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At least 811 records · Page 45

A Crystallographic Study of the Role of Sequence Context in Thymine Glycol Bypass by a Replicative DNA Polymerase Serendipitously Sheds Light on the Exonuclease Complex

Thymine glycol (Tg) is the most common oxidation product of thymine and is known to be a strong block to replicative DNA polymerases. A previously solved structure of the bacteriophage RB69 DNA polymerase (RB69 gp43) in complex with Tg in the sequence context 5'-G-Tg-G shed light on how Tg blocks primer elongation: The protruding methyl group of the oxidized thymine displaces the adjacent 5'-G, which can no longer serve as a template for primer elongation [Aller, P., Rould, M. A., Hogg, M, Wallace, S. S. and Doublie S. (2007). A structural rationale for stalling of a replicative DNA polymerase at the most common oxidative thymine lesion, thymine glycol. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 104, 814-818.]. Several studies showed that in the sequence context 5'-C-Tg-purine, Tg is more likely to be bypassed by Klenow fragment, an A-family DNA polymerase. We set out to investigate the role of sequence context in Tg bypass in a B-family polymerase and to solve the crystal structures of the bacteriophage RB69 DNA polymerase in complex with Tg-containing DNA in the three remaining sequence contexts: 5'-A-Tg-G, 5'-T-Tg-G, and 5'-C-Tg-G. A combination of several factors - including the associated exonuclease activity, the nature of the 3' and 5' bases surrounding Tg, and the cis-trans interconversion of Tg - influences Tg bypass. We also visualized for the first time the structure of a well-ordered exonuclease complex, allowing us to identify and confirm the role of key residues (Phe123, Met256, and Tyr257) in strand separation and in the stabilization of the primer strand in the exonuclease site.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Revealing the structure of isolated peptides: IR-IR predissociation spectroscopy of protonated triglycine isomers

Here, we report an isomer specific IR-IR double resonance study of the mass-selected protonated triglycine peptide. Comparison of experimental spectra with calculations reveals the presence of two isomers, with protonation occurring at either the terminal amine site or one of the amide oxygen sites. The amine protonated isomer identified in our experiment contains an atypical cis amide configuration as well as a more typical trans amide. The amide protonated peptide, on the other hand, contains two trans amide moieties. Both isomers are found to be the lowest energy structures for their respective protonation site, but it is unclear, from experiments and calculations, which one is the global minimum. The presence of both in our experiments likely points to kinetic trapping of a higher energy structure. Lastly, the observed frequencies of the NH and OH stretch vibrations are used to estimate the hydrogen-bond strengths present in each isomer, accounting for the relative stabilities of these structures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

One-color (212–220 nm) resonantly-enhanced (S 1 –S 0 ) multi-photon dissociation of acetylene

One-color (212–220 nm) multi-photon dissociation of acetylene, resonantly enhanced at the one-photon level by the acetylene S 1 –S 0 transition, offers rise to strong photofragment fluorescence signals in the visible and near UV regions. The photofragment fluorescence detection scheme has been applied to obtain rotationally-resolved action-spectra of predissociated S 1 acetylene levels near 47,000 cm -1 . Here, fluorescence signals from the photofragments, generated via individual intermediate S 1 rovibrational levels, are studied in detail, in both flowing gas cell and supersonic jet conditions. In the flow cell setup ( ~ 1 Torr), dispersed fluorescence (DF) spectra of the photofragments are obtained. For all three S 1 levels used in the DF experiment (rotational levels of the trans 3 4 , trans 3 5 , and cis 3 1 6 1 vibrational states), we observe C 2 Swan band ( d 3 Π g - a 3 Π u ) and C 2 Deslandres-d’Azambuja band ( C 1 Π g - A 1 Π u ) emissions. In the supersonic jet setup (collision-free), fluorescence time-traces at selected wavelength regions are analyzed. In addition to the two C 2 emission bands, we observe a long-lived ( > 3 μ s) visible fluorescence signal, which is likely due to emission from C 2 H fragments. Based on our analysis of the DF spectra and the fluorescence time-traces obtained in the supersonic jet apparatus, we propose that the long-lived C 2 H species is generated by one-photon photodissociation of S 1 acetylene, and an additional photon photolyzes the C 2 H fragment into the C 2 C and d states.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Domain crossover in the reductase subunit of NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase

NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase (SiR) from Escherichia coli performs a six-electron reduction of sulfite to the bioavailable sulfide. SiR is composed of a flavoprotein (SiRFP) reductase subunit and a hemoprotein (SiRHP) oxidase subunit. There is no known high-resolution structure of SiR or SiRFP, thus we do not yet fully understand how the subunits interact to perform their chemistry. Here, we used small-angle neutron scattering to understand the impact of conformationally restricting the highly mobile SiRFP octamer into an electron accepting (closed) or electron donating (open) conformation, showing that SiR remains active, flexible, and asymmetric even with these conformational restrictions. From these scattering data, we then model the first solution structure of SiRFP. Further, computational modeling of the N-terminal 52 amino acids that are responsible for SiRFP oligomerization suggests an eight-helical bundle tethers together the SiRFP subunits to form the SiR core. Finally, mass spectrometry analysis of the closed SiRFP variant show that SiRFP is capable of inter-molecular domain crossover, in which the electron donating domain from one polypeptide is able to interact directly with the electron accepting domain of another polypeptide. This structural characterization suggests that SiR performs its high-volume electron transfer through both inter- and intramolecular pathways between SiRFP domains and, thus, cis or trans transfer from reductase to oxidase subunits. Such highly redundant potential for electron transfer makes this system a potential target for designing synthetic enzymes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Small non-polar complexes exhibiting significant piezoelectric properties: Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structures of MO{sub 5}V(tren){center_dot}H{sub 2}O (M=Mo and W; tren=tris(2-aminoethyl)amine)

The two isostructural complexes MO{sub 5}V(tren){center_dot}H{sub 2}O (M=Mo (1) and W (2)) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions at pH Almost-Equal-To 12 crystallizing in the non-centrosymmetric space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}. The structures are constructed by a distorted tetrahedral [MO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} anion bound via one shared oxygen atom to a severely distorted [V{sup IV}N{sub 4}O]{sup 2+} complex completing the octahedral coordination around the V centre. The two O atoms in the VN{sub 4}O{sub 2} octahedron are in cis position. The two compounds represent rare examples where the [MO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} anion is acting as a ligand. Both compounds exhibit a piezoelectric effect which is more pronounced for M=Mo. The samples are further characterized with IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and thermal analysis. - Graphical abstract: The complexes [(V(tren)O)(MO4)]{center_dot}H2O (M = Mo, W; tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine)) composed of vertex-linked [MO4]{sup 2-} tetrahedron and [VN4O6]{sup 2+}octahedron. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer [MO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} tetrahedron (M=Mo, W) acting as ligand. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Jahn-Teller and steric distortion of the [VN{sub 4}O{sub 2}]{sup 2+} octahedron. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Non-centrosymmetric complexes exhibiting pronounced piezoelectric effect.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The new barium zinc mercurides Ba{sub 3}ZnHg{sub 10} and BaZn{sub 0.6}Hg{sub 3.4} - Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure

The title compounds Ba{sub 3}ZnHg{sub 10} and BaZn{sub 0.6}Hg{sub 3.4} were synthesized from stoichiometric ratios of the elements in Ta crucibles. Their crystal structures, which both represent new structure types, have been determined using single crystal X-ray data. The structure of Ba{sub 3}ZnHg{sub 10} (orthorhombic, oP28, space group Pmmn, a=701.2(3), b=1706.9(8), c=627.3(3)pm, Z=2, R1=0.0657) contains folded 4{sup 4} Hg nets, where the meshes form the bases of flat rectangular pyramids resembling the structure of BaAl{sub 4}. The flat pyramids are connected via Hg-Zn/Hg bonds, leaving large channels at the folds, in which Ba(1) and Hg(2) atoms alternate. Whereas the remaining Hg/Zn atoms form a covalent 3D network of three- to five-bonded atoms with short M-M distances (273-301 pm; CN 9-11), the Hg(2) atoms in the channels adopt a comparatively large coordination number of 12 and increased distances (317-348 pm) to their Zn/Hg neighbours. In the structure of BaZn{sub 0.6}Hg{sub 3.4} (cubic, cI320, space group I4{sup Macron }3d, a=2025.50(7) pm, Z=64, R1=0.0440), with a chemical composition not much different from that of Ba{sub 3}ZnHg{sub 10}, the Zn/Hg atoms of the mixed positions M(1/2) are arranged in an slightly distorted primitive cubic lattice with a 4 Multiplication-Sign 4 Multiplication-Sign 4 subcell relation to the unit cell. The 24 of the originating 64 cubes contain planar cis tetramers Hg(5,6){sub 4} with Hg in a nearly trigonal planar or tetrahedral coordination. In another 24 of the small cubes, two opposing faces are decorated by Hg(3,4){sub 2} dumbbells, two by Ba(2) atoms respectively. The third type of small cubes are centered by Ba(1) atoms only. The complex 3D polyanionic Hg/Zn network thus formed is compared with the Hg partial structure in Rb{sub 3}Hg{sub 20} applying a group-subgroup relation. Despite their different overall structures, the connectivity of the negatively charged Hg atoms, the rather metallic Zn bonding characteristic (as obtained from FP-LAPW band structure calculations) and the coordination number of 16 for all Ba cations relate the two title compounds. - Graphical abstract: Six of the 64 small sub-cubes of three types (A, B, C) forming the unit cell of the Hg-rich mercuride BaZn{sub 0.6}Hg{sub 3.4}. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two new Hg-rich Ba mercurides, both synthesized from the elements in pure phase. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BaZn{sub 0.6}HgG{sub 3.4} and Ba{sub 3}ZnHg{sub 10} with new complex structure types. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structure relation to other complex cubic intermetallics. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Discussion of covalent and metallic bonding aspects, as found by the structure features and band structure calculations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Preparation and optical characteristics of layered perovskite-type lead-bromide-incorporated azobenzene chromophores

Lead bromide-based layered perovskite powders with azobenzene derivatives were prepared by a homogeneous precipitation method. From the diffuse reflectance (DR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the hybrid powder materials, the present hybrids exhibited sharp absorption and PL peaks originating from excitons produced in the PbBr{sub 4}{sup 2-} layer. When the present hybrid powder was irradiated with UV light at 350 nm, the absorption band from the trans-azobenzene chromophore, observed around 350 nm, decreased, while the absorption band from the cis-azobenzene chromophore, observed around 450 nm, increased. These results indicate that azobenzene chromophores in the present hybrid materials exhibit reversible photoisomerization. Moreover, it was found that the PL intensity from the exciton also varied due to photoisomerization of the azobenzene chromophores in the present hybrid. Thus, for the first time we succeeded in preparing the azobenzene derivative lead-bromide-based layered perovskite with photochromism before and after UV light irradiation. - Graphical abstract: For the first time, we succeeded in preparing the azobenzene derivative lead-bromide-based layered perovskite with photochromism before and after UV light irradiation. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PbBr-based layered perovskite with azobenezene derivatives could be synthesized by a homogeneous precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Azobenzene derivatives incorporated the present hybrid that exhibited reversible photoisomerization under UV and/or visible light irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PL property of the present hybrid could also be varied by photoisomerization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

