Photophysichochemical behavior of carbazole derivatized zinc phthalocyanine in the presence of ZnO microparticles and when embedded in electrospun fibers
- Khoza, Phindile, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Khoza, Phindile , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193860 , vital:45400 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2013.12.019"
- Description: The synthesis of a zinc phthalocyanine complex tetrasubstituted with carbazole functionality at the peripheral position (complex 4) is reported. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of the complex was found to be 0.83 in dimethylformamide (DMF). The complex was subsequently conjugated to zinc oxide microparticles (ZnOMPs), the conjugation (formation of the amide bond) was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The presence of ZnOMPs was found to reduce the singlet oxygen produced (ΦΔ = 0.63) in DMF. Polystyrene electrospun fibers of complex 4 alone and its conjugate to ZnOMPs were found to be thermally stable. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of the modified electrospun fibers was determined in aqueous media with ADMA as a singlet oxygen quencher and were 0.25 and 0.20 for complex 4 and 4-ZnOMPs embedded in fibers, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khoza, Phindile , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193860 , vital:45400 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2013.12.019"
- Description: The synthesis of a zinc phthalocyanine complex tetrasubstituted with carbazole functionality at the peripheral position (complex 4) is reported. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of the complex was found to be 0.83 in dimethylformamide (DMF). The complex was subsequently conjugated to zinc oxide microparticles (ZnOMPs), the conjugation (formation of the amide bond) was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The presence of ZnOMPs was found to reduce the singlet oxygen produced (ΦΔ = 0.63) in DMF. Polystyrene electrospun fibers of complex 4 alone and its conjugate to ZnOMPs were found to be thermally stable. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of the modified electrospun fibers was determined in aqueous media with ADMA as a singlet oxygen quencher and were 0.25 and 0.20 for complex 4 and 4-ZnOMPs embedded in fibers, respectively.
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Photophysicochemical behavior and antimicrobial activity of dihydroxosilicon tris (diaquaplatinum) octacarboxyphthalocyanine
- Managa, Muthumuni, Idowu, Mopelola A, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Idowu, Mopelola A , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241527 , vital:50947 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2014.01.087"
- Description: Platination of dihydroxosilicon octacarboxyphthalocyanine (OH)2SiOCPc was successfully carried out to give dihydroxosilicon tris(diaquaplatinum)octacarboxyphthalocyanine (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate. Slight blue shifting of the absorption spectrum of (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 was observed on conjugation with platinum. Comparative photophysicochemical behavior and antimicrobial photo-activities of (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate with (OH)2SiOCPc or Pt nanoparticles revealed that the heavy atom, Pt on the periphery of the phthalocyanine significantly enhanced its singlet oxygen generation with a quantum yield of 0.56 obtained for the (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate. The (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate showed highest antimicrobial activity towards Candida albicans and Escherichia coli compared to (OH)2SiOCPc and Pt nanoparticles alone under illumination.
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- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Idowu, Mopelola A , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241527 , vital:50947 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2014.01.087"
- Description: Platination of dihydroxosilicon octacarboxyphthalocyanine (OH)2SiOCPc was successfully carried out to give dihydroxosilicon tris(diaquaplatinum)octacarboxyphthalocyanine (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate. Slight blue shifting of the absorption spectrum of (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 was observed on conjugation with platinum. Comparative photophysicochemical behavior and antimicrobial photo-activities of (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate with (OH)2SiOCPc or Pt nanoparticles revealed that the heavy atom, Pt on the periphery of the phthalocyanine significantly enhanced its singlet oxygen generation with a quantum yield of 0.56 obtained for the (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate. The (OH)2SiOCPc(Pt)3 conjugate showed highest antimicrobial activity towards Candida albicans and Escherichia coli compared to (OH)2SiOCPc and Pt nanoparticles alone under illumination.
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Photophysicochemical properties and TD-DFT calculations of a novel terminal alkyne substituted metal free phthalocyanine
- Yilmaz, Yusuf, Mack, John, Sönmez, Mehmet, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Yilmaz, Yusuf , Mack, John , Sönmez, Mehmet , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241562 , vital:50950 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424613501241"
- Description: The synthesis of a novel free base tetrakis(prop-2-ynyloxy)phthalocyanine (2) is described, along with its characterization by IR, UV-visible absorption, and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The compound exhibited good solubility in a wide range of organic solvents and no significant aggregation was observed over a wide concentration range. The values for the singlet oxygen (ΦΔ), photodegradation, fluorescence (ΦF) and triplet state quantum yields and the fluorescence and triplet state lifetimes are reported. A relatively high ΦΔ value of 0.46 was obtained in DMSO. The ability to carry out "click" chemistry at the ligand periphery enhances the potential utility of 2 for use in bioconjugates in photodynamic therapy (PDT). A moderately high ΦF value of 0.18 is observed for emission in the therapeutic window in the near-IR region, which suggests that it may also be possible to determine the level of localization of 2 in tumor cells through bioimaging.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yilmaz, Yusuf , Mack, John , Sönmez, Mehmet , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241562 , vital:50950 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424613501241"
- Description: The synthesis of a novel free base tetrakis(prop-2-ynyloxy)phthalocyanine (2) is described, along with its characterization by IR, UV-visible absorption, and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The compound exhibited good solubility in a wide range of organic solvents and no significant aggregation was observed over a wide concentration range. The values for the singlet oxygen (ΦΔ), photodegradation, fluorescence (ΦF) and triplet state quantum yields and the fluorescence and triplet state lifetimes are reported. A relatively high ΦΔ value of 0.46 was obtained in DMSO. The ability to carry out "click" chemistry at the ligand periphery enhances the potential utility of 2 for use in bioconjugates in photodynamic therapy (PDT). A moderately high ΦF value of 0.18 is observed for emission in the therapeutic window in the near-IR region, which suggests that it may also be possible to determine the level of localization of 2 in tumor cells through bioimaging.
