Interaction of glycine with cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants at different temperatures: a volumetric, viscometric, refractive index, conductometric, and fluorescence probe study

A number of thermodynamic parameters viz. apparent molar volumes, ϕ _v , partial molar volumes, , transfer volumes, , Falkenhagen coefficients, A, Jones–Dole coefficients, B, free energies per mole of solute, , and per mole of solvent, , molar refraction, R _D , and limiting molar conductivity, , have been calculated by using the experimentally measured densities, ρ, viscosities, η, refractive indices, n _D , and specific conductivities, κ, data of glycine (0.02–0.10 m) in 0.01 m aqueous sodium dodecyl sulphate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and triton X-100 (TX-100) solutions at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K. The above calculated parameters were found to be sensitive towards the interactions prevailing in the studied amino acid–surfactant–water systems. Moreover, fluorescence study using pyrene as a photophysical probe has also been carried out, the results of which support the conclusions obtained from other techniques.     

Binding of nontarget microorganisms from food washes to anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella</Emphasis> and anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis> O157 immunomagnetic beads: minimizing the errors of random sampling in extreme dilute systems

For most applications, 3–5 observations, or samplings (n), are utilized to estimate total aerobic plate count in an average population (μ) that is greater than about 50 cells, or colony forming units (CFU), per sampled volume. We have chosen to utilize a 6 × 6 drop plate method for bacterial colony selection because it offers the means to rapidly perform all requisite dilutions in a 96-well format and plate these dilutions on solid media using minimal materials. Besides traditional quantitative purposes, we also need to select colonies which are well-separated from each other for the purpose of bacterial identification. To achieve this goal using the drop plate format requires the utilization of very dilute solutions (μ < 10 CFUs per sampled drop). At such low CFU densities the sampling error becomes problematic. To address this issue we produced both observed and computer-generated colony count data and divided a large sample of individual counts randomly into N subsamples each with n = 2–24 observations (N × n = 360). From these data we calculated the average total mean-normalized (, n = 360) deviation of the total standard deviation (s _tot) from each jth subsample’s estimate (s _j ), which we call Δ. When either observed or computer-generated Δ values were analyzed as a function of , a set of relationships () were generated which appeared to converge at an n of about 18 observations. This finding was verified analytically at even lower CFU concentrations (). Additional experiments using the drop plate format and n = 18 samplings were performed on food samples along with most probable number (MPN) analyses and it was found that the two enumeration methods did not differ significantly. Any reference to a particular brand or company name does not constitute an endorsement of it by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other similar brands or companies that are not mentioned.     

Strong effect of NaBr on self-assembly of quaternary ammonium gemini surfactants at air/water interface and in aqueous solution studied by surface tension and fluorescence techniques

The effects of NaBr on the adsorption of alkanediyl-bis-(dimethyl dodecyl- ammonium bromide) (referred to as C₁₂-s-C₁₂ 2Br) at the air/water interface and on the micellization in the solution have been investigated by surface tension and fluorescence techniques. The results showed that the addition of NaBr greatly enhances their efficiency and effectiveness in surface tension reduction as well as the ability of micellization, even induces strong premicellar aggregation before the cmc. These were attributed to the unique molecular structure of gemini surfactant, where the flexible polymethylene chain was the spacer linking the two quaternary ammonium heads. By a short spacer, the charges of the two quaternary ammonium head groups are concentrated. Even for a long spacer (s = 12), since it is bent toward the alkyl tails, the similar effect is also produced. This results in the high sensitivity of their ionic head groups to salt. Besides, the addition of salt also effectively promotes the hydrophobic interaction between the alkyl tails of gemini surfactants. The addition of NaBr strongly promotes the adsorption of quaternary ammonium gemini surfactants C₁₂-s-C₁₂ 2Br at the air/water interface and the micellization in the solution.     

