Abstract  Phthalates are used in industry products, household items, and medical tools as plasticizers. Human exposure to phthalates has raised concern about its toxicity. In the present study, optimization was conducted for the simultaneous analysis of eight kinds of phthalate metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS): MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MBzP, MiNP, MEHP, MEOHP, and MEHHP. In order to minimize the matrix effect and to do quantitative analysis, isotope dilution and LLE-GC-MS methods were performed. Urine samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed, extracted with a mixture of n-hexane and ethyl ether (8:2; v:v), and subsequently derivatized with trimethylsilylation. All eight kinds of analytes showed clear resolution and high reproducibility in GC-MS results. The method detection limit ranged from 0.05ng/mL to 0.2ng/mL. Calibration curves were found to be linear from 0.2 to 100ng/mL with -(2)>0.992. The relative standard deviation of the intraday precision using water and urine ranged from 2.1% to 16.3%. The analysis was performed with urine samples that were collected from adults residing in the Republic of Korea. The analyzed concentration results were compared according to gender and region. As a result, DEHP metabolites showed the highest detected concentration (75.92μg/g creatinine, 100%), and MiNP, a metabolite of DiNP, showed the lowest detected concentration (0.42μg/g creatinine, 22.5%). On average, female urine (200.76μg/g creatinine) had a higher detected concentration of ∑8 phthalate metabolites than male urine. Samples from rural regions (211.96μg/g creatinine) had higher levels than samples from urban regions.

Abstract  Human exposure to chemicals commonly encountered in our environment, like phthalates, is routinely assessed through urinary measurement of their metabolites. A particular attention is given to the specific population groups, such as obese, for which the dietary intake of environmental chemicals is higher. To evaluate the exposure to phthalates, nine phthalate metabolites (PMs) were analyzed in urine collected from obese individuals and a control population. Obese individuals lost weight through either bariatric surgery or a conservative weight loss program with dietary and lifestyle counseling. Urine samples were also collected from the obese individuals after 3, 6 and 12months of weight loss. Individual daily intakes of the corresponding phthalate diesters were estimated based on the urinary PM concentrations. A high variability was recorded for the levels of each PM in both obese and control urine samples showing the exposure to high levels of PMs in specific subgroups. The most important PM metabolite as percentage contribution to the total PM levels was mono-ethyl phthalate followed by the metabolites of di-butyl phthalate and di 2-ethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP). No differences in the PM levels and profiles between obese entering the program and controls were observed. Although paralleled by a significant decrease of their weight, an increase in the urinary PM levels after 3 to 6months loss was seen. Constant figures for the estimated phthalates daily intake were observed over the studied period, suggesting that besides food consumption, other human exposure sources to phthalates (e.g. air, dust) might be also important. The weight loss treatment method followed by obese individuals influenced the correlations between PM levels, suggesting a change of the intake sources with time. Except for few gender differences recorded between the urinary DEHP metabolites correlations, no other differences were observed for the urinary PM levels as a function of age, body mass index or waist circumference. Linear regression analysis showed almost no significance of the relationship between measured urinary PMs and serum free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for all obese individuals participating to the study, while for the control samples, several PMs were significantly associated with the serum TSH levels.

