Solid-phase extraction of sugar cane soot extract for analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionisation and mass spectrometric detection

The incomplete combustion of biomass is one of the most important sources of emissions of organic compounds into the atmosphere, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which show genotoxic activity. Since environmental samples generally contain interferents and trace amounts of PAHs of interest, concentration and clean-up procedures are usually required prior to the final chromatographic analysis. This paper discusses the performance of Sep-Pak cartridges (silica gel and RP18) on clean-up of sugar cane soot extract. The best results were obtained with a silica Sep-Pak cartridge. The recoveries ranged from 79% (benzo[b]fluoranthene) to 113% (benzo[e]pyrene). (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

THE PHO-2A MUTANT OF NEUROSPORA-CRASSA WHICH IS DEFICIENT IN PI-REPRESSIBLE ALKALINE-PHOSPHATASE (EC 3.1.3.1) IS ALSO DEFECTIVE IN PI-REPRESSIBLE ACID-PHOSPHATASE (EC 3.1.3.2)

1. The mycelial Pi-repressible acid phosphatase presented p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity with negative cooperativity and Michaelian behavior when synthesized by the wild-type and pho-2A mutant strains of Neurospora crassa, respectively.2. The major acid phosphatase present in cell extracts of the pho-2A mutant of N. crassa grown in low Pi medium is more thermolabile (t1/2 = 4 min at 54-degrees-C, pH 5.4) than that of the wild strain (stable for at least 80 min at 54-degrees-C, pH 5.4).3. The pho-2A mutant of N. crassa secreted a more thermolabile acid phosphatase (t1/2 = 30 min at 50-degrees-C, pH 5.4) than the wild strain (t1/2 of at least 80 min at 50-degrees-C, pH 5.4).4. The pho-2A mutant of N. crassa synthesized a more thermolabile acid phosphatase (t1/2 = 37 min at 54-degrees-C, pH 5.4) than the wild strain in high Pi medium (t1/2 = 14 min al 54-degrees-C, pH 5.4).5. The pleiotropic nature of the pho-2 locus and its possible involvement in the mechanism of phosphatase secretion by N. crassa are proposed.

Identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sugar cane soot by gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Fly soot samples collected in the sugar cane fields after the process of burning were extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus (methylene chloride:methanol 4:1). The extracts were fractionated on silica gel Sep-Pak cartridges into three fractions. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric study of the fly soot extracts allowed the identification of the PAH with mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Large amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbons, fatty acid esters and some PAHs were identified by GCMS in full scan mode. GC-MS in the selective ion monitoring mode (SIM) was suitable for the determination of many PAHs, which are often present in the burnt biomass. 31 PAHs and 7 thiophens derivatives were identified. The presence of these compounds should be regarded as a caution to workers and the general population to avoid exposure to the fly soot.

Secretion of metalloendopeptidase 24.15 (EC 3.4.24.15)

The metalloendopeptidase EP24.15 (EC3.4.24.15) is a neuropeptide-metabolizing enzyme present in neural and endocrine tissues, presumably functioning extracellularly, Because the majority of the EP24.15 activity is identified in the soluble fraction of cellular homogenates, suggesting that the enzyme is primarily an intracellular protein, we addressed the issue of how EP24.15 arrives in the extracellular environment, We utilized a model system of neuroendocrine secretion, the AtT20 cell, According to both enzymatic activity and immunologic assays, EP24.15 was synthesized in and released from AtT20 cells. Under basal conditions and after stimulation by corticotropin-releasing hormone or the calcium ionophore A23187, EP24.15 activity accumulated in the culture medium. This secretion was not attributable to cell damage, as judged by the absence of release of cytosolic enzyme markers and the ability to exclude trypan blue dye. Pulse-chase analysis and subcellular fractionation of AtT20 cell extracts suggested that the mechanism of EP24.15 secretion is not solely via classical secretory pathways, Additionally, drugs which disrupt the classical secretory pathway, such as Brefeldin A and nocodazole, blocked A23187-stimulated EP24.15 release yet had no effect on basal EP24.15 release, suggesting differences in the basal and stimulated pathways of secretion for EP24.15. In summary, EP24.15 appears to be secreted from AtT20 pituitary cells into the extracellular milieu, where the enzyme can participate in the physiologic metabolism of neuropeptides.

