Recombination of KrD and XeD ions with electrons

Recombination rate coefficients of protonated and deuterated ions KrH⁺, KrD⁺, XeH⁺ and XeD⁺ were measured using Flowing Afterglow with Langmuir Probe (FALP). Helium at 1600 Pa and at temperature 250 K was used as a buffer gas in the experiments. Kr, Xe, H₂ and D₂ were introduced to a flow tube to form the desired ions. Because of small differences in proton affinities of Kr, D₂ and H₂ mixtures of ions, KrD⁺/D₃⁺ and KrH⁺/H₃⁺ are formed in the afterglow plasma, influencing the plasma decay. To obtain a recombination rate coefficient for a particular ion, the dependencies on partial pressures of gases used in the ion formation were measured. The obtained rate coefficients, α_KrD+(250 K) = (0.9 ± 0.3) × 10⁻⁸ cm³ s⁻¹ and α_XeD+(250 K) = (8 ± 2) × 10⁻⁸ cm³ s⁻¹ are compared with α_KrH+(250 K) = (2.0 ± 0.6) × 10⁻⁸ cm³ s⁻¹ and α_XeH+(250 K) = (8 ± 2) × 10⁻⁸ cm³ s⁻¹.     

Rate constant for the reaction of F-atoms with trichloroacetic acid

Kinetics of the reaction of F-atoms with trichloroacetic acid was studied at 293 K using a low-pressure flow reactor. Reactant concentrations were monitored by mass spectrometry combined with molecular beam sampling. The reaction rate constant obtained was k = (4.3 ± 0.8) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. This is an average value determined by the relative method employing four reference reactions of F-atoms: with 1,1,1-trichloroethane, ethanol, cyclohexane, and 2-fluoroethanol, for which rate constant ratios k/k_ref = 7.4 ± 1.2, 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.28 ± 0.02, and 0.34 ± 0.04, respectively, were obtained. The resultant rate constant is compared with the rate constants for the related fluoro-substituted acids.     

Recombination of HCO and DCO ions with electrons

Recombination of HCO⁺ and DCO⁺ ions with electrons was studied in afterglow plasma. The flowing afterglow with Langmuir probe (FALP) apparatus was used to measure the recombination rate coefficients and their temperature dependencies in the range 150–270 K. To obtain a recombination rate coefficient for a particular ion, the dependencies on partial pressures of gases used in the ion formation were measured. The variations of α_HCO⁺(T) and α_DCO⁺(T) seem to obey the power law: α_HCO⁺(T) = (2.0 ± 0.6) × 10⁻⁷ (T/300)^−1.3 cm³ s⁻¹ and α_DCO⁺(T) = (1.7 ± 0.5) × 10⁻⁷ (T/300)^−1.1 cm³ s⁻¹ over the studied temperature range.     

p-DSSCs with BiOCl and BiOBr semiconductor and polybromide electrolyte

BiOCl and BiOBr nanodiscs (100–150 nm in diameter, 15–25 nm in thickness) are prepared via water-based nucleation and purified by a phase-transfer reaction, including oleylamine-induced transfer of the as-prepared nanodiscs from the polar water phase to the non-polar toluene phase. The oleylamine-capping is then removed by hydrazine treatment, and the BiOCl/BiOBr nanodiscs are redispersed in 2-propanol. The as-prepared nanodiscs are finally deposited as a porous, p-type semiconductor layer to obtain dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, coumarin 343 is applied as sensitizer together with BiOCl as p-type semiconductor and a KI–I₂ electrolyte. In addition, eosin Y is applied as sensitizer together with BiOBr as p-type semiconductor and a [C₄MPyr]₂[Br₂₀] polybromide electrolyte (C₄MPyr: N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium). Such polybromide electrolyte is firstly applied in a DSSC and allows for a higher redox potential. Both here established p-DSSCs show the characteristic features and function of a solar cell (BiOCl/coumarin 343/KI–I₂: V_oc = 120 mV, J_sc = 57 μA cm⁻², FF = 40.6%, η = 0.003; BiOBr/eosin Y/[C₄MPyr]₂[Br₂₀]: V_oc = 78 mV, J_sc = 3.1 μA cm⁻², FF = 28.6%, η = 0.0005) as a result of this conceptual study.     

