Quantitative dual-energy CT as a nondestructive tool to identify indicators for fossilized bone in vertebrate paleontology.

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique that combines nondestructive morphological cross-sectional imaging of objects and the quantification of their chemical composition. However, its potential to assist investigations in paleontology has not yet been explored. This study investigates quantitative DECT for the nondestructive density- and element-based material decomposition of fossilized bones. Specifically, DECT was developed and validated for imaging-based calcium and fluorine quantification in bones of five fossil vertebrates from different geological time periods and of one extant vertebrate. The analysis shows that DECT material maps can differentiate bone from surrounding sediment and reveals fluorine as an imaging marker for fossilized bone and a reliable indicator of the age of terrestrial fossils. Moreover, the jaw bone mass of Tyrannosaurus rex showed areas of particularly high fluorine concentrations on DECT, while conventional CT imaging features supported the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. These findings highlight the relevance of radiological imaging techniques in the natural sciences by introducing quantitative DECT imaging as a nondestructive approach for material decomposition in fossilized objects, thereby potentially adding to the toolbox of paleontological studies.

Gas-Phase Ion Chemistry of Metalloporphyrin Anions with Molecular Oxygen: Probing the Influence of the Oxidation and Spin State of the Central Transition Metal by Experiment and Theory.

We performed a comprehensive gas-phase experimental and quantum-chemical study of the binding properties of molecular oxygen to iron and manganese porphyrin anions. Temperature-dependent ion-molecule reaction kinetics as probed in a Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer reveal that molecular oxygen is bound by, respectively, 40.8 ± 1.4 and 67.4 ± 2.2 kJ mol-1 to the FeII or MnII centers of isolated tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)metalloporphyrin tetraanions. In contrast, FeIII and MnIII trianion homologues were found to be much less reactive-indicating an upper bound to their dioxygen binding energies of 34 kJ mol-1. We modeled the corresponding O2 adsorbates at the density functional theory and CASPT2 levels. These quantum-chemical calculations verified the stronger O2 binding on the FeII or MnII centers and suggested that O2 binds as a superoxide anion.

Cranial symmetry in baleen whales (Cetacea, Mysticeti) and the occurrence of cranial asymmetry throughout cetacean evolution.

Odontoceti and Mysticeti (toothed and baleen whales) originated from Eocene archaeocetes that had evolved from terrestrial artiodactyls. Cranial asymmetry is known in odontocetes that can hear ultrasound (>20,000 Hz) and has been linked to the split function of the nasal passage in breathing and vocalization. Recent results indicate that archaeocetes also had asymmetric crania. Their asymmetry has been linked to directional hearing in water, although hearing frequencies are still under debate. Mysticetes capable of low-frequency and infrasonic hearing (<20 Hz) are assumed to have symmetric crania. This study aims to resolve whether mysticete crania are indeed symmetric and whether mysticete cranial symmetry is plesiomorphic or secondary. Cranial shape was analyzed applying geometric morphometrics to three-dimensional (3D) cranial models of fossil and modern mysticetes, Eocene archaeocetes, modern artiodactyls, and modern odontocetes. Statistical tests include analysis of variance, principal components analysis, and discriminant function analysis. Results suggest that symmetric shape difference reflects general trends in cetacean evolution. Asymmetry includes significant fluctuating and directional asymmetry, the latter being very small. Mysticete crania are as symmetric as those of terrestrial artiodactyls and archaeocetes, without significant differences within Mysticeti. Odontocete crania are more asymmetric. These results indicate that (1) all mysticetes have symmetric crania, (2) archaeocete cranial asymmetry is not conspicuous in most of the skull but may yet be conspicuous in the rostrum, (3) directional cranial asymmetry is an odontocete specialization, and (4) directional cranial asymmetry is more likely related to echolocation than hearing.