Abstract  The present study describes the phytochemical profile and the protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua pods essential oil (CsEO), a food and medicinal plant widely distributed in Tunisia. Twenty five different components were identified in the CsEO. Among them, the major detected components were: Nonadecane, Heneicosane, Naphthalene, 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutylester, Heptadecane, Hexadecanoic acid, Octadecanoic acid, 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Phenyl ethyl tiglate, Eicosene, Farnesol 3, Camphor, Nerolidol and n- Eicosane. The antimicrobial activity of CsEO was evaluated against a panel of 13 bacteria and 8 fungal strains using agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Results have shown that CsEO exhibited moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against the tested species. In addition, the inhibitory effect of this CsEO was evaluated in vivo against a foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, experimentally inoculated in minced beef meat (2 x 10(2) CFU/g of meat) amended with different concentrations of the CsEO and stored at 7 degrees C for 10 days. The antibacterial activity of CsEO in minced beef meat was clearly evident and its presence led to a strong inhibitory effect against the pathogens at 7 degrees C. On the other hand, the cytotoxic effects of the essential oil against two tumoral human cell lines HeLa and MCF-7 were examined by MTT assay. The CsEO showed an inhibition of both cell lines with significantly stronger activity against HeLa cells. The IC(50) values were 210 and 800 mu g/ml for HeLa and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Overall, results presented here suggest that the EO of C. siliqua possesses antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties, and is therefore a potential source of active ingredients for food and pharmaceutical industry. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Phthalate diesters, widely used in flexible plastics and consumer products, have become prevalent contaminants in the environment. Human exposure is ubiquitous and higher phthalate metabolite concentrations documented in patients using medications with phthalate-containing slow release capsules raises concerns for potential health effects. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that phthalate exposure can modulate circulating hormone concentrations and thus may be able to adversely affect reproductive physiology and the development of estrogen sensitive target tissues. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the epidemiological and experimental animal literature examining the relationship between phthalate exposure and adverse female reproductive health outcomes. The epidemiological literature is sparse for most outcomes studied and plagued by small sample size, methodological weaknesses, and thus fails to support a conclusion of an adverse effect of phthalate exposure. Despite a paucity of experimental animal studies for several phthalates, we conclude that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that phthalates are reproductive toxicants. However, we note that the concentrations needed to induce adverse health effects are high compared to the concentrations measured in contemporary human biomonitoring studies. We propose that the current patchwork of studies, potential for additive effects and evidence of adverse effects of phthalate exposure in subsequent generations and at lower concentrations than in the parental generation support the need for further study.

Abstract  A dose range-finding developmental toxicity study was conducted with 1,2- benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C6-8-branched alkyl esters, C7 rich (CAS No.71888- 89-6) for the purpose of selecting dose levels for a subsequent definitive study in rats. Because the in-life phase of the range-f inding study was just recently completed, a QA'd report is not yet available. It should be emphasized that because this study was a dose range-finding study, observations should be considered preliminary - a more definitive assessment will require completion of a full developmental toxicity study with a larger number of mated females and more indepth fetal evaluations. The test substance was diluted with corn oil and admmistered by oral gavage to 7 inseminated female rats/group, on gestation days 6-20, at dose levels of 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg/day. Control animals received corn oil only. All females were sacrificed on gestation day 21 and subjected to Cesarean section. Uteri were removed, weighed, and examined for the number of live fetuses, dead fetuses, and resorptions. Fetuses were sexed, weighed, and examined for external malformations.

Abstract  The ubiquitous use of phthalate esters in plastics, building material, medical devices, personal care products and food packaging materials results in a widespread exposure of general population. This study reports measurement of urinary concentration of phthalate metabolites in France and provides a first assessment of the exposure of French pregnant women to this chemical class. For the majority of the phthalate metabolites, concentrations measured in urine were similar to those reported in previous studies except for two phthalates that were characterized by high concentrations of metabolites if compared to previous European and American studies: DiNP (Di-iso-nonylphthalate) and DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate). In a second part of the study, a pharmacokinetic model was used in order to gain understanding on exposure to DEHP. A high concentration of the primary metabolite of DEHP, MEHP (Mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate), was thus identified probably because of a very recent exposure to perfusion materials at the hospital. Pharmacokinetics modelling highlighted that gathering data on the time gap between exposure and biomonitoring is an essential information requirement for reconstructing the dose of non persistent pollutants. Information about exposure pathway is also crucial for conducting effective reverse dosimetry.

Abstract  Diethyl phthalate (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester, DEP) is one of a group of widely used plasticizers, which can lead to serious environmental problems. Because of manufacturing and application, DEP can be released into the atmosphere where it can undergo transport and chemical transformation. To assess the atmospheric behavior of pollutants, it is critical to know their atmospheric reactions. In this paper, the reaction mechanism and possible oxidation products for the OH-initiated atmospheric reaction of DEP were theoretically investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The geometries and frequencies of the reactants, intermediates, transition states, and products were calculated at the MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level, and the energetic parameters were further refined by the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) method. The present study shows that H abstractions from the CH(3) and CH(2) groups, as well as OH addition to the benzene ring, are energetically favorable reaction pathways for the reaction of DEP with OH radicals. Detailed degradation products are provided.

