Simultaneous determination of lead,copper and zinc in multimetal ores and their processed products by activation analysis

A method is proposed for the simultaneous determination of lead, copper and zinc in multimetal ores and their products by cyclic irradiation and measurement. The relative standard deviation is 10–20%, the total time required for the analysis of one sample is 10 min.     

Determination of selected elements in bone samples by neutron activation and γ-spectrometry

A non-destructive method for the quantification of eleven elements in bone samples is described. The analytical scheme is based on short (30 s) irradiation with thermal neutrons followed immediately (decay time 10 s) by counting fluorine-20 for 30 s and, after a total waiting time of 150 s, by 10-min γ-spectrometry counting, which give data for Ca, Cl, Mg, Mn, Na, and V. Use of a boron carbide shield for a second set of irradiations with epithermal neutrons permits the additional determination of bromine and strontium and calculation of the contribution of aluminium and phosphorus to the total activity of ₂₈Al.     

Determination of Diterpenoids and Flavonoids in Isodon rubescens by LC-ESI-MS-MS

The diterpenoids and flavonoids in Isodon rubescens were analyzed simultaneously by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS) for the first time. The fragmentation pathway of rubescensin A (oridonin) and rubescensin B (ponicidin) in an electrospray ion trap mass spectrometer was also investigated. A total of 10 compounds, including five diterpenoids and five flavonoids, were identified or preliminarily characterized based on their mass spectra. Six of them were reported from Isodon species for the first time.     

Determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection of free and conjugated N-acetyldopamine excretion in urine of children with neuroblastoma and nephroblastoma.

A simple method for the determination of N-acetyldopamine (NADA) (both free and conjugated) in children's urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection has been developed. Conjugated NADA was measured as the free compound after enzymatic hydrolysis and purification on alumina. The total analysis time is 25 min. The results show a linearity of the whole assay from 0.005 to 20 mumol/l NADA; the sensitivity is 0.2 pmol per 20 microliters injected sample. Mean recoveries of 96.7 and 86.6% were obtained for free and total NADA, respectively. Modifications of the retention times (between 2 and 50 min) induced by changes in the eluent were determined. Conjugated NADA accounted for about 90% of the total excretion of NADA. These results suggest that this compound could play an important part in neuroblastoma; its concentration is thirteen times higher in children with neuroblastoma than in normal subjects.     

Application of radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence determination of palladium in catalysts and doped venezuelan laterites

A rapid procedure for determining palladium in catalysts and geoiogical materials is presented. This method involves the use of an²⁴¹Am (100 mC) source for excitation and employs a PDP-11/05 processor for the data acquisition and analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The relative standard deviation for 5 independent determinations is less than 3% for 100 seconds of fluorescent time. The calculated and measured values agreed well for both, the prepared standards and the doped Venezuelan laterites. Finally, data on the different sources of error is given including counting time, sample preparation, and total error. This investigation was funded in parts by CONICIT (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Technológicas).     

Determination of the sulfhydryl and disulfide groups in proteins by methylation,treatment with raney nickel and infrared spectrometry

A method is described for the determination of the total and accessible free SH-groups in proteins, based on the methylation of the SH-groups in non-hydrolysed proteins with dimethyl sulfate, followed by hydrolysis, additional methylation (for the total free SH-groups) and treatment with Raney nickel. The methane released is measured by infrared spectroscopy. Methionine must be determined separately and a correction made. The relative error is 3%, and the time necessary for one determination is about 2 h (excluding the time for hydrolysis). The method may also be applied to the determination of accessible SH-groups of homogenates of internal organs. If the protein hydrolysate and the non-hydrolysed protein are reduced before methylation, the total and accessible disulfide groups can also be determined.     

