Fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for anions: Highlights from 2020 to 2022

The development of colorimetric and fluorescent sensors continues apace. In this review, we highlight de-velopments made in this area from 2020 to 2022. The review is structured by the different non-covalent in-teractions used to bind anions in addition to covering photoswitchable systems, excimers and molecular logic gates, and arrays for anion sensing

Aerothermal Analysis of Suction Side Film Cooling in a High-Pressure Nozzle Guide Vane Cascade

A specific designed film-cooled nozzle guide vane cascade was tested in a high speed facility to determine the influence of suction side film cooling on the profile loss. Wake traverses with a five-hole probe and measurements of profile pressure distribution were conducted under Ma2th = 0:8 and Re2th ≈ 106 with coolant ejection from two different rows of cooling holes located upstream of the passage throat on the suction surface. In order to clarify the differences in loss behaviour noticed between the investigated film cooling rows, numerical simulations of the experiments were carried out, allowing an in-depth comprehension of the flow phenomena taking place in the mixing layer downstream of the coolant injection point. Additional simulations of the film cooling effectiveness were conducted for both investigated rows

Mid to late Holocene environmental changes along the coast of western Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea)

Multiproxy analysis composed of biostratigraphy and pollen analysis allowed reconstructing the palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Tirso river coastal plain in Sardinia (NW Mediterranean) in the last 6 millennia. We demonstrated that interplay between littoral and fluvial processes have significantly controlled the environmental evolution of the area and have played a key role in the pattern of historical and prehistorical settlements of this wide portion of western Sardinian coastline. At the end of Neolithic period (ca. 6.0 to 5.5 cal. ka BP) the area close to the shoreline was most likely characterized by large coastal lagoons intermittently connected to the open sea. Such saltwater influence is corroborated by faunal and pollen assemblages found in the landward portion of the Tirso coastal plain up to 2 km inland from the modern shoreline. Our data robustly document the end of the transgressive trend at ca. 5.5 cal. ka BP, and a dominant fluvial sedimentation since Final Neolithic period. At this time, a progradational trend started, causing the seaward migration of shoreline and, consequently, of the barrier-lagoon system. The major landscape modification tracked along the last 6 millennia may also explain the low density of historical and prehistorical remains in the Tirso coastal plain, especially if compared to the nearby rocky area of Sinis Peninsula densely inhabited since the Neolithic. Our data further provide new insights into the Relative Sea Level (RSL) evolution in this sector of the Mediterranean. In particular, we improved the mid-Holocene RSL record in Sardinia, where only scarce data were previously available

Reactivity of the drug methimazole and its iodine adduct with elemental zinc

The reactivity of zinc complexes with N,S-donor molecules may be of relevance to the study of Zn-metalloproteins and -metalloenzymes. In this context, the zinc complex [Zn(MeImSH)2I2] was synthesised by the reaction of zinc powder with the 1 : 1 iodine adduct of the drug methimazole [(MeImSH)·I2]. The molecular structure of the complex, elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis, showed a tetrahedral zinc(II) centre coordinated by two neutral methimazole units (through the sulfur atoms) and two iodides. From the reaction of MeImSH and Zn powder, the complex [Zn(MeImSH)(MeImS)2] (MeImS = deprotonated form of methimazole) was separated and characterised. An analysis of the crystal packing of the neutral complexes [Zn(MeImSH)2X2] (X = I, Br and Cl) and the ionic complex [Zn(MeImSH)3I]I showed that in all of the complexes the sulfur atom, in addition to binding to the metal centre, contributes to the formation of 1-D chains built via C(4)–HS and N–HX interactions in the neutral complexes, and via C(4)–HS and N–CH3S interactions in the ionic complex [Zn(MeImSH)3I]I. The deprotonation/protonation of the coordinated methimazole units can modulate the coordination environment at the Zn core. From the reaction of complex [Zn(MeImSH)3I]I with a strong non-coordinating organic base, we have shown that, as a consequence of the NH deprotonation of methimazole S-coordinated to zinc(II), the ligand coordination mode changes from S-monodentate to N,S-bridging. Correspondingly, in the complex [Zn(MeImSH)(MeImS)2], the MeImS that displays the N,S-bridging mode at zinc can be N-protonated and thereby changes to the S-monodentate coordination

8000 years of coastal changes on a western Mediterranean Island: A multi proxy approach from the Posada plain of Sardinia

A multi-proxy palaeoenvironmental investigation was conducted to reconstruct the Holocene history of coastal landscape change in the lower Posada coastal plain of eastern Sardinia. In this paper, millennial-scale human-sea level-environment interactions are investigated near Posada. Biostratigraphic and palynological approaches were used to interpret the chromo-stratigraphy exhibited by a series of new clothes taken from the coastal plain. This new study elucidates the main palaeoecologiocal changes, phases of shoreline migration and relative sea-level change during the lat 8000 years. The results indicate the major role of sea-level stabilisation and high sediment supply in driving major landscape changes, especially during the Neolithic period (6-4th millennia BC), and the long-term settlement history of this coastal area. It is concluded that human occupation of the coastal plain, from prehistoric to historical times, was most likely constrained by the rapid evolution if this coastal landscape.LR/7 2010 Regione Sardegn