Differential subcellular distribution of neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16) and thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.3.24.15) in the rat brain

Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the rat brain distribution of thimet oligopeptidase and neurolysin. Both enzymes appear ubiquitously distributed within the entire rat brain. However, neuronal perikarya and processes stained for neurolysin, while intense nuclear labeling was only observed for thimet oligopeptidase. These data suggest that neurolysin and thimet oligopeptidase, endopeptidases sharing several functional and structural similarities, are present in distinctive intracellular compartments in neuronal cells. (C) 1999 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

SiO2-GeO2 soot preform as a core for Eu2O3 nanocoating: Synthesis and photophysical study

Nowadays solid state chemists have the possibility of work with low temperature strategies to obtain solid state materials with appropriate physical and chemical properties for useful technological applications. Photonic core shell materials having a core and shell domains composed by a variety of compounds have been synthesized by different methods. In this work we used silica-germania soot prepared by vapor-phase axial deposition as a core where a nanoshell of Eu2O3 was deposited. A new sol-gel like method was used to obtain the Eu2O3 nanoshell coating the SiO2-GeO2 particles, which was prepared by the polymeric precursor method. The photophysical properties of Eu3+ were used to obtain information about the rare earth surrounding in the SiO2-GeO2@Eu2O3 material during the sintering process. The sintering process was followed by the luminescence spectra of Eu3+ and all the samples present the characteristic emission related to the D-5(0) -> F-7(J) (J=0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). The ratios of the D-5(0) -> F-7(2)/D-5(0) -> F-7(1) emission intensity for the SiO2-GeO2@Eu2O3 systems were calculated and it was observed an increase in its values, indicating a low symmetry around the Eu3+ as the temperature increases.

NOx and CO emissions and soot presence in partially premixed acoustically excited flames

The pulsating combustion process has attracted interest in current research because its application in energy generation can offer several advantages, such as fuel economy, reduced pollutants formation, increased rate of convective heat transfer and reduced investment, when compared with other new techniques of combustion. An experimental study has been conducted with the objective of investigating the effects of combustion driven acoustic oscillations in the emission rates of combustion gases, especially carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, and soot presence in partial premixed flames in confined partially premixed liquefied petroleum gas flames. The results basically showed that a more uniform fuel/air mixture due to the presence of an acoustic field increases the NOx emissions in operations close to stoichiometric equivalence ratios and the frequency is the most important parameter. Carbon monoxide and soot reduced significantly.

Kinetic properties of de-repressible alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) from Neurospora crassa

De-repressible alkaline phosphatase from N. crassa shows inhibition by PNP-P and a hyperbolic mixed-type inhibition by Pi. Both increasing concentrations of Pi and decreases in assay pH abolished inhibition by the substrate. Also, Pi promoted polymerization of the enzyme molecule, whose effect may account for the inhibitory behaviour shown by the enzyme in the presence of low Pi concentrations. © 1991 Rapid Communications of Oxford Ltd.

SISTEMAS QUIMILUMINESCENTES COM PEROXIDASE (EC:1.11.1.7) E SUAS APLICACOES EM ANALISES CLINICAS

The enzyme horseradish peroxidase HRP (EC:1.11.1.7), has both acid and basic isoenzymes, catalyses a wide range of reactions (acting as an oxiredutase or an oxidase) and is thought capable of one- or two-electrons oxidations depending on the substrate employed. Today, the methodology for these assay can be chemiluminescent reactions and enhanced chemiluminescent. The enhanced chemiluminescent assay with system HRP, luminol, peroxide and an enhancer has provided the basis for a convenient and sensitive assay for peroxidase and peroxidase conjugates, DNA probe and blotting assay. It is particularly more advantageous than the others, because is very rapid, more sensitive (attomoles), easy to do and technically simple, and is relatively specific for HRP (reduces the effect of the interference).

