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The story of liquid sponges - sometimes called porous liquids - begins in 2007 when chemist Stuart James began working at Queen's University Belfast in the UK. There could be another kind of porous liquid, a type 2, reasoned James, comprising a cage-like molecule dissolved in a solvent. But in a liquid, those molecules are tumbling all over the place, so designing the structure of a liquid to be sponge-like sounds preposterous. Jarad Mason at Harvard University was also intrigued by porous liquids, but noticed that they were nearly all based on organic solvents - that is, solvents made of carbon-based molecules. [Extracted from the article]

Organic solvents, such as methanol (MeOH) and ethanol (EtOH), are commonly used to extract and preserve steroids from animal excreta (feces, urine). As a result, the target substances are often in the solvent when they are subsequently analyzed using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). We examined steroid extraction from the feces of forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii; collected in Sichuan Province, China, during 2017) using different concentrations of MeOH or EtOH (60%, 80%, 90%, or 100%). We also tested the effects of EtOH solvent on the accuracy of the EIA used to determine steroid concentration. Our results show that 100% MeOH and 90% EtOH resulted in the extraction of greater cortisol content from the feces of female forest musk deer compared with 90% MeOH and 100% EtOH (P < 0.05). Greater estradiol content was extracted with 100% and 90% EtOH compared with other EtOH concentrations or MeOH. The largest testosterone amount was extracted using 90% EtOH. In our evaluation of the effects of EtOH concentration on the accuracy of the EIA test, we found that inaccurate results appeared when the sample EtOH concentration was >7%. © 2020 The Wildlife Society. Noninvasive (feces, urine, etc.) methods to monitor the physiological state of animals are important, and both steroid hormone extraction and sample analysis are important components of this process, so it is important to choose suitable solvents for different target species. According to the results of this research, if ethanol is used as a solvent for the extraction of steroid hormones, the ethanol concentration should be diluted below 7% when using EIA, otherwise, ethanol may affect the results and lead to erroneous conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was recently reported that thermosetting polymers can be fully dissolved in a proper organic solvent utilizing a bond-exchange reaction (BER), where small molecules diffuse into the polymer, break the long polymer chains into short segments, and eventually dissolve the network when sufficient solvent is provided. The solvent-assisted dissolution approach was applied to fully recycle thermosets and their fiber composites. This paper presents the first multi-scale modeling framework to predict the dissolution kinetics and mechanics of thermosets in organic solvent. The model connects the micro-scale network dynamics with macro-scale material properties: in the micro-scale, a model is developed based on the kinetics of BERs to describe the cleavage rate of polymer chains and evolution of chain segment length during the dissolution. The micro-scale model is then fed into a continuum-level model with considerations of the transportation of solvent molecules and chain segments in the system. The model shows good prediction on conversion rate of functional groups, degradation of network mechanical properties, and dissolution rate of thermosets during the dissolution. It identifies the underlying kinetic factors governing the dissolution process, and reveals the influence of different material and processing variables on the dissolution process, such as time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and chain length between cross-links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molluscicidal activity of E. CAUDUCIFOLIA L. latex, extracted in various organic solvents, was tested against BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA snails, using Bayluscide as a control. The ethyl acetate extract was found to be the most active and in bioassay guided HPLC fractionation yielded eight ( 1- 8) compounds. The structure and relative configuration of the isolates were established through spectroscopic (UV, IR, 1H, 13C NMR, 2D?NMR, HSQC, HMQC, HMBC, COSY-45?, TOCSY, HOHAHA, HOESY, ROESY, NOESY, SECSY, and NOE) techniques and mass measurements. These were named as: 13-acetoxy-20- O-angeloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 1), 13- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-acetoxy-12-deoxyphorbol ( 2), 13,20- O-dibezoyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 3), 13,20- O-diangeloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 4), 13- O-angeloyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 5), 13- O-tigloyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 6), 13- O-benzoyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 7), and 13- O-hexanoyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 8). The literature reveals that all of the isolates were new natural metabolites and active against mollusks. Compounds 1 and 2, which were esterified at C-13 with acetoxy or N-(2-aminobenzoyl) anthraniloyloxy, showed twice the activity of the control while others ( 3- 8) were equipotent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information related to impact of industrial or ototoxic chemicals on hearing. It mentions organic solvents that could be a risk of hearing loss including benzene-based and aliphatic hydrocarbons and organic compounds. It discusses several guides from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for companies to protect their employees against risk of hearing loss.

ALPINIA GALANGA, or galangal, has been a popular condiment used in Thai and Asian cuisine for many years. However, relatively little is known of the potential beneficial or adverse health effects of this spice. This study was conducted to analyze the capacity of galangal extract to induce cytotoxicity and DNA damage in six different human cell lines including normal and p53-inactive fibroblasts, normal epithelial and tumour mammary cells and a lung adenocarcinoma cell line. We deliberately focused on treatment with the crude aqueous extract of galangal rhizomes, rather than compounds extracted into an organic solvent, to more closely reflect the mode of dietary consumption of galangal. The cell lines displayed a broad range of cytotoxicity. There was no evidence for preferential cytotoxicity of tumour cells, but there was an indication that p53-active cell lines may be more sensitive than their p53-inactive counterparts. The contribution of apoptosis to total cell killing was only appreciable after exposure to 300 ?g/mL of extract. Apoptosis appeared to be independent of p53 expression. Exposure to as little as 100 ?g/mL galangal extract generated a significant level of DNA single-strand breaks as judged by the single-cell gel electrophoresis technique (comet assay). The three major UV-absorbing compounds in the aqueous extract were identified by mass spectrometry as 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate and its deacetylated derivatives. However, when tested in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells, these compounds were not responsible for the cytotoxicity induced by the complete aqueous extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with non-Fickian mass transport through polymeric membranes. The process is described via continuum mechanics. We introduced an appropriate function relating the stress to concentration and time, such that the model predicts a realistic stress distribution at equilibrium also. The effect of different dimensionless groups is illustrated and quantitative agreement with experimental data is shown for transport of organic solvents through PVC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents information on a method for gilding silver with the use of organic sols. Methods that are also used for gilding silver surfaces; Technique that employs a colloidal suspension of gold in a volatile organic solvent; Factors that affect the appearance of deposits.

