Semi-automatic determination of tin in marine materials by continuous flow hydride generation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

 A semi-automated continuous flow hydride generation system with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used for the determination of tin in marine materials. The effects of acids (H₂SO₄ and HCl) were studied. The analytical parameters were thoroughly investigated. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit is 0.4 ng/ml. Interferences from transition elements were investigated and seven masking reagents were tested. L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate (1%) was used to mask the interferences from foreign ions. Finally, the accuracy, checked with a marine standard reference material obtained from the National Research Council (NRC), was within the certified value. Received: 23 April 1996/Revised: 8 July 1996/Accepted: 15 July 1996     

Highly efficient sequence-specific DNA interstrand cross-linking by pyrrole/imidazole CPI conjugates

We have developed a novel type of DNA interstrand cross-linking agent by synthesizing dimers of a pyrrole (Py)/imidazole (Im)-diamide-CPI conjugate, ImPyLDu86 (1), connected using seven different linkers. The tetramethylene linker compound, 7b, efficiently produces DNA interstrand cross-links at the nine-base-pair sequence, 5'-PyGGC(T/A)GCCPu-3', only in the presence of a partner triamide, ImImPy. For efficient cross-linking by 7b with ImImPy, one A.T base pair between two recognition sites was required to accommodate the linker region. Elimination of the A.T base pair and insertion of an additional A.T base pair and substitution with a G.C base pair significantly reduced the degree of cross-linking. The sequence specificity of the interstrand cross-linking by 7b was also examined in the presence of various triamides. The presence of ImImIm slightly reduced the formation of a cross-linked product compared to ImImPy. The mismatch partners, ImPyPy and PyImPy, did not produce an interstrand cross-link product with 7b, whereas ImPyPy and PyImPy induced efficient alkylation at their matching site with 7b. The interstrand cross-linking abilities of 7b were further examined using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with 5'-Texas Red-labeled 400- and 67-bp DNA fragments. The sequencing gel analysis of the 400-bp DNA fragment with ImImPy demonstrated that 7b alkylates several sites on the top and bottom strands, including one interstrand cross-linking match site, 5'-PyGGC(T/A)GCCPu-3'. To obtain direct evidence of interstrand cross-linkages on longer DNA fragments, a simple method using biotin-labeled complementary strands was developed, which produced a band corresponding to the interstrand cross-linked site on both top and bottom strands. Densitometric analysis indicated that the contribution of the interstrand cross-link in the observed alkylation bands was approximately 40%. This compound efficiently cross-linked both strands at the target sequence. The present system consisted of a 1:2 complex of the alkylating agent and its partner ImImPy and caused an interstrand cross-linking in a sequence-specific fashion according to the base-pair recognition rule of Py-Im polyamides.     

29Si NMR investigations on oligosilane dendrimers

Starting with the high functionalized trisilane SiClMe(SiCl₂Me)₂ and tetrasilane SiMe(SiCl₂Me)₃ several octa- and decasilane dendrimers containing directly neighboured branchings were prepared. In these compounds the ²⁹Si NMR chemical shifts of the different silyl groups are shifted towards lower field compared with those of analogous groups in tetra- or hexasilanes. This observation is a helpful tool for the characterization of further dendritic oligomers by ²⁹Si NMR. Received: 3 June 1996 / Revised: 3 July 1996 / Accepted: 9 July 1996     

29Si NMR investigations on oligosilane dendrimers

Starting with the high functionalized trisilane SiClMe(SiCl₂Me)₂ and tetrasilane SiMe(SiCl₂Me)₃ several octa- and decasilane dendrimers containing directly neighboured branchings were prepared. In these compounds the ²⁹Si NMR chemical shifts of the different silyl groups are shifted towards lower field compared with those of analogous groups in tetra- or hexasilanes. This observation is a helpful tool for the characterization of further dendritic oligomers by ²⁹Si NMR. Received: 3 June 1996 / Revised: 3 July 1996 / Accepted: 9 July 1996     

Chemical characterization of the black crust present on the stone central portal of St. Denis abbey

