Unique pitch evolution in the smectic-C+alpha phase

Employing resonant x-ray diffraction, we observed unique pitch evolutions in the smectic-C*(alpha) phase in mixtures of two antiferroelectric liquid crystals. Our results show that the pitch in this phase continuously evolves across 4 layers, contradicting a theoretical model that predicts that the smectic-C*(FI2) phase intervenes in the smectic-C*(alpha) phase. The phase sequences we found can be explained by another model that includes one type of long-range interaction among smectic layers.     

A Rechargeable Hydrogen Battery Based on Ru Catalysis

Apart from energy generation, the storage and liberation of energy are among the major problems in establishing a sustainable energy supply chain. Herein we report the development of a rechargeable H₂ battery which is based on the principle of the Ru‐catalyzed hydrogenation of CO₂ to formic acid (charging process) and the Ru‐catalyzed decomposition of formic acid to CO₂ and H₂ (discharging process). Both processes are driven by the same catalyst at elevated temperature either under pressure (charging process) or pressure‐free conditions (discharging process). Up to five charging–discharging cycles were performed without decrease of storage capacity. The resulting CO₂/H₂ mixture is free of CO and can be employed directly in fuel‐cell technology.     

Rotationally resolved vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization-photoelectron vibrational bands for HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-20)

The authors have obtained rotationally resolved vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (vuv-PFI-PE) spectrum of HD in the photon energy range of 15.29-18.11 eV, covering the ionization transitions HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-21,N+)<--HD(X 1Sigmag+,v"=0,J"). The assignment of rotational transitions resolved in the vuv-PFI-PE vibrational bands for HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-20) and their simulation using the Buckingham-Orr-Sichel (BOS) model are presented. Rotational branches corresponding to the DeltaN=N+-J"=0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3, and +/-4 transitions are observed in the vuv-PFI-PE spectrum of HD. The BOS simulation shows that the perturbation of vuv-PFI-PE rotational line intensities due to near resonance autoionization is very minor at v+>or=5 and decreases as v+ is increased. Thus, the rotationally resolved PFI-PE bands for HD+(v+>or=5) presented here provide reliable estimates of state-to-state cross sections for direct photoionization of HD, while the rotationally resolved PFI-PE bands for HD+(v+<5) are useful data for fundamental understanding of the near resonance autoionizing mechanism. On the basis of the rovibrational assignment of the vuv-PFI-PE bands, the ionization energies for the formation of HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-20,N+) from HD(X 1Sigmag+,v"=0,J") and the vibrational constants (omegae, omegaechie, omegaeye, and omegaeze), the rotational constants (Be and alphae), the vibrational energy spacings, and the dissociation energy for HD+(X 2Sigmag+) are determined. As expected, these values are found to be in excellent agreement with high level theoretical predictions.     

稀土离子与硫氰酸根及硝酸根的络合作用

在25℃下,以2MNaClO₄维持水相的离子强度恒定,用离子交换法测定了除Ce和Pm以外的镧系元素及钇与CNS^-和NO₃^-的络合作用。用北京大学6912计算机处理了实验数据。结果表明:(1)RE³⁺与CNS^-的络合作用不大,当[CNS^-]≤1.5M时,主要以RECNS²⁺,RE(CNS)₂⁺及RE(CNS)₃三种络合物形式存在;镧系元素与CNS^-的络合度Y₍₁₎随原子序数Z的增大,总的趋向是增大,钇的Y₍₁₎值为最小。(2)RE²⁺与NO₂⁺的络合作用较弱,当[NO₂⁺]≤1.5M时,主要的络合物是RENO₃²⁺;各镧系元素与NO₃^-的Y₍₁₎随Z的增大,总的趋向是减小,钇的Y₍₁₎值最小。(3)在本实验中,稀土络合离子在树脂上的吸附量是可以忽略不计的。     

Radiolysis of resist polymers. IV. Poly(p-substituted-α-methylstyrene)s

The effect of parasubstituents on the radiation chemistry of poly(α-methylstyrene) (PMS) was compared for the fluoro (PFMS), chloro (PCMS), bromo (PBMS), isopropyl (PiPMS), and methoxy (PMeOM) derivatives. Radiolysis yields, ESR spectra, and GC? MS analysis of products were obtained. PMS and PFMS have similar low radiolysis yields, products, and product distributions. Only main-chain radicals which persist to 200° were observed. PCMS has increased values of G_s, G_x, and G_r. The product analysis results suggest that the presence of chlorine contributes to the primary process by dissociative electron capture and enhances the cleavage of α-methyl group. Irradiation of PBMS caused crosslinking and yielded few volatile products. PMeOMS and PiPMS gel readily by γ-irradiation and may be useful as negative radiation resists.     

Experimental observation of the slowdown of optical beams by a volume-index grating in a photorefractive LiNbO3 crystal

We investigate the group velocity of light in a one-dimensional volume-index grating inside a photorefractive LiNbO>(3) crystal. The slowdown of the group electromagnetic propagation is observed experimentally by tuning of the wave number of the optical beam close to the outside edge of the forbidden bandgap. We obtain a large group index of up to 7.5 in a 3.5-cm crystal sample. The group index is compared with the result of a theoretical derivation. The results are presented and discussed.     

