An image-based LCD positioning system utilizing the modified FHT method

In this paper, a LCD positioning system based on an image processing method is described. This method is effective in finding the angle of the geometric features in the cross registration mask. However, when two marks appear in the same frame, the problem of situation verification becomes more complex. We use an algorithm that assists with calculating the location and rotation angle for two marks precisely and quickly using the Fast Hough Transform (FHT). This method determines the locations of two masks and calculates the rotation angle from a blurred edge to adjust the LCD position and orientation.     

Towards empirical EPR parameters for characterizing V(IV) complexes

Improved empirical techniques are described for determining the solution structures (coordination numbers and ligand donor groups) of oxoV(IV) complexes from isotropic EPR parameters. These methods will enable more detailed structural information to be obtained than was available previously from such empirical correlations. Assignments of the structures of the V(IV)/oxalate complexes were found to differ from those proposed in the literature and have been important in developing the empirical parameters reported here. In acidic solutions (pH≤1), V(V) oxalate complexes decay slowly to yield three V(IV) complexes, [V(O)(ox)₂]^2?, [V(O)(ox)(OH₂)₃]⁰ andcis-[V(O)(ox)₂(OH₂)]^2? (ox=oxalato(2-)), which have been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. These same three complexes are obtained from the direct reaction of V(IV) with oxalic acid. The structures of these complexes were assigned on the basis of the pH and [oxH₂] dependences of the EPR signals and differ significantly to those reported in the literature. The equilibria among the five- and six-coordinate complexes, and the protonation/deprotonation equilibrium of the six-coordinate species are consistent with the well-studied isoelectronic Cr(V) system.     

High-resolution synchrotron radiation core-level spectroscopy of semiconductor surfaces

Thanks to recent technical developments (optics and detection systems), at several synchrotron radiation facilities in the world, it is possible to perform photoemission spectroscopy studies with very high resolution. In the present report, we will review the new insights gained from high-resolution core-level spectroscopy on the structural and electronic properties of different semiconductor surfaces, such as InAs(110), Si and Ge (100) and (111), as well as clean and adsorbate covered Si and Ge(111) surfaces.     

The retention behavior of radionuclides on copper(ii)sulfide

The adsorption properties of copper(II) sulfide in various acid solutions for different radiotracers are described. Column and batch equilibration methods are discussed. Copper(II) is selectively adsorbed on CuS; the decontamination factor exceeds 10⁶ for column operations in 6 M hydrochloric acid solution. Among the 30 ions tested in 6 M hydrochloric acid, only copper and gold are adsorbed quantitatively; mercury, silver, bromine, technetium and molybdenum are adsorbed partially. The retention capacity for copper(II) is around 20 mg Cu/g CuS. The adsorption processes on CuS as functions of acid concentrations (HCl, HClO₄ and H₂SO₄) are described. The method seems applicable in activation analysis for trace elements in copper matrices.     

Characterization of the mycotoxin fumonisin B1: comparison of thermospray, fast-atom bombardment and electrospray mass spectrometry.

The utility of thermospray mass spectrometry (TSMS), fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS), and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) for the analysis of Fumonisin B1 is investigated. In addition, the analysis of two different standards of Fumonisin B1 as well as an inoculated corn culture extract that contained Fumonisin B1 is reported. The results of these efforts show that ESMS, as well as FABMS and a combination of FAB and tandem mass spectrometry (FABMS/MS), provide useful data for the characterization of Fumonisin B1. The detection limit was 50 pg for Fumonisin B1 when analyzed by full scan FABMS, and 5 pg when analyzed by single-reaction monitoring FABMS/MS.     