Peroxidase enzyme (EC.1.11.1.7) activity as an indicator of water stress in sweet pepper plants

The present work was carried out at the Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP, Botucatu, SP. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical behavior of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants under different soil water availability conditions and the efficiency of the peroxidase (EC. 1.11.1.7) activity as an indicator of water stress in plants. Sweet pepper plants were grown for 230 days after transplanting of seedlings. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized experimental design with 4 treatments, two irrigation managements (50 and 1500 kPa) and two soil surface managements (presence or absence of black polyethylene covering), and six replications. Physiological activities, such as stomatal transpiration and resistance to water vapor diffusion, were evaluated, as well as biochemical activities, such as peroxidase activity and total soluble protein in foliar tissues. It was observed that soil water availability may lead to physiological and biochemical alterations in plants. Successive water stress cycles may promote the development of characteristics responsible for improving the plant tolerance to periods of low water availability. The peroxidase enzyme activity showed to be an efficient indicator of water stress in sweet pepper plants.

Potential use of the veris apparent EC sensor to predict soil texture under the semi-arid conditions of central Arizona

The operational details of the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensor manufactured by Veris Technologies have been extensively documented in literature reports, but the geographical distribution of these research studies indicate a strong regional concentration in the US Mid-west and Southern states. The agricultural lands of these states diverge significantly to the soil conditions and water regime of irrigated land in the US South-western states such as Arizona where there is no previous research reports of the use of this particular sensor. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the performance of this sensor under the conditions of typical soils in irrigated farms of Central Arizona. We tested under static conditions the performance of the sensor on three soils of contrasting texture. Observations were collected as time series data as soil moisture changed from saturation to permanent wilting point. Observations were repeated at the hours of lowest and highest temperatures. In addition, this study included soil penetration resistance and salinity determinations. Preliminary results indicate that soil temperature of the upper layer caused the most dynamic change in the sensor output. The ECa curves of the three soil textures tested had well defined distinctive characteristics. Final multivariate analysis is pending.

Lipase production by Botryosphaeria ribis EC-01 on soybean and castorbean meals: Optimization, immobilization, and application for biodiesel production

The effects of soybean and castorbean meals were evaluated separately, and in combinations at different ratios, as substrates for lipase production by Botryosphaeria ribis EC-01 in submerged fermentation using only distilled water. The addition of glycerol analytical grade (AG) and glycerol crude (CG) to soybean and castorbean meals separately and in combination, were also examined for lipase production. Glycerol-AG increased enzyme production, whereas glycerol-CG decreased it. A 24 factorial design was developed to determine the best concentrations of soybean meal, castorbean meal, glycerol-AG, and KH2PO4 to optimize lipase production by B. ribis EC-01. Soybean meal and glycerol-AG had a significant effect on lipase production, whereas castorbean meal did not. A second treatment (22 factorial design central composite) was developed, and optimal lipase production (4,820 U/g of dry solids content (ds)) was obtained when B. ribis EC-01 was grown on 0.5 % (w/v) soybean meal and 5.2 % (v/v) glycerol in distilled water, which was in agreement with the predicted value (4,892 U/g ds) calculated by the model. The unitary cost of lipase production determined under the optimized conditions developed ranged from US$0.42 to 0.44 based on nutrient costs. The fungal lipase was immobilized onto Celite and showed high thermal stability and was used for transesterification of soybean oil in methanol (1:3) resulting in 36 % of fatty acyl alkyl ester content. The apparent K m and V max were determined and were 1.86 mM and 14.29 μmol min -1 mg-1, respectively. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Efeito de teores de Zr sobre as propriedades mecânicas e elétricas de ligas Al-Ec-Si aplicadas na elaboração de ligas para Tx e Dx de energia elétrica

