Environmental monitoring of phenolic pollutants in water by cloud point extraction prior to micellar electrokinetic chromatography

Many aromatic compounds can be found in the environment as a result of anthropogenic activities and some of them are highly toxic. The need to determine low concentrations of pollutants requires analytical methods with high sensitivity, selectivity, and resolution for application to soil, sediment, water, and other environmental samples. Complex sample preparation involving analyte isolation and enrichment is generally necessary before the final analysis. The present paper outlines a novel, simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method for the simultaneous determination of p-nitrophenol (PNP), p-aminophenol (PAP), and hydroquinone (HQ) by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography after preconcentration by cloud point extraction. Enrichment factors of 180 to 200 were achieved. The limits of detection of the analytes for the preconcentration of 50-ml sample volume were 0.10 μg L⁻¹ for PNP, 0.20 μg L⁻¹ for PAP, and 0.16 μg L⁻¹ for HQ. The optimized procedure was applied to the determination of phenolic pollutants in natural waters from San Luis, Argentina. Figure Schematic representation of the cloud point extraction process.     

Analysis of Nonlinear Poro-Elastic and Poro-Visco-Elastic Models

We consider the initial and boundary value problem for a system of partial differential equations describing the motion of a fluid–solid mixture under the assumption of full saturation. The ability of the fluid phase to flow within the solid skeleton is described by the permeability tensor, which is assumed here to be a multiple of the identity and to depend nonlinearly on the volumetric solid strain. In particular, we study the problem of the existence of weak solutions in bounded domains, accounting for non-zero volumetric and boundary forcing terms. We investigate the influence of viscoelasticity on the solution functional setting and on the regularity requirements for the forcing terms. The theoretical analysis shows that different time regularity requirements are needed for the volumetric source of linear momentum and the boundary source of traction depending on whether or not viscoelasticity is present. The theoretical results are further investigated via numerical simulations based on a novel dual mixed hybridized finite element discretization. When the data are sufficiently regular, the simulations show that the solutions satisfy the energy estimates predicted by the theoretical analysis. Interestingly, the simulations also show that, in the purely elastic case, the Darcy velocity and the related fluid energy might become unbounded if indeed the data do not enjoy the time regularity required by the theory.     

Ultrastructural studies of the mandibular glands of the minima, media and soldier ants of Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Forel 1908) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The mandibular glands of Hymenoptera are structures associated with the mandibles and constitute part of the salivary glands system. Histological studies in workers of Atta sexdens rubropilosa revealed that this gland contains two portions: a secretory and a storage portion or reservoir. Both portions are connected by means of canaliculi. The object of the present work was the study of the ultratructure of the mandibular glands of minima, media and soldier ant of A. s. rubropilosa by TEM techniques. The glands, in the three castes studied, possess a reservoir, constituted by a simple pavementous epithelium surrounded by the cuticular intima and the secretory portion is constituted by cells of rounded shape. The secretory cells, mainly of minima and soldier, were rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The media worker and soldier presented a large number of mitochondria, of varying shape. Well-developed Golgi complexes were also present in the soldiers. The secretory cells in minima, media and soldier were provided with collecting intracellular canaliculi, which were linked to the reservoir through the extracellular portion. The cytoplasm of the canaliculi-forming cell was poor in organelles. In the individuals of the three castes of A. s. rubropilosa, the presence of lipid secretion granules suggested, beyond the other functions, also a possible pheromonal action. The different roles executed by the different insect castes are directly dependent on the glandular products and, consequently, on the secretory cellular characteristics.     

Biologically driven neural platform invoking parallel electrophoretic separation and urinary metabolite screening

This work reveals a computational framework for parallel electrophoretic separation of complex biological macromolecules and model urinary metabolites. More specifically, the implementation of a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm on a neural network platform for multiparameter optimization of multiplexed 24-capillary electrophoresis technology with UV detection is highlighted. Two experimental systems were examined: (1) separation of purified rabbit metallothioneins and (2) separation of model toluene urinary metabolites and selected organic acids. Results proved superior to the use of neural networks employing standard back propagation when examining training error, fitting response, and predictive abilities. Simulation runs were obtained as a result of metaheuristic examination of the global search space with experimental responses in good agreement with predicted values. Full separation of selected analytes was realized after employing optimal model conditions. This framework provides guidance for the application of metaheuristic computational tools to aid in future studies involving parallel chemical separation and screening. Adaptable pseudo-code is provided to enable users of varied software packages and modeling framework to implement the PSO algorithm for their desired use.     

AFM-based force-clamp monitors lipid bilayer failure kinetics

The lipid bilayer rupture phenomenon is here explored by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based force clamp, for the first time to our knowledge, to evaluate how lipid membranes respond when compressed under an external constant force, in the range of nanonewtons. Using this method, we were able to directly quantify the kinetics of the membrane rupture event and the associated energy barriers, for both single supported bilayers and multibilayers, in contradistinction to the classic studies performed at constant velocity. Moreover, the affected area of the membrane during the rupture process was calculated using an elastic deformation model. The elucidated information not only contributes to a better understanding of such relevant process, but also proves the suitability of AFM-based force clamp to study model structures as lipid bilayers. These findings on the kinetics of lipid bilayers rupture could be extended and applied to the study of other molecular thin films. Furthermore, systems of higher complexity such as models mimicking cell membranes could be studied by means of AFM-based force-clamp technique.     

