Consequences of the nanoporosity of cellulosic fibers on their streaming potential and their interactions with cationic polyelectrolytes

Electrokinetic tests, based on the streaming potential method, were used to elucidate interactions between cationic polyelectrolytes and cellulosic fibers and to reveal aspects of fibers’ nanoporosity. The fibrillated and nanoporous nature of bleached kraft fibers gave rise to time-dependent changes in streaming potential, following treatment of the wetted fibers with poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride. Electrokinetic test results were consistent with an expected longer time required for higher-mass polyelectrolytes to diffuse into pore spaces, compared to lower-mass polyelectrolytes. Further evidence of the relative inability of polyelectrolyte molecules to diffuse into the pores of cellulose was obtained by switching back and forth between high and low ionic strength conditions during repeated measurement of streaming potential, after the fibers had been treated with a moderate amount of cationic polymer. By changing the concentration of sodium sulfate it was possible to switch the sign of streaming potential repeatedly from positive to negative and back again. Such results imply that a continuous path for liquid flow exists either in a fibrillar layer or within the cell walls. The same concepts also helped to explain the dosages of high-charge cationic polymer needed to achieve maximum dewatering rates, as well as the results of retention experiments using positively and negatively charged microcrystalline cellulose particles.     

Changes in zeta potential caused by a dc electric current for thin double layers

An asymptotic solution was obtained to describe one-dimensional, steady-state transport of a symmetric binary electrolyte normal to two large parallel electrodes, in the limit in which the Debye length is infinitesimal compared to the distance separating the two electrodes. Despite the nonzero ion flux, Boltzmann's equation continues to describe the relationship between either ion concentration and the electrostatic potential inside the diffuse part of the double layer, while local electroneutrality applies outside, even for current densities approaching the limiting value. In the absence of ion adsorption or dissociation reactions at the electrodes, the magnitude of any charge or zeta potential arising on the electrodes at zero current is determined by the equilibrium constant for the redox reactions which would exchange ionic charge carriers for electric charge carriers at the electrode surface. Nonzero current causes the ionic strength of the bulk to vary with position. This perturbs the Debye length of the diffuse cloud on either electrode: it is the local ionic strength just outside the cloud which determines the Debye length for that cloud. Nonzero current also changes the zeta potential. The dimensionless rate of change dζ/dJ was as large as 30.     

Double photoionisation spectra of small molecules and a new empirical rule for double ionisation energies

Complete double photoelectron spectra are presented for 18 small molecules where the location of charges in the cations and dications is relatively clearly defined. The data demonstrate the importance of a coulombic repulsion contribution to the double ionisation energies. Examination of data for a wide range of molecules leads to a new empirical rule to calculate double ionisation energies from the molecules’ single ionisation energies and maximum dimensions. Where single and double ionisation energies are known the rule allows the deduction of plausible intercharge distances.     

Simple evaluation of Franck–Condon factors and non‐Condon effects in the Morse potential

The calculation of Franck–Condon factors between different 1‐D Morse potential eigenstates using a formula derived from the Wigner function is discussed. Our numerical calculations using a simple program written in Mathematica are compared with other calculations. We show that our results have a similar accuracy as those calculations performed with more sophisticated methods. We discuss the extension of our method to include non‐Condon effects in the calculation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 88: 280–295, 2002     

Bound and scattering states for a hyperbolic‐type potential in view of a new developed approximation

A new developed approximation is used to obtain the arbitrary l‐wave bound and scattering state solutions of Schrödinger equation for a particle in a hyperbolic‐type potential. For bound state, the energy eigenvalue equation and unnormalized wave functions in terms of Jacobi polynomials are achieved using the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU) method. Besides, energy eigenvalues are calculated numerically for some states and compared with those given in the literature to check accuracy of our results. For scattering state, the wave function is found in terms of hypergeometric functions. Furthermore, scattering amplitude and phase shifts are achieved using scattering solutions. Also it is shown that the energy eigenvalue equation obtained from analytic property of scattering amplitude is same with one obtained using NU method. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Double Asymmetric Synthesis and a New Strategy for Stereochemical Control in Organic Synthesis

This account examines double asymmetric induction from theoretical and practical viewpoints. In the context of four major organic reactions-the aldol, Diels-Alder, catalytic hydrogenation, and epoxidation-it is shown that a double asymmetric induction can be analyzed in terms of the single asymmetric reactions of each of the two chiral reactants. A rule which qualitatively relates the results of these single asymmetric reactions with the outcome of the double asymmetric reaction is proposed. A powerful new strategy based on this rule for the predictable creation of new chiral centers is discussed and the use of this strategy for the synthesis of sugars and macrolides is presented.     

