Co(II)-doped hybrid Zn(II) tetraborate complexes, [ZnxCo(1-x)(1,3-dap)B4O7] (1,3-dap = 1,3-diaminopropane): BET analysis and N2/H2O/D2O adsorption studies.

A series of mono/bimetallic isostructural hybrid tetraborates of the general formula [ZnxCo(1-x)(1,3-dap)B4O7] has been prepared using a solvothermal method. Their adsorption/desorption curves for H2O and D2O demonstrate that these materials have a stronger affinity for H2O than for D2O and enrich the D2O content of D2O/H2O mixtures.

Synthesis and Thermal Studies of Two Phosphonium Tetrahydroxidohexaoxidopentaborate(1-) Salts: Single-Crystal XRD Characterization of [iPrPPh3][B5O6(OH)4]·3.5H2O and [MePPh3][B5O6(OH)4]·B(OH)3·0.5H2O.

Two substituted phosphonium tetrahydoxidohexaoxidopentaborate(1-) salts, [iPrPPh3][B5O6(OH)4]·3.5H2O (1) and [MePPh3][B5O6(OH)4]·B(OH)3·0.5H2O (2), were prepared by templated self-assembly processes with good yields by crystallization from basic methanolic aqueous solutions primed with B(OH)3 and the appropriate phosphonium cation. Salts 1 and 2 were characterized by spectroscopic (NMR and IR) and thermal (TGA/DSC) analysis. Salts 1 and 2 were thermally decomposed in air at 800 °C to glassy solids via the anhydrous phosphonium polyborates that are formed at lower temperatures (<300 °C). BET analysis of the anhydrous and pyrolysed materials indicated they were non-porous with surface areas of 0.2-2.75 m2/g. Rhe recrystallization of 1 and 2 from aqueous solution afforded crystals suitable for single-crystal XRD analyses. The structure of 1 comprises alternating cationic/anionic layers with the H2O/pentaborate(1-) planes held together by H-bonds. The cationic planes have offset face-to-face (off) and vertex-to-face (vf) aromatic ring interactions with the iPr groups oriented towards the pentaborate(1-)/H2O layers. The anionic lattice in 2 is expanded by the inclusion of B(OH)3 molecules to accommodate the large cations; this results in the formation of a stacked pentaborate(1-)/B(OH)3 structure with channels occupied by the cations. The cations within the channels have vf, ef (edge-to-face), and off phenyl embraces. Both H-bonding and phenyl embrace interactions are important in stabilizing these two solid-state structures.

Structural (XRD) Characterization and an Analysis of H-Bonding Motifs in Some Tetrahydroxidohexaoxidopentaborate(1-) Salts of N-Substituted Guanidinium Cations.

The synthesis and characterization of six new substituted guanidium tetrahydroxidohexaoxidopentaborate(1-) salts are reported: [C(NH2)2(NHMe)][B5O6(OH)4]·H2O (1), [C(NH2)2(NH{NH2})][B5O6(OH)4] (2), [C(NH2)2(NMe2)][B5O6(OH)4] (3), [C(NH2)(NMe2)2][B5O6(OH)4] (4), [C(NHMe)(NMe2)2][B5O6(OH)4]·B(OH)3 (5), and [TBDH][B5O6(OH)4] (6) (TBD = 1,5,7-triazabicyclo [4.4.0]dec-5-ene). Compounds 1-6 were prepared as crystalline salts from basic aqueous solution via self-assembly processes from B(OH)3 and the appropriate substituted cation. Compounds 1-6 were characterized by spectroscopic (NMR and IR) and by single-crystal XRD studies. A thermal (TGA) analysis on compounds 1-3 and 6 demonstrated that they thermally decomposed via a multistage process to B2O3 at >650 °C. The low temperature stage (<250 °C) was endothermic and corresponded to a loss of H2O. Reactant stoichiometry, solid-state packing, and H-bonding interactions are all important in assembling these structures. An analysis of H-bonding motifs in known unsubstituted guanidinium salts [C(NH2)3]2[B4O5(OH)4]·2H2O, [C(NH2)3][B5O6(OH)4]·H2O, and [C(NH2)3]3[B9O12(OH)6] and in compounds 1-6 revealed that two important H-bonding R22(8) motifs competed to stabilize the observed structures. The guanidinium cation formed charge-assisted pincer cation-anion H-bonded rings as a major motif in [C(NH2)3]2[B4O5(OH)4]·2H2O and [C(NH2)3]3[B9O12(OH)6], whereas the anion-anion ring motif was dominant in [C(NH2)3][B5O6(OH)4]·H2O and in compounds 1-6. This behaviour was consistent with the stoichiometry of the salt and packing effects also strongly influencing their solid-state structures.

