The resistance of metallic plates to localized impulse

The responses of metallic plates and sandwich panels to localized impulse are examined by using a dynamic plate test protocol supported by simulations. The fidelity of the simulation approach is assessed by comparing predictions of the deformations of a strong-honeycomb-core panel with measurements. The response is interpreted by comparing and contrasting the deformations with those experienced by the same sandwich panel (and an equivalent solid plate) subjected to a planar impulse. Comparisons based on the center point displacement reveal the following paradox. The honeycomb panel is superior to a solid plate when subjected to a planar impulse, but inferior when localized. The insights gained from an interpretation of these results are used to demonstrate that a new design with a doubly-corrugated soft core outperforms solid plates both for planar and localized impulses.     

Quantification of ligand packing density on gold nanoparticles using ICP-OES

In this study, a prototypical thiolated organic ligand, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), was conjugated on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and packing density was measured on an ensemble-averaged basis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The effects of sample preparation, including centrifugation and digestion, as well as AuNP size and concentration, on recovery were investigated. For AuNPs with diameters of 5, 10, 30, 60, and 100 nm, calculated packing density is independent of size, averaging 7.8 nm⁻² and ranging from 6.7 to 9.0 nm⁻², and is comparable to reported values for MPA and similar short-chain ligands on AuNPs. These preliminary data provide fundamental information on the advantages and limitations of ICP-based analyses of conjugated AuNP systems. Moreover, they provide necessary information for the development of more broadly applicable methods for quantifying nanoparticle–ligand conjugates of critical importance to nanomedicine applications.     

Evaluation of Chitosan/Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Maxillofacial Bone Tissue Engineering

Porous, 3D chitosan/biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds were used to prepare tissue engineering constructs for maxillofacial bone tissue reconstruction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC's) were seeded and cultured on clinically relevant sized scaffolds. In vitro engineered constructs facilitated the healing of mandibular defects in pigs if accompanied with delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).     

Real-time size discrimination and elemental analysis of gold nanoparticles using ES-DMA coupled to ICP-MS

We report the development of a hyphenated instrument with the capacity to quantitatively characterize aqueous suspended gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based on a combination of gas-phase size separation, particle counting, and elemental analysis. A customized electrospray-differential mobility analyzer (ES-DMA) was used to achieve real-time upstream size discrimination. A condensation particle counter and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were employed as downstream detectors, providing information on number density and elemental composition, respectively, of aerosolized AuNPs versus the upstream size selected by ES-DMA. A gas-exchange device was designed and optimized to improve the conversion of air flow (from the electrospray) to argon flow required to sustain the ICP-MS plasma, the key compatibility issue for instrumental hyphenation. Our work provides the proof of concept and a working prototype for utilizing this construct to successfully measure (1) number- and mass-based distributions; (2) elemental compositions of nanoparticles classified by size, where the size classification and elemental analysis are performed within a single experiment; (3) particle concentrations in both solution (before size discrimination) and aerosol (after size discrimination) phases; and (4) the number of atoms per nanoparticle or the nanoparticle density.     

Pentazole-based energetic ionic liquids: a computational study

The structures of protonated pentazole cations (RN5H+), oxygen-containing anions such as N(NO2)2-, NO3-, and ClO4- and the corresponding ion pairs are investigated by ab initio quantum chemistry calculations. The stability of the pentazole cation is explored by examining the decomposition pathways of several monosubstituted cations (RN5H+) to yield N2 and the corresponding azidinium cation. The heats of formation of these cations, which are based on isodesmic (bond-type conserving) reactions, are calculated. The proton-transfer reaction from the cation to the anion is investigated.     

Kinetic size selection mechanisms in heteroepitaxial quantum dot molecules

Heteroepitaxial growth of Si(0.7)Ge(0.3)/Si(001) films under kinetically limited conditions leads to self-assembly of fourfold quantum dot molecules. These structures obtain a narrowly selected maximum size, independent of film thickness or annealing time. Size selection arises from efficient adatom trapping inside the central pit of the quantum dot molecule when the surrounding islands cojoin to form a continuous wall. Self-limiting growth of nanostructures has significant implications for novel nanoelectronic device architectures such as quantum cellular automata.     