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Phylogeny of the family Trogidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence data
- Strümpher, Werner P, Sole, Catherine L, Villet, Martin H, Scholtz, Clarke H
- Authors: Strümpher, Werner P , Sole, Catherine L , Villet, Martin H , Scholtz, Clarke H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442253 , vital:73970 , https://doi.org/10.1111/syen.12074
- Description: Trogidae constitute a monophyletic and biologically unique family within Scarabaeoidea, being the only keratinophagous group in the superfamily. Traditionally, the family has been divided into three distinctive genera, Polynoncus Burmeister, Omorgus Erichson and Trox Fabricius. Although the taxonomy of the group is relatively well studied, changes to the existing classification have recently been proposed and the family as currently constituted has not been subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Here we present a molecular phylogeny for this cosmopolitan family based on three partially sequenced gene regions: 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA (domain 2). Included in the analyses are representatives belonging to four of the five extant genera (and three of the four subgenera) from all major zoogeographic regions, representing about 20% of the known trogid species diversity in the family. Phylogenetic analyses performed included parsimony and Bayesian inference. We deduce their historical biogeography by using trogid fossils as calibration points for divergence estimates. Our analyses resolved relationships between and within genera and subgenera that are largely congruent with existing phylogeny hypotheses based on morphological data. We recovered four well‐supported radiations: Polynoncus, Omorgus, Holarctic Trox and African Phoberus MacLeay. On the basis of this study, it is proposed that taxonomic changes to the generic classification of the family be made. The subgenera Trox and Phoberus should be elevated to genera to include the Holarctic and all the Afrotropical species, respectively, and Afromorgus returned to subgeneric rank. Estimates of divergence time are consistent with a Pangaean origin of the family in the Early Jurassic. The subsequent diversification of the major lineages is largely attributed to the break‐up of Pangaea and Gondwana in the Middle Jurassic and early Late Cretaceous, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Strümpher, Werner P , Sole, Catherine L , Villet, Martin H , Scholtz, Clarke H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442253 , vital:73970 , https://doi.org/10.1111/syen.12074
- Description: Trogidae constitute a monophyletic and biologically unique family within Scarabaeoidea, being the only keratinophagous group in the superfamily. Traditionally, the family has been divided into three distinctive genera, Polynoncus Burmeister, Omorgus Erichson and Trox Fabricius. Although the taxonomy of the group is relatively well studied, changes to the existing classification have recently been proposed and the family as currently constituted has not been subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Here we present a molecular phylogeny for this cosmopolitan family based on three partially sequenced gene regions: 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA (domain 2). Included in the analyses are representatives belonging to four of the five extant genera (and three of the four subgenera) from all major zoogeographic regions, representing about 20% of the known trogid species diversity in the family. Phylogenetic analyses performed included parsimony and Bayesian inference. We deduce their historical biogeography by using trogid fossils as calibration points for divergence estimates. Our analyses resolved relationships between and within genera and subgenera that are largely congruent with existing phylogeny hypotheses based on morphological data. We recovered four well‐supported radiations: Polynoncus, Omorgus, Holarctic Trox and African Phoberus MacLeay. On the basis of this study, it is proposed that taxonomic changes to the generic classification of the family be made. The subgenera Trox and Phoberus should be elevated to genera to include the Holarctic and all the Afrotropical species, respectively, and Afromorgus returned to subgeneric rank. Estimates of divergence time are consistent with a Pangaean origin of the family in the Early Jurassic. The subsequent diversification of the major lineages is largely attributed to the break‐up of Pangaea and Gondwana in the Middle Jurassic and early Late Cretaceous, respectively.
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Polyamide nanofiber membranes functionalized with zinc phthalocyanines
- Goethals, Annelies, Mugadza, Tawanda, Arslanoglu, Yasin, Zugle, Ruphino, Antunes, Edith M, Van Hulle, Stijn W, Nyokong, Tebello, De Clerck, Karen
- Authors: Goethals, Annelies , Mugadza, Tawanda , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Zugle, Ruphino , Antunes, Edith M , Van Hulle, Stijn W , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241505 , vital:50945 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.40486"
- Description: Electrospinning is an efficient method for the production of polyamide nanofiber membranes that are suitable for water filtration. Previous studies have shown that nanofiber membranes have high clean water permeability. The pathogen removal efficiency can be improved by functionalization with (organic) biocides. However, these membranes, like other membranes, are vulnerable to fouling which reduces the filtration efficiency. Therefore the present article investigates the potential of zinc phthalocyanines, which can produce singlet oxygen in the presence of visible light, as a functionalizing agent. The polyamide nanofiber membranes were functionalized with phthalocyanines using both a pre-functionalizing and post-functionalizing method. Only the post-functionalization method shows to result in nanofiber membranes capable of producing singlet oxygen. After 30 min 45% of 1,2-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF), used as an oxygen quencher, was removed by reaction with singlet oxygen. This resulted in a removal rate of 0.33 mol DBPF mol−1Zn min−1. During short term leaching tests, phthalocyanines could not be detected.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Goethals, Annelies , Mugadza, Tawanda , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Zugle, Ruphino , Antunes, Edith M , Van Hulle, Stijn W , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241505 , vital:50945 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.40486"
- Description: Electrospinning is an efficient method for the production of polyamide nanofiber membranes that are suitable for water filtration. Previous studies have shown that nanofiber membranes have high clean water permeability. The pathogen removal efficiency can be improved by functionalization with (organic) biocides. However, these membranes, like other membranes, are vulnerable to fouling which reduces the filtration efficiency. Therefore the present article investigates the potential of zinc phthalocyanines, which can produce singlet oxygen in the presence of visible light, as a functionalizing agent. The polyamide nanofiber membranes were functionalized with phthalocyanines using both a pre-functionalizing and post-functionalizing method. Only the post-functionalization method shows to result in nanofiber membranes capable of producing singlet oxygen. After 30 min 45% of 1,2-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF), used as an oxygen quencher, was removed by reaction with singlet oxygen. This resulted in a removal rate of 0.33 mol DBPF mol−1Zn min−1. During short term leaching tests, phthalocyanines could not be detected.
