Infrared Spectroscopy of \hbox {CH}_4/\hbox {N}_{2} and \hbox {C}_{2}\hbox {H}_{m}/\hbox {N}_{2} ({m = 2, 4, 6}) Gas Mixtures in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of \(\hbox {CH}_{4}/\hbox {N}_{2}\) and \(\hbox {C}_{2}\hbox {H}_{m}/\hbox {N}_2\) ( \(m = 2, 4, 6\) ) gas mixtures in a medium pressure (300 mbar) dielectric barrier discharge was performed. Consumption of the initial gas and formation of other hydrocarbon and of nitrogen-containing HCN and \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) molecules was observed. \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) formation was further confirmed by laser absorption measurements. The experimental result for \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) is at variance with simulation results.     

Synergistic extraction of europium and americium into nitrobenzene by using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide

Extraction of microamounts of europium and americium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^?) in the presence of bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide (DPPMDO, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species $ {\text{HL}}^{ + } $ , $ {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + } $ , $ {\text{ML}}_{2}^{3 + } $ , $ {\text{ML}}_{3}^{3 + } $ and $ {\text{ML}}_{4}^{3 + } $ (M³⁺ = Eu³⁺, Am³⁺) are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. It was found that the stability constants of the corresponding complexes $ {\text{EuL}}_{n}^{3 + } $ and $ {\text{AmL}}_{n}^{3 + } $ , where n = 2, 3 and L is DPPMDO, in water–saturated nitrobenzene are comparable, whereas in this medium the stability of the cationic species $ {\text{AmL}}_{4}^{3 + } $ (L = DPPMDO) is somewhat higher than that of $ {\text{EuL}}_{4}^{3 + } $ with the same ligand L.     

Densities and Volumetric Properties of Butyl Acrylate + 1-Butanol, or +2-Butanol, or +2-Methyl-1-propanol, or +2-Methyl-2-propanol Binary Mixtures at Temperatures from 288.15 to 318.15 K

The densities, ρ, of binary mixtures of butyl acrylate with 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol, including those of the pure liquids, were measured over the entire composition range at temperatures of (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess molar volume $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E , partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}} $ V ¯ m,1 and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}} $ V ¯ m,2 , and excess partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} $ V ¯ m,1 E and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} $ V ¯ m,2 E , were calculated over the whole composition range as were the partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{^\circ } $ V ¯ m,1 ° and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{^\circ } $ V ¯ m,2 ° , and excess partial molar volumes $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{^\circ {\text{E}}}} $ V ¯ m,1 ° E and $ \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{{^\circ {\text{E}}}} $ V ¯ m,2 ° E , at infinite dilution,. The $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E values were found to be positive over the whole composition range for all the mixtures and at each temperature studied, indicating the presence of weak (non-specific) interactions between butyl acrylate and alkanol molecules. The deviations in $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E values follow the order: 1-butanol < 2-butanol < 2-methyl-1-propanol < 2-methyl-2-propanol. It is observed that the $ V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} $ V m E values depend upon the position of alkyl groups in alkanol molecules and the interactions between butyl acrylate and isomeric butanols decrease with increase in the number of alkyl groups at α-carbon atom in the alkanol molecules.     

Three–step method to determine the eutectic composition of binary and ternary mixtures

A three-step method to determine the eutectic composition of a binary or ternary mixture is introduced. The method consists in creating a temperature–composition diagram, validating the predicted eutectic composition via differential scanning calorimetry and subsequent T-History measurements. To test the three-step method, we use two novel eutectic phase change materials based on \(\mathrm{Zn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot 6\mathrm{H}_{2}{\mathrm O}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\)   respectively \(\mathrm{Mn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot 6\mathrm{H}_{2}{\hbox {O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) with equilibrium liquidus temperatures of 12.4 and 3.9  \(\,^{\circ }\mathrm {C}\) respectively with corresponding melting enthalpies of 135 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (237 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ) respectively 133 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (225 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ). We find eutectic compositions of 75/25 mass% for \(\mathrm{Zn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot \mathrm{6H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) and 73/27 mass% for \(\mathrm{Mn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot 6\mathrm{H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) . Considering a temperature range of 15 K around the phase change, a maximum storage capacity of about 172 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (302 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ) respectively 162 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (274 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ) was determined for \(\mathrm{Zn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot \mathrm{6H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) respectively \(\mathrm{Mn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot \mathrm{6H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) .     