1D coordination polymers with polychalcogenides as linkers between metal atoms

The reactions of zinc metal with elemental selenium and selenium/sulfur mixtures in liquid ammonia or methylamine under solvothermal conditions in closed glass ampoules at 50 °C lead within some days specifically to [Zn(NH{sub 3}){sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sub n} (1), [Zn(MeNH{sub 2}){sub 2}Se{sub 4}]{sub n} (2), [Zn(NH{sub 3}){sub 2}Se{sub 2.23}S{sub 1.77}]{sub n} (3). From MnCl{sub 2}, Rb{sub 2}Se and excess Se in n-butylamine [Mn({sup n}BuNH{sub 2}){sub 4}Se{sub 6}]{sub n} (4) is obtained after prolonged reaction time at ambient temperature. The compounds are sensitive towards air and loss of NH{sub 3} or the amine ligands. The crystal structures were determined by single crystal diffraction at low temperatures. As a common structural feature, all compounds represent 1D coordination polymers with polychalcogenide chains as linkers between the metal atoms and consist of infinite [M–Ch{sub m}–]{sub n} chains (M=Zn, Mn; Ch{sub m}=Se{sub 4}, (S/Se){sub 4}, Se{sub 6}). The Zn central atoms in 1–3 have tetrahedral coordination with two amine ligands, the Mn atoms in 4 have octahedral coordination with four amine ligands and cis position of the two Se atoms. Raman spectra of 1–3 show the stretching mode vibrations of the Ch{sub 4} groups. The observation of S–S, S–Se, and Se–Se vibration bands in the spectrum of 3 indicates the presence of mixed S/Se polyanions. An optical band gap of 1.86(5) eV was determined for 2 by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. - Graphical abstract: The reaction of Zn and Se in liquid methylamine yields dark red [Zn(NH{sub 2}CH{sub 3})Se{sub 4}], a 1D coordination polymer consisting of helical Zn–Se{sub 4}–Zn– chains. - Highlights: • A series of 1D coordination polymers consisting of metal amine complexes concatenated by polychalcogenide ions is presented. • Syntheses were performed as solvothermal reactions in liquid ammonia, liquid methylamine and n-butylamine. • Crystal structures are dominated by helices [M–Ch{sub m}]{sub n}. • Raman spectra show the presence of mixed S/Se polyanions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis, crystal structure and electrical proprieties of new phosphate KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9}

Crystals of new tricyclophosphate KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} have been grown from solid state reaction and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} crystallizes in the hexagonal system, space group P6{sup ¯}c2, with a=6.616 (7) Å; c=9.788 (3) Å; V=371.06 (13) Å{sup 3}, Z=2. The final agreement factors are R=0.014, ωR=0.038, S(F{sup 2})=1.231. The structure of the title compound can be described as a three-dimensional framework built up of corner sharing CoO{sub 6} and PO{sub 4} polyhedra containing wide tunnels oriented along [001] direction and others, less broad, along [100] and [010] directions. The structural model was validated by bond valence sum (BVS) and charge distribution (CD) methods. Ball milling was used to reduce the particles sizes of the synthesized powder. At the optimal sintering temperature of 800 °C, a relative density of 85% was obtained. The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The electrical conductivity was 8.4×10{sup −7} S cm{sup −1} and 1.7×10{sup −4} S cm{sup −1} at 480 °C and 680 °C respectively. The activation energy deduced from the slope is 2.2 eV at low temperature region and 1.2 eV at high temperature region. The BVS model is extended to simulate the ionic migration pathways of alkali cations in the anionic framework. The BVS calculation shows one-dimensional pathways migration along c-axis. - Graphical abstract: 1D pathways link K atoms along c-axis with bond valence mismatch |ΔV(K)|=0.8 v.u. - Highlights: • A new single crystal KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} was grown by solid state reaction and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • The purity polycrystalline of KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} sample was verified by Rietveld refinement. • The CIS measurements were optimized and the obtained spectra were fitted by electrical equivalent circuits. • The conduction pathways for the K{sup +} cations are simulated by means of the bond valence sum model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis, structural and electrical properties of a new cobalt arsenate NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10}

