Surface yellowing and fragmentation as warning signs of depolymerisation in Baltic amber

It is well known that the surrounding environment affects the initiation and rate of degradation of Baltic amber, causing changes in visual and mechanical properties. However, the mechanisms by which oxygen, the most important agent of degradation, causes those alterations are still unknown. Knowledge of such mechanisms would allow developing more efficient preventive conservation measures for amber artefacts in museums than those available today. In this study, an experiment using accelerated thermal ageing was conducted on representative Baltic amber samples. Changes in colour, topography and chemical properties were assessed regularly using non-destructive techniques, to identify the degradation phenomena which play a significant role during the discolouration and fragmentation processes of amber surfaces. The breakdown of the amber polymer chains, caused by oxidative radical reactions, was determined by means of FT-Raman spectroscopy and involved the formation of olefinic bonds in the terminal position. This depolymerisation process was correlated to modifications in colour, particularly yellowing, and in topographic features, analysed by spectrocolorimetry and confocal profilometry respectively. Thus, surface yellowing and fragmentation of amber objects in museum collections may act together as indicators of progressive depolymerisation.     

Photoageing of Baltic amber – Influence of daylight radiation behind window glass on surface colour and chemistry

The aim of this study was to provide evidence about the interaction between Baltic amber and daylight behind window glass, essential to understanding the mechanisms by which the material degrades in museum environments and to propose techniques for preventive conservation based on the control of environmental parameters where amber objects are stored or displayed. To investigate the photodegradation of Baltic amber, the methodology consisted of artificial ageing, in order to initiate degradation of model amber samples, and non-destructive analytical techniques, in order to identify and quantify changes in colour and chemical properties. Prism-shaped samples, obtained from a large amber piece, were exposed to different microclimatic conditions, subjected to accelerated photoageing and analysed by spectrocolorimetry, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The experiments provided results about surface discolouration, oxidation of the molecular structure and breakdown of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds in various environmental conditions, confirming the degrading role of daylight behind window glass. The conclusions of this study can be applied to the development of techniques for preventive conservation of museum collections containing amber objects.     

人体邻苯二甲酸酯暴露的尿液生物标志物分析方法

邻苯二甲酸酯（phthalates，PAEs）是一类典型的环境内分泌干扰物。近年来，由于PAEs产量和使用量的增加，其对人体健康的危害尤其是生殖发育毒性受到了人们高度关注。由于PAEs在环境、食物（材）中广泛存在，导致人体不可避免地长期暴露于PAEs化合物，因此很有必要开展人体PAEs暴露评估。对人体尿液样品中的PAEs代谢物进行筛选和定量是评价PAEs暴露的重要手段，而建立它们准确、可靠的分析方法是重要前提。目前，邻苯二甲酸单酯和次级代谢物分别是短链和长链PAEs暴露最为常用的生物标志物。离线或在线固相萃取与高效液相色谱-串联质谱联用已成为测定PAEs代谢物的首选方法。本文主要综述了人体PAEs暴露的尿液生物标志物的分析方法，并讨论了这些方法在实际应用中的优点、局限性及挑战。     

Analytical methods for abused drugs in hair and their applications

Hair has been focused on for its usability as an alternative biological specimen to blood and urine for determining drugs of abuse in fields such as forensic and toxicological sciences because hair can be used to elucidate the long intake history of abused drugs compared with blood and urine. Hair analysis consists of several pretreatment steps, such as washing out contaminates from hair, extraction of target compounds from hair, and cleanup for instrumental analysis. Each step includes characteristic and independent features for the class of drugs, e.g., stimulants, narcotics, cannabis, and other medicaments. In this review, recently developed methods to determine drugs of abuse are summarized, and the pretreatment steps as well as the sensitivity and applicability are critically discussed.     

The relative contribution of adsorption to the overall sorption and transport of small molecules in amber

In 1987, Berner and Landis reported that upon vacuum grinding of 80 million year old amber, a gas mixture was released which suggested an oxygen-rich prehistoric environment. Fundamental to their argument was the assumption that amber, an organic glass formed during the fossilization of tree sap, is a perfect sealant. Their assumption was challenged by three technical comments which collectively concluded that gases diffuse readily through amber. In order to defend their key assumption that gases are perfectly trapped in amber, Berner and Landis dismissed the data obtained through gravimetric sorption experiments as only a measure of surface adsorption rather than bulk absorption in and concomitant diffusion through the amber matrix. The validity of interpreting these gravimetric experiments as a measure of bulk diffusion is demonstrated by exploring the physical basis for interpreting gravimetric sorption data. Most importantly, new experimental gravimetric sorption data are presented which demonstrate an explicit separation of adsorption from diffusion-controlled absorption and also reveal that adsorption accounts for a very small fraction of the total sorption in amber.     