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Positioning non-timber forest products on the development agenda
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Pandey, Ashok K
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Pandey, Ashok K
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180992 , vital:43679 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2013.07.004"
- Description: Non-timber forests products (NTFPs) provide multiple livelihood benefits to local communities and regional and national economies. And yet this knowledge is rarely drawn upon in debates around and design of poverty alleviation or land use policies, strategies and projects. Unless the accumulating wealth of empirical evidence can be translated into policies and approaches at higher levels, and integrated into poverty alleviation programmes, it will have little impact on local and national poverty profiles. In this paper we propose and briefly discuss eight steps to facilitate integration of NTFPs into the development agenda, for the benefit of local communities. These include: (1) proper inventory of NTFP stocks, (2) research on NTFP ecology and sustainable harvest levels, (3) introduction of extension services for NTFPs, (4) inclusion of NTFPs in land management and trade-off decisions, (5) integration of NTFPs into sectoral policies, (6) ensuring NTFP commercialisation is not at the expense of local livelihood needs, (7) promoting security of access and use, and (8) examination of local contextual drivers of unsustainable use. Each is presented along with examples or proposals towards implementation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Pandey, Ashok K
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180992 , vital:43679 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2013.07.004"
- Description: Non-timber forests products (NTFPs) provide multiple livelihood benefits to local communities and regional and national economies. And yet this knowledge is rarely drawn upon in debates around and design of poverty alleviation or land use policies, strategies and projects. Unless the accumulating wealth of empirical evidence can be translated into policies and approaches at higher levels, and integrated into poverty alleviation programmes, it will have little impact on local and national poverty profiles. In this paper we propose and briefly discuss eight steps to facilitate integration of NTFPs into the development agenda, for the benefit of local communities. These include: (1) proper inventory of NTFP stocks, (2) research on NTFP ecology and sustainable harvest levels, (3) introduction of extension services for NTFPs, (4) inclusion of NTFPs in land management and trade-off decisions, (5) integration of NTFPs into sectoral policies, (6) ensuring NTFP commercialisation is not at the expense of local livelihood needs, (7) promoting security of access and use, and (8) examination of local contextual drivers of unsustainable use. Each is presented along with examples or proposals towards implementation.
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Predicting the geographic distribution of Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina (Diptera Calliphoridae) in South Africa
- Williams, Kirstin A, Richards, Cameron S, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Williams, Kirstin A , Richards, Cameron S , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440681 , vital:73803 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC158017
- Description: Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae: Luciliinae) have medical, veterinary and forensic importance. Knowing their distribution in South Africa would allow more effective management and utilisation of these flies. Their predicted geographic distributions in South Africa were modelled using maximum entropy analysis of selected climatic variables. The most important environmental variables in modelling the distributions were the magnitude of monthly rainfall and the magnitude of the monthly maximum temperature for L. sericata and the seasonal variation in monthly mean humidity and magnitude of monthly rainfall for L. cuprina. A clear geographical bias was shown in museum records and supports the need for focused surveys. There was no correlation between the predicted distribution of L. cuprina and sheep farming in South Africa, nor between the predicted distribution of L. sericata and human population density. Although their patterns of occurrence differed, both species are widely distributed in South Africa and therefore one cannot identify these flies by locality alone - morphological or molecular identification is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Kirstin A , Richards, Cameron S , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440681 , vital:73803 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC158017
- Description: Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae: Luciliinae) have medical, veterinary and forensic importance. Knowing their distribution in South Africa would allow more effective management and utilisation of these flies. Their predicted geographic distributions in South Africa were modelled using maximum entropy analysis of selected climatic variables. The most important environmental variables in modelling the distributions were the magnitude of monthly rainfall and the magnitude of the monthly maximum temperature for L. sericata and the seasonal variation in monthly mean humidity and magnitude of monthly rainfall for L. cuprina. A clear geographical bias was shown in museum records and supports the need for focused surveys. There was no correlation between the predicted distribution of L. cuprina and sheep farming in South Africa, nor between the predicted distribution of L. sericata and human population density. Although their patterns of occurrence differed, both species are widely distributed in South Africa and therefore one cannot identify these flies by locality alone - morphological or molecular identification is necessary.