X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of chromium(V/IV/III)- 2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutanoato(2-/1-) complexes

Structures of the complexes [Cr(V)O(ehba)(2)](-), [Cr(IV)O(ehbaH)(2)](0), and [Cr(III)(ehbaH)(2)(OH(2))(2)](+) (ehbaH(2) = 2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutanoic acid) in frozen aqueous solutions (10 K, [Cr] = 10 mM, 1.0 M ehbaH(2)/ehbaH, pH 3.5) have been determined by single- and multiple-scattering fitting of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) data. An optimal set of fitting parameters has been determined from the XAFS calculations for a compound with known crystal structure, Na[Cr(V)O(ehba)(2)] (solid, 10 K). The structure of the Cr(V) complex [Cr(V)O(ehba)(2)](-) does not change in solution in the presence of excess ligand. Contrary to the earlier suggestions made from the kinetic data (Ghosh, M. C.; Gould, E. S. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1992, 195-196), the structure of the Cr(IV) complex (generated by the Cr(VI) + As(III) + ehbaH(2) reaction) is close to that of the Cr(V) complex (five-coordinate, distorted trigonal bipyramidal) and different from that of the Cr(III) complex (six-coordinate, octahedral). For both Cr(V) and Cr(IV) complexes, some disorder in the position of the oxo group is observed, which is consistent with but not definitive for the presence of geometric isomers. The structure of the Cr(IV) complex differs from that of Cr(V) by protonation of alcoholato groups of the ligands, which leads to significant elongation of the corresponding Cr-O bonds (2.0 vs 1.8 A). This is reflected in the different chemical properties reported previously for the Cr(IV) and Cr(V) complexes, including their reactivities toward DNA and other biomolecules in relation to Cr-induced carcinogenicity.     

Rapid characterization of edible oils by direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis using triacylglycerols

Direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis of solutions of edible fats/oils yielded spectra useful for their rapid differentiation and classification. Results also reflected the individual fatty acid components and their degree of unsaturation. After dissolution in hexane, MALDI-MS analysis revealed spectra showing characteristic triacylglycerols (TAGs), the main fat/oil components, as sodium adduct ions. The Euclidean distances calculated using the mass and intensity values for 20 TAGs were used to evaluate and compare spectra. With cluster analysis, animal fats grouped together differently than vegetable oils and the individual oils grouped together by type. The ion abundances for the individual TAGs and their presumed compositions were used to approximate the overall fatty acid composition of canola, soybean, corn, olive and peanut oil, as well as lard. Using this approach the calculated fatty acid compositions and degree of unsaturation generally fell within about 4% of literature values. When the degree of saturation was compared with values calculated from the package labeling the differences were about 7%.     

Cytotoxicity Profile of Highly Hydrogenated Graphene

Graphene and its graphene‐related counterparts have been considered the future of advanced nanomaterials owing to their exemplary properties. An increase in their potential applications in the biomedical field has led to serious concerns regarding their safety and impact on health. To understand the toxicity profile for a particular type of graphene utilized in a given application, it is important to recognize the differences between the graphene‐related components and correlate their cellular toxicity effects to the attributed physiochemical properties. In this study, the cytoxicity effects of highly hydrogenated graphene (HHG) and its graphene oxide (GO) counterpart on the basis of in vitro toxicological assessments are reported and the effects correlated with the physiochemical properties of the tested nanomaterials. Upon 24 h exposure to the nanomaterials, a dose‐dependent cellular cytotoxic effect was exhibited and the HHG was observed to be more cytotoxic than its GO control. Detailed characterization revealed an extensive C?H sp³ network on the carbon backbone of HHG with few oxygen‐containing groups, as opposed to the presence of large amounts of oxygen‐containing groups on the GO. It is therefore hypothesized that the preferential adsorption of micronutrients on the surface of the HHG nanomaterial by means of hydrophobic interactions resulted in a reduction in the bioavailability of nutrients required for cellular viability. The nanotoxicological profile of highly hydrogenated graphene is assessed for the first time in our study, thereby paving the way for further evaluation of the toxicity risks involved with the utilization of various graphene‐related nanomaterials in the real world.     

Synthesis of the C59N+ carbocation. A monomeric azafullerene isoelectronic to C60

A heterofullerene isoelectronic to C60 is reported. The azafullerenium cation C59N+ can be isolated in good yield as a carborane salt via the two-electron oxidation of the C-C bond of (C59N)2 dimer. [C59N][Ag(CB11H6Cl6)2] has been characterized by electronic, IR, Raman, and 13C NMR spectroscopies, MALDI spectrometry, DFT calculations, and X-ray crystallography.