Measurement of the surface excitation parameter of Kapton,polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Reflection electron energy loss spectra (REELS) were measured for five insulating organic compounds: Kapton, polyethylene (PE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), as well as for Ni and Si, in the energy range between 200 and 1600 eV. The average number of surface excitations for a single surface crossing were determined from the experimental data and were found to be considerably smaller than for earlier studied materials, which mainly consisted of elemental metals [Surf. Sci. 486(2001)L461]. The surface excitation parameter, a material parameter used to quantify the relative intensity of surface losses in (photo)electron spectroscopy, was extracted from the data and compared with values found in the literature. The results indicate that surface excitations only have a minor influence on quantification of XPS spectra of polymers. On the other hand, a correction for surface excitations turns out to be essential for measurements of the electron inelastic mean free path of polymers when a metal is used as reference material.     

Diagnostic criteria for characterization of mechanisms corresponding to the second reduction polarographic wave of carbonyl compounds in acidic medium

Expressions of i-E funtions are developed, either by the reaction layer approach or from the assumption that the reactions take place at the surface of the electrode, for different possible mechanisms corresponding to the second reduction polarographic wave of carbonyl compounds in acidic medium.Diagnostic criteria for their characterization are presented and applied to the pyridine-4-aldehyde reduction. Close agreement between the experimental and theoretical results is obtained for a mechanism with a reversible transfer reaction followed by a protonation reaction of the compound formed.     

Conformational dependence of pyranoid rings 1,2-cis-fused to dioxolane rings on the configuration of the dioxolane rings in acetylated derivati

X-Ray and ¹H N.M.R. studies on pyranoid rings 1,2-$\text{cis}$-fused to dioxolane rings in acetylated $\text{D}$-gluco- and $\text{D}$--galactopyranose derivatives demonstrate that the configuration of the dioxolane ring influences the conformation of the pyranoid ring in the $\text{D}$-gluco but not in the $\text{D}$-galactopyranose series. The crystal structure of 3,4,6-tri-$\text{O}$-acetyl-1,2-$\text{O}$-(R)--(l-cyano-ethylidene)-α-$\text{D}$-glucopyranose ($\text{1}$) and 3,4,6-tri-$\text{O}$-acetyl-1,2-$\text{O}$-($\text{R}$)-(1-cyano-ethylidene)-α-$\text{D}$-galactopyranose ($\text{2}$)have been determined by X-ray analysis. Lattice parameters for $\text{1}$ are a=20.6021 (11), b=8.0438 (2), c=5.5541 (1) Å and β= 95.588 (3)° for a cell with P21 symmetry. These parameters for $\text{2}$ are a=20.3361 (7), b=10.0907 (2), c=18.9115 (5) Å, β =112.399 (2)°, C2, with two crystallographycally independent molecules. The conformation of the pyranoid ring in both compounds can be described as flattened ⁴C₁ and that of the dioxolane ring as distorted E₁. The importance of the torsion angles for describing problems of configuration is remarked and the use of relative configurational angles is stressed. The ¹H N.M.R. spectra of $\text{1}$ and $\text{2}$ and 3,4,6-tri-$\text{O}$-acetyl-1,2-O-(S)- and (R)-ethylidene-α-$\text{D}$-glucopyranose ($\text{5}$ and $\text{7}$), 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl--1,2-O-(S)- and ($\text{R}$)-ethylidene-α-$\text{D}$-galactopyranose ($\text{6}$ and $\text{8}$), and 3,4,6-tri-$\text{O}$-acetyl-1,2-$\text{O}$-($\text{S}$)-and ($\text{R}$)-benzylidene-α-$\text{D}$-glucopyranose ($\text{9}$ and $\text{10}$) have been analyzed by using iterative computer methods and N.O.E. measurements. The results indicate that the major solution conformation of the pyranoid ring of the derivatives in the $\text{D}$-gluco series $\text{1}$, $\text{5}$ and $\text{9}$ may be described as flattened ⁴C₁ and that of $\text{7}$ and $\text{10}$ as ²$\text{S}$₅. The major solution conformation of the pyranoid ring in all compounds in the $\text{D}$-galacto series ($\text{2}$,$\text{4}$,$\text{6}$,$\text{8}$) may be described as flattened ⁴$\text{C}$₁.     

