A Simple Method for Producing Pure (+) trans-1,2-Epoxylimonene

In this paper we report a simple methodology for obtaining (+) trans - 1,2 - epoxylimonene (1b) in high purity (>99% HRGC) and reasonable quantity. The mixture of 1a and 1b in CH₂Cl₂ is stirred with 1M NaHSO₃ in water. Under these conditions 1a is completely destroyed, while 1b is only partially destroyed.     

Statistical analysis of achievable resolution limit in the near field source localization context

In this fast communication, we derive the statistical resolution limit (SRL), characterizing the minimal parameter separation, to resolve two closely spaced known near-field sources impinging on a linear array. Toward this goal, we conduct on the first-order Taylor expansion of the observation model a Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) based on a Constrained Maximum Likelihood Estimator (CMLE) of the SRL. More precisely, the minimum separation between two near-field sources, that is detectable for a given probability of false alarm and a given probability of detection, is derived herein. Finally, numerical simulations are done to quantify the impact of the array geometry of the signal sources power distribution and of the array aperture on the statistical resolution limit.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts from the leaves of Smilax brasiliensis Sprengel (Smilacaceae)

The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of petroleum ether and methanol extracts, fatty acids and methyl esters from leaves of Smilax brasiliensis were evaluated, and the composition of the extracts was determined. Palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acids were major components of the extracts. For antioxidant activity, all samples exhibited IC₅₀ values lower than BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). The extracts, fatty acids and methyl esters from S. brasiliensis presented no toxicity to larvae of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina. Among the purified substances, only methyl linolenate showed toxicity (LD₅₀ = 21.47 μg/mL). This study showed, for the first time, the composition of petroleum ether and methanol extracts from S. brasiliensis leaves, as well as the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts, fatty acids and methyl esters.     

Virtual RF system platform dedicated to heterogeneous complex SoC design

In this paper, we propose to develop a hierarchical library associated with various simulators that can be used in a single platform, called TrustMe-ViP, which enables a unique simulation framework and full model interoperability. Such platform is dedicated to complex SoC design, such as trusted personal devices where cost and time-to-market are very important constraints. To validate this methodology, we present the estimation of BER and power consumption for a Bluetooth transceiver.     

Chemical reducing pedoenvironment in a peatland influenced by hematitic phyllite lithology in the southern Espinhaço chain,Brazil

A peatland in Pinheiro, Diamantina City, Minas Gerais State - Brazil, was sampled at different depths of two profiles with diverse vegetation coverings (grassland field and bush) in order to collect materials that might reflect changes in the chemical states of iron over the peat formation coming from original minerals such as hematitic phyllite surrounding the boggy pedon. Samples collected were chemically, structurally and magnetically characterized. The results show that both series of peats are composed of organic matter and minerals such as quartz, kaolinite, gibbsite, rutile and muscovite. Deeper layers present only quartz. Mössbauer spectroscopy shows that iron is present in both electron states, Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, under both vegetations, each valence appearing in the spectra in the form of a discrete doublet. No hyperfine magnetic splitting was observed in any spectrum at room temperature. The Mössbauer subspectral area of Fe²⁺ tended to increase from the upper to deeper layers. Magnetic measurements reveal that the magnetic response of the surface samples is the highest, displaying a sharp decrease below 15 cm and that the magnetic signal is a superposition of (super)paramagnetic and ferrimagnetic contributions. Samples from the grassland field also show a diamagnetic component for the deeper layers.     

Applicability of Microaerobic Technology to Enhance BTEX Removal from Contaminated Waters

As the addition of low concentrations of oxygen can favor the initial degradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds, this work verified the applicability of the microaerobic technology to enhance BTEX removal in an anaerobic bioreactor supplemented with high and low co-substrate (ethanol) concentrations. Additionally, structural alterations on the bioreactor microbiota were assessed throughout the experiment. The bioreactor was fed with a synthetic BTEX-contaminated water (~ 3 mg L^?1 of each compound) and operated at a hydraulic retention time of 48 h. The addition of low concentrations of oxygen (1.0 mL min^?1 of atmospheric air at 27 °C and 1 atm) assured high removal efficiencies (> 80%) for all compounds under microaerobic conditions. In fact, the applicability of this technology showed to be viable to enhance BTEX removal from contaminated waters, especially concerning benzene (with a 30% removal increase), which is a very recalcitrant compound under anaerobic conditions. However, high concentrations of ethanol adversely affected BTEX removal, especially benzene, under anaerobic and microaerobic conditions. Finally, although bacterial community richness decreased at low concentrations of ethanol, in general, the bioreactor microbiota could deal with the different operational conditions and preserved its functionality during the whole experiment.