Recent Advances in Crystalline Oxidopolyborate Complexes of d-Block or p-Block Metals: Structural Aspects, Syntheses, and Physical Properties.

Crystalline materials containing hybrid inorganic-organic metal borates (complexes with oxidoborate ligands) display a variety of novel framework building blocks. The structural aspects of these hybrid metallaoxidoborates containing Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ga(III), In(III), Mn(II), Ni(II) or Zn(II) metal centers are discussed in this review. The review describes synthetic approaches to these hybrid materials, their physical properties, their spectroscopic properties and their potential applications.

RIG-I-Like Receptor LGP2 Is Required for Tumor Control by Radiotherapy.

Dendritic cells (DC) play an essential role in innate immunity and radiation-elicited immune responses. LGP2 is a RIG-I-like receptor involved in cytoplasmic RNA recognition and antiviral responses. Although LGP2 has also been linked to cell survival of both tumor cells and T cells, the role of LGP2 in mediating DC function and antitumor immunity elicited by radiotherapy remains unclear. Here, we report that tumor DCs are linked to the clinical outcome of patients with breast cancer who received radiotherapy, and the presence of DC correlates with gene expression of LGP2 in the tumor microenvironment. In preclinical models, host LGP2 was essential for optimal antitumor control by ionizing radiation (IR). The absence of LGP2 in DC dampened type I IFN production and the priming capacity of DC. In the absence of LGP2, MDA5-mediated activation of type I IFN signaling was abrogated. The MDA5/LGP2 agonist high molecular weight poly I:C improved the antitumor effect of IR. This study reveals a previously undefined role of LGP2 in host immunity and provides a new strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal an essential role of LGP2 in promoting antitumor immunity after radiotherapy and provide a new strategy to enhance radiotherapy.

4-Hydroxyacetophenone modulates the actomyosin cytoskeleton to reduce metastasis.

Metastases are the cause of the vast majority of cancer deaths. In the metastatic process, cells migrate to the vasculature, intravasate, extravasate, and establish metastatic colonies. This pattern of spread requires the cancer cells to change shape and to navigate tissue barriers. Approaches that block this mechanical program represent new therapeutic avenues. We show that 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) inhibits colon cancer cell adhesion, invasion, and migration in vitro and reduces the metastatic burden in an in vivo model of colon cancer metastasis to the liver. Treatment with 4-HAP activates nonmuscle myosin-2C (NM2C) (MYH14) to alter actin organization, inhibiting the mechanical program of metastasis. We identify NM2C as a specific therapeutic target. Pharmacological control of myosin isoforms is a promising approach to address metastatic disease, one that may be readily combined with other therapeutic strategies.

Pentaborate(1-) Salts and a Tetraborate(2-) Salt Derived from C2- or C3-Linked Bis(alkylammonium) Dications: Synthesis, Characterization, and Structural (XRD) Studies.

The synthesis of a number of pentaborate(1-) salts from cations arising from N-substituted α,α-, α,ß-, and α,γ-diaminoalkanes has been attempted in aqueous solution from B(OH)3 and the appropriate diammine in a 10:1 ratio. Despite relatively mild work-up conditions the pentaborate(1-) salts prepared were not always as anticipated and the following compounds were isolated in good yield: [Me2NH(CH2)2NHMe2][B5O6(OH)4]2 (1), [Et2NH(CH2)2NHEt2][B5O6(OH)4]2 (2), [Et2NH2][B5O6(OH)4] (3), [Me2NH2][B5O6(OH)4] (4), [Me2NH(CH2)3NHMe2][B5O6(OH)4]2 (5), [Et2NH(CH2)3NHEt2][B5O6(OH)4]2 (6), [Me3NCH2CH=CH2][B5O6(OH)4] (7), and [Me3N(CH2)3NMe3] [B5O6(OH)4]2.0.5H2O (8). The tetraborate(2-) salt, [Me3N(CH2)2NMe3][B4O5(OH)4].2B(OH)3.2H2O (9) was obtained in moderate yield (41%) from a 3:1 reaction of B(OH)3 with [Me3N(CH2)2NMe3](OH)2. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopy (1H, 11B, 13C NMR and IR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). BET analysis on materials derived thermally from selected samples (1, 2, 6, 7) all had porosities of < 1 m2/g, demonstrating that they were non-porous. Single-crystal XRD structures were obtained for 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9 and all contain extensive H-bonded polyborate lattices.