Presentation of a new index for estimation of aromaticity in halo‐ and cyanobenzenes: The role of potential energy in aromaticity

A linear correlation has been obtained between average values of Hamiltonian kinetic energy ( ) and potential energy ( ) calculated at the bond critical points using atoms in molecules method. This relation was used to introduce a new index ( ) for estimation of aromaticity in halo‐ and cyanobenzenes. Potential energy has different terms such as attraction between nuclei and electrons, also repulsion of electrons which affect the inertia and mobility of electrons, respectively. Therefore, contribution of potential energy in this relation must be controlled. Contribution of potential energy in aromaticity has been managed using a fitting parameter. This parameter was obtained by fitting the aromaticity stabilization energy data with values of aromaticity calculated by index for halo‐ and cyanobenzenes. The contribution of potential energy in index is complete when molecule is nonaromatic and is negligible when molecule is antiaromatic. Indeed, molecule is aromatic when contribution of potential energy in index lies between above limits. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Solution of equation for a current-voltage curve describing reversible metal electrodissolution with linear boundedly semi-infinite diffusion and a linear alteration of potential in the stripping voltammetry method

An exact, sufficiently simple, explicit expression is obtained and a full contour of the stripping-voltammetry peak is calculated for a reversible process on a thin-film mercury electrode of finite thickness (linear boundedly semi-infinite diffusion is taken into account) in conditions of stripping voltammetry at a linearly altering potential. That these results were obtained at all, is due to use made of two extra boundary conditions (Nemovs and Nazarovs). The addends in the four forms of equations derived are the limiting expressions and corrections in the form of Nemovs or Nazarovs boundary conditions. It is shown that it is advisable to employ different forms of equations at large and small values of parameter H. The peaks height, full width at half-maximum, and potential are found to depend on H.Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 1, 2005, pp. 54–68.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Nazarov, Stromberg.To the Centennial of B.N. Kabanov.Deceased.     

Performance of heterogeneous computing with graphics processing unit and many integrated core for hartree potential calculations on a numerical grid

We investigated the performance of heterogeneous computing with graphics processing units (GPUs) and many integrated core (MIC) with 20 CPU cores (20×CPU). As a practical example toward large scale electronic structure calculations using grid‐based methods, we evaluated the Hartree potentials of silver nanoparticles with various sizes (3.1, 3.7, 4.9, 6.1, and 6.9 nm) via a direct integral method supported by the sinc basis set. The so‐called work stealing scheduler was used for efficient heterogeneous computing via the balanced dynamic distribution of workloads between all processors on a given architecture without any prior information on their individual performances. 20×CPU + 1GPU was up to ～1.5 and ～3.1 times faster than 1GPU and 20×CPU, respectively. 20×CPU + 2GPU was ～4.3 times faster than 20×CPU. The performance enhancement by CPU + MIC was considerably lower than expected because of the large initialization overhead of MIC, although its theoretical performance is similar with that of CPU + GPU. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Unsteady double-diffusive natural convection in a two-sided lid-driven inclined porous enclosure with sinusoidal boundary conditions with Soret and Dufour effects

Unsteady double-diffusive natural convection in an inclined porous enclosure with sinusoidal boundary conditions and Soret and Dufour parameters is studied. The unique aspects of the set-up are that the left vertical and bottom walls are heated and concentrated non-uniformly and uniformly, respectively, while the right vertical wall is well insulated and the top wall is maintained at a constant concentration and cold temperature. A staggered grid finite-difference method is used to solve the system of partial differential equations that model heat and mass transfer inside the enclosure. We demonstrate the effects of the Soret and Dufour parameters and the inclination angle on the unsteady double-diffusive natural convection in the inclined porous enclosure. With all the numerical studies, the least square curve fitting (exponential non-linear curve fitting) of average Nusselt number and average Sherwood number with respect to different Soret and Dufour numbers at the left vertical wall which is non-uniformly heated and concentrated is examined here. Comparison with previously published results shows an excellent agreement.     

Deuterium kinetic isotope effects in homogeneous decatungstate catalyzed photooxygenation of 1,1-diphenylethane and 9-methyl-9H-fluorene: evidence for a hydrogen abstraction mechanism

The homogeneous decatungstate catalyzed photooxygenation of 1,1-diphenylethane and 9-methyl-9H-fluorene has been studied mechanistically. The primary and β-secondary kinetic isotope effects provide strong evidence for a stepwise mechanism, with a hydrogen atom abstraction in the rate-determining step.     

First report of the nutritional profile and antioxidant potential of Holothuria arguinensis,a new resource for aquaculture in Europe

This work reports for the first time the nutritional profile and antioxidant potential of the edible sea cucumber Holothuria arguinensis from the North-eastern Atlantic. H. arguinensis has high levels of protein, with the amino acids profile dominated by alanine, glycine and proline and low lysine/arginine ratios. Its carbohydrate and energetic contents are also low as well as the total lipid levels, although its lipid profile is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. In addition, H. arguinensis has high levels of calcium. The water and ethanol extracts show ability to scavenge free radicals and to chelate copper and iron ions. Our results indicate that H. arguinensis has a balanced nutritional quality suitable for human consumption. In addition, it contains compounds with antioxidant potential; thus its intake can contribute for a healthy and well-balanced diet.     

