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Naturally occurring carbohydrates serve as useful building blocks, and various derivatives have been employed in natural product syntheses. For instance, some aldoses can be converted to 1,3-dienes via the Wittig reaction at the anomeric carbon, accompanied by the E2 elimination of the C3-alkoxy group. However, there are few examples of terminal 1,3-diene synthesis. We report the synthesis of (S,Z)-1,4-bis(benzyloxy)hexa-3,5-dien-2-ol, featuring a terminal 1,3-diene and chiral secondary alcohol, derived from 2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-d-arabinofuranose with methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and potassium tert-butoxide in a single step. The synthesized terminal 1,3-diene demonstrated effective reactivity in a cross-metathesis reaction with cis-1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Synergistic passivation mechanism of the dual functional compound of potassium bromide for metal halide perovskite films, that is through chemical bonding and physical screening towards the various types of defects. Metal-ion additives can simultaneously passivate the defects of halide vacancies with bromine anions and dangling bond defects with metal cations. Achieve the maximum external quantum efficiency of ~21% and maximum luminance of ~60,000 cd m−2. Metal halide perovskites, particularly the quasi-two-dimensional perovskite subclass, have exhibited considerable potential for next-generation electroluminescent materials for lighting and display. Nevertheless, the presence of defects within these perovskites has a substantial influence on the emission efficiency and durability of the devices. In this study, we revealed a synergistic passivation mechanism on perovskite films by using a dual-functional compound of potassium bromide. The dual functional potassium bromide on the one hand can passivate the defects of halide vacancies with bromine anions and, on the other hand, can screen the charged defects at the grain boundaries with potassium cations. This approach effectively reduces the probability of carriers quenching resulting from charged defects capture and consequently enhances the radiative recombination efficiency of perovskite thin films, leading to a significant enhancement of photoluminescence quantum yield to near-unity values (95%). Meanwhile, the potassium bromide treatment promoted the growth of homogeneous and smooth film, facilitating the charge carrier injection in the devices. Consequently, the perovskite light-emitting diodes based on this strategy achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of ~ 21% and maximum luminance of ~ 60,000 cd m−2. This work provides a deeper insight into the passivation mechanism of ionic compound additives in perovskite with the solution method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey analyzed data obtained through a questionnaire on the clinical approaches used by veterinarians to treat dogs with epileptic seizures. We found that neurological examinations were performed by 12% of the respondents, blood tests by 85%, and computed tomography by 72%. In addition, serology for infectious disease detection was mentioned by 30% of the respondents, and 72% did not classify epileptic seizures. According to the answers, the treatment of choice was phenobarbital in 100% of cases which was combined with potassium bromide in 19%. Moreover, 51% of the respondents mentioned that they monitored the serum phenobarbital levels. The study results showed disagreements on the conduct and care recommended by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibrational and electronic properties of several basic radiation defects in potassium bromide are computed at the quantum mechanical level using a periodic supercell approach based on hybrid functionals, an all-electron Gaussian-type basis set, and the Crystalcomputer code. The exciton energy in alkali halides is sufficient to create lattice defects, such as F–H Frenkel defect pairs, resulting in a relatively high concentration of single defects and their complexes. Here, we consider eight defects: the electronic F + - and F-centers (bromine vacancy without and with trapped electrons) and their dimers; hole H-center (neutral bromine atom forming the dumbbell ion with a regular B r − ion.); V K -center ( B r 2 − molecular ion consisting of a hole and two regular ions); and two complex B r 3 − defects, combinations of several simple defects. The local geometry and the charge- and spin-density distributions of all defects are analyzed. Every defect shows its characteristic features in Raman spectra, and their comparison with available experimental data is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the electrochemical behavior of hybrid supercapacitors with carbon-based electrodes of different porosity using 5M NaNO3 + 0.5M KBr electrolyte to optimize energy storage processes. Three types of carbon materials were synthesized: activated carbon from rice husk (RH) with a specific surface area of ~2300 m2/g and pore size < 1 nm, and templated carbons from magnesium citrate (MP-8) and glucose with SiO2 as a template (G7), having surface areas of 1976 and 1320 m2/g and pore sizes of 3.4 and 7 nm, respectively. The microporous structure of activated carbon (AC) obtained from RH shows limitations in the diffusion of electrolyte ions, which affects the charge-discharge kinetics. In contrast, the larger mesoporous structures of templated carbons promoted better adsorption and ion transport, significantly affecting the dynamics of redox reactions. The RH/MP-8 hybrid capacitor, combining high surface area and large pore size, demonstrated a 54% increase in specific capacitance, 128% increase in specific energy and 51% increase in energy efficiency at high current densities of 5 A/g, comparing to the symmetric RH/RH hybrid capacitor. This study highlights the critical importance of the relationship between electrode pore structure and electrolyte composition for optimizing supercapacitor performance, which provides valuable information for the development of efficient energy storage technologies.

