Scattering of light from particles with semisoft boundaries

A three-dimensional multi-Gaussian function, being a finite sum of Gaussian functions, is adopted for modeling of a spherically symmetric scatterer with a semisoft boundary, i.e. such that has continuous and adjustable drop in the index of refraction. A Gaussian sphere and a hard sphere are the two limiting cases when the number of terms in multi-Gaussian distribution is one and infinity, respectively. The effect of the boundary's softness on the intensity distribution of the scattered wave is revealed. The generalization of the model to random scatterers with semisoft boundaries is also outlined.     

Improvement of catalytic activity of lipase in the presence of wide rim substituted calix[4]arene carboxylic acid-grafted magnetic nanoparticles

Candida rugosa lipase immobilized on calix[4]arene carboxylic acid-grafted magnetic nanoparticles using a sol–gel encapsulation technique was tested for activity, which was assessed both in the enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic Naproxen methyl ester and that of p-nitrophenylpalmitate. It has also been noticed that, compared to the free enzyme (E = 137) with an ee value of >98 %, S-Naproxen calix[4]arene carboxylic acid-grafted magnetic nanoparticles based on encapsulated lipase (Calix-1-MN and Calix-2-MN) offer excellent enantioselectivity (E = 373 and E = 381). Moreover, the results indicated that after the fifth reuse in the enantioselective reaction, the encapsulated lipase (Calix-2-MN) still retained about 43 % of its conversion power.     

Sub-doppler absorption resonances of ring-shaped laser beams in a thin vapor cell

Experimental research is carried out into the features of sub-Doppler absorption resonances caused by optical pumping and transit relaxation of Cs atoms in a thin 120-μm cell (with rarefied Cs vapor) for ring-shaped laser beams. Such resonances are analyzed both in the transmission of the single running beam and at the interaction of counterpropagating beams for different degrees of their spatial overlapping in the cell.     

On sufficient conditions for cost rate function unimodality in periodic review (s, S) inventory models

The cost rate function that arises in the stationary analysis of a class of periodic review regenerative inventory systems is known to be unimodal if the renewal density of the underlying demand sequence is decreasing. We prove that the same result holds, under zero leadtimes, if the renewal density is concave increasing.     

Utilization of cascade chemo-bio catalysis for the synthesis of R -1-phenylethyl acetate

Liquid phase tert-butylation of m-cresol was carried out using 12-tungstosilicic acid supported on neutral alumina by varying different parameters. The reaction has also been carried out by using calcined samples under optimized conditions. The present catalyst shows an excellent activity of 93.2%, conversion of 100% selectivity for the o-isomer, an important industrial product.     

Bioelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction by Mo-Dependent Formylmethanofuran Dehydrogenase

Massive efforts are invested in developing innovative CO₂-sequestration strategies to counter climate change and transform CO₂ into higher-value products. CO₂-capture by reduction is a chemical challenge, and attention is turned toward biological systems that selectively and efficiently catalyse this reaction under mild conditions and in aqueous solvents. While a few reports have evaluated the effectiveness of isolated bacterial formate dehydrogenases as catalysts for the reversible electrochemical reduction of CO₂, it is imperative to explore other enzymes among the natural reservoir of potential models that might exhibit higher turnover rates or preferential directionality for the reductive reaction. Here, we present electroenzymatic catalysis of formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase, a CO₂-reducing-and-fixing biomachinery isolated from a thermophilic methanogen, which was deposited on a graphite rod electrode to enable direct electron transfer for electroenzymatic CO₂ reduction. The gas is reduced with a high Faradaic efficiency (109±1 %), where a low affinity for formate prevents its electrochemical reoxidation and favours formate accumulation. These properties make the enzyme an excellent tool for electroenzymatic CO₂-fixation and inspiration for protein engineering that would be beneficial for biotechnological purposes to convert the greenhouse gas into stable formate that can subsequently be safely stored, transported, and used for power generation without energy loss.     