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Primary wing-moult and site fidelity in South African mousebirds (Coliidae)
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Bonnevie, Bo T, Hulley, Patrick E, Underhill, George D
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Bonnevie, Bo T , Hulley, Patrick E , Underhill, George D
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449474 , vital:74824 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2014.931310
- Description: Based on large samples of birds mist-netted in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, moult of the primary remiges in both Speckled Mousebirds Colius striatus and Red-faced Mousebirds Urocolius indicus occurred throughout the year with no regional or seasonal patterns evident. The same picture emerged for the White-backed Mousebird Colius colius in the Western Cape. This aseasonality of wing-moult for all three species in South Africa was further supported by the full data set of moult records available in the Safring database. We were thus unable to use the Underhill–Zucchini model to estimate the moult parameters for these species, but an extended moult period seems likely. Recapture data for the Eastern Cape strongly suggest that Speckled Mousebirds are resident or revisit sites frequently, whereas this is not the case for Red-faced Mousebirds.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Bonnevie, Bo T , Hulley, Patrick E , Underhill, George D
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449474 , vital:74824 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2014.931310
- Description: Based on large samples of birds mist-netted in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, moult of the primary remiges in both Speckled Mousebirds Colius striatus and Red-faced Mousebirds Urocolius indicus occurred throughout the year with no regional or seasonal patterns evident. The same picture emerged for the White-backed Mousebird Colius colius in the Western Cape. This aseasonality of wing-moult for all three species in South Africa was further supported by the full data set of moult records available in the Safring database. We were thus unable to use the Underhill–Zucchini model to estimate the moult parameters for these species, but an extended moult period seems likely. Recapture data for the Eastern Cape strongly suggest that Speckled Mousebirds are resident or revisit sites frequently, whereas this is not the case for Red-faced Mousebirds.
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Real-time monitoring of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation using a commercially available electric cell-substrate impedance sensor system
- Kramer, Adam H, Joos-Vandewalle, Julia, Edkins, Adrienne L, Frost, Carminita L, Prinsloo, Earl
- Authors: Kramer, Adam H , Joos-Vandewalle, Julia , Edkins, Adrienne L , Frost, Carminita L , Prinsloo, Earl
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431171 , vital:72751 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.12.123"
- Description: Real-time analysis offers multiple benefits over traditional end point assays. Here, we present a method of monitoring the optimisation of the growth and differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to adipocytes using the commercially available ACEA xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyser Single Plate (RTCA SP) system. Our findings indicate that the ACEA xCELLigence RTCA SP can reproducibly monitor the primary morphological changes in pre- and post-confluent 3T3-L1 fibroblasts induced to differentiate using insulin, dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and rosiglitazone; and may be a viable primary method of screening compounds for adipogenic factors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kramer, Adam H , Joos-Vandewalle, Julia , Edkins, Adrienne L , Frost, Carminita L , Prinsloo, Earl
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431171 , vital:72751 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.12.123"
- Description: Real-time analysis offers multiple benefits over traditional end point assays. Here, we present a method of monitoring the optimisation of the growth and differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to adipocytes using the commercially available ACEA xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyser Single Plate (RTCA SP) system. Our findings indicate that the ACEA xCELLigence RTCA SP can reproducibly monitor the primary morphological changes in pre- and post-confluent 3T3-L1 fibroblasts induced to differentiate using insulin, dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and rosiglitazone; and may be a viable primary method of screening compounds for adipogenic factors.
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Relationship between soil alteration index three (AI3), soil organic matter and tree performance in a 'Cripps Pink/'M7 apple orchard
- Meyer, André H, Wooldridge, John, Dames, Joanna F
- Authors: Meyer, André H , Wooldridge, John , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444038 , vital:74180 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC157392
- Description: Alteration index three (AI3), which calculates the balances between three microbially-secreted enzymes, potentially enables differences between soils due to contrasting management practices to be quantified in relative terms. The ability of AI3 to distinguish between apple orchard soils under conventional and organic production protocols, and to reflect tree performance, were tested in a maturing 'Cripps Pink'/M7 apple orchard. Activities of β-glucosidase, phosphatase and urease were determined colourimetrically in extracts of tree-row top-soils (0-15 cm) taken during September and January over five consecutive seasons. Soil organic matter content was determined by dichromate oxidation. Stem circumference and yield were measured manually. AI3 correlated significantly (p = 0.05) with soil organic matter, yield and yield efficiency. AI3 may thus be a useful indicator of relative apple tree performance under organic and conventional soil surface management practices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, André H , Wooldridge, John , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444038 , vital:74180 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC157392
- Description: Alteration index three (AI3), which calculates the balances between three microbially-secreted enzymes, potentially enables differences between soils due to contrasting management practices to be quantified in relative terms. The ability of AI3 to distinguish between apple orchard soils under conventional and organic production protocols, and to reflect tree performance, were tested in a maturing 'Cripps Pink'/M7 apple orchard. Activities of β-glucosidase, phosphatase and urease were determined colourimetrically in extracts of tree-row top-soils (0-15 cm) taken during September and January over five consecutive seasons. Soil organic matter content was determined by dichromate oxidation. Stem circumference and yield were measured manually. AI3 correlated significantly (p = 0.05) with soil organic matter, yield and yield efficiency. AI3 may thus be a useful indicator of relative apple tree performance under organic and conventional soil surface management practices.
