Target Identification Using Dictionary Matching of Generalized Polarization Tensors

The aim of this paper is to provide a fast and efficient procedure for (real-time) target identification in imaging based on matching on a dictionary of precomputed generalized polarization tensors (GPTs). The approach is based on some important properties of the GPTs and new invariants. A new shape representation is given and numerically tested in the presence of measurement noise. The stability and resolution of the proposed identification algorithm is numerically quantified. We compare the proposed GPT-based shape representation with a moment-based one.     

A novel needle trap sorbent based on carbon nanotube-sol-gel for microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from aquatic media

A new type of composite material based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and sol–gel chemistry was prepared and used as sorbent for needle trap device (NTD). The synthesized composite was prepared in a way to disperse CNTs molecules in a sol–gel polymeric network. CNT/silica composites with different CNT doping levels were successfully prepared, and the extraction capability of each composite was evaluated. Effects of surfactant and the oxidation duration of CNTs on the extraction efficiency of synthesized composites were also investigated. The applicability of the synthesized sorbent was examined by developing a method based on needle trap extraction (NTE) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry detection (GC–MS) for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aqueous samples. Important parameters influencing the extraction process were optimized and an extraction time of 30 min at 50 °C and sampling flow rate of 2.5 mL min⁻¹ gave maximum peak area, when NaCl (15%, w/v) was added to the aqueous sample. The linearity for acenaphthene, acenaphthylene and fluorene was in the concentration range of 0.01–20 ng mL⁻¹ and for naphthalene and anthracene was in the range of 0.1–50 ng mL⁻¹. Limits of detection was 0.001 ng mL⁻¹, for acenaphthene, acenaphthylene and fluorene, and 0.01 ng mL⁻¹, for naphthalene and anthracene using time-scheduled selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode, and the RSD% values (n = 3) were all below 11.2% at the 1 ng mL⁻¹ level. The developed method was successfully applied to real water samples while the relative recovery percentages obtained for the spiked water samples were from 73.8 to 113.8%.     

New Grafted Nanosilica-Based Sorbent for Needle Trap Extraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Water Samples Followed by GC/MS

In this work, the preparation of a new grafted nanosilica-based sorbent was extensively investigated. An inexpensive modifier, cis-9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) was selected to be grafted on the surface of the nanosilica particles as the support. The grafting process was accurately confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectrometry (FT-IR). Applicability of the prepared sorbent was thoroughly examined by needle trap extraction (NTE) method. The grafted sorbent was dispersed in the appropriate solvent and carefully packed inside a steel needle. Feasibility of the method was completely examined using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as model compounds. For extraction of analytes from aqueous samples, the prepared needle trap device (NTD) was placed in the headspace of the sample and another needle was also inserted into the sample solution to purge the circulating headspace into the sample. For increasing the extraction efficiency, influencing parameters including extraction time and temperature, flow rate of analyte through the needle trap, the ionic strength, desorption temperature, and time were optimized. The limit of detection (LOD) and relative standard deviation (RSD) values of the method under optimized conditions were 2?C5 ng L^?1 and 1.1?C4.8%, respectively. The RSD% for fluorene was somewhat higher and a value of 16.8% at 40 ng L^?1 was achieved. Finally the developed method was applied to the analysis of tap water and Zayandeh-roud river samples and the relative recovery (RR %) values were found to be in the range of 77?C109%, under the optimized conditions.     

Trichloroisocyanuric Acid,as an Industrial Chemical,Promotes Transthioacetalization of Diacetals of 2,2-Bis (Hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol and Cleavage of Thioacetals

Trichloroisocyanuric acid has been used as a mild, efficient, and new catalyst for transthioacetalization of diacetals of 2,2-bis (hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol in CH 2 Cl 2 at room temperature. A clean, easy, and general method for efficient deprotection of thioacetals to their corresponding carbonyl compounds using trichloroisocyanuric acid/silica gel and water system also is described.     

