Sample records for based chemically modified

  1. Chemically modified graphene based supercapacitors for flexible and miniature devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghosh, Debasis; Kim, Sang Ouk

    2015-09-01

    Rapid progress in the portable and flexible electronic devises has stimulated supercapacitor research towards the design and fabrication of high performance flexible devices. Recent research efforts for flexible supercapacitor electrode materials are highly focusing on graphene and chemically modified graphene owing to the unique properties, including large surface area, high electrical and thermal conductivity, excellent mechanical flexibility, and outstanding chemical stability. This invited review article highlights current status of the flexible electrode material research based on chemically modified graphene for supercapacitor application. A variety of electrode architectures prepared from chemically modified graphene are summarized in terms of their structural dimensions. Novel prototypes for the supercapacitor aiming at flexible miniature devices, i.e. microsupercapacitor with high energy and power density are highlighted. Future challenges relevant to graphene-based flexible supercapacitors are also suggested. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  2. Thin-film chemical sensors based on electron tunneling

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khanna, S. K.; Lambe, J.; Leduc, H. G.; Thakoor, A. P.

    1985-01-01

    The physical mechanisms underlying a novel chemical sensor based on electron tunneling in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunnel junctions were studied. Chemical sensors based on electron tunneling were shown to be sensitive to a variety of substances that include iodine, mercury, bismuth, ethylenedibromide, and ethylenedichloride. A sensitivity of 13 parts per billion of iodine dissolved in hexane was demonstrated. The physical mechanisms involved in the chemical sensitivity of these devices were determined to be the chemical alteration of the surface electronic structure of the top metal electrode in the MIM structure. In addition, electroreflectance spectroscopy (ERS) was studied as a complementary surface-sensitive technique. ERS was shown to be sensitive to both iodine and mercury. Electrolyte electroreflectance and solid-state MIM electroreflectance revealed qualitatively the same chemical response. A modified thin-film structure was also studied in which a chemically active layer was introduced at the top Metal-Insulator interface of the MIM devices. Cobalt phthalocyanine was used for the chemically active layer in this study. Devices modified in this way were shown to be sensitive to iodine and nitrogen dioxide. The chemical sensitivity of the modified structure was due to conductance changes in the active layer.

  3. Facile fabrication of CNT-based chemical sensor operating at room temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sheng, Jiadong; Zeng, Xian; Zhu, Qi; Yang, Zhaohui; Zhang, Xiaohua

    2017-12-01

    This paper describes a simple, low cost and effective route to fabricate CNT-based chemical sensors, which operate at room temperature. Firstly, the incorporation of silk fibroin in vertically aligned CNT arrays (CNTA) obtained through a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method makes the direct removal of CNT arrays from substrates without any rigorous acid or sonication treatment feasible. Through a simple one-step in situ polymerization of anilines, the functionalization of CNT arrays with polyaniline (PANI) significantly improves the sensing performance of CNT-based chemical sensors in detecting ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapors. Chemically modified CNT arrays also show responses to organic vapors like menthol, ethyl acetate and acetone. Although the detection limits of chemically modified CNT-based chemical sensors are of the same orders of magnitudes reported in previous studies, these CNT-based chemical sensors show advantages of simplicity, low cost and energy efficiency in preparation and fabrication of devices. Additionally, a linear relationship between the relative sensitivity and concentration of analyte makes precise estimations on the concentrations of trace chemical vapors possible.

  4. Chemically-modified cellulose paper as a microstructured catalytic reactor.

    PubMed

    Koga, Hirotaka; Kitaoka, Takuya; Isogai, Akira

    2015-01-15

    We discuss the successful use of chemically-modified cellulose paper as a microstructured catalytic reactor for the production of useful chemicals. The chemical modification of cellulose paper was achieved using a silane-coupling technique. Amine-modified paper was directly used as a base catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Methacrylate-modified paper was used for the immobilization of lipase and then in nonaqueous transesterification processes. These catalytic paper materials offer high reaction efficiencies and have excellent practical properties. We suggest that the paper-specific interconnected microstructure with pulp fiber networks provides fast mixing of the reactants and efficient transport of the reactants to the catalytically-active sites. This concept is expected to be a promising route to green and sustainable chemistry.

  5. Structural landscape of base pairs containing post-transcriptional modifications in RNA

    PubMed Central

    Seelam, Preethi P.; Sharma, Purshotam

    2017-01-01

    Base pairs involving post-transcriptionally modified nucleobases are believed to play important roles in a wide variety of functional RNAs. Here we present our attempts toward understanding the structural and functional role of naturally occurring modified base pairs using a combination of X-ray crystal structure database analysis, sequence analysis, and advanced quantum chemical methods. Our bioinformatics analysis reveals that despite their presence in all major secondary structural elements, modified base pairs are most prevalent in tRNA crystal structures and most commonly involve guanine or uridine modifications. Further, analysis of tRNA sequences reveals additional examples of modified base pairs at structurally conserved tRNA regions and highlights the conservation patterns of these base pairs in three domains of life. Comparison of structures and binding energies of modified base pairs with their unmodified counterparts, using quantum chemical methods, allowed us to classify the base modifications in terms of the nature of their electronic structure effects on base-pairing. Analysis of specific structural contexts of modified base pairs in RNA crystal structures revealed several interesting scenarios, including those at the tRNA:rRNA interface, antibiotic-binding sites on the ribosome, and the three-way junctions within tRNA. These scenarios, when analyzed in the context of available experimental data, allowed us to correlate the occurrence and strength of modified base pairs with their specific functional roles. Overall, our study highlights the structural importance of modified base pairs in RNA and points toward the need for greater appreciation of the role of modified bases and their interactions, in the context of many biological processes involving RNA. PMID:28341704

  6. Detecting Chemically Modified DNA Bases Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    Barhoumi, Aoune; Halas, Naomi J.

    2013-01-01

    Post-translational modifications of DNA- changes in the chemical structure of individual bases that occur without changes in the DNA sequence- are known to alter gene expression. They are believed to result in frequently deleterious phenotypic changes, such as cancer. Methylation of adenine, methylation and hydroxymethylation of cytosine, and guanine oxidation are the primary DNA base modifications identified to date. Here we show it is possible to use surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect these primary DNA base modifications. SERS detection of modified DNA bases is label-free and requires minimal additional sample preparation, reducing the possibility of additional chemical modifications induced prior to measurement. This approach shows the feasibility of DNA base modification assessment as a potentially routine analysis that may be further developed for clinical diagnostics. PMID:24427449

  7. Detecting Chemically Modified DNA Bases Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Barhoumi, Aoune; Halas, Naomi J

    2011-12-15

    Post-translational modifications of DNA- changes in the chemical structure of individual bases that occur without changes in the DNA sequence- are known to alter gene expression. They are believed to result in frequently deleterious phenotypic changes, such as cancer. Methylation of adenine, methylation and hydroxymethylation of cytosine, and guanine oxidation are the primary DNA base modifications identified to date. Here we show it is possible to use surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect these primary DNA base modifications. SERS detection of modified DNA bases is label-free and requires minimal additional sample preparation, reducing the possibility of additional chemical modifications induced prior to measurement. This approach shows the feasibility of DNA base modification assessment as a potentially routine analysis that may be further developed for clinical diagnostics.

  8. Sensitive And Selective Chemical Sensor With Nanostructured Surfaces.

    DOEpatents

    Pipino, Andrew C. R.

    2003-02-04

    A chemical sensor is provided which includes an optical resonator including a nanostructured surface comprising a plurality of nanoparticles bound to one or more surfaces of the resonator. The nanoparticles provide optical absorption and the sensor further comprises a detector for detecting the optical absorption of the nanoparticles or their environment. In particular, a selective chemical interaction is provided which modifies the optical absorption of the nanoparticles or their environment, and an analyte is detected based on the modified optical absorption. A light pulse is generated which enters the resonator to interrogate the modified optical absorption and the exiting light pulse is detected by the detector.

  9. Assembly of Oriented Virus Arrays by Chemo-Selective Ligation Methods and Nanolithography Techniques

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Camarero, J A; Cheung, C L; Lin, T

    2002-12-02

    The present work describes our ongoing efforts towards the creation of nano-scaled ordered arrays of protein/virus covalently attached to site-specific chemical linkers patterned by different nanolithograpy techniques. We will present a new and efficient solid-phase approach for the synthesis of chemically modified long alkyl-thiols. These compounds can be used to introduce chemoselective reacting groups onto gold and silicon-based surfaces. Furthermore, these modified thiols have been used to create nanometric patterns by using different nanolithography techniques. We will show that these patterns can react chemoselectively with proteins and/or virus which have been chemically or recombinantly modified to contain complementary chemical groupsmore » at specific positions thus resulting in the oriented attachment of the protein or virus to the surface.« less

  10. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of copper in nickel-base alloys with various chemical modifiers*1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Suh-Jen Jane; Shiue, Chia-Chann; Chang, Shiow-Ing

    1997-07-01

    The analytical characteristics of copper in nickel-base alloys have been investigated with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Deuterium background correction was employed. The effects of various chemical modifiers on the analysis of copper were investigated. Organic modifiers which included 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino-phenol) (Br-PADAP), ammonium citrate, 1-(2-pyridylazo)-naphthol, 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and Triton X-100 were studied. Inorganic modifiers palladium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, aluminum chloride, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen peroxide and potassium nitrate were also applied in this work. In addition, zirconium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide precipitation methods have also been studied. Interference effects were effectively reduced with Br-PADAP modifier. Aqueous standards were used to construct the calibration curves. The detection limit was 1.9 pg. Standard reference materials of nickel-base alloys were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. The copper contents determined with the proposed method agreed closely with the certified values of the reference materials. The recoveries were within the range 90-100% with relative standard deviation of less than 10%. Good precision was obtained.

  11. Development of chemiresponsive sensors for detection of common homemade explosives.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Brotherton, Christopher M.; Wheeler, David Roger

    2012-05-01

    Field-structured chemiresistors (FSCRs) are polymer based sensors that exhibit a resistance change when exposed to an analyte of interest. The amount of resistance change depends on the polymer-analyte affinity. The affinity can be manipulated by modifying the polymer within the FSCRs. In this paper, we investigate the ability of chemically modified FSCRs to sense hydrogen peroxide vapor. Five chemical species were chosen based on their hydrophobicity or reactivity with hydrogen peroxide. Of the five investigated, FSCRs modified with allyl methyl sulfide exhibited a significant response to hydrogen peroxide vapor. Additionally, these same FSCRs were evaluated against a common interferrant inmore » hydrogen peroxide detection, water vapor. For the conditions investigated, the FSCRs modified with allyl methyl sulfide were able to successfully distinguish between water vapor and hydrogen peroxide vapor. A portion of the results presented here will be submitted to the Sensors and Actuators journal.« less

  12. Expanding the chemical toolbox for the synthesis of large and uniquely modified proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bondalapati, Somasekhar; Jbara, Muhammad; Brik, Ashraf

    2016-05-01

    Methods to prepare proteins that include a specific modification at a desired position are essential for understanding their cellular functions and physical properties in living systems. Chemical protein synthesis, which relies on the chemoselective ligation of unprotected peptides, enables the preparation of modified proteins that are not easily fabricated by other methods. In contrast to recombinant approaches, chemical synthesis can be used to prepare protein analogues such as D-proteins, which are useful in protein structure determination and the discovery of novel therapeutics. Post-translationally modifying proteins is another example where chemical protein synthesis proved itself as a powerful approach for preparing samples with high homogeneity and in workable quantities. In this Review, we discuss the basic principles of the field, focusing on novel chemoselective peptide ligation approaches such as native chemical ligation and the recent advances based on this method with a proven record of success in the synthesis of highly important protein targets.

  13. On Technological Properties of Modified Epoxy Composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gavrilov, M.

    2017-11-01

    The technological properties of epoxy composite materials based on constructional and chemical waste have been reviewed. The viscosity and component wettability of modified epoxy composites have been researched. The use of plasticizing additives to improve mixtures forming has been justified.

  14. Preparation and characterization of copper telluride thin films by modified chemical bath deposition (M-CBD) method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pathan, H. M.; Lokhande, C. D.; Amalnerkar, D. P.; Seth, T.

    2003-09-01

    Copper telluride thin films were deposited using modified chemical method using copper(II) sulphate; pentahydrate [CuSO 4·5H 2O] and sodium tellurite [Na 2TeO 3] as cationic and anionic sources, respectively. Modified chemical method is based on the immersion of the substrate into separately placed cationic and anionic precursors. The preparative conditions such as concentration, pH, immersion time, immersion cycles, etc. were optimized to get good quality copper telluride thin films at room temperature. The films have been characterized for structural, compositional, optical and electrical transport properties by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Rutherford back scattering (RBS), optical absorption/transmission, electrical resistivity and thermoemf measurement techniques.

  15. Chemical-Space-Based de Novo Design Method To Generate Drug-Like Molecules.

    PubMed

    Takeda, Shunichi; Kaneko, Hiromasa; Funatsu, Kimito

    2016-10-24

    To discover drug compounds in chemical space containing an enormous number of compounds, a structure generator is required to produce virtual drug-like chemical structures. The de novo design algorithm for exploring chemical space (DAECS) visualizes the activity distribution on a two-dimensional plane corresponding to chemical space and generates structures in a target area on a plane selected by the user. In this study, we modify the DAECS to enable the user to select a target area to consider properties other than activity and improve the diversity of the generated structures by visualizing the drug-likeness distribution and the activity distribution, generating structures by substructure-based structural changes, including addition, deletion, and substitution of substructures, as well as the slight structural changes used in the DAECS. Through case studies using ligand data for the human adrenergic alpha2A receptor and the human histamine H1 receptor, the modified DAECS can generate high diversity drug-like structures, and the usefulness of the modification of the DAECS is verified.

  16. Base modifications affecting RNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase fidelity.

    PubMed

    Potapov, Vladimir; Fu, Xiaoqing; Dai, Nan; Corrêa, Ivan R; Tanner, Nathan A; Ong, Jennifer L

    2018-06-20

    Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is capable of hosting a variety of chemically diverse modifications, in both naturally-occurring post-transcriptional modifications and artificial chemical modifications used to expand the functionality of RNA. However, few studies have addressed how base modifications affect RNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase activity and fidelity. Here, we describe the fidelity of RNA synthesis and reverse transcription of modified ribonucleotides using an assay based on Pacific Biosciences Single Molecule Real-Time sequencing. Several modified bases, including methylated (m6A, m5C and m5U), hydroxymethylated (hm5U) and isomeric bases (pseudouridine), were examined. By comparing each modified base to the equivalent unmodified RNA base, we can determine how the modification affected cumulative RNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase fidelity. 5-hydroxymethyluridine and N6-methyladenosine both increased the combined error rate of T7 RNA polymerase and reverse transcriptases, while pseudouridine specifically increased the error rate of RNA synthesis by T7 RNA polymerase. In addition, we examined the frequency, mutational spectrum and sequence context of reverse transcription errors on DNA templates from an analysis of second strand DNA synthesis.

  17. Phenotype-Based Screening of Small Molecules to Modify Plant Cell Walls Using BY-2 Cells.

    PubMed

    Okubo-Kurihara, Emiko; Matsui, Minami

    2018-01-01

    The plant cell wall is an important and abundant biomass with great potential for use as a modern recyclable resource. For effective utilization of this cellulosic biomass, its ability to degrade efficiently is key point. With the aim of modifying the cell wall to allow easy decomposition, we used chemical biological technology to alter its structure. As a first step toward evaluating the chemicals in the cell wall we employed a phenotype-based approach using high-throughput screening. As the plant cell wall is essential in determining cell morphology, phenotype-based screening is particularly effective in identifying compounds that bring about alterations in the cell wall. For rapid and reproducible screening, tobacco BY-2 cell is an excellent system in which to observe cell morphology. In this chapter, we provide a detailed chemical biological methodology for studying cell morphology using tobacco BY-2 cells.

  18. Chemically modified carbonic anhydrases useful in carbon capture systems

    DOEpatents

    Novick, Scott; Alvizo, Oscar

    2013-01-15

    The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.

  19. Chemically modified carbonic anhydrases useful in carbon capture systems

    DOEpatents

    Novick, Scott J; Alvizo, Oscar

    2013-10-29

    The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.

  20. In vitro extracellular recording and stimulation performance of nanoporous gold-modified multi-electrode arrays.

    PubMed

    Kim, Yong Hee; Kim, Gook Hwa; Kim, Ah Young; Han, Young Hwan; Chung, Myung-Ae; Jung, Sang-Don

    2015-12-01

    Nanoporous gold (Au) structures can reduce the impedance and enhance the charge injection capability of multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) used for interfacing neuronal networks. Even though there are various nanoporous Au preparation techniques, fabrication of MEA based on low-cost electro-codeposition of Ag:Au has not been performed. In this work, we have modified a Au MEA via the electro-codeposition of Ag:Au alloy, followed by the chemical etching of Ag, and report on the in vitro extracellular recording and stimulation performance of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA. Ag:Au alloy was electro-codeposited on a bilayer lift-off resist sputter-deposition passivated Au MEA followed by chemical etching of Ag to form a porous Au structure. The porous Au structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and tunneling electron microscopy and found to have an interconnected nanoporous Au structure. The impedance value of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA is 15.4 ± 0.55 kΩ at 1 kHz, accompanied by the base noise V rms of 2.4 ± 0.3 μV. The charge injection limit of the nanoporous Au-modified electrode estimated from voltage transient measurement is approximately 1 mC cm(-2), which is comparable to roughened platinum and carbon nanotube electrodes. The charge injection capability of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA was confirmed by observing stimulus-induced spikes at above 0.2 V. The nanoporous Au-modified MEA showed mechanical durability upon ultrasonic treatment for up to an hour. Electro-codeposition of Ag:Au alloy combined with chemical etching Ag is a low-cost process for fabricating nanoporous Au-modified MEA suitable for establishing the stimulus-response relationship of cultured neuronal networks.

  1. In vitro extracellular recording and stimulation performance of nanoporous gold-modified multi-electrode arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Yong Hee; Kim, Gook Hwa; Kim, Ah Young; Han, Young Hwan; Chung, Myung-Ae; Jung, Sang-Don

    2015-12-01

    Objective. Nanoporous gold (Au) structures can reduce the impedance and enhance the charge injection capability of multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) used for interfacing neuronal networks. Even though there are various nanoporous Au preparation techniques, fabrication of MEA based on low-cost electro-codeposition of Ag:Au has not been performed. In this work, we have modified a Au MEA via the electro-codeposition of Ag:Au alloy, followed by the chemical etching of Ag, and report on the in vitro extracellular recording and stimulation performance of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA. Approach. Ag:Au alloy was electro-codeposited on a bilayer lift-off resist sputter-deposition passivated Au MEA followed by chemical etching of Ag to form a porous Au structure. Main results. The porous Au structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and tunneling electron microscopy and found to have an interconnected nanoporous Au structure. The impedance value of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA is 15.4 ± 0.55 kΩ at 1 kHz, accompanied by the base noise V rms of 2.4 ± 0.3 μV. The charge injection limit of the nanoporous Au-modified electrode estimated from voltage transient measurement is approximately 1 mC cm-2, which is comparable to roughened platinum and carbon nanotube electrodes. The charge injection capability of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA was confirmed by observing stimulus-induced spikes at above 0.2 V. The nanoporous Au-modified MEA showed mechanical durability upon ultrasonic treatment for up to an hour. Significance. Electro-codeposition of Ag:Au alloy combined with chemical etching Ag is a low-cost process for fabricating nanoporous Au-modified MEA suitable for establishing the stimulus-response relationship of cultured neuronal networks.

  2. Polyaniline-Modified Oriented Graphene Hydrogel Film as the Free-Standing Electrode for Flexible Solid-State Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Du, Pengcheng; Liu, Huckleberry C; Yi, Chao; Wang, Kai; Gong, Xiong

    2015-11-04

    In this study, we report polyaniline (PANI)-modified oriented graphene hydrogel (OGH) films as the free-standing electrode for flexible solid-state supercapacitors (SCs). The OGH films are prepared by a facile filtration method using chemically converted graphene sheets and then introduced to PANI on the surface of OGH films by in situ chemical polymerization. The PANI-modified OGH films possess high flexibility, high electrical conductivity, and mechanical robustness. The flexible solid-state SCs based on the PANI-modified OGH films exhibit a specific capacitance of 530 F/g, keeping 80% of its original value up to 10 000 charge-discharge cycles at the current density of 10 A/g. Remarkably, the flexible solid-state SCs maintain ∼100% capacitance retention bent at 180° for 250 cycles. Moreover, the flexible solid-state SCs are further demonstrated to be able to light up a red-light-emitting diode. These results indicate that the flexible solid-state SCs based on PANI-modified OGH films as the free-standing electrode have potential applications as energy-storage devices.

  3. Water Absorption Behavior of Hemp Hurds Composites

    PubMed Central

    Stevulova, Nadezda; Cigasova, Julia; Purcz, Pavol; Schwarzova, Ivana; Kacik, Frantisek; Geffert, Anton

    2015-01-01

    In this paper, water sorption behavior of 28 days hardened composites based on hemp hurds and inorganic binder was studied. Two kinds of absorption tests on dried cube specimens in deionized water bath at laboratory temperature were performed. Short-term (after one hour water immersion) and long-term (up to 180 days) water absorption tests were carried out to study their durability. Short-term water sorption behavior of original hemp hurds composites depends on mean particle length of hemp and on binder nature. The comparative study of long-term water sorption behavior of composites reinforced with original and chemically modified hemp hurds in three reagents confirmed that surface treatment of filler influences sorption process. Based on evaluation of sorption curves using a model for composites based on natural fibers, diffusion of water molecules in composite reinforced with original and chemically modified hemp hurds is anomalous in terms of the Fickian behavior. The most significant decrease in hydrophility of hemp hurds was found in case of hemp hurds modified by NaOH and it relates to change in the chemical composition of hemp hurds, especially to a decrease in average degree of cellulose polymerization as well as hemicellulose content.

  4. A 3D Microfluidic Chip for Electrochemical Detection of Hydrolysed Nucleic Bases by a Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Vlachova, Jana; Tmejova, Katerina; Kopel, Pavel; Korabik, Maria; Zitka, Jan; Hynek, David; Kynicky, Jindrich; Adam, Vojtech; Kizek, Rene

    2015-01-01

    Modification of carbon materials, especially graphene-based materials, has wide applications in electrochemical detection such as electrochemical lab-on-chip devices. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with chemically alternated graphene oxide was used as a working electrode (glassy carbon modified by graphene oxide with sulphur containing compounds and Nafion) for detection of nucleobases in hydrolysed samples (HCl pH = 2.9, 100 °C, 1 h, neutralization by NaOH). It was found out that modification, especially with trithiocyanuric acid, increased the sensitivity of detection in comparison with pure GCE. All processes were finally implemented in a microfluidic chip formed with a 3D printer by fused deposition modelling technology. As a material for chip fabrication, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene was chosen because of its mechanical and chemical stability. The chip contained the one chamber for the hydrolysis of the nucleic acid and another for the electrochemical detection by the modified GCE. This chamber was fabricated to allow for replacement of the GCE. PMID:25621613

  5. A 3D microfluidic chip for electrochemical detection of hydrolysed nucleic bases by a modified glassy carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Vlachova, Jana; Tmejova, Katerina; Kopel, Pavel; Korabik, Maria; Zitka, Jan; Hynek, David; Kynicky, Jindrich; Adam, Vojtech; Kizek, Rene

    2015-01-22

    Modification of carbon materials, especially graphene-based materials, has wide applications in electrochemical detection such as electrochemical lab-on-chip devices. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with chemically alternated graphene oxide was used as a working electrode (glassy carbon modified by graphene oxide with sulphur containing compounds and Nafion) for detection of nucleobases in hydrolysed samples (HCl pH = 2.9, 100 °C, 1 h, neutralization by NaOH). It was found out that modification, especially with trithiocyanuric acid, increased the sensitivity of detection in comparison with pure GCE. All processes were finally implemented in a microfluidic chip formed with a 3D printer by fused deposition modelling technology. As a material for chip fabrication, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene was chosen because of its mechanical and chemical stability. The chip contained the one chamber for the hydrolysis of the nucleic acid and another for the electrochemical detection by the modified GCE. This chamber was fabricated to allow for replacement of the GCE.

  6. Noncanonical RNA Nucleosides as Molecular Fossils of an Early Earth-Generation by Prebiotic Methylations and Carbamoylations.

    PubMed

    Schneider, Christina; Becker, Sidney; Okamura, Hidenori; Crisp, Antony; Amatov, Tynchtyk; Stadlmeier, Michael; Carell, Thomas

    2018-05-14

    The RNA-world hypothesis assumes that life on Earth started with small RNA molecules that catalyzed their own formation. Vital to this hypothesis is the need for prebiotic routes towards RNA. Contemporary RNA, however, is not only constructed from the four canonical nucleobases (A, C, G, and U), it also contains many chemically modified (noncanonical) bases. A still open question is whether these noncanonical bases were formed in parallel to the canonical bases (chemical origin) or later, when life demanded higher functional diversity (biological origin). Here we show that isocyanates in combination with sodium nitrite establish methylating and carbamoylating reactivity compatible with early Earth conditions. These reactions lead to the formation of methylated and amino acid modified nucleosides that are still extant. Our data provide a plausible scenario for the chemical origin of certain noncanonical bases, which suggests that they are fossils of an early Earth. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. The bioavailability of chemicals in soil for earthworms

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lanno, R.; Wells, J.; Conder, Jason M.; Bradham, K.; Basta, N.

    2004-01-01

    The bioavailability of chemicals to earthworms can be modified dramatically by soil physical/chemical characteristics, yet expressing exposure as total chemical concentrations does not address this problem. In order to understand the effects of modifying factors on bioavailability, one must measure and express chemical bioavailability to earthworms in a consistent, logical manner. This can be accomplished by direct biological measures of bioavailability (e.g., bioaccumulation, critical body residues), indirect biological measures of bioavailability (e.g., biomarkers, reproduction), or indirect chemical measures of bioavailability (e.g., chemical or solid-phase extracts of soil). If indirect chemical measures of bioavailability are to be used, they must be correlated with some biological response. Bioavailability can be incorporated into ecological risk assessment during risk analysis, primarily in the estimation of exposure. However, in order to be used in the site-specific ecological risk assessment of chemicals, effects concentrations must be developed from laboratory toxicity tests based on exposure estimates utilizing techniques that measure the bioavailable fraction of chemicals in soil, not total chemical concentrations. ?? 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. 9 CFR 121.1 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    .... Recombinant nucleic acids. (1) Molecules that are constructed by joining nucleic acid molecules and that can... of the United States. Synthetic nucleic acids. (1) Molecules that are chemically or by other means synthesized or amplified, including those that are chemically or otherwise modified but can base pair with...

  9. 9 CFR 121.1 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    .... Recombinant nucleic acids. (1) Molecules that are constructed by joining nucleic acid molecules and that can... of the United States. Synthetic nucleic acids. (1) Molecules that are chemically or by other means synthesized or amplified, including those that are chemically or otherwise modified but can base pair with...

  10. 40 CFR 721.6498 - Modified polyisocyanates (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.6498 Modified polyisocyanates (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polyisocyanates (PMN P...

  11. 40 CFR 721.6498 - Modified polyisocyanates (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.6498 Modified polyisocyanates (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polyisocyanates (PMN P...

  12. 40 CFR 721.6498 - Modified polyisocyanates (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.6498 Modified polyisocyanates (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polyisocyanates (PMN P...

  13. Numerical and experimental study of electron-beam coatings with modifying particles FeB and FeTi

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kryukova, Olga; Kolesnikova, Kseniya; Gal'chenko, Nina

    2016-07-01

    An experimental study of wear-resistant composite coatings based on titanium borides synthesized in the process of electron-beam welding of components thermo-reacting powders are composed of boron-containing mixture. A model of the process of electron beam coating with modifying particles of boron and titanium based on physical-chemical transformations is supposed. The dissolution process is described on the basis of formal kinetic approach. The result of numerical solution is the phase and chemical composition of the coating under nonequilibrium conditions, which is one of the important characteristics of the coating forming during electron beam processing. Qualitative agreement numerical calculations with experimental data was shown.

  14. Effects of halogenated aromatics/aliphatics and nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics on estimating the persistence of future pharmaceutical compounds using a modified QSAR model.

    PubMed

    Lim, Seung Joo; Fox, Peter

    2014-02-01

    The effects of halogenated aromatics/aliphatics and nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics on estimating the persistence of future pharmaceutical compounds were investigated using a modified half life equation. The potential future pharmaceutical compounds investigated were approximately 2000 pharmaceutical drugs currently undergoing the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) testing. EPI Suite (BIOWIN) model estimates the fates of compounds based on the biodegradability under aerobic conditions. While BIOWIN considered the biodegradability of a compound only, the half life equation used in this study was modified by biodegradability, sorption and cometabolic oxidation. It was possible that the potential future pharmaceutical compounds were more accurately estimated using the modified half life equation. The modified half life equation considered sorption and cometabolic oxidation of halogenated aromatic/aliphatics and nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics in the sub-surface, while EPI Suite (BIOWIN) did not. Halogenated aliphatics in chemicals were more persistent than halogenated aromatics in the sub-surface. In addition, in the sub-surface environment, the fates of organic chemicals were much more affected by halogenation in chemicals than by nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics. © 2013.

  15. Synthesis of base-modified 2'-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates and their use in enzymatic synthesis of modified DNA for applications in bioanalysis and chemical biology.

    PubMed

    Hocek, Michal

    2014-11-07

    The synthesis of 2'-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) either by classical triphosphorylation of nucleosides or by aqueous cross-coupling reactions of halogenated dNTPs is discussed. Different enzymatic methods for synthesis of modified oligonucleotides and DNA by polymerase incorporation of modified nucleotides are summarized, and the applications in redox or fluorescent labeling, as well as in bioconjugations and modulation of interactions of DNA with proteins, are outlined.

  16. A Diversity-Oriented Library of Fluorophore-Modified Receptors Constructed from a Chemical Library of Synthetic Fluorophores.

    PubMed

    Nakano, Shun; Tamura, Tomoki; Das, Raj Kumar; Nakata, Eiji; Chang, Young-Tae; Morii, Takashi

    2017-11-16

    The practical application of biosensors can be determined by evaluating the sensing ability of fluorophore-modified derivatives of a receptor with appropriate recognition characteristics for target molecules. One of the key determinants for successfully obtaining a useful biosensor is wide variation in the fluorophores attached to a given receptor. Thus, using a larger fluorophore-modified receptor library provides a higher probability of obtaining a practically useful biosensor. However, no effective method has yet been developed for constructing such a diverse library of fluorophore-modified receptors. Herein, we report a method for constructing fluorophore-modified receptors by using a chemical library of synthetic fluorophores with a thiol-reactive group. This library was converted into a library of fluorophore-modified adenosine-binding ribonucleopeptide (RNP) receptors by introducing the fluorophores to the Rev peptide of the RNP complex by alkylation of the thiol group. This method enabled the construction of 263 fluorophore-modified ATP-binding RNP receptors and allowed the selection of suitable receptor-based fluorescent sensors that target ATP. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Chemical Fingerprinting of Materials Developed Due to Environmental Issues

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Doris A.; McCool, A. (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    Instrumental chemical analysis methods are developed and used to chemically fingerprint new and modified External Tank materials made necessary by changing environmental requirements. Chemical fingerprinting can detect and diagnose variations in material composition. To chemically characterize each material, fingerprint methods are selected from an extensive toolbox based on the material's chemistry and the ability of the specific methods to detect the material's critical ingredients. Fingerprint methods have been developed for a variety of materials including Thermal Protection System foams, adhesives, primers, and composites.

  18. An Internet-Based Distributed Laboratory for Interactive Chemical Engineering Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guo, Jing; Kettler, David J.; Al-Dahhan, Muthanna

    2007-01-01

    A common undergraduate chemical engineering experiment has been modified for on-line operation over the Internet. By adopting rapidly changing Internet and object component technologies, we developed a novel approach combining the Internet and regular laboratory equipment. The client-server applications use a Visual Basic and Labtech programming…

  19. The Use of Aryl Hydrazide Linkers for the Solid Phase Synthesis of Chemically Modified Peptides

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Woo, Y; Mitchell, A R; Camarero, J A

    2006-11-03

    Since Merrifield introduced the concept of solid phase synthesis in 1963 for the rapid preparation of peptides, a large variety of different supports and resin-linkers have been developed that improve the efficiency of peptide assembly and expand the myriad of synthetically feasible peptides. The aryl hydrazide is one of the most useful resin-linkers for the synthesis of chemically modified peptides. This linker is completely stable during Boc- and Fmoc-based solid phase synthesis and yet it can be cleaved under very mild oxidative conditions. The present article reviews the use of this valuable linker for the rapid and efficient synthesis ofmore » C-terminal modified peptides, head-to-tail cyclic peptides and lipidated peptides.« less

  20. Physical and chemical basics of modification of poly(vinyl chloride) by means of polyisocyanate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Islamov, Anvar; Fakhrutdinova, Venera; Abdrakhmanova, Lyailya

    2016-01-01

    This research presents data relating to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) modification by means of reactive oligomer and measures technological, physical and mechanical properties of the modified composites. Polyisocyanate (PIC) has been chosen as the modifying reactive oligomer. It has been shown that insertion of the oligomer has a double effect on PVC. Primarily, PIC produces a plasticizing effect on PVC and in particular leads to an increase in thermal stability and melt flow index at the stage of processing. In addition, the molded PVC composites possess higher strength properties and lower deformability when exposed to temperature because of chemical transformations of PIC in polymer matrix and, as the result, the formation of cross-linked systems takes place. In this case, semi-interpenetrating structures are formed based on cross-linked products of PIC chemical transformations homogeneously distributed in the PVC matrix. It has been determined by means of IR-spectroscopy that the basic products of PIC curing are compounds with urea and biuret groups which leads to modifying effect on PVC especially: increase in strength, thermal and mechanical properties, and chemical resistance.

  1. DNA Base Flipping: A General Mechanism for Writing, Reading, and Erasing DNA Modifications

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Xiaodong

    2017-01-01

    The modification of DNA bases is a classic hallmark of epigenetics. Four forms of modified cytosine—5-methylcytosine, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine—have been discovered in eukaryotic DNA. In addition to cytosine carbon-5 modifications, cytosine and adenine methylated in the exocyclic amine—N4-methylcytosine and N6-methyladenine—are other modified DNA bases discovered even earlier. Each modified base can be considered a distinct epigenetic signal with broader biological implications beyond simple chemical changes. Since 1994, crystal structures of proteins and enzymes involved in writing, reading, and erasing modified bases have become available. Here, we present a structural synopsis of writers, readers, and erasers of the modified bases from prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Despite significant differences in structures and functions, they are remarkably similar regarding their engagement in flipping a target base/nucleotide within DNA for specific recognitions and/or reactions. We thus highlight base flipping as a common structural framework broadly applied by distinct classes of proteins and enzymes across phyla for epigenetic regulations of DNA. PMID:27826845

  2. Innovative Additive for Bitumen Based on Processed Fats

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Babiak, Michał; Kosno, Jacek; Ratajczak, Maria; Zieliński, Krzysztof

    2017-10-01

    Various additives, admixtures and modifiers are used to improve technical properties and strength characteristics of building materials. Manufacturers of waterproofing materials, concrete, ceramics and bitumen have to use innovative, increasingly complex and costly additives, admixtures or modifiers. As a result, simple and inexpensive substances have been replaced by complex, long chain polymers, multi component resins or plastics. For economic and ecological reasons waste materials are more frequently used as additives, admixtures and modifiers. Nowadays the most commonly used physical modifiers of bitumen belong to the group of polymers - large molecular organic compounds of natural origin or being the result of planned chemical synthesis. Polymers are substances that do not chemically react with bitumen, they act as fillers or create a spatial network within bitumen (the so called physical cross-linking). The development of organic chemistry has allowed the synthesis of a number of substances chemically modifying bitumen. The most promising are heterocyclic organic compounds belonging to the group of imidazolines. The aim of the study presented in this paper was to demonstrate the suitability of processed natural and post-refining fat waste (diamidoamine dehydrate) as bitumen modifier. This paper discusses the impact of adding technical imidazoline on selected bitumen characteristics. Samples of bitumen 160/220, which is most commonly used for the production of waterproofing products, were analysed. For base bitumen and bitumen modified with technical imidazoline the following measurements were taken: measurement of the softening point by Ball and Ring method, determination of the breaking point by Fraass method and needle penetration measurement at 25°C. Later the samples were aged using TFOT laboratory method and the basic characteristics were determined again. The results showed that a small amount of imidazoline improved bitumen thermoplastic parameters at low temperatures and had a significant impact on weakening bitumen oxidation and ageing. The addition of technical imidazoline prevents bitumen from hardening, thus increasing its flexibility and its resistance to mechanical damage. Due to many difficulties in the production of polymer bitumens and in order to find cheaper, more environment friendly solutions, the authors proposed an ecological bituminous modifier which, due to chemical reaction with binders, creates a stable and firm in time product. Imidazolines have a negative impact on bitumen softening point, which makes them impossible to use as an independent modifier. Therefore, at a later stage of the research, the authors will attempt to create a hybrid bitumen modifier which will combine the beneficial effect of polymers and imidazoline on the characteristics of bituminous binders.

  3. Trimethylamine Sensors Based on Au-Modified Hierarchical Porous Single-Crystalline ZnO Nanosheets.

    PubMed

    Meng, Fanli; Zheng, Hanxiong; Sun, Yufeng; Li, Minqiang; Liu, Jinhuai

    2017-06-22

    It is of great significance for dynamic monitoring of foods in storage or during the transportation process through on-line detecting trimethylamine (TMA). Here, TMA were sensitively detected by Au-modified hierarchical porous single-crystalline ZnO nanosheets (HPSCZNs)-based sensors. The HPSCZNs were synthesized through a one-pot wet-chemical method followed by an annealing treatment. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to modify the surface of the HPSCZNs, and then the PEI-modified samples were mixed with Au nanoparticles (NPs) sol solution. Electrostatic interactions drive Au nanoparticles loading onto the surface of the HPSCZNs. The Au-modified HPSCZNs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), respectively. The results show that Au-modified HPSCZNs-based sensors exhibit a high response to TMA. The linear range is from 10 to 300 ppb; while the detection limit is 10 ppb, which is the lowest value to our knowledge.

  4. Trimethylamine Sensors Based on Au-Modified Hierarchical Porous Single-Crystalline ZnO Nanosheets

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Hanxiong; Sun, Yufeng; Li, Minqiang; Liu, Jinhuai

    2017-01-01

    It is of great significance for dynamic monitoring of foods in storage or during the transportation process through on-line detecting trimethylamine (TMA). Here, TMA were sensitively detected by Au-modified hierarchical porous single-crystalline ZnO nanosheets (HPSCZNs)-based sensors. The HPSCZNs were synthesized through a one-pot wet-chemical method followed by an annealing treatment. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to modify the surface of the HPSCZNs, and then the PEI-modified samples were mixed with Au nanoparticles (NPs) sol solution. Electrostatic interactions drive Au nanoparticles loading onto the surface of the HPSCZNs. The Au-modified HPSCZNs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), respectively. The results show that Au-modified HPSCZNs-based sensors exhibit a high response to TMA. The linear range is from 10 to 300 ppb; while the detection limit is 10 ppb, which is the lowest value to our knowledge. PMID:28640226

  5. Influence of major-groove chemical modifications of DNA on transcription by bacterial RNA polymerases

    PubMed Central

    Raindlová, Veronika; Janoušková, Martina; Slavíčková, Michaela; Perlíková, Pavla; Boháčová, Soňa; Milisavljevič, Nemanja; Šanderová, Hana; Benda, Martin; Barvík, Ivan; Krásný, Libor; Hocek, Michal

    2016-01-01

    DNA templates containing a set of base modifications in the major groove (5-substituted pyrimidines or 7-substituted 7-deazapurines bearing H, methyl, vinyl, ethynyl or phenyl groups) were prepared by PCR using the corresponding base-modified 2′-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The modified templates were used in an in vitro transcription assay using RNA polymerase from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Some modified nucleobases bearing smaller modifications (H, Me in 7-deazapurines) were perfectly tolerated by both enzymes, whereas bulky modifications (Ph at any nucleobase) and, surprisingly, uracil blocked transcription. Some middle-sized modifications (vinyl or ethynyl) were partly tolerated mostly by the E. coli enzyme. In all cases where the transcription proceeded, full length RNA product with correct sequence was obtained indicating that the modifications of the template are not mutagenic and the inhibition is probably at the stage of initiation. The results are promising for the development of bioorthogonal reactions for artificial chemical switching of the transcription. PMID:27001521

  6. Modified Separator Performing Dual Physical/Chemical Roles to Inhibit Polysulfide Shuttle Resulting in Ultrastable Li-S Batteries.

    PubMed

    Abbas, Syed Ali; Ding, Jiang; Wu, Sheng Hui; Fang, Jason; Boopathi, Karunakara Moorthy; Mohapatra, Anisha; Lee, Li Wei; Wang, Pen-Cheng; Chang, Chien-Cheng; Chu, Chih Wei

    2017-12-26

    In this paper we describe a modified (AEG/CH) coated separator for Li-S batteries in which the shuttling phenomenon of the lithium polysulfides is restrained through two types of interactions: activated expanded graphite (AEG) flakes interacted physically with the lithium polysulfides, while chitosan (CH), used to bind the AEG flakes on the separator, interacted chemically through its abundance of amino and hydroxyl functional groups. Moreover, the AEG flakes facilitated ionic and electronic transfer during the redox reaction. Live H-cell discharging experiments revealed that the modified separator was effective at curbing polysulfide shuttling; moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the cycled separator confirmed the presence of lithium polysulfides in the AEG/CH matrix. Using this dual functional interaction approach, the lifetime of the pure sulfur-based cathode was extended to 3000 cycles at 1C-rate (1C = 1670 mA/g), decreasing the decay rate to 0.021% per cycle, a value that is among the best reported to date. A flexible battery based on this modified separator exhibited stable performance and could turn on multiple light-emitting diodes. Such modified membranes with good mechanical strength, high electronic conductivity, and anti-self-discharging shield appear to be a scalable solution for future high-energy battery systems.

  7. New developments in the evolution and application of the WHO/IPCS framework on mode of action/species concordance analysis.

    PubMed

    Meek, M E; Boobis, A; Cote, I; Dellarco, V; Fotakis, G; Munn, S; Seed, J; Vickers, C

    2014-01-01

    The World Health Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety mode of action/human relevance framework has been updated to reflect the experience acquired in its application and extend its utility to emerging areas in toxicity testing and non-testing methods. The underlying principles have not changed, but the framework's scope has been extended to enable integration of information at different levels of biological organization and reflect evolving experience in a much broader range of potential applications. Mode of action/species concordance analysis can also inform hypothesis-based data generation and research priorities in support of risk assessment. The modified framework is incorporated within a roadmap, with feedback loops encouraging continuous refinement of fit-for-purpose testing strategies and risk assessment. Important in this construct is consideration of dose-response relationships and species concordance analysis in weight of evidence. The modified Bradford Hill considerations have been updated and additionally articulated to reflect increasing experience in application for cases where the toxicological outcome of chemical exposure is known. The modified framework can be used as originally intended, where the toxicological effects of chemical exposure are known, or in hypothesizing effects resulting from chemical exposure, using information on putative key events in established modes of action from appropriate in vitro or in silico systems and other lines of evidence. This modified mode of action framework and accompanying roadmap and case examples are expected to contribute to improving transparency in explicitly addressing weight of evidence considerations in mode of action/species concordance analysis based on both conventional data sources and evolving methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication.

  8. Graphene Oxide-Polymer Composite Langmuir Films Constructed by Interfacial Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luo, Xiaona; Ma, Kai; Jiao, Tifeng; Xing, Ruirui; Zhang, Lexin; Zhou, Jingxin; Li, Bingbing

    2017-02-01

    The effective synthesis and self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites are of key importance for a broad range of nanomaterial applications. In this work, a one-step chemical strategy is presented to synthesize stable GO-polymer Langmuir composite films by interfacial thiol-ene photopolymerization at room temperature, without use of any crosslinking agents and stabilizing agents. It is discovered that photopolymerization reaction between thiol groups modified GO sheets and ene in polymer molecules is critically responsible for the formation of the composite Langmuir films. The film formed by Langmuir assembly of such GO-polymer composite films shows potential to improve the mechanical and chemical properties and promotes the design of various GO-based nanocomposites. Thus, the GO-polymer composite Langmuir films synthesized by interfacial thiol-ene photopolymerization with such a straightforward and clean manner, provide new alternatives for developing chemically modified GO-based hybrid self-assembled films and nanomaterials towards a range of soft matter and graphene applications.

  9. An atomistic-based chemophysical environment for evaluating asphalt oxidation and antioxidants.

    PubMed

    Pan, Tongyan; Sun, Lu; Yu, Qifeng

    2012-12-01

    Asphalt binders in service conditions are subject to oxidative aging that involves the reactions between oxygen molecules and the component species of bulk asphalt. As a result, significant alterations can occur to the desired physical and/or mechanical properties of asphalt. A common practice to alleviate asphalt aging has been to employ different chemical additives or modifiers as antioxidants. The current state of knowledge in asphalt oxidation and antioxidant evaluation is centered on determining the degradation of asphalt physical properties, mainly the viscosity and ductility. Such practices, although meeting direct engineering needs, do not contribute to the fundamental understanding of the aging and anti-oxidation mechanisms, and thereby developing anti-aging strategies. From this standpoint, this study was initiated to study the chemical and physical bases of asphalt oxidation, as well as the anti-oxidation mechanisms of bio-based antioxidants using the coniferyl-alcohol lignin as an example. A quantum chemistry (QC) based chemophysical environment is developed, in which the various chemical reactions between asphalt component species and oxygen, as well as the incurred physical changes are studied. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to validate the modified and unmodified asphalt models.

  10. Chemical Sensors Based on Cyclodextrin Derivatives.

    PubMed

    Ogoshi, Tomoki; Harada, Akira

    2008-08-25

    This review focuses on chemical sensors based on cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives. This has been a field of classical interest, and is now of current interest for numerous scientists. First, typical chemical sensors using chromophore appended CDs are mentioned. Various "turn-off" and "turn-on" fluorescent chemical sensors, in which fluorescence intensity was decreased or increased by complexation with guest molecules, respectively, were synthesized. Dye modified CDs and photoactive metal ion-ligand complex appended CDs, metallocyclodextrins, were also applied for chemical sensors. Furthermore, recent novel approaches to chemical sensing systems using supramolecular structures such as CD dimers, trimers and cooperative binding systems of CDs with the other macrocycle [2]rotaxane and supramolecular polymers consisting of CD units are mentioned. New chemical sensors using hybrids of CDs with p-conjugated polymers, peptides, DNA, nanocarbons and nanoparticles are also described in this review.

  11. Improvement of human cell line activation test (h-CLAT) using short-time exposure methods for prevention of false-negative results.

    PubMed

    Narita, Kazuto; Ishii, Yuuki; Vo, Phuc Thi Hong; Nakagawa, Fumiko; Ogata, Shinichi; Yamashita, Kunihiko; Kojima, Hajime; Itagaki, Hiroshi

    2018-01-01

    Recently, animal testing has been affected by increasing ethical, social, and political concerns regarding animal welfare. Several in vitro safety tests for evaluating skin sensitization, such as the human cell line activation test (h-CLAT), have been proposed. However, similar to other tests, the h-CLAT has produced false-negative results, including in tests for acid anhydride and water-insoluble chemicals. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the cause of false-negative results from phthalic anhydride was hydrolysis by an aqueous vehicle, with IL-8 release from THP-1 cells, and that short-time exposure to liquid paraffin (LP) dispersion medium could reduce false-negative results from acid anhydrides. In the present study, we modified the h-CLAT by applying this exposure method. We found that the modified h-CLAT is a promising method for reducing false-negative results obtained from acid anhydrides and chemicals with octanol-water partition coefficients (LogK ow ) greater than 3.5. Based on the outcomes from the present study, a combination of the original and the modified h-CLAT is suggested for reducing false-negative results. Notably, the combination method provided a sensitivity of 95% (overall chemicals) or 93% (chemicals with LogK ow > 2.0), and an accuracy of 88% (overall chemicals) or 81% (chemicals with LogK ow > 2.0). We found that the combined method is a promising evaluation scheme for reducing false-negative results seen in existing in vitro skin-sensitization tests. In the future, we expect a combination of original and modified h-CLAT to be applied in a newly developed in vitro test for evaluating skin sensitization.

  12. Viscous fingering and channeling in chemical enhanced oil recovery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Daripa, Prabir; Dutta, Sourav

    2017-11-01

    We have developed a hybrid numerical method based on discontinuous finite element method and modified method of characteristics to compute the multiphase multicomponent fluid flow in porous media in the context of chemical enhanced oil recovery. We use this method to study the effect of various chemical components on the viscous fingering and channeling in rectilinear and radial flow configurations. We will also discuss about the efficiency of various flooding schemes based on these understandings. Time permitting, we will discuss about the effect of variable injection rates in these practical setting. U.S. National Science Foundation Grant DMS-1522782.

  13. Kerogen extraction from subterranean oil shale resources

    DOEpatents

    Looney, Mark Dean; Lestz, Robert Steven; Hollis, Kirk; Taylor, Craig; Kinkead, Scott; Wigand, Marcus

    2010-09-07

    The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.

  14. Kerogen extraction from subterranean oil shale resources

    DOEpatents

    Looney, Mark Dean [Houston, TX; Lestz, Robert Steven [Missouri City, TX; Hollis, Kirk [Los Alamos, NM; Taylor, Craig [Los Alamos, NM; Kinkead, Scott [Los Alamos, NM; Wigand, Marcus [Los Alamos, NM

    2009-03-10

    The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.

  15. Thermodynamic and structural characterization of 2′-nitrogen-modified RNA duplexes

    PubMed Central

    Pham, John W.; Radhakrishnan, Ishwar; Sontheimer, Erik J.

    2004-01-01

    2′-aminonucleosides are commonly used as sites of post-synthetic chemical modification within nucleic acids. As part of a larger cross-linking strategy, we appended alkyl groups onto the N2′ position of 2′-amino-modified RNAs via 2′-ureido and 2′-amido linkages. We have characterized the thermodynamics of 2′-amino, 2′-alkylamido and 2′-alkylureido-modified RNA duplexes and show that 2′-ureido-modified RNAs are significantly more stable than analogous 2′-amido-modified RNAs. Using NMR spectroscopy and NMR-based molecular modeling of 2′-modified RNA duplexes, we examined the effects that 2′-nitrogen modifications have on RNA helices. Our data suggest that the 2′-ureido group forms a specific intra-nucleoside interaction that cannot occur within 2′-amido-modified helices. These results indicate that 2′-ureido modifications are superior to analogous 2′-amido ones for applications that require stable base pairing. PMID:15247335

  16. Chemically modified graphite for electrochemical cells

    DOEpatents

    Greinke, R.A.; Lewis, I.C.

    1998-05-26

    This invention relates to chemically modified graphite particles: (a) that are useful in alkali metal-containing electrode of a electrochemical cell comprising: (1) the electrode, (2) a non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprising an organic aprotic solvent which solvent tends to decompose when the electrochemical cell is in use, and an electrically conductive salt of an alkali metal, and (3) a counter electrode; and (b) that are chemically modified with fluorine, chlorine, iodine or phosphorus to reduce such decomposition. This invention also relates to electrodes comprising such chemically modified graphite and a binder and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes. 3 figs.

  17. Chemically modified graphite for electrochemical cells

    DOEpatents

    Greinke, Ronald Alfred; Lewis, Irwin Charles

    1998-01-01

    This invention relates to chemically modified graphite particles: (a) that are useful in alkali metal-containing electrode of a electrochemical cell comprising: (i) the electrode, (ii) a non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprising an organic aprotic solvent which solvent tends to decompose when the electrochemical cell is in use, and an electrically conductive salt of an alkali metal, and (iii) a counterelectrode; and (b) that are chemically modified with fluorine, chlorine, iodine or phosphorus to reduce such decomposition. This invention also relates to electrodes comprising such chemically modified graphite and a binder and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes.

  18. Effect of chemical heterogeneity on photoluminescence of graphite oxide treated with S-/N-containing modifiers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ebrahim, Amani M.; Rodríguez-Castellón, Enrique; Montenegro, José María; Bandosz, Teresa J.

    2015-03-01

    Graphite oxide (GO) obtained using Hummers method was modified by hydrothermal treatment either with sulfanilic acid or polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate at 100 °C or 85 °C, respectively. Both modifiers contain sulfur in the oxidized forms and nitrogen in the reduced forms. The materials were characterized using FTIR, XPS, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration and SEM. Their photoluminescent properties and their alteration with an addition of Ag+ were also measured. As a result of these modifications nitrogen was introduced to the graphene layers as amines, imides, amides, and sulfur as sulfones and sulfonic acids. Moreover, the presence of polyaniline was detected. This significantly affected the polarity, acid-base character, and conductivity of the materials. Apparently carboxylic groups of GO were involved in the surface reactions. The modified GOs lost their layered structure and the modifications resulted in the high degree of structural and chemical heterogeneity. Photoluminescence in visible light was recorded and linked to the presence of heteroatoms. For the polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate modified sample addition of Ag+ quenched the photoluminescence at low wavelength showing sensitivity as a possible optical detector. No apparent effect was found for the sulfanilic acid modified sample.

  19. 40 CFR 721.9513 - Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified magnesium silicate polymer... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9513 Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified magnesium silicate polymer (PMN P-98-604) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  20. 40 CFR 721.9513 - Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Modified magnesium silicate polymer... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9513 Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified magnesium silicate polymer (PMN P-98-604) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  1. 40 CFR 721.10504 - Surface modified magnesium hydroxide (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Surface modified magnesium hydroxide... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10504 Surface modified magnesium hydroxide (generic). (a) Chemical... as surface modified magnesium hydroxide (PMN P-06-682) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  2. 40 CFR 721.10504 - Surface modified magnesium hydroxide (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Surface modified magnesium hydroxide... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10504 Surface modified magnesium hydroxide (generic). (a) Chemical... as surface modified magnesium hydroxide (PMN P-06-682) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  3. 40 CFR 721.10119 - Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10119 Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (PMN P-05-673) is subject to reporting under this section...

  4. 40 CFR 721.10119 - Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10119 Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (PMN P-05-673) is subject to reporting under this section...

  5. 40 CFR 721.10119 - Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10119 Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (PMN P-05-673) is subject to reporting under this section...

  6. 40 CFR 721.10119 - Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10119 Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (PMN P-05-673) is subject to reporting under this section...

  7. 40 CFR 721.10119 - Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10119 Siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified silica nanoparticles (PMN P-05-673) is subject to reporting under this section...

  8. 40 CFR 721.9513 - Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Modified magnesium silicate polymer... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9513 Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified magnesium silicate polymer (PMN P-98-604) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  9. 40 CFR 721.9513 - Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Modified magnesium silicate polymer... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9513 Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified magnesium silicate polymer (PMN P-98-604) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  10. 40 CFR 721.9513 - Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Modified magnesium silicate polymer... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9513 Modified magnesium silicate polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified magnesium silicate polymer (PMN P-98-604) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  11. 40 CFR 721.5908 - Modified phenolic resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified phenolic resin (generic). 721... Substances § 721.5908 Modified phenolic resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified phenolic resin (PMN P...

  12. 40 CFR 721.5905 - Modified phenolic resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified phenolic resin (generic). 721... Substances § 721.5905 Modified phenolic resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a modified phenolic resin (PMN...

  13. Quantum chemical investigations of AlN-doped C60 for use as a nano-biosensor in detection of mispairing between DNA bases.

    PubMed

    Siddiqui, Shamoon Ahmad; Bouarissa, Nadir; Rasheed, Tabish; Al-Hajry, A

    2014-12-01

    Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to study the electronic structure and stability of adenine-thymine and the rare tautomer of adenine-thymine base pairs along with their Cu 2+ complexes and their interactions with AlN-modified fullerene (C58AlN) using Density Functional Theory (B3LYP method). Since, these two forms of base pairs and their Cu 2+ complexes have almost similar electronic structures, their chemical differentiation is an extremely difficult task. In this investigation, we have observed that AlN-doped C 60 could be used as a potentially viable nanoscale sensor to detect these two base pairs as well as their Cu2+ complexes.

  14. [Adsorption of phenol chemicals by surfactant-modified zeolites].

    PubMed

    Xie, Jie; Wang, Zhe; Wu, De-Yi; Li, Chun-Jie

    2012-12-01

    Two kinds of zeolites were prepared from fly ash and modified by surfactant subsequently. Surfactant-modified zeolites were studied for adsorption of phenol chemicals (phenol, p-chlorphenol, bisphenol A). It showed that the adsorption affinity of zeolite to phenol chemicals was significantly improved after surfactant modification. The adsorption isotherms of phenol chemicals were well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm. For the two surfactant-surfactant modified zeolites, the maximum adsorption amounts of phenol, p-chlorphenol, and bisphenol A calculated from the Langmuir equation were 37.7, 52.36, 90.9 mg x g(-1) and 10.7, 22.83, 56.8 mg x g(-1), respectively. When pH values of solutions were higher than the pK(a) values of phenol chemicals, the removal efficiencies were getting higher with the increase of pH values. The octanol/water partition coefficient (K(ow)) was also found to be an important factor affecting adsorption of phenol chemicals by the modified zeolites. Higher K(ow) value, which means the greater hydrophobicity of the chemicals, resulted in a higher removal.

  15. 40 CFR 721.2540 - Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) modified.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2540 Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) modified. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a...

  16. Trace contaminant control simulation computer program, version 8.1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perry, J. L.

    1994-01-01

    The Trace Contaminant Control Simulation computer program is a tool for assessing the performance of various process technologies for removing trace chemical contamination from a spacecraft cabin atmosphere. Included in the simulation are chemical and physical adsorption by activated charcoal, chemical adsorption by lithium hydroxide, absorption by humidity condensate, and low- and high-temperature catalytic oxidation. Means are provided for simulating regenerable as well as nonregenerable systems. The program provides an overall mass balance of chemical contaminants in a spacecraft cabin given specified generation rates. Removal rates are based on device flow rates specified by the user and calculated removal efficiencies based on cabin concentration and removal technology experimental data. Versions 1.0 through 8.0 are documented in NASA TM-108409. TM-108409 also contains a source file listing for version 8.0. Changes to version 8.0 are documented in this technical memorandum and a source file listing for the modified version, version 8.1, is provided. Detailed descriptions for the computer program subprograms are extracted from TM-108409 and modified as necessary to reflect version 8.1. Version 8.1 supersedes version 8.0. Information on a separate user's guide is available from the author.

  17. LC-MS-based characterization of the peptide reactivity of chemicals to improve the in vitro prediction of the skin sensitization potential.

