Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Inductively
Kinds of Inductively Selected AbstractsCharacterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis nicotinamidase/pyrazinamidaseFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2008Hua Zhang The nicotinamidase/pyrazinamidase (PncA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is involved in the activation of the important front-line antituberculosis drug pyrazinamide by converting it into the active form, pyrazinoic acid. Mutations in the pncA gene cause pyrazinamide resistance in M. tuberculosis. The properties of M. tuberculosis PncA were characterized in this study. The enzyme was found to be a 20.89 kDa monomeric protein. The optimal pH and temperature of enzymatic activity were pH 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry revealed that the enzyme was an Mn2+/Fe2+ -containing protein with a molar ratio of [Mn2+] to [Fe2+] of 1 : 1; furthermore, the external addition of either type of metal ion had no apparent effect on the wild-type enzymatic activity. The activity of the purified enzyme was determined by HPLC, and it was shown that it possessed similar pyrazinamidase and nicotinamidase activity, by contrast with previous reports. Nine PncA mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Determination of the enzymatic activity and metal ion content suggested that Asp8, Lys96 and Cys138 were key residues for catalysis, and Asp49, His51, His57 and His71 were essential for metal ion binding. Our data show that M. tuberculosis PncA may bind metal ions in a manner different from that observed in the case of Pyrococcus horikoshii PncA. [source] Multiple Functionalization of Mesoporous Silica in One-Pot: Direct Synthesis of Aluminum-Containing Plugged SBA-15 from Aqueous Nitrate Solutions,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2008Y. Wu Abstract Aluminum-containing plugged mesoporous silica has been successfully prepared in an aqueous solution that contains triblock copolymer templates, nitrates, and silica sources but without using mineral acid. The acidity of the solution can be finely tuned from pH 1.4 to 2.8 according to the amount of the introduced aluminum species which ranged from an Al/Si molar ratio of 0.25/1 to 4.0/1. The aluminum nitrate additive in the starting mixture, along with the weak acidity produced by the nitrates, contributes to the formation of plugged hexagonal structures and the introduction of different amounts of aluminum species into the mesostructure. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 sorption measurements show that the Al-containing plugged silicas possess well-ordered hexagonal mesostructures with high surface areas (700,860 m2,g,1), large pore volume (0.77,1.05 cm3,g,1) and, more importantly, combined micropores and/or small mesopores in the cylindrical channels. Inductively coupled plasma,atomic emission spectrometry results show that 0.7,3.0 wt,% aluminum can be introduced into the final samples. 27Al MAS NMR results display that about 43,60% aluminum species are incorporated into the skeleton of the Al-containing silicas and the amount of the framework aluminum increases as the initial added nitrates rises. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal that the directly synthesized Al-containing plugged silica has a similar morphology to that of traditional SBA-15. Furthermore, the Al-containing plugged samples have excellent performances in the adsorption and the catalytic decomposition of isopropyl alcohol and nitrosamine. Finally, the direct synthesis method is used to produce plugged mesoporous silicas that contain other metals such as chromium and copper, and the resultant samples also show good catalytic activities. [source] Stabilized Copper(I) Oxide Nanoparticles Catalyze Azide-Alkyne Click Reactions in WaterADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 10 2010Zhenfang Zhang Abstract A novel form of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated copper(I) oxide nanoparticle (Cu2O-NP) was prepared and used to catalyze azide-alkyne click reactions in water under aerobic conditions. The nanoparticles were well dispersed in aqueous solutions and have a size of 20±10,nm, as determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses demonstrated that the main content of Cu2O-NP is copper(I). The cytotoxicity of it was evaluated by an in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and its catalytic efficiency for azide-alkyne click reactions was studied in water and organic solvents at physiological temperatures. Our results indicate that Cu2O-NP is more efficient in catalytic reactions in water for both aliphatic and aromatic azides and alkynes and less toxic than the commonly used CuSO4/reductant catalyst systems. [source] Stream Macroinvertebrate Community Affected by Point-Source Metal PollutionINTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Hideyuki Doi Abstract The impacts of mining activities on aquatic biota have been documented in many stream ecosystems. In mining streams, point-source heavy metal pollution often appears in the stream. We hypothesize that this pollution is toxic to macroinvertebrates owing to high concentrations of metals and therefore affects macroinvertebrate community structure. We investigated macroinvertebrate community structure in mountain streams, including heavy metal-polluted sites and neutral-pH streams, to determine the relationship between community structure and environmental factors such as low pH and heavy metal concentrations. Based on multidimensional scaling ordination, the macroinvertebrate community at heavy metal pollution sites was remarkably different from that at the other sites. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed high concentrations of aluminum and iron in surface water at the polluted sites. Macroinvertebrate community structure at the metal pollution sites was significantly different from that at other sites in the same stream and in neutral-pH streams. Thus, point-source metal pollution may reduce the density and diversity of in situ macroinvertebrates. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Inductively coupled helmholtz coil on a dedicated imaging platform for the in vivo1H-MRS measurement of intramyocellular lipids in the hind leg of ratsMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Michael Neumaier PhD Abstract Skeletal muscle triglycerides are markers for insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Recently, MR spectroscopy was adapted for in vivo measurement of triglycerides in animal models and for the characterization of new therapeutic approaches. Because of small MR spectroscopy voxel sizes used in skeletal muscles, surface coils are used for signal reception. Furthermore, to obtain well-resolved and undistorted lipid spectra, muscle fibers must be aligned parallel to the magnetic field. Consequently, to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio and spectral quality, a coil setup must combine high sensitivity with a reliable and reproducible positioning of muscle and voxel. These demands are difficult to match using surface coils. Here, a coil platform is described, which uses inductively coupled Helmholtz coil setup combined with a leg retainer system for rats. The new system allows for measurement of intramyocellular lipids with high signal-to-noise ratio and for significantly improved animal handling, positioning, and throughput. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Authenticating the recovery location of meteorites: The case of CastenasoMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 3 2007Luigi Folco Using the hypothesis that Castenaso was instead a hot-desert meteorite, we conducted a comparative mineralogical and geochemical study of major weathering effects on European and Saharan ordinary chondrites as potential markers of the environment where Castenaso resided during its terrestrial lifetime. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) data reveals that Castenaso is significantly enriched in Sr, Ba, Tl, and U, and suggests geochemical alteration in a hot-desert environment. The alteration is minor: Castenaso is not coated by desert varnish and does not show significant light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment or loss of Ni and Co. The apparent contrast in size, morphology, and composition between the soil particles filling the external fractures of Castenaso and those from the bank of the Idice Stream observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) suggests that Castenaso did not reside at the reported find location. Abraded quartz grains (up to 1 mm in size) in Castenaso are undoubtedly from a hot-desert eolian environment: they are well-rounded and show external surfaces characterized by the presence of dish-shaped concavities and upturned silica plates that have been subject to solution-precipitation and subsequent smoothing. We therefore conclude that Castenaso is one of the many hot-desert ordinary chondrite finds, probably from the Sahara, that is currently available on the market. This forensic work provides the scientific grounds for changing the name of this meteorite. [source] Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Bioactivity of Sol-Gel-Derived Zn, Mg, and Zn-Mg Co-Doped Bioactive GlassesCHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (CET), Issue 7 2010M. Erol Abstract Bioactive glasses in the systems CaO-SiO2 -P2O5 -ZnO, CaO-SiO2 -P2O5 -MgO, and CaO-SiO2 -P2O5 -MgO-ZnO were prepared and characterized. Bioactive glass powders were produced by the sol-gel method. The prepared bioactive glass powders were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for periods of up to 28,days at 310,K to investigate the bioactivity of the produced samples. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopic techniques were used to detect changes in the SBF composition. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) was utilized to recognize and confirm the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the bioactive glass powders. Microstructural characterizations of the bioactive glass samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Density, porosity, and surface area values of bioactive glass powders were also determined in order to characterize the textural properties of the samples. The results revealed the growth of an HA layer on the surface of the bioactive glass samples. MgO in the glass sample increases the rate of formation of an HA layer while ZnO in the glass slows it down. [source] Use of mutually inductive coupling in probe design,CONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 4 2002D.I. Hoult Abstract An analysis is presented of mutually inductive coupling in probe design. It is assumed that near field couplings predominate and that lumped constants may therefore be employed. Using three published designs as examples, analytic techniques are presented for assessing B1 field strength, losses, and signal-to-noise ratio in increasingly complex situations. The perturbing effect of the B1 field from a matching coil is examined and it is shown that if the coil is too close to the sample there can be an asymmetry introduced in the rotating frame B1 field. It is then shown that such asymmetries are potentially a general feature of inductively coupled, loaded coils. The importance of suppressing unwanted resonances is highlighted if tuning and matching are to be orthogonal, a potential advantage of mutually inductive matching. Finally, a lumped-constant simulation is briefly described for those situations where an analytic approach becomes too cumbersome. