Note on a general Palais-Smale condition

In this paper, we establish a qualitative deformation theorem for a locally Lipschitz function satisfying a general Palais-Smale type condition. Then we show that, with some assumptions, this compactness condition implies the coercivity of the function.     

Cellular localisation of calcium ions during potato hypersensitive response to Potato virus Y

Ca(2+) is one of the most universal and versatile signalling molecules and is involved in almost every aspect of cellular processes. Accumulating evidence suggests that Ca(2+) serves as a messenger in many growth and developmental processes and in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Numerous signals have been shown to induce transient elevation of cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)](cyt) in plants. The calcium free ions were detected cytochemically in Solanum tuberosum cv. Rywal tissues as a hypersensitive response (HR) from 10h to 5 days after a Potato virus Y (PVY) infection. Calcium was detected in vivo by its reaction with Alizarin S Red, producing an intense red staining in contact with calcium free ions. Calcium was found in the necrotic area of the epidermal and mesophyll cells 3 days after the PVY infection (when morphological symptoms on potato leaves appeared). Calcium ions were detected cytochemically in HR also by its reaction with potassium pyroantimonate. Inoculation with PVY(NTN) and also PVY(N) Wi induced a rapid hypersensitive response during which highly localised increased accumulation of electron-dense deposits of calcium pyroantimonate were detected. Calcium deposition was observed in necrotic and non-necrotic areas, starting from 10h after PVY infection. The deposits were present along ER cisternae, chloroplasts and mitochondria envelopes connected with PVY particles. The precipitates of calcium antimonate were detected near the nuclear envelope, inside karyolymph and along tracheary elements, especially when virus particles were present inside.     

Mechanistic studies on the reactions of cyanide with a water-soluble Fe(III) porphyrin and their effect on the binding of NO

The reaction of the water-soluble Fe(III)(TMPS) porphyrin with CN(-) in basic solution leads to the stepwise formation of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(H(2)O) and Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2). The kinetics of the reaction of CN(-) with Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(H(2)O) was studied as a function of temperature and pressure. The positive value of the activation volume for the formation of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) is consistent with the operation of a dissociatively activated mechanism and confirms the six-coordinate nature of the monocyano complex. A good agreement between the rate constants at pH 8 and 9 for the formation of the dicyano complex implies the presence of water in the axial position trans to coordinated cyanide in the monocyano complex and eliminates the existence of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(OH) under the selected reaction conditions. Both Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(H(2)O) and Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) bind nitric oxide (NO) to form the same nitrosyl complex, namely, Fe(II)(TMPS)(CN)(NO(+)). Kinetic studies indicate that nitrosylation of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) follows a limiting dissociative mechanism that is supported by the independence of the observed rate constant on [NO] at an appropriately high excess of NO, and the positive values of both the activation parameters ΔS(?) and ΔV(?) found for the reaction under such conditions. The relatively small first-order rate constant for NO binding, namely, (1.54 ± 0.01) × 10(-2) s(-1), correlates with the rate constant for CN(-) release from the Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) complex, namely, (1.3 ± 0.2) × 10(-2) s(-1) at 20 °C, and supports the proposed nitrosylation mechanism.     

Synthesis and Molecular Structure of Bis(ethylenediamine)acetatonickel(II)hexafluoridophosphate Complex [Ni(en)2(CH3CO2)]PF6. An Unexpected Acetylacetonato Cleavage Reaction

The title complex was synthesized by an unusual reaction between [Ni(acac)₂(H₂O)₂] and ethylenediamine in water solution. The crystal structure of 1 shows the nickel(II) core in a tetragonally distorted octahedral environment coordinated to two ethylenediamine molecules and one acetate ligand. This is the first example of a mononuclear bis(ethylenediamine)nickel(II) complex, where the oxygen atoms of the auxiliary ligand are in cis configuration. The compound exhibits an extensive association between the complex cation and the respective anion through classical N–H ··· O and N–H ··· F intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which generate a supramolecular 3D arrangement in the solid state.     

