Anticyanobacterial phenolic constituents from the aerial parts of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz

Four thymol derivatives and two phenolic compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Eupatorium fortunei. The new structures were elucidated to be 7,8,9-trihydroxythymol (1), and 8,10-didehydro-7,9-dihydroxythymol (2) by means of MS and NMR analysis. The known compounds were identified as 8,9,10-trihydroxythymol (3), 10-acetoxy-8,9-dihydroxythymol (4), o-coumaric acid (5) and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzaldehyde (6). Compound 3 showed strongest inhibitory effect on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa in comparison with CuSO₄.     

Volatile organic compounds in an urban environment: a comparison among Belgium,Vietnam and Ethiopia

The effects of urban and indoor air pollution on human health are a major environmental concern for all, but not much has been researched in the developing world. Specifically, quantitative data on the occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – main contributors to air pollution – in Asia and Africa are scarce compared to the availability of data in the developed world. This paper presents one of the first studies focusing on the analysis and occurrence of VOCs in Vietnam and Ethiopia, which constitutes part of the novelty of this work. A spectrum of 34 VOCs was measured at eight different urban sites in Ghent (Belgium), Hanoi (Vietnam), Jimma and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) during three sampling campaigns from September 2008 to September 2010. Sampling was done in an active way by means of sorbent tubes filled with Tenax TA. The analysis was done by TD-GC-MS using internal standard calibration. Data were interpreted and compared in terms of (i) individual, subgroup and total VOCs concentration (TVOCs), (ii) indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) concentration ratios, (iii) source identification by diagnostic ratio and/or correlation coefficients, and (iv) ozone formation potential (OFP) at outdoor sites based on up-to-date maximum incremental reactivity (MIR). I/O concentration ratios varied between 0.2 and 30, with big differences noticed with respect to the type of VOC(s) considered and the type of outdoor sampling location. The highest TVOC concentrations were measured in street samples with maximum values of 54?µg/m³ in Ghent, 507?µg/m³ in Hanoi and 318?µg/m³ in Addis Ababa illustrating the large difference in ambient air quality levels. This is also reflected in the arithmetic mean OFP values (µg/m³) of 82, 1308 and 596 in Ghent, Hanoi and Addis Ababa, respectively. Results of this study could be helpful to support formulation of national policy with regard to ambient air quality.     

低自由能固体表面的制备及其应用*

低自由能表面具有一些独特的性能,在工业和日常生活中具有广泛的应用,本文就低自由能表面的制备及其发展概况进行综述,共引用文献83篇。     

在无机盐和阴离子表面活性剂存在下2-(5-溴-2-噻唑偶氮)-5-二乙氨基苯甲酸与镍显色反应的研究

本文合成了新显色剂2-(5-溴-2-噻唑偶氮)-5-二乙氨基苯甲酸(简称5-Br-TAEB),利用光度法测定了试剂的三级质子化常数,研究了它与镍显色反应的最佳条件,同时对表面活性剂及无机盐的作用机理进行了初步探讨。实验结果表明,在NaCl和NaDS存在下,pH=5.0～8.0范围内,5-Br-TAEB与镍形成稳定的蓝色络合物,络合比为Ni~(2+):5-Br-TAEB=1:2,摩尔吸光系数ε_(642)=1.23×10~5 SL·mol~(-1)·cm~(-1)。镍浓度在0～10μg/25ml范围内服从比尔定律,方法用于铝合金中镍的测定,结果满意。     

Density functional theory study on sensing properties of g-C3N4 sheet to atmospheric gasses: Role of zigzag and armchair edges

The ability of the polymer-based graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) as a gas sensor toward NO, NO₂, CO, CO₂, SO₂, SO₃, and O₂ gasses is assessed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations in terms of energetic and electronic transport characteristics. In particular, this study is aimed to explore the role of zigzag and armchair edges of the g-C₃N₄ sheet on sensing performances. The electronic properties of adsorption systems, such as Bader charge analysis, band gaps, work function, and density of states (DOS), are used to understand the interaction between the adsorbed gas molecules and the g-C₃N₄ sheet. Our calculated results indicate that SOx (SO₃ and SO₂) gasses have higher adsorption energies on the g-C₃N₄ sheet than other gasses. Furthermore, the transport properties, such as current–voltage (I-V) and resistance-voltage (R-V) curves along the zigzag and armchair directions are calculated using the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method to understand the performance of the g-C₃N₄ sheet as a prominent conductive/resistive sensor. The I-V/R-V results indicate that the zigzag g-C₃N₄ sheet has excellent sensing ability toward SOx gasses at low applied voltages. However, the presence of H₂O degrades the sensing performance of the armchair g-C₃N₄ sheet. Theoretical recovery time has also been calculated to evaluate the reusability of g-C₃N₄ sheet-based gas sensors. Our results reveal that the zigzag g-C₃N₄ sheet-based sensing device has a remarkably high sensitivity (>300%) and selectivity toward SOx gasses and has the potential to work in a complex environment.     

Light-Responsive Elastin-Like Peptide-Based Targeted Nanoparticles for Enhanced Spheroid Penetration

We describe here a near infrared light-responsive elastin-like peptide (ELP)-based targeted nanoparticle (NP) that can rapidly switch its size from 120 to 25 nm upon photo-irradiation. Interestingly, the targeting function, which is crucial for effective cargo delivery, is preserved after transformation. The NPs are assembled from (targeted) diblock ELP micelles encapsulating photosensitizer TT1-monoblock ELP conjugates. Methionine residues in this monoblock are photo-oxidized by singlet oxygen generated from TT1, turning the ELPs hydrophilic and thus trigger NP dissociation. Phenylalanine residues from the diblocks then interact with TT1 via π-π stacking, inducing the re-formation of smaller NPs. Due to their small size and targeting function, the NPs penetrate deeper in spheroids and kill cancer cells more efficiently compared to the larger ones. This work could contribute to the design of “smart” nanomedicines with deeper penetration capacity for effective anticancer therapies.     

Continuous Transport of Zn(II) by Ammonium Chloride Media via Supported Liquid Membrane System

With the gradual depletion of traditional zinc resources, the full use of various non-traditional zinc-containing resources has received intensive attention. However, the efficient recovery of zinc ions with low concentrations remains challenging. Here efficient and continuous recovery of zinc ions in ammoniacal chloride media by a flat supported liquid membrane system is achieved, using Cyanex923 and TBP mixed extractant as the membrane phase. This article discusses the synergistic effect between Aliquat336, Cyanex923 and TBP, the effects of feed pH, total ammonia concentration, Cl⁻ concentration and temperature on Zn(II) transport.