A preliminary study of gross alpha/beta activity concentrations in drinking waters from Albania

A pilot study involving screening measurements of gross alpha/beta activity concentration in drinking water was performed in 12 cities with the highest population density in Albania. The aim of this study was to develop a first insight regarding the radiological quality of drinking and bottled water supplies. The tap and bottled water samples investigated are acceptable for consumption, complying with the WHO recommendations for drinking water. The average gross alpha and beta activity concentrations were \( 36_{ - 18}^{ + 37} \) and \( 269_{ - 150}^{ + 337} \)  mBq/L, respectively in tap waters. While for bottled water the gross alpha and beta activities were respectively \( 39_{ - 23}^{ + 55} \) and \( 220_{ - 132}^{ + 336} \)  mBq/L. The data obtained can provide information for authorities regarding the quality of drinking water and a baseline for future contaminations.     

Heats of formation of the amino acids re-examined by means of W1-F12 and W2-F12 theories

We have obtained accurate heats of formation for the twenty natural amino acids by means of explicitly correlated high-level thermochemical procedures. Our best theoretical heats of formation, obtained by means of the ab initio W1-F12 and W2-F12 thermochemical protocols, differ significantly (RMSD = 2.3 kcal/mol, maximum deviation 4.6 kcal/mol) from recently reported values using the lower-cost G3(MP2) method. With the more recent G4(MP2) procedure, RMSD drops slightly to 1.8 kcal/mol, while full G4 theory offers a more significant improvement to 0.72 kcal/mol (max. dev. 1.4 kcal/mol for glutamine). The economical G4(MP2)-6X protocol performs equivalently at RMSD = 0.71 kcal/mol (max. dev. 1.6 kcal/mol for arginine and glutamine). Our calculations are in excellent agreement with experiment for glycine, alanine and are in excellent agreement with the recent revised value for methionine, but suggest revisions by several kcal/mol for valine, proline, phenylalanine, and cysteine, in the latter case confirming a recent proposed revision. Our best heats of formation at 298 K ( $\Delta H_{f,298}^{\circ }$ ) are as follows: at the W2-F12 level: glycine ?94.1, alanine $-$ 101.5, serine $-$ 139.2, cysteine $-$ 94.5, and methionine $-$ 102.4  kcal/mol, and at the W1-F12 level: arginine $-$ 98.8, asparagine $-$ 146.5, aspartic acid $-$ 189.6, glutamine $-$ 151.0, glutamic acid $-$ 195.5, histidine $-$ 69.8, isoleucine $-$ 118.3, leucine $-$ 118.8, lysine $-$ 110.0, phenylalanine $-$ 76.9, proline $-$ 92.8, threonine $-$ 149.0, and valine $-$ 113.6 kcal/mol. For the two largest amino acids, an average over G4, G4(MP2)-6X, and CBS-QB3 yields best estimates of $-$ 58.4 kcal/mol for tryptophan, and of $-$ 117.5 kcal/mol for tyrosine. For glycine, we were able to obtain a “quasi-W4” result corresponding to $\hbox {TAE}_e$  = 968.1, $\hbox {TAE}_0$  = 918.6, $\Delta H_{f,298}^{\circ }=-90.0$ , and $\Delta H_{f,298}^{\circ }=-94.0$  kcal/mol.     

