A finite element-spherical harmonics radiation transport model for photon migration in turbid media

In this paper, we solve the steady-state form of the Boltzmann transport equation in homogeneous and heterogeneous tissue-like media with a finite element-spherical harmonics (FE-P_N) radiation transport method. We compare FE-transport and diffusion solutions in terms of the ratio of absorption to reduced scattering coefficient, (μ_a/μ_s′) and the anisotropy factor g. Two different scattering phase function formulas are employed to model anisotropic scattering in the slab media with high g-value. Influence of void-like heterogeneities, and of their boundaries with the surrounding medium on the transport of photons are also examined.     

Aqueous dispersions of single-wall and multiwall carbon nanotubes with designed amphiphilic polycations

Poor solubility of single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NTs) in water and organic solvents presents a considerable challenge for their purification and applications. Macromolecules can be convenient solubilizing agents for NTs and a structural element of composite materials for them. Several block copolymers with different chemical functionalities of the side groups were tested for the preparation of aqueous NT dispersions. Poly(N-cetyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide-co-N-ethyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide-co-4-vinylpyridine) was found to form exceptionally stable NT dispersions. It is suggested that the efficiency of macromolecular dispersion agents for NT solubilization correlates with the topological and electronic similarity of polymer-NT and NT-NT interactions in the nanotube bundles. Raman spectroscopy and atomic force and transmission electron microcopies data indicate that the polycations are wrapped around NTs forming a uniform coating 1.0-1.5 nm thick. The ability to wind around the NT originates in the hydrophobic attraction of the polymer backbone to the graphene surface and topological matching. Tetraalkylammonium functional groups in the side chains of the macromolecule create a cloud of positive charge around NTs, which makes them hydrophilic. The prepared dispersions could facilitate the processing of the nanotubes into composites with high nanotube loading for electronic materials and sensing. Positive charge on their surface is particularly important for biological and biomedical applications because it strengthens interactions with negatively charged cell membranes. A high degree of spontaneous bundle separation afforded by the polymer coating can also be beneficial for NT sorting.     

Conversion of Allylic Alcohols into Allylic Nitromethyl Compounds via a Palladium-Catalyzed Solvolysis: An Enantioselective Synthesis of an Advanced Carbocyclic Nucleoside Precursor(1)

A two-step reaction sequence to homoallylic nitro compounds from allylic alcohols is presented. Ethoxy carbonylation of the alcohols with ethyl chloroformate provides the corresponding allylic ethyl carbonates in high yields. Exposure of these substrates to catalytic palladium(0) in CH(3)NO(2) initiates a reaction sequence, ionization-decarboxylation-nitromethylation, that culminates with the formation of nitroalkenes. The regio- and stereochemical outcomes of the nitromethyl allylation reaction can be explained by the behavior of the transient pi-allylpalladium complexes. This methodology serves as a centerpiece for the synthesis of an important carbocyclic nucleoside intermediate.     

99mTc-labelled human serum albumin: Chemical and electrochemical labelling methods

The labelling of human serum albumin /HSA/ with^99mTc has been investigated using a chemical method /stannous citrate/ and electrolytically generated tin/II/ ions. A comparative study of various chemical parameters and current intensities has been carried out in order to find the optimal conditions for labelling. The labelling yield was over 95%, for the chemical and electrolytical methods.     

Solid phase extraction and preconcentration of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) on Duolite XAD761 prior to their inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric determination

A simple and effective method is presented for the separation and preconcentration of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) by solid phase extraction on Duolite XAD761 adsorption resin. Thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) 9-phenyl-3-fluorone chelates are formed and adsorbed onto the Duolite XAD761. Thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) are quantitatively eluted with 2 mol L⁻¹ HCl and determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The influences of analytical parameters including pH, amount of reagents, amount of Duolite XAD761 and sample volume, etc. were investigated on the recovery of analyte ions. The interference of a large number of anions and cations has been studied and the optimized conditions developed have been utilized for the trace determination of uranium and thorium. A preconcentration factor of 30 for uranium and thorium was achieved. The relative standard deviation (N = 10) was 2.3% for uranium and 4.5% for thorium ions for 10 replicate determinations in the solution containing 0.5 μg of uranium and thorium. The three sigma detection limits (N = 15) for thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) ions were found to be 4.5 and 6.3 ng L⁻¹, respectively. The developed solid phase extraction method was successively utilized for the determination of traces thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) in environmental samples by ICP-MS.     

