Influence of valence band states on the core hole screening in lanthanide perovskite compounds

Investigation on core level and valence band photoelectron spectra of lanthanide perovskite samples (Ag _x La_1–x CoO₃;x<0,3) and reinvestigations of metallic lanthanum and La-oxide layers are reported. Differences in preparation method during perovskite formation are leading to different quality of sample purity and different electronic properties. This could be followed by changes in the density of states near the Fermi energy. On the other hand the screening mechanism after ionization of a La 3d core hole is affected by the relative energy position of occupied valence band states with respect to the empty La 4f ^* level in the core ionized state. Changes in La 3d line profile are discussed as changes in multi electron processes (e.g. shake up or energy gain) during photoionization. We attribute the two electron process during photoemission of La 3d electrons to the well screened energy gain transition in LaCoO₃, whereas the two electron process results in a shake up transition in La₂O₃ and La(OH)₃.     

The signal-to-noise ratio as the measure for the quantification of lysophospholipids by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The subject of this report is the determination of lysophospholipids; lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylserine and lysophosphatidic acid, by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The mean signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) was used for the first time as a measure of lysophospholipid concentration. Two different sample preparation procedures were applied, the 'standard' procedure and the 'premix' in order to check to what extent these methods influence the results of the lysophospholipid quantification. Results can be summarised as follows: (a) All classes of lysophospholipids can be easily and sensitively analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. The smallest detectable amount of lysophospholipids was 0.09 pmol on the sample plate. That is about two orders of magnitude lower than the amount detectable by standard chromatographic methods. (b) The mean S/N of all peaks detected in the positive ion mass spectra can be used as a measure of the lysophospholipid concentration. Whereas the S/N for neutral lysophospholipids correlated with the applied concentrations only when the samples were analysed as 'premix', the sample preparation and application procedure did not influence the quantification of acidic lysophospholipids. The standard deviations were not higher than 10% of the mean value. (c) All spectra were additionally analysed in the presence of CsCl. The addition of caesium ions makes the peak identification unambiguous in phospholipid mixtures, but the Cs adducts of lysophospholipids do not properly reflect their concentration and, therefore, they were not useful for quantification. (d) The applicability of the method was demonstrated on the organic extract of human neutrophils.     

Cartilage degradation by stimulated human neutrophils: reactive oxygen species decrease markedly the activity of proteolytic enzymes

BACKGROUND: Although neutrophilic granulocytes clearly contribute to cartilage degradation in rheumatic diseases, it is unclear if reactive oxygen species (ROS) or proteolytic enzymes are the most important components in cartilage degradation and how they interact. RESULTS: Neutrophils were stimulated by chemicals conferring a different degree of ROS formation and enzyme release. Supernatants of neutrophils were incubated with thin slices of pig articular cartilage. Supernatants of cartilage were assayed by NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and relevant biochemical methods. Stimulation conditions of neutrophils correlated well with the extent of cartilage degradation. Due to the release of different enzymes, cartilage degradation could be best monitored by NMR since mainly low-mass degradation products were formed. Astonishingly, the suppression of the formation of ROS resulted in decreased cartilage degradation. CONCLUSION: ROS formed by neutrophils are not directly involved in cartilage degradation but influence the activity of proteolytic enzymes, which are the main effectors of cartilage degradation.     

Thermal decompositions of kaolinite intercalation compounds

Through a combination of X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (simultaneous TG-DTG-DTA and quasi-isothermal TG), it was shown that the molar ratio intercalation agent/kaolinite in all intercalation compounds is approximately 1. In a saturated atmosphere of the corresponding intercalation agent, the intercalation compounds are stable up to more than 150 °C.Decomposition of the potassium acetate intercalation compound proceeds simultaneously with the dehydroxylation of kaolinite at an extrapolated onset temperature of 360 °C. The high-temperature reactions (dehydroxylation and transformation) of kaolinite obtained through the decomposition of intercalation compounds with volatile intercalation agents depend on the conditions applied during decomposition.

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Zusammenfassung Mittels Röntgenbeugung und thermischer Analyse (simultane TG-DTG-DTA und quasi-isotherme-quasi-isobare TG) konnte gezeigt werden, daß das molare Verhältnis Einlagerungsmedium/Kaolinit in allen Einlagerungsverbindungen etwa 1 ist. In gesättigter Atmosphäre des jeweiligen Einlagerungsmediums ist die Einlagerungsverbindung stabil bis über 150 °C. Die Zersetzung der Kaliumacetat-Einlagerungsverbindung läuft zusammen mit der Dehydroxylation des Kaolinits bei einer extrapolierten onset-Temperatur von 360 °C ab. Die Hochtemperaturreaktionen (Dehydroxylation, Phasenneubildung) von Kaolinit, der aus der Zersetzung von Einlagerungsverbindungen mit flüchtigen Einlagerungsmedien erhalten würde, werden von den Zersetzungsbedingungen beeinflußt.

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- ( , , ) , - 1. , , 150°. — ** 360°, ** . , , .

     

Angular asymmetries and final state polarization effects ine^ - e^ + \to \gamma , {\rm Z}^0 \to q\bar qg

We discuss the forward-backward asymmetry and the polarization (mean helicity) of the quark, antiquark and gluon ine ^? e ⁺→γ, \(e^ - e^ + \to \gamma , {\rm Z}^0 \to q\bar qg\) , and of the inclusively produced hadrons (baryons or vector mesons) belonging to the most energetic jet. In the energy range of present interest we find substantial asymmetries (up to 30%) and polarizations (up to 15%), with partons (predominantly antiquarks) of positive helicity emitted preferentially in the forward direction.     

Charmonium sum rules andη c production in two-photon reactions

The coupling of the pseudoscalar charmonium stateη _c to two photons is calculated using the charmonium sum rules. The resulting value of the two-photon decay width is Λ=5.6 KeV (±10%). If the virtualness of one of the photons is increased from |k ₁ ² |=0 to |k ₁ ² |=1 GeV² the coupling decreases about 10%.     

Two-Photon-Induced CO-Releasing Molecules as Molecular Logic Systems in Solution,Polymers, and Cells

Phototherapeutic applications of carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecules are limited because they require harmful UV and blue light for activation. We describe two-photon excitation with NIR light (800 nm)-induced CO-release from two Mn^I tricarbonyl complexes bearing 1,8-naphthalimide units ( 1 , 2 ). Complex 2 behaves as a logic OR gate in solution, nonwovens, and in HeLa cells. CO release, indicated by fluorescence enhancement, was detected in solution, nonwoven, and HeLa cells by single- (405 nm) and two-photon (800 nm) excitation. The photophysical properties of 1 and 2 have been measured and supported by DFT and TDDFT quantum chemical calculations. Both photoCORMs are stable in the dark in solution and noncytotoxic, leading to promising applications as phototherapeutics with NIR light.