The Formation and Stability of the [FePy3Cl3]· Py Clathrate in the Pyridine–Iron(III) Chloride System: Phase Diagram and Solid–Gas Equilibria Study

The phase diagram of the pyridine–iron(III) chloride system has been studied for the 223–423 K temperature and 0–56 mass-% concentration ranges using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and solubility techniques. A solid with the highest pyridine content formed in the system was found to be an already known clathrate compound, [FePy₃Cl₃]·Py. The clathrate melts incongruently at 346.9 ± 0.3 K with the destruction of the host complex: [FePy₃Cl₃]·Py_(solid)=[FePy₂Cl₃]_(solid) + liquor. The thermal dissociation of the clathrate with the release of pyridine into the gaseous phase (TGA) occurs in a similar way: [FePy₃Cl₃]·Py_(solid)=[FePy2Cl₃]_(solid) + 2 Py_(gas). Thermodynamic parameters of the clathrate dissociation have been determined from the dependence of the pyridine vapour pressure over the clathrate samples versus temperature (tensimetric method). The dependence experiences a change at 327 K indicating a polymorphous transformation occurring at this temperature. For the process ${1 \over 2}[\hbox{FePy}_{3}\hbox{Cl}_{3}]\cdot \hbox{Py}_{\rm (solid)} = {1 \over 2}[\hbox{FePy}_{2}\hbox{Cl}_{3}]_{\rm (solid)} + \hbox{Py}_{\rm (gas)}$ in the range 292–327 K, ΔH $^{0}_{298}$ =70.8 ± 0.8 kJ/mol, ΔS $^{0}_{298}$ =197 ± 3 J/(mol K), ΔG $^{0}_{298}$ =12.2 ± 0.1 kJ/mol; in the range 327–368 K, ΔH $^{0}_{298}$ =44.4 ± 1.3 kJ/mol, ΔS $^{0}_{298}$ =116 ± 4 J/(mol K), ΔG $^{0}_{298}$ =9.9 ± 0.3 kJ/mol.     

Density functional study on structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of size-selected Pd n Si q (n = 1–7 and q = 0, +1, −1) clusters

The density functional theory (DFT) calculations within the framework of generalized gradient approximation have been employed to systematically investigate the geometrical structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of Pd _n Si ^q (n = 1–7 and q = 0, +1, ?1) clusters and compared them with the pure ${\text{Pd}}_{n + 1}^{q}$ (n = 1–7 and q = 0, +1, ?1) clusters for illustrating the effect of doping Si atom into palladium nanoclusters. The most stable configurations adopt a three-dimensional structure for both pure and Si-doped palladium clusters at n = 3–7. As a result of doping, the Pd _n Si clusters adopt different geometries as compared to that of Pd _n+1. A careful analysis of the binding energies per atom, fragmentation energies, second-order difference of energies, and HOMO–LUMO energy gaps as a function of cluster size shows that the clusters ${\text{Pd}}_{4}^{ + }$ , ${\text{Pd}}_{4}$ , ${\text{Pd}}_{8}^{ - }$ , ${\text{Pd}}_{5} {\text{Si}}^{0, + , - }$ , and ${\text{Pd}}_{7} {\text{Si}}^{0, + , - }$ possess relatively higher stability. There is enhancement in the stabilities of palladium frameworks due to doping with an impurity atom. In addition, the charge transfer has been analyzed to understand the effect of doped atom and compared further.     