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts in Magnetic Resonance (Magn Reson Engineering) 15: 262,285, 2002 [source] A correlation found between gold concentration in blood and patch test reactions in patients with coronary stentsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2008Susanne Ekqvist Background:, Patients with dental gold restorations are known to have a higher level of gold concentration in blood (B-Au). Objectives:, To further investigate, in a study on patients with intracoronary stents and contact allergy to metals, the gold and nickel release from stainless steel stent with (Au stent) and without (Ni stent) gold plating. Method:, A total of 460 patients treated with stenting underwent patch testing with metals, and information on gold and nickel exposure and blood samples were collected. About 200 blood samples were randomly selected and the analysis of B-Au and nickel concentration in blood (B-Ni) was made using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results:, There was a correlation between the intensity of Au patch test reaction and B-Au (P < 0.001). This correlation could not be seen between Ni patch test reaction and B-Ni. A Au stent gave a fivefold higher B-Au than a Ni stent. Conclusions:, Gold is released from the Au stent and patients with a Au stent have a fivefold higher B-Au than patients with an Ni stent. The patch test reactions for gold were correlated with B-Au. [source] Bifunctional Eu3+ -doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles as a luminescent and T1 contrast agent for stem cell labelingCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 2 2010Zhilong Shi Abstract Magnetic resonance tracking of stem cells has recently become an emerging application for investigating cell,tissue interactions and guiding the development of effective stem cell therapies for regeneration of damaged tissues and organs. In this work, anionic Eu3+ -doped Gd2O3 hybrid nanoparticles were applied as a contrast agent both for fluorescence microscopy and T1 -weighted MRI. The nanoparticles were synthesized through the polyol method and further modified with citric acid to obtain anionic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were internalized into human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and quantified by inductively coupled plasma,mass spectrometry. MTT assay of the labeled cells showed that the nanoparticles did not possess significant cytotoxicity. In addition, the osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of the hMSCs was not influenced by the labeling process. With MRI, the in vitro detection threshold of cells after incubation with nanoparticles at a Gd concentration of 0.5,mMfor 2,h was estimated to be about 10 000 cells. The results from this study indicate that the biocompatible anionic Gd2O3 nanoparticles doped with Eu3+ show promise both as a luminescent and T1 contrast agent for use in visualizing hMSCs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Variable-field relaxometry of iron-containing human tissues: a preliminary studyCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 4 2009Aline Hocq Abstract Excess iron is found in brain nuclei from neurodegenerative patients (with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases) and also in the liver and spleen of cirrhosis, hemochromatosis and thalassaemia patients. Ferritin, the iron-storing protein of mammals, is known to darken T2 -weighted MR images. Understanding NMR tissue behavior may make it possible to detect those diseases, to follow their evolution and finally to establish a protocol for non-invasive measurement of an organ's iron content using MRI methods. In this preliminary work, the MR relaxation properties of embalmed iron-containing tissues were studied as well as their potential correlation with the iron content of these tissues. Relaxometric measurements (T1 and T2) of embalmed samples of brain nuclei (caudate nucleus, dentate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, red nucleus and substantia nigra), liver and spleen from six donors were made at different magnetic fields (0.00023,14 T). The influence of the inter-echo time on transverse relaxation was also studied. Moreover, iron content of tissues was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. In brain nuclei, 1/T2 increases quadratically with the field and depends on the inter-echo time in CPMG sequences at high fields, both features compatible with an outer sphere relaxation theory. In liver and spleen, 1/T2 increases linearly with the field and depends on the inter-echo time at all fields. In our study, a correlation between 1/T2 and iron concentration is observed. Explaining the relaxation mechanism for these tissues is likely to require a combination of several models. The value of 1/T2 at high field could be used to evaluate iron accumulation in vivo. In the future, confirmation of those features is expected to be achieved from measurements of fresh (not embalmed) human tissues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Comparison of Two Methods of Interpretation of LangmuirProbe Data for an Inductively Coupled Oxygen PlasmaCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 5-6 2006T. H. Chung Abstract The Langmuir probe technique has some drawback in applying to electronegative plasma since it is difficult to interpret the probe I , V data. The positive ion flux to the probe is modified due to the presence of negative ions. In this study, an inductively coupled oxygen RF plasma is employed to perform the Langmuir probe measurement of the electronegative discharge. Plasma parameters are obtained from Langmuir probe measurement using two different methods which are based on electron energy distribution function (EEDF) integrals, and the method based on the fluid model for the modified ion flux, respectively. The EEDF is measured by a double differentiation of the I , V characteristics according to the Druyvesteyn formula. The electron densities estimated based on the two methods are compared. The EEDF integral method gives little higher values than the modified ion flux method. It is observed that at low pressure the EEDF is close to a Maxwellian. Generally, as the pressure increases, the distributions switch to bi-Maxwellian and to Druyvesteyn, and suggest some depletion of electrons with larger energies. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Flux growth of La-doped lead zirconate stannate titanate antiferroelectric crystalsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Lin Wang Abstract Relaxor antiferroelectric single crystals lead lanthanum zirconate stannate titanate (PLZST) with the composition around the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) have been grown by flux method using 50 wt% PbO-PbF2 -B2O3 as a flux. The obtained crystals are light yellow in color. The XRD patterns revealed that the habitual faces of the obtained crystal are (001). The crystal morphology was studied and related to a layer growth mechanism controlled by two-dimensional growth. The chemical composition of as-grown crystal was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP), indicating a slight decrease of the amount of Ti compared to the starting materials. The result was verified by the XRD patterns with the phase transformation from the co-existence of tetragonal and rhombohedra phases to the single tetragonal phase. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Growth and photorefractive properties of Mg:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals grown by Czochralski methodCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2006Y. X. Fan Abstract In this paper, photorefractive properties of Mg:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals were studied. The crystals doped with different concentration of Mg ions have been grown by the Czochralski method. Mg concentrations in grown crystals were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OE/MS). The crystal structures were analyzed by the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra and infrared (IR) transmitatance spectra. The photorefractive properties of crystals were experimentally studied by using two-beam coupling. In this experiment we determined the writing time, maximum diffraction efficiency and the erasure time of crystals samples with He-Ne laser. The results showed that the dynamic range (M/#), sensitivity (S) and diffraction efficiency (,) were dependent on the Mg doping concentration, and the Mg(4.58mol%):Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystal was the most proper holographic recording media material among the six crystals studied in the paper. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Cr3+ -doped LiNbO3 crystals grown by the Bridgman methodCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Haiping Xia Abstract The growth of LiNbO3 crystals doped with Cr3+ ions in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mol % concentrations by Bridgman method were reported. The Cr3+ ion concentrations in crystals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Electron paramagnetic resonance had been used to investigate the sites occupied by the Cr3+ ions. Two Cr3+ ion centers located at Li+ and Nb5+ sites (CrLi3+ and CrNb3+ centers, respectively) were observed. Optical absorption and temperature-dependence emission spectra of the Cr3+ ions were reported. The crystal-field parameters and Racah parameters of the Cr3+ ion defect sites were reported and compared with those grown by Czochralski technique. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Children use categories to maximize accuracy in estimationDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2006Sean Duffy The present study tests a model of category effects upon stimulus estimation in children. Prior work with adults suggests that people inductively generalize distributional information about a category of stimuli and use this information to adjust their estimates of individual stimuli in a way that maximizes average accuracy in estimation (see Huttenlocher, Hedges & Vevea, 2000). However, little is known about the developmental origin of this cognitive process. In the present study, 5- and 7-year-old children viewed stimuli that varied in size and reproduced each from memory. Consistent with the predictions of a Bayesian model of category effects on estimation, responses were adjusted toward the central value of the stimulus distribution. Additionally, the dispersion of the stimulus distribution affected the pattern of bias and variability of responses in a way that is predicted by the model. The results suggest that, like adults, children use categories for increasing average accuracy in estimating inexact stimuli. [source] In-situ gamma-ray spectrometric study of weathered volcanic rocks in Hong KongEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 6 2002Margie Q. F. Chen Abstract In-situ gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) measurements were conducted at 35 sites in Hong Kong where volcanic rocks with varying extent of weathering were exposed. Elemental analyses using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma,mass spectrometry were carried out on samples collected from these 35 plus 22 other locations to assess the feasibility of