In the present study, an attempt is made to reveal the functional groups and metabolites of gametophyte and sporophyte of two pteridophytes Anemia schimperiana C. Presl subsp. wightiana (Gardner) Fraser-Jenk. and Cyathea gigantea (Wall Ex Hook.) Holtt using UV-Vis and FTIR analysis. For UV-Vis analysis, the ethanolic extracts of A. schimperiana subsp. wightiana and C. gigantea were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 min and filtered using Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The ethanolic extracts were scanned and recorded using Shimadzu UV-Vis spectrophotometer at the absorbance of 200 to 1100 nm. For FTIR spectrometry about 1.0 mg of gametophyte and sporophyte ethanolic extracts of A. schimperiana subsp. wightiana and C. gigantea were separately made into very thin discs with potassium bromide and the pellets are measured in an automatic recording IR spectrophotometer in the range of 400-4000 cm-1. Based on the observed peak values, the existence of alkaloids, phenolics, tannin and carotenoid existence were confirmed. Terpenoids, flavonoid and chlorophyll existence were also validated in different peak values of the ethanolic extracts of gametophytes and sporophytes of A. schimperiana subsp. wightiana and C. gigantea. The FTIR analysis results showed various functional groups viz., aromatic compounds, alkene, fluoro compounds, anhydride, aliphatic ether, alcohol, secondary amine presence in the gametophytes and sporophytes of A. schimperiana subsp. wightiana and C. gigantea. The gametophyte and sporophyte stages expressed the existence of different functional groups and displayed the variations and similarities between the studied stages. The spectroscopic results confirmed the secondary metabolites existence in the gametophytes and sporophytes of A. schimperiana subsp. wightiana and C. gigantea ethanolic extracts. Further chromatographic and separation studies may bring out stagespecific bioactive principles from the gametophytes and sporophytes of studied ferns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the electrochemical behavior of hybrid supercapacitors with carbon-based electrodes of different porosity using 5M NaNO3 + 0.5M KBr electrolyte to optimize energy storage processes. Three types of carbon materials were synthesized: activated carbon from rice husk (RH) with a specific surface area of ~2300 m²/g and pore size < 1 nm, and templated carbons from magnesium citrate (MP-8) and glucose with SiO2 as a template (G7), having surface areas of 1976 and 1320 m²/g and pore sizes of 3.4 and 7 nm, respectively. The microporous structure of activated carbon (AC) obtained from RH shows limitations in the diffusion of electrolyte ions, which affects the charge-discharge kinetics. In contrast, the larger mesoporous structures of templated carbons promoted better adsorption and ion transport, significantly affecting the dynamics of redox reactions. The RH/MP-8 hybrid capacitor, combining high surface area and large pore size, demonstrated a 54% increase in specific capacitance, 128% increase in specific energy and 51% increase in energy efficiency at high current densities of 5 A/g, comparing to the symmetric RH/RH hybrid capacitor. This study highlights the critical importance of the relationship between electrode pore structure and electrolyte composition for optimizing supercapacitor performance, which provides valuable information for the development of efficient energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processes in hillslope soils present a particular challenge for agricultural production and soil management due to their hydropedological specifics and high soil erosion risk. Soil heterogeneities can cause preferential and/or lateral flow on the entire hillslope resulting in the off-site movement of water, fertilizers and chemicals used in crop production. A study was conducted under controlled conditions in a laboratory with undisturbed soil cores (250 cm3), which were used to estimate the soil hydraulic properties (SHP) using HYPROP and WP4C devices, while undisturbed soil columns (diameter = 16 cm, length = 25 cm) were used for the evaluation of preferential flow pathways using potassium bromide and Brilliant Blue. Samples were excavated in triplicate from the hilltop, backslope and footslope regions within the inter-rows of a vineyard from a critical zone observatory, SUPREHILL, in Croatia in Dystric Luvic Stagnosol. The aim of this study was to determine if the erosion-affected hillslope position affected the physical, chemical and hydraulic properties of soil and to identify water flow and possible preferential flow using dye and bromide tracers. The results of the sensor measurements and estimated SHPs were in agreement, showing a faster leaching of the irrigated rainwater in the footslope column. The tracer experiments showed variability even in the columns taken from the same position on the hillslope, which can be linked to plant roots and soil fauna activity. Altogether, the results showed a deeper loose layer at the footslope as a consequence of the soil erosion, which then resulted in higher hydraulic conductivity and the leached mass of the bromide due to better soil structure and pore connectivity. Thus, due to significant differences in the leached mass of bromide, this research should be later expanded in field experiments to reveal the impact of surface runoff, subsurface preferential and lateral flow on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave-assisted reaction of 2-nitroimidazole with 3-bromophenacyl bromide in the presence of potassium carbonate as a base and dimethylformamide as a solvent afforded 2-(3-bromophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]oxazole. The formation of this compound was explained via a domino mechanism comprising an initial N-alkylation reaction of the imidazole substrate, followed by the base-promoted deprotonation of the position adjacent to the carbonyl to give an enolate anion that finally cyclizes via an intramolecular SNAr reaction, with the loss of the nitro group as potassium nitrite. Then, the proposed 1-(3-bromophenacyl)-2-nitroimidazole intermediate could be isolated by reducing the reaction time and was shown to be a precursor of the imidazo[2,1-b]oxazole final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altered trace element status is associated with epilepsy in humans and dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Objectives: Compare hair element concentrations in epileptic and healthy dogs. Animals: Sixty‐three dogs with IE (53 treated, 10 untreated) and 42 controls. Methods: Case‐control study using ICP‐MS to determine hair calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, chromium, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, and nickel concentration. Groups were compared using nonparametric tests. Results were controlled for diet, sex, age, and hair color using generalized linear mixed models. Results: Compared to healthy controls, dogs with IE had lower hair phosphorus (mean ± SD; IE: 286.19 ± 69.62 μg/g, healthy: 324.52 ± 58.69 μg/g; P =.001), higher hair copper (IE: 10.97 ± 3.51 μg/g, healthy: 8.41 ± 1.27 μg/g; P <.001), zinc (IE: 158.25 ± 19.64 μg/g, healthy: 144.76 ± 32.18 μg/g; P <.001), copper/zinc ratio (IE: 0.07 ± 0.02, healthy: 0.06 ± 0.01; P =.003), selenium (IE: 1.65 ± 0.43 μg/g, healthy: 0.94 ± 0.73 μg/g; P <.001), and arsenic (IE: 0.40 ± 0.78 μg/g, healthy: 0.05 ± 0.08 μg/g; P <.001). When comparing treated and untreated epileptic dogs with healthy dogs, the differences in phosphorus and selenium remained significant for both groups, whereas the differences in copper, zinc, and arsenic were significant only for treated dogs. Potassium bromide treatment was strongly associated with high hair arsenic (P =.000). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Altered trace element status could be involved in the pathophysiology of IE in dogs. Antiseizure drugs might affect trace element and arsenic metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procaine is one of the oldest local anesthetics used in medicine. When absorbed and entering the systemic circulation reduces the excitability of peripheral cholinoreactive systems. Has a blocking effect on the autonomic ganglia, reduces smooth muscle spasms, and reduces the excitability of the myocardium and motor areas of the cerebral cortex. It is synthesized by oxidizing 4-nitrotoluene to 4-nitrobenzoic acid, which is subsequently reacted with thionyl chloride, the resulting acid chloride is then esterified with 2-diethylaminoethanol to give nitrocaine. Finally, the nitro group is reduced by hydrogenation over a Raney nickel catalyst. The oxidation stage is characterized by the formation of toxic, difficult to dispose of wastewater, valuable mineral oxidants, or high temperatures and excess pressure, in the case of using oxygen as an oxidant. Therefore, the search for new environmentally friendly and low-temperature methods of obtaining 4-nitrobenzoic acid is an urgent task. The aim of the work is to study the products, conditions, and study kinetics of the reaction of ozone with 4-nitrotoluene in acetic acid solution to develop a new method for the synthesis of 4-nitrobenzoic acid. Materials and methods. The glacial acetic acid qualification “P. F. A.” before use was purified by distillation under vacuum in the presence of potassium permanganate. Salts of metals of qualification “P. F. A.” and potassium bromide qualification “Ch. P.” were used without prior purification. A gas-phase gradient-free catalytic duck reactor was used for kinetic studies. The mixing of gas and liquid phases in the reactor was achieved by shaking the reactor at a speed that allowed it to work in the kinetic region. The kinetics of the reaction was studied by changing the concentration of ozone in the gas phase at the outlet of the reactor by spectrophotometric method on a spectrophotometer “SF-46 LOMO”. Results. The products, conditions, and kinetics of ozone reaction with 4-nitrotoluene were studied. It was shown that at temperatures of 20–90 °C is mainly ozonolysis of the aromatic ring, and the total yield of oxidation products by methyl group does not exceed 24.2 %, among which identified in the early stages of 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde, and at deeper – 4-nitrobenzoic acid. The introduction of cobalt (II) acetate into the catalyst system almost completely was prevented ozonolysis and the main reaction product is 4-nitrobenzoic acid with a yield of 86.5 %. The addition of potassium bromide to the solution reduced the concentration of the catalyst by seven times and increased the reaction rate and yield of 4-nitrobenzoic acid to 95.6 %. Conclusions. A new environmentally friendly, low-temperature method for the synthesis of 4-nitrobenzoic acid by conducting the process of ozonation of 4-nitrotoluene in a solution of glacial acetic acid in the presence of a mixed cobalt bromide catalyst was developed.