Agglomeration,isolation and dissolution of commercially manufactured silver nanoparticles in aqueous environments

The increasing use of manufactured nanoparticles ensures these materials will make their way into the environment. Silver nanoparticles in particular, due to use in a wide range of applications, have the potential to get into water systems, e.g., drinking water systems, ground water systems, estuaries, and/or lakes. One important question is what is the chemical and physical state of these nanoparticles in water? Are they present as isolated particles, agglomerates or dissolved ions, as this will dictate their fate and transport. Furthermore, does the chemical and physical state of the nanoparticles change as a function of size or differ from micron-sized particles of similar composition? In this study, an electrospray atomizer coupled to a scanning mobility particle sizer (ES-SMPS) is used to investigate the state of silver nanoparticles in water and aqueous nitric acid environments. Over the range of pH values investigated, 0.5–6.5, silver nanoparticles with a bimodal primary particle size distribution with the most intense peak at 5.0 ± 7.4 nm, as determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), show distinct size distributions indicating agglomeration between pH 6.5 and 3 and isolated nanoparticles at pH values from 2.5 to 1. At the lowest pH investigated, pH 0.5, there are no peaks detected by the SMPS, indicating complete nanoparticle dissolution. Further analysis of the solution shows dissolved Ag ions at a pH of 0.5. Interestingly, silver nanoparticle dissolution shows size dependent behavior as larger, micron-sized silver particles show no dissolution at this pH. Environmental implications of these results are discussed.     

Proton NMR Spectra of Protected Leukotriene D at 360 MHz

Leukotrienes A-E are an important family of arachidonic acid metabolites of great current interest; several being associated with major allergic responses in man. Leukotriene D is the most important member of this series and accounts for nearly all of the SRS-A activity in human lung.¹     

Determination of non-toxic and potentially toxic elements concentration and antioxidant capacity in selected natural and essential oils with high market values

Natural oils (NOs) and essential oils (EOs) are widely used in the food and beverage, medical, aromatherapy and cosmetic industries, but little is known about their elemental composition or antioxidant ability. Microwave-assisted acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy were used to determine the non-toxic elements (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Se and Zn) and potentially toxic elements (As, Cr, Cd, Mn, Ni and Pb) concentrations in 13 selected NOs and EOs. The per cent recoveries of laboratory-fortified blanks analysed for quality control were 94–110%. The elemental concentrations varied widely in NO and EO samples, as demonstrated by the large standard deviation obtained for some elements. The average levels of non-toxic elements (Al (14.5 ± 3.7 μg/g); Ca (278 ± 138 μg/g); Cu (7 ± 14 μg/g); Fe (16 ± 5 μg/g); K (36 ± 31 μg/g); Mg (56 ± 27 μg/g); Na (266 ± 277 μg/g); Se (0.7 ± 0.3 μg/g) and Zn (6.1 ± 2.6 μg/g)) were determined in NOs and EOs. Comparatively, low levels of potentially toxic elements (As (0.1 ± 0.2 μg/g); Cd (0.1 ± 0.0 μg/g); Cr (0.2 ± 0.1 μg/g); Mn (0.8 ± 0.1 μg/g); Ni (4.5 ± 2.2 μg/g); and Pb (0.3 ± 0.2 μg/g)) were obtained in the oils. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first two principal components explained 100% of the variability in the elemental concentrations. Na, Ca, Mg and K were the main contributors to PCA. Non-toxic element pairs were strongly correlated (R² > 0.9440) indicating a common source in these oils, but toxic element pairs were poorly correlated. Although toxic element concentrations were low, routine monitoring in oils is recommended. The antioxidant ability of NOs and EOs to potentially reduce free radicals, which are often involved in several degenerative diseases, such as ageing, stroke, diabetes and cancers was determined by DPPH (2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Jasmine, castor and tea tree lemon oils were the best antioxidants. The oils in this study have the potential to replace artificial antioxidants used in foods, cosmetics and other products.