    PubMed

    Natsch, Andreas; Gfeller, Hans

    2008-12-01

    A key step in the skin sensitization process is the formation of a covalent adduct between skin sensitizers and endogenous proteins and/or peptides in the skin. Based on this mechanistic understanding, there is a renewed interest in in vitro assays to determine the reactivity of chemicals toward peptides in order to predict their sensitization potential. A standardized peptide reactivity assay yielded a promising predictivity. This published assay is based on high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection to quantify peptide depletion after incubation with test chemicals. We had observed that peptide depletion may be due to either adduct formation or peptide oxidation. Here we report a modified assay based on both liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis and detection of free thiol groups. This approach allows simultaneous determination of (1) peptide depletion, (2) peptide oxidation (dimerization), (3) adduct formation, and (4) thiol reactivity and thus generates a more detailed characterization of the reactivity of a molecule. Highly reactive molecules are further discriminated with a kinetic measure. The assay was validated on 80 chemicals. Peptide depletion could accurately be quantified both with LC-MS detection and depletion of thiol groups. The majority of the moderate/strong/extreme sensitizers formed detectable peptide adducts, but many sensitizers were also able to catalyze peptide oxidation. Whereas adduct formation was only observed for sensitizers, this oxidation reaction was also observed for two nonsensitizing fragrance aldehydes, indicating that peptide depletion might not always be regarded as sufficient evidence for rating a chemical as a sensitizer. Thus, this modified assay gives a more informed view of the peptide reactivity of chemicals to better predict their sensitization potential.

  18. 40 CFR 721.3135 - Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Phosphorous modified epoxy resin... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3135 Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance... phosphorous modified epoxy resin (PMNs P-00-992 and P-01-471) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  19. 40 CFR 721.3135 - Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Phosphorous modified epoxy resin... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3135 Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance... phosphorous modified epoxy resin (PMNs P-00-992 and P-01-471) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  20. 40 CFR 721.3135 - Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Phosphorous modified epoxy resin... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3135 Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance... phosphorous modified epoxy resin (PMNs P-00-992 and P-01-471) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  1. 40 CFR 721.3135 - Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Phosphorous modified epoxy resin... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3135 Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance... phosphorous modified epoxy resin (PMNs P-00-992 and P-01-471) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  2. 40 CFR 721.3135 - Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Phosphorous modified epoxy resin... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3135 Phosphorous modified epoxy resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance... phosphorous modified epoxy resin (PMNs P-00-992 and P-01-471) is subject to reporting under this section for...

  3. 40 CFR 721.10082 - Amine modified monomer acrylate (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Amine modified monomer acrylate... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10082 Amine modified monomer acrylate (generic). (a) Chemical substance... amine modified monomer acrylate (PMN P-06-29) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

  4. 40 CFR 721.10082 - Amine modified monomer acrylate (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Amine modified monomer acrylate... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10082 Amine modified monomer acrylate (generic). (a) Chemical substance... amine modified monomer acrylate (PMN P-06-29) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

  5. 40 CFR 721.3710 - Polyether modified fatty acids (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Polyether modified fatty acids... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3710 Polyether modified fatty acids (generic). (a) Chemical substance... Polyether modified fatty acids (PMN P-99-0435) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

  6. 40 CFR 721.10089 - Modified salicylic acid, zirconium complex (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Modified salicylic acid, zirconium... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10089 Modified salicylic acid, zirconium complex (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified salicylic acid, zirconium complex (PMN P-00-552) is subject to reporting under this...

  7. 40 CFR 721.10089 - Modified salicylic acid, zirconium complex (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified salicylic acid, zirconium... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10089 Modified salicylic acid, zirconium complex (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified salicylic acid, zirconium complex (PMN P-00-552) is subject to reporting under this...

  8. 40 CFR 721.4380 - Modified hydrocarbon resin.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Modified hydrocarbon resin. 721.4380... Substances § 721.4380 Modified hydrocarbon resin. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a modified hydrocarbon resin (P-91-1418) is...

  9. 40 CFR 721.3710 - Polyether modified fatty acids (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Polyether modified fatty acids... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3710 Polyether modified fatty acids (generic). (a) Chemical substance... Polyether modified fatty acids (PMN P-99-0435) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

  10. 40 CFR 372.20 - Process for modifying covered chemicals and facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... chemicals and facilities. 372.20 Section 372.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SUPERFUND, EMERGENCY PLANNING, AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAMS TOXIC CHEMICAL RELEASE REPORTING: COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW Reporting Requirements § 372.20 Process for modifying covered chemicals...

  11. Characterization and evaluation of a modified local lymph node assay using ATP content as a non-radio isotopic endpoint.

    PubMed

    Idehara, Kenji; Yamagishi, Gaku; Yamashita, Kunihiko; Ito, Michio

    2008-01-01

    The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is an accepted and widely used method for assessing the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals. Here, we describe a non-radio isotopic modified LLNA in which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content is used as an endpoint instead of radioisotope (RI); the method is termed LLNA modified by Daicel based on ATP content (LLNA-DA). Groups of female CBA/JNCrlj mice were treated topically on the dorsum of both ears with test chemicals or a vehicle control on days 1, 2, and 3; an additional fourth application was conducted on day 7. Pretreatment with 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution was performed 1 h before each application. On day 8, the amount of ATP in the draining auricular lymph nodes was measured as an alternative endpoint by the luciferin-luciferase assay in terms of bioluminescence (relative light units, RLU). A stimulation index (SI) relative to the concurrent vehicle control was derived based on the RLU value, and an SI of 3 was set as the cut-off value. Using the LLNA-DA method, 31 chemicals were tested and the results were compared with those of other test methods. The accuracy of LLNA-DA vs LLNA, guinea pig tests, and human tests was 93% (28/30), 80% (20/25), and 79% (15/19), respectively. The estimated concentration (EC) 3 value was calculated and compared with that of the original LLNA. It was found that the EC3 values obtained by LLNA-DA were almost equal to those obtained by the original LLNA. The SI value based on ATP content is similar to that of the original LLNA as a result of the modifications in the chemical treatment procedure, which contribute to improving the SI value. It is concluded that LLNA-DA is a promising non-RI alternative method for evaluating the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals.

  12. Biological resistance of polyethylene composites made with chemically modified fiber or flour

    Treesearch

    Rebecca E. Ibach; Craig M. Clemons

    2002-01-01

    The role of moisture in the biological decay of wood-plastic composites was investigated. Southern pine wood fiber and ponderosa pine wood flour were chemically modified using either acetic anhydride (AA), butylene oxide (BO), or propylene oxide (PO). A 50:50 mixture of high density polyethylene and either chemically modified fiber or flour, or untreated fiber or flour...

  13. Artificial specific binders directly recovered from chemically modified nucleic acid libraries.

    PubMed

    Kasahara, Yuuya; Kuwahara, Masayasu

    2012-01-01

    Specific binders comprised of nucleic acids, that is, RNA/DNA aptamers, are attractive functional biopolymers owing to their potential broad application in medicine, food hygiene, environmental analysis, and biological research. Despite the large number of reports on selection of natural DNA/RNA aptamers, there are not many examples of direct screening of chemically modified nucleic acid aptamers. This is because of (i) the inferior efficiency and accuracy of polymerase reactions involving transcription/reverse-transcription of modified nucleotides compared with those of natural nucleotides, (ii) technical difficulties and additional time and effort required when using modified nucleic acid libraries, and (iii) ambiguous efficacies of chemical modifications in binding properties until recently; in contrast, the effects of chemical modifications on biostability are well studied using various nucleotide analogs. Although reports on the direct screening of a modified nucleic acid library remain in the minority, chemical modifications would be essential when further functional expansion of nucleic acid aptamers, in particular for medical and biological uses, is considered. This paper focuses on enzymatic production of chemically modified nucleic acids and their application to random screenings. In addition, recent advances and possible future research are also described.

  14. Characterization of modified zeolite as microbial immobilization media on POME anaerobic digestion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cahyono, Rochim B.; Ismiyati, Sri; Ginting, Simparmin Br; Mellyanawaty, Melly; Budhijanto, Wiratni

    2018-03-01

    As the world’s biggest palm oil producer, Indonesia generates also huge amount of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) wastewater and causes serious problem in environment. In conventional method, POME was converted into biogas using lagoon system which required extensive land area. Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor (AFBR) proposes more effective biogas producing with smaller land area. In the proposed system, a immobilization media would be main factor for enhancing productivity. This research studied on characterization of Lampung natural zeolite as immobilization media in the AFBR system for POME treatment. Various activation method such as physical and chemical were attempted to create more suitable material which has larger surface area, pore size distribution as well as excellent surface structures. The physical method was applied by heating up the material till 400°C while HCl was used on the chemical activation. Based on the result, the chemical activation increased the surface area significantly into 71 m2/g compared to physical as well as original zeolite. The strong acid material was quite effective to enforce the impurities within zeolite pore structure compared to heating up the material. According to distribution data, the Lampung zeolite owned the pore size with the range of 3 – 5 μm which was mesopore material. The pore size was appropriate for immobilization media as it was smaller than size of biogas microbial. The XRD patterns verified that chemical activation could maintain the zeolite structure as the original. Obviously, the SEM photograph showed apparent structure and pore size on the modified zeolite using chemical method. The testing of modified zeolite on the batch system was done to evaluate the characterization process. The modified zeolite using chemical process resulted fast reduction of COD and stabilized the volatile fatty acid as the intermediate product of anaerobic digestion, especially in the beginning of the process. Therefore, the chemical activation process was most suitable to produce the immobilization media from Lampung natural zeolite for POME waste treatment

  15. Influence of major-groove chemical modifications of DNA on transcription by bacterial RNA polymerases.

    PubMed

    Raindlová, Veronika; Janoušková, Martina; Slavíčková, Michaela; Perlíková, Pavla; Boháčová, Soňa; Milisavljevič, Nemanja; Šanderová, Hana; Benda, Martin; Barvík, Ivan; Krásný, Libor; Hocek, Michal

    2016-04-20

    DNA templates containing a set of base modifications in the major groove (5-substituted pyrimidines or 7-substituted 7-deazapurines bearing H, methyl, vinyl, ethynyl or phenyl groups) were prepared by PCR using the corresponding base-modified 2'-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The modified templates were used in an in vitro transcription assay using RNA polymerase from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli Some modified nucleobases bearing smaller modifications (H, Me in 7-deazapurines) were perfectly tolerated by both enzymes, whereas bulky modifications (Ph at any nucleobase) and, surprisingly, uracil blocked transcription. Some middle-sized modifications (vinyl or ethynyl) were partly tolerated mostly by the E. colienzyme. In all cases where the transcription proceeded, full length RNA product with correct sequence was obtained indicating that the modifications of the template are not mutagenic and the inhibition is probably at the stage of initiation. The results are promising for the development of bioorthogonal reactions for artificial chemical switching of the transcription. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

  16. Comparison of sample preparation methods combined with fast gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for ultratrace analysis of pesticide residues in baby food.

    PubMed

    Hercegová, Andrea; Dömötörová, Milena; Kruzlicová, Dása; Matisová, Eva

    2006-05-01

    Four sample preparation techniques were compared for the ultratrace analysis of pesticide residues in baby food: (a) modified Schenck's method based on ACN extraction with SPE cleaning; (b) quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method based on ACN extraction and dispersive SPE; (c) modified QuEChERS method which utilizes column-based SPE instead of dispersive SPE; and (d) matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD). The methods were combined with fast gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. The effectiveness of clean-up of the final extract was determined by comparison of the chromatograms obtained. Time consumption, laboriousness, demands on glassware and working place, and consumption of chemicals, especially solvents, increase in the following order QuEChERS < modified QuEChERS < MSPD < modified Schenck's method. All methods offer satisfactory analytical characteristics at the concentration levels of 5, 10, and 100 microg/kg in terms of recoveries and repeatability. Recoveries obtained for the modified QuEChERS method were lower than for the original QuEChERS. In general the best LOQs were obtained for the modified Schenck's method. Modified QuEChERS method provides 21-72% better LOQs than the original method.

  17. In vitro evolution of chemically-modified nucleic acid aptamers: Pros and cons, and comprehensive selection strategies.

    PubMed

    Lipi, Farhana; Chen, Suxiang; Chakravarthy, Madhuri; Rakesh, Shilpa; Veedu, Rakesh N

    2016-12-01

    Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotide sequences that bind to a specific target molecule with high affinity and specificity through their ability to adopt 3-dimensional structure in solution. Aptamers have huge potential as targeted therapeutics, diagnostics, delivery agents and as biosensors. However, aptamers composed of natural nucleotide monomers are quickly degraded in vivo and show poor pharmacodynamic properties. To overcome this, chemically-modified nucleic acid aptamers are developed by incorporating modified nucleotides after or during the selection process by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). This review will discuss the development of chemically-modified aptamers and provide the pros and cons, and new insights on in vitro aptamer selection strategies by using chemically-modified nucleic acid libraries.

  18. In vitro evolution of chemically-modified nucleic acid aptamers: Pros and cons, and comprehensive selection strategies

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Suxiang; Chakravarthy, Madhuri; Rakesh, Shilpa; Veedu, Rakesh N.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotide sequences that bind to a specific target molecule with high affinity and specificity through their ability to adopt 3-dimensional structure in solution. Aptamers have huge potential as targeted therapeutics, diagnostics, delivery agents and as biosensors. However, aptamers composed of natural nucleotide monomers are quickly degraded in vivo and show poor pharmacodynamic properties. To overcome this, chemically-modified nucleic acid aptamers are developed by incorporating modified nucleotides after or during the selection process by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). This review will discuss the development of chemically-modified aptamers and provide the pros and cons, and new insights on in vitro aptamer selection strategies by using chemically-modified nucleic acid libraries. PMID:27715478

  19. 40 CFR 721.10044 - Metal oxide, modified with alkyl and vinyl terminated polysiloxanes (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Metal oxide, modified with alkyl and... SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10044 Metal oxide, modified with alkyl... to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as metal oxide, modified with alkyl...

  20. 40 CFR 721.8658 - Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary ammonium compound (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.8658 Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary...

  1. 40 CFR 721.8658 - Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary ammonium compound (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.8658 Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary...

  2. 40 CFR 721.8658 - Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary ammonium compound (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.8658 Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary...

  3. 40 CFR 721.8658 - Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary ammonium compound (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.8658 Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary...

  4. 40 CFR 721.8658 - Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary ammonium compound (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.8658 Modified polymer of vinyl acetate and.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified polymer of vinyl acetate and quaternary...

  5. Research of Adhesion Bonds Between Gas-Thermal Coating and Pre-Modified Base

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kovalevskaya, Z.; Zaitsev, K.; Klimenov, V.

    2016-08-01

    Nature of adhesive bonds between gas-thermal nickel alloy coating and carbon steel base was examined using laser profilometry, optical metallography, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The steel surface was plastically pre-deformed by an ultrasonic tool. Proved that ultrasound pre-treatment modifies the steel surface. Increase of dislocation density and formation of sub micro-structure are base elements of surface modification. While using high-speed gas-flame, plasma and detonation modes of coatings, surface activation occurs and durable adhesion is formed. Ultrasonic pre-treatment of base material is effective when sprayed particles and base material interact through physical-chemical bond formation. Before applying high-speed gas flame and plasma sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasonic pretreatment, which creates periodic wavy topography with a stroke of 250 microns on the steel surface. Before applying detonation sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasound pretreatment that create modified surface with a uniform micro-topography.

  6. Chemical methods for encoding and decoding of posttranslational modifications

    PubMed Central

    Chuh, Kelly N.; Batt, Anna R.; Pratt, Matthew R.

    2016-01-01

    A large array of posttranslational modifications can dramatically change the properties of proteins and influence different aspects of their biological function such as enzymatic activity, binding interactions, and proteostasis. Despite the significant knowledge that has been gained about the function of posttranslational modifications using traditional biological techniques, the analysis of the site-specific effects of a particular modification, the identification of the full compliment of modified proteins in the proteome, and the detection of new types of modifications remains challenging. Over the years, chemical methods have contributed significantly in both of these areas of research. This review highlights several posttranslational modifications where chemistry-based approaches have made significant contributions to our ability to both prepare homogeneously modified proteins and identify and characterize particular modifications in complex biological settings. As the number and chemical diversity of documented posttranslational modifications continues to rise, we believe that chemical strategies will be essential to advance the field in years to come. PMID:26933738

  7. Low-temperature metal-oxide thin-film transistors formed by directly photopatternable and combustible solution synthesis.

    PubMed

    Rim, You Seung; Lim, Hyun Soo; Kim, Hyun Jae

    2013-05-01

    We investigated the formation of ultraviolet (UV)-assisted directly patternable solution-processed oxide semiconductor films and successfully fabricated thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on these films. An InGaZnO (IGZO) solution that was modified chemically with benzoylacetone (BzAc), whose chelate rings decomposed via a π-π* transition as result of UV irradiation, was used for the direct patterning. A TFT was fabricated using the directly patterned IGZO film, and it had better electrical characteristics than those of conventional photoresist (PR)-patterned TFTs. In addition, the nitric acid (HNO3) and acetylacetone (AcAc) modified In2O3 (NAc-In2O3) solution exhibited both strong UV absorption and high exothermic reaction. This method not only resulted in the formation of a low-energy path because of the combustion of the chemically modified metal-oxide solution but also allowed for photoreaction-induced direct patterning at low temperatures.

  8. The oral and craniofacial relevance of chemically modified RNA therapeutics.

    PubMed

    Elangovan, Satheesh; Kormann, Michael S D; Khorsand, Behnoush; Salem, Aliasger K

    2016-01-01

    Several tissue engineering strategies in the form of protein therapy, gene therapy, cell therapy, and their combinations are currently being explored for oral and craniofacial regeneration and repair. Though each of these approaches has advantages, they all have common inherent drawbacks of being expensive and raising safety concerns. Using RNA (encoding therapeutic protein) has several advantages that have the potential to overcome these limitations. Chemically modifying the RNA improves its stability and mitigates immunogenicity allowing for the potential of RNA to become an alternative to protein and gene based therapies. This brief review article focuses on the potential of RNA therapeutics in the treatment of disorders in the oral and craniofacial regions.

  9. The Oral and Craniofacial Relevance of Chemically Modified RNA Therapeutics

    PubMed Central

    Kormann, Michael S.D.; Khorsand, Behnoush

    2016-01-01

    Several tissue engineering strategies in the form of protein therapy, gene therapy, cell therapy and its combinations are currently being explored for oral and cranio-facial regeneration and repair. Though each of these approaches has advantages, they all have common inherent drawbacks of being expensive and raising safety concerns. Using RNA (encoding therapeutic protein) has several advantages that have the potential to overcome these limitations. Chemically modifying the RNA improves its stability and mitigates immunogenicity allowing for the potential of RNA to become an alternative to protein and gene based therapies. This brief review article focuses on the potential of RNA therapeutics in the treatment of disorders in the oral and craniofacial regions. PMID:26896600

  10. The effect on biological and moisture resistance of epichlorohydrin chemically modified wood

    Treesearch

    Rebecca E. Ibach; Beom-Goo Lee

    2002-01-01

    Southern pine solid wood and fiber were chemically modified with epichlorohydrin to help in understanding the role of moisture in the mechanism of biological effectiveness of chemically modified wood. The solid wood had weight gains from 11% to 34%, while the fiber had weight gains from 9% to 75%. After modification, part of the specimens were water leached for 2 weeks...

  11. siRNAmod: A database of experimentally validated chemically modified siRNAs.

    PubMed

    Dar, Showkat Ahmad; Thakur, Anamika; Qureshi, Abid; Kumar, Manoj

    2016-01-28

    Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology has vast potential for functional genomics and development of therapeutics. However, it faces many obstacles predominantly instability of siRNAs due to nuclease digestion and subsequently biologically short half-life. Chemical modifications in siRNAs provide means to overcome these shortcomings and improve their stability and potency. Despite enormous utility bioinformatics resource of these chemically modified siRNAs (cm-siRNAs) is lacking. Therefore, we have developed siRNAmod, a specialized databank for chemically modified siRNAs. Currently, our repository contains a total of 4894 chemically modified-siRNA sequences, comprising 128 unique chemical modifications on different positions with various permutations and combinations. It incorporates important information on siRNA sequence, chemical modification, their number and respective position, structure, simplified molecular input line entry system canonical (SMILES), efficacy of modified siRNA, target gene, cell line, experimental methods, reference etc. It is developed and hosted using Linux Apache MySQL PHP (LAMP) software bundle. Standard user-friendly browse, search facility and analysis tools are also integrated. It would assist in understanding the effect of chemical modifications and further development of stable and efficacious siRNAs for research as well as therapeutics. siRNAmod is freely available at: http://crdd.osdd.net/servers/sirnamod.

  12. Chemically Modified Metal Oxide Nanostructure for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Gongming

    Hydrogen gas is chemical fuel with high energy density, and represents a clean, renewable and carbon-free burning fuel, which has the potential to solve the more and more urgent energy crisis in today's society. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, artificial photosynthesis to generate hydrogen energy has attracted a lot of attentions in the field of chemistry, physics and material. Photoelectrochemical water splitting based on semiconductors represents a green and low cost method to generate hydrogen fuel. However, the current overall efficiency of solar to hydrogen is quite low, due to some intrinsic limitations such as bandgap, diffusion distance, carrier lifetime and photostability of semiconductors. Although nanostructured semiconductors can improve their photoelectrochemical water splitting performance to some extent, by increasing electrolyte accessible area and shortening minority carrier diffusion distance, nanostructure engineering cannot change their intrinsic electronic properties. Recent development in chemically modified nanostructures such as surface catalyst decoration, element doping, plasmonic modification and interfacial hetero-junction design have led to significant advancement in the photoelectrochemical water splitting, by improving surface reaction kinetics and charge separation, transportation and collection efficiency. In this thesis, I will give a detailed discussion on the chemically modified metal oxide nanostructures for photoelectrocemical hydrogen generation, with a focus on the element doping, hydrogen treatment and catalyst modification. I have demonstrated nitrogen doping on ZnO and Ti doping on hematite can improve their photoelectrochemical performance. In addition, we found hydrogen treatment is a general and effective method to improve the photocatalytic performance, by increasing their carrier desities. Hydrogen treatment has been demonstrated on TiO2, WO3 and BiVO4. In the end, we also used electrochemical catalyt to modify these metal oxide photoelectrode for waste water treatment and chemical fuel generation.

  13. Assembly of a biocompatible triazole-linked gene by one-pot click-DNA ligation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kukwikila, Mikiembo; Gale, Nittaya; El-Sagheer, Afaf H.; Brown, Tom; Tavassoli, Ali

    2017-11-01

    The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides and their enzyme-mediated assembly into genes and genomes has significantly advanced multiple scientific disciplines. However, these approaches are not without their shortcomings; enzymatic amplification and ligation of oligonucleotides into genes and genomes makes automation challenging, and site-specific incorporation of epigenetic information and/or modified bases into large constructs is not feasible. Here we present a fully chemical one-pot method for the assembly of oligonucleotides into a gene by click-DNA ligation. We synthesize the 335 base-pair gene that encodes the green fluorescent protein iLOV from ten functionalized oligonucleotides that contain 5ʹ-azide and 3ʹ-alkyne units. The resulting click-linked iLOV gene contains eight triazoles at the sites of chemical ligation, and yet is fully biocompatible; it is replicated by DNA polymerases in vitro and encodes a functional iLOV protein in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate the power and potential of our one-pot gene-assembly method by preparing an epigenetically modified variant of the iLOV gene.

  14. Hard and soft acids and bases: atoms and atomic ions.

    PubMed

    Reed, James L

    2008-07-07

    The structural origin of hard-soft behavior in atomic acids and bases has been explored using a simple orbital model. The Pearson principle of hard and soft acids and bases has been taken to be the defining statement about hard-soft behavior and as a definition of chemical hardness. There are a number of conditions that are imposed on any candidate structure and associated property by the Pearson principle, which have been exploited. The Pearson principle itself has been used to generate a thermodynamically based scale of relative hardness and softness for acids and bases (operational chemical hardness), and a modified Slater model has been used to discern the electronic origin of hard-soft behavior. Whereas chemical hardness is a chemical property of an acid or base and the operational chemical hardness is an experimental measure of it, the absolute hardness is a physical property of an atom or molecule. A critical examination of chemical hardness, which has been based on a more rigorous application of the Pearson principle and the availability of quantitative measures of chemical hardness, suggests that the origin of hard-soft behavior for both acids and bases resides in the relaxation of the electrons not undergoing transfer during the acid-base interaction. Furthermore, the results suggest that the absolute hardness should not be taken as synonymous with chemical hardness but that the relationship is somewhat more complex. Finally, this work provides additional groundwork for a better understanding of chemical hardness that will inform the understanding of hardness in molecules.

  15. Chemically-modified graphenes for oxidation of DNA bases: analytical parameters.

    PubMed

    Goh, Madeline Shuhua; Bonanni, Alessandra; Ambrosi, Adriano; Sofer, Zdeněk; Pumera, Martin

    2011-11-21

    We studied the electroanalytical performances of chemically-modified graphenes (CMGs) containing different defect densities and amounts of oxygen-containing groups, namely graphite oxide (GPO), graphene oxide (GO), thermally reduced graphene oxide (TR-GO) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ER-GO) by comparing the sensitivity, selectivity, linearity and repeatability towards the oxidation of DNA bases. We have observed that for differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) detection of adenine and cytosine, all CMGs showed enhanced sensitivity to oxidation, while for guanine and thymine, ER-GO and TR-GO exhibited much improved sensitivity over bare glassy carbon (GC) as well as over GPO and GO. There is also significant selectivity enhancement when using GPO for adenine and TR-GO for thymine. Our results have uncovered that the differences in surface functionalities, structure and defects of various CMGs largely influence their electrochemical behaviour in detecting the oxidation of DNA bases. The findings in this report will provide a useful guide for the future development of label-free electrochemical devices for DNA analysis.

  16. 40 CFR 721.10151 - Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10151 Section 721.10151 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10151 Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (PMN P-07-642) is subject to reporting under this section...

  17. 40 CFR 721.10151 - Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10151 Section 721.10151 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10151 Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (PMN P-07-642) is subject to reporting under this section...

  18. 40 CFR 721.10120 - Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... nanoparticles (generic). 721.10120 Section 721.10120 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10120 Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (PMN P-05-687) is subject to reporting under this section...

  19. 40 CFR 721.10120 - Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... nanoparticles (generic). 721.10120 Section 721.10120 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10120 Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (PMN P-05-687) is subject to reporting under this section...

  20. 40 CFR 721.10120 - Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... nanoparticles (generic). 721.10120 Section 721.10120 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10120 Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (PMN P-05-687) is subject to reporting under this section...

  1. 40 CFR 721.10120 - Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... nanoparticles (generic). 721.10120 Section 721.10120 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10120 Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (PMN P-05-687) is subject to reporting under this section...

  2. 40 CFR 721.10120 - Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... nanoparticles (generic). 721.10120 Section 721.10120 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10120 Siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (generic). (a) Chemical... as siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles (PMN P-05-687) is subject to reporting under this section...

  3. 40 CFR 721.10151 - Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10151 Section 721.10151 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10151 Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (PMN P-07-642) is subject to reporting under this section...

  4. 40 CFR 721.10151 - Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10151 Section 721.10151 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10151 Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (PMN P-07-642) is subject to reporting under this section...

  5. 40 CFR 721.10151 - Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10151 Section 721.10151 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10151 Modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as modified styrene, divinylbenzene polymer (PMN P-07-642) is subject to reporting under this section...

  6. Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of Vanillin through Low-Defect Graphene Electrodes Modified with Au Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Gao, Jingyao; Yuan, Qilong; Ye, Chen; Guo, Pei; Du, Shiyu; Lai, Guosong; Yu, Aimin; Jiang, Nan; Fu, Li; Lin, Cheng-Te; Chee, Kuan W A

    2018-03-25

    Graphene is an excellent modifier for the surface modification of electrochemical electrodes due to its exceptional physical properties and, for the development of graphene-based chemical and biosensors, is usually coated on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) via drop casting. However, the ease of aggregation and high defect content of reduced graphene oxides degrade the electrical properties. Here, we fabricated low-defect graphene electrodes by catalytically thermal treatment of HPHT diamond substrate, followed by the electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an average size of ≈60 nm on the electrode surface using cyclic voltammetry. The Au nanoparticle-decorated graphene electrodes show a wide linear response range to vanillin from 0.2 to 40 µM with a low limit of detection of 10 nM. This work demonstrates the potential applications of graphene-based hybrid electrodes for highly sensitive chemical detection.

  7. 129Xe nuclear magnetic resonance study of pitch-based activated carbon modified by air oxidation/pyrolysis cycles: a new approach to probe the micropore size.

    PubMed

    Romanenko, Konstantin V; Py, Xavier; d'Espinose de Lacaillerie, Jean-Baptiste; Lapina, Olga B; Fraissard, Jacques

    2006-02-23

    (129)Xe NMR has been used to study a series of homologous activated carbons obtained from a KOH-activated pitch-based carbon molecular sieve modified by air oxidation/pyrolysis cycles. A clear correlation between the pore size of microporous carbons and the (129)Xe NMR of adsorbed xenon is proposed for the first time. The virial coefficient delta(Xe)(-)(Xe) arising from binary xenon collisions varied linearly with the micropore size and appeared to be a better probe of the microporosity than the chemical shift extrapolated to zero pressure. This correlation was explained by the fact that the xenon collision frequency increases with increasing micropore size. The chemical shift has been shown to vary very little with temperature (less than 9 ppm) for xenon trapped inside narrow and wide micropores. This is indicative of a smooth xenon-surface interaction potential.

  8. Enzyme Technology of Peroxidases: Immobilization, Chemical and Genetic Modification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Longoria, Adriana; Tinoco, Raunel; Torres, Eduardo

    An overview of enzyme technology applied to peroxidases is made. Immobilization on organic, inorganic, and hybrid supports; chemical modification of amino acids and heme group; and genetic modification by site-directed and random mutagenesis are included. Different strategies that were carried out to improve peroxidase performance in terms of stability, selectivity, and catalytic activity are analyzed. Immobilization of peroxidases on inorganic and organic materials enhances the tolerance of peroxidases toward the conditions normally found in many industrial processes, such as the presence of an organic solvent and high temperature. In addition, it is shown that immobilization helps to increase the Total Turnover Number at levels high enough to justify the use of a peroxidase-based biocatalyst in a synthesis process. Chemical modification of peroxidases produces modified enzymes with higher thermostability and wider substrate variability. Finally, through mutagenesis approaches, it is possible to produce modified peroxidases capable of oxidizing nonnatural substrates with high catalytic activity and affinity.

  9. Gravimetric chemical sensors based on silica-based mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrids.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jiaqiang; Zheng, Qi; Zhu, Yongheng; Lou, Huihui; Xiang, Qun; Cheng, Zhixuan

    2014-09-01

    Silica-based mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrid material modified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors have been examined for their ability to achieve highly sensitive and selective detection. Mesoporous silica SBA-15 serves as an inorganic host with large specific surface area, facilitating gas adsorption, and thus leads to highly sensitive response; while the presence of organic functional groups contributes to the greatly improved specific sensing property. In this work, we summarize our efforts in the rational design and synthesis of novel sensing materials for the detection of hazardous substances, including simulant nerve agent, organic vapor, and heavy metal ion, and develop high-performance QCM-based chemical sensors.

  10. The development of nano-modified Ti(C,N) cermets.

    PubMed

    Rong, Chunlan; Chen, Wenling; Zhang, Xiaobo; Liu, Ning

    2007-01-01

    The unique combination of mechanical properties such as excellent wear resistance and good chemical stability at elevated temperature helps titanium carbonitride based (Ti (C, N)-based) cermets to play an important roles in metal cutting operations. Nowadays, cermets cutting tools are widely used for semi-finishing and finishing works on steel and cast iron. However, their brittleness is still an unavoidable limitation for their utilization. With the development of nano-technology, nano-modified cermets have received more attention due to the high toughening enhancements. In this review, the development of nano-modified Ti(C,N) cermets is discussed including the fabrication, microstructure, mechanical properties, cutting performance and the practical applications in different fields. Many patents having important effect on the development of cermets were noticed, too.

  11. Interlaboratory validation of the modified murine local lymph node assay based on adenosine triphosphate measurement.

    PubMed

    Omori, Takashi; Idehara, Kenji; Kojima, Hajime; Sozu, Takashi; Arima, Kazunori; Goto, Hirohiko; Hanada, Tomohiko; Ikarashi, Yoshiaki; Inoda, Taketo; Kanazawa, Yukiko; Kosaka, Tadashi; Maki, Eiji; Morimoto, Takashi; Shinoda, Shinsuke; Shinoda, Naoki; Takeyoshi, Masahiro; Tanaka, Masashi; Uratani, Mamoru; Usami, Masahito; Yamanaka, Atsushi; Yoneda, Tomofumi; Yoshimura, Isao; Yuasa, Atsuko

    2008-01-01

    The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a well-established alternative to the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) or Buehler test (BT) for the assessment of the skin sensitizing ability of drugs and chemicals. Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd. has developed a modified LLNA based on the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content (LLNA-DA). We conducted 2 interlaboratory validation studies to evaluate the reliability and relevance of LLNA-DA. The experiment involved 17 laboratories, wherein 14 chemicals were examined under blinded conditions. In the first study, 3 chemicals were examined in 10 laboratories and the remaining 9 were examined in 3 laboratories. In the second study, 1 chemical was examined in 7 laboratories and the remaining 4 chemicals were examined in 4 laboratories. The data were expressed as the ATP content for each chemical-treated group, and the stimulation index (SI) for each chemical-treated group was determined as the increase in the ATP content relative to the concurrent vehicle control group. An SI of 3 was set as the cut-off value for exhibiting skin sensitization activity. The results of the first study obtained in the experiments conducted for the 3 chemicals that were examined in all the 10 laboratories and for 5 of the remaining 9 chemicals were sufficiently consistent with small variations in their SI values. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of LLNA-DA against those of GPMT/BT were 7/8 (87.5%), 3/3 (100%), and 10/11 (90.9%), respectively. In the second study, all the 5 chemicals studied demonstrated acceptably small interlaboratory variations. In the first study, a large variation was observed for 2 chemicals; in the second study, this variation was small. It was attributed to the application of dimethylsulfoxide as the solvent for the metallic salts. In conclusion, these 2 studies provide good evidence for the reliability of the LLNA-DA.

  12. The effect of PECVD plasma decomposition on the wettability and dielectric constant changes in silicon modified DLC films for potential MEMS and low stiction applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ogwu, A. A.; Okpalugo, T. I. T.; Nanotechnology Institute, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland

    We have carried out investigations aimed at understanding the mechanism responsible for a water contact angle increase of up to ten degrees and a decrease in dielectric constant in silicon modified hydrogenated amorphous carbon films compared to unmodified hydrogenated amorphous carbon films. Our investigations based on surface chemical constituent analysis using Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SIMS, FTIR, contact angle / surface energy measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry suggests the presence of hydrophobic chemical entities on the surface of the films. This observation is consistent with earlier theoretical plasma chemistry predictions and observed Raman peak shifts in the films. Thesemore » surface hydrophobic entities also have a lower polarizability than the bonds in the un-modified films thereby reducing the dielectric constant of the silicon modified films measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Ellipsometric dielectric constant measurement is directly related to the surface energy through Hamaker's constant. Our current finding is expected to be of benefit to understanding stiction, friction and lubrication in areas that range from nano-tribology to microfluidics.« less

  13. The effect of PECVD plasma decomposition on the wettability and dielectric constant changes in silicon modified DLC films for potential MEMS and low stiction applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ogwu, A. A.; Okpalugo, T. I. T.; McLaughlin, J. A. D.

    2012-09-01

    We have carried out investigations aimed at understanding the mechanism responsible for a water contact angle increase of up to ten degrees and a decrease in dielectric constant in silicon modified hydrogenated amorphous carbon films compared to unmodified hydrogenated amorphous carbon films. Our investigations based on surface chemical constituent analysis using Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SIMS, FTIR, contact angle / surface energy measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry suggests the presence of hydrophobic chemical entities on the surface of the films. This observation is consistent with earlier theoretical plasma chemistry predictions and observed Raman peak shifts in the films. These surface hydrophobic entities also have a lower polarizability than the bonds in the un-modified films thereby reducing the dielectric constant of the silicon modified films measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Ellipsometric dielectric constant measurement is directly related to the surface energy through Hamaker's constant. Our current finding is expected to be of benefit to understanding stiction, friction and lubrication in areas that range from nano-tribology to microfluidics.

  14. TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OF ORD-DEVELOPED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY-BASED TOOLS: 1. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICAL FATHEAD MINNOW BIOASSAY; 2. MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING METHODS; 3. FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROP PLANTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Region 9 RSL and ORD/NERL scientists developed a course for the RSC (Regional Science Council)-sponsored training class on Molecular Biology Concepts. The training will take place as part of the technology transfer of a fish EDC (endocrine disrupting chemical) bioassay to the Reg...

  15. Enzyme-free and isothermal detection of microRNA based on click-chemical ligation-assisted hybridization coupled with hybridization chain reaction signal amplification.

    PubMed

    Oishi, Motoi

    2015-05-01

    An enzyme-free and isothermal microRNA (miRNA) detection method has been developed based on click-chemical ligation-assisted hybridization coupled with hybridization chain reaction (HCR) on magnetic beads (MBs). The click-chemical ligation between an azide-modified probe DNA and a dibenzocyclooctyne-modified probe DNA occurred through the hybridization of target miRNA (miR-141). HCR on MBs was performed by the addition of DNA hairpin monomers (H1 and H2). After magnetic separation and denaturation/rehybridization of HCR products ([H1/H2] n ), the resulting HCR products were analyzed by the fluorescence emitted from an intercalative dye, allowing amplification of the fluorescent signal. The proposed assay had a limit of detection of 0.55 fmol, which was 230-fold more sensitive than that of the HCR on the MBs coupled with a conventional sandwich hybridization assay (without click-chemical ligation) (limit of detection 127 fmol). Additionally, the proposed assay could discriminate between miR-141 and other miR-200 family members. In contrast to quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques using enzymes and thermal cycling, this is an enzyme-free assay that can be conducted under isothermal conditions and can specifically detect miR-141 in fetal bovine serum.

  16. Correlation between dynamic wetting behavior and chemical components of thermally modified wood

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Wang; Zhu, Yuan; Cao, Jinzhen; Sun, Wenjing

    2015-01-01

    In order to investigate the dynamic wetting behavior of thermally modified wood, Cathay poplar (Populus cathayana Rehd.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) samples were thermally modified in an oven at 160, 180, 200, 220 or 240 °C for 4 h in this study. The dynamic contact angles and droplet volumes of water droplets on modified and unmodified wood surfaces were measured by sessile drop method, and their changing rates (expression index: K value and wetting slope) calculated by wetting models were illustrated for mapping the dynamic wetting process. The surface chemical components were also measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS), thus the relationship between dynamic wetting behavior and chemical components of thermally modified wood were determined. The results indicated that thermal modification was capable of decreasing the dynamic wettability of wood, expressed in lowing spread and penetration speed of water droplets on wood surfaces. This change was more obvious with the increased heating temperature. The K values varied linearly with the chemical components parameter (mass loss, O/C ratio, and C1/C2 ratio), indicating a strong correlation between dynamic wetting behavior and chemical components of thermally modified wood.

  17. 40 CFR 721.10533 - Amine-modified urea-formaldehyde polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10533 Section 721.10533 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10533 Amine-modified urea-formaldehyde polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as amine-modified urea-formaldehyde polymer (PMN P-12-182) is subject to reporting under this section...

  18. 40 CFR 721.10533 - Amine-modified urea-formaldehyde polymer (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... polymer (generic). 721.10533 Section 721.10533 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10533 Amine-modified urea-formaldehyde polymer (generic). (a) Chemical... as amine-modified urea-formaldehyde polymer (PMN P-12-182) is subject to reporting under this section...

  19. Ion exchanger from chemically modified banana leaves.

    PubMed

    El-Gendy, Ahmed A; Mohamed, Samar H; Abd-Elkader, Amal H

    2013-07-25

    Cation exchangers from chemically modified banana leaves have been prepared. Banana leaves were treated with different molarities of KMnO4 and cross linked with epichlorohydrin and their effect on metal ion adsorption was investigated. Phosphorylation of chemically modified banana leaves was also studied. The metal ion uptake by these modified banana leaves was clarified. Effect of different varieties, e.g. activation of produced cation exchanger, concentration of metal ions was also investigated. Characterization of the prepared ion exchangers by using infrared and thermal analysis was also taken in consideration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Adsorption properties of Silochrom chemically modified with nickel acetylacetonate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pakhnutova, Evgeniya; Slizhov, Yuriy

    2017-11-01

    One of the areas of development of gas chromatography is the creation of new chromatographic materials that have improved sorption and analytical characteristics. In this work, for the first time, a new sorbent based on Silochrom C-120 modified with nickel acetylacetonate was studied using a complex of physico-chemical methods. It has been established that due to chemical modification of silica gel surface with nickel acetylacetonate the surface area of the specific surface decreases from 112 to 98 m2/g and surface acidity diminishes by 1.2 pH units. Using the thermogravimetric analysis it has been revealed that the obtained sorbent can be used in gas chromatography up to 290°C. Gas chromatography method was used to investigate the adsorption properties of the modified materials. According to the retention data of adsorbates: n-alkanes (C6-C9), benzene, ethanol, nitropropane and butanone-2 the differential molar adsorption energy q¯dif, 1, Henry adsorption constants K1,C, the differential molar entropy ΔS¯S1 and Δ q¯dif, 1 (special) of adsorbates in dispersion and specific interactions were calculated. The influence of the modifying additive on the changings in the thermodynamic retention characteristics of all sorbates because of the manifestation of specific sorbate-sorbent interactions has been shown. The highest values of the thermodynamic parameters were indicative for sorbates forming hydrogen bonds and capable of donor-acceptor interaction.

  1. Investigation of surface halide modification of nitrile butadiene rubber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sukhareva, K. V.; Mikhailov, I. A.; Andriasyan, Yu O.; Mastalygina, E. E.; Popov, A. A.

    2017-12-01

    The investigation is devoted to the novel technology of surface halide modification of rubber samples based on nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). 1,1,2-trifluoro-1,2,2-trichlorethane was used as halide modifier. The developed technology is characterized by production stages reduction to one by means of treating the rubber compound with a halide modifier. The surface halide modification of compounds based on nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) was determined to result in increase of resistance to thermal oxidation and aggressive media. The conducted research revealed the influence of modification time on chemical resistance and physical-mechanical properties of rubbers under investigation.

  2. Medium-Throughput Screen of Microbially Produced Serotonin via a G-Protein-Coupled Receptor-Based Sensor.

    PubMed

    Ehrenworth, Amy M; Claiborne, Tauris; Peralta-Yahya, Pamela

    2017-10-17

    Chemical biosensors, for which chemical detection triggers a fluorescent signal, have the potential to accelerate the screening of noncolorimetric chemicals produced by microbes, enabling the high-throughput engineering of enzymes and metabolic pathways. Here, we engineer a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-based sensor to detect serotonin produced by a producer microbe in the producer microbe's supernatant. Detecting a chemical in the producer microbe's supernatant is nontrivial because of the number of other metabolites and proteins present that could interfere with sensor performance. We validate the two-cell screening system for medium-throughput applications, opening the door to the rapid engineering of microbes for the increased production of serotonin. We focus on serotonin detection as serotonin levels limit the microbial production of hydroxystrictosidine, a modified alkaloid that could accelerate the semisynthesis of camptothecin-derived anticancer pharmaceuticals. This work shows the ease of generating GPCR-based chemical sensors and their ability to detect specific chemicals in complex aqueous solutions, such as microbial spent medium. In addition, this work sets the stage for the rapid engineering of serotonin-producing microbes.

  3. Chemical modification of cellulose-rich fibres to clarify the influence of the chemical structure on the physical and mechanical properties of cellulose fibres and thereof made sheets.

    PubMed

    López Durán, Verónica; Larsson, Per A; Wågberg, Lars

    2018-02-15

    Despite the different chemical approaches used earlier to increase the ductility of fibre-based materials, it has not been possible to link the chemical modification to their mechanical performance. In this study, cellulose fibres have been modified by periodate oxidation, alone or followed either by borohydride reduction, reductive amination or chlorite oxidation. In addition, TEMPO oxidation, and TEMPO oxidation in combination with periodate oxidation and further reduction with sodium borohydride have also been studied. The objective was to gain understanding of the influence of different functional groups on the mechanical and structural properties of handsheets made from the modified fibres. It was found that the modifications studied improved the tensile strength of the fibres to different extents, but that only periodate oxidation followed by borohydride reduction provided more ductile fibre materials. Changes in density, water-holding capacity and mechanical performance were also quantified and all are dependent on the functional group introduced. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Chemical and Biological Tools for the Preparation of Modified Histone Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Howard, Cecil J.; Yu, Ruixuan R.; Gardner, Miranda L.; Shimko, John C.; Ottesen, Jennifer J.

    2016-01-01

    Eukaryotic chromatin is a complex and dynamic system in which the DNA double helix is organized and protected by interactions with histone proteins. This system is regulated through, a large network of dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs) exists to ensure proper gene transcription, DNA repair, and other processes involving DNA. Homogenous protein samples with precisely characterized modification sites are necessary to better understand the functions of modified histone proteins. Here, we discuss sets of chemical and biological tools that have been developed for the preparation of modified histones, with a focus on the appropriate choice of tool for a given target. We start with genetic approaches for the creation of modified histones, including the incorporation of genetic mimics of histone modifications, chemical installation of modification analogs, and the use of the expanded genetic code to incorporate modified amino acids. Additionally, we will cover the chemical ligation techniques that have been invaluable in the generation of complex modified histones that are indistinguishable from the natural counterparts. Finally, we will end with a prospectus on future directions of synthetic chromatin in living systems. PMID:25863817

  5. Modified Surface Having Low Adhesion Properties to Mitigate Insect Residue Adhesion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wohl, Christopher J., Jr. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G., Jr. (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor); Penner, Ronald K. (Inventor)

    2016-01-01

    A process to modify a surface to provide reduced adhesion surface properties to mitigate insect residue adhesion. The surface may include the surface of an article including an aircraft, an automobile, a marine vessel, all-terrain vehicle, wind turbine, helmet, etc. The process includes topographically and chemically modifying the surface by applying a coating comprising a particulate matter, or by applying a coating and also topographically modifying the surface by various methods, including but not limited to, lithographic patterning, laser ablation and chemical etching, physical vapor phase deposition, chemical vapor phase deposition, crystal growth, electrochemical deposition, spin casting, and film casting.

  6. Chemical modification of citrus pectin: Structural, physical and rheologial implications.

    PubMed

    Fracasso, Aline Francielle; Perussello, Camila Augusto; Carpiné, Danielle; Petkowicz, Carmen Lúcia de Oliveira; Haminiuk, Charles Windson Isidoro

    2018-04-01

    The present study aimed to investigate the physical, structural and rheological modifications caused by the chemical modification process of citrus pectin. Therefore, three commercial citrus pectins with different degree of esterification were chemically modified by sequential alkali and acidic hydrolytic process to produce modified citrus pectins (MCP) with special properties. The molar mass (M w ), degree of esterification (DE), monosaccharide composition, 13 C NMR spectra, homogeneity, morphology (SEM) and rheological behavior of both native and modified citrus pectins (MCP) were investigated. The chemical modification reduced the acid uronic content (up to 28.3%) and molar mass (up to 29.98%), however, showed little influence on the degree of esterification of native pectins. Modified citrus pectins presented higher amounts of neutral monosaccharides, mainly galactose, arabinose and rhamnose, typical of the Ramnogalacturonana-I (RG-I) region. Rheological tests indicated that the native and modified citrus pectins presented pseudoplastic behavior, however, the MCP samples were less viscous, compared to the native ones. Modified samples presented better dissolution in water and less strong gels, with good stability during oscillatory shearing at 25°C. This study aims to better understand the implications that chemical modifications may impose on the structure of citrus pectins. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. A graphene-based electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of paracetamol

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kang, Xinhuang; Wang, Jun; Wu, Hong

    2010-05-15

    An electrochemical sensor based on the electrocatalytic activity of functionalized graphene for sensitive detection of paracetamol is presented. The electrochemical behaviors of paracetamol on graphene-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry. The results showed that the graphene-modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity to paracetamol. A quasi-reversible redox process of paracetamol at the modified electrode was obtained, and the over-potential of paracetamol decreased significantly compared with that at the bare GCE. Such electrocatalytic behavior of graphene is attributed to its unique physical and chemical properties, e.g., subtle electronic characteristics, attractive π–π interaction, and strong adsorptivemore » capability. The sensor shows great promise for simple, sensitive, and quantitative detection of paracetamol.« less

  8. Investigation of a Modified 9Cr-1Mo (P91) Pipe Failure

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Klueh, Ronald L; Shingledecker, John P

    2006-04-01

    A modified 9Cr-1Mo feedwater (condensate) line at an Eastman Chemical Company plant failed in January 2005. The line was in continuous service since start-up December 2001 until failure. The Plant Superintendent estimated there were three thermal cycles since start-up, although there may have been as many as 25 thermal cycles during commissioning. Normal operating temperature was 325 F (163 C) and pressure was 1762 psig. The line was steam traced with the tracing activated only when ambient outdoor temperature dropped to 40 F (5 C). A modified 9Cr-1Mo steel (P91) pipe failure in a feedwater line in a chemical plantmore » was investigated. The failure occurred in the vicinity of an elbow produced with socket welds of the pipe to the elbow. Based on metallography and hardness measurements, it was concluded that failure occurred because of an improper post-weld heat treatment of the socket weldment.« less

  9. Polymer-grafted QCM chemical sensor and application to heavy metalions real time detection.

    PubMed

    Sartore, Luciana; Barbaglio, Marzia; Borgese, Laura; Bontempi, Elza

    2011-07-20

    A flow type quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) chemical sensor was developed for monitoring of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions (that is suitable for environmental monitoring). The sensor is based upon surface chelation of the metal ions at multifunctional polymer modified gold electrodes on 9 MHz AT-cut quartz resonators, functioning as a QCM. New processes have been developed which enable to obtain surface-modified gold electrodes with high heavy metal ions complexing ability. These polymer grafted QCM sensors can selectively adsorb heavy metal ions, such as copper lead chrome and cadmium, from solution over a wide range from 0.01 to 1000 ppm concentration by complexation with functional groups in the polymers. Cations typically present in natural water did not interfere with the detection of heavy metals. X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) and Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) were carried out to characterise the unmodified and modified gold surfaces as well as to verify the possibility to selectively bond and remove metal ions.

  10. Dye-doped silica-based nanoparticles for bioapplications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nhung Tran, Hong; Nghiem, Thi Ha Lien; Thuy Duong Vu, Thi; Tan Pham, Minh; Van Nguyen, Thi; Trang Tran, Thu; Chu, Viet Ha; Thuan Tong, Kim; Thuy Tran, Thanh; Le, Thi Thanh Xuan; Brochon, Jean-Claude; Quy Nguyen, Thi; Nhung Hoang, My; Nguyen Duong, Cao; Thuy Nguyen, Thi; Hoang, Anh Tuan; Hoa Nguyen, Phuong

    2013-12-01

    This paper presents our recent research results on synthesis and bioapplications of dye-doped silica-based nanoparticles. The dye-doped water soluble organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles (NPs) with the size of 15-100 nm were synthesized by modified Stöber method from methyltriethoxysilane CH3Si(OCH3)3 precursor (MTEOS). Because thousands of fluorescent dye molecules are encapsulated in the silica-based matrix, the dye-doped nanoparticles are extremely bright and photostable. Their surfaces were modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and biocompatible chemical reagents. The highly intensive luminescent nanoparticles were combined with specific bacterial and breast cancer antigen antibodies. The antibody-conjugated nanoparticles can identify a variety of bacterium, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, through antibody-antigen interaction and recognition. A highly sensitive breast cancer cell detection has been achieved with the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody-nanoparticles complex. These results demonstrate the potential to apply these fluorescent nanoparticles in various biodetection systems.

  11. Correction to: Top Down Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of a Chemically Modified Rough-Type Lipopolysaccharide Vaccine Candidate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oyler, Benjamin L.; Khan, Mohd M.; Smith, Donald F.; Harberts, Erin M.; Kilgour, David P. A.; Ernst, Robert K.; Cross, Alan S.; Goodlett, David R.

    2018-04-01

    In the preceding article "Top Down Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of a Chemically Modified Rough-Type Lipopolysaccharide Vaccine Candidate" by Oyler et al., an error in the J5 E. coli LPS chemical structure (Figs. 2 and 4) was introduced and propagated into the final revision.

  12. Graphene-based smart materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Xiaowen; Cheng, Huhu; Zhang, Miao; Zhao, Yang; Qu, Liangti; Shi, Gaoquan

    2017-09-01

    The high specific surface area and the excellent mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of graphene make it an attractive component for high-performance stimuli-responsive or 'smart' materials. Complementary to these inherent properties, functionalization or hybridization can substantially improve the performance of these materials. Typical graphene-based smart materials include mechanically exfoliated perfect graphene, chemical vapour deposited high-quality graphene, chemically modified graphene (for example, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) and their macroscopic assemblies or composites. These materials are sensitive to a range of stimuli, including gas molecules or biomolecules, pH value, mechanical strain, electrical field, and thermal or optical excitation. In this Review, we outline different graphene-based smart materials and their potential applications in actuators, chemical or strain sensors, self-healing materials, photothermal therapy and controlled drug delivery. We also introduce the working mechanisms of graphene-based smart materials and discuss the challenges facing the realization of their practical applications.

  13. Fluorescence imaging technology (FI) for high-throughput screening of selenide-modified nano-TiO2 catalysts.

    PubMed

    Wang, Liping; Lee, Jianchao; Zhang, Meijuan; Duan, Qiannan; Zhang, Jiarui; Qi, Hailang

    2016-02-18

    A high-throughput screening (HTS) method based on fluorescence imaging (FI) was implemented to evaluate the catalytic performance of selenide-modified nano-TiO2. Chemical ink-jet printing (IJP) technology was reformed to fabricate a catalyst library comprising 1405 (Ni(a)Cu(b)Cd(c)Ce(d)In(e)Y(f))Se(x)/TiO2 (M6Se/Ti) composite photocatalysts. Nineteen M6Se/Tis were screened out from the 1405 candidates efficiently.

  14. Large area ultraviolet photodetector on surface modified Si:GaN layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anitha, R.; R., Ramesh; Loganathan, R.; Vavilapalli, Durga Sankar; Baskar, K.; Singh, Shubra

    2018-03-01

    Unique features of semiconductor based heterostructured photoelectric devices have drawn considerable attention in the recent past. In the present work, large area UV photodetector has been fabricated utilizing interesting Zinc oxide microstructures on etched Si:GaN layers. The surface of Si:GaN layer grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition method on sapphire has been modified by chemical etching to control the microstructure. The photodetector exhibits response to Ultraviolet light only. Optimum etching of Si:GaN was required to exhibit higher responsivity (0.96 A/W) and detectivity (∼4.87 × 109 Jones), the two important parameters for a photodetector. Present method offers a tunable functionality of photodetector through modification of top layer microstructure. A comparison with state of art materials has also been presented.

  15. Bio-Based Nano Composites from Plant Oil and Nano Clay

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Jue; Hong, Chang K.; Wool, Richard P.

    2003-03-01

    We explored the combination of nanoclay with new chemically functionalized, amphiphilic, plant oil resins to form bio-based nanocomposites with improved physical and mechanical properties. These can be used in many new applications, including the development of self-healing nanocomposites through controlled reversible exfoliation/intercalation, and self-assembled nano-structures. Several chemically modified triglyceride monomers of varying polarity, combined with styrene (ca 30include acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), maleated acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (MAESO) and soybean oil pentaerythritol glyceride maleates (SOPERMA), containing either hydroxyl group or acid functionality or both. The clay used is a natural montmorillonite modified with methyl tallow bis-2-hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium chloride, which has hydroxyl groups. Both XRD and TEM showed a completely exfoliated structure at 3 wtwhen the clay content is above 5 wtconsidered a mix of intercalated and partially exfoliated structure. The controlled polarity of the monomer has a major effect on the reversible dispersion of clay in the polymer matrix. The bio-based nanocomposites showed a significant increase in flexural modulus and strength. Supported by EPA and DoE

  16. Strategies for an enzyme immobilization on electrodes: Structural and electrochemical characterizations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganesh, V.; Muthurasu, A.

    2012-04-01

    In this paper, we propose various strategies for an enzyme immobilization on electrodes (both metal and semiconductor electrodes). In general, the proposed methodology involves two critical steps viz., (1) chemical modification of substrates using functional monolayers [Langmuir - Blodgett (LB) films and/or self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)] and (2) anchoring of a target enzyme using specific chemical and physical interactions by attacking the terminal functionality of the modified films. Basically there are three ways to immobilize an enzyme on chemically modified electrodes. First method consists of an electrostatic interaction between the enzyme and terminal functional groups present within the chemically modified films. Second and third methods involve the introduction of nanomaterials followed by an enzyme immobilization using both the physical and chemical adsorption processes. As a proof of principle, in this work we demonstrate the sensing and catalytic activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) anchored onto SAM modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes towards hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Structural characterization of such modified electrodes is performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. The binding events and the enzymatic reactions are monitored using electrochemical techniques mainly cyclic voltammetry (CV).

  17. Comparison of some effects of modification of a polylactide surface layer by chemical, plasma, and laser methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moraczewski, Krzysztof; Rytlewski, Piotr; Malinowski, Rafał; Żenkiewicz, Marian

    2015-08-01

    The article presents the results of studies and comparison of selected properties of the modified PLA surface layer. The modification was carried out with three methods. In the chemical method, a 0.25 M solution of sodium hydroxide in water and ethanol was utilized. In the plasma method, a 50 W generator was used, which produced plasma in the air atmosphere under reduced pressure. In the laser method, a pulsed ArF excimer laser with fluency of 60 mJ/cm2 was applied. Polylactide samples were examined by using the following techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), goniometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Images of surfaces of the modified samples were recorded, contact angles were measured, and surface free energy was calculated. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemical composition of the PLA surface layer were performed as well. Based on the survey it was found that the best modification results are obtained using the plasma method.

  18. Chemically modified graphene/polyimide composite films based on utilization of covalent bonding and oriented distribution.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ting; Lu, Renguo; Su, Chao; Wang, Hongna; Guo, Zheng; Liu, Pei; Huang, Zhongyuan; Chen, Haiming; Li, Tongsheng

    2012-05-01

    Herein, we have developed a rather simple composite fabrication approach to achieving molecular-level dispersion and planar orientation of chemically modified graphene (CMG) in the thermosetting polyimide (PI) matrix as well as realizing strong adhesion at the interfacial regions between reinforcing filler and matrix. The covalent adhesion of CMG to PI matrix and oriented distribution of CMG were carefully confirmed and analyzed by detailed investigations. Combination of covalent bonding and oriented distribution could enlarge the effectiveness of CMG in the matrix. Efficient stress transfer was found at the CMG/PI interfaces. Significant improvements in the mechanical performances, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and hydrophobic behavior were achieved by addition of only a small amount of CMG. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition and the electrical percolation were observed at only 0.2 wt % CMG in this composite system. This facile methodology is believed to afford broad application potential in graphene-based polymer nanocomposites, especially other types of high-performance thermosetting systems.