Structure and dynamics of the electronically excited C 1 and D 0+ states of ArXe from high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet spectra

Vacuum ultraviolet spectra of the C 1 ← X 0(+) and D 0(+) ← X 0(+) band systems of ArXe have been recorded at high resolution. Analysis of the rotational structure of the spectra of several isotopomers, and in the case of Ar(129)Xe and Ar(131)Xe also of the hyperfine structure, has led to the derivation of a complete set of spectroscopic parameters for the C 1 and D 0(+) states. The rovibrational energy level structure of the C 1 state reveals strong homogeneous perturbations with neighboring Ω = 1 electronic states. The analysis of isotopic shifts led to a reassignment of the vibrational structure of the C 1 state. The observation of electronically excited Xe fragments following excitation to the C state rotational levels of f parity indicates that the C state is predissociated by the electronic state of 0(-) symmetry associated with the Ar((1)S(0)) + Xe(6s(')[1/2](0) (o)) dissociation limit. The observed predissociation dynamics differ both qualitatively and quantitatively from the behavior reported in previous investigations. An adiabatic two-state coupling model has been derived which accounts for the irregularities observed in the rovibronic and hyperfine level structure of the C 1 state. The model predicts the existence of a second state of Ω = 1 symmetry, supporting several tunneling/predissociation resonances located ~200 cm(-1) above the C 1 state.     

Mixed-Ligand Complex Formation Equilibria of Vanadium(III) with 2,2′-Bipyridine and the Amino Acids Glycine, Proline, α-Alanine and β-Alanine Studied in 3.0 mol?dm?3 KCl at 25 °C

We studied speciation of the mixed-ligand complex formation equilibria of vanadium(III) with both 2,2??-bipyridine (Bipy) and the amino acids glycine (HGly), proline (HPro), ??-alanine (H??Ala), and ??-alanine (H??Ala) by means of electromotive forces measurements emf(H) using 3.0?mol?dm^?3 KCl as the ionic medium at 25 °C. The experimental data were analyzed by means of the computational least-squares program LETAGROP, taking into account the hydrolysis of the vanadium(III) cation, the respective stability constants of the binary complexes, and the acid/base reactions of the ligands which were kept fixed during the analysis. In all four amino acid systems studied we observed the complexes [V₂O(Bipy)(B)]³⁺, [V₂O(Bipy)₂(B)₂]²⁺, [V(OH)(Bipy)(B)₂] and [V(OH)₂(Bipy)(B)], where B represents the deprotonated form of the amino acids studied in this work. The respective stability constants were determined and the species distribution diagrams as a function of pH are briefly discussed.     

Grapefruit Debittering by Simultaneous Naringin Hydrolysis and Limonin Adsorption Using Naringinase Immobilized in Agarose Supports

Naringin and limonin are the two main bitter compounds of citrus products such as grapefruit juice. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the reduction in both bitter components simultaneously using a combined biochemical and physical approach. The proposed strategy was based on the use of heterofunctional supports with glyoxyl groups that allow for the covalent immobilization of naringinase, which hydrolyses naringin and alkyl groups that allow for the adsorption of limonin. The supports were butyl-glyoxyl agarose (BGA) and octyl-glyoxyl agarose (OGA), which were characterized in terms of aldehyde group quantification and FTIR analysis. The optimal pH and temperature of free and immobilized enzymes were assessed. The maximum enzyme loading capacity of supports was analyzed. Debittering of grapefruit juice was evaluated using soluble enzyme, enzyme-free supports, and immobilized catalysts. Enzyme immobilized in BGA reduced naringin and limonin concentrations by 54 and 100%, respectively, while the use of catalyst immobilized in OGA allowed a reduction of 74 and 76%, respectively, obtaining a final concentration of both bitter components under their detection threshold. The use of OGA biocatalyst presented better results than when soluble enzyme or enzyme-free support was utilized. Biocatalyst was successfully applied in juice debittering in five repeated batches.     

General electrochemical Minisci alkylation of N-heteroarenes with alkyl halides

Herein, we report, a general, facile and environmentally friendly Minisci-type alkylation of N-heteroarenes under simple and straightforward electrochemical conditions using widely available alkyl halides as radical precursors. Primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals have been shown to be efficiently generated and coupled with a large variety of N-heteroarenes. The method presents a very high functional group tolerance, including various heterocyclic-based natural products, which highlights the robustness of the methodology. This applicability has been further proved in the synthesis of various interesting biologically valuable building blocks. In addition, we have proposed a mechanism based on different proofs and pieces of electrochemical evidence.

Herein, we report, a general, facile and environmentally friendly Minisci-type alkylation of N-heteroarenes under simple and straightforward electrochemical conditions using widely available alkyl halides as radical precursors.     

Synthesis,characterization and magnetic properties of mixed-valence iron complexes with 2-pyridyl oximes

Abstract

Two new mixed-valence iron complexes with 2-pyridyl oximes, [Fe(mpko)₃Fe(H₂O)₂(NO₃)](NO₃)·2H₂O (1) (mpko^? = methyl(2-pyridyl)ketone oximate) and [{Fe(dpko)₃}₂Fe](ClO₄)·4H₂O (2) (dpko^? = bis(2-pyridyl)ketone oximate), have been prepared by reaction of Fe^III with mpkoH in methanol (1) and Fe^II with dpkoH in methanol/water (2). Dinuclear Fe^II(low-spin)Fe^III(high-spin) and trinuclear Fe^II(low-spin)Fe^III(high-spin)Fe^II(low-spin) cations are present in the crystal structure of 1 and 2, respectively. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds in 1 lead to weak antiferromagnetic interactions between pairs of neighboring Fe^III centers, which allows observation of single-ion zero-field splitting effects.