Chiral and isomeric analysis by electrospray ionization and sonic spray ionization using the fixed-ligand kinetic method

The fixed-ligand version of the kinetic method has been used for chiral and for isomeric analysis by studying the dissociation kinetics of transition metal-bound trimeric cluster ions ([(M(II) + L(fixed)-H)(ref*)(An)](+), where M(II) is a transition metal, L fixed is a fixed (non-dissociating) ligand, ref* is a reference ligand and An is the analyte. The trimeric cluster ions are readily generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) or sonic spray ionization (SSI). The size of the fixed ligand, L- Phe-Gly-L-P he-Gly, is chosen based on previous results but with the inclusion of aromatic functionality to increase chiral recognition. Improved chiral/isomeric differentiation results from enhanced chiral/isomeric interactions (metal-ligand and ligand-ligand) due to the fixed ligand. As shown in the cases of chiral dipeptides (D-Ala-D-Ala/L-Ala-L-Ala), sugars (D/L-glucose, D/L-mannose) and isomeric tetrapeptides (L-Ala-Gly-Gly-Gly/Gly-Gly -Gly-L-Ala), improved chiral/isomeric discrimination by factors from three to six were obtained by the fixed ligand procedure. Chiral recognition is independent of the concentrations of the analyte, the reference ligand, the fixed ligand and the transition metal salt, a great advantage for practical applications. In addition to increased chiral distinction, the simplified dissociation kinetics also contribute to improved accuracy in chiral quantification, in comparison with data obtained by investigating the dissociation kinetics of simple trimeric cluster ions [M(II)(ref*)2(An) H](+). Accurate determination of enantiomeric excess (ee) is demonstrated by enantiomeric quantification of D-Ala-D-Ala/L-Ala-L-Ala down to 2% ee. Both ESI and SSI allow chiral quantification with similar accuracies. The performance of chiral analysis experiments is not limited to ion trapping devices such as quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometers by a hybrid quadrupole-time of flight (Q-ToF) mass spectrometer is shown to provide an alternative choice. The fixed-ligand kinetic method is not restricted to any particular kinds of isomers and, hence, represents a general procedure for improving molecular recognition and chiral analysis in the gas phase.     

Selective identification and quantitative analysis of methionine containing peptides by charge derivatization and tandem mass spectrometry

To enable the development of a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) based methodology for selective protein identification and differential quantitative analysis, a novel derivatization strategy is proposed, based on the formation of a "fixed-charge" sulfonium ion on the side-chain of a methionine amino acid residue contained within a protein or peptide of interest. The gas-phase fragmentation behavior of these side chain fixed charge sulfonium ion containing peptides is observed to result in exclusive loss of the derivatized side chain and the formation of a single characteristic product ion, independently of charge state or amino acid composition. Thus, fixed charge containing peptide ions may be selectively identified from complex mixtures, for example, by selective neutral loss scan mode MS/MS methods. Further structural interrogation of identified peptide ions may be achieved by subjecting the characteristic MS/MS product ion to multistage MS/MS (MS3) in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, or by energy resolved "pseudo" MS3 in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The general principles underlying this fixed charge derivatization approach are demonstrated here by MS/MS, MS3 and "pseudo" MS3 analysis of side chain fixed-charge sulfonium ion derivatives of peptides containing methionine formed by reaction with phenacylbromide. Incorporation of "light" and "heavy" isotopically encoded labels into the fixed-charge derivatives facilitates the application of this method to the quantitative analysis of differential protein expression, via measurement of the relative abundances of the neutral loss product ions generated by dissociation of the light and heavy labeled peptide ions. This approach, termed "selective extraction of labeled entities by charge derivatization and tandem mass spectrometry" (SELECT), thereby offers the potential for significantly improved sensitivity and selectivity for the identification and quantitative analysis of peptides or proteins containing selected structural features, without requirement for extensive fractionation or otherwise enrichment from a complex mixture prior to analysis.     

