size of TiN (200) plane is 11 and 22 nm, respectively, at 0° and 10° angular positions for same 25 focus deposition shots. Impurity levels and thickness were measured using RBS. Scanning electron microscopy results show the formation of net-like structures for multiple focus shots (5, 15, and 25) at angular positions of 0° and 10°. The average surface roughness of the deposited films increases with increasing focus shots. The roughness of the film decreases at higher angle 10° and the films obtained are smoother as compared with the films deposited at 0° angular positions.     

Synthesis and single crystal X‐ray determination of the Schiff base 1‐[(2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenoxy)hydrazono] ethyl ferrocene

The reaction of acetylferrocene [Fe(η‐C₅H₅)(η‐C₅H₄COCH₃)] (1) with (2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenoxy) acetic acid hydrazide [CH₃C₆H₃CH(CH₃)₂OCH₂CONHNH₂] (2) in refluxing ethanol gives the stable light‐orange–brown Schiff base 1‐[(2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenoxy)hydrazono] ethyl ferrocene, [CH₃C₆H₃CH(CH₃)₂OCH₂CONHN?C(CH₃)Fe(η‐C₅H₅)(η‐C₅H₄)] (3). Complex 3 has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, with a = 9.6965(15), b = 7.4991(12), c = 29.698(7) Å, β = 99.010(13) °, V = 2132.8(7) ų, D_calc = 1.346 Mg m^?3; absorption coefficient, 0.729 mm^?1. The crystal structure clearly shows the characteristic [N? H···O] hydrogen bonding between the two adjacent molecules of 3. This acts as a bidentale ligand, which, on treatment with [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂] _n, gives a stable bimetallic yellow–orange complex (4). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CsF-Celite, an Efficient Solid State Reagent for the Syntheses of Thioesters and Thioethers

Coupling reactions of a number of aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic compounds bearing an acidic hydrogen atom attached to sulfur, with alkyl, acyl, benzyl, or benzoyl halides in acetonitrile with cesium fluoride-Celite are described. This procedure is convenient, efficient, and practical for the preparation of thioethers and thioesters.     

Synthesis, <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glucuronidase</Emphasis> Inhibition,and Molecular Docking Studies of 1,2,4-Triazole Hydrazones

A series of 1,2,4-triazole hydrazones 1–25 has been synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, and ESI MS spectrometry. The synthetic derivatives were evaluated for their β-glucuronidase enzyme inhibition properties. Among them, 17 compounds demonstrated potential inhibitory activity towards β-glucuronidase with IC₅₀ values ranging between 2.50 and 53.70 µM. Compounds 1 having IC₅₀?=?2.50?±?0.01 µM was found to be the most active compound of the series and showed remarkable activity and found to be far more potent than the standard d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC₅₀?=?48.4?±?1.25 µM). Furthermore, the possible binding interaction of active compounds was explored by in silico studies. These compounds can be used for anti-diabetic drug development process.     

DNA Binding Studies and Evaluation of Electrochemical Parameters of New Tri-and Di-Organotin(IV) Complexes of 4-(1H-Indol-3-yl)butanoic Acid

New triorganotin(IV) [R₃SnL where R = Me (1), Bu (2), Ph (3)] and diorganotin(IV) [R₂SnL₂, where R = Me (4), Bu (5), Ph (6)] derivatives of 4-(1H-indol-3-yl)butanoic acid (HL) were prepared and characterized by FT-IR and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Interaction between DNA and selected compounds was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and viscometry. The binding constants calculated on the basis of the accumulated data reveal the following order of binding strength: compound 2 > 1 > 5 > 4. Electrochemical parameters such as diffusion coefficient and charge transfer coefficient are evaluated with cyclic voltammetry. The results demonstrate that diorganotin(IV) complexes are characterized by higher diffusion coefficient than triorganotin(IV) analogues. In case of triorganotin(IV) complexes, the lower coordination number allows a solvent to interact with Sn(IV) center and hence decreases the rate of diffusion.