  19. Characteristics of surface modified Ti-6Al-4V alloy by a series of YAG laser irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Xian; Wang, Wenqin; Yamaguchi, Tomiko; Nishio, Kazumasa

    2018-01-01

    In this study, a double-layer Ti (C, N) film was successfully prepared on Ti-6Al-4V alloy by a series of YAG laser irradiation in nitrogen atmosphere, aiming at improving the wear resistance. The effects of laser irradiation pass upon surface chemical composition, microstructures and hardness were investigated. The results showed that the surface chemicals were independent from laser irradiation pass, which the up layer of film was a mixture of TiN and TiC0.3N0.7, and the down layer was nitrogen-rich α-Ti. Both the surface roughness and hardness increased as raising the irradiation passes. However, surface deformation and cracks happened in the case above 3 passes' irradiation. The wear resistance of laser modified sample by 3 passes was improved approximately by 37 times compared to the as received substrate. Moreover, the cytotoxic V ion released from laser modified sample was less than that of as received Ti-6Al-4V alloy in SBF, suggesting the potentiality of a new try to modify the sliding part of Ti-based hard tissue implants in future biomedical application.

  20. Modification in band gap of zirconium complexes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sharma, Mayank, E-mail: mayank30134@gmail.com; Singh, J.; Chouhan, S.

    2016-05-06

    The optical properties of zirconium complexes with amino acid based Schiff bases are reported here. The zirconium complexes show interesting stereo chemical features, which are applicable in organometallic and organic synthesis as well as in catalysis. The band gaps of both Schiff bases and zirconium complexes were obtained by UV-Visible spectroscopy. It was found that the band gap of zirconium complexes has been modified after adding zirconium compound to the Schiff bases.

  1. Process for derivatizing carbon nanotubes with diazonium species and compositions thereof

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bahr, Jeffrey L. (Inventor); Tour, James M. (Inventor); Yang, Jiping (Inventor)

    2011-01-01

    Methods for the chemical modification of carbon nanotubes involve the derivatization of multi- and single-wall carbon nanotubes, including small diameter (ca. 0.7 nm) single-wall carbon nanotubes, with diazonium species. The method allows the chemical attachment of a variety of organic compounds to the side and ends of carbon nanotubes. These chemically modified nanotubes have applications in polymer composite materials, molecular electronic applications, and sensor devices. The methods of derivatization include electrochemical induced reactions, thermally induced reactions, and photochemically induced reactions. Moreover, when modified with suitable chemical groups, the derivatized nanotubes are chemically compatible with a polymer matrix, allowing transfer of the properties of the nanotubes (such as, mechanical strength or electrical conductivity) to the properties of the composite material as a whole. Furthermore, when modified with suitable chemical groups, the groups can be polymerized to form a polymer that includes carbon nanotubes.

  2. Silk Fibroin-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Zheng; Li, Yi; Xie, Mao-Bin

    2015-01-01

    Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein-based biomacromolecule with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity. The development of SF-based nanoparticles for drug delivery have received considerable attention due to high binding capacity for various drugs, controlled drug release properties and mild preparation conditions. By adjusting the particle size, the chemical structure and properties, the modified or recombinant SF-based nanoparticles can be designed to improve the therapeutic efficiency of drugs encapsulated into these nanoparticles. Therefore, they can be used to deliver small molecule drugs (e.g., anti-cancer drugs), protein and growth factor drugs, gene drugs, etc. This paper reviews recent progress on SF-based nanoparticles, including chemical structure, properties, and preparation methods. In addition, the applications of SF-based nanoparticles as carriers for therapeutic drugs are also reviewed. PMID:25749470

  3. Physical-chemical properties of dental composites and adhesives containing silane-modified SBA-15.

    PubMed

    Martim, Gedalias Custódio; Kupfer, Vicente Lira; Moisés, Murilo Pereira; Dos Santos, Andressa; Buzzetti, Paulo Henrique Maciel; Rinaldi, Andrelson Wellington; Rubira, Adley Forti; Girotto, Emerson Marcelo

    2018-04-01

    The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize mesoporous materials SBA-15 and SBA-15 modified with 3-(methacryloxy)-propyl-trimethoxysilane (MPS) to be used as inorganic filler in restorative dental composites and adhesives, and evaluate the main physical-chemical properties of the resulting material. The SBA-15 and SBA-15/MPS were characterized by FTIR, BET and X-Ray and combined with TEGDMA, bis-GMA and commercial spherical silica to produce dental composites. Afterwards, the mesoporous materials were combined with TEGDMA, bis-GMA and HEMA to make adhesives. To compare the results, composites and adhesives containing only commercial spherical silica were investigated. Some physical-chemical properties such as degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM), water sorption and solubility (W sp and W sl ), specific area (BET), and the leachable components were evaluated. The SBA-15/MPS can be used to prepare dental restorative materials, with some foreseeable advantages compared with pure SBA-15 dental materials and with improved properties compared with commercial spherical silica dental materials. An important improvement was that the dental materials based on modified SBA-15 presented a reduction of approximately 60% in leaching of unreacted monomers extracted by solvent compared to the control group. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Microwave-assisted maleation of tung oil for bio-based products

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In this work, a simple, “green” and convenient chemical modification of tung oil for maleinized tung oil (TOMA) was developed via microwave-assisted one-step maleation. This modifying process did not involve any solvent, catalyst, or initiator, but demonstrated the most efficiency of functionalizing...

  5. In situ formation of graphene layers on graphite surfaces for efficient anodes of microbial fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Tang, Jiahuan; Chen, Shanshan; Yuan, Yong; Cai, Xixi; Zhou, Shungui

    2015-09-15

    Graphene can be used to improve the performance of the anode in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) due to its good biocompatibility, high electrical conductivity and large surface area. However, the chemical production and modification of the graphene on the anode are environmentally hazardous because of the use of various harmful chemicals. This study reports a novel method based on the electrochemical exfoliation of a graphite plate (GP) for the in situ formation of graphene layers on the surface of a graphite electrode. When the resultant graphene-layer-based graphite plate electrode (GL/GP) was used as an anode in an MFC, a maximum power density of 0.67 ± 0.034 W/m(2) was achieved. This value corresponds to 1.72-, 1.56- and 1.26-times the maximum power densities of the original GP, exfoliated-graphene-modified GP (EG/GP) and chemically-reduced-graphene-modified GP (rGO/GP) anodes, respectively. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the high performance of the GL/GP anode was attributable to its macroporous structure, improved electron transfer and high electrochemical capacitance. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is a facile and environmentally friendly synthesis technique for the fabrication of high-performance graphene-based electrodes for use in microbial energy harvesting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Simple, Green, and High-Yield Production of Boron-Based Nanostructures with Diverse Morphologies by Dissolution and Recrystallization of Layered Magnesium Diboride Crystals in Water.

    PubMed

    Gunda, Harini; Das, Saroj Kumar; Jasuja, Kabeer

    2018-04-05

    Layered metal diborides that contain metal atoms sandwiched between boron honeycomb planes offer a rich opportunity to access graphenic forms of boron. We recently demonstrated that magnesium diboride (MgB 2 ) could be exfoliated by ultrasonication in water to yield boron-based nanosheets. However, knowledge of the fate of metal boride crystals in aqueous phases is still in its incipient stages. This work presents our preliminary findings on the discovery that MgB 2 crystals can undergo dissolution in water under ambient conditions to result in precursors (prenucleation clusters) that, upon aging, undergo nonclassical crystallization preferentially growing in lateral directions by two-dimensional (2D) oriented attachment. We show that this recrystallization can be utilized as an avenue to obtain a high yield (≈92 %) of boron-based nanostructures, including nanodots, nanograins, nanoflakes, and nanosheets. These nanostructures comprise boron honeycomb planes chemically modified with hydride and oxy functional groups, which results in an overall negative charge on their surfaces. This ability of MgB 2 crystals to yield prenucleation clusters that can self-seed to form nanostructures comprising chemically modified boron honeycomb planes presents a new facet to the physicochemical interaction of MgB 2 with water. These findings also open newer avenues to obtain boron-based nanostructures with tunable morphologies by varying the chemical milieu during recrystallization. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. Piezoelectric sensor for sensitive determination of metal ions based on the phosphate-modified dendrimer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, S. H.; Shen, C. Y.; Lin, Y. M.; Du, J. C.

    2016-08-01

    Heavy metal ions arising from human activities are retained strongly in water; therefore public water supplies must be monitored regularly to ensure the timely detection of potential problems. A phosphate-modified dendrimer film was investigated on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for sensing metal ions in water at room temperature in this study. The chemical structures and sensing properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and QCM measurement, respectively. This phosphate-modified dendrimer sensor can directly detect metal ions in aqueous solutions. This novel sensor was evaluated for its capacity to sense various metal ions. The sensor exhibited a higher sensitivity level and shorter response time to copper(II) ions than other sensors. The linear detection range of the prepared QCM based on the phosphate-modified dendrimer was 0.0001 ∼ 1 μM Cu(II) ions (R2 = 0.98). The detection properties, including sensitivity, response time, selectivity, reusability, maximum adsorption capacity, and adsorption equilibrium constants, were also investigated.

  8. Chemical modification of semiconductor surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Finklea, H. O.

    1981-01-01

    Results of research on the chemical modification of TiO2 powders in the gas phase and the examination of the modified powders by infrared absorption spectroscopy are comprehensively summarized. The range of information obtainable by IR spectroscopy of chemically modified semiconductors, and a definition of the optimum reaction conditions for synthesizing a monolayer of methylsilanes using vapor phase reaction conditions were considered.

  9. Direct-push geochemical profiling for assessment of inorganic chemical heterogeneity in aquifers

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Schulmeister, M.K.; Healey, J.M.; Butler, J.J.; McCall, G.W.

    2004-01-01

    Discrete-depth sampling of inorganic groundwater chemistry is essential for a variety of site characterization activities. Although the mobility and rapid sampling capabilities of direct-push techniques have led to their widespread use for evaluating the distribution of organic contaminants, complementary methods for the characterization of spatial variations in geochemical conditions have not been developed. In this study, a direct-push-based approach for high-resolution inorganic chemical profiling was developed at a site where sharp chemical contrasts and iron-reducing conditions had previously been observed. Existing multilevel samplers (MLSs) that span a fining-upward alluvial sequence were used for comparison with the direct-push profiling. Chemical profiles obtained with a conventional direct-push exposed-screen sampler differed from those obtained with an adjacent MLS because of sampler reactivity and mixing with water from previous sampling levels. The sampler was modified by replacing steel sampling components with stainless-steel and heat-treated parts, and adding an adapter that prevents mixing. Profiles obtained with the modified approach were in excellent agreement with those obtained from an adjacent MLS for all constituents and parameters monitored (Cl, NO3, Fe, Mn, DO, ORP, specific conductance and pH). Interpretations of site redox conditions based on field-measured parameters were supported by laboratory analysis of dissolved Fe. The discrete-depth capability of this approach allows inorganic chemical variations to be described at a level of detail that has rarely been possible. When combined with the mobility afforded by direct-push rigs and on-site methods of chemical analysis, the new approach is well suited for a variety of interactive site-characterization endeavors. ?? 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Chemical copatterning strategies using azlactone-based block copolymers

    DOE PAGES

    Masigol, Mohammadali; Barua, Niloy; Retterer, Scott T.; ...

    2017-09-01

    Interfaces can be modified with azlactone-functional polymers in order to manipulate the chemical surface reactivity. Azlactone groups are highly reactive toward amine, thiol, and alcohol nucleophiles, providing a versatile coupling chemistry for secondary surface modification. Azlactone-based surface polymers have been explored in numerous applications, including chemical and biological capture, sensing, and cell culture. These applications often require that the polymer is copatterned within a chemically or biologically inert background; however, common fabrication methods degrade azlactone groups during processing steps or result in polymer films with poorly controlled thicknesses. Here, the authors develop fabrication strategies using parylene lift-off and interface-directed assemblymore » methods to generate microscale patterns of azlactone-based block copolymer in chemically or biologically inert backgrounds. The functionality of azlactone groups was preserved during fabrication, and patterned films appeared as uniform, 80–120nm brushlike films. The authors also develop a patterning approach that uses a novel microcontact stamping method to generate cross-linked, three-dimensional structures of azlactone-based polymers with controllable, microscale thicknesses. The authors identify the benefits of each approach and expect these polymers and patterning strategies to provide a versatile toolbox for developing synthetic interfaces with tuned chemical and physical features for sensing, cell culture, or material capture applications.« less

  11. Chemical copatterning strategies using azlactone-based block copolymers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Masigol, Mohammadali; Barua, Niloy; Retterer, Scott T.

    Interfaces can be modified with azlactone-functional polymers in order to manipulate the chemical surface reactivity. Azlactone groups are highly reactive toward amine, thiol, and alcohol nucleophiles, providing a versatile coupling chemistry for secondary surface modification. Azlactone-based surface polymers have been explored in numerous applications, including chemical and biological capture, sensing, and cell culture. These applications often require that the polymer is copatterned within a chemically or biologically inert background; however, common fabrication methods degrade azlactone groups during processing steps or result in polymer films with poorly controlled thicknesses. Here, the authors develop fabrication strategies using parylene lift-off and interface-directed assemblymore » methods to generate microscale patterns of azlactone-based block copolymer in chemically or biologically inert backgrounds. The functionality of azlactone groups was preserved during fabrication, and patterned films appeared as uniform, 80–120nm brushlike films. The authors also develop a patterning approach that uses a novel microcontact stamping method to generate cross-linked, three-dimensional structures of azlactone-based polymers with controllable, microscale thicknesses. The authors identify the benefits of each approach and expect these polymers and patterning strategies to provide a versatile toolbox for developing synthetic interfaces with tuned chemical and physical features for sensing, cell culture, or material capture applications.« less

  12. A theoretical study on metal atom-modified BC3 sheets for effects of gas molecule adsorptions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Yanan; Cui, Xiao; Chen, Weiguang; Zhu, Dalei; Chai, Huaduo; Dai, Xianqi

    2018-06-01

    Based on the first-principle calculations, the chemical reactivity of transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) dopants within BC3 sheets toward toxic gas molecules (CO, NO, NO2, SO2, and HCN) is comparably investigated. First, the adsorbed gases on metal-modified BC3 sheets exhibit the different stability. Compared with other gases, the metal-modified BC3 substrates exhibit the stronger affinity toward the NO and NO2 molecules (> 1.0 eV), while the adsorbed HCN has the smallest adsorption energy, illustrating that the NO and NO2 as specific toxic gas molecule can be easily detected. Second, the adsorbed gas molecules can effectively regulate the electronic structure and magnetic property of BC3 systems. Fox example, the strong adsorption of NO and NO2 on Fe-modified BC3 systems exhibits non-magnetic property, yet these gases on Co modified BC3 systems exhibit the magnetic character. In addition, the adsorbed NO and SO2 can induce and turn the degree of magnetic moments of Ni- and Cu-modified BC3 systems. Therefore, the different kinds of adsorbed gases on metal-modified BC3 sheets can be distinguished through investigating the changed magnetic moments of system, which would provide important information for designing the functional BC3-based materials.

  13. Effect of chemically converted graphene as an electrode interfacial modifier on device-performances of inverted organic photovoltaic cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, Tae-Woon; Noh, Yong-Jin; Yun, Jin-Mun; Yang, Si-Young; Yang, Yong-Eon; Lee, Hae-Seong; Na, Seok-In

    2015-06-01

    This study examined the effects of chemically converted graphene (CCG) materials as a metal electrode interfacial modifier on device-performances of inverted organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). As CCG materials for interfacial layers, a conventional graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were prepared, and their functions on OPV-performances were compared. The inverted OPVs with CCG materials showed all improved cell-efficiencies compared with the OPVs with no metal/bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) interlayers. In particular, the inverted OPVs with reduction form of GO showed better device-performances than those with GO and better device-stability than poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-based inverted solar cells, showing that the rGO can be more desirable as a metal/BHJ interfacial material for fabricating inverted-configuration OPVs.

  14. Recent Progress on Cellulose-Based Electro-Active Paper, Its Hybrid Nanocomposites and Applications

    PubMed Central

    Khan, Asif; Abas, Zafar; Kim, Heung Soo; Kim, Jaehwan

    2016-01-01

    We report on the recent progress and development of research into cellulose-based electro-active paper for bending actuators, bioelectronics devices, and electromechanical transducers. The cellulose electro-active paper is characterized in terms of its biodegradability, chirality, ample chemically modifying capacity, light weight, actuation capability, and ability to form hybrid nanocomposites. The mechanical, electrical, and chemical characterizations of the cellulose-based electro-active paper and its hybrid composites such as blends or coatings with synthetic polymers, biopolymers, carbon nanotubes, chitosan, and metal oxides, are explained. In addition, the integration of cellulose electro-active paper is highlighted to form various functional devices including but not limited to bending actuators, flexible speaker, strain sensors, energy harvesting transducers, biosensors, chemical sensors and transistors for electronic applications. The frontiers in cellulose paper devices are reviewed together with the strategies and perspectives of cellulose electro-active paper and cellulose nanocomposite research and applications. PMID:27472335

  15. Recent Progress on Cellulose-Based Electro-Active Paper, Its Hybrid Nanocomposites and Applications.

    PubMed

    Khan, Asif; Abas, Zafar; Kim, Heung Soo; Kim, Jaehwan

    2016-07-26

    We report on the recent progress and development of research into cellulose-based electro-active paper for bending actuators, bioelectronics devices, and electromechanical transducers. The cellulose electro-active paper is characterized in terms of its biodegradability, chirality, ample chemically modifying capacity, light weight, actuation capability, and ability to form hybrid nanocomposites. The mechanical, electrical, and chemical characterizations of the cellulose-based electro-active paper and its hybrid composites such as blends or coatings with synthetic polymers, biopolymers, carbon nanotubes, chitosan, and metal oxides, are explained. In addition, the integration of cellulose electro-active paper is highlighted to form various functional devices including but not limited to bending actuators, flexible speaker, strain sensors, energy harvesting transducers, biosensors, chemical sensors and transistors for electronic applications. The frontiers in cellulose paper devices are reviewed together with the strategies and perspectives of cellulose electro-active paper and cellulose nanocomposite research and applications.

  16. Transcriptional regulatory proteins as biosensing tools.

    PubMed

    Turner, Kendrick; Joel, Smita; Feliciano, Jessika; Feltus, Agatha; Pasini, Patrizia; Wynn, Daniel; Dau, Peter; Dikici, Emre; Deo, Sapna K; Daunert, Sylvia

    2017-06-22

    We have developed sensing systems employing different classes of transcriptional regulatory proteins genetically and chemically modified to incorporate a fluorescent reporter molecule for detection of arsenic, hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs), and cyclic AMP (cAMP). These are the first examples of optical sensing systems based on transcriptional regulatory proteins.

  17. Microwave-assisted maleation of tung oil for bio-based products with versatile applications

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In this work, a simple, “green” and convenient chemical modification of tung oil for maleinized tung oil (TOMA) was developed via microwave-assisted one-step maleation. This modifying process did not involve any solvent, catalyst, or initiator, but demonstrated the most efficiency of functionalizing...

  18. MEASUREMENT AND PREDICTION OF THE RESISTIVITY OF ASH/SORBENT MIXTURES PRODUCED BY SULFUR OXIDE CONTROL PROCESSES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report describes the development of (1) a modified procedure for obtaining consistent and reproducible laboratory resistivity values for mixtures of coal fly ash and partially spent sorbent, and (2) an approach for predicting resistivity based on the chemical composition of t...

  19. ACTIVATION AND REACTIVITY OF NOVEL CALCIUM-BASED SORBENTS FOR DRY SO2 CONTROL IN BOILERS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Chemically modified calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) sorbents developed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL) for sulfur dioxide (SO2) control in utility boilers were tested in an electrically heated, bench-scale isotherma...

  20. Engineered soy oils for new value added applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tran, Phuong T.

    Soybean oil is an abundant annually renewable resource. It is composed of triglycerides with long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids allows for chemical modification to introduce new functionalities to soybean oil. A portfolio of chemically modified soy oil with suitable functional groups has been designed and engineered to serve as the starting material in applications such as polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, composites, and lubricants. Anhydride, hydroxyl, and silicone functionalities were introduced to soy oil. Anhydride functionality was introduced using a single-step free radical initiated process, and the chemically modified soy oils were evaluated for potential applications as a composite and lubricant. Hydroxyl functionalities were introduced in a single-step catalytic ozonolysis process recently developed in our labs, which proceeds rapidly and efficiently at room temperature without solvent. The transformed soy oil was used to successfully prepare bio-lubricants with good thermal/oxidative stability and bio-plastics such as polyamides, polyesters, and polyurethanes. A new class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials was prepared by curing vinyltrimethoxysilane functionalized soy oil. This hybrid material could have potential as biobased sealant through a moisture initiated room temperature cure. These new classes of soy-based materials are competitive both in cost and performance to petroleum based materials, but offer the advantage of being biobased.

  1. Hybrid quantitative MRI using chemical shift displacement and recovery-based simultaneous water and lipid imaging: A preliminary study.

    PubMed

    Ohno, Naoki; Miyati, Tosiaki; Suzuki, Shuto; Kan, Hirohito; Aoki, Toshitaka; Nakamura, Yoshitaka; Hiramatsu, Yuki; Kobayashi, Satoshi; Gabata, Toshifumi

    2018-07-01

    To suppress olefinic signals and enable simultaneous and quantitative estimation of multiple functional parameters associated with water and lipid, we investigated a modified method using chemical shift displacement and recovery-based separation of lipid tissue (SPLIT) involving acquisitions with different inversion times (TIs), echo times (TEs), and b-values. Single-shot diffusion echo-planar imaging (SSD-EPI) with multiple b-values (0-3000 s/mm 2 ) was performed without fat suppression to separate water and lipid images using the chemical shift displacement of lipid signals in the phase-encoding direction. An inversion pulse (TI = 292 ms) was applied to SSD-EPI to remove olefinic signals. Consecutively, SSD-EPI (b = 0 s/mm 2 ) was performed with TI = 0 ms and TE = 31.8 ms for T 1 and T 2 measurements, respectively. Under these conditions, transverse water and lipid images at the maximum diameter of the right calf were obtained in six healthy subjects. T 1 , T 2 , and the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were then calculated for the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GM), and soleus (SL) muscles, tibialis bone marrow (TB), and subcutaneous fat (SF). Perfusion-related (D*) and restricted diffusion coefficients (D) were calculated for the muscles. Lastly, the lipid fractions (LF) of the muscles were determined after T 1 and T 2 corrections. The modified SPLIT method facilitated sufficient separation of water and lipid images of the calf, and the inversion pulse with TI of 292 ms effectively suppressed olefinic signals. All quantitative parameters obtained with the modified SPLIT method were found to be in general agreement with those previously reported in the literature. The modified SPLIT technique enabled sufficient suppression of olefinic signals and simultaneous acquisition of quantitative parameters including diffusion, perfusion, T 1 and T 2 relaxation times, and LF. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. SHEDS-HT: An Integrated Probabilistic Exposure Model for ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) researchers are developing a strategy for highthroughput (HT) exposure-based prioritization of chemicals under the ExpoCast program. These novel modeling approaches for evaluating chemicals based on their potential for biologically relevant human exposures will inform toxicity testing and prioritization for chemical risk assessment. Based on probabilistic methods and algorithms developed for The Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation Model for Multimedia, Multipathway Chemicals (SHEDS-MM), a new mechanistic modeling approach has been developed to accommodate high-throughput (HT) assessment of exposure potential. In this SHEDS-HT model, the residential and dietary modules of SHEDS-MM have been operationally modified to reduce the user burden, input data demands, and run times of the higher-tier model, while maintaining critical features and inputs that influence exposure. The model has been implemented in R; the modeling framework links chemicals to consumer product categories or food groups (and thus exposure scenarios) to predict HT exposures and intake doses. Initially, SHEDS-HT has been applied to 2507 organic chemicals associated with consumer products and agricultural pesticides. These evaluations employ data from recent USEPA efforts to characterize usage (prevalence, frequency, and magnitude), chemical composition, and exposure scenarios for a wide range of consumer products. In modeling indirec

  3. Metabolomics of Genetically Modified Crops

    PubMed Central

    Simó, Carolina; Ibáñez, Clara; Valdés, Alberto; Cifuentes, Alejandro; García-Cañas, Virginia

    2014-01-01

    Metabolomic-based approaches are increasingly applied to analyse genetically modified organisms (GMOs) making it possible to obtain broader and deeper information on the composition of GMOs compared to that obtained from traditional analytical approaches. The combination in metabolomics of advanced analytical methods and bioinformatics tools provides wide chemical compositional data that contributes to corroborate (or not) the substantial equivalence and occurrence of unintended changes resulting from genetic transformation. This review provides insight into recent progress in metabolomics studies on transgenic crops focusing mainly in papers published in the last decade. PMID:25334064

  4. Different Interfacial Behaviors of Peptides Chemically Immobilized on Surfaces with Different Linker Lengths and via Different Termini

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-02-20

    spectroscopy was applied to investigate such structures of peptides immobilized on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Here cysteine-modified antimicrobial ...modified antimicrobial peptide cecropin P1 (CP1) was chemically immobilized onto SAM with a maleimide terminal group. Two important characteristics...applied to investigate such structures of peptides immobilized on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Here cysteine-modified antimicrobial peptide cecropin

  5. A reagentless enzymatic fluorescent biosensor for glucose based on upconverting glasses, as excitation source, and chemically modified glucose oxidase.

    PubMed

    Del Barrio, Melisa; Cases, Rafael; Cebolla, Vicente; Hirsch, Thomas; de Marcos, Susana; Wilhelm, Stefan; Galbán, Javier

    2016-11-01

    Upon near-infrared excitation Tm(3+)+Yb(3+) doped fluorohafnate glasses present upconversion properties and emit visible light. This property permits to use these glasses (UCG) as excitation sources for fluorescent optical biosensors. Taking this into account, in this work a fluorescent biosensor for glucose determination is designed and evaluated. The biosensor combines the UCG and the fluorescence of the enzyme glucose oxidase chemically modified with a fluorescein derivative (GOx-FS), whose intensity is modified during the enzymatic reaction with glucose. Optical parameters have been optimized and a mathematical model describing the behavior of the analytical signal is suggested. Working in FIA mode, the biosensor responds to glucose concentrations up to, at least, 15mM with a limit of detection of 1.9mM. The biosensor has a minimum lifetime of 9 days and has been applied to glucose determination in drinks. The applicability of the sensor was tested by glucose determination in two fruit juices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Incorporation of post-translational modified amino acids as an approach to increase both chemical and biological diversity of conotoxins and conopeptides.

    PubMed

    Espiritu, Michael J; Cabalteja, Chino C; Sugai, Christopher K; Bingham, Jon-Paul

    2014-01-01

    Bioactive peptides from Conus venom contain a natural abundance of post-translational modifications that affect their chemical diversity, structural stability, and neuroactive properties. These modifications have continually presented hurdles in their identification and characterization. Early endeavors in their analysis relied on classical biochemical techniques that have led to the progressive development and use of novel proteomic-based approaches. The critical importance of these post-translationally modified amino acids and their specific assignment cannot be understated, having impact on their folding, pharmacological selectivity, and potency. Such modifications at an amino acid level may also provide additional insight into the advancement of conopeptide drugs in the quest for precise pharmacological targeting. To achieve this end, a concerted effort between the classical and novel approaches is needed to completely elucidate the role of post-translational modifications in conopeptide structure and dynamics. This paper provides a reflection in the advancements observed in dealing with numerous and multiple post-translationally modified amino acids within conotoxins and conopeptides and provides a summary of the current techniques used in their identification.

  7. Synthesis and adsorption of silica gel modified 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) from corn cobs against Cu(II) in water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Purwanto, Agung; Yusmaniar, Ferdiani, Fatmawati; Damayanti, Rachma

    2017-03-01

    Silica gel modified APTS was synthesized from silica gel which was obtained from corn cobs via sol-gel process. Silica gel was synthesized from corn cobs and then chemically modified with silane coupling agent which has an amine group (NH2). This process resulting modified silica gel 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). Characterization of silica gel modified APTS by SEM-EDX showed that the size of the particles of silica gel modified APTS was 20µm with mass percentage of individual elements were nitrogen (N) 15.56%, silicon (Si) 50.69% and oxygen (O) 33.75%. In addition, silica gel modified APTS also showed absorption bands of functional groups silanol (Si-OH), siloxane (Si-O-Si), and an aliphatic chain (-CH2-), as well as amine (NH2) from FTIR spectra. Based on the characterization of XRD, silica gel 2θ of 21.094° and 21.32° respectively. It indicated that both material were amorphous. Determination of optimum pH and contact time on adsorption of silica gel 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) against Cu(II). The optimum pH and contact time was measured by using AAS. Optimum pH of adsorption silica gel modified APTS against metal Cu(II) could be obtained at pH 6 while optimum contact time was at 30 minutes, with the process of adsorption metal Cu(II) occured based on the model Freundlich isotherm.

  8. Chemical treatment of the intra-canal dentin surface: a new approach to modify dentin hydrophobicity

    PubMed Central

    GAITAN-FONSECA, Cesar; COLLART-DUTILLEUL, Pierre-Yves; SEMETEY, Vincent; ROMIEU, Olivier; CRUZ, Roel; FLORES, Hector; CUISINIER, Frédéric; PÉREZ, Elías; POZOS-GUILLEN, Amaury

    2013-01-01

    Objective: This study evaluated the hydrophobicity of dentin surfaces that were modified through chemical silanization with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Material and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was performed using 40 human permanent incisors that were divided into the following two groups: non-silanized and silanized. The specimens were pretreated and chemically modified with OTS. After the chemical modification, the dentin hydrophobicity was examined using a water contact angle measurement (WCA). The effectiveness of the modification of hydrophobicity was verified by the fluid permeability test (FPT). Results and Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found in the values of WCA and FPT between the two groups. After silanization, the hydrophobic intraradicular dentin surface exhibited in vitro properties that limit fluid penetration into the sealed root canal. This chemical treatment is a new approach for improving the sealing of the root canal system. PMID:23559114

  9. Separations and characterizations of fractions from Mayan, Heavy Arabian, and Hondo crude oils

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kircher, C.C.

    1991-01-01

    This paper reports on Mayan, Heavy Arabian, and Hondo crude oil resids separated with a modified, extended ASTM D2007 procedure. The fractions obtained have been characterized with various analytical techniques. Chemical properties, hydrodesulfurization, and hydrodemetallation activities of the resids have been correlated with the chemical properties of the separated fractions. Many correlations were indicative of the overall bulk properties of the resids and the broad chemical classes obtained from the separation schemes. Other correlations reflected the unique chemical nature of each crude oil resid. Some potentially important correlations were found between hydrodesulfurization activity and sulfur concentration in polars and asphaltenes,more » and between hydrodemetallation activity and nitrogen concentration in the acid and bases fractions.« less

  10. Interrogating Protein Phosphatases with Chemical Activity Probes.

    PubMed

    Casey, Garrett R; Stains, Cliff I

    2018-06-04

    Protein phosphatases, while long overlooked, have recently become appreciated as drivers of both normal- and disease-associated signaling events. As a result, the spotlight is now turning torwards this enzyme family and efforts geared towards the development of modern chemical tools for studying these enzymes are well underway. This Minireview focuses on the evolution of chemical activity probes, both optical and covalent, for the study of protein phosphatases. Small-molecule probes, global monitoring of phosphatase activity through the use of covalent modifiers, and targeted fluorescence-based activity probes are discussed. We conclude with an overview of open questions in the field and highlight the potential impact of chemical tools for studying protein phosphatases. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Effect of molecular desorption on the electronic properties of self-assembled polarizable molecular monolayers.

    PubMed

    Wang, Gunuk; Jeong, Hyunhak; Ku, Jamin; Na, Seok-In; Kang, Hungu; Ito, Eisuke; Jang, Yun Hee; Noh, Jaegeun; Lee, Takhee

    2014-04-01

    We investigated the interfacial electronic properties of self-assembled monolayers (SAM)-modified Au metal surface at elevated temperatures. We observed that the work functions of the Au metal surfaces modified with SAMs changed differently under elevated-temperature conditions based on the type of SAMs categorized by three different features based on chemical anchoring group, molecular backbone structure, and the direction of the dipole moment. The temperature-dependent work function of the SAM-modified Au metal could be explained in terms of the molecular binding energy and the thermal stability of the SAMs, which were investigated with thermal desorption spectroscopic measurements and were explained with molecular modeling. Our study will aid in understanding the electronic properties at the interface between SAMs and metals in organic electronic devices if an annealing treatment is applied. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. [Effect of feeding methods in infants on serum lipid profile].

    PubMed

    Maślanka, R; Siemianowicz, K; Stajszczyk, M; Wojakowski, W

    1995-07-01

    Mothers very often do not start to breast feed their children, or stop very quickly and introduce various formulas based either on modified or unmodified cow's milk. These infant formulas differ from human milk in their chemical composition. Breast milk is the most suitable source of all nutrients required for the development of a newborn or infant. The serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids were determined. The influence of the type of feeding on the levels of the above-mentioned lipids was analyzed. Higher serum levels of triglycerides in babies fed formulas based on modified cow's milk than in those fed formulas based on unmodified milk were found. Higher serum levels of phospholipids were found in breast-fed babies than in those fed formulas based on unmodified cow's milk.

  13. Chemical and Conformational Diversity of Modified Nucleosides Affects tRNA Structure and Function.

    PubMed

    Väre, Ville Y P; Eruysal, Emily R; Narendran, Amithi; Sarachan, Kathryn L; Agris, Paul F

    2017-03-16

    RNAs are central to all gene expression through the control of protein synthesis. Four major nucleosides, adenosine, guanosine, cytidine and uridine, compose RNAs and provide sequence variation, but are limited in contributions to structural variation as well as distinct chemical properties. The ability of RNAs to play multiple roles in cellular metabolism is made possible by extensive variation in length, conformational dynamics, and the over 100 post-transcriptional modifications. There are several reviews of the biochemical pathways leading to RNA modification, but the physicochemical nature of modified nucleosides and how they facilitate RNA function is of keen interest, particularly with regard to the contributions of modified nucleosides. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most extensively modified RNAs. The diversity of modifications provide versatility to the chemical and structural environments. The added chemistry, conformation and dynamics of modified nucleosides occurring at the termini of stems in tRNA's cloverleaf secondary structure affect the global three-dimensional conformation, produce unique recognition determinants for macromolecules to recognize tRNAs, and affect the accurate and efficient decoding ability of tRNAs. This review will discuss the impact of specific chemical moieties on the structure, stability, electrochemical properties, and function of tRNAs.

  14. 40 CFR 721.10029 - Isocyanate compound, modified with methoxysilane (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... to those contained in the corresponding section 5(e) consent order. (ii) Hazard communication program...) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as isocyanate compound, modified with methoxysilane (PMN P-01-918) is subject to reporting under...

  15. 40 CFR 721.10150 - Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10150 Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl...

  16. 40 CFR 721.10149 - Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10149 Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl...

  17. Characterization of Combustion Dynamics, Detection, and Prevention of an Unstable Combustion State Based on a Complex-Network Theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gotoda, Hiroshi; Kinugawa, Hikaru; Tsujimoto, Ryosuke; Domen, Shohei; Okuno, Yuta

    2017-04-01

    Complex-network theory has attracted considerable attention for nearly a decade, and it enables us to encompass our understanding of nonlinear dynamics in complex systems in a wide range of fields, including applied physics and mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering. We conduct an experimental study using a pragmatic online detection methodology based on complex-network theory to prevent a limiting unstable state such as blowout in a confined turbulent combustion system. This study introduces a modified version of the natural visibility algorithm based on the idea of a visibility limit to serve as a pragmatic online detector. The average degree of the modified version of the natural visibility graph allows us to detect the onset of blowout, resulting in online prevention.

  18. Simulations of molecular self-assembled monolayers on surfaces: packing structures, formation processes and functions tuned by intermolecular and interfacial interactions.

    PubMed

    Wen, Jin; Li, Wei; Chen, Shuang; Ma, Jing

    2016-08-17

    Surfaces modified with a functional molecular monolayer are essential for the fabrication of nano-scale electronics or machines with novel physical, chemical, and/or biological properties. Theoretical simulation based on advanced quantum chemical and classical models is at present a necessary tool in the development, design, and understanding of the interfacial nanostructure. The nanoscale surface morphology, growth processes, and functions are controlled by not only the electronic structures (molecular energy levels, dipole moments, polarizabilities, and optical properties) of building units but also the subtle balance between intermolecular and interfacial interactions. The switchable surfaces are also constructed by introducing stimuli-responsive units like azobenzene derivatives. To bridge the gap between experiments and theoretical models, opportunities and challenges for future development of modelling of ferroelectricity, entropy, and chemical reactions of surface-supported monolayers are also addressed. Theoretical simulations will allow us to obtain important and detailed information about the structure and dynamics of monolayer modified interfaces, which will guide the rational design and optimization of dynamic interfaces to meet challenges of controlling optical, electrical, and biological functions.

  19. Chemical Peeling with a Modified Phenol Formula for the Treatment of Facial Freckles on Asian Skin.

    PubMed

    Sun, Hua-Feng; Lu, Hai-Shan; Sun, Le-Qi; Ping, Wei-Dong; Mao, Dong-Sheng; Li, Dan

    2018-04-01

    Chemical peeling is an efficient method for the treatment of pigment disorders. For freckles, medium-depth to deep peeling using a phenol solution is one of the most effective chemical peels, and modifications of facial skin can be observed up to 20 years after peeling. However, applying phenol to the skin may cause serious side effects. Phenol peeling has been rarely used in Asia due to its tendency to cause permanent pigmentary changes and hypertrophic scars. In total, 896 Chinese inpatients with facial freckles were enrolled in this study. The phenol formula was modified with crystalline phenol, dyclonine, camphor, anhydrous alcohol and glycerin and adjusted to a concentration of 73.6-90.0%. The entire peeling treatment was divided into two procedures performed separately on 2 days. All patients exhibited 26% or greater improvement, and 99.66% of patients exhibited 51% or greater improvement (good and excellent). Scarring and systemic complications were not observed in any patient. The modified phenol formula is very effective and safe for the treatment of facial freckles in Asian patients. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

  20. Modified clay minerals efficiency against chemical and biological warfare agents for civil human protection.

    PubMed

    Plachá, Daniela; Rosenbergová, Kateřina; Slabotínský, Jiří; Kutláková, Kateřina Mamulová; Studentová, Soňa; Martynková, Gražyna Simha

    2014-04-30

    Sorption efficiencies of modified montmorillonite and vermiculite of their mono ionic Na and organic HDTMA and HDP forms were studied against chemical and biological warfare agents such as yperite and selected bacterial strains. Yperite interactions with modified clay minerals were observed through its capture in low-density polyethylene foil-modified clay composites by measuring yperite gas permeation with using chemical indication and gas chromatography methods. The antibacterial activities of synthetized organoclays were tested against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species in minimum inhibitory concentration tests. The obtained results showed a positive influence of modified clay minerals on the significant yperite breakthrough-time increase. The most effective material was the polyethylene-Na form montmorillonite, while the polyethylene-Na form vermiculite showed the lowest efficiency. With increasing organic cations loading in the interlayer space the montmorillonite efficiency decreased, and in the case of vermiculite an opposite effect was observed. Generally the modified montmorillonites were more effective than modified vermiculites. The HDP cations seem to be more effective compare to the HDTMA. The antibacterial activity tests confirmed efficiency of all organically modified clay minerals against Gram-positive bacteria. The confirmation of antibacterial activity against Y. pestis, plague bacteria, is the most interesting result of this part of the study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Susceptibility based upon Chemical Interaction with Disease ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    One of the challenges facing toxicology and risk assessment is that numerous host and environmental factors may modulate vulnerability and risk. An area of increasing interest is the potential for chemicals to interact with background aging and disease processes, an interaction that may yield cumulative damage, altered chemical potency, and increased disease incidence. This review outlines the interactions possible between chemicals and background disease and identifies the type of information needed to evaluate such interactions. Key among these is the existence of a clinically relevant and easy to measure biomarker of disease risk which allows the identification of vulnerable individuals based upon the level of risk biomarker. The impact of toxic chemicals on this biomarker can then be used to predict how the chemical modifies disease risk as long as related mechanistic and toxicological data are consistent with toxicant effect on the disease process. Several case studies are briefly presented which describe the toxic chemical, the clinical biomarker and the impacted disease including: fine particulate matter/decreased heart rate variability/increased cardiopulmonary events; cadmium/decreased glomerular filtration rate/increased chronic kidney disease; methyl mercury/decreased paraoxonase-1/increased cardiovascular risk; trichloroethylene/increased anti-nuclear antibody/autoimmunity; dioxin/increased CYP1A1/hypertension. These case studies point o

  2. Chemical Modification of Polysaccharides

    PubMed Central

    Cumpstey, Ian

    2013-01-01

    This review covers methods for modifying the structures of polysaccharides. The introduction of hydrophobic, acidic, basic, or other functionality into polysaccharide structures can alter the properties of materials based on these substances. The development of chemical methods to achieve this aim is an ongoing area of research that is expected to become more important as the emphasis on using renewable starting materials and sustainable processes increases in the future. The methods covered in this review include ester and ether formation using saccharide oxygen nucleophiles, including enzymatic reactions and aspects of regioselectivity; the introduction of heteroatomic nucleophiles into polysaccharide chains; the oxidation of polysaccharides, including oxidative glycol cleavage, chemical oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids, and enzymatic oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes; reactions of uronic-acid-based polysaccharides; nucleophilic reactions of the amines of chitosan; and the formation of unsaturated polysaccharide derivatives. PMID:24151557

  3. Turbulent Mixing Chemistry in Disks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Semenov, D.; Wiebe, D.

    2006-11-01

    A gas-grain chemical model with surface reaction and 1D/2D turbulent mixing is available for protoplanetary disks and molecular clouds. Current version is based on the updated UMIST'95 database with gas-grain interactions (accretion, desorption, photoevaporation, etc.) and modified rate equation approach to surface chemistry (see also abstract for the static chemistry code).

  4. Simultaneous Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Cadmium and Lead Determination in Wastewater: A Laboratory Exercise

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Correia, Paulo R. M.; Oliveira, Pedro V.

    2004-01-01

    The simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead by multi-element atomic absorption spectrometry with electrochemical atomization is proposed by employing a problem-based approach. The reports indicate that the students assimilated the principles of the simultaneous atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS), the role of the chemical modifier, the…

  5. Enzymatic modification of phospholipids for functional applications and human nutrition.

    PubMed

    Guo, Zheng; Vikbjerg, Anders F; Xu, Xuebing

    2005-05-01

    Rapid progress in biochemistry of phospholipids and evolution of modern bioengineering has brought forth a number of novel concepts and technical advancements in the modification of phospholipids for industrial applications and human nutrition. Highlights cover preparation of novel phospholipid analogs based on the latest understanding of pivotal role of phospholipids in manifold biological processes, exploration of remarkable application potentials of phospholipids in meliorating human health, as well as development of new chemical and biotechnological approaches applied to the modification of phospholipids. This work reviews the natural occurrence and structural characteristics of phospholipids, their updated knowledge on manifold biological and nutritional functions, traditional and novel physical and chemical approaches to modify phospholipids as well as their applications to obtain novel phospholipids, and brief introduction of the efforts focusing on de novo syntheses of phospholipids. Special attention is given to the summary of molecular structural characteristics and catalytic properties of multiple phospholipases, which helps to interpret experimental phenomena and to improve reaction design. This will of course provide fundamental bases also for the development of enzymatic technology to produce structured or modified phospholipids.

  6. Security risk assessment: applying the concepts of fuzzy logic.

    PubMed

    Bajpai, Shailendra; Sachdeva, Anish; Gupta, J P

    2010-01-15

    Chemical process industries (CPI) handling hazardous chemicals in bulk can be attractive targets for deliberate adversarial actions by terrorists, criminals and disgruntled employees. It is therefore imperative to have comprehensive security risk management programme including effective security risk assessment techniques. In an earlier work, it has been shown that security risk assessment can be done by conducting threat and vulnerability analysis or by developing Security Risk Factor Table (SRFT). HAZOP type vulnerability assessment sheets can be developed that are scenario based. In SRFT model, important security risk bearing factors such as location, ownership, visibility, inventory, etc., have been used. In this paper, the earlier developed SRFT model has been modified using the concepts of fuzzy logic. In the modified SRFT model, two linguistic fuzzy scales (three-point and four-point) are devised based on trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. Human subjectivity of different experts associated with previous SRFT model is tackled by mapping their scores to the newly devised fuzzy scale. Finally, the fuzzy score thus obtained is defuzzyfied to get the results. A test case of a refinery is used to explain the method and compared with the earlier work.

  7. Modified Allergens for Immunotherapy.

    PubMed

    Satitsuksanoa, Pattraporn; Głobińska, Anna; Jansen, Kirstin; van de Veen, Willem; Akdis, Mübeccel

    2018-02-16

    During the past few decades, modified allergens have been developed for use in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) with the aim to improve efficacy and reduce adverse effects. This review aims to provide an overview of the different types of modified allergens, their mechanism of action and their potential for improving AIT. In-depth research in the field of allergen modifications as well as the advance of recombinant DNA technology have paved the way for improved diagnosis and research on human allergic diseases. A wide range of structurally modified allergens has been generated including allergen peptides, chemically altered allergoids, adjuvant-coupled allergens, and nanoparticle-based allergy vaccines. These modified allergens show promise for the development of AIT regimens with improved safety and long-term efficacy. Certain modifications ensure reduced IgE reactivity and retained T cell reactivity, which facilities induction of immune tolerance to the allergen. To date, multiple clinical trials have been performed using modified allergens. Promising results were obtained for the modified cat, grass and birch pollen, and house dust mite allergens. The use of modified allergens holds promise for improving AIT efficacy and safety. There is however a need for larger clinical studies to reliably assess the added benefit for the patient of using modified allergens for AIT.

  8. Mesoscale assembly of chemically modified graphene into complex cellular networks

    PubMed Central

    Barg, Suelen; Perez, Felipe Macul; Ni, Na; do Vale Pereira, Paula; Maher, Robert C.; Garcia-Tuñon, Esther; Eslava, Salvador; Agnoli, Stefano; Mattevi, Cecilia; Saiz, Eduardo

    2014-01-01

    The widespread technological introduction of graphene beyond electronics rests on our ability to assemble this two-dimensional building block into three-dimensional structures for practical devices. To achieve this goal we need fabrication approaches that are able to provide an accurate control of chemistry and architecture from nano to macroscopic levels. Here, we describe a versatile technique to build ultralight (density ≥1 mg cm−3) cellular networks based on the use of soft templates and the controlled segregation of chemically modified graphene to liquid interfaces. These novel structures can be tuned for excellent conductivity; versatile mechanical response (elastic-brittle to elastomeric, reversible deformation, high energy absorption) and organic absorption capabilities (above 600 g per gram of material). The approach can be used to uncover the basic principles that will guide the design of practical devices that by combining unique mechanical and functional performance will generate new technological opportunities. PMID:24999766

  9. Long term storage of virus templated fluorescent materials for sensing applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seetharam, Raviraja N.; Szuchmacher Blum, Amy; Soto, Carissa M.; Whitley, Jessica L.; Sapsford, Kim E.; Chatterji, Anju; Lin, Tianwei; Johnson, John E.; Guerra, Charles; Satir, Peter; Ratna, Banahalli R.

    2008-03-01

    Wild type, mutant, and chemically modified Cowpea mosaic viruses (CPMV) were studied for long term preservation in the presence and absence of cryoprotectants. Viral complexes were reconstituted and tested via fluorescence spectroscopy and a UV/vis-based RNase assay for structural integrity. When viruses lyophilized in the absence of cryoprotectant were rehydrated and RNase treated, UV absorption increased, indicating that the capsids were damaged. The addition of trehalose during lyophilization protected capsid integrity for at least 7 weeks. Measurements of the fluorescence peak maximum of CPMV lyophilized with trehalose and reconstituted also indicate that the virus remained intact. Microarray binding assays indicated that CPMV particles chemically modified for use as a fluorescent tracer were intact and retained binding specificity after lyophilization in the presence of trehalose. Thus, we demonstrate that functionalized CPMV nanostructures can be stored for the long term, enabling their use in practical sensing applications.

  10. Advanced concepts for transformers pressboard dielectric constant and mechanical strength

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1982-03-01

    Of the numerous electrical considerations in a material, the value of the dielectric constant serves as an important criterion in designing proper insulation systems. Ways to reduce the dielectric constant of solid (fibrous) insulating materials were investigated. A literature search was made on cellulosic and synthetic fibers and also additives which offered the potential for dielectric constant reduction of the solid insulation. Sample board structures were produced in the laboratory and tested for electrical, mechanical and chemical characteristics. Electrical tests determined the suitability of the material at transformer test and operating conditions. The mechanical tests established the physical characteristics of the modified board structures. Chemical tests checked the conductivity of the aqueous extract, acidity, and ash content. Further, compatibility with transformer oil and some aging tests were performed. An actual computer transformer design was made based on one of the modified board structures and the reduction in core steel and transformer losses were shown.

  11. Impact of the interaction with the positive charge in adsorption of benzene and other organic compounds from aqueous solutions on carbons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Terzyk, Artur P.; Ćwiertnia, Magdalena S.; Wiśniewski, Marek; Gauden, Piotr A.; Rychlicki, Gerhard; Szymański, Grzegorz S.

    2007-02-01

    We present the results of benzene adsorption at the acidic pH level determined on the series of chemically modified activated carbons and at three temperatures. The influence of carbon surface chemical composition on benzene adsorption is discussed. It is shown that the decrease in the pH level from 7 up to 1.5 increases benzene adsorption and the only exception is carbon modified with gaseous ammonia. Basing on the results of current work and those published previously (for phenol, paracetamol, acetanilide and aniline) and using the results of quantum chemistry calculations (DFT, Gaussian 98) we show, that the value of the energy of interaction with unit positive charge is crucial during the analysis of the influence of pH level on adsorption. Obtained results allow to predict the changes in adsorption of aromatics on carbons with the decrease in the pH level.

  12. A novel route for preparing 5′ cap mimics and capped RNAs: phosphate-modified cap analogues obtained via click chemistry† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Tables S1–S6 and Fig. S1–S10, experimental procedures, HPLC profiles, NMR and HRMS spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02437h Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Walczak, Sylwia; Nowicka, Anna; Kubacka, Dorota; Fac, Kaja; Wanat, Przemyslaw; Mroczek, Seweryn; Kowalska, Joanna

    2017-01-01

    The significant biological role of the mRNA 5′ cap in translation initiation makes it an interesting subject for chemical modifications aimed at producing useful tools for the selective modulation of intercellular processes and development of novel therapeutic interventions. However, traditional approaches to the chemical synthesis of cap analogues are time-consuming and labour-intensive, which impedes the development of novel compounds and their applications. Here, we explore a different approach for synthesizing 5′ cap mimics, making use of click chemistry (CuAAC) to combine two mononucleotide units and yield a novel class of dinucleotide cap analogues containing a triazole ring within the oligophosphate chain. As a result, we synthesized a library of 36 mRNA cap analogues differing in the location of the triazole ring, the polyphosphate chain length, and the type of linkers joining the phosphate and the triazole moieties. After biochemical evaluation, we identified two analogues that, when incorporated into mRNA, produced transcripts translated with efficiency similar to compounds unmodified in the oligophosphate bridge obtained by traditional synthesis. Moreover, we demonstrated that the triazole-modified cap structures can be generated at the RNA 5′ end using two alternative capping strategies: either the typical co-transcriptional approach, or a new post-transcriptional approach based on CuAAC. Our findings open new possibilities for developing chemically modified mRNAs for research and therapeutic applications, including RNA-based vaccinations. PMID:28451173

  13. [Effects of Different Modifier Concentrations on Lead-Zinc Tolerance, Subcellular Distribution and Chemical Forms for Four Kinds of Woody Plants].

    PubMed

    Chen, Yong-hua; Zhang, Fu-yun; Wu, Xiao-fu; Liang, Xi; Yuan, Si-wen

    2015-10-01

    Four kinds of lead-zinc tolerant woody plants: Nerium oleander, Koelreuteria paniculata, Paulownia and Boehmeria were used as materials to estimate their enrichment and transferable capacity of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) and analyze the subcellular distribution and chemical speciation of Zn and Ph in different parts of plants, under different modifier concentrations (CK group: 100% lead-zinc slag plus a small amount of phosphate fertilizer, improved one: 85% of lead-zinc slag ± 10% peat ± 5% bacterial manure plus a small amount of phosphate fertilizer, improved two: 75% lead-zinc slag ± 20% peat ± 5% bacterial manure ± a small amount of phosphate). Results showed that: (1) The content of Pb, Zn in matrix after planting four kinds of plants was lower than before, no significant difference between improved one and improved two of Nerium oleander and Boehmeria was found, but improved two was better than improved one of Paulownia, while improved one was better than improved two of Koelreuteria paniculata; Four plants had relatively low aboveground enrichment coefficient of Pb and Zn, but had a high transfer coefficient, showed that the appropriate modifier concentration was able to improve the Pb and Zn enrichment and transfer ability of plants. (2) In subcellular distribution, most of Pb and Zn were distributed in plant cell wall components and soluble components while the distribution in cell organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts and nucleus component were less. Compared with CK group, two improved group made soluble components of the cell walls of Pb fixation and retention of zinc role in the enhancement. (3) As for the chemical forms of Pb and Zn in plants, the main chemical forms of Pb were hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride and ethanol extractable forms, while other chemical form contents were few, the main chemical forms of Zn were different based on plant type. Compared with CK group, the proportion of the active Pb chemical form in different plant parts decreased in two improved groups, while the proportion of strong activity chemical forms increased; two improved groups led strong activity Zn chemical form of root increased, while strong activity Zn chemical form of aboveground decreased.

  14. 40 CFR 721.10149 - Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic). 721.10149 Section 721.10149 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substance...

  15. 40 CFR 721.10149 - Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic). 721.10149 Section 721.10149 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substance...

  16. 40 CFR 721.10150 - Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic). 721.10150 Section 721.10150 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substance...

  17. 40 CFR 721.10150 - Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic). 721.10150 Section 721.10150 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substance...

  18. 40 CFR 721.9514 - Ethyl silicate, reaction products with modified alkoxysilane salt (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Ethyl silicate, reaction products with... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9514 Ethyl silicate, reaction products with.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as Ethyl silicate, reaction products with modified...

  19. 40 CFR 721.9514 - Ethyl silicate, reaction products with modified alkoxysilane salt (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Ethyl silicate, reaction products with... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9514 Ethyl silicate, reaction products with.... (1) The chemical substance identified generically as Ethyl silicate, reaction products with modified...

  20. 21 CFR 178.3790 - Polymer modifiers in semirigid and rigid vinyl chloride plastics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are mixed. (2) Polymers identified in...; provided that no chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are combined. Such..., other than addition reactions, occur among the vinyl chloride polymers and the modifying polymers...

  1. 21 CFR 178.3790 - Polymer modifiers in semirigid and rigid vinyl chloride plastics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are mixed. (2) Polymers identified in...; provided that no chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are combined. Such..., other than addition reactions, occur among the vinyl chloride polymers and the modifying polymers...

  2. Optoelectronic investigation of nanodiamond interactions with human blood

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ficek, M.; Wróbel, M. S.; Wasowicz, M.; Jedrzejewska-Szczerska, M.

    2016-03-01

    We present optoelectronic investigation of in vitro interactions of whole human blood with different nanodiamond biomarkers. Plasmo-chemical modifications of detonation nanodiamond particles gives the possibility for controlling their surface for biological applications. Optical investigations reveal the biological activity of nanodiamonds in blood dependent on its surface termination. We compare different types of nanodiamonds: commercial non-modified detonation nanodiamonds, and nanodiamonds modified by MW PACVD method with H2-termination, and chemically modified nanodiamond with O2-termination. The absorption spectra, and optical microscope investigations were conducted. The results indicate haemocompatibility of non-modified detonation nanodiamond as well as modified nanodiamonds, which enables their application for drug delivery, as well as sensing applications.

  3. Evaluating Zeolite-Modified Sensors: towards a faster set of chemical sensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berna, A. Z.; Vergara, A.; Trincavelli, M.; Huerta, R.; Afonja, A.; Parkin, I. P.; Binions, R.; Trowell, S.

    2011-09-01

    The responses of zeolite-modified sensors, prepared by screen printing layers of chromium titanium oxide (CTO), were compared to unmodified tin oxide sensors using amplitude and transient responses. For transient responses we used a family of features, derived from the exponential moving average (EMA), to characterize chemo-resistive responses. All sensors were tested simultaneously against 20 individual volatile compounds from four chemical groups. The responses of the two types of sensors showed some independence. The zeolite-modified CTO sensors discriminated compounds better using either amplitude response or EMA features and CTO-modified sensors also responded three times faster.

  4. Rationale for classification of combustible gases, vapors and dusts with reference to the National Electrical Code

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1982-07-01

    Serious reservations about the entire classification procedure of chemical compounds present in electrical equipment environments and the precepts on which it is based are discussed. Although some tests were conducted on selected key compounds, the committee primarily considered the chemical similarity of compounds and other known flammability properties and relied heavily on the experience and intuition of its members. The committee also recommended that the NEC grouping of dusts be changed in some ways and has reclassified dusts according to the modified version of the code.

  5. Inter-laboratory validation of the modified murine local lymph node assay based on 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation.

    PubMed

    Kojima, Hajime; Takeyoshi, Masahiro; Sozu, Takashi; Awogi, Takumi; Arima, Kazunori; Idehara, Kenji; Ikarashi, Yoshiaki; Kanazawa, Yukiko; Maki, Eiji; Omori, Takashi; Yuasa, Atsuko; Yoshimura, Isao

    2011-01-01

    The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a well-established alternative to the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) or Buehler test (BT) for the assessment of the skin sensitizing ability of a drug, cosmetic material, pesticide or industrial chemical. Instead of radioisotope using in this method, Takeyoshi M. et al. (2001) has developed a modified LLNA based on the 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation (LLNA:BrdU-ELISA). The LLNA:BrdU-ELISA is practically identical to the LLNA methodology excluding the use of BrdU, for which a single intraperitoneal injection of BrdU is made on day 4, and colorimetric detection of cell turnover. We conducted the validation study to evaluate the reliability and relevance of LLNA:BrdU-ELISA. The experiment involved 7 laboratories, wherein 10 chemicals were examined under blinded conditions. In this study, 3 chemicals were examined in all laboratories and the remaining 7 were examined in 3 laboratories. The data were expressed as the BrdU incorporation using an ELISA method for each group, and the stimulation index (SI) for each chemical-treated group was determined as the increase in the BrdU incorporation relative to the concurrent vehicle control group. An SI of 2 was set as the cut-off value for exhibiting skin sensitization activity. The results obtained in the experiments conducted for all 10 chemicals were sufficiently consistent with small variations in their SI values. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of LLNA:BrdU-ELISA against those of GPMT/BT were 7/7 (100%), 3/3 (100%), and 10/10 (100%), respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Two-dimensional wavelet transform feature extraction for porous silicon chemical sensors.

