Photocytotoxic luminescent lanthanide complexes of DTPA-bisamide using quinoline as photosensitizer

Lanthanide complexes Ln(DTPAAQ)(DMF)] (1-3) (Ln - Pr (1), Eu (2), Tb (3), H(3)DTPAAQ - N, N `'-bis(3-amidoquinolyl) diethylenetriamine-N, N', N `'-triacetic acid, DMF - N, N-dimethylformamide) were studied for their structures, photophysical properties, DNA and protein binding, DNA photocleavage, photocytotoxicity and cellular internalization. The crystal structures of complexes Ln(DTPAAQ)(DMF)] (1-3) display a discrete mononuclear nine-coordinate {LnN(3)O(6)} tricapped-trigonal prism (TTP) coordination geometry. The europium and terbium complexes show strong luminescence properties in the visible region having a long luminescence lifetime (tau = 0.51-0.64 ms). The conjugated 3-aminoquinoline moieties act as efficient light harvesting antennae, which upon photoexcitation transfer their energy to Eu(III) or Tb(III) for their characteristic D-5(0) -> F-7(J) or D-5(4) -> F-7(J) f-f transitions respectively. The complexes display efficient binding affinity to DNA (K-b = 3.4 x 10(4) - 9.8 x 10(4) M-1) and BSA (KBSA = 3.03 x 10(4) - 6.57 x 10(4) M-1). Europium and terbium complexes give enhanced luminescence upon interacting with CT-DNA suggesting possible luminescence-based sensing applications for these complexes. Complexes 1-3 show moderate cleavage of supercoiled (SC) DNA to its nicked circular (NC) form on exposure to UV-A light of 312 nm involving formation of singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) and hydroxyl radicals (cOH) in type-II and photoredox pathways. Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes exhibit remarkable photocytotoxicity with human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) (IC50 = 20.7-28.5 mM) while remaining essentially noncytotoxic up to 150 mM in the dark. Complexes are nontoxic in nature thus suitable for designing cellular imaging agents. Fluorescence microscopy data reveal primarily cytosolic localization of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes in HeLa cells.

CuIn1-xAlxSe2 Thin Films Grown by Co-Sputtering and Modified Selenization: Application in Flexible Solar Cells

Thin films of CuIn1-xAlxSe2 (CIAS) were grown on the flexible 10 micrometer thin stainless steel substrates, by dc co-sputtering from the elemental cathodes, followed by annealing with modified selenization. CuInAl alloyed precursor films were selenized both by noble gas assisted Se vapor transport in a tubular furnace and vacuum evaporation of Se in an evaporation chamber. CIAS thin films were optimized for better adhesion. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the selenized films. The composition of CIAS films was varied by substituting In with Al in CuInSe2 (CIS) from 0 <= x <= 0.65 (x = Al/Al+In). Lattice parameters, average crystallite sizes, and compact density of the films, decreased when compared to CIS and (112) peak shifted to higher Bragg's angle, upon Al incorporation. The dislocation density and strain were found to increase with Al doping. Solar cells with SS/Mo/CIAS/CdS/iZnO: AZnO/Al configuration were fabricated and were tested for current-voltage characteristics for various `x' values, under Air Mass 1.5 Global one sun illumination. The best CIAS solar cell showed the efficiency of 6.8%, with x = 0.13, Eg = 1.17 eV, fill factor 45.04, and short circuit current density J(sc) 30 mA/cm(2).

Effect of potassium present in stratum corneum during non-invasive measurement of potassium in human subjects using reverse iontophoresis

Purpose: Reverse iontophoresis (RI) is one of the potential techniques used to monitor the concentration of various analytes in body fluids non -invasively. Transdermal extraction of potassium is investigated using RI. In the present work, the effect of potassium on stratum corneum (SC) during RI, feasibility of RI for continuous monitoring of potassium, and use of potassium as internal standard in RI, are investigated. Methods: Tape stripping experiment is carried out to find potassium concentration in SC. RI is carried out continuously for 180 min without passive diffusion and after passive diffusion for 60 min. Skin impedance measurements are done at 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Results: Potassium is found to be in the range 300-650 nmol/cm(2) on SC by tape stripping experiment. Correlation coefficient between blood potassium and extracted potassium through RI after passive diffusion (R-2 = 0.5870) is more than without passive diffusion (R-2 = 0.5117). The skin impedance measurement shows that RI has more effect on SC than superficial layer of SC during RI. Conclusion: The present investigations conclude that it is possible to monitor potassium continuously through RI and using potassium as internal standard in RI.

