Isoreticular Linker Substitution in Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks with Through-Space Transport Pathways

The extension of reticular chemistry concepts to electrically conductive three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been challenging, particularly for cases in which strong interactions between electroactive linkers create the charge transport pathways. Here, we report the successful replacement of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) with a nickel glyoximate core in a family of isostructural conductive MOFs with Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺. Different coordination environments of the framework metals lead to variations in the linker stacking geometries and optical properties. Single-crystal conductivity data are consistent with charge transport along the linker stacking direction, with conductivity values only slightly lower than those reported for the analogous TTF materials. These results serve as a case study demonstrating how reticular chemistry design principles can be extended to conductive frameworks with significant intermolecular contacts.     

Bank productivity and performance groups: A decomposition approach based upon the Luenberger productivity indicator

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, in the framework of the strategic groups’ literature, it analyZes changes in productivity and efficiency of Spanish private and savings banks over an eight-year period (1998-2006). Second, by adapting the decomposition of the Malmquist productivity indices suggested by Färe et al. (1994), it proposes similar components decomposing the Luenberger productivity indicator. Initially, productivity is decomposed into technological and efficiency changes. Thereafter, this efficiency change is decomposed into pure efficiency, scale and congestion changes. Empirical results demonstrate that productivity improvements are partially due to technological innovation. Furthermore, it is shown how the competition between private and savings banks develops in terms of the analyzed productivity and efficiency components. While private banks enjoy better efficiency change, savings banks contribute more to technological progress. Consequently, the Luenberger components are used as cluster analysis inputs. Thus, economic interpretations of the resulting performance groups are made via key differences in productivity components. Finally, following the strategic groups’ literature, supplementary insights are gained by linking these performance groups with banking ratios.     

Analysis of lumped models with contact and friction

We consider two mathematical models that describe the vibrations of spring-mass-damper systems with contact and friction. In the first model, both the contact and frictional boundary conditions are described with subdifferentials of nonconvex functions. In the second model, the contact is modeled with a Lipschitz continuous function, and the restitution force is described by a differential equation involving a Volterra integral term. The two models lead to second-order differential inclusions with and without an integral term, in which the unknowns are the positions of the masses. For each model, we prove the existence of a solution by using an abstract result for first-order differential inclusions in finite dimensional spaces. For the second model, in addition, we prove the uniqueness of the solution by using a fixed point argument. Finally, we provide examples of systems with contact and friction conditions for which our results are valid.     

Evaluation of the renal calculi compositions

Thermal analysis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy are modern physical–chemical methods suitable for the investigation of the kidney stones composition. The applications of these methods in our work were anticipated by performing the standard thermal analysis and standard infrared spectra on pure compounds: oxalates, phosphate, carbonate, and uric acid. This work reveals a logical algorithm for correlating the experimental data regarding urolithiasis types and compositions by thermal analysis methods, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and second derivative FT-IR spectra. The limits and performance of each analysis method have been highlighted, and by correlating the results of both methods we have obtained comprehensive information for the identification and/or determination of the main components as well as of organic and/or inert impurities in calculi composition. The data regarding the urinary calculi composition are important for the clinical guideline in the prophilaxy and methaphylaxy of urolithiasis.     

Comparative Study of Useful Compounds Extracted from Lophanthus anisatus by Green Extraction

Essential oils were obtained from different parts of Agastache foeniculum (Lophanthus anisatus) plants by means of extraction: green extraction using hydro-distillation (HD) and bio-solvent distillation, BiAD, discontinuous distillation, and supercritical fluid extraction, in two stages: (1) with CO₂, and (2) with CO₂ and ethanol co-solvent. The extraction yields were determined. The yield values varied for different parts of the plant, as well as the method of extraction. Thus, they had the values of 0.62 ± 0.020 and 0.92 ± 0.015 g/100 g for the samples from the whole aerial plant, 0.75 ± 0.008 and 1.06 ± 0.005 g/100 g for the samples of leaves, and 1.22 ± 0.011 and 1.60 ± 0.049 g/100 g for the samples of flowers for HD and BiAD, respectively. The yield values for supercritical fluid extraction were of 0.94 ± 0.010 and 0.32 ± 0.007 g/100 g for the samples of whole aerial plant, 0.9 ± 0.010 and 1.14 ± 0.008 g/100 g for the samples of leaves, and 1.94 ± 0.030 and 0.57 ± 0.003 g/100 g for the samples of flowers, in the first and second stages, respectively. The main components of Lophanthus anisatus were identified as: estragon, limonene, eugenol, chavicol, benzaldehyde, and pentanol. The essential oil from Agatache foeniculum has antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, the Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Acclimatization of Lophantus anisatus in Romania gives it special qualities by concentrating components such as: estragole over 93%, limonene over 8%, especially in flowers; and chavicol over 14%, estragole over 30%, eugenol and derivatives (methoxy eugenol, methyl eugenol, etc.) over 30% and phenyl ether alcohol over 20% in leaves. As a result of the research carried out, it was proven that Lophanthus anisatus can be used as a medicinal plant for many diseases, it can be used as a spice and preservative for various foods, etc.     

Anthocyanins Formulated with Carboxymethyl Starch for Gastric and Intestinal Delivery

Anthocyanins obtained from jambolan have been used as active agents in different carboxymethyl starch-based tablet formulations and their release profiles evaluated in simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and simulated intestinal (SIF) fluids. Structural analysis highlighted a strong interaction between anthocyanins and carboxymethyl starch, evidenced by scanning electron microscopy and infrared analysis. Tablet dissolution behavior varied according to the pH of the media, being controlled by the swelling and/or erosion of the polymeric matrix. Various formulations for immediate, fast, and sustained release of anthocyanins for 30 min, 2 h and 12 h of dissolution have been developed. It was found that monolithic carboxymethyl starch tablets loaded with powdered jambolan extract efficiently afforded the complete delivery (100% of anthocyanins) to different sites of the simulated gastrointestinal tract and ensured the stability of these pigments, which maintained their antioxidant activity.     

Influence of the Crystallinity of Silver Nanoparticles on Their Magnetic Properties

The magnetic properties of noble-metal nanoparticles are a puzzling phenomenon, tentatively often explained as a size effect or a ligand effect. Many experimental studies performed to date have attempted to vary these readily available parameters without reaching a definitive conclusion. In an attempt at better understanding the role of core crystallinity on these magnetic properties, we have compared the behavior of silver nanoparticles, which were either single-crystalline or multi-twinned, of almost identical sizes and with the same ligand coating. Our results indicate that single-crystalline nanoparticles tend to behave as classical paramagnetic materials, whereas multi-twinned ones exhibit a combination of para- and ferro-magnetic behaviors. Our hypothesis is that lattice defects within the core bear magnetic moments which couple through conduction electrons, with dipolar interactions also playing a local and macroscopic role.