Unique asymmetric (CuII4) double-stranded helicate from a hexadentate piperazine-based ligand: ligand conformation isomerism upon coordination

In methanol, the reaction of Cu(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O and a sterically constrained piperazine imine phenol ligand (H(2)L), in the presence of NEt(3), affords a novel tetranuclear copper(II) complex of formula [Cu(II)(4)(mu(3)-L)(2)(mu-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (1). The X-ray structure of this complex shows an elongated Cu(4) quasi-tetrahedron coordinated to two hexadentate chair-(e,a)-mu(3)-piperazine bridging ligands. Variable-temperature magnetic studies show an S(t) = 0 spin ground state resulting from antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu(II) ions within the complex.     

Mixed equilibrium problems with relaxed \alpha -monotone mapping in Banach spaces

Using the KKM mapping technique, we obtain existence results for the mixed equilibrium problem (under the relaxed \(\alpha \)-monotonicity assumption on the bi-function) in a reflexive Banach space. Several examples are given to show that our definition of \(\alpha \)-monotonicity and, hence, our results are more general than that in the existing literature.     

Duality for multiobjective control problems with generalized invexity

Wolfe and Mond-Weir type duals for multiobjective control problems are formulated. Under pseudo-invexity/quasi-invexity assumptions on the functions involved, weak and strong duality theorems are proved to relate efficient solutions of the primal and dual problems.     

A brief review on miniaturized electrochemiluminescence devices: From fabrication to applications

Miniaturized electrochemiluminescence (ECL) systems are widely recognized as a highly detection, user-friendly, and turnkey strategy to develop point-of-care-testing devices. The ECL sensing approach provides numerous advantages over other methods, including high signal-to-noise ratio and measurement with minimal or no background signal. The ECL signal can be easily controlled by a small external potential while providing high sensitivity and decreased electrode fouling, resulting in the use of ECL-based miniaturized systems for detection and monitoring of different analytes, including DNA and bacteria. In this work, different types of miniaturized ECL systems with various fabrication techniques are reviewed and their application in point-of-care-testing is thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, such ECL platforms have been summarized based on the type of the ECL mechanism, electrodes, range of detection, and limit of detection. Finally, some of the upcoming technological interventions to make such a miniaturized ECL platform amenable for portable and on-field analysis have been discussed.     

Higher‐order generalized invexity in variational problems

We introduce higher‐order duality (Mangasarian type and Mond–Wier type) of variational problems. Under higher‐order generalized invexity assumptions on functions that compose the primal problem, higher‐order duality results (weak duality, strong duality, and converse duality) are derived for this pair of problems. Also, we establish many examples and counter‐examples to support our investigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Liquid CO2 extraction of Jasminum grandiflorum and comparison with conventional processes

The concrete (0.35%) of Jasminum grandiflorum L. flowers was prepared by extraction in n-pentane, and the absolute (0.27%) by fractionation of the n-pentane extract (concrete) with cold methanol. Direct extraction of flowers with liquid CO2 gave a relatively fat-free product in 0.26% yield. The liquid CO2 extract was enriched with terpenoids and benzenoids, thus providing the organoleptically accepted product. The major compounds, such as benzyl acetate, (E,E)-alpha-farnesene and (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, along with compounds like indole, methyl anthranilate, (Z)-jasmone, (Z)-methyl jasmonoate and (Z)-methyl epi-jasmonoate, are responsible for the high diffusivity of the jasmine fragrance. These compounds have been obtained with improved recoveries in the liquid CO2 extract. On the other hand, the yield of the essential oil was poor (0.05%), and some polar compounds (oxygenated terpenoids) were recovered in less amounts in comparison with either the n-pentane or liquid CO2 extract.     

From Lithium‐Ion to Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Advantages,Challenges, and Surprises

Mobile and stationary energy storage by rechargeable batteries is a topic of broad societal and economical relevance. Lithium‐ion battery (LIB) technology is at the forefront of the development, but a massively growing market will likely put severe pressure on resources and supply chains. Recently, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have been reconsidered with the aim of providing a lower‐cost alternative that is less susceptible to resource and supply risks. On paper, the replacement of lithium by sodium in a battery seems straightforward at first, but unpredictable surprises are often found in practice. What happens when replacing lithium by sodium in electrode reactions? This review provides a state‐of‐the art overview on the redox behavior of materials when used as electrodes in lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries, respectively. Advantages and challenges related to the use of sodium instead of lithium are discussed.     

Impairing effect of fibrinogen on the mono-/bi-layer form of bovine lung surfactant

Lung surfactant (LS), a lipid–protein mixture responsible for alveolar stability, is inhibited by serum proteins leaked into the lungs in disease. Interaction of bovine lipid extract surfactant (BLES), a clinical replacement lung surfactant, with serum protein fibrinogen (Fbg) was studied employing various structural and biophysical techniques in adsorbed films and bulk bilayer dispersions. Surface tension area isotherms of the adsorbed films revealed the suppression of interfacial activity of BLES by Fbg (adsorption and surface tension reduction). Fbg, predominantly associated with the fluid phase of BLES films, resulted in the aggregation of the gel lipid domains as evidenced by atomic force microscopy. BLES bilayer dispersion showed phase transition from a diffused gel to liquid–crystalline phase in the temperature range 10–35 °C as studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fbg resulted in the shift of peak to a higher transition temperature for the maximal heat flow (T _max) of BLES dispersions. Combined Raman and FTIR spectral studies of the BLES/Fbg dispersions revealed that Fbg altered the –CH₂–, –CH₃, and –PO₄ ^? vibrational modes of the phospholipids present in BLES, suggesting the condensing and dehydrating effect of the protein on surfactant. Studies suggest that Fbg, by directly interacting with the gel lipids in LS in bulk dispersions, alter the packing of the films formed at the interface, and can be used as a specific model for lung disease.