Development of FeO core-TiO shell nanocomposites and nanoconjugates as a foundation for neuroblastoma radiosensitization.

Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in childhood which, despite the current progress in radiotherapy and chemotherapy protocols, still has a high mortality rate in high risk tumors. Nanomedicine offers exciting and unexploited opportunities to overcome the shortcomings of conventional medicine. The photocatalytic properties of FeO core-TiO shell nanocomposites and their potential for cell specific targeting suggest that nanoconstructs produced using FeO core-TiO shell nanocomposites could be used to enhance radiation effects in neuroblastoma.

Thermal source Fourier transform infrared microtomography applied to Arctic sea ice diatoms.

We have used thermal source Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microtomographic imaging to compare sea ice diatoms growing under different light conditions. A prototype tomography accessory was designed to have sufficient degrees of freedom to align any tilted cylindrical sample relative to the axis of rotation, minimizing the off-axis path traced during rotation. The lightweight device rests on the motorized stage to position the sample in the field-of-view and enable mosaic imaging.

Synchrotron-Based Three-Dimensional Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectro-Microtomography of Murchison Meteorite Grain.

We demonstrate nondestructive, three-dimensional, microscopic, infrared (IR) spectral in-situ imaging of an extraterrestrial sample. Spatially resolved chemical composition and spatial correlations are investigated within a single 45 µm grain of the Murchison meteorite. Qualitative and quantitative investigation through this analytical technique can help elucidate the origin and evolution of meteoritic compounds as well as parent body processes without damaging or altering the investigated samples.

Multifunctional supramolecular polymer networks as next-generation consolidants for archaeological wood conservation.

The preservation of our cultural heritage is of great importance to future generations. Despite this, significant problems have arisen with the conservation of waterlogged wooden artifacts. Three major issues facing conservators are structural instability on drying, biological degradation, and chemical degradation on account of Fe(3+)-catalyzed production of sulfuric and oxalic acid in the waterlogged timbers.

SR-FTIR imaging of the altered cadmium sulfide yellow paints in Henri Matisse's Le Bonheur de vivre (1905-6)--examination of visually distinct degradation regions.

SR-FTIR imaging has been used to map the mid-IR active photo-degradation phases in two thin sections of cadmium yellow paint removed from Henri Matisse's Le Bonheur de vivre (1905-1906, The Barnes Foundation). These samples represent both the darkened cadmium yellow foliage in the upper left of the work and the lightened cadmium yellow field beneath the central reclining figures. The altered cadmium yellow paints from both regions were found to contain cadmium carbonate (CdCO3), cadmium sulphate (CdSO4), and cadmium oxalate (CdC2O4).

3D spectral imaging with synchrotron Fourier transform infrared spectro-microtomography.

We report Fourier transform infrared spectro-microtomography, a nondestructive three-dimensional imaging approach that reveals the distribution of distinctive chemical compositions throughout an intact biological or materials sample. The method combines mid-infrared absorption contrast with computed tomographic data acquisition and reconstruction to enhance chemical and morphological localization by determining a complete infrared spectrum for every voxel (millions of spectra determined per sample).

Imaging of vascular smooth muscle cells with soft X-ray spectromicroscopy.

Using X-ray microscopy and spectromicroscopy, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were imaged, prepared without using additional embedding material or staining, but by applying simple, noncryo fixation techniques. The cells were imaged with a compact source transmission X-ray microscope and a scanning transmission X-ray microscope (STXM). With the STXM, spectromicroscopy was performed at the C K-edge and the Ca L(III,II)-edges.

B-S transition in short oligonucleotides.

Stretching experiments with long double-stranded DNA molecules in physiological ambient revealed a force-induced transition at a force of 65 pN. During this transition between B-DNA and highly overstretched S-DNA the DNA lengthens by a factor of 1.7 of its B-form contour length.