Multi-frame pyramid correlation for time-resolved PIV

A novel technique is introduced to increase the precision and robustness of time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements. The innovative element of the technique is the linear combination of the correlation signal computed at different separation time intervals. The domain of the correlation signal resulting from different temporal separations is matched via homothetic transformation prior to the averaging of the correlation maps. The resulting ensemble-averaged correlation function features a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio and a more precise velocity estimation due to the evaluation of a larger particle image displacement. The method relies on a local optimization of the observation time between snapshots taking into account the local out-of-plane motion, continuum deformation due to in-plane velocity gradient and acceleration errors. The performance of the pyramid correlation algorithm is assessed on a synthetically generated image sequence reproducing a three-dimensional Batchelor vortex; experiments conducted in air and water flows are used to assess the performance on time-resolved PIV image sequences. The numerical assessment demonstrates the effectiveness of the pyramid correlation technique in reducing both random and bias errors by a factor 3 and one order of magnitude, respectively. The experimental assessment yields a significant increase of signal strength indicating enhanced measurement robustness. Moreover, the amplitude of noisy fluctuations is considerably attenuated and higher precision is obtained for the evaluation of time-resolved velocity and acceleration.     

HPLC-MS characterization of cyclo-statherin Q-37, a specific cyclization product of human salivary statherin generated by transglutaminase 2

In the present study the analytical potential of HPLC-MS/MS was utilized for the structural characterization of a post-translational modification of statherin. Human salivary statherin (M(av)5380.0 +/- 0.3 Da) is transformed by the action of transglutaminase 2 into a cyclic derivative with an average molecular mass of 5363.0 +/- 0.3 Da. The intra-molecular bridge is generated by the loss of an ammonia molecule between the unique Ione-pair donating nucleophile Lys-6 and one acceptor among the seven glutamine residues of statherin. Digestion of the cyclic derivative with chymotrypsin, proteinase K, and carboxypeptidase Y, monitored by HPLC-electrospray ionization-ion trap-mass spectrometric analysis, demonstrated that cyclization involved almost specifically Gln-37 (> 95%), with the percentage of Gln-39 implicated in the cross-linkiing being less than 5%. The main derivative was named cyclostatherin Q37. Guineapig transglutaminase 2 showed high affinity for statherin in vitro (Km = 0.65 +/- 0.06 microM). Cyclo-statherin was detected in vivo by HPLC-electrospray ionization ion trap-mass spectrometry analysis of whole human saliva and it accounted for about 1% of total statherin. Detection of cyclo-statherin in whole saliva is suggestive of a putative role of this molecule in the formation of the "oral protein pellicle".     

Syntheses of chromium tricarbonyl organometals of 1-methyl-naphthalene and different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,characterisation of the (C11H10)Cr(CO)3 isomers and the crystal structure of the [(η6-5,6,7,8,9,10-C11H10)Cr(CO)3] complex

The synthesis of organometal complexes from chromium hexacarbonyl with 1-methyl-naphthalene ligand is reported. Two arene-chromium-tricarbonyl isomers are formed at competitive yields, featured with the metal fragment coordinated to both the methylated and the benzenic aromatic ring. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurement has been performed on the [(η⁶-5,6,7,8,9,10-C₁₁H₁₀)Cr(CO)₃] isomer, which presents the metal carbonyl moiety attached to the benzenic arene ligand. The products of reaction have been studied by UV–VIS–NIR, fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. A detailed vibrational characterisation by mean of experimental FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations is reported. The electron ligand donation to the metal carbonyl system, determined by FT-IR spectroscopy, has been related to the actual decrease of resonance energy of the aromatic hydrocarbon in the complex and compared with other chromium tricarbonyl complexes of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons provided with the naphthalenic moiety.     

Improving surface plasmon resonance imaging of DNA by creating new gold and silver based surface nanostructures

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) can substantially improve the analytical performance of surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) in general, and in DNA sensing in particular. In this work, we report on the modification of the gold surface of commercial biochips with gold nanospheres, silica-coated gold nanoshells, and silver nanoprisms, respectively. The NPs were tethered onto the surface of the chip and functionalized with a DNA probe. The effects of tethering conditions and varying nanostructures on the SPRi signals were evaluated via hybridization assays. The results showed that coupling between planar surface plasmons and electric fields, generated by localized surface plasmons of the NPs, is mandatory for signal enhancement. Silver nanoprisms gave the best results in improving the signal change at a target DNA concentration of <50 nM by +50 % (compared to a conventional SPRi chip). The limit of detection for the target DNA was 0.5 nM which is 5 times less than in conventional SPRi.

