Biopolymer Non-Parametric Analysis: A Degradation Study under Accelerated Destructive Tests

The degradation of biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) has been studied for several years; however, the results regarding the mechanism of degradation are not completely understood yet. PLA is easily processed by traditional techniques including injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, and thermoforming; in this research, the extrusion and injection molding processes were used to produce PLA samples for accelerated destructive testing. The methodology employed consisted of carrying out material testing under the guidelines of several ASTM standards; this research hypothesized that the effects of UV light, humidity, and temperature exposure have a statistical difference in the PLA degradation rate. The multivariate analysis of non-parametric data is presented as an alternative to multivariate analysis, in which the data do not satisfy the essential assumptions of a regular MANOVA, such as multivariate normality. A package in the R software that allows the user to perform a non-parametric multivariate analysis when necessary was used. This paper presents a study to determine if there is a significant difference in the degradation rate after 2000 h of accelerated degradation of a biopolymer using the multivariate and non-parametric analyses of variance. The combination of the statistical techniques, multivariate analysis of variance and repeated measures, provided information for a better understanding of the degradation path of the biopolymer.

Biopolymer Degradation Analysis: Accelerated Life Testing Study to Characterize Polylactic Acid Durability

While the degradation of Polylactic Acid (PLA) has been studied for several years, results regarding the mechanism for determining degradation are not completely understood. Through accelerated degradation testing, data can be extrapolated and modeled to test parameters such as temperature, voltage, time, and humidity. Accelerated lifetime testing is used as an alternative to experimentation under normal conditions. The methodology to create this model consisted of fabricating series of ASTM specimens using extrusion and injection molding. These specimens were tested through accelerated degradation; tensile and flexural testing were conducted at different points of time. Nonparametric inference tests for multivariate data are presented. The results indicate that the effect of the independent variable or treatment effect (time) is highly significant. This research intends to provide a better understanding of biopolymer degradation. The findings indicated that the proposed statistical models can be used as a tool for characterization of the material regarding the durability of the biopolymer as an engineering material. Having multiple models, one for each individual accelerating variable, allow deciding which parameter is critical in the characterization of the material.

Acceleration of N-nitrosation reactions by electrophiles

Selected mechanisms by which electrophiles can facilitate N-nitrosamine formation are reviewed. Special attention is given to a recently discovered reaction in which nitrogen in its lowest (ammonia) oxidation state is efficiently converted to N-nitroso compounds by oxidation in the presence of secondary amines; an electrophilic transition metal centre (E+) makes this reaction possible by initially N-coordinating the ammonia (E+ + NH3----E-NH3+). Other mechanisms considered include: the conversion of nitrite under nonacidic conditions via nitro complexes to nitrosatively active transition metal nitrosyl intermediates (E+ + NO(2-)----E-NO(2-)----E-NO2+); catalysis of N-nitrosamine formation in nitrite-amine mixtures by electrophilic carbon centres that initiate the reaction by attack on the amine (E+ + R2NH----E-NR2); and coordination of nitrite by carbon electrophiles to form activated O-bound species (E+ + ONO(-)----E-O-NO) capable of performing the required N-nitrosation. The findings suggest that acceleration of N-nitrosamine-forming reactions by electrophiles may be a critical factor to consider in attempting to rationalize, predict and control the distribution of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in vivo and in the environment.

The use of flow-injection analysis with chemiluminescence detection of aqueous ferrous iron in waters containing high concentrations of organic compounds

An evaluation of flow-injection analysis with chemiluminescence detection (FIA-CL) to quantify Fe(2+) ((aq)) in freshwaters was performed. Iron-coordinating and/or iron-reducing compounds, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and samples from two natural water systems were used to amend standard solutions of Fe(2+) ((aq)). Slopes of the response curves from ferrous iron standards (1 - 100 nM) were compared to the response curves of iron standards containing the amendments. Results suggest that FIA-CL is not suitable for systems containing ascorbate, hydroxylamine, cysteine or DOM. Little or no change in sensitivity occurred in solutions of oxalate and glycine or in natural waters with little organic matter.

