Preconcentration/preelution ion chromatography for the determination of perchlorate in complex samples

The determination of perchlorate in complex matrices by ion chromatography (IC) with an online preconcentration and preelution technique is discussed. The method was applied to different sample types containing large concentrations of matrix anions that would otherwise interfere with analysis via conventional IC. The present approach was highly effective in removing most of the matrix anions and was thus resistant to the interferences commonly encountered in a high ionic strength background. Method performance was evaluated by analyzing for low-level perchlorate in synthetic high ionic strength solutions, tissue extracts, and hydroponic nitrate fertilizer samples. Not only is it easier to practice the present method compared to USEPA Method 314.0, but for most of these samples the present approach provided equal to or better recovery of perchlorate than Method 314.0. With a sample of specific conductance 12,650 μS cm⁻¹, for example, the present method provided a perchlorate recovery of 101% at the 25 μg L⁻¹ level versus 89% by EPA Method 314.0. Method detection limits of perchlorate in hydroponic fertilizer samples with this method (130-190 μg kg⁻¹) are the lowest thus far reported.     

Correction of the influence of baseline artefacts and electrode polarisation on dielectric spectra

The deconvolution of biological dielectric spectra can be difficult enough with artefact-free spectra but is more problematic when machine baseline artefacts and electrode polarisation are present as well. In addition, these two sources of anomalies can be responsible for significant interference with dielectric biomass measurements made using one- or two-spot frequencies. The aim of this paper is to develop mathematical models of baseline artefacts and electrode polarisation which can be used to remove these anomalies from dielectric spectra in a way that can be easily implemented on-line and in real-time on the Biomass Monitor (BM). We show that both artefacts can be successfully removed in solutions of organic and inorganic ions; in animal cell and microbial culture media; and in yeast suspensions of varying biomass. The high quality of the compensations achieved were independent of whether gold and platinum electrodes were used; the electrode geometry; electrode fouling; current density; the type of BM; and of whether electrolytic cleaning pulses had been applied. In addition, the calibration experiments required could be done off-line using a simple aqueous KCl dilution series with the calibration constants being automatically calculated by a computer without the need for user intervention. The calibration values remained valid for a minimum of 3 months for the baseline model and indefinitely for the electrode polarisation one. Importantly, application of baseline correction prior to polarisation correction allowed the latter's application to the whole conductance range of the BM. These techniques are therefore exceptionally convenient to use under practical conditions.     

Molecular control of recombination dynamics in dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 films: free energy vs distance dependence

In this paper we address the dependence of the charge recombination dynamics in dye-sensitized, nanocrystalline TiO2 films upon the properties of the sensitizer dye employed. In particular we focus upon dependence of the charge recombination kinetics upon the dye oxidation potential E0(D+/D), determined electrochemically, and the spatial separation r of the dye cation HOMO orbital from the metal oxide surface, determined by semiempirical calculations. Our studies employed a series of ruthenium bipyridyl dyes in addition to porphyrin and phthalocyanine dyes. A strong correlation is observed between the recombination dynamics and the spatial separation r, with variation in r by 3 A resulting in a more than 10-fold change in the recombination half-time t(50%). This correlation is found to be in agreement with electron tunneling theory, t(50%) proportional, variant exp(-betar) with beta = 0.95 +/- 0.2 A-1. In contrast, the recombination dynamics were found to be relatively insensitive to variations in E0D+/D), indicative of the recombination reaction lying near the peak of the Marcus free energy curve, DeltaG approximately lambda, and with lambda approximately 0.8 eV. A correlation is also observed between the recombination half-time and the temporal shape of the kinetics, with faster recombination dynamics being more dispersive (less monoexponential). Comparison with numerical Monte Carlo type simulations suggests this correlation is attributed to a shift from fast recombination dynamics primarily limited by dispersive electron transport within the metal oxide film to slower dynamics primarily limited by the interfacial electron-transfer reaction. We conclude that the primary factor controlling the charge recombination dynamics in dye-sensitized, nanocrystalline TiO2 films is the spatial separation of the dye cation from the electrode surface. In particular, we show that for the Ru(dcbpy)2NCS2 dye series, the use of X = NCS rather than X = CN results in a 2 A shift in the dye cation HOMO orbital away from the electrode surface, causing a 7-fold retardation of the recombination dynamics, resulting in the remarkably slow recombination dynamics observed for this sensitizer dye.     

The interfacial torque on a partially submerged sphere

For a heavy spherical particle floating at the surface of a liquid, we show that the resultant torque exerted on the particle about its center by the interfacial forces is always zero, regardless of the position and shape of the contact line, provided only that the interfacial tension and the contact angle are constant. Interfacial tension therefore cannot rotate a spherical particle about its center.     

Internal Standard Correction of Results Obtained by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

An internal standard system has been developed for a mass spectrometer equipped with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source. The system has been used to overcome sensitivity drift problems that are commonly encountered when the spectrometer is used for long-term environmental monitoring. Additionally, the internal standard has been used to correct sensitivity changes induced by the matrix being analyzed. Principal components of the system are a low concentration internal standard source and a flow-delivery system for introducing the standard to the reagent gas delivery stream of the spectrometer. Following an experiment, real-time data are downloaded to a personal computer where internal standard correction and data analysis are performed. Application of the internal standard to the measurement of nicotine and pyridine is demonstrated.     

A general, two-directional approach to aza-C-(1 --> 1)-linked disaccharide mimetics

The Upjohn and Donohoe dihydroxylations were exploited in divergent syntheses of aza-C-(1 --> 1)-linked disaccharides.     

The branching ratio for K−p → Λγ at rest

The reaction K^?p → Λγ, produced by K^? stopping in a liquid hydrogen target, has been studied using a NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. The branching ratio is

$\text{K}{}^{\mathrm{?}}\text{p}\text{→Λγ}\text{K}{}^{\mathrm{?}}\text{p}\text{→}\text{anything}\text{=(2.8±0.8)×10}{}^{\mathrm{?3}}$

based on 1355 events assigned to this branch. This is in conflict with a previous experiment, but agrees with one of the two published calculations, when recent values for the coupling constants and scattering amplitudes are used.     

Coordinate-dependent 3 + 1 formulation of the general relativity field equations

This paper presents a coordinate-dependent 3+ 1 decomposition of the general relativity field equations in terms of a scalar potentialc ²[(–g ₄₄)^1/2–1], a vector potentialA _icg _4i/(–g₄₄)^1/2, and the three-space metric _ijg _ij–g_4i g _4j/g ₄₄. The equations are exact and the form of the decomposed equations is valid in any coordinate system.