    PubMed

    Murguía, José S; Vergara, Alexander; Vargas-Olmos, Cecilia; Wong, Travis J; Fonollosa, Jordi; Huerta, Ramón

    2013-06-27

    Designing reliable, fast responding, highly sensitive, and low-power consuming chemo-sensory systems has long been a major goal in chemo-sensing. This goal, however, presents a difficult challenge because having a set of chemo-sensory detectors exhibiting all these aforementioned ideal conditions are still largely un-realizable to-date. This paper presents a unique perspective on capturing more in-depth insights into the physicochemical interactions of two distinct, selectively chemically modified porous silicon (pSi) film-based optical gas sensors by implementing an innovative, based on signal processing methodology, namely the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform. Specifically, the method consists of using the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform as a feature extraction method to capture the non-stationary behavior from the bi-dimensional pSi rugate sensor response. Utilizing a comprehensive set of measurements collected from each of the aforementioned optically based chemical sensors, we evaluate the significance of our approach on a complex, six-dimensional chemical analyte discrimination/quantification task problem. Due to the bi-dimensional aspects naturally governing the optical sensor response to chemical analytes, our findings provide evidence that the proposed feature extractor strategy may be a valuable tool to deepen our understanding of the performance of optically based chemical sensors as well as an important step toward attaining their implementation in more realistic chemo-sensing applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. A modified parallel artificial membrane permeability assay for evaluating the bioconcentration of highly hydrophobic chemicals in fish.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Jung-Hwan; Escher, Beate I

    2008-03-01

    Low cost in vitro tools are needed at the screening stage of assessment of bioaccumulation potential of new and existing chemicals because the number of chemical substances that needs to be tested highly exceeds the capacity of in vivo bioconcentration tests. Thus, the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) system was modified to predict passive uptake/ elimination rate in fish. To overcome the difficulties associated with low aqueous solubility and high membrane affinity of highly hydrophobic chemicals, we measured the rate of permeation from the donor poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS) disk to the acceptor PDMS disk through aqueous and PDMS membrane boundary layers and term the modified PAMPA system "PDMS-PAMPA". Twenty chemicals were selected for validation of PDMS-PAMPA. The measured permeability is proportional to the passive elimination rate constant in fish and was used to predict the "minimum" in vivo elimination rate constant. The in vivo data were very close to predicted values except for a few polar chemicals and metabolically active chemicals, such as pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. Thus, PDMS-PAMPA can be an appropriate in vitro system for nonmetabolizable chemicals. Combination with metabolic clearance rates using a battery of metabolic degradation assays would enhance the applicability for metabolizable chemicals.

  8. Applications of Natural Polymeric Materials in Solid Oral Modified-Release Dosage Forms.

    PubMed

    Li, Liang; Zhang, Xin; Gu, Xiangqin; Mao, Shirui

    2015-01-01

    Solid oral modified-release dosage forms provide numerous advantages for drug delivery compared to dosage forms where the drugs are released and absorbed rapidly following ingestion. Natural polymers are of particular interest as drug carriers due to their good safety profile, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and rich sources. This review described the current applications of important natural polymers, such as chitosan, alginate, pectin, guar gum, and xanthan gum, in solid oral modified-release dosage forms. It was shown that natural polymers have been widely used to fabricate solid oral modified-release dosage forms such as matrix tablets, pellets and beads, and especially oral drug delivery systems such as gastroretentive and colon drug delivery systems. Moreover, chemical modifications could overcome the shortcomings associated with the use of natural polymers, and the combination of two or more polymers presented further advantages compared with that of single polymer. In conclusion, natural polymers and modified natural polymers have promising applications in solid oral modified-release dosage forms. However, commercial products based on them are still limited. To accelerate the application of natural polymers in commercial products, in vivo behavior of natural polymers-based solid oral modified-release dosage forms should be deeply investigated, and meanwhile quality of the natural polymers should be controlled strictly, and the influence of formulation and process parameters need to be understood intensively.

  9. Antibiotic Algae by Chemical Surface Engineering.

    PubMed

    Kerschgens, Isabel P; Gademann, Karl

    2018-03-02

    Chemical cell-surface engineering is a tool for modifying and altering cellular functions. Herein, we report the introduction of an antibiotic phenotype to the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by chemically modifying its cell surface. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies demonstrated that a hybrid of the antibiotic vancomycin and a 4-hydroxyproline oligomer binds reversibly to the cell wall without affecting the viability or motility of the cells. The modified cells were used to inhibit bacterial growth of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis cultures. Delivery of the antibiotic from the microalgae to the bacterial cells was verified by microscopy. Our studies provide compelling evidence that 1) chemical surface engineering constitutes a useful tool for the introduction of new, previously unknown functionality, and 2) living microalgae can serve as new platforms for drug delivery. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. A Simple, Cost-Efficient Method to Separate Microalgal Lipids from Wet Biomass Using Surface Energy-Modified Membranes.

    PubMed

    Kwak, Moo Jin; Yoo, Youngmin; Lee, Han Sol; Kim, Jiyeon; Yang, Ji-Won; Han, Jong-In; Im, Sung Gap; Kwon, Jong-Hee

    2016-01-13

    For the efficient separation of lipid extracted from microalgae cells, a novel membrane was devised by introducing a functional polymer coating onto a membrane surface by means of an initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) process. To this end, a steel-use-stainless (SUS) membrane was modified in a way that its surface energy was systemically modified. The surface modification by conformal coating of functional polymer film allowed for selective separation of oil-water mixture, by harnessing the tuned interfacial energy between each liquid phase and the membrane surface. The surface-modified membrane, when used with chloroform-based solvent, exhibited superb permeate flux, breakthrough pressure, and also separation yield: it allowed separation of 95.5 ± 1.2% of converted lipid (FAME) in the chloroform phase from the water/MeOH phase with microalgal debris. This result clearly supported that the membrane-based lipid separation is indeed facilitated by way of membrane being functionalized, enabling us to simplify the whole downstream process of microalgae-derived biodiesel production.

  11. π-Clamp-mediated cysteine conjugation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Chi; Welborn, Matthew; Zhu, Tianyu; Yang, Nicole J.; Santos, Michael S.; van Voorhis, Troy; Pentelute, Bradley L.

    2016-02-01

    Site-selective functionalization of complex molecules is one of the most significant challenges in chemistry. Typically, protecting groups or catalysts must be used to enable the selective modification of one site among many that are similarly reactive, and general strategies that selectively tune the local chemical environment around a target site are rare. Here, we show a four-amino-acid sequence (Phe-Cys-Pro-Phe), which we call the ‘π-clamp’, that tunes the reactivity of its cysteine thiol for site-selective conjugation with perfluoroaromatic reagents. We use the π-clamp to selectively modify one cysteine site in proteins containing multiple endogenous cysteine residues. These examples include antibodies and cysteine-based enzymes that would be difficult to modify selectively using standard cysteine-based methods. Antibodies modified using the π-clamp retained binding affinity to their targets, enabling the synthesis of site-specific antibody-drug conjugates for selective killing of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. The π-clamp is an unexpected approach to mediate site-selective chemistry and provides new avenues to modify biomolecules for research and therapeutics.

  12. Magnetorheological finishing of chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide via chemically and mechanically modified fluids.

    PubMed

    Salzman, Sivan; Romanofsky, Henry J; Giannechini, Lucca J; Jacobs, Stephen D; Lambropoulos, John C

    2016-02-20

    We describe the anisotropy in the material removal rate (MRR) of the polycrystalline, chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide (ZnS). We define the polycrystalline anisotropy via microhardness and chemical erosion tests for four crystallographic orientations of ZnS: (100), (110), (111), and (311). Anisotropy in the MRR was studied under magnetorheological finishing (MRF) conditions. Three chemically and mechanically modified magnetorheological (MR) fluids at pH values of 4, 5, and 6 were used to test the MRR variations among the four single-crystal planes. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with pH 5 and pH 6 MR fluids, variations were found in the MRR among the four single-crystal planes and surface artifacts were observed on the polycrystalline material. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with the modified MR fluid at pH 4, however, minimal variation was observed in the MRR among the four orientations and a reduction in surface artifacts was achieved on the polycrystalline material.

  13. Modified NASA-Lewis chemical equilibrium code for MHD applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sacks, R. A.; Geyer, H. K.; Grammel, S. J.; Doss, E. D.

    1979-01-01

    A substantially modified version of the NASA-Lewis Chemical Equilibrium Code was recently developed. The modifications were designed to extend the power and convenience of the Code as a tool for performing combustor analysis for MHD systems studies. The effect of the programming details is described from a user point of view.

  14. 40 CFR 721.630 - Salt of a modified tallow alkylenediamine (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Salt of a modified tallow alkylenediamine (generic). 721.630 Section 721.630 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.630 Sal...

  15. The determination of lead in sugar and sweets without digestion by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with a rhodium chemical modifier.

    PubMed

    Dias, V M C; Cardoso, A S B

    2006-05-01

    Reference methods for determining lead in food are usually time-consuming. This paper reports a straightforward procedure using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), to determine lead (Pb) in fat-free sweets. Several chemical modifiers were examined and results showed that it is not necessary to digest the samples, when a rhodium (Rh) modifier was used. The samples were dissolved in nitric acid and the determination of Pb was performed by ETAAS, using Rh chemical modifier at a pyrolysis temperature of 900 degrees C and an atomization temperature of 1,500 degrees C. No ashing step was employed and aqueous standards were used, in the range 2-10 microg l(-1). The limit of quantification was 0.095 mg kg(-1), and the accuracy of the method was verified by analysing certified reference materials.

  16. Total chemical synthesis of modified histones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qi, Yun-Kun; Ai, Hua-Song; Li, Yi-Ming; Yan, Baihui

    2018-02-01

    In the post-genome era, epigenetics has received increasing attentions in recent years. The post-translational modifications (PTMs) of four core histones play central roles in epigenetic regulation of eukaryotic genome by either directly altering the biophysical properties of nucleosomes or by recruiting other effector proteins. In order to study the biological functions and structural mechanisms of these histone PTMs, an obligatory step is to prepare a sufficient amount of homogeneously modified histones. This task cannot be fully accomplished either by recombinant technology or enzymatic modification. In this context, synthetic chemists have developed novel protein synthetic tools and state-of-the-art chemical ligation strategies for the preparation of homologous modified histones. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the preparation of modified histones, focusing on the total chemical synthesis strategies. The importance and potential of synthetic chemistry for the study of histone code will be also discussed.

  17. Improved sensitivity by post-column chemical environment modification of CE-ESI-MS using a flow-through microvial interface.

    PubMed

    Risley, Jessica May; Chen, David Da Yong

    2017-06-01

    Post-column chemical environment modification can affect detection sensitivity and signal appearance when capillary electrophoresis is coupled through electrospray ionization to mass spectrometry (CE-ESI-MS). In this study, changes in the signal intensity and peak shape of N-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) were examined when the modifier solution used in a flow-through microvial interface for CE-ESI-MS was prepared using an acidic or basic background electrolyte (BGE) composition. The use of a basic modifier resulted in improved detection compared to the results obtained when an acidic modifier was used in negative ion mode. Increased sensitivity and more symmetrical peak shape were obtained. Using an acidic modifier, the LOD of Neu5Ac was 47.7 nM, whereas for a basic modifier, the LOD of Neu5Ac was 5.20 nM. The calculated asymmetry factor at 100 nM of Neu5Ac ranged from 0.71 to 1.5 when an acidic modifier was used, while the factor ranged from 1.0 to 1.1 when a basic modifier was used. Properly chosen post-column chemical modification can have a significant effect on the performance of the CE-MS system. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester / Montmorillonite Composites

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-11-01

    Montmorillonite Composites DISTRIBUTION: Approved for public release, distribution unlimited This paper is part of the following report: TITLE: Nanophase and...Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester / Montmorillonite Composites A. Baran Inceoglu and Ulku Yilmazer Middle East Technical University, Chemical...analysed the nature of the curing agent on structure. Kornmann, Berglund and Giannelis [8] studied nanocomposites based on montmorillonite modified

  19. Reverse Induced Fit-Driven MAS-Downstream Transduction: Looking for Metabotropic Agonists.

    PubMed

    Pernomian, Larissa; Gomes, Mayara S; de Paula da Silva, Carlos H Tomich; Rosa, Joaquin M C

    2017-01-01

    Protective effects of MAS activation have spurred clinical interests in developing MAS agonists. However, current bases that drive this process preclude that physiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists induce an atypical signaling that does not reach the metabotropic efficacy of constitutive activation. Canonical activation of MAS-coupled G proteins is only achieved by supraphysiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists or physiological concentrations of chemically modified analogues. These pleiotropic differences are because of two overlapped binding domains: one non-metabotropic site that recognizes peptide agonists and one metabotropic domain that recognizes modified analogues. It is feasible that supraphysiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists undergo to chemical modifications required for binding to metabotropic domain. Receptor oligomerization enhances pharmacological parameters coupled to metabotropic signaling. The formation of receptor-signalosome complex makes the transduction of agonists more adaptive. Considering the recent identification of MAS-signalosome, we aimed to postulate the reverse induced fit hypothesis in which MAS-signalosome would trigger chemical modifications required for agonists bind to MAS metabotropic domain. Here we cover rational perspectives for developing novel metabotropic MAS agonists in the view of the reverse induced-fit hypothesis. Predicting a 3D model of MAS metabotropic domain may guide the screening of chemical modifications required for metabotropic efficacy. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening would select potential metabotropic MAS agonists from virtual libraries from human proteome. Rational perspectives that consider reverse induced fit hypothesis during MAS activation for developing metabotropic MAS agonists represents the best approach in providing MAS ligands with constitutive efficacy at physiological concentrations. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  20. C-5 Propynyl Modifications Enhance the Mechanical Stability of DNA.

    PubMed

    Aschenbrenner, Daniela; Baumann, Fabian; Milles, Lukas F; Pippig, Diana A; Gaub, Hermann E

    2015-07-20

    Increased thermal or mechanical stability of DNA duplexes is desired for many applications in nanotechnology or -medicine where DNA is used as a programmable building block. Modifications of pyrimidine bases are known to enhance thermal stability and have the advantage of standard base-pairing and easy integration during chemical DNA synthesis. Through single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments with atomic force microscopy and the molecular force assay we investigated the effect of pyrimidines harboring C-5 propynyl modifications on the mechanical stability of double-stranded DNA. Utilizing these complementary techniques, we show that propynyl bases significantly increase the mechanical stability if the DNA is annealed at high temperature. In contrast, modified DNA complexes formed at room temperature and short incubation times display the same stability as non-modified DNA duplexes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Improved lignin polyurethane properties with Lewis acid treatment.

    PubMed

    Chung, Hoyong; Washburn, Newell R

    2012-06-27

    Chemical modification strategies to improve the mechanical properties of lignin-based polyurethanes are presented. We hypothesized that treatment of lignin with Lewis acids would increase the concentration of hydroxyl groups available to react with diisocyanate monomers. Under the conditions used, hydrogen bromide-catalyzed modification resulted in a 28% increase in hydroxyl group content. Associated increases in hydrophilicity of solvent-cast thin films were also recorded as evidenced by decreases in water contact angle. Polyurethanes were then prepared by first preparing a prepolymer based on mixtures of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) and unmodified or modified lignin, then polymerization was completed through addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG), resulting in mass ratios of TDI:lignin:PEG of 43:17:40 in the compositions investigated here. The mixture of TDI and unmodified lignin resulted in a lignin powder at the bottom of the liquid, suggesting it did not react directly with TDI. However, a homogeneous solution resulted when TDI and the hydrogen bromide-treated lignin were mixed, suggesting demethylation indeed increased reactivity and resulted in better integration of lignin into the urethane network. Significant improvements in mechanical properties of modified lignin polyurethanes were observed, with a 6.5-fold increase in modulus, which were attributed to better integration of the modified lignin into the covalent polymer network due to the higher concentration of hydroxyl groups. This research indicates that chemical modification strategies can lead to significant improvements in the properties of lignin-based polymeric materials using a higher fraction of an inexpensive lignin monomer from renewable resources and a lower fraction an expensive, petroleum-derived isocyanate monomer to achieve the required material properties.

  2. Automated Clean Chemistry for Bulk Analysis of Environmental Swipe Samples - FY17 Year End Report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ticknor, Brian W.; Metzger, Shalina C.; McBay, Eddy H.

    Sample preparation methods for mass spectrometry are being automated using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment to shorten lengthy and costly manual chemical purification procedures. This development addresses a serious need in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Network of Analytical Laboratories (IAEA NWAL) to increase efficiency in the Bulk Analysis of Environmental Samples for Safeguards program with a method that allows unattended, overnight operation. In collaboration with Elemental Scientific Inc., the prepFAST-MC2 was designed based on COTS equipment. It was modified for uranium/plutonium separations using renewable columns packed with Eichrom TEVA and UTEVA resins, with a chemical separation method based on the Oakmore » Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) NWAL chemical procedure. The newly designed prepFAST-SR has had several upgrades compared with the original prepFAST-MC2. Both systems are currently installed in the Ultra-Trace Forensics Science Center at ORNL.« less

  3. Investigation on the Performance of Chemically Modified Aquatic Macrophytes-Salvinia molesta for the Micro-Solid Phase Preconcentration of Cd(II) On-Line Coupled to FAAS.

    PubMed

    Cajamarca, Fabio Antonio Suquila; Corazza, Marcela Zanetti; Prete, Maiyara Caroline; Dragunski, Douglas Cardoso; Rocker, Cristiana; Caetano, Josiane; Gonçalves Júnior, Affonso Celso; Tarley, César Ricardo Teixeira

    2016-12-01

    In this study, a new method for the preconcentration of cadmium ions using modified aquatic macrophytes - Salvinia molesta as biosorbent in an on-line preconcentration system coupled to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was developed. The method is based on preconcentration of 20.0 mL sample at pH 3.75 through 35.0 mg of biosorbent at 10.0 mL min -1 and subsequent elution with 0.5 mol L -1 HNO 3 . A preconcentration factor of 31-fold, linear dynamic range from 5.0 to 70.0 µg L -1 (r = 0.9996) and detection and quantification limits of 0.15 and 0.51 µg L -1 were obtained. The characterization of the biosorbent chemically modified with NaOH and citric acid, was performed through FTIR and SEM measurements. The method precision was found to be 3.97 % and 1.48 % for 5.0 and 60.0 µg L -1 Cd(II) solutions, respectively. The applicability of method was checked by analysis of different kind of water samples and certified reference material.

  4. Electrochemical investigation of the voltammetric determination of hydrochlorothiazide using a nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode.

    PubMed

    Machini, Wesley B S; David-Parra, Diego N; Teixeira, Marcos F S

    2015-12-01

    The preparation and electrochemical characterization of a nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode as well as its behavior as electrocatalyst toward the oxidation of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) were investigated. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode and the electrooxidation of HCTZ were explored using cyclic voltammetry. The voltammetric response of the modified electrode in the detection of HCTZ is based on the electrochemical oxidation of the Ni(II)/Ni(III) and a chemical redox process. The analytical parameters for the electrooxidation of HCTZ by the nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode were obtained in NaOH solution, in which the linear voltammetric response was in the concentration range from 1.39×10(-5) to 1.67×10(-4)mol L(-1) with a limit of detection of 7.92×10(-6)mol L(-1) and a sensitivity of 0.138 μA Lmmol(-1). Tafel analysis was used to elucidate the kinetics and mechanism of HCTZ oxidation by the modified electrode. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Determination of specific capacitance of modified candlenut shell based carbon as electrode material for supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zakir, M.; Budi, P.; Raya, I.; Karim, A.; Wulandari, R.; Sobrido, A. B. J.

    2018-03-01

    Surface modification of candlenut shell carbon (CSC) using three chemicals: nitric acid (HNO3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) has been carried out. Activation of CSC was performed using H3PO4 solution with different ratio between CSC and activator. Carbon surface area was determined by methylene blue adsorption method. Surface characterization was performed using FTIR spectroscopy and Boehm titration method. Specific capacitance of electrode prepared from CSAC (candlenuts shell activated carbon) materials was quantified by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) measurement. The surface area before and after activation are 105,127 m2/g, 112,488 m2/g, 124,190 m2/g, and 135,167 m2/g, respectively. Surface modification of CSAC showed the improvement in the chemical functionality of CSAC surface. Analyses using FTIR spectroscopy and Boehm titration showed that modifications with HNO3, H2SO4 and H2O2 on the surface of the CSAC increased the number of oxygen functional groups. As a consequence, the specific capacitance of CSAC modified with 65% HNO3 attained the highest value (127 μF/g). There is an incredible increase by a factor of 298% from electrode which was constructed with un-modified CSAC material. This increase correlates to the largest number of oxygen functional groups of CSAC modified with nitric acid (HNO3).

  6. A sustainable slashing industry using biodegradable sizes from modified soy protein to replace petro-based poly(vinyl alcohol).

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yi; Zhao, Yuzhu; Xu, Helan; Yang, Yiqi

    2015-02-17

    Biodegradable sizing agents from triethanolamine (TEA) modified soy protein could substitute poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) sizes for high-speed weaving of polyester and polyester/cotton yarns to substantially decrease environmental pollution and impel sustainability of textile industry. Nonbiodegradable PVA sizes are widely used and mainly contribute to high chemical oxygen demand (COD) in textile effluents. It has not been possible to effectively degrade, reuse or replace PVA sizes so far. Soy protein with good biodegradability showed potential as warp sizes in our previous studies. However, soy protein sizes lacked film flexibility and adhesion for required high-speed weaving. Additives with multiple hydroxyl groups, nonlinear molecule, and electric charge could physically modify secondary structure of soy protein and lead to about 23.6% and 43.3% improvement in size adhesion and ability of hair coverage comparing to unmodified soy protein. Industrial weaving results showed TEA-soy protein had relative weaving efficiency 3% and 10% higher than PVA and chemically modified starch sizes on polyester/cotton fabrics, and had relative weaving efficiency similar to PVA on polyester fabrics, although with 3- 6% lower add-on. In addition, TEA-soy sizes had a BOD5/COD ratio of 0.44, much higher than 0.03 for PVA, indicating that TEA-soy sizes were easily biodegradable in activated sludge.

  7. Enhancing adsorption capacity of toxic malachite green dye through chemically modified breadnut peel: equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics and regeneration studies.

    PubMed

    Chieng, Hei Ing; Lim, Linda B L; Priyantha, Namal

    2015-01-01

    Breadnut skin, in both its unmodified (KS) and base-modified (BM-KS) forms, was investigated for its potential use as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of toxic dye, malachite green (MG). Characterization of the adsorbents was carried out using scanning electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Batch adsorption experiments, carried out under optimized conditions, for the adsorption of MG were fitted using five isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Temkin and Sips) and six error functions to determine the best-fit model. The adsorption capacity was greatly enhanced when breadnut skin was chemically modified with NaOH, leading to an adsorption capacity of 353.0 mg g(-1), that was far superior to most reported adsorbents for the removal of MG. Thermodynamics studies indicated that the adsorption of MG was spontaneous on KS and BM-KS, and the reactions were endothermic and exothermic, respectively. Kinetics studies showed that both followed the pseudo-second order. Regeneration experiments on BM-KS indicated that its adsorption capacity was still maintained at>90% even after five cycles. It can be concluded that NaOH-modified breadfruit skin has great potential to be utilized in real-life application as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of MG in wastewater treatment.

  8. Non-covalently functionalized carbon nanostructures for synthesizing carbon-based hybrid nanomaterials.

    PubMed

    Li, Haiqing; Song, Sing I; Song, Ga Young; Kim, Il

    2014-02-01

    Carbon nanostructures (CNSs) such as carbon nanotubes, graphene sheets, and nanodiamonds provide an important type of substrate for constructing a variety of hybrid nanomaterials. However, their intrinsic chemistry-inert surfaces make it indispensable to pre-functionalize them prior to immobilizing additional components onto their surfaces. Currently developed strategies for functionalizing CNSs include covalent and non-covalent approaches. Conventional covalent treatments often damage the structure integrity of carbon surfaces and adversely affect their physical properties. In contrast, the non-covalent approach offers a non-destructive way to modify CNSs with desired functional surfaces, while reserving their intrinsic properties. Thus far, a number of surface modifiers including aromatic compounds, small-molecular surfactants, amphiphilic polymers, and biomacromolecules have been developed to non-covalently functionalize CNS surfaces. Mediated by these surface modifiers, various functional components such as organic species and inorganic nanoparticles were further decorated onto their surfaces, resulting in versatile carbon-based hybrid nanomaterials with broad applications in chemical engineering and biomedical areas. In this review, the recent advances in the generation of such hybrid nanostructures based on non-covalently functionalized CNSs will be reviewed.

  9. The role of chemical transport in the brown-rot decay resistance of modified wood

    Treesearch

    Samuel Zelinka; R. Ringman; A. Pilgard; E. E. Thybring; Joseph Jakes; K. Richter

    2016-01-01

    Chemical modification of wood increases decay resistance but the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recently, Ringman and coauthors examined established theories addressing why modified wood has increased decay resistance and concluded that the most probable cause of inhibition and/or delay of initiation of brown-rot decay is lowering the equilibrium moisture...

  10. Removal of р-nitrophenol from aqueous solution by magnetically modified activated carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Shuai; Zhao, Feng; Sun, Jian; Wang, Bin; Wei, Rongyan; Yan, Shiqiang

    2013-09-01

    Activated carbon was modified with γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, using the chemical co-precipitation technique and the carboxylic acid vapor treatment technique. Two magnetic composites were characterized and compared by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, vibrating sample magnetometry and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. Then the two materials were used to remove p-nitrophenol in water. The equilibrium data revealed that the Langmuir isotherm was better in fitting the experiment result than the Freundlich isotherm, and the sorption capacity of the nanocomposite made by the chemical co-precipitation technique was higher than that of the other one. We suggest that the chemical co-precipitation technique is a more efficient and practical method to produce magnetically modified activated carbon.

  11. Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into chemicals using Pt-modified reduced graphene oxide combined with Pt-modified TiO2 nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Jun; Zhang, Meng; Wu, Gai; Wang, Xin; Zhou, Junhu; Cen, Kefa

    2014-06-17

    The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reduction of CO2 into high-value chemicals is beneficial in alleviating global warming and advancing a low-carbon economy. In this work, Pt-modified reduced graphene oxide (Pt-RGO) and Pt-modified TiO2 nanotubes (Pt-TNT) were combined as cathode and photoanode catalysts, respectively, to form a PEC reactor for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals. XRD, XPS, TEM, AFM, and SEM were employed to characterize the microstructures of the Pt-RGO and Pt-TNT catalysts. Reduction products, such as C2H5OH and CH3COOH, were obtained from CO2 under band gap illumination and biased voltage. A combined liquid product generation rate (CH3OH, C2H5OH, HCOOH, and CH3COOH) of approximately 600 nmol/(h·cm(2)) was observed. Carbon atom conversion rate reached 1,130 nmol/(h·cm(2)), which were much higher than those achieved using Pt-modified carbon nanotubes and platinum carbon as cathode catalysts.

  12. Estimation of Frost Resistance of the Tile Adhesive on a Cement Based with Application of Amorphous Aluminosilicates as a Modifying Additive

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ivanovna Loganina, Valentina; Vladimirovna Zhegera, Christina

    2017-10-01

    In the article given information on the possibility of using amorphous aluminosilicates as a modifying additive in the offered tile cement adhesive. In the article, the data on the preparation of an additive based on amorphous aluminosilicates, on its microstructure and chemical composition. Presented information on the change in the porosity of cement stone when introduced of amorphous aluminosilicates in the his composition. The formulation of a dry building mix on a cement base is proposed with use of an additive based on amorphous aluminosilicates as a modifying additive. Recipe of dry adhesive mixes include Portland cement M400, mineral aggregate in proportion fraction 0.63-0.315:0.315-0.14 respectively 80:20 (%) and filling density of 1538.2 kg/m3, a plasticizer Kratasol, redispersible powder Neolith P4400 and amorphous alumnosilicates. The developed formulation can be used as a tile adhesive for finishing walls of buildings and structure with tiles. Presented results of the evaluation of frost resistance of adhesives based on cement with using of amorphous aluminosilicates as a modifying additive. Installed the mark on the frost resistance of tile glue and frost resistance of the contact zone of adhesive. Established, that the adhesive layer based on developed formulation dry mixture is crack-resistant and frost-resistant for conditions city Penza and dry humidity zone - zone 3 and climatic subarea IIB (accordance with Building codes and regulations 23-01-99Ȋ) cities Russia’s.

  13. A Modified Theoretical Model of Intrinsic Hardness of Crystalline Solids

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Fu-Zhi; Zhou, Yanchun

    2016-01-01

    Super-hard materials have been extensively investigated due to their practical importance in numerous industrial applications. To stimulate the design and exploration of new super-hard materials, microscopic models that elucidate the fundamental factors controlling hardness are desirable. The present work modified the theoretical model of intrinsic hardness proposed by Gao. In the modification, we emphasize the critical role of appropriately decomposing a crystal to pseudo-binary crystals, which should be carried out based on the valence electron population of each bond. After modification, the model becomes self-consistent and predicts well the hardness values of many crystals, including crystals composed of complex chemical bonds. The modified model provides fundamental insights into the nature of hardness, which can facilitate the quest for intrinsic super-hard materials. PMID:27604165

  14. Treating respiratory viral diseases with chemically modified, second generation intranasal siRNAs.

    PubMed

    Barik, Sailen

    2009-01-01

    Chemically synthesized short interfering RNA (siRNA) of pre-determined sequence has ushered a new era in the application of RNA interference (RNAi) against viral genes. We have paid particular attention to respiratory viruses that wreak heavy morbidity and mortality worldwide. The clinically significant ones include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV) and influenza virus. As the infection by these viruses is clinically restricted to the respiratory tissues, mainly the lungs, the logical route for the application of the siRNA was also the same, i.e., via the nasal route. Following the initial success of intranasal siRNA against RSV, second-generation siRNAs were made against the viral polymerase large subunit (L) that were chemically modified and screened for improved stability, activity and pharmacokinetics. 2'-O-methyl (2'-O-Me) and 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro (2'-F) substitutions in the ribose ring were incorporated in different positions of the sense and antisense strands and the resultant siRNAs were tested with various transfection reagents intranasally against RSV. Based on these results, we propose the following consensus for designing intranasal antiviral siRNAs: (i) modified 19-27 nt long double-stranded siRNAs are functional in the lung, (ii) excessive 2'-OMe and 2'-F modifications in either or both strands of these siRNAs reduce efficacy, and (iii) limited modifications in the sense strand are beneficial, although their precise efficacy may be position-dependent.

  15. Aptamer-Modified Magnetic Beads in Biosensing

    PubMed Central

    Scheper, Thomas; Walter, Johanna-Gabriela

    2018-01-01

    Magnetic beads (MBs) are versatile tools for the purification, detection, and quantitative analysis of analytes from complex matrices. The superparamagnetic property of magnetic beads qualifies them for various analytical applications. To provide specificity, MBs can be decorated with ligands like aptamers, antibodies and peptides. In this context, aptamers are emerging as particular promising ligands due to a number of advantages. Most importantly, the chemical synthesis of aptamers enables straightforward and controlled chemical modification with linker molecules and dyes. Moreover, aptamers facilitate novel sensing strategies based on their oligonucleotide nature that cannot be realized with conventional peptide-based ligands. Due to these benefits, the combination of aptamers and MBs was already used in various analytical applications which are summarized in this article. PMID:29601533

  16. Improved actuation strain of PDMS-based DEA materials chemically modified with softening agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biedermann, Miriam; Blümke, Martin; Wegener, Michael; Krüger, Hartmut

    2015-04-01

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are smart materials that gained much in interest particularly in recent years. One active field of research is the improvement of their properties by modification of their structural framework. The object of this work is to improve the actuation properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based DEAs by covalent incorporation of mono-vinyl-terminated low-molecular PDMS chains into the PDMS network. These low-molecular units act as a kind of softener within the PDMS network. The loose chain ends interfere with the network formation and lower the network's density. PDMS films with up to 50wt% of low-molecular PDMS additives were manufactured and the chemical, mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties of these novel materials were investigated.

  17. Graphene based biosensors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gürel, Hikmet Hakan, E-mail: hhakan.gurel@kocaeli.edu.tr; Salmankurt, Bahadır

    2016-03-25

    Nanometer-sized graphene as a 2D material has unique chemical and electronic properties. Because of its unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties, its interesting shape and size make it a promising nanomaterial in many biological applications. It is expected that biomaterials incorporating graphene will be developed for the graphene-based drug delivery systems and biomedical devices. The interactions of biomolecules and graphene are long-ranged and very weak. Development of new techniques is very desirable for design of bioelectronics sensors and devices. In this work, we present first-principles calculations within density functional theory to calculate effects of charging on nucleobases on graphene. Itmore » is shown that how modify structural and electronic properties of nucleobases on graphene by applied charging.« less

  18. Process for preparing chemically modified micas for removal of cesium salts from aqueous solution

    DOEpatents

    Yates, Stephen Frederic; DeFilippi, Irene; Gaita, Romulus; Clearfield, Abraham; Bortun, Lyudmila; Bortun, Anatoly

    2000-09-05

    A chemically modified mica composite formed by heating a trioctahedral mica in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride having a concentration of at least 1 mole/liter at a temperature greater than 180 degrees Centigrade for at least 20 hours, thereby replacing exchangeable ions in the mica with sodium. Formation is accomplished at temperatures and pressures which are easily accessed by industrial equipment. The reagent employed is inexpensive and non-hazardous, and generates a precipitate which is readily separated from the modified mica.

  19. Chemical Etching of Zinc Oxide for Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells

    PubMed Central

    Hüpkes, Jürgen; Owen, Jorj I; Pust, Sascha E; Bunte, Eerke

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Chemical etching is widely applied to texture the surface of sputter-deposited zinc oxide for light scattering in thin-film silicon solar cells. Based on experimental findings from the literature and our own results we propose a model that explains the etching behavior of ZnO depending on the structural material properties and etching agent. All grain boundaries are prone to be etched to a certain threshold, that is defined by the deposition conditions and etching solution. Additionally, several approaches to modify the etching behavior through special preparation and etching steps are provided. PMID:22162035

  20. Bioconjugate functionalization of thermally carbonized porous silicon using a radical coupling reaction†

    PubMed Central

    Sciacca, Beniamino; Alvarez, Sara D.; Geobaldo, Francesco; Sailor, Michael J.

    2011-01-01

    The high stability of Salonen’s thermally carbonized porous silicon (TCPSi) has attracted attention for environmental and biochemical sensing applications, where corrosion-induced zero point drift of porous silicon-based sensor elements has historically been a significant problem. Prepared by the high temperature reaction of porous silicon with acetylene gas, the stability of this silicon carbide-like material also poses a challenge—many sensor applications require a functionalized surface, and the low reactivity of TCPSi has limited the ability to chemically modify its surface. This work presents a simple reaction to modify the surface of TCPSi with an alkyl carboxylate. The method involves radical coupling of a dicarboxylic acid (sebacic acid) to the TCPSi surface using a benzoyl peroxide initiator. The grafted carboxylic acid species provides a route for bioconjugate chemical modification, demonstrated in this work by coupling propylamine to the surface carboxylic acid group through the intermediacy of pentafluorophenol and 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). The stability of the carbonized porous Si surface, both before and after chemical modification, is tested in phosphate buffered saline solution and found to be superior to either hydrosilylated (with undecylenic acid) or thermally oxidized porous Si surfaces. PMID:20967329

  1. Manganese-modified asphalts : chemistry of the curing reaction, its effect on properties, and evidence for manganese inactivation following cure

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1986-06-01

    The chemical reactions and reaction kinetics of asphalt modified with a patented modifier supplied by Chemkrete Technologies, Inc. were investigated. The modifier, a manganese-carboxylic acid complex, has been shown to cause a rap; d react; on with a...

  2. 40 CFR 721.10603 - Epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially neutralized (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10603 Epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially neutralized (generic). (a... generically as epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially neutralized (PMN P-11-280) is subject to reporting under...

  3. 40 CFR 721.10603 - Epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially neutralized (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10603 Epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially neutralized (generic). (a... generically as epoxy modified alkyd resin, partially neutralized (PMN P-11-280) is subject to reporting under...

  4. Process for derivatizing carbon nanotubes with diazonium species

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tour, James M. (Inventor); Bahr, Jeffrey L. (Inventor); Yang, Jiping (Inventor)

    2007-01-01

    The invention incorporates new processes for the chemical modification of carbon nanotubes. Such processes involve the derivatization of multi- and single-wall carbon nanotubes, including small diameter (ca. 0.7 nm) single-wall carbon nanotubes, with diazonium species. The method allows the chemical attachment of a variety of organic compounds to the side and ends of carbon nanotubes. These chemically modified nanotubes have applications in polymer composite materials, molecular electronic applications and sensor devices. The methods of derivatization include electrochemical induced reactions thermally induced reactions (via in-situ generation of diazonium compounds or pre-formed diazonium compounds), and photochemically induced reactions. The derivatization causes significant changes in the spectroscopic properties of the nanotubes. The estimated degree of functionality is ca. 1 out of every 20 to 30 carbons in a nanotube bearing a functionality moiety. Such electrochemical reduction processes can be adapted to apply site-selective chemical functionalization of nanotubes. Moreover, when modified with suitable chemical groups, the derivatized nanotubes are chemically compatible with a polymer matrix, allowing transfer of the properties of the nanotubes (such as, mechanical strength or electrical conductivity) to the properties of the composite material as a whole. Furthermore, when modified with suitable chemical groups, the groups can be polymerized to form a polymer that includes carbon nanotubes ##STR00001##.

  5. Composite anion-exchangers modified with nanoparticles of hydrated oxides of multivalent metals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maltseva, T. V.; Kolomiets, E. O.; Dzyazko, Yu. S.; Scherbakov, S.

    2018-02-01

    Organic-inorganic composite ion-exchangers based on anion exchange resins have been obtained. Particles of one-component and two-component modifier were embedded using the approach, which allows us to realize purposeful control of a size of the embedded particles. The approach is based on Ostwald-Freundlich equation, which was adapted to deposition in ion exchange matrix. The equation was obtained experimentally. Hydrated oxides of zirconium and iron were applied to modification, concentration of the reagents were varied. The embedded particles accelerate sorption, the rate of which is fitted by the model equation of chemical reactions of pseudo-second order. When sorption of arsenate ions from very diluted solution (50 µg dm-3) occurs, the composites show higher distribution coefficients comparing with the pristine resin.

  6. Chemical characteristics and volatile profile of genetically modified peanut cultivars.

    PubMed

    Ng, Ee Chin; Dunford, Nurhan T; Chenault, Kelly

    2008-10-01

    Genetic engineering has been used to modify peanut cultivars for improving agronomic performance and pest resistance. Food products developed through genetic engineering have to be assessed for their safety before approval for human consumption. Preservation of desirable chemical, flavor and aroma attributes of the peanut cultivars during the genetic modifications is critical for acceptance of genetically modified peanuts (GMP) by the food industry. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine chemical characteristics and volatile profile of GMP. The genetically modified peanut cultivars, 188, 540 and 654 were obtained from the USDA-ARS in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The peanut variety Okrun was examined as a control. The volatile analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) equipped with an olfactory detector. The peanut samples were also analyzed for their moisture, ash, protein, sugar and oil compositions. Experimental results showed that the variations in nutritional composition of peanut lines examined in this study were within the values reported for existing cultivars. There were minor differences in volatile profile among the samples. The implication of this study is significant, since it shows that peanut cultivars with greater pest and fungal resistance were successfully developed without major changes in their chemical characteristics.

  7. Experimental Determination of pK[subscript a] Values by Use of NMR Chemical Shifts, Revisited

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gift, Alan D.; Stewart, Sarah M.; Bokashanga, Patrick Kwete

    2012-01-01

    This laboratory experiment, using proton NMR spectroscopy to determine the dissociation constant for heterocyclic bases, has been modified from a previously described experiment. A solution of a substituted pyridine is prepared using deuterium oxide (D[subscript 2]O) as the solvent. The pH of the solution is adjusted and proton NMR spectra are…

  8. Improvements in decay resistance based on moisture exclusion

    Treesearch

    Roger M. Rowell; Rebecca E. Ibach

    2000-01-01

    Moisture content has an effect on the biological decay of wood. The literature states that serious decay occurs when the moisture content of wood is above the fiber saturation point (FSP), which is the measurement of the moisture content of wood when the cell walls are saturated and the cell cavities free from water (average 30%). We can chemically modify wood...

  9. Boronic acid recognition of non-interacting carbohydrates for biomedical applications: increasing fluorescence signals of minimally interacting aldoses and sucralose.

    PubMed

    Resendez, Angel; Halim, Md Abdul; Singh, Jasmeet; Webb, Dominic-Luc; Singaram, Bakthan

    2017-11-22

    To address carbohydrates that are commonly used in biomedical applications with low binding affinities for boronic acid based detection systems, two chemical modification methods were utilized to increase sensitivity. Modified carbohydrates were analyzed using a two component fluorescent probe based on boronic acid-appended viologen-HPTS (4,4'-o-BBV). Carbohydrates normally giving poor signals (fucose, l-rhamnose, xylose) were subjected to sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) reduction in ambient conditions for 1 h yielding the corresponding sugar alcohols from fucose, l-rhamnose and xylose in essentially quantitative yields. Compared to original aldoses, apparent binding affinities were increased 4-25-fold. The chlorinated sweetener and colon permeability marker sucralose (Splenda), otherwise undetectable by boronic acids, was dechlorinated to a detectable derivative by reactive oxygen and hydroxide intermediates by the Fenton reaction or by H 2 O 2 and UV light. This method is specific to sucralose as other common sugars, such as sucrose, do not contain any carbon-chlorine bonds. Significant fluorescence response was obtained for chemically modified sucralose with the 4,4'-o-BBV-HPTS probe system. This proof of principle can be applied to biomedical applications, such as gut permeability, malabsorption, etc.

  10. Magnetorheological finishing of chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide via chemically and mechanically modified fluids

    DOE PAGES

    Salzman, Sivan; Romanofsky, Henry J.; Giannechini, Lucca J.; ...

    2016-02-19

    In this study, we describe the anisotropy in the material removal rate (MRR) of the polycrystalline, chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide (ZnS).We define the polycrystalline anisotropy via microhardness and chemical erosion tests for four crystallographic orientations of ZnS: (100), (110), (111), and (311). Anisotropy in the MRR was studied under magnetorheological finishing (MRF) conditions. Three chemically and mechanically modified magnetorheological (MR) fluids at pH values of 4, 5, and 6 were used to test the MRR variations among the four single-crystal planes. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with pH 5 and pH 6MR fluids, variations were found inmore » the MRR among the four single-crystal planes and surface artifacts were observed on the polycrystalline material. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with the modified MR fluid at pH 4, however, minimal variation was observed in the MRR among the four orientations and a reduction in surface artifacts was achieved on the polycrystalline material.« less

  11. Chemical Modification of Waste Cotton Linters for Oil Spill Cleanup Application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chattopadhyay, Debapriya; Umrigar, Keval

    2017-12-01

    The possibility of use of waste cotton linters as oil sorbents by chemical modification such as acetylation and cyanoethylation was studied. The acetylation process was carried out in presence of acetic anhydride using either H2SO4 or HClO4 as catalyst. The acetylation treatment time was 30, 60 and 120 min and treatment temperature was room temperature, 50 and 70 °C. For cyanoethylation, the waste cotton linters were pre-treated with 2, 5 and 10% NaOH. The treatment temperature for cyanoethylation was room temperature, 50 and 70 °C and treatment time was 30, 60 and 120 min. Both the chemical modification processes were optimized on the basis of oil absorption capacity of the chemically modified cotton fibre with the help of MATLAB software. The modified samples were tested for its oleophilicity in terms of oil absorption capacity, oil retention capacity, oil recovery capacity, reusability of sample and water uptake and buoyancy as oil sorbent. Chemically modified fibres were characterized by Fourier transform infra red spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope and degree of substitutions.

  12. Metal-organic framework thin films on a surface of optical fibre long period grating for chemical sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hromadka, J.; Tokay, B.; James, S.; Korposh, S.

    2017-04-01

    An optical fibre long period grating (LPG) modified with a thin film of HKUST-1, a material from metal organic framework (MOF) family, was employed for the detection of carbon dioxide. The sensing mechanism is based on the measurement of the change of the refractive index (RI) of the coating that is induced by the penetration of CO2 molecules into the HKUST-1 pores. The responses of the resonance bands in the transmission spectrum of an LPG modified with 40 layers of HKUST-1 upon exposure to carbon dioxide in mixture with nitrogen were investigated.

  13. A mechanism-mediated model for carcinogenicity: Model content and prediction of the outcome of rodent carcinogenicity bioassays currently being conducted on 25 organic chemicals

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Purdy, R.

    A hierarchical model consisting of quantitative structure-activity relationships based mainly on chemical reactivity was developed to predict the carcinogenicity of organic chemicals to rodents. The model is comprised of quantitative structure-activity relationships, QSARs based on hypothesized mechanisms of action, metabolism, and partitioning. Predictors included octanol/water partition coefficient, molecular size, atomic partial charge, bond angle strain, atomic acceptor delocalizibility, atomic radical superdelocalizibility, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of hypothesized intermediate nitrenium ion of primary aromatic amines, difference in charge of ionized and unionized carbon-chlorine bonds, substituent size and pattern on polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, the distance between lone electron pairsmore » over a rigid structure, and the presence of functionalities such as nitroso and hydrazine. The model correctly classified 96% of the carcinogens in the training set of 306 chemicals, and 90% of the carcinogens in the test set of 301 chemicals. The test set by chance contained 84% of the positive thiocontaining chemicals. A QSAR for these chemicals was developed. This posttest set modified model correctly predicted 94% of the carcinogens in the test set. This model was used to predict the carcinogenicity of the 25 organic chemicals the U.S. National Toxicology Program was testing at the writing of this article. 12 refs., 3 tabs.« less

  14. Aromatic thiol-mediated cleavage of N-O bonds enables chemical ubiquitylation of folded proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weller, Caroline E.; Dhall, Abhinav; Ding, Feizhi; Linares, Edlaine; Whedon, Samuel D.; Senger, Nicholas A.; Tyson, Elizabeth L.; Bagert, John D.; Li, Xiaosong; Augusto, Ohara; Chatterjee, Champak

    2016-09-01

    Access to protein substrates homogenously modified by ubiquitin (Ub) is critical for biophysical and biochemical investigations aimed at deconvoluting the myriad biological roles for Ub. Current chemical strategies for protein ubiquitylation, however, employ temporary ligation auxiliaries that are removed under harsh denaturing conditions and have limited applicability. We report an unprecedented aromatic thiol-mediated N-O bond cleavage and its application towards native chemical ubiquitylation with the ligation auxiliary 2-aminooxyethanethiol. Our interrogation of the reaction mechanism suggests a disulfide radical anion as the active species capable of cleaving the N-O bond. The successful semisynthesis of full-length histone H2B modified by the small ubiquitin-like modifier-3 (SUMO-3) protein further demonstrates the generalizability and compatibility of our strategy with folded proteins.

  15. Phosphoethanolamine cellulose: A naturally produced chemically modified cellulose.

    PubMed

    Thongsomboon, Wiriya; Serra, Diego O; Possling, Alexandra; Hadjineophytou, Chris; Hengge, Regine; Cegelski, Lynette

    2018-01-19

    Cellulose is a major contributor to the chemical and mechanical properties of plants and assumes structural roles in bacterial communities termed biofilms. We find that Escherichia coli produces chemically modified cellulose that is required for extracellular matrix assembly and biofilm architecture. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the intact and insoluble material elucidates the zwitterionic phosphoethanolamine modification that had evaded detection by conventional methods. Installation of the phosphoethanolamine group requires BcsG, a proposed phosphoethanolamine transferase, with biofilm-promoting cyclic diguanylate monophosphate input through a BcsE-BcsF-BcsG transmembrane signaling pathway. The bcsEFG operon is present in many bacteria, including Salmonella species, that also produce the modified cellulose. The discovery of phosphoethanolamine cellulose and the genetic and molecular basis for its production offers opportunities to modulate its production in bacteria and inspires efforts to biosynthetically engineer alternatively modified cellulosic materials. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

  16. Dual-tracer method to estimate coral reef response to a plume of chemically modified seawater

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maclaren, J. K.; Caldeira, K.

    2013-12-01

    We present a new method, based on measurement of seawater samples, to estimate the response of a reef ecosystem to a plume of an additive (for example, a nutrient or other chemical). In the natural environment, where there may be natural variability in concentrations, it can be difficult to distinguish between changes in concentrations that would occur naturally and changes in concentrations that result from a chemical addition. Furthermore, in the unconfined natural environment, chemically modified water can mix with waters that have not been modified, making it difficult to distinguish between effects of dilution and effects of chemical fluxes or transformations. We present a dual-tracer method that extracts signals from observations that may be affected by both natural variability and dilution. In this dual-tracer method, a substance (in our example case, alkalinity) is added to the water in known proportion to a passive conservative tracer (in our example case, Rhodamine WT dye). The resulting plume of seawater is allowed to flow over the study site. Two transects are drawn across the plume at the front and back of the study site. If, in our example, alkalinity is plotted as a function of dye concentration for the front transect, the slope of the resulting mixing line is the ratio of alkalinity to dye in the added fluid. If a similar mixing line is measured and calculated for the back transect, the slope of this mixing line will indicate the amount of added alkalinity that remains in the water flowing out of the study site per unit of added dye. The ratio of the front and back slopes indicates the fraction of added alkalinity that was taken up by the reef. The method is demonstrated in an experiment performed on One Tree Reef (Queensland, Australia) aimed at showing that ocean acidification is already affecting coral reef growth. In an effort to chemically reverse some of the changes to seawater chemistry that have occurred over the past 200 years, we added sodium hydroxide to increase alkalinity in the plume and controlled for dilution with Rhodamine WT dye. Preliminary data will be presented and analyzed using the approach described above.

  17. Chemically-bonded brick production based on burned clay by means of semidry pressing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voroshilov, Ivan; Endzhievskaya, Irina; Vasilovskaya, Nina

    2016-01-01

    We presented a study on the possibility of using the burnt rocks of the Krasnoyarsk Territory for production of chemically-bonded materials in the form of bricks which are so widely used in multistory housing and private house construction. The radiographic analysis of the composition of burnt rock was conducted and a modifier to adjust the composition uniformity was identified. The mixing moisture content was identified and optimal amount at 13-15% was determined. The method of semidry pressing has been chosen. The process of obtaining moldings has been theoretically proved; the advantages of chemically-bonded wall materials compared to ceramic brick were shown. The production of efficient artificial stone based on material burnt rocks, which is comparable with conventionally effective ceramic materials or effective with cell tile was proved, the density of the burned clay-based cell tile makes up to 1630-1785 kg m3, with compressive strength of 13.6-20.0 MPa depending on the compression ratio and cement consumption, frost resistance index is F50, and the thermal conductivity in the masonry is λ = 0,459-0,546 W m * °C. The clear geometric dimensions of pressed products allow the use of the chemically-bonded brick based on burnt clay as a facing brick.

  18. Duplex Healing of Selectively Thiolated Guanosine Mismatches through a Cd2+ Chemical Stimulus.

    PubMed

    Lunn, Samantha M L; Hribesh, Samira; Whitfield, Colette J; Hall, Michael J; Houlton, Andrew; Bronowska, Agnieszka K; Tuite, Eimer M; Pike, Andrew R

    2018-03-25

    The on-column selective conversion of guanosine to thioguanosine (tG) yields modified oligomers that exhibit destabilisation over the fully complementary duplex. Restoration to a stabilised duplex is induced through thio-directed Cd 2+ coordination; a route for healing DNA damage. Short oligomers are G-specifically thiolated through a modified on-column protocol without the need for costly thioguanosine phosphoramidites. Addition of Cd 2+ ions to a duplex containing a highly disrupted tG central mismatch sequence, 3'-A 6 tG 4 T 6 -5', suggests a (tG) 8 Cd 2 central coordination regime, resulting in increased base stacking and duplex stability. Equilibrium molecular dynamic calculations support the hypothesis of metal-induced healing of the thiolated duplex. The 2 nm displacement of the central tG mismatched region is dramatically reduced after the addition of a chemical stimuli, Cd 2+ ions, returning to a minimized fluctuational state comparable to the unmodified fully complementary oligomer. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Evaluating Kinase ATP Uptake and Tyrosine Phosphorylation using Multiplexed Quantification of Chemically Labeled and Post-Translationally Modified Peptides

    PubMed Central

    Fang, Bin; Hoffman, Melissa A.; Mirza, Abu-Sayeef; Mishall, Katie M.; Li, Jiannong; Peterman, Scott M.; Smalley, Keiran S. M.; Shain, Kenneth H.; Weinberger, Paul M.; Wu, Jie; Rix, Uwe; Haura, Eric B.; Koomen, John M.

    2015-01-01

    Cancer biologists and other healthcare researchers face an increasing challenge in addressing the molecular complexity of disease. Biomarker measurement tools and techniques now contribute to both basic science and translational research. In particular, liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM) for multiplexed measurements of protein biomarkers has emerged as a versatile tool for systems biology. Assays can be developed for specific peptides that report on protein expression, mutation, or post-translational modification; discovery proteomics data rapidly translated into multiplexed quantitative approaches. Complementary advances in affinity purification enrich classes of enzymes or peptides representing post-translationally modified or chemically labeled substrates. Here, we illustrate the process for the relative quantification of hundreds of peptides in a single LC-MRM experiment. Desthiobiotinylated peptides produced by activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) using ATP probes and tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides are used as examples. These targeted quantification panels can be applied to further understand the biology of human disease. PMID:25782629

  20. Structure-based design of novel chemical modification of the 3'-overhang for optimization of short interfering RNA performance.

    PubMed

    Xu, Lexing; Wang, Xin; He, Hongwei; Zhou, Jinming; Li, Xiaoyu; Ma, Hongtao; Li, Zelin; Zeng, Yi; Shao, Rongguang; Cen, Shan; Wang, Yucheng

    2015-02-10

    Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are broadly used to manipulate gene expression in mammalian cells. Although chemical modification is useful for increasing the potency of siRNAs in vivo, rational optimization of siRNA performance through chemical modification is still a challenge. In this work, we designed and synthesized a set of siRNAs containing modified two-nucleotide 3'-overhangs with the aim of strengthening the interaction between the 3'-end of the siRNA strand and the PAZ domain of Ago2. Their efficiency of binding to the PAZ domain was calculated using a computer modeling program, followed by measurement of RNA-Ago2 interaction in a surface plasmon resonance biochemical assay. The results suggest that increasing the level of binding of the 3'-end of the guiding strand with the PAZ domain, and/or reducing the level of binding of the sense strand through modifying the two-nucleotide 3'-overhangs, affects preferential strand selection and improves siRNA activity, while we cannot exclude the possibility that the modifications at the 3'-end of the sense strand may also affect the recognition of the 5'-end of the guiding strand by the MID domain. Taken together, our work presents a strategy for optimizing siRNA performance through asymmetric chemical modification of 3'-overhangs and also helps to develop the computer modeling method for rational siRNA design.

  1. A Chemical-Adsorption Strategy to Enhance the Reaction Kinetics of Lithium-Rich Layered Cathodes via Double-Shell Surface Modification.

    PubMed

    Guo, Lichao; Li, Jiajun; Cao, Tingting; Wang, Huayu; Zhao, Naiqin; He, Fang; Shi, Chunsheng; He, Chunnian; Liu, Enzuo

    2016-09-21

    Sluggish surface reaction kinetics hinders the power density of Li-ion battery. Thus, various surface modification techniques have been applied to enhance the electronic/ionic transfer kinetics. However, it is challenging to obtain a continuous and uniform surface modification layer on the prime particles with structure integration at the interface. Instead of classic physical-adsorption/deposition techniques, we propose a novel chemical-adsorption strategy to synthesize double-shell modified lithium-rich layered cathodes with enhanced mass transfer kinetics. On the basis of experimental measurement and first-principles calculation, MoO2S2 ions are proved to joint the layered phase via chemical bonding. Specifically, the Mo-O or Mo-S bonds can flexibly rotate to bond with the cations in the layered phase, leading to the good compatibility between the thiomolybdate adsorption layer and layered cathode. Followed by annealing treatment, the lithium-excess-spinel inner shell forms under the thiomolybdate adsorption layer and functions as favorable pathways for lithium and electron. Meanwhile, the nanothick MoO3-x(SO4)x outer shell protects the transition metal from dissolution and restrains electrolyte decomposition. The double-shell modified sample delivers an enhanced discharge capacity almost twice as much as that of the unmodified one at 1 A g(-1) after 100 cycles, demonstrating the superiority of the surface modification based on chemical adsorption.

  2. Surface-modified nanoparticles as anti-biofilm filler for dental polymers

    PubMed Central

    Zaltsman, Nathan; Ionescu, Andrei C.; Weiss, Ervin I.; Brambilla, Eugenio; Beyth, Shaul

    2017-01-01

    The objective of the study was to synthesis silica nanoparticles modified with (i) a tertiary amine bearing two t-cinnamaldehyde substituents or (ii) dimethyl-octyl ammonium, alongside the well-studied quaternary ammonium polyethyleneimine nanoparticles. These were to be evaluated for their chemical and mechanical properties, as well for antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. Samples were incorporated in commercial dental resin material and the degree of monomer conversion, mechanical strength, and water contact angle were tested to characterize the effect of the nanoparticles on resin material. Antibacterial activity was evaluated with the direct contact test and the biofilm inhibition test against Streptococcus mutans. Addition of cinnamaldehyde-modified particles preserved the degree of conversion and compressive strength of the base material and increased surface hydrophobicity. Quaternary ammonium functional groups led to a decrease in the degree of conversion and to low compressive strength, without altering the hydrophilic nature of the base material. In the direct contact test and the anti-biofilm test, the polyethyleneimine particles exhibited the strongest antibacterial effect. The cinnamaldehyde-modified particles displayed antibiofilm activity, silica particles with quaternary ammonium were ineffective. Immobilization of t-cinnamaldehyde onto a solid surface via amine linkers provided a better alternative to the well-known quaternary ammonium bactericides. PMID:29244848

  3. Chemical grafting of Co9S8 onto C60 for hydrogen spillover and storage.

    PubMed

    Han, Lu; Qin, Wei; Zhou, Jia; Jian, Jiahuang; Lu, Songtao; Wu, Xiaohong; Fan, Guohua; Gao, Peng; Liu, Boyu

    2017-04-20

    Metal modified C 60 is considered to be a potential hydrogen storage medium due to its high theoretical capacity. Research interest is growing in various hybrid inorganic compounds-C 60 . While the design and synthesis of a novel hybrid inorganic compound-C 60 is difficult to attain, it has been theorized that the atomic hydrogen could transfer from the inorganic compound to the adjacent C 60 surfaces via spillover and surface diffusion. Here, as a proof of concept experiment, we graft Co 9 S 8 onto C 60 via a facile high energy ball milling process. The Raman, XPS, XRD, TEM, HTEM and EELS measurements have been conducted to evaluate the composition and structure of the pizza-like hybrid material. In addition, the electrochemical measurements and calculated results demonstrate that the chemical "bridges" (C-S bonds) between these two materials enhance the binding strength and, hence, facilitate the hydriding reaction of C 60 during the hydrogen storage process. As a result, an increased hydrogen storage capacity of 4.03 wt% is achieved, along with a favorable cycling stability of ∼80% after 50 cycles. Excluding the direct hydrogen storage contribution from Co 9 S 8 in the hybrid paper, the hydrogen storage ability of C 60 was enhanced by 5.9× through the hydriding reaction caused by the Co 9 S 8 modifier. Based on these experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, the unique chemical structure reported here could potentially inspire other C 60 -based advanced hybrids.

  4. Effects of topography on the transport of agricultural chemicals to groundwater in a sand-plain setting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delin, Geoffrey N.; Landon, Matthew K.

