Characterization of the new Bi∼6.2Cu∼6.2O8(PO4)5 oxyphosphate; a disordered compound containing 2- and 3-O(Bi, Cu)4 tetrahedra—wide polycationic ribbons

The present work is dedicated to the XRD, ED and HREM characterization of a new bismuth copper oxyphosphate Bi_∼6.2Cu_∼6.2O₈(PO₄)₅ (a=11.599(2)Å, , c=37.541(5)Å, R₁=0.0755, Rw₂₌0.174, G.S Pn2₁a). The relatively long size of its c parameter is due to the arrangement along this direction of two kinds of ribbon-like polycations formed by edge sharing O(Bi, Cu)₄ tetrahedra. The existence of such cations is characterized by the b∼5.2 Å value intrinsic to the ribbons structure and commonly found in bismuth oxyphosphate materials. In the title compound, 2-tetrahedra wide [Bi_∼2.4Cu_∼3.6O₄]^6.4+ and 3-tetrahedra wide [Bi_∼5Cu_∼3O₆]⁹⁺ ribbons are isolated by phosphate groups and alternate along c. The interstitial site created between two different sizes ribbons is occupied by Cu²⁺ cations disordered over several close crystallographic sites. The mixed Bi³⁺/Cu²⁺ nature of certain edge-of-ribbons positions induces a disorder over several configurations of the phosphate groups. The concerned oxygen atoms form the environment of the disordered interstitial Cu²⁺ cations which occupy tunnels formed by the phosphate anions. The high-resolution electron microscope study enables a precise correlation between the observed images and the refined crystal structure, evidencing the polycations visualization. Furthermore, this material being the second example of partially disordered compound similar chemical system, some topological rules can be deduced. The b-axis doubling was observed by ED and HREM and is assigned to the ordering of interstitial Cu²⁺ within tunnels cations. A partial intra-tunnel ordering was also observed.     

Spectroscopic and Quantum Mechanical Studies of Substituted Anilines and their Charge-Transfer Complexes with Iodine in Different Solvents

Summary. Equilibrium constants and molar extinction coefficients for 1:1 charge-transfer complexes between 2-hydroxyaniline (HA), 5-chloro-2-hydroxyaniline (CHA), and 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylaniline (BMA) as donors and iodine, as a typical σ-acceptor were determined spectrophotometrically in chloroform, dichloromethane, and carbontetrachloride solutions. Spectral characteristics and formation constants are discussed in terms of donor molecular structure and solvent polarity. The stoichiometry of the complexes was established to be 1:1. For this purpose, optical data were subjected to the form of the Rose-Drago equation for 1:1 equilibria. Electronic absorption spectra of the studied anilines were measured in different solvents. Spectral data were reported and band maxima were assigned to the appropriate molecular orbital transitions (π–π^* and n–π^* electronic transition). Solvent effects on the electronic transitions were discussed. Optimized geometry of the studied anilines was obtained at B3LYP/6-31 + G(d). The effect of the electronic factors of the substituents on the geometrical parameters of the ring has been explored. Geometrical values of the ring deviate from the regular hexagonal ring. Intramolecular H-bonds in HA and CHA have been computed at B3LYP/6-31 + G(d) and MP2/6-31 + G(d) levels. The H-bonding distance was calculated to be 2.105 ? in HA and 2.127 ? in CHA. Abstracted from her M.Sc. thesis     

Energetic Bio-Activation of Some Organic Molecules and Their Antioxidant Activity in the Pulp of the Moroccan Argan Tree «Argania spinosa L.»

Argania spinosa L. Skeels is an emblematic tree in Morocco, known worldwide for its medicinal and nutritional value. Its fruits contain kernels used to prepare an edible oil, the leaves are used to feed livestock, and its wood is used as fuel. If the oil acquires high importance, the other components of the fruit of the argan are undervalued. Our objective is to invest the waste of the argan industry. Particularly, our study aimed to assess the effect of thermal activation of argan pulp on its therapeutic value, its phenolic profile and its functional and physicochemical properties. After heat treatment, the HPLC analysis for the average total phenolic content varied from 2% to 37%, depending on temperature. The antioxidant activity was increased with heat treatment. Higher values of antioxidant activity, polyphenol and pigment content were recorded at 70 °C. Functional properties analysis indicated that water solubility index and water absorption capacity were significantly affected by heat stress. Physicochemical analysis showed that moisture content, titratable acidity and soluble solids were affected.     

