On a nonlinear boundary value problem modeling corneal shape

In this paper we present some results concerning a boundary value problem for a nonlinear ordinary differential equation that was used before in modeling the topography of human cornea. These results generalize previously obtained theorems on existence and uniqueness. We show that our equation has a unique solution for all parameters and conditions that can arise in physical situation. In the second part of the article we derive some new estimates and approximate solutions. Numerical calculations verify that these approximations are very accurate.     

Generation of single-crystalline domain in nano-scale silicon pillars by near-field short pulsed laser

We observe laser-induced grain morphology change in silicon nanopillars under a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) environment. We couple the TEM with a near-field scanning optical microscopy pulsed laser processing system. This novel combination enables immediate scrutiny on the grain morphologies that the pulsed laser irradiation produces. We find unusual transformation of the tip of the amorphous or polycrystalline silicon pillar into a single crystalline domain via melt-mediated crystallization. On the basis of the three-dimensional finite difference simulation result and the dark field TEM data, we propose that the creation of the distinct single crystalline tip originates from the dominant grain growth initiated at the apex of the non-planar liquid–solid interface. Our microscopic observation provides a fundamental basis for laser-induced conversion of amorphous nanostructures into coarse-grained crystals.     

Multicomponent one-pot synthesis of (dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole) phosphonate

Abstract

We present a multicomponent reaction strategy to synthesize a (dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole)phosphonate family of compounds, using benzimidazoles, diethyl chlorophosphate and aliphatic amines as starting reactants. Giving its simplicity, our procedure involves reaction times of only few hours and avoid the usage of any catalyst agent. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) and mass spectrometry by the DART method.     

Two negative minima of the first normal stress difference in a cellulose‐based cholesteric liquid crystal: Helix uncoiling

The shear rate dependence of material functions such as shear viscosity (η) and the first normal stress difference (N₁) were given and interpreted earlier by Kiss and Porter. Their widely accepted work revealed the possibility of having a negative minimum of N₁ for polymeric liquid crystals. In this work, we disclose for the first time the evidence of two negative N₁ minima on a sheared cellulosic lyotropic system. The lower shear rate minimum is ascribed to the uncoiling of the cholesteric helix, as theoretically predicted earlier. Our findings contribute also to the understanding of the other minimum already reported in the literature and attributed to the nematic director tumbling mode. Moreover, the elastic change that the LC‐HPC sample undergoes during the helix unwinding of the cholesteric structure is also by means of oscillatory measurements. This study is a contribution for the understanding of the structure‐properties relationship linked with the complex rheological behavior of chiral nematic cellulose‐based systems and may help to improve their further processing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55, 821–830     

Biolabeling with nanoparticles based on Y2O3: Nd and luminescence detection in the near-infrared

Neodymium based fluorescence presents several advantages in comparison to conventional rare earth or enzyme-substrate based fluorescence emitting sources (e.g.Tb, HRP) . Based on this fact we have herein explored a Nd-based fluoroimmunoassay. We efficiently detected the presence of an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in human plasma a well-known marker for cardiovascular diseases, which causes around 30% of deaths worldwide. Conventional fluoroimmunoassay uses time-resolved luminescence techniques, with detection in the visible range, to eliminate the fluorescence background from the biological specimens. By using an immunoassay based on functionalized Y₂O₃:Nd³⁺ nanoparticles, where the excitation and emission processes in the Nd³⁺ ion occur in the near-infrared (NIR) region, we have succeeded in eliminating the interferences from the biological fluorescence background, avoiding the use of time-resolved techniques. This yields higher emission intensity from the Nd³⁺-nanolabels and efficient detection of anti-oxidized low-density lipoproteins (anti-oxLDL) by Y₂O₃:Nd³⁺-antibody-antigen conjugation, leading to a novel biolabeling method.     

Binding of Ionic Pyrene Derivatives to Polyelectrolytes. A Uv Absorption and Fluorescence Study

Abstract

The binding of pyrenesulfonic acid and pyrenebutyric acid to poly(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium) chloride was investigated by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that the binding constant was 7.5 × 10⁴ and 3.5 × 10⁴M^?1, respectively. The addition of the polyelectrolyte quenches the fluorescence of the pyrene group, and at the same time the typical excimer emission appears. This emission originates in pre-formed ground state aggregates of the pyrene derivatives incorporated into the polyion domain. Similar effects were observed when anionic polyelectrolytes, poly(styrene sulfonic), and poly(vinyl sulfonic) acids were added to cationic pyrene derivatives. The binding constants depend on the length of the aliphatic sidechain of the derivatives.     

Modified surface chemistry of activated carbons

In this study, immersion calorimetry was used to characterise different samples of commercial granular activated carbon (GAC) which undergo oxidation with HNO₃ (GACOxN) and thermal treatments to modify its superficial group contents, as well as to determine the textural characteristics of the materials through nitrogen adsorption at 77 K and its superficial chemistry by Boehm titration and zero point of charge. Correlations between the immersion enthalpies and the results of the other techniques of characterisation were established. The immersion enthalpies in dichloromethane obtained were greater, which were found to be between ?88.36 and ?155.6 J g^?1, in contrast to those in carbon tetrachloride, which were found to be between ?50.21 and ?94.29 J g^?1. The dependence of the immersion enthalpies in water on the contents of total acidity and basicity surface groups was also established, and a good correlation between the accessible surface area determined by calorimetric technique and the BET area was found.