Can we use 1H MRS shimming values to obtain 31P spectra?

The perfect shimming of 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is not easy in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using 1H MRS shimming values to obtain 31P spectra in a same sequence. Both phantom and volunteer studies were carried out in this study. Phantom was a sphere filled with physiological metabolites of brain. In vivo study was performed on 4 healthy volunteers. The studies were performed on a 3-T GE scanner. A same localizer and a same cursor were used for both 1H and 31P scans. A spin echo MRS sequence was utilized for both 1H scans with a standard head coil and 31P scans with a GE service coil. 1H scan was performed using first and automatic shimming and water linewidth (FWHM) of 3 Hz for phantom and 5 Hz for the volunteer were obtained. Shimming values of 1H scan in x, y, z directions were copied to 31P scan. A routine procedure of 31P scan without value coping was also performed. Spectra were analyzed using SAGE/IDL program. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) was defined as the ratio of the signal height / maximum noise height. Good 1H spectra and 31P spectra were obtained for both phantom and volunteer studies. The 31P spectra with 1H MRS shimming values were similar with the 31P spectra obtained with routine procedure. Lower SNRs of 31P spectra were obtained in phantom with 1H MRS shimming values, compared with routine procedure scan. Average SNR for Pi of 31P spectra was 7.45:1 in the volunteer study with routine procedure, and 7.275:1 with 1H MRS shimming values. 1H MRS shimming values can be used to obtain useful 31P spectra in a same sequence.

Development of a comprehensive analytical method for phosphate metabolites in plants by ion chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

This paper describes the development of a practical method for the analysis of phosphorus compounds with a focus on sugar phosphates from the model higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana by ion chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (IC-ESI-MS-MS). After the analytical separation, the potassium hydroxide eluent was converted to water with an anion suppressor allowing the effluent from the IC to be connected to the mass spectrometer directly. In the optimized method, 17 phosphorous compounds (adenosine diphosphate (ADP), fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, galactose 1-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 1,6-bisphosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, mannose 6-phosphate, phosphoenol pyrvate, 3-phosphoglyceric acid, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, ribulose 5-phosphate, ribose 5-phosphate, sucrose 6-phosophate and uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucose (UDPG)) were determined. The linearity of response for these phosphorous compounds over the concentration range of 0 and 10 microM was better than 0.9993 in all cases. The minimum detection limit was between 0.01 and 2.50 microM for a 25 microL injection, and recovery rates for standard addition to the sample were within the range from 93% to 110%.

Recent advances in the use of phosphorus-centered radicals in organic chemistry

This tutorial review aims at presenting recent contributions dealing with organic chemistry of organophosphorus radicals. The first part briefly lays out the physical organic background of such intermediates. In a second part the use of organophosphorus radicals possessing a P-H bond that can undergo homolytic cleavage as alternative mediators is detailed. The third part is focused on radical additions of phosphorus-centered radicals to unsaturated compounds, an old reaction that is being rejuvenated. Lastly, radical eliminations of phosphorus-centered radical are introduced in the fourth part. Most of the latter are relatively novel reactions, and have never been reviewed previously.

Matrix effects during phosphorus determination with quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was evaluated for use in the detection of phosphorus. The influences of nitric acid and methanol (simulating the composition of a sample solution after nitric acid digestion) on phosphorus determination were studied using two different measuring methods at different plasma conditions: detection of phosphorus ions at m/z 31 and detection of phosphorus oxide ions at m/z 47. The existence of polyatomic interferences at m/z 31 and 47 was explored. Nitric acid and methanol are shown to be the sources of polyatomic ions and therefore cause poorer detection limits. Better detection limits were achieved in such matrices when phosphorus was detected as 31P+. The presence of methanol improves the system sensitivity towards phosphorus sevenfold; however, this positive effect is hindered by the high background signal due to carbon-based polyatomic ions. For samples with an organic matrix an appropriate mineralization procedure should be applied (high excess of nitric acid and high temperature) to quantitatively oxidize organic compounds to carbon dioxide, which is easily removed from the sample, in order to achieve correct results.

[Line scanning analysis of white porcelain from Gong Kiln in early Tang dynasty by energy disperse X-ray fluorescence]

Gong kiln, for its long porcelain-firing history, was one of three representative white porcelain kilns in northern China. In order to improve the quality and whiteness of white porcelain, a decorating layer or cosmetic earth was laid on the body surface in Gong kiln during early Tang dynasty, which was able to blot out rough surface and weaken the influence of fuscous body upon surface color. In this paper the main chemical composition of the white porcelain's profile was analyzed by using energy disperse X-Ray fluorescence. The result showed that different materials were used as cosmetic earth during early Tang dynasty, in accordance with the phenomenon under optical microscope. In addition, the glaze belongs to calcium glaze in which plant ash was added.

