Density fluctuations in amorphous and semicrystalline polymers

Summary The small-angle scattering of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers contains an intensity component due to density fluctuations within the crystalline and amorphous domains.For amorphous polymers, the density fluctuations aboveT _g correspond to the theoretical value for a fluid system in thermodynamic equilibrium. BelowT _g , a temperature dependence proportional to T is observed over a range of about 50°. At lower temperatures, a linear relationship with a smaller slope has been found which extrapolates to a non-zero value at 0 °K. This value corresponds to the frozen-in disorder, the slope at low temperatures is related to thermal vibrations and can be evaluated in terms of photon-phonon scattering.Semicrystalline polymers show a temperature dependence of the density fluctuation similar to that of the amorphous polymers. At constant temperature the density fluctuations vary linearly with crystallinity.Natural rubber shows an increase of the density fluctuations with increasing cross-linking densities from which information on the density changes in the vicinity of a cross-link and on the statistics of the distribution of cross-linking can be obtained.

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Zusammenfassung Die Kleinwinkelstreuung amorpher und teilkristalliner Polymere besitzt eine Intensitätskomponente, die von Dichtefluktuationen innerhalb der kristallinen und amorphen Bezirke herrührt. Für amorphe Polymere entspricht die Dichtefluktuation oberhalb vonT _g dem theoretischen Wert für ein fluides System im thermodynamischen Gleichgewicht. UnterhalbT _g wird eine Temperaturabhängigkeit proportional zuT über einen Bereich von etwa 50° beobachtet. Bei tieferen Temperaturen wird eine lineare Beziehung mit einer geringeren Steigung gefunden, welche zu einem endlichen Wert bei 0 °K extrapoliert werden kann. Dieser Wert bezieht sich auf die eingefrorene Fehlordnung, die Steigung bei tiefen Temperaturen ist auf thermische Schwingungen zurückzuführen und kann als Photon-Phonon-Streuung ausgewertet werden.Teilkristalline Polymere zeigen eine Temperaturabhängigkeit der Dichtefluktuation, die der von amorphen Polymeren ähnlich ist. Bei konstanter Temperatur ändert sich die Dichtefluktuation linear mit der Kristallinität.Naturkautschuk zeigt eine mit der Vernetzungsdichte ansteigende Dichtefluktuation, aus der man Information über die Dichteänderung in der Umgebung eines Netzpunktes und die Statistik der Netzpunktverteilung erhalten kann.

     

Absolute infrared intensities of hydrocarbons

Dipole-moment derivatives, calculated by both the CNDO/2 method with different parameterizations and the INDO method, are compared to the experimental values determined from absolute infrared intensity measurements for the IR active modes of methane, ethane, ethylene and acetylene. A parameter refinement procedure is introduced in which the CNDO/2 molecular orbital parameters are adjusted through a damped least-squares treatment to give best agreement with the observed dipole-moment derivatives. It is found that the refinement does not substantially improve the agreement obtained with the original CNDO/2 parameterization. The INDO method gives somewhat poorer agreement than the CNDO/2 calculations. As an example of the applicability of the molecular orbital methods toward reproducing relative infrared intensities, the spectrum of cyclopropane in the gasphase is examined.

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Zusammenfassung Die Ableitungen des Dipol-Moments, die nach der CNDO/2-Methode mit verschiedenen Parametrisierungen sowie der INDO-Methode berechnet wurden, werden mit den experimentellen Ergebnissen aus Messungen der absoluten Infrarot-Intensitäten für die IR-aktiven Schwingungen von Methan, Äthan, Äthylen und Azetylen verglichen. Die CNDO/2-Parameter werden mit einer Methode der kleinsten Quadrate den beobachteten Dipol-Moment-Ableitungen angepaßt. Die Ergebnisse sind jedoch nicht wesentlich von denen der ursprünglichen CNDO/2-Methode verschieden. Die INDO-Ergebnisse sind nicht so gut wie die CNDO/2-Ergebnisse. Als Beispiel der Anwendbarkeit der MO-Methoden zur Berechnung von relativen IR-Intensitäten wird das Spektrum des Cyclopropans in der Gasphase untersucht.