Rapid assessment of the impact of microwave heating coupled with UV-C radiation on the degradation of PAHs from contaminated soil using FTIR and multivariate analysis

The presence and fate of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment are receiving a great concern. In this study, three oil-contaminated soils (industrial area, Dukhan city, and artificial soils) were utilized to examine the effect of microwave (MW) heating and UV-C irradiation on the PAHs degradation. A rapid assessment of the impact was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and multivariate analysis. The total organic matter values for the maximum PAHs reduction were evaluated based on the FTIR spectra of the contaminated soils followed with the principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the highest total organic carbon reduction was achieved for the industrial soil sample that required a high MW power and long MW exposure time. On the other hand, the Dukhan city soil sample, which has the lowest total organic carbon, required a high MW power and short MW exposure time followed by UV-C treatment for 20 min to reach the maximal FTIR transmittance reduction. The cluster analysis was also used to evaluate the impact of MW heating, and MW heating followed by UV-C irradiation on the degradation of PAHs. The PCA results of the industrial city sample showed that neither MW treatment (100% MW, 15 min exposure time) followed by UV-C treatment for 20 min nor 10 min is significantly different from the MW treatment (100% MW, 15 min exposure time). However, for the Dukhan sample, the UV-C treatment at 10 min after high MW power and long exposure time (100% MW, 15 min exposure time) was the most efficient treatment.     

Preparation of Hair and Nail Samples for Trace Element Analysis

Abstract

The method of washing of human hair and nail samples is examined by neutron activation and γ-ray analysis. The amounts of Na, K, Br, Au, Zn and La that are removed by successive washings determine the optimum number of washing for removing these trace elements as surface contaminants. A total solution contact time with the nails is 5 minutes, and leaching effects are observed after 6 washings.     

The stereoselective total syntheses of pectinolides A,B, and C

The stereoselective total synthesis of pectinolide B has been accomplished for the first time along with total syntheses of pectinolides A and C. MacMillan α-hydroxylation and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reactions are involved in generating the three stereogenic centers. Other important transformations in the synthesis are Z-selective Still–Gennari olefination, selective benzylation of the homoallylic alcohol, and a one-pot MOM deprotection followed by lactonization leading to all three pectinolides A–C being synthesized from a common intermediate. Pectinolides A, B, and C were synthesized from n-hexanal in 19, 20, and 18 steps with overall yields of 8.8%, 6.72%, and 9.2%, respectively.     

Total Synthesis of the Polyoxygenated Sesquiterpenes Guignarderemophilanes C and D

The total syntheses of the neural anti‐inflammatory agents guignarderemophilanes C and D have been accomplished for the first time starting from γ‐hydroxy carvone in 15 and 14 steps, respectively. The presented synthetic route proceeds via a known intermediate, whose synthesis has been elaborated in our group in the course of the total synthesis of the sesquiterpenoid periconianone A. Key for the successful conversion of this intermediate into both targets was finding a suitable strategy to install the 1,2,3‐trihydroxylated A‐ring scaffold. For this purpose, we effectively employed a Mitsunobu inversion, epoxidation, and regioselective epoxide opening sequence, before the bicyclic ring system was constructed by an aldol condensation reaction on a sterically demanding substrate. Our reported synthesis set the stage for SAR studies to prepare even more potent compounds by modification and derivatization of the natural product's scaffold.     

Headspace single-drop microextraction with in situ stibine generation for the determination of antimony (III) and total antimony by electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry

A headspace-single drop microextraction method combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) is developed for the extraction and preconcentration of antimony(III) and total antimony into a Pd(II)-containing aqueous drop after hydride generation. Experimental variables such as hydrochloric acid and sodium tetrahydroborate concentrations, sample volume, Pd(II) concentration in the acceptor phase and microextraction time were optimized. A 2^6-2 _IV factorial fractional design was initially used for screening the effect of the variables, followed by an univariate approach. The method showed a great freedom from interferences caused by hydride-forming elements and transition metals. The detection limit of Sb(III) was 25 pg mL^?1. A preconcentration factor of 176 is achieved in 3 min. The repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation, was 4.7%. The method was validated against two certified reference materials (NWRI-TM 27.2 and NIST 2711) and applied to the determination of Sb(III) and total Sb in waters.     