Este trabalho objetiva desenvolver uma análise da influência do Zr na modificação de características importantes em ligas de Al-EC-Si para aplicação como condutor de energia elétrica, almejando obter-se propriedades termorresistentes. Para a realização deste estudo, as ligas foram obtidas por fundição direta em lingoteira metálica em formato “U”, a partir do Al-EC, fixando-se na base o teor de 0,7% de Si, e em seguida, variando-se diferentes teores de Zr. Com o intuito de precipitar as partículas de segunda fase chamadas de dispersóides, que tem como principal característica a retenção da microestrutura deformada quando exposta a altas temperaturas, foi necessário submeter as ligas a um tratamento térmico de 310 ºC durante 24 horas afim de provocar o surgimento dos finos dispersóides de Al₃Zr. Foram estabelecidas duas etapas para obtenção dos resultados: A ETAPA I composta da solidificação, usinagem e deformações obtidas com as ligas, gerando os fios que foram utilizados em todos os ensaios. A ETAPA II repete os mesmos procedimentos adotados na ETAPA I, porém é feito um tratamento térmico de 310ºC por 24 horas antes da deformação. A caracterização das amostras dos fios de cada liga quanto à termorresistividade, que obedeceu a exigência da COPEL (Companhia Paranaense de Energia), sendo submetidos à temperatura de 230 ºC por uma hora e foram feitos também tratamentos térmicos na temperatura de 310 e 390ºC, com a finalidade de se avaliar a estabilidade térmica das ligas estudadas. Verificou-se de maneira geral que teores crescentes de Zr provocam um refinamento de grão e aumentam o LRT e a estabilidade térmica da liga, tanto na ETAPA I quanto na ETAPA II. Foi observado ainda que na ETAPA I, a condutividade foi bastante afetada pelos teores de Zr, e que a inserção do tratamento térmico da ETAPA II melhorou a capacidade de conduzir energia elétrica na liga, particularmente para o diâmetro que sofreram maior deformação.

Circadian-rhythm of the endopeptidase 22.19 (ec 3.4.22.19) in the rat-brain

The endopeptidase 22.19 (EC 3.4.22.19) has been associated with the metabolism of neuropeptides by its ability to convert small enkephalin-containing peptides (8 to 13 amino acids) into enkephalins. In addition, this enzyme cleaves the Arg8-Arg9 bond of neurotensin and the Phe5-Ser6 bond of bradykinin. We analyzed the circadian variation of endopeptidase 22.19 in the whole and individual areas of the rat brain. Endopeptidase 22.19 activity was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using bradykinin as an operative substrate. Enzymatic specific activities were analyzed by rhythmometric methods and indicate a circadian fluctuation of endopeptidase 22.19 specific activity (mU of enzyme/mg of protein) in the whole brain [p < 0.001, mesor (M) = 7.62, amplitude (A) = 2.89, and acrophase (phi) = 23:08 h], striatum (p < 0.001, M = 2.92, A = 0.62, phi-23:03 h), hypothalamus (p < 0.001, M = 3.15, A = 0.86, phi-01:12 h), periaqueductal gray matter (p < 0.005, M = 2.62, A = 0.34, phi = 22:35 h), and cerebellum (p < 0.0 14, M = 4.27, A = 0.88, phi = 17:12 h). The circadian rhythmicity in endopeptidase 22.19 specific activity suggests that light may have an effect on the peptidase activity in whole brain and in areas of the central nervous system and may be essential for the mechanisms of circadian fluctuations of neuropeptides in the brain.

Plant food supplement (PFS) market structure in EC Member States, methods and techniques for the assessment of individual PFS intake

The popularity of herbal products, especially plant food supplements (PFS) and herbal medicine is on the rise in Europe and other parts of the world, with increased use in the general population as well as among specific subgroups encompassing children, women or those suffering from diseases such as cancer. The aim of this paper is to examine the PFS market structures in European Community (EC) Member States as well as to examine issues addressing methodologies and consumption data relating to PFS use in Europe. A revision of recent reports on market data, trends and main distribution channels, in addition an example of the consumption of PFS in Spain, is presented. An overview of the methods and administration techniques used...