Trinuclear pyrazine-bridged ruthenium complexes: syntheses, electrochemistry, NIR-Vis spectra, and their interpretation in terms of a 5-orbital-3-parameter model

A study of absorption spectra in the near-infrared (NIR) and visible (vis) regions of trinuclear Ru complexes containing pyrazine (pyz) as bridging ligand, trans-[(Ru(NH(3))(5)pyz)(2)Ru(NH(3))(4)](m+)(m = 6-9), is reported. The spectra were recorded on aqueous solutions containing the described species formed in situ by stoichiometric additions of a standard solution of Ce(SO(4))(2). They were interpreted in terms of a simple 5-orbital-3-parameter model which includes the effects of d-pi interaction and electronic correlation. The model is shown to account for the observed NIR-vis spectra of the complex ions. The 6+ parent species was synthesized by an improved literature method and fully characterized. The novel 8+ complex was also prepared and characterized. The 9+ ion was established to be slowly reduced by water, with dioxygen formation. Electrochemical (CV and DPV) studies were performed on the trinuclear 6+ complex, as well as on its constituent fragments [Ru(NH(3))(5)(pyz)](2+) and trans-[Ru(NH(3))(4)(pyz)(2)](2+).     

Staphylococcus aureus bicomponent gamma-hemolysins, HlgA, HlgB, and HlgC, can form mixed pores containing all components

Staphylococcal gamma-hemolysins are bicomponent toxins forming a protein family with leucocidins and alpha-toxin. Two active toxins (AB and CB) can be formed combining one of the class-S components, HlgA or HlgC, with the class-F component HlgB. These two gamma-hemolysins form pores with marked similarities to alpha-toxin in terms of conductance, nonlinearity of the current-voltage curve, and channel stability in the open state. AB and CB pores, however, are cation-selective, whereas alpha-toxin is anion-selective. gamma-Hemolysins' pores are hetero-oligomers formed by three or four copies of each component (indicated as 3A3B and 3C3B or 4A4B and 4C4B). Point mutants located on a beta-strand of the class-S component that forms part of the protomer-protomer contact region can prevent oligomer assembly. Interestingly, these mutants inhibit growth of pores formed not only by their natural components but also by nonstandard components. This lead to the hypothesis that mixed ABC pores could also be formed. By studying the conductance of pores, assembled in the presence of all three components (in different ratios), it was observed that the magnitudes expected for mixed pores were, indeed, present. We conclude that the gamma-hemolysin/leucocidin bicomponent toxin family may form a larger than expected number of active toxins by cross-combining various S and F components.     

Isotope dilution determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in olive pomace oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A gas chromatographic (GC) method with mass spectrometry detection (MS) for the determination of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in olive pomace oil has been developed. The oil was diluted with n-pentane and extracted by liquid-liquid partition with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). After water addition and back-extraction with cyclohexane, a thin-layer chromatography on silica gel was performed as a further purification step. The PAHs spot was scraped off from the plate and the final extract was concentrated and analysed by GC-MS in full scan mode. The eight PAHs under investigation were determined in the presence of the corresponding labelled compounds added as internal standards to the sample at the beginning of the analytical process. The identified PAHs were then quantified by the isotope dilution methodology assuring the compensation of the concentration of each analyte for any variation in the sample preparation. The method precision was satisfactory with relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values in the range 3.6-12.7% for all PAHs. The average recovery rates ranged from 69.0 to 97.5%. Accuracy was also calculated for benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and benzo[ghi]perylene by analysing a certified reference material (CRM 458, coconut oil) with adequate results. All response curves exhibited a linear fit from 0.1 to 10 microg ml(-1) and the determination coefficients R2 were better than 0.9942. The limits of detection (0.1-0.4 microg kg(-1)) were acceptable when compared with the maximum permitted limit of 2 microg kg(-1) for each of the eight considered PAHs and 5 microg kg(-1) for the sum of the eight PAHs established by the Italian legislation. Measurement uncertainty was finally calculated identifying and quantifying the uncertainty components of the analytical process. The relative expanded uncertainties (Uc), expressed as percent values were in the range 8.5-11.4% thus appropriate for residues quantification in the range of concentrations considered in the present study.     

