Elucidation of the heat-flux limit from magnetic-island heating

Recent experiments on heating of magnetic islands in a tokamak are analyzed to assess plasma transport characteristics. By comparing with the experimental data, both perpendicular and parallel components of the electron heat conductivity in the island are determined. As a consequence, the so-called heat-flux limit factor xi, the ratio of the parallel heat conduction flux in a collisionless plasma to that transferred by free-streaming electrons, can be estimated. The found factor xi does not contradict that established earlier by interpreting laser plasma experiments.     

Testing the durability of copper based preservative treated bamboos in ground-contact for six years

Cellulose - In this study, durability of bamboo samples in terms of the variability of location along culm height (top, middle and bottom) were evaluated in a ground-contact field test for six...     

Relationship between self-association of glycine molecules in supersaturated solutions and solid state outcome

Small angle x-ray scattering is utilized to directly examine the formation of clusters in supersaturated solutions of glycine, in an attempt to understand their role in the nucleation process. The results suggest that the majority of glycine molecules exist as dimers in aqueous solutions, and monomers in 13% (upsilon/upsilon) acetic acid-water mixtures. As the water and acetic acid-water solutions crystallize into alpha and gamma forms, respectively, the findings indicate a direct correlation between molecular self-association in solution and the polymorphic outcome.     

An amperometric biosensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(pyrrole)-horseradish peroxidase nanobiocomposite film for determination of phenol derivatives

An amperometric biosensor based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and carbon nanotube (CNT)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanobiocomposite film on a gold surface has been developed. The HRP was incorporated into the CNT/PPy nanocomposite matrix in one-step electropolymerization process without the aid of cross-linking agent. Amperometric response was measured as a function of concentration of phenol derivatives, at a fixed bias voltage of -50 mV. Optimization of the experimental parameters was performed with regard to pH and concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The linear range, sensitivity and detection limit of the biosensor were investigated for eighteen phenol derivatives. The sensitivity in the linear range increased in this order: 4-methoxyphenol>2-aminophenol>guaiacol=m-cresol>2-chlorophenol=4-chlorophenol=hydroquinone=pyrocatechol>2,6-dimethoxyphenol>3-chlorophenol>p-cresol>p-benzoquinone=4-acetamidophenol>catechol>phenol=pyrogallol=2,4-dimethylphenol. CNTs was shown to enhance the electron transfer as a mediator and capable to carry higher bioactivity owing to its intensified surface area. The biosensor exhibited low detection limits with a short response time (2s) for the tested phenolics compared to the reported working electrodes. It retained 70% of its initial activity after using for 700 measurements in 1 month.     

A parylene-based dual channel micro-electrophoresis system for rapid mutation detection via heteroduplex analysis

A new dual channel micro-electrophoresis system for rapid mutation detection based on heteroduplex analysis was designed and implemented. Mutation detection was successfully achieved in a total separation length of 250 microm in less than 3 min for a 590 bp DNA sample harboring a 3 bp mutation causing an amino acid change. Parylene-C was used as the structural material for fabricating the micro-channels as it provides conformal deposition, transparency, biocompatibility, and low background fluorescence without any surface treatment. A new dual channel architecture was derived from the traditional cross-channel layout by forming two identical channels with independent sample loading and waste reservoirs. The control of injected sample volume was accomplished by a new u-turn injection technique with pull-back method. The use of heteroduplex analysis as a mutation detection method on a cross-linked polyacrylamide medium provided accurate mutation detection in an extremely short length and time. The presence of two channels on the microchip offers the opportunity of comparing the sample to be tested with a desired control sample rapidly, which is very critical for the accuracy and reliability of the mutation analyses, especially for clinical and research purposes.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,stability studies,DNA/albumin interactions,and antimicrobial activities of two Cu(II) complexes with amino acids and 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline

One-dimensional (1-D) coordination polymer and mononuclear copper(II) complexes, ([Cu(nphen)(asn)]ClO₄)_n (1) and [Cu(nphen)(gln)(H₂O)]ClO₄·H₂O (2) (nphen = 5-nitro-110-phenanthroline, asn = asparagine, gln = glutamine), have been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, CHN analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These binary and ternary complexes of copper(II) with nphen, asn, and gln have been investigated using potentiometric methods in 0.1 M KCl aqueous ionic media at 298.2 K. The protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of 1 and 2 have been calculated from the potentiometric data using the “BEST” software package. The potentiometric results have been analyzed using the “SPE” software package, and the distribution curves for the copper-containing species have been determined for the ternary systems. The CT-DNA-binding properties of these complexes have been investigated by thermal denaturation measurements and both absorption and emission spectroscopy. Further, the interaction of these complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) has been investigated using absorption and emission spectroscopy. The thermodynamic parameters, free energy change (ΔG), enthalpy change (ΔH), and entropy change (ΔS) were calculated by the van’t Hoff equation and discussed. The distances between the serum albumins and 1 and 2 have been obtained according to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Conformational changes of serum albumins have been observed from synchronous fluorescence technique. The antimicrobial activity of the complexes has also been tested on some bacteria. The effect of different amino acids on the copper(II) complexes are discussed.     

Salicylate Ion‐Selective Electrode Based on a Calix[4]arene as Ionophore

A salicylate‐selective electrode based on calix[4]arene derivative was developed and its response characteristics were investigated. The optimum membrane composition was 1 % ionophore, 30 % PVC, 69 % DOS. The electrode exhibited a Nernstian slope of 58.8±0.5 mV/pSal in the range of 1.0×10^?5–1.0×10^?1 M with a detection limit of 4.3×10^?6 M at pH 4.0, 20±1 °C. The potentiometric response of the electrode in the presence of different anions was investigated by the separate solution method. The lifetime was found at least 4 months, and its response time was 5–10 s. It was successfully used for the potentiometric determination of salicylate in pharmaceutical preparations.     

Fabrication of flexible graphene oxide paper-like adsorbent doped with magnetite nanoparticles for removal of dyes

Organic dyes are used in many industries, e.g., textile, cosmetics and food. Hence, contamination of organic dyes to water sources is a critical issue. To reduce water pollution by organic dyes, we propose a paper-like adsorbent with a practical and economical production procedure. Subsequently, a flexible adsorbent was produced using a one-step approach by vacuum filtration of graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) containing dispersion through a membrane and quoted as GO/Fe₃O₄ paper. For comparison, GO paper was also prepared using the same procedure. Both papers were characterized using UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron diffraction X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. At the steady-state conditions, GO/Fe₃O₄ and GO papers were performed as adsorbent for cationic dyes of methylene blue, neutral red, and anionic dyes of methyl orange and fluorescein. In general, the removal efficiency of GO/Fe₃O₄ paper was higher than that of GO paper for adsorption of all dyes and this adsorbent revealed satisfactory adsorption properties for cationic dyes when compared to anionic dyes.

     

Recent progress in pillar[n]arene-based thin films on chemical sensor applications

Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry - Pillar[n]arene is one of the most favorited supramolecular materials that possess a special chiral structure. The major property of...