using the GRS method to quantify the extent of weathering. The Parker weathering index, varying within a range of 0·0,0·8 for the samples studied, was used as a geochemically based reference scheme for correlating the gamma-ray spectrometric results with the extent of weathering. For the former 35 sites, the concentrations of the three major radioelements, K, U and Th, determined by in-situ GRS were compared to laboratory-determined values from the samples. The study reveals that no significant change occurs to the contents of the three radioelements during the initial state of weathering. But once the rocks become highly weathered, further progression of weathering is accompanied by a systematic removal of K and an increased dispersion of U and Th. The results show that K content, which is indicative of the extent of weathering, can be retrieved reliably with the gamma-ray spectrometry technique. The study has given support to the potential use of the downhole spectral gamma method for evaluation of weathering grade and the detection of subsurface clay-rich levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Voltammetry as an Alternative Tool for Trace Metal Detection in Peloid Marine SedimentsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 13 2007Irena Ciglene Abstract Here was demonstrated for the first time a possible application of abrasive stripping voltammetry in the direct measurement of trace metals in anoxic, sulfidic marine sediments (peloid mud) from a small and shallow (0.2,1,m) marine lagoon in Central Dalmatia, Croatia. Trace amounts of sample compounds are transferred to the graphite electrode surface and electrochemical reduction or oxidation processes are followed by the cyclic voltammetry in seawater or 0.55,M NaCl as electrolyte. After a preelectrolysis at potentials ranging from ,1.0 to ,1.5,V (vs. SCE) a well-defined anodic stripping peak corresponding to the oxidation of metal deposits generated at deposition potentials is obtained around ,0.74,V (vs. SCE). The same samples were studied by anodic stripping voltammetry at the Hg electrode and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). ICP-MS showed higher concentrations of trace metals such as Al, Fe, Mo, Mn. A relatively high concentration of reduced sulfur species (RSS) (10,3 M) is determined electrochemically in porewater of the peloid mud, indicating that the magnitude of metal enrichment in the sediments is probably controlled by precipitation with sulfide. [source] Mercury speciation by CE: An updateELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 1 2009Petr Kubán Abstract This review provides an update on mercury speciation by CE. It includes a brief discussion on physicochemical properties, toxicity and transformation pathways of mercury species (i.e. methyl-, ethyl-, phenyl- and inorganic mercury) and outlines recent trends in Hg speciation by CE. CE is presented as a complementary technique to chromatographic separation techniques, especially in cases when speed, high efficiency and low sample volumes are required. The development of suitable sample preconcentration/isolation (sample stacking, ion exchange, liquid,liquid,liquid extraction, dual-cloud point extraction) to achieve low LODs for analysis of trace concentrations of mercury species in real samples is emphasized. Hyphenation of CE to element specific detectors (i.e. electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) is discussed as well as a potential of CE in interaction studies that may provide useful information on interaction of various Hg species with selected bio-macromolecules. [source] A novel approach for analysis of oligonucleotide,cisplatin interactions by continuous elution gel electrophoresis coupled to isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometryELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 7 2008Wolfram Brüchert Abstract In this work we present a novel approach for in vitro studies of cisplatin interactions with 8-mer oligonucleotides. The approach is based on the recently developed coupling of continuous elution gel electrophoresis (GE) to an inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometer (ICP-SFMS) with the aim of monitoring the interaction process between this cytostatic drug and the nucleotides. In contrast to existing methods, the electrophoretic separation conditions used here allow both the determination of the reaction kinetics in more detail as well as the observation of dominant intermediates. Two different nucleotides sequences have been investigated for comparison purposes, one containing two adjacent guanines (5,-TCCGGTCC-3,) and one with a combination of thymine and guanine (5,-TCCTGTCC-3,), respectively. In order to gain further structural information, MALDI-TOF MS measurements have been performed after fraction collection. This allows for identification of the intermediates and the final products and confirms the stepwise coordination of cisplatin via monoadduct to bisadduct formation. Furthermore, the ICP-MS results were quantitatively evaluated in order to calculate the kinetics of the entire process. [source] Manganese speciation in human cerebrospinal fluid using CZE coupled to inductively coupled plasma MSELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2007Bernhard Michalke Dr. Abstract The neurotoxic effects of manganese (Mn) at elevated concentrations are well known. This raises the question, which of the Mn species can cross neural barriers and appear in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the last matrix in a living human organism available for analysis before a compound reaches the brain cells and therefore it is assumed to reflect best the internal exposure of brain tissue to Mn species. A previously