Gauge Model Based on Group G×SU（2）

We present a model of gauge theory based on the symmetry group G×SU（2） where G is the gravitational gauge group and SU（2） is the internal group of symmetry. We employ the spacetime of four-dimensional Minkowski, endowed with spherical coordinates, and describe the gauge fields by gauge potentials. The corresponding strength field tensors are calculated and the field equations are written. A solution of these equations is obtained for the case that the gauge potentials have a particular form potentials induces a metric of Schwarzschild type on with spherical symmetry. The solution for the gravitational the gravitational gauge group space.     

Optimization of Biocompatibility for a Hydrophilic Biological Molecule Encapsulation System

Despite considerable advances in recent years, challenges in delivery and storage of biological drugs persist and may delay or prohibit their clinical application. Though nanoparticle-based approaches for small molecule drug encapsulation are mature, encapsulation of proteins remains problematic due to destabilization of the protein. Reverse micelles composed of decylmonoacyl glycerol (10MAG) and lauryldimethylamino-N-oxide (LDAO) in low-viscosity alkanes have been shown to preserve the structure and stability of a wide range of biological macromolecules. Here, we present a first step on developing this system as a future platform for storage and delivery of biological drugs by replacing the non-biocompatible alkane solvent with solvents currently used in small molecule delivery systems. Using a novel screening approach, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the 10MAG/LDAO system using two preparation methods across seven biocompatible solvents with analysis of toxicity and encapsulation efficiency for each solvent. By using an inexpensive hydrophilic small molecule to test a wide range of conditions, we identify optimal solvent properties for further development. We validate the predictions from this screen with preliminary protein encapsulation tests. The insight provided lays the foundation for further development of this system toward long-term room-temperature storage of biologics or toward water-in-oil-in-water biologic delivery systems.     

Substrate-target distance dependence of structural and optical properties in case of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 films obtained by pulsed laser deposition

The paper presents the influence of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) parameters on the structural and optical properties of PZT thin films grown on platinum substrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to determine the thin film properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are employed to get additional information. By changing the distance between target and substrate, different crystalline orientations of PZT are obtained. The thin film thickness and its roughness, as well as the refractive index are also influenced by the chosen distance.     

Tripled fixed point theorems for contractive type mappings in partially ordered metric spaces

In this paper, we introduce the concept of tripled fixed point for nonlinear mappings in partially ordered complete metric spaces and obtain existence, and existence and uniqueness theorems for contractive type mappings. Our results generalize and extend recent coupled fixed point theorems established by Gnana Bhaskar and Lakshmikantham [T. Gnana Bhaskar, V. Lakshmikantham, Fixed point theorems in partially ordered metric spaces and applications, Nonlinear Anal. 65 (7) (2006) 1379-1393]. Examples to support our new results are given.     

Fluorescent Flavin/PVP-Coated Silver Nanoparticles: Design and Biological Performance

A red-emitting fluorescent Riboflavin (RF)/Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated silver nanoparticles system, λ_em?=?527 nm, Φ?=?0.242, with a diameter of the metallic core of 27.33 nm and a zeta potential of ? 25.05 mV was prepared and investigated regarding its biological activity. We found that PVP has a key role in RF adsorption around the SNPs surface leading to an enhancement of antioxidant properties (～70%), low cytotoxicity (> 90% cell viability, at 50 µL/mL, after 48 h of incubation) as well as to an efficient process of its cellular uptake (～ 60%, after 24 h of incubation) in L929 cells. The results are relevant concerning the involvement of RF and its coenzymes forms in SNPs - based systems, in cellular respiration as well as for future studies as antioxidant marker system on tumoral cells for viewing and monitoring them, by cellular imaging.

     

The Cu- and Zn-complex-catalyzed methanolysis of the chemical warfare nerve agents soman,sarin, and VX

The catalytic methanolysis of the chemical warfare nerve agents soman, sarin, and VX was investigated by using Cu or Zn complexes. Although VX withstood decontamination, the decomposition yield being around 96%, the soman and sarin deposited on different surfaces were almost fully destroyed under ambient conditions. The catalytic tests performed on a wide range of contaminated surfaces confirm the activity of the investigated catalytic systems, these complexes being suitable, from an economical point of view, for use in the formulation of a possible decomposition kit with military or civilian applicability.     

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and DFT investigation of Eriochrome Black T metal chelating compound

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and its Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II) and Pb(II) complexes were recorded using a hydroxylamine reduced silver colloid. Molecular geometry optimization, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) distribution and vibrational frequencies calculation were performed at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory for the EBT molecule and its Cu(EBT), Fe(EBT) and Mn(EBT) metal complexes. Differentiation between EBT complexes of Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II) and Pb(II) is shown by the SERS spectral features of each complex.     

Measurement of production date (age) of nanogram amount of uranium

JRC-Karlsruhe obtained a swipe sample from a highly enriched uranium seizure, which had taken place in 2011. Due to the very low amount of uranium (nanograms) a new method needed to be developed to determine the U production date (age). The particles on the swipe were collected on a pyrolytic graphite planchet using a vacuum impactor and they were subsequently leached with ccHNO₃. The “bulk” U isotopic composition (²³⁵U: 72.51?±?0.03 wt%) and the production date (December 1992?±?1 year) determined by MC-ICP-MS indicated that the material showed similarity with two other HEU cases seized earlier in Europe.

     

Heterogeneous oxidation of pyrimidine and alkyl thioethers in ionic liquids over mesoporous Ti or Ti/Ge catalysts

Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of a series of thioethers (2-thiomethylpyrimidine, 2-thiomethyl-4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidine, 2-thiobenzylpyrimidine, 2-thiobenzyl-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine, thioanisole, and n-heptyl methyl sulfide) was performed in ionic liquids by using MCM-41 and UVM-type mesoporous catalysts containing Ti, or Ti and Ge. A range of triflate, tetrafluoroborate, trifluoroacetate, lactate and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquids were used. The oxidations were carried out by using anhydrous hydrogen peroxide or the urea-hydrogen peroxide adduct and showed that ionic liquids are very effective solvents, achieving greater reactivity and selectivity than reactions performed in dioxane. The effects of halide and acid impurities on the reactions were also investigated. Recycling experiments on catalysts were carried out in order to evaluate Ti leaching and its effect on activity and selectivity.