Quaternionic spherical wave functions

The scalar spherical wave functions (SWFs) are solutions to the scalar Helmholtz equation obtained by the method of separation of variables in spherical polar coordinates. These functions are complete and orthogonal over a sphere, and they can, therefore, be used as a set of basis functions in solving boundary value problems by spherical wave expansions. In this work, we show that there exists a theory of functions with quaternionic values and of three real variables, which is determined by the Moisil–Theodorescu‐type operator with quaternionic variable coefficients, and which is intimately related to the radial, angular and azimuthal wave equations. As a result, we explain the connections between the null solutions of these equations, on one hand, and the quaternionic hyperholomorphic and anti‐hyperholomorphic functions, on the other. We further introduce the quaternionic spherical wave functions (QSWFs), which refine and extend the SWFs. Each function is a linear combination of SWFs and products of ‐hyperholomorphic functions by regular spherical Bessel functions. We prove that the QSWFs are orthogonal in the unit ball with respect to a particular bilinear form. Also, we perform a detailed analysis of the related properties of QSWFs. We conclude the paper establishing analogues of the basic integral formulae of complex analysis such as Borel–Pompeiu's and Cauchy's, for this version of quaternionic function theory. As an application, we present some plot simulations that illustrate the results of this work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SnCl<Subscript>2</Subscript>-catalyzed synthesis of carbamates from renewable origin alcohols

Effects of structure and reactivity of renewable origin alcohols in the conversion and selectivity of the SnCl₂-catalyzed reactions in the presence and absence of urea were assessed. Convenient simple and suitable method for the synthesis of carbamates from renewable origin alcohols and urea in one-step are provided. We have assessed the activity of SnCl₂ catalyst, a commercially affordable Lewis acid, in reactions of urea alcoholysis with different natural origin alcohols (geranyl, neryl, bornyl, cinnamyl, α-terpinyl and benzyl alcohols), aiming to synthesize carbamates, which are biologically active compounds, building blocks in organic synthesis and raw material to synthesize polyurethanes. The low cost of urea, the water tolerant catalyst and phosgene free reaction are positive aspects of this carbamates synthesis process. The different reaction pathways were assessed. A mechanism was proposed based on FT-IR experiments and experimental data.     

Characterization and Evaluation of Electrolyte Influence on Canola Oil/Water Nano‐Emulsion

Emulsion stability is controlled by the physicochemical properties of the adsorbed layers formed on the surface of the droplets. Zeta potential and droplet size measured initially and during storage can estimate O/W emulsion stability. The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate the effects of different hydrolyzable compounds employed in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations on the zeta potential and droplet size of canola O/W nano‐emulsions and, consequently, the emulsion stability. The samples containing additives demonstrated significant change in zeta potential, but in spite of that, no macroscopic instability was observed. Yet the droplet size values did not undergo significant change.     

Determination of sulfate in natural and residual waters by turbidimetric flow-injection analysis

A turbidimetric flow-injection system was developed for the determination of sulfate in natural and residual water samples, with no previous treatment, using spectrophotometric detection. The precipitating agent, 7.0% (w/v) barium chloride solution prepared in 0.10% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol, was added by using the merging-zones approach. A 100 mg/L sulfate solution in 0.07M nitric acid was mixed with the sample before it entered the injection loop to improve the detection limit, provide in-line pH adjustment, and prevent the interference of some anionic species. The relative standard deviations of the results were between 1.4 and 3.0% and were in agreement with results obtained by the reference method. Samples within a linear concentration range of 10-120 mg SO4(2-)/L can be analyzed at a rate of 40/h. The detection limit is 5 mg SO4(2-)/L.     

Chip-calorimetric monitoring of biofilm eradication with bacteriophages reveals an unexpected infection-related heat profile

Bacteriophages or phage-derived biological structures are a promising alternative to the application of antibiotics to eradicate biofilms. These countermeasures are highly cell specific. For a better understanding of the sequence of the underlying processes (attachment, infection, multiplication, phage release), for optimization of phage applications, or simply for screening of suitable phages or phage-derived enzymes, real-time monitoring devices are urgently required. Calorimetry is promising because it is non-invasive and quantitatively connected to the metabolic fluxes. Chip-calorimetry provides real-time information about biofilm eradication by phages. This was confirmed by comparison with reference analyses (i.e., confocal laser scanning microscopy, colony plate counts, or phage titre determination). Furthermore, chip-calorimetry provides additional information which was not captured by the reference methods such as the enhanced cell-specific heat production caused by the infection process and a residual activity of seemingly persistent bacteria.     

