A study on the mechanism of failure in keratin

The mechanical behavior of keratin is studied, focusing on the mechanism of failure. For this purpose, a new procedure has been suggested to differentiate the time-dependent and time-independent losses of energy at different strain levels. The matrix of keratin fibers was found to play an important role in the mechanism of failure.     

Lead-selective membrane electrodes based on dithiophenediazacrown ether derivatives

Three double-armed diazacrown ethers with two thiophene side groups, 7,16-dithenyl-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane (DTDC), 7,16-dithenoyl-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane (DTODC), and 7,16-di-(2-thiopheneacetyl)-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane (DTAODC), have been synthesized and used as novel neutral lead(II) ionophores in ion selective electrode applications. The relationship between the molecular structure of these ionophores and electrochemical properties (linear range, response time, selectivity) of the membrane electrode is discussed. The optimum conditions for the preparation of the electrodes are described. The optimized dithenoyldiazacrown had a detection limit of pPb = 5.7, and Nernstian range with slope 29.2 mV decade⁻¹ from pPb = 5.0 to 2.7. Mercury and silver ions are the major interferences. These electrodes are applied to potentiometric titrations of lead(II) ions and show promise for the determination of lead ions in water samples.     

Characterization and reactivity of copper oxide catalysts supported on TiO2-ZrO2

A series of copper catalysts supported on TiO2-ZrO2 with copper loading varying from 1.0 to 21.6 wt % were prepared by a wet impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area measurements. Copper dispersion and metal area were determined by N2O decomposition by the passivation method. XRD results suggest that the copper oxide is present in a highly dispersed amorphous state at copper loadings <16.8 wt % in the sample and as a crystalline CuO phase at higher Cu loadings. Copper dispersion increases with Cu loading up to 5.1 wt % and levels off at higher loadings. The XPS peak intensity ratios of Cu 2p(3/2)/Ti 2p(3/2) and Cu 2p(3/2)/Zr 3d(5/2) were compared with the copper dispersion calculated from N2O decomposition. ESR results suggest the presence of two types of copper species on the TiO2-ZrO2 support. TPR profiles reveal the presence of highly dispersed copper oxide at lower temperatures and bulk CuO at higher temperatures. The catalytic properties were evaluated for the vapor-phase dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone and related to the dispersion of Cu on TiO2-ZrO2.     

The satellite-shaped Co-15 Polyoxotungstate, [Co6(H2O)30{Co9Cl2(OH)3(H2O)9(beta-SiW8O31)3}]5-

The 15-cobalt-substituted polyoxotungstate [Co(6)(H(2)O)(30){Co(9)Cl(2)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(9)(beta-SiW(8)O(31))(3)}](5-) (1) has been characterized by single-crystal XRD, elemental analysis, IR, electrochemistry, magnetic measurements, and EPR. Single-crystal X-ray analysis was carried out on Na(5)[Co(6)(H(2)O)(30){Co(9)Cl(2)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(9)(beta-SiW(8)O(31))(3)}].37H(2)O, which crystallizes in the hexagonal system, space group P6(3)/m, with a = 19.8754(17) A, b = 19.8754(17) A, c = 22.344(4) A, alpha= 90 degrees, beta = 90 degrees, gamma = 120 degrees, and Z = 2. The trimeric polyanion 1 has a core of nine Co(II) ions encapsulated by three unprecedented (beta-SiW(8)O(31)) fragments and two Cl(-) ligands. This central assembly {Co(9)Cl(2)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(9)(beta-SiW(8)O(31))(3)}(17-) is surrounded by six antenna-like Co(II)(H(2)O)(5) groups resulting in the satellite-like structure 1. Synthesis of 1 is accomplished in a simple one-pot procedure by interaction of Co(II) ions with [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) in aqueous, acidic NaCl medium (pH 5.4). Polyanion 1 was studied by cyclic voltammetry as a function of pH. The current intensity of its Co(II) centers was compared with that of free Co(II) in solution. Our results suggest that 1 keeps its integrity in solution. Magnetic susceptibility results show the presence of both antiferro- and ferromagnetic coupling within the (Co(II))(9) core. A fully anisotropic Ising model has been employed to describe the exchange-coupling and yields g = 2.42 +/- 0.01, J(1) = 17.0 +/- 1.5 cm(-1), and J(2) = -13 +/- 1 cm(-(1). Variable frequency EPR studies reveal an anisotropic Kramer's doublet.     

Stability‐indicating HPLC method for simultaneous quantification of 14 impurities in excedrin tablet formulations and identification of new impurity by LC–MS in accelerated stability studies

We developed novel stability‐indicating HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of 14 impurities in excedrin tablet, a formulation with a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. In addition, a new impurity that was generated through degradation of aspirin at high temperatures during the accelerated stability conditions was positively identified and confirmed, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry technique. The HPLC method was optimized using the Inertsustain C₁₈, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm column, employing simple gradient method. Forced degradation studies were performed under acidic, basic, oxidative and thermal conditions to prove the scope and stability‐indicating the nature of the method. The optimized method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The HPLC method showed linearity from LOQ concentration to 21 μg mL^?1. Precision and intermediate precision values were <5% RSD. The validated HPLC method is currently applied for the routine testing of excedrin tablet formulations in quality control laboratories.     

Synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical diindolylmethanes via acid-catalysed electrophilic substitution reactions

A range of activated indole-2-carboxylate derivatives was prepared via the Hemetsberger indole synthesis. Vilsmeier formylation was explored to establish regioselectivity and to prepare a range of new indole carbaldehydes. The indole aldehydes were reduced to the corresponding hydroxymethylindoles in good yields by the use of sodium borohydride in THF. Symmetrical 4,4′-, 6,6′- and 7,7′-diindolylmethanes were prepared via the acid-catalysed reaction of the corresponding hydroxymethylindoles. Furthermore, the treatment of methyl 4-hydroxymethyl-5,6-dimethoxyindole-2-carboxylate and a range of methyl indole esters with acetic acid led to the formation of unsymmetrical 4,6′- and 4,7′-dindolylmethanes.