Ricci dark energy in Chern–Simons modified gravity

In this work, we have considered the Ricci dark energy model, where the energy density of the universe is proportional to the Ricci scalar curvature, in the dynamic Chern–Simons modified gravity. We show that in this context the evolution of the scale factor is similar to that displayed by the modified Chaplygin gas.     

Unfolding physics from the algebraic classification of spinor fields

After reviewing the Lounesto spinor field classification, according to the bilinear covariants associated to a spinor field, we call attention and unravel some prominent features involving unexpected properties about spinor fields under such classification. In particular, we pithily focus on the new aspects — as well as current concrete possibilities. They mainly arise when we deal with some non-standard spinor fields concerning, in particular, their applications in physics.     

SERS as a valuable tool for detection and treatment follow‐up of fungal infection in mice lungs: use of Amphotericin B and its nanoencapsulation onto magnetic nanoparticles

This study reports on the use of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and follow‐up treatment of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) infection in lung's mice. We also reports on the introduction of a new drug carrier system [nanoparticle‐Amphotericin B (NP‐AmB)], comprising magnetic NP surface functionalized with AmB, and its use in the treatment of infected and non‐infected mice. SERS was successfully used to monitor the efficacy of the mice's treatment using the new NP‐AmB, while free AmB (F‐AmB), considering the current drug of choice for treatment of Pb infection, was also used and taken as reference for the treatment. We found SERS provides a robust platform to discriminate infected lung tissues from non‐infected ones based on fingerprints assessed via SERS spectra and focused on the redox state of heme groups present in the collected biological material. Finally, SERS data reported in this study indicated that the new NP‐AmB formulation provides similar clinical response as the F‐AmB, although incorporating 40% lower content of AmB and administered in a time interval schedule (every 72 h) three times longer than F‐AmB (every 24 h). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Raman spectroscopy of very small Cd1−xCoxS quantum dots grown by a novel protocol: direct observation of acoustic‐optical phonon coupling

Glass‐embedded Cd_1−xCo_xS quantum dots (QDs) with mean radius of R ≈ 1.70 nm were successfully synthesized by a novel protocol on the basis of the melting‐nucleation synthesis route and herein investigated by several experimental techniques. Incorporation of Co²⁺ ions into the QD lattice was evidenced by X‐ray diffraction and magnetic force microscopy results. Optical absorption features with irregular spacing in the ligand field region confirmed that the majority of the incorporated Co²⁺ ions are under influence of a low‐symmetry crystal field located near to the Cd_1−xCo_xS QD surface. Electron paramagnetic resonance data confirmed the presence of Co²⁺ ions in a highly inhomogeneous crystal field environment identified at the interface between the hosting glass matrix (amorphous) and the crystalline QD. The acoustic‐optical phonon coupling in the Cd_1−xCo_xS QDs (x ≠ 0.000) was directly observed by Raman measurements, which have shown a high‐frequency shoulder of the longitudinal optical phonon peak. This effect is tuned by the size‐dependent sp‐d exchange interaction due to the magnetic doping, causing variations in the coupling between electrons and longitudinal optical phonon. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The eigenvalues of the product of matrices with prescribed similarity classes *

Let A and B be n × n nonsingular matrices over a field F, and c ₁,…,c _n ∈ F. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of matrices A′ and B′ similar to A and B, respectively, such that A′ B′ has eigenvalues c ₁,…,c _n.     

Secondary Metabolites from Marine Sources with Potential Use as Leads for Anticancer Applications

The development of novel anticancer agents is essential to finding new ways to treat this disease, one of the deadliest diseases. Some marine organisms have proved to be important producers of chemically active compounds with valuable bioactive properties, including anticancer. Thus, the ocean has proved to be a huge source of bioactive compounds, making the discovery and study of these compounds a growing area. In the last few years, several compounds of marine origin, which include algae, corals, and sea urchins, have been isolated, studied, and demonstrated to possess anticancer properties. These compounds, mainly from securamines and sterols families, have been tested for cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity in different cell lines. Bioactive compounds isolated from marine organisms in the past 5 years that have shown anticancer activity, emphasizing the ones that showed the highest cytotoxic activity, such as securamines H and I, cholest-3β,5α,6β-triol, (E)-24-methylcholest-22-ene-3β,5α,6β-triol, 24-methylenecholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, and 24-methylcholesta-3β,5α,6β-triol, will be discussed in this review. These studies reveal the possibility of new compounds of marine origin being used as new therapeutic agents or as a source of inspiration to develop new therapeutic agents.     

On a new semi‐empirical electrotopological index for QSRR models

A new semi‐empirical electrotopological index, I_SET, for quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRR) models was developed based on the refinement of the previously published semi‐empirical topological index, I_ET. We demonstrate that the values of C_i fragments that were firstly attributed from the experimental chromatographic retention and theoretical deductions have an excellent relationship with the net atomic charge of the carbon atoms. Thus, the values attributed to the vertices in the hydrogen‐suppressed graph of carbon atoms (C_i) are calculated from the correlation of the net atomic charge in each carbon atom, which is obtained from quantum chemical semi‐empirical calculations, and the C_i fragments for primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary carbon atoms (1.0, 0.9, 0.8 and 0.7, respectively) obtained from the experimental values. This shows that I_ET encoded this quantum physical reality and that it is possible to calculate a new I_SET (the semi‐empirical electrotopological index) through the net atomic charge values obtained from a Mulliken population analysis using the semi‐empirical AM1 method and their correlation with the values attributed to the different types of carbon atoms. This demonstrates that the I_SET encodes information on the charge distribution of the solute on which dispersive and electrostatic interactions between the solute (alkanes and alkenes) and the stationary phase strongly depend. Thus, this new method can be considered as an initial step towards forthcoming QSRR/QSAR studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cellular NADH and NADPH Conformation as a Real-Time Fluorescence-Based Metabolic Indicator under Pressurized Conditions

Cellular conformation of reduced pyridine nucleotides NADH and NADPH sensed using autofluorescence spectroscopy is presented as a real-time metabolic indicator under pressurized conditions. The approach provides information on the role of pressure in energy metabolism and antioxidant defense with applications in agriculture and food technologies. Here, we use spectral phasor analysis on UV-excited autofluorescence from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) to assess the involvement of one or multiple NADH- or NADPH-linked pathways based on the presence of two-component spectral behavior during a metabolic response. To demonstrate metabolic monitoring under pressure, we first present the autofluorescence response to cyanide (a respiratory inhibitor) at 32 MPa. Although ambient and high-pressure responses remain similar, pressure itself also induces a response that is consistent with a change in cellular redox state and ROS production. Next, as an example of an autofluorescence response altered by pressurization, we investigate the response to ethanol at ambient, 12 MPa, and 30 MPa pressure. Ethanol (another respiratory inhibitor) and cyanide induce similar responses at ambient pressure. The onset of non-two-component spectral behavior upon pressurization suggests a change in the mechanism of ethanol action. Overall, results point to new avenues of investigation in piezophysiology by providing a way of visualizing metabolism and mitochondrial function under pressurized conditions.