The fertilizer value of pig slurry. I. Values depending on the type of operation

151 samples of pig slurries were taken from 83 operations in the Castile-Leon region of Spain. Analysis of them enabled comparison of slurries coming from pig farming operations located in different Spanish and European regions. These operations were classified into three groups, namely maternity (64 samples), closed cycle (35 samples) and fattening (52 samples). For each sample 27 parameters were analysed. Data obtained from each kind of operation were compared. Finally, the fertilizer value of slurries was determined with regard to the relationship between their major elements, N/P2O5/K2O (1/0.6/0.4).

Sediment depth attenuation of biogenic phosphorus compounds measured by 31P NMR

Being a major cause of eutrophication and subsequent loss of water quality, the turnover of phosphorus (P) in lake sediments is in need of deeper understanding. A major part of the flux of P to eutrophic lake sediments is organically bound or of biogenic origin. This P is incorporated in a poorly described mixture of autochthonous and allochthonous sediment and forms the primary storage of P available for recycling to the water column, thus regulating lake trophic status. To identify and quantify biogenic sediment P and assess its lability, we analyzed sediment cores from Lake Erken, Sweden, using traditional P fractionation, and in parallel, NaOH extracts were analyzed using 31P NMR. The surface sediments contain orthophosphates (ortho-P) and pyrophosphates (pyro-P), as well as phosphate mono- and diesters. The first group of compounds to disappear with increased sediment depth is pyrophosphate, followed by a steady decline of the different ester compounds. Estimated half-life times of these compound groups are about 10 yr for pyrophosphate and 2 decades for mono- and diesters. Probably, these compounds will be mineralized to ortho-P and is thus potentially available for recycling to the water column, supporting further growth of phytoplankton. In conclusion, 31P NMR is a useful tool to asses the bioavailability of certain P compound groups, and the combination with traditional fractionation techniques makes quantification possible.

Geographical determinants and environmental implications of livestock production intensification in Asia

Under growing and urbanizing demand, livestock production is rapidly evolving in South, East and South-east Asia, with both an increase of production and a shift to intensive production systems. These changes infer impacts on the environment, on public health and on rural development. Environmental impacts are mainly associated with a mismanagement of animal excreta, leading to pollution of surface water, ground water and soils by nutrients, organic matter, and heavy metals. In the framework of the Livestock Environment and Development Initiative, this research aims at assessing, on a regional scale, the impacts of livestock production on nutrient fluxes. Phosphate (P(2)O(5)) mass balances were chosen as an indicator and were calculated on the basis of spatially modelled livestock densities, estimated excretion values and crop uptake. The results show a strong West--East gradient regarding the distribution of monogastrics, with clear concentration in densely populated areas and around urban centres. P(2)O(5) overloads are estimated on 23.6% of the study area's agricultural land, mainly located in eastern China, the Ganges basin and around urban centres such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Manila. On average, livestock manure is estimated to account for 39.4% of the agricultural P(2)O(5) supply (the remaining share being supplied by chemical fertilisers). Livestock is the dominant agricultural source of P(2)O(5) around urban centres and in livestock specialised areas (southern and north-eastern China), while chemical fertilisers are dominant in crop (rice) intensive areas.

[Influence of long-term fertilization on phosphorus fertility of calcareous soil II. Inorganic and organic phosphorus]

By the Jiang-Gu inorganic phosphorus fractionation method and the Bowman-Cole organic phosphorus fractionation method, this paper studied the forms and compositions of inorganic and organic phosphorus in 0-100 cm layer of calcareous soil after 23 years located experiment. The result showed that the content of inorganic phosphorus was in the order of treatment animal manure > fallow > chemical fertilizer > low rate straw > high rate straw > medium rate straw > no fertilizer. The IPi value of inorganic phosphorus forms in different fertilizer treatments had the following characteristics: a) it was relatively low for Ca2-P, Ca8-P and Al-P, but relatively high for Ca10-P, Fe-P and O-P; b) comparing with no fertilizer treatment, treatments animal manure and fallow had a notably high IPi value of Ca2-P, Ca8-P and Al-P and a low IPi value of Ca10-P, Fe-P and O-P; while treatment chemical fertilizer had a high IPi value of Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Al-P and O-P, but a low IPi value of Ca10-P and Fe-P; c) as for available phosphorus source (Ca2-P, Ca8-P and Al-P), their content was higher in treatment animal manure than in treatment chemical fertilizer, and higher in treatment chemical fertilizer than in treatments straws. A combined application of straw and chemical fertilizer could increase soil organic phosphorus content notably. Applying animal manure could increase the content of all organic phosphorus forms, while applying chemical fertilizer could promote the transformation of soil resistant organic phosphorus to labile and medium labile organic phosphorus. No fertilizer treatment had a relatively lower content of labile and medium labile organic phosphorus, but a relatively high content of resistant organic phosphorus. For treatment fallow, it had a relatively low content of soil organic matter and organic phosphorus, but a relatively high content of labile and medium resistant organic phosphorus.

