Response surface methodology for optimization of heavy metal removal by magnetic biosorbent made from anaerobic sludge

In this study, optimum conditions for adsorption of heavy metals such as Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ onto a low-cost, magnetically modified-alkali conditioned anaerobically digested sludge (MADS) adsorbent were obtained. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) incorporating Central Composite Design (CCD) of experiments was applied to optimize four independent process variables. Statistical analysis was executed by ANOVA and the quadratic model developed had regression coefficients of 0.959, 0.957 and 0.95 for Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. The independent variables such as pH, time and initial concentration positively influenced adsorption capacity, q_e, whereas the value of q_e decreased with an increase in MADS dosage. Model validation experiments for optimization of adsorption process showed comparable results with predicted values. The adsorption capacity of MADS adsorbent at optimum conditions found through RSM analysis was 29.721 mg L^?1, 28.551 mg L^?1 and 28.601 mg L^?1 for Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ respectively.     

Quantum dot capped magnetite nanorings as high performance nanoprobe for multiphoton fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging

In the present study, quantum dot (QD) capped magnetite nanorings (NRs) with a high luminescence and magnetic vortex core have been successfully developed as a new class of magnetic-fluorescent nanoprobe. Through electrostatic interaction, cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) capped QD have been firmly graft into negatively charged magnetite NRs modified with citric acid on the surface. The obtained biocompatible multicolor QD capped magnetite NRs exhibit a much stronger magnetic resonance (MR) T2* effect where the r2* relaxivity and r2*/r1 ratio are 4 times and 110 times respectively larger than those of a commercial superparamagnetic iron oxide. The multiphoton fluorescence imaging and cell uptake of QD capped magnetite NRs are also demonstrated using MGH bladder cancer cells. In particular, these QD capped magnetite NRs can escape from endosomes and be released into the cytoplasm. The obtained results from these exploratory experiments suggest that the cell-penetrating QD capped magnetite NRs could be an excellent dual-modality nanoprobe for intracellular imaging and therapeutic applications. This work has shown great potential of the magnetic vortex core based multifunctional nanoparticle as a high performance nanoprobe for biomedical applications.     

Acute oral toxicity and brine shrimp lethality of Elaeis guineensis Jacq., (oil palm leaf) methanol extract

Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) is widely used in West African traditional medicine for treating various ailments. An evaluation on the toxicity of extracts of this plant is crucial to support the therapeutic claims. The acute oral toxicity and brine shrimp lethality of a methanolic extract of this plant was tested. Oral administration of crude extract at the highest dose of 5,000 mg/kg resulted in no mortalities or evidence of adverse effects, implying that E. guineensis is nontoxic. Normal behavioral pattern, clinical signs and histology of vital organs confirm this evidence. The E. guineensis extracts screened for toxicity against brine shrimp had 50% lethal concentration (LC??) values of more than 1.0 mg/mL (9.00 and 3.87 mg/mL, at 6 and 24 h, respectively), confirming that the extract was not toxic. Maximum mortalities occurred at 100 mg/mL concentration while the least mortalities happened to be at 0.195 mg/mL concentration. The results of both tests confirm that E. guineensis is nontoxic and hence safe for commercial utilization.     

Average potential energy criterion: Force fields of some planar XY3 and tetrahedral XY4 molecules

Minimization of the average potential energy contributions from bending deformations due to zero point vibration serves as a good criterion for fixing the harmonic force fields in planar XY₃ and tetrahedral XY₄ nonhydride molecules. An explanation based on the concept of rehybridization of the orbitals of the central atom during a bending vibration is offered.     

A convenient route to 1,3-diynes using ligand-free Cadiot–Chodkiewicz coupling reaction at room temperature under aerobic conditions

In this study, we report a copper-catalyzed ligand-free Cadiot–Chodkiewicz coupling reaction. No additives or ligands are required for this Cu-catalyzed C(sp)–C(sp) coupling reaction of terminal alkynes with alkynyl halides. The low cost of copper catalyst, excellent yield of the products, suppression of side-products and mild reaction conditions are the major advantages of this protocol.     

Band head spin assignment of Tl isotopes of superdeformed rotational bands

The Variable Moment of Inertia (VMI) model is proposed for the assignment of band head spin of super deformed (SD) rotational bands, which in turn is helpful in the spin prediction of SD bands. The moment of inertia and stiffness parameter (C), were calculated by fitting the proposed transition energies. The calculated transition energies are highly dependent on the prescribed spins. The calculated and observed transition energies agree well when an accurate band head spin (I ₀) is assigned. The results are in good agreement with other theoretical results reported in literature. In this paper, we have reported the band head spin value 16 rotational band of super deformed Tl isotopes.     

Composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil of pimento (Pimenta dioica (L) Merr.) from Jamaica

The composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation of pimento berry [Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr] samples, namely P1 and P2, sourced from Jamaica, were studied. The chemical composition was analysed by GC and GC-MS methods. The antioxidant activities of the oils were evaluated in terms of their free-radical-scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical cation and superoxide anion (?[image omitted]). Total phenolic content, total reducing power and metal-chelating capacity of the oils were also estimated. Forty-five constituents were identified. The major compound identified was eugenol (74.71%, 73.35%), followed by methyl eugenol (4.08%, 9.54%) and caryophyllene (4.90%, 3.30%). The antioxidant assays showed that the oils possess very high radical scavenging activities (DPPH IC(50) 4.82 ± 0.08, 5.14 ± 0.11 μg mL(-1), ABTS IC(50) 2.27 ± 0.16, 2.94 ± 0.03 μg mL(-1), superoxide IC(50) 17.78 ± 1.31, 20.65 ± 0.82 μg mL(-1)). The metal chelating capacities (IC(50) 83.62 ± 2.10, 101.77 ± 1.01 μg mL(-1)) and reducing power were also very high. The results show that the essential oils possess significant antioxidant activity which is comparable to that of pure eugenol. Therefore the oil can be utilised as a natural antioxidant which gives good flavour as well as health benefits.     

Suppression of lithium deposition at sub-zero temperatures on graphite by surface modification

Lithium deposition on graphite anodes is considered as a main reason for failures and safety for lithium ion batteries (LIB). Different amounts of carbon coating on the surface of natural graphite are used in this work to suppress the amount of lithium deposited at − 10 °C. Pulse polarization experiments reveal relative polarization of graphite anodes at various temperatures and show that lithium deposition is accelerated at lowered temperatures. Electrochemical experiments, along with photographs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) data suggest that carbon coating not only suppresses the lithium deposition but also enhances the formation of LiC₆ at − 10 °C. The homogeneous potential profile on the graphite surface attained by the carbon coating explains such an improved low temperature performance, as it allows efficient Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) film formation, which is a prerequisite for safety LIB.