    2002-08-01

    Geochemical data were collected to investigate the effects of topography and focused recharge on the transport of agricultural chemicals to groundwater through sandy soils. The research was done at a topographically high (upland) site and a depressional (lowland) site within a corn field. Agricultural chemicals that move readily with water were most directly affected by focused recharge to the lowland site. Surface runoff of water to the lowland site was the primary cause for the generally greater flux of chloride, nitrate nitrogen, and sulfate compared with the upland site. Based on data from the unsaturated zone, for example, the average annual fluxes of these chemicals in 1992-1993 were 5.1, 3.4, and 1.7 times greater, respectively, at the lowland site. Study results indicate that consideration should be given to modifying site-specific management farming technology to account for varying recharge rates in different topographic settings. By reducing chemical application rates in topographic depressions, where focused recharge of chemicals occurs because of surface runoff, farmers could improve ground-water quality as well as reduce expenditures for agricultural chemicals.

  5. Effects of topography on the transport of agricultural chemicals to groundwater in a sand-plain setting

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Delin, G.N.; Landon, M.K.

    2002-01-01

    Geochemical data were collected to investigate the effects of topography and focused recharge on the transport of agricultural chemicals to groundwater through sandy soils. The research was done at a topographically high (upland) site and a depressional (lowland) site within a corn field. Agricultural chemicals that move readily with water were most directly affected by focused recharge to the lowland site. Surface runoff of water to the lowland site was the primary cause for the generally greater flux of chloride, nitrate nitrogen, and sulfate compared with the upland site. Based on data from the unsaturated zone, for example, the average annual fluxes of these chemicals in 1992–1993 were 5.1, 3.4, and 1.7 times greater, respectively, at the lowland site. Study results indicate that consideration should be given to modifying site-specific management farming technology to account for varying recharge rates in different topographic settings. By reducing chemical application rates in topographic depressions, where focused recharge of chemicals occurs because of surface runoff, farmers could improve ground-water quality as well as reduce expenditures for agricultural chemicals.

  6. Alteration layer formation of Ca- and Zn-oxide bearing alkali borosilicate glasses for immobilisation of UK high level waste: A vapour hydration study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cassingham, N. J.; Corkhill, C. L.; Stennett, M. C.; Hand, R. J.; Hyatt, N. C.

    2016-10-01

    The UK high level nuclear waste glass modified with CaO/ZnO was investigated using the vapour phase hydration test, performed at 200 °C, with the aim of understanding the impact of the modification on the chemical composition and microstructure of the alteration layer. Experiments were undertaken on non-modified and CaO/ZnO-modified base glass, with or without 25 wt% of simulant Magnox waste calcine. The modification resulted in a dramatic reduction in gel layer thickness and also a reduction in the reaction rate, from 3.4 ± 0.3 g m-2 d-1 without CaO/ZnO modification to 0.9 ± 0.1 g m-2 d-1 with CaO/ZnO. The precipitated phase assemblage for the CaO/ZnO-modified compositions was identified as hydrated Ca- and Zn-bearing silicate phases, which were absent from the non-modified counterpart. These results are in agreement with other recent studies showing the beneficial effects of ZnO additions on glass durability.

  7. Gelatin modified lipid nanoparticles for anti- viral drug delivery.

    PubMed

    K S, Joshy; S, Snigdha; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar; Pothen, Laly A; Thomas, Sabu

    2017-10-01

    The major challenges to clinical application of zidovudine are its moderate aqueous solubility and relative short half-life and serious side effects due to frequent administrations. We investigated the preparation of zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles based on lipids which were further modified with the polymer gelatin. Formulation and stability of the modified nanoparticles were analysed from the physico-chemical characterizations. The interactions of nanoparticles with blood components were tested by haemolysis and aggregation studies. The drug content and entrapment efficiencies were assessed by UV analysis. The effect of nanoparticles on protein adsorption was assessed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile of zidovudine. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles were performed in MCF-7 and neuro 2a brain cells. The enhanced cellular internalization of drug loaded modified nanoparticles in both the cell lines were revealed by fluorescence microscopy. Hence the present study focuses on the feasibility of zidovudine-loaded polymer modified lipid nanoparticles as carriers for safe and efficient HIV/AIDS therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Influence of MO/MF2 modifiers (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) on spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ ions in germanate and borate glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zur, Lidia; Janek, Joanna; Pietrasik, Ewa; Sołtys, Marta; Pisarska, Joanna; Pisarski, Wojciech A.

    2016-11-01

    Series of Eu3+-doped lead-free germanate and borate glasses were synthesized. The MO glass modifiers (M = Ca, Sr or Ba) were partially or totally substituted by MF2 in chemical composition. In contrast to samples modified by CaO/CaF2 or SrO/SrF2, the germanate glass samples containing BaO and/or BaF2 are fully amorphous, while the lead-free borate glasses are fully amorphous, independently from glass modifiers. Effect of glass modifiers on spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ were systematically investigated. For that reason, excitation and emission spectra of Eu3+ ions in examined systems were registered. Based on the emission spectra, ratio of integrated luminescence intensity of the 5D0 → 7F2 transition to that of the 5D0 → 7F1 transition (R factor) was calculated. Moreover, the luminescence decay curves were collected and the luminescence lifetimes of the 5D0 excited state of Eu3+ ions were determined in function of MF2 concentration.

  9. Surface modification of starch based blends using potassium permanganate-nitric acid system and its effect on the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells.

    PubMed

    Pashkuleva, I; Marques, A P; Vaz, F; Reis, R L

    2005-01-01

    The surface modification of three starch based polymeric biomaterials, using a KMnO4/HNO3 oxidizing system, and the effect of that modification on the osteoblastic cell adhesion has been investigated. The rationale of this work is as follows--starch based polymers have been proposed for use as tissue engineering scaffolds in several publications. It is known that in biodegradable systems it is quite difficult to have both cell adhesion and proliferation. Starch based polymers have shown to perform better than poly-lactic acid based materials but there is still room for improvement. This particular work is aimed at enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of several starch based polymer blends that are being proposed as tissue engineering scaffolds. The surface of the polymeric biomaterials was chemically modified using a KMnO4/HNO3 system. This treatment resulted in more hydrophilic surfaces, which was confirmed by contact angle measurements. The effect of the treatment on the bioactivity of the surface modified biomaterials was also studied. The bioactivity tests, performed in simulated body fluid after biomimetic coating, showed that a dense film of calcium phosphate was formed after 30 days. Finally, human osteoblast-like cells were cultured on unmodified (control) and modified materials in order to observe the effect of the presence of higher numbers of polar groups on the adhesion and proliferation of those cells. Two of the modified polymers presented changes in the adhesion behavior and a significant increase in the proliferation rate kinetics when compared to the unmodified controls.

  10. Aryl-modified graphene quantum dots with enhanced photoluminescence and improved pH tolerance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luo, Peihui; Ji, Zhe; Li, Chun; Shi, Gaoquan

    2013-07-01

    Chemical modification is an important technique to modulate the chemical and optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). In this paper, we report a versatile diazonium chemistry method to graft aryl groups including phenyl, 4-carboxyphenyl, 4-sulfophenyl and 5-sulfonaphthyl to GQDs via Gomberg-Bachmann reaction. The aryl-modified GQDs are nanocrystals with lateral dimensions in the range of 2-4 nm and an average thickness lower than 1 nm. Upon chemical modification with aryl groups, the photoluminescence (PL) bands of GQDs were tuned in the range of 418 and 447 nm, and their fluorescence quantum yields (QYs) were increased for up to about 6 times. Furthermore, the aryl-modified GQDs exhibited stable PL (both intensity and peak position) in a wide pH window of 1-11. The mechanism of improving the PL properties of GQDs by aryl-modification was also discussed.Chemical modification is an important technique to modulate the chemical and optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). In this paper, we report a versatile diazonium chemistry method to graft aryl groups including phenyl, 4-carboxyphenyl, 4-sulfophenyl and 5-sulfonaphthyl to GQDs via Gomberg-Bachmann reaction. The aryl-modified GQDs are nanocrystals with lateral dimensions in the range of 2-4 nm and an average thickness lower than 1 nm. Upon chemical modification with aryl groups, the photoluminescence (PL) bands of GQDs were tuned in the range of 418 and 447 nm, and their fluorescence quantum yields (QYs) were increased for up to about 6 times. Furthermore, the aryl-modified GQDs exhibited stable PL (both intensity and peak position) in a wide pH window of 1-11. The mechanism of improving the PL properties of GQDs by aryl-modification was also discussed. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fluorescence quantum yield measurements, estimation of grafting ratio, TEM images, FTIR spectra, PL spectra and zeta potentials. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02156d

  11. Investigations on dendrimer space reveal solid and liquid tumor growth-inhibition by original phosphorus-based dendrimers and the corresponding monomers and dendrons with ethacrynic acid motifs.

    PubMed

    El Brahmi, Nabil; Mignani, Serge M; Caron, Joachim; El Kazzouli, Saïd; Bousmina, Mosto M; Caminade, Anne-Marie; Cresteil, Thierry; Majoral, Jean-Pierre

    2015-03-07

    The well-known reactive diuretic ethacrynic acid (EA, Edecrin), with low antiproliferative activities, was chemically modified and grafted onto phosphorus dendrimers and the corresponding simple branched phosphorus dendron-like derivatives affording novel nanodevices showing moderate to strong antiproliferative activities against liquid and solid tumor cell lines, respectively.

  12. Site-Selective Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals with Isophorone Diisocyanate and Formation of Polyurethane-CNC Composites.

    PubMed

    Girouard, Natalie M; Xu, Shanhong; Schueneman, Gregory T; Shofner, Meisha L; Meredith, J Carson

    2016-01-20

    The unequal reactivity of the two isocyanate groups in an isophorone diisocyante (IPDI) monomer was exploited to yield modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with both urethane and isocyanate functionality. The chemical functionality of the modified CNCs was verified with ATR-FTIR analysis and elemental analysis. The selectivity for the secondary isocyanate group using dibutyl tin dilaurate (DBTDL) as the reaction catalyst was confirmed with (13)C NMR. The modified CNCs showed improvements in the onset of thermal degradation by 35 °C compared to the unmodified CNCs. Polyurethane composites based on IPDI and a trifunctional polyether alcohol were synthesized using unmodified (um-CNC) and modified CNCs (m-CNC). The degree of nanoparticle dispersion was qualitatively assessed with polarized optical microscopy. It was found that the modification step facilitated superior nanoparticle dispersion compared to the um-CNCs, which resulted in increases in the tensile strength and work of fracture of over 200% compared to the neat matrix without degradation of elongation at break.

  13. Modifying the 5'-Cap for Click Reactions of Eukaryotic mRNA and To Tune Translation Efficiency in Living Cells.

    PubMed

    Holstein, Josephin M; Anhäuser, Lea; Rentmeister, Andrea

    2016-08-26

    The 5'-cap is a hallmark of eukaryotic mRNAs and plays fundamental roles in RNA metabolism, ranging from quality control to export and translation. Modifying the 5'-cap may thus enable modulation of the underlying processes and investigation or tuning of several biological functions. A straightforward approach is presented for the efficient production of a range of N7-modified caps based on the highly promiscuous methyltransferase Ecm1. We show that these, as well as N(2) -modified 5'-caps, can be used to tune translation of the respective mRNAs both in vitro and in cells. Appropriate modifications allow subsequent bioorthogonal chemistry, as demonstrated by intracellular live-cell labeling of a target mRNA. The efficient and versatile N7 manipulation of the mRNA cap makes mRNAs amenable to both modulation of their biological function and intracellular labeling, and represents a valuable addition to the chemical biology toolbox. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Correlating In Vitro Splice Switching Activity With Systemic In Vivo Delivery Using Novel ZEN-modified Oligonucleotides.

    PubMed

    Hammond, Suzan M; McClorey, Graham; Nordin, Joel Z; Godfrey, Caroline; Stenler, Sofia; Lennox, Kim A; Smith, C I Edvard; Jacobi, Ashley M; Varela, Miguel A; Lee, Yi; Behlke, Mark A; Wood, Matthew J A; Andaloussi, Samir E L

    2014-11-25

    Splice switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) induce alternative splicing of pre-mRNA and typically employ chemical modifications to increase nuclease resistance and binding affinity to target pre-mRNA. Here we describe a new SSO non-base modifier (a naphthyl-azo group, "ZEN™") to direct exon exclusion in mutant dystrophin pre-mRNA to generate functional dystrophin protein. The ZEN modifier is placed near the ends of a 2'-O-methyl (2'OMe) oligonucleotide, increasing melting temperature and potency over unmodified 2'OMe oligonucleotides. In cultured H2K cells, a ZEN-modified 2'OMe phosphorothioate (PS) oligonucleotide delivered by lipid transfection greatly enhanced dystrophin exon skipping over the same 2'OMePS SSO lacking ZEN. However, when tested using free gymnotic uptake in vitro and following systemic delivery in vivo in dystrophin deficient mdx mice, the same ZEN-modified SSO failed to enhance potency. Importantly, we show for the first time that in vivo activity of anionic SSOs is modelled in vitro only when using gymnotic delivery. ZEN is thus a novel modifier that enhances activity of SSOs in vitro but will require improved delivery methods before its in vivo clinical potential can be realized.

  15. Zinc Removal from the Aqueous Solutions by the Chemically Modified Biosorbents.

    PubMed

    Rajczykowski, Krzysztof; Sałasińska, Oktawia; Loska, Krzysztof

    2018-01-01

    Biosorbents are the natural origin adsorbents, which popularity in environmental engineering is steadily increasing due to their low price, ease of acquisition, and lack of the toxic properties. Presented research aimed to analyze the possibility of chemical modification of the straw, which is a characteristic waste in the Polish agriculture, to improve its biosorption properties with respect to removal of selected metals from aquatic solutions. Biosorbents used during the tests was a barley straw that was shredded to a size in the range of 0.2-1.0 mm. The biosorption process was performed for aqueous solutions of zinc at a pH 5. Two different modifications of straw were analyzed: esterification with methanol and modification using the citric acid at elevated temperature. The results, obtained during the research, show a clear improvement in sorption capacity of the straw modified by the citric acid. In the case of straw modified with methanol, it has been shown that the effectiveness of zinc biosorption process was even a twice lower with respect to the unmodified straw. Moreover, it was concluded that the removal of analyzed metals was based mainly on the ion-exchange adsorption mechanism by releasing a calcium and magnesium ions from the straw surface to the solution. Graphical Abstractᅟ.

  16. Novel Organically Modified Core-Shell Clay for Epoxy Composites-"SOBM Filler 1".

    PubMed

    Iheaturu, Nnamdi Chibuike; Madufor, Innocent Chimezie

    2014-01-01

    Preparation of a novel organically modified clay from spent oil base drilling mud (SOBM) that could serve as core-shell clay filler for polymers is herein reported. Due to the hydrophilic nature of clay, its compatibility with polymer matrix was made possible through modification of the surface of the core clay sample with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTES) compound prior to its use. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to characterize clay surface modification. Electron dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to expose filler chemical composition and morphology, while electrophoresis measurement was used to examine level of filler dispersion. Results show an agglomerated core clay powder after high temperature treatment, while EDX analysis shows that the organically modified clay is composed of chemical inhomogeneities, wherein elemental compositions in weight percent vary from one point to the other in a probe of two points. Micrographs of the 3-APTES coupled SOBM core-shell clay filler clearly show cloudy appearance, while FT-IR indicates 25% and 5% increases in fundamental vibrations band at 1014 cm(-1) and 1435 cm(-1), respectively. Furthermore, 3-APTES coupled core-shell clay was used to prepare epoxy composites and tested for mechanical properties.

  17. Novel Organically Modified Core-Shell Clay for Epoxy Composites—“SOBM Filler 1”

    PubMed Central

    Iheaturu, Nnamdi Chibuike; Madufor, Innocent Chimezie

    2014-01-01

    Preparation of a novel organically modified clay from spent oil base drilling mud (SOBM) that could serve as core-shell clay filler for polymers is herein reported. Due to the hydrophilic nature of clay, its compatibility with polymer matrix was made possible through modification of the surface of the core clay sample with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APTES) compound prior to its use. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to characterize clay surface modification. Electron dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to expose filler chemical composition and morphology, while electrophoresis measurement was used to examine level of filler dispersion. Results show an agglomerated core clay powder after high temperature treatment, while EDX analysis shows that the organically modified clay is composed of chemical inhomogeneities, wherein elemental compositions in weight percent vary from one point to the other in a probe of two points. Micrographs of the 3-APTES coupled SOBM core-shell clay filler clearly show cloudy appearance, while FT-IR indicates 25% and 5% increases in fundamental vibrations band at 1014 cm−1 and 1435 cm−1, respectively. Furthermore, 3-APTES coupled core-shell clay was used to prepare epoxy composites and tested for mechanical properties. PMID:27355022

  18. Acid-base equilibria inside amine-functionalized mesoporous silica.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Akira; Namekawa, Manato; Kamijo, Toshio; Itoh, Tetsuji; Teramae, Norio

    2011-04-15

    Acid-base equilibria and effective proton concentration inside a silica mesopore modified with a trimethyl ammonium (TMAP) layer were studied by steady-state fluorescence experiments. The mesoporous silica with a dense TMAP layer (1.4 molecules/nm(2)) was prepared by a post grafting of N-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium at surfactant-templated mesoporous silica (diameter of silica framework =3.1 nm). The resulting TMAP-modified mesoporous silica strongly adsorbed of anionic fluorescence indicator dyes (8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (pyranine), 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (APTS), 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphinetetrasulfonic acid disulfuric acid (TPPS), 2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonate (2NT)) and fluorescence excitation spectra of these dyes within TMAP-modified mesoporous silica were measured by varying the solution pH. The fluorescence experiments revealed that the acid-base equilibrium reactions of all pH indicator dyes within the TMAP-modified silica mesopore were quite different from those in bulk water. From the analysis of the acid-base equilibrium of pyranine, the following relationships between solution pH (pH(bulk)) and the effective proton concentration inside the pore (pH(pore)) were obtained: (1) shift of pH(pore) was 1.8 (ΔpH(pore)=1.8) for the pH(bulk) change from 2.1 to 9.1 (ΔpH(bulk)=7.0); (2) pH(pore) was not simply proportional to pH(bulk); (3) the inside of the TMAP-modified silica mesopore was suggested to be in a weak acidic or neutral condition when pH(bulk) was changed from 2.0 to 9.1. Since these relationships between pH(bulk) and pH(pore) could explain the acid-base equilibria of other pH indicator dyes (APTS, TPPS, 2NT), these relationships were inferred to describe the effective proton concentration inside the TMAP-modified silica mesopore. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  19. RNAi Screening with Self-Delivering, Synthetic siRNAs for Identification of Genes That Regulate Primary Human T Cell Migration.

    PubMed

    Freeley, Michael; Derrick, Emily; Dempsey, Eugene; Hoff, Antje; Davies, Anthony; Leake, Devin; Vermeulen, Annaleen; Kelleher, Dermot; Long, Aideen

    2015-09-01

    Screening of RNA interference (RNAi) libraries in primary T cells is labor-intensive and technically challenging because these cells are hard to transfect. Chemically modified, self-delivering small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) offer a solution to this problem, because they enter hard-to-transfect cell types without needing a delivery reagent and are available in library format for RNAi screening. In this study, we have screened a library of chemically modified, self-delivering siRNAs targeting the expression of 72 distinct genes in conjunction with an image-based high-content-analysis platform as a proof-of-principle strategy to identify genes involved in lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)-mediated migration in primary human T cells. Our library-screening strategy identified the small GTPase RhoA as being crucial for T cell polarization and migration in response to LFA-1 stimulation and other migratory ligands. We also demonstrate that multiple downstream assays can be performed within an individual RNAi screen and have used the remainder of the cells for additional assays, including cell viability and adhesion to ICAM-1 (the physiological ligand for LFA-1) in the absence or presence of the chemokine SDF-1α. This study therefore demonstrates the ease and benefits of conducting siRNA library screens in primary human T cells using self-delivering, chemically modified siRNAs, and it emphasizes the feasibility and potential of this approach for elucidating the signaling pathways that regulate T cell function. © 2015 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

  20. Lead sorption by biochar produced from digestates: Consequences of chemical modification and washing.

    PubMed

    Wongrod, Suchanya; Simon, Stéphane; Guibaud, Gilles; Lens, Piet N L; Pechaud, Yoan; Huguenot, David; van Hullebusch, Eric D

    2018-08-01

    The main objectives of this work are to investigate the consequences of different chemical treatments (i.e. potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )) and the effect of biochar washing on the Pb sorption capacity. Biochars derived from sewage sludge digestate and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste digestate were separately modified with 2 M KOH or 10% H 2 O 2 followed by semi-continuous or continuous washing with ultrapure water using batch or a column reactor, respectively. The results showed that the Pb adsorption capacity could be enhanced by chemical treatment of sludge-based biochar. Indeed, for municipal solid waste biochar, the Pb maximum sorption capacity was improved from 73 mg g -1 for unmodified biochar to 90 mg g -1 and 106 mg g -1 after H 2 O 2 and KOH treatment, respectively. In the case of sewage sludge biochar, it increased from 6.5 mg g -1 (unmodified biochar) to 25 mg g -1 for H 2 O 2 treatment. The sorption capacity was not determined after KOH treatment, since the Langmuir model did not fit the experimental data. The study also highlights that insufficient washing after KOH treatment can strongly hinder Pb sorption due to the release of organic matter from the modified biochar. This organic matter may interact in solution with Pb, resulting in an inhibition of its sorption onto the biochar surface. Continuous column-washing of modified biochars was able to correct this issue, highlighting the importance of implementing a proper treated biochar washing procedure. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Nanostructure-Directed Chemical Sensing: The IHSAB Principle and the Effect of Nitrogen and Sulfur Functionalization on Metal Oxide Decorated Interface Response

    PubMed Central

    Laminack, William I.; Gole, James L.

    2013-01-01

    The response matrix, as metal oxide nanostructure decorated n-type semiconductor interfaces are modified in situ through direct amination and through treatment with organic sulfides and thiols, is demonstrated. Nanostructured TiO2, SnOx, NiO and CuxO (x = 1,2), in order of decreasing Lewis acidity, are deposited to a porous silicon interface to direct a dominant electron transduction process for reversible chemical sensing in the absence of significant chemical bond formation. The metal oxide sensing sites can be modified to decrease their Lewis acidity in a process appearing to substitute nitrogen or sulfur, providing a weak interaction to form the oxynitrides and oxysulfides. Treatment with triethylamine and diethyl sulfide decreases the Lewis acidity of the metal oxide sites. Treatment with acidic ethane thiol modifies the sensor response in an opposite sense, suggesting that there are thiol (SH) groups present on the surface that provide a Brønsted acidity to the surface. The in situ modification of the metal oxides deposited to the interface changes the reversible interaction with the analytes, NH3 and NO. The observed change for either the more basic oxynitrides or oxysulfides or the apparent Brønsted acid sites produced from the interaction of the thiols do not represent a simple increase in surface basicity or acidity, but appear to involve a change in molecular electronic structure, which is well explained using the recently developed inverse hard and soft acids and bases (IHSAB) model. PMID:28348345

  2. Multicomponent micropatterned sol-gel materials by capillary molding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lochhead, Michael J.; Yager, Paul

    1997-10-01

    A physically and chemically benign method for patterning multiple sol-gel materials onto a single substrate is described. Structures are demonstrated for potential micro- optical chemical sensor, biosensor, and waveguiding applications. Fabrication is based on the micro molding in capillaries (MIMIC) approach. A novel mold design allows several sols to be cast simultaneously. Closely spaced, organically modified silica ridges containing fluorescent dyes are demonstrated. Ridges have cross sectional dimensions from one to 50 micrometers and are centimeters in length. Processing issues, particularly those related to mold filling, are discussed in detail. Because sol-gel MIMIC avoids the harsh physical and chemical environments normally associated with patterning, the approach allows full exploitation of sol- gel processing advantages, such as the ability to entrap sensitive organic dopant molecules in the sol-gel matrix.

  3. Chemically modified maize cobs waste with enhanced adsorption properties upon methyl orange and arsenic.

    PubMed

    Elizalde-González, María P; Mattusch, J; Wennrich, R

    2008-07-01

    The surface chemistry of maize naturasorbent was altered in this work by the modifying agents: phosphoric acid and different amines (triethanolamine, diethylenetriamine and 1,4-diaminobutane). Removal of methyl orange (25 mg l(-1)) was <50% by maize corn cobs modified by phosphorylation and higher by the quaternized samples: 68% with the 1,4-diaminobutane and 73% with the diethylenetriamine modificators. Adsorption of arsenite by the samples modified with phosphoric acid/ammonia was 11 microg g(-1), which corresponds to 98% removal from a 550 microg As l(-1) solution for an adsorbent dose of 50 mg ml(-1). The samples modified by phosphoric acid/urea removed 0.4 microg g(-1) arsenate from a 300 mug As l(-1) solution. Adsorption of methyl orange, arsenite and arsenate was superior by the chemically modified maize cobs judged against the initial naturasorbent. For comparison, removal by the commercial anion exchanger was 100% for methyl orange, 45% (5 microg g(-1)) for arsenite and 99% (5 microg g(-1)) for arsenate.

  4. Surface characterization and free thyroid hormones response of chemically modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) blood collection tubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jalali Dil, Ebrahim; Kim, Samuel C.; Saffar, Amir; Ajji, Abdellah; Zare, Richard N.; Sattayapiwat, Annie; Esguerra, Vanessa; Bowen, Raffick A. R.

    2018-06-01

    The surface chemistry and surface energy of chemically modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blood collection tubes (BCTs) were studied and the results showed a significant increase in hydrophilicity and polarity of modified PET surface. The surface modification created nanometer-sized, needle-like asperities through molecular segregation at the surface. The surface dynamics of the modified PET was examined by tracking its surface properties over a 280-day period. The results showed surface rearrangement toward a surface with lower surface energy and fewer nanometer-sized asperities. Thromboelastography (TEG) was used to evaluate and compare the thrombogenicity of the inner walls of various types of BCTs. The TEG tracings and data from various types of BCTs demonstrated differences in the reactionand coagulation times but not in clot strength. The performance of the modified tubes in free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) hormone tests was examined, and it was found that the interference of modified PET tubes was negligible compared to that of commercially available PET BCTs.

  5. Modelling threats to water quality from fire suppression chemicals and post-fire erosion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hyde, Kevin; Ziemniak, Chris; Elliot, William; Samuels, William

    2014-05-01

    Misapplication of fire retardant chemicals into streams and rivers may threaten aquatic life. The possible threat depends on the contaminant concentration that, in part, is controlled by dispersion within flowing water. In the event of a misapplication, methods are needed to rapidly estimate the chemical mass entering the waterway and the dispersion and transport within the system. Here we demonstrate a new tool that calculates the chemical mass based on aircraft delivery system, fire chemical type, and stream and intersect geometry. The estimated mass is intended to be transferred into a GIS module that uses real-time stream data to map and simulate the dispersion and transport downstream. This system currently accounts only for aqueous transport. We envision that the GIS module can be modified to incorporate sediment transport, specifically to model movement of sediments from post-fire erosion. This modification could support assessment of threats of post-fire erosion to water quality and water supply systems.

  6. Nano-TiO2 decorated carbon coating on the separator to physically and chemically suppress the shuttle effect for lithium-sulfur battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Hongyuan; Wang, Weikun; Zhang, Hao; Wang, Anbang; Chen, Xiaonong; Huang, Yaqin

    2018-02-01

    Despite recent progress in designing modified separators for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, detail in optimizing the synergistic effect between chemical and physical immobilization for lithium polysulfides (LiPS) in modified separator hasn't been investigated totally. Here, a nano-TiO2 decorated carbon layer (T-DCL) has been successfully applied to modify separator for the Li-S battery. The results indicate that appropriate weight percentage of nano-TiO2 uniformly distributed in conductive carbon layer is effective to chemically and physically immobilize for LiPS, and promote the electron transfer during discharge/charge process. The performance of the modified Li-S battery with T-DCL separator are significantly enhanced, with a specific capacity of 883 mAh g-1 retained after 180 cycles at 0.1 C and 762 mAh g-1 retained after 200 cycles at 0.5C, which are much higher than that of separators only coated with TiO2 layer or conductive carbon layer. Besides, the separator coated with T-DCL also shows low electrochemical impedance and good lithium anode protection. These results indicate that separator with T-DCL is promising to balance the physical and chemical LiPS trapping effect, and optimize the electrochemical performance for Li-S battery.

  7. Applications of Graphene-Modified Electrodes in Microbial Fuel Cells

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Fei; Wang, Chengxian; Ma, Jie

    2016-01-01

    Graphene-modified materials have captured increasing attention for energy applications due to their superior physical and chemical properties, which can significantly enhance the electricity generation performance of microbial fuel cells (MFC). In this review, several typical synthesis methods of graphene-modified electrodes, such as graphite oxide reduction methods, self-assembly methods, and chemical vapor deposition, are summarized. According to the different functions of the graphene-modified materials in the MFC anode and cathode chambers, a series of design concepts for MFC electrodes are assembled, e.g., enhancing the biocompatibility and improving the extracellular electron transfer efficiency for anode electrodes and increasing the active sites and strengthening the reduction pathway for cathode electrodes. In spite of the challenges of MFC electrodes, graphene-modified electrodes are promising for MFC development to address the reduction in efficiency brought about by organic waste by converting it into electrical energy. PMID:28773929

  8. Integrating Measurement Based New Knowledge on Wildland Fire Emissions and Chemistry into the AIRPACT Air Quality Forecasting for the Pacific Northwest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nergui, T.; Lee, Y.; Chung, S. H.; Lamb, B. K.; Yokelson, R. J.; Barsanti, K.

    2017-12-01

    A number of chamber and field measurements have shown that atmospheric organic aerosols and their precursors produced from wildfires are significantly underestimated in the emission inventories used for air quality models for various applications such as regulatory strategy development, impact assessments of air pollutants, and air quality forecasting for public health. The AIRPACT real-time air quality forecasting system consistently underestimates surface level fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in the summer at both urban and rural locations in the Pacific Northwest, primarily result of errors in organic particulate matter. In this work, we implement updated chemical speciation and emission factors based on FLAME-IV (Fourth Fire Lab at Missoula Experiment) and other measurements in the Blue-Sky fire emission model and the SMOKE emission preprocessor; and modified parameters for the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) module in CMAQ chemical transport model of the AIRPACT modeling system. Simulation results from CMAQ version 5.2 which has a better treatment for anthropogenic SOA formation (as a base case) and modified parameterization used for fire emissions and chemistry in the model (fire-soa case) are evaluated against airborne measurements downwind of the Big Windy Complex Fire and the Colockum Tarps Fire, both of which occurred in the Pacific Northwest in summer 2013. Using the observed aerosol chemical composition and mass loadings for organics, nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, and chloride from aircraft measurements during the Studies of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds, and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) and the Biomass Burning Observation Project (BBOP), we assess how new knowledge gained from wildfire measurements improve model predictions for SOA and its contribution to the total mass of PM2.5 concentrations.

  9. Decomposition of ultrathin LiF cathode underlayer in organic-based devices evidenced by ToF-SIMS depth profiling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pakhomov, Georgy L.; Drozdov, Mikhail N.; Travkin, Vlad V.; Bochkarev, Mikhail N.

    2017-11-01

    In this work we investigate the chemical composition of an archetypal thin-film organic device with the Ag/LiF cathode using the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) with depth profiling. The LiF cathode underlayer is partly decomposed because a significant amount of lithium is released into the bulk of the multilayer device. The released lithium diffuses all the way to the substrate, accumulating, as revealed by ToF-SIMS depth profiles, at the interfaces rather than uniformly doping the underlying layers. Particularly, the bottom anode becomes chemically modified.

  10. A novel carbon electrode material for highly improved EDLC performance.

    PubMed

    Fang, Baizeng; Binder, Leo

    2006-04-20

    Porous materials, developed by grafting functional groups through chemical surface modification with a surfactant, represent an innovative concept in energy storage. This work reports, in detail, the first practical realization of a novel carbon electrode based on grafting of vinyltrimethoxysilane (vtmos) functional group for energy storage in electric double layer capacitor (EDLC). Surface modification with surfactant vtmos enhances the hydrophobisation of activated carbon and the affinity toward propylene carbonate (PC) solvent, which improves the wettability of activated carbon in the electrolyte solution based on PC solvent, resulting in not only a lower resistance to the transport of electrolyte ions within micropores of activated carbon but also more usable surface area for the formation of electric double layer, and accordingly, higher specific capacitance, energy density, and power capability available from the capacitor based on modified carbon. Especially, the effects from surface modification become superior at higher discharge rate, at which much better EDLC performance (i.e., much higher energy density and power capability) has been achieved by the modified carbon, suggesting that the modified carbon is a novel and very promising electrode material of EDLC for large current applications where both high energy density and power capability are required.

  11. Chemically Modified Polyvinyl Chloride for Removal of Thionine Dye (Lauth’s Violet)

    PubMed Central

    Silva, Cleuzilene V.; Royer, Betina; Rodrigues Filho, Guimes; Cerqueira, Daniel A.; Assunção, Rosana M. N.

    2017-01-01

    The chemical modification of hydrophobic polymer matrices is an alternative way to elchange their surface properties. The introduction of sulfonic groups in the polymer changes the surface properties such as adhesion, wettability, catalytic ability, and adsorption capacity. This work describes the production and application of chemically modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as adsorbent for dyes removal. Chemical modification of PVC was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis, which indicated the presence of sulfonic groups on PVC. The chemically modified PVC (PVCDS) showed an ion exchange capacity of 1.03 mmol−1, and efficiently removed the thionine dye (Lauth’s violet) from aqueous solutions, reaching equilibrium in 30 min. The adsorption kinetics was better adjusted for a pseudo second order model. This result indicates that the adsorption of thionine onto PVCDS occurs by chemisorption. Among the models for the state of equilibrium, SIPS and Langmuir exhibited the best fit to the experimental results and PVCDS showed high adsorption capacities (370 mg−1). Thus, it is assumed that the system presents homogeneous characteristics to the distribution of active sites. The modification promoted the formation of surface characteristics favorable to the dye adsorption by the polymer. PMID:29137158

  12. A synthetic biochemistry platform for cell free production of monoterpenes from glucose

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Korman, Tyler P.; Opgenorth, Paul H.; Bowie, James U.

    Cell-free systems designed to perform complex chemical conversions of biomass to biofuels or commodity chemicals are emerging as promising alternatives to the metabolic engineering of living cells. We design a system comprises 27 enzymes for the conversion of glucose into monoterpenes that generates both NAD(P)H and ATP in a modified glucose breakdown module and utilizes both cofactors for building terpenes. Different monoterpenes are produced in our system by changing the terpene synthase enzyme. The system is stable for the production of limonene, pinene and sabinene, and can operate continuously for at least 5 days from a single addition of glucose.more » We also obtain conversion yields 495% and titres 415 g l -1. The titres are an order of magnitude over cellular toxicity limits and thus difficult to achieve using cell-based systems. Overall, these results highlight the potential of synthetic biochemistry approaches for producing bio-based chemicals.« less

  13. Versatile nature of hetero-chitosan based derivatives as biodegradable adsorbent for heavy metal ions; a review.

    PubMed

    Ahmad, Mudasir; Manzoor, Kaiser; Ikram, Saiqa

    2017-12-01

    The polyfunctional chitosan can act as the biological macromolecule ligand not only for the adsorption and the recovery of metal ions from an aqueous media, but also for the fabrication of novel adsorbents which shows selectivity and better adsorption properties. The unmodified chitosan itself, a single cationic polysaccharide, has hydroxyl and amine groups carrying complex properties with the metal ions. In addition, the selectivity of metal ions, the adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity of the adsorbent can be modified chemically. This review covers the synthetic strategies of chitosan towards the synthesis of hetero-chitosan based adsorbents via chemical modifications in past two decades. It also includes how chemical modification influences the metal adsorption with N, O, S and P containing chitosan derivatives. Hope this review article provides an opportunity for researchers in the future to explore the potential of chitosan as an adsorbent for removal of metal ions from wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. A synthetic biochemistry platform for cell free production of monoterpenes from glucose

    DOE PAGES

    Korman, Tyler P.; Opgenorth, Paul H.; Bowie, James U.

    2017-05-24

    Cell-free systems designed to perform complex chemical conversions of biomass to biofuels or commodity chemicals are emerging as promising alternatives to the metabolic engineering of living cells. We design a system comprises 27 enzymes for the conversion of glucose into monoterpenes that generates both NAD(P)H and ATP in a modified glucose breakdown module and utilizes both cofactors for building terpenes. Different monoterpenes are produced in our system by changing the terpene synthase enzyme. The system is stable for the production of limonene, pinene and sabinene, and can operate continuously for at least 5 days from a single addition of glucose.more » We also obtain conversion yields 495% and titres 415 g l -1. The titres are an order of magnitude over cellular toxicity limits and thus difficult to achieve using cell-based systems. Overall, these results highlight the potential of synthetic biochemistry approaches for producing bio-based chemicals.« less

  15. Catalytic conversion of biomass pyrolysis-derived compounds with chemical liquid deposition (CLD) modified ZSM-5.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Huiyan; Luo, Mengmeng; Xiao, Rui; Shao, Shanshan; Jin, Baosheng; Xiao, Guomin; Zhao, Ming; Liang, Junyu

    2014-03-01

    Chemical liquid deposition (CLD) with KH550, TEOS and methyl silicone oil as the modifiers was used to modify ZSM-5 and deposit its external acid sites. The characteristics of modified catalysts were tested by catalytic conversion of biomass pyrolysis-derived compounds. The effects of different modifying conditions (deposited amount, temperature, and time) on the product yields and selectivities were investigated. The results show KH550 modified ZSM-5 (deposited amount of 4%, temperature of 20°C and time of 6h) produced the maximum yields of aromatics (24.5%) and olefins (16.5%), which are much higher than that obtained with original ZSM-5 catalyst (18.8% aromatics and 9.8% olefins). The coke yield decreased from 44.1% with original ZSM-5 to 26.7% with KH550 modified ZSM-5. The selectivities of low-molecule-weight hydrocarbons (ethylene and benzene) decreased, while that of higher molecule-weight hydrocarbons (propylene, butylene, toluene, and naphthalene) increased comparing with original ZSM-5. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. THE USE OF CHEMICALS AS PLANT REGULATORS. AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS TECHNOLOGY, NUMBER 8.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Center for Vocational and Technical Education.

    ONE OF A SERIES DESIGNED TO ASSIST TEACHERS IN PREPARING POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS FOR AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONS, THIS MODULE IS SPECIFICALLY CONCERNED WITH CHEMICALS AS PLANT REGULATORS. IT WAS DEVELOPED BY A NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON THE BASIS OF DATA FROM STATE STUDIES. SECTIONS INCLUDE -- (1) CHEMICALS AS MODIFIERS OF PLANT GROWTH, (2)…

  17. The synthesis of desired functional groups on PEI microgel particles for biomedical and environmental applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sahiner, Nurettin; Demirci, Sahin; Sahiner, Mehtap; Al-Lohedan, Hamad

    2015-11-01

    Polyethyleneimine (PEI) microgels were synthesized by micro emulsion polymerization technique and converted to positively charged forms by chemical treatments with various modifying agents with different functional groups, such as 2-bromoethanol (-OH), 4-bromobutyronitrile (-CN), 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide (-NH2), and glycidol (-OH). The functionalization of PEI microgels was confirmed by FT-IR, TGA and zeta potential measurements. Furthermore, a second modification of the modified PEI microgels was induced on 4-bromo butyronitrile-modified PEI microgels (PEI-CN) by amidoximation, to generate new functional groups on the modified PEI microgels. The PEI and modified PEI microgels were also tested for their antimicrobial effects against various bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25323. Moreover, the PEI-based particles were used for removal of organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO) and congo red (CR). The absorption capacity of PEI-based microgels increased with modification from 101.8 mg/g to 218.8 mg/g with 2-bromoethylamine, 216.2 m/g with 1-bromoethanol, and 224.5 mg/g with 4-bromobutyronitrile for MO. The increase in absorption for CR dyes was from 347.3 mg/g to 390.4 mg/g with 1-bromoethanol, 399.6 mg/g with glycidol, and 349.9 mg/g with 4-bromobutyronitrile.

  18. Sensitivity Comparison of Vapor Trace Detection of Explosives Based on Chemo-Mechanical Sensing with Optical Detection and Capacitive Sensing with Electronic Detection

    PubMed Central

    Strle, Drago; Štefane, Bogdan; Zupanič, Erik; Trifkovič, Mario; Maček, Marijan; Jakša, Gregor; Kvasič, Ivan; Muševič, Igor

    2014-01-01

    The article offers a comparison of the sensitivities for vapour trace detection of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosives of two different sensor systems: a chemo-mechanical sensor based on chemically modified Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) cantilevers based on Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) technology with optical detection (CMO), and a miniature system based on capacitive detection of chemically functionalized planar capacitors with interdigitated electrodes with a comb-like structure with electronic detection (CE). In both cases (either CMO or CE), the sensor surfaces are chemically functionalized with a layer of APhS (trimethoxyphenylsilane) molecules, which give the strongest sensor response for TNT. The construction and calibration of a vapour generator is also presented. The measurements of the sensor response to TNT are performed under equal conditions for both systems, and the results show that CE system with ultrasensitive electronics is far superior to optical detection using MEMS. Using CMO system, we can detect 300 molecules of TNT in 10+12 molecules of N2 carrier gas, whereas the CE system can detect three molecules of TNT in 10+12 molecules of carrier N2. PMID:24977388

  19. Quantum chemical characterization of zwitterionic structures: Supramolecular complexes for modifying the wettability of oil-water-limestone system.

    PubMed

    Lopez-Chavez, Ernesto; Garcia-Quiroz, Alberto; Gonzalez-Garcia, Gerardo; Orozco-Duran, Gabriela E; Zamudio-Rivera, Luis S; Martinez-Magadan, José M; Buenrostro-Gonzalez, Eduardo; Hernandez-Altamirano, Raul

    2014-06-01

    In this work, we present a quantum chemical study pertaining to some supramolecular complexes acting as wettability modifiers of oil-water-limestone system. The complexes studied are derived from zwitterionic liquids of the types N'-alkyl-bis, N-alquenil, N-cycloalkyl, N-amyl-bis-beta amino acid or salts acting as sparkling agents. We studied two molecules of zwitterionic liquids (ZL10 and ZL13), HOMO and LUMO levels, and the energy gap between them, were calculated, as well as the electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP), chemical potential, chemical hardness, chemical electrophilicity index and selectivity descriptors such Fukui indices. In this work, electrochemical comparison was realized with cocamidopropyl betaine (CPB), which is a structure zwitterionic liquid type, nowadays widely applied in enhanced recovery processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Chemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Competitive Immunoassay Employing Hapten-Functionalized Quantum Dots for the Detection of Sulfamethazine.

    PubMed

    Ma, Mingfang; Wen, Kai; Beier, Ross C; Eremin, Sergei A; Li, Chenglong; Zhang, Suxia; Shen, Jianzhong; Wang, Zhanhui

    2016-07-20

    We describe a new strategy for using chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) by employing hapten-functionalized quantum dots (QDs) in a competitive immunoassay for detection of sulfamethazine (SMZ). Core/multishell QDs were synthesized and modified with phospholipid-PEG. The modified QDs were functionalized with the hapten 4-(4-aminophenyl-sulfonamido)butanoic acid. The CRET-based immunoassay exhibited a limit of detection for SMZ of 9 pg mL(-1), which is >4 orders of magnitude better than a homogeneous fluorescence polarization immunoassay and is 2 orders of magnitude better than a heterogeneous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This strategy represents a simple, reliable, and universal approach for detection of chemical contaminants.

  1. Chemical surface modification of polycrystalline platinum thin-films to promote preferential chemisorption of n-hexane, piperidine, and cyclohexane

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Thomas, V.; Schwank, J.; Gland, J.

    In this study, hard/soft Lewis acid-base (HSAB) principles are used to modify a thin-polycrystalline platinum film to promote preferential chemisorption of molecules such as piperidine, n-hexane, and cyclohexane. Specifically, the particle size and electron density distribution of the platinum surface is modified using thermal treatment and co-adsorption of electro-positive and negative species. These studies are conducted in an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The platinum surface is characterized, before and after modification protocols, using a variety of in-situ and ex-situ techniques. These include temperature programmed desorption (TPD), both resistance change and work function measurements, and both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and diffraction.

  2. Single-neuron identification of chemical constituents, physiological changes, and metabolism using mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Hongying; Zou, Guichang; Wang, Ning; Zhuang, Meihui; Xiong, Wei; Huang, Guangming

    2017-03-07

    The use of single-cell assays has emerged as a cutting-edge technique during the past decade. Although single-cell mass spectrometry (MS) has recently achieved remarkable results, deep biological insights have not yet been obtained, probably because of various technical issues, including the unavoidable use of matrices, the inability to maintain cell viability, low throughput because of sample pretreatment, and the lack of recordings of cell physiological activities from the same cell. In this study, we describe a patch clamp/MS-based platform that enables the sensitive, rapid, and in situ chemical profiling of single living neurons. This approach integrates modified patch clamp technique and modified MS measurements to directly collect and detect nanoliter-scale samples from the cytoplasm of single neurons in mice brain slices. Abundant possible cytoplasmic constituents were detected in a single neuron at a relatively fast rate, and over 50 metabolites were identified in this study. The advantages of direct, rapid, and in situ sampling and analysis enabled us to measure the biological activities of the cytoplasmic constituents in a single neuron, including comparing neuron types by cytoplasmic chemical constituents; observing changes in constituent concentrations as the physiological conditions, such as age, vary; and identifying the metabolic pathways of small molecules.

  3. Biotic and abiotic characterization of bioanodes formed on oxidized carbon electrodes as a basis to predict their performance.

    PubMed

    Cercado, Bibiana; Cházaro-Ruiz, Luis Felipe; Ruiz, Vianey; López-Prieto, Israel de Jesús; Buitrón, Germán; Razo-Flores, Elías

    2013-12-15

    Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are based on the catalytic activity of biofilm on electrodes, or the so-called bioelectrodes, to produce electricity and other valuable products. In order to increase bioanode performance, diverse electrode materials and modification methods have been implemented; however, the factors directly affecting performance are yet unclear. In this work carbon cloth electrodes were modified by thermal, chemical, and electrochemical oxidation to enhance oxygenated surface groups, to modify the electrode texture, and consequently the electron transfer rate and biofilm adhesion. The oxidized electrodes were physically, chemically, and electrochemically characterized, then bioanodes were formed at +0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl using domestic wastewater amended with acetate. The bioanode performance was evaluated according to the current and charge generated. The efficacy of the treatments were in the order Thermal>Electrochemical>Untreated>Chemical oxidation. The maximum current observed with untreated electrode was 0.152±0.026 mA (380±92 mA m(-2)), and it was increased by 78% and 28% with thermal and electrochemical oxidized electrodes, respectively. Moreover, the volatile solids correlated significantly with the maximum current obtained, and the electrode texture was revealed as a critical factor for increasing the bioanode performance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. General and Direct Method for Preparing Oligonucleotide-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shunzhi; McGuirk, C Michael; Ross, Michael B; Wang, Shuya; Chen, Pengcheng; Xing, Hang; Liu, Yuan; Mirkin, Chad A

    2017-07-26

    Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of modular, crystalline, and porous materials that hold promise for storage and transport of chemical cargoes. Though MOFs have been studied in bulk forms, ways of deliberately manipulating the external surface functionality of MOF nanoparticles are less developed. A generalizable approach to modify their surfaces would allow one to impart chemical functionality onto the particle surface that is independent of the bulk MOF structure. Moreover, the use of a chemically programmable ligand, such as DNA, would allow for the manipulation of interparticle interactions. Herein, we report a coordination chemistry-based strategy for the surface functionalization of the external metal nodes of MOF nanoparticles with terminal phosphate-modified oligonucleotides. The external surfaces of nine distinct archetypical MOF particles containing four different metal species (Zr, Cr, Fe, and Al) were successfully functionalized with oligonucleotides, illustrating the generality of this strategy. By taking advantage of the programmable and specific interactions of DNA, 11 distinct MOF particle-inorganic particle core-satellite clusters were synthesized. In these hybrid nanoclusters, the relative stoichiometry, size, shape, and composition of the building blocks can all be independently controlled. This work provides access to a new set of nucleic acid-nanoparticle conjugates, which may be useful as programmable material building blocks and as probes for measuring and manipulating intracellular processes.

  5. Single-neuron identification of chemical constituents, physiological changes, and metabolism using mass spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Hongying; Zou, Guichang; Wang, Ning; Zhuang, Meihui; Xiong, Wei; Huang, Guangming

    2017-01-01

    The use of single-cell assays has emerged as a cutting-edge technique during the past decade. Although single-cell mass spectrometry (MS) has recently achieved remarkable results, deep biological insights have not yet been obtained, probably because of various technical issues, including the unavoidable use of matrices, the inability to maintain cell viability, low throughput because of sample pretreatment, and the lack of recordings of cell physiological activities from the same cell. In this study, we describe a patch clamp/MS-based platform that enables the sensitive, rapid, and in situ chemical profiling of single living neurons. This approach integrates modified patch clamp technique and modified MS measurements to directly collect and detect nanoliter-scale samples from the cytoplasm of single neurons in mice brain slices. Abundant possible cytoplasmic constituents were detected in a single neuron at a relatively fast rate, and over 50 metabolites were identified in this study. The advantages of direct, rapid, and in situ sampling and analysis enabled us to measure the biological activities of the cytoplasmic constituents in a single neuron, including comparing neuron types by cytoplasmic chemical constituents; observing changes in constituent concentrations as the physiological conditions, such as age, vary; and identifying the metabolic pathways of small molecules. PMID:28223513

  6. Improved antifouling properties and selective biofunctionalization of stainless steel by employing heterobifunctional silane-polyethylene glycol overlayers and avidin-biotin technology

    PubMed Central

    Hynninen, Ville; Vuori, Leena; Hannula, Markku; Tapio, Kosti; Lahtonen, Kimmo; Isoniemi, Tommi; Lehtonen, Elina; Hirsimäki, Mika; Toppari, J. Jussi; Valden, Mika; Hytönen, Vesa P.

    2016-01-01

    A straightforward solution-based method to modify the biofunctionality of stainless steel (SS) using heterobifunctional silane-polyethylene glycol (silane-PEG) overlayers is reported. Reduced nonspecific biofouling of both proteins and bacteria onto SS and further selective biofunctionalization of the modified surface were achieved. According to photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the silane-PEGs formed less than 10 Å thick overlayers with close to 90% surface coverage and reproducible chemical compositions. Consequently, the surfaces also became more hydrophilic, and the observed non-specific biofouling of proteins was reduced by approximately 70%. In addition, the attachment of E. coli was reduced by more than 65%. Moreover, the potential of the overlayer to be further modified was demonstrated by successfully coupling biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (bAP) to a silane-PEG-biotin overlayer via avidin-biotin bridges. The activity of the immobilized enzyme was shown to be well preserved without compromising the achieved antifouling properties. Overall, the simple solution-based approach enables the tailoring of SS to enhance its activity for biomedical and biotechnological applications. PMID:27381834

  7. Improved antifouling properties and selective biofunctionalization of stainless steel by employing heterobifunctional silane-polyethylene glycol overlayers and avidin-biotin technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hynninen, Ville; Vuori, Leena; Hannula, Markku; Tapio, Kosti; Lahtonen, Kimmo; Isoniemi, Tommi; Lehtonen, Elina; Hirsimäki, Mika; Toppari, J. Jussi; Valden, Mika; Hytönen, Vesa P.

    2016-07-01

    A straightforward solution-based method to modify the biofunctionality of stainless steel (SS) using heterobifunctional silane-polyethylene glycol (silane-PEG) overlayers is reported. Reduced nonspecific biofouling of both proteins and bacteria onto SS and further selective biofunctionalization of the modified surface were achieved. According to photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the silane-PEGs formed less than 10 Å thick overlayers with close to 90% surface coverage and reproducible chemical compositions. Consequently, the surfaces also became more hydrophilic, and the observed non-specific biofouling of proteins was reduced by approximately 70%. In addition, the attachment of E. coli was reduced by more than 65%. Moreover, the potential of the overlayer to be further modified was demonstrated by successfully coupling biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (bAP) to a silane-PEG-biotin overlayer via avidin-biotin bridges. The activity of the immobilized enzyme was shown to be well preserved without compromising the achieved antifouling properties. Overall, the simple solution-based approach enables the tailoring of SS to enhance its activity for biomedical and biotechnological applications.

  8. Chemically and compositionally modified solid solution disordered multiphase nickel hydroxide positive electrode for alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cells

    DOEpatents

    Ovshinsky, Stanford R.; Corrigan, Dennis; Venkatesan, Srini; Young, Rosa; Fierro, Christian; Fetcenko, Michael A.

    1994-01-01

    A high capacity, long cycle life positive electrode for use in an alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising: a solid solution nickel hydroxide material having a multiphase structure that comprises at least one polycrystalline .gamma.-phase including a polycrystalline .gamma.-phase unit cell comprising spacedly disposed plates with at least one chemical modifier incorporated around the plates, the plates having a range of stable intersheet distances corresponding to a 2.sup.+ oxidation state and a 3.5.sup.+, or greater, oxidation state; and at least one compositional modifier incorporated into the solid solution nickel hydroxide material to promote the multiphase structure.

  9. Research on the chemical mechanism in the polyacrylate latex modified cement system

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Min; Wang, Rumin, E-mail: wangmin19@mail.nwpu.edu.cn; Zheng, Shuirong

    2015-10-15

    In this paper, the chemical mechanism in the polyacrylate latex modified cement system was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and compact pH meter. All results have shown that the chemical reactions in the polyacrylate modified system can be divided into three stages. The hydration reactions of cement can produce large amounts of Ca(OH){sub 2} (calcium hydroxide) and lead the whole system to be alkali-rich and exothermic at the first stage. Subsequently, this environment can do great contributions to the hydrolysis of ester groups in the polyacrylate chains, resulting in themore » formation of carboxyl groups at the second stage. At the third stage, the final crosslinked network structure of the product was obtained by the reaction between the carboxyl groups in the polyacrylate latex chains and Ca(OH){sub 2}.« less

  10. Acute biotoxic effect of styrene on rat liver. Correlation with enzyme-mediated mutagenicity of benzpyrene and acrylonitrile.

    PubMed

    Roberfroid, M; Poncelet, F; Lambotte-Vandepaer, M; Duverger-Van Bogaert, M; de Meester, C; Mercier, M

    1978-01-01

    Styrene is commonly used in western Europe for the manufacture of plastics suitable for packaging foodstuffs. This report demonstrates that, injected intraperitoneally at a dose as low as 10 mg/kg, styrene modifies the catalytic properties of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase by reducing its KM value. A similar effect is reported for two potent chemical carcinogens, 3-methylcholanthrene and benzo(a)pyrene. Ethylbenzene and benzo(e)pyrene and phenobarbital do not produce the same effect. Pretreatments of the rats with chemicals which modify aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase also increase the capacity of the liver enzymes to activate benzopyrene to a mutagenic intermediate in vitro, as measured by the Ames test for mutagenicity. Exposure to both styrene and the other modifiers of the xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes could thus influence the carcinogenic and toxic effects of chemicals which are activated by these enzymes. This hypothesis needs further investigation.

  11. Electrodeposition of platinum and silver into chemically modified microporous silicon electrodes

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Electrodeposition of platinum and silver into hydrophobic and hydrophilic microporous silicon layers was investigated using chemically modified microporous silicon electrodes. Hydrophobic microporous silicon enhanced the electrodeposition of platinum in the porous layer. Meanwhile, hydrophilic one showed that platinum was hardly deposited within the porous layer, and a film of platinum on the top of the porous layer was observed. On the other hand, the electrodeposition of silver showed similar deposition behavior between these two chemically modified electrodes. It was also found that the electrodeposition of silver started at the pore opening and grew toward the pore bottom, while a uniform deposition from the pore bottom was observed in platinum electrodeposition. These electrodeposition behaviors are explained on the basis of the both effects, the difference in overpotential for metal deposition on silicon and on the deposited metal, and displacement deposition rate of metal. PMID:22720690

  12. Modification of chemical reactivity of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin by ultrasound treatment in dilute alkaline solutions.

    PubMed

    Ma, Zhuoming; Li, Shujun; Fang, Guizhen; Patil, Nikhil; Yan, Ning

    2016-12-01

    In this study, we have explored various ultrasound treatment conditions for structural modification of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) for enhanced chemical reactivity. The key structural modifications were characterized by using a combination of analytical methods, including, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 H NMR), Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) method. Chemical reactivity of the modified EHL samples was determined by both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and their reactivity towards formaldehyde. It was observed that the modified EHL had a higher phenolic hydroxyl group content, a lower molecular weight, a higher reactivity towards formaldehyde, and a greater antioxidant property. The higher reactivity demonstrated by the samples after treatment suggesting that ultrasound is a promising method for modifying enzymatic hydrolysis lignin for value-added applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Supersensitive fingerprinting of explosives by chemically modified nanosensors arrays.

    PubMed

    Lichtenstein, Amir; Havivi, Ehud; Shacham, Ronen; Hahamy, Ehud; Leibovich, Ronit; Pevzner, Alexander; Krivitsky, Vadim; Davivi, Guy; Presman, Igor; Elnathan, Roey; Engel, Yoni; Flaxer, Eli; Patolsky, Fernando

    2014-06-24

    The capability to detect traces of explosives sensitively, selectively and rapidly could be of great benefit for applications relating to civilian national security and military needs. Here, we show that, when chemically modified in a multiplexed mode, nanoelectrical devices arrays enable the supersensitive discriminative detection of explosive species. The fingerprinting of explosives is achieved by pattern recognizing the inherent kinetics, and thermodynamics, of interaction between the chemically modified nanosensors array and the molecular analytes under test. This platform allows for the rapid detection of explosives, from air collected samples, down to the parts-per-quadrillion concentration range, and represents the first nanotechnology-inspired demonstration on the selective supersensitive detection of explosives, including the nitro- and peroxide-derivatives, on a single electronic platform. Furthermore, the ultrahigh sensitivity displayed by our platform may allow the remote detection of various explosives, a task unachieved by existing detection technologies.

  14. Supersensitive fingerprinting of explosives by chemically modified nanosensors arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lichtenstein, Amir; Havivi, Ehud; Shacham, Ronen; Hahamy, Ehud; Leibovich, Ronit; Pevzner, Alexander; Krivitsky, Vadim; Davivi, Guy; Presman, Igor; Elnathan, Roey; Engel, Yoni; Flaxer, Eli; Patolsky, Fernando

    2014-06-01

    The capability to detect traces of explosives sensitively, selectively and rapidly could be of great benefit for applications relating to civilian national security and military needs. Here, we show that, when chemically modified in a multiplexed mode, nanoelectrical devices arrays enable the supersensitive discriminative detection of explosive species. The fingerprinting of explosives is achieved by pattern recognizing the inherent kinetics, and thermodynamics, of interaction between the chemically modified nanosensors array and the molecular analytes under test. This platform allows for the rapid detection of explosives, from air collected samples, down to the parts-per-quadrillion concentration range, and represents the first nanotechnology-inspired demonstration on the selective supersensitive detection of explosives, including the nitro- and peroxide-derivatives, on a single electronic platform. Furthermore, the ultrahigh sensitivity displayed by our platform may allow the remote detection of various explosives, a task unachieved by existing detection technologies.

  15. Profiling the immunotoxicity of chemicals based on in vitro evaluation by a combination of the Multi-ImmunoTox assay and the IL-8 Luc assay.