developed CE method was modified for separation of albumin, histidine, tyrosine, cystine, fumarate, malate, inorganic Mn, oxalacetate, ,-keto-glutarate, nicotinamide-dinucleotide (NAD), citrate, adenosine, glutathione, and glutamine. These compounds are supposed in the literature to act as potential Mn carriers. In a first attempt, these compounds were analyzed by CZE-UV to check whether they are present in CSF. The CZE-UV method was simpler than the coupled CZE-inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-dynamic reaction cell (DRC)-MS method and it was therefore chosen to obtain a first overview information. In a second step, the coupled method (CZE-ICP-DRC-MS) was used to analyze, in detail, which of the compounds found in CSF by CZE-UV were actually bound to Mn. Finally, 13 Mn species were monitored in CSF samples, most of them being identified: Mn-histidine, Mn-fumarate, Mn-malate, inorganic Mn, Mn-oxalacetate, Mn-,-keto glutarate, Mn-carrying NAD, Mn-citrate and Mn-adenosine. By far the most abundant Mn species was Mn-citrate showing a concentration of 0.7,±,0.13,µg,Mn/L. Interestingly, several other Mn species can be related to the citric acid cycle. [source] Speciation of selenium compounds by open tubular capillary electrochromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometryELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 21 2006Shu-Yu Lin Abstract We introduce a T-type interface and a crossflow nebulizer to find ways to combine CEC with inductively coupled plasma MS (ICP-MS) detection for selenium speciation. For CEC separation, we employed a macrocyclic polyamine-bonded phase capillary as the separation column and a bare fused-silica capillary filled with the make-up liquid (0.05,M,HNO3). The effect of nebulizer gas flow rate, make-up liquid flow, type, concentration and pH of the mobile phase on the separation have been studied. Tris buffer of 50,mM at pH,8.50 gave the best performance for selenium speciation. The reproducibility of the retention time indicated that sample injection by electrokinetic and nebulizer gas flow was better than that by self-aspiration alone. The detection limits for selenate, selenite, selenocystine and selenomethionine were found to be 2.40, 3.53, 12.86 and 11.25,ng/mL, respectively. Due to the high sensitivity and element-specific detection, as well as the high selectivity of the bonded phase, quantitative analysis of selenium speciation in urine was also achieved. [source] The potential of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric detection for capillary electrophoretic analysis of pesticidesELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2005Rodolfo G. Wuilloud See original http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elps.200410098 [source] Arsenic, lead, and other trace elements in soils contaminated with pesticide residues at the Hanford site (USA)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Jerry Yokel Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to characterize arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) concentrations in former orchard soils contaminated with lead arsenate pesticides at the Hanford site in Washington state (USA). Surface samples (n = 31) were collected from former orchard soils (in cultivation during the pre-Hanford period) at five locations at the 100 Areas and at one location at the Old Hanford Townsite (OHT). Another set of samples (n = 17) was collected over a soil depth interval of 10,50 cm at the four locations with the highest As and Pb surface concentrations. All samples were analyzed for 22 trace elements (including As and Pb) with inductively coupled plasma,atomic emission spectrometry (ICP,AES). The mean, standard deviation, and range for As in the surface soils were 30, 61, and 2.9,270 mg/kg dry wt, respectively. The corresponding statistics for Pb were 220, 460, and 6.5,1900 mg/kg dry wt, respectively. As and Pb concentrations in the surface soils were positively and significantly correlated (r = 0.91, Bonferroni p < 0.05). Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were also computed for other trace elements. As and Pb mean concentrations in the surface soils each differed significantly (p < 0.05) among Hanford locations, with the highest concentrations at the 100-H and 100-F Areas. Although both As and Pb mean concentrations decreased with soil depth, regression and correlation coefficients only, for Pb significantly differed from zero (b = ,0.0372, r = ,0.805, Bonferroni p < 0.05). Compared with data in the literature As and Pb concentrations found in this study exceeded background levels but were typical of orchard soils. Furthermore, mean As and Pb soil concentrations were in the range of various toxicological benchmarks derived for protection of human and ecological receptors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 104,114, 2003 [source] Influence of stability on the acute toxicity of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals to Daphnia magnaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2010Heather E. Pace Abstract The acute toxicity of polymer-coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to Daphnia magna was investigated using 48-h exposure studies. The principal objective was to relate the toxicity of QDs to specific physical and chemical aspects of the QD. As such, two different CdSe core diameters, 2,nm QDs (green-emitting) and 5,nm QDs (red-emitting), and two different surface coatings, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) were studied. The QDs were characterized before and after the 48-h exposure using fluorescence, ultrafiltrations (3 kDa), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) metal analysis. In addition, flow field flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Fl FFF-ICP-MS) was used as a more extensive characterization technique to determine particle size and composition as well as identify other potential constituents in the QD solutions. The more stable QDs (PEO) were found to be less acutely toxic than the QDs with accelerated dissolution (MUA), suggesting QD stability has significant impact on the nanoparticles' short-term toxicity. The emergence of dissolved Cd2+ in solution indicates that the toxicity of the MUA QDs is likely due to Cd poisoning, and a mass-based dose response occurred as a consequence of this mode of action. Alternatively, the PEO QDs caused acute toxicity without observed particle dissolution (i.e., no detectable metals were solubilized), suggesting an alternative mode of toxic action for these nanoparticles. Results of the present study suggest that using particle number, instead of mass, as a dose metric for the PEO QDs, produces markedly different conclusions, in that smaller core size does not equate to greater toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1338,1344. © 2010 SETAC [source] Arsenic speciation in terrestrial birds from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada: The unexpected finding of arsenobetaineENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005Iris Koch Abstract The surrounding area of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, is known for naturally and anthropogenically elevated concentrations of arsenic. Five bird species (gray jay [Perisoreus canadensis], American tree sparrow [Spizella arborea], dark-eyed junco [Junco hyemalis], yellow-rumped warbler [Dendroica coronata], and spruce grouse [Dendragapus canadensis]) were collected from this area. Their tissues were analyzed for total arsenic and for arsenic species, allowing us to report, to our knowledge for the first time, the arsenic characterization in terrestrial birds. Total arsenic concentrations were determined in the terrestrial birds by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, whereas arsenic speciation analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Total arsenic concentrations were substantially higher in the terrestrial bird species studied from Yellowknife compared with those reported previously in the literature. The primary arsenic species detected in two of the bird species studied was arsenobetaine. Normally, arsenobetaine is not formed or retained by terrestrial animals. Thus, the birds in the present study were thought to be highly adapted compared with other terrestrial animals, because they were able to form and/or retain this relatively nontoxic arsenic compound. This adaptation is thought to be a consequence of the elevated concentrations of arsenic in the Yellowknife area. [source] Bauxite manufacturing residues from Gardanne (France) and Portovesme (Italy) exert different patterns of pollution and toxicity to sea urchin embryosENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2002Giovanni Pagano Abstract This study was designed to investigate the composition and toxicity of solid residues from bauxite manufacturing plants. Soil and dust samples were collected in the proximity of two bauxite plants (Gardanne, France, and Portovesme, Italy). Samples were analyzed for their content of some selected inorganic contaminants by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) either following acid digestion procedures or by seawater release of soluble components. Toxicity was tested by sea urchin bioassays to evaluate a set of toxicity endpoints including acute embryotoxicity, developmental defects, changes in sperm fertilization success, transmissible damage from sperm to the offspring, and cytogenetic abnormalities. Inorganic analysis showed two distinct sets of inorganic contaminants in Gardanne versus Portovesme, including Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ti, and Zn; sample composition (seawater-soluble cotaminants) and toxicity showed a noteworthy association. The most severe toxicity to embryogenesis and to sperm fertilization success was exerted by some Portovesme samples (0.03,0.5% w/v), with a significant association between toxicity and dose-related seawater release of Zn, Pb, and Mn. Seawater extraction of a toxic dust sample (G20) from the Gardanne factory showed increasing seawater release of Al, Fe, and Mn; the G20 sample, at the level of 0.5%, affected both developing sea urchin embryos and sperm (offspring quality). Soil samples around the Gardanne factory showed the highest frequency of toxic soil sites eastward from the factory. The present data point to solid deposition from bauxite plants as a potential subject of environmental health concern. The results suggest that extraction methods for evaluating the toxicity of complex mixtures should be based on the environmental availability of mixture components. The differences in sample toxicity among the tested sites, however, suggest possible site-to-site variability in geochemical and/or technological parameters. [source] Identification of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) stocks from putative nurseries using otolith chemistryFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2003Jay R. Rooker Abstract Chemical signatures in the otoliths of teleost fishes represent natural tags that may reflect differences in the chemical and physical characteristics of an individuals' environment. Otolith chemistry of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) was quantified to assess the feasibility of using these natural tags to discriminate juveniles (age 0 and age 1) from putative nurseries. A suite of six elements (Li, Mg, Ca, Mn, Sr and Ba) was measured in whole otoliths using solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Otolith chemistry of age-1 T. thynnus collected from the two primary nurseries in the Mediterranean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean differed significantly, with a cross-validated classification accuracy of 85%. Spatial and temporal variation in otolith chemistry was evaluated for age-0 T. thynnus collected from three nurseries within the Mediterranean Sea: Alboran Sea (Spain), Ligurian Sea (northern Italy), and Tyrrhenian Sea (southern Italy). Distinct differences in otolith chemistry were detected among Mediterranean nurseries and classification accuracies ranged from 62 to 80%. Interannual trends in otolith chemistry were observed between year classes of age-0 T. thynnus in the Alboran Sea; however, no differences were detected between year classes in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Age-0 and age-1 T. thynnus collected from the same region (Ligurian Sea) were also compared and distinct differences in otolith chemistry were observed, indicating ontogenetic shifts in habitat or elemental discrimination. Findings suggest that otolith chemistry of juvenile T. thynnus from different nurseries are distinct and chemical signatures show some degree of temporal persistence, indicating the technique has considerable potential for use in future assessments of population connectivity and stock structure of T. thynnus. [source] Geranyl acetate esterase is commonly present but linalyl acetate esterase occurrence is highly limited in plantsFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007Neelam S. Sangwan Abstract Esterases are a group of hydrolytic enzymes that split ester bonds by addition of water and are ubiquitously present in diverse biosystems. Although animal esterases are well studied and are catalytically and functionally classified into different groups, plant enzymes have been viewed rather generally and are casually recruited as biochemical markers in morphogenesis, genetic characterization of plants, etc., without functional emphasis. Some volatile oil plants constitutively synthesize their characteristic monoterpene esters, geranyl acetate and linalyl acetate being the most common among them in the acyclic monoterpene class, whereas other plants also synthesize some volatile hemi- to sesquiterpene esters but inductively under certain ecological situations, such as herbivory, wounding, etc. This study concerns screening relative distribution of geranyl acetate esterase and linalyl aceate esterase activities in selected medicinal and aromatic plants, and reveals that in plants geranyl acetate (a primary alcohol ester) esterase is commonly present, while linalyl acetate (a tertiary alcohol ester) esterase seems to be highly limited to those plants (e.g. Lippia alba, Mentha citrata) that biosynthesize the tertiary monoterpene alcohol linalool and its ester. Such contrasting distribution of the two discrete types of esterases has been discussed in light of scenario of their microbial counterparts and structure,function relationships established thereon. This study makes it obvious that the GGG(A)-X motif esterases (acting on tertiary alcohol esters) are rare entities in plants too, similar to microbes. Furthermore, their presence in some volatile oil plants renders such plants novel phytoresources of the GGGX/GGAX motif hydrolases. Detailed characterization of the motif-specific plant esterases would have an immense impact on understanding of their structure,function relationships in plants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Genetically Engineered Phage Fibers and Coatings for Antibacterial ApplicationsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2010Joan Y. Mao Abstract Multifunctionality can be imparted to protein-based fibers and coatings via either synthetic or biological approaches. Here, potent antimicrobial functionality of genetically engineered, phage-based fibers and fiber coatings, processed at room temperature, is demonstrated. Facile genetic engineering of the M13 virus (bacteriophage) genome leverages the well-known antibacterial properties of silver ions to kill bacteria. Predominant expression of negatively charged glutamic acid (E3) peptides on the pVIII major coat proteins of M13 bacteriophage enables solution-based, electrostatic binding of silver ions and subsequent reduction to metallic silver along the virus length. Antibacterial fibers of micrometer-scale diameters are constructed from such an E3-modified phage via wet-spinning and glutaraldehyde-crosslinking of the E3-modified viruses. Silverization of the free-standing fibers is confirmed via energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, showing ,0.61,µg cm,1 of silver on E3,Ag fibers. This degree of silverization is threefold greater than that attainable for the unmodified M13,Ag fibers. Conferred bactericidal functionality is determined via live,dead staining and a modified disk-diffusion (Kirby,Bauer) measure of zone of inhibition (ZoI) against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. Live,dead staining and ZoI distance measurements indicate increased bactericidal activity in the genetically engineered, silverized phage fibers. Coating of Kevlar fibers with silverized E3 phage exhibits antibacterial effects as well, with relatively smaller ZoIs attributable to the lower degree of silver loading attainable in these coatings. Such antimicrobial functionality is amenable to rapid incorporation within fiber-based textiles to reduce risks of infection, biofilm formation, or odor-based detection, with the potential to exploit the additional electronic and thermal conductivity of fully silverized phage fibers and coatings. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||