CuIn1-xAlxSe2 Thin Films Grown by Co-Sputtering and Modified Selenization: Application in Flexible Solar Cells

Thin films of CuIn1-xAlxSe2 (CIAS) were grown on the flexible 10 micrometer thin stainless steel substrates, by dc co-sputtering from the elemental cathodes, followed by annealing with modified selenization. CuInAl alloyed precursor films were selenized both by noble gas assisted Se vapor transport in a tubular furnace and vacuum evaporation of Se in an evaporation chamber. CIAS thin films were optimized for better adhesion. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the selenized films. The composition of CIAS films was varied by substituting In with Al in CuInSe2 (CIS) from 0 <= x <= 0.65 (x = Al/Al+In). Lattice parameters, average crystallite sizes, and compact density of the films, decreased when compared to CIS and (112) peak shifted to higher Bragg's angle, upon Al incorporation. The dislocation density and strain were found to increase with Al doping. Solar cells with SS/Mo/CIAS/CdS/iZnO: AZnO/Al configuration were fabricated and were tested for current-voltage characteristics for various `x' values, under Air Mass 1.5 Global one sun illumination. The best CIAS solar cell showed the efficiency of 6.8%, with x = 0.13, Eg = 1.17 eV, fill factor 45.04, and short circuit current density J(sc) 30 mA/cm(2).

In-situ flexural OPV measurements on flexible glass substrate

In-situ dark and light IV characteristics of inverted P3HT-PCBM devices on flexible glass substrates were measured while bending. Bending set up was simple and home built with servo controlled 2 parallel plate movements. ITO was sputter coated onto the thin flexible glass sheets of 25mmx25mm size in the lab. OPV devices were fabricated inside the glove box and conversion efficiency measured was about 2.8%. Bending of the device substrates and simultaneous PV measurements were carried out in ambient conditions. It was observed that the J(SC) and efficiency increased until the substrate breaking point but the V-OC and fill factor remained unchanged.

NH3 adsorption on PtM (Fe, Co, Ni) surfaces: Cooperating effects of charge transfer, magnetic ordering and lattice strain

Adsorption of a molecule or group with an atom which is less electronegative than oxygen (0) and directly interacting with the surface is very relevant to development of PtM (M = 3d-transition metal) catalysts with high activity. Here, we present theoretical analysis of the adsorption of NH3 molecule (N being less electronegative than 0) on (111) surfaces of PtM (Fe, Co, Ni) alloys using the first principles density functional approach. We find that, while NH3-Pt interaction is stronger than that of NH3 with the elemental M-surfaces, it is weaker than the strength of interaction of NH3 with M-site on the surface of PtM alloy. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Dual Drug Conjugate Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Cancer

Two antineoplastic agents, Imatinib (IM) and 5-Fluorouracil (FU) were conjugated by hydrolysable linkers through an amide bond and entrapped in polymeric Human Serum Albumin (HSA) nanoparticles. The presence of dual drugs in a common carrier has the advantage of reaching the site of action simultaneously and acting at different phases of the cell cycle to arrest the growth of cancer cells before they develop chemoresistance. The study has demonstrated an enhanced anticancer activity of the conjugate, and conjugate loaded stealth HSA nanoparticles (NPs) in comparison to the free drug in A-549 human lung carcinoma cell line and Zebra fish embryos (Danio rerio). Hydrolysability of the conjugate has also been demonstrated with complete hydrolysis being observed after 12 h. In vivo pharmacodynamics study in terms of tumor volume and pharmacokinetics in mice for conjugate (IM-SC-FU) and conjugate loaded nanoparticles showed significant anti-cancer activity. The other parameters evaluated were particle size (86nm), Poly Dispersive Index (PDI) (0.209), zeta potential (-49mV), drug entrapment efficiency (96.73%) and drug loading efficiency (89%). Being in stealth mode gives the potential for the NPs to evade Reticulo-Endothelial system (RES), achieve passive targeting by Enhanced Permeation Retention (EPR) effect with controlled release of the therapeutic agent. As the conjugate cleaves into individual drugs in the tumor environment, this promises better suppression of cancer chemoresistance by delivering dual drugs with different modes of action at the same site, thereby synergistically inhibiting the growth of cancerous tissue.

Direct Numerical Simulation of Passive Scalar in Decaying Compressible Turbulence

The passive scalars in the decaying compressible turbulence with the initial Reynolds number (defined by Taylor scale and RMS velocity) Re=72, the initial turbulent Mach numbers (defined by RMS velocity and mean sound speed) Mt=0.2-0.9, and the Schmidt numbers of passive scalar Sc=2-10 are numerically simulated by using a 7th order upwind difference scheme and 8th order group velocity control scheme. The computed results are validated with different numerical methods and different mesh sizes. The Batchelor scaling with k(-1) range is found in scalar spectra. The passive scalar spectra decay faster with the increasing turbulent Mach number. The extended self-similarity (ESS) is found in the passive scalar of compressible turbulence.