Synthesis, XRD Studies and NLO Properties of [p-H2NC6H4CH2NH3][B5O6(OH)4]·1/2H2O and NLO Properties of Some Related Pentaborate(1-) Salts.

The non-metal cation pentaborate(1-) salt [p-H2NC6H4CH2NH3][B5O6(OH)4]·1/2H2O (1) was synthesised from B(OH)3 and p-H2NC6H4CH2NH2 and crystallized from aqueous solution. Compound 1 was characterized by thermal (TGA/DSC), spectroscopic (IR, NMR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods and it was found to crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric point group P21. Powder SHG measurements on 1 and some related alkylammonium pentaborate salts, [NH3CMe2(CH2OH)][B5O6(OH)4], [NH3CMe(CH2OH)2][B5O6(OH)4] and [NH3CHMeCH2OH][B5O6(OH)4], a substituted imidazolium salt, [1,2,3-Me3C3H2N2][B5O6(OH)4], a substituted piperidinium salt, [(CH2)5NH(CH2CH2OH)][B5O6(OH)4], and a substituted pyrrolidinium salt, [S-(+)-2-(HOCH2)C4H7NH2][B5O6(OH)4], were determined. Compound 1 and all compounds, except [1,2,3-Me3C3H2N2][B5O6(OH)4], showed some weak SHG activity with SHG efficiencies of 0.1-0.2 relative to that of KH2PO4 (KDP).

Pentaborate(1-) salts templated by substituted pyrrolidinium cations: synthesis, structural characterization, and modelling of solid-state H-bond interactions by DFT calculations.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of pentaborate(1-) salts of substituted pyrrolidinium cations [C4H8NH2][B5O6(OH)4] (), [C4H8NMe2][B5O6(OH)4] () [C4H8NMeH][B5O6(OH)4] (), [(2-CH2OH)C4H7NH2][B5O6(OH)4] () is reported. All compounds were characterized by single-crystal XRD studies with (1/2CH3COCH3) and (1/2H2O) solvated. TGA/DSC analysis of the pentaborates showed that they thermally decomposed in air at 800 °C to 2.5 B2O3, in a 2 step process involving dehydration (<250 °C) and oxidative decomposition (250-600 °C). BET analysis of materials derived thermally from the pentaborates and had internal porosities of <1 m(2) g(-1), indicating they were non-porous. All compounds show extensive supramolecular H-bonded anionic lattices. H-bond interactions are described in detail and motifs found in these and in other pentaborate structures have been examined and modelled by DFT calculations. These calculations confirm that H-bonds interactions in pentaborates are moderately strong (ca. -10 to -21 kJ mol(-1)) and are likely to dominate the energetics of their templated syntheses.

A new decaoxidooctaborate(2-) anion, [B8O10(OH)6](2-): synthesis and characterization of [Co(en)3][B5O6(OH)4][B8O10(OH)6)]·5H2O (en = 1,2-diaminoethane).

The synthesis and X-ray diffraction structure of [Co(en)3][B5O6(OH)4][B8O10(OH)6]·5H2O (1) are reported. Compound 1 arises through a selective-templating process from a Dynamic Combinatorial Library of polyborate anions. Compound 1 contains two different polyborate species, with [B8O10(OH)6](2-) being particularly novel. It is comprised of fused tetraborate and pentaborate anions with a 4-coordinate B atom and a 3-coordinate O atom in common.

Radiation-induced equilibrium is a balance between tumor cell proliferation and T cell-mediated killing.