Transition from creeping via viscous-inertial to turbulent flow in fixed beds

This review is concerned with the analysis of flow regimes in porous media, in particular, in fixed beds of spherical particles used as reactors in engineering applications, or as separation units in liquid chromatography. A transition from creeping via viscous-inertial to turbulent flow is discussed based on macro-scale transport behaviour with respect to the pressure drop-flow rate dependence, in particular, the deviation from Darcy's law, as well as direct microscopic data which reflect concomitant changes in the pore-level hydrodynamics. In contrast to the flow behaviour in straight pipes, the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in fixed particulate beds is not sharp, but proceeds gradually through a viscous-inertial flow regime. The onset of this steady, nonlinear regime and increasing role of inertial forces is macroscopically manifested in the failure of Darcy's law to describe flow through fixed beds at higher Reynolds numbers. While the physical reasons for this failure still are not completely understood, it is not caused by turbulence which occurs at Reynolds numbers about two orders of magnitude above those for which a deviation from Darcy's law is observed. Microscopic analysis shows that this steady, nonlinear flow regime is characterized by the development of an inertial core in the pore-level profile, i.e., at increasing Reynolds number velocity profiles in individual pores become flatter towards the center of the pores, while the velocity gradient increases close to the solid-liquid interface. Further, regions with local backflow and stationary eddies are demonstrated for the laminar flow regime in fixed beds. The onset of local fluctuations (end of laminar regime) is observed at superficial Reynolds numbers on the order of 100. Complementary analysis of hydrodynamic dispersion suggests that this unsteady flow accelerates lateral equilibration between different velocities in fixed beds which, in turn, reduces spreading in the longitudial (macroscopic flow) direction.     

Imaging of Phospholipids in Formalin Fixed Rat Brain Sections by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is a valuable tool for the analysis of molecules directly from tissue. Imaging of phospholipids is gaining widespread interest, particularly as these lipids have been implicated in a variety of pathologic processes. Formalin fixation (FF) is the standard protocol used in histology laboratories worldwide to preserve tissue for analysis, in order to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. This study assesses MALDI imaging of phospholipids directly in formalin fixed tissue, with a view to future analysis of archival tissue. This investigation proves the viability of MALDI-MSI for studying the distribution of lipids directly in formalin fixed tissue, without any pretreatment protocols. High quality molecular images for several phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) species are presented. Images correspond well with previously published data for the analysis of lipids directly from freshly prepared tissue. Different ionization pathways are observed when analyzing fixed tissue compared with fresh, and this change was found to be associated with formalin buffers employed in fixation protocols. The ability to analyze lipids directly from formalin fixed tissue opens up new doors in the investigation of disease profiles. Pathologic specimens taken for histologic investigation can be analyzed by MALDI-MS to provide greater information on the involvement of lipids in diseased tissue.     

An evaluation of two calibration procedures using thermal desorption-gas chromatography in the analysis of odorous volatile compounds

In this study, the relative performance of gas chromatography (GC) was investigated with respect to the differences in two types of calibration approaches with a thermal desorption (TD) method: the fixed standard concentration approach (FSC: the comparison of different sample volumes for a given standard) was compared with the fixed standard volume approach (FSV: the comparison of different concentration standards at a fixed loading volume). Gaseous working standards of seven odorants, including methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), butyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, isobutyl alcohol, toluene, xylene, and a reference component, benzene, were prepared at four concentration levels (10-100 ppb). They were then analyzed by controlling the TD-loading volumes at six levels (40-1200 mL). The results derived by these contrasting calibration approaches showed moderate changes in the GC sensitivity, either with an increasing concentration (i.e., FSC), or with an increasing sample loading volume (i.e., FSV). Despite an eccentric trend of MEK, the TD-based analysis was fairly predictable and can be recommended for the analysis of the selected odorants.     

Simulation of EPR and time resolved EPR lineshapes in partially ordered glasses

Simulation of magnetic resonance spectra of probes in partially ordered glasses requires in principle a numerical integration on the full set of three Euler angles omega=(alpha beta gamma) from a laboratory fixed to a molecule fixed reference frame. It is shown that it is possible to manage efficiently this problem by using the algebraic properties of the Wigner matrix elements. This analysis is applied to time resolved EPR (TREPR) spectra of a series of bis-adducts of C60 in the ordered glass of a nematic liquid crystal solvent. A paramagnetic triplet state is created by light excitation and TREPR spectra are obtained with the external magnetic field set parallel or perpendicular to the director n of the mesophase. The preferred orientation in the mesophase of the triplet state zero field tensor is determined.     