Estudio preliminar sobre la utilización de la semilla de ayote (Cucurbita maxima) en el control de parasitos gastrointestinales en terneros de 3-8 meses de edad en la Hacienda San Emilio, Granada

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de determinar si la semilla de ayote (Cucurbita maxima) fresca ejerce algún efecto en el control de parásitos gastrointestinales en terneros, el cual fue realizado en la Hacienda San Emilio ubicada en el Municipio de Diriomo, departamento de Granada, la temperatura del lugar oscila entre los 27-34ºC. La duración del experimento fue de 14 días a partir de la selección, identificación de los animales y aplicación de los tratamientos. En el estudio se utilizaron tablas de contingencia de variables dicotómicas: control total y reducción parasitaria como columnas y tratamientos como filas. Para el estudio se seleccionaron 20 animales entre los 3-8 meses de edad, estos se dividieron en 4 grupos constituidos por 5 animales para cada uno de los 4 tratamientos; Tratamiento 1: Doramectina 1% (10mg/50kg) SC, Tratamiento 2: semilla de ayote a dosis de 240 mg/kg/ día por 3 días PO, Tratamiento 3: semilla de ayote a dosis de 240mg/ kg por un día PO,Tratamiento 4: animales sin tratamiento. A los animales se les realizaron análisis coprológicos al inicio del estudio para identificar la familia de parásitos y la carga parasitaria. Los terneros fueron pesados e identificados para la aplicación de los tratamientos; posteriormente se realizó otro análisis coprológico con la técnica de Mc Master a los 14 días después del primer día de aplicación de los tratamientos. Se identificaron las familias Trichost rongylidae, Eimeriidae y Strongyloididae. Para la familia Eimeriidae demostró tener un mejor efecto el tratamiento con semilla de ayote; en lo que refiere a disminución de la carga parasitaria tanto la semilla de ayote como la doramectina resultaron efectivos en las familias Trichostrongylidae y Eimeriidae, mientras que en la familia Strongyloididae solo fue efectiva la doramectina. A través del análisis de costos se determinó que es económicamente factible la utilización de semilla de ayote en la Coccidiosis.

Produccion y composicion de la leche de genotipos lecheros bajo condiciones semi-intensivas, en la hacienda Las Mercedes, Managua, Nicaragua

Con el propósito de evaluar el intervalo entre partos (IEP), producción de leche por día (PLDk) y composición de la leche en contenidos de grasa (FATT), proteína (PROTT), lactosa (LACTT), materia seca (DRYMT) y sólidos no gras os (SNFT) en genotipos lecheros (Holstein, Pardo suizo, Jersey y cruces entre estos y con Brahman) de la Finca Las Mercedes de la Universidad Nacional Agraria, manejado intensivamente, se utilizó información de producción del periodo 2005 – 2007, intervalo entre partos (IEP), pesajes de leche por día (diciembre 2005 a Junio 2007) y sus respectivos análisis de composición. Los análisis se efectuaron mediante modelos aditivos lineales que incluyeron efectos fijos de grupo racial (GR), año de parto (AP), númer o de parto (NP), época de parto (EP), periodo de lactancia (PLAC) y sexo de la cría (SC) e interacciones importantes. Para IEP, fueron importantes solamente las interacciones GRxAP (P<0.02), GRxEP (P<0.01) y NP x EP (P<0.07), no así para efectos principale s; se obtuvo una media de mínimos cuadrados para IEP de 14.4 meses y los valores oscilaron entre 11 y 18 meses. Para PLDk, se encontró diferencias importantes para todas las fuentes e interacciones, excepto para AP. PLDk mostró una media de mínimos cuadra dos de 7.5 kg. /día. Los GR 2 y 4 mostraron valores mayores que 12 kg. /día; el parto 3 presento la mayor producción (10.3 kg /día); la época de parto 1 (lluvia) mostró 1.5 kg de leche mayor que la época seca; la tendencia de la curva de lactancia a lo lag o de los PLAC resulto un poco atípica sin pico de producción. De la composición de la leche, los efectos de GR, AP y PLAC resultaron importantes sobre todas las características; los promedios generales para grasa, proteína, lactosa, materia seca y sólidos no grasos fueron de 3.78%, 3.08%, 3.66%, 11.25%, 7.46%, respectivamente. El GR 2 mostró valores mayores en composición de leche; y en general, si se incrementa el volumen de leche por día se reducen todos los parámetros de composición, visto más clarament e en la curva de lactación a través de PLAC. La información generada puede sustentar las políticas de utilización de estos genotipos en Las Mercedes.

Numerical Analysis on Intermittent Flow in a Longitudinal Section of Bingham Fluid along a Slope

The transition process of intermittent flow in a longitudinal section of Bingham fluid from initial distribution to fully developed state was numerically investigated in this paper. The influences of slope dimensionless runoff Q* and viscosity μ0* on the dimensionless surge speed U* were also presented in a wide range of parameters. By one typical example, the intermittent flow possessed wave characteristics and showed a supercritical flow conformation for a fully developed flow. The distributions of gravity and bed drag along the flow path and the velocity distribution of flow field were also analyzed.