Pure copper vs. mixed copper and palladium hexacyanoferrates for glucose biosensing applications

A glucose amperometric biosensor was developed. Glucose oxidase enzyme was immobilized by means of a Nafion membrane on glassy carbon modified with an electrochemically deposited mixed Cu and Pd hexacyanoferrate (CuPdHCF). According to the data provided by X-ray atomic spectroscopy measurements, this Cu- and Pd-based hexacyanoferrate is likely to be a mixture of single CuHCF and PdHCF pure phases. The biosensor performances were evaluated by recording the steady-state currents due to submillimolar additions of glucose to a potassium buffer solution (pH 5.5) and exploiting the electrocatalytic reduction of the enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide. The CuPdHCF-based biosensor exhibited a sensitivity of 8.1?±?0.6 A M^?1 m^?2, a limit of detection of 1.4?×?10^?5 M, and a linear response range extending between 5?×?10^?5 and 4?×?10^?4 M, with a dynamic response range up to 4?×?10^?3 M glucose. Electrode sensitivity and signal stability resulted more satisfactory as compared to those of a CuHCF-based biosensor fabricated according to the same procedure. The selectivity was investigated through an interference study. The response to easily oxidizable species was found to be low enough to allow glucose determination in biological samples.     

Direct IR observation of vibrational properties of carbonyl species formed on Pd nano-particles supported on amorphous carbon: comparison with Pd/SiO2-Al2O3

By diluting optically opaque carbon-supported Pd particles in silica Aerosil we succeeded in observing the IR bands of adsorbed carbonyls and extracting information on the particle dispersion. Comparison with literature single crystal data and with silica-alumina supported Pd allowed us to make an assignment in terms of linear and 2-fold bridged carbonyls formed on Pd(111) and Pd(100) faces. Two Pd/C samples have been investigated. The relative intensities of the two carbonyl families observed on the two samples are consistent with the Pd dispersion independently measured with CO chemisorption, TEM and EXAFS analysis.     

Synthesis and Structure of New Cobalt–Carbonyl Complexes Containing Tellurium Atoms

Co₂(CO)₈ and Te₂O react to form the well known Co₄(CO)₁₀Te₂, Co₄(CO)₁₁Te₂ complexes and the two new cluster complexes CCo₆(CO)₁₂Te₂(1), and CCo₆(CO)₁₀Te₂(Te₃) (2). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray analysis, together with the triphenylphosphine derivative of 1, CCo₆(CO)₁₁(PPh₃)Te₂(3), which was analyzed to clarify the disordered structure of the parent compound. Complex 1 is formed by a prismatic cluster of cobalt atoms with a carbon embedded in the cage; two tellurium atoms cap the triangular faces of the prism and each cobalt atom links two terminal carbonyl groups. The complex 2 has a similar prismatic cage CCo₆; two ₄-Te atoms cap two rectangular faces of the prism, while other two Te atoms bridge two edges of the triangular faces and are linked each other through a third Te atom. Electron counting gives for complex 2 92 electrons: the presence of two long Co–Co distances suggests that the two excess electrons are located on Co–Co antibonding orbitals. Crystal data for 1, space group C2/c, a = 12.845(2) Å, b = 13.449(2) Å, c = 13.246(2) Å, = 91.95(2)°, Z = 4, R = 0.097 for 2555 reflections; for 2, space group Pnna, a = 17.219(5) Å, b= 14.969(6) Å, c = 9.178(4) Å, Z = 4,R = 0.037 for 3103 reflections; for 3, space group P2₁/c, a = 9.288(2) Å, b = 14.920(6) Å, c = 26.300(9) Å, = 99.99(2)°, Z = 4, R = 0.037 for 4300 reflections. The vibrational analysis of the complex 1 was performed and most of the (CO), (₆C–Co), (Co–Co) and (Co–Co) modes were assigned. The (Co–Te) modes were interpreted on the basis of the intermolecular coupling, due to the close contact between neighboring clusters in one distinct direction in the crystal.     

Targeted phase II metabolites profiling as new screening strategy to investigate natural steroid abuse in animal breeding

The use of steroid hormones as growth promoters in cattle is banned within the European Union since 1988 but can still be fraudulently employed in animal breeding farms for anabolic purposes. While efficient targeted confirmatory methods have been implemented in control laboratories for many years, fast and reliable screening methods are still required, especially in the case of natural hormones abuse, but more globally for new "fishing" strategies allowing to reveal the use of even unknown anabolic agents. The development of focused profiling or untargeted metabolomic approaches is thus emerging in this context. The present study was a focused profiling study using steroids phase II metabolites, with the aim to get a better understanding of the steroid metabolism disruptions after exogenous administration of androstenedione and finally reveal potential biomarkers signing its administration. A sample preparation procedure was first developed, based on a separation of 31 glucuronide and sulphate conjugate compounds using an anion exchange SPE system. Each fraction was then analysed by UPLC-MS/MS in MRM mode showing a rapid (between 4h and 4 days after treatment) and huge excretion of several direct metabolites of androstenedione such as etiocholanolone-glucuronide or epiandrosterone-sulphate.