Behavior of (La,Sr)CoO3- and La2NiO4-based ceramic anodes in alkaline media: compositional and microstructural factors

The behavior of dense ceramic anodes made of perovskite-type (x = 0.30–0.70; y = 0–0.05; z = 0–0.20) and K₂NiF₄-type (Me = Co, Cu; x = 0–0.20) indicates significant influence of metal hydroxide formation at the electrode surface on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics in alkaline solutions. The overpotential of cobaltite electrodes was found to decrease with time, while cyclic voltammetry shows the appearance of redox peaks characteristic of Co(OH)₂/CoOOH. This is accompanied with increasing effective capacitance estimated from the impedance spectroscopy data, because of roughening of the ceramic surface. The steady-state polarization curves of in the OER range, including the Tafel slope, are very similar to those of model Co(OH)₂–La(OH)₃ composite films where the introduction of lanthanum hydroxide leads to decreasing electrochemical activity. La₂NiO₄-based anodes exhibit a low electrochemical performance and poor stability. The effects of oxygen nonstoichiometry of the perovskite-related phases are rather negligible at high overpotentials but become significant when the polarization decreases, a result of increasing role of oxygen intercalation processes. The maximum electrocatalytic activity to OER was observed for A-site-deficient , where the lanthanum content is relatively low and the Co⁴⁺ concentration determined by thermogravimetric analysis is highest compared to other cobaltites. Applying microporous layers made of template-synthesized nanocrystalline leads to an improved anode performance, although the effects of microstructure and thickness are modest, suggesting a narrow electrochemical reaction zone. Further enhancement of the OER kinetics can be achieved by electrodeposition of cobalt hydroxide- and nickel hydroxide-based films. Dedicated to Professor Dr. Yakov I. Tur’yan on the occasion of his 85th birthday.     

Adsorption and thermodynamic properties of dissymmetric gemini imidazolium surfactants with different spacer length

A series of dissymmetric gemini imidazolium surfactants with different spacer length ([C_mC_sC_nim]Br₂, m + n = 24, m = 12, 14, 16, 18; s = 2, 4, 6) were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy. Their adsorption and thermodynamic properties were investigated by the surface tension and electrical conductivity methods. Consequently, the surface activity parameters (cmc, γ_cmc, π_cmc, pC₂₀, cmc/C₂₀, Γ_max, A_min) and thermodynamic parameters (ΔG_m^θ, ΔH_m^θ, ΔS_m^θ) were obtained. The effects of the dissymmetry (m/n) and the spacer length (s) on the surface activity and micellization process of surfactants have been discussed in detail.     

Electrochemical influence of the nature and composition of halides on Al-12Si

The aluminium alloy Al-12Si has been polarized by potentiodynamic method at 25 °C under magnetic stirring and in an aerated solution. Its electrochemical behaviour was tested first by varying the concentration of NaI or NaCl (10⁻⁴, 10⁻³, 10⁻²) added respectively to NaCl or NaI (10⁻³ M), and the pH of NaCl 10⁻³ M (pH = 2.3, 7.3, 10) when adding HCl or NaOH (i.e. the composition of the solution), then by incorporating different ions familiar to an industrial atmosphere (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, , , ) at 10⁻⁶ M to NaCl 10⁻³ M (i.e. the electrolyte nature). The use of the electrokinetic curves obtained allowed the access to the passivation (i _pass , E _rup and E _rep ) and to the electrokinetic parameters (i _corr , R _p and P). They prove the behaviour dependence of the above alloy on the composition and nature of the electrolyte.     

On the interaction between mercury(II) salts and 3-methylpyrazoline-5-one. The first crystal structure of a cyclic organomercuric compound with a dimercurated methylenic carbon atom

Synthesis and characterization of two types of novel organomercury derivatives of 3-methylpyrazoline-5-one (MepzH₂-one), (XHg)₂(MepzH-one) (X = Cl⁻, Br⁻) and Hg(MepzH-one)₂ are described. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR data revealed existence of dimercurated compounds in the dimethylsulfoxide-d ₆ solution. NMR spectra confirmed that the mercuration took place at the C-4 atom of the pyrazole ring. X-ray crystal structure analysis of 4,4-bis(chloromercurio)-3-methylpyrazoline-5-one revealed almost linear coordination of both mercury atoms [Hg–C 2.099(6) and 2.104(5) ; Hg–Cl 2.330(2) and 2.338(2) ; C–Hg–Cl 171.1(2) and 174.4(2)°]. The slight deviation from linearity is caused by contacts with nitrogen or oxygen atoms from the neighbouring molecule [HgN 2.768(5) and HgO 2.748(5) ]. The molecules are interconnected by hydrogen bonds N–HCl of 3.286(5) .     