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Selective modulation of plasmodial Hsp70s by small molecules with antimalarial activity
- Cockburn, Ingrid L, Boshoff, Aileen, Pesce, Eva-Rachele, Blatch, Gregory L
- Authors: Cockburn, Ingrid L , Boshoff, Aileen , Pesce, Eva-Rachele , Blatch, Gregory L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431192 , vital:72752 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1515/hsz-2014-0138"
- Description: Plasmodial heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperones represent a promising new class of antimalarial drug targets because of the important roles they play in the survival and pathogenesis of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This study assessed a set of small molecules (lapachol, bromo-β-lapachona and malonganenones A, B and C) as potential modulators of two biologically important plasmodial Hsp70s, the parasite-resident PfHsp70-1 and the exported PfHsp70-x. Compounds of interest were assessed for modulatory effects on the steady-state basal and heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40)-stimulated ATPase activities of PfHsp70-1, PfHsp70-x and human Hsp70, as well as on the protein aggregation suppression activity of PfHsp70-x. The antimalarial marine alkaloid malonganenone A was of particular interest, as it was found to have limited cytotoxicity to mammalian cell lines and exhibited the desired properties of an effective plasmodial Hsp70 modulator. This compound was found to inhibit plasmodial and not human Hsp70 ATPase activity (Hsp40-stimulated), and hindered the aggregation suppression activity of PfHsp70-x. Furthermore, malonganenone A was shown to disrupt the interaction between PfHsp70-x and Hsp40. This is the first report to show that PfHsp70-x has chaperone activity, is stimulated by Hsp40 and can be specifically modulated by small molecule compounds.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cockburn, Ingrid L , Boshoff, Aileen , Pesce, Eva-Rachele , Blatch, Gregory L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431192 , vital:72752 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1515/hsz-2014-0138"
- Description: Plasmodial heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperones represent a promising new class of antimalarial drug targets because of the important roles they play in the survival and pathogenesis of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This study assessed a set of small molecules (lapachol, bromo-β-lapachona and malonganenones A, B and C) as potential modulators of two biologically important plasmodial Hsp70s, the parasite-resident PfHsp70-1 and the exported PfHsp70-x. Compounds of interest were assessed for modulatory effects on the steady-state basal and heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40)-stimulated ATPase activities of PfHsp70-1, PfHsp70-x and human Hsp70, as well as on the protein aggregation suppression activity of PfHsp70-x. The antimalarial marine alkaloid malonganenone A was of particular interest, as it was found to have limited cytotoxicity to mammalian cell lines and exhibited the desired properties of an effective plasmodial Hsp70 modulator. This compound was found to inhibit plasmodial and not human Hsp70 ATPase activity (Hsp40-stimulated), and hindered the aggregation suppression activity of PfHsp70-x. Furthermore, malonganenone A was shown to disrupt the interaction between PfHsp70-x and Hsp40. This is the first report to show that PfHsp70-x has chaperone activity, is stimulated by Hsp40 and can be specifically modulated by small molecule compounds.
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Spectral properties and photophysical behaviour of water soluble cationic Mg (II) and Al (III) phthalocyanines
- Idowu, Mopelola A, Arslanoğlu, Yasin, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Idowu, Mopelola A , Arslanoğlu, Yasin , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241549 , vital:50949 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2478/s11532-013-0388-z"
- Description: Peripherally and non-peripherally tetrasubstituted-[(N-methyl-2-pyridylthio)]phthalocyaninato magnesium (II) (5 and 6) and chloro aluminium (III) (7 and 8) tetraiodide have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and aqueous medium in the presence and absence of cremophore EL have been studied. These complexes show high solubility in aqueous medium though they were aggregated. The triplet state quantum yields (FT) and the triplet lifetimes (tT) were found to be higher in DMSO with ΦT ranging from 0.32 to 0.51, while tT ranged from 282 to 622 ms in DMSO, compared to aqueous medium (pH 7.4 buffer) where ΦT ranged from 0.15 to 0.19 and tT from 26 to 35 ms. Addition of cremophore EL in aqueous solution resulted in partial disaggregation and increased photoactivity. The fluorescence lifetimes of the complexes showed strong dependence on their immediate environment. The ionic magnesium(II) and aluminium(III) phthalocyanines strongly bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA).
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- Authors: Idowu, Mopelola A , Arslanoğlu, Yasin , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241549 , vital:50949 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2478/s11532-013-0388-z"
- Description: Peripherally and non-peripherally tetrasubstituted-[(N-methyl-2-pyridylthio)]phthalocyaninato magnesium (II) (5 and 6) and chloro aluminium (III) (7 and 8) tetraiodide have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of the complexes in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and aqueous medium in the presence and absence of cremophore EL have been studied. These complexes show high solubility in aqueous medium though they were aggregated. The triplet state quantum yields (FT) and the triplet lifetimes (tT) were found to be higher in DMSO with ΦT ranging from 0.32 to 0.51, while tT ranged from 282 to 622 ms in DMSO, compared to aqueous medium (pH 7.4 buffer) where ΦT ranged from 0.15 to 0.19 and tT from 26 to 35 ms. Addition of cremophore EL in aqueous solution resulted in partial disaggregation and increased photoactivity. The fluorescence lifetimes of the complexes showed strong dependence on their immediate environment. The ionic magnesium(II) and aluminium(III) phthalocyanines strongly bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA).
