Linear Modulated Stochastic Resonance Algorithm Applied to Determination of Thidiazuron Residue in Water Using Stochastic Resonance

Abstract

The newly proposed linear modulated stochastic resonance algorithm (LSRA) was used to amplify and detect the weak chromatographic peaks of thidiazuron. The output chromatographic peak is often distorted when using the traditional stochastic resonance algorithm because of the existence of strong noise. In LSRA, the distortion of the output peak can be corrected by introducing a linear force into the nonlinear system. A two‐step optimization method was proposed to give attention to both the signal‐to‐noise ratio and the peak shape of output signal. The weak chromatographic peaks of thidiazuron can be amplified significantly and the distortion of the output peaks can be corrected using LSRA. The algorithm was used to detect thidiazuron residue in water with solid phase extraction‐high performance liquid chromatography. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were improved to 2.5 ng/l and 10 ng/l, respectively.     

A linear modulation-based stochastic resonance algorithm applied to the detection of weak chromatographic peaks

A simple stochastic resonance algorithm based on linear modulation was developed to amplify and detect weak chromatographic peaks. The output chromatographic peak is often distorted when using the traditional stochastic resonance algorithm due to the presence of high levels of noise. In the new algorithm, a linear modulated double-well potential is introduced to correct for the distortion of the output peak. Method parameter selection is convenient and intuitive for linear modulation. In order to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio for the output signal, the performance of two-layer stochastic resonance was evaluated by comparing it with wavelet-based stochastic resonance. The proposed algorithm was applied to the quantitative analysis of dimethyl sulfide and the determination of chloramphenicol residues in milk, and the good linearity of the method demonstrated that it is an effective tool for detecting weak chromatographic peaks. Figure The linear modulation-based stochastic resonance algorithm (LSRA) improved the output chromatographic peak of chloramphenicol     

Improved stochastic resonance algorithm for enhancement of signal-to-noise ratio of high-performance liquid chromatographic signal

Based on the theory of stochastic resonance, an improved stochastic resonance algorithm with a new criterion for optimizing system parameters to enhance signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of HPLC/UV chromatographic signal for trace analysis was presented in this study. Compared with the conventional criterion in stochastic resonance, the proposed one can ensure satisfactory SNR as well as good peak shape of chromatographic peak in output signal. Application of the criterion to experimental weak signals of HPLC/UV was investigated and the results showed an excellent quantitative relationship between different concentrations and responses.     

Application of the stochastic resonance algorithm to the simultaneous quantitative determination of multiple weak peaks of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The stochastic resonance algorithm (SRA) has been developed as a potential tool for amplifying and determining weak chromatographic peaks in recent years. However, the conventional SRA cannot be applied directly to ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/TOFMS). The obstacle lies in the fact that the narrow peaks generated by UPLC contain high-frequency components which fall beyond the restrictions of the theory of stochastic resonance. Although there already exists an algorithm that allows a high-frequency weak signal to be detected, the sampling frequency of TOFMS is not fast enough to meet the requirement of the algorithm. Another problem is the depression of the weak peak of the compound with low concentration or weak detection response, which prevents the simultaneous determination of multi-component UPLC/TOFMS peaks. In order to lower the frequencies of the peaks, an interpolation and re-scaling frequency stochastic resonance (IRSR) is proposed, which re-scales the peak frequencies via linear interpolating sample points numerically. The re-scaled UPLC/TOFMS peaks could then be amplified significantly. By introducing an external energy field upon the UPLC/TOFMS signals, the method of energy gain was developed to simultaneously amplify and determine weak peaks from multi-components. Subsequently, a multi-component stochastic resonance algorithm was constructed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of multiple weak UPLC/TOFMS peaks based on the two methods. The optimization of parameters was discussed in detail with simulated data sets, and the applicability of the algorithm was evaluated by quantitative analysis of three alkaloids in human plasma using UPLC/TOFMS. The new algorithm behaved well in the improvement of signal-to-noise (S/N) compared to several normally used peak enhancement methods, including the Savitzky-Golay filter, Whittaker-Eilers smoother and matched filtration.     