Fe2AlB2 is one of many ternary transition metal borides called MAB phases, which attracted interest owing to its magnetocaloric effect and magnetic properties. Herein, the molten salt-shielded synthesis (MS3) of Fe2AlB2 powder is studied using potassium bromide "KBr" in an open-air atmosphere. The synthesis process of the MAB phase, from Fe, Al, and B elemental powders, was studied with and without Sn additive in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C. The obtained powders were analyzed using XRD, TDA, GTA, and SEM analysis. The corresponding results revealed a successful synthesis of nearly pure Fe2AlB2 phase at 1000 °C for only one hour of holding time, beyond which FeB impurities form. These results show the efficiency of KBr (with Sn as a synthesis aid "additive") in increasing the reactivity of this MAB phase in terms of the lowest synthesis temperature and time reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe2AlB2 is one of many ternary transition metal borides called MAB phases, which attracted interest owing to its magnetocaloric effect and magnetic properties. Herein, the molten salt-shielded synthesis (MS3) of Fe2AlB2 powder is studied using potassium bromide "KBr" in an open-air atmosphere. The synthesis process of the MAB phase, from Fe, Al, and B elemental powders, was studied with and without Sn additive in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C. The obtained powders were analyzed using XRD, TDA, GTA, and SEM analysis. The corresponding results revealed a successful synthesis of nearly pure Fe2AlB2 phase at 1000 °C for only one hour of holding time, beyond which FeB impurities form. These results show the efficiency of KBr (with Sn as a synthesis aid "additive") in increasing the reactivity of this MAB phase in terms of the lowest synthesis temperature and time reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination of seed to seedling is a physiological process that triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions. The quality of irrigation water can directly affect the early growth stages of a plant. Seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) were exposed to three sodium halides, i.e., NaCl (50 & 100 ppm), NaI (50 & 100 ppm), and NaF (50 & 100 ppm) for two weeks. Seeds grown without the addition of sodium halides were taken as a control for comparison. Seedlings were harvested on the 15th day of sowing and the root and shoot length were recorded. Leaves, shoot, and root was separated, encapsulated in potassium bromide, and then loaded for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. A slight increase (16.66%↑) in shoot length was observed with 50 ppm NaCl but 100 ppm NaCl did not show any change in seedling length as compared to the control. 50ppm NaI did not show any change in root length but shoot length was slightly decreased (16.66%↓), and 100ppm NaI showed reduced root (12.5%↓) and shoot length (25%↓) as compared to control. The seeds treated with NaF 100 ppm had the lowest shoot (50%↓) and root length (37.5%↓) among all treated and untreated groups. Unique FT-IR spectral patterns in control and treated seedlings indicate some conformational changes in macromolecules with sodium halide treatment. The overall absorption peaks of treated roots and stems were slightly different from the leaves. The effect of treatment on seedlings was found in the following order; NaCl < NaI< NaF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral subsurface flow (LSF) is a phenomenon that is widely occurring including the hummocky ground moraine landscape. Due to the heterogeneous structure of the subsurface, transport times of pesticides and nutrients from agricultural areas to adjacent water bodies are difficult to assess. Here, LSF at Luvisol and Regosol plots of an experimental field were studied by applying potassium bromide along a 10 m trench below the plow pan in October 2019. The soil solution was collected in suction cups 3 m downslope of the trench and in April 2021, the soil was sampled down to 1 m depth. Almost no bromide was found in the soil solution except for the 160 cm depth of the Regosol plot after a 541 day period. After the same time, bromide was observed in the 90 cm soil depth directly underneath the application trench of the Luvisol plot. A 3D reconstruction of the subsurface horizon boundaries of the Regosol revealed subsurface heterogeneities such as sand lenses that might have been attributed to the heterogeneous subsurface flow pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have reported a low-concentration active electrolyte of KBrO3 for the supercapacitor's application. The electrochemical processes were carried out in two concentrations of KBrO3 with 0.2 and 0.4 M. Additionally, we have reported a novel strategy for doping graphene during its fabrication process with a potassium bromide (KBr) solution. The chemical doping of graphene with KBr improved the electrochemical properties of graphene used as supercapacitors. HRTEM images confirmed the multi-layer graphene obtained by CO2 laser based on polyimide. The effect of KBr on the graphene lattice has been studied using Raman spectroscopy. The two electrodes of graphene and KBr-doped graphene were subjected to the electrochemical properties study as a supercapacitor by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The results exhibited the successful method of graphene doping and the stability of using KBrO3 as a suitable electrolyte for electrochemical processes with this lower molarity. The specific capacitance of the pristine graphene capacitor in 0.2 M of KBrO3 was 33 Fg−1, while this value increased up to 70 Fg−1 for KBr-doped graphene in 0.4 M of KBrO3. The specific capacity in mAhg−1 has also increased twofold. The results exhibited the possibility of using KBrO3 as an electrolyte. The supercapacitor performance almost showed good stability in the life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cow urine is a rich source of mobile nutrients such as nitrate (NO3−) and potassium (K+). The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the wetting pattern distribution through soil profile of cow urine patch in an andisol. Two field experiments across two consecutive years were carried out to compare cow urine patches in relation to initial wetting pattern and volume of soil affected. Bromide (Br−) has successfully been used as an inert hydrologic tracer to indicate the movement of NO3− and K+ in soil–water systems. The distribution of Br− (used as a urine tracer) on the soil surface and down the profile was irregular in all the patches. Cow urine patches covered a surface area of 0.27 and 0.35 m2, respectively, and penetrated to a depth of 70 cm. The rapid downward movement of urine occurred through macropore flow but even so, between 27% and 40% of the applied Br− was detected in the 0–5 cm soil layer. Br− showed concentrations greater than 1500 mg kg−1 and up to 3000 mg kg−1, and as the concentration of Br− decreases, the frequency and depth of affected layers increases. Despite the differences in moisture and in the distribution of the Br− concentration in both years, the concentration frequency of 500 to 1500 mg kg−1 represented around 37% of the affected volume of soil (bulb of urine) in both years. Up to 40% of the bulb represented N equivalent rates between 187 and 975 kg N ha−1. These values can potentially be emitted in gases such as NH3, N2O, and N2. It is suggested that the presence of N in the volume of affected soil could vary due to the moisture content of the soil, and that in andisols of southern Chile under permanent grasslands there are a large number of macropores that would induce preferential flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae lipids can be used to produce biofuels and are considered a potential source of energy to supplant fossil fuel. Cultivation practices of algae grown in large ponds can be tailored to maximize lipid content. Laboratory methods of measuring lipid content are time-consuming and labor-intensive, so a real-time measuring technique is needed to efficiently control the addition of pond nutrients. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of measuring algae lipid content with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) transmission spectroscopy. Six algae samples (Nannochloropsis salina) with varying lipid contents were centrifuged and then dried in an oven at 40° C for 12 hours. Dried algae were mixed with potassium bromide (KBr) powder at a mass ratio of 1:150 (algae: KBr) and pressed into pellets. A Thermo-Nicolet 6700 FTIR spectrometer was used to collect spectral data in transmission mode. Three relevant absorption bands centered at 2920, 2855, and 1742 cm-1 were identified. A linear regression analysis showed that the band depth at 2920 cm-1 was strongly correlated (R2 = 0.92) with lipid content measured by gas chromatography (GC). The results of this research provide insight into the development of a real-time lipid-content sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of circulating Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are an independent risk factor for CVD. One of the major limitations to investigating Lp(a) biology is the need for large volumes of plasma (4–10 mL) for its isolation. We developed an isolation technique requiring only 0.4 mL of plasma yielding an enriched Lp(a) fraction suitable for compositional and functional studies. We collected plasma from patients (n = 9) in EDTA presenting to our Center for Preventive Cardiology for CVD risk management and with circulating Lp(a) > 66 mg/dL. 0.4 mL of plasma was added to 90 µL of potassium bromide (1.33 g/mL) and subjected to our two-step density-gradient ultracentrifugation method. The first step separates VLDL and LDL from the Lp(a) and HDL fractions and the second step further separates VLDL from LDL and Lp(a) from HDL. Lp(a) is then dialyzed for up to 24 h in potassium phosphate buffer. We performed cholesterol gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting and LC-MS/MS proteomics on isolated lipoprotein fractions to confirm fraction enrichment. Functional studies including Lp(a)-dependent induction of macrophage gene expression and cholesterol efflux inhibition were performed on isolated Lp(a) to confirm its preserved bioactivity. Lp(a) yields (264 ± 82.3 µg/mL on average) correlated with Lp(a) plasma concentrations (r2 = 0.75; p < 0.01) and represented the relative distribution of circulating apo(a) isoforms. Proteomic analyses confirm lipoprotein fraction separation. Functional integrity was confirmed by the findings that isolated Lp(a) inhibited plasminogen-dependent cholesterol efflux in HEK293T cells expressing ABCA1 and increased expressions of Il1b, Nos2 and Ccl2. We developed a small-volume isolation technique for Lp(a) suited for a range of applications used in biomedical research. The use of this technique circumvents volume-dependent limitations and expands our ability to investigate the mysteries of this deleterious lipoprotein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many doping methods can affect graphene's electronic properties, but several of them disrupt the underlying structure and lower the electrical mobility of graphene. As a result, improved strategies for tuning the electrical characteristics of graphene by developing its unique qualities are required. We present results from studies that utilized chemical doping with Potassium Bromide (KBr) solution to discover a variety of physical features of single-layer graphene. We used metal mask patterning to create CVD-grown graphene field-effect transistors, which were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and transport measurements utilizing a low-noise standard lock-in amplifier approach. We investigated the influence of KBr doping on the electrical properties of graphene as the charge neutrality point (CNP) shifted towards negative gate voltage and validated the n-type doping in graphene. After doping, mobility was enhanced twice and the highest value attained about 3546 cm2/V s, which is a promising result. The shifting of the G and 2D peak positions in Raman spectroscopy towards the lower wavenumbers with increasing treatment time indicates the n-type doping effect on the graphene-based devices. Our findings reveal that chemical treatment with KBr is an effective technique to improve the electrical properties of monolayer graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase equilibria of the reciprocal quaternary system LiBr-Li2SO4-KBr-K2SO4-H2O and its ternary sub-systems LiBr-Li2SO4-H2O and KBr-K2SO4-H2O at 308.15 K were studied using the isothermal dissolution equilibrium method. Then, the solubility data of the equilibrium solutions were collected, and the phase diagrams were plotted. The phase diagrams of the ternary sub-systems at 308.15 K were compared with those at other temperatures. This study found that the phase diagram of the LiBr-Li2SO4-H2O system at 308.15 K consisted of an invariant point, two solid-phase crystallization regions of Li2SO4·H2O and LiBr·2H2O, and their corresponding solubility curves. The system generated two hydrated salts, which belonged to the hydrate type I phase diagram. The phase diagram of the KBr-K2SO4-H2O system at 308.15 K consisted of an invariant point, two univariant solubility curves, and two solid-phase crystallization regions of KBr and K2SO4, and no solid solution and double salts were formed. Thus, it belonged to a simple co-saturation type phase diagram. In the LiBr-Li2SO4-KBr-K2SO4-H2O system, K2SO4·Li2SO4 double salt formed at 308.15 K, and the phase diagram consisted of three invariant points, five crystallization regions, and seven univariant solubility curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Bromide is a halide ion of the element bromine usually administered in the form of potassium salt as monotherapy or add-on treatment in epileptic dogs. It is excreted unchanged in the urine and undergoes tubular reabsorption in competition with chloride. Thus, dietary chloride content affects serum bromide concentrations. This is the first published clinical report of bromide toxicosis secondary to a dietary modification of chloride content in an epileptic dog treated with potassium bromide. Case presentation A 3-year-old 55-kg neutered male Tibetan Mastiff was evaluated because of a 1-month history of progressive signs including ataxia, lethargy and behaviour changes. The dog was successfully treated for idiopathic epilepsy since the age of 1-year-old with phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Two months prior to presentation, the owners decided to change the dog’s diet without veterinary advice. Physical examination was unremarkable. A 12-kg weight gain was recorded since last follow-up (8 months). Neurological examination revealed severe symmetric 4-limbs ataxia with altered vigilance and intermittent episodes of hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour without significant abnormality of cranial nerves. Serum bromide concentration was high and increased by 103 % since last follow-up. Nutritional evaluation revealed a 53 % decrease of chloride content in the diet before and after dietary transition. Bromide toxicosis was suspected, due to bromide reduced clearance secondary to the decreased dietary chloride content. Potassium bromide treatment was lowered by 15 % without further dietary changes. Neurologic signs progressively improved over the next month, without any seizure. After two months, the serum bromide concentration lowered to the same level measured before dietary modification. After four months, neurological examination was unremarkable. Conclusions Dietary chloride content can directly influence serum bromide concentrations, therefore affecting seizure control or contributing to unexpected adverse effects. In the present case, a reduction in chloride intake markedly increased serum bromide concentrations causing bromism. Dietary changes should be avoided in dogs treated with potassium bromide to maintain stable serum bromide levels.