Abstract  A novel coordination polymer based on a nanosized flexible aromatic carboxylic acid ligand has been successfully synthesized by solvothermal reaction, [Cd(obda)(0.5)(bpy)(H2O)]center dot 2H(2)O (1) (H(4)obda = 1,4-bis(4-oxy-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid)benzene, bpy = 4,4'- bipyridine), exhibiting a (4,4)-connected self-penetrating pillared-layered metal-organic framework. In addition, photoluminescence was also performed on 1.

Abstract  Hydrothermal reactions of lanthanide(ill) oxide and copper halide with isonicotinic acid (Hina) and pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H(2)pdc) or 1,2- benzenedicarboxylic acid (H(2)bdc) lead to three novel lanthanide(III)-copper(I) heterometallic compounds, namely, [Ce-2(ina)(5)(na)(2)(H2O)(2)][Cu5Br4] (1, na = nicotinic acid), [Er-4(ina)(8) (bdc)(2)(OH)(H2O)(5)][CU(8)l(7)] (2), and [Ce-3(ina)(8)(bdc)(H2O)(4)][CU7Br6] (3). Compound 1 is constructed from two distinct units of the Ln-organic double chains and inorganic [CU5Br4](n)(n+) chains. Compound 2 consists of 2D Ln-organic layers and 1D [CU(8)l(7)](n)(n+) cluster chains. Compound 3 can be viewed as a 1D [CU6Br6](n) chainlike motif inserted into the channels of a 3D Ln-Cu-organic motif. Compounds 1-3 exhibit three different 1D inorganic copper(I)-halide chains interconnected with metal-organic 1D chains, 2D layers, and 3D nets resulting in three mixed- motif non-interpenetrating heterometallic Cu-halide-lanthanide (Ln)-organic frameworks, which represent good examples and a facile method to construct such mixed-motif heterometallic compounds. Furthermore, the IR, TGA, and UV-vis spectra of 1-3 were also studied.

Abstract  By using isomeric N,N'-di(2-pyridyl)-adipoamide (L-1), N,N'-di(3-pyridyl)adipoamide (L-2) and N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)adipoamide (L-3) and isomeric 1,2- benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,2-H2BDC), 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,3-H2BDC) and 1,4- benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2BDC), eight Zn(II) and Cd(II) coordination polymers [Zn(1,2-BDC) (L-2)(infinity), 1; [Zn-2(1,3-BDC)(2)(L-2)(H2O)(2)](infinity), 2; [Zn-2(1,4-BDC)(2) (L-1)(H2O) (2)](infinity), 3; {[Zn-2 (1,2-BDC)(2)(L-3)(H2O)(2)]center dot 2H(2)O}(infinity), 4; {[Cd(1,2- BDC)(L-2)(H2O)]center dot H2O}(infinity), 5; [Cd-2(1,3-BDC)(2)(L-2)(H2O)(4)](infinity), 6; {[Cd- 2(1,4-BDC)(2)(L-2)(2)]center dot(H2O)(3)}(infinity), 7; [Cd-2(1,4-BDC)(2)(L-1)(H2O)(2)] (infinity), 8, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Complexes 1, 4, and 5 form 11) double-looped chain, 11) chain with loops and 2D layer with loops, respectively, and complex 6 exhibits a 1D ladder chain. Complex 2 shows rare 3-fold interpenetrated hcb layers, in which each layer interdigitates with other four parallel layers by directing the 1,3-BDC ligands into the windows of the adjacent nets, whereas complexes 3 and 8 forms planar and undulated hcb layers, respectively. Complex 7 shows a 3D self-penetrating net of {4(24).5.6(3)}-ilc topology with a unique arrangement for the L-2 spacer ligands. The L-1 ligands in complexes 3 and 8 adopt the new tetradentate bonding mode involving chelation and bridge through two pyridyl nitrogen atoms and two amide oxygen atoms, whereas the L-2 and L-3 ligands in other complexes show the bidentate bonding mode through the two pyridyl nitrogen atoms. The various bonding modes and the ligand-isomerism of the spacer ligands BDC2- and L-1-L-3 as well as the identity of the metal center play important roles in determining the structural diversity.