Reviews some illustrative examples of studies of neurobehavioral effects on humans of experimental and long-term organic-solvent exposure. History of research on solvents; Questions asked in experimental, field and cross-sectional studies; Methodological problems encountered in the studies; Reasons for the relative success of the study by some research teams in Scandinavia.

This section presents abstracts of various articles related to occupational health, including "Respiratory effects in the aftermath of a major fire in a chemical waste depot," by F. Greven and colleagues, "Parental occupational exposure to organic solvents and the risk of anencephaly in Mexico," by C. Aguilar-Gardu&ntile;o, and colleagues, and "Occupational physical activities, working hours and outcome of pregnancy: findings from the Southampton Women's Survey," by M. Bonzini and colleagues.

The article focuses on the development of a new material for protecting soldiers, aircrafts and spacecrafts in the U.S. The material was created by researchers at the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. The material can be used to prepare lightweight armor for soldiers. The researchers used a light-sensitive epoxy resin mixed with an organic solvent for preparing the material.

Suggests that exotic liquids that behave like molten crystals could reduce the quantity of noxious organic solvents used in industry. The problem that most organic solvents are toxic and flammable, and evaporate easily to create noxious smogs; Mention of the research of Robin Rogers et al.

Reports on the effects of organic solvents that can linger up to 24 hours after a room is sprayed with insecticide.

Presents tips on how to cut the risks from exposure to the organic solvents in household products. Hazards in the inhalation of products' fumes; Findings on the effect of exposure to organic solvents; Analysis of the chemical content of consumer products' vapors; Information on labels. INSET: Solvent lookout (profiles of organic solvents)..

The article describes the work of East Carolina University chemistry professor Yu "Frank" Yang with product manufacturer Procter & Gamble (P&G) that will reduce the toxic organic solvents in everyday consumer goods. It says that Yang is developing ways of quality control tests that are environmentally friendly in terms of chemical analysis of food, drink, health and beauty products. It adds that P&G is funding Yang's research on the industrial application of subcritical water chromatography.

The article focuses on a study conducted by Alan Bond and colleagues which examined the non-additivity of Faradaic and capacitance currents in ionic liquids (ILs). They found that when ferrocene (FC) and cobaltocenium cation were both present in the ILs, the diffusion coefficients calculated for the mixtures were larger than those determined individually in the ILs, unlike in aqueous or organic solvent.

The article describes a nanovalve that was developed by a team of researchers headed by J. Fraser Stoddart and Jeffrey I. Zink at the University of California-Los Angeles to deliver targeted drugs. In contrast to prior versions, which only function in organic solvents, this valve operates in an aqueous environment and under physiological conditions--prerequisites for any application as a gate for nanoscopic drug-transport agents, which need to set their cargo free at the right place and time.

The article evaluates MV Products Inc.'s Multi-Trap Vacuum Inlet Trap that combines several trapping methods into a single compact unit to condense, absorb and neutralize process byproducts from applications that produce volatiles, acids and organic solvents.

The article ebaluates the new SPE product line for the effective removal of metal species from organic solutions launched by Polymer Laboratories and offers information on its effectiveness in removing charged and uncharged metal species from organic solvents and analytical mixtures and its compatibility.

Reports on the results of the research conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario revealing that female workers exposed to certain organic solvents while on the job are 13 times more likely to give birth to a baby with major defects. Other dangers posed by the solvents; Sources of the solvents.

Reports on research findings from Motherisk, a program through the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, involving pregnant women exposed to organic solvents during pregnancy. Full report in the March 23-31, 1999 `Journal of the American Medical Association'; What the solvents include; Findings that exposed women are more likely to have a deformed baby than unexposed women; Results of research; Study coauthor Sohail Khattak.

Focuses on the statements made by the HVB, the German-workers compensation authority, regarding the simplification of the diagnosis of brain damage from exposure to industrial organic solvents. When the simplification is expected to begin; Symptoms which will be considered by the HVB that are associated with solvent overexposure; Comments made by Dr. Martin Butz from the HVB.

This article presents information on a study conducted by Marion F. Mecklenburg of the Smithsonian Institution's Conservation Analytical Laboratory in Suitland, Maryland which examined the process of deterioration and conservation of paintings in museums. Without intervention by art conservators, the process of decay would slowly transform museums into warehouses filled with hopelessly deteriorated objects. The healthy appearance of thousands of venerable artworks suggests the custodians of cultural heritage have successfully kept decay at bay. But appearances can mislead, warns Mecklenburg. Drawing from his experience as an art conservator, he suggests that even routine cleanings of oil paintings may hasten deterioration rather than delay it. Mecklenburg recalls unnerving occasions when paintings felt mushy during such procedures. Although mild soap solution may safely remove superficial dirt, conservators often use stronger organic solvents to remove top layers so old or discolored that they diminish a painting's aesthetic value. Most investigations by scientific conservators have focused on the chemical effects of acetone, alcohols and other organic solvents. But, Mecklenburg found that even a 5-second acetone swab on model paintings that mimic old oil paintings can produce potentially damaging stresses.