Prenatal cranial ossification of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

Being descendants of small terrestrial ungulate mammals, whales underwent enormous transformations during their evolutionary history, that is, extensive changes in anatomy, physiology, and behavior were evolved during secondary adaptations to life in water. However, still only little is known about whale ontogenetic development, which help to identify the timing and sequence of critical evolutionary events, such as modification of the cetacean ear. This is particularly true for baleen whales (Mysticeti), the group including the humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae. We use high-resolution X-ray computed tomography to reinvestigate humpback whale fetuses from the Kükenthal collection at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, thus, extending historic descriptions of their skeletogenesis and providing for the first time sequences of cranial ossification for this species. Principally, the ossification sequence of prenatal Megaptera follows a typical mammalian pattern with the anterior dermal bones being the first ossifying elements in the skull, starting with the dentary. In contrast to other mammals, the ectotympanic bone ossifies at an early stage. Alveolar structure can be observed in both the maxillae and dentaries in these early prenatal specimens but evidence for teeth is lacking. Although the possibility of obtaining new embryological material is unlikely due to conservation issues, our study shows that reexamination of existing specimens employing new technologies still holds promise for filling gaps in our knowledge of whale evolution and ontogeny.

The mixed gold-palladium polyoxo-noble-metalate [NaAu(III)4Pd(II)8O8(AsO4)8](11-).

The first fully inorganic, discrete gold-palladium-oxo complex [NaAu(III) 4 Pd(II) 8 O8 (AsO4 )8 ](11-) has been synthesized in aqueous medium. The combination of single-crystal XRD, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and DFT calculations allowed establishing the structure and composition of the novel polyanion, and UV/Vis studies suggest that it is stable in neutral aqueous media.

Ion mobility spectrometry, infrared dissociation spectroscopy, and ab initio computations toward structural characterization of the deprotonated leucine-enkephalin peptide anion in the gas phase.

Although the sequencing of protonated proteins and peptides with tandem mass spectrometry has blossomed into a powerful means of characterizing the proteome, much less effort has been directed at their deprotonated analogues, which can offer complementary sequence information. We present a unified approach to characterize the structure and intermolecular interactions present in the gas-phase pentapeptide leucine-enkephalin anion by several vibrational spectroscopy schemes as well as by ion-mobility spectrometry, all of which are analyzed with the help of quantum-chemical computations. The picture emerging from this study is that deprotonation takes place at the C terminus. In this configuration, the excess charge is stabilized by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds to two backbone amide groups and thus provides a detailed picture of a potentially common charge accommodation motif in peptide anions.

All-round robustness of the Mn19 coordination cluster system: experimental validation of a theoretical prediction.

Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that achieving the maximum possible ground spin state of ST = 83/2 for the mixed-valent Mn19 coordination cluster is insensitive to replacement of its eight µ3-N3 ligands by µ3-Cl, µ3-Br, µ3-OH or µ3-OMe, substantiating that the ferromagnetic interactions are indeed mediated mainly by the internal (µ4-O) ligands. The robustness of the inorganic {Mn(III)12Mn(II)7(µ4-O)8} core is clear from the molecular structure and ESI-MS studies have shown that the structure of the Mn19 aggregate, and also of its Mn18Y analogue, are stable beyond the solid state.

Conformer-selective photoelectron spectroscopy of α-lactalbumin derived multianions in the gas phase.

We have recorded conformer-selective, gas-phase photoelectron spectra of α-lactalbumin derived multianions generated by electrospraying solutions of both the native protein and its denatured form (as prepared by breaking the sulfur-sulfur bonds by chemical reduction). Three different groups of gas-phase multianion conformers have been observed and characterized. Highly-folded and partially-unfolded structures are obtained from solutions of the native protein. Only highly-elongated conformers are observed upon electrospraying the denatured protein. Adiabatic detachment energies were determined at several negative charge states for each conformer group. In comparison to highly-elongated conformations, highly-folded structures show a steeper decrease of electron binding energy with increasing negative charge. By comparing experimental detachment energies for highly-elongated structures with the predictions of a simple electrostatic model calculation, we have determined the effective dielectric shielding constant.

Evidence of spondyloarthropathy in the spine of a phytosaur (Reptilia: Archosauriformes) from the Late Triassic of Halberstadt, Germany.

