Classical simulations of magnetic structures for chromium clusters: Size effects

Classical (Heisenberg) simulations show that the total magnetization of the lowest-energy states of clusters made of antiferromagnetically coupled chromium atoms is planar, rather than collinear, depending on the arrangement of the atoms. Although the model Hamiltonian is not restrictive, many cluster configurations of various numbers of atoms do not use all three directions for the spins. This result confirms the conclusion drawn from the local-spin DFT calculation by Kohl and Bertsch that clusters of N≤13 have non-collinear magnetic moments. The present simulations show non-collinear spin ordering also for bigger clusters, designed to be as spherical as possible following the bcc arrangement, when atoms interact both with the nearest and next-nearest neighbours. Depending on the signs of the coupling constants frustration appears. The advantage of the discrete model, despite the simplicity, is that very large clusters and magnetization at finite temperatures can be studied. This model predicts that clusters with specific numbers of atoms interacting only with the nearest neighbours have collinear spins as in the bulk. We also apply the model to simulate the destruction of the anti-ferromagnetic ordering by thermal fluctuations. This model shows no unique magnetization of mixed Fe _0.33 Cr _0.67, which is consistent with experimental observations.     

Distribution of stable isotopes in surface water along the Danube River in Serbia†

Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes were analysed in water samples from the River Danube and its tributaries during a longitudinal survey performed in August 2005 on Serbian territory. Danube river water data ranged from?80‰ to?66‰ for δ²H, and from?11.2‰ to?9.3‰ for δ¹⁸O with δ values increasing downstream. The isotopic signatures of the adjacent tributaries (the Tisza, the Sava and the Velika Morava) sampled at the locations close to their confluence with the Danube (Titel, Ostru?nica and Ljubi?evski most, respectively) just about the time of the campaign were enriched (?67‰ and?63‰ for δ²H, and?9.3‰ and?8.9‰ for δ¹⁸O) with respect to the Danube water because of their catchment effects. Hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope values were used in combination with measured physico-chemical and biological parameters to trace hydrological and transport processes in these river systems. The mixing relationships between the Danube main stream and its tributaries were estimated using the mass balance for isotopic composition and electrical conductivity as conservative parameters. Evidence of an incomplete mixing process at the ?enta location, 8 km below the confluence of the Tisza river, with its participation of 88% was shown by its oxygen-18 content. The correlations between river water isotope composition and physico-chemical and biological parameters are discussed.     

Coherence and wavefront characterization of Si‐111 monochromators using double‐grating interferometry

A study of the coherence and wavefront properties of a pseudo‐channel‐cut monochromator in comparison with a double‐crystal monochromator is presented. Using a double‐grating interferometer designed for the hard X‐ray regime, the complex coherence factor was measured and the wavefront distortions at the sample position were analyzed. A transverse coherence length was found in the vertical direction that was a factor of two larger for the channel‐cut monochromator owing to its higher mechanical stability. The wavefront distortions after different optical elements in the beam, such as monochromators and mirrors, were also quantified. This work is particularly relevant for coherent diffraction imaging experiments with synchrotron sources.     

Spin Label Studies of the Hemoglobin–Membrane Interaction During Sickle Hemoglobin Polymerization

An enhanced hemoglobin–membrane association has been previously documented in sickle cell anemia. However, it is not known how this interaction is modified during the hemoglobin S polymerization process. In this work, we use a model of reconstituted erythrocytes from ghost membranes whose cytoskeleton proteins had been previously labeled with the 4-maleimido Tempo spin label, and that were subsequently resealed with hemoglobin S or A solutions. Using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we studied the time dependence of the spectral W/S parameter, indicative of the conformational state of cytoskeleton proteins (mainly spectrin) under spontaneous deoxygenation, with the aim of detecting the eventual effects due to hemoglobin S polymerization. The differences observed in the temporal behavior of W/S in erythrocytes reconstituted with both hemoglobins were considered as experimental evidence of an increment in hemoglobin S–membrane interaction as a result of the polymerization process of hemoglobin S under spontaneous deoxygenation.     

Pyridyl-, bipyridyl-, and terpyridyl-functionalised azamacrocycles

Abstract

A series of azamacrocycles which have been N-functionalised with pendent pyridylmethyl-(pyCH₂-), bipyridylmethyl-(bipyCH₂-) and terpyridylmethyl- (terpyCH₂-) arms have been synthesised and characterised, and some of their coordination chemistry with transition metal ions is reported. By attaching the pendent-arms at the 5- rather than the 6-position of the py, bipy and terpy, new ligands are generated which can be used to form polynuclear metal complexes in a controlled and systematic fashion. Fluorescent pH and transition metal ion sensors have been developed by reacting the azamacrocyclic N-pendent bipyCH₂ arm(s) with cis-[Ru(bipy)₂Cl₂], to give macrocycles with up to four attached [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺ groups. That based on 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (9N3), with three attached [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺ groups, has a first photo excited state pK_a of 7.1, and is a useful fluorescent sensor for physiological pH at below micromolar concentrations. The analogous derivative of cyclam (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) carrying four [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺ groups has a first photo excited state pK_a of 5.7, allowing kinetic and thermodynamic fluorescence studies of metal ion uptake by an azamacrocycle at neutral pH without complications from protonated species. A pre-organised hexadentate tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) chelating ligand, 1,4,7-tris(2′,2″-bipyridyl-5′-ylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L) has been developed, and crystal structures of mononuclear complexes [M(LH)]³⁺ (M = Ru, Cu) are reported. In [M(LH)]³⁺ the azamacrocyclic N-atoms are non-coordinating to M, but have a very high affinity for a single proton trapped in the macrocyclic cavity. An analogous and potentially nonadentate ligand has been developed based on 9N3 with three N-pendent terpyCH₂-arms.     

Stability constants of metal complexes of macrocyclic ligands with pendant donor groups

Abstract

In our studies of the stability constants of metal complexes, we have investigated a number of macrocyclic ligands with pendant donor groups. The ligands are characterized by the fact that they have nitrogen donors in the macrocyclic ring and oxygen or sulfur donors in the pendant arms. These ligands represent seven different macrocycles, and by varying the pendant donor groups, ten different ligands are indicated. The affinities of these ligands for fifteen metal ions will be described. The Fe(III) complex of triazanonane with o-hydroxypyridyl or o-hydroxybenzyl pendant donor groups are the most stable ferric complexes ever reported. The In(III) complex of triazacyclononane with pendant mercaptoethyl donor groups, is exceptionally stable. Also, the Ca(II) complex of DOTA probably has the highest stability of any calcium(II) complex. These, and other comparisons will be made on the basis of the thermodynamic stability constant data for the ligands described.     

Fragrance encapsulation in polymeric matrices by emulsion electrospinning

We present the successful application of emulsion electrospinning for the encapsulation of a model for highly volatile fragrances, namely (R)-(+)-limonene in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibrous matrix. The influence of the emulsion formulation and of its colloidal properties on the fiber morphology, as well as on the limonene encapsulation efficiency, is described. The release profile of the fragrance from the electrospun nanofibers over a fifteen days range shows that this type of nanofibrous matrices with a high fragrance loading capacity is of great potential for applications in various fields, such as cosmetics or food packaging.