Syntheses,structural analyses,and magneto-structural correlations of three polymeric Fe(II) complexes with azide ligand

Three new metal-organic polymeric complexes, [Fe(N(3))(2)(bpp)(2)] (1), [Fe(N(3))(2)(bpe)] (2), and [Fe(N(3))(2)(phen)] (3) [bpp = (1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)-propane), bpe = (1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethane), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline], have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and low-temperature magnetic measurements in the range 300-2 K. Complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, with the following cell parameters: a = 19.355(4) A, b = 7.076(2) A, c = 22.549(4) A, beta = 119.50(3) degrees, Z = 4, and a = 10.007(14) A, b = 13.789(18) A, c = 10.377(14) A, beta = 103.50(1) degrees, Z = 4, respectively. Complex 3 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P(-)1, with a = 7.155(12) A, b = 10.066(14) A, c = 10.508(14) A, alpha = 109.57(1) degrees, beta = 104.57(1) degrees, gamma = 105.10(1) degrees, and Z = 2. All coordination polymers exhibit octahedral Fe(II) nodes. The structural determination of 1 reveals a parallel interpenetrated structure of 2D layers of (4,4) topology, formed by Fe(II) nodes linked through bpp ligands, while mono-coordinated azide anions are pendant from the corrugated sheet. Complex 2 has a 2D arrangement constructed through 1D double end-to-end azide bridged iron(II) chains interconnected through bpe ligands. Complex 3 shows a polymeric arrangement where the metal ions are interlinked through pairs of end-on and end-to-end azide ligands exhibiting a zigzag arrangement of metals (Fe-Fe-Fe angle of 111.18 degrees) and an intermetallic separation of 3.347 A (through the EO azide) and of 5.229 A (EE azide). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data suggest that there is no magnetic interaction between the metal centers in 1, whereas in 2 there is an antiferromagnetic interaction through the end-to-end azide bridge. Complex 3 shows ferro- as well as anti-ferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers generated through the alternating end-on and end-to-end azide bridges. Complex 1 has been modeled using the D parameter (considering distorted octahedral Fe(II) geometry and with any possible J value equal to zero) and complex 2 has been modeled as a one-dimensional system with classical and/or quantum spin where we have used two possible full diagonalization processes: without and with the D parameter, considering the important distortions of the Fe(II) ions. For complex 3, the alternating coupling model impedes a mathematical solution for the modeling as classical spins. With quantum spin, the modeling has been made as in 2.     

Acoustic timescale characterisation of symmetric and asymmetric multidimensional hot spots

In this work, two-dimensional hot spots are modelled by combining a linear temperature gradient with a constant temperature plateau. This approach retains the simplicity of a linear temperature gradient, but captures the effects of a local temperature maximum of finite size. Symmetric and asymmetric plateau regions are modelled using both rectangular and elliptical geometries. A one-step Arrhenius reaction for H₂–air is used to model the reactive mixture. Plateaus with different ratios of excitation to acoustic timescales, spanning two orders of magnitude, are simulated. Even with clear differences in behaviour between one and two dimensions, the a priori prescribed hot spot timescale ratio is shown to characterise the 2-D gasdynamic response. The relationship between one and two dimensions is explored using asymmetric plateau regions. It is shown that 1-D behaviour is recovered over a finite time. Furthermore, the duration of this 1-D behaviour is directly related to the asymmetry of the plateau.     

Turbulent cascade modeling of single and bubbly two-phase turbulent flows

The analysis of turbulent two-phase flows requires closure models in order to perform reliable computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) analyses. A spectral turbulence cascade-transport model, which tracks the evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy from large to small liquid eddies, has been developed for the analysis of the homogeneous decay of isotropic single and bubbly two-phase turbulence. This model has been validated for the decay of homogeneous, isotropic single and two-phase bubbly flow turbulence for data having a 5 mm mean bubble diameter. The Reynolds number of the data based on bubble diameter and relative velocity is approximately 1400.     

Reaction of naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarbaldehyde with cyanide; A unique oxidative condensation product

Naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarbaldehyde (NDA), a reagent used for the fluorescent detection of amino acids in the presence of cyanide, self‐condenses in the presence of cyanide ion and methanol at room temperature to yield a unique crystalline product 2, 15‐hydroxybenzo[g]benzo[6,7]isochromeno[4,3‐c]isochromen‐7(15H)‐one. The product is proposed to result from facile air oxidation of NDA to a methyl ester in combination with benzoin condensation. Product 2 does not to form in the absence of air. The gHMBC spectrum of 2 distinguishes it from a possible alternative isomeric condensation product.     