Pre-formulation of an oral cyclosporine free of surfactant

The purpose of this study was to develop a new oral cyclosporine A (CsA) formulation free of surfactant cremophor using cyclodextrin terpolymers (P-αβ-CD, P-βγ-CD and P-αγ-CD) as excipients in attempt to enhance its stability, dissolution rate and eliminate surfactant side effects. Two spray-dried dispersions (SDDs) containing poorly water-soluble CsA were prepared with either P-αβ-CD, P-βγ-CD or P-αγ-CD using water ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) and ethanol (F _EOH) via spray-drying technique and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance along with the dissolution study which was compared to Neoral^® and Sandimmune^®. The results showed an interaction between CsA and P-αβ-CD, P-βγ-CD and P-αγ-CD without secondary structure change of CsA. The order of the CsA release from the terpolymers was ranked as follows: P-αγ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) = Neoral^® > P-βγ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) > P-αβ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) > P-αγ-CD/CsA (F _EOH) > Sandimmune^® > P-αβ-CD/CsA (F _EOH) > P-βγ-CD/CsA (F _EOH). The results of ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) could be explained by hydrophilisation and absence of crystallinity of CsA while maintaining part of its crystallinity in the case of formulations (F _EOH). In summary, developed SDD formulations P-αγ-CD/CsA ( $ F_{{{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}} $ ) revealed same dissolution profile as Neoral^® and better than Sandimmune^®. These systems seem to be stable to carry cyclosporine and release it, while preserving structure and thus, potentially, also maintaining cyclosporine activity.     

Excess Molar Volumes and Excess Isentropic Compressibilities of o-Toluidine + Tetrahydropyran with Pyridine or Benzene or Toluene Ternary Mixtures at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K

The densities, ρ ₁₂₃, and speeds of sound, u ₁₂₃, of ternary o-toluidine (OT, 1) + tetrahydropyran (THP, 2) + pyridine (Py) or benzene or toluene (3) mixtures have been measured as a function of composition at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K. Values of the excess molar volumes, $ V_{123}^{\text{E}} , $ and excess isentropic compressibilities, $ (\kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}} )_{123} , $ of the studied mixtures have been determined by employing the measured experimental data. The observed thermodynamic properties were fitted with the Redlich–Kister equation to determine adjustable ternary parameters and standard deviations. The $ V_{123}^{\text{E}} $ and $ (\kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}} )_{123} $ values were also analyzed in terms of Graph theory. It was observed that Graph theory correctly predicts the sign as well as magnitude of $ V_{123}^{\text{E}} $ and $ (\kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}} )_{123} $ values of the investigated mixtures. Analysis of the data suggests strong interactions and a more close packed arrangement in OT (1) + THP (2) + Py (3) mixtures as compared to those of the OT (1) + THP (2) + benzene (3) or toluene (3) mixtures. This may be due to the presence of a nitrogen atom in Py which results in stronger interactions for the OT:THP molecular entity as compared to those with benzene or toluene.     

Reactions of ligands from BT(B)P family with solvated electrons and benzophenone ketyl radicals in 1-octanol solutions. Pulse radiolysis study

Pulse radiolysis involving reactions of solvated electrons and benzophenone ketyl radicals in 1-octanol with selected compounds from bis-triazinyl pyridines and bis-triazinyl bipyridines, BT(B)P family, developed for extraction of trivalent actinides have been studied. The designated ligands were: 2,6-bis(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-benzo-[1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)pyridine, 6,6′-bis(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-benzo-[1,2,4-]triazin-3-yl)-[2,2′]bipyridine, 6,6′-bis(5,6-diethyl-[1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)-[2,2′]bipyridine and 6,6′-bis(5,6-dipentyl-[1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)-[2,2′]bipyridine. Reactions of the ligands with solvated electrons in 1-octanol are fast. The rate constants were determined as equal to: $ k_{{{\text{CyMe}}_{4} {\text{BTP}}}} . $  = (2.4 ± 0.2) × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1, $ k_{{{\text{CyMe}}_{ 4} {\text{BTBP}}}} $  = (1.7 ± 0.3) × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1, $ k_{{{\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{BTBP}}}} $  = (1.3 ± 0.3) × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 and $ k_{{{\text{C}}_{ 5} {\text{BTBP}}}} $  = (1.7 ± 0.3) × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1. Reactions of the ligands with benzophenone ketyl radicals are much slower and the measured rate constants were as follows: $ k_{{{\text{CyMe}}_{ 4} {\text{BTP}}}} $  = 6.7 × 10⁷ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 and $ k_{{{\text{CyMe}}_{ 4} {\text{BTBP}}}} $  = 3.2 × 10⁷ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1.     