Abstract  Fourteen samples of fresh curry leaves (Murraya Koenigii) were collected from 13 states of India and analyzed for 6 minor (Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na and P) and 14 trace (Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hg, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se Th and Zn) elements by 2-minute irradiation in a reactor followed by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Peach Leaves (SRM-1547) and Mixed Polish Herbs (MPH-2) were used as comparator standards. Phosphorus was determined by counting the P-activity from P-32 using an end-window GM counter. Most elements were found to vary in a wide range depending on their origin of location, e.g., Na (104-455 mu g/g), K (10.3- 30.3 mg/g), Ca (9.44-28.3 mg/g), Mg (1.14-7.19 mg/g), P (0.43-1.69 mg/g), Mn (24.8-63.0 mu g/g), Fe (72.5-195 mu g/g), Se (40.1-131 ng/g) and Zn (7.90-70.5 mu g/g). Variation in the elemental concentrations of the same species of different origin may be attributed to ecological and geographical variations. Further, column and thin layer chromatography were used for separating three organic constituents from the ethanolic extract; 3-methylthiopropanenitrile; 1,2- benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl ester) and 1-penten-3-ol and characterized by IR and GC-MS. Inorganic elements may be present as complexes with the organic compounds.

Abstract  Thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation (THM) in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) was applied to the analysis of red dyes based on the 9,10-anthracenedione skeleton (anthraquinone), namely alizarin, quinizarin, purpurin, carminic acid, and the blue pigment indigo. Alizarin and purpurin are the principal coloured compounds of madder, and carninic acid of cochineal red. Synthetic dyes were dissolved in aqueous TMAH, pyrolysed at 700 degrees C for 10 s and the evolved thermochemolytic products were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The resulting chromatograms of all the madder dyes were characterised by the presence of the methyl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (dimethyl-o-phthalate) and benzoic acid. In addition, thermochemolysis of alizarin and quinizarin afforded 1,2-dimethoxyanthraquinone and 1,4-dimethoxyanthraquinone, respectively. Carminic acid produced a series of methylated fragments deriving from both the substituted anthraquinoid moiety and the glycosidically-Clinked glucose. Finally, the principal thermochemolysis products of indigo were the N-methylated derivatives of 2-amino benzoic acid methyl ester followed by methylated aniline and indoles. The potential of THM as a rapid technique for the identification of dyes in real samples was illustrated by the analysis of madder lake, cochineal lake, and natural indigo dispersed in a binder. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Industrial dyeing wastewater was oxidized in supercritical water in a transpiring-wall reactor, using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. Experiments were performed at 595 to 704 K and 18 to 30 MPa, with an oxidant dosage ratio ranging from 0.6 to 2.0. A chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of more than 98.4% was achieved at 704 K and 28 MPa, with a retention time less than 35 seconds, which increased with the temperature, pressure, and oxidant. A modified first-order rate expression was regressed from experimental data, taking into account the influence of induction time. The resulting pre-exponential factor, A, and activation energy, Ea, were 1.07 seconds(-1) and 12.12 kJ x mol(-1), respectively, while the reaction order for feed wastewater (based on COD) and oxidant were assumed to be 1 and 0, respectively. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis for effluents indicated that carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen were the main reaction products, and phenol; benzenecarboxylic acid; 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; and isoquinoline were detected as intermediates.

Abstract  By control of mixed ligands with particular coordination sites, three novel three-dimensional (3D) 4d-4f heterometallic coordination polymers, [Ln(4) (H2O)(2)Ag(1,3-bdc)(4)(inic)(5)] center dot nH(2)O (Ln) Nd ( 1), n = 0.25; Eu ( 2), n = 0; 1,3- H(2)bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid and Hinic) isonicotinic acid) and [Nd(H2O) Ag(1,2-bdc) (inic)(2)] ( 3) (1,2-H(2)bdc) 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1-3 crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and exhibit novel 3D coordination frameworks constructed from two-dimensional (2D) wavelike lanthanide carboxylate layers and Ag( inic) 4 complexes. To the best of our knowledge, they represent the first examples of 3D 4d-4f heterometallic coordination frameworks, in which the transition metal complexes bond to a 3D lanthanide carboxylate supramolecular framework with nanometer-sized channels built up from 2D wavelike layers. Compound 3 possesses an unusual 3D framework based on linkage of neodymium- carboxylate chains and silver( I) centers by inic ligands. The difference between both kinds of frameworks can be ascribed to the geometry effect of benzenedicarboxylate. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of 2 were studied.