The title compound sodium dicobalt triarsenate NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10} has been synthesized by solid state reaction. Crystal structure and electrical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction and complex impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The obtained structural model is supported by charge-distribution (CHARDI) analysis and bond-valence-sum (BVS) validations tools. The structure (triclinic, P−1, a=6.800 (8) Å, b=7.816 (9) Å, c=8.718 (3) Å, α=108.03 (2)°, β=108.48 (3)°, γ=100.11 (2)°) can be described as a three-dimensional framework resulted from corner-connection between cobalt metallic chains running along [−110] and As{sub 3}O{sub 10} groups; the negative charge is balanced by Na{sup +} ions which house the two tunnels parallel to a and b axes. Ball milling was used as mechanical means to reduce the particles sizes of the synthesized powder. At the optimal sintering temperature of 650 °C, 85% of the relative density was obtained. The conductivity measurements show that NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10} is a cationic conductor with an activation energy of 0.48 eV and a conductivity of σ=1.2×10{sup −5} S cm{sup −1} at 310 °C. The BVS model is extended to simulate the ionic migration pathways of alkali cations in the anionic framework. - Graphical abstract: 1D pathways link Na atoms along the a-axis with bond valence mismatch |ΔV(Na)|=0.64 v.u. - Highlights: • A new single crystal NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10} was grown by solid state reaction and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • The purity of the powder sample was verified by Rietveld refinement. • The CIS measurements were optimized and the obtained spectra were fitted by electrical equivalent circuits. • The conduction pathways for Na{sup +} cations are simulated by means of the bond valence sum model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structural and magnetic properties of RTiNO{sub 2} (R=Ce, Pr, Nd) perovskite nitride oxides

Neutron powder diffraction indicates that CeTiNO{sub 2} and PrTiNO{sub 2} crystallize with orthorhombic Pnma symmetry (Ce: a=5.5580(5), b=7.8369(7), and c=5.5830(4) Å; Pr: a=5.5468(5), b=7.8142(5), and c=5.5514(5) Å) as a result of a{sup –}b{sup +}a{sup –} tilting of the titanium-centered octahedra. Careful examination of the NPD data, confirms the absence of long range anion order in both compounds, while apparent superstructure reflections seen in electron diffraction patterns provide evidence for short range anion order. Inverse magnetic susceptibility plots reveal that the RTiNO{sub 2} (R=Ce, Pr, Nd) compounds are paramagnetic with Weiss constants that vary from −28 to −42 K. Effective magnetic moments for RTiNO{sub 2} (R=Ce, Pr, Nd) are 2.43 μ{sub B}, 3.63 μ{sub B}, and 3.47 μ{sub B}, respectively, in line with values expected for free rare-earth ions. Deviations from Curie–Weiss behavior that occur below 150 K for CeTiNO{sub 2} and below 30 K for NdTiNO{sub 2} are driven by magnetic anisotropy, spin–orbit coupling, and crystal field effects. - Graphical abstract: The structure and magnetism of the oxide nitride perovskites RTiNO{sub 2} (R=Ce, Pr, Nd) have been explored. The average symmetry is shown to be Pnma with a random distribution of oxide and nitride ions and a{sup −}b{sup +}a{sup −} tilting of the titanium-centered octahedra, but electron diffraction shows evidence for short range anion order. All three compounds are paramagnetic but deviations from the Curie Weiss law are seen below 150 K for R=Ce and below 30 K for R=Nd. - Highlights: • The oxide nitride perovskites RTiNO{sub 2} (R=Ce, Pr) have been prepared and their structures determined. • Diffraction measurements indicate short range cis-order of O and N, but no long range order. • Compounds are paramagnetic with Weiss constants that vary from −28 to −42 K. • CeTiO{sub 2}N and NdTiO{sub 2}N deviate from Curie–Weiss behavior below 150 and 30 K, respectively.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Association Between Dispatch Complaint and Critical Prehospital Time Intervals in Suspected Stroke 911 Activations in the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, 2012–2016