Investigation of Raman,FT-IR,EPR spectra and antimicrobial activity of 2-(5-H/Me/Cl-1<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">H</Emphasis>-benzimidazol-2-yl)-phenol ligands and their Fe(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> complexes

2-(5-H/Me/Cl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-phenol ligands form 1:1 electrolytes, 5-coordinate monometallic complexes with iron(III) nitrate. The geometry of the [Fe(L)(OH)(H₂O)₂](NO₃) complexes was derived from theoretical calculation in DGauss/DFT level (DZVP basis set) on CACHE. In all of the complexes the ligands are bidentate, via one imine nitrogen atom and phenolate oxygen atom. The coordination is completed with a hydroxide ion, and two water molecules, adopting a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The structures of the compounds were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic moment, FT-Raman, FT-IR (mid-IR, far-IR), EPR and u.v.–vis. The antimicrobial activities of the free ligands, their hydrochloride salts, and the complexes were evaluated using the disk diffusion method in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as well as the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) dilution method, against nine bacteria and the results are compared with several known antibiotic agents. Antifungal activities were reported for Candida albicans, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Rhodotorula rubra, Debaryomyces hansenii, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, and the results were referenced against nystatin, ketaconazole, and clotrimazole antifungal agents. In most cases, the compounds tested showed broad-spectrum (Gram⁺ & Gram⁻ bacteria) activities that were either more active or as potent as the references.     

Titrimetric determination of selenium in anodic slimes

The determination of selenium in the presence of tellurium and copper has been studied, to allow analysis of anodic slimes from electrolytic copper refining. Three methods have been developed for the determination of selenium in these slimes. They are based on the extraction of selenium with sodium sulphite, reduction of selenite with sodium sulphite, and separation of selenium and tellurium by adjustment of pH. Selenium (10(-3)-10(-2)M) is determined in the presence of tellurium, copper, iron, silver and lead. The methods are fast and simple, do not need expensive reagents, and give satisfactory results.     

Pharmacological properties of dicyanidoaurate(I)-based complexes: characterization and single crystal X-ray analysis

The synthesis of three bimetallic cyanido complexes with edbea [2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine)] ligand is reported. [Ni^II(μ-edbea)₂{Au(μ-CN)₂}₂]_n (1), [{Cu^II(edbea)}₂{Au(μ-CN)₂}₄]_n (2) and [Cd^II(edbea)₂][Au(CN)₂]₂·H₂O (3) were fully characterized by elemental, infrared, XRD (3), ESI-MS and thermal analysis. The DNA/BSA binding properties of these complexes were evaluated by spectrophotometric titration, fluorometric ethidium bromide kinetics, and DNA electrophoresis studies and their partially minor groove binding mode between the base pairs of DNA and electrostatic interaction between the amino acid residues of BSA were explained. The complexes were tested for their pharmacological properties. These molecules had excellent in vitro antiproliferative activity and also exhibited a strong tumor inhibiting effect against HT29, HeLa, C6 and Vero cell lines. These complexes had metastatic features as they are able to reduce cell migration activity and suppress tumor growth in vitro. Analysis of the DNA topoisomerase I relaxing activity indicates that the complexes do not inhibit topoisomerase I which regulates the topological states of the DNA double helix during DNA processing reactions. The TUNEL and DNA laddering assay results indicated that these compounds may destroy cell maintenance by triggering apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry staining analysis demonstrated that these complexes significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in HeLa and HT29 cells while increasing the expression of P53 levels. Overall, the potent antiproliferative activity, low cytotoxic effect, good solubility, and micro molar range dosage observed for these complexes emphasizes their potential as anticancer drug candidates.