Synthesis, Characterization, and Comparative Properties of [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO)(4)] and [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Ru(CO)(3)

The reaction of [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(19)] with Mo(CO)(6) and Ru(3)(CO)(12) under sunlamp irradiation provided the new mixed-metal clusters [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO)(4)] and [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Ru(CO)(3)], which were isolated in yields of 85% and 61%, respectively. The compound [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO)(4)] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 20.190 (7) ?, b = 16.489 (7) ?, c = 27.778 (7) ?, beta = 101.48 (2) degrees, and Z = 4 (at T = -75 degrees C). The cluster anion is composed of a Re(6)C octahedral core with a face capped by a Mo(CO)(4) fragment. There are three terminal carbonyl ligands coordinated to each rhenium atom. The four carbonyl ligands on the molybdenum center are essentially terminal, with one pair of carbonyl ligands (C72-O72 and C74-O74) subtending a relatively large angle at molybdenum (C72-Mo-C74 = 147.2(9) degrees ), whereas the remaining pair of carbonyl ligands (C71-O71 and C73-O73) subtend a much smaller angle (C71-Mo-C73 = 100.5(9) degrees ). The (13)C NMR spectrum of (13)CO-enriched [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO)(4)] shows signals for four sets of carbonyl ligands at -40 degrees C, consistent with the solid state structure, but the carbonyl ligands undergo complete scrambling at ambient temperature. The (13)C NMR spectrum of (13)CO-enriched [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Ru(CO)(3)] at 20 degrees C is consistent with the expected structure of an octahedral Re(6)C(CO)(18) core capped by a Ru(CO)(3) fragment. The visible spectrum of [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO)(4)] shows a broad, strong band at 670 nm (epsilon = 8100), whereas all of the absorptions of [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Ru(CO)(3)] are at higher energy. An irreversible oxidation wave with E(p) at 0.34 V is observed for [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO)(4)], whereas two quasi-reversible oxidation waves with E(1/2) values of 0.21 and 0.61 V (vs Ag/AgCl) are observed for [PPN](2)[Re(6)C(CO)(18)Ru(CO)(3)]. The molybdenum cap in [Re(6)C(CO)(18)Mo(CO(4))](2-) is cleaved by heating in donor solvents, and by treatment with H(2), to give largely [H(2)Re(6)C(CO)(18)](2-). In contrast, [Re(6)C(CO)(18)Ru(CO)(3)](2-) shows no tendency to react under similar conditions.     

Sedimentation of a composite particle in a spherical cavity

The boundary effect on the sedimentation of a colloidal particle is investigated theoretically by considering a composite sphere, which comprises a rigid core and an ion-penetrable membrane layer, in a spherical cavity. A pseudo-spectral method is adopted to solve the governing electrokinetic equations, and the influences of the key parameters on the sedimentation behavior of a particle are discussed. We show that both the qualitative and quantitative behaviors of a particle are influenced significantly by the presence of the membrane layer. For example, if the membrane layer is either free of fixed charge or positively charged and the surface potential of the rigid core is sufficiently high, the sedimentation velocity has a local minimum and the sedimentation potential has a local maximum as the thickness of the double layer varies. These local extrema are not observed when the membrane layer is negatively charged. If the double layer is thin, the influence of the fixed charge in the membrane layer on the sedimentation potential is inappreciable.     

LC-MS Quantification of Site-Specific Phosphorylation Degree by Stable-Isotope Dimethyl Labeling Coupled with Phosphatase Dephosphorylation

Protein phosphorylation is a crucial post-translational modification that plays an important role in the regulation of cellular signaling processes. Site-specific quantitation of phosphorylation levels can help decipher the physiological functions of phosphorylation modifications under diverse physiological statuses. However, quantitative analysis of protein phosphorylation degrees is still a challenging task due to its dynamic nature and the lack of an internal standard simultaneously available for the samples differently prepared for various phosphorylation extents. In this study, stable-isotope dimethyl labeling coupled with phosphatase dephosphorylation (DM + deP) was tried to determine the site-specific degrees of phosphorylation in proteins. Firstly, quantitation accuracy of the (DM + deP) approach was confirmed using synthetic peptides of various simulated phosphorylation degrees. Afterwards, it was applied to evaluate the phosphorylation stoichiometry of milk caseins. The phosphorylation degree of Ser130 on α-S1-casein was also validated by absolute quantification with the corresponding synthetic phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated peptides under a selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. Moreover, this (DM + deP) method was used to detect the phosphorylation degree change of Ser82 on the Hsp27 protein of HepG2 cells caused by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) treatment. The results showed that the absolute phosphorylation degree obtained from the (DM + deP) approach was comparable with the relative quantitation resulting from stable-isotope dimethyl labeling coupled with TiO₂ enrichment. This study suggested that the (DM + deP) approach is promising for absolute quantification of site-specific degrees of phosphorylation in proteins, and it may provide more convincing information than the relative quantification method.