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Successful identification of the final instar nymph of Quintilia carinata (Thunberg)(Hemiptera: Cicadidae) by DNA extraction from the exuvium
- Bouwer, Nicolette, Midgley, John M, Timm, Alicia E, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Bouwer, Nicolette , Midgley, John M , Timm, Alicia E , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442347 , vital:73977 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2013.836759
- Description: Despite being taxonomically and phylogenetically informative, the morphology of the immature stages of cicadas has received comparatively superficial attention. One reason for this is the difficulty of positively identifying immature stages, particularly as these stages are fossorial. We present a method for identifying cicada exuviae using DNA sequence data and describe a set of characters and character states for the final instar nymph of Quintilia carinata (Thunberg). The identification of immature stages using molecular methods will increase our knowledge of African cicadas, allowing for the initiation of future phylogenetic and ecological comparisons.
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- Authors: Bouwer, Nicolette , Midgley, John M , Timm, Alicia E , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442347 , vital:73977 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2013.836759
- Description: Despite being taxonomically and phylogenetically informative, the morphology of the immature stages of cicadas has received comparatively superficial attention. One reason for this is the difficulty of positively identifying immature stages, particularly as these stages are fossorial. We present a method for identifying cicada exuviae using DNA sequence data and describe a set of characters and character states for the final instar nymph of Quintilia carinata (Thunberg). The identification of immature stages using molecular methods will increase our knowledge of African cicadas, allowing for the initiation of future phylogenetic and ecological comparisons.
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Sustainability Assessment of University of Gondar, Gondar, North-west Ethiopia
- Moges, Haimanot G, Kifle, Desalegn W, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Woldyohhanes, Solomon M
- Authors: Moges, Haimanot G , Kifle, Desalegn W , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Woldyohhanes, Solomon M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182845 , vital:43885 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0973408214529990"
- Description: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the cross-institutional assessment of sustainable development practices in the University of Gondar (UoG). The focus of the assessment was the level of UoG academic departments’ integration of sustainability concerns in teaching, research and community service. Management contributions to sustainable development, student initiatives on sustainability issues and policy statements about sustainable development of UoG were also considered in the assessment. The data collection was based on the Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool (USAT); in addition, supplementary information was collected through observations across the four campuses of UoG from January to February 2012.The result of the assessment showed that only a few academic departments have incorporated sustainability concerns in their curricula and teaching approach. The initiation and commitment of academic departments in mainstreaming sustainability concerns in the research and community service delivered were relatively poor. The operation and management of UoG showed inadequate sustainable development practices on waste management, energy utilization and purchasing from environment-friendly companies. In addition, the written policy and statements of UoG did not reflect sustainability in an explicit manner. The university is expected to respond to the key themes defined through sustainability declarations on higher education; there is also a need to establish the relevance of these in relation to the systemic environment. From the study undertaken, we have learnt that sustainability assessment of universities using USAT will be more valuable, if universities have already initiated the embedding of sustainability so that USAT can be used to benchmark the continual improvement.
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- Authors: Moges, Haimanot G , Kifle, Desalegn W , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Woldyohhanes, Solomon M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182845 , vital:43885 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0973408214529990"
- Description: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the cross-institutional assessment of sustainable development practices in the University of Gondar (UoG). The focus of the assessment was the level of UoG academic departments’ integration of sustainability concerns in teaching, research and community service. Management contributions to sustainable development, student initiatives on sustainability issues and policy statements about sustainable development of UoG were also considered in the assessment. The data collection was based on the Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool (USAT); in addition, supplementary information was collected through observations across the four campuses of UoG from January to February 2012.The result of the assessment showed that only a few academic departments have incorporated sustainability concerns in their curricula and teaching approach. The initiation and commitment of academic departments in mainstreaming sustainability concerns in the research and community service delivered were relatively poor. The operation and management of UoG showed inadequate sustainable development practices on waste management, energy utilization and purchasing from environment-friendly companies. In addition, the written policy and statements of UoG did not reflect sustainability in an explicit manner. The university is expected to respond to the key themes defined through sustainability declarations on higher education; there is also a need to establish the relevance of these in relation to the systemic environment. From the study undertaken, we have learnt that sustainability assessment of universities using USAT will be more valuable, if universities have already initiated the embedding of sustainability so that USAT can be used to benchmark the continual improvement.
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Synthesis and characterization of quantum dots designed for biomedical use
- Kuzyniak, Weronika, Adegoke, Oluwasesan, Sekhosana, Kutloana E, D'Souza, Sarah, Tshangana, Sesethu Charmaine, Hoffmann, Björn, Ermilov, Eugeny A, Nyokong, Tebello, Höpfner, Michael
- Authors: Kuzyniak, Weronika , Adegoke, Oluwasesan , Sekhosana, Kutloana E , D'Souza, Sarah , Tshangana, Sesethu Charmaine , Hoffmann, Björn , Ermilov, Eugeny A , Nyokong, Tebello , Höpfner, Michael
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241516 , vital:50946 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.03.037"
- Description: Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have become promising nanoparticles for a wide variety of biomedical applications. However, the major drawback of QDs is their potential toxicity. Here, we determined possible cytotoxic effects of a set of QDs by systematic photophysical evaluation in vitro as well as in vivo. QDs were synthesized by the hydrothermal aqueous route with sizes in the range of 2.0–3.5 nm. Cytotoxic effects of QDs were studied in the human pancreatic carcinoid cell line BON. Cadmium telluride QDs with or without zinc sulfide shell and coated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were highly cytotoxic even at nanomolar concentrations. Capping with L-glutathione (GSH) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) reduced the cytotoxicity of cadmium telluride QDs and cadmium selenide QDs. Determination of the toxicity of QDs revealed IC50 values in the micromolar range. In vivo studies showed good tolerability of CdSe QDs with ZnS shell and GSH capping. We could demonstrate that QDs with ZnS shell and GSH capping exhibit low toxicity and good tolerability in cell models and living organisms. These QDs appear to be promising candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery for enhanced chemotherapy or targeted delivery of light sensitive substances for photodynamic therapy.