Potassium bromide is a frequently used antiseizure medication with a half-life time of over 25 days. Oral intake of sodium chloride as well as renal function influence this half-life time and may have an influence on the needed dose to get proper serum levels. The hypothesis is that dogs living close to coastal areas require a greater potassium bromide dose than dogs living more inland. The main study objective was to determine the relationship between bromide dose, serum bromide concentration, treatment duration, type of food, concurrent therapies and the proximity of the dog's residency to a coastal area. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 658 bromide serum measurements were retrieved from the veterinary faculty's laboratory archive, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Information on the bromide dose, renal function, treatment period, type of food, concurrent therapies and residence was obtained retrospectively from owners of all dogs using a postal survey. A dataset of 220 unique study units was created. The dogs were grouped based on their residence (proximity to the coast > or

Halogenated Bromide (Br −) was subsequently dosed to aqueous electrolyte solution to enforce the capacitance features of activated carbon (AC) electrodes in electric double-layer supercapacitor devices for electrical energy storage. Physicochemical properties for AC with sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and KBr redox additive were assessed by different characterization tools such as XRD, SEM, EDS, surface roughness, and BET techniques. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the stability after 1000 cycles have been used to monitor the electrochemical behaviors of the prepared electrodes. The presence of halogen atom exhibited large faradaic resembling battery like-type in charge–discharge curves. In the aqueous solution, the investigated electrode showed a high specific capacitance of 957.8 F g−1 at a specific current of 0.46 A g−1 using a certain concentration of KBr added to Na2SO4. The single AC electrode showed specific energy of 133 Wh kg−1 and specific power of 859.6 W kg−1. Besides, the AC electrode displayed excellent long-term stability in Na2SO4@KBr electrolyte, preserving retention capacitance of 174%. AC/AC symmetric supercapacitor cell demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance, including specific energy of 57.15 Wh kg−1, specific capacitance of 127 F g−1, specific power of 5262 W kg−1 at a specific current of 3.8 A g−1, and 82.8% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles.

Abstract Seizure threshold‐2 (SZT2) gene variants have been associated with a decrease in seizure threshold resulting in variable phenotypic expressions ranging from mild‐moderate intellectual disabilities without seizures, to an early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy with severe cognitive impairment. In addition, hypotonia and distinctive facial dysmorphism, including a high forehead and to a lesser extent ptosis and down‐slanting palpebral fissures, were present in the majority. We herein report a novel SZT2 variant in one of two siblings both diagnosed with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS). This report is the fourth to document a possible familial case in EIMFS, a condition that was not previously associated with SZT2 variant. This report expands the phenotypic expression of SZT2, corroborates the importance of genetic counseling in some cases of EIMFS, and highlights the efficacy of potassium bromide in controlling the seizures associated with this condition.

An innovative, sensitive, simple and rapid method has been developed for estimation of selective H1 receptor antagonist. The method is based on bromination of drug. The proposed spectrophotometric method was developed using potassium bromate-potassium bromide mixture in acidic condition followed by the reaction of surplus bromine with methyl orange dye and measure the absorbance at 506 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range of 0.2-1.2 µg/ml, 0.3-1.7 µg/ml and 0.03-0.18 µg/ml for olopatadine hydrochloride, fexofenadine hydrochloride and azelastine hydrochloride respectively. The method was optimized for concentration of hydrochloride, ml of hydrochloride, ml of potassium bromate-potassium bromide mixture, ml of dye and reaction time. Developed method has been validated in accordance to International Council on Harmonisation guideline Q2R1. Statistical analysis proved that the method is accurate, sensitive, selective, precise and reproducible. The simple procedure with high accuracy, wide linearity range and sensitivity imply that the demonstrated method to be appropriate for routine estimation and quality control assay of pharmaceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cow urine is a rich source of mobile nutrients such as nitrate (NO3−) and potassium (K+). The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the wetting pattern distribution through soil profile of cow urine patch in an andisol. Two field experiments across two consecutive years were carried out to compare cow urine patches in relation to initial wetting pattern and volume of soil affected. Bromide (Br−) has successfully been used as an inert hydrologic tracer to indicate the movement of NO3− and K+ in soil–water systems. The distribution of Br− (used as a urine tracer) on the soil surface and down the profile was irregular in all the patches. Cow urine patches covered a surface area of 0.27 and 0.35 m2, respectively, and penetrated to a depth of 70 cm. The rapid downward movement of urine occurred through macropore flow but even so, between 27% and 40% of the applied Br− was detected in the 0–5 cm soil layer. Br− showed concentrations greater than 1500 mg kg−1 and up to 3000 mg kg−1, and as the concentration of Br− decreases, the frequency and depth of affected layers increases. Despite the differences in moisture and in the distribution of the Br− concentration in both years, the concentration frequency of 500 to 1500 mg kg−1 represented around 37% of the affected volume of soil (bulb of urine) in both years. Up to 40% of the bulb represented N equivalent rates between 187 and 975 kg N ha−1. These values can potentially be emitted in gases such as NH3, N2O, and N2. It is suggested that the presence of N in the volume of affected soil could vary due to the moisture content of the soil, and that in andisols of southern Chile under permanent grasslands there are a large number of macropores that would induce preferential flows.