Prior knowledge for time domain quantification of in vivo brain or liver 31P MR spectra

Prior knowledge is required when quantifying in vivo (31)P magnetic resonance spectra from the brain or liver. The prior knowledge system we have used models both the phosphomonoester and phosphodiester resonances as two peaks of equal linewidth and fixed relative chemical shift. The analysis of the data is carried out in the time domain, which allows the broad component of the spectra to be modelled. This prior knowledge method has been tested for analysis of in vivo (31)P MR spectra from the liver and brain and gives results consistent with other methods that are also used to analyse the spectra, but with reduced variability. This technique may be utilized for studies requiring serial MR spectroscopy examinations, before and after patient treatment.

[Soil nutrient, microorganism and enzyme activity in Pinus elliottii mixed stands]

Soil nutrients, microorganisms and enzyme activities in mixed stands of Castanopsis fissa x Pinus elliottii and Schima wallichii x Pinus elliottii were studied. The results showed that compared with pure Pinus elliottii stand, Pinus elliottii mixed stands could increase organic matter content and improve the nutrient status of soil, especially for available nutrients of soil. The amounts of bacteria, actinomyces and enzyme activity in Pinus elliottii mixed stand were higher than those in pure Pinus elliottii stand, whereas their fungi amount was lower than the latter.

Dynamics of protozoan and metazoan communities in a full scale wastewater treatment plant by rotating biological contactors

Performance of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant by rotating biological contactors (RBC) system was monitored during a year by physico-chemical and microbial characterisation. Six points along wastewater treatment were selected in the plant: three points along the water line (influent, sedimentation tank and effluent) and three points along RBC system (RBC1, RBC2 and RBC3). Although a large seasonal change in the values of physico-chemical parameters was observed, operation of the plant was optimal during all year (90% of removal in BOD5 and SS influent content). Microbial characterisation was approached by determining the structure and dynamics of protozoan and metazoan communities. Protozoa were the most abundant in all stages in the plant, heterotrophic flagellates being the most representative group in the water line and ciliates in the RBC system. The same seasonal preference was only observed for heterotrophic flagellates in the water line and green flagellates in the RBC system, both groups having highest abundances in summer and spring, respectively. Identification of ciliated protozoa populations rendered 58 species of ciliates in the plant. Most of these species are typical of aerobic wastewater treatment systems except three of them, which are cited for the first time in this type of ecosystems: Chaenea stricta, Holosticha mancoidea and Oxytricha lanceolata. Along the water line 34 species were identified, and half of them only appeared occasionally (once in all the study), while along the RBC system biofilms 55 species were observed, and the majority appeared permanently in this system. Our results indicate that the type of habitat, rather than the physico-chemical water parameters, was the primary factor in determining the different distribution of protozoan and metazoan communities in the plant. In RBC biofilms, the structure of ciliate protozoa community was found to be quite sensitive to changes in physico-chemical parameters, mainly to organic loading (BOD5) variations.

Optimization of aquatic-terrestrial ecosystem in relation to soil nitrogen status for the cultivation of fish and aquatic food crops of the Indian subtropics

A case study was undertaken during wet and postwet seasons to improve the perennial and alternate submerged saucer-shaped ponded lands (tal and semi-tal lands) in the coasts and northeastern plains of the Indian subtropics through pisciculture and cultivation of starch- and protein-rich aquatic food crops like water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxb.) and makhana or fox nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.). The study revealed that the physico-chemical properties of soils (pH, organic C, organic matter, available N, P, and K) as well as quality of water (pH, EC, BOD, COD, CO3 +, HCO3-, NO3-N, SO4-S-, and Cl-), growing fish, makhana, and water chestnut was remarkably influenced by different moisture regimes and exhibited a significant improvement of soil health. The amount of organic C, available N, P, and K content were found significantly highest in the treatment where makhana was grown under alternate flooding and drying situation with a depth >2 m as compared to other treatments. Such enrichment of soil fertility, particularly in available N and P content, might be due to the accumulation of considerable amounts of biomass and fish excreta and their subsequent decomposition in situ in the soils. Therefore, the present study suggests that the N-enriched soil may effectively be utilized further for growing subsequent arable crops surroundings during summer season, which not only saves the amount of applied N fertilizer but also increases the apparent N efficiency with simultaneous increase in yield, and would benefit the farmers in this region.