Self‐defining tree‐like classifiers for interpretation of Raman spectroscopic experiments

In this contribution, a technique is proposed to create a data‐driven interpretation of a given chemometric analysis of a Raman dataset. In real‐world applications, the chemometric analysis is fixed by some external measurement, for example, a legal standard, or a set of fixed goals. Thus, the exact chemometric work flow is fixed because of those goals. However, a further optimization, for example, of the measurement itself relies on an interpretation of the resulting chemometric analysis. For this purpose, a data‐driven analysis of the chemometric analysis itself has to be carried out. This contribution tries to achieve that goal by combining two methods. The first proposed technique is the calculation of the so‐called importance map, which allows the computation of the importance of every channel for a given model and a given dataset. This importance map is constructed after the complete result of an out‐of‐bag (OOB) validation and the decrease of accuracy by randomized channels. The second technique is the growing of the optimal decision tree based on the action of the model used for chemometric analysis. By this way, a clustering is achieved on which by binary classifiers, the optimal decision tree is grown. This tree can be interpreted as dividing the whole dataset into meta clusters. Combining these techniques, a new way of interpreting datasets based on the chosen model is proposed. This combination closes the gap between chemometric analysis and the need for interpretation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Direct matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometric analysis of proteins immobilized on nylon-based membranes

Direct analysis of proteins adsorbed onto the surface of nylon membranes has been performed at the picomole level by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Nylon-66 and positive charge-modified nylon (Zetabind) membranes fixed to MALDI probe tips were successfully employed to analyze picomole quantities of sample that were adsorbed onto these inert supports prior to adding a matrix-containing solution. Proteins and peptides are readily solubilized from these types of membrane with conventional matrix solvents and cocrystallize with the matrix on the membrane surface. Because solubilization of membrane-adsorbed protein is necessary for successful sample preparation, nylon membranes are more suitable for use with MALDI-MS than other protein transfer membranes such as polyvinylidene difluoride or nitrocellulose. When compared to samples prepared conventionally, no apparent loss of sensitivity or resolution is observed when analysis by MALDI-MS is performed from nylon-66 or positive charge-modified nylon membranes. Detection limits and resolution are not apparently affected by the membrane immobilization/washing procedure, and no change in the mass accuracy is observed when analysis is performed on the nylon surface. However, there is a time shift (increase) in ion flight time when analysis by MALDI-time-of-flight-MS is performed directly from the membrane fixed to the probe tip (about 200 ns for an ion of mass 379.3). To maintain mass accuracy, the use of internal standards or external calibration performed on a membrane support was necessary. The immobilization of proteins on nylon membranes can be used to facilitate removal of water-soluble contaminants because the sample is retained when the membrane is immersed in water prior to adding the matrix solution. The feasibility of performing both chemical and enzymatic modifications of proteins adsorbed onto inert nylon supports prior to analysis by MALDi-MS is also demonstrated.     

Comparison of three spectrophotometric methods for the determination of gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil

A comparison of the results obtained by applying three spectrophotometric methods (at fixed wavelength, second-derivative and multicomponent analysis) to the determination of gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil is reported.At fixed wavelength the results are more accurate when using isopropyl alcohol, rather than n-heptane, to dilute the oil samples, because the absorption bands of gamma-oryzanol are red-shifted and the absorbance, measured at lambda(max)=327 nm, is less affected by the interference of the oil "matrix" (lambda(max)=314 nm in n-heptane).However, to obtain accurate results also in oils with a low content of gamma-oryzanol, it is necessary to perform the analysis using second-derivative ((2)D330.365) or multicomponent (lambda=310-360 nm) methods. The first one fully removes the interference of oil matrix whilst the second, which needs a specific computational program to process the spectrophotometric data, furnishes evidence the presence of some unexpected interference in the analysis and/or standards which are not representative of the analysed samples, from the square root of the sum of the squared differences at each point between the linear combination of the standards and the unknown spectra (RMS error).Finally, some aspects of the chemical, spectroscopic (UV, IR) and thermoanalytical (TG, DSC) behaviour of gamma-oryzanol and the values of the parameters which enable "computation" of its UV spectra are reported.     

Photodegradation of natural organic matter exposed to fluctuating levels of solar radiation

Irradiation of natural water samples with natural or artificial UVR typically results in a progressive loss of color and decreased absorbance; a process often referred to as photobleaching. In a typical photobleaching experiment, samples are exposed to a relatively constant level of artificial or natural UVR. However, under most natural situations, the vertical mixing of the water within the upper mixed layer results in strong and periodic fluctuations in UV irradiance. In this paper, we present the results of an experiment in which natural lake water was exposed to solar radiation in quartz tubes that were incubated either at fixed depths or rotating within the water column. We found differences between rotating and fixed samples in (i) photobleaching, (ii) nutrient release, and (iii) subsequent use by algae and bacteria. The evidence presented in this study demonstrated that photochemical processes might be affected by vertical water motion. The reasons for such differences remain largely unknown. Although we offer a potential explanation for such differences, our proposed mechanism is based on a post-hoc analysis of the data and should be taken solely as a working hypothesis for future research.     