Background: Bromide is a halide ion of the element bromine usually administered in the form of potassium salt as monotherapy or add-on treatment in epileptic dogs. It is excreted unchanged in the urine and undergoes tubular reabsorption in competition with chloride. Thus, dietary chloride content affects serum bromide concentrations. This is the first published clinical report of bromide toxicosis secondary to a dietary modification of chloride content in an epileptic dog treated with potassium bromide. Case presentation: A 3-year-old 55-kg neutered male Tibetan Mastiff was evaluated because of a 1-month history of progressive signs including ataxia, lethargy and behaviour changes. The dog was successfully treated for idiopathic epilepsy since the age of 1-year-old with phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Two months prior to presentation, the owners decided to change the dog's diet without veterinary advice. Physical examination was unremarkable. A 12-kg weight gain was recorded since last follow-up (8 months). Neurological examination revealed severe symmetric 4-limbs ataxia with altered vigilance and intermittent episodes of hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour without significant abnormality of cranial nerves. Serum bromide concentration was high and increased by 103 % since last follow-up. Nutritional evaluation revealed a 53 % decrease of chloride content in the diet before and after dietary transition. Bromide toxicosis was suspected, due to bromide reduced clearance secondary to the decreased dietary chloride content. Potassium bromide treatment was lowered by 15 % without further dietary changes. Neurologic signs progressively improved over the next month, without any seizure. After two months, the serum bromide concentration lowered to the same level measured before dietary modification. After four months, neurological examination was unremarkable. Conclusions: Dietary chloride content can directly influence serum bromide concentrations, therefore affecting seizure control or contributing to unexpected adverse effects. In the present case, a reduction in chloride intake markedly increased serum bromide concentrations causing bromism. Dietary changes should be avoided in dogs treated with potassium bromide to maintain stable serum bromide levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In dogs, antiepileptic drugs (AED) cause lethargy but quantitative data regarding the effects of AED on activity levels are not available, and little is known about how AEDs affect sleep quality. Objective: To quantitatively compare activity levels and nocturnal activity in dogs previously diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) receiving AEDs compared to age‐ and breed‐matched control dogs. Animals: Sixty‐two dogs with IE and 310 control dogs. Methods: This is a 3‐month prospective parallel observational study. An activity monitoring device for dogs was used to measure daily activity levels and sleep scores in all dogs. Results: Dogs with IE treated with AEDs had an 18% average lower baseline activity level compared to control dogs (P =.005; point estimate = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75‐0.90). The combination of phenobarbital and potassium bromide (KBr) was associated with an average 28% decrease in activity in dogs with IE compared to control dogs (P =.03; point estimate = 0.72; CI, 0.62‐0.82). Mean sleep scores were not significantly different in dogs with IE receiving AEDs compared to control dogs (P =.43). However, higher dosages of KBr were associated with lower sleep scores (P =.01). Conclusions: Dogs with IE receiving AEDs have lower activity levels, but no difference in sleep scores, compared to controls. The combination of phenobarbital and KBr had the largest decrease in activity between groups. Higher doses of KBr may affect nocturnal activity in epileptic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study relates to an improved method for the preparation of azodicarbonamide, which is useful as a chemical blowing agent. Azodicarbonamide is prepared from the oxidation reaction of hydrazodicarbonamide (biurea) with hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant in the presence of a potassium bromine as a catalyst. Biurea also is prepared by reaction of urea and hydrazine. The prepared products have been characterized by FTIR and TGA/DSC. By Series of comparative experiments, Factors of influencing the yield of azodicarbonamide are studied, such as the amount of oxidant and temperature of reaction solution. Under the optimum process conditions, the yield of azodicarbonamide can reach over 95%, with hydrogen peroxide oxidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levofloxacin is a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic available in different dosage forms for the treatment of various bacterial infections. Here in, we report the validated diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopic method for quantitative analysis of levofloxacin in the solid dosage forms. This method offers the advantage of being eco-friendly that is applied for solid state samples. Appropriate quantities of levofloxacin and dry potassium bromide were mixed to get the desired concentration of samples for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis using a diffuse reflectance sampling interface. The peak in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum around 1724 cm-1 was observed for the carbonyl group of levofloxacin. The calibration curve was plotted for the area under the curve of carbonyl peak against the concentration of calibration standards. A linear calibration curve with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 was obtained in the range of 0.3-1.8 % w/w of levofloxacin. The calibration curve method was linear, precise and accurate as per guidelines. The method employed for quantification of levofloxacin in three marketed tablet dosage forms and laboratory physical mixture yielded a mean recovery of 101.32 and 98.11 percent by weight, respectively. Overall, the precision, accuracy and reproducibility of the proposed diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy method make it appropriate for quantitative analysis of levofloxacin in solid dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizure threshold‐2 (SZT2) gene variants have been associated with a decrease in seizure threshold resulting in variable phenotypic expressions ranging from mild‐moderate intellectual disabilities without seizures, to an early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy with severe cognitive impairment. In addition, hypotonia and distinctive facial dysmorphism, including a high forehead and to a lesser extent ptosis and down‐slanting palpebral fissures, were present in the majority. We herein report a novel SZT2 variant in one of two siblings both diagnosed with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS). This report is the fourth to document a possible familial case in EIMFS, a condition that was not previously associated with SZT2 variant. This report expands the phenotypic expression of SZT2, corroborates the importance of genetic counseling in some cases of EIMFS, and highlights the efficacy of potassium bromide in controlling the seizures associated with this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment is to establish a method for the determination of acrylamide in food by