Photodynamic therapy with aluminum-chloro-phtalocyanine induces necrosis and vascular damage in mice tongue tumors

In this paper we describe the efficacy of the liposomal-AlClPc (aluminum-chloro-phthalocyanine) formulation in PDT study against Ehrlich tumor cells proliferation in immunocompetent swiss mice tongue. Experiments were conduced in sixteen tumor induced mice that were divided in three control groups: (1) tumor without treatment; (2) tumor with 100 J/cm² laser (670 nm) irradiation; and (3) tumor with AlClPc peritumoral injection; and a PDT experimental group when tumors received AlClPc injection followed by tumor irradiation. Control groups present similar macroscopically and histological patterns after treatments, while PDT treatment induced 90% of Ehrlich tumor necrosis after 24 h of one single application, showing the efficacy of liposome-AlClPc (aluminum-chloro-phthalocyanine) mediated PDT on the treatment of oral cancer.     

Application of HOF·CH3CN to the synthesis of glycosyl sulfones

A fast, complete and clean conversion of thioglycosides into glycosyl sulfones under mild acidic conditions is described, using the HOF·CH₃CN complex at room temperature. This methodology affords glycosyl sulfones in high yields and in excellent purity.     

In vitro studies of cutaneous retention of magnetic nanoemulsion loaded with zinc phthalocyanine for synergic use in skin cancer treatment

In this study was developed a new nano drug delivery system (NDDS) based on association of biodegradable surfactants with biocompatible magnetic fluid of maguemita citrate derivative. This formulation consists in a magnetic emulsion with nanostructured colloidal particles. Preliminary in vitro experiments showed that the formulation presents a great potential for synergic application in the topical release of photosensitizer drug (PS) and excellent target tissue properties in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with hyperthermia (HPT) protocols. The physical chemistry characterization and in vitro assays were carried out by Zn(II) Phtalocyanine (ZnPc) photosensitizer incorporated into NDDS in the absence and the presence of magnetic fluid, showed good results and high biocompatibility. In vitro experiments were accomplished by tape-stripping protocols for quantification of drug association with different skin tissue layers. This technique is a classical method for analyses of drug release in stratum corneum and epidermis+dermis skin layers. The NDDS formulations were applied directly in pig skin (tissue model) fixed in the cell's Franz device with receptor medium container with a PBS/EtOH 20% solution (10 mM, pH 7.4) at 37 °C. After 12 h of topical administration stratum corneum was removed from fifty tapes and the ZnPc retained was evaluated by solvent extraction in dimetil-sulphoxide under ultrasonic bath. These results indicated that magnetic nanoemulsion (MNE) increase the drug release on the deeper skin layers when compared with classical formulation in the absence of magnetic particles. This could be related with the increase of biocompatibility of NDDS due to the great affinity for the polar extracelullar matrix in the skin and also for the increase in the drug partition inside of corneocites wall.     

Effects of organoclays on the thermal processing of pe/clay nanocomposites

Nanocomposites containing both polyethylene and montmorillonite clay organically modified with four different types of quaternary ammonium salts were obtained via direct melt intercalation. Thus, the main purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of the organoclay on the thermal stability of polyethylene. The organoclays were characterized by XRD, FTIR, DSC and TG. The polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposites were studied by XRD, TEM, TG, besides an evaluation of their mechanical properties. The results showed that the salts were incorporated by intercalation between the layers of the organoclay and, apparently that the nanocomposites were more thermally stable than pure polyethylene.     

Human Biomonitoring of Selected Hazardous Compounds in Portugal: Part II—Lessons Learned on Mycotoxins

Human biomonitoring (HBM) data provide information on total exposure regardless of the route and sources of exposure. HBM studies have been applied to quantify human exposure to contaminants and environmental/occupational pollutants by means of determining the parent compounds, their metabolites, or even their reaction products in biological matrices. HBM studies performed among the Portuguese population are dispersed and limited. Thus, to overcome this knowledge gap, this work reviews the published Portuguese HBM information concerning mycotoxins detected in the urine, serum, milk, hair, and nails of different groups of the Portuguese population. This integrative approach to the available HBM data allows us to analyze the main determinants and patterns of exposure of the Portuguese population to the selected hazardous compounds, as well as to assess the potential health risks. We also aimed to identify the main difficulties and challenges of HBM through the analysis of the enrolled studies. Ultimately, this study aims to support national and European policies in promoting human health by summarizing the most important outcomes and lessons learned through the HBM studies carried out in Portugal.