    PubMed

    Kimura, Yutaka; Fujimura, Chizu; Ito, Yumiko; Takahashi, Toshiya; Terui, Hitoshi; Aiba, Setsuya

    2018-06-01

    We established a luciferase reporter assay system, the Multi-ImmunoTox Assay (MITA), which can evaluate the effects of chemicals on the promoter activities of four cytokines: IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-8. We previously reported that MITA correctly reflected the change in mRNA of human whole-blood cells treated with dexamethasone, cyclosporine, FK506, or several other immunosuppressive drugs. In this study, we combined MITA with the IL-8 Luc assay to detect skin sensitization chemicals (OECD 442E) (modified MITA: mMITA) and established a data set of 60 chemicals examined by mMITA. Using the mMITA results, chemicals can be classified based on the lowest observed effect level (LOEL) of chemicals in suppressing or augmenting the promoter activities of the four cytokines. Moreover, we demonstrated that K-means clustering and hierarchical clustering of the 60 chemicals based on the LOEL for their effects on IL-2 and IL-8 promoter activities and the judgment by the IL-8 Luc assay resulted in the same 6-cluster solution: cluster 1 with preferential suppression of IL-8, cluster 2 with suppression of IL-2 and a positive IL-8 Luc assay result, cluster 3 with suppression of both IL-2 and IL-8, cluster 4 with no effects on IL-2 or IL-8 and a negative IL-8 Luc assay result, cluster 5 with suppression of both IL-2 and IL-8 and a negative IL-8 Luc assay result, and cluster 6 with preferential suppression of IL-8. These data suggest that mMITA is a promising novel high-throughput approach for detecting unrecognized immunological effects of chemicals and for profiling their immunotoxic effects.

  16. 40 CFR 721.10149 - Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10149 Carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified... substance identified generically as carbon black, (3-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (PMN P-07-522) is...

  17. 40 CFR 721.10150 - Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (generic).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10150 Carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified... substance identified generically as carbon black, (4-methylphenyl)-modified, substituted (PMN P-07-523) is...

  18. Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: The Importance of Size, Shape, Chemical Composition, and Valence State in Determining Toxicity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dunnick, Katherine

    Nanoparticles, which are defined as a structure with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm, have the potential to be used in a variety of consumer products due to their improved functionality compared to similar particles of larger size. Their small size is associated with increased strength, improved catalytic properties, and increased reactivity; however, their size is also associated with increased toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Numerous toxicological studies have been conducted to determine the properties of nanomaterials that increase their toxicity in order to manufacture new nanomaterials with decreased toxicity. Data indicates that size, shape, chemical composition, and valence state of nanomaterials can dramatically alter their toxicity profile. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to determine how altering the shape, size, and chemical composition of various metal oxide nanoparticles would affect their toxicity. Metal oxides are used in variety of consumer products, from spray-sun screens, to food coloring agents; thus, understanding the toxicity of metal oxides and determining which aspects affect their toxicity may provide safe alternatives nanomaterials for continued use in manufacturing. Tungstate nanoparticles toxicity was assessed in an in vitro model using RAW 264.7 cells. The size, shape, and chemical composition of these nanomaterials were altered and the effect on reactive oxygen species and general cytotoxicity was determined using a variety of techniques. Results demonstrate that shape was important in reactive oxygen species production as wires were able to induce significant reactive oxygen species compared to spheres. Shape, size, and chemical composition did not have much effect on the overall toxicity of these nanoparticles in RAW 264.7 cells over a 72 hour time course, implicating that the base material of the nanoparticles was not toxic in these cells. To further assess how chemical composition can affect toxicity, cerium oxide nanoparticles were chemically modified using a process known as doping, to alter their valence state. The size and shape of the cerium oxide nanoparticles remained constant. Overall, results indicated that cerium oxide was not toxic in both RLE-6TN and NR8383 pulmonary rat cells, however, chemically modifying the valence state of the nanomaterial did affect the antioxidant potential. To determine if this trend was measureable in vivo, rats were exposed to various cerium oxide nanoparticles via intratracheal instillation and damage, changes in pulmonary cell differentials, and phagocytic cell activity were assessed. Results implicate that chemically modifying the nanoparticles had an effect on the overall damage induced by the material but did not dramatically affect inflammatory potential or phagocytic cell activity. Overall the data from these studies imply that size, shape, chemical composition, and valence state of nanomaterials can be manipulated to alter their toxicity.

  19. Development of combinations of chemically modified vegetable oils as pork backfat substitutes in sausages formulation.

    PubMed

    Ospina-E, Juan Camilo; Cruz-S, Adriana; Pérez-Alvarez, José Angel; Fernández-López, Juana

    2010-03-01

    Today's consumers look for foods which provide nutrition and pleasure, while safeguarding their health, the result of which is that they increasingly avoid foods containing cholesterol and saturated and trans fatty acids. Chemically modified vegetable oils can help tailor meat products to meet this growing need and at the same time fulfil the technological needs of the meat processing industry. In this study, 16 backfat samples were characterised for their solid fat content (SFC) and melting point and these characteristics were used to design a mixture of chemically modified vegetable oils for use as a pork fat substitute for elaborating sausages. The mixtures were prepared with different vegetable oils bearing in mind with stearic acid content due to its close correlation with the SFC. The backfat was characterised as a function of its SFC and some modified vegetable oil mixtures were proposed, which led to a 10-20% diminution in saturated fatty acids and with a melting point similar to those observed in the backfat. The fatty acid profile pointed to a polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio higher than 0.4, and an n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of less than 4 in both modified vegetable oil mixtures proposed. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of composite based on polylactic acid and microfibrillated cellulose through chemical modification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suryanegara, L.; Nugraha, R. A.; Achmadi, S. S.

    2017-07-01

    Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most representative sustainable and bio-based polymer environmentally friendly that has a great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. However, brittleness, low heat resistance, and slow crystallization limit the wide application of PLA. One of strategies to improve PLA properties is by reinforcing with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Unfortunately, the hydrophilic properties of MFC make it difficult to attain good dispersion in a hydrophobic PLA matrix. Therefore, modification of MFC was needed to increase its compatibility with PLA in the composite formation. In this experiment, MFC was modified with partial acetylation (degree of substitution: 1) and further grafted with lactide monomers through ring-opening polymerization using Sn(Oct)2 catalyst. The result of acetylation and grafting were verified by infrared spectra. Composites were prepared by mixing PLA (molecular weight of 200,000) and the modified MFC at 9:1 ratio through organic solvent method. Followed by 8 min-kneading and hot pressing at 180°C, the resulted composites were evaluated for their mechanical and thermal properties. Thermal characterization carried out using differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the presence of modified MFC increased the temperature of glass transition and accelerated the crystallization of PLA. Mechanical properties measurement showed that the presence of modified MFC enhanced the elongation at break (1.1 to 1.8%), tensile strength (14.9 to 25.7 MPa), and modulus of elasticity (1.7 to 2.1 GPa). These results demonstrated that the modified MFC could extend the application of PLA in industry.

  1. Small angle neutron scattering as a tool to evaluate moisture-induced swelling in the nanostructure of chemically modified wood cell walls

    Treesearch

    Nayomi Z. Plaza; Joseph E. Jakes; Charles R. Frihart; Christopher G. Hunt; Daniel J. Yelle; Linda F. Lorenz

    2017-01-01

    Wood-based products can be a sustainable and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials because of their reduced contribution to air and water pollution. An integral component of these products is often an adhesive. Because wood is hygroscopic, moisture-induced swelling in the cell walls near the wood– adhesive bondlines can lead to...

  2. Chemically-bonded brick production based on burned clay by means of semidry pressing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Voroshilov, Ivan, E-mail: Nixon.06@mail.ru; Endzhievskaya, Irina, E-mail: icaend@mail.ru; Vasilovskaya, Nina, E-mail: icaend@mail.ru

    We presented a study on the possibility of using the burnt rocks of the Krasnoyarsk Territory for production of chemically-bonded materials in the form of bricks which are so widely used in multistory housing and private house construction. The radiographic analysis of the composition of burnt rock was conducted and a modifier to adjust the composition uniformity was identified. The mixing moisture content was identified and optimal amount at 13-15% was determined. The method of semidry pressing has been chosen. The process of obtaining moldings has been theoretically proved; the advantages of chemically-bonded wall materials compared to ceramic brick weremore » shown. The production of efficient artificial stone based on material burnt rocks, which is comparable with conventionally effective ceramic materials or effective with cell tile was proved, the density of the burned clay-based cell tile makes up to 1630-1785 kg \\ m{sup 3}, with compressive strength of 13.6-20.0 MPa depending on the compression ratio and cement consumption, frost resistance index is F50, and the thermal conductivity in the masonry is λ = 0,459-0,546 W \\ m {sup *} °C. The clear geometric dimensions of pressed products allow the use of the chemically-bonded brick based on burnt clay as a facing brick.« less

  3. Chemical modification of magnetite nanoparticles and preparation of acrylic-base magnetic nanocomposite particles via miniemulsion polymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahdieh, Athar; Mahdavian, Ali Reza; Salehi-Mobarakeh, Hamid

    2017-03-01

    Nowadays, magnetic nanocomposite particles have attracted many interests because of their versatile applications. A new method for chemical modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with polymerizable groups is presented here. After synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles by co-precipitation method, they were modified sequentially with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), acryloyl chloride (AC) and benzoyl chloride (BC) and all were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TGA analyses. Then the modified magnetite nanoparticles with unsaturated acrylic groups were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and acrylic acid (AA) through miniemulsion polymerization. Although several reports exist on preparation of magnetite-base polymer particles, but the efficiency of magnetite encapsulationwith reasonable content and obtaining final stable latexes with limited aggregation ofFe3O4 are still important issues. These were considered here by controlling reaction parameters. Hence, a seriesofmagneticnanocomposites latex particlescontaining different amounts of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (0-10 wt%) were prepared with core-shell morphology and diameter below 200 nm and were characterized by FT-IR, DSC and TGA analyses. Their morphology and size distribution were studied by SEM, TEM and DLS analyses too. Magnetic properties of all products were also measuredby VSM analysis and the results revealed almost superparamagnetic properties for the obtained nanocomposite particles.

  4. Boronic acid recognition of non-interacting carbohydrates for biomedical applications: increasing fluorescence signals of minimally interacting aldoses and sucralose†

    PubMed Central

    Resendez, Angel; Halim, Md Abdul; Singh, Jasmeet; Webb, Dominic-Luc

    2017-01-01

    To address carbohydrates that are commonly used in biomedical applications with low binding affinities for boronic acid based detection systems, two chemical modification methods were utilized to increase sensitivity. Modified carbohydrates were analyzed using a two component fluorescent probe based on boronic acid-appended viologen–HPTS (4,4′-o-BBV). Carbohydrates normally giving poor signals (fucose, l-rhamnose, xylose) were subjected to sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction in ambient conditions for 1 h yielding the corresponding sugar alcohols from fucose, l-rhamnose and xylose in essentially quantitative yields. Compared to original aldoses, apparent binding affinities were increased 4–25-fold. The chlorinated sweetener and colon permeability marker sucralose (Splenda), otherwise undetectable by boronic acids, was dechlorinated to a detectable derivative by reactive oxygen and hydroxide intermediates by the Fenton reaction or by H2O2 and UV light. This method is specific to sucralose as other common sugars, such as sucrose, do not contain any carbon-chlorine bonds. Significant fluorescence response was obtained for chemically modified sucralose with the 4,4′-o-BBV–HPTS probe system. This proof of principle can be applied to biomedical applications, such as gut permeability, malabsorption, etc. PMID:29130464

  5. Characterization of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for use in an enzymatic sensor.

    PubMed

    Guadarrama-Fernández, Leonor; Chanona-Pérez, Jorge; Manzo-Robledo, Arturo; Calderón-Domínguez, Georgina; Martínez-Rivas, Adrián; Ortiz-López, Jaime; Vargas-García, Jorge Roberto

    2014-10-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have proven to be materials with great potential for the construction of biosensors. Development of fast, simple, and low cost biosensors to follow reactions in bioprocesses, or to detect food contaminants such as toxins, chemical compounds, and microorganisms, is presently an important research topic. This report includes microscopy and spectroscopy to characterize raw and chemically modified multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition with the intention of using them as the active transducer in bioprocessing sensors. MWCNT were simultaneously purified and functionalized by an acid mixture involving HNO3-H2SO4 and amyloglucosidase attached onto the chemically modified MWCNT surface. A 49.0% decrease in its enzymatic activity was observed. Raw, purified, and enzyme-modified MWCNTs were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These studies confirmed purification and functionalization of the CNTs. Finally, cyclic voltammetry electrochemistry was used for electrical characterization of CNTs, which showed promising results that can be useful for construction of electrochemical biosensors applied to biological areas.

  6. Synthesis of histone proteins by CPE ligation using a recombinant peptide as the C-terminal building block.

    PubMed

    Kawakami, Toru; Yoshikawa, Ryo; Fujiyoshi, Yuki; Mishima, Yuichi; Hojo, Hironobu; Tajima, Shoji; Suetake, Isao

    2015-11-01

    The post-translational modification of histones plays an important role in gene expression. We report herein on a method for synthesizing such modified histones by ligating chemically prepared N-terminal peptides and C-terminal recombinant peptide building blocks. Based on their chemical synthesis, core histones can be categorized as two types; histones H2A, H2B and H4 which contain no Cys residues, and histone H3 which contains a Cys residue(s) in the C-terminal region. A combination of native chemical ligation and desulphurization can be simply used to prepare histones without Cys residues. For the synthesis of histone H3, the endogenous Cys residue(s) must be selectively protected, while keeping the N-terminal Cys residue of the C-terminal building block that is introduced for purposes of chemical ligation unprotected. To this end, a phenacyl group was successfully utilized to protect endogenous Cys residue(s), and the recombinant peptide was ligated with a peptide containing a Cys-Pro ester (CPE) sequence as a thioester precursor. Using this approach it was possible to prepare all of the core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 with any modifications. The resulting proteins could then be used to prepare a core histone library of proteins that have been post-translationally modified. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Japanese Biochemical Society. All rights reserved.

  7. 46 CFR 188.10-9 - Chemical storeroom.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Chemical storeroom. 188.10-9 Section 188.10-9 Shipping... PROVISIONS Definition of Terms Used in This Subchapter § 188.10-9 Chemical storeroom. This term refers to any compartment specifically constructed or modified for the stowage of chemical stores and so designated and...

  8. 46 CFR 188.10-9 - Chemical storeroom.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 7 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Chemical storeroom. 188.10-9 Section 188.10-9 Shipping... PROVISIONS Definition of Terms Used in This Subchapter § 188.10-9 Chemical storeroom. This term refers to any compartment specifically constructed or modified for the stowage of chemical stores and so designated and...

  9. 46 CFR 188.10-9 - Chemical storeroom.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 7 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Chemical storeroom. 188.10-9 Section 188.10-9 Shipping... PROVISIONS Definition of Terms Used in This Subchapter § 188.10-9 Chemical storeroom. This term refers to any compartment specifically constructed or modified for the stowage of chemical stores and so designated and...

  10. 46 CFR 188.10-9 - Chemical storeroom.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 7 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Chemical storeroom. 188.10-9 Section 188.10-9 Shipping... PROVISIONS Definition of Terms Used in This Subchapter § 188.10-9 Chemical storeroom. This term refers to any compartment specifically constructed or modified for the stowage of chemical stores and so designated and...

  11. 46 CFR 188.10-9 - Chemical storeroom.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 7 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Chemical storeroom. 188.10-9 Section 188.10-9 Shipping... PROVISIONS Definition of Terms Used in This Subchapter § 188.10-9 Chemical storeroom. This term refers to any compartment specifically constructed or modified for the stowage of chemical stores and so designated and...

  12. Sorption of nonpolar aromatic contaminants by chlorosilane surface modified natural minerals.

    PubMed

    Huttenloch, P; Roehl, K E; Czurda, K

    2001-11-01

    The efficacy of the surface modification of natural diatomite and zeolite material by chlorosilanes is demonstrated. Chlorosilanes used were trimethylchlorosilane (TMSCI), tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (TBDMSCI), dimethyloctadecylchlorosilane (DMODSCI), and diphenyldichlorosilane (DPDSCI) possessing different headgroups and chemical properties. Silanol groups of the diatomite and zeolite were modified by chemical reaction with the chlorosilanes resulting in a stable covalent attachment of the organosilanes to the mineral surface. The alteration of surface properties of the modified material was proved by measurements of water adsorption capacity, total organic carbon (TOC) content, and thermoanalytical data. The surface modified material showed great stability even when exposed to extremes in ionic strength, pH, and to pure organic solvents. Sorption of toluene, o-xylene, and naphthalene from water was greatly enhanced by the surface modification compared to the untreated materials which showed no measurable sorption of these compounds. The enhanced sorption was dependent on the organic carbon content as well as on chemical characteristics of the chlorosilanes used. Batch sorption experiments showed that the phenyl headgroups of DPDSCI have the best affinity for aromatic compounds. Removal from an aqueous solution of 10 mg/L of naphthalene, o-xylene, and toluene was 71%, 60%, and 30% for surface modified diatomite and 51%, 30%, and 16% for modified clinoptilolite, respectively. Sorption data were well described by the Freundlich isotherm equation, which indicated physical adsorption onto the lipophilic surface rather than partitioning into the surface organic phase. The chlorosilane modified materials have an apparent potential for application in environmental technologies such as permeable reactive barriers (PRB) or wastewater treatment.

  13. Sulfur-Modified Zero-Valent Iron for Remediation Applications at DOE Sites - 13600

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fogwell, Thomas W.; Santina, Pete

    2013-07-01

    Many DOE remediation sites have chemicals of concern that are compounds in higher oxidation states, which make them both more mobile and more toxic. The chemical reduction of these compounds both prevents the migration of these chemicals and in some cases reduces the toxicity. It has also been shown that zero-valent iron is a very effective substance to use in reducing oxygenated compounds in various treatment processes. These have included the treatment of halogenated hydrocarbons in the form volatile organic compounds used as solvents and pesticides. Zero-valent iron has also been used to reduce various oxidized metals such as chromium,more » arsenic, and mercury in order to immobilize them, decrease their toxicity, and prevent further transport. In addition, it has been used to immobilize or break down other non-metallic species such as selenium compounds and nitrates. Of particular interest at several DOE remediation sites is the fact that zero-valent iron is very effective in immobilizing several radioactive metals which are mobile in their oxidized states. These include both technetium and uranium. The main difficulty in using zero-valent iron has been its tendency to become inactive after relatively short periods of time. While it is advantageous to have the zero-valent iron particles as porous as possible in order to provide maximum surface area for reactions to take place, these pores can become clogged when the iron is oxidized. This is due to the fact that ferric oxide has a greater volume for a given mass than metallic iron. When the surfaces of the iron particles oxidize to ferric oxide, the pores become narrower and will eventually shut. In order to minimize the degradation of the chemical activity of the iron due to this process, a modification of zero-valent iron has been developed which prevents or slows this process, which decreases its effectiveness. It is called sulfur-modified iron, and it has been produced in high purity for applications in municipal water treatment applications. Sulfur-modified iron has been found to not only be an extremely economical treatment technology for municipal water supplies, where very large quantities of water must be treated economically, but it has also been demonstrated to immobilize technetium. It has the added benefit of eliminating several other harmful chemicals in water supplies. These include arsenic and selenium. In one large-scale evaluation study an integrated system implemented chemical reduction of nitrate with sulfur-modified iron followed by filtration for arsenic removal. The sulfur-modified iron that was used was an iron-based granular medium that has been commercially developed for the removal of nitrate, co-contaminants including uranium, vanadium and chromium, and other compounds from water. The independent study concluded that 'It is foreseen that the greatest benefit of this technology (sulfur-modified iron) is that it does not produce a costly brine stream as do the currently accepted nitrate removal technologies of ion exchange and reverse osmosis. This investigation confirmed that nitrate reduction via sulfur-modified iron is independent of the hydraulic loading rate. Future sulfur-modified iron treatment systems can be designed without restriction of the reactor vessel dimensions. Future vessels can be adapted to existing site constraints without being limited to height-to-width ratios that would exist if nitrate reduction were to depend on hydraulic loading rate'. Sulfur-modified iron was studied by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for its effectiveness in the reduction and permanent sequestration of technetium. The testing was done using Hanford Site groundwater together with sediment. The report stated, 'Under reducing conditions, TcO{sub 4} is readily reduced to TcIV, which forms highly insoluble oxides such at TcO{sub 2}.nH{sub 2}O. However, (re)oxidation of TcIV oxides can lead to remobilization. Under sulfidogenic conditions, most TcIV will be reduced and immobilized as Tc{sub 2}S{sub 7}, which is less readily re-mobilized, even under oxic conditions. This process should be favored by stimulation of sulfidogenic conditions'. The sulfur-modified iron provides the sulfur, together with the iron, to maintain this stable sequestration of technetium. As a result of these and other studies demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of sulfur-modified iron in treating technetium and other hazardous compounds in Hanford Site groundwater and its cost-effectiveness in reducing nitrate, the Richland Operations Office of the Department of Energy issued a change order to the Central Plateau Contractor providing for the testing of sulfur-modified iron in a mobile pilot unit at the Hanford Site. Further testing is anticipated to produce refinements in operating conditions and further optimization of the existing process. (authors)« less

  14. Hierarchical structured Sm2O3 modified CuO nanoflowers as electrode materials for high performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiaojuan; He, Mingqian; He, Ping; Liu, Hongtao; Bai, Hongmei; Chen, Jingchao; He, Shaoying; Zhang, Xingquan; Dong, Faqing; Chen, Yang

    2017-12-01

    By a simple and cost effective chemical precipitation-hydrothermal method, novel hierarchical structured Sm2O3 modified CuO nanoflowers are prepared and investigated as electrode materials for supercapacitors. The physical properties of prepared materials are characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, EDX and FTIR techniques. Furthermore, electrochemical performances of prepared materials are investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectrum in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. The resulting Sm2O3 modified CuO based electrodes exhibit obviously enhanced capacitive properties owing to the unique nanostructures and strong synergistic effects. It is worth noting that the optimized SC-3 based electrode exhibits the best electrochemical performances in all prepared electrodes, including higher specific capacitance (383.4 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and good rate capability (393.2 F g-1 and 246.3 F g-1 at 0.3 A g-1 and 3.0 A g-1, respectively), as well as excellent cycling stability (84.6% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A g-1). The present results show that Sm2O3 is used as a promising modifier to change the morphology and improve electrochemical performances of CuO materials.

  15. Apparently enhanced magnetization of Cu(I)-modified γ-Fe2O3 based nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qiu, Xiaoyan; He, Zhenghong; Mao, Hong; Zhang, Ting; Lin, Yueqiang; Liu, Xiaodong; Li, Decai; Meng, Xiangshen; Li, Jian

    2017-11-01

    Using a chemically induced transition method in FeCl2 solution, γ-Fe2O3 based magnetic nanoparticles, in which γ-Fe2O3 crystallites were coated with FeCl3ṡ6H2O, were prepared. During the synthesis of the γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles Cu(I) modification of the particles was attempted. According to the results from both magnetization measurements and structural characterization, it was judged that a magnetic silent "dead layer", which can be attributed to spin disorder in the surface of the γ-Fe2O3 crystallites due to breaking of the crystal symmetry, existed in the unmodified particles. For the Cu(I)-modified sample, the CuCl thin layer on the γ-Fe2O3 crystallites incurred the crystal symmetry to reduce the spin disorder, which "awakened" the "dead layer" on the surface of the γ-Fe2O3 crystallites, enhancing the apparent magnetization of the Cu(I)-modified nanoparticles. It was determined that the surface spin disorder of the magnetic crystallite could be related to the coating layer on the crystallite, and can be modified by altering the coating layer to enhance the effective magnetization of the magnetic nanoparticles.

  16. Recovery of microbial diversity and activity during bioremediation following chemical oxidation of diesel contaminated soils.

    PubMed

    Sutton, Nora B; Langenhoff, Alette A M; Lasso, Daniel Hidalgo; van der Zaan, Bas; van Gaans, Pauline; Maphosa, Farai; Smidt, Hauke; Grotenhuis, Tim; Rijnaarts, Huub H M

    2014-03-01

    To improve the coupling of in situ chemical oxidation and in situ bioremediation, a systematic analysis was performed of the effect of chemical oxidation with Fenton's reagent, modified Fenton's reagent, permanganate, or persulfate, on microbial diversity and activity during 8 weeks of incubation in two diesel-contaminated soils (peat and fill). Chemical oxidant and soil type affected the microbial community diversity and biodegradation activity; however, this was only observed following treatment with Fenton's reagent and modified Fenton's reagent, and in the biotic control without oxidation. Differences in the highest overall removal efficiencies of 69 % for peat (biotic control) and 59 % for fill (Fenton's reagent) were partially explained by changes in contaminant soil properties upon oxidation. Molecular analysis of 16S rRNA and alkane monooxygenase (alkB) gene abundances indicated that oxidation with Fenton's reagent and modified Fenton's reagent negatively affected microbial abundance. However, regeneration occurred, and final relative alkB abundances were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher in chemically treated microcosms than in the biotic control. 16S rRNA gene fragment fingerprinting with DGGE and prominent band sequencing illuminated microbial community composition and diversity differences between treatments and identified a variety of phylotypes within Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaproteobacteria. Understanding microbial community dynamics during coupled chemical oxidation and bioremediation is integral to improved biphasic field application.

  17. Ten-gram-scale preparation of PTMS-based monodisperse ORMOSIL nano- and microparticles and conversion to silica particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Jung Soo; Jung, Gyu Il; Kim, Soo Jung; Koo, Sang Man

    2018-03-01

    Monodisperse organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) particles, with an average diameter ranging from 550 nm to 4.2 μm, were prepared at low temperature at a scale of about 10 g/batch by a simple one-step self-emulsion process. The reaction mixture was composed only of water, phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS), and a base catalyst, without any surfactants. The size control of the particles and the monodispersity of resultant particles were achieved through the controlled supply of hydrolyzed PTMS monomer molecules, which was enabled by manipulating the reaction parameters, such as monomer concentration, type and amount of base catalyst, stirring rate, and reaction temperature. PTMS-based ORMOSIL particles were converted into silica particles by employing either a wet chemical reaction with an oleum-sulfuric acid mixture or thermal treatment above 650 °C. Complete removal of organic groups from the ORMOSIL particles was achieved by the thermal treatment while 74% removal was done by the chemical process used. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  18. Fuzzy-logic based strategy for validation of multiplex methods: example with qualitative GMO assays.

    PubMed

    Bellocchi, Gianni; Bertholet, Vincent; Hamels, Sandrine; Moens, W; Remacle, José; Van den Eede, Guy

    2010-02-01

    This paper illustrates the advantages that a fuzzy-based aggregation method could bring into the validation of a multiplex method for GMO detection (DualChip GMO kit, Eppendorf). Guidelines for validation of chemical, bio-chemical, pharmaceutical and genetic methods have been developed and ad hoc validation statistics are available and routinely used, for in-house and inter-laboratory testing, and decision-making. Fuzzy logic allows summarising the information obtained by independent validation statistics into one synthetic indicator of overall method performance. The microarray technology, introduced for simultaneous identification of multiple GMOs, poses specific validation issues (patterns of performance for a variety of GMOs at different concentrations). A fuzzy-based indicator for overall evaluation is illustrated in this paper, and applied to validation data for different genetically modified elements. Remarks were drawn on the analytical results. The fuzzy-logic based rules were shown to be applicable to improve interpretation of results and facilitate overall evaluation of the multiplex method.

  19. Influence of surface heterogeneity in electroosmotic flows—Implications in chromatography, fluid mixing, and chemical reactions in microdevices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adrover, Alessandra; Giona, Massimiliano; Pagnanelli, Francesca; Toro, Luigi

    2007-04-01

    We analyze the influence of surface heterogeneity, inducing a random ζ-potential at the walls in electroosmotic incompressible flows. Specifically, we focus on how surface heterogeneity modifies the physico-chemical processes (transport, chemical reaction, mixing) occurring in microchannel and microreactors. While the macroscopic short-time features associated with solute transport (e.g. chromatographic patterns) do not depend significantly on ζ-potential heterogeneity, spatial randomness in the surface ζ-potential modifies the spectral properties of the advection-diffusion operator, determining different long-term properties of transport/reaction phenomena compared to the homogeneous case. Examples of physical relevance (chromatography, infinitely fast reactions) are addressed.

  20. Chemical modification with phthalic anhydride and chitosan: Viable options for the stabilization of raw starch digesting amylase from Aspergillus carbonarius.

    PubMed

    Nwagu, Tochukwu Nwamaka; Okolo, Bartholomew; Aoyagi, Hideki; Yoshida, Shigeki

    2017-06-01

    The raw starch digesting type of amylase (RSDA) presents greater opportunities for process efficiency at cheaper cost and shorter time compared to regular amylases. Chemical modification is a simple and rapid method toward their stabilization for a wider application. RSDA from Aspergillus carbonarius was modified with either phthalic anhydride (PA) or chitosan. Activity retention was 87.3% for PA-modified and 80.9% for chitosan-modified RSDA. Optimum pH shifted from 5 to 7 after PA-modification. Optimum temperature changed from 30°C (native) to 30-40°C and 60°C for PA-modified and chitosan-modified, respectively. Activation energy (kJmol -1 ) for hydrolysis was 13.5, 12.7, and 10.2 while the activation energy for thermal denaturation was 32.8, 80.3, 81.9 for free, PA-modified and chitosan-modified, respectively. The specificity constants (V max /K m ) were 73.2 for PA-modified, 63.1 for chitosan-modified and 77.1 for native RSDA. The half-life (h) of the RSDA at 80°C was increased from 6.1 to 25.7 for the PA-modified and 138.6 for the chitosan derivative. Modification also led to increase in D value, activation enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of enzyme deactivation. Fluorescence spectra showed that center of spectral mass decreased for the PA-modified RSDA but increased for chitosan modified RSDA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Study of SBS slow light based on nano-material doped fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ying; Lang, Pei-Lin; Zhang, Ru

    2009-03-01

    A novel optical fiber doped with nano material InP is manufactured by the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD). The slow light based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the optical fiber is studied. The results show that a time delay of ˜738 ps is obtained when the input Stokes pulse is 900 ps(FWHM) and the SBS gain is ˜15. It shows that a considerable time delay and an amplification of the input light can be achieved by this novel optical fiber.

  2. Recent advances on polyoxometalate-based molecular and composite materials.

    PubMed

    Song, Yu-Fei; Tsunashima, Ryo

    2012-11-21

    Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a subset of metal oxides with unique physical and chemical properties, which can be reliably modified through various techniques and methods to develop sophisticated materials and devices. In parallel with the large number of new crystal structures reported in the literature, the application of these POMs towards multifunctional materials has attracted considerable attention. This critical review summarizes recent progress on POM-based molecular and composite materials, and particularly highlights the emerging areas that are closely related to surface, electronic, energy, environment, life science, etc. (171 references).

  3. Chemical, optical and radiative characteristics of aerosols during haze episodes of winter in the North China Plain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Jing; Zhang, Yufen; Han, Suqin; Xiao, Zhimei; Wang, Jiao; Feng, Yinchang

    2018-05-01

    Aerosol and water vapor radiative forcings, shortwave atmospheric heating rates and longwave atmospheric cooling rates were determined based on in situ physical and chemical measurements of aerosol, associated with the Mie theory and a radiative transfer model, LOWTRAN7, during the two haze episodes in the winter of 2013 in Tianjin, China. The aerosol types considered in LOWTRAN7 included rural, urban, marine, desert and custom aerosols. The default ratio of the absorption coefficient to the extinction coefficient for urban aerosol in LOWTRAN7 was approximately double of those found in this work, implying the weaker absorption ability of aerosols in the North China Plain (NCP). Moreover, the aerosol is assumed to be evenly distributed below 1 km of planetary boundary layer (PBL) on hazy days in LOWTRAN7. If the default urban aerosol optical properties and extinction profile in LOWTRAN7 is employed directly, a larger energy imbalance between the atmosphere and surface is generated and the warming effect of the aerosol is magnified. Hence, modified urban aerosol optical properties were established to replace the corresponding parameters' database in LOWTRAN7. The aerosol extinction profiles were obtained based on a 255-m meteorological tower and observed results from the studies about Tianjin. In the NCP, the aerosol had little impact on atmospheric counter radiation. The water vapor is the crucial factor that affects atmospheric counter radiation. Both modified high shortwave heating rates and longwave cooling rates occur near the surface due to the abundance of aerosol and water vapor. The modified net atmospheric heating rate near the surface is 1.2 K d-1 on hazy days and 0.3 K d-1 on non-hazy days. Compared with the default urban aerosol optical properties and its vertical distribution in LOWTRAN7, the feedback effect of the modified urban aerosol on the boundary layer may not necessarily result in a stable lower atmosphere, but depends on the aerosol light absorption ability and its vertical distribution.

  4. A comparative study of Northern Ireland's estuaries based on the results of beam trawl fish surveys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harrison, Trevor D.; Armour, Neil D.; McNeill, Michael T.; Moorehead, Peter W.

    2017-11-01

    The fish communities of Northern Ireland's estuaries were described and compared using data collected with a modified beam trawl over a six year period from 2009 to 2014. Multivariate analyses identified four estuary groups based on variations in their physico-chemical attributes. These groups broadly corresponded with the distribution and variation of estuary geomorphic types identified around the Irish coast. The dominant fish species captured were also among the main species reported in other North East Atlantic estuaries. A significant link between the estuary types and their fish communities was found; each estuary group contained a somewhat distinctive fish community. The fish communities also showed a significant relationship with the physico-chemical characteristics of the estuaries. Differences in fish species composition are attributed to habitat and environmental preferences of key estuary-associated species.

  5. Gold Nanoparticles for Biology and Medicine

    PubMed Central

    Giljohann, David A.; Seferos, Dwight S.; Daniel, Weston L.; Massich, Matthew D.; Patel, Pinal C.

    2014-01-01

    Gold colloids have fascinated scientists for over a century and are now heavily utilized in chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine. Today these materials can be synthesized reproducibly, modified with seemingly limitless chemical functional groups, and, in certain cases, characterized with atomic-level precision. This Review highlights recent advances in the synthesis, bioconjugation, and cellular uses of gold nanoconjugates. There are now many examples of highly sensitive and selective assays based upon gold nanoconjugates. In recent years, focus has turned to therapeutic possibilities for such materials. Structures which behave as gene-regulating agents, drug carriers, imaging agents, and photoresponsive therapeutics have been developed and studied in the context of cells and many debilitating diseases. These structures are not simply chosen as alternatives to molecule-based systems, but rather for their new physical and chemical properties, which confer substantive advantages in cellular and medical applications. PMID:20401880

  6. Improved ADM1 model for anaerobic digestion process considering physico-chemical reactions.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yang; Piccard, Sarah; Zhou, Wen

    2015-11-01

    The "Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1" (ADM1) was modified in the study by improving the bio-chemical framework and integrating a more detailed physico-chemical framework. Inorganic carbon and nitrogen balance terms were introduced to resolve the discrepancies in the original bio-chemical framework between the carbon and nitrogen contents in the degraders and substrates. More inorganic components and solids precipitation processes were included in the physico-chemical framework of ADM1. The modified ADM1 was validated with the experimental data and used to investigate the effects of calcium ions, magnesium ions, inorganic phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen on anaerobic digestion in batch reactor. It was found that the entire anaerobic digestion process might exist an optimal initial concentration of inorganic nitrogen for methane gas production in the presence of calcium ions, magnesium ions and inorganic phosphorus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Biotechnology: The Forging of Multidisciplinary Strategies for Research in Biomolecular Electronics, Materials Sciences and Microecology.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-12-01

    be investigated both by modifying the sites chemically and by modifying the genes which code for the protei ns. b. Protein stability as well as...spectroscopy is used to determine chemical composition of samples. In a program administered through the Department of Physics, EXAFS (Extended X-ray...soy bean lipoxygenase and hemoglobin). -. .I.. .-I4 t , -. A-16 ELECTRON IMAGING AND ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL SPECIMENS AND MICROCIRCUITS J.S. Hanker

  8. Phase Transition in Biopolymer Hydrogels Based on Glycine (g), Valine (v), Proline (p), and Isoleucine (i)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Jonghwi; Urry, Dan W.; Macosko, Christopher W.

    2000-03-01

    Selectively modified elastic protein-based polymers demonstrate diverse energy conversions by means of the control of a phase transition resulting from the sensitivity to stimuli of the hydrophobic association. Among these polymers, poly(GVGVP), poly(GVGIP) and analogues of poly(GVGVP) containing carboxylic acid or amino functional groups as side chains were cross-linked and their swelling behavior was studied. Regardless of cross-linking method, reversible phase transitions can be observed in the swelling of all cross-linked polymers by changing temperature and pH, where relevant. Decreased cross-link density leads to increased swelling ratio as the transition becomes more pronounced. Fibers, chemically cross-linked after formation, exhibit anisotropic dimensional changes on changing the temperature. Gamma-irradiation cross-linked poly(GVGVP) exhibited a more distinct phase transition than modified poly(GVGVP) with ion pairs between side chains, which were partially converted to amide cross-links.

  9. A mass spectrometry-based method for comprehensive quantitative determination of post-transcriptional RNA modifications: the complete chemical structure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe ribosomal RNAs

    PubMed Central

    Taoka, Masato; Nobe, Yuko; Hori, Masayuki; Takeuchi, Aiko; Masaki, Shunpei; Yamauchi, Yoshio; Nakayama, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Nobuhiro; Isobe, Toshiaki

    2015-01-01

    We present a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based method for comprehensive quantitative identification of post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) of RNA. We incorporated an in vitro-transcribed, heavy isotope-labeled reference RNA into a sample RNA solution, digested the mixture with a number of RNases and detected the post-transcriptionally modified oligonucleotides quantitatively based on shifts in retention time and the MS signal in subsequent LC-MS. This allowed the determination and quantitation of all PTMs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe ribosomal (r)RNAs and generated the first complete PTM maps of eukaryotic rRNAs at single-nucleotide resolution. There were 122 modified sites, most of which appear to locate at the interface of ribosomal subunits where translation takes place. We also identified PTMs at specific locations in rRNAs that were altered in response to growth conditions of yeast cells, suggesting that the cells coordinately regulate the modification levels of RNA. PMID:26013808

  10. Comparative study on polyvinyl chloride film as flexible substrate for preparing free-standing polyaniline-based composite electrodes for supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hongxing; Liu, Dong; Du, Pengcheng; Wei, Wenli; Wang, Qi; Liu, Peng

    2017-11-15

    The free-standing polyaniline (PANI)-based composite film electrodes were prepared with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the aniline modified PVC (PVC-An) films as flexible substrates for supercapacitors, via facile in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline, with conventional chemical oxidative polymerization or rapid-mixing chemical oxidative polymerization technique. Owing to the grafting of PANI from the PVC-An film as substrate and the suppression of the secondary growth of the primary PANI particles in the rapid-mixing chemical oxidative polymerization, the PVC-g-PANI-2 composite film with loose surface possessed better comprehensive performance, accompanying the high specific capacitance (645.3F/g at a current density of 1A/g), good rate capacitance (retaining 63.2% of original value at a current density of 10A/g and 52.0% at a scan rate of 100mV/s), good cycle stability (retaining 83.1% after 1000 cycles) and the improved internal resistance. Besides its excellent flexibility, it could retain 61.2% of its original specific capacitance under the stress of 8.66MPa for 1h, demonstrating a good tensile-resistance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Tailoring the physical properties of Ni-based single-phase equiatomic alloys by modifying the chemical complexity

    DOE PAGES

    Jin, Ke; Sales, Brian C.; Stocks, George Malcolm; ...

    2016-02-01

    We discovered that equiatomic alloys (e.g. high entropy alloys) have recently attracted considerable interest due to their exceptional properties, which might be closely related to their extreme disorder induced by the chemical complexity. To understand the effects of chemical complexity on their fundamental physical properties, a family of (eight) Ni-based, face-center-cubic (FCC), equiatomic alloys, extending from elemental Ni to quinary high entropy alloys, has been synthesized, and their electrical, thermal, and magnetic properties are systematically investigated in the range of 4–300 K by combining experiments with ab initio Korring-Kohn-Rostoker coherent-potential-approximation (KKR-CPA) calculations. The scattering of electrons is significantly increased duemore » to the chemical (especially magnetic) disorder. It has weak correlation with the number of elements but strongly depends on the type of elements. Thermal conductivities of the alloys are largely lower than pure metals, primarily because the high electrical resistivity suppresses the electronic thermal conductivity. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal transport properties is further discussed, and the magnetization of five alloys containing three or more elements is measured in magnetic fields up to 4 T.« less

  12. Physico-chemical studies of hardened cement paste structure with micro-reinforcing fibers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Steshenko, Aleksei, E-mail: steshenko.alexey@gmail.com; Kudyakov, Aleksander; Konusheva, Viktoriya

    The results of physico-chemical studies of modified hardened cement paste with micro-reinforcing fibers are given in this article. The goal was to study the reasons of the increase of strength properties of modified hardened cement paste by the method of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. It is shown that the use of mineral fibers in the production of cement based material has positive effect on its properties. The study found out that the increase in the strength of the hardened cement paste with micro-reinforcing fibers is due to the increase of the rate of hydration of cement without a significantmore » change in the phase composition in comparison with hardened cement paste without additive. The results of microstructure investigation (of control samples and samples of the reinforced hardened cement paste) have shown that introduction of mineral fibers in the amount of 0.1-2 % by weight of cement provides the structure of the homogeneous microporous material with uniform distribution of the crystalline phase provided by densely packed hydrates.« less

  13. Advanced zirconia-coated carbonyl-iron particles for acidic magnetorheological finishing of chemical-vapor-deposited ZnS and other IR materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salzman, S.; Giannechini, L. J.; Romanofsky, H. J.; Golini, N.; Taylor, B.; Jacobs, S. D.; Lambropoulos, J. C.

    2015-10-01

    We present a modified version of zirconia-coated carbonyl-iron (CI) particles that were invented at the University of Rochester in 2008. The amount of zirconia on the coating is increased to further protect the iron particles from corrosion when introduced to an acidic environment. Five low-pH, magnetorheological (MR) fluids were made with five acids: acetic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, and hydrofluoric. All fluids were based on the modified zirconia-coated CI particles. Off-line viscosity and pH stability were measured for all acidic MR fluids to determine the ideal fluid composition for acidic MR finishing of chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) zinc sulfide (ZnS) and other infrared (IR) optical materials, such as hot-isostatic-pressed (HIP) ZnS, CVD zinc selenide (ZnSe), and magnesium fluoride (MgF2). Results show significant reduction in surface artifacts (millimeter-size, pebble-like structures on the finished surface) for several standard-grade CVD ZnS substrates and good surface roughness for the non-CVD MgF2 substrate when MR finished with our advanced acidic MR fluid.

  14. Cerium and lanthanum-modified, magnetically separable nano-catalysts for water treatment

    EPA Science Inventory

    Currently, people are exposed to many chemicals in the environment by a variety of chemicals used and produced for anthropogenic activities. Many studies reportadverse effects of chemicals in the environment on the health of humans and animals; such as endocrine disruption, femin...

  15. Chemically modified biochar produced from conocarpus waste increases NO3 removal from aqueous solutions.

    PubMed

    Usman, Adel R A; Ahmad, Mahtab; El-Mahrouky, Mohamed; Al-Omran, Abdulrasoul; Ok, Yong Sik; Sallam, Abdelazeem Sh; El-Naggar, Ahmed H; Al-Wabel, Mohammad I

    2016-04-01

    Biochar has emerged as a universal sorbent for the removal of contaminants from water and soil. However, its efficiency is lower than that of commercially available sorbents. Engineering biochar by chemical modification may improve its sorption efficiency. In this study, conocarpus green waste was chemically modified with magnesium and iron oxides and then subjected to thermal pyrolysis to produce biochar. These chemically modified biochars were tested for NO3 removal efficiency from aqueous solutions in batch sorption isothermal and kinetic experiments. The results revealed that MgO-biochar outperformed other biochars with a maximum NO3 sorption capacity of 45.36 mmol kg(-1) predicted by the Langmuir sorption model. The kinetics data were well described by the Type 1 pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominating mechanism of NO3 sorption onto biochars. Greater efficiency of MgO-biochar was related to its high specific surface area (391.8 m(2) g(-1)) and formation of strong ionic complexes with NO3. At an initial pH of 2, more than 89 % NO3 removal efficiency was observed for all of the biochars. We conclude that chemical modification can alter the surface chemistry of biochar, thereby leading to enhanced sorption capacity compared with simple biochar.

  16. Detonation nanodiamonds biofunctionalization and immobilization to titanium alloy surfaces as first steps towards medical application.

    PubMed

    Gonçalves, Juliana P L; Shaikh, Afnan Q; Reitzig, Manuela; Kovalenko, Daria A; Michael, Jan; Beutner, René; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Scharnweber, Dieter; Opitz, Jörg

    2014-01-01

    Due to their outstanding properties nanodiamonds are a promising nanoscale material in various applications such as microelectronics, polishing, optical monitoring, medicine and biotechnology. Beyond the typical diamond characteristics like extreme hardness or high thermal conductivity, they have additional benefits as intrinsic fluorescence due to lattice defects without photobleaching, obtained during the high pressure high temperature process. Further the carbon surface and its various functional groups in consequence of the synthesis, facilitate additional chemical and biological modification. In this work we present our recent results on chemical modification of the nanodiamond surface with phosphate groups and their electrochemically assisted immobilization on titanium-based materials to increase adhesion at biomaterial surfaces. The starting material is detonation nanodiamond, which exhibits a heterogeneous surface due to the functional groups resulting from the nitrogen-rich explosives and the subsequent purification steps after detonation synthesis. Nanodiamond surfaces are chemically homogenized before proceeding with further functionalization. Suspensions of resulting surface-modified nanodiamonds are applied to the titanium alloy surfaces and the nanodiamonds subsequently fixed by electrochemical immobilization. Titanium and its alloys have been widely used in bone and dental implants for being a metal that is biocompatible with body tissues and able to bind with adjacent bone during healing. In order to improve titanium material properties towards biomedical applications the authors aim to increase adhesion to bone material by incorporating nanodiamonds into the implant surface, namely the anodically grown titanium dioxide layer. Differently functionalized nanodiamonds are characterized by infrared spectroscopy and the modified titanium alloys surfaces by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The process described shows an adsorption and immobilization of modified nanodiamonds on titanium; where aminosilanized nanodiamonds coupled with O-phosphorylethanolamine show a homogeneous interaction with the titanium substrate.

  17. Using chemical organization theory for model checking

    PubMed Central

    Kaleta, Christoph; Richter, Stephan; Dittrich, Peter

    2009-01-01

    Motivation: The increasing number and complexity of biomodels makes automatic procedures for checking the models' properties and quality necessary. Approaches like elementary mode analysis, flux balance analysis, deficiency analysis and chemical organization theory (OT) require only the stoichiometric structure of the reaction network for derivation of valuable information. In formalisms like Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML), however, information about the stoichiometric coefficients required for an analysis of chemical organizations can be hidden in kinetic laws. Results: First, we introduce an algorithm that uncovers stoichiometric information that might be hidden in the kinetic laws of a reaction network. This allows us to apply OT to SBML models using modifiers. Second, using the new algorithm, we performed a large-scale analysis of the 185 models contained in the manually curated BioModels Database. We found that for 41 models (22%) the set of organizations changes when modifiers are considered correctly. We discuss one of these models in detail (BIOMD149, a combined model of the ERK- and Wnt-signaling pathways), whose set of organizations drastically changes when modifiers are considered. Third, we found inconsistencies in 5 models (3%) and identified their characteristics. Compared with flux-based methods, OT is able to identify those species and reactions more accurately [in 26 cases (14%)] that can be present in a long-term simulation of the model. We conclude that our approach is a valuable tool that helps to improve the consistency of biomodels and their repositories. Availability: All data and a JAVA applet to check SBML-models is available from http://www.minet.uni-jena.de/csb/prj/ot/tools Contact: dittrich@minet.uni-jena.de Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:19468053

  18. Method for laser induced isotope enrichment

    DOEpatents

    Pronko, Peter P.; Vanrompay, Paul A.; Zhang, Zhiyu

    2004-09-07

    Methods for separating isotopes or chemical species of an element and causing enrichment of a desired isotope or chemical species of an element utilizing laser ablation plasmas to modify or fabricate a material containing such isotopes or chemical species are provided. This invention may be used for a wide variety of materials which contain elements having different isotopes or chemical species.

  19. Coexistence of wave propagation and oscillation in the photosensitive Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction on a circular route.

    PubMed

    Nakata, Satoshi; Morishima, Sayaka; Ichino, Takatoshi; Kitahata, Hiroyuki

    2006-12-21

    The photosensitive Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction was investigated on a circular ring, which was drawn using computer software and then projected on a film soaked with BZ solution using a liquid-crystal projector. Under the initial conditions, a chemical wave propagated with a constant velocity on the black ring under a bright background. When the background was rapidly changed to dark, coexistence of the oscillation on part of the ring and propagation of the chemical wave on the other part was observed. These experimental results are discussed in relation to the nature of the photosensitive BZ reaction and theoretically reproduced based on a reaction-diffusion system using the modified Oregonator model.

  20. Aminosilane functionalizations of mesoporous oxidized silicon for oligonucleotide synthesis and detection

    PubMed Central

    De Stefano, Luca; Oliviero, Giorgia; Amato, Jussara; Borbone, Nicola; Piccialli, Gennaro; Mayol, Luciano; Rendina, Ivo; Terracciano, Monica; Rea, Ilaria

    2013-01-01

    Direct solid phase synthesis of peptides and oligonucleotides (ONs) requires high chemical stability of the support material. In this work, we have investigated the passivation ability of porous oxidized silicon multilayered structures by two aminosilane compounds, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyldimethylethoxysilane (APDMES), for optical label-free ON biosensor fabrication. We have also studied by spectroscopic reflectometry the hybridization between a 13 bases ON, directly grown on the aminosilane modified porous oxidized silicon by in situ synthesis, and its complementary sequence. Even if the results show that both devices are stable to the chemicals (carbonate/methanol) used, the porous silica structure passivated by APDMES reveals higher functionalization degree due to less steric hindrance of pores. PMID:23536541

  1. Clean Transformation of Ethanol to Useful Chemicals. The Behavior of a Gold-Modified Silicalite Catalyst.

    PubMed

    Falletta, Ermelinda; Rossi, Michele; Teles, Joaquim Henrique; Della Pina, Cristina

    2016-03-19

    Upon addition of gold to silicalite-1 pellets (a MFI-type zeolite), the vapor phase oxidation of ethanol could be addressed to acetaldehyde or acetic acid formation. By optimizing the catalyst composition and reaction conditions, the conversion of ethanol could be tuned to acetaldehyde with 97% selectivity at 71% conversion or to acetic acid with 78% selectivity at total conversion. Considering that unloaded silicalite-1 was found to catalyze the dehydration of ethanol to diethylether or ethene, a green approach for the integrated production of four important chemicals is herein presented. This is based on renewable ethanol as a reagent and a modular catalytic process.

  2. Study of mixed Ca-Zn hydroxyapatite surface modified by lactic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turki, Thouraya; Aissa, Abdallah; Bac, Christophe Goze; Rachdi, Férid; Debbabi, Mongi

    2012-07-01

    The new hybrid inorganic-organic composites, Ca(10-x)Znx(PO4)6(OH)2-lactic acid, at different amounts of zinc and lactic acid were prepared by dissolution of the organic compound in an hydroxyapatite suspension. They were characterized by XRD, IR, MAS NMR (13C and 1H) and chemical analysis. The crystallinity was slightly affected by the presence of organic fragments. IR and (13C and 1H) MAS NMR measurements indicate that the carboxylic groups of the acid interact with calcium and zinc ions of hydroxyapatite surface. Chemical analysis displays that zinc promotes the acid grafting. A mechanism of surface modification is proposed based on the obtained results.

  3. Effects of argon sputtering and UV-ozone radiation on the physico-chemical surface properties of ITO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Che, Hui; El Bouanani, M.

    2018-01-01

    X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) were used to evaluate and determine the effects of 1 KeV Ar+ irradiation (sputtering) on the surface chemical composition and work function of Indium Thin Oxide (ITO). While Ar+ sputtering removes carbon-based surface contaminants, it also modifies the Sn-rich surface of ITO and leads to a reduction of the oxidation state of Sn from Sn4+ to Sn2+. The decrease in the work function of ITO is directly correlated to the decrease of Sn atomic concentration in the Sn-rich top surface layer and the reduction of the oxidation state of surface Sn.

  4. Process development for waveguide chemical sensors with integrated polymeric sensitive layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amberkar, Raghu; Gao, Zhan; Park, Jongwon; Henthorn, David B.; Kim, Chang-Soo

    2008-02-01

    Due to the proper optical property and flexibility in the process development, an epoxy-based, high-aspect ratio photoresist SU-8 is now attracting attention in optical sensing applications. Manipulation of the surface properties of SU-8 waveguides is critical to attach functional films such as chemically-sensitive layers. We describe a new integration process to immobilize fluorescence molecules on SU-8 waveguide surface for application to intensity-based optical chemical sensors. We use two polymers for this application. Spin-on, hydrophobic, photopatternable silicone is a convenient material to contain fluorophore molecules and to pattern a photolithographically defined thin layer on the surface of SU-8. We use fumed silica powders as an additive to uniformly disperse the fluorophores in the silicone precursor. In general, additional processes are not critically required to promote the adhesion between the SU-8 and silicone. The other material is polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). Recently we demonstrated a novel photografting method to modify the surface of SU-8 using a surface bound initiator to control its wettability. The activated surface is then coated with a monomer precursor solution. Polymerization follows when the sample is exposed to UV irradiation, resulting in a grafted PEGDA layer incorporating fluorophores within the hydrogel matrix. Since this method is based the UV-based photografting reaction, it is possible to grow off photolithographically defined hydrogel patterns on the waveguide structures. The resulting films will be viable integrated components in optical bioanalytical sensors. This is a promising technique for integrated chemical sensors both for planar type waveguide and vertical type waveguide chemical sensors.

  5. Enhancement of antibacterial properties of polyurethanes by chitosan and heparin immobilization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kara, Filiz; Aksoy, E. Ayse; Yuksekdag, Zehranur; Aksoy, Serpil; Hasirci, Nesrin

    2015-12-01

    Being antibacterial is a required property for the materials used in medical devices and instruments. Polyurethanes (PUs) are one class of polymers widely used in the production of devices that especially come in contact with blood (e.g. heart valves, blood vessels, vascular grafts and catheters). In this study, hexamethylene diisocyanate based polyurethanes (PUh) were synthesized and antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties were added by immobilizing chitosan (CH) and heparin (Hep) on the samples of PUh via a stepwise process. Chemistry and topography of the modified film samples (PUh-CH and PUh-CH-Hep) were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and surface free energy (SFE) values after each step were determined by goniometer. PUh-CH and PUh-CH-Hep samples were found to be antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) (both Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (both Gram negative) bacteria, and bacterial adhesion results showed a significant decrease in the number of viable bacteria on both modified samples where PUh-CH-Hep was the most effective. The findings of this study show that polymeric surfaces can be effectively modified and converted to be antibacterial by chitosan and heparin immobilization, and presence of both chemicals enhance efficacy against bacteria.

  6. Encapsulation with structured triglycerides

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Lipids provide excellent materials to encapsulate bioactive compounds for food and pharmaceutical applications. Lipids are renewable, biodegradable, and easily modified to provide additional chemical functionality. The use of structured lipids that have been modified with photoactive properties are ...

  7. Modified graphene oxide sensors for ultra-sensitive detection of nitrate ions in water.

    PubMed

    Ren, Wen; Mura, Stefania; Irudayaraj, Joseph M K

    2015-10-01

    Nitrate ions is a very common contaminant in drinking water and has a significant impact on the environment, necessitating routine monitoring. Due to its chemical and physical properties, it is hard to directly detect nitrate ions with high sensitivity in a simple and inexpensive manner. Herein with amino group modified graphene oxide (GO) as a sensing element, we show a direct and ultra-sensitive method to detect nitrate ions, at a lowest detected concentration of 5 nM in river water samples, much lower than the reported methods based on absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, unlike the reported strategies based on absorption spectroscopy wherein the nitrate concentration is determined by monitoring an increase in aggregation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), our method evaluates the concentration of nitrate ions based on reduction in aggregation of GNPs for monitoring in real samples. To improve sensitivity, several optimizations were performed, including the assessment of the amount of modified GO required, concentration of GNPs and incubation time. The detection methodology was characterized by zeta potential, TEM and SEM. Our results indicate that an enrichment of modified GO with nitrate ions contributed to excellent sensitivity and the entire detection procedure could be completed within 75 min with only 20 μl of sample. This simple and rapid methodology was applied to monitor nitrate ions in real samples with excellent sensitivity and minimum pretreatment. The proposed approach paves the way for a novel means to detect anions in real samples and highlights the potential of GO based detection strategy for water quality monitoring. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Metal and Oxide Additives as Agents for Munitions Self-Remediation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-07-01

    properties of TiO2 can be modified by adding various dopants which serve to expand the range of light energy adsorbed into the visible part of the...spectrum. Photocatalyst development is an extremely active area of research with respect to both substrate and dopant . The selection of an anatase...based photocatalyst is largely due to its established dominance and chemical stability (Diebold 2003). Tungsten trioxide (WO3) is one of many dopants

  9. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wu, Fuke, E-mail: wufuke@mail.hust.edu.cn; Tian, Tianhai, E-mail: tianhai.tian@sci.monash.edu.au; Rawlings, James B., E-mail: james.rawlings@wisc.edu

    The frequently used reduction technique is based on the chemical master equation for stochastic chemical kinetics with two-time scales, which yields the modified stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA). For the chemical reaction processes involving a large number of molecular species and reactions, the collection of slow reactions may still include a large number of molecular species and reactions. Consequently, the SSA is still computationally expensive. Because the chemical Langevin equations (CLEs) can effectively work for a large number of molecular species and reactions, this paper develops a reduction method based on the CLE by the stochastic averaging principle developed in themore » work of Khasminskii and Yin [SIAM J. Appl. Math. 56, 1766–1793 (1996); ibid. 56, 1794–1819 (1996)] to average out the fast-reacting variables. This reduction method leads to a limit averaging system, which is an approximation of the slow reactions. Because in the stochastic chemical kinetics, the CLE is seen as the approximation of the SSA, the limit averaging system can be treated as the approximation of the slow reactions. As an application, we examine the reduction of computation complexity for the gene regulatory networks with two-time scales driven by intrinsic noise. For linear and nonlinear protein production functions, the simulations show that the sample average (expectation) of the limit averaging system is close to that of the slow-reaction process based on the SSA. It demonstrates that the limit averaging system is an efficient approximation of the slow-reaction process in the sense of the weak convergence.« less

  10. Effect of alkali and oxidative treatments on the physicochemical, pasting, thermal and morphological properties of corn starch.