automatic accelerated solvent extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. D3-acrylamide was used as isotope internal standard, crushed samples were extracted and purified by automatic accelerated solvent, acrylamide was derivatized into 2,3-dibromopropanamide by potassium bromide and potassium bromate under acidic conditions, and then the derivative was extracted by ethyl acetate and detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method had a good linear relationship in the concentration range of 10–2000 ng/mL, and the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.9997. The detection limit of the method was 3 μg/kg. The quantification limit of the method was 10 μg/kg. The standard addition recovery of acrylamide was between 105 and 120%, and the relative standard deviation of the recovery of acrylamide was less than 3.0%. The experimental result showed that the method was simple, sensitive, efficient and accurate, and could be used for the determination of acrylamide in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possibilities of using FTIR spectrometry for determining organic substances on the surface of human skin and studying some aspects of the transdermal transfer of cosmetic products from the surface to the inner layers of skin were considered. Vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol acetate was selected as a cosmetic product under study. A procedure for determining changes in the concentration of vitamin E over time was proposed, sampling using standard tablets of potassium bromide was used, and a dependence illustrating a decrease in the concentration of the cosmetic product over time was obtained. It was shown that FTIR spectrometry can be used as a simple and rapid method for studying mechanisms of substance transfer and transdermal properties of the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several bromoanilines and bromophenols were synthesized in good to nearly quantitative yields using a mixture of potassium bromide and potassium bromate in presence of dilute acid under mild conditions in a short time. Some of the prepared Bromo derivatives showed fairly strong antioxidant properties when screened for in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and compared with standard natural antioxidant Lascorbic acid. Most of the synthesized Bromo compounds displayed broad-spectrum activity against Bacillus subtilis, but except one, they were found to be inactive against Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to report an analytical procedure to prove the validity of the hypothesis of the representativeness of the mass vaporized in the plasma plume of the studied sample. To achieve that, we used the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique to analyze some minerals and trace elements in cow tail hair. First, hair samples were dissolved in nitric acid; then the solutions were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrometer. Ca, Mg, and Na mass concentrations were determined for the 25 hair samples. Finally, a small amount of hair from every strand was cut in very small pieces and mixed with potassium bromide to make 12-mm diameter pellets. The laser was focused on the pellet surfaces, and the intensities of the emission lines of the studied elements were related to their absolute mass concentrations already measured. Experimental conditions were chosen to guarantee the reproducibility of ablations and to minimize the fluctuations of the ablated mass. In addition, local thermodynamic equilibrium was verified to prove the possibility of use of the theoretical model to obtain the variation of the emission line intensity as a function of the species concentration in the plasma plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The proposed method may be adopted for in-situ visualisation of low virulence gram-negative bacterial strains using contrast-enhanced X-ray μCT. The use of different techniques in this study enables future researchers to evaluate the toxicity of other contrast agents on biofilms. Investigation of biofilms and visualization using non-destructive imaging techniques like X-ray μCT has recently gained interest. Biofilms are congregations of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and comprise of microbial cells embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). They are ubiquitous entities that are commonly found in any non-sterile setting and have direct implications on human health. Methods to visualize them in-situ are highly needed to understand their behaviour (attachment and detachment) inside a substrate. Contrast-enhanced X-ray μCT is a 3D imaging technique that is capable of visualising objects that have very low attenuation contrast. The use of contrast agents in X-ray μCT has been an evolving process, however, the possible toxic effect of these chemical compounds against biofilms has not been studied in detail. In this study, we focus on the toxic effect of contrast agents and study the diffusion and drainage of contrast agents in biofilms. We propose using water-soluble potassium bromide (KBr) as a suitable contrast agent for enhancement of the attenuation coefficient of a monoculture of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms inside a porous substrate. At the given concentration, KBr proved to be less bactericidal compared to other commonly used contrast agents and at 5% w/v concentration we were able to clearly distinguish between the biofilm and the porous substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steels of various purposes are used in the construction industry, for example, as the reinforcement material in reinforced concrete structures. In the oil and gas industry, steel structures are used for storage and transportation of explosive toxic media. In this case the catastrophic damages might take place, that points at insufficiently deep knowledge about the processes running in structural materials when load is applied. Recent studies show that many properties of steel are set at the nanoscale level during crystallization from the molten metal and thermal treatment. To detect and identify fullerenes С60 and С70, which are independent nanoscale objects in steel structure, by various methods requires studying of how these objects influence on formation of steel properties. Iron atoms can serve as a catalyst and, interacting with large aromatic structures or fragments of the graphite planes, they form voluminous fullerene-type structures. The inverse phenomenon, i.e. influence of the formed nanoscale objects on structuring of the iron atoms, is also possible, as fullerene size is comparable with the size of the stable nucleus of the iron crystalline phase. The article discusses the issue of mechanisms of fullerenes formation in steels and cast irons. The most complicated issue in the study is the fullerenes identification by spectral methods as the quantity of released molecules is small. In order to increase the sensitivity of the fullerenes IR-spectrometry method, potassium bromide has been proposed to use. Dried and reduced sediment obtained as a result of dissolving iron matrix in steels is mixed with potassium bromide, the mixture becomes bright-orange. This fact points to presence of bromic fullerenes and to presence of fullerenes in the studied specimens. It is shown that the offered specimen preparation algorithm significantly increases sensitivity of the method.