4-Aminophenyl Diphenylphosphinite (APDPP) as a Heterogeneous and Acid Scavenger Reagent for Thiocyantion or Isothiocyanation of Alcohols and Protected Alcohols

4-Aminophenyl diphenylphosphinite (APDPP) as a heterogeneous phosphinite reagent is used for the efficient conversion of alcohols, trimethylsilyl- and tetrahydropyranyl ethers, α -hydroxy phosphonates, and α -trimethylsilyloxyphosphonates to their corresponding thiocyanates or isothiocyanates in the presence of Br ₂ and NH ₄ SCN.     

2,4,4,6-Tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone (TABCO), N-Bromosuccinimide (NBS) and Bromine as Efficient Catalysts for Dithioacetalization and Oxathioacetalization of Carbonyl Compounds and Transdithioacetalization Reactions

The use of 2,4,4,6-tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone (TABCO), N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), and bromine as efficient catalysts for conversion of carbonyl compounds to their cyclic and acyclic dithioacetals and 1,3-oxathiolanes under mild reaction conditions are described. These catalysts are also used for efficient transdithioacetalization of acetals, diacetals, ketals, acylals, enamines, hydrazones, and oximes with high yields in the presence of thiols.     

Silphos [PCl3− n (SiO2) n ]: A Heterogeneous Phosphine Reagent for the Regioselective Synthesis of vic-Haloalcohols

Silphos as a silica-based phosphine [PCl_3?n (SiO₂) _n ] provides a practical method for the conversion of epoxides to vic-haloalcohols in the presence of molecular bromine, iodine, or N-halosuccinimides (NXS, X = Cl, Br, I) in CH₃CN or under solvent-free conditions at r.t. The simple filtration of heterogeneous Silphos oxide from the reaction mixture affords the pure vic-haloalcohols with excellent yields.     

Graphene ceramic composite as a new kind of surface-renewable electrode: application to the electroanalysis of ascorbic acid

This study introduces a new surface-renewable electrode based on a sol–gel derived graphene ceramic composite. The electrode was prepared by dispersing graphene nanosheets into a solution of the sol–gel precursors containing methyl triethoxysilane in methanol and hydrochloric acid. During hydrolysis of methyl triethoxysilane, the graphene nanosheets are trapped in the gel. After moulding and drying the composite, it can be used as a surface-renewable electrode to which we refer as a graphene ceramic composite electrode (GCCE). Cyclic voltammograms of the hexacyanoferrate(II/III) model redox system at the GCCE were compared to those obtained with a conventional carbon ceramic electrode and showed a highly improved electron transfer rate at the GCCE. The electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid as a model analyte was then studied at working potential of 50 mV and over the 3–84 μM concentration range. It revealed a sensitivity of 6.06 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a detection limit of 0.82 μM. The GCCE was successfully applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in orange juice and urine samples. Advantages such as good mechanical and chemical stability, ease of fabrication, and reproducible preparation make the GCCE a potentially useful and widely applicable renewable electrode for use in routine analysis.

(Left) FESEM image and photograph of the graphene ceramic composite electrode (GCCE); (right) the cyclic voltammogram of the renewable GCCE in 5 mM K₃[Fe(CN)₆] solution containing 0.1 M KNO₃ at scan rate of 100 mV s⁻¹

     

Desorption Mass Spectrometry for Nonvolatile Compounds Using an Ultrasonic Cutter

In this work, desorption of nonvolatile analytes induced by friction was studied. The nonvolatile compounds deposited on the perfluoroalkoxy substrate were gently touched by an ultrasonic cutter oscillating with a frequency of 40 kHz. The desorbed molecules were ionized by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) ion source. Efficient desorption of samples such as drugs, pharmaceuticals, amino acids, and explosives was observed. The limits of detection for these compounds were about 1 ng. Many compounds were detected in their protonated forms without undergoing significant fragmentation. When the DBD was off, no ions for the neutral samples could be detected, meaning that only desorption along with little ionization took place by the present technique.