Synthesis of new sulfanyl-, sulfinyl-, and sulfonyl-substituted polychlorobuta-1,3-dienes

New R-sulfanyl-substituted polychlorobuta-1,3-dienes were synthesized by reactions of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene or 1,1,2,4,4-pentachlorobuta-1,3-diene with dimethylbenzenethiols, heptane-1-thiol, and 4-methyl-7-sulfanyl-2H-chromen-2-one. Some sulfides were oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides and sulfones or brominated with bromine. Among the synthesized compounds, the coumarin derivative, 4-methyl-7-(1,2,3,4,4-pentachlorobuta-1,3-dien-1-ylsulfanyl)-2H-chromen-2-one showed fluorescence properties. 1,1′,1″-[3,4-Dichlorobuta-1,3-diene-1,1,4-triyltris(sulfanediyl)]tris(2,4-dimethylbenzene) reacted with potassium tert-butoxide in petroleum ether to afford a mixture of isomeric 1,1′,1″-[4-chlorobuta-1,2,3-triene-1,1.4-triyltris(sulfanediyl)]tris(2,4-dimethylbenzene) and 1,1′,1″-[2-chlorobut-1-en-3-yne-1,1,4-triyltris(sulfanediyl)]-tris(2,4-dimethylbenzene). The GC/MS method was found to be useful for the separation of some sulfanyl-substituted butadiene isomer mixtures. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, UV-Vis, IR, and NMR (¹H, ¹³C) or fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Thermo-economic optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic and thermoelectric power generator using overall performance index

A thermo-economic assessment of a hybrid concentrated photovoltaic–thermoelectric power generator (CPV–TEG) is performed based on the first law of thermodynamics and principles of costing. This study aims at estimating the optimum water-cooled CPV–TEG design parameters that yield the maximum overall performance. The influence of key parameters (such as direct normal irradiance (DNI), geometric concentration, thermoelectric figure of merit, temperature ratio of thermoelectric junction and heat sink thermal resistance) and their significance on the performance and cost of the system is examined. A performance measure known as the overall performance index (OPI) is used to evaluate the optimum design of the CPV–TEG system operating within the limits of allowable cell temperatures. OPI can incorporate several performance indicators that are crucial for performance estimation of a hybrid system by using a mass coefficient for each indicator based on its priority in the overall system performance. OPI accounts for three performance indicators of the CPV–TEG system, namely: energy efficiency, cost of the solar receiver (COSR) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The variation of the OPI provides an indication of the performance of the hybrid system under different design parameters and the selection of the appropriate design of the system to be at a point where the OPI is a maximum. Two scenarios are considered such that different mass coefficients are assigned to the performance indicators when evaluating the system performance. In the first scenario (performance case), energy efficiency is given the highest priority while for the second scenario (economic case), the cost of the solar receiver (CPV–TEG system) is given more emphasis. Optimization is performed for the water-cooled CPV–TEG design such that the PV temperature is kept below the maximum allowable cell temperature of 100 °C. LCOE of 0.0392 $ kWh^?1 was obtained with an optimum OPI of 94.7% for the economic case.

     

Bioactivity Performance of Pure Mg after Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation in Silicate-Based Solutions

The biodegradable metals, including magnesium (Mg), are a convenient alternative to permanent metals but fast uncontrolled corrosion limited wide clinical application. Formation of a barrier coating on Mg alloys could be a successful strategy for the production of a stable external layer that prevents fast corrosion. Our research was aimed to develop an Mg stable oxide coating using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in silicate-based solutions. 99.9% pure Mg alloy was anodized in electrolytes contained mixtures of sodium silicate and sodium fluoride, calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), contact angle (CA), Photoluminescence analysis and immersion tests were performed to assess structural and long-term corrosion properties of the new coating. Biocompatibility and antibacterial potential of the new coating were evaluated using U2OS cell culture and the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, strain B 918). PEO provided the formation of a porous oxide layer with relatively high roughness. It was shown that Ca(OH)₂ was a crucial compound for oxidation and surface modification of Mg implants, treated with the PEO method. The addition of Ca²⁺ ions resulted in more intense oxidation of the Mg surface and growth of the oxide layer with a higher active surface area. Cell culture experiments demonstrated appropriate cell adhesion to all investigated coatings with a significantly better proliferation rate for the samples treated in Ca(OH)₂-containing electrolyte. In contrast, NaOH-based electrolyte provided more relevant antibacterial effects but did not support cell proliferation. In conclusion, it should be noted that PEO of Mg alloy in silicate baths containing Ca(OH)₂ provided the formation of stable biocompatible oxide coatings that could be used in the development of commercial degradable implants.