Determination of the insecticide fenoxycarb in apple leaf samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the determination of fenoxycarb in apple leaf samples. Single step extraction procedures with phosphate-citrate buffered solution containing different amounts of methanol were tested showing that a solvent percentage of 20% (v/v) was the best condition, with recoveries between 85 and 100% in the working range of 25-500 μg kg⁻¹ and a negligible matrix effect. The low detection limit reached, 1 μg kg⁻¹ against 50 μg kg⁻¹ for the recommended liquid chromatographic method, makes the ELISA more suitable for determinations of the fenoxycarb residues in apple leaf samples. The reliability of the ELISA was evaluated by assaying the insecticide in spiked and contaminated samples by three different approaches: direct determination, standard addition method with a calibration graph, and the dilution test. The corresponding coefficients of variation were, respectively, 11, 22 and 27%. The direct determination on the (1+1) diluted apple leaf extract was used to measure the insecticide residues in samples collected in the north-eastern Italian regions of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.     

Cluster and periodic DFT calculations of MgO/Pd(CO) and MgO/Pd(CO)(2) surface complexes

The bonding and vibrational properties of Pd(CO) and Pd(CO)(2) complexes formed at the (100) surface of MgO have been investigated using the gradient-corrected DFT approach and have been compared to the results of infrared and thermal desorption experiments performed on ultrathin MgO films. Two complementary approaches have been used for the calculation of the electronic properties: the embedded cluster method using localized atomic orbital basis sets and supercell periodic calculations using plane waves. The results show that the two methods provide very similar answers, provided that sufficiently large supercells are used. Various regular and defect adsorption sites for the Pd(CO) and Pd(CO)(2) have been considered: terraces, steps, neutral and charged oxygen vacancies (F and F(+) centers), and divacancies. From the comparison of the computed and experimental results, it is concluded that the most likely site where the Pd atoms are stabilized and where carbonyl complexes are formed are the F(+) centers, paramagnetic defects consisting of a single electron trapped in an anion vacancy.     

12-Acylindolo[1,2-c]quinazolines by palladium-catalyzed cyclocarbonylation of o-alkynyltrifluoroacetanilides

6-Trifluoromethyl-12-acylindolo[1,2-c]quinazolines are prepared in high yield through the palladium-catalyzed reaction of bis(o-trifluoroacetamidophenyl)acetylene with aryl or vinyl halides and triflates. The reaction, which tolerates a variety of important functional groups, probably involves the formation of a 3-acyl-2-(o-trifluoroacetamidophenyl)indole intermediate, followed by its cyclization to the indoloquinazoline product. [reaction: see text]     

催化膜和催化膜反应器:整合的高效和环保催化过程

 The design of new heterogeneous photooxygenation systems able to employ visible light, oxygen, mild temperatures, and solvent with a low environmental impact has been investigated. In particular, the heterogenization of decatungstate (W10O4-32), a polyoxometalate with photocatalytic activity in oxidation reactions, has been carried out in polymeric membranes of polyvinylidenefluoride. The polymeric catalytic membranes prepared by phase inversion technique have been successfully applied in the aerobic mineralization of phenol in water, which was used as an example of organic pollutant. In order to evaluate the effect of the polymeric environment on the overall catalyst behavior, we have also heterogenized the decatungstate (opportunely functionalized) in perfluorinated membrane made of Hyflon. The photocatalytic composite membranes are characterized by different and tuneable properties depending on the nature of the polymeric micro-environment, in which the catalyst is confined. Moreover, the selective separation function of the membrane results in enhanced performance in comparison with homogeneous reactions.     

Basic Substances,a Sustainable Tool to Complement and Eventually Replace Synthetic Pesticides in the Management of Pre and Postharvest Diseases: Reviewed Instructions for Users

Synthetic pesticides are widely used to protect crops from pathogens and pests, especially for fruits and vegetables, and this may lead to the presence of residues on fresh produce. Improving the sustainability of agriculture and, at the same time, reducing the adverse effects of synthetic pesticides on human health requires effective alternatives that improve the productivity while maintaining the food quality and safety. Moreover, retailers increasingly request fresh produce with the amounts of pesticides largely below the official maximum residue levels. Basic substances are relatively novel compounds that can be used in plant protection without neurotoxic or immune-toxic effects and are still poorly known by phytosanitary consultants (plant doctors), researchers, growers, consumers, and decision makers. The focus of this review is to provide updated information about 24 basic substances currently approved in the EU and to summarize in a single document their properties and instructions for users. Most of these substances have a fungicidal activity (calcium hydroxide, chitosan, chitosan hydrochloride, Equisetum arvense L., hydrogen peroxide, lecithins, cow milk, mustard seed powder, Salix spp., sunflower oil, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, Urtica spp., vinegar, and whey). Considering the increasing requests from consumers of fruits and vegetables for high quality with no or a reduced amount of pesticide residues, basic substances can complement and, at times, replace the application of synthetic pesticides with benefits for users and for consumers. Large-scale trials are important to design the best dosage and strategies for the application of basic substances against pathogens and pests in different growing environments and contexts.