Pathologies in the skeleton of phytosaurs, extinct archosauriform reptiles restricted to the Late Triassic, have only been rarely described. The only known postcranial pathologies of a phytosaur are two pairs of fused vertebrae of "Angistorhinopsis ruetimeyeri" from Halberstadt, Germany, as initially described by the paleontologist Friedrich von Huene. These pathologic vertebrae are redescribed in more detail in this study in the light of modern paleopathologic methods. Four different pathologic observations can be made in the vertebral column of this individual: 1) fusion of two thoracic vertebral bodies by new bone formation within the synovial membrane and articular capsule of the intervertebral joint; 2) fusion and conspicuous antero-posterior shortening of last presacral and first sacral vertebral bodies; 3) destruction and erosion of the anterior articular surface of the last presacral vertebra; and 4) a smooth depression on the ventral surface of the fused last presacral and first sacral vertebral bodies. Observations 1-3 can most plausibly and parsimoniously be attributed to one disease: spondyloarthropathy, an aseptic inflammatory process in which affected vertebrae show typical types of reactive new bone formation and erosion of subchondral bone. The kind of vertebral shortening present in the fused lumbosacral vertebrae suggests that the phytosaur acquired this disease in its early life. Observation 4, the smooth ventral depression in the fused lumbosacral vertebrae, is most probably not connected to the spondyloarthropathy, and can be regarded as a separate abnormality. It remains of uncertain origin, but may be the result of pressure, perhaps caused by a benign mass such as an aneurysm or cyst of unknown type. Reports of spondyloarthropathy in Paleozoic and Mesozoic reptiles are still exceptional, and our report of spondyloarthropathy in fossil material from Halberstadt is the first unequivocal occurrence of this disease in a Triassic tetrapod and in a phytosaur.

Heterobimetallic cuprates consisting of a redox-switchable, silicon-based metalloligand: synthesis, structures, and electronic properties.

A series of bimetallic silyl halido cuprates consisting of the new tripodal silicon-based metalloligand [κ(3)N-Si(3,5-Me2pz)3Mo(CO)3](-) is presented (pz = pyrazolyl). This metalloligand is straightforwardly accessible by reacting the ambidentate ligand tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)silanide ({Si(3,5-Me2pz)3}(-)) with [Mo(CO)3(η(6)-toluene)]. The compound features a fac-coordinated tripodal chelating ligand and an outward pointing, "free" pyramidal silyl donor, which is easily accessible for a secondary coordination to other metal centers. Several bimetallic silyl halido cuprates of the general formula [CuX{µ-κ(1)Si:κ(3)N-Si(3,5-Me2pz)3Mo(CO)3}](-) (X = Cl, Br, I) have been synthesized. The electronic and structural properties of these complexes were probed in detail by X-ray diffraction analysis, electrospray mass spectrometry, infrared-induced multiphoton dissociation studies, cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The heterobimetallic complexes contain linear two-coordinate copper(I) entities with the shortest silicon-copper distances reported so far. Oxidation of the anionic complexes in methylene chloride and acetonitrile solutions at E(1/2)(0( = -0.60 and -0.44 V (vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc(+))), respectively, shows substantial reversibility. Based on various results obtained from different characterization methods, as well as density functional theory calculations, these oxidation events were attributed to the Mo(0)/Mo(I) redox couple.

Molecular daisy chains: synthesis and aggregation studies of an amphiphilic molecular rod.

A water-soluble cyclophane as the loop subunit, monofunctionalized with a molecular rod, has been synthesized to introduce a new binding motif for mechanically interlinked oligomers. It has been demonstrated that this hermaphroditic compound forms [c2]daisy chains in polar solvent over a wide range of concentrations. Furthermore, evidence for the formation of higher mechanically interlinked oligomers above the critical aggregation concentration has been obtained.

Spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of adenosine 5'-diphosphate and adenosine 5'-triphosphate dianions in the gas phase.

Doubly deprotonated adenosine 5'-diphosphate ([ADP-2H](2-)) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate ([ATP-2H](2-)) dianions were investigated using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) and photoelectron spectroscopy. Vibrational spectra acquired in the X-H stretch region (X = C, N, O) and augmented by isotope-labelling were compared to density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/TZVPP level. This suggests that in [ATP-2H](2-) the two phosphate groups adjacent to the ribose ring are preferentially deprotonated. Photoelectron spectra recorded at 4.66 and 6.42 eV photon energies revealed adiabatic detachment energies of 1.35 eV for [ADP-2H](2-) and 3.35 eV for [ATP-2H](2-). Repulsive Coulomb barriers were estimated at ~2.2 eV for [ADP-2H](2-) and ~1.9 eV for [ATP-2H](2-). Time-dependent DFT calculations have been used to simulate the photoelectron spectra. Photodetachment occurs primarily from lone pair orbitals on oxygen atoms within the phosphate chain.

The selenite-capped polyoxo-4-aurate(III), [Au(III)4O4(Se(IV)O3)4]4-.