Quartz Crystal Microbalance monitoring the real-time binding of lectin with carbohydrate with high and low molecular mass

A Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) was used to monitor the mass changes on a quartz crystal surface containing immobilized lectins that interacted with carbohydrates. The strategy for lectin immobilization was developed on the basis of a multilayer system composed of Au–cystamine–glutaraldehyde–lectin. Each step of the immobilization procedure was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The system was used to study the interactions of Concanavalin A (ConA) with maltose and Jacalin with Fetuin. The real-time binding of different concentrations of carbohydrate to the immobilized lectin was monitored by means of QCM measurements and the data obtained allowed for the construction of Langmuir isotherm curves. The association constants determined for the specific interactions analyzed here were (6.4 ± 0.2) × 10⁴ M^− 1 for Jacalin–Fetuin and (4.5 ± 0.1) × 10² M^− 1 for ConA–maltose. These results indicate that the QCM constitutes a suitable method for the analysis of lectin–carbohydrate interactions, even when assaying low molecular mass ligands such as disaccharides.     

Investigation on the complex of diperoxovanadate with picolinamide

A novel diperoxovanadate complex NH₄[OV(O₂)₂(picolinamide)]·H₂O was synthesized from aqueous solution under physiological conditions. The solution structure of the complex was characterized by multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁴N, and ⁵¹V), variable temperature as well as two-dimensional (DOSY) NMR techniques in the interaction system of NH₄VO₃/H₂O₂/picolinamide at room temperature. The crystal structure of the complex was determined at 223 K by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. It belongs to the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 7.323(3) Å, b = 14.255(7) Å, c = 10.022(5) Å, β = 99.524(9)°, V = 1031.7(8) Å³, and Z = 4. The crystal is composed of ammonium ions, picolinamide oxodiperoxovanadate(V) ions, and water molecules, which are held together by ionic and hydrogen bond forces. The species [OV(O₂)₂(picolinamide)]⁻ is seven-coordinated with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry both in solution and in crystal.     

Thermal behavior of verapamil hydrochloride and its association with excipients

The thermal properties of verapamil hydrochloride (VRP) and its physical association as binary mixtures with some common excipients were evaluated. Thermogravimetry (TG) was used to determine the thermal mass loss, as well as to study the kinetics of VRP thermal decomposition, using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa model. Based on their frequent use in pharmacy, five different excipients (microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and talc) were blended with VRP. Samples were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (m/m). DSC curves for pure VRP presented an endothermic event at 143 ± 2 °C (ΔH_melt = 132 ± 4 J g⁻¹), which corresponds to the melting (literature T_m = 143.7 °C, ΔH_melt = 130.6 J g⁻¹). Comparisons among the observed results for each compound and their binary physical mixtures presented no relevant changes. This suggests no interaction between the drug and excipient.     

Correlation of alkylamine nucleophilicities with their basicities

The relationship of the nucleophilicity of alkylamines to their basicity is explored with emphasis on steric hindrance to solvation. The equation n = 1.43(?Σσ¹ + δE_s) + 6.35, where n is the Swain-Scott nucleophilic value, σ¹ is the Taft polarity value, and δE_s is the Taft steric value, correlates the nucleophilic constants of 17 common alkylamines and ammonia over two powers of 10 with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The equation n ? 1.42 δE_s = 0.44(pK_a + S) + 0.17, where S is the solvation constant, correlates the nucleophilicities of these amines and ammonia with their pK_a values over 3 powers of 10 with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. Excessive steric hindrance and nearby functional groups cause deviations from these equations.     

Complex formation of trivalent americium with salicylic acid at very low concentrations

For the first time, the complexation of americium(III) with salicylic acid was studied at trace metal concentrations using a 2.0 m Long Path Flow Cell for UV–vis spectroscopy. The detection limit of Am(III) in aqueous solution at pH 3.0 was found to be 5 × 10⁻⁹ M. Two Am(III)-salicylate complexes were formed at pH 5.0 in 0.1 M NaClO₄, indicated by a clear red shift of the absorption maximum. The absorption spectra obtained from spectrophotometric titration were analyzed by means of factor analysis and complex stabilities were calculated to be log β₁₁₀ = 2.56 ± 0.08 and log β₁₂₀ = 3.93 ± 0.19.     

