Biocompatibility of nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes with murine fibroblasts and human hematopoietic stem cells

Journal of Nanoparticle Research - Workers are increasingly exposed to nanoparticles, mostly via inhalation. Respiratory protection is recommended as an additional control measure. Particulate...     

Controlling the propagation of broadband light pulses by Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

We present an experimental and theoretical investigation, performed on hot sodium atoms in a ladder scheme, showing the control of the absorption and of the propagation velocity of a probe light pulse with a spectral bandwidth as large as 1.8 GHz. The predictions of the theoretical model compare favorably with the experimental results.     

Accuracy and efficiency comparison of various nonlinear Kalman filters applied to multibody models

Nonlinear Dynamics - Multibody simulations are already used in many industries to speed up the development of new products. However, improvements in multibody formulations and the continuous...     

Impact of Dye‐Protein Interaction and Silver Nanoparticles on Rose Bengal Photophysical Behavior and Protein Photocrosslinking

The role of recombinant Type‐I human collagen in the free form or forming AgNP@collagen on the photophysical and photochemical behavior of rose Bengal was analyzed. The formation of dye aggregates on the protein surface was experimentally observed and corroborated by docking calculations. The formation of such aggregates is believed to change the main oxidative mechanism from Type‐II (singlet oxygen) to Type‐I (free radical) photosensitization. Remarkably, the presence of AgNP in the form of AgNP@collagen altered the dynamics of dye triplet deactivation, effectively preventing the dye degradation and reducing the extent of protein crosslinked. Both crosslinked rHC and AgNP@collagen were able to support fibroblasts proliferation, but only the material containing silver was resistant to S. epidermidis infection.     

Monitoring stabilizing procedures of archaeological iron using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

A methodology for monitoring washing procedures applied to stabilize archaeological iron is described. It is based on the combination of voltammetry of microparticles (VMP) with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A semi-empirical approach is used where the impedances at low and high frequencies were related with the fraction areas of passive and corrosion layers generated during the stabilizing treatment, the thickness, and the porosity of the corrosion layer. The variation of such parameters with the time of washing was determined from EIS data for four types of desalination procedures using concentrated NaOH and/or Na₂SO₃ aqueous solutions on archaeological iron artifacts. After 2 months of treatment, EIS data indicate that an essentially identical “stable” state was attained in all cases, as confirmed by the formation of a passive magnetite layer identified in VMP measurements while the rate of variation of corroded surface and porosity at short washing times varied significantly from one stabilization procedure to another.     

Probing the CH⋅⋅⋅π Weak Hydrogen Bond in Anesthetic Binding: The Sevoflurane–Benzene Cluster

Cooperativity between weak hydrogen bonds can be revealed in molecular clusters isolated in the gas phase. Here we examine the structure, internal dynamics, and origin of the weak intermolecular forces between sevoflurane and a benzene molecule, using multi‐isotopic broadband rotational spectra. This heterodimer is held together by a primary C? H???π hydrogen bond, assisted by multiple weak C? H???F interactions. The multiple nonbonding forces hinder the internal rotation of benzene around the isopropyl C? H bond in sevoflurane, producing detectable quantum tunneling effects in the rotational spectrum.     

High Degree of Polymerization in a Fullerene‐Containing Supramolecular Polymer

Supramolecular polymers based on dispersion forces typically show lower molecular weights (MW) than those based on hydrogen bonding or metal–ligand coordination. We present the synthesis and self‐assembling properties of a monomer featuring two complementary units, a C₆₀ derivative and an exTTF‐based macrocycle, that interact mainly through π–π, charge‐transfer, and van der Waals interactions. Thanks to the preorganization in the host part, a remarkable log K_a=5.1±0.5 in CHCl₃ at room temperature is determined for the host–guest couple. In accordance with the large binding constant, the monomer self‐assembles in the gas phase, in solution, and in the solid state to form linear supramolecular polymers with a very high degree of polymerization. A MW above 150 kDa has been found experimentally in solution, while in the solid state the monomer forms extraordinarily long, straight, and uniform fibers with lengths reaching several microns.     

Raman Optical Activity (ROA) as a New Tool to Elucidate the Helical Structure of Poly(phenylacetylene)s

Poly(phenylacetylene)s are a family of helical polymers constituted by conjugated double bonds. Raman spectra of these polymers show a structural fingerprint of the polyene backbone which, in combination with its helical orientation, makes them good candidates to be studied by Raman optical activity (ROA). Four different well‐known poly(phenylacetylene)s adopting different scaffolds and ten different helical senses have been prepared. Raman and ROA spectra were recorded and allowed to establish ROA‐spectrum/helical‐sense relationships: a left/right‐handed orientation of the polyene backbone (M_helix/P_helix) produces a triplet of positive/negative ROA bands. Raman and ROA spectra of each polymer exhibited the same profile, and the sign of the ROA spectrum was opposite to the lowest‐energy electronic circular dichroism (ECD) band, indicating a resonance effect. Resonance ROA appears then as an indicator of the helical sense of poly(phenylacetylene)s, especially for those with an extra Cotton band in the ECD spectrum, where a wrong helical sense is assigned based on ECD, while ROA alerts of this misassignment.