Realization of wide-angle and wideband absorber using metallic and graphene-based metasurface for mid-infrared and low THz frequency

This article presents a study on mid-infrared and low-THz absorbers based on metallic and graphene metasurface. The absorber is constructed of a periodic array of patterned elements in patch form placed on a quarter-wavelength dielectric film terminated by a metallic reflector. A simple analytical circuit model equivalent to patch array is used for employing the matching impedance approach to realize the wideband absorber. This absorber is polarization independent for normal incident waves owing to its symmetric structure. Simulation and analytical circuit model results show that the graphene and metallic-based absorbers proposed in this paper can operate with an absorption value above 90% in a normalized bandwidth of 100% in the low terahertz (THz) and the mid-infrared regime, respectively. The proposed absorber is wide-angle for both TM and TE polarizations and polarization-insensitive for small incident angles.     

Highly efficient and chemoselective acetalization of carbonyl compounds catalyzed by new and reusable zirconyl triflate,ZrO(OTf)2

Various types of aromatic aldehydes were efficiently converted to their corresponding 1,3‐dioxanes and 1,3‐dioxolane with 1,3‐propanediol and ethylene glycol, respectively, in the presence of catalytic amount of ZrO(OTf)₂ in acetonitrile at room temperature. The catalyst can be reused several times without loss of its catalytic activity. Very short reaction times, selective acetalization of aromatic aldehydes in the presence of aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, very mild reaction conditions, reusability of the catalyst, and easy workup are noteworthy advantages of this method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:131–135, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20523     

Conversion of organic halides to disulfanes using KCN and CS2

A sulfur transfer reagent was produced in situ upon stirring a mixture of KCN and CS₂ in DMF at r.t. for 15 min, which after heating with an alkyl halide or aryl halide and CuI gave the corresponding symmetric dialkyl or diaryl disulfide, respectively, in high to excellent yields.     

Tungsten hexachloride nanoparticles loaded on montmorillonite K-10: a novel solid acid catalyst in the synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical azines

In the present investigation, we have developed a novel technique to prepare azines using nano-WCl₆ loaded on Montmorillonite K10 clay as a highly active catalyst. A variety of aldehydes and ketones were efficiently converted to the corresponding azines using catalytic amounts of nanosized WCl₆/Mont. K10 under mild conditions. The nanostructures of WCl₆ loaded on Mont. K10 as solid acid catalyst have been prepared by solid dispersion method. The advantages of this catalyst are rapid completion of the reactions, simplicity of performance, lack of pollution and mild and green reaction conditions. The morphologies, structure, and chemical components of parent and modified clay were successfully characterized using SEM, FT-IR, CV, XRD and EDX measurements.     

Silicon carbide nanotubes (SiCNTs) serving for catalytic decomposition of toxic diazomethane (DAZM) gas: a DFT study

In the present study, the adsorption and decomposition of diazomethane (DAZM) on the surface of (6,0) zigzag silicon carbide nanotube (SiCNT) are investigated using density functional theory calculations. The geometry structures of the three stable configurations, adsorption energies and electronic properties of DAZM adsorption on the surface of SiCNT are investigated. It was found that the DAZM molecule is decomposed over the surface of (6,0) SiCNT with activation energy (E_act) of 0.523 eV. The curvature effect on the adsorption energies of the DAZM molecule is also considered by studying (5,0) and (7,0) SiCNTs. The results display that DAZM adsorption over smaller diameter of SiCNT is thermodynamically more favourable than larger one.     

Modelling and decision support in physiology and medicine: a methodological framework with lllustration

This paper presents a methodological framework for modelling that has found wide application in the complex domains of physiology and medicine. The processes of model validation are centrally embedded within this framework. The parallelism between modelling per se and the development of model-based decision support systems is then considered, showing that it is possible to devise a unified methodological framework which encompasses the requirements both of model validation and decision support system evaluation. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated in the validation of a mathematical model of blood glucose dynamics; and in the development and evaluation of decision support systems such as those which are aimed at addressing the problem of advising the insulin-dependent diabetic patient on the adjustment of insulin dosage     

Acetylcholinesterase Immobilization on Polyacrylamide/Functionalized Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite Nanofibrous Membrane

In this work, polyacrylamide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) solution is electrospun to nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes for acetylcholinesterase enzyme immobilization. A new method for enzyme immobilization is proposed, and the results of analysis show successful covalent bonding of enzymes on electrospun membrane surface besides their non-covalent entrapment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mechanical and thermal investigations of nanofibrous membrane approve successful cross-linking and enzyme immobilization. The enzyme relative activity and kinetic on both pure and nanocomposite membranes is investigated, and the results show proper performance of designed membrane to even improve the enzyme activity followed by immobilization compared to free enzyme. Scanning electron microscopy images show nanofibrous web of 3D structure with a low shrinkage and hydrogel structure followed by enzyme immobilization and cross-linking. Moreover, the important role of functionalized carbon nanotubes on final nanofibrous membrane functionality as a media for enzyme immobilization is investigated. The results show that MWCNT could act effectively for enzyme immobilization improvement via both physical (enhanced fibers’ morphology and conductivity) and chemical (enzyme entrapment) methods.

Morphologies of branched-chain pyrogallol[4]arenes in the solid state

A suite of branched-chain pyrogallol[4]arene (Pg) macrocycles, most of which show activity in bilayer membranes, has been prepared and studied by X-ray crystallography. The little-known branched side-chain Pgs include 2-propyl, 2-butyl, 2-pentyl, 3-pentyl, 3-heptyl, 4-heptyl, 5-nonyl and cyclohexyl. The Pgs form self-assembled structures having bilayer, capsule or, in one case, a nanotube morphology. The nanotube structure observed for C-(di-n-ethyl)pyrogallol[4]arene was confirmed by X-ray structure analysis and by transmission and scanning electron microscopies.     

Cyproterone Synthesis, Recognition and Controlled Release by Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticle

In this study, we used novel synthetic conditions of precipitation polymerization to obtain nanosized cyproterone molecularly imprinted polymers for application in the design of new drug delivery systems. The scanning electron microscopy images and Brunauer?CEmmett?CTeller analysis showed that molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) prepared by acetonitrile exhibited particles at the nanoscale with a high degree of monodispersity, specific surface area of 246?m²?g^?1, and pore volume of 1.24?cm³?g^?1. In addition, drug release, binding properties, and dynamic light scattering of molecularly imprinted polymers were studied. Selectivity of MIPs was evaluated by comparing several substances with similar molecular structures to that of cyproterone. Controlled release of cyproterone from nanoparticles was investigated through in vitro dissolution tests and by measuring the absorbance by HPLC-UV. The pH dissolution media employed in controlled release studies were 1.0 at 37?°C for 5?h and then at pH 6.8 using the pH change method. Results show that MIPs have a better ability to control the cyproterone release in a physiological medium compared to the non molecularly imprinted polymers (NMIPs).