Selected Species of the Cucurbitaceae Family Used in Mexico for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

In Mexico, Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious health problem, and although the current pharmacological treatments for DM such as insulin and oral hypoglycemics are available, the Mexican population continues to use medicinal plants in the treatment of DM. The antidiabetic properties of the plant species that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family has already been recognized worldwide. Since Mexico is one of the most important centers of diversity of Cucurbitaceae, the present work contributes to the review of the most used species of Cucurbitaceae in the treatment of DM in Mexico. The reviewed species (Cucurbita ficifolia, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, Ibervillea sonorae, Sechium edule, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, and C. sativus) revealed that the antidiabetic effects exerted are effective in a number of mechanisms involved in the complex pathogenesis of DM: hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, protective effects on diverse organs and cells, as well as in the control of dyslipidemias; furthermore, the select species of the Cucurbitaceae family could also be essential components of diets for the control of DM in patients with the disease. Thus, the Cucurbitaceae species selected in the present work represent a source of antidiabetic agents that perhaps establish the bases for novel clinical treatments.     

Validation of an analytical method to determine trace metal impurities in fluoride compounds by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy

 The development of an analytical method for the determination of some heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Co, Zn and Ni) in fluoride compounds [Cu(BF₄)₂, Sn(BF₄)₂, Pb(BF₄)₂ and HBF₄] by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy is described. This method is to be used as a routine analytical method in an industrial quality control laboratory. To this end the "performance characteristics" of an instrumental analytical method such as matrix effects, sensitivity, linearity, detection and quantitation limits, precision and accuracy were evaluated for every system under study. The results of these investigations showed that non-spectral interferences (due to the presence of large concentrations of major metals such as Cu, Sn and Pb) were observed. Nevertheless it was possible to define a matrix concentration interval where matrix effects were not statistically significant, and therefore a direct calibration approach could be used as the calibration tool whenever the major metal concentration was not higher than 40×10^–3 kg l^–1. A guide to the developement of an analytical method for trace metal determination is provided. General tools for quality control have been used in order to show how an analytical method can be tested daily and evaluated in a convenient manner. Received: 29 January 1997 Accepted: 11 March 1997     

Pigeon Pea Husk for Removal of Emerging Contaminants Trimethoprim and Atenolol from Water

The pace of industrialization and rapid population growth in countries such as India entail an increased input of industrial and sanitary organic micropollutants, the so-called emerging contaminants (EC), into the environment. The emission of EC, such as pharmaceuticals, reaching Indian water bodies causes a detrimental effect on aquatic life and ultimately on human health. However, the financial burden of expanding sophisticated water treatment capacities renders complementary, cost-efficient alternatives, such as adsorption, attractive. Here we show the merits of washed and milled pigeon pea husk (PPH) as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of the EC trimethoprim (TMP) and atenolol (ATN) that are among the most detected pharmaceuticals in Indian waters. We found a linear increase in adsorption capacity of PPH for TMP and ATN at concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 μg/L and from 50 to 400 μg/L, respectively, reflecting the concentrations occurring in Indian water bodies. Investigation of adsorption kinetics using the external mass transfer model (EMTM) revealed that film diffusion resistance governed the adsorption process of TMP or ATN onto PPH. Moreover, analysis of the adsorption performance of PPH across an extensive range of pH and temperature illustrated that the highest adsorption loadings achieved concurred with actual conditions of Indian waters. We anticipate our work as starting point towards the development of a feasible adsorbent system aiming at low-cost water treatment.     

