Explicit extraction of absorption peak positions,widths and heights using higher order derivatives of total shape spectra by nonparametric processing of time signals as complex damped multi-exponentials

Sole lineshape estimation of non-parametrically computed higher-order derivatives of spectral envelopes in different modes (complex, real, imaginary, magnitude) is investigated. The processed time signals are sums of complex attenuated exponentials (harmonics). The peak parameters of the derivative spectra are directly connected to those of the customary (non-derivative) absorption lineshapes. Crucially, this permits the reconstruction of the latter from the former parameters (the latter are sought since they are unknown, whereas the former are extractable from the derivative envelopes). The cross-checking relationships of the lineshapes for the magnitude modes with the real and imaginary parts of the complex-valued envelopes (total shape spectra) are established. The explicit procedure and the necessary analytical expressions are presented for reconstruction of the exact locations, widths and heights of all the retrieved physical resonances (spectral peaks). These facets are illuminated in the derivative fast Padé transform (dFPT) using its non-parametric version, i.e. without solving the quantification problem (no polynomial rooting, no tackling of eigen-value problems, etc.). Two kinds of illustrations for derivative spectra are reported. One deals with the general Breit-Wigner resonance formula and its first three derivatives. The other is concerned with the dFPT in clinical diagnostics of relevance to breast cancer detection by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A systematic parallel between these two examples is drawn to highlight, in a stepwise manner, the role of paramount importance played by derivative lineshapes, especially for disentangling overlapping resonances that invariably plague all quantitative analyses of spectra.     

Excitation of Electronic States of CO in Radio-Frequency Electric Field by Electron Impact

Electron impact excitation rate coefficients for singlet and triplet electronic states of the carbon monoxide molecule have been calculated under non-equilibrium conditions in the presence of radio-frequency electric field. A Monte Carlo simulation of electron transport has been performed in order to determine non-equilibrium electron energy distribution functions within one period of applied electric field. By using these distribution functions and corresponding cross sections, the excitation rate coefficients have been calculated for all electronic states of CO in the frequency range from 13.56 up to 500 MHz, at reduced root mean square electric field values ranging from 200 to 700 Td. We expect these rates to be valuable for modeling radio-frequency CO plasmas since excited neutrals exhibit greater chemical reactivity than neutrals in ground electronic state, hence altering many properties of plasma.     

Development of cyclodextrin-based extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lotus corniculatus</Emphasis> as a potential substrate reduction therapy in mucopolysaccharidoses type III

A novel sustainable and eco-friendly procedure simultaneously combining the use of ultrasound irradiation and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) complexation was used to extract phytochemicals from Lotus corniculatus and to prepare flavonoid rich extract having potential as substrate reduction therapy of mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III), a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. For that instance, Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology was employed to statistically assess the influence of HPβCD concentration, ultrasonic power, and extraction time on the total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total phenolic acids and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the extracts prepared, chosen as the responses indicative of the product quality and performance. The potential of such optimised extract to modulate accumulation of gylcosoaminoglycans (GAGs) was evaluated on the fibroblast obtained from patients suffering from MPS type III. Optimized extract prepared by 45 min extraction using HPβCD at concentration of 20 mM and ultrasonic irradiation of 648 W was rich in flavonoids (1.36 mg/mL) and showed notable RSA of 1.04 mg/mL. Freeze-dried extract, at concentration of 3 and 6 µg/mL, reduced GAG levels in skin fibroblasts by 33.97 and 50.08%, respectively, without any toxic effects at given doses, showing a potential to be considered as a part of the substrate reduction therapy of MPS III.     

Synthesis of novel ferrocene-containing 1,3-thiazinan-2-imines: One-pot reaction promoted by ultrasound irradiation

A simple one-pot synthesis of new ferrocene-containing 1,3-thiazinan-2-imines from 3-arylamino-1-ferrocenylpropan-1-ols and phenyl isothiocyanate has been developed. The key intermediate β-hydroxy thioureas were generated in situ using ultrasound irradiation and subsequent cyclization was achieved by the addition of acetic acid. The scope of the reaction towards various 3-arylamino-1-ferrocenylpropan-1-ols has been explored and the corresponding 3-aryl-6-ferrocenyl-N-phenyl-1,3-thiazinan-2-imines were obtained in moderate to high yields (52–90%).     