 A black crust sample from the stony central portal of the abbey of St. Denis, France, was analyzed by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to determine whether it was due to atmospheric pollution or to the degradation of a past restoration treatment. Stratigraphic surveys by optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (SEM/EDX) and pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PY/GC/MS) were consistent in ascribing the bulk of the crust to gypsum (CaSO₄ ⋅ 2H₂O) with inclusion of carbon particulate. The organic fraction was a minor constituent of the black crust. Hence, the deterioration by an organic substance used in the past to restore the building was ruled out. Received: 23 May 1996/Revised: 29 July 1996/Accepted: 1 August 1996     

Chemical characterization of the black crust present on the stone central portal of St. Denis abbey

 A black crust sample from the stony central portal of the abbey of St. Denis, France, was analyzed by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to determine whether it was due to atmospheric pollution or to the degradation of a past restoration treatment. Stratigraphic surveys by optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (SEM/EDX) and pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PY/GC/MS) were consistent in ascribing the bulk of the crust to gypsum (CaSO₄ ⋅ 2H₂O) with inclusion of carbon particulate. The organic fraction was a minor constituent of the black crust. Hence, the deterioration by an organic substance used in the past to restore the building was ruled out. Received: 23 May 1996/Revised: 29 July 1996/Accepted: 1 August 1996     

Dependence of DNA sequence selectivity and cell cytotoxicity on azinomycin A and B epoxyamide stereochemistry

Evaluation of the importance of C18/C19 stereochemistry of azinomycin A/B epoxyamide partial structures with respect to DNA alkylation sequence selectivity is reported using a unique assay with a DNA oligomer containing imbedded normal (5'-GGC-3'/3'-CCG-5') and inverted (5'-CGG-3'/3'-GCC-5') azinomycin consensus cross-linking sequences. Both species were found to have unique selectivity profiles and alkylate DNA in a manner distinct from azinomycin B. Computational docking experiments support altered binding modes for the enantiomers.     

Extraction and separation of scandium salicylate with triphenylphosphine oxide

Scandium can be extracted from 5.0 × 10^–2 mol/l sodium salicylate solution, adjusted to pH 4.0–5.0 with 0.5% triphenylphosphine oxide dissolved in toluene as an extractant. After stripping from the organic phase with 0.5 mol/l HCl it can be subsequently determined spectrophotometrically with Alizarin Red S. The method permits a separation of Sc(III) from Ti(IV), V(V), Cr(VI), Fe(III), Y(III), La(III), Ce(III), Nd(III) and Sm(III) in synthetic mixtures. The method is fast, simple and selective. Received: 6 May 1996 / Revised: 21 July 1996 / Accepted: 25 July 1996     

Critical evaluation of adsorption-based sampling of vaporized metal species in flue gases

Diffusion-controlled sampling techniques, i.e. diffusion screens and diffusion tubes (= denuders), can be used in the collection of several vaporized heavy metal species in clean gases (pure N₂ atmosphere) at elevated temperatures. Collection efficiencies obtained for Hg, HgCl₂, Cd, CdCl₂ and ZnCl₂ were over 90% using adsorption on Au-coated diffusion screens and Ag-coated denuders. However, the collection efficiencies for Zn and PbCl₂ were significantly lower. In field measurements performed at a hazardous waste incineration plant and in a power plant equipped with a circulating fluidized-bed boiler, collection efficiencies seemed to vary noticeably depending on the sampling conditions and metal species to be sampled. Best collection efficiencies were obtained for mercury with both Ag coated denuders and Au coated screens whereas cadmium showed significantly poorer results in field measurements than in the laboratory. Sampling of zinc and lead species seemed to be problematic in all cases. Of the two sampling techniques, the denuder technique is more recommendable than the screen technique for sampling in relatively clean gases. However, neither of these techniques should be used in flue gases without further understanding of the collection mechanisms. Received: 6 November 1996 / Revised: 3 July 1996 / Accepted: 14 July 1996     

Probing the structure and function of the Escherichia coli DNA alkylation repair AlkB protein through chemical cross-linking

Engineering chemical cross-linking groups at the protein/DNA interface provide a powerful method for probing the putative active site and a damage searching mechanism of the Escherichia coli alkylation DNA repair protein AlkB.     