Solvent extraction of europium trifluoromethanesulfonate into nitrobenzene by using three electroneutral receptors

From extraction experiments and $ \gamma $ -activity measurements, the extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium Eu³⁺(aq) + 3 A^?(aq) + L(nb) $ \Leftrightarrow $ EuL³⁺(nb) + 3A^?(nb) taking place in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system ( $ {\text{A}}^{ - } = {\text{CF}}_{ 3} {\text{SO}}_{3}^{ - } $ ; L = electroneutral receptors denoted by 1, 2, and 3 – see Scheme 1; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Further, the stability constants of the EuL³⁺ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were calculated; they were found to increase in the series of 3 < 2 < 1.

Magnesium ionophore III as an effective receptor for trivalent europium and americium

Solvent extraction of microamounts of trivalent europium and americium into nitrobenzene by using a synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^?) and magnesium ionophore III (L) was studied. The equilibrium data were explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \( \text{HL}_{2}^{ + } , \) \( {\text{ML}}_{2}^{3 + } , \) and \( {\text{ML}}_{3}^{3 + } \) (M³⁺ = Eu³⁺, Am³⁺; L = magnesium ionophore III) are extracted into the nitrobenzene phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complex species in nitrobenzene saturated with water were determined and discussed.     

A thermodynamic study of complexation of 18-crown-6 with Zn2+, Tl+, Hg2+ and {\text{UO}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}_{{\text{2}}} cations in acetonitrile-dimethylformamide binary media and study the effect of anion on the stability constant of (18C6-Na+) complex in methanol solutions

The equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters for complex formation of 18-crown-6(18C6) with Zn²⁺, Tl⁺, Hg²⁺ and $ {\text{UO}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}_{{\text{2}}} $ cations have been determined by conductivity measurements in acetonitrile(AN)-dimethylformamide(DMF) binary solutions. 18-crown-6 forms 1:1 complexes [M:L] with Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺ and $ {\text{UO}}^{{{\text{2 + }}}}_{{\text{2}}} $ cations, but in the case of Tl⁺ cation, a 1:2 [M:L₂] complex is formed in most binary solutions. The thermodynamic parameters ( $ \Delta {\text{H}}^{ \circ }_{{\text{c}}} $ and $ \Delta {\text{S}}^{ \circ }_{{\text{c}}} $ ) which were obtained from temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants show that in most cases, the complexes are enthalpy destabilized but entropy stabilized and a non-monotonic behaviour is observed for variations of standard enthalpy and entropy changes versus the composition of AN/DMF binary mixed solvents. The obtained results show that the order of selectivity of 18C6 ligand for these cations changes with the composition of the mixed solvent. A non-linear relationship was observed between the stability constants (logK_f) of these complexes with the composition of AN/DMF binary solutions. The influence of the $ {\text{ClO}}^{ - }_{{\text{4}}} $ , $ {\text{NO}}^{ - }_{{\text{3}}} $ and $ {\text{Cl}}^{ - } $ anions on the stability constant of (18C6-Na⁺) complex in methanol (MeOH) solutions was also studied by potentiometry method. The results show that the stability of (18C6-Na⁺) complex in the presence of the anions increases in order: $ {\text{ClO}}^{ - }_{{\text{4}}} $  >  $ {\text{NO}}^{ - }_{{\text{3}}} $  >  $ {\text{Cl}}^{ - } $ .     

