Physical properties and anisotropies of the RNiGe3 series (R = Y, Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Lu)

We have studied RNiGe₃ (R=Y, Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Lu) single crystals by measuring crystal structure and stoichiometry, magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance, and specific heat. Clear anisotropies as well as antiferromagnetic ordering in the RNiGe₃ series (R=Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm) have been observed above 1.8 K from the magnetic susceptibility. A metamagnetic transition in this family (except for R=Sm) was detected at 2 K for applied magnetic fields below 70 kOe. The electrical resistivity of this series follows metallic behavior in the high temperature region. Below the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature a significant anisotropy is exhibited in the resistivity and magnetoresistance for different current directions. The anisotropic magnetic, transport, and thermal properties of RNiGe₃ compounds are discussed in terms of Ni site occupancy as well as a combination of the effect of formation of a magnetic superzone gap and the crystalline electric field.     

Multi-targeted molecular docking,drug-likeness and ADMET studies of derivatives of few quinoline- and acridine-based FDA-approved drugs for anti-breast cancer activity

Structural Chemistry - Quinoline- and acridine-based drugs are widely used as anti-breast cancer agents. These drugs act through various mechanisms of action; for example, neratinib acts on...     

The M-CSF receptor in osteoclasts and beyond

Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R, also known as c-FMS) is a receptor tyrosine kinase. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and IL-34 are ligands of CSF1R. CSF1R-mediated signaling is crucial for the survival, function, proliferation, and differentiation of myeloid lineage cells, including osteoclasts, monocytes/macrophages, microglia, Langerhans cells in the skin, and Paneth cells in the intestine. CSF1R also plays an important role in oocytes and trophoblastic cells in the female reproductive tract and in the maintenance and maturation of neural progenitor cells. Given that CSF1R is expressed in a wide range of myeloid cells, altered CSF1R signaling is implicated in inflammatory, neoplastic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibiting CSF1R signaling through an inhibitory anti-CSF1R antibody or small molecule inhibitors that target the kinase activity of CSF1R has thus been a promising therapeutic strategy for those diseases. In this review, we cover the recent progress in our understanding of the various roles of CSF1R in osteoclasts and other myeloid cells, highlighting the therapeutic applications of CSF1R inhibitors in disease conditions.Subject terms: Osteoimmunology, Cell signalling, Targeted bone remodelling, Differentiation     

Temperature‐responsive linear polyelectrolytes and hydrogels based on [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride and N‐isopropylacrylamide and their complex formation with potassium hexacyanoferrates (II,III)

Water‐soluble temperature‐responsive polyelectrolytes and hydrogels have been synthesized by γ‐radiation copolymerization of [2‐(methacryloyloxy)‐ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride with N‐isopropylacrylamide. Complex formation of soluble copolymers with potassium hexacyanoferrates (II, III) was studied in aqueous solutions. It was shown that, depending on the concentration and temperature, the formation of soluble or insoluble polycomplexes is observed. The hydrogels show good ability to absorb potassium hexacyanoferrates (II, III) from aqueous solutions. Sorption ability of hydrogels depends on the content of cationic monomer in copolymer and the nature of coordination ion. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 515–522, 2004     

Stabilization of water/n‐hexane emulsions by amphiphilic copolymers based on vinyl ethers and their polycomplexes with poly(acrylic acid)

Amphiphilic random copolymers based on vinyl ether of ethylene glycol and vinyl butyl ether as well as their polycomplexes with poly(acrylic acid) were studied as polymeric reagents for the stabilization of water/n‐hexane emulsions. The emulsion stability strongly depended on the content of vinyl butyl ether in the copolymers as well as their concentration in solution. The more hydrophobic copolymers stabilized emulsions more efficiently. An increase in the temperature and the addition of inorganic salts reduced the emulsion lifetime. The formation of interpolymer complexes between the copolymers and poly(acrylic acid) significantly influenced the stability of the emulsions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2625–2632, 2004     

Spectrophotometric determination of periodate and glycerol with 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione bisthiosemicarbazone monohydrochloride

A direct spectrophotometric method for the determination of periodate (1—10 ppm) is based on the formation of a yellow oxidation product of 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione bisthiosemicarbazone monohydrochloride in aqueous solution at pH 0.5—1.2. The molar absorptivity at 415 nm is 1.72 × 10⁴ l mol^-1 cm^-1. The relative standard deviation is 0.8% for 8.0 ppm periodate. A modification to this procedure is used for the indirect spectrophotometric determination of glycerol (2–10 ppm), via the Malaprade reaction.     

A kinetic study of the oxidation of uranium dioxide

Summary A kinetic model for the oxidation of a UO₂ pellet is suggested by considering the mass transfer and the diffusion of oxygen molecules. The kinetic parameters were estimated by a fitting of the experimental data. The activation energies for the chemical reaction and the product layer diffusion were calculated from the kinetic model. The suggested model explains well the oxidation behavior of UO₂.     

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure study of disordering in Gd2(Ti1-yZry)2O7 pyrochlores

Disorder in Gd2(Ti(1-y)Zry)2O7 pyrochlores, for y = 0.0-1.0, is investigated by Ti 2p and O 1s near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Ti(4+) ions are found to occupy octahedral sites in Gd2Ti2O7 with a tetragonal distortion induced by vacant oxygen sites. As Zr substitutes for Ti, the tetragonal distortion decreases, and Zr coordination increases from 6 to 8. The migration of oxygen ions from 48f or 8b sites to vacant 8a sites compensate for the increased Zr coordination, thereby reducing the number of vacant 8a sites, which further reduces the tetragonal distortion and introduces more disorder around Ti. This is evidence for simultaneous cation disorder with anion migration.