    PubMed

    Spier, Franciela; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa; Marques e Silva, Ricardo; Elias, Moacir Cardoso; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra

    2013-07-01

    Few studies on starch modifications using different chemical agents are available in the literature, and no reports were found on the combined effect of oxidation and alkaline treatment of corn starch. Thus this work evaluated the physicochemical, pasting, morphological, cystallinity and thermal properties of chemically modified corn starch, after either the isolated or combined action of alkaline (sodium hydroxide) and oxidative (sodium hypochlorite) treatments. The highest values for the sum of carbonyl and carboxyl and enzymatic hydrolysis occurred in starches submitted to oxidative treatment at high active chlorine concentrations. The alkali treatment in isolation modified the pasting properties, reduced the paste temperature and increased the peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity and setback of starches. Starch modified by the action of sodium hypochlorite and hydroxide in combination presented more severe damage on granule surfaces. The results show that corn starch modified by the combined action of oxidative and alkaline treatments should be studied more, especially at the concentration limit of sodium hydroxide where gelatinization occurs. Under these conditions the effect of oxidation can be more intense and thus allow the production of starches with different properties and an increase in their industrial applications. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

  11. [Study on surface modification and biocompatibility of NiTi alloy intravascular stents].

    PubMed

    Shen, Yang; Wang, Gui-xue; Quan, Xue-jun; Yu, Qing-song

    2006-01-01

    This paper introduces the surface modification of NiTi alloy intravascular stents for roughness by chemical erosion and plasma deposition technology. The stent which had been granulated with chemical erosion was treated with TiO2 film prepared with Gel-sol. The study on the biocompatibility of the modified stent by the above two ways shows that the modified stent is rougher, and its anticoagulation and hydrophilicity are improved. However, the capability of erosion resistance is not enhanced significantly.

  12. Preparation and characterization of soy protein films with a durable water resistance-adjustable and antimicrobial surface.

    PubMed

    Li, Shuzhao; Donner, Elizabeth; Xiao, Huining; Thompson, Michael; Zhang, Yachuan; Rempel, Curtis; Liu, Qiang

    2016-12-01

    A water resistant surface was first obtained by immobilizing hydrophobic copolymers, poly (styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PSG), with functional groups on soy protein isolate (SPI) films. XPS and AFM results showed that PSG copolymers were immobilized on the film by chemical bonding, and formed a rough surface with some bumps because of the segregation of two different phases on PSG copolymers. Water resistance of the modified films could be adjusted dramatically by further immobilizing different amounts of guanidine-based antimicrobial polymers, poly (hexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride) (PHMG) on the resulting hydrophobic surface. The introduction of hydrophilic PHMG on the resulting surface generated many micropores, which potentially increased the water uptake of the modified films. Furthermore, the modified SPI films showed higher thermostability compared to native SPI film and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by contact killing, attributed to the presence of PHMG on the surface. The modified SPI film with a multi-functional surface showed potential for applications in the packaging and medical fields. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Impact of hospital-based environmental exposures on neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants.

    PubMed

    Santos, Janelle; Pearce, Sarah E; Stroustrup, Annemarie

    2015-04-01

    Over 300,000 infants are hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the United States annually during a developmental period critical to later neurobehavioral function. Environmental exposures during the fetal period and infancy have been shown to impact long-term neurobehavioral outcomes. This review summarizes evidence linking NICU-based environmental exposures to neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born preterm. Preterm infants experience multiple exposures important to neurodevelopment during the NICU hospitalization. The physical layout of the NICU, management of light and sound, social interactions with parents and NICU staff, and chemical exposures via medical equipment are important to long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in this highly vulnerable population. Existing research documents NICU-based exposure to neurotoxic chemicals, aberrant light, excess sound, and restricted social interaction. In total, this creates an environment of co-existing excesses (chemicals, light, sound) and deprivation (touch, speech). The full impact of these co-exposures on the long-term neurodevelopment of preterm infants has not been adequately elucidated. Research into the importance of the NICU from an environmental health perspective is in its infancy, but could provide understanding about critical modifiable factors impacting the neurobehavioral health of hundreds of thousands of children each year.

  14. UV resistance and dimensional stability of wood modified with isopropenyl acetate.

    PubMed

    Nagarajappa, Giridhar B; Pandey, Krishna K

    2016-02-01

    Chemical modification of Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Müll.Arg) with isopropenyl acetate (IPA) in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride as a catalyst has been carried out under solvent free conditions. The level of modification was estimated by determining the weight percent gain and modified wood was characterized by FTIR-ATR and CP/MAS (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The effect of catalyst concentration on WPG was studied. UV resistance, moisture adsorption and dimensional stability of modified wood were evaluated. UV resistance of modified wood was evaluated by exposing unmodified and modified wood to UV irradiation in a QUV accelerated weathering tester. Unmodified wood showed rapid color changes and degradation of lignin upon exposure to UV light. Chemical modification of wood polymers with IPA was effective in reducing light induced color changes (photo-yellowing) at wood surfaces. In contrast to unmodified wood, modified wood exhibited bleaching. FTIR analysis of modified wood exposed to UV light indicated stabilization of wood polymers against UV degradation. Modified wood showed good dimensional stability and hydrophobicity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that modification with IPA improved thermal stability of wood. Improved dimensional stability and UV resistance of modified wood indicates IPA as a promising reagent since there is no acid byproduct of reaction as observed in case of other esterification reactions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Improving CRISPR-Cas specificity with chemical modifications in single-guide RNAs.

    PubMed

    Ryan, Daniel E; Taussig, David; Steinfeld, Israel; Phadnis, Smruti M; Lunstad, Benjamin D; Singh, Madhurima; Vuong, Xuan; Okochi, Kenji D; McCaffrey, Ryan; Olesiak, Magdalena; Roy, Subhadeep; Yung, Chong Wing; Curry, Bo; Sampson, Jeffrey R; Bruhn, Laurakay; Dellinger, Douglas J

    2018-01-25

    CRISPR systems have emerged as transformative tools for altering genomes in living cells with unprecedented ease, inspiring keen interest in increasing their specificity for perfectly matched targets. We have developed a novel approach for improving specificity by incorporating chemical modifications in guide RNAs (gRNAs) at specific sites in their DNA recognition sequence ('guide sequence') and systematically evaluating their on-target and off-target activities in biochemical DNA cleavage assays and cell-based assays. Our results show that a chemical modification (2'-O-methyl-3'-phosphonoacetate, or 'MP') incorporated at select sites in the ribose-phosphate backbone of gRNAs can dramatically reduce off-target cleavage activities while maintaining high on-target performance, as demonstrated in clinically relevant genes. These findings reveal a unique method for enhancing specificity by chemically modifying the guide sequence in gRNAs. Our approach introduces a versatile tool for augmenting the performance of CRISPR systems for research, industrial and therapeutic applications. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

  16. Improving CRISPR–Cas specificity with chemical modifications in single-guide RNAs

    PubMed Central

    Ryan, Daniel E; Taussig, David; Steinfeld, Israel; Phadnis, Smruti M; Lunstad, Benjamin D; Singh, Madhurima; Vuong, Xuan; Okochi, Kenji D; McCaffrey, Ryan; Olesiak, Magdalena; Roy, Subhadeep; Yung, Chong Wing; Curry, Bo; Sampson, Jeffrey R; Dellinger, Douglas J

    2018-01-01

    Abstract CRISPR systems have emerged as transformative tools for altering genomes in living cells with unprecedented ease, inspiring keen interest in increasing their specificity for perfectly matched targets. We have developed a novel approach for improving specificity by incorporating chemical modifications in guide RNAs (gRNAs) at specific sites in their DNA recognition sequence (‘guide sequence’) and systematically evaluating their on-target and off-target activities in biochemical DNA cleavage assays and cell-based assays. Our results show that a chemical modification (2′-O-methyl-3′-phosphonoacetate, or ‘MP’) incorporated at select sites in the ribose-phosphate backbone of gRNAs can dramatically reduce off-target cleavage activities while maintaining high on-target performance, as demonstrated in clinically relevant genes. These findings reveal a unique method for enhancing specificity by chemically modifying the guide sequence in gRNAs. Our approach introduces a versatile tool for augmenting the performance of CRISPR systems for research, industrial and therapeutic applications. PMID:29216382

  17. Temperature-responsive in situ nanoparticle hydrogels based on hydrophilic pendant cyclic ether modified PEG-PCL-PEG.

    PubMed

    Feng, Zujian; Zhao, Junqiang; Li, Yin; Xu, Shuxin; Zhou, Junhui; Zhang, Jianhua; Deng, Liandong; Dong, Anjie

    2016-10-20

    Thermo-sensitive injectable hydrogels based on poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL/PEG) block copolymers have attracted considerable attention for sustained drug release and tissue engineering applications. Previously, we have reported a thermo-sensitive hydrogel of P(CL-co-TOSUO)-PEG-P(CL-co-TOSUO) (PECT) triblock copolymers modified by hydrophilic cyclic ether pendant groups 1,4,8-trioxa-[4.6]spiro-9-undecanone (TOSUO). Unfortunately, the low gel modulus of PECT (only 50-70 Pa) may limit its applications. Herein, another kind of thermogelling triblock copolymer of a pendant cyclic ether-modified caprolactonic poloxamer analog, PEG-P(CL-co-TOSUO)-PEG (PECTE), was successfully prepared by control of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance and chemical compositions of the copolymers. PECTE powder could directly disperse in water to form a stable nanoparticle (NP) aqueous dispersion and underwent sol-gel-sol transition behavior at a higher concentration with the temperature increasing from ambient or lower temperatures. Significantly, the microstructure parameters (e.g., different chemical compositions of the hydrophobic block and topology) played a critical role in the phase transition behavior. Furthermore, comparison studies on PECTE and PEG-PCL-PEG (PECE) showed that the introduction of pendant cyclic ether groups into PCL blocks could avoid unexpected ahead-of-time gelling of the PECE aqueous solution. In addition, the rheological analysis of PECTE and PECT indicated that the storage modulus of the PECTE hydrogel could be 100 times greater than that of the PECT hydrogel under the same mole ratios of TOSUO/CL and lower molecular weight. Consequently, PECTE thermal hydrogel systems are believed to be promising as in situ gel-forming biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering.

  18. High Substitution Rate in TiO 2 Anatase Nanoparticles with Cationic Vacancies for Fast Lithium Storage

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Wei; Corradini, Dario; Body, Monique

    2015-06-24

    Doping is generally used to tune and enhance the properties of metal oxides. However, their chemical composition cannot be readily modified beyond low dopant amounts without disrupting the crystalline atomic structure. In the case of anatase TiO 2, we introduce a new solution-based chemical route allowing the composition to be significantly modified, substituting the divalent O 2- anions by monovalent F- and OH- anions resulting in the formation of cationic Ti 4+ vacancies (square) whose concentration can be controlled by the reaction temperature. The resulting polyanionic anatase has the general composition Ti 1-x-y square x+yO 2-4(x+y)F 4x(OH) 4y, reaching vacancymore » concentrations of up to 22%, i.e., Ti 0.78 square 0.22O 1.12F 0.4(OH) 0.48. Solid-state F-19 NMR spectroscopy reveals that fluoride ions can accommodate up to three different environments, depending on Ti and vacancies (i.e. Ti 3-F, Ti- 2 square 1-F, and Ti- 1 square 2-F), with a preferential location close to vacancies. DFT calculations further confirm the fluoride/vacancy ordering. When its characteristics were evaluated as an electrode for reversible Li-ion storage, the material shows a modified lithium reaction mechanism, which has been rationalized by the occurrence of cationic vacancies acting as additional lithium hosting sites within the anatase framework. Finally, the material shows a fast discharging/charging behavior, compared to TiO 2, highlighting the benefits of the structural modifications and paving the way for the design of advanced electrode materials, based on a defect mediated mechanism.« less

  19. Probing structural differences between PrPC and PrPSc by surface nitration and acetylation: evidence of conformational change in the C-terminus

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We used two chemical modifiers, tetranitromethane (TNM) and acetic anhydride, which specifically target accessible tyrosine and lysine residues, respectively, to modify Syrian hamster recombinant PrP(90-231) (rPrP) and PrP27-30, aiming at finding locations of conformational change. Modified proteins...

  20. Chemical modification of wood

    Treesearch

    Roger M. Rowell

    2005-01-01

    The properties of any resource are, in general, a result of the chemistry of the components of that resource. In the case of wood, the cell wall polymers (cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin) are the components that, if modified, would change the properties of the resource. If the properties of the wood are modified, the performance of the modified wood would be...

  1. Chemical Preparation Laboratory for IND Candidate Compounds

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-08-10

    Confirmation by 500 MHz Spectroscopy of an Analogue of the Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids, Narciclasine and Pancratistatin." Bjarne Gabrielsen, Department...subdivided into modified nucleosides, alkaloids with synthetically modified precursors and analogues , and miscellaneous heterocycles that possess...or antitumor compounds were modified synthet 4cally to possibly yield novel analogues that possess enhanced activities or show a specific mode of

  2. The Identification and Role of Non-Chemical Stressors as Modifiers of Chemical Exposures that Lead to Changes in Health and Well-Being in Children

    EPA Science Inventory

    Describe the Sustainable and Health Communities (SHC) Research Program at the U.S. EPA Discuss non-chemical stressors found in the social environment, What are they? Why are they important? Summarize current and planned work

  3. 21 CFR 178.3790 - Polymer modifiers in semirigid and rigid vinyl chloride plastics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are mixed. (2) Polymers identified in...; provided that no chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are combined. Such... weight-percent of polymer units derived from butadiene-styrene copolymers. (c) No chemical reactions...

  4. 21 CFR 178.3790 - Polymer modifiers in semirigid and rigid vinyl chloride plastics.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are mixed. (2) Polymers identified in...; provided that no chemical reactions, other than addition reactions, occur when they are combined. Such... weight-percent of polymer units derived from butadiene-styrene copolymers. (c) No chemical reactions...

  5. Enzyme-modified nanoporous gold-based electrochemical biosensors.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Huajun; Xue, Luyan; Ji, Guanglei; Zhou, Guiping; Huang, Xirong; Qu, Yinbo; Gao, Peiji

    2009-06-15

    On the basis of the unique physical and chemical properties of nanoporous gold (NPG), which was obtained simply by dealloying Ag from Au/Ag alloy, an attempt was made in the present study to develop NPG-based electrochemical biosensors. The NPG-modified glassy carbon electrode (NPG/GCE) exhibited high-electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), which resulted in a remarkable decrease in the overpotential of NADH and H(2)O(2) electro-oxidation when compared with the gold sheet electrode. The high density of edge-plane-like defective sites and large specific surface area of NPG should be responsible for the electrocatalytic behavior. Such electrocatalytic behavior of the NPG/GCE permitted effective low-potential amperometric biosensing of ethanol or glucose via the incorporation of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) or glucose oxidase (GOD) within the three-dimensional matrix of NPG. The ADH- and GOD-modified NPG-based biosensors showed good analytical performance for biosensing ethanol and glucose due to the clean, reproducible and uniformly distributed microstructure of NPG. The stabilization effect of NPG on the incorporated enzymes also made the constructed biosensors very stable. After 1 month storage at 4 degrees C, the ADH- and GOD-based biosensors lost only 5.0% and 4.2% of the original current response. All these indicated that NPG was a promising electrode material for biosensors construction.

  6. Incorporation of unnatural sugars for the identification of glycoproteins.

    PubMed

    Zaro, Balyn W; Hang, Howard C; Pratt, Matthew R

    2013-01-01

    Glycosylation is an abundant post-translational modification that alters the fate and function of its substrate proteins. To aid in understanding the significance of protein glycosylation, identification of target proteins is key. As with all proteomics experiments, mass spectrometry has been established as the desired method for substrate identification. However, these approaches require selective enrichment and purification of modified proteins. Chemical reporters in combination with bioorthogonal reactions have emerged as robust tools for identifying post-translational modifications including glycosylation. We provide here a method for the use of bioorthogonal chemical reporters for isolation and identification of glycosylated proteins. More specifically, this protocol is a representative procedure from our own work using an alkyne-bearing O-GlcNAc chemical reporter (GlcNAlk) and a chemically cleavable azido-azo-biotin probe for the identification of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins.

  7. Enhanced Removal of Lead by Chemically and Biologically Treated Carbonaceous Materials

    PubMed Central

    Mahmoud, Mohamed E.; Osman, Maher M.; Ahmed, Somia B.; Abdel-Fattah, Tarek M.

    2012-01-01

    Hybrid sorbents and biosorbents were synthesized via chemical and biological treatment of active carbon by simple and direct redox reaction followed by surface loading of baker's yeast. Surface functionality and morphology of chemically and biologically modified sorbents and biosorbents were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared analysis and scanning electron microscope imaging. Hybrid carbonaceous sorbents and biosorbents were characterized by excellent efficiency and superiority toward lead(II) sorption compared to blank active carbon providing a maximum sorption capacity of lead(II) ion as 500 μmol g−1. Sorption processes of lead(II) by these hybrid materials were investigated under the influence of several controlling parameters such as pH, contact time, mass of sorbent and biosorbent, lead(II) concentration, and foreign ions. Lead(II) sorption mechanisms were found to obey the Langmuir and BET isotherm models. The potential applications of chemically and biologically modified-active carbonaceous materials for removal and extraction of lead from real water matrices were also studied via a double-stage microcolumn technique. The results of this study were found to denote to superior recovery values of lead (95.0–99.0 ± 3.0–5.0%) by various carbonaceous-modified-bakers yeast biosorbents. PMID:22629157

  8. Double-Layer Structured CO2 Adsorbent Functionalized with Modified Polyethyleneimine for High Physical and Chemical Stability.

    PubMed

    Jeon, Sunbin; Jung, Hyunchul; Kim, Sung Hyun; Lee, Ki Bong

    2018-06-18

    CO 2 capture using polyethyleneimine (PEI)-impregnated silica adsorbents has been receiving a lot of attention. However, the absence of physical stability (evaporation and leaching of amine) and chemical stability (urea formation) of the PEI-impregnated silica adsorbent has been generally established. Therefore, in this study, a double-layer impregnated structure, developed using modified PEI, is newly proposed to enhance the physical and chemical stabilities of the adsorbent. Epoxy-modified PEI and diepoxide-cross-linked PEI were impregnated via a dry impregnation method in the first and second layers, respectively. The physical stability of the double-layer structured adsorbent was noticeably enhanced when compared to the conventional adsorbents with a single layer. In addition to the enhanced physical stability, the result of simulated temperature swing adsorption cycles revealed that the double-layer structured adsorbent presented a high potential working capacity (3.5 mmol/g) and less urea formation under CO 2 -rich regeneration conditions. The enhanced physical and chemical stabilities as well as the high CO 2 working capacity of the double-layer structured adsorbent were mainly attributed to the second layer consisting of diepoxide-cross-linked PEI.

  9. Attachment of a hydrophobically modified biopolymer at the oil-water interface in the treatment of oil spills.

    PubMed

    Venkataraman, Pradeep; Tang, Jingjian; Frenkel, Etham; McPherson, Gary L; He, Jibao; Raghavan, Srinivasa R; Kolesnichenko, Vladimir; Bose, Arijit; John, Vijay T

    2013-05-01

    The stability of crude oil droplets formed by adding chemical dispersants can be considerably enhanced by the use of the biopolymer, hydrophobically modified chitosan. Turbidimetric analyses show that emulsions of crude oil in saline water prepared using a combination of the biopolymer and the well-studied chemical dispersant (Corexit 9500A) remain stable for extended periods in comparison to emulsions stabilized by the dispersant alone. We hypothesize that the hydrophobic residues from the polymer preferentially anchor in the oil droplets, thereby forming a layer of the polymer around the droplets. The enhanced stability of the droplets is due to the polymer layer providing an increase in electrostatic and steric repulsions and thereby a large barrier to droplet coalescence. Our results show that the addition of hydrophobically modified chitosan following the application of chemical dispersant to an oil spill can potentially reduce the use of chemical dispersants. Increasing the molecular weight of the biopolymer changes the rheological properties of the oil-in-water emulsion to that of a weak gel. The ability of the biopolymer to tether the oil droplets in a gel-like matrix has potential applications in the immobilization of surface oil spills for enhanced removal.

  10. Covering Chemical Diversity of Genetically-Modified Tomatoes Using Metabolomics for Objective Substantial Equivalence Assessment

    PubMed Central

    Hirai, Tadayoshi; Oikawa, Akira; Matsuda, Fumio; Fukushima, Atsushi; Arita, Masanori; Watanabe, Shin; Yano, Megumu; Hiwasa-Tanase, Kyoko; Ezura, Hiroshi; Saito, Kazuki

    2011-01-01

    As metabolomics can provide a biochemical snapshot of an organism's phenotype it is a promising approach for charting the unintended effects of genetic modification. A critical obstacle for this application is the inherently limited metabolomic coverage of any single analytical platform. We propose using multiple analytical platforms for the direct acquisition of an interpretable data set of estimable chemical diversity. As an example, we report an application of our multi-platform approach that assesses the substantial equivalence of tomatoes over-expressing the taste-modifying protein miraculin. In combination, the chosen platforms detected compounds that represent 86% of the estimated chemical diversity of the metabolites listed in the LycoCyc database. Following a proof-of-safety approach, we show that % had an acceptable range of variation while simultaneously indicating a reproducible transformation-related metabolic signature. We conclude that multi-platform metabolomics is an approach that is both sensitive and robust and that it constitutes a good starting point for characterizing genetically modified organisms. PMID:21359231

  11. Grafting odorant binding proteins on diamond bio-MEMS.

    PubMed

    Manai, R; Scorsone, E; Rousseau, L; Ghassemi, F; Possas Abreu, M; Lissorgues, G; Tremillon, N; Ginisty, H; Arnault, J-C; Tuccori, E; Bernabei, M; Cali, K; Persaud, K C; Bergonzo, P

    2014-10-15

    Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are small soluble proteins found in olfactory systems that are capable of binding several types of odorant molecules. Cantilevers based on polycrystalline diamond surfaces are very promising as chemical transducers. Here two methods were investigated for chemically grafting porcine OBPs on polycrystalline diamond surfaces for biosensor development. The first approach resulted in random orientation of the immobilized proteins over the surface. The second approach based on complexing a histidine-tag located on the protein with nickel allowed control of the proteins' orientation. Evidence confirming protein grafting was obtained using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemical sensing performances of these OBP modified transducers were assessed. The second grafting method led to typically 20% more sensitive sensors, as a result of better access of ligands to the proteins active sites and also perhaps a better yield of protein immobilization. This new grafting method appears to be highly promising for further investigation of the ligand binding properties of OBPs in general and for the development of arrays of non-specific biosensors for artificial olfaction applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. In Silico Identification of a Novel Hinge-Binding Scaffold for Kinase Inhibitor Discovery.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanli; Sun, Yuze; Cao, Ran; Liu, Dan; Xie, Yuting; Li, Li; Qi, Xiangbing; Huang, Niu

    2017-10-26

    To explore novel kinase hinge-binding scaffolds, we carried out structure-based virtual screening against p38α MAPK as a model system. With the assistance of developed kinase-specific structural filters, we identify a novel lead compound that selectively inhibits a panel of kinases with threonine as the gatekeeper residue, including BTK and LCK. These kinases play important roles in lymphocyte activation, which encouraged us to design novel kinase inhibitors as drug candidates for ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers. Therefore, we chemically modified our substituted triazole-class lead compound to improve the binding affinity and selectivity via a "minimal decoration" strategy, which resulted in potent and selective kinase inhibitors against LCK (18 nM) and BTK (8 nM). Subsequent crystallographic experiments validated our design. These rationally designed compounds exhibit potent on-target inhibition against BTK in B cells or LCK in T cells, respectively. Our work demonstrates that structure-based virtual screening can be applied to facilitate the development of novel chemical entities in crowded chemical space in the field of kinase inhibitor discovery.

  13. Toward Genome-Based Metabolic Engineering in Bacteria.

    PubMed

    Oesterle, Sabine; Wuethrich, Irene; Panke, Sven

    2017-01-01

    Prokaryotes modified stably on the genome are of great importance for production of fine and commodity chemicals. Traditional methods for genome engineering have long suffered from imprecision and low efficiencies, making construction of suitable high-producer strains laborious. Here, we review the recent advances in discovery and refinement of molecular precision engineering tools for genome-based metabolic engineering in bacteria for chemical production, with focus on the λ-Red recombineering and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 nuclease systems. In conjunction, they enable the integration of in vitro-synthesized DNA segments into specified locations on the chromosome and allow for enrichment of rare mutants by elimination of unmodified wild-type cells. Combination with concurrently developing improvements in important accessory technologies such as DNA synthesis, high-throughput screening methods, regulatory element design, and metabolic pathway optimization tools has resulted in novel efficient microbial producer strains and given access to new metabolic products. These new tools have made and will likely continue to make a big impact on the bioengineering strategies that transform the chemical industry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Sulfanilic acid-modified chitosan mini-spheres and their application for lysozyme purification from egg white.

    PubMed

    Hirsch, Daniela B; Baieli, María F; Urtasun, Nicolás; Lázaro-Martínez, Juan M; Glisoni, Romina J; Miranda, María V; Cascone, Osvaldo; Wolman, Federico J

    2018-03-01

    A cation exchange matrix with zwitterionic and multimodal properties was synthesized by a simple reaction sequence coupling sulfanilic acid to a chitosan based support. The novel chromatographic matrix was physico-chemically characterized by ss-NMR and ζ potential, and its chromatographic performance was evaluated for lysozyme purification from diluted egg white. The maximum adsorption capacity, calculated according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm, was 50.07 ± 1.47 mg g -1 while the dissociation constant was 0.074 ± 0.012 mg mL -1 . The process for lysozyme purification from egg white was optimized, with 81.9% yield and a purity degree of 86.5%, according to RP-HPLC analysis. This work shows novel possible applications of chitosan based materials. The simple synthesis reactions combined with the simple mode of use of the chitosan matrix represents a novel method to purify proteins from raw starting materials. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:387-396, 2018. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  15. A Pictet-Spengler ligation for protein chemical modification

    PubMed Central

    Agarwal, Paresh; van der Weijden, Joep; Sletten, Ellen M.; Rabuka, David; Bertozzi, Carolyn R.

    2013-01-01

    Aldehyde- and ketone-functionalized proteins are appealing substrates for the development of chemically modified biotherapeutics and protein-based materials. Their reactive carbonyl groups are typically conjugated with α-effect nucleophiles, such as substituted hydrazines and alkoxyamines, to generate hydrazones and oximes, respectively. However, the resulting C=N linkages are susceptible to hydrolysis under physiologically relevant conditions, which limits the utility of such conjugates in biological systems. Here we introduce a Pictet-Spengler ligation that is based on the classic Pictet-Spengler reaction of aldehydes and tryptamine nucleophiles. The ligation exploits the bioorthogonal reaction of aldehydes and alkoxyamines to form an intermediate oxyiminium ion; this intermediate undergoes intramolecular C–C bond formation with an indole nucleophile to form an oxacarboline product that is hydrolytically stable. We used the reaction for site-specific chemical modification of glyoxyl- and formylglycine-functionalized proteins, including an aldehyde-tagged variant of the therapeutic monoclonal antibody Herceptin. In conjunction with techniques for site-specific introduction of aldehydes into proteins, the Pictet-Spengler ligation offers a means to generate stable bioconjugates for medical and materials applications. PMID:23237853

  16. Nanocellulose-Based Materials for Water Purification

    PubMed Central

    Voisin, Hugo; Bergström, Lennart; Liu, Peng; Mathew, Aji P.

    2017-01-01

    Nanocellulose is a renewable material that combines a high surface area with high strength, chemical inertness, and versatile surface chemistry. In this review, we will briefly describe how nanocellulose is produced, and present—in particular, how nanocellulose and its surface modified versions affects the adsorption behavior of important water pollutants, e.g., heavy metal species, dyes, microbes, and organic molecules. The processing of nanocellulose-based membranes and filters for water purification will be described in detail, and the uptake capacity, selectivity, and removal efficiency will also be discussed. The processing and performance of nanocellulose-based membranes, which combine a high removal efficiency with anti-fouling properties, will be highlighted. PMID:28336891

  17. Treatment of low level radioactive liquid waste containing appreciable concentration of TBP degraded products.

    PubMed

    Valsala, T P; Sonavane, M S; Kore, S G; Sonar, N L; De, Vaishali; Raghavendra, Y; Chattopadyaya, S; Dani, U; Kulkarni, Y; Changrani, R D

    2011-11-30

    The acidic and alkaline low level radioactive liquid waste (LLW) generated during the concentration of high level radioactive liquid waste (HLW) prior to vitrification and ion exchange treatment of intermediate level radioactive liquid waste (ILW), respectively are decontaminated by chemical co-precipitation before discharge to the environment. LLW stream generated from the ion exchange treatment of ILW contained high concentrations of carbonates, tributyl phosphate (TBP) degraded products and problematic radio nuclides like (106)Ru and (99)Tc. Presence of TBP degraded products was interfering with the co-precipitation process. In view of this a modified chemical treatment scheme was formulated for the treatment of this waste stream. By mixing the acidic LLW and alkaline LLW, the carbonates in the alkaline LLW were destroyed and the TBP degraded products got separated as a layer at the top of the vessel. By making use of the modified co-precipitation process the effluent stream (1-2 μCi/L) became dischargeable to the environment after appropriate dilution. Based on the lab scale studies about 250 m(3) of LLW was treated in the plant. The higher activity of the TBP degraded products separated was due to short lived (90)Y isotope. The cement waste product prepared using the TBP degraded product was having good chemical durability and compressive strength. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. General and Direct Method for Preparing Oligonucleotide-Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of modular, crystalline, and porous materials that hold promise for storage and transport of chemical cargoes. Though MOFs have been studied in bulk forms, ways of deliberately manipulating the external surface functionality of MOF nanoparticles are less developed. A generalizable approach to modify their surfaces would allow one to impart chemical functionality onto the particle surface that is independent of the bulk MOF structure. Moreover, the use of a chemically programmable ligand, such as DNA, would allow for the manipulation of interparticle interactions. Herein, we report a coordination chemistry-based strategy for the surface functionalization of the external metal nodes of MOF nanoparticles with terminal phosphate-modified oligonucleotides. The external surfaces of nine distinct archetypical MOF particles containing four different metal species (Zr, Cr, Fe, and Al) were successfully functionalized with oligonucleotides, illustrating the generality of this strategy. By taking advantage of the programmable and specific interactions of DNA, 11 distinct MOF particle–inorganic particle core–satellite clusters were synthesized. In these hybrid nanoclusters, the relative stoichiometry, size, shape, and composition of the building blocks can all be independently controlled. This work provides access to a new set of nucleic acid–nanoparticle conjugates, which may be useful as programmable material building blocks and as probes for measuring and manipulating intracellular processes. PMID:28718644

  19. An antidote approach to reduce risk and broaden utility of antibody-based therapeutics.

    PubMed

    Portnoff, Alyse D; Gao, Cuihua; Borrok, M Jack; Gao, Xizhe; Gao, Changshou; Rainey, G Jonah

    2017-05-19

    Antibody therapeutics offer effective treatment options for a broad range of diseases. One of the greatest benefits of antibody therapeutics is their extraordinarily long serum half-life, allowing infrequent dosing with long-lasting effects. A characteristic of antibodies that drives long half-life is the ability to interact with the recycling receptor, FcRn, in a pH-dependent manner. The benefit of long half-life, however, carries with it liabilities. Although the positive effects of antibody therapeutics are long-lasting, any acute adverse events or chronic negative impacts, such as immunosuppression in the face of an infection, are also long-lasting. Therefore, we sought to develop antibodies with a chemical handle that alone would enjoy the long half-life of normal antibodies but, upon addition of a small-molecule antidote, would interact with the chemical handle and inhibit the antibody recycling mechanism, thus leading to rapid degradation and shortened half-life in vivo Here we present a proof of concept study where we identify sites to incorporate a non-natural amino acid that can be chemically modified to modulate FcRn interaction in vitro and antibody half-life in vivo This is an important first step in developing safer therapeutics, and the next step will be development of technology that can perform the modifying chemistry in vivo . © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  20. Interfacial interactions between calcined hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and substrates.

    PubMed

    Okada, Masahiro; Furukawa, Keiko; Serizawa, Takeshi; Yanagisawa, Yoshihiko; Tanaka, Hidekazu; Kawai, Tomoji; Furuzono, Tsutomu

    2009-06-02

    Interfacial interactions between calcined hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystals and surface-modified substrates were investigated by measuring adsorption behavior and adhesion strength with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and a contact-mode atomic force microscope (AFM), respectively. The goal was to develop better control of HAp-nanocrystal coatings on biomedical materials. HAp nanocrystals with rodlike or spherical morphology were prepared by a wet chemical process followed by calcination at 800 degrees C with an antisintering agent to prevent the formation of sintered polycrystals. The substrate surface was modified by chemical reaction with a low-molecular-weight compound, or graft polymerization with a functional monomer. QCM measurement showed that the rodlike HAp nanocrystals adsorbed preferentially onto anionic COOH-modified substrates compared to cationic NH2- or hydrophobic CH3-modified substrates. On the other hand, the spherical nanocrystals adsorbed onto NH2- and COOH-modified substrates, which indicates that the surface properties of the HAp nanocrystals determined their adsorption behavior. The adhesion strength, which was estimated from the force required to move the nanocrystal in contact-mode AFM, on a COOH-grafted substrate prepared by graft polymerization was almost 9 times larger than that on a COOH-modified substrate prepared by chemical reaction with a low-molecular-weight compound, indicating that the long-chain polymer grafted on the substrate mitigated the surface roughness mismatch between the nanocrystal and the substrate. The adhesion strength of the nanocrystal bonded covalently by the coupling reaction to a Si(OCH3)-grafted substrate prepared by graft polymerization was approximately 1.5 times larger than that when adsorbed on the COOH-grafted substrate.

  1. Site-specific cleavage of the transactivation response site of human immunodeficiency virus RNA with a tat-based chemical nuclease.

    PubMed Central

    Jayasena, S D; Johnston, B H

    1992-01-01

    tat, an essential transactivator of gene transcription in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is believed to activate viral gene expression by binding to the transactivation response (TAR) site located at the 5' end of all viral mRNAs. The TAR element forms a stem-loop structure containing a 3-nucleotide bulge that is the site for tat binding and is required for transactivation. Here we report the synthesis of a site-specific chemical ribonuclease based on the TAR binding domain of the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) tat. A peptide consisting of this 24-amino acid domain plus an additional C-terminal cysteine residue was chemically synthesized and covalently linked to 1,10-phenanthroline at the cysteine residue. The modified peptide binds to TAR sequences of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 and, in the presence of cupric ions and a reducing agent, cleaves these RNAs at specific sites. Cleavage sites on TAR sequences are consistent with peptide binding to the 3-nucleotide bulge, and the relative displacement of cleavage sites on the two strands suggests peptide binding to the major groove of the RNA. These results and existing evidence of the rapid cellular uptake of tat-derived peptides suggest that chemical nucleases based on tat may be useful for inactivating HIV mRNA in vivo. Images PMID:1565648

  2. Unraveling sorption of lead in aqueous solutions by chemically modified biochar derived from coconut fiber: A microscopic and spectroscopic investigation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Weidong; Li, Jianhong; Lan, Tian; Müller, Karin; Niazi, Nabeel Khan; Chen, Xin; Xu, Song; Zheng, Lirong; Chu, Yingchao; Li, Jianwu; Yuan, Guodong; Wang, Hailong

    2017-01-15

    In this study, we examined the efficacy of nine different types of coconut-fiber derived biochars (CFBs), prepared at different temperatures and chemically modified with ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid, to remove lead (Pb 2+ ) from aqueous solutions. Langmuir-q m values of the biochars pyrolyzed at 300°C and modified with ammonia and nitric acid increased from 49.5 to 105.5 and 85.2mgg -1 , respectively, compared to control (unmodified), whereas hydrogen peroxide treatment had no effect. The maximum amount of Pb adsorbed on biochars was in the order of CFB-700>MCFB-300-NH 3 ·H 2 O>CFB-500>MCFB-300-HNO 3 >CFB-300. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy results revealed that Pb-montmorillonite, Pb(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 , PbSO 4 , Pb-Al 2 O 3 and Pb 3 (PO 4 ) 2 were the five most important Pb species observed in Pb-loaded biochars, and as such, favoring Pb immobilization in aqueous solutions. Overall, the sorption capacity of CFBs pyrolyzed at 300°C substantially increased for Pb 2+ with ammonia and nitric acid modification. However, these chemical modifications did not improve the sorption of Pb on CFBs pyrolyzed at temperatures ≥500°C, thereby highlighting a temperature dependent response of chemically modified biochars to Pb sorption in this study. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. A framework for cumulative risk assessment in the 21st century.

    PubMed

    Moretto, Angelo; Bachman, Ammie; Boobis, Alan; Solomon, Keith R; Pastoor, Timothy P; Wilks, Martin F; Embry, Michelle R

    2017-02-01

    The ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) has developed a framework to support a transition in the way in which information for chemical risk assessment is obtained and used (RISK21). The approach is based on detailed problem formulation, where exposure drives the data acquisition process in order to enable informed decision-making on human health safety as soon as sufficient evidence is available. Information is evaluated in a transparent and consistent way with the aim of optimizing available resources. In the context of risk assessment, cumulative risk assessment (CRA) poses additional problems and questions that can be addressed using the RISK21 approach. The focus in CRA to date has generally been on chemicals that have common mechanisms of action. Recently, concern has also been expressed about chemicals acting on multiple pathways that lead to a common health outcome, and non-chemical other conditions (non-chemical stressors) that can lead to or modify a common outcome. Acknowledging that CRAs, as described above, are more conceptually, methodologically and computationally complex than traditional single-stressor risk assessments, RISK21 further developed the framework for implementation of workable processes and procedures for conducting assessments of combined effects from exposure to multiple chemicals and non-chemical stressors. As part of the problem formulation process, this evidence-based framework allows the identification of the circumstances in which it is appropriate to conduct a CRA for a group of compounds. A tiered approach is then proposed, where additional chemical stressors and/or non-chemical modulating factors (ModFs) are considered sequentially. Criteria are provided to facilitate the decision on whether or not to include ModFs in the formal quantitative assessment, with the intention to help focus the use of available resources to have the greatest potential to protect public health.

  4. Application of Hydrophilic Silanol-Based Chemical Grout for Strengthening Damaged Reinforced Concrete Flexural Members

    PubMed Central

    Ju, Hyunjin; Lee, Deuck Hang; Cho, Hae-Chang; Kim, Kang Su; Yoon, Seyoon; Seo, Soo-Yeon

    2014-01-01

    In this study, hydrophilic chemical grout using silanol (HCGS) was adopted to overcome the performance limitations of epoxy materials used for strengthening existing buildings and civil engineering structures. The enhanced material performances of HCGS were introduced, and applied to the section enlargement method, which is one of the typical structural strengthening methods used in practice. To evaluate the excellent structural strengthening performance of the HCGS, structural tests were conducted on reinforced concrete beams, and analyses on the flexural behaviors of test specimens were performed by modified partial interaction theory (PIT). In particular, to improve the constructability of the section enlargement method, an advanced strengthening method was proposed, in which the precast panel was directly attached to the bottom of the damaged structural member by HCGS, and the degree of connection of the test specimens, strengthened by the section enlargement method, were quantitatively evaluated by PIT-based analysis. PMID:28788708

  5. Application of Hydrophilic Silanol-Based Chemical Grout for Strengthening Damaged Reinforced Concrete Flexural Members.

    PubMed

    Ju, Hyunjin; Lee, Deuck Hang; Cho, Hae-Chang; Kim, Kang Su; Yoon, Seyoon; Seo, Soo-Yeon

    2014-06-23

    In this study, hydrophilic chemical grout using silanol (HCGS) was adopted to overcome the performance limitations of epoxy materials used for strengthening existing buildings and civil engineering structures. The enhanced material performances of HCGS were introduced, and applied to the section enlargement method, which is one of the typical structural strengthening methods used in practice. To evaluate the excellent structural strengthening performance of the HCGS, structural tests were conducted on reinforced concrete beams, and analyses on the flexural behaviors of test specimens were performed by modified partial interaction theory (PIT). In particular, to improve the constructability of the section enlargement method, an advanced strengthening method was proposed, in which the precast panel was directly attached to the bottom of the damaged structural member by HCGS, and the degree of connection of the test specimens, strengthened by the section enlargement method, were quantitatively evaluated by PIT-based analysis.

  6. Dispersive effects on multicomponent transport through porous media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dutta, Sourav; Daripa, Prabir

    2017-11-01

    We use a hybrid numerical method to solve a global pressure based porous media flow model of chemical enhanced oil recovery. This is an extension of our recent work. The numerical method is based on the use of a discontinuous finite element method and the modified method of characteristics. The impact of molecular diffusion and mechanical dispersion on the evolution of scalar concentration distributions are studied through numerical simulations of various flooding schemes. The relative importance of the advective, capillary diffusive and dispersive fluxes are compared over different flow regimes defined in the parameter space of Capillary number, Peclet number, longitudinal and transverse dispersion coefficients. Such studies are relevant for the design of effective injection policies and determining optimal combinations of chemical components for improving recovery. This work has been possible due to financial support from the U.S. National Science Foundation Grant DMS-1522782.

  7. A screen of chemical modifications identifies position-specific modification by UNA to most potently reduce siRNA off-target effects

    PubMed Central

    Bramsen, Jesper B.; Pakula, Malgorzata M.; Hansen, Thomas B.; Bus, Claus; Langkjær, Niels; Odadzic, Dalibor; Smicius, Romualdas; Wengel, Suzy L.; Chattopadhyaya, Jyoti; Engels, Joachim W.; Herdewijn, Piet; Wengel, Jesper; Kjems, Jørgen

    2010-01-01

    Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are now established as the preferred tool to inhibit gene function in mammalian cells yet trigger unintended gene silencing due to their inherent miRNA-like behavior. Such off-target effects are primarily mediated by the sequence-specific interaction between the siRNA seed regions (position 2–8 of either siRNA strand counting from the 5′-end) and complementary sequences in the 3′UTR of (off-) targets. It was previously shown that chemical modification of siRNAs can reduce off-targeting but only very few modifications have been tested leaving more to be identified. Here we developed a luciferase reporter-based assay suitable to monitor siRNA off-targeting in a high throughput manner using stable cell lines. We investigated the impact of chemically modifying single nucleotide positions within the siRNA seed on siRNA function and off-targeting using 10 different types of chemical modifications, three different target sequences and three siRNA concentrations. We found several differently modified siRNAs to exercise reduced off-targeting yet incorporation of the strongly destabilizing unlocked nucleic acid (UNA) modification into position 7 of the siRNA most potently reduced off-targeting for all tested sequences. Notably, such position-specific destabilization of siRNA–target interactions did not significantly reduce siRNA potency and is therefore well suited for future siRNA designs especially for applications in vivo where siRNA concentrations, expectedly, will be low. PMID:20453030

  8. Chemical biology on the genome.

    PubMed

    Balasubramanian, Shankar

    2014-08-15

    In this article I discuss studies towards understanding the structure and function of DNA in the context of genomes from the perspective of a chemist. The first area I describe concerns the studies that led to the invention and subsequent development of a method for sequencing DNA on a genome scale at high speed and low cost, now known as Solexa/Illumina sequencing. The second theme will feature the four-stranded DNA structure known as a G-quadruplex with a focus on its fundamental properties, its presence in cellular genomic DNA and the prospects for targeting such a structure in cels with small molecules. The final topic for discussion is naturally occurring chemically modified DNA bases with an emphasis on chemistry for decoding (or sequencing) such modifications in genomic DNA. The genome is a fruitful topic to be further elucidated by the creation and application of chemical approaches. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Neurons as sensors: individual and cascaded chemical sensing.

    PubMed

    Prasad, Shalini; Zhang, Xuan; Yang, Mo; Ozkan, Cengiz S; Ozkan, Mihrimah

    2004-07-15

    A single neuron sensor has been developed based on the interaction of gradient electric fields and the cell membrane. Single neurons are rapidly positioned over individual microelectrodes using positive dielectrophoretic traps. This enables the continuous extracellular electrophysiological measurements from individual neurons. The sensor developed using this technique provides the first experimental method for determining single cell sensitivity; the speed of response and the associated physiological changes to a broad spectrum of chemical agents. Binding of specific chemical agents to a specific combination of receptors induces changes to the extracellular membrane potential of a single neuron, which can be translated into unique "signature patterns" (SP), which function as identification tags. Signature patterns are derived using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) analysis and Wavelet Transformation (WT) analysis of the modified extracellular action potential. The validity and the sensitivity of the system are demonstrated for a variety of chemical agents ranging from behavior altering chemicals (ethanol), environmentally hazardous agents (hydrogen peroxide, EDTA) to physiologically harmful agents (pyrethroids) at pico- and femto-molar concentrations. The ability of a single neuron to selectively identify specific chemical agents when injected in a serial manner is demonstrated in "cascaded sensing".

  10. Microwave plasma induced surface modification of diamond-like carbon films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rao Polaki, Shyamala; Kumar, Niranjan; Gopala Krishna, Nanda; Madapu, Kishore; Kamruddin, Mohamed; Dash, Sitaram; Tyagi, Ashok Kumar

    2017-12-01

    Tailoring the surface of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film is technically relevant for altering the physical and chemical properties, desirable for useful applications. A physically smooth and sp3 dominated DLC film with tetrahedral coordination was prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The surface of the DLC film was exposed to hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen plasma for physical and chemical modifications. The surface modification was based on the concept of adsorption-desorption of plasma species and surface entities of films. Energetic chemical species of microwave plasma are adsorbed, leading to desorbtion of the surface carbon atoms due to energy and momentum exchange. The interaction of such reactive species with DLC films enhanced the roughness, surface defects and dangling bonds of carbon atoms. Adsorbed hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen formed a covalent network while saturating the dangling carbon bonds around the tetrahedral sp3 valency. The modified surface chemical affinity depends upon the charge carriers and electron covalency of the adsorbed atoms. The contact angle of chemically reconstructed surface increases when a water droplet interacts either through hydrogen or van dear Waals bonding. These weak interactions influenced the wetting property of the DLC surface to a great extent.

  11. Smartphone-based portable biosensing system using impedance measurement with printed electrodes for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) detection.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Diming; Jiang, Jing; Chen, Junye; Zhang, Qian; Lu, Yanli; Yao, Yao; Li, Shuang; Logan Liu, Gang; Liu, Qingjun

    2015-08-15

    Rapid, sensitive, selective and portable detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is in high demand for public safety and environmental monitoring. In this study, we reported a smartphone-based system using impedance monitoring for TNT detection. The screen-printed electrodes modified with TNT-specific peptides were used as disposable a biosensor to produce impedance responses to TNT. The responses could be monitored by a hand-held device and send out to smartphone through Bluetooth. Then, the smartphone was used to display TNT responses in real time and report concentration finally. In the measurement, the system was demonstrated to detect TNT at concentration as low as 10(-6) M and distinguish TNT versus different chemicals in high specificity. Thus, the smartphone-based biosensing platform provided a convenient and efficient approach to design portable instruments for chemical detections such as TNT recognition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. A nonfouling voltammetric immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen based on the use of polyaniline nanowires wrapped with hyaluronic acid.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jiasheng; Hui, Ni

    2018-06-16

    A non-fouling electrochemical immunosensor is described for determination of the tumor biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It is based on the use of composite wires made by chemical grafting of hyaluronic acid onto polyaniline nanowires. The modified nanowires possess excellent antifouling property both in single protein solutions and in dilute serum samples. The current of immunoelectrode exhibits a linear response in the 0.01 pg mL -1 to 10,000 pg mL -1 CEA concentration range and 0.0075 pg mL -1 detection limit. This work demonstrates that coating an electrode with hyaluronic acid can largely reduce unspecific adsorption of proteins on the electrode surface. Graphical abstract Schematic of a nonfouling electrochemical immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen. It is based on novel composite wires made through the chemical grafting of easily available hyaluronic acid (HA) onto polyaniline (PANI) nanowires. The HA/PANI demonstrated excellent antifouling property both in single protein solutions and human serum samples.

  13. Chemical Substitution and High Pressure Effects on Superconductors in the LnOBiS$$_2$$ (Ln = La-Nd) System

    DOE PAGES

    Fang, Yuankan; Wolowiec, Christian T.; Yazici, Duygu; ...

    2015-12-14

    A large number of compounds which contain BiSmore » $$_2$$ layers exhibit enhanced superconductivity upon electron doping. Much interest and research effort has been focused on BiS$$_2$$-based compounds which provide new opportunities for exploring the nature of superconductivity. Important to the study of BiS2-based superconductors is the relation between structure and superconductivity. By modifying either the superconducting BiS$$_2$$ layers or the blocking layers in these layered compounds, one can effectively tune the lattice parameters, local atomic environment, electronic structure, and other physical properties of these materials. In this article, we will review some of the recent progress on research of the effects of chemical substitution in BiS$$_2$$-based compounds, with special attention given to the compounds in the LnOBiSS$$_2$$ (Ln = La-Nd) system. Strategies which are reported to be essential in optimizing superconductivity of these materials will also be discussed.« less

  14. Characterization of chemical interactions during chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of copper

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Seung-Mahn

    2003-10-01

    Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) has received much attention as an unique technique to provide a wafer level planarization in semiconductor manufacturing. However, despite the extensive use of CMP, it still remains one of the least understood areas in semiconductor processing. The lack of the fundamental understanding is a significant barrier to further advancements in CMP technology. One critical aspect of metal CMP is the formation of a thin surface layer on the metal surface. The formation and removal of this layer controls all the aspects of the CMP process, including removal rate, surface finish, etc. In this dissertation, we focus on the characterization of the formation and removal of the thin surface layer on the copper surface. The formation dynamics was investigated using static and dynamic electrochemical techniques, including potentiodynamic scans and chronoamperometry. The results were validated using XPS measurements. The mechanical properties of the surface layer were investigated using nanoindentation measurements. The electrochemical investigation showed that the thickness of the surface layer is controlled by the chemicals such as an oxidizer (hydrogen peroxide), a corrosion inhibitor (benzotriazole), a complexing agent (citric acid), and their concentrations. The dynamic electrochemical measurements indicated that the initial layer formation kinetics is unaffected by the corrosion inhibitors. The passivation due to the corrosion inhibitor becomes important only on large time scales (>200 millisecond). The porosity and the density of the chemically modified surface layer can be affected by additives of other chemicals such as citric acid. An optimum density of the surface layer is required for high polishing rate while at the same time maintaining a high degree of surface finish. Nanoindentation measurements indicated that the mechanical properties of the surface layer are strongly dependent on the chemical additives in the slurry. The CMP removal rates were found to be in good agreement with the initial reaction kinetics as well as the mechanical properties of the chemically modified surface layer. In addition, the material removal model based on the micro- and nano-scale interactions, which were measured experimentally, has been developed.

  15. Effects of hydrogen peroxide, modified atmosphere and their combination on quality of minimally processed cluster beans.

    PubMed

    Waghmare, Roji B; Annapure, Uday S

    2017-10-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the potential of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of fresh-cut cluster beans. Fresh-cut cluster beans were dipped in a solution of 2% H 2 O 2 for 2 min, packed in an atmosphere of (5% O 2 , 10% CO 2 , 85% N 2 ) and stored in polypropylene bags at 5 °C for 35 days. Passive MAP was created by consuming O 2 and producing CO 2 by fresh-cut cluster beans. The combined effect of H 2 O 2 and MAP on physico-chemical analysis (Headspace gas, weight loss, chlorophyll, hardness and color), microbial quality (mesophilic aerobics and yeasts and molds) and sensory analysis were studied. Chemical treatment and MAP both are equally effective in extending the shelf life at 5 °C for 28 days. Hence, MAP can be an alternative for chemical treatment to achieve a shelf life of 28 days for fresh-cut cluster beans. Control samples, without chemical treatment and modified atmosphere, stored at 5 °C were spoiled after 14 days. Chemical treatment followed by MAP underwent minimum changes in weight, chlorophyll, hardness and color of fresh-cut cluster beans. Combination treatment gives a storage life of 35 days.

  16. A second-generation expression system for tyrosine-sulfated proteins and its application in crop protection.

    PubMed

    Schwessinger, Benjamin; Li, Xiang; Ellinghaus, Thomas L; Chan, Leanne Jade G; Wei, Tong; Joe, Anna; Thomas, Nicholas; Pruitt, Rory; Adams, Paul D; Chern, Maw Sheng; Petzold, Christopher J; Liu, Chang C; Ronald, Pamela C

    2016-04-18

    Posttranslational modification (PTM) of proteins and peptides is important for diverse biological processes in plants and animals. The paucity of heterologous expression systems for PTMs and the technical challenges associated with chemical synthesis of these modified proteins has limited detailed molecular characterization and therapeutic applications. Here we describe an optimized system for expression of tyrosine-sulfated proteins in Escherichia coli and its application in a bio-based crop protection strategy in rice.

  17. Realization of high temperature superconductivity in carbon nanotubes and its low powerapplications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    radial breathing phonon mode and hybrid orbital electrons. Previously, I tried to realize high-Tc SC in thin films consisting of randomly placed CNTs...based on such advantages. Moreover, I applied ionic-gel (liquid) gating to the CNT thin films in order to cause extremely high EDOS on the surface and...bromide (CTAB)) to chemically modify CNT surface and create thin films consisting of highly oriented (aligned) CNTs with flat and homogeneous surface

  18. A second-generation expression system for tyrosine-sulfated proteins and its application in crop protection

    DOE PAGES

    Schwessinger, Benjamin; Li, Xiang; Ellinghaus, Thomas L.; ...

    2015-11-27

    Posttranslational modification (PTM) of proteins and peptides is important for diverse biological processes in plants and animals. The paucity of heterologous expression systems for PTMs and the technical challenges associated with chemical synthesis of these modified proteins has limited detailed molecular characterization and therapeutic applications. Here we describe an optimized system for expression of tyrosine-sulfated proteins in Escherichia coli and its application in a bio-based crop protection strategy in rice.

  19. Pyroelectric A1GaN/GaN HEMTs for ion-, gas- and Polar-Liquid Sensors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-08-17

    including the manipulation of pico- and nanofluid volumes on chemical or structural modified surfaces and defining suitable interfaces to the macroworld. A... nanofluidic dispensers based on piezo actuators, the micro periphery and the electronics for measuring biochemical assay systems (in vivo and in vitro...interface without the need of a modulation doped barrier. The carrier concentration and electron mobility within the 2DEG can be very high and build

  20. Chemically modified IR-transparent fibers and their application as chemical sensors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kellner, R.A.

    1993-12-31

    With the advent of chalcogenide- (As-Se-Te), Silverhalide- (AgBrCl) and TeXAs-fibers, the optical window available for analytical chemistry was significantly extended into the MID- and FAR-IR range (2 to 20 {mu}m) recently. These fibers have been chemically modified in our laboratory at 10 cm-distances of their surfaces (A) by covering them with 10-100 {mu}m thick layers of a suitable polymer such as LDPE ({open_quotes}Thickfilm-Sensor{close_quotes}) and (B) by immobilizing specifically reacting enzyme-layers such as GOx ({open_quotes}Thinfilm-Sensor{close_quotes}). In the first case, where the penetration depth of the IR-beam is smaller than the thickness of the polymer layer, a sensor for the simultaneous inmore » situ-determination of chlorinated hydrocarbon traces in water down to 500 ppb could be developed and tested. In the second case, a system for the determination of glucose in complex aqueous solutions was developed, based on the catalytic oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide by the immobilized enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) in the physiological range. The GOx-density at the fibers could be significantly enlarged by using S-Layers instead of silanes for immobilization. Secondly, a flow injection-approach was developed recently, which allowed for an even further increase of the enzyme density by separating the reaction- and detection-part of our sensor, using controlled pore glass as carrier for the GOx and tapered chalcogenide fibers for detection. With this system, which works perfectly linear in the physiological range also for urea (with urease) a practical (multi)enzyme-based IR-sensor system is presented for the first time.« less

  1. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-16-701-702-703: May 2016 Monthly Sample and MCU-16-710-711-712: May 2016 Superwashed Sample

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-701, MCU-16-702 and MCU-16-703), pulled on 05/23/2016, and another set of SHT samples (MCU-16-710, MCU-16-711, and MCU-16-712) were pulled on 05/28/2016 after the solvent was superwashed with 300 mM sodium hydroxide for analysis. Samples MCU-16-701, MCU-16-702, and MCU-16-703 were combined into one sample (MCU-16-701-702-703) and samples MCU-16-710, MCU- 16-711, and MCU-16-712 were combined into one sample (MCU-16-710-711-712). Of the two composite samples MCU-16-710-711-712 represents the current chemical state of the solvent at MCU. All analytical conclusions are based on the chemical analysis of MCU-16-710-711-712. Theremore » were no chemical differences between MCU-16-701-702-703 and superwashed MCU-16-710-711-712. Analysis of the composited sample MCU-16-710-712-713 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (102%). The modifier (CS-7SB) is 16% below its nominal concentration, while the TiDG and MaxCalix concentrations are at and above their nominal concentrations, respectively. The TiDG level has begun to decrease, and it is 7% below its nominal level as of May 28, 2016. Based on this current analysis, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time. Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended.« less

  2. Aggregate Exposure and Cumulative Risk Assessment—Integrating Occupational and Non-occupational Risk Factors

    PubMed Central

    Lentz, T. J.; Dotson, G. S.; Williams, P. R.D.; Maier, A.; Gadagbui, B.; Pandalai, S. P.; Lamba, A.; Hearl, F.; Mumtaz, M.

    2015-01-01

    Occupational exposure limits have traditionally focused on preventing morbidity and mortality arising from inhalation exposures to individual chemical stressors in the workplace. While central to occupational risk assessment, occupational exposure limits have limited application as a refined disease prevention tool because they do not account for all of the complexities of the work and non-occupational environments and are based on varying health endpoints. To be of greater utility, occupational exposure limits and other risk management tools could integrate broader consideration of risks from multiple exposure pathways and routes (aggregate risk) as well as the combined risk from exposure to both chemical and non-chemical stressors, within and beyond the workplace, including the possibility that such exposures may cause interactions or modify the toxic effects observed (cumulative risk). Although still at a rudimentary stage in many cases, a variety of methods and tools have been developed or are being used in allied risk assessment fields to incorporate such considerations in the risk assessment process. These approaches, which are collectively referred to as cumulative risk assessment, have potential to be adapted or modified for occupational scenarios and provide a tangible path forward for occupational risk assessment. Accounting for complex exposures in the workplace and the broader risks faced by the individual also requires a more complete consideration of the composite effects of occupational and non-occupational risk factors to fully assess and manage worker health problems. Barriers to integrating these different factors remain, but new and ongoing community-based and worker health-related initiatives may provide mechanisms for identifying and integrating risk from aggregate exposures and cumulative risks from all relevant sources, be they occupational or non-occupational. PMID:26583907

  3. Aggregate Exposure and Cumulative Risk Assessment--Integrating Occupational and Non-occupational Risk Factors.

    PubMed

    Lentz, T J; Dotson, G S; Williams, P R D; Maier, A; Gadagbui, B; Pandalai, S P; Lamba, A; Hearl, F; Mumtaz, M

    2015-01-01

    Occupational exposure limits have traditionally focused on preventing morbidity and mortality arising from inhalation exposures to individual chemical stressors in the workplace. While central to occupational risk assessment, occupational exposure limits have limited application as a refined disease prevention tool because they do not account for all of the complexities of the work and non-occupational environments and are based on varying health endpoints. To be of greater utility, occupational exposure limits and other risk management tools could integrate broader consideration of risks from multiple exposure pathways and routes (aggregate risk) as well as the combined risk from exposure to both chemical and non-chemical stressors, within and beyond the workplace, including the possibility that such exposures may cause interactions or modify the toxic effects observed (cumulative risk). Although still at a rudimentary stage in many cases, a variety of methods and tools have been developed or are being used in allied risk assessment fields to incorporate such considerations in the risk assessment process. These approaches, which are collectively referred to as cumulative risk assessment, have potential to be adapted or modified for occupational scenarios and provide a tangible path forward for occupational risk assessment. Accounting for complex exposures in the workplace and the broader risks faced by the individual also requires a more complete consideration of the composite effects of occupational and non-occupational risk factors to fully assess and manage worker health problems. Barriers to integrating these different factors remain, but new and ongoing community-based and worker health-related initiatives may provide mechanisms for identifying and integrating risk from aggregate exposures and cumulative risks from all relevant sources, be they occupational or non-occupational.