Synthesis of lanthanide(III) complexes appended with a diphenylphosphinamide and their interaction with human serum albumin

Two DOTA-based proligands bearing a pendant diphenylphosphinamide 4a and 4b were synthesised. Their Eu(III) complexes exhibit sensitised emission when excited at 270 nm via the diphenylphosphinamide chromophore. Hydration states of q = 1.5 were determined from excited state lifetime measurements (Eu.4a $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 1 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 6 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ; Eu.4b $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 6 7\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 1 8 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). In the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) (0.1 mM Eu.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA, pH 7.4) q = 0.4 for Eu.4a ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 3 4\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 7 5\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ) and q = 0.6 for Eu.4b ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 8 3\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1.0 5 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). Relaxivites (pH 7.4, 298 K, 20 MHz) of the Gd(III) complexes in the absence and presence of HSA (0.1 mM Gd.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA) were: Gd.4a (r ₁ = 7.6 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 11.7 mM^?1s^?1) and Gd.4b. (r ₁ = 7.3 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 16.0 mM^?1s^?1). These relatively modest increases in r ₁ are consistent with the change in inner-sphere hydration on binding to HSA shown by luminescence measurements on Eu.4a/b. Binding constants for HSA determined by the quenching of luminescence (Eu) and enhancement of relaxivity (Gd) were Eu.4a (27,000 M^?1 ± 12%), Eu.4b (32,000 M^?1 ± 14%), Gd.4a (21,000 M^?1 ± 15%) and Gd.4b (26,000 M^?1 ± 15%).     

Densities,Refractive Indices,Ultrasonic Speeds and Excess Properties of Acetonitrile + Poly(ethylene glycol) Binary Mixtures at Temperatures from 298.15 to 313.15 K

The densities, ρ, refractive indices, n _D, and ultrasonic speeds, u, of binary mixtures of acetonitrile (AN) with poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG200), poly(ethylene glycol) 300 (PEG300) and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG400) were measured over the entire composition range at temperatures (298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess molar volumes, \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \) , deviations in refractive indices, \( \Delta n_{\text{D}} \) , excess molar isentropic compressibility, \( K_{{s , {\text{m}}}}^{\text{E}} \) , excess intermolecular free length, \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) , and excess acoustic impedance, Z ^E, have been evaluated. The partial molar volumes, \( \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}} \) and \( \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}} \) , partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \overline{K}_{{s , {\text{m,1}}}} \) and \( \overline{K}_{{s , {\text{m,2}}}} \) , and their excess values over whole composition range and at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The variations of these properties with composition and temperature are discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The results indicate the presence of specific interactions among the AN and PEG molecules, which follow the order PEG200 < PEG300 < PEG400.     

Influence of heavy metals on the early hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate

The hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate $ ( {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} ) $ in the presence of heavy metal is essential not only for applying the cement in solidification/stabilization (s/s) process, but also for preparing modern green cements from wastes containing heavy metals. In this study, the influence of gypsum, types, and concentrations of heavy metal nitrates (Pb(NO₃)₂, Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) on the hydration of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ during the first 24 h were investigated by isothermal conduction calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The addition of 20 % of gypsum to $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ leads to a rapid formation of ettringite against monosulfate and acceleration of hydration. The effects of heavy metals on the hydration of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ depend on the types of heavy metals and the addition of gypsum. Without any gypsum addition, heavy metal nitrates such as Cr, Cu, and Zn promote the hydration of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ , whereas Pb presents a strong retardation effect at the early age of $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ hydration. When 20 % of gypsum is added to $ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{A}}_{3} \overline{\text{S}} $ , heavy metals tend to accelerate the hydration of the blended pastes except Zn. However, heavy metal containing phases were not detected in this work, which needs to be supplemented by further investigations.     