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- Authors: Kuzyniak, Weronika , Adegoke, Oluwasesan , Sekhosana, Kutloana E , D'Souza, Sarah , Tshangana, Sesethu Charmaine , Hoffmann, Björn , Ermilov, Eugeny A , Nyokong, Tebello , Höpfner, Michael
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241516 , vital:50946 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.03.037"
- Description: Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have become promising nanoparticles for a wide variety of biomedical applications. However, the major drawback of QDs is their potential toxicity. Here, we determined possible cytotoxic effects of a set of QDs by systematic photophysical evaluation in vitro as well as in vivo. QDs were synthesized by the hydrothermal aqueous route with sizes in the range of 2.0–3.5 nm. Cytotoxic effects of QDs were studied in the human pancreatic carcinoid cell line BON. Cadmium telluride QDs with or without zinc sulfide shell and coated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were highly cytotoxic even at nanomolar concentrations. Capping with L-glutathione (GSH) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) reduced the cytotoxicity of cadmium telluride QDs and cadmium selenide QDs. Determination of the toxicity of QDs revealed IC50 values in the micromolar range. In vivo studies showed good tolerability of CdSe QDs with ZnS shell and GSH capping. We could demonstrate that QDs with ZnS shell and GSH capping exhibit low toxicity and good tolerability in cell models and living organisms. These QDs appear to be promising candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery for enhanced chemotherapy or targeted delivery of light sensitive substances for photodynamic therapy.
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Synthesis and MRSA PK inhibitory activity of thiazole containing deoxytopsentin analogues
- Veale, Clinton G L, Lobb, Kevin A, Zoraghi, Roya, Morrison, James P, Reiner, Neil E, Andersen, Raymond J, Davies-Coleman, Michael T
- Authors: Veale, Clinton G L , Lobb, Kevin A , Zoraghi, Roya , Morrison, James P , Reiner, Neil E , Andersen, Raymond J , Davies-Coleman, Michael T
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448028 , vital:74692 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2014.09.007"
- Description: The public health care crisis caused by the emergence of drug resistant bacterial strains, e.g., methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has underlined the urgent need to accelerate the discovery of new chemical entities active against antibiotic resistant bacteria. We report here the synthesis of a series thiazole containing deoxytopsentin analogues, which show moderate activity against a target MRSA pyruvate kinase enzyme: an evolutionary conserved hub protein critical for bacterial survival. A Hantzsch thiazole coupling between a-oxo-1H-indole-3-thioacetamides and 2-bromo-1-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethanones provided facile access to the thiazole containing deoxytopsentin compounds.
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- Authors: Veale, Clinton G L , Lobb, Kevin A , Zoraghi, Roya , Morrison, James P , Reiner, Neil E , Andersen, Raymond J , Davies-Coleman, Michael T
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448028 , vital:74692 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2014.09.007"
- Description: The public health care crisis caused by the emergence of drug resistant bacterial strains, e.g., methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has underlined the urgent need to accelerate the discovery of new chemical entities active against antibiotic resistant bacteria. We report here the synthesis of a series thiazole containing deoxytopsentin analogues, which show moderate activity against a target MRSA pyruvate kinase enzyme: an evolutionary conserved hub protein critical for bacterial survival. A Hantzsch thiazole coupling between a-oxo-1H-indole-3-thioacetamides and 2-bromo-1-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethanones provided facile access to the thiazole containing deoxytopsentin compounds.
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Synthesis of ytterbium bisphthalocyanines
- Sekhosana, Kutloana E, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloana E , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189887 , vital:44943 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2014.05.013"
- Description: Herein we report on the syntheses, photophysico-chemical properties and nonlinear absorption parameters of bis-{1(4), 8(11), 15(18), 22(25)-(tetrapyridin-2-yloxy phthalocyaninato)} ytterbium (III) (3) and bis-{1(4), 8(11), 15(18), 22(25)-(tetrapyridin-4-yloxy phthalocyaninato)} ytterbium (III) (4). The fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields obtained for complexes 3 and 4 are low. The triplet quantum yield obtained for complex 3 is high at ΦT = 0.89 whereas for complex 4 ΦT = 0.48. The third order optical susceptibility values are of the order: 10−11 esu (for complex 3), and 10−13 esu (for complex 4) while the hyperpolarizability values are of the order: 10−28 esu (for complex 3) and 10−31 esu (for complex 4). Complexes 3 and 4 show two-photon absorption coefficients of the order of 10−46 cm4 s/photon and 10−48 cm4 s/photon, and threshold intensities as low as 0.3 J cm−2 and 0.0045 J cm−2, respectively.
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- Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloana E , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189887 , vital:44943 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2014.05.013"
- Description: Herein we report on the syntheses, photophysico-chemical properties and nonlinear absorption parameters of bis-{1(4), 8(11), 15(18), 22(25)-(tetrapyridin-2-yloxy phthalocyaninato)} ytterbium (III) (3) and bis-{1(4), 8(11), 15(18), 22(25)-(tetrapyridin-4-yloxy phthalocyaninato)} ytterbium (III) (4). The fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields obtained for complexes 3 and 4 are low. The triplet quantum yield obtained for complex 3 is high at ΦT = 0.89 whereas for complex 4 ΦT = 0.48. The third order optical susceptibility values are of the order: 10−11 esu (for complex 3), and 10−13 esu (for complex 4) while the hyperpolarizability values are of the order: 10−28 esu (for complex 3) and 10−31 esu (for complex 4). Complexes 3 and 4 show two-photon absorption coefficients of the order of 10−46 cm4 s/photon and 10−48 cm4 s/photon, and threshold intensities as low as 0.3 J cm−2 and 0.0045 J cm−2, respectively.