Determination of mercury ion by MEKC with on-column derivatisation and LIF detection

A simple and automatic method for the determination of mercury ion by MEKC with on-column derivatisation and LIF detection is described in the present paper. In this method, solutions of a nonfluorescent rhodamine derivative and mercury ion were injected individually and mixed by applying a short voltage. Subsequently, the mercury ions reacted with the nonfluorescent rhodamine derivative to produce strongly fluorescent product. The resulting product was then removed by EOF and micelles towards the detection window and detected by LIF detector. The experimental conditions in terms of the concentration and injection volume ratios between mercury ion and derivatisation reagent, the mixing time and waiting time for the on-column reaction were optimised. The optimal conditions were determined as follows: the concentration and injection volume ratios between mercury ion and derivatisation reagent were 1:20 and 10:1, respectively; the mixing time was 40 s under the applied voltage of 5 kV; the waiting time was proved unnecessary. The detection limit for mercury ion was 5 x 10(-8) M, and the total analysis time was less than 10 min.     

Limitations and improvements of trace element analysis with proton-induced X-rays

The technique of trace element analysis by the detection of characteristic X-rays induced by high energy proton bombardment is critically examined. A discussion of the restrictions imposed by detector resolution is made, the behavior of the cross-section for X-ray production as a function of energy and atomic number is discussed. The effect of this behavior upon analysis time is demonstrated. Background is discussed in terms of its effect on the total counting rate. The use of a silicon solid state detector to determine the overlappingK-lines of light elements andL-lines of heavy elements is shown to have severe limitations. A combination of crystal monochromators and solid state detectors is suggested as a means to circumvent some of the fundamental limitations encountered with a single detector. An experimental arrangement for the use of twenty-four crystal monochromators and two solid state detectors is shown. Work supported in part by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.     

Total ion chromatographic fingerprints combined with chemometrics and mass defect filter to predict antitumor components of Picrasma quassioids

A method of total ion chromatogram combined with chemometrics and mass defect filter was established for the prediction of active ingredients in Picrasma quassioides samples. The total ion chromatogram data of 28 batches were pretreated with wavelet transformation and correlation optimized warping to correct baseline drifts and retention time shifts. Then partial least squares regression was applied to construct a regression model to bridge the total ion chromatogram fingerprints and the antitumor activity of P. quassioides. Finally, the regression coefficients were used to predict the active peaks in total ion chromatogram fingerprints. In this strategy, mass defect filter was employed to classify and characterize the active peaks from a chemical point of view. A total of 17 constituents were predicted as the potential active compounds, 16 of which were identified as alkaloids by this developed approach. The results showed that the established method was not only simple and easy to operate, but also suitable to predict ultraviolet undetectable compounds and provide chemical information for the prediction of active compounds in herbs.     

Production of cellulase on mixtures of xylose and cellulose

Cellulase production by the RUT-C30 mutant of the fungusTrichoderma reesei was studied on mixtures of xylose and cellulose. In mixed substrates, the lag phase of the growth cycle was shorter and reached the maximum of total productivity in a shorter time compared to growth on the single substrate, cellulose. A diauxic pattern of utilization of the two carbon sources was observed as well: Xylose was utilized first to support growth, followed by cellulose to induce the cellulase enzyme production and provide an additional carbon source for cellular metabolism. Of the various mixtures of xylose and cellulose used in batch enzyme production, a ratio of 30∶30 g/L of xylose to cellulose was optimal. This mixture produced the highest maximal enzyme productivity of 122 IFPU/L h, and its total productivity reached a maximum value of 55 IFPU/L h in less time than others. However, similar total productivities and higher enzyme titers were observed for growth on cellulose alone.     

Total synthesis of the supposed structure of (-)-sclerophytin A and an improved route to (-)-7-deacetoxyalcyonin acetate

[reaction: see text]Stereoselective acid-catalyzed rearrangement of 15-->16 is the central step in total syntheses of (-)-7-deacetoxyalcyonin acetate (1) and the compound with the alleged structure of sclerophytin A (2). Since tetracyclic diether 2 is not identical to sclerophytin A, the structure of this antineoplastic marine diterpene must be revised. The conversion of 15-->16 demonstrates for the first time that tetrahydrofurans containing (Z)-1-methylalkenyl side chains can be prepared by Prins-pinacol rearrangements.     