Simultaneous determination of harpagoside and cinnamic acid in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography: application to a pharmacokinetic study

Radix Scrophulariae (Xuanshen) is one of the famous Chinese herbal medicines widely used to treat rheumatism, tussis, pharyngalgia, arthritis, constipation, and conjunctival congestion. Harpagoside and cinnamic acid are the main bioactive components of Xuanshen. The purpose of this study was to develop an HPLC–UV method for simultaneous determination of harpagoside and cinnamic acid in rat plasma and investigate pharmacokinetic parameters of harpagoside and cinnamic acid after oral administration of Xuanshen extract (760 mg kg⁻¹). After addition of syringin as internal standard, the analytes were isolated from plasma by liquid–liquid extraction. Separation was achieved on a Kromasil C₁₈ column, and detection was by UV absorption at 272 nm. The described assay was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and limit of quantification according to the FDA validation guidelines. Calibration curves for both analytes were linear with the coefficient of variation (r) for both was greater than 0.999. Accuracy for harpagoside and cinnamic acid ranged from 100.7–103.5% and 96.9–102.9%, respectively, and precision for both analytes were less than 8.5%. The main pharmacokinetic parameters found for harpagoside and cinnamic acid after oral infusion of Xuanshen extract were as follows: C _max 1488.7 ± 205.9 and 556.8 ± 94.2 ng mL⁻¹, T _max 2.09 ± 0.31 and (1.48 ± 0.14 h, AUC_0–24 10336.4 ± 1426.8 and 3653.1 ± 456.4 ng h mL⁻¹, 11276.8 ± 1321.4 and 3704.5 ± 398.8 ng h mL⁻¹, and t _1/2 4.9 ± 1.3 and 2.5 ± 0.9 h, respectively. These results indicated that the proposed method is simple, selective, and feasible for pharmacokinetic study of Radix Scrophulariae extract in rats. Figure Radix Scrophulariae     

Crystal structures of the dinitrate-bis-(acetylenedicarboxylate) and acetylenedicarboxylate pseudorotaxane complexes of [24-pyrimidinium crown 6]

The reaction of [24-Pyrim C6][ $ {\text{NO}}_{{\text{3}}} The reaction of [24-Pyrim C6][ ]₆ · 8H₂O with the monopotassium salt of acetylenedicarboxylic acid yielded single crystals of [24-Pyrim C6][C₄O₄]₂[]₂ · 7H₂O, (1). The compound crystallized in the triclinic space group P, with a = 9.731(8) ?, b = 10.953(9) ?, c = 14.270(14) ?, α = 108.06(7)°, β = 94.86(7)°, γ = 99.01(7)°, Z = 1, R = 0.0737, R′ = 0.1024, and 3709 independent reflections. The reaction of [24-Pyrim C6]Cl₆ with the monopotassium salt of acetylenedicarboxylic acid gives single crystals of the inclusion complex {[24-Pyrim C6][C₄O₄]₂} · []_0.92Cl_0.17[H₂C₄O₄]_0.16 · 10H₂O, (2). The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P, with a = 13.543(3) ?, b = 14.354(8) ?, c = 17.484(8) ?, α = 74.35(4)°, β = 79.12(3)°, γ = 69.77(3)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0976, R′ = 0.2662, and 5655 independent reflections with. Strength of binding and size of the nitrate and chloride counter ions in the reacting species determines the mode of acetylenedicarboxylate binding to the cation upon crystallization.     

Unicyclic Graphs Possessing Kekulé Structures with Minimal Energy

Unicyclic graphs possessing Kekulé structures with minimal energy are considered. Let n and l be the numbers of vertices of graph and cycle C _l contained in the graph, respectively; r and j positive integers. It is mathematically verified that for and l = 2r + 1 or has the minimal energy in the graphs exclusive of , where is a graph obtained by attaching one pendant edge to each of any two adjacent vertices of C ₄ and then by attaching n/2 − 3 paths of length 2 to one of the two vertices; is a graph obtained by attaching one pendant edge and n/2 − 2 paths of length 2 to one vertex of C ₃. In addition, we claim that for has the minimal energy among all the graphs considered while for has the minimal energy.      