基于周期调节的随机共振算法对化学弱信号的检测研究

提出了一种新的随机共振算法,通过对系统的周期进行调节以实现系统的共振.讨论了实现共振的系统参数,并对模拟信号和拉曼光谱实验信号进行了处理.结果表明,该方法不仅可方便地用于弱化学信号的处理,克服检出信号的滞后现象,而且对不同噪声水平的信号均有良好的适用性.     

Updating chromatographic predictions by accounting ageing for single and tandem columns

The most efficient optimization methodologies in liquid chromatography are based on the modeling and prediction of the chromatographic behavior for each compound in the sample. However, when the column suffers some ageing after the modeling process, predictions may differ significantly from the actual separation. Repeating the modeling is especially troublesome when several columns are involved, as is the case of coupled columns. We propose a shortcut to correct the time and peak profiles in these situations, after evaluating the effects of ageing. The original models are corrected by introducing parameters accounting for column ageing, obtained using the data of a small subset of compounds from those used to model the brand‐new column. The ageing parameters are fitted from the discrepancies between the data predicted with the original retention models for the brand‐new column and the experimental data measured for the aged column. The approach was developed and tested to predict the chromatographic behavior of 15 sulfonamides, analyzed with individual and tandem columns, using isocratic and gradient elution. Chromatograms more in line with the aged column performance were predicted. The agreement between predictions and experimental data in the aged columns was excellent.     

UV-triggered main-component fraction collection method and its application for high-throughput chromatographic purification of combinatorial libraries

A maximum-seeking, algorithm-driven fraction collection method was developed to support high-throughput chromatographic purification, which provides new possibilities for off-line high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (HPLC/MS) quality control experiments. The method is based on manipulation of a six-port valve that is installed downstream from the UV detector and equipped with a fraction collector loop. The detector signal is monitored by a programmable microcontroller that controls the state of the fraction collector valve. After detecting a chromatographic peak, the appropriate fraction is stored in the collector loop. The height of the next peak is compared to the previous one (using a maximum-seeking algorithm) and, depending on the result, the collected fraction is or is not exchanged with the new one. At the end of the run, the stored UV main component is pumped into the external fraction vial. This configuration was used for chromatographic purification of large compound libraries (the results of the purification of 5324 compounds are reported here), as well as for high-throughput off-line HPLC quality control experiments, where the collected main component fractions of an analytical-scale separation were subjected to further mass spectrometric molecular weight verification.     

An adaptive single-well stochastic resonance algorithm applied to trace analysis of clenbuterol in human urine

Based on the theory of stochastic resonance, an adaptive single-well stochastic resonance (ASSR) coupled with genetic algorithm was developed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of weak chromatographic signals. In conventional stochastic resonance algorithm, there are two or more parameters needed to be optimized and the proper parameters values were obtained by a universal searching within a given range. In the developed ASSR, the optimization of system parameter was simplified and automatic implemented. The ASSR was applied to the trace analysis of clenbuterol in human urine and it helped to significantly improve the limit of detection and limit of quantification of clenbuterol. Good linearity, precision and accuracy of the proposed method ensure that it could be an effective tool for trace analysis and the improvement of detective sensibility of current detectors.     

Stochastic resonance algorithm applied to quantitative analysis for weak liquid chromatographic signal of pyrene in water samples

The phenomenon of stochastic resonance (SR), which was discovered in recent years, rendered an entirely new way for the detection of weak signals, and it has been widely studied in many different science fields. This phenomenon is manifest in nonlinear systems whereby a weak signal can be amplified when the noise, signal and nonlinear system attain the proper cooperation. The introduced algorithm was employed to detect pyrene in drinking water samples with solid-phase extraction–liquid chromatography. The weak chromatographic peak of the analyte was amplified significantly, and the profiles of the peaks were also satisfactory. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were improved from 0.022?ng?mL^?1 and 0.08?ng?mL^?1 to 0.004?ng?mL^?1 and 0.01?ng?mL^?1, respectively. The results showed an excellent quantitative relationship between concentrations and chromatographic responses. It is expected that the SR will be an effective tool to detect weak chromatographic peaks quantitatively in trace analysis.     