Dispersive micro-solid phase extraction of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water by using thermally treated clinoptilolite,and their quantification by GC-MS

The authors report on a novel sorbent (thermally treated natural zeolite; clinoptilolite) for use in dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples. The method was applied to the D-μ-SPE of 16 priority PAHs which then were quantified by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS). The method was validated in terms of specificity and selectivity, linearity and linear range, accuracy, precision, uncertainty, limits of detection and quantification. Figures of merit include (a) linear analytical ranges between 2.08 and 208 ppb, and (b) detection limits in the range from 0.01 to 0.92 ppb. The method was successfully applied to the determination of PAHs in river waters.

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Graphical abstract Schematic representation of dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE) of trace levels of PAHs in water samples by using thermally treated clinoptilolite as sorbent prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS).

     

Configurational Isomerism in Polyoxovanadates

A water‐soluble derivative of the polyoxovanadate {V₁₅E₆O₄₂} (E=semimetal) archetype enables the study of cluster shell rearrangements driven by supramolecular interactions. A reaction unique to E=Sb, induced exclusively by ligand metathesis in peripheral [Ni(ethylenediamine)₃]²⁺ counterions, results in the formation of the metastable α₁* configurational isomer of the {V₁₄Sb₈O₄₂} cluster type. Contrary to all other polyoxovanadate shell architectures, this isomer comprises an inward‐oriented vanadyl group and is ca. 50 and 12 kJ mol^?1 higher in energy than the previously isolated α and β isomers, respectively. We discuss this unexpected reaction in light of supramolecular Sb?O???V and Sb?O???Sb contacts manifested in {V₁₄Sb₈O₄₂}₂ dimers detected in the solid state. ESI MS experiments confirm the stability of these dimers also in solution and in the gas phase. DFT calculations indicate that other, as of yet elusive isomers of {V₁₄Sb₈}, might be accessible as well.     

Phytochemical analysis of Saponaria officinalis L. shoots and flowers essential oils

Phytochemical analysis by GC and GC/MS of the essential oil samples obtained from fresh shoots and flowers of Saponaria officinalis L. allowed the identification of 96 components in total, comprising 94.7% and 86.0% of the total oils compositions, respectively. Regarding the shoots essential oil, the major of 87 identified volatile compounds were phytol (14.1%), tricosane-6,8-dione (13.4%), patchouli alcohol (7.9%) and tricosane (7.2%), whereas patchouli alcohol (20.0%), heneicosane (11.5%) and tricosane (8.4%) were dominant among the 66 volatiles in the flower oil. Nonterpenoid compounds had the highest contribution in S. officinalis shoots essential oil (53.7%), while in the flower oil, constituents were almost evenly distributed between the oxygenated sesquiterpenoid (41.2%) and nonterpenoid compounds (39.5%).     

Thermally stimulated depolarization current of novolac resin

A novolac phenol-formaldehyde resin was investigated via the thermally stimulated depolarization current, using integral and partial measurements in the temperature range from 137 to 270 K. Tow broadened peaks, assigned as Β₁, and Β₂, appeared at about 160 and 190 K. The influence of water and ¯M_n was investigated. The activation energy E_a vs. T relationship was analysed, and a search was made for compensation phenomena. The distribution of the relaxing dipolesN vs. E_a was approximated. Three different relaxation ranges were distinguished. All the motions were attributed to the rotation of the phenyl rings. The differences found are due to the heterogeneity in the resin. Contamination with water increases the polarizability, decreases the structure differences and relieves the motions in the resin. A resin with a smaller ¯M_n exhibits a higher polarizability and a decreases in structure variety.     

Exchangeable fraction of elements in alluvial sediments under waste disposal site (Zagreb, Croatia)

Concentrations of Ag, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cs, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Rb, Sc, Sr, Th, and Zn exchangeable fractions were determined in alluvial sediments at waste disposal site area in the vicinity of water-well field. Samples have been leached with 0.5M NH₄Cl at a sample/solution ratio of 120 during 24 hours without shaking. INAA of dry NH₄Cl residues show that the concentrations of exchangeable elements determined in the most of the sediments below the wastes have natural levels. Ag, Ba and Sr are readily exchangeable; Rb, Cs and Zn have lower exchangeability, while Cd, Ce, Th, Sc, Eu, Cr, Fe and Co are rather immobile. Extremely high total and exchangeable silver concentration was found at 6.5–6.8 meters below waste in the aerated layer occasionally under the water table. Exchangeable concentrations in deeper water-bearing sediment layers are not elevated. Due to this, one can presume that the upper sediment layers act as chemical filter generally preventing the infiltration from overlying wastes into water-bearing layers.