Emergency Medical Services can help improve stroke outcomes by recognizing stroke symptoms, establishing response priority for 911 calls, and minimizing prehospital delays. This study examines 911 stroke events and evaluates associations between events dispatched as stroke and critical EMS time intervals. Data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, 2012 to 2016, were analyzed. Activations from 911 calls with a primary or secondary provider impression of stroke were included for adult patients transported to a hospital destination. Three prehospital time intervals were evaluated: (1) response time (RT) ≤8 min, (2) on-scene time (OST) ≤15 min, and (3) transport time (TT) ≤12 min. Associations between stroke dispatch complaint and prehospital time intervals were assessed using multivariate regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Approximately 37% of stroke dispatch complaints were identified by EMS as a suspected stroke. Compared to stroke events without a stroke dispatch complaint, median OST was shorter for events with a stroke dispatch (16 min vs. 14 min, respectively). In adjusted analyses, events dispatched as stroke were more likely to meet the EMS time benchmark for OST ≤15 min (OST, 1.20 [1.20–1.21]), but not RT or TT (RT, [1.00–1.01]; TT, 0.95 [0.94–0.95]). Furthermore, our results indicate that dispatcher recognition of stroke symptoms reduces the time spent on-scene by EMS personnel. These findings can inform future EMS stroke education and quality improvement efforts to emphasize dispatcher recognition of stroke signs and symptoms, as EMS dispatchers play a crucial role in optimizing the prehospital response.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy for pancreatic malignancies: Dosimetric comparison with sliding-window intensity-modulated radiotherapy and 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy

Volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) is an iteration of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), both of which deliver highly conformal dose distributions. Studies have shown the superiority of VMAT and IMRT in comparison with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in planning target volume (PTV) coverage and organs-at-risk (OARs) sparing. This is the first study examining the benefits of VMAT in pancreatic cancer for doses more than 55.8 Gy. A planning study comparing 3D-CRT, IMRT, and VMAT was performed in 20 patients with pancreatic cancer. Treatments were planned for a 25-fraction delivery of 45 Gy to a large field followed by a reduced-volume 8-fraction external beam boost to 59.4 Gy in total. OARs and PTV doses, conformality index (CI) deviations from 1.0, monitor units (MUs) delivered, and isodose volumes were compared. IMRT and VMAT CI deviations from 1.0 for the large-field and the boost plans were equivalent (large field: 0.032 and 0.046, respectively; boost: 0.042 and 0.037, respectively; p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Both IMRT and VMAT CI deviations from 1.0 were statistically superior to 3D-CRT (large field: 0.217, boost: 0.177; p < 0.05 for all comparisons). VMAT showed reduction of the mean dose to the boost PTV (VMAT: 61.4 Gy, IMRT: 62.4 Gy, and 3D-CRT: 62.3 Gy; p < 0.05). The mean number of MUs per fraction was significantly lower for VMAT for both the large-field and the boost plans. VMAT delivery time was less than 3 minutes compared with 8 minutes for IMRT. Although no statistically significant dose reduction to the OARs was identified when comparing VMAT with IMRT, VMAT showed a reduction in the volumes of the 100% isodose line for the large-field plans. Dose escalation to 59.4 Gy in pancreatic cancer is dosimetrically feasible with shorter treatment times, fewer MUs delivered, and comparable CIs for VMAT when compared with IMRT.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

A class solution for volumetric-modulated arc therapy planning in postprostatectomy radiotherapy

This study is aimed to test a postprostatectomy volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning class solution. The solution applies to both the progressive resolution optimizer algorithm version 2 (PRO 2) and the algorithm version 3 (PRO 3), addressing the effect of an upgraded algorithm. A total of 10 radical postprostatectomy patients received 68 Gy to 95% of the planning target volume (PTV), which was planned using VMAT. Each case followed a set of planning instructions; including contouring, field setup, and predetermined optimization parameters. Each case was run through both algorithms only once, with no user interaction. Results were averaged and compared against Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0534 end points. In addition, the clinical target volume (CTV) D{sub 100}, PTV D{sub 99}, and PTV mean doses were recorded, along with conformity indices (CIs) (95% and 98%) and the homogeneity index. All cases satisfied PTV D{sub 95} of 68 Gy and a maximum dose < 74.8 Gy. The average result for the PTV D{sub 99} was 64.1 Gy for PRO 2 and 62.1 Gy for PRO 3. The average PTV mean dose for PRO 2 was 71.4 Gy and 71.5 Gy for PRO 3. The CTV D{sub 100} average dose was 67.7 and 68.0 Gy for PRO 2 and PRO 3, respectively. The mean homogeneity index for both algorithms was 0.08. The average 95% CI was 1.17 for PRO 2 and 1.19 for PRO 3. For 98%, the average results were 1.08 and 1.12 for PRO 2 and PRO 3, respectively. All cases for each algorithm met the RTOG organs at risk dose constraints. A successful class solution has been established for prostate bed VMAT radiotherapy regardless of the algorithm used.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