Understanding the chemical reactivity of phenylhalocarbene systems: an analysis based on the spin-polarized density functional theory

Global and local indices based on the spin-polarized density functional theory (SP-DFT) have been used to rationalize the philicity power and spin polarization pattern of a family of singlet substituted phenylhalocarbenes, (pYPhXC, Y = –NO₂ , –CN, –CHO, –F, –H, –CH₃ , –OH, –OCH₃ , –NH₂ ; X = –F, –Cl, –Br). The local reactivity may be traced out by the simple condensed-to-atoms model for the SP-DFT Fukui functions, namely and . For the addition of some singlet phenylhalocarbenes on tetramethylethylene a linear correlation among the global and local electrophilicity index , and the observed rate constants were found. This result supports a mechanistic model where the carbene adds to the olefin in a single step that is controlled by the carbene electrophilicity. These results emphasize the usefulness of general SP-DFT philicities in the rationalization of chemical reactivity at initial stages of reactions that could involve both charge transfer and spin polarization processes.     

Thermal analysis of PVA/CNTs 2D membrane

The power–time curves of micellar formation of two anionic surfactants, sodium laurate (SLA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), in N,N-dimethyl acetamide (DMA) in the presence of various long-chain alcohols (1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol and 1-decanol) were measured by titration microcalorimetry at 298 K. The critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of SLA and SDS under various conditions at 298 K were obtained based on the power–time curves. Thermodynamic parameters (, and ) for micellar systems at 298 K were evaluated according to the power–time curves and the mass action model. The influences of the number of carbon-atom and the concentration of alcohol were investigated. Moreover, combined the thermodynamic parameters at 303, 308 and 313 K in our previous work and those of 298 K in the present work for SLA and SDS in DMA in the presence of long-chain alcohols, an enthalpy–entropy compensation effect was observed. The values of the enthalpy of micellization calculated by direct and indirect methods were made a comparison.     

Recurrence and Differential Relations for Spherical Spinors

We present a comprehensive table of recurrence and differential relations obeyed by spin one-half spherical spinors (spinor spherical harmonics) Ω_{κ μ}(n) used in relativistic atomic, molecular, and solid state physics, as well as in relativistic quantum chemistry. First, we list finite expansions in the spherical spinor basis of the expressions A·B Ω_κμ(n) and A·(B×C) Ω_κμ(n), where A, B, and C are either of the following vectors or vector operators: n=r/r (the radial unit vector), e ₀, e _±1 (the spherical, or cyclic, versors), (the 2×2 Pauli matrix vector), (the dimensionless orbital angular momentum operator; I is the 2×2 unit matrix), (the dimensionless total angular momentum operator). Then, we list finite expansions in the spherical spinor basis of the expressions A·B F(r)Ω_κμ(n) and A·(B×C) F(r)Ω_κμ(n), where at least one of the objects A, B, C is the nabla operator , while the remaining ones are chosen from the set .     

Micellization of monomeric and dimeric (gemini) surfactants in polar nonaqueous-water-mixed solvents

Dimeric or gemini surfactants are novel surfactants that are finding a great deal of discussion in the academic and industrial arena. They consist of two hydrophobic chains and two polar head groups covalently linked by a spacer. Data on critical micelle concentration (cmc) and degree of counterion dissociation (α) are reported on bis-cationic C₁₆H₃₃N⁺(CH₃)₂–(CH₂)_s–N⁺(CH₃)₂C₁₆H₃₃, 2Br⁻, referred to as 16-s-16, for spacer lengths s=4, 5, 6 in aqueous and in polar nonaqueous (1-propanol, 2-methoxyethanol or methyl cellosolve, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile)-water-mixed solvents. The behavior is compared with conventional monomeric surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Thermodynamic parameters are obtained from the temperature dependence of the cmc values. It is observed that micellization tendency of the surfactants decreases in the presence of polar nonaqueous solvents. However, detailed studies with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) show that the geminis nearly outclass the micellization-arresting property of this solvent. Also, within geminis, higher spacer length is found suitable for showing micellization even with high DMSO content (50% v/v). The implications of these results of gemini micellization may be useful in micellar catalysis in polar nonaqueous solvents.     