The costoclavicular ligament revisited: a functional and anatomical study

INTRODUCTION

The sternoclavicular joint is of clinical importance. However, there is scant information in the literature regarding one ligament of this area, the costoclavicular ligament (CCL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In order to further elucidate this structure, 10 adult formalin-fixed cadavers (17 sides) underwent dissection of the CCL. Once the CCL was identified, measurements were made of its dimensions and observations made of its anatomy. Next, ranges of motion were performed of the upper extremity and the CCL observed for tension or laxity.

RESULTS

Of the 17 sternoclavicular regions examined 16 (94%) were found to possess a CCL. The average medial and lateral lengths, width and thickness were 1, 2, 1.2, 0.340 cm, respectively. The width of the CCL was statistically smaller in women that in men. The majority of ligaments were single structures traveling from the inferior surface of the medial clavicle just lateral and sometimes-fused (12.5%) to the lateral edge of the sternoclavicular joint. These fibers then terminated on the medial end of the first rib and first costal cartilage (75%) or exclusively onto the first costal cartilage (25%). Most ligaments were single and not composed of two parts. Arm abduction resulted in tautness of the ligament and increased as the degree of abduction increased. Internal rotation of the arm translated into medial shift of the clavicle, raising the clavicle away from the first rib creating tension on the CCL. Moderate degrees of external rotation were required before the CCL became taut and even began to pull the first rib laterally. Small amounts of protraction and retraction of the scapula both put the CCL under tension.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCL is a constant structure found just lateral to the sternoclavicular joint. This ligament was a single band in the majority of our specimens and limited most ranges of motion of the proximal upper limb thus stabilizing the sternoclavicular region.

Unexpected formation of ruthenium(II) hydrides from a reactive dianiline precursor and 1,2-(Ph2P)2-1,2-closo-C2B10H10

Reaction of the new precursor cis, trans-Ru(cod)(anln)2Cl2 with the diphosphine 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (o-dppc) unexpectedly results in two new ruthenium(II) hydrides, trans-Ru(o-dppc) 2(H)Cl and the neutral, five-coordinate complex Ru(o-dppc)(nido-dppc)(H), depending upon the reaction conditions [anln is aniline and nido-dppc is 7,8-(Ph2P)2C2B9H10(-)]. Chloride abstraction from trans-Ru(o-dppc)2(H)Cl leads to another five-coordinate hydride, [Ru(o-dppc)2(H)](+), which is isolated as either a triflate or hexafluorophosphate salt. On the basis of labeling and reactivity studies, the source of the hydride appears to be the cod ligand.

Highly Oxidizing Excited States of Re and Tc Complexes

Like the Re analogue, the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) excited-state of [Tc(dmpe)3]2+ (dmpe is bis-1,2-(dimethylphosphino)ethane) is luminescent in solution at room temperature. Surprisingly, both [M(dmpe)3]2+* species have extremely large excited-state potentials (ESPs) as oxidants-the highest for any simple coordination complex of a transition metal. Furthermore, this potential is available using a photon of visible light (calculated for M = Re(Tc); E1/2* = +2.61(2.52) V versus SCE; lambdamax = 526(585) nm). Using a Rehm-Weller analysis with a series of aromatic hydrocarbons as electron-transfer quenchers, E1/2(Re2+*/Re+) has been determined to be 2.58 V, in good agreement with the calculated value. Both [M(dmpe)3]2+* species are quenched by chloride ion and both can function as excited-state oxidants in water solution.