Abstract  One low-cost improved oil recovery (IOR) technology making significant advances is reservoir flooding with thermophilic microbes. The gram-negative cells of the Thermus SP3 strain were grown at high temperatures up to 85degrees C in the neutral to alkaline pH range. Depending on the culture conditions, the organism occurred as single rods, or as filamentous aggregates. Thermus SP3 was grown chemoorganotrophically and produced volatile fatty acids, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, xylene, undecane, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-methylprophl) ester, dibutyl phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate and surfactants, which had various effects on crude oil. Thermus SP3 could decrease the viscosity and paraffin content of crude oil, degrade heavy fractions, increase the content of light compositions of crude oil, improving the physical and chemical properties, and improve oil recovery (12.59%). Thermophilic Thermus SP3 strain was screened to begin optimizing the process and core-flood was performed to quantify oil recovery. A laboratory core-flood experiment using microbial flooding methodology showed that oil recovery was better than with chemical flooding oil recovery.

Abstract  An Actinomycete isolate found to be prominent in the laterite soils of Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) Campus, Guntur was identified as Nocardia levis MK-VL_113 by 16S rRNA analysis. Cultural, morphological and physiological characteristics of the strain were recorded. Screening of secondary metabolites obtained from 4-day old culture broth of the strain led to the isolation of two fractions active against a wide variety of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The structure of the first active fraction was elucidated using FT-IR, EI-MS, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectra and identified as 1-phenylbut-3-ene-2-ol which is first time reported as a natural product. The compound exhibited good antimicrobial potential against the opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The antifungal activity of the strain and its metabolite were further confirmed with in vitro and in vivo studies. Evidence for the antagonism of the strain against Fusarium oxysporum, causing wilt disease in sorghum was demonstrated by the formation of inhibition zone in in vitro plate assay and reduction in the incidence of wilt of sorghum plants by using a green house trial. Analysis of the rhizosphere soil extracts by high performance liquid chromatography also demonstrated the production of the compound by the strain under in vivo conditions. As compared to the commercial fungicide mancozeb, the bioactive compound, 1-phenylbut-3-ene-2-ol was highly effective in controlling wilt of sorghum. Besides, the partially purified second fraction (PPF) subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of phenylethyl alcohol, dibutyl phthalate and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3-nitro.

Abstract  The photocatalytic degradation of dye Rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of TiO2 nanostripe or P25 under visible light irradiation was investigated. The degradation intermediates were identified using Infrared spectra (IR spectra), H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance ((HNMR)-H-1) spectra, and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The IR and the 1HNMR results showed that the large conjugated chromophore structure of RhB was efficiently destroyed under visible light irradiation in both the photocatalytic systems (TiO2 nanostripe or P25 and Rhodamine B systems). GC-MS results showed that the main identified intermediates were ethanediotic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid and benzoic acid, which were almost the same in the TiO2 nanostripes and P25 systems. This work provides a good insight into the reaction pathway(s) for the TiO2-assisted photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants under visible light irradiation.