Necrosis Depth and Photodynamic Threshold Dose with Redaporfin-PDT

Predicting the extent of necrosis in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is critical to ensure that the whole tumor is treated but vital structures, such as major blood vessels in the vicinity of the tumor, are spared. The models developed for clinical planning rely on empirical parameters that change with the nature of the photosensitizer and the target tissue. This work presents an in vivo study of the necrosis in the livers of rats due to PDT with a bacteriochlorin photosensitizer named redaporfin using both frontal illumination and interstitial illumination. Various doses of light at 750 nm were delivered 15 min postintravenous administration of redaporfin. Sharp boundaries between necrotic and healthy tissues were found. Frontal illumination allowed for the determination of the photodynamic threshold dose—1.5 × 10¹⁹ photons cm⁻³—which means that the regions of the tissues exposed to more than 11 mm of ROS evolved to necrosis. Interstitial illumination produced a necrotic radius of 0.7 cm for a light dose of 100 J cm⁻¹ and a redaporfin dose of 0.75 mg kg⁻¹. The experimental data obtained can be used to inform and improve clinical planning with frontal and interstitial illumination protocols.     

Temperature-dependent rate constants for the reactions of chlorine atom with methanol and Br2

Kinetics of the reaction of Cl atoms with methanol has been investigated at 2 Torr total pressure of helium and over a wide temperature range 225-950 K, using a discharge flow reactor combined with an electron impact ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer. The rate constant of the reaction Cl + CH₃OH → products (1) was determined using both absolute measurements under pseudo-first order conditions, monitoring the kinetics of Cl-atom consumption in excess of methanol and relative rate method, k₁ = (5.1 ± 0.8) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, and was found to be temperature independent over the range T = 225-950 K. The rate constant of the reaction Cl + Br₂ → BrCl + Br (3) was measured in an absolute way monitoring Cl-atom decays in excess of Br₂: k₃ = 1.64 × 10⁻¹⁰ exp(34/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at T = 225-960 K (with conservative 15% uncertainty). The experimental data for k₃ can also be adequately represented by the temperature independent value of k₃ = (1.8 ± 0.3) × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The kinetic data from the present study are compared with previous measurements.     

Electrocatalytic sulfite biosensor with human sulfite oxidase co-immobilized with cytochrome c in a polyelectrolyte-containing multilayer

An efficient electrocatalytic biosensor for sulfite detection was developed by co-immobilizing sulfite oxidase and cytochrome c with polyaniline sulfonic acid in a layer-by-layer assembly. QCM, UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry revealed increasing loading of electrochemically active protein with the formation of multilayers. The sensor operates reagentless at low working potential. A catalytic oxidation current was detected in the presence of sulfite at the modified gold electrode, polarized at +0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl 1 M KCl). The stability of the biosensor performance was characterized and optimized. A 17-bilayer electrode has a linear range between 1 and 60 μM sulfite with a sensitivity of 2.19 mA M⁻¹ sulfite and a response time of 2 min. The electrode retained a stable response for 3 days with a serial reproducibility of 3.8% and lost 20% of sensitivity after 5 days of operation. It is possible to store the sensor in a dry state for more than 2 months. The multilayer electrode was used for determination of sulfite in unspiked and spiked samples of red and white wine. The recovery and the specificity of the signals were evaluated for each sample. Figure Schematic of the bioelectrocatalytic sulfite sensor: sulfite oxidase (green) oxidizes sulfite to sulfate and transfers electrons via heme b ₅ to cyt c (red) and thence to the gold electrode     