Differentiating diterpene resin acids using ToF‐SIMS and principal component analysis: new tools for assessing the geochemistry of amber

Amber is a polymerized plant resin having remarkable preservation potential in the geological record. Numerous analytical techniques have been applied to the study of amber organic chemistry in order to extract paleobotanical information. However, only exploratory work has been conducted using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), despite its immense potential due to the high mass resolution and range that can be analyzed concurrently. Detailed assessments of ion fragmentation patterns are prerequisite, given that amber is comprised of a challenging range of terpenoids, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and associated esters. In recent work, we demonstrated the applicability and efficiency of ToF‐SIMS as a tool to investigate amber chemical composition. However, only two diterpene resin acid standards were considered in this preliminary study, namely abietic acid and communic acid. We now extend this work by documenting the ToF‐SIMS spectra of ten additional diterpene resin acids and ask whether ToF‐SIMS analysis can distinguish subtle differences within a larger set of diterpenoids. Both positive and negative ToF‐SIMS spectra were produced, although negative polarity appears particularly promising for differentiating diterpene resin acids. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distill the data and verified that purified diterpenes have distinct ToF‐SIMS spectra that can be applied to amber chemotaxonomy as well as to the analysis of modern resins of known botanical origin. While this work is pertinent to the study of the composition and histories of ambers, the mass spectra of the 12 diterpene standards could prove valuable to any system where diterpenoid chemistry plays a role. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analytical methods to derive the elastic modulus of soft and adhesive materials from atomic force microcopy force measurements

We present new DMT‐based and JKR‐based methods to derive the elastic modulus of sample surfaces from an atomic force microscope force‐distance curve (DMT: Derjaguin‐Muller‐Toporov, JKR: Johnson–Kendall–Roberts). Application of the methods to the Maugis–Dugdale curves revealed that the JKR‐based method determines very accurate moduli for Maugis' transitional parameter λ > 0.3; however, the DMT‐based method generally estimates much less accurate moduli. The new JKR‐based method has advantages over the two‐point method, which has been often used for the JKR analysis, in capabilities to select the fitting range and to involve more than two points in curve fitting. Utilizing the advantages, for example, one can limit the fitting range to the attractive force zone to reduce the contact area of soft and adhesive materials. The method consists of algebraical calculation and optionally linear fitting; hence, the computational cost is low enough to be applicable to a real‐time JKR analysis method of fast force mapping. The detailed procedure of the method is explained using a force‐distance curve on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) surface. The advantages of the method are demonstrated using a force mapping data on a vulcanized rubber blend. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 1279–1286     

Analytical developments and applications of ionic liquids for environmental studies

Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered advanced solvents with interesting properties that have led to remarkable improvements in the performance of analytical methods and their practical application. Analytical chemistry has profited from the evolution of ILs in diverse contexts, ranging from their applications in microextractions to uses as matrices for mass spectrometric determinations. Their use in sample preparation has meant significant improvements in terms of miniaturization and analytical performance, and given place to new techniques based on liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions; the latter greatly driven forward by the combination of ILs with nanomaterials. Furthermore, electrodes have been prepared by combining ILs with different modern materials, significantly improving the sensitivity and selectivity of electroanalytical methods. Moreover, the implementation of ILs as additives to mobile and stationary phases in separation techniques has been proved to improve liquid and gas chromatography, as well as capillary electrophoresis, in terms of the number of analytes that can be efficiently separated and of the useful life of columns, representing also a promising alternative to environmentally dangerous organic solvents. Additionally, their application as matrix modifiers and as ion-pairing additives has introduced their use in mass spectrometry. In this review, the design and implementation of innovative and highly efficient analytical methods based on ILs for the sensitive and selective determination of diverse analytes in environmental matrices is described. Critical issues that have arisen from their application and future challenges in electrochemical, separation and preconcentration techniques based on these solvents are also presented.     