Effect of Various Intercalators on the Fenton‐Type Oxidative Cleavage of Double‐Stranded DNA

The intensity of the linear dichroism (LD) in the absorption region of DNA (about 260 nm) decreased with time in the presence of [Fe(EDTA)]²⁺ (EDTA=ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), H₂O₂, and ascorbate. The decrease in the LD signal indicated either an increase in flexibility, a shortening of the DNA stem, or both, owing to oxidative cleavage, and was best described by the difference between the two single‐exponential‐decay curves, thereby suggesting the involvement of two sequential first‐order reactions. The fast reaction was assigned to cleavage of one of two DNA strands, which increased the flexibility of the DNA. The slow reaction corresponded to cleavage at or near the first cleavage site, thereby shortening the DNA stem. The presence of an intercalator, including ethidium, propidium, 9‐aminoacridine, and proflavine, inhibited the first step of the cleavage reaction. One of the possible reasons for the observed inhibition might be a change in the DNA conformation near the intercalation site. Intercalation caused an unwinding and elongation of the DNA and resulted in changes in the location of the H atoms of the sugar moiety, which is known to be the main site at which hydroxyl radicals react.     

Effects of hydroxy compounds on gel formation of gelatin

 Network formation of gelatin gel is known to consist of three-dimensionally cross-linked triple helices among polypeptide chains. The effects of added low molecular weight mono-ols, diols and polyols on the higher-order structure formation of gelatin chains were investigated using the following measurements: melting temperature, viscoelasticity and spin-lattice relaxation time (T ₁) of H¹⁷ ₂O of gels, and circular dichroism spectra of diluted gelatin solutions. Furthermore, hydration behaviors of these hydroxy compounds were evaluated from the dynamic hydration numbers (n _DHN) derived from T ₁ of H¹⁷ ₂O in the solutions. It was found that network structures of gelatin gels containing hydoxy compounds were influenced by the number and position of hydroxyl groups as well as the number of carbon atoms of these coexisting compounds. The effect of hydroxyl groups of hydroxy compounds was considered to stabilize the helices among gelatin chains. Especially, the addition of polyols with large number of hydroxyl groups increased the number of cross-linking junctions in the gel networks, which consist of the aggregation among the helices. On the contrary, the effect of carbon atoms of hydroxy compounds is to disturb the formation of the helices and the aggregation among the helices. Received: 18 April 1996/Accepted: 23 July 1996     

Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of Tartrazine at the hanging mercury drop electrode in soft drinks

Adsorptive stripping voltammetry was used for the determination of trace amounts of the dye Tartrazine (E-102) by square-wave (SWS) and differential pulse techniques (DPS). Its adsorptive voltammetric behaviour was investigated at different pH media. NH₄Cl/NH₃ buffer solution was chosen as the most suitable, taking into account the sensitivity and definition of the reduction peaks obtained. The effects of the experimental parameters on the determination are discussed. Standard deviations of 3.3% and 2.6% were obtained by SWS and DPS for 100 and 50 μg/L Tartrazine solutions, respectively (n = 10). Both methods were applied to determine the dye in several commercial soft drinks, containing very small amounts of it. Measurements were made directly in the commercial samples. A comparison of the results obtained by the proposed voltammetric methods with those of an HPLC method was also made. Good correlations between the voltammetric results and the values supplied by the manufacturer were found, whereas recoveries of the same order of magnitude were obtained by the HPLC method. Received: 23 May 1996 / Revised: 5 July 1996 / Accepted: 10 July 1996     

Stereoselective syntheses of substituted succinic acid derivatives of the iron chiral auxiliary [(η-C5H5)Fe(CO)(PPh3)]

A range of alkyl- or aryl-substituted iron succinoyl complexes, incorporating the iron chiral auxiliary [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)(PPh₃)], were prepared in high regio- and diastereoselectivities by employing four successful strategies: (i) the alkylation of chiral enolate equivalents with tert-butyl bromoacetate; (ii) the mutual kinetic resolution of tert-butyl α-bromoacetate with a chiral acetate enolate equivalent; (iii) the alkylation of chiral succinoyl enolate equivalents; (iv) the conjugate addition of organolithium reagents or lithium amide reagents to chiral fumaroyl derivatives. Oxidative cleavage of the iron chiral auxiliary was shown to occur without compromising the stereochemical integrity of the succinoyl fragments.     