Thermal properties and flammability of nanocomposites based on diene rubbers and naturally occurring and activated halloysite nanotubes

This article presents a procedure of the activation of halloysite and a method of the synthesis of nucleus-sheath type filler. The effects of the nanoadditives obtained on the thermal properties, flammabilities and fire hazards of peroxide and sulfur vulcanizates of NBR and SBR rubbers, are discussed. Based on the test results obtained by derivatography, oxygen index, FAA micro-calorimeter and cone calorimeter, the thermal stability, flammability, and fire hazard of the nanocomposites investigated were determined. The results obtained were interpreted from the point of view of the chemical structure of the diene elastomers investigated, their spatial network structure, and the method of halloysite modification.     

Application of Multivariate Techniques in Optimization of Spectroanalytical Methods

Abstract

The present article describes fundamentals and applications of multivariate techniques used for the optimization of analytical procedures and systems involving spectroanalytical methods such as flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), considering the main steps of a chemical analysis. This way, applications of experimental designs in optimization of sampling systems, digestion procedures, preconcentration procedures, instrumental parameters of quantification steps of analytical methods, and robustness tests have been summarized in this work.     

Zero product determined Jordan algebras,I

We show that the Jordan algebra 𝒮 of symmetric matrices with respect to either transpose or symplectic involution is zero product determined. This means that if a bilinear map {.,?.} from 𝒮?×?𝒮 into a vector space X satisfies {x, y}?=?0 whenever x?○?y?=?0, then there exists a linear map T : 𝒮?→?X such that {x,?y}?=?T(x?○?y) for all x, y?∈?𝒮 (here, x?○?y?=?xy?+?yx).     

Banana as Adjunct in Beer Production: Applicability and Performance of Fermentative Parameters

Traditionally, the raw materials for beer production are barley, hops, water, and yeast, but most brewers use also different adjuncts. During the alcoholic fermentation, the contribution of aroma compounds from other ingredients to the final beer flavor depends on the wort composition, on the yeast strain, and mainly on the process conditions. In this context, banana can also be a raw material favorable to alcoholic fermentation being rich in carbohydrates and minerals and providing low acidity. In this work, the objective was to evaluate the performance of wort adjusted with banana juice in different concentrations. For this, static fermentations were conducted at 15 °C at pilot scale (140 L of medium). The addition of banana that changed the concentration of all-malt wort from 10 °P to 12 and 15 °P were evaluated (°P is the weight of the extract or the sugar equivalent in 100 g solution, at 20 °C). The results showed an increase in ethanol production, with approximately 0.4 g/g ethanol yield and 0.6 g/L h volumetric productivity after 84 h of processing when concentrated wort was used. Thus, it was concluded that banana can be used as an adjunct in brewing methods, helping in the development of new products as well as in obtaining concentrated worts.     

Total Soluble Solids from Banana: Evaluation and Optimization of Extraction Parameters

Banana, an important component in the diet of the global population, is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. This fruit is also very favorable to industry processes (e.g., fermented beverages) due to its rich content on soluble solids and minerals, with low acidity. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of factors such as banana weight and extraction time during a hot aqueous extraction process on the total soluble solids content of banana. The extract is to be used by the food and beverage industries. The experiments were performed with 105 mL of water, considering the moisture of the ripe banana (65%). Total sugar concentrations were obtained in a beer analyzer and the result expressed in degrees Plato (°P, which is the weight of the extract or the sugar equivalent in 100 g solution at 20 °C), aiming at facilitating the use of these results by the beverage industries. After previous studies of characterization of the fruit and of ripening performance, a 2² full-factorial star design was carried out, and a model was developed to describe the behavior of the dependent variable (total soluble solids) as a function of the factors (banana weight and extraction time), indicating as optimum conditions for extraction 38.5 g of banana at 39.7 min.