Analytical and preparative methods for β-exotoxin fromBacillus Thuringensis

Summary Theβ-exotoxin fromBacillus thuringensis is a well known insecticide. The bioassay usually employed for its analysis is time-consuming and subject to many disturbances. The previously reported HPLC analysis has been shown to give erroneous results in some cases. A new analysis system has how been designed. The system is based on separation ofβ-exotoxin from the culture broth, and from various preparations containingβ-exotoxin by ion-pairing. For sample preparation in more complex matrices an method employing solid phase extraction was developed. In order to obtain a standard for quantitative analysis a preparative method for the isolation ofβ-exotoxin from concentrated culture broth after successive precipitations was also developed.     

Microstructural characterisation of five simulated archaeological copper alloys using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry

This paper describes the microstructural characterisation of five simulated archaeological copper alloys, produced by modern powder technology. The chemical composition of the examined bronzes covers the major families of archaeological bronzes from antiquity until the Roman period. Light microscopy (LM), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as two- and three-dimensional secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) have been used to describe the main properties of the alloys. The results show a heterogeneous microstructure on a micrometer scale, formed by metallic and non-metallic phases. The latter are conglomerates of oxides or sulphides of major or minor elements.     

Selected thermoanalytical methods and their applications from medicine to construction

There are many thermoanalytical techniques but only several of them such as thermogravimetric analysis (TG), high resolution thermogravimetric analysis (Hi-Res™ TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), evolved gas analysis (EGA), transient thermal analysis (TTA) and thermal conductivity (k) have selected to be discussed in this paper. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) is ideal for investigating issues such as the glass transition of modified glasses, binder burnout, dehydration of ceramic materials or decomposition behaviour of inorganic building materials, also with gas analysis. Selected applications of various thermoanalytical techniques from medicine to construction have also been discussed in this paper.     

New synthesis methods for fluorinated carbon nanofibres and applications

Several new synthesis methods of fluorinated carbon nanofibres, such as controlled fluorination using fluorinating agent (TbF₄ or XeF₂), or assisted fluorination under UV and gamma irradiation, are reviewed and compared with the direct fluorination using undiluted fluorine gas. The results highlight the different fluorination mechanisms for the direct fluorination and the new methods. The other advantage of those alternative fluorination routes is the possibility to provide fine tuning of the fluorination level, i.e. from F/C atomic ratio close to zero, as a functionalization, to the unity (CF₁) according to the required application, electrochemical or tribological. Two applications are described in this paper as a function of the fluorine content: protection against ozonation and use as solid lubricants.     

Analytical methods for the characterization of proteins and peptides in wines

Although proteins and peptides are minor constituents of wine, they make a significant contribution to its quality. Proteins can cause a number of technological problems during vinification and may be responsible for the appearance of turbidity in bottled wine. Peptides exhibit surfactant and sensory properties that can influence the organoleptic characteristics of wine. These reasons make protein and peptide analysis a necessity. In this paper, some of the applications in sample preparation, electrophoretic and chromatographic analysis, and detection of proteins and peptides in wine are examined. Special attention is paid to the methodologies that the authors have used in previously published studies, in some cases developed by them, and in other cases taken from the literature and used routinely in their laboratory.     

Analytical methods and monitoring system for E-beam flue gas treatment process

The results of reliable and precise measurement of gas composition in different key points of e-beam installation are necessary for its proper operation and control. Only the composition of flue gas coming into installation is adequate to composition of flue gas emitted from coal-fired boiler. At other points of e-b installation the gas composition is strongly modified by process conditions therefore specific measuring system (sampling and conditioning system and set of gas analyzers) for its determination are required. In the paper system for gas composition measurement at inlet and outlet of e-b installation are described. Process parameters are continuously monitoring by CEM system and occasionally by the grab sample system. Both system have been tested at pilot plant at EPS Kaw czyn.     

Analytical methods for calculating Continuous Symmetry Measures and the Chirality Measure

We provide analytical solutions of the Continuous Symmetry Measure (CSM) equation for several symmetry point-groups, and for the associated Continuous Chirality Measure (CCM), which are quantitative estimates of the degree of a symmetry-point group or chirality in a structure, respectively. We do it by solving analytically the problem of finding the minimal distance between the original structure and the result obtained by operating on it all of the operations of a specific G symmetry point group. Specifically, we provide solutions for the symmetry measures of all of the improper rotations point group symmetries, S(n), including the mirror (S(1), C(S)), inversion (S(2), C(i)) as well as the higher S(n)s (n > 2 is even) point group symmetries, for the rotational C(2) point group symmetry, for the higher rotational C(n) symmetries (n > 2), and finally for the C(nh) symmetry point group. The chirality measure is the minimal of all S(n) measures.     