Local failures following radiation therapy are multifactorial, and the contributions of the tumor and the host are complex. Current models of tumor equilibrium suggest that a balance exists between cell birth and cell death due to insufficient angiogenesis, immune effects, or intrinsic cellular factors. We investigated whether host immune responses contribute to radiation-induced tumor equilibrium in animal models. We report an essential role for immune cells and their cytokines in suppressing tumor cell regrowth in two experimental animal model systems. Depletion of T cells or neutralization of IFN-γ reversed radiation-induced equilibrium, leading to tumor regrowth. We also demonstrate that PD-L1 blockade augments T cell responses, leading to rejection of tumors in radiation-induced equilibrium. We identify an active interplay between tumor cells and immune cells that occurs in radiation-induced tumor equilibrium and suggest a potential role for disruption of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in increasing local tumor control.

Tumor endothelial inflammation predicts clinical outcome in diverse human cancers.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial cells contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases by actively regulating the stromal inflammatory response; however, little is known regarding the role of endothelial inflammation in the growth of human tumors and its influence on the prognosis of human cancers. METHODS: Using an experimental model of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-mediated inflammation, we characterized inflammatory gene expression in immunopurified tumor-associated endothelial cells. These genes formed the basis of a multivariate molecular predictor of overall survival that was trained and validated in four types of human cancer. RESULTS: We report that expression of experimentally derived tumor endothelial genes distinguished pathologic tissue specimens from normal controls in several human diseases associated with chronic inflammation. We trained these genes in human cancer datasets and defined a six-gene inflammatory signature that predicted significantly reduced overall survival in breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and glioma. This endothelial-derived signature predicted outcome independently of, but cooperatively with, standard clinical and pathological prognostic factors. Consistent with these findings, conditioned culture media from human endothelial cells stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines accelerated the growth of human colon and breast tumors in immunodeficient mice as compared with conditioned media from untreated endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first prognostic cancer gene signature derived from an experimental model of tumor-associated endothelial inflammation. These findings support the notion that activation of inflammatory pathways in non-malignant tumor-infiltrating endothelial cells contributes to tumor growth and progression in multiple human cancers. Importantly, these results identify endothelial-derived factors that could serve as potential targets for therapy in diverse human cancers.

Templated heptaborate and pentaborate salts of cyclo-alkylammonium cations: structural and thermal properties.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of cyclo-alkylammonium pentaborate salts {[cyclo-C(n)H(2n-1)NR(3)][B(5)O(6)(OH)(4)] (R = H, n = 3, 5-7 (1-4); R = Me, n = 6 (5))} are reported. Compounds 1, 2 and 5 have been further characterized by single-crystal XRD studies. Attempted recrystallization of 3 and 4 yielded small crops of the unexpected heptaborate salts, [cyclo-C(6)H(11)NH(3)](2)[B(7)O(9)(OH)(5)]·3H(2)O·B(OH)(3) (6) and [cyclo-C(7)H(13)NH(3)](2)[B(7)O(9)(OH)(5)]·2H(2)O·2B(OH)(3) (7) which were also characterized crystallographically. All compounds show extensive supramolecular H-bonded anionic lattices templated by the cations. H-bond interactions are described in detail. TGA-DSC analysis of the pentaborates 1-5 showed that they thermally decomposed in air at 800 °C to 2.5B(2)O(3), in a 2 step process involving dehydration (<250 °C) and oxidative decomposition (250-600 °C). BET analysis of materials derived from the pentaborates had internal porosities of <1 m(2) g(-1).

Synthesis and structural characterization of an unprecedented nonmetal cation polyborate salt containing two different "isolated" polyborate anions: [H2en]2[B4O5(OH)4][B7O9(OH)5]·3H2O (en = H2NCH2CH2NH2).

The nonmetal cation polyborate salt of stoichiometry [H(2)en](2)[B(11)O(18)(OH)]·7H(2)O is obtained from the reaction of 1,2-diaminoethane and boric acid (1:5 ratio) in H(2)O/MeOH. An X-ray crystallographic study of the product reveals that the polyborate moiety is composed of two isolated hydrated polyborate anions: [B(4)O(5)(OH)(4)](2-) and [B(7)O(9)(OH)(5)](2-). The structure is templated by the cations with the anions forming a supramolecular H-bonded network, augmented by additional H-bonds involving the waters of crystallization and the cations.

