Intergrowth Structures of YBA2Cu3Ox Single Crystals with Oxygen Inhomogeneity

The diffraction pattern simulation of four YBa₂Cu₃O_x single crystals with inhomogeneous distribution was successfully carried out on the base of the theory of X-ray diffraction by disordered interstratified structures. The specific feature of their two-component irregular mixed-layered structures is the total segregation of layers with various oxygen content that led to the formation of so-called intergrowth structures. The concentration of admixture layers varied from 10 to 40% while oxygen content difference within the crystal ranged from 0.5 to 0.3. In one of the crystals the fluctutations of layer heights corresponded to oxygen variation from 6.2 to 7.0.     

The Influence of Different Bleaching Protocols on Dentinal Enzymatic Activity: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to investigate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in human dentin using in-situ and gelatin zymography, after at-home and in-office bleaching, related to their clinical exposure times. Dentin specimens (n = 5) were treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide (50 min per session/4 sessions), 10% carbamide peroxide (180 min/21 sessions), or no treatment. All were subjected to in-situ zymography. Dentin slices were, subsequently, obtained, covered with fluorescein-conjugated gelatin, and examined with confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The fluorescence intensity was quantified and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). Furthermore, gelatin zymography was performed on protein extracts obtained from dentin powder (N = 8 teeth), treated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, with different exposure times (10/50 min for hydrogen peroxide; 252/1260 min for carbamide peroxide). The results of the in-situ zymography showed no statistical differences between the bleached specimens and the control group, with a medium level of gelatinolytic activity expressed in the dentin tubules. The results of gelatin zymography showed an increased expression of pro-MMP-9 in carbamide peroxide groups. The expression of pro-MMP-2 decreased in all the experimental groups. The bleaching treatments performed on the enamel of sound teeth do not influence dentinal enzymatic activity. However, when unprotected dentin tissue is bleached, matrix metalloproteinases are more expressed, particularly when carbamide peroxide is used, proportional to the exposure time.     

Versatile post-functionalisation strategy for the formation of modular organic–inorganic polyoxometalate hybrids

Hybrid structures incorporating different organic and inorganic constituents are emerging as a very promising class of materials since they synergistically combine the complementary and diverse properties of the individual components. Hybrid materials based on polyoxometalate clusters (POMs) are particularly interesting due to their versatile catalytic, redox, electronic, and magnetic properties, yet the controlled incorporation of different clusters into a hybrid structure is challenging and has been scarcely reported. Herein we propose a novel and general strategy for combining multiple types of metal-oxo clusters in a single hybrid molecule. Two novel hybrid POM structures (HPOMs) bis-functionalised with dipentaerythritol (R–POM₁–R; R = (OCH₂)₃CCH₂OCH₂C(CH₂OH)) were synthesised as building-blocks for the formation of heterometallic hybrid triads (POM₂–R–POM₁–R–POM₂). Such a modular approach resulted in the formation of four novel heterometallic hybrids combing the Lindqvist {V₆}, Anderson–Evans {XMo₆} (X = Cr or Al) and trisubstituted Wells–Dawson {P₂V₃W₁₅} POM structures. Their formation was confirmed by multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as Mass Spectrometry, Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) and elemental analysis. The thermal stability of the hybrids was also examined by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), which showed that the HPOM triads exhibit higher thermal stability than comparable hybrid structures containing only one type of POM. The one-pot synthesis of these novel compounds was achieved in high yields in aqueous and organic media under simple reflux conditions, without the need of any additives, and could be translated to create other hybrid materials based on a variety of metal-oxo cluster building-blocks.

A versatile modular approach has been developed for incorporating different metal-oxo nanoclusters with characteristic structures into a single hybrid molecule by covalently linking them with polyol ligands.     

Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> As a Luminescent Probe for Studying the Structure of R<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Materials (R = Y,Eu, and Gd)

Spectra of Eu³⁺ in various dielectric matrices (Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Eu₂O₃, and mSiO₂/Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ mesoporous particles) are studied by local cathodoluminescence. The results allowed identification of the local environment of Er³⁺ ions in amorphous samples and detection of the monoclinic Eu₂O₃ phase impurity in samples with yttrium oxide. The cathodoluminescence spectra of chemically pure Y₂O₃, Eu₂O₃, and Gd₂O₃ are recorded. Conclusions about the structural features of the materials are made and confirmed by other methods (XRD and EPMA).     

X-ray Lasers in Cluster Flows and in Nanostructured Targets

Optics and Spectroscopy - The paper presents a brief review of recent works concerning the modeling of X-ray lasers in cluster flows and in nanostructured targets. Calculations of the atomic...     

Investigation of a Contamination Film Formed by the Electron Beam Irradiation

Technical Physics - In the study of materials on electron probe devices in the field of action of the electron beam, a contaminating hydrocarbon film is formed, which affects the experimental...     

Electrochemical Synthesis of Fe–Cu Composites Based on Copper(II) Ferrite and Their Electrocatalytic Properties

Russian Journal of Electrochemistry - Copper(II) ferrite is synthesized by the co-precipitation method in the absence and in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol which is followed by thermally...     

Alkylation of 5-Substituted Tetrazoles with Various Alcohols in 1,2-Dichloroethane in the Presence of BF3·Et2O

Russian Journal of Organic Chemistry - The alkylation of 1H-tetrazole, 5-methyl-1H-tetrazole, and 5-phenyl-1H-tetrazole with primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, including benzylic and...     

Specific Features of Formation of Crystalline Silicoaluminophosphates in Grains Based on Kaolin and Phosphoric Acid

Transformations of granules based on kaolin and phosphoric acid under the conditions of vapor-phase crystallization at 170°C were studied. Specific features of the individual and cooperative action of a water vapor and a template dipropylamine on the granules were determined. It is shown that the regulation of competing processes of formation of dense non-porous phases (tridymite, cristobalite, berlinite) and microporous crystalline silicoaluminophosphates of structural types ATL and ATN can be carried out by creating transport pores in the volume of the initial granules. The formation of transport pores was provided by using of porogens (hydroxyethyl cellulose and carbon nanospheres) with the subsequent calcination of the granules. The presence of 40- and 60- nm macropores in the porous structure favored intensification of mass-exchange processes occurring within the granules under the vapor-phase crystallization conditions. This led to an increase in the selectivity of crystallization of the materials with crystal structure types AEL and ATN. The morphology of the crystals with the AEL and ATN structure and their chemical composition depend on the porogen used to prepare the starting granules.