Abstract  To explore the influence of isomeric benzenedicarboxylates on the self-assembly of coordination frameworks, six mixed-ligands Zn(II)/Co(II) coordination complexes, [Zn(pbmb)(1,4-bdc)](n) (1), {[Co(pbmb)(1,4-bdc)] center dot 1.5H2O}(n) (2), [M(pbmb) (1,3-bdc)](n) [M = Zn (3) or Co (4)], and [M(pbmb)(1,2-bdc)](n) [M = Zn (5) or Co (6)] (pbmb = 1,10-(1,3-propane) bis-(2-methylbenzimidazole), 1,2-bdc = 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, and 1,4-bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid), have been obtained and structurally characterized. Structural analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 display2D(4, 4) networks, of which complex 1 contains left-and right-handed helical chains arranged alternately and 2 owns a well-known paddle-wheel binuclear clusters. Complexes 3 and 4 feature 2D networks with 6(3) topologies, and complexes 5 and 6 exhibit 1D double-chain structures. Additionally, complexes 1-6 present high thermal stabilities, as well as 1, 3, and 5 show different photoluminescence behaviors in the solid state. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The infrared spectra of a series of aqueous solutions containing phthalic acid (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid) and varying pH were examined using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and potentiometry. The basis spectra of phthalic acid, the hydrogen phthalate ion, and the phthalate ion were isolated using a factor analysis in which the absorbance of these species varies with pH and total phthalate concentration according to equilibrium and mass balance relations. Assignments of these basis spectra were made by comparison with spectra calculated ab initio. The conditional formation constants of phthalic acid and the hydrogen phthalate ion were determined at 25.0 +/- 0.1 degreesC in 0.6 M NaCl ionic media using infrared spectroscopy and in 1.5 M NaCl ionic media using both infrared spectroscopy and potentiometry. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The effect of propolis water solution (PWS) on the respiration of rat heart mitochondria with NAD-linked (pyruvate + malate), FAD-linked (succinate) substrates and fatty acids (palmitoyl-(L)-carnitine) was investigated in this study. PWS at the lowest concentration of 4 mu g mL(-1) of phenolic compounds (PC) had no effect on mitochondrial respiration with all investigated substrates. PWS at concentrations of 63 and 125 mu g mL(-1) of PC caused a significant decrease of basal (24 and 54 %) and maximal (58 and 70 %) respiration rates with succinate as substrate. At these PWS concentrations the oxidation of pyruvate+malate and palmitoyl-(L)-carnitine was diminished to a lower degree: the basal respiration rate decreased by 13-18 % and the maximal respiration rate by 15-28 %. Succinate oxidation was affected, probably because of the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by the 1,2- benzenedicarboxylic acid esters found in PWS. The PWS-caused decrease in the mitochondrial respiration rate with pyruvate+malate and fatty acids could be due to diminished activities of respiratory chain complexes and/or ADP/ATP translocator.

Abstract  The chain length dependence of bimolecular termination in the solution polymerization of styrene was examined at 25 degreesC with the solvents (50% per volume) toluene, cyclohexane, bis(3,5,5-trimethylhexyl)phthalate, and ethyl acetate. Irrespective of which method was applied, the ""good"" solvent systems with toluene and ethyl acetate exhibited a chain length dependence comparable to or even greater than that observed for the bulk polymerization of styrene, while a markedly weaker chain length dependence was observed with the ""bad"" solvents cyclohexane and bis( 3,5, 5-trimethylhexyl)phthalate. This is documented by the exponent b in the power law (k) over bar (t) = A . nu'(-b) connecting the average termination coefficient (k) over bar (t) and the chain length nu' of the radical chains at the moment of undergoing bimolecular termination: b approximate to 0.2 for styrene tin bulk) and in toluene solution, b approximate to 0.3 in ethyl acetate solution and 0.10 to 0.14 in cyclohexane and bis (3,5,5-trimethylhexyl)phthalate solution, respectively. Only in the case of the bad solvents the bulk viscosity and BL or the prefactor A are inversely correlated. In the case of the good solvents, the bulk viscosities were too close to detect such a relationship. The observed values of the parameter b (with the exception of the ethyl acetate system) are consistent with the idea of a chain length dependent shielding exercised by the rest of the chains on the two radical chain ends (some sort of ""kinetic"" excluded volume effect) which is much weaker in bad solvents.

Abstract  A bioactivity-guided isolation method was developed with the objective of isolating the allelochemicals in rice (Oryza sativa L.), Roots of the allelopathic rice cultivar Taichung Native 1, grown hydroponically, were extracted and fractionated, with the activity of the fractions followed using a 24-well culture plate microbioassay, Some of the fractions obtained consisted of pure compounds, but none inhibited the growth of barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv,] at the lower concentration at which they were tested, Identified compounds were azelaic acid; p-coumaric acid; 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde; 1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid; 1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid; and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl)ester. rho -Coumaric acid, a known allelochemical, inhibited the germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings at 1 mM, However, rho -coumaric acid was active against barnyardgrass only at concentrations higher than 3 mM, The two most active fractions obtained from the bioassay-guided isolation were still a mixture of compounds as analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Further fractionation is being done to isolate and identify the allelochemical(s) in these active fractions. This work has demonstrated the use of bioassay-guided isolation in identifying allelochemicals in rice and has correlated observed field activity with laboratory experiments.