Analysis of trace inorganic anions in weak acid salts by single pump cycling‐column‐switching ion chromatography

The application of ion chromatography with the single pump cycling‐column‐switching technique was described for the analysis of trace inorganic anions in weak acid salts within a single run. Due to the hydrogen ions provided by an anion suppressor electrolyzing water, weak acid anions could be transformed into weak acids, existing as molecules, after passing through the suppressor. Therefore, an anion suppressor and ion‐exclusion column were adopted to achieve on‐line matrix elimination of weak acid anions with high concentration for the analysis of trace inorganic anions in weak acid salts. A series of standard solutions consisting of target anions of various concentrations from 0.005 to 10 mg/L were analyzed, with correlation coefficients r ≥ 0.9990. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.67 to 1.51 μg/L, based on the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 and a 25 μL injection volume. Relative standard deviations for retention time, peak area, and peak height were all less than 2.01%. A spiking study was performed with satisfactory recoveries between 90.3 and 104.4% for all anions. The chromatographic system was successfully applied to the analysis of trace inorganic anions in five weak acid salts.     

Chromatographic behaviors of proteins on cation-exchange column

A weak cation-exchanger (XIDACE-WCX) has been synthesized by the indirect method. The chromatographic characteristics of the synthesized packing was studied in detail. The standard protein mixture and lysozyme from egg white were separated with the prepared chromatographic column. The chromatographic thermodynamics of proteins was studied in a wide temperature range. Thermodynamic parameters standard enthalpy change (deltaH0) and standard entropy change (deltaS0) and compensation temperature (beta) at protein denaturation were determined in the chromatographic system. By using obtained deltaS0, the conformational change of proteins was judged in the chromatographic process.The linear relationship between deltaH0 and deltaS0 can be used to identify the identity of the protein retention mechanism in the weak cation-exchange chromatography. The interaction between weak cation-exchanger and metal ions was investigated. Several metal chelate columns were prepared. The effects of introducing metal ion into the naked column on protein retention and the retention mechanism of proteins in the metal chalet affinity chromatography were discussed.     

A Duffing oscillator algorithm to detect the weak chromatographic signal

Based on the Duffing equation, a Duffing oscillator algorithm (DOA) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was presented. By simulated and experimental data sets, it was proven that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the weak signal could be greatly enhanced by this method. Using signal enhancement by DOA, this method extends the SNR of low concentrations of methylbenzene from 2.662 to 29.90 and the method can be used for quantitative analysis of methylbenzene, which are lower than detection limit of an analytical system. The Duffing oscillator algorithm (DOA) might be a promising tool to extend instrumental linear range and to improve the accuracy of trace analysis. The research enlarged the application scope of Duffing equation to chromatographic signal processing.     

Determination of cycloserine in microdialysis samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with benzoyl chloride derivatization

A new method for the analysis of cycloserine (4‐amino‐3‐isoxazolidinone, CYC) in rat microdialysis samples has been developed. This method consists of derivatizing the CYC with benzoyl chloride, which transforms primary amines into highly stable derivatives. An attractive feature of this method was that the derivatization reaction is straightforward and can be completed within 10 min. The formed derivative, in contrast to the non‐derivatized analyte, exhibited increased chromatographic retention and decreased matrix effects resulting from the co‐elution of other components using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and on‐line switching. Detection on a quadrupole–linear ion trap mass spectrometer (AB3200 Q‐Trap) was performed using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Various derivatization parameters were optimized in order to improve chromatographic separation and minimize ion suppression. In particular, the benzoylation reaction was improved to enhance the reproducibility and sensitivity of the chromatographic method. The transition m/z 207.1 → 105.1 was acquired to monitor the CYC derivatization products. The method was fully validated for its sensitivity, selectivity, matrix effect and stability. A good linearity over the selected range (r > 0.99, range = 22–2200 mg/L), as well as accuracy and precision within ±7% of the target values, was obtained. The assay described herein was successfully applied to quantitatively measure CYC in the lung and blood of anesthetized rats.     