On the special values of monic polynomials of hypergeometric type

Special values of monic polynomials y _n (s), with leading coefficients of unity, satisfying the equation of hypergeometric type

Pd(PBu 3 t ) Adducts of Os3(CO)12. Synthesis and Structures of Pd2Os3(CO)12(PBu 3 t )2 and Pd3Os3(CO)12 (PBu 3 t )3

Two new compounds Pd₂Os₃(CO)₁₂ , 13 and Pd₃Os₃(CO)₁₂ , 14 have been obtained from the reaction of with Os₃(CO)₁₂ at room temperature. The products were formed by the addition of two and three groups to the Os–Os bonds of Os₃(CO)₁₂. Compounds 13 and 14 interconvert between themselves by intermolecular exchange of the groups in solution. Compounds 13 and 14 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.Dedicated to Professor Brian F. G. Johnson on the occasion of his retirement – 2005.     

The effects of preparation temperature on the main electrical parameters of Al/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/p-Si (MIS) structures by using sol–gel method

In this study, the forward bias current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics of the Al/TiO₂/p-Si (MIS) structures derived using the sol–gel method have been investigated and compared at various preparation temperatures. Experimental results show that the preparation temperatures strongly affect the electrical characteristics, such as ideality factor (n), zero-bias barrier height (), series resistance (R _s ) and interface states (N _ss ). The MIS structures show non-ideal behavior of I–V characteristics with an n varying between 2.17 and 4.61. We have found that the and R _s increase as the n decrease with increasing preparation temperature. The energy distribution profile of N _ss of the Al/TiO₂/p-Si (MIS) structures was obtained from the forward bias I–V characteristics by taking into account both the bias dependence of the effective barrier height () and R _s for various preparation temperatures. The values of N _ss increase from the midgap towards the top of valance band for various preparation temperatures.     

Visualization technique for uncertainty budgets: Onion charts

A concise graphical depiction, the “onion” chart, is described for presenting uncertainty budgets for any measurand, y, having a set of component variances, . The onion chart consists of a concentric series of rings. Each ring is constructed from the set of fractional contributions, . The outer ring includes all and depicts the combined standard uncertainty, u _c (y), where u _c ²(y) ≡ ∑u _i ²(y). Moving inward, each successive ring deletes the largest remaining . A “reduced” is calculated for that ring from the remaining set of , with the fractional contributions calculated using the “reduced” . This format facilitates rapid visual comparison of the importance of each component, with minor components becoming visible as the larger components are successively deleted. An example is presented using data from pH metrology, including the physical interpretation of the resulting diagram.     

New hexamethine–hemicyanine dyes for the development of integrated optochemical sensors

New far-visible absorbing anilino-cyanine dyes have been synthesised for future application as chromoionophores in integrated waveguide absorbance optodes based on bulk optodes. The effect of the heterocycle, of the substitution of the heterocyclic nitrogen and of the type of heptamethine central ring on the pK _a values (4.3–8.2 in ethanol–water solutions and 9.5–11.0 in plasticised PVC membranes), on the spectroscopic characteristics of the dye and on photostability is discussed. pH-selective bulk optodes have been formulated as a first approach to develop ion-selective optodes, and sensitivity, repeatability, lifetime and response time have been determined. The dyes show good analytical behaviour for use as chromoionophores for the development of ion-selective optodes. Reversible (80–87%), fast (tr_90% = 0.94–2.28 min) and pH-sensitive membranes (slopes of 0.09–0.23 ΔAbs·pHdec^–1, absorbance range 0.19–0.53) have been obtained. Moreover, they exhibit good spectroscopic features for employment with integrated optochemical sensors: absorption maxima of the acidic species in plasticised PVC membranes matched those of 650–670-nm LEDs, high molar absorption coefficients ( L mol^–1 cm^–1 and L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and fluorescence. Absorption spectra of the acidic and basic structures of one of the synthesised chromoionophores at different pKa values. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized users.