Surface plasmon resonance investigations of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2

This investigation utilizes surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), an oncogene product that is over-expressed in some aggressive forms of breast cancer. Specifically, the HER-2 trans-membrane protein p185 and its extra cellular fragment p105 are analytes targeted in this work by using a gold-based biosensor slide on which an anti-HER-2 antibody has been immobilized by attachment to Protein G that is fixed to the gold film. A detection limit of > or =11 ng/mL for p185 resulted when trastuzumab was used as the anti-HER-2 antibody on the biosensor slide. Experiments with semi-purified p105 revealed that it binds weakly and reversibly to trastuzumab, therefore complicating its detection and quantification. Results of studies that reacted a 13-amino-acid peptide (PP13) from the HER-2 kinase domain with its specific antibody were critically different than p185 and p105 studies. Spectral analysis of the reflectivity at constant bulk buffer refractive index revealed a progressive negative SPR shift over time. A negative shift suggests that a loss of protein mass from the anti-PP13 antibody-Protein G biosensor is occurring. Several possibilities that may explain these negative SPR shifts are discussed.

Preparative Routes to Luminescent Mixed-Ligand Rhenium(I) Dicarbonyl Complexes

A series of mixed-ligand 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) rhenium(I) dicarbonyl complexes that are emissive in fluid solution has been prepared, which includes a new class of the type cis-[Re(CO)2(P-P)(N-N)]+ (where P-P is a chelating diphosphine and N-N is a chelating polypyridine ligand). The four synthetic routes that have been developed rely on either reactive triflate displacement or abstraction of labile chloro ligands, followed by the use of the strong trans-labilizing effect of P donors or direct use of the trans effect of P donors. The spectroscopic, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of these new complexes systematically vary with the net donor ability of the ligands in the coordination sphere, as shown by correlations with Lever's E(L) parameters. Lifetimes and quantum yields of the bipyridine complexes encompass a broad range, 25-1147 ns and ca. 0.002-0.11, respectively.

Unusual, Bifurcated Photoreactivity of a Rhenium(I) Carbonyl Complex of Triethynylphosphine

Preparations of the first metal complexes of triethynylphosphine (TEP) are described. They are of the type fac-Re(bpy)(CO)(3)(TEP)(+) (1) and cis,trans-[Re(bpy)(CO)(2)(TEP)L](n)(+) (CH(3)CN, n = 1, complex 2; Cl, n = 0, complex 3), where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine. Complex 1 displays unusual photochemical behavior compared to analogous fac-[Re(bpy)(CO)(3)(PR(3))](+) complexes in that it emits from a state that has pi-pi* character but undergoes competitive photosubstitution of both TEP and CO. Density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT calculations predict that the lowest emitting state should, in fact, have pi-pi* character.

Luminescence from the trans-Dioxotechnetium(V) Chromophore

The luminescence of trans-[TcO2(L)4]+ (L = pyridine (py) or picoline (pic)) and trans-[TcO2(CN)4]3- at room and low temperature is described and represents the first example of room temperature excited-state luminescence observed for Tc complexes. At room temperature, the complexes exhibited broad luminescence with emission maxima ranging from 745 to 780 nm. Analogous to the Re complexes (emission at 635-655 nm), the low-temperature emission spectra of microcrystalline samples of [TcO2(py)4]BPh4 and [TcO2(pic)4]BPh4 display the characteristic progressions of the symmetric O=Tc=O and Tc-L stretching modes. DFT/TDDFT calculations were performed on the trans-[MO2(L)4]+ (M = Re, Tc) congeners and predicted the dioxotechnetium emission to be 0.41 eV lower in energy than its Re analogue. Low-temperature lifetimes (8 K) ranging from 15 to 1926 mus for the series of Tc complexes are consistent with the Re analogues.

Gas-phase detection of trinitrotoluene utilizing a solid-phase antibody immobilized on a gold film by means of surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy

A multilayered biosensor was constructed and found to detect trinitrotoluene (TNT) in ppb concentrations in air both prior to and after detonation of TNT without use of a liquid phosphate buffered saline (PBS) superstrate. The biosensor surface was fabricated from a monoclonal antibody for TNT covalently bound to an 11,11'-dithio-bis(succinimidoylundecanoate) (DSU) self-assembled monolayer immobilized on a thin gold film bonded to a BK7 glass slide. The binding between the immobilized antibody and TNT antigen was detected using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPRS). Biosensor specificity for TNT was demonstrated with chemical homologues as well as against an unrelated explosive, RDX.

Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water

Nitrate (NO(3)(-)) contamination of groundwater is a common problem throughout intensive agricultural areas (nonpoint source pollution). Current processes (e.g., ion exchange, membrane separation) for NO(3)(-) removal have various disadvantages. The objective of this study was to evaluate an electrocatalytic reduction process to selectively remove NO(3)(-) from groundwater associated with small agricultural communities. A commercially available ELAT (E-Tek Inc., Natick, MA) carbon cloth with a 30% surface coated Rh (rhodium) (1microg x cm(-1)) was tested at an applied potential of -1.5 V versus standard calomel electrode (SCE) with a Pt auxiliary electrode. Electrocatalytic reduction process (electrolysis) of NO(3)(-) was tested with cyclic voltammetry (CV) in samples containing NO(3)(-) and 0.1M NaClO(4)(-). Nitrate and NO(2)(-) concentrations in test solutions and groundwater samples were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC). The presence of Rh on the carbon cloth surface resulted in current increase of 36% over uncoated carbon cloths. The electrocatalysis experiments using Rh coated carbon cloth resulted in reduction of NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Nitrite is produced as a product, but is rapidly consumed upon further electrolysis. Field groundwater samples subjected to electrocatalysis experiments, without the addition of NaClO(4)(-) electrolyte, also exhibited removal of NO(3)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Overall, results suggest that at an applied potential of -1.5 V with respect to SCE, Rh coated carbon cloth can reduce NO(3)(-) concentrations in field groundwater samples from 73 to 39 mg/L (16.58 to 8.82 mg/L as N) on a timescale range of 40-60 min. The electrocatalytic reduction process described in this study may prove useful for removing NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) from groundwater associated with nonpoint source pollution.

Synthesis, structure, and spectroscopic, photochemical, redox, and catalytic properties of ruthenium(II) isomeric complexes containing dimethyl sulfoxide, chloro, and the dinucleating bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazole ligands

Two isomeric Ru(II) complexes containing the dinucleating Hbpp (3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazole) ligand together with Cl and dmso ligands have been prepared and their structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical, photochemical, and catalytic properties studied. The crystal structures of trans,cis-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(Hbpp)(dmso)(2)], 2a, and cis(out),cis-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(Hbpp)(dmso)(2)], 2b, have been solved by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showing a distorted octahedral geometry for the metal center where the dmso ligands coordinate through their S atom. 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy corroborates a similar structure in solution for both isomers. Exposure of either 2a or 2b in acetonitrile solution under UV light produces a substitution of one dmso ligand by a solvent molecule generating the same product namely, cis(out)-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(Hbpp)(MeCN)(dmso)], 4. While the 1 e(-) oxidation of 2b or cis(out),cis-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(bpp)(dmso)(2)](+), 3b, generates a stable product, the same process for 2a or trans,cis-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(bpp)(dmso)(2)](+), 3a, produces the interesting linkage isomerization phenomenon where the dmso ligand switches its bond from Ru-S to Ru-O (K(III)(O)(-->)(S) = 0.25 +/- 0.025, k(III)(O)(-->)(S) = 0.017 s(-1), and k(III)(S)(-->)(O) = 0.065 s(-1); K(II)(O)(-->)(S) = 6.45 x 10(9), k(II)(O)(-->)(S) = 0.132 s(-1), k(II)(S)(-->)(O) = 2.1 x 10(-11) s(-1)). Finally complex 3a presents a relatively high activity as hydrogen transfer catalyst, with regard to its ability to transform acetophenone into 2-phenylethyl alcohol using 2-propanol as the source of hydrogen atoms.