Coupled stochastic resonance to improve chromatography determinations

Traditional bistable stochastic resonance has been demonstrated as an effective tool to detect the weak signal in a strong noise background. To achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio for the output signal, a coupled stochastic resonance was developed by nonlinearly coupling two double-well potential systems. The response characteristics of coupled stochastic resonance subjected to analytical signals have been investigated and compared with those of bistable stochastic resonance. The improvement of chromatographic determination with the proposed coupled stochastic resonance was validated by both simulated signals and chromatographic signals. The weak signals from both simulated data and plasma samples with different concentrations were all amplified significantly and the quantitative relationship between different concentrations and responses was kept well. It is reasonable to believe that coupled stochastic resonance could play an important role in applications where quantitative determination of low-concentration samples is crucial.     

中药色谱指纹图谱的小波变换及分形表达方法

提出一种基于小波变换的色谱指纹图谱分形表达方法。该法运用小波变换将色谱谱线分解至不同分辨尺度，然后计算各尺度分量的分形维数，用色谱的小波基分形参量替代色谱指纹图谱的采样值。仿真实验结果表明，色谱小波基分形参量对谱峰保留时间漂移具有较好的抗干扰能力。以当归和川芎两种中药材的品种及道地性鉴别分类问题为实例，比较研究色谱采样值与小波基分形参量，k-近邻法的交叉验证计算结果表明，小波基分形参量的分类效果优于色谱采样值。     

Universal method for the determination of nonionic surfactant content in the presence of protein

A new analytical method has been developed for the quantitative determination of ethylene glycol‐containing nonionic surfactants, such as polyethylene glycol 8000, polysorbate 80, and Pluronic F‐68. These surfactants are commonly used in pharmaceutical protein preparations, thus, testing in the presence of protein is required. This method is based on the capillary gas chromatographic analysis of ethylene glycol diacetate formed by hydrolysis and acetylation of surfactants that contain ethylene glycol. Protein samples containing free surfactants were hydrolyzed and acetylated with acetic anhydride in the presence of p‐toluene sulfonic acid. Acetylated ethylene glycol was extracted with dichloromethane and analyzed by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. The amount of nonionic surfactant in the sample was determined by comparing the released ethylene glycol diacetate signal to that measured from calibration standards. The limits of quantitation of the method were 5.0 μg/mL for polyethylene glycol 8000 and Pluronic F‐68, and 50 μg/mL for polysorbate 80. This method can be applied to determine the polyethylene glycol content in PEGylated proteins or the final concentration of polysorbate 80 in a protein drug in a quality control environment.     

Fast determination of ginsenosides in ginseng by high‐performance liquid chromatography with chemometric resolution

Ginseng is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and ginsenosides are its major active components. A method for the fast determination of ginsenosides in ginseng samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed and used for the quantitative analysis of four ginsenosides in three different ginseng samples. In this method, instead of time‐consuming gradient elution, isocratic elution was used to speed up the analysis. Under strong isocratic elution, all the ginsenosides are eluted in 2.3 min. Although the measured signal is composed of overlapped peaks with the interferences and background, the signal of ginsenosides can be extracted by chemometric resolution. A non‐negative immune algorithm was employed to obtain the chromatographic information of the target components from the data. Compared with conventional chemometric approaches, the method can perform the extraction for one‐dimensional overlapping signals. The method was validated by the determination of four ginsenosides in three different ginseng samples. The recoveries of the spiked samples were in the range of 94.08–107.3%.     

Determination of flavor enhancers in milk powder by one‐step sample preparation and two‐dimensional liquid chromatography

Maltol, ethyl maltol, vanillin, and ethyl vanillin are important food additives as flavor enhancers. To quantify the four additives in milk powder, a novel 2D liquid chromatographic (2DLC) method was developed in this article. In such a 2DLC system, the target fractions eluted from the first dimensional column (C₄) are stored onto the trapping column (C₈) for subsequent analysis; after that, they were switched into the second dimensional column (C₁₈) by a two‐position six‐port switching valve. A one‐step sample preparation method was used prior to 2DLC chromatographic analysis, which was easy and convenient. After optimization of all experimental parameters, the new method was validated in terms of linearity, LODs, and LOQs, intra‐ and interday precision, and accuracy. A conventional single‐dimensional liquid chromatographic method was also proposed in this work for comparison. In order to evaluate the applicability of the new 2DLC method, five brands of commercial milk powder samples (n = 8) were analyzed. Vanillin and ethyl vanillin were detected in two samples, respectively. It is showed that the 2DLC method is effective in quality control programs of milk powder products.