Capillary electrophoretic determination of phosphate based on the formation of a Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3- complex

Based on the formation of a Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3- complex, a sensitive capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was developed for the determination of P(V) with direct UV detection at 220 nm. A mixture of alpha- and beta-Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3- complexes was readily formed in a sample solution consisting of a trace amount of P(V), 2.5 mM Mo(VI), 0.050 M p-C6H3(CH3)-2-SO3H (XSA), and 60% v/v CH3CN. When a 0.05 M HCl and 60% v/v CH3CN solution was used as a migration electrolyte, the Keggin complexes exhibited a sharp and well-defined peak in the electropherogram. The peak area was linearly dependent on the P(V) concentration in the range of 5 x 10(-7)-5 x 10(-5) M; a detection limit of 1 x 10(-7) M was achieved. In comparison with indirect UV detection, the direct UV detection is about ten times more sensitive, because the Keggin complexes possess high molar absorptivities. The developed CE method was applied to the determination of P(V) in river water, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained by ion chromatography (IC) and colorimetry (COL) based on the formation of mixed-valence heteropoly blue species.

Long-term relationship between phosphorus inputs and wetland phosphorus concentrations in a northern Everglades marsh

Assessments of long-term relationships between changes in nutrient inputs and wetland nutrient concentrations can be complicated by fluctuations in other environmental factors as well as by problems typical of long-term monitoring data. Consequently, statistical analysis of these types of data sets requires careful consideration of environmental covariates, potential biases in the monitoring design, and irregularities caused by changes in field sampling protocols. We evaluated the relationship between anthropogenic phosphorus (P) inputs and water-column total P (TP) concentrations in a northern Everglades marsh by statistically analyzing available data collected from several sampling programs over the past 20 years (1978-1997). Canal inputs of agricultural runoff contribute most of the P to the marsh and have produced a zone of enrichment within the marsh during the past few decades. Regression analyses showed that both canal and marsh TP concentrations increased during the 1980s and then decreased in the 1990s. However, the statistical relationship between canal P inputs and marsh TP, while significant, generally was weak except for marsh locations adjacent to the canal. Stronger relationships existed between marsh TP and hydrologic parameters such as marsh water depth, which is controlled by changes in weather patterns and marsh management. In particular, dry conditions during the 1980s may have contributed to observed increases in marsh P concentrations and the movement of a P 'front' further into the marsh. Higher rainfall and water depths and agricultural best management programs initiated during the 1990s have been associated with reduced P concentrations in canal waters entering the marsh. While it is anticipated that this reduction eventually will result in lower marsh TP concentrations, this effect is not yet evident, possibly due to internal loading of P from enriched marsh soils. Our findings illustrate some of the environmental factors that can complicate attempts to develop empirical relationships between P inputs and wetland P concentrations and to use such relationships to forecast changes in marsh concentrations based on past monitoring data alone.

Treatment of greenhouse wastewater using constructed wetlands

Five wetland designs, based on conventional surface flow (SF) and subsurface flow (SSF) approaches, were assessed for nitrogen and phosphorus removal from greenhouse wastewater. Results indicated none of the individual designs assessed was capable of providing the highest treatment effect for all nutrients of concern; however, the SF wetland emerged as the most appropriate design for the treatment of greenhouse wastewater. The highest mean phosphorus reduction of 65% was observed in the unplanted SF wetlands. Peak nitrate reductions of 54% were observed in the 15-cm deep SF wetlands and ammonia removal of 74% was achieved in the unplanted SF wetlands. Nitrate concentration in the greenhouse effluent can be reduced to acceptable levels for the protection of freshwater aquatic life (i.e., less then 40 ppm) using a loading rate of 1.65 g NO3-N/m2/day and a design water depth of 30 cm or greater. Based on available literature and the results of this research project, a multistage design, consisting of an unplanted pre-treatment basin followed by a 25 to 35 cm deep surface flow marsh with open water components, is recommended.