Mg ATP and antioxidants augment the radioprotective effect of surfactant copolymers.

Mediated by reactive oxygen species, the damaging effects of high-intensity ionizing irradiation on tissues are dose, frequency, oxygen concentration, and tissue property dependent. Intense ionizing irradiation exposure may cause rapid cellular necrosis by peroxidation of membrane lipids leading to membrane disruption. This leads to a loss of the transmembrane ionic gradients and a subsequent depletion of the cellular ATP store, followed by cellular generation of reactive oxygen species. When membrane disruption is extensive, acute cellular necrosis follows. Triblock copolymer surfactants, such as Poloxamer 188 (P188), are able to seal damaged rhabdomyocyte membranes, increasing post-irradiation viability. Separated rat rhabdomyocytes were exposed to 40 Gy (Co 1.5 Gy min) irradiation and treated at 20 min intervals with combination permutations of P188, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Mg-ATP. Cell viability at 18 and 48 h was determined using Calcein-AM and Ethidium Homodimer-1 staining. At 18 h after irradiation, the combined administration of P188, ATP, and NAC restored cell viability rates to near sham-exposed levels of 60%. At 48 h post-irradiation, cell viability dropped substantially to the 7-20% range, regardless of attempted intervention. Nevertheless, the combination of P188, ATP, and NAC more than doubled cell viability at the 48-h time point. Neither 8 kDa polyethylene glycol nor 10 kDa neutral dextran was as effective in enhancing cell viability. These results indicate that antioxidants and cellular energy substrates improve the efficacy of membrane-sealing copolymer surfactants in prolonging cellular viability following massive radiation exposure.

Response of human prostate cancer cells and tumors to combining PARP inhibition with ionizing radiation.

Radiation therapy remains a promising modality for curative treatment of localized prostate cancer, but dose-limiting toxicities significantly limit its effectiveness. Agents that enhance efficacy at lower radiation doses might have considerable value in increasing tumor control without compromising organ function. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the PARP inhibitor ABT-888 (veliparib) can enhance the response of prostate cancer cells and tumors to ionizing radiation (IR). Following exposure of DU-145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines to the combination of 10 µmol/L ABT-888 and 6 Gy, we observed similar persistence between both cell lines of DNA damage foci and in vitro radiosensitization. We have previously observed that persistent DNA damage foci formed after ABT-888 plus IR efficiently promote accelerated cell senescence, but only PC-3 cells displayed the expected senescent response of G(2)-M arrest, induction of p21 and ß-galactosidase expression, and accumulation as large flat cells. In turn, combining ABT-888 with 6 Gy resulted in delayed tumor regrowth compared with either agent alone only in PC-3 xenograft tumors, whereas DU-145 tumors continued to grow. By 7 days after treatment with ABT-888 plus IR, PC-3 tumors contained abundant senescent cells displaying persistent DNA damage foci, but no evidence of senescence was noted in the DU-145 tumors. That equivalent radiosensitization by ABT-888 plus IR in vitro failed to predict comparable results with tumors in vivo suggests that the efficacy of PARP inhibitors may partially depend on a competent senescence response to accumulated DNA damage.

Structural (XRD) and thermal (DSC, TGA) and BET analysis of materials derived from non-metal cation pentaborate salts.