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Résumé Les dérivées du moment dipolaire, calculées par la méthode CNDO/2 avec différentes paramétrisations et par la méthode INDO, sont comparées aux valeurs expérimentales déterminées à partir de mesures d'intensité absolue pour les modes actifs dans l'infra-rouge dans le méthane, l'éthane, l'éthylène et l'acétylène. Les paramètres sont ajustés de manière à donner le meilleur accord avec les dérivées du moment dipolaire. Cet ajustement n'améliore pas sensiblement l'accord obtenu avec la paramétrisation CNDO/2 originale. La méthode INDO donne des résultats moins bons que les calculs CNDO/2. Le spectre du cyclopropane en phase gazeuse est étudié comme exemple de l'applicabilité de la méthode des orbitales moléculaires au calcul des intensités relatives infra-rouge.

     

121Sb-Mössbauer-Spektren von Antimon(V)-Verbindungen. II

¹²¹Sb Mössbauer Spectra of Antimony (V) Compounds. II The Mössbauer resonance effect of ¹²¹Sb has been studied at 4.2 K in a series of 11 antimony(V) compounds which are in most cases bridged. Isomer shift and quadrupole splitting variations are considered in the light of results of X-ray and vibrational spectroscopy. Preparation and the vibrational spectra of [NMe₄][SbCl₄(n₃)₂] are described. Within the limitations of available structural data related tin compounds are compared with those of corresponding ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectra.     

Periodic,multiplicative number-theoretical functions

D. Leitmann andD. Wolke [3] proved that multiplicative functions, which are restrictions of continuous, periodic functionsF: with irrational period, are constant equal to 0 or 1. In this note a simpler proof for this result is given.     

A comparison of two approaches to the optimal positioning of a new product in an attribute space

This paper is concerned with the optimal positioning of a new product in an attribute space. A deterministic optimization model that relies on the axiom of choice is compared with the model byShocker/Srinivasan [1974] that incorporates a probabilistic measure of choice. Investigating the assumptions and the construction of both models, it is shown that the probability function byShocker/Srinivasan is based on a controversial assumption and incorporates a parameter that has not been given an economic explanation. Furthermore, both models are applied to complex configurations. It is demonstrated that the optimal positions for the new product resulting from the model byShocker/Srinivasan depend heavily on the parameter just mentioned and may run contrary to plausible consequences of the axiom of choice.

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Zusammenfassung Für die optimale Gestaltung neuer Produkte, d.h. ihrer Positionierung in einem Raum von Produkteigenschaften, wird ein Modell angeboten, das auf einer deterministischen Kaufentscheidung beruht, ein anderes, das eine stochastische Kaufentscheidung unterstellt. Es wird gezeigt, daß der zuletzt genannte Modelltyp stark von der Spezifikation eines ökonomisch bisher nicht erklärten Parameters abhängt und z.T. Konsequenzen aufweist, die dem Wahlaxiom zuwider laufen, auf das das erstgenannte Modell aufbaut. Durch einen Vergleich auch komplexer Konfigurationen von Käuferbeurteilungen neuer Produkte wird gezeigt, welche Gestaltungsentscheidungen auf der Grundlage der beiden Modelle zur Optimierung einer Zielfunktion zu treffen sind.

     

On the Fourier transformation on spaces of (p,q)-multipliers

LetG denote a locally compact abelian topological group. The aim of the present paper is to prove an “intermediate” result between two well-known results ofL. Hörmander andG. I. Gaudry concerning the structure of the spaces ?_G?μ?t ^p,q (G).     