Looking for the PC bond in space: HPCO and HPCS as possible tracers

This paper looks at the possibility of astronomical detection of molecules of prebiotic interest containing phosphorus. Attention has been focused on the most stable species that can be formed with the four [C,H,O,P] atoms. Ab initio coupled cluster molecular orbital methods and density functional theory have been used. It is found that the best candidate for detection is singlet HPCO (corresponding to singlet HNCO), which lies 23.5 kcal/mol lower than the next isomer (HOCP) and has a non-negligible dipole moment of 0.8 D. Theoretical rotational constants and infrared (IR) spectra have been determined for HPCO and the closely related HPCS. By correcting the known inadequacies in the calculations with the average theoretical to experimental ratio from two benchmark molecules (HOCO+ and HNCO), it is possible to obtain rotational constants and IR frequencies of considerably higher accuracy. The corrected values of B = 5.5322 GHz and C = 5.4071 GHz for HPCO, and B = 3.0416 GHz and C = 3.0014 GHz for HPCS should be accurate to within a few tenths of a percent. It can also be predicted that only the 2000 cm(-1) (HPCO) and 1400 cm(-1) (HPCS) IR bands have sufficient intensity to be searched in the low-abundance conditions prevailing in space.

Detection and quantification of free cytosolic inorganic phosphate and other phosphorus metabolites in the beating mouse heart muscle in situ

The aim of this study was the quantification of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and other phosphorus metabolites by (31)P NMR spectroscopy in the mouse heart muscle in situ, beating at around 600 min(-1). Male adult Quacker-bush mice (mean weight 32 +/- 7 g) were anaesthetized, ventilated and placed in a temperature-controlled animal holder. A purpose-built (31)P NMR surface coil was positioned against the exposed left ventricular myocardium. Partial signal overlap of Pi with 2,3-DPG from chamber blood was minimized using a DEPTH pulse sequence (180 degrees -90 degrees -180 degrees -180 degrees -acq.). Quantification of phosphorus metabolites was performed using an external standard positioned directly above the surface coil. We report for the mouse myocardium in situ an intracellular free [Pi] of <0.4 mM, pH of 7.32 +/- 0.1, free [Mg2+] of 0.41 +/- 0.1 mM, free [ADP] of 13 +/- 1.5 microM, [ATP] of 5 +/- 0.5 mM and [PCr] of 14 +/- 1.5 mM. The phosphorylation ratio (ATP/ADP Pi) was 1005 +/- 200 mM (-1) for a PCr/ATP ratio of 2.7 +/- 0.3. It was concluded that the detection of free [Pi] in the mouse myocardium in situ can be greatly enhanced using a DEPTH pulse sequence. Quantification of compounds using an external standard positioned directly above the surface coil gave comparable results to estimations using internal ATP that was quantified enzymatically. The close agreement between the external and internal methods indicates that ATP is 100% NMR visible in the mouse heart in situ.

Characterization of 50wt%SiO2-20wt%P2O5-30wt%CaO glass-ceramic powders prepared by the sol-gel process

Glass-ceramic powders with the oxide batch formulation 50wt%SiO2, 20wt%P2O5 and 30wt%CaO were prepared by the sol-gel process using tetraethoxysilane, calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid as raw materials. The obtained gels and powders were characterized by TG-DTA thermal analysis, FTIR analyses and XRD measurements. The results indicated that (1) heating to more than 600 degrees C brought about elimination of -OC2H5 side chains from gels, and formation of a SiO2-based glass network, (2) crystallization such as Ca3(PO4)2 notably occurred in the SiO2-based glass matrix when heated to more than 900 degrees C, (3) -OH groups existed on SiO2-based glass-ceramic surfaces in the temperature region less than 900 degrees C, and (4) the melting point of this composition was more than 1400 degrees C. This study suggests that sol-gel-derived SiO2-based glass-ceramic powder containing P and Ca might be useful as bioactive implant materials.

Detection of interstellar PN: the first phosphorus-bearing species observed in molecular clouds

Phosphorus nitride (PN) has been detected in the interstellar medium. The J = 2-1, 3-2, 5-4, and 6-5 rotational lines of this species have been observed toward Orion-KL, and the J = 2-1 transition in Sgr B2 and W51. The PN line profiles in Orion indicate that the molecule's emission arises from the "plateau" or "doughnut" region associated with the outflow from IRc2. The species is thus primarily present in hot, dense gas. Column densities derived for PN toward Orion-KL are 3-4 X 10(13) cm-2, but may be as high as 10(14) cm-2, if the species is located in a 10" region. These column densities imply a fractional abundance for PN in the Orion "plateau" of approximately 1-4 X 10(-10). Such a large abundance for phosphorus nitride is not predicted by quiescent cloud ion-molecule chemistry and suggests that high-temperature processes are responsible for the synthesis of PN in the KL outflow.