A comparison between radiation therapists and medical specialists in the use of kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography scans for potential lung cancer radiotherapy target verification and adaptation

Target volume matching using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the preferred treatment verification method for lung cancer in many centers. However, radiation therapists (RTs) are trained in bony matching and not soft tissue matching. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RTs were equivalent to radiation oncologists (ROs) and radiologists (RDs) in alignment of the treatment CBCT with the gross tumor volume (GTV) defined at planning and in delineating the GTV on the treatment CBCT, as may be necessary for adaptive radiotherapy. In this study, 10 RTs, 1 RO, and 1 RD performed a manual tumor alignment and correction of the planning GTV to a treatment CBCT to generate an isocenter correction distance for 15 patient data sets. Participants also contoured the GTV on the same data sets. The isocenter correction distance and the contoured GTVs from the RTs were compared with the RD and RO. The mean difference in isocenter correction distances was 0.40 cm between the RO and RD, 0.51 cm between the RTs, and RO and 0.42 cm between the RTs and RD. The 95% CIs were smaller than the equivalence limit of 0.5 cm, indicating that the RTs were equivalent to the RO and RD. For GTV delineation comparisons, the RTs were not found to be equivalent to the RD or RO. The alignment of the planning defined GTV and treatment CBCT using soft tissue matching by the RTs has been shown to be equivalent to those by the RO and RD. However, tumor delineation by the RTs on the treatment CBCT was not equivalent to that of the RO and RD. Thus, it may be appropriate for RTs to undertake soft tissue alignment based on CBCT; however, further investigation may be necessary before RTs undertake delineation for adaptive radiotherapy purposes.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Spectroscopic and computational analysis of the molecular interactions in the ionic liquid ion pair [BMP]+[TFSI]-

1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMP]{sup +}[TFSI]{sup -}) ion pairs were studied using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31 + G(d) level. Nine locally stable conformations of the ion pair were located. In the most stable conformation, [TFSI]{sup -} takes a cis conformation and lies below the pyrrolidinium ring. Atoms-in-molecules (AIM) and electron density analysis indicated the existence of nine hydrogen bonds. Interaction energies were recalculated at the Second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) level to show the importance of dispersion interaction. Further investigation through natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis provided insight into the importance of charge transfer interactions in the ion pair. Harmonic vibrations of the ion pair were calculated and compared with vibrations of the free ions as well as the experimental infrared spectrum. Assignments and frequency shifts are discussed in light of the inter-ionic interactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Unveiling the electronic structure and chemical bonding of the deprotonated cisplatin anion [(NH 3 )(NH 2 )PtCl 2 ] − via low-temperature photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations

The dehydrogenated cisplatin anion, [(NH 3 )(NH 2 )PtCl 2 ] − , was investigated via low-temperature photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Seven and four spectral peaks are respectively resolved at 193 and 266 nm, yielding rich electronic structure information for both the anion and neutral. From the threshold and maximum of the lowest electron binding energy band, the experimental adiabatic (ADE) and vertical detachment energies (VDE) are determined to be 3.3 ± 0.1 and 3.525 ± 0.025 eV, respectively. Theoretical calculations indicate the dominant isomer adopting a cis-geometry, in which the platinum center is coplanar with two chlorine and two nitrogen ligands. The calculated VDE of 3.54 eV based on this structure agrees well with the experimental value. Charge analyses reveal that the excess electron in the anion is primarily localized on the Pt and Cl atoms. A suite of theoretical analysis tools was employed to elucidate the bonding characteristics and interaction strength between Pt and its ligands.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