Analytical applications of organized assemblies for on-line spectrometric determinations: present and future

An amphiphile (surfactant) spread on water can lead to the formation of different aggregates: vesicles, miscelles, emulsions or microemulsions; depending on its concentration; its molecular structure and/or the experimental conditions. Such aggregates, (a) may concentrate products, reactants or analytes and so improve the analytical sensitivity and (b) may solubilize such substances and so favorably change the analytical selectivity. Bilayer membrane vesicles for instance, apart from their wide applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, have a great analytical potential due to their ability to (i) reversibly sequester metal ions avoiding matrix interference and (ii) improve cold vapor (Hg and Cd) and hydride (As, Se, Pb) chemical generation. Micellar solutions have also found wide applications in different areas of analytical chemistry, showing their capacity to concentrate and separate a significant variety of analytes. Among the numerous micelle-based separation techniques, cloud point extraction offers an excellent enrichment factor for metal ions, allowing their quantification at microgram/litre levels. Also agitating a mixture of water, oil and one or more surfactants under controlled experimental conditions, a cloudy mixture (emulsion) or a transparent solution (microemulsion) can be formed. Adequate formulation is necessary in order to obtain a stable organized media. To fulfill this requirement, a major effort is necessary in order to shorten the gap between the current knowledge on this topic and the promising field of applications that await development. Recent publications show that self-assembly structures from highly viscous samples can be accomplished on-line with the advantages of drastically reducing the time of analysis and assuring the absolute control over the stability of the aggregate. Flow systems allow effective mixing of samples with added surfactant and provide continuous pumping of the resulting mixture to sensitive detectors for the on-line determination of different analytes in complex samples.     

Determination of marine biotoxins relevant for regulations: from the mouse bioassay to coupled LC-MS methods

The frequency of occurrence and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) appear to be increasing on a global scale. Consequently, methods were established for the evaluation of possible hazards caused by the enrichment of algal toxins in the marine food chain. Different clinical types of algae-related poisoning have attracted scientific attention: paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), and amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). In several countries fish specialties are consumed which may be contaminated with algal toxins typical for the respective region (e.g., ciguatera and tetrodotoxins). Bioassays are common methods for the determination of marine biotoxins. However, biological tests are not completely satisfactory, due to the low sensitivity and the absence of specialized variations. Moreover, there is growing resistance against the use of animal experiments. Therefore, many efforts have been made to determine algal toxins with chemical methods. In this context LC-MS methods replaced HPLC methods with optical detectors, allowing both effective seafood control and monitoring of phytoplankton in terms of the different groups of marine biotoxins.     

类二十烷酸分析方法及应用的研究进展

类二十烷酸是一大类由二十碳多不饱和脂肪酸氧化产生的具有生物活性的不饱和脂肪酸,是重要的炎症因子,广泛存在于体液和组织中,调节体内众多生理和病理过程。类二十烷酸在生物体内种类众多,含量较低,并且存在大量同分异构体,因此生物体内类二十烷酸的分离和分析具有较大的挑战。本文对近5年来类二十烷酸的分析方法和其在生物样品分析中的应用进行归纳总结,重点介绍了不同分析方法的特点及其在生物样品分析中的最新进展,旨在为类二十烷酸的体内药物分析及应用研究提供参考。     

Sensitive and validated LC‐MS/MS methods to evaluate mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients

Monitoring of pharmacodynamics in addition to pharmacokinetics is one of strategies to individualize mycophenolate mofetil therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods for evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Concentrations of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG), mycophenolic acid acyl‐glucuronide, as well as unbound MPA and MPAG, were determined, and inosine‐5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase activity was calculated by measuring concentrations of produced xanthosine‐5′‐monophosphate (XMP) and intracellular adenosine‐5′‐monophosphate after incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lysates. A metal‐free Mastro^TM column and two gradient patterns were used to improve the quantification limit of XMP to 0.1 μm . In the clinical MPA concentration range, the linearity of the calibration curve, inter‐ and intra‐day precision and accuracy satisfied the relevant US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The MPA concentrations in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients determined by the enzyme assay and the present LC‐MS/MS method showed a good correlation (r² = 0.95, p < 0.001). In this study, we report sensitive and validated LC‐MS/MS methods to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MPA, which are sufficiently sensitive to assess small quantities of PBMC lysates collected shortly after HSCT. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.