Packing materials suitable for rapid, analytical, low-pressure chromatography of haemoglobins on midget columns

Rapid, quantitative, chromatographic separations of mixtures of human haemoglobins have been performed on short (5-20 mm) columns of packing material. The desirable characteristics of suitable column packing materials are illustrated and discussed. Simple, inexpensive, manually operated equipment can be used for the analysis, since the specifically designed midget columns generate little back pressure (10-30 lb/in2) when eluted at constant flow rates up to 2 mL/min. Cation exchange chromatography on bonded silicas has been used for the detection of pathological haemoglobinopathies. Separations similar to the HPLC procedures are possible with the correct selection of buffer composition. It also compares favourably with the methods in common clinical use employing electrophoresis on cellulose acetate. Both ion-exchange and affinity methods for the estimation of glycated haemoglobins have been developed and are compared.     

Rigid ferrocenophane and its metal complexes with transition and alkaline-earth metal ions

The rigid [6]ferrocenophane, L¹, was synthesised by condensation of 1,1′-ferrocene dicarbaldehyde with trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane in high dilution at r.t. followed by reduction. When other experimental conditions were employed, the [6,6,6]ferrocenephane (L²) was also obtained. Both compounds were characterised by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The protonation of L¹ and its metal complexation were evaluated by the effect on the electron-transfer process of the ferrocene (fc) unit of L¹ using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) in anhydrous CH₃CN solution and in 0.1 M ⁿBu₄NPF₆ as the supporting electrolyte. The electrochemical process of L¹ between −300 and 900 mV is complicated by amine oxidation. On the other hand, an anodic shift from the fc/fc⁺ wave of L¹ of 249, 225, 81 and 61 mV was observed by formation of Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ complexes, respectively. Whereas Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ only have with L¹ weak interactions and they promote the acid-base equilibrium of L¹. This reveals that L¹ is an interesting molecular redox sensor for detection of Zn²⁺ and Ni²⁺, although the kinetics of the Zn²⁺ complex formation is much faster than that of the Ni²⁺ one. The X-ray crystal structure of [PdL¹Cl₂] was determined and showed a square–planar environment with Pd(II) and Fe(II) centres separated by 3.781(1) Å. The experimental anodic shifts were elucidated by DFT calculations on the [ML¹Cl₂] series and they are related to the nature of the HOMO of these complexes and a four-electron, two-orbital interaction.     

How can nanobiotechnology oversight advance science and industry: examples from environmental,health, and safety studies of nanoparticles (nano-EHS)

Nanotechnology has great potential to transform science and industry in the fields of energy, material, environment, and medicine. At the same time, more concerns are being raised about the occupational health and safety of nanomaterials in the workplace and the implications of nanotechnology on the environment and living systems. Studies on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) issues of nanomaterials have a strong influence on public acceptance of nanotechnology and, eventually, affect its sustainability. Oversight and regulation by government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play significant roles in ensuring responsible and environmentally friendly development of nanotechnology. The EHS studies of nanomaterials can provide data and information to help the development of regulations and guidelines. We present research results on three aspects of EHS studies: physico-chemical characterization and measurement of nanomaterials; emission, exposure, and toxicity of nanomaterials; and control and abatement of nanomaterial releases using filtration technology. Measurement of nanoparticle agglomerates using a newly developed instrument, the Universal NanoParticle Analyzer (UNPA), is discussed. Exposure measurement results for silicon nanoparticles in a pilot scale production plant are presented, as well as exposure measurement and toxicity study of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Filtration studies of nanoparticle agglomerates are also presented as an example of emission control methods.     

Proliferative reactive gliosis is compatible with glial metabolic support and neuronal function

Background

Trail-making tests, such as the Concept Shifting Task (CST), can be used to test the effects of treatment on cognitive performance over time in various neuropsychological disorders. However, cognitive performance in such experimental designs might improve as a result of the practice obtained during repeated testing rather than the treatment itself. The current study investigated if practice affects the accuracy and duration of performance on the repeatedly administered Concept Shifting Task modified to make it resistant to practice (mCST). The mCST was administered to 54 healthy participants twice a day, before and after a short break, for eight days. Results. The ANOVA and meta-analysis showed that there was no improvement in the mCST accuracy on the last vs. the first trial (Hedges' g = .14, p = .221) or within the session (after vs. before the break on all days; g = .01, p = .922). However, the participants performed the task faster on the last vs. the first trial (g = -.75, p < .001) and after vs. before the break on all days (g = -.12, p = .002). Conclusions. Repeated administration of the mCST does not affect the accuracy of performance on the test. However, practice might contribute to faster performance on the mCST over time and within each session.