Ziziphus nummularia: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties

Ziziphus nummularia, a small bush of the Rhamnaceae family, has been widely used in traditional folk medicine, is rich in bioactive molecules, and has many reported pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Objective: To gather the current knowledge related to the medicinal characteristics of Z. nummularia. Specifically, its phytochemical contents and pharmacological activities in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are discussed. Methods: Major scientific literature databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Chemical Abstracts, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts, Henriette’s Herbal Homepage, Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, were searched to retrieve articles related to the review subject. General web searches using Google and Google scholar were also utilized. The search period covered articles published between 1980 and the end of October 2021.The search used the keywords ‘Ziziphus nummularia’, AND (‘phytochemical content’, ‘pharmacological properties, or activities, or effects, or roles’, ‘anti-inflammatory’, ‘anti-drought’, ‘anti-thermal’, ‘anthelmintic’, ‘antidiabetic’,’ anticancer’, ‘anticholinesterase’, ‘antimicrobial’, ‘sedative’, ‘antipyretic’, ‘analgesic’, or ‘gastrointestinal’). Results: This plant is rich in characteristic alkaloids, especially cyclopeptide alkaloids such as nummularine-M. Other phytochemicals, including flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and phenolic compounds, are also present. These phytochemicals are responsible for the reported pharmacological properties of Z. nummularia, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anticancer, analgesic, and gastrointestinal activities. In addition, Z. nummularia has anti-drought and anti-thermal characteristics. Conclusion: Research into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Z. nummularia has demonstrated that this plant is a rich source of novel bioactive compounds. So far, Z. nummularia has shown a varied pharmacological profile (antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective), warranting further research to uncover the therapeutic potential of the bioactives of this plant. Taken together, Z. nummularia may represent a new potential target for the discovery of new drug leads.     

Origanum syriacum Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties: A Comprehensive Review

Herbal medicine has been gaining special interest as an alternative choice of treatment for several diseases, being generally accessible, cost-effective and safe, with fewer side-effects compared to chemically synthesized medicines. Over 25% of drugs worldwide are derived from plants, and surveys have shown that, when available, herbal medicine is the preferred choice of treatment. Origanum syriacum (Lamiaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in the Middle East, both as a home and a folk remedy, and in the food and beverage industry. Origanum syriacum contains numerous phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, essential oils, and many others. Because of its bioactive compounds, O. syriacum possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic capacities. In addition, it can be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and peptic ulcers. In this review, the chemical compositions of different types of extracts and essential oils from this herb will first be specified. Then, the pharmacological uses of these extracts and essential oils in various contexts and diseases will be discussed, putting emphasis on their efficacy and safety. Finally, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of O. syriacum phytochemicals in disease treatment will be described as a basis for further investigation into the plant’s pharmacological role.     

Folding Free Energy Determination of an RNA Three-Way Junction Using Fluctuation Theorems

Nonequilibrium work relations and fluctuation theorems permit us to extract equilibrium information from nonequilibrium measurements. They find application in single-molecule pulling experiments where molecular free energies can be determined from irreversible work measurements by using unidirectional (e.g., Jarzynski’s equality) and bidirectional (e.g., Crooks fluctuation theorem and Bennet’s acceptance ratio (BAR)) methods. However, irreversibility and the finite number of pulls limit their applicability: the higher the dissipation, the larger the number of pulls necessary to estimate ΔG within a few kBT. Here, we revisit pulling experiments on an RNA three-way junction (3WJ) that exhibits significant dissipation and work-distribution long tails upon mechanical unfolding. While bidirectional methods are more predictive, unidirectional methods are strongly biased. We also consider a cyclic protocol that combines the forward and reverse work values to increase the statistics of the measurements. For a fixed total experimental time, faster pulling rates permit us to efficiently sample rare events and reduce the bias, compensating for the increased dissipation. This analysis provides a more stringent test of the fluctuation theorem in the large irreversibility regime.     

Effects of Two Natural Bisbenzylisoquinolines,Curine and Guattegaumerine,Extracted from Isolona hexaloba on Rhodamine Efflux by Abcb1b from Rat Glycocholic-Acid-Resistant Hepatocarcinoma Cells

To develop new therapeutic molecules, it is essential to understand the biological effects and targets of clinically relevant compounds. In this article, we describe the extraction and characterization of two alkaloids from the roots of Isolona hexaloba—curine and guattegaumerine. The effect of these alkaloids on the multidrug efflux pump ABCB1 (MDR1/P-Glycoprotein) and their antiproliferative properties were studied. Compared to verapamil, a widely used inhibitor of P-gp, curine and guattegaumerine were found to be weak inhibitors of MDR1/P-Glycoprotein. The highest inhibition of efflux produced by verapamil disappeared in the presence of curine or guattegaumerine as competitors, and the most pronounced effect was achieved with curine. Altogether, this work has provided new insights into the biological effects of these alkaloids on the rat Mdr1b P-gp efflux mechanism and would be beneficial in the design of potent P-gp inhibitors.