热机械法研究聚丙烯腈纤维的超分子结构 I.静态热机械分析法的意义和作用

本文首先阐释了热机械分析的目的、意义和方法,然后用纤维热机械分析仪(在程序升温过程中)在定张力下测定纤维的长度变化,在定长度下测定纤维的应力变化,或长度、应力同时变化下的应力-应变关系。最后,从腈纶纤维的热机械分析特性曲线,估定它的转变温度,并进行了讨论。     

Transport of ions through an elliptic ion-selective membrane

The rate of transport of ions through an annular ion-selective membrane having an elliptic cross section is analyzed. This is a generalization to a hollow-fiber type of device, and represents a wide class of membranes which are capable of providing a large (surface area/volume) ratio for ion transport. The Nernst–Plank equation governing the transport of ions is solved numerically. The results obtained reveal that, if the concentration of fixed charge is high, its current efficiency is insensitive to fixed charge distribution, and the local electroneutrality can be assumed. On the other hand, if the concentration of fixed charge is low, the distribution of fixed charge becomes significant, and assuming local electroneutrality can be inappropriate. In general, the higher the average concentration (or the greater the total amount) of fixed charge of a membrane, the higher its current efficiency. We show that the results for planar and cylindrical membranes can be recovered from the present model.     

Ligand-dependent particle size control of PbSe quantum dots

Colloidal solutions of monodisperse PbSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a hot solution chemical method from a reaction mixture of lead oleate and TOPSe (TOP: tri-n-octylphosphine). The synthesis was carried out at a fixed temperature (170 degrees C) and time, while the particle sizes of the PbSe QDs were controlled by using two different kinds of organic ligands with varied chain length. It was seen that the tuning of PbSe QDs are possible by using the proper molar ratio of the co-ligands, such as acetic acid or hexanoic acid, at a fixed reaction temperature and time, verified by TEM and XRD as well as NIR absorption analysis. The effects of different organic acids were studied and the role of additional organic acids might be due to the extent of ligand exchange efficiency between the Pb oleate and acetic/hexanoic acid in the initial stage, which is caused by the steric hindrance effects of the acids.     

煤系高岭岩中固定碳燃烧动力学特性

煤系高岭岩中可燃矿物与不可燃矿物的共生组合增加了可燃矿物燃烧的复杂性,研究这类"燃料"的燃烧特性对充分利用煤矸石资源有积极的意义。参照FCC催化剂结焦燃烧机理,基于一系列假设,建立了煤系高岭岩中固定碳燃烧反应模型—未反应收缩核模型。采用空气气氛下等温热重法研究了煤系高岭土中固定碳的燃烧反应。研究表明,低于700℃,反应的控制步骤是煤系高岭岩中固定碳燃烧界面化学反应。通过对非均一颗粒体系的未反应核收缩模型计算分析,获得煤系高岭岩中固定碳燃烧反应动力学参数,活化能(E)为100.12kJ/mol,频率因子(A)为2.27×106s-1。     

A robust algorithm for the simultaneous parameter estimation of interfacial tension and contact angle from sessile drop profiles

The pendant and sessile drop profile analysis using the finite element method (PSDA-FEM) is an algorithm which allows simultaneous determination of the interfacial tension (gamma) and contact angle (theta(c)) from sessile drop profiles. The PSDA-FEM algorithm solves the nonlinear second-order spherical coordinate form of the Young-Laplace equation. Thus, the boundary conditions at the drop apex and contact position of the drop with the substrate are required to solve for the drop profile coordinates. The boundary condition at the position where the drop contacts the substrate may be specified as a fixed contact line or fixed contact angle. This paper will focus on the fixed contact angle boundary condition for sessile drops on a substrate and how this boundary condition is used in the PSDA-FEM curve-fitting algorithm. The PSDA-FEM algorithm has been tested using simulated drop shapes with and without the addition of random error to the drop profile coordinates. The random error is varied to simulate the effect of camera resolution on the estimates of gamma and theta(c) values obtained from the curve-fitting algorithm. The error in the experimental values for gamma from sessile drops of water on acrylic and Mazola corn oil on acrylic falls within the predicted range of errors obtained for gamma values from simulated sessile drop profiles with randomized errors that are comparable in magnitude to the resolution of the experimental setup.     

