Stochastic 3D Modeling of Three-Phase Microstructures for Predicting Transport Properties: A Case Study

Transport in Porous Media - We compare two conceptually different stochastic microstructure models, i.e., a graph-based model and a pluri-Gaussian model, that have been introduced to model the...     

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of new tetradentate Schiff base and its coordination compounds of NOON donor atoms and their antibacterial and antifungal activity

New Schiff base (H₂L) ligand is prepared via condensation of o-phthaldehyde and 2-aminobenzoic acid in 1:2 ratio. Metal complexes are prepared and characterized using elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, ¹H NMR, ESR and thermal analysis (TGA). From the elemental analyses data, the complexes were proposed to have the general formulae [MCl(L)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (where M = Cr(III) and Fe(III)); [M(L)]·yH₂O (where M = Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), y = 1–2) and [M(L)(H₂O)_n]·yH₂O (where M = Co(II) (n = y = 2), Co(II) (n = y = 1), Ni(II) (n = 2, y = 1). The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates were non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that H₂L is coordinated to the metal ions in a bi-negative tetradentate manner with NOON donor sites of the azomethine-N and carboxylate-O. The ¹H NMR spectral data indicate that the two carboxylate protons are also displaced during complexation. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it was found that the geometrical structure of these complexes are octahedral (Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II) and Ni(II)), square planar (Cu(II)), trigonal bipyramidal (Co(II)) and tetrahedral (Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)). The thermal behaviour of these chelates showed that the hydrated complexes losses water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the ligand molecule in the subsequent steps. The biological activity data show that the metal complexes to be more potent/antibacterial than the parent Shciff base ligand against one or more bacterial species.     

Analytical and environmental aspects of the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol-A and its derivatives

The present article reviews the available literature on the analytical and environmental aspects of tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A), a currently intensively used brominated flame retardant (BFR). Analytical methods, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation, detection techniques, and quality control are discussed. An important recent development in the analysis of TBBP-A is the growing tendency for liquid chromatographic techniques. At the detection stage, mass-spectrometry is a well-established and reliable technology in the identification and quantification of TBBP-A. Although interlaboratory exercises for BFRs have grown in popularity in the last 10 years, only a few participating laboratories report concentrations for TBBP-A. Environmental levels of TBBP-A in abiotic and biotic matrices are low, probably due to the major use of TBBP-A as reactive FR. As a consequence, the expected human exposure is low. This is in agreement with the EU risk assessment that concluded that there is no risk for humans concerning TBBP-A exposure. Much less analytical and environmental information exists for the various groups of TBBP-A derivatives which are largely used as additive flame retardants.     

Ultra-low frequency energy harvesting using bi-stability and rotary-translational motion in a magnet-tethered oscillator

Nonlinear Dynamics - Harvesting ultra-low frequency random vibration, such as human motion or turbine tower oscillations, has always been a challenge, but could enable many potential self-powered...     

Perisomalien A,a new cytotoxic scalarane sesterterpene from the fruits of Periploca somaliensis

Abstract

The CHCl₃ fraction of MeOH extract of Periploca somaliensis (family Asclepiadaceae) fruits afforded a new scalarane sesterterpene, namely perisomalien A (1), along with lupeol acetate (2), β-amyrin (3), cycloart-23Z-ene-3β,25-diol (4), and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5). Their chemical structures were established by various spectroscopic analyses, in addition to comparison with the formerly reported data. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of these metabolites was assessed towards MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 tumour cell lines using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Compound 4 showed the most potent cytotoxic profile with IC₅₀ 9.0?µM towards MCF-7, compared to doxorubicin (IC₅₀ 0.18?µM). Also, 1 and 4 possessed the most potent effect towards HepG2 with IC₅₀s 26.7 and 25.9?μM, respectively. In addition, all tested compounds showed cytotoxic effects with IC₅₀ values ranging from 19.9 to 39.3?µM against HCT-116.