Simultaneous comparison of δ31P and 1JPN for the assignment of E/Z-stereochemistry of the phosphorus-nitrogen double bond in iminophosphines R-P=N-R′

 The analysis of ³¹P and ¹⁵N NMR data of a series of 40 iminophosphines R-P=N-R′ reveals that the E/Z-stereochemistry of the PN double bond can be predicted on the basis of a simultaneous comparison of the values of δ³¹P and ¹J_PN. Received: 31 May 1996/Revised: 2 July 1996/Accepted: 5 July 1996     

Simultaneous comparison of δ31P and 1JPN for the assignment of E/Z-stereochemistry of the phosphorus-nitrogen double bond in iminophosphines R-P=N-R′

 The analysis of ³¹P and ¹⁵N NMR data of a series of 40 iminophosphines R-P=N-R′ reveals that the E/Z-stereochemistry of the PN double bond can be predicted on the basis of a simultaneous comparison of the values of δ³¹P and ¹J_PN. Received: 31 May 1996/Revised: 2 July 1996/Accepted: 5 July 1996     

Storage of aqueous solutions of selenium for speciation at trace level

 Different studies carried out in recent years on the preservation of trace selenium species in aqueous solutions are reviewed and experimental results showing a 29% oxidation of Se(IV) to Se(VI) in less than one month in acidic and oxygenated medium in the presence of chloride ions are presented. The hypothesis of an oxidation of Se(IV) to Se(VI) at acidic pH by traces of Cl₂, obtained by a reaction between chloride ions and dissolved oxygen, followed by chlorine oxidation, is examined. Received: 3 May 1996/Revised: 24 June 1996/Accepted: 1 July 1996     

A simple copper(II)-L-histidine system for efficient hydrolytic cleavage of DNA

Copper(II)-L-histidine complexes effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA and dideoxynucleotide dApdA at physiological pH and temperature. Studies of the mechanism of plasmid DNA cleavage by added radical scavengers, using rigorously anaerobic experiments, analyses for malondialdehyde-like products, religation assays, and HPLC analyses, indicate that DNA cleavage mediated by Cu(L-His) occurs via a hydrolytic path. The hydrolytic cleavage rate constants at 37 degrees C are estimated to be 0.76 h-1 for the decrease of form I and 0.25 h-1 for the increase of form III. The phosphoimager picture reveals that Cu(L-His) cleaves DNA with a certain sequence specificity (preferentially at 5'-GT-3'). The dinucleotide hydrolysis shows, with [Cu(L-His)] = 0.8 mM, rate enhancement factors of > 10(8). Interestingly, histidine-metal ion interactions (with Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), etc.) have been used for various applications, e.g., protein purification, cross-linking, and targeting proteins to lipid bilayers. Our findings may provide the basis for developing new applications and new ways to design more effective and useful catalysts for DNA cleavage. Cu(L-His) is one of only a few well-defined metal complexes demonstrated to hydrolytically cleave dideoxynucleotides and DNA.     

Solid state 13C MAS NMR as a tool for the study of reactions between compounds adsorbed on porous materials

It is shown that magic angle spinning (MAS) solid state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the study of reactions between compounds adsorbed on porous materials because it allows the direct characterization of surface species. The mobility of the adsorbed species yields high-resolution ¹³C spectra at moderate spinning speeds (4 kHz) from which the reactions can be traced. Catalysis of KMnO₄ oxidation of alcohols and proton transfer by the solid support is demonstrated. Received: 22 July 1996 / Revised: 20 August 1996 / Accepted: 23 August 1996     

Solid state 13C MAS NMR as a tool for the study of reactions between compounds adsorbed on porous materials

It is shown that magic angle spinning (MAS) solid state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the study of reactions between compounds adsorbed on porous materials because it allows the direct characterization of surface species. The mobility of the adsorbed species yields high-resolution ¹³C spectra at moderate spinning speeds (4 kHz) from which the reactions can be traced. Catalysis of KMnO₄ oxidation of alcohols and proton transfer by the solid support is demonstrated. Received: 22 July 1996 / Revised: 20 August 1996 / Accepted: 23 August 1996