The topochemical 1,6-polymerization of a triene

The first topochemical 1,6-polymerization of a triene has been observed. The required supramolecular structure for this polymerization was achieved by the pi-pi stacking of the isonicotinate functionality. The crystal environment of this polymerization reaction controlled both the molecular and supramolecular structure of the polymer and allowed its structure to be determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Space structure of a fireball and the pion radius

Results of calculation of the fireball radius as measured by means of the Hanbury-Brown and Twiss (HBT) effect are interpreted in the context of Landau's hydrodynamical model. A method based on a simple geometric picture of fireball formation is used to deduce the pion radius. From available data of various \(\bar p\) p annihilations andπ ^± p,K ⁺ p collisions, it is foundr _π=0.76±0.22 fm. A derivation is given on the decoherence factor of the Kopylov formula. A discussion is presented on other applications of the HBT effect to particle physics.     

Optical sensor for the detection of caspase-9 activity in a single cell

We demonstrate for the first time, the application and utility of a unique optical sensor having a nanoprobe for monitoring the onset of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in a single living cell by detecting enzymatic activities of caspase-9. Minimally invasive analysis of single live MCF-7 cells for caspase-9 activity is demonstrated using the optical sensor which employs a modification of an immunochemical assay format for the immobilization of nonfluorescent enzyme substrate, Leucine-GlutamicAcid-Histidine-AsparticAcid-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (LEHD-AMC). LEHD-AMC covalently attached on the nanoprobe tip of an optical sensor is cleaved during apoptosis by caspase-9 generating free AMC. An evanescent field is used to excite cleaved AMC and the resulting fluorescence signal is detected. By quantitatively monitoring the changes in fluorescence signals, caspase-9 activity within a single living MCF-7 cell was detected. By comparing of the fluorescence signals from apoptotic cells induced by photodynamic treatment and nonapoptotic cells, we successfully detected caspase-9 activity, which indicates the onset of apoptosis in the cells.     

Understanding surface tension

This article discusses the presentation of the facts of capillarity at the level of the upper forms of schools or the first year of a university course. The usual formulae are derived consistently from energy considerations, and care is taken to justify such geometrical approximations as are unavoidable. A plea is made that the subject be taught from the beginning in terms of surface energy, so keeping in sight of physical reality.     

Manufacture of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Silica Shells

MgO@SiO₂ core–shell nanoparticles were manufactured, and a synthetic protocol was developed to prepare MgO nanoparticles where the SiO₂ shell thickness was less than 10 nm. The influence of synthesis parameters on the formation of MgO@SiO₂ nanoparticles was studied. The fact of a SiO₂ shell being formed on the MgO surface was established and the sizes of the thus-prepared MgO@SiO₂ nanoparticles were determined by TEM and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy.     

Robust energy planning in buildings with energy and comfort costs

Energy management in buildings is addressed in this paper. The energetic impact of buildings in the current energetic context is first depicted. Then the studied optimization problem is defined as the optimal management of production and consumption activities in houses. A scheduling problem is identified to adjust the energy consumption to both the energy cost and the inhabitant’s comfort. The available flexibilities of the services provided by domestic appliances are used to compute optimal energy plans. These flexibilities are associated to time windows or heating storage abilities. A constraints formulation of the energy allocation problem is given. A derived mixed linear program is used to solve this problem. The energy consumption in houses is very dependent to uncertain data such as weather forecasts and inhabitants’ activities. Parametric uncertainties are introduced in the home energy management problem in order to provide robust energy allocation. Robust linear programming is implemented. Event related uncertainties are also addressed through stochastic programming in order to take into account the inhabitant’s activities. A scenario based approach is implemented to face this robust optimization problem.