Host–guest system of etodolac in native and modified β-cyclodextrins: preparation and physicochemical characterization

Etodolac, being a practically insoluble candidate, exhibits certain toxic effects and a limited bioavailability. Upon chronic use, it causes gastro-intestinal injury and increases the risk of ulcer complications. The approach of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties of the drug utilizing complexation phenomenon with β-, methyl-β- and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins, which may enhance the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of etodolac, in an effort to increase oral bioavailability. In certain instances, this approach can be used to increase drug solubility, improve organoleptic properties and maximize the gastrointestinal tolerance by reducing drug irritation after oral administration. Differential UV measurements as well as continuous variation plots revealed the formation of equimolar complex with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and 1:2 complexes with β-cyclodextrin and its methyl derivative. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray and FT-IR measurements were applied to prove inclusion complex formation and characterize the complexes. These results lend support to the idea that solubilization of etodolac is mainly related to inclusion complex formation and to a lesser extent to cyclodextrin aggregates. Understanding the factors that influence the performance of etodolac, will allow us to state that molecular encapsulation of the drug and other modifications with appropriate hydroxylation or methylation of parent β-cyclodextrin is able to overcome its problems and facilitate safe and efficient delivery of the drug.     

Detection and dosimetry of gamma ray emitted from thallium-201 and technetium-99m based on chemiluminescence technique

This report describes the detection and dosimetry of gamma ray emitted from Thallium-201 (²⁰¹Tl) and Technetium-99m (^99mTc) based on chemiluminescence technique. H₂O₂ produced by two gamma emitter radioisotopes of ²⁰¹Tl and ^99mTc were quantitatively measured by chemiluminescence method. Upon producing H₂O₂ in a luminol alkaline solution, in the presence of diperiodatocuprate, as catalyst a chemical reaction was accrued and consequently the emitted light was measured. The determined H₂O₂ concentration was correlated with the gamma ray detection and dosimetry. The sensitivity of chemiluminescence technique for ²⁰¹Tl and ^99mTc dosimetry was determined to be 0.20 and 0.08 MBq/l (Mega Becquerel per liter) respectively (R.S.D. = %5, N = 3). The plotted calibration curves showed detection limits of 3.24 and 1.76 MBq/l for ²⁰¹Tl and ^99mTc, respectively.     

Comparison between standard and counterpoise-corrected optimization using some hydrogen and halogen bonded systems

The effect of the counterpoise correction on the geometries, stabilization energies, and vibrational harmonic frequencies of some hydrogen- and halogen-bonded systems (B?=?CH₃CN,?HCN,?NH₃,?N₂,?CO,?H₂O,?H₂S,?PH₃;?HX?=?HF,?HCl,?HBr,?HCN,?HCF₃; XY?=?Br₂,?BrCl,?BrF,?Cl₂,?ClF,?F₂) has been analysed at the MP2 level of theory using the popular 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The optimized B?···?H and B?···?X bond lengths increase with counterpoise (CP) correction. In some cases standard values and in other cases CP-corrected values are close to experimental data. The absolute values of complexation energies of CP-corrected structures are higher than standard by inclusion of BSSE correction. The effect of CP correction on intermolecular bond lengths and complexation energies of B?···?XY series are usually higher than B?···?HX. Also, this effect is higher for H₂S and PH₃ groups. The CP correction changes the vibrational harmonic frequencies by 0–100%. The changes are frequently lower than 20% for frequencies higher than 300?cm^?1.     

Evaluation of aerodynamic performance enhancement of Risø_B1 airfoil with an optimized cavity by PIV measurement

Journal of Visualization - Airfoils are mostly inefficient in their off-design conditions. In order to improve the aerodynamic performance of airfoils in these conditions, using an optimized cavity...     

Seed priming with cold plasma improved seedling performance,secondary metabolism,and expression of deacetylvindoline O-acetyltransferase gene in Catharanthus roseus

The plasma-primed seeds of Catharanthus roseus were cultured in a hormone-free culture medium under sterile conditions. Plasma of 30 or 60 s improved root length (mean = 41.4%) and biomass (mean = 47%), whereas plasma of 90 s delayed plant growth. The plasma treatments enhanced concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and soluble phenols. Plasma of 90 s increased the proline level. With a similar trend, plasma priming induced activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, catalase (about twofold) and peroxidase (31%) enzymes. Plasma also upregulated the expressions of deacetylvindoline O-acetyltransferase gene by an average of 7.8 times. Similarly, the plasma-treated seedlings contained higher concentrations of alkaloids (mean = 72%). Here, molecular evidence is provided on the plasma-associated modifications in secondary metabolism.