High resolution Raman microscopy and imaging to propose a jarosite formation process in the MIL 090030 Martian Meteorite.

Jarosite is an iron sulphate that has been found in different Martian meteorites as well as on the Martian surface. In most of the cases, this mineral was detected related to olivine grains. In this work the Miller Range 090,030 Martian Nakhlite (MIL 090030) has been analysed by high resolution Raman microscopy and imaging in areas where jarosite was present.

Geochemical characterization of the Martian analogues Enekuri and Fruiz, located in the Basque-Cantabrian Basin, by spectroscopic techniques.

This work presents the geochemical characterization of two Martian analogues located in the Basque-Cantabrian Basin: Enekuri and Fruiz. In contrast to previous works carried out on the coastline analogues Meñakoz and Armintza (Biscay, Spain), these new outcrops are not in contact with sea-water nowadays. Hence, the weathering processes observed in Enekuri and Fruiz (inland) are different from those observed in Armintza and Meñakoz (coastline).

Multi-analytical characterization of an oncoid from a high altitude hypersaline lake using techniques employed in the Mars2020 and Rosalind Franklin missions on Mars.

In this work, a geological sample of great astrobiological interest was studied through analytical techniques that are currently operating in situ on Mars and others that will operate in the near future. The sample analyzed consisted of an oncoid, which is a type of microbialite, collected in the Salar Carachi Pampa, Argentina. The main peculiarity of microbialites is that they are organo-sedimentary deposits formed by the in situ fixation and precipitation of calcium carbonate due to the growth and metabolic activities of microorganisms.

Reviewing in situ analytical techniques used to research Martian geochemistry: From the Viking Project to the MMX future mission.

The study of space has always been a field of great interest and thus space missions are becoming more and more ambitious with time. Therefore, with the 50th anniversary of the first spacecraft to land on Mars, a review about how traditional analytical techniques have been adapted to the era of in situ space exploration is presented. From the Viking Project to the future MMX mission, the techniques used for the in situ study of the geochemistry of the Martian surface is described.

Interrelationships in the Gypsum-Syngenite-Görgeyite System and Their Possible Formation on Mars.

Calcium sulfates are known to be potential reservoirs of organic compounds and have been detected on Mars. However, not all data that indicate the presence of sulfates collected by the Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) and Curiosity rover can be explained by the different calcium sulfate polymorphs, and therefore, mixtures of calcium sulfates with other single sulfates must be considered. In addition, the presence of mixed calcium sulfates supports the data and indicates that the molar ratio of sulfate/calcium is >1.

Kinetic Analysis of the Thermal Decomposition of Iron(III) Phosphates: Fe(NH)PO and Fe(ND)PO.

The hydrothermal synthesis and both the chemical and structural characterization of a diamin iron phosphate are reported. A new synthetic route, by using -butylammonium dihydrogen phosphate as a precursor, leads to the largest crystals described thus far for this compound. Its crystal structure is determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data.

Soybean fungal soil-borne diseases: a parameter for measuring the effect of agricultural intensification on soil health.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of agricultural intensification on soil microbial diversity, chemical and physical parameters, and the decrease of the incidence of sudden death syndrome (Fusarium crassistipitatum) and charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) in soybean. Soils under different management systems were evaluated during 2 crop cycles: soybean monoculture for 24 and 11 years, soybean-maize rotation for 15 and 4 years, 1 year of soybean, and native vegetation. The incidence of both soil-borne diseases was higher under monoculture than under rotation.

Rapid capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of metal cations in beverages.

A rapid and reliable capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of inorganic cations was developed. The complete separation of K(+), Ba(2+), Ca(2+), Na(+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Ni(2+), Cd(2+), Li(+) and Cu(2+) can be achieved in 4min with a simple electrolyte composed by 10mM imidazole as the carrier buffer and background absorbance provider and acetic acid as the complexing agent (pH 3.60).

Cathepsin L inhibitor I blocks mitotic chromosomes decondensation during cleavage cell cycles of sea urchin embryos.

We have previously reported that sperm histones (SpH) degradation after fertilization is catalyzed by a cystein-protease (SpH-protease). Its inhibition blocks the degradation of SpH in vivo and also aborts sea urchin development at the initial embryonic cell cycles. It remains unknown if this effect is a consequence of the persistence of SpH on zygotic chromatin, or if this protease is involved per-se in the progression of the embryonic cell cycles.

Evolution of hydroxymethylfurfural content of honeys from different climates: influence of induced granulation.

Knowing the 'best-before period once opened' is of paramount importance for consumers, because it gives information about how long a given food keeps its quality. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content is related to honey's aging and heating. We researched the evolution of HMF of 60 unheated honeys originating from continental and oceanic climate areas, recording the moment at which the HMF increase begins to speed up.

Capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of inorganic anions and formic acid in honey.

A capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of inorganic anions and formic acid in honey samples was developed for the first time. The complete separation of chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, and formic acid was achieved with a simple electrolyte composed by 2 mM potassium dichromate as the carrier solution and background absorbance provider and 0.05 mM tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as electro-osmotic flow suppressor (pH 4.

Rapid determination of nonaromatic organic acids in honey by capillary zone electrophoresis with direct ultraviolet detection.

A rapid capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method with direct ultraviolet (UV) detection has been set up and developed to determine the most important nonaromatic organic acids in honey with a really simple treatment of the sample. The determination of oxalic, formic, malic, succinic, pyruvic, acetic, lactic, citric, and gluconic acids has been carried out in 4 min. The electrolyte composition was phosphate as the carrier buffer (7.

Capillary zone electrophoresis method for the simultaneous determination of cations in honey.

A capillary electrophoresis system for the simultaneous determination of cations in honey samples has been developed. The complete separation and quantification of K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Li+, which represent more than 99% of the total content of cations in honey, can be achieved in 4 min with only a dilution and filtration of the honey sample. Electrolyte solution was composed by 10 mM imidazole as the carrier buffer and background absorbance provider and acetic acid as the complexing agent (pH 3.

Precise method for the measurement of catalase activity in honey.

An improved method is reported for the determination of catalase activity in honey. We tested different dialysis membranes, dialysis fluid compositions and amounts, dialysis temperatures, sample amounts, and dialysis times. The best results were obtained by dialysis of 7.

Significance of nonaromatic organic acids in honey.

Although organic acids represent < 0.5% of honey's constituents, they make important contributions to the organoleptic, physical, and chemical properties of honey. To date, approximately 30 nonaromatic organic acids have been identified in honey, but relatively little attention has been paid to these components.

Rapid determination of minority organic acids in honey by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of organic acids in honey is reported. Malic, maleic, citric, succinic and fumaric acids were identified and quantified in 15 min. First time repeatibility, reproducibility and recoveries were determined out for these acids in honey samples.

Solid-phase extraction procedure to remove organic acids from honey.

A solid-phase extraction procedure was applied to remove organic acids from honey. Malic, maleic, citric, succinic and fumaric acids were isolated with an anion-exchange cartridge. The different parameters which affected the extraction procedure were studied and optimised to establish the optimal conditions for maximum recovery of organic acids and minimum extraction of interferences.

Determination of polarimetric parameters of honey by near-infrared transflectance spectroscopy.

NIR transflectance spectroscopy was used to determine polarimetric parameters (direct polarization, polarization after inversion, specific rotation in dry matter, and polarization due to nonmonosaccharides) and sucrose in honey. In total, 156 honey samples were collected during 1992 (45 samples), 1995 (56 samples), and 1996 (55 samples). Samples were analyzed by NIR spectroscopy and polarimetric methods.

Evolution of invertase activity in honey over two years.

Invertase activity is a good parameter for evaluating honey freshness. Invertase activity evolution was determined on 57 fresh, unheated, commercially purchased Galician (northwestern Spain) floral honey samples. All honeys were stored in darkness at room temperature for up 24 months and analyzed each 6 months so as to determine the invertase activity evolution tendency for the first time.

Enzymatic Determination of Citric Acid in Honey by Using Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone Clarification.

To characterize honey types, a citric acid determination may be useful. A citric acid determination on honey was carried out with previous polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) clarification followed by the Boehringer-Mannheim GmbH enzymatic test. The sample solution was prepared from 2 g of honey in 100 mL of Milli-Q water.

Major components of honey analysis by near-infrared transflectance spectroscopy.

NIR transflectance spectroscopy was used to analyze fructose, glucose, and moisture in honey. A total of 161 honey samples were collected during 1992 (46), 1995 (58), and 1996 (57). Samples were analyzed by instrumental, enzymatic (fructose and glucose), and refractometric (moisture) methods.

Acaricide residues in honeys from Galicia (N.W. Spain).

Honey samples (101) from Galicia (N.W. Spain) were analyzed by gas chromatography (electron capture and flame ionization) for the presence of acaricides (amitraz, bromopropylate, coumaphos, and fluvalinate).

Nonacaricide Pesticide Residues in Honey: Analytical Methods and Levels Found.

A bibliographic review on honey pollution with pesticides is presented. This paper reviews the methods set up for determining pesticide residues in honey samples as well as the pesticide residue levels found in European countries.

Acaricide Residues in Honey: Analytical Methods and Levels Found.

A bibliographic review on the pollution of honey with acaricides is presented. This paper reviews methods for determining amitraz, bromopropylate, coumaphos, cymiazole, fluvalinate, malathion and phenothiazine residues in honey samples, as well as multiresidue methods. Acaricide residue levels found in European countries are also reviewed.