What makes an N12 cage stable?

Much recent attention has been given to molecules containing only nitrogen atoms. Such molecules N(x) can undergo the reaction N(x) --> (x/2)N(2), which is very exothermic. These molecules are potential candidates for high energy density materials (HEDM). However, many all-nitrogen molecules dissociate too easily to be stable, practical energy sources. It is important to know which nitrogen molecules will be stable and which will not. In the current study, a variety of N(12) cages with all single bonds are examined by theoretical calculations to determine which ones are the most thermodynamically stable. Calculations are carried out using Hartree-Fock (HF) theory, gradient-corrected density functional theory (DFT), and Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2 and MP4). Relative energies among the various isomers are calculated and trends are examined in order to determine which structural features lead to the most energetically favorable molecules.     

Differential inhibition of postnatal brain,spinal cord and body growth by a growth hormone antagonist

Background  

Growth hormone (GH) plays an incompletely understood role in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we use transgenic mice expressing a growth hormone antagonist (GHA) to explore the role of GH in regulating postnatal brain, spinal cord and body growth into adulthood. The GHA transgene encodes a protein that inhibits the binding of GH to its receptor, specifically antagonizing the trophic effects of endogenous GH.     

Transfer measurements for the Ti+Ni systems at near barrier energies

Large enhancements have been observed in the sub-barrier fusion cross sections for Ti+Ni systems in our previous studies. Coupled channel calculations incorporating couplings to 2⁺ and 3⁻ states failed to explain these enhancements completely. A possibilty of transfer channels contributing to the residual enhancements had been suggested. In order to investigate the role of relevant transfer channels, measurements of one- and two-nucleon transfer were carried out for ^46,48Ti+⁶¹Ni systems. The present paper gives the results of these studies.     

Ammonia Gas Sensor Using Polypyrrole‐Coated TiO2/ZnO Nanofibers

Highly porous polypyrrole (PPy)‐coated TiO₂/ZnO nanofibrous mat has been successfully synthesized. The core TiO₂/ZnO nanofibers have an average diameter of ca. 100 nm and the shell of ultrathin PPy layer has a thickness of ca. 7 nm. The NH₃ gas sensor using the as‐prepared material exhibited a fast response over a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 60 ppb (S/N=3). Compared to conventional pristine PPy film, the improved performance in NH₃ detection can be attributed to the free access of NH₃ to PPy and a minimized gas diffusion resistance through the ultrathin PPy layer.     

Stability of nitrogen-oxygen cages N12O2, N14O2, N14O3, and N16O4

Molecules consisting entirely of nitrogen have been studied extensively for their potential as high energy density materials (HEDM). However, many such molecules are too unstable to serve as practical energy sources. This has prompted many studies of molecules that are mostly nitrogen but which incorporate heteroatoms into the structure to provide additional stability. In the current study, cages of three-coordinate nitrogen are viewed as candidates for stabilization by insertion of oxygen atoms into the nitrogen framework. Cages of N12, N14, and N16 with four-membered rings are studied because four-membered rings have been previously shown to be a destabilizing influence. Insertion of oxygen atoms, which converts N-N bonds to N-O-N bonding groups, relieves ring strain and can potentially result in stable molecules. These molecules are studied by theoretical calculations, using Hartree-Fock and Moller-Plesset (MP3 and MP4) theories, to determine the dissociation energies of the molecules. The primary result of the study is that stable molecules can result from oxygen insertion but that oxygen-oxygen proximity destabilizes the insertion products.     

Isomer stability of N6C6H6 cages

Recent theoretical studies have identified carbon-nitrogen cages that are potentially stable high energy density materials (HEDM). One such molecule is an N(6)C(6)H(6) cage in which a six-membered ring of nitrogen is bonded to C(3)H(3) triangles on both sides. This molecule is based on the structure of the most stable N(12) cage, with six carbon atoms substituted into the structure. In the current study, several N(6)C(6)H(6) isomers (including the previously studied cage) are examined by theoretical calculations to determine which is actually the most stable. Stability will be evaluated from two points of view: (1) thermodynamic stability of one isomer versus another and (2) kinetic stability of each isomer as determined by the energetics of bond breaking. Density functional theory (B3LYP), perturbation theory (MP2 and MP4), and coupled-cluster theory (CCSD(T)) are used in this study, along with the correlation-consistent basis sets of Dunning. Trends in thermodynamic and kinetic stability are discussed.     

Stability of high-energy N14H4(2+) ion and the effects of carbon and halogen substitution

Previous studies of oxygen addition into an N12 cage framework revealed the possibility of stable high-energy density materials (HEDM) resulting from such additions. In the current study, nitrogen addition into N12 is studied as a means of generating stable HEDM. Nitrogen addition into N12 is shown to yield an N14H4(2+) ion, which is examined by theoretical calculations to determine its stability with respect to dissociation. Other variations on this ion are generated by substituting carbon for nitrogen and/or halogens for hydrogen. The cage structures will be compared with respect to stability, and factors that enhance stability will be discussed.     

Using FTIR spectroscopy to detect sericin on historic silk

Silks represent some of the most precious ancient and historic textile artefacts in collections worldwide.Their optimum preservation demands an appreciation of their characteristics.One important concern,especially with regard to ancient Chinese silks,is whether the fabrics have been degummed.Silks with remnant sericin gum coating the fibroin fibres would require different conservation protocol.In previous research on aged silks,the presence of sericin has been inferred from amino acid analysis of hydrolysa...     

Iron-catalyzed Doyle-Kirmse reaction of allyl sulfides with (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane

[formula: see text] Iron salts efficiently catalyze the Doyle-Kirmse reaction of allyl sulfides with (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane and ethyl diazoacetate in dichloroethane at 83 degrees C. Competitive dimerization is less of a problem with (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane than with ethyl diazoacetate. Good results are obtained using only 1.5 equiv of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane, even without slow addition. Phosphine ligands affect the kinetics, but not the diastereoselectivity. Dppe and BINAP lead to higher yields than dppp, but no enantioselection was detected with R-(+)-BINAP.