Micro-gravimetric determination of lead with mercaptobenzothiazole

The authors have elaborated an exact micro-gravimetric method for the determination of lead with mercaptobenzothiazole.     

Inhibitory Effect of DMSO on Halohydrin Dehalogenase: Experimental and Computational Insights into the Influence of an Organic Co-solvent on the Structural and Catalytic Properties of a Biocatalyst

Although the application of organic solvents in biocatalysis is well explored, in-depth understanding of the interactions of solvent with proteins, in particular oligomeric ones, is still scant. Understanding these interactions is essential in tailoring enzymes for industrially relevant catalysis in nonaqueous media. In our study, the homotetrameric enzyme halohydrin dehalogenase (HHDH) from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 (HheC) was investigated, as a model system, in DMSO/water solvent mixtures. DMSO, the most commonly used co-solvent for biocatalytic transformations, was found to act as a mixed-type inhibitor with a prevalent competitive contribution. Even 5 % (v/v) DMSO inhibits the activity of HheC by half. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that DMSO keeps close to Ser-Tyr catalytic residues forming alternate H-bonds with them. Stability measurements paired with differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering methods and MD studies revealed that HheC maintains its structural integrity with as much as 30 % (v/v) DMSO.     

Micro-gravimetric determination of cadmium with 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole

Summary The authors have developed an exact micro-gravimetric method for the determination of cadmium with 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole.

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Zusammenfassung Beschreibung einer exakten mikro-gravimetrischen Methode zur Bestimmung des Cadmiums mit 2-(o-Hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazol.

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Résumé Les auteurs ont élaboré une micro-méthode gravimétrique exacte pour la détermination du cadmium au moyen de 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole.

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Dedicated to Prof. Dr.Hans Lieb on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Mikroanalyse von Kobalt

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Grapevine as a Rich Source of Polyphenolic Compounds

Grapes are rich in primary and secondary metabolites. Among the secondary metabolites, polyphenolic compounds are the most abundant in grape berries. Besides their important impacts on grape and wine quality, this class of compounds has beneficial effects on human health. Due to their antioxidant activity, polyphenols and phenolic acids can act as anti-inflammatory and anticancerogenic agents, and can modulate the immune system. In grape berries, polyphenols and phenolic acids can be located in the pericarp and seeds, but distribution differs considerably among these tissues. Although some classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids are under strict genetic control, the final content is highly influenced by environmental factors, such as climate, soil, vineyard, and management. This review aims to present the main classes of polyphenolic compounds and phenolic acids in different berry tissues and grape varieties and special emphasis on their beneficial effect on human health.     

Spatial and seasonal variations in the stable C isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon and in physico-chemical water parameters in the Plitvice Lakes system

Plitvice Lakes waters were collected at 14 sampling points, including springs, tributaries and lakes, for the period 2002-2007. The results of the physical and chemical conditions of calcite precipitation as well as the δ(13)C values of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were used to study the processes influencing calcite precipitation. Significant differences between spring, lake and stream waters as well as changes in the downstream direction were observed. The correlation between δ(13)C(DIC) values and physico-chemical conditions for calcite precipitation showed that calcite precipitates in lake waters which are oversaturated with respect to CaCO(3) (I (sat) values 4-10) and with δ(13)C(DIC) values between-11.5 and-8.5 ‰. In spring waters, the δ(13)C(DIC) values were more negative, from-14 to-12 ‰, and I (sat) values of 1-2 indicated that equilibrium conditions for calcite precipitation were not attained. The downstream increase in δ(13)C(DIC) correlated with the increase in the δ(13)C values of calcite in the lake sediments, suggesting that the freshwater calcite was mainly of autochthonous origin and precipitated within the water column in isotopic equilibrium with DIC.     

Spatial and seasonal variations in the stable C isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon and in physico-chemical water parameters in the Plitvice Lakes system

Plitvice Lakes waters were collected at 14 sampling points, including springs, tributaries and lakes, for the period 2002–2007. The results of the physical and chemical conditions of calcite precipitation as well as the δ¹³C values of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were used to study the processes influencing calcite precipitation. Significant differences between spring, lake and stream waters as well as changes in the downstream direction were observed. The correlation between δ¹³C_DIC values and physico-chemical conditions for calcite precipitation showed that calcite precipitates in lake waters which are oversaturated with respect to CaCO₃ (I _sat values 4–10) and with δ¹³C_DIC values between?11.5 and?8.5 ‰. In spring waters, the δ¹³C_DIC values were more negative, from?14 to?12 ‰, and I _sat values of 1–2 indicated that equilibrium conditions for calcite precipitation were not attained. The downstream increase in δ¹³C_DIC correlated with the increase in the δ¹³C values of calcite in the lake sediments, suggesting that the freshwater calcite was mainly of autochthonous origin and precipitated within the water column in isotopic equilibrium with DIC.     

A microvolumetric determination of tin in tin-base and lead-base alloys

The authors have elaborated a rapid and exact microvolumctric method fur the determination of tin in metallic tin and in tin-base and lead-base alloys.     

Effect of Different Variables on the Efficiency of the Baker's Yeast Cell Disruption Process to Obtain Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activity

Cell disruption process of dry baker's yeast was studied in this work to obtain maximum activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Disruption by ultrasonication, glass beads, and combination of these two methods was compared. A 1.8-fold increase of ADH activity can be achieved by combining glass beads with ultrasonication in comparison to ultrasonication. To achieve maximum volume activity of ADH, the effect of different variables on the cell disruption process was investigated (time, glass bead diameter, mass of glass beads, and ultrasound amplitude). Using the Design-Expert© software, 2⁴ factorial experimental design was performed. Two ultrasound probes were tested: MS 73 and KE 76. Optimal conditions (process variables) for cell disruption process were obtained. Optimal ADH activities after cell disruption with MS 73 and KE 76 probes were 1,890.9 and 1,531.7 U cm^?3, respectively. Necessary ultrasonication time and ultrasound amplitude should be at the maximum values in the investigated variable range (30 min and 62 %). Bead size should be at maximum (4 mm) when using MS 73 probe and at minimum (0.3 mm) when using KE 76 probe. Partial purification of the enzyme was carried out and it was kinetically characterized using several oxidation and reduction systems.