Durability of a polymer with triple-shape properties

A series of cyclic thermo-mechanical measurements was conducted on segregated poly(ester urethane) to study substantial changes in triple-shape properties as a result of hydrolytic aging (80 °C). Prior to the analysis of aging effects, a concept of triple-shape testing was elaborated, starting with the implementation of two distinct programming units. The first one included a deformation at 60 °C to ?_m1 = 100% (temporary shape B) and its fixing through soft segment crystallization by cooling to −20 °C under constant strain. The second one consisted of a deformation at −20 °C to ?_m2 = 200% (temporary shape A) and its stabilization through soft segment vitrification as achieved by cooling to −60 °C under fixed strain constraint. Then, gradual heating of the polymer from below to above its thermal transition temperatures gave two independent shape recovery responses in the reverse order of shape fixing: A → B through passing the glass transition by heating from −60 to 23 °C and B → C (back to the permanent shape), when heating the material from 23 to 60 °C and thus above its soft segment melting temperature. In a progressive approach, the storage of loading history through the sequential fixing of two temporary shapes was proven by the development of shape recovery stresses under constrained environment. With the implementation of the two testing methods several aging-related effects could be detected. Good shape fixing abilities ≥90% for both shapes were found and contrasted by significant changes in shape recoverabilities and stress storage capacities. Further insights derived from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, indicating an aging-related growth in soft segment crystallinity, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), suggesting a plasticizer effect of water onto the polymer matrix and that aging favoured an increase in cross-linking density.     

Effect of the glycosylation of flavonoids on interaction with protein

In this paper, two flavonoid aglycones (baicalein, quercetin) and their glycosides (baicalin, quercitrin) were studied for their ability to bind protein by quenching the protein intrinsic fluorescence. From the spectra obtained, the bimolecular quenching constants, the apparent static binding constants, and binding sites values were calculated. The glycosylation of flavonoids decreases the binding affinity with protein. For quercetin and quercitrin, the binding constants for BSA were 3.65 × 10⁷ and 6.47 × 10³ L mol⁻¹, respectively. For baicalein and baicalin, the binding constants were 4.54 × 10⁸ and 1.63 × 10⁶ L mol⁻¹, respectively.     

Thermodynamic study on complex of neodymium with glycine

Neodymium complex with glycine, Nd(Gly)₂Cl₃·3H₂O, was synthesized and characterized by IR spectra. The thermal stability of the complex was tested through TG and DTG and a possible mechanism of thermal decomposition was proposed. The heat capacities of the complex were measured by using an automated adiabatic calorimeter over the temperature range from T = (80 to 380) K, the thermodynamic functions, [H_T − H_298.15] and [S_T − S_298.15], were calculated based on the heat capacity measurements. Two (solid + solid) phase transitions in the ranges of T = (170 to 247) K were observed with the peak temperatures of 184.896 K and 231.217, respectively. The standard molar enthalpy of formation of [Nd(Gly)₂Cl₃·3H₂O] was determined to be (−3081.3 ± 1.1) kJ · mol⁻¹ in terms of an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter.     

Electrically rechargeable zinc-oxygen flow battery with high power density

The development of a powerful, cyclically stable and electrically rechargeable zinc-oxygen battery with a three-electrode configuration is reported. A copper foam was used as stable substrate for zinc deposition in flowing potassium hydroxide electrolyte, while oxygen reduction and evolution were accomplished by a commercial silver electrode and a nickel foam, respectively. The cell could be charged and discharged with up to 600 mA cm^− 2, delivered a peak power density of 270 mW cm^− 2, and performed for more than 600 cycles, although short circuits by dendrite formation could not yet be completely avoided. At a current density of 50 mA cm^− 2 and a temperature of 30 °C, a promising energy efficiency of 54% was achieved.     