Tris-ureas as transmembrane anion transporters

Nine tris-urea receptors (L1–L9) have been synthesised and shown to coordinate to a range of anionic guests both by 1H NMR titration techniques and single crystal X-ray structural analysis. The compounds have been shown to be capable of mediating the exchange of chloride and nitrate and also chloride and bicarbonate across POPC or POPC : cholesterol 7 : 3 vesicle bilayer membranes at low transporter loadings. An interesting dependency of anion transport on the nature of the cation is evidence to suggest that a M+/Cl− cotransport process may also contribute to the release of chloride from the vesicles

reactivity of the drug methimazole and its iodine adduct with elemental zinc

The reactivity of zinc complexes with N,S-donor molecules may be of relevance to the study of Zn-metalloproteins and -metalloenzymes. In this context, the zinc complex [Zn(MeImSH)2I2] was synthesised by the reaction of zinc powder with the 1:1 iodine adduct of the drug methimazole [(MeImSH)·I2]. The molecular structure of the complex, elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis, showed a tetrahedral zinc(II) centre coordinated by two neutral methimazole units (through the sulfur atoms) and two iodides. From the reaction of MeImSH and Zn powder, the complex [Zn(MeImSH)(MeImS)2] (MeImS = deprotonated form of methimazole) was separated and characterised. An analysis of the crystal packing of the neutral complexes [Zn(MeImSH)2X2] (X = I, Br and Cl) and the ionic complex [Zn(MeImSH)3I]I showed that in all of the complexes the sulfur atom, in addition to binding to the metal centre, contributes to the formation of 1-D chains built via C(4)–H⋯S and N–H⋯X interactions in the neutral complexes, and via C(4)–H⋯S and N–CH3⋯S interactions in the ionic complex [Zn(MeImSH)3I]I. The deprotonation/protonation of the coordinated methimazole units can modulate the coordination environment at the Zn core. From the reaction of complex [Zn(MeImSH)3I]I with a strong non-coordinating organic base, we have shown that, as a consequence of the NH deprotonation of methimazole S-coordinated to zinc(II), the ligand coordination mode changes from S-monodentate to N,S-bridging. Correspondingly, in the complex [Zn(MeImSH)(MeImS)2], the MeImS that displays the N,S-bridging mode at zinc can be N-protonated and thereby changes to the S-monodentate coordination

INTEGRATING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION INTO SEA AN ASSESSMENT FOR SARDINIA, ITALY

Climate Change (CC) is recognized as an urgent concern, which implies negative effects on the environment, such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, fl ooding, droughts, and desertifi cation. It involves not only the environmental, but also the economic, and social sphere. The impacts of CC are addressed through two complementary strategies: mitigation and adaptation. The fi rst one operates on the reasons of CC aiming at preventing or reducing greenhouse gases emissions, while the second one focuses on the damage they can cause, aiming at minimizing it or to take advantage of opportunities that may occur. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) represents a systematic and participatory decisionmaking support process, aiming at integrating environmental considerations in the elaboration of plans and programs. While SEA regards explicitly mitigation strategies, so far it still refers marginally to CC adaptation measures to be carried on when implementing spatial planning tools at the regional and local scale. The integration of SEA processes with concepts inspired to adaptation to CCs represents a powerful tool for mainstreaming the corresponding policies and strategies. In this study, we scrutinize SEA and spatial planning tools issued in Sardinia (Italy), with reference to their attitude to incorporate possible climate adaptation concerns. We are interested in proposing and applying a framework based on internationally acknowledged criteria that need to be met to properly implement climate change adaptation measures and actions in current spatial planning and SEA practices

Food safety considerations in relation to Anisakis pegreffii in anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardines (Sardina pilchardus) fished off the Ligurian Coast (Cinque Terre National Park, NW Mediterranean)

Aims: The purpose of this work was to verify whether E. coli is a good indicator of viral contamination in mussels and Adenovirus could represent a better alternative as indicator organism of viral presence to guarantee consumer health protection. Methods and Results: Eighty samples of mussels from La Spezia Gulf were analysed for E. coli, Salmonella, Adenovirus, Norovirus and hepatitis A virus with cultural and biomolecular tests. The results of bacterial parameters showed E. coli within the law’s limits and the absence of Salmonella. Twelve samples were positive for Adenovirus presence, one for Norovirus genogroup II and two for hepatitis A virus. None of these positive mussels was found to be contaminated with more than one virus at the same time. Conclusion: This study showed that there was not a direct correlation between the presence of human pathogenic viruses and bacterial indicators. Significance and Impact of the Study: Both E. coli and Adenovirus cannot be considered valid substitutes for the direct research of human pathogenic viruses in mussels. To improve consumer health protection, the European Commission will provide standardized methods for Norovirus and hepatitis A virus detection as soon as possible

Silver(I) coordination polymers based on nitrile-functionalized mixed-donor ligands of different flexibility

The nitrile-functionalized derivatives of 2,8-dithia-5-aza-2,6-pyridinophane ([12]anePyNS2)(Py = Pyridine), 1-aza-4,7,10-trithiacyclododecane ([12]aneNS3), and N,N’-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-propylenediamine (Pypn), referred to as L10, L11 and L12, respectively, have been prepared. Following the reaction of these ligands with silver(I) salts, the three coordination polymers (CPs) {[Ag(L10)](BF4)}∞, {[Ag(L11)](BF4)∙1⁄2MeCN}∞, and {[Ag(L12)](NO3)}∞, have been isolated and structurally characterized. The structural features of the three CPs depends more on the nature of the un-functionalized ligands rather than on the presence of the nitrile groups. A comparative analysis of the structures of the three CPs is performed in relation to the structures of polymeric silver(I) compounds obtained with nitrile-functionalized pendant arms of related aza- and mixed donor macrocyclic ligands (L1–L9) reported in the literature