Abstract  The aroma compounds of melon fruits play a crucial role in commercial value. Aroma characterization of the 'Flavor No. 3' melon was detected using headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results suggested that esters and ketones were the main aroma compositions, as more than 70% of the total volatile compounds yield, and the remains were alcohols, aldehydes, and others. 4-Hydroxy-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (23.25%), pentadecanoic acid methyl ester (8.17%), and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid butyl 2-methylpropyl ester (6.26%) presented as major compounds in the 'Flavor No. 3' fruit pulp.

Abstract  Seven new coordination polymers, [Co(3-bpcd)(1,3-BDC)(H2O) (3)]center dot H2O (1), [Co(3-bpcd)(1,2-BDC)-(H2O)]center dot H2O (2), [Co-3(3-bpcd)(1,2,4-BTC) (2)(H2O)(4)]center dot 4H(2)O (3), [Co(3-bpcd)(NPH)]center dot 2H(2)O (4), [Cu-(3-bpcd)(1,3-BDC)] (5), [Cu(3-bpcd)(1,2-BDC)] (6), [Cu(3-bpcd)(1,3,5-HBTC)(H2O)](2)center dot 2H(2)O (7) (3-bpcd = N,N'-bis(pyridin-3-yl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxamide, 1,3-H2BDC = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-H2BDC = 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-H3BTC = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H2NPH = 3-nitrophthalic acid and 1,3,5-H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) have been hydrothermally synthesized by assembling transition-metal cobalt-copper salts with semi-rigid bis-pyridyl-bis- amide ligand 3-bpcd and different aromatic polycarboxylic acids. Complex 1 exhibits a one- dimensional (1D) sinusoidal-like chain, which is further assembled into a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular framework through hydrogen-bonding interactions. Complex 2 possesses a 3D framework with 4-connected 6(6) topology, which contains a two-dimensional (2D) distorted asymmetric hexagonal grid. When 1,2,4-BTC is used in complex 3, a 3D framework with (6(3)center dot 8(2)center dot 10)(2)(6(5)center dot 8)(2)(8) topology is constructed. Complex 4 possesses a 3D framework with 4-connected 6(6) topology, which is similar to that of 2 except for containing a 2D symmetric hexagonal grid. When Co-II ion is replaced by Cu-II ion, the 3D framework of complex 5 with (4 center dot 6(2))(4 center dot 6(6)center dot 8(3)) topology based on 3-bpcd and 1,3-BDC ligands is obtained. Complex 6 shows a 2D cross network consisting of a superposed Cu-3- bpcd 1D chain and 1,2-BDC, which is further expanded into a 3D supramolecular framework by hydrogen-bonding interactions. In complex 7, 1,3,5-HBTC is employed as the auxiliary ligand, and a 3D supramolecular framework based on the undulated 2D layers is formed through pi-pi stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Both the metal ions and polycarboxylates play important roles in the construction of the title complexes. In addition, the electrochemical behaviors and the fluorescence properties of the seven complexes have been investigated.

Abstract  The volatile oils from Marchantia convoluta were obtained by microwave extraction (ME) and phytosol extraction (PE) methods. The attained extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector (GC-MS). The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra (EI, 70 eV). A total of fourteen compounds were identified in ME extract accounting for 80.72% of total peak area. Isolongifolene (24.588%), 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl cyclohexyl ester (10.768%), pyrene (9.328%) and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (8.570%) were the major compounds identified from ME extract. The analytical results of ME extract were compared with PE method. The ME extract was found to be markedly different from that of PE extract. A total of seven compounds in PE extract were identified accounting for 74.275% total peak area. 1-Phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10, 10a-octahydro-1, 4a-dimethyl-7-(1-methylethyl) methyl ester were the major compounds.