Interactions of thioflavin T with serum albumins: Spectroscopic analyses

The interaction of thioflavin T (ThT) with serum albumins from four different mammalian species i.e. human, bovine, porcine and rabbit, has been investigated by circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy and ITC. The binding constant (K) for HSA was found to be 9.9 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, 4.3 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ for RSA, 1.07 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ for PSA and 0.3 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ for BSA and the number of binding sites (n) were 1.14, 1.06, 0.94 and 0.8, respectively, which is very significant. By using unfolding pathway of HSA in the presence of urea, domain II of HSA has been assigned to possess binding site of ThT. Its binding constant is comparable to many drugs that bind at domain II of HSA, like salicylate, warfarin, digitoxin, etc. Acting force between HSA and ThT is showing that both hydrophobic and electrostatic forces have contributed for the interaction. ΔG_binding, ΔH and ΔS were calculated to be −28.46 kJ mol⁻¹, −3.50 kJ mol⁻¹ and 81.04 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. The data described here will help to increase our understanding about the interaction of ThT with native proteins. The results also indicate that care must be taken while using ThT as a probe for detecting amyloid fibrils.     

Benzamidinium acetylsalicylate: crystal structure of the first salt with acetylsalicylate anion

The first crystal structure of a non-coordinating acetylsalicylate anion containing salt was determined by X-ray crystallography. Benzamidinium acetylsalicylate crystallizes in the triclinic space group $ P\bar{1} The first crystal structure of a non-coordinating acetylsalicylate anion containing salt was determined by X-ray crystallography. Benzamidinium acetylsalicylate crystallizes in the triclinic space group (a = 9.8885(5), b = 10.2769(5), c = 15.2656(7) ?, α = 87.219(4), β = 78.261(4) and γ = 72.589(4) Z = 4, V = 1449.17(12) ?³, R1 = 0.0346 and wR2 = 0.0697). The structure comprises pairs of hydrogen bonded benzamidinium cations and acetylsalicylate anions connected into infinite chains through further N–H···O hydrogen bonds.     

Glass substrates crosslinked with tetracycline-imprinted polymeric silicate and CdTe quantum dots as fluorescent sensors

A fluorescence-based sensor that combines the merits of quantum dots (QDs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was first fabricated on a glass substrate via a sol–gel route. Some of the key performance factors, including silane selection, substrate etching, the reaction times of glass silanization and sol–gel polymerization, and the times and methods used for template stripping and loading, were discussed and determined. After fabricating the sensor on either a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) or a 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPS) modified glass substrate, APS showed a much better performance than MPS as both the capping reagent of QDs and the functional monomer of tetracycline-templated MIPs. The APS-QDs on APS-modified glass had a higher imprinted factor (IF = 5.6), a lower LOD (2.1 μM, 3σ), and a more stable signal (2.8%, n = 10 at 70 μM) than those on the MPS-modified glass (IF = 5.2, LOD = 6.5 μM, stability = 6.2%). Furthermore, the recoveries of tetracycline (70 μM) from BSA (133 μg/mL) and FBS (0.66 ppt) by the APS-modified glass were 98% (RSD = 3.5%, n = 5) and 97% (RSD = 5.7%), respectively. For the MPS-modified glass, recoveries of 95% (RSD = 7.2%) and 89% (RSD = 8.7%) were observed at 67 μg/mL of BSA and 0.33 ppt of FBS, respectively.     

Effects of Photobiomodulation on Functionality in Wistar Rats with Sciatic Nerve Injury

A peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can result in motor or sensory disorders. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated positive results as a treatment option for PNI. Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Injury, Injury + LLLTn (nerve), Injury + LLLTm (muscle) and Injury + LLLTn + m (nerve and muscle irradiation). The groups were analyzed after one, two, three and four weeks. PNI was achieved by crushing the sciatic nerve. Laser treatment (780 nm, 3.2 J) was realized over the nerve and/or tibialis anterior muscle. In gait analyses, the groups irradiated over the nerve demonstrated an improvement after two weeks. In the analysis of mechanical sensitivity, the Injury + LLLTn demonstrated a reduction after one week in comparison with Injury group; the Injury + LLLTn + m and Injury + LLLTm demonstrated an increase after two weeks in comparison with Injury group; and the irradiated groups demonstrated a reduction in nociception after four weeks in comparison with Injury group. In the analysis of muscle atrophy, the Injury + LLLTn demonstrated more muscle mass after two weeks. LLLT improves functional aspects related to gait, mechanical sensitivity and muscle mass, with better results regarding motor aspects and muscle mass when administered over the injured nerve and better results regarding sensory aspects when administered over the muscle.