The reactions of N-heterocyclic carbene CuI and AgI halides with potassium thio- or seleno­cyanate gave unexpected products. The attempted substitution reaction of bromido­(1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-di­phenyl­imidazol-2-yl­idene)silver (NHC*—Ag—Br) with KSCN yielded bis­[bis­(1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-di­phenyl­imidazol-2-yl­idene)silver(I)] tris­(thio­cyanato)­argentate(I) diethyl ether disolvate, [Ag(C29H24N2)2][Ag(NCS)3]·2C4H10O or [NHC*2Ag]2[Ag(SCN)3]·2Et2O, (1), while reaction with KSeCN led to bis­(μ-1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-seleno­imidazole-κ²Se:Se)bis­[bromido­(1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-seleno­imid­azole-κSe)silver(I)] di­chloro­methane hexa­solvate, [Ag2Br2(C29H24N2Se)4]·6CH2Cl2 or (NHC*Se)4Ag2Br2·6CH2Cl2, (2), via oxidation of the NHC* fragment to 2-seleno­imidazole. This oxidation was observed again in the reaction of NHC*—Cu—Br with KSeCN, yielding catena-poly[[[(1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-seleno­imidazole-κSe)copper(I)]-μ-cyanido-κ²C:N] aceto­nitrile monosolvate], {[Cu(CN)(C29H24N2Se)]·C2H3N}n or NHC*Se—CuCN·CH3CN, (3). Compound (1) represents an organic/inorganic salt with AgI in a linear coordination in each of the two cations and in a trigonal coordination in the anion, accompanied by diethyl ether solvent mol­ecules. The tri-blade boomerang-shaped complex anion [Ag(SCN)3]2− present in (1) is characterized by X-ray diffraction for the first time. Compound (2) comprises an isolated centrosymmetric mol­ecule with AgI in a distorted tetra­hedral BrSe3 coordination, together with di­chloro­methane solvent mol­ecules. Compound (3) exhibits a linear polymeric ¹∞[Cu—C≡N—Cu—] chain structure with a seleno­imidazole moiety additionally coordinating to each CuI atom, and completed by aceto­nitrile solvent mol­ecules. Electron densities associated with an additional ether solvent mol­ecule in (1) and two additional di­chloro­methane solvent mol­ecules in (2) were removed with the SQUEEZE procedure [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18] in PLATON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium bromide (KBr), an old antiepileptic agent, is illegally used in pharmaceutical or food industries to improve the product appearance. KBr has been proven to influence several pathways which are important in memory formation. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of KBr on spatial working memory using object recognition task (ORT). Rats received a single dose of KBr (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg), per oral, in acute treatment. KBr long term effects were also studied in animals receiving 50 mg/kg/day of KBr for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatments, animals underwent two trials of ORT, five min each. In the first trial (T1), animals encountered with two identical objects for exploration. After 1 h, the animals were exposed to a familiar and an unfamiliar object (T2). The exploration times for discrimination (D) and recognition (R) as well as the frequency of exploration for any objects were determined. Acute administration of 150 mg/kg of KBr significantly decreased the discrimination and recognition indices (RI and DI) (P < 0.01) compared to the control. However, lower doses failed to influence the animals’ performance in the test. In addition, long term administration of KBr remarkably diminished the DI and RI and the frequency of exploration (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that acute doses of KBr as high as 150 mg/kg are required to hamper memory function in ORT. However, cognitive impairment occured with lower doses of KBr when the duration of treatment is extended.

The fluorescence detection of different electrolytes existing in body fluids represents a modern method for diagnosis of diseases. This work reports the use of a pyrazoline derivative as a new fluorescence chloride sensor based on a dynamic quenching mechanism. Moreover, we show that 1,3-diphenyl-5-{4-[(4-vinylbenzyl)oxy]phenyl}-4,5-dihydropyrazole is capable to detect multiple halides and behave differently depending on the nature of either the halide or the metal counterion. The optical properties of this pyrazoline in the presence of halides of alkaline and several transitional metals have been determined by UV–Vis and FL measurements in solution. Stern-Volmer equation used for fluorescence data analysis revealed interesting particularities depending on the selected quencher. We discovered that the aforementioned pyrazoline is highly sensitive to potassium chloride or iodide, but, is inert to potassium bromide. Quantum mechanical calculations were employed to generate the molecular models of the pyrazoline in ground and excited state, with the view to obtain the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and mapped electrostatic isopotential. Thus, it was possible to explain the sensitivity for chloride and establish the fluorescence quenching mechanism. This pyrazoline derivative may be used to expand the class of fluorescent materials with improved chloride sensitivity and develop multi analysis systems. Unlabelled Image • Pyrazoline derivative TPVP has high fluorescence sensitivity for chloride anions. • Physiological halides have been tested as dynamic fluorescence quenchers • TPVP fluorescence is selectively quenched depending on the halide chemical nature. • TPVP in excited state is positivated and generates an exciplex. • Fluorescence quenching results from non-radiative relaxation of exciplex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoluminescence and photostability of CdTe/CdS nanoparticles encapsulated in matrices of potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate, potassium bromide, calcium carbonate, and barium sulfate were studied. The greatest photostability was found for a composite with a monocrystalline KH2PO4 matrix. This stability is related to the hindered diffusion of oxygen to the implanted CdTe/CdS quantum dots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, densities of binary and ternary solutions containing (glycine + water), (glycine + water + lithium bromide), (glycine + water + potassium bromide) and (glycine + water + sodium bromide) have been measured using a vibrating U-tube densimeter at T = (293.15 to 313.15) K. The apparent molar volumes have been calculated from the obtained density data. Apparent molar volumes at infinite dilution, V ϕ 0 , were fitted to a Redlich–Meyer type equation. The limiting apparent molar expansibility, E ϕ 0 , was calculated from the first derivative of the limiting apparent molar volumes with respect to temperature. By analyzing the obtained volumetric data, the hydration numbers for glycine, nH, were also calculated in these solutions. The results indicate that the apparent molar volumes increase with temperature. Moreover, it has been proven that glycine acts as a structure maker in the studied solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Palladium (Pd)-catalyzed reactions mostly show structure sensitivity: i. e., the selectivity and activity of the reactions are highly dependent on the arrangement of Pd atoms. In this regard, branched Pd nanoparticles show enhanced catalytic performance owing to the presence of low coordinated Pd atoms. In this paper, a novel solution-phase synthesis of flower-like Pd nanodendrites using ribonucleic acid (RNA) as a capping agent and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent was described. On the other hand, the co-use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and potassium bromide (KBr) instead of RNA at the same synthesis conditions led to cuboid nanoparticles, while the sole use of ascorbic acid resulted in faceted nanoparticles. The formation of nanodendritic morphology was attributed to the RNA-assisted growth through particle attachment. This scenario was supported by TEM analysis that demonstrated the aggregation of small particles to form larger nanoparticles at the onset of the reaction. The shape and size of the nanoparticles could be readily tuned by the RNA content used. XPS confirmed the formation of metallic Pd nanoparticles. The presence of crystalline planes of {1 1 1}, {2 0 0}, {2 2 0}, {3 1 1} and {2 2 2} was demonstrated by XRD and SAED analyses. The Pd nanodendrites were used for the reduction of p -nitrophenol (PNP) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and reduction rate constants (k) were calculated as 1.078 min−1 (normalized rate constant, k nor = 59.66 mmol−1 s−1) for PNP and 0.3181 min−1 (k nor = 17.6 mmol−1 s−1) for TNT with the corresponding turnover frequencies (TOFs) as 16.06 and 40.80 h−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The products of reaction between ZrCl4 and NaBH4 in molten potassium bromide at 740 and 800°C under an argon pressure of 4 MPa have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, specific surface area measurements, and elemental analysis. It has been shown that the size of the ZrB2 nanoparticles obtained at 740 and 800°C is ~20 and ~30 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]