Finite orbit modules for parabolic subgroups of exceptional groups

Let G be a reductive linear algebraic group, P a parabolic subgroup of G and P_u its unipotent radical. We consider the adjoint action of P on the Lie algebra _u of P_u. Each higher term _u^(l) of the descending central series of _u is stable under this action. For classical G all instances when P acts on _u^(l) with a finite number of orbits were determined in [9], [10], [3] and [4]. In this note we extend these results to groups of type F₄ and E₆. Moreover, when P acts on _u^(l) with an infinite number of orbits, we determine whether P still acts with a dense orbit. For G of type E₇ and E₈ we investigate only the case of a Borel subgroup.We present a complete classification of all instances when _u^(l) is a prehomogeneous space for a Borel subgroup B of a reductive algebraic group for any l ≥ 0.     

Sodium Complexes of Isomaltol and Maltol

Sodium bis(3-O-hydroxy-2-furyl methyl ketone) (3) and sodium 3-O-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone hydrate (4) were isolated and characterized from the interaction of isomaltol and maltol with sodium methoxide in boiling benzene (toluene or acetone). Elemental analyses of 3 furnished the formula C₁₂H₁₁NaO₆, and this composition was confirmed by conversion to isomaltol O-benzoyl ester.     

Reversed-phase extraction chromatography–neutron activation analysis (RPEC–NAA) for copper in natural waters using Amberlite XAD-4 resin coated with 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol

A preconcentration neutron activation analysis method has been developed for the determination of trace levels of Cu in natural waters including seawater with an absolute detection limit of 0.106 μg. The method involves the preconcentration of Cu onto Amberlite XAD-4 resin coated with 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol using reversed-phase extraction chromatography (RPEC). Copper is assayed through its neutron activation product ⁶⁶Cu (half-life = 5.10 min) by direct irradiation of the resin bed. Factors affecting the uptake of Cu onto the ligand-impregnated resin have been investigated; these include flow rate, pH, column height, presence of other trace elements, major elements, and interfering matrix. The RPEC–NAA method has been validated by analyzing NIST and NRC water reference materials.     

Distinct conformations of DNA-stabilized fluorescent silver nanoclusters revealed by electrophoretic mobility and diffusivity measurements

Silver-DNA nanoclusters (Ag:DNAs) are novel fluorophores under active research and development as alternative biomolecular markers. Comprised of a few-atom Ag cluster that is stabilized in water by binding to a strand of DNA, they are also interesting for fundamental explorations into the properties of metal molecules. Here, we use in situ calibrated electrokinetic microfluidics and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to determine the size, charge, and conformation of a select set of Ag:DNAs. Among them is a pair of spectrally distinct Ag:DNAs stabilized by the same DNA sequence, for which it is known that the silver cluster differs by two atoms. We find these two Ag:DNAs differ in size by ～30%, even though their molecular weights differ by less than 3%. Thus a single DNA sequence can adopt very different conformations when binding slightly different Ag clusters. By comparing spectrally identical Ag:DNAs that differ in sequence, we show that the more compact conformation is insensitive to the native DNA secondary structure. These results demonstrate electrokinetic microfluidics as a practical tool for characterizing Ag:DNA.     

On the Origin of the Non-Arrhenius Na-ion Conductivity in Na3OBr

The sodium-rich antiperovskites (NaRAPs) with composition Na₃OB (B=Br, Cl, I, BH₄, etc.) are a family of materials that has recently attracted great interest for application as solid electrolytes in sodium metal batteries. Non-Arrhenius ionic conductivities have been reported for these materials, the origin of which is poorly understood. In this work, we combined temperature-resolved bulk and local characterisation methods to gain an insight into the origin of this unusual behaviour using Na₃OBr as a model system. We first excluded crystallographic disorder on the anion sites as the cause of the change in activation energy; then identified the presence of a poorly crystalline impurities, not detectable by XRD, and elucidated their effect on ionic conductivity. These findings improve understanding of the processing-structure-properties relationships pertaining to NaRAPs and highlight the need to determine these relationships in other materials systems, which will accelerate the development of high-performance solid electrolytes.