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Synthesis, characterization and photodynamic therapy properties of an octa-4-tert-butylphenoxy-substituted phosphorus (V) triazatetrabenzcorrole
- Shi, Maohu, Tian, Jiangwei, Mkhize, Colin, Kubheka, Gugu, Zhou, Jinfeng, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello, Shen, Zhen
- Authors: Shi, Maohu , Tian, Jiangwei , Mkhize, Colin , Kubheka, Gugu , Zhou, Jinfeng , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Shen, Zhen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241494 , vital:50944 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424614500436"
- Description: A novel octa-4-tert-butylphenoxy-substituted phosphorus(V) triazatetrabenzcorrole (PVTBC), has been synthesized and characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and NMR, FT-IR and MCD spectroscopy. The fluorescence emission spectrum was used to determine the fluorescence quantum yield and the quantum yield for singlet oxygen generation was calculated by using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran as a scavenger. The photocytoxicity against U87MG cells was measured. The results indicated that PVTBC is potentially useful as an NIR region photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT).
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- Authors: Shi, Maohu , Tian, Jiangwei , Mkhize, Colin , Kubheka, Gugu , Zhou, Jinfeng , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Shen, Zhen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241494 , vital:50944 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424614500436"
- Description: A novel octa-4-tert-butylphenoxy-substituted phosphorus(V) triazatetrabenzcorrole (PVTBC), has been synthesized and characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and NMR, FT-IR and MCD spectroscopy. The fluorescence emission spectrum was used to determine the fluorescence quantum yield and the quantum yield for singlet oxygen generation was calculated by using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran as a scavenger. The photocytoxicity against U87MG cells was measured. The results indicated that PVTBC is potentially useful as an NIR region photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT).
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Synthesis, photophysicochemical properties and TD-DFT calculations of tetrakis (2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenoxy) phthalocyanines
- Yilmaz, Yusuf, Mack, John, Sener, M Kasim, Sönmez, Mehmet, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Yilmaz, Yusuf , Mack, John , Sener, M Kasim , Sönmez, Mehmet , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241538 , vital:50948 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424614500047"
- Description: The synthesis of metal free, magnesium and zinc tetrakis(2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenoxy) phthalocyanine derivatives (2–4) is described along with their characterization by elemental analysis, IR, UV-visible absorption, and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Trends observed in the fluorescence, triplet state, singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yields and the triplet state lifetimes are also analyzed. The compounds exhibit high solubility in a wide range of organic solvents and no evidence of aggregation was observed over a wide concentration range. The Zn(II) complex (4) was found to have a very high singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ = 0.78) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and a reasonably large triplet state quantum yield (ΦT = 0.82). The photophysical and photochemical properties clearly demonstrate that these compounds could prove useful in singlet oxygen applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). DFT and TD-DFT calculations were used to assess the impact of the positional isomerism of the 2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenoxy substituents on the electronic structures and optical spectroscopy.
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- Authors: Yilmaz, Yusuf , Mack, John , Sener, M Kasim , Sönmez, Mehmet , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241538 , vital:50948 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424614500047"
- Description: The synthesis of metal free, magnesium and zinc tetrakis(2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenoxy) phthalocyanine derivatives (2–4) is described along with their characterization by elemental analysis, IR, UV-visible absorption, and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Trends observed in the fluorescence, triplet state, singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yields and the triplet state lifetimes are also analyzed. The compounds exhibit high solubility in a wide range of organic solvents and no evidence of aggregation was observed over a wide concentration range. The Zn(II) complex (4) was found to have a very high singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ = 0.78) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and a reasonably large triplet state quantum yield (ΦT = 0.82). The photophysical and photochemical properties clearly demonstrate that these compounds could prove useful in singlet oxygen applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). DFT and TD-DFT calculations were used to assess the impact of the positional isomerism of the 2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenoxy substituents on the electronic structures and optical spectroscopy.
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Teaching Without Technology
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439238 , vital:73558 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Publications/_SACLA/teachWOtech-2014.pdf
- Description: Technology is touted as a solution to problems in education. But is it? I report here on experiences with dropping use of slides in lectures and returning to working on the board. The apparent result is more interactive, engaged classes. Unfortunately there are too many other variables to make the experiences here definitive. The purpose of this paper is to provoke discussion on whether technology is overused in teaching when the goals of improving student engagement and general effectiveness of learning can be met many ways. Technology is not necessarily bad, but making it the starting point risks locking out nontechnological options.
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- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439238 , vital:73558 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Publications/_SACLA/teachWOtech-2014.pdf
- Description: Technology is touted as a solution to problems in education. But is it? I report here on experiences with dropping use of slides in lectures and returning to working on the board. The apparent result is more interactive, engaged classes. Unfortunately there are too many other variables to make the experiences here definitive. The purpose of this paper is to provoke discussion on whether technology is overused in teaching when the goals of improving student engagement and general effectiveness of learning can be met many ways. Technology is not necessarily bad, but making it the starting point risks locking out nontechnological options.
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