The synthesis, structural characterization (XRD), and thermal properties of nine non-metal cation (NMC) pentaborate anion salts, [NMC][B(5)O(6)(OH)(4)] (1a-1i) is described (NMC = [NH(3)CMe(2)(CH(2)OH)](+) (a), [O(CH(2)CH(2))(2)NH(2)](+) (b), [NH(3)CMe(CH(2)OH)(2)](+) (c), [2-(2-CH(2)CH(2)OH)PyH](+) (d), [(CH(2))(4)NH(CH(2)CH(2)OH)](+) (e), [(CH(2))(5)NH(CH(2)CH(2)OH)](+) (f), [2-MeImid](+) (g), [Me(3)NCMe(2)(CH(2)OH)](+) (h), [O(CH(2)CH(2))(2)NMe(2)](+) (i). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on all compounds show that they contain isolated pentaborate anions, H-bonded together in a supramolecular array, with the cations occupying the cavities within the network. Compound 1c was obtained as a partial hydrate (0.16H(2)O). TGA and DSC analysis (in air, 25-1000 degrees C) indicate that compounds 1a-1i thermally decompose via a 2 stage process to B(2)O(3). The first stage (<250 degrees C) is dehydration to condensed polymeric pentaborates {approximate composition: [NMC][B(5)O(8)] (2a-2i)}. Five condensed pentaborates (2a-c, 2e, 2g) were synthesised and characterized by powder XRD and BET analysis. These condensed pentaborates were amorphous. The isolated pentaborates intumesced at approximately 600 degrees C (occupying approximately 10 times their original volume), and then contracted back to black glassy B(2)O(3) solids at 1000 degrees C. The intumescent materials (3a), (3b), (3e), (3g), and a final B(2)O(3) sample (4b) were synthesised and isolated and their porosities determined. BET surface area analysis on the isolated pentaborates (1a-c, 1e, 1g), the condensed pentaborates (2a-c, 2e, 2g), intumesced materials (3a, 3b, 3e, 3g), and B(2)O(3) (4b) showed that they were all 'non-porous' (<1.59 m(2) g(-1)).

Ad.Egr-TNF and local ionizing radiation suppress metastases by interferon-beta-dependent activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.

Ad.Egr-TNF is a radioinducible adenovector currently in phase 3 trials for inoperable pancreatic cancer. The combination of Ad.Egr-TNF and ionizing radiation (IR) contributes to local tumor control through the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, clinical and preclinical studies with Ad.Egr-TNF/IR have suggested that this local approach suppresses the growth of distant metastatic disease; however, the mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unclear. These studies have been performed in wild-type (WT) and TNFR1,2(-/-) mice to assess the role of TNFalpha-induced signaling in the suppression of draining lymph node (DLN) metastases. The results demonstrate that production of TNFalpha in the tumor microenvironment induces expression of interferon (IFNbeta). In turn, IFNbeta stimulates the production of chemokines that recruit CD8(+) T cells to the tumor. The results further demonstrate that activation of tumor antigen-specific CD8(+) CTLs contributes to local antitumor activity and suppression of DLN metastases. These findings support a model in which treatment of tumors with Ad.Egr-TNF and IR is mediated by local and distant immune-mediated antitumor effects that suppress the development of metastases.

Blockade of tumor necrosis factor alpha signaling in tumor-associated macrophages as a radiosensitizing strategy.

Most cancer patients receive radiotherapy during the course of their disease. Improvements in the therapeutic index have been based mainly on physical improvements in delivery, as radiosensitizer development to target tumor cells has yet to yield effective agents. Recent investigations have focused on the tumor stroma as a target for radiosensitization. Here, we report that depletion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMvarphi) by systemic or local injection of the macrophage-depleting liposomal clodronate before radiotherapy can increase the antitumor effects of ionizing radiation (IR), either as a large single dose (20 Gy) or as a fractionated dose (2 Gy x 10). Coimplantation of tumor cells with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMvarphi) increased tumor radioresistance. Studies using mice with germline deletions in tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1,2(-/-)) or TNFalpha (TNF(-/-)), or treatment of wild-type mice with a soluble TNF receptor fusion protein (Enbrel), revealed that radioresistance mediated by BMDMvarphi required intact TNFalpha signaling. Radiation exposure upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in macrophages and VEGF-neutralizing antibodies enhanced the antitumor response to IR. Thus, the radioprotective effect of TNFalpha was mediated by TAM-produced VEGF. Our findings offer a mechanistic basis to target macrophage populations generally or TNFalpha-induced macrophage VEGF specifically as tractable strategies to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Bis(triphenyl-phospho-ranyl-idene)ammonium iodide.

The title compound, C(36)H(30)NP(2) (+)·I(-), was obtained accidently from crystallization of a reaction mixture containing [(Ph(3)P)(2)N]OH and B(OH)(3), which was contaminated with MeI. There are two independent [(Ph(3)P)(2)N](+) cations and two I(-) anions within the asymmetric unit. The central PNP angles are non-linear [137.6 (2) and 134.4 (2)°] and the phenyl substituents on P centres adopt different conformations within these two cations.