Analysis of artist’s palette on a 16th century wood panel painting by portable and laboratory Raman instruments

Non-destructive analysis of the artist’s palette of ancient wooden panel paintings is a difficult task and studies are rare. Here we compare different methods of analysis of a wooden panel painting, dated to the early sixteenth century, mainly by Raman and infrared spectroscopies. Raman spectra were recorded on collected/sampled micrometric fragments using portable Raman instruments with laser excitation lines at 532 and 785 nm and transportable Raman instruments at 532, 633 and 785 nm; a fixed 1064 nm Raman spectrometer was also used. Infrared analyses were performed in Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR-FTIR) mode. Using the portable instrument, the Raman spectra evidenced white lead, calcite and vermilion only. Raman spectra recorded by transportable and fixed instruments enabled the identification of most of the artist’s palette: (i) white lead, calcite, gypsum and cerussite for white colour; (ii) vermilion, red lead, litharge, haematite for red; (iii) azurite, indigo and lapis lazuli for blue. IR spectra gave information on the organic binding media. XRF analysis on a brown pigment suggested an heterogeneous mixture of a red pigment (such as haematite and/or minium) and a green one as malachite. GC-MS analysis allowed identifying terpenic resin in the composition of the outer protective layer.     

Effects of injection volume change on gas chromatographic sensitivity determined with two contrasting calibration approaches for volatile organic compounds

In this study, the effects of injection volume change on gas chromatographic detection properties have been evaluated using gas-phase standards containing three aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOC): benzene, toluene, and xylene (commonly called BTX). To examine such effects on GC sensitivity, a series of calibration data sets were obtained using standards of three concentration values (3, 6, and 10 ppm) at each of five selected injection volumes (20 to 1000 microL). The results were initially examined in terms of the fixed standard volume (FSV) approach to allow the direct comparison of calibration patterns between different injection volumes. Identical data sets were then re-organized so that the calibration data could also be compared across variable injection volumes for a given standard concentration (at all three concentrations), i.e. by the fixed standard concentration (FSC) approach. The results of our comparative analysis between the FSV and the FSC approaches indicate that the calibration patterns of VOC are highly sensitive to changes in injection volume or injection-related conditions. It is thus suggested that the former approach is more reasonable for reducing uncertainties associated with the GC-based quantification of atmospheric pollutants.     

An economic feasibility study for water gas shift membrane reactor

An economical analysis of palladium membrane reactors for the water gas shift (WGS) reaction is presented and discussed. In particular, a comparison of costs between the conventional apparatus and different membrane systems, for a fixed pure hydrogen recovery, is reported. The effect of the palladium thickness and of the membrane permeability to hydrogen on costs of membrane devices is analysed. Both higher permeabilities and lower thickness improve the hydrogen removal leading to a decrease in membrane area for a fixed hydrogen recovery and, thus, to a cost reduction. While both capital and operating costs are higher than the traditional ones for all the range of permeabilities used, by reducing the palladium thickness, it is possible to determine a range in which membrane reactors might be cost-effective. In particular, for palladium thicknesses equal or lower than 20 μm, membrane reactors could represent a possible alternative to conventional apparatus.     

Thermal aqueous liquid chromatography—the TALC technique

Thermal Aqueous Liquid Chromatography (TALC) using pure water as a mobile phase should be a very attractive technique promoting the use of liquid chromatography in routine analysis, either in the laboratory or in future on-line process control. This simple form of chromatography, the selectivity of which depends on the fixed phase only, would allow the use of flame ionization as an almost universal, low-cost detector in liquid chromatography. The potential of the TALC technique is illustrated by selected examples.     

Extending the Curtin–Hammett principle: the relative rates of intramolecular cyclisation versus intermolecular processes

A common tactic for synthetic chemists is to employ high dilution to ensure cyclisation is favoured over intermolecular processes. This intuitive strategy is ubiquitous in synthesis, although a quantitative analysis of these systems has not previously been proposed. In this Letter a theoretical analysis of the Curtin–Hammett principle when applied to systems in which the two equilibrating reactive species each undergo reactions of different orders is reported. This quantitative analysis predicts that a change in product distribution will be observed over time (under fixed conditions). However, the product ratios may be controlled by the addition of excess reagent(s) or by altering their concentration(s), consistent with established best practice (i.e., high dilution to maximise the formation of cyclised products, and high concentrations of reagents to maximise the formation of products resulting from intermolecular reactions).