Models for the Dynamics of Hyperbranched Macromolecules

Summary: We focus on the motion of hyperbranched macromolecules in solution, paying particular attention to the relation between underlying topological structure and dynamics; we consider especially the mechanical moduli. Under the prominent representatives of hyperbranched polymers are both regular structures (such as the dendrimers) as well as disordered structures (such as irregular Cayley-trees). Evidently, batch-prepared hyperbranched macromolecules are closer to the latter. In order to theoretically determine their mechanical moduli we employ the method of generalized Gaussian structures (GGS), which allows us to study the situation including or excluding the hydrodynamic interactions (HI). Disordered hyperbranched structures display a complex dynamics; here we recall several analytical and numerical schemes for determining it and compare our theoretical results to the experimental data.     

Onset of a pseudogap regime in ultracold Fermi gases

We show, using an ab initio approach based on Quantum Monte Carlo technique, that the pseudogap regime emerges in ultracold Fermi gases close to the unitary point. We locate the onset of this regime at a value of the interaction strength corresponding to (k(F)a)(-1)≈-0.05 (a-scattering length). We determine the evolution of the gap as a function of temperature and interaction strength in the Fermi gas around the unitary limit and show that our results exhibit a remarkable agreement with the recent wave-vector resolved radio frequency spectroscopy data. Our results indicate that a finite temperature structure of the Fermi gas around unitarity is more complicated and involves the presence of the phase with preformed Cooper pairs, which, however, do not contribute to the long range order.     

Nanoparticles synthesis by electron beam radiolysis

Electron beam (EB) irradiation is a useful method to generate stable silver nanoparticles without the interference of inherent impurities generated from chemical reactions. Our experiments were carried out using linear electron beam accelerators with two different EB absorbed dose rates: 2 kGy min^?1 and 7–8 kGy s^?1, and with different absorbed dose levels. The optimum conditions for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) generation by radiolysis, or by radiolysis combined with chemical reduction, were established. In order to obtain a good yield for AgNPs synthesized by radiolysis, a high dose rate is required, resulting in a rapid production process. At low absorbed dose rates, the utilization of a stabilization agent is advisable. By modifying the experimental conditions, the ratio between the chemical and radiolytic reduction process can be adjusted, thus it is possible to obtain nanoparticles with tailored characteristics, depending on the desired application.

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Bemerkung zum Eindeutigkeitssatz der Laplaceschen Transformierten

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Azido-Functionalized Fullerenes,Perylenediimide, Perylene,and Tetraphenylethylene as Crosslinkers for Applications in Materials Science

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of novel azido molecules with demonstrated crosslinking ability when used as additives in polymer/fullerene organic solar cells. These compounds derived from fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀, or dyes from perylenediimide, perylene and tetraphenylethylene frameworks, bearing a different number of azido groups, are of particular interest to stabilize and increase the thermal stability of the device morphology. In particular, the electro and photoactive dye derivatives allow the introduction of additional functionality with the possibility of extending the absorption domain of the photoactive layer. In addition, and more broadly, such azido crosslinkers could find applications in the field of optoelectronic devices as a simple and cheap strategy to improve the performance and long-term stability of organic solar cells, perovskites solar cells, or organic light-emitting diodes.     

Propolis-Based Nanofiber Patches to Repair Corneal Microbial Keratitis

In this research, polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA)/gelatin (GEL)/propolis (Ps) biocompatible nanofiber patches were fabricated via electrospinning technique. The controlled release of Propolis, surface wettability behaviors, antimicrobial activities against the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and biocompatibility properties with the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were investigated in detail. By adding 0.5, 1, and 3 wt.% GEL into the 13 wt.% PVA, the morphological and mechanical results suggested that 13 wt.% PVA/0.5 wt.% GEL patch can be an ideal matrix for 3 and 5 wt.% propolis addition. Morphological results revealed that the diameters of the electrospun nanofiber patches were increased with GEL (from 290 nm to 400 nm) and Ps addition and crosslinking process cause the formation of thicker nanofibers. The tensile strength and elongation at break enhancement were also determined for 13 wt.% PVA/0.5 wt.% GEL/3 wt.% Ps patch. Propolis was released quickly in the first hour and arrived at a plateau. Cell culture and contact angle results confirmed that the 3 wt.% addition of propolis reinforced mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and wettability properties of the patches. The antimicrobial activity demonstrated that propolis loaded patches had antibacterial activity against the S. aureus, but for P. aeruginosa, more studies should be performed.