Dynamic relaxation process of a 3D super crystal structure in a Cu:KTN crystal

In this Letter,we report the existence and relaxation properties of a critical phenomenon on called a 3D super crystal that emerges at T=TC?3.5℃,that is,in the proximity of the Curie temperature of a Cu:KTN sample.The dynamics processes of a 3D super crystal manifest in its formation containing polarized nanometric regions and/or polarized clusters.However,with strong coupling and interaction of microcomponents,the characteristic relaxation time measured by dynamic light scattering demonstrates a fully new relaxation mechanism with a much longer relaxation time.As the relaxation mechanism of a relaxator is so-far undetermined,this research provides a novel perspective.These results can help structure a fundamental theory of ferroelectric relaxation.     

A dynamic coupling numerical model for pollutant transport under wave condition

In order to study the diffusion, migration, and distribution of pollutants among overlying water-body and porous seabed under wave conditions, a dynamic coupling numerical model is proposed. In this model, the coupling between wave field of overlying water-body and seepage of porous bed, the capture and release of pollutants in porous media, and the transport process between the two different regions are taken into account. We use the unified equations for pressure correction and pollutant concentration to solve the numerical model, which avoids repeated iteration on the interface boundary. The model is verified by several case studies. Afterwards, the processes involving release of pollutant from porous seabed and transportation to overlying water-body under different wave conditions are investigated. The results show that the water depth, wave height,and wave period have great influences on the release, capture, and transport processes for phosphorus pollutant.     

Hierarchical model for strain generalized streaming potential induced by the canalicular fluid flow of an osteon

A hierarchical model is developed to predict the streaming potential(SP) in the canaliculi of a loaded osteon. Canaliculi are assumed to run straight across the osteon annular cylinder wall, while disregarding the effect of lacuna. SP is generalized by the canalicular fluid flow. Analytical solutions are obtained for the canalicular fluid velocity, pressure, and SP. Results demonstrate that SP amplitude(SPA) is proportional to the pressure difference, strain amplitude, frequency, and strain rate amplitude. However, the key loading factor governing SP is the strain rate, which is a representative loading parameter under the specific physiological state. Moreover, SPA is independent of canalicular length. This model links external loads to the canalicular fluid pressure, velocity, and SP, which can facilitate further understanding of the mechanotransduction and electromechanotransduction mechanisms of bones.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Cu14 Hydride Cluster Supported by Neutral Donor Ligands

The copper hydride clusters [Cu₁₄H₁₂(phen)₆(PPh₃)₄][X]₂ (X=Cl or OTf; OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) are obtained in good yields by the reaction of [(Ph₃P)CuH]₆ with phen, in the presence of a halide or pseudohalide source. The complex [Cu₁₄H₁₂(phen)₆(PPh₃)₄][Cl]₂ reacts with CO₂ in CH₂Cl₂, in the presence of excess Ph₃P, to form the formate complex [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(κ²‐O₂CH)], along with [(phen)(Ph₃P)CuCl].     

Dielectric-dependent electron transfer behaviour of cobalt hexacyanides in a solid solution of sodium chloride

Here we emphasise the importance of the dielectric environment on the electron transfer behavior in interfacial electrochemical systems. Through doping cobalt hexacyanide (Co(CN)₆^3–) into single microcrystals of sodium chloride (NaCl), for the first time, we obtained the direct electrochemical behavior of Co(CN)₆^3– which is hardly ever obtained in either aqueous or conventional nonaqueous solutions. DFT calculations elucidate that, as the Co(CN)₆^3– anions occupy the lattice units of NaCl₆^5– in the NaCl microcrystal, the redox energy barrier of Co(CN)₆^3–/4– is decreased dramatically due to the low dielectric constant of NaCl. Meanwhile, the low-spin Co(CN)₆^4– anions are stabilized in the lattices of the NaCl microcrystal. The results also show that the NaCl microcrystal is a potential solvent for solid-state electrochemistry at ambient temperature.     

Simultaneous measurement of methyl tert‐butyl ether and tert‐butyl alcohol in human serum by headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

The abundant production of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) and its widespread use have led to an increase in the potential for human exposure. This work described a simple, fast, sensitive, reliable and low‐cost method for the simultaneous measurement of MTBE and its metabolite, tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA) in human serum by headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Extraction conditions were optimized and 40 °C, 10 min, 250 rpm and 0.3 g NaCl for a 1 mL sample were the optimal conditions. This method showed good analytical performance in terms of sensitivity with limits of detection in serum (1 mL) of 0.03 µg/L for MTBE and 0.05 µg/L for TBA, accuracy (mean recovery values) from 75.8% to 85.8%, precision (relative standard deviations) <10% and sample stability (biodegradation) <10% after 28 days. A verification experiment proved the reproducibility and stability of this method as well. Finally the method was used to detect 212 specimens, and the internal dose levels for MTBE in human serum were presented in China. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.