Design and optimization of high-performance microring-based uni-traveling carrier photodiode for WDM optical systems

This paper presents the design principles of a novel optimized microring-based uni-traveling carrier photodiode (MR-UTC-PD), for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical systems. The fundamental parameters for output characteristics such as quantum efficiency and 3-dB bandwidth of MR-UTC-PD are discussed. We analyze the effects of basic parameters as effective ring radius, definite coupling condition and the suitable cross section on the MR-UTC-PD main characteristics for high performance of the device. It is shown that the maximum quantum efficiency and most efficient performance of the device can be obtained at critical coupling condition. We show that the maximum 3-dB bandwidth and an efficient approach for high bandwidth-efficiency product can be achieved at overcoupling condition. In this regard, some design curves are presented for the optimized MR-UTC-PD.     

In Vitro Evaluation of Zn–Norfloxacin Complex as a Potent Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Agent, Proposed Model for DNA Binding

A tetrahedral Zn(II) complex with the second generation fluoroquinolone, norfloxacin, was prepared and characterized (NOR–Zn complex, NZC). The antibacterial efficiency of the NZC was tested on two Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria by minimum inhibitory concentration method. The cytotoxic potential of NZC on MDA (human breast adenocarcinoma), Caco-2 (human colon adenocarcinoma), and Hela (human cervix carcinoma) cell lines was studied. The DNA interaction property of the NZC has been investigated using UV–vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared, as well as cyclic voltammetry methods. Intrinsic binding constant (K _b ), thermodynamic, and other spectroscopic and voltammetric data indicate that the NZC has more affinity for DNA than for norfloxacin and interacted with DNA via two modes: electrostatic and outside hydrogen binding. The proposed DNA binding mode supports the large enhancement in the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of NZC.     

(N-Isocyanimino)triphenylphosphorane-Mediated,One-Pot,Efficient Synthesis of Sterically Congested 1,1,1-Trifluoro-2-(5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2-propanol Derivatives via Intramolecular Aza-Wittig Reaction

Reactions of (N-isocyanimino)triphenylphosphorane with 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone in the presence of aromatic (or heteroaromatic) carboxylic acids (3-methylbenzoic acid, 1-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 2-furancarboxylic acid, and 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid) proceed smoothly at room temperature and in neutral conditions to afford sterically congested 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2-propanol derivatives in high yields. The reaction proceeds smoothly and cleanly under mild conditions, and no side reactions were observed.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements to view the free supplemental file.     

Influence of ionic liquid counterions on activity and selectivity of ethylene trimerization using chromium-based catalysts in biphasic media

In recent years ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted much interest because of their widespread use in various fields. Several trimerization and oligomerization catalysts have been evaluated in ILs with different organic–inorganic hybrid structures. High catalytic activity and selectivity, easy product separation, and recycling of the catalyst are the advantages of a biphasic catalyst system compared to the homogeneous catalysts. In this study, the influence of IL counter-anions on activity and selectivity of the ethylene trimerization catalysts based on Cr-SNS-R was investigated. All synthesized materials were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV–Vis. spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and elemental analysis (CHNS). In ethylene trimerization reaction, the dodecyl substituent in the SNS ligand exhibited better activity and selectivity than the butyl substituent. The results revealed that the presence of BF₄⁻ as a counter-anion in the IL led to an increase in activity and selectivity compared to Br⁻ and I⁻ counter-anions. It was found that the BF₄⁻ counter-anion plays a conclusive role in the development of 1-hexene activity and selectivity to a maximum amount of 71,132 g_1-C6/(g_Cr × h) and more than 99%, respectively. Finally, the catalyst was reused thrice without losing its 1-hexene selectivity.     

Engineering Multifunctional Gold Decorated Dendritic Mesoporous Silica/Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles for Intraperitoneal Tumor‐Specific Delivery

Nonspecific high‐energy radiation for treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer is limited by damage to healthy organs, which can be mitigated by the use of radiosensitizers and image‐guided radiotherapy. Gold (Au) and tantalum oxide (TaO_x) nanoparticles (NPs), by virtue of their high atomic numbers, find utility in the design of bimetallic NP systems capable of high‐contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging as well as a potential radiosensitizing effect. These two radio‐dense metals are integrated into dendritic mesoporous silica NPs (dMSNs) with radial porous channels for high surface‐area loading of therapeutic agents. This approach results in stable, monodispersed dMSNs with a uniform distribution of Au on the surface and TaO_x in the core that exhibits CT attenuation up to seven times greater than iodine or monometallic dMSNs without either TaO_x or Au. Tumor targeting is assessed in a metastatic ovarian cancer mouse model. Ex vivo micro‐CT imaging of collected tumors shows that these NPs not only accumulate at tumor sites but also penetrate inside tumor tissues. This study demonstrates that after intraperitoneal administration, rationally designed bimetallic NPs can simultaneously serve as targeted contrast agents for imaging tumors and to enhance radiation therapy in metastatic ovarian cancer.