Microscopic Models for Proton Transfer in Water and Strongly Hydrogen-Bonded Complexes with a Single-Well Proton Potential

A new mechanism and formalism for proton transfer in donor-acceptor complexes with long hydrogen bonds introduced recently [1], is applied to a proton transfer in liquid water. Structural diffusion of hydroxonium ions is regarded as totally adiabatic process, with synchronous hindered translation of two closest water molecules to and from the reaction complex as crucial steps. The water molecules induce a gated shift of the proton from the donor to the acceptor in the double-well potential with simultaneous breaking/formation of hydrogen bonds between these molecules and the proton donor and acceptor. The short-range and long-range proton transfer as structural diffusion of Zundel complexes is also considered. The theoretical formalism is illustrated with the use of Morse, exponential, and harmonic molecular potentials. This approach is extended to proton transfer in strongly hydrogen-bonded donor-acceptor complexes. In contrast to the above model [1], the short hydrogen bond between the donor and acceptor moieties, however, completely erodes the barrier along the proton transfer mode. This introduces some physical pattern differences from proton transfer reactions in truly double-well potentials with a finite proton transfer barrier at the transition configuration with respect to the environmental nuclear coordinates. The differences apply particularly to the origin of the kinetic isotope effect. We discuss explicitly details of the excess proton conductivity in aqueous solution, but the concepts and formalism apply broadly to acid-base reactions, proton conduction channels, and other strongly hydrogen-bonded O- and N-proton donor-acceptor systems.     

Solvent effects on extraction of potassium picrate with benzo-18-crown-6. A new equation for the determination of ion-pair formation of crown ether-metal salt complexes in water

In order to determine the ion-pair formation constant of a crown ether-metal salt 1:1:1 complex in water, an equation is derived from regular solution theory and its predictions are verified experimentally by the solvent extraction method using benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6), potassium picrate (KA), and various diluents of low dielectric constant. The distribution constants of B18C6 itself and the overall extraction constants of KA with B18C6 were determined at 25±0.2°C. The distribution constants of the neutral K(B18C6)A complex were calculated from these data. The literature value for the complex-formation constant of K(B18C6)⁺ in water and the ion-pair formation constant (K _K(B18C6)A ) for K(B18C6)A in water determined in this study were log K _K(B18C6)A =3.12±0.23 at 25°C). The distribution behavior of B18C6 and K(B18C6)A is explained in terms of regular solution theory. The molar volumes V (cm³·mol^–1) and solubility parameters (cal^1/2-cm^–3/2) are as follows: V _B18C6 =249±36; V _K(B18C6)A =407±56; _B18C6 = 11.5 ± 0.5; and _K(B18C6)A = 11.5 ± 0.5.     

Design Strategy of Decorating Phenylcarbazole with a Donor and Acceptor for Blue-Shifted Emission in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Emitters

A series of blue thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters of 1′′-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-9,9′′-diphenyl-9H,9′′H-3,3′:9′,4′′-tercarbazole (TrzCz1) and 3′,6′-di-tert-butyl-1-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-9-phenyl-9H-4,9′-bicarbazole (TrzCz2) were synthesized through a molecular design approach to decorate phenylcarbazole with a donor and an acceptor. The 1- and 4-positions of the phenylcarbazole core were modified with a diphenyltriazine acceptor and a bicarbazole or tert-butylcarbazole donor, respectively, through a synthetic strategy to introduce Br at the 1-position and F at the 4-position. The TrzCz1 and TrzCz2 emitters showed maximum photoluminescence emission bands at λ=443 and 433 nm, which were blueshifted relative to those of the corresponding TADF emitters with the same donor and acceptor, respectively. In the device application, the TrzCz1 emitter showed a maximum external quantum efficiency of 22.4 %, with a color coordinate of (0.16, 0.21), and the TrzCz2 emitter showed a maximum external quantum efficiency of 9.9 %, with a color coordinate of (0.14, 0.09). This work proved that the design strategy of decorating phenylcarbazole with a donor and an acceptor is effective at blueshifting the emission of TADF emitters.     

Monitoring arsenic in the environment: a review of science and technologies with the potential for field measurements

This review examines available field assays and other technologies with the potential to measure and monitor arsenic in the environment. The strengths and weaknesses of the various assays are discussed with respect to their sensitivity, ability to detect the chemical states of arsenic, performance in various media, potential interferences, and ease of operation. The state of the science and development efforts of selected technologies is presented.