  4. Modified Rice Straw as Adsorbent Material to Remove Aflatoxin B1 from Aqueous Media and as a Fiber Source in Fino Bread

    PubMed Central

    Mohamed, Sherif R.; El-Desouky, Tarek A.; Hussein, Ahmed M. S.; Mohamed, Sherif S.; Naguib, Khayria M.

    2016-01-01

    The aims of the current work are in large part the benefit of rice straw to be used as adsorbent material and natural source of fiber in Fino bread. The rice straw was subjected to high temperature for modification process and the chemical composition was carried out and the native rice straw contained about 41.15% cellulose, 20.46% hemicellulose, and 3.91% lignin while modified rice straw has 42.10, 8.65, and 5.81%, respectively. The alkali number was tested and showed an increase in the alkali consumption due to the modification process. The different concentrations of modified rice straw, aflatoxin B1, and pH were tested for removal of aflatoxin B1 from aqueous media and the maximum best removal was at 5% modified rice straw, 5 ng/mL aflatoxin B1, and pH 7. The modified rice straw was added to Fino bread at a level of 5, 10, and 15% and the chemical, rheological, baking quality, staling, and sensory properties were studied. Modified rice straw induced an increase of the shelf life and the produced Fino bread has a better consistency. PMID:26989411

  5. RoboOligo: software for mass spectrometry data to support manual and de novo sequencing of post-transcriptionally modified ribonucleic acids

    PubMed Central

    Sample, Paul J.; Gaston, Kirk W.; Alfonzo, Juan D.; Limbach, Patrick A.

    2015-01-01

    Ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA), transfer RNA and other biological or synthetic RNA polymers can contain nucleotides that have been modified by the addition of chemical groups. Traditional Sanger sequencing methods cannot establish the chemical nature and sequence of these modified-nucleotide containing oligomers. Mass spectrometry (MS) has become the conventional approach for determining the nucleotide composition, modification status and sequence of modified RNAs. Modified RNAs are analyzed by MS using collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID MS/MS), which produces a complex dataset of oligomeric fragments that must be interpreted to identify and place modified nucleosides within the RNA sequence. Here we report the development of RoboOligo, an interactive software program for the robust analysis of data generated by CID MS/MS of RNA oligomers. There are three main functions of RoboOligo: (i) automated de novo sequencing via the local search paradigm. (ii) Manual sequencing with real-time spectrum labeling and cumulative intensity scoring. (iii) A hybrid approach, coined ‘variable sequencing’, which combines the user intuition of manual sequencing with the high-throughput sampling of automated de novo sequencing. PMID:25820423

  6. Graphite nanoplatelets/multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid nanostructure for electrochemical capacitor.

    PubMed

    Mishra, Ashish Kumar; Ramaprabhu, S

    2012-08-01

    Recently, the focus on carbon based nanostructures for various applications has been due to their novel properties such as high electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength and high surface area. In the present work, we have investigated the charge storage capacity of modified graphite nanoplatelets and hybrid structure of graphite nanoplatelets-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). These MWNTs can be used as spacers to reduce the possibility of restacking of graphite nanoplatelets and hence increases the surface area of the hybrid carbon nanostructure thereby high degree of metal oxide decoration is achieved over the hybrid structure. MWNTs were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition technique and further purified with air oxidation and acid treatment. Graphite was treated with conc. nitric acid and sulphuric acid in the volumetric ratio of 1:3 for 3 days and these modified graphite nanoplatelets were further stirred with MWNTs in equal weight ratio to form hybrid nanostructure. Further, ruthenium oxide (RuO2) nanoparticles were decorated on this hybrid structure using chemical route followed by calcination. RuO2 decorated hybrid carbon nanostructure was characterized by using X-ray diffraction, Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The performance of the hybrid structure based nanocomposite as electrochemical capacitor electrodes was analyzed by studing its capacitive and charge-discharge behaviours using cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry techniques and the results have been discussed.

  7. Inkjet Printed Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Array on Cellulose Paper

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Wei W.; White, Ian M.

    2011-01-01

    A novel, ultra low-cost surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate has been developed by modifying the surface chemistry of cellulose paper and patterning nanoparticle arrays, all with a consumer inkjet printer. Micro/nanofabrication of SERS substrates for on-chip chemical and biomolecular analysis has been under intense investigation. However, the high cost of producing these substrates and the limited shelf life severely limit their use, especially for routine laboratory analysis and for point-of-sample analysis in the field. Paper-based microfluidic biosensing systems have shown great potential as low-cost disposable analysis tools. In this work, this concept is extended to SERS-based detection. Using an inexpensive consumer inkjet printer, cellulose paper substrates are modified to be hydrophobic in the sensing regions. Synthesized silver nanoparticles are printed onto this hydrophobic paper substrate with microscale precision to form sensing arrays. The hydrophobic surface prevents the aqueous sample from spreading throughout the paper and thus concentrates the analyte within the sensing region. A SERS fingerprint signal for Rhodamine 6G dye was observed for samples with as low as 10 femtomoles of analyte in a total sample volume of 1 μL. This extraordinarily simple technique can be used to construct SERS microarrays immediately before sample analysis, enabling ultra low-cost chemical and biomolecular detection in the lab as well as in the field at the point of sample collection. PMID:21058689

  8. Encoded libraries of chemically modified peptides.

    PubMed

    Heinis, Christian; Winter, Greg

    2015-06-01

    The use of powerful technologies for generating and screening DNA-encoded protein libraries has helped drive the development of proteins as pharmaceutical ligands. However the development of peptides as pharmaceutical ligands has been more limited. Although encoded peptide libraries are typically several orders of magnitude larger than classical chemical libraries, can be more readily screened, and can give rise to higher affinity ligands, their use as pharmaceutical ligands is limited by their intrinsic properties. Two of the intrinsic limitations include the rotational flexibility of the peptide backbone and the limited number (20) of natural amino acids. However these limitations can be overcome by use of chemical modification. For example, the libraries can be modified to introduce topological constraints such as cyclization linkers, or to introduce new chemical entities such as small molecule ligands, fluorophores and photo-switchable compounds. This article reviews the chemistry involved, the properties of the peptide ligands, and the new opportunities offered by chemical modification of DNA-encoded peptide libraries. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  9. Design and fabrication of nanoelectrodes for applications with scanning electrochemical microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thakar, Rahul

    Scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) was introduced two decades ago and has since emerged as a powerful research tool to investigate localized electrochemical reactions at the surface of material and biological samples. The ability to obtain chemical information at a surface differentiates SECM from competing scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Although, chemical specificity is a unique advantage offered by SECM, inherent limitations due to a slow feedback response, and challenges associated with production of smaller electrodes have remained major drawbacks. Initially in this research, SECM was utilized as a characterization and investigative tool. Later, advances in SECM imaging were achieved with design and production of multifunctional nanoelectrodes. At first, platinum based nanoelectrodes were fabricated for use as electrochemical probes to investigate local electron transfer at chemically-modified surfaces. Further, micron and sub-micron platinum electrodes with chemically modified shrouds were prepared and characterized with voltammetric measurements. Studies reveal experimental evidence for the presence of edge-effects that are typically associated with submicron electrodes. Interestingly, we observed selectivity of these electrodes based on hydrophobic/ hydrophilic character. Through vapor deposition of parylene over microstructured material, single-pore membranes and porous membrane arrays were produced. Pore size characterization within porous membranes was performed with templated growth of micro/nanostructures. Characterization of transport properties of ions and redox-active molecules through hydrophobic parylene membranes was investigated with ion conductance microscopy and SECM, individually. Parylene is an insulative material that is chemically resistant, deposits conformally over high-aspect ratio objects and also converts into conductive carbon at high-temperature pyrolysis. Motivated by these results we identified a unique strategy to fabricate parylene based carbon electrodes Here, we have developed a unique strategy to obtain carbon based nanoelectrodes from vapor deposition of parylene over pulled glass nanopipettes. With this approach, multiple electrode geometries were constructed and the application of individual geomtery with SECM is demonstrated. In particular, enhanced spatial resolution and electrochemical information were obtained with the use of carbon ring/nanopore electrodes. Practical implications of edge-effects observed with carbon ring/nanopore electrodes is discussed with substrate generation tip collection (SG/TC) SECM Carbon ring/nanopore electrodes have also enabled the use of SECM in conjunction with ion conductance microscopy to alleviate the issue of poor feedback response. This has further helped in deconvolution of electrochemcial and topographical signals. Although, use of carbon nanoelectrodes is discussed with specific applications to electrochemcial microscopy, these probes have wide utility in electroanalytical applications. Initial proof-of-concept experiments along with future directions for this work are presented.

  10. In situ detection of organic molecules: Optrodes for TCE (trichloroethylene) and CHCl sub 3

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Angel, S. M.; Langry, K. C.; Ridley, M. N.

    1990-05-01

    We have developed new absorption-based chemical indicators for detecting chloroform (CHCl{sub 3}) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These indicators were used to make very sensitive optical chemical sensors (optrodes) for each of these two contaminants. Concentrations below 10 ppb can be accurately measured using these sensors. Furthermore, they are selective and do not response to similar contaminants commonly found with TCE and CHCl{sub 3} in contaminated groundwater. In addition, the sensor response is linearly proportional to the chemical concentration. In this report, we describe the details of this optrode and the putative reaction sequences of the indicator chemistries with CHCl{sub 3} andmore » TCE and present an analysis of the spectral data obtained from the reaction products. A key part of the development of this optrode was designing a simple readout device. The readout is a dual-channel fiber-optic fluorimeter modified to measure transmission or absorption of light. The system is controlled by a lap-top microcomputer and is fully field portable. In addition to describing the final absorption optrode, details of the chemical indicator reactions are presented for both absorption- (colorimetric) and fluorescence-based optrodes. Finally, we report on the syntheses of several compounds used to evaluate the indicator chemical reactions that led to the development of the absorption optrode. 23 refs., 26 figs., 1 tab.« less

  11. Chemical composition and digestibility of Trifolium exposed to elevated ozone and carbon dioxide in a free-air (FACE) fumigation system

    Treesearch

    R.B. Muntifering; A.H. Chappelka; J.C. Lin; D.F. Karnosky; G.L. Somers

    2006-01-01

    Tropospheric ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are significant drivers of plant growth and chemical composition. We hypothesized that exposure to elevated concentrations of O3 and CO2, singly and in combination, would modify the chemical composition of Trifolium...

  12. Properties Characterization of Chemically Modified Hemp Hurds

    PubMed Central

    Stevulova, Nadezda; Cigasova, Julia; Estokova, Adriana; Terpakova, Eva; Geffert, Anton; Kacik, Frantisek; Singovszka, Eva; Holub, Marian

    2014-01-01

    The effect of chemical treatment of hemp hurds slices in three solutions (EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), NaOH and Ca(OH)2) on the properties of natural material was discussed in this paper. Changes in the morphology, chemical composition and structure as well as thermal stability of hemp hurds before and after their modification were investigated by using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray powder diffraction analysis) and TG (thermogravimetry)/DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements were used for determination of degree of cellulose polymerization of hemp hurd samples. Chemical modification is related to the partial removal of non-cellulosic components of lignin, hemicellulose and pectin as well as waxes from the surface of hemp hurd slices. Another effect of the chemical treatment applied is connected with increasing the crystallinity index of cellulose determined by FTIR and XRD methods. Decrease in degree of cellulose polymerization and polydispersity index in chemically modified hemp hurds compared to the original sample was observed. Increase in thermal stability of treated hemp hurd was found. The most significant changes were observed in alkaline treated hemp hurds by NaOH. PMID:28788294

  13. Elaboration and use of nickel planar macrocyclic complex-based sensors for the direct electrochemical measurement of nitric oxide in biological media.

    PubMed

    Bedioui, F; Trevin, S; Devynck, J; Lantoine, F; Brunet, A; Devynck, M A

    1997-01-01

    We describe here the electrochemical detection of nitric oxide, NO, in biological systems by using chemically modified ultramicro carbon electrodes. In the first part of the paper, the different steps involved in the electrochemical preparation and characterization of the nickel-based sensor are described. This is illustrated by the use of nickel(II) tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine complex. The second part of the paper describes two examples of the direct electrochemical measurement of NO production in human blood platelets and endothelial cells from umbilical cord vein.

  14. The effect of nanofiber based filter morphology on bacteria deactivation during water filtration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kimmer, Dusan; Vincent, Ivo; Lev, Jaroslav; Kalhotka, Libor; Mikula, Premysl; Korinkova, Radka; Sambaer, Wannes; Zatloukal, Martin

    2013-04-01

    Procedures permitting to prepare homogeneous functionalized nanofibre structures based on polyurethanes modified by phthalocyanines (PCs) by employing a suitable combination of variables during the electrospinning process are presented. Compared are filtration and bacteria deactivation properties of open and planar nanostructures with PCs embedded into polyurethane chain by a covalent bond protecting the release of active organic compound during the filtration process. Finding that the morphology of functionalized nanofibre structures have an effect on bacterial growth was confirmed by microbiological and physico-chemical analyses, such as the inoculation in a nutrient agar culture medium and flow cytometry.

  15. Cobalt as chemical modifier to improve chromium sensitivity and minimize matrix effects in tungsten coil atomic emission spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Silva, Sidnei G; Donati, George L; Santos, Luana N; Jones, Bradley T; Nóbrega, Joaquim A

    2013-05-30

    Cobalt is used as chemical modifier to improve sensitivity and minimize matrix effects in Cr determinations by tungsten coil atomic emission spectrometry (WCAES). The atomizer is a tungsten filament extracted from microscope light bulbs. A solid-state power supply and a handheld CCD-based spectrometer are also used in the instrumental setup. In the presence of 1000 mg L(-1) Co, WCAES limit of detection for Cr (λ=425.4 nm) is calculated as 0.070 mg L(-1); a 10-fold improvement compared to determinations without Co modifier. The mechanism involved in such signal enhancement is similar to the one observed in ICP OES and ICP-MS determinations of As and Se in the presence of C. Cobalt increases the population of Cr(+) by charge transfer reactions. In a second step, Cr(+)/e(-) recombination takes place, which results in a larger population of excited-state Cr atoms. This alternative excitation route is energetically more efficient than heat transfer from atomizer and gas phase to analyte atoms. A linear dynamic range of 0.25-10 mg L(-1) and repeatability of 3.8% (RSD, n=10) for a 2.0 mg L(-1) Cr solution are obtained with this strategy. The modifier high concentration also contributes to improving accuracy due to a matrix-matching effect. The method was applied to a certified reference material of Dogfish Muscle (DORM-2) and no statistically significant difference was observed between determined and certified Cr values at a 95% confidence level. Spike experiments with bottled water samples resulted in recoveries between 93% and 112%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. ChemBrowser: a flexible framework for mining chemical documents.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xian; Zhang, Li; Chen, Ying; Rhodes, James; Griffin, Thomas D; Boyer, Stephen K; Alba, Alfredo; Cai, Keke

    2010-01-01

    The ability to extract chemical and biological entities and relations from text documents automatically has great value to biochemical research and development activities. The growing maturity of text mining and artificial intelligence technologies shows promise in enabling such automatic chemical entity extraction capabilities (called "Chemical Annotation" in this paper). Many techniques have been reported in the literature, ranging from dictionary and rule-based techniques to machine learning approaches. In practice, we found that no single technique works well in all cases. A combinatorial approach that allows one to quickly compose different annotation techniques together for a given situation is most effective. In this paper, we describe the key challenges we face in real-world chemical annotation scenarios. We then present a solution called ChemBrowser which has a flexible framework for chemical annotation. ChemBrowser includes a suite of customizable processing units that might be utilized in a chemical annotator, a high-level language that describes the composition of various processing units that would form a chemical annotator, and an execution engine that translates the composition language to an actual annotator that can generate annotation results for a given set of documents. We demonstrate the impact of this approach by tailoring an annotator for extracting chemical names from patent documents and show how this annotator can be easily modified with simple configuration alone.

  17. Modeling of wastewater treatment system of car parks from petroleum products

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Savdur, S. N.; Stepanova, Yu V.; Kodolova, I. A.; Fesina, E. L.

    2018-05-01

    The paper discusses the technological complex of wastewater treatment of car parks from petroleum products. Based on the review of the main modeling methods of discrete-continuous chemical and engineering processes, it substantiates expediency of using the theory of Petri nets (PN) for modeling the process of wastewater treatment of car parks from petroleum products. It is proposed to use a modification of Petri nets which is focused on modeling and analysis of discrete-continuous chemical and engineering processes by prioritizing transitions, timing marks in positions and transitions. A model in the form of modified Petri nets (MPN) is designed. A software package to control the process for wastewater treatment is designed by means of SCADA TRACE MODE.

  18. Quantitative determination of a chemically modified hammerhead ribozyme in blood plasma using 96-well solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography or capillary gel electrophoresis.

    PubMed

    Bellon, L; Maloney, L; Zinnen, S P; Sandberg, J A; Johnson, K E

    2000-08-01

    Versatile bioanalytical assays to detect chemically stabilized hammerhead ribozyme and putative ribozyme metabolites from plasma are described. The extraction protocols presented are based on serial solid-phase extractions performed on a 96-well plate format and are compatible with either IEX-HPLC or CGE back-end analysis. A validation of both assays confirmed that both the HPLC and the CGE methods possess the required linearity, accuracy, and precision to accurately measure concentrations of hammerhead ribozyme extracted from plasma. These methods should be of general use to detect and quantitate ribozymes from other biological fluids such as serum and urine. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  19. Covalent Chemical Ligation Strategy for Mono- and Polyclonal Immunoglobulins at Their Nucleotide Binding Sites.

    PubMed

    Lac, Diana; Feng, Chun; Bhardwaj, Gaurav; Le, Huong; Tran, Jimmy; Xing, Li; Fung, Gabriel; Liu, Ruiwu; Cheng, Holland; Lam, Kit S

    2016-01-20

    Nonspecific ligation methods have been traditionally used to chemically modify immunoglobulins. Site-specific ligation of compounds (toxins or ligands) to antibodies has become increasingly important in the fields of therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies. In this present study, we took advantage of the reported nucleotide-binding pocket (NBP) in the Fab arms of immunoglobulins by developing indole-based, 5-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-derivatized OBOC peptide libraries for the identification of affinity elements that can be used as site-specific derivatization agents against both mono- and polyclonal antibodies. Ligation can occur at any one of the few lysine residues located at the NBP. Immunoconjugates resulting from such affinity elements can be used as therapeutics against cancer or infectious agents.

  20. Improvement of chemical vapor deposition process for production of large diameter carbon base monofilaments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hough, R. L.; Richmond, R. D.

    1971-01-01

    Research was conducted to develop large diameter carbon monofilament, containing 25 to 35 mole % element boron, in the 2.0 to 10.0 mil diameter range using the chemical vapor deposition process. The objective of the program was to gain an understanding of the critical process variables and their effect on fiber properties. Synthesis equipment was modified to allow these variables to be studied. Improved control of synthesis variables permitted reduction in scatter of properties of the monofilaments. Monofilaments have been synthesized in the 3.0 to nearly 6.0 mil diameter range having measured values up to 552,000 psi for ultimate tensile strength and up to 30 million psi for elastic modulus.

  1. Oxidation of Hydrocarbons on the Surface of Tin Dioxide Chemical Sensors

    PubMed Central

    Teterycz, Helena; Halek, Patryk; Wiśniewski, Kamil; Halek, Grzegorz; Koźlecki, Tomasz; Polowczyk, Izabela

    2011-01-01

    The paper presents the results of our investigation on the effect of the molecular structure of organic vapors on the characteristics of resistive chemical gas sensors. The sensors were based on tin dioxide and prepared by means of thick film technology. The electrical and catalytic examinations showed that the abstraction of two hydrogen atoms from the organic molecule and formation of a water in result of reaction with a chemisorbed oxygen ion, determine the rate of oxidation reactions, and thus the sensor performance. The rate of the process depends on the order of carbon atoms and Lewis acidity of the molecule. Therefore, any modification of the surface centers of a sensor material, modifies not only the sensor sensitivity, but also its selectivity. PMID:22163855

  2. Nanoporous polysulfone membranes via a degradable block copolymer precursor for redox flow batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Gindt, Brandon P.; Abebe, Daniel G.; Tang, Zhijiang J.; ...

    2016-02-16

    In this study, nanoporous polysulfone (PSU) membranes were fabricated via post-hydrolysis of polylactide (PLA) from PLA–PSU–PLA triblock copolymer membranes. The PSU scaffold was thermally crosslinked before sacrificing PLA blocks. The resulting nanopore surface was chemically modified with sulfonic acid moieties. The membranes were analyzed and evaluated as separators for vanadium redox flow batteries. Nanoporous PSU membranes prepared by this new method and further chemically modified to a slight degree exhibited unique behavior with respect to their ionic conductivity when exposed to solutions of increasing acid concentration.

  3. Single ricin detection by atomic force microscopy chemomechanical mapping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Guojun; Zhou, Jianfeng; Park, Bosoon; Xu, Bingqian

    2009-07-01

    The authors report on a study of detecting ricin molecules immobilized on chemically modified Au (111) surface by chemomechanically mapping the molecular interactions with a chemically modified atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. AFM images resolved the different fold-up conformations of single ricin molecule as well as their intramolecule structure of A- and B-chains. AFM force spectroscopy study of the interaction indicates that the unbinding force has a linear relation with the logarithmic force loading rate, which agrees well with calculations using one-barrier bond dissociation model.

  4. Study of a QCM dimethyl methylphosphonate sensor based on a ZnO-modified nanowire-structured manganese dioxide film.

    PubMed

    Pei, Zhifu; Ma, Xingfa; Ding, Pengfei; Zhang, Wuming; Luo, Zhiyuan; Li, Guang

    2010-01-01

    Sensitive, selective and fast detection of chemical warfare agents is necessary for anti-terrorism purposes. In our search for functional materials sensitive to dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of sarin and other toxic organophosphorus compounds, we found that zinc oxide (ZnO) modification potentially enhances the absorption of DMMP on a manganese dioxide (MnO(2)) surface. The adsorption behavior of DMMP was evaluated through the detection of tiny organophosphonate compounds with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors coated with ZnO-modified MnO(2) nanofibers and pure MnO(2) nanofibers. Experimental results indicated that the QCM sensor coated with ZnO-modified nanostructured MnO(2) film exhibited much higher sensitivity and better selectivity in comparison with the one coated with pure MnO(2) nanofiber film. Therefore, the DMMP sensor developed with this composite nanostructured material should possess excellent selectivity and reasonable sensitivity towards the tiny gaseous DMMP species.

  5. Molecular modification of native coffee polysaccharide using subcritical water treatment: Structural characterization, antioxidant, and DNA protecting activities.

    PubMed

    Getachew, Adane Tilahun; Chun, Byung Soo

    2017-06-01

    Polysaccharides are an abundant resource in coffee beans and have proved to show numerous bioactivities. Despite their abundance, their activities are not always satisfactory mostly due to their structure and large molecular size. Molecular modifications of native polysaccharides can overcome this problem. In this study, we used a novel and green method to modify native coffee polysaccharides using subcritical water (SCW) treatment. The SCW treatment was used at the temperature of 180°C-220°C and pressure of 30-60bar. The molecular and structural modification of the polysaccharides was confirmed using several techniques such as FT-IR, UV spectroscopy, XRD, and TGA. The antioxidant activity of the modified polysaccharides was evaluated using several chemical and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based high throughput assays. The modified polysaccharides showed high antioxidant activities in all tested assays. Moreover, the polysaccharides showed high DNA protection activities. Therefore, SCW could be employed as a green solvent for molecular modification of polysaccharides. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Characterization of PEG-Like Macromolecular Coatings on Plasma Modified NiTi Alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Jun; Gao, Jiacheng; Chang, Peng; Wang, Jianhua

    2008-04-01

    A poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG-like) coating was developed to improve the biocompatibility of Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloy implants. The PEG-like macromolecular coatings were deposited on NiTi substrates at a room temperature of 298 K through a ECR (electron-cyclotron resonance) cold-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method using tetraglyme (CH3-O-(CH2-CH2-O)4-CH3) as a precursor. A power supply with a frequency of 2.45 GHz was applied to ignite the plasma with Ar(argon) used as the carrier gas. Based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies, a thin smooth coating on NiTi substrates with highly amorphous functional groups on the modified NiTi surfaces were mainly the same accumulated stoichiometric ratio of C and O with PEG. The vitro studies showed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) adsorption on the modified NiTi alloy surface was significantly reduced. This study indicated that plasma surface modification changes the surface components of NiTi alloy and subsequently improves its biocompatibility.

  7. Study of a QCM Dimethyl Methylphosphonate Sensor Based on a ZnO-Modified Nanowire-Structured Manganese Dioxide Film

    PubMed Central

    Pei, Zhifu; Ma, Xingfa; Ding, Pengfei; Zhang, Wuming; Luo, Zhiyuan; Li, Guang

    2010-01-01

    Sensitive, selective and fast detection of chemical warfare agents is necessary for anti-terrorism purposes. In our search for functional materials sensitive to dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of sarin and other toxic organophosphorus compounds, we found that zinc oxide (ZnO) modification potentially enhances the absorption of DMMP on a manganese dioxide (MnO2) surface. The adsorption behavior of DMMP was evaluated through the detection of tiny organophosphonate compounds with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors coated with ZnO-modified MnO2 nanofibers and pure MnO2 nanofibers. Experimental results indicated that the QCM sensor coated with ZnO-modified nanostructured MnO2 film exhibited much higher sensitivity and better selectivity in comparison with the one coated with pure MnO2 nanofiber film. Therefore, the DMMP sensor developed with this composite nanostructured material should possess excellent selectivity and reasonable sensitivity towards the tiny gaseous DMMP species. PMID:22163653

  8. Rhodium(II) metallopeptide catalyst design enables fine control in selective functionalization of natural SH3 domains.

    PubMed

    Vohidov, Farrukh; Coughlin, Jane M; Ball, Zachary T

    2015-04-07

    Chemically modified proteins are increasingly important for use in fundamental biophysical studies, chemical biology, therapeutic protein development, and biomaterials. However, chemical methods typically produce heterogeneous labeling and cannot approach the exquisite selectivity of enzymatic reactions. While bioengineered methods are sometimes an option, selective reactions of natural proteins remain an unsolved problem. Here we show that rhodium(II) metallopeptides combine molecular recognition with promiscuous catalytic activity to allow covalent decoration of natural SH3 domains, depending on choice of catalyst but independent of the specific residue present. A metallopeptide catalyst succeeds in modifying a single SH3-containing kinase at endogenous concentrations in prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lysate. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Ultrasonic modification of carbon materials for electrochemical capacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rachiy, Bogdan I.; Nykoliuk, Marian O.; Budzulyak, Ivan M.; Kachmar, Andrii I.

    2017-01-01

    The paper is devoted to study the ultrasonic impact on the biomass of natural raw materials, which were used for the creation a nanoporous carbon material (NCM), which was used as electrode material for electrochemical capacitors (EC). The dry shells of apricot seeds were a feedstock, which were modified by the chemical treatment in the phosphoric acid and part of them were impacted by ultrasonic waves for 25 minutes. The NCM, which were obtained by carbonization at 550 °C, were modified by chemical treatment in the nitric acid. Thus, the different of modification NCM was obtained to compare their capacitance characteristics for EC. From experimental data we can do a conclusion, that ultrasonic modification and chemical treatment in nitric acidare improvecapacitance characteristics of NCM for EC.

  10. The influence of vertical sorbed phase transport on the fate of organic chemicals in surface soils.

    PubMed

    McLachlan, Michael S; Czub, Gertje; Wania, Frank

    2002-11-15

    Gaseous exchange between surface soil and the atmosphere is an important process in the environmental fate of many chemicals. It was hypothesized that this process is influenced by vertical transport of chemicals sorbed to soil particles. Vertical sorbed phase transport in surface soils occurs by many processes such as bioturbation, cryoturbation, and erosion into cracks formed by soil drying. The solution of the advection/diffusion equation proposed by Jury et al. to describe organic chemical fate in a uniformly contaminated surface soil was modified to include vertical sorbed phase transport This process was modeled using a sorbed phase diffusion coefficient, the value of which was derived from soil carbon mass balances in the literature. The effective diffusivity of the chemical in a typical soil was greater in the modified model than in the model without sorbed phase transport for compounds with log K(OW) > 2 and log K(OA) > 6. Within this chemical partitioning space, the rate of volatilization from the surface soil was larger in the modified model than in the original model by up to a factor of 65. The volatilization rate was insensitive to the value of the sorbed phase diffusion coefficient throughout much of this chemical partitioning space, indicating that the surface soil layer was essentially well-mixed and that the mass transfer coefficient was determined by diffusion through the atmospheric boundary layer only. When this process was included in a non-steady-state regional multimedia chemical fate model running with a generic emissions scenario to air, the predicted soil concentrations increased by upto a factor of 25,whilethe air concentrations decreased by as much as a factor of approximately 3. Vertical sorbed phase transport in the soil thus has a major impact on predicted air and soil concentrations, the state of equilibrium, and the direction and magnitude of the chemical flux between air and soil. It is a key process influencing the environmental fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

  11. Review on effect of chemical, thermal, additive treatment on mechanical properties of basalt fiber and their composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jain, Naman; Singh, Vinay Kumar; Chauhan, Sakshi

    2017-12-01

    Basalt fiber is emerging out the new reinforcing material for composites. To overcome some of the disadvantages of fibers such as poor bonding to polymers, low thermal stability and high moisture absorption fiber characteristics are modified with chemical, thermal and additive treatments. Chemical treatment corrosive resistance to alkali and acid were investigated which were used to clean and modify the surface of fiber for higher bonding with resins. To improve the thermal stability and reduce moisture uptake thermal treatment such as plasma and non thermal plasma were used which increased the surface roughness and change the chemical composition of surface of basalt fiber. Additive treatment is used to improve the mechanical properties of fibers, in basalt fiber additive treatment was done with SiO2 additive because of its chemical composition which contains major content of SiO2. In present investigation review on the effect of different treatment such as chemical, thermal and additive were studied. Effect of these treatment on chemical composition of the surface of basalt fiber and corrosion to acidic and alkali solution were studied with their effect on mechanical properties of basalt fiber and their composite.

  12. Modification of glass fibers to improve reinforcement: a plasma polymerization technique.

    PubMed

    Cökeliler, Dilek; Erkut, Selim; Zemek, Josef; Biederman, Hynek; Mutlu, Mehmet

    2007-03-01

    This study evaluates the effect of plasma treated E-glass fiber to improve the mechanical properties of acrylic resin denture base material, polymethylmethacrlyate (PMMA). Plasma surface treatment of fibers is used as reinforcement in composite materials to modify the chemical and physical properties of their surfaces with tailored fiber-matrix bonding strength. Three different types of monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethyleneglycoldimethylether (TEGDME) and ethylenediamine (EDA) were used in the plasma polymerization modification of glass fibers. A radiofrequency generator was used to sustain plasma in a glass vacuum chamber. Glass fibers were modified at the same glow-discharge power of 25 W and exposure time of 30 min for each monomer. Fibers were incorporated into the acrylic with 1% (w/w) loading except control group. Specimens were prepared using a standard mold of 3 cmx0.5 cmx0.8 cm in dimension with eight specimens in each group. Samples were subjected to a flexural strength test set up at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used for chemical analysis of the surface. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA and Duncan's tests. Test results revealed that fiber reinforcement had a significant effect on the flexural strength of the specimens (p<0.05). Among the fiber reinforced groups, plasma treatment with EDA monomer resulted in the most significant increase in flexural strength values (p<0.05). XPS results have shown an increasing number of nitrogenous compounds in EDA treated fibers. The chemical structure of the surface, especially with the increase in nitrogenous compounds could give an idea for the amine film deposition and SEM figures showed an increase in surface roughness. The results showed that plasma treatment with EDA monomer was an effective alternative method of increasing the flexural strength of PMMA based denture base polymers through fiber reinforcement.

  13. Enhanced permeability of blood-brain barrier and targeting function of brain via borneol-modified chemically solid lipid nanoparticle.

    PubMed

    Song, Hui; Wei, Man; Zhang, Nan; Li, He; Tan, Xiaochuan; Zhang, Yujia; Zheng, Wensheng

    2018-01-01

    The incidence of central nervous system disease has increased in recent years. However, the transportation of drug is restricted by the blood-brain barrier, contributing to the poor therapeutic effect in the brain. Therefore, the development of a new brain-targeting drug delivery system has become the hotspot of pharmacy. Borneol, a simple bicyclic monoterpene extracted from Dryobalanops aromatica , can direct drugs to the upper body parts according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Dioleoyl phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) was chemically modified by borneol as one of the lipid materials of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) in the present study. The borneol-modified chemically solid lipid nanoparticle (BO-SLN/CM), borneol-modified physically solid lipid nanoparticle (BO-SLN/PM), and SLN have similar diameter (of about 87 nm) and morphological characteristics. However, BO-SLN/CM has a lower cytotoxicity, higher cell uptake, and better blood-brain barrier permeability compared with BO-SLN/PM and SLN. BO-SLN/CM has a remarkable targeting function to the brain, while BO-SLN/ PM and SLNs are concentrated at the lung. The present study provides an excellent drug delivery carrier, BO-SLN/CM, having the application potential of targeting to the brain and permeating to the blood-brain barrier.

  14. Synthesis of silver-containing calcium aluminate particles and their effects on a MTA-based endodontic sealer.

    PubMed

    Almeida, Luiza Helena S; Moraes, Rafael R; Morgental, Renata D; Cava, Sérgio S; Rosa, Wellington Luiz O; Rodrigues, Patrícia; Ribeiro, Anderson S; Só, Marcus; Pappen, Fernanda G

    2018-05-19

    To synthetize calcium aluminate (C3A) and silver-containing C3A particles (C3A+Ag) testing their effects on the properties of a MTA-based endodontic sealer in comparison to an epoxy resin- and a calcium silicate-based sealer. Pure C3A and C3A+Ag particles were synthesized by a chemical method and characterized using XRD to identify crystalline phases. SEM/EDS analysis investigated morphology, particle size, and elemental composition of particles. Setting time, flow, radiopacity, water sorption and solubility of commercial and modified sealers were evaluated according to ISO 6876/2012. The pH and ions release were measured using a pHmeter and a microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometer. The inhibition of biofilm growth was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were rank transformed and analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (P<0.05). The C3A particles showed an irregular grain agglomerated structure with voids and pores. In C3A+Ag particles, Ag modified the material morphology, confirming the deposition of Ag. The physicochemical properties of the modified MTA-based sealer were similar to the commercial material, except for the significant increase in Ca +2 release. However, there was no Ag release. Setting time, flow, radiopacity, water sorption and solubility were adequate for all materials. All the materials showed alkaline pH. Antibiofilm effect was improved in the presence of C3A particles, while the biofilm inhibition was lower in the presence of Ag. The modified sealer presented improved antibiofilm properties and calcium release, without dramatic effects on the other characteristics. It is expected a positive effect in its antimicrobial behavior. Copyright © 2018 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Micropatterning of mammalian cells on inorganic-based nanosponges.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chung-Yao; Liao, Tzu-Chun; Shuai, Hung-Hsun; Shen, Tang-Long; Yeh, J Andrew; Cheng, Chao-Min

    2012-07-01

    Developing artificial scaffolding structures in vitro in order to mimic physiological-relevant situations in vivo is critical in many biological and medical arenas including bone and cartilage generation, biomaterials, small-scale biomedical devices, tissue engineering, as well as the development of nanofabrication methods. We focus on using simple physical principles (photolithography) and chemical techniques (liquid vapor deposition) to build non-cytotoxic scaffolds with a nanometer resolution through using silicon substrates as the backbone. This method merges an optics-based approach with chemical restructuring to modify the surface properties of an IC-compatible material, switching from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. Through this nanofabrication-based approach that we developed, hydrophobic oxidized silicon nanosponges were obtained. We then probed cellular responses-examining cytoskeletal and morphological changes in living cells through a combination of fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-via culturing Chinese hamster ovary cells, HIG-82 fibroblasts and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells on these silicon nanosponges. This study has demonstrated the potential applications of using these silicon-based nanopatterns such as influencing cellular behaviors at desired locations with a micro-/nanometer level. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Free volumes and gas transport in polymers: amine-modified epoxy resins as a case study.

    PubMed

    Patil, Pushkar N; Roilo, David; Brusa, Roberto S; Miotello, Antonio; Aghion, Stefano; Ferragut, Rafael; Checchetto, Riccardo

    2016-02-07

    The CO2 transport process was studied in a series of amine-modified epoxy resins having different cross-linking densities but the same chemical environment for the penetrant molecules. Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) was used to monitor the free volume structure of the samples and experimentally evaluate their fractional free volume fh(T) and its temperature evolution. The analysis of the free volume hole size distribution showed that all the holes have a size large enough to accommodate the penetrant molecules at temperatures T above the glass transition temperature Tg. The measured gas diffusion constants at T > Tg have been reproduced in the framework of the free volume theory of diffusion using a novel procedure based on the use of fh(T) as an input experimental parameter.

  17. Rheological Properties of Cross-Linked Hyaluronan–Gelatin Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

    PubMed Central

    Vanderhooft, Janssen L.; Alcoutlabi, Mataz; Magda, Jules J.; Prestwich, Glenn D.

    2009-01-01

    Hydrogels that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) are used in three-dimensional cell culture, cell therapy, and tissue engineering. A semi-synthetic ECM based on cross-linked hyaluronana offers experimental control of both composition and gel stiffness. The mechanical properties of the ECM in part determine the ultimate cell phenotype. We now describe a rheological study of synthetic ECM hydrogels with storage shear moduli that span three orders of magnitude, from 11 to 3 500 Pa, a range important for engineering of soft tissues. The concentration of the chemically modified HA and the cross-linking density were the main determinants of gel stiffness. Increase in the ratio of thiol-modified gelatin reduced gel stiffness by diluting the effective concentration of the HA component. PMID:18839402

  18. New dielectric elastomers with improved properties for energy harvesting and actuation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stiubianu, George; Bele, Adrian; Tugui, Codrin; Musteata, Valentina

    2015-02-01

    New materials with large value for dielectric constant were obtained by using siloxane and chemically modified lignin. The modified lignin does not act as a stiffening filler material for the siloxane but acts as bulk filler, preserving the softness and low value of Young's modulus specific for silicones. The measured values for dielectric constant compare positively with the ones for previously tested dielectric elastomers based on siloxane rubber or acrylic rubber loaded with ceramic nanoparticles. The new materials use the well-known silicone chemistry and lignin which is available worldwide in large amounts as a by-product of pulp and paper industry, making its manufacturing affordable. The prepared dielectric elastomers were tested for possible applications for wave, wind and kinetic body motion energy harvesting. Siloxane, lignin, dielectric

  19. Development of a 39.5 GHz Karp traveling wave tube for use in space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jacquez, A.; Wilson, D.

    1988-01-01

    A millimeter-wave TWT was developed using a dispersive, high-impedance forward wave interaction structure based on a ladder, with non-space-harmonic interaction, for a tube with high gain per inch and high efficiency. The 'Tunneladder' interaction structure combines ladder properties modified to accommodate Pierce gun beam optics on a radially magnetized PM focusing structure. The development involved the fabrication of chemically milled, shaped ladders diffusion brazed to each ridge of a double ridged waveguide. Cold-test data are presented, representing the omega-Beta and impedance characteristics of the modified ladder circuit These results were used in small and large-signal computer programs to predict TWT gain and efficiency. A laboratory model tube was designed and fabricated, including all major subassemblies.

  20. A Modified HR3C Austenitic Heat-Resistant Steel for Ultra-supercritical Power Plants Applications Beyond 650 °C

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, C. Z.; Yuan, Y.; Zhang, P.; Yang, Z.; Zhou, Y. L.; Huang, J. Y.; Yin, H. F.; Dang, Y. Y.; Zhao, X. B.; Lu, J. T.; Yan, J. B.; You, C. Y.

    2018-02-01

    A modified HR3C austenitic steel has been designed by optimizing the chemical composition. Compared with a commercial HR3C alloy, the modified steel has comparable oxidation resistance, yield strength, and plasticity, but higher creep rupture strength and impact toughness after long-term thermal exposure. The results suggest that the modified alloy is a promising candidate for the applications of ultra-supercritical power plants operating beyond 650 °C.

  1. Phosphate-Modified Nucleotides for Monitoring Enzyme Activity.

    PubMed

    Ermert, Susanne; Marx, Andreas; Hacker, Stephan M

    2017-04-01

    Nucleotides modified at the terminal phosphate position have been proven to be interesting entities to study the activity of a variety of different protein classes. In this chapter, we present various types of modifications that were attached as reporter molecules to the phosphate chain of nucleotides and briefly describe the chemical reactions that are frequently used to synthesize them. Furthermore, we discuss a variety of applications of these molecules. Kinase activity, for instance, was studied by transfer of a phosphate modified with a reporter group to the target proteins. This allows not only studying the activity of kinases, but also identifying their target proteins. Moreover, kinases can also be directly labeled with a reporter at a conserved lysine using acyl-phosphate probes. Another important application for phosphate-modified nucleotides is the study of RNA and DNA polymerases. In this context, single-molecule sequencing is made possible using detection in zero-mode waveguides, nanopores or by a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based mechanism between the polymerase and a fluorophore-labeled nucleotide. Additionally, fluorogenic nucleotides that utilize an intramolecular interaction between a fluorophore and the nucleobase or an intramolecular FRET effect have been successfully developed to study a variety of different enzymes. Finally, also some novel techniques applying electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based detection of nucleotide cleavage or the detection of the cleavage of fluorophosphates are discussed. Taken together, nucleotides modified at the terminal phosphate position have been applied to study the activity of a large diversity of proteins and are valuable tools to enhance the knowledge of biological systems.

  2. Process for depositing thin film layers onto surfaces modified with organic functional groups and products formed thereby

    DOEpatents

    Tarasevich, B.J.; Rieke, P.C.

    1998-06-02

    A method is provided for producing a thin film product, comprising a first step in which an underlying substrate of a first material is provided. The underlying substrate includes a plurality of unmodified sites. The underlying substrate is then chemically modified wherein a plurality of organic functional groups are attached to a plurality of the unmodified sites. The arrangement and type of the functional group used can be selected for the purpose of controlling particular properties of the second material deposited. A thin film layer of at least one second material is then deposited onto the chemically modified underlying substrate. This can be accomplished by connecting the thin film to the underlying substrate by binding the thin film to the functional groups. 5 figs.

  3. Process for depositing thin film layers onto surfaces modified with organic functional groups and products formed thereby

    DOEpatents

    Tarasevich, Barbara J.; Rieke, Peter C.

    1998-01-01

    A method is provided for producing a thin film product, comprising a first step in which an underlying substrate of a first material is provided. The underlying substrate includes a plurality of unmodified sites. The underlying substrate is then chemically modified wherein a plurality of organic functional groups are attached to a plurality of the unmodified sites. The arrangement and type of the functional group used can be selected for the purpose of controlling particular properties of the second material deposited. A thin film layer of at least one second material is then deposited onto the chemically modified underlying substrate. This can be accomplished by connecting the thin film to the underlying substrate by binding the thin film to the functional groups.

  4. Notification: Efficiency of the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Investigation Process

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    October 17, 2012. The EPA OIG plans to begin fieldwork with a modified objective from our May 15, 2012, preliminary research objective on the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s (CSB’s) investigation process.

  5. Chemical Principles Revisited: The Chemistry of Glass.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kolb, Doris; Kolb, Kenneth E.

    1979-01-01

    Presents a detailed discussion on the chemistry of glass. Topics discussed include: natural glass, early history, modern glass composition, raw materials for glass melting, chemically modified glasses, modern glass forming, glass ceramics, and new developments in glass research. (BT)

  6. Chemical modification : a non-toxic approach to wood preservation

    Treesearch

    Roger M. Rowell

    2006-01-01

    Wood can be chemically modified to reduce the moisture content of the cell wall and increases decay resistance. As the level of bonded chemical increases, the cell wall equilibrium moisture content decreases and the resistance to attack by white-and brown-rot fungi increases. There is a direct relationship between the decrease in cell wall moisture Content and...

  7. Electrochemical monitoring of biointeraction by graphene-based material modified pencil graphite electrode.

    PubMed

    Eksin, Ece; Zor, Erhan; Erdem, Arzum; Bingol, Haluk

    2017-06-15

    Recently, the low-cost effective biosensing systems based on advanced nanomaterials have received a key attention for development of novel assays for rapid and sequence-specific nucleic acid detection. The electrochemical biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified disposable pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) were developed herein for electrochemical monitoring of DNA, and also for monitoring of biointeraction occurred between anticancer drug, Daunorubicin (DNR), and DNA. First, rGO was synthesized chemically and characterized by using UV-Vis, TGA, FT-IR, Raman Spectroscopy and SEM techniques. Then, the quantity of rGO assembling onto the surface of PGE by passive adsorption was optimized. The electrochemical behavior of rGO-PGEs was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). rGO-PGEs were then utilized for electrochemical monitoring of surface-confined interaction between DNR and DNA using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. Additionally, voltammetric results were complemented with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. Electrochemical monitoring of DNR and DNA was resulted with satisfying detection limits 0.55µM and 2.71µg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Preparation of chitosan-based multifunctional nanocarriers overcoming multiple barriers for oral delivery of insulin.

    PubMed

    Li, Lei; Jiang, Guohua; Yu, Weijiang; Liu, Depeng; Chen, Hua; Liu, Yongkun; Tong, Zaizai; Kong, Xiangdong; Yao, Juming

    2017-01-01

    To overcome multiple barriers for oral delivery of insulin, the chitosan-based multifunctional nanocarriers modified by L-valine (LV, used as a target ligand to facilitate the absorption of the small intestine) and phenylboronic acid (PBA, used as a glucose-responsive unit) have been designed and evaluated in this study. The resultant nanocarriers exhibited low cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells and excellent stability against protein solution. The insulin release behaviors were evaluated triggered by pH and glucose in vitro. The chemical stability of loaded insulin against digestive enzyme were established in presence of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) containing pepsin and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) containing pancreatin, respectively. The uptake behavior of HT-29 cells was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope. After oral administration to the diabetic rats, an effective hypoglycemic effect was obtained compared with subcutaneous injection of insulin. This work suggests that L-valine modified chitosan-based multifunctional nanocarriers may be a promising drug delivery carrier for oral administration of insulin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Friction and Wear of Nanoadditive-Based Biolubricants in Steel-Steel Sliding Contacts: A Comparative Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gupta, Rajeev Nayan; Harsha, A. P.

    2018-02-01

    The present work deals with the study of tribo-pair interaction in lubricated sliding contacts. By considering the environmental issues, the sunflower oil was extracted from the sunflower seeds and used as a base lubricant. The two types of the nanoadditives, i.e., CuO and CeO2, varying concentrations from 0.10 to 0.50% w/v were used to formulate the nanolubricants. The compatibility/synergism of the nanoadditives was examined from antifriction and antiwear behavior study with four-ball tester. Also, sunflower oil was modified by the chemical method to improve its fatty acid structure. A comparative tribological and compatibility study was also done in modified oil at similar concentration levels with both types of nanoparticles. The tribological test result exhibits 0.10% w/v concentration of the nanoadditive as optimum due to lowest wear scar and coefficient of friction. Higher concentration of the nanoparticles impaired the base oil performance. Different analytical tools were used to characterize the oil modification and worn surfaces. Moreover, the role of subsurface of the contacting material with the tribological performance has been reported.

  10. Cytotoxicity of ZnO Nanoparticles Can Be Tailored by Modifying Their Surface Structure: A Green Chemistry Approach for Safer Nanomaterials.

    PubMed

    Punnoose, Alex; Dodge, Kelsey; Rasmussen, John W; Chess, Jordan; Wingett, Denise; Anders, Catherine

    2014-07-07

    ZnO nanoparticles (NP) are extensively used in numerous nanotechnology applications; however, they also happen to be one of the most toxic nanomaterials. This raises significant environmental and health concerns and calls for the need to develop new synthetic approaches to produce safer ZnO NP, while preserving their attractive optical, electronic, and structural properties. In this work, we demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of ZnO NP can be tailored by modifying their surface-bound chemical groups, while maintaining the core ZnO structure and related properties. Two equally sized (9.26 ± 0.11 nm) ZnO NP samples were synthesized from the same zinc acetate precursor using a forced hydrolysis process, and their surface chemical structures were modified by using different reaction solvents. X-ray diffraction and optical studies showed that the lattice parameters, optical properties, and band gap (3.44 eV) of the two ZnO NP samples were similar. However, FTIR spectroscopy showed significant differences in the surface structures and surface-bound chemical groups. This led to major differences in the zeta potential, hydrodynamic size, photocatalytic rate constant, and more importantly, their cytotoxic effects on Hut-78 cancer cells. The ZnO NP sample with the higher zeta potential and catalytic activity displayed a 1.5-fold stronger cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. These results suggest that by modifying the synthesis parameters/conditions and the surface chemical structures of the nanocrystals, their surface charge density, catalytic activity, and cytotoxicity can be tailored. This provides a green chemistry approach to produce safer ZnO NP.

  11. Crystal structures of 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase MagIII and the recognition of alkylated bases

    PubMed Central

    Eichman, Brandt F.; O’Rourke, Eyleen J.; Radicella, J.Pablo; Ellenberger, Tom

    2003-01-01

    DNA glycosylases catalyze the excision of chemically modified bases from DNA. Although most glycosylases are specific to a particular base, the 3-methyladenine (m3A) DNA glycosylases include both highly specific enzymes acting on a single modified base, and enzymes with broader specificity for alkylation-damaged DNA. Our structural understanding of these different enzymatic specificities is currently limited to crystal and NMR structures of the unliganded enzymes and complexes with abasic DNA inhibitors. Presented here are high-resolution crystal structures of the m3A DNA glycosylase from Helicobacter pylori (MagIII) in the unliganded form and bound to alkylated bases 3,9-dimethyladenine and 1,N6-ethenoadenine. These are the first structures of a nucleobase bound in the active site of a m3A glycosylase belonging to the helix–hairpin–helix superfamily. MagIII achieves its specificity for positively-charged m3A not by direct interactions with purine or methyl substituent atoms, but rather by stacking the base between two aromatic side chains in a pocket that excludes 7-methylguanine. We report base excision and DNA binding activities of MagIII active site mutants, together with a structural comparison of the HhH glycosylases. PMID:14517230

  12. New polymeric materials for designing photoresistors and photodetective assemblies based on CdHgTe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khitrova, L. M.; Troshkin, Y. S.; Belyaev, V. P.; Popovyan, G. E.; Kiseleva, L. V.

    1999-06-01

    In order to improve quality of photodetectors and photodetective assemblies two new cryo- and chemically resistant adhesives were developed: epoxy-silico-organic adhesive `(Phi) X-5P' and acrylic `OPHOH-2' adhesive for gluing of CdHgTe wafers to a substrate `XCK-H' vacuum-tight modified adhesive is used for attaching of inlet windows and glass holder elements. `OPUOH-65' vibration damping thixotropic composition was developed for mounting of multi- layer printed circuits.

  13. Quantum chemical calculations for polymers and organic compounds

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lopez, J.; Yang, C.

    1982-01-01

    The relativistic effects of the orbiting electrons on a model compound were calculated. The computational method used was based on 'Modified Neglect of Differential Overlap' (MNDO). The compound tetracyanoplatinate was used since empirical measurement and calculations along "classical" lines had yielded many known properties. The purpose was to show that for large molecules relativity effects could not be ignored and that these effects could be calculated and yield data in closer agreement to empirical measurements. Both the energy band structure and molecular orbitals are depicted.

  14. Visible light assisted photodecolorization of eosin-Y in aqueous solution using hesperidin modified TiO2 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vignesh, K.; Suganthi, A.; Rajarajan, M.; Sakthivadivel, R.

    2012-03-01

    Hesperidin a flavanoid, modified TiO2 nanoparticles (Hes-TiO2) was synthesized to improve the visible light driven photocatalytic performance of TiO2. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS), FT-IR, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of Hes-TiO2 was investigated based on the decolorization of eosin-Y under visible light irradiation. Hes-TiO2 showed high efficiency for the decolorization of eosin-Y. The influences of various reaction parameters like effect of pH, catalyst dosage and initial dye concentration on the photocatalytic efficiency were investigated. The adsorption of eosin-Y on Hes-TiO2 was found favorable by the Langmuir approach. The removal percentage of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was determined to evaluate the mineralization of eosin-Y during photodecolorization. Based on the intermediates obtained in the GC-MS spectroscopic technique, a probable degradation mechanism has been proposed.

  15. Effect of additives on the tensile performance and protein solubility of industrial oilseed residual based plastics.

    PubMed

    Newson, William R; Kuktaite, Ramune; Hedenqvist, Mikael S; Gällstedt, Mikael; Johansson, Eva

    2014-07-16

    Ten chemical additives were selected from the literature for their proposed modifying activity in protein-protein interactions. These consisted of acids, bases, reducing agents, and denaturants and were added to residual deoiled meals of Crambe abyssinica (crambe) and Brassica carinata (carinata) to modify the properties of plastics produced through hot compression molding at 130 °C. The films produced were examined for tensile properties, protein solubility, molecular weight distribution, and water absorption. Of the additives tested, NaOH had the greatest positive effect on tensile properties, with increases of 105% in maximum stress and 200% in strain at maximum stress for crambe and a 70% increase in strain at maximum stress for carinata. Stiffness was not increased by any of the applied additives. Changes in tensile strength and elongation for crambe and elongation for carinata were related to changes in protein solubility. Increased pH was the most successful in improving the protein aggregation and mechanical properties within the complex chemistry of residual oilseed meals.

  16. Friction behavior of Mg-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide prepared by magnesite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaobo; Bai, Zhimin; Zhao, Dong; Zhao, Fuyan

    2013-07-01

    In this paper, Mg-Al-CO3 LDH was prepared by magnesite under chemical precipitation and hydrothermal methods. In order to improve the dispersion of LDH in base oil, the as-prepared sample was modified with sodium laurate. The obtained material (GMAC-LDH) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry and thermo gravimetric analyzer (DSC-TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the modified LDH has platelet morphology with a near hexagon shape. In addition, the tribological properties of GMAC-LDH were evaluated by four-ball friction tester and gear tester. As a lubricant, GMAC-LDH possesses an excellent property on reducing friction and wear of friction pair. The results of friction tests indicated that the friction coefficient, diameter of wear scar and power consumption of the oil with GMAC-LDH was reduced by 11.0%, 8.5% and 2.1% as compared with that of base oil.

  17. Microcrystalline silicon thin-film transistors for large area electronic applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chan, Kah-Yoong; Bunte, Eerke; Knipp, Dietmar; Stiebig, Helmut

    2007-11-01

    Thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si:H) exhibit high charge carrier mobilities exceeding 35 cm2 V-1 s-1. The devices are fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at substrate temperatures below 200 °C. The fabrication process of the µc-Si:H TFTs is similar to the low temperature fabrication of amorphous silicon TFTs. The electrical characteristics of the µc-Si:H-based transistors will be presented. As the device charge carrier mobility of short channel TFTs is limited by the contacts, the influence of the drain and source contacts on the device parameters including the device charge carrier mobility and the device threshold voltage will be discussed. The experimental data will be described by a modified standard transistor model which accounts for the contact effects. Furthermore, the transmission line method was used to extract the device parameters including the contact resistance. The modified standard transistor model and the transmission line method will be compared in terms of the extracted device parameters and contact resistances.

  18. A New Protein Architecture for Processing Alkylation Damaged DNA: The Crystal Structure of DNA Glycosylase AlkD

    PubMed Central

    Rubinson, Emily H.; Metz, Audrey H.; O'Quin, Jami; Eichman, Brandt F.

    2013-01-01

    Summary DNA glycosylases safeguard the genome by locating and excising chemically modified bases from DNA. AlkD is a recently discovered bacterial DNA glycosylase that removes positively charged methylpurines from DNA, and was predicted to adopt a protein fold distinct from other DNA repair proteins. The crystal structure of Bacillus cereus AlkD presented here shows that the protein is composed exclusively of helical HEAT-like repeats, which form a solenoid perfectly shaped to accommodate a DNA duplex on the concave surface. Structural analysis of the variant HEAT repeats in AlkD provides a rationale for how this protein scaffolding motif has been modified to bind DNA. We report 7mG excision and DNA binding activities of AlkD mutants, along with a comparison of alkylpurine DNA glycosylase structures. Together, these data provide important insight into the requirements for alkylation repair within DNA and suggest that AlkD utilizes a novel strategy to manipulate DNA in its search for alkylpurine bases. PMID:18585735

  19. Encapsulation and delivery of food ingredients using starch based systems.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Fan

    2017-08-15

    Functional ingredients can be encapsulated by various wall materials for controlled release in food and digestion systems. Starch, as one of the most abundant natural carbohydrate polymers, is non-allergenic, GRAS, and cheap. There has been increasing interest of using starch in native and modified forms to encapsulate food ingredients such as flavours, lipids, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, enzymes, and probiotics. Starches from various botanical sources in granular or amorphous forms are modified by chemical, physical, and/or enzymatic means to obtain the desired properties for targeted encapsulation. Other wall materials are also employed in combination with starch to facilitate some types of encapsulation. Various methods of crafting the starch-based encapsulation such as electrospinning, spray drying, antisolvent, amylose inclusion complexation, and nano-emulsification are introduced in this mini-review. The physicochemical and structural properties of the particles are described. The encapsulation systems can positively influence the controlled release of food ingredients in food and nutritional applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Developing a physiologically based approach for modeling plutonium decorporation therapy with DTPA.

    PubMed

    Kastl, Manuel; Giussani, Augusto; Blanchardon, Eric; Breustedt, Bastian; Fritsch, Paul; Hoeschen, Christoph; Lopez, Maria Antonia

    2014-11-01

    To develop a physiologically based compartmental approach for modeling plutonium decorporation therapy with the chelating agent Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Ca-DTPA/Zn-DTPA). Model calculations were performed using the software package SAAM II (©The Epsilon Group, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA). The Luciani/Polig compartmental model with age-dependent description of the bone recycling processes was used for the biokinetics of plutonium. The Luciani/Polig model was slightly modified in order to account for the speciation of plutonium in blood and for the different affinities for DTPA of the present chemical species. The introduction of two separate blood compartments, describing low-molecular-weight complexes of plutonium (Pu-LW) and transferrin-bound plutonium (Pu-Tf), respectively, and one additional compartment describing plutonium in the interstitial fluids was performed successfully. The next step of the work is the modeling of the chelation process, coupling the physiologically modified structure with the biokinetic model for DTPA. RESULTS of animal studies performed under controlled conditions will enable to better understand the principles of the involved mechanisms.

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