Correlation consistent, Douglas–Kroll–Hess relativistic basis sets for the 5p and 6p elements

The diatomic carbon molecule has a complex electronic structure with a large number of low-lying electronic excited states. In this work, the potential energy curves (PECs) of the four lowest lying singlet states ( $X^{1} \Sigma^{ + }_{g}$ , $A^{1} \Pi_{u}$ , $B^{1} \Delta_{g}$ , and $B^{\prime1} \Sigma^{ + }_{g}$ ) were obtained by high-level ab initio calculations. Valence electron correlation was accounted for by the correlation energy extrapolation by intrinsic scaling (CEEIS) method. Additional corrections to the PECs included core–valence correlation and relativistic effects. Spin–orbit corrections were found to be insignificant. The impact of using dynamically weighted reference wave functions in conjunction with CEEIS was examined and found to give indistinguishable results from the even weighted method. The PECs showed multiple curve crossings due to the $B^{1} \Delta_{g}$ state as well as an avoided crossing between the two $^{1} \Sigma^{ + }_{g}$ states. Vibrational energy levels were computed for each of the four electronic states, as well as rotational constants and spectroscopic parameters. Comparison between the theoretical and experimental results showed excellent agreement overall. Equilibrium bond distances are reproduced to within 0.05 %. The dissociation energies of the states agree with experiment to within ~0.5 kcal/mol, achieving “chemical accuracy.” Vibrational energy levels show average deviations of ~20 cm^?1 or less. The $B^{1} \Delta_{g}$ state shows the best agreement with a mean absolute deviation of 2.41 cm^?1. Calculated rotational constants exhibit very good agreement with experiment, as do the spectroscopic constants.     

Spectroscopic Studies on the Thermodynamics of the Complexation of Trivalent Curium with Propionate in the Temperature Range from 20 to 90 °C

The thermodynamics of the stepwise complexation reaction of Cm(III) with propionate was studied by time resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy as a function of the ligand concentration, the ionic strength and temperature (20–90 °C). The molar fractions of the 1:1 and 1:2 complexes were quantified by peak deconvolution of the emission spectra at each temperature, yielding the log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{\prime } $ values. Using the specific ion interaction theory (SIT), the thermodynamic stability constants log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{0} (T) $ were determined. The log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{0} (T) $ values show a distinct increase by 0.15 (n = 1) and 1.0 (n = 2) orders of magnitude in the studied temperature range, respectively. The temperature dependency of the log₁₀ $ K_{n}^{0} (T) $ values is well described by the integrated van’t Hoff equation, assuming a constant enthalpy of reaction and $ \Updelta_{\text{r}} C^\circ_{{p,{\text{m}}}} = 0, $ yielding the thermodynamic standard state $ \left( {\Updelta_{\text{r}} H^\circ_{\text{m}} ,\Updelta_{\text{r}} S^\circ_{\text{m}} ,\Updelta_{\text{r}} G^\circ_{\text{m}} } \right) $ values for the formation of the $ {\text{Cm(Prop)}}_{n}^{3 - n} $ , n = (1, 2) species.     

Estimation of the critical rate of temperature rise for thermal explosion of nitrocellulose using non-isothermal DSC

The expressions to calculate the critical rate of temperature rise of thermal explosion $ ({\text{d}}T / {\text{d}}t)_{{\text{T}_{\text{b}} }} $ for energetic materials (EMs) were derived from the Semenov’s thermal explosion theory and autocatalytic reaction rate equation of nth order, C_nB, B_na, first-order, apparent empiric-order, simple first-order, A_u, apparent empiric-order of m = 0, n = 0, p = 1 and m = 0, n = 1, p = 1, using reasonable hypotheses. A method to determine the kinetic parameters in the autocatalytic-decomposing reaction rate equations and the $ ({\text{d}}T / {\text{d}}t)_{{\text{T}_{\text{b}} }} $ in EMs when autocatalytic decomposition converts into thermal explosion from data of DSC curves at different heating rate was presented. Results show that (1) under non-isothermal DSC conditions, the autocatalytic-decomposing reaction of NC (12.97 % N) can be described by the first-order autocatalytic reaction rate equation dα/dt = 10^16.00exp(?174520/RT)(1 ? α) + 10^16.00exp(?163510/RT)α(1 ? α); (2) the value of $ ({\text{d}}T / {\text{d}}t)_{{\text{T}_{\text{b}} }} $ for NC (12.97 % N) when autocatalytic decomposition converts into thermal explosion is 0.354 K s^?1.