Discrimination of Beers by Cyclic Voltammetry Using a Single Carbon Screen-printed Electrode

A fast, simple and costless methodology without sample pre-treatment is proposed for the discrimination of beers. It is based on cyclic voltammetry (CV) using commercial carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPCE) and includes a correction of the signals measured with different SPCE units. Data are submitted to partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS−DA) and support vector machine discriminant analysis (SVM−DA), which allow a reasonable classification of the beers. Also, CV data from beers can be used to predict their alcoholic degree by partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN). In general, non-linear methods provide better results than linear ones.     

Evaluation of the Storage Conditions and Type of Cork Stopper on the Quality of Bottled White Wines

The effects of different storage conditions, light exposure, temperature and different commercially available cork stoppers on the phenolic, volatile and sensorial profile of Verdejo wines were studied. Two natural corks of different visual quality and a microgranulated cork stopper were investigated over one year at two different storage conditions. One simulating light exposure and temperature in retail outlets and the other simulating optimal cellar conditions (darkness and 12 °C). The wines stored under commercial conditions showed greater losses of total and free SO₂ and higher levels of brown-yellowish tones, related to the oxidation of flavan-3-ols. Although these wines underwent a decrease in the total content of stilbenes, a significant increase in trans-piceid was observed. In addition, these wines suffered important changes in their volatile and sensory profile. Volatile compounds with fruity and floral aromas decreased significantly, while volatile compounds related to aged-type characters, as linalool oxides, vitispirane, TDN or furan derivatives increased. Wines stored in darkness at 12 °C underwent minor changes and their sensory profiles were similar to wine before bottling. The high-quality natural corks and microgranulated corks better preserved the quality of the white wines from a sensory point of view. These results showed that temperature and light exposure conditions (diffuse white LEDs and 24 ± 2 °C) in retail outlets considerably decrease the quality of bottled white wines and, consequently, their shelf life, due to the premature development of aged-type characters.     

Microorganisms as a Potential Source of Molecules to Control Trypanosomatid Diseases

Trypanosomatids are the causative agents of leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, which affect about 20 million people in the world’s poorest countries, leading to 95,000 deaths per year. They are often associated with malnutrition, weak immune systems, low quality housing, and population migration. They are generally recognized as neglected tropical diseases. New drugs against these parasitic protozoa are urgently needed to counteract drug resistance, toxicity, and the high cost of commercially available drugs. Microbial bioprospecting for new molecules may play a crucial role in developing a new generation of antiparasitic drugs. This article reviews the current state of the available literature on chemically defined metabolites of microbial origin that have demonstrated antitrypanosomatid activity. In this review, bacterial and fungal metabolites are presented; they originate from a range of microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, and filamentous fungi. We hope to provide a useful overview for future research to identify hits that may become the lead compounds needed to accelerate the discovery of new drugs against trypanosomatids.     

Domestication of Plants of Ugni molinae Turcz (Myrtaceae) Interferes in the Biology of Chilesia rudis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) Larvae

In terms of the domestication process in murtilla, studies have found changes in the concentration of phenolic compounds, with reduction of chemical defense of plants, depending on the change in the feeding behavior of insects. Thus, we hypothesized that the domestication of Ugni molinae decreases the content of phenolic compounds and modifies the feeding preference of Chilesia rudis larvae. Leaves of three parental ecotypes and four cultivated ecotypes were used in preference experiments to evaluate the mass gain and leaves consumption of larvae. Phenolic extracts from leaves of U. molinae were analyzed by HPLC. Identified compounds were incorporated in an artificial diet to assess their effect on mass gain, consumption, and survival of the larvae. The presence of phenolic compounds in bodies and feces was also evaluated. In terms of choice assays, larvae preferred parental ecotypes. Regarding compounds, vanillin was the most varied between the ecotypes in leaves. However, plant domestication did not show a reduction in phenolic compound concentration of the ecotypes studied. Furthermore, there was no clear relation between phenolic compounds and the performance of C. rudis larvae. Whether this was because of sequestration of some compounds by larvae is unknown. Finally, results of this study could also suggest that studied phenolic compounds have no role in the C. rudis larvae resistance in this stage of murtilla domestication process.