The discrete heteropolyaurate [Au(III)(4)O(4)(Se(IV)O(3))(4)](4-) (Au(4)Se(4)) represents only the second member of this class ever reported, and was synthesized via one-pot room temperature condensation in aqueous medium. was structurally characterized in the solid state and in solution by single-crystal XRD, TGA, FT-IR, (77)Se NMR, mass spectrometry and electrochemistry.

Probing electrostatic interactions and structural changes in highly charged protein polyanions by conformer-selective photoelectron spectroscopy.

We have recorded the first conformer-selective photoelectron spectra of a protein polyanion in the gas-phase. Bovine cytochrome c protein was studied in 8 different negative charge states ranging from 5- to 12-. Electron binding energies were extracted for all charge states and used as a direct probe of intramolecular Coulomb repulsion. Comparison of experimental results with simulations shows that the experimental outcome can be reproduced with a simple electrostatic model. Energetics are consistent with a structural transition from a folded to an unfolded conformational state of the protein as the number of charges increases. Furthermore, the additional ion-mobility data show that the onset of unfolding can be assigned to charge state 6- where three conformers can be distinguished.

Heating a bowl of single-molecule-soup: structure and desorption energetics of water-encapsulated open-cage [60] fullerenoid anions in the gas-phase.

The gas-phase unimolecular decay kinetics of an anionic, open-cage [60] fullerene derivative encapsulating one water molecule is studied by means of black-body IR radiation induced dissociation (BIRD) in the temperature programmable ion trap of a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. The primary reaction channel observed is escape of the water molecule from the fullerenoid bowl. The rate constants for this water loss as a function of temperature are evaluated using the Arrhenius equation to yield an activation energy of 104 ± 4 kJ mol(-1). A complementary ion mobility spectrometry study contrasting the water-encapsulated and the empty fullerene cages finds identical collision cross sections to within experimental error-supporting the structural assignment of this gas-phase anion as an endohedral (i.e. encapsulated) species. Both experiments were compared with quantum-chemical computations which well-describe the transition state for water desorption and the concomitant binding and activation energies.

Bistrimethylsilylamide transition-metal complexes as starting reagents in the synthesis of ternary Cd-Mn-Se cluster complexes.

The use of bis-trimethylsilylamide transition-metal complexes soluble in organic solvents offers new perspectives for the synthesis of metal chalcogenide cluster molecules, especially for multicomponent clusters. This is illustrated by the synthesis of the mixed cadmium-manganese chalcogenide clusters [Cd(4)Mn(6)Se(4)(SePh)(12)(P(n)Pr(3))(4)] and [Cd(4)Mn(4)S(SePh)(14)(P(n)Pr(3))(2)] as reported here. These cluster molecules display interesting properties, such as a photoluminescence in the red to near-infrared spectral region, which is particularly bright at temperatures below approximately 100 K, and an antiferromagnetic coupling between the manganese(II) ions. Electrospray Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectra from the chemically charged clusters in solution show several ionic cluster species which indicate a fast Cd/Mn exchange in solution. Furthermore, single crystal X-ray analysis and magnetic measurements supported by density functional theory calculations suggest a cocrystallization of structural isomers of the ideal cluster composition [Cd(4)Mn(4)S(SePh)(14)(P(n)Pr(3))(2)] as well as of species with the general formula [Cd(4+x)Mn(4-x)S(SePh)(14)(P(n)Pr(3))(2)] (x < 0 Mn enrichment; x > 0 Cd enrichment) without a significant decrease in the stability. Thermal cleavage of [Cd(4)Mn(6)Se(4)(SePh)(12)(P(n)Pr(3))(4)] results, in agreement with the CdSe/MnSe phase diagram, in the formation of a mixture of a hexagonal phase Cd(1-x)Mn(x)Se (x approximately 0.5) and a cubic phase Mn(1-x)Cd(x)Se (x < 0.05).

Determining the size-dependent structure of ligand-free gold-cluster ions.

Ligand-free metal clusters can be prepared over a wide size range, but only in comparatively small amounts. Determining their size-dependent properties has therefore required the development of experimental methods that allow characterization of sample sizes comprising only a few thousand mass-selected particles under well-defined collision-free conditions. In this review, we describe the application of these methods to the geometric structural determination of Au(n)(+) and Au(n)(-) with n = 3-20. Geometries were assigned by comparing experimental data, primarily from ion-mobility spectrometry and trapped ion electron diffraction, to structural models from quantum chemical calculations.