Extractionless HPLC Method for the Determination of Naproxen in Human Plasma and Urine

Abstract

A simple and rapid (extractionless) high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection, at 278 nm, is described for the determination of naproxen in human plasma and urine. Niflumic acid is used as internal standard. The chromatographic system consists of a reversed-phase C18-Spherisorb column with acetonitrile/0.1 M sodium acetate (35:65 v/v, pH 6.14) as the mobile phase. The retention time is 3.0 min for naproxen and 3.8 min for niflumic acid. The total run time is 5 min and the typical assay time is 10 min. The method is sufficiently sensitive for biopharmaceutical studies, after the oral administration of a single sustained release dose.     

Total synthesis of maremycins A,B, C1/C2, D1, and D2

The total synthesis of maremycins A, B, C₁/C₂, D₁, and D₂ is achieved starting from the natural amino acids l-isoleucine and S-methyl-l-cysteine, in which the total synthesis of maremycins B, C₁/C₂, and D₂ is accomplished for the first time. The synthesis features a position-selective intramolecular bromination process for the synthesis of key chiral building block, a Pd-catalyzed indole synthesis for the preparation of (2S,3S)-β-methyltryptophan and hydroxylation of oxindoles by molecular oxygen. In addition, the protocol for conversion of maremycins A and B to maremycins C and D was improved.     

Kinetics of cluster growth by aggregation

The classical problem of the coalescence of isolated species to produce growing clusters/colloids/polymers by successive statistical encounters having the same rate constant, is revisited using numerical simulation for a maximum nuclearity value of a few 10³ units. The evolution with time of the abundance of clusters of a given nuclearity and of the total population, and the distribution of sizes at a given time are obtained and compared with models from the literature. A remarkable feature of these curves is that they exhibit parity effects for the nuclearity, even clusters being systematically more abundant than odd ones. For easier comparison with experiments, some simulated curves are presented in the form of an approximated analytical expression: kinetics of the total population, and of the monomer, dimer and higher oligomers populations, amplitudes at the maximum and delay for the maximum as functions of the nuclearity, size distribution at a given time. The validity of the approximations is discussed.     

A New Approach for Controlling Mesoporosity in Activated Carbon by the Consecutive Process of Air Oxidation,Thermal Destruction of Surface Functional Groups,and Carbon Activation (the OTA Method)

A new and simple method, based entirely on a physical approach, was proposed to produce activated carbon from longan fruit seed with controlled mesoporosity. This method, referred to as the OTA, consisted of three consecutive steps of (1) air oxidation of initial microporous activated carbon of about 30% char burn-off to introduce oxygen surface functional groups, (2) the thermal destruction of the functional groups by heating the oxidized carbon in a nitrogen atmosphere at a high temperature to increase the surface reactivity due to increased surface defects by bond disruption, and (3) the final reactivation of the resulting carbon in carbon dioxide. The formation of mesopores was achieved through the enlargement of the original micropores after heat treatment via the CO₂ gasification, and at the same time new micropores were also produced, resulting in a larger increase in the percentage of mesopore volume and the total specific surface area, in comparison with the production of activated carbon by the conventional two-step activation method using the same activation time and temperature. For the activation temperatures of 850 and 900 °C and the activation time of up to 240 min, it was found that the porous properties of activated carbon increased with the increase in activation time and temperature for both preparation methods. A maximum volume of mesopores of 0.474 cm³/g, which accounts for 44.1% of the total pore volume, and a maximum BET surface area of 1773 m²/g was achieved using three cycles of the OTA method at the activation temperature of 850 °C and 60 min activation time for each preparation cycle. The two-step activation method yielded activated carbon with a maximum mesopore volume of 0.270 cm³/g (33.0% of total pore volume) and surface area of 1499 m²/g when the activation temperature of 900 °C and a comparable activation time of 240 min were employed. Production of activated carbon by the OTA method is superior to the two-step activation method for better and more precise control of mesopore development.