Partial least squares-based multivariate spectral calibration method for simultaneous determination of beta-carboline derivatives in Peganum harmala seed extracts

The partial least squares regression method has been applied for simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of harmine, harmane, harmalol and harmaline in Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) seeds. The effect of pH was optimized employing multivariate definition of selectivity and sensitivity and best results were obtained in basic media (pH > 9). The calibration models were optimized for number of latent variables by the cross-validation procedure. Determinations were made over the concentration range of 0.15-10 μg mL⁻¹. The proposed method was validated by applying it to the analysis of the β-carbolines in synthetic quaternary mixtures of media at pH 9 and 11. The relative standard errors of prediction were less than 4% in most cases. Analysis of P. harmala seeds by the proposed models for contents of the β-carboline derivatives resulted in 1.84%, 0.16%, 0.25% and 3.90% for harmine, harmane, harmaline and harmalol, respectively. The results were validated against an existing HPLC method and it no significant differences were observed between the results of two methods.     

Observation of anomalous diffusion and fractional self-similarity in one dimension

We experimentally study anomalous diffusion of ultracold atoms in a one dimensional polarization optical lattice. The atomic spatial distribution is recorded at different times and its dynamics and shape are analyzed. We find that the width of the cloud exhibits a power-law time dependence with an exponent that depends on the lattice depth. Moreover, the distribution exhibits fractional self-similarity with the same characteristic exponent. The self-similar shape of the distribution is found to be well fitted by a Lévy distribution, but with a characteristic exponent that differs from the temporal one. Numerical simulations suggest that this is due to long trapping times in the lattice and correlations between the atom's velocity and flight duration.     

Preconditioned characteristic boundary conditions for solution of the preconditioned Euler equations at low Mach number flows

Preconditioned characteristic boundary conditions (BCs) are implemented at artificial boundaries for the solution of the two- and three-dimensional preconditioned Euler equations at low Mach number flows. The preconditioned compatibility equations and the corresponding characteristic variables (or the Riemann invariants) based on the characteristic forms of preconditioned Euler equations are mathematically derived for three preconditioners proposed by Eriksson, Choi and Merkle, and Turkel. A cell-centered finite volume Roe’s method is used for the discretization of the preconditioned system of equations on unstructured meshes. The accuracy and performance of the preconditioned characteristic BCs applied at artificial boundaries are evaluated in comparison with the non-preconditioned characteristic BCs and the simplified BCs in computing steady low Mach number flows. The two-dimensional flow over the NACA0012 airfoil and three-dimensional flow over the hemispherical headform are computed and the results are obtained for different conditions and compared with the available numerical and experimental data. The sensitivity of the solution to the size of computational domain and the variation of the angle of attack for each type of BCs is also examined. Indications are that the preconditioned characteristic BCs implemented in the preconditioned system of Euler equations greatly enhance the convergence rate of the solution of low Mach number flows compared to the other two types of BCs.     

Fast and enhanced removal of mercury from aqueous solutions by magnetic starch-<Emphasis Type=Italic>g</Emphasis>-poly(acryl amide)/graphene oxide nanocomposite superabsorbents

In this study, we developed a novel magnetic nanocomposite superabsorbent (MNS) for effective removal of mercury ions from aqueous solutions. The preparation method of MNS is easy, fast, simple, effective, and safe. The MNSs were synthesized via the simultaneous formation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) and in situ radical solution polymerization of superabsorbents based on poly(acryl amide) grafted onto starch backbones in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The chemical structure, morphology and phase composition of the obtained MSNs were characterized using FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD, and VSM techniques. The effects of parameters and also the morphology of MNSs on the adsorption of Hg²⁺ were investigated in detail through batch experiments. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics fits well with the pseudosecond- order model. The equilibrium data also fitted the Langmuir sorption isotherms well. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters shown that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic.     

Amphipolar core-shell cylindrical brushes

Methacryloyl-endfunctionalized block copolymers consisting of styrene and 2-vinylpyridine were polymerized to polyblockcomacromonomers with a much higher main chain than side chain degree of polymerization. Like homopolymacromonomers these molecules exhibit the structure of cylindrical brushes. Since the vinylpyridine block is coupled to the polymerizable group, the resulting cylindrical macromolecules exhibit a core of vinylpyridine and a shell of polystyrene, thus resembling an amphipolar unimolecular micelle of cylindrical shape. The micellar character of the structure is demonstrated by loading the cylindrical brushes with tetrachloroauric acid in toluene. Subsequent reduction leads to the formation of colloidal gold, most probably within the brush in analogy to similar work on block copolymer micelles.