Localization for random Schrödinger operators with correlated potentials

We prove localization at high disorder or low energy for lattice Schrödinger operators with random potentials whose values at different lattice sites are correlated over large distances. The class of admissible random potentials for our multiscale analysis includes potentials with a stationary Gaussian distribution whose covariance functionC(x,y) decays as |x–y|^–, where >0 can be arbitrarily small, and potentials whose probability distribution is a completely analytical Gibbs measure. The result for Gaussian potentials depends on a multivariable form of Nelson's best possible hypercontractive estimate.Partially supported by the NSF under grant PHY8515288Partially supported by the NSF under grant DMS8905627     

Polyesters from Macrolactones Using Commercial Lipase NS 88011 and Novozym 435 as Biocatalysts

The demand for environmentally friendly products allied with the depletion of natural resources has increased the search for sustainable materials in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Polyesters are among the most widely used biodegradable polymers in biomedical applications. In this work, aliphatic polyesters (from globalide and ω-pentadecalactone) were synthesized using a new commercial biocatalyst, the low-cost immobilized NS 88011 lipase (lipase B from Candida antarctica immobilized on a hydrophobic support). Results were compared with those obtained under the same conditions using a traditional, but more expensive, commercial biocatalyst, Novozym 435 (lipase B from C. antarctica immobilized on Lewatit VP OC). When NS 88011 was used in the polymerization of globalide, longer reaction times (240 min)—when compared to Novozym 435—were required to obtain high yields (80–90 wt%). However, higher molecular weights were achieved. When poly(ω-pentadecalactone) was synthesized, high yields and molecular weights (130,000 g mol^?1) were obtained and the enzyme concentration showed strong influence on the polyester properties. This is the first report describing NS 88011 in polymer synthesis. The use of this cheaper enzymatic preparation can provide an alternative for polyester synthesis via enzymatic ring-opening polymerization.     

A new enantioselective synthesis of the four stereoisomers of pallantione,the male-produced sex pheromone of Pallantia macunaima (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

In a previous study we reported the identification of the first ketone found in the Pentatomidae family, the sex attractant pheromone of the male stink bug Pallantia macunaima, (6R,10S)-6,10,13-trimethyltetradecan-2-one. Here we describe an efficient enantioselective route for the synthesis of the four stereoisomers of this pheromone. The synthesis was conceived as the connection of two chiral building blocks, employing (R)- or (S)-citronellol and methyl (S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionate as the source of chirality.     

Mixed pseudohalide complexes of copper(II). Crystal and molecular structure of [Cu(N3)(NCS)(tmen)] n and of [Cu(N3)(NCO)(tmen)]2 (tmen = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine)

The compounds [Cu(N₃)(NSC)(tmen)]_n (1), [Cu(N₃)(NCO)(tmen)]_n (2) and [Cu(N₃)(NCO)(tmen)]₂ (3) (tmen=N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) were synthesized and studied by i.r. spectroscopy. Single crystals of compounds (1) and (3) were obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The structure of compound (1) consists of neutral chains of copper(II) ions bridged by a single azido ligand showing the asymmetric end-to-end coordination fashion. Each copper ion is also surrounded by the other three nitrogen atoms; two from one N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine and one from a terminal bonded thiocyanate group. Compound (2) decomposes slowly in acetone and the product formed [Cu(N₃)(NCO)(tmen)]₂ (3) crystallizes in the monoclinic system (P2₁). The structure of (3) consists of dimeric units in which the Cu atoms are penta-coordinated and connected by μ(1,3) bridging azido and cyanate ligands. In both cases the five coordinated atoms give rise to a slightly distorted square-based pyramid coordination geometry at each copper ion. The thermal behavior of [Cu(N₃)(NSC)(tmen)]_n (1) and [Cu(N₃)(NCO)(tmen)]_n (2) were investigated and the final decomposition products were identified by X-ray powder diagrams.     

Cobalt oxide/tetraruthenated cobalt-porphyrin composite for hydrogen peroxide amperometric sensors

A new composite material constituted by mu-{5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrinato cobalt(iii)}-tetrakis-{chloro-bis-(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(ii)} complex (or CoTRP) and cobalt oxide, exhibiting high stability and sensitivity for the quantification of hydrogen peroxide, was obtained by the electrochemical polymerization of the tetraruthenated cobalt porphyrin in alkaline medium. The optimized experimental conditions for the preparation of the modified glassy carbon electrodes and for analysis of H2O2 were carefully determined. Fast sequential analysis (120 determinations h(-1)) in a wide linear dynamic range (5.0 x 10(-7) mol L(-1) to 2.0 x 10(-3) mol L(-1)), with high sensitivity and low detection limit (2.0 x 10(-7) mol L(-1)), was achieved by using these electrodes and the batch injection analysis (BIA) technique. Such characteristics allied to a good stability were explored for the specific determination of hydrogen peroxide in six commercial cosmetics and pharmaceutical product samples, giving results in excellent agreement with those obtained by the spectrophotometric method.     

Chemiluminescence Triggered by Hydrolase Activity in a Horseradish Peroxidase/H2O2-Coupled Assay*

2-Methyl-1-propenyl acetate (MPA) was hydrolyzed by wheat lipase, pancreatic lipase, hydrolases and lipopro-tein lipase from serum in a reaction that produces 2-methyl-1-propenol. The latter was subsequently oxidized by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/H₂O₂/O₂ yielding triplet acetone that emits visible light. The integrated light emission was proportional to the units of lipase or volume of serum present. When pancreatic lipase was assayed, light emission was observed in the presence of bile salt as surfactant and chlorophyll a as light sensitizer. The potential application of this reaction in determinations of hydrolase/Iipase activities is discussed.     

Survey on chemical,physical, and thermal prediction behaviors for sequential chemical treatments used to obtain cellulose from Imperata Brasiliensis

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The effects of chemical treatment sequences on the chemical, physical, and mainly the thermal properties of Imperata Brasiliensis grass in the process...     

Effect of residual contaminants and of different types of extrusion processes on the rheological properties of the post-consumer polypropylene

Rheological measurements were conducted to verify the influence of different mechanical recycling processes and the presence of contaminants on the degradation of post-consumer polypropylene. Firstly, polypropylene (PP) was contaminated to simulate a post-consumer material, following the protocol recommended by the FDA. PP was subsequently recovered (washed and dried) and the samples were submitted to different extrusion processes. The rheological data demonstrated that the different types of processing applied and the presence of contaminants altered the molecular structure of the samples. The contaminants acted as agents that accelerated the polymer degradation. The contaminated samples submitted to higher shear rates exhibited greater decrease in their molar mass and a slight narrowing in the molar mass distribution. Also, it was observed that the most degraded samples showed decrease in their molar mass, in the viscosity and in the level of their molecular entanglements. These samples also exhibited a more Newtonian behavior and their molar mass distribution showed a slight narrowing. By calculating the ratio of the molar mass it was possible to quantify the degree of degradation of PP samples, confirming the results obtained.