Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of mesogens containing 1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecaoxy terminal chains

One series of two-ring and two series of three-ring mesogens with 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10-heptadecafluorodecaoxy terminal chains containing tolane or biphenyl units have been synthesized. Their mesomorphic properties were observed and measured by optical polarizing microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The three-ring mesogens only exhibit a wide smectic C phase when the length of their hydrocarbon chains is intermediate.     

Highly efficient toughening effect of ultrafine full-vulcanized powdered rubber on poly(lactic acid)(PLA)

A unique ultrafine full-vulcanized powdered ethyl acrylate rubber (EA-UFPR) was used as the toughening modifier for poly (lactic acid) (PLA). Largely improved tensile toughness was successfully achieved with the incorporation of only 1 wt% EA-UFPR, while the tensile strength and modulus of the blends were almost the same as pure PLA. The highly efficient toughening of PLA by UFPR is mainly ascribed to the strong interfacial interaction between PLA and UFPR and good dispersion of UFPR particles in PLA matrix. Our work provides an effective toughening method to largely improve the mechanical properties of PLA without sacrificing its stiffness, which is very important for the wide application of PLA materials.     

Characterization and Bioavailability of Vitamin C Nanoliposomes Prepared by Film Evaporation-Dynamic High Pressure Microfluidization

Vitamin C nanoliposomes were prepared by combining a conventional method (film evaporation) with dynamic high pressure microfluidization. Their physicochemical characterizations (antioxidant activity, particle size, entrapment efficiency, morphology, in vitro drug release, and storage stability) and skin permeation behavior were investigated. The results showed that vitamin C nanoliposomes, having equivalent DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging capacity of pure vitamin C solution without loss of their biological activity, exhibited better storage stability at 37°C for 24 hours and at 4°C for 60 days, a more excellent sustained drug release as well as higher skin penetration rate than vitamin C liposomes.     

IN SITU OBSERVATION OF 2-DIMENSIONAL TEXTURE OF EUROPIUM COMPLEX ON WATER SURFACE BY BREWSTER ANGLE MICROSCOPY

Monolayers of europium complexes on water surface have been directly visualized in the gas-liquid expanded region at different temperatures using Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). The film texture with network patterns of the complex (C₁₈)₂ Eu(DBM)₄ and hs evolution with time and temperature of the subphase were examined. The average linear cell dimension and the polygon areas have been analyzed as a function of time and the temperature. The mechanism of the domain growth is qualitatively discussed.     

Blue laser lithography for making antireflective submicron structures on silicon

The application of blue laser lithography for creating antireflective submicron structures on a crystalline silicon substrate was evaluated. The assembled blue laser lithography system was obtained by modifying a commercial blue laser optical pickup head and consisting of a 405-nm-wavelength blue laser and a 0.85-numerical-aperture objective lens. Si substrates were patterned with submicron column patterns of various periods and aspect ratios by blue laser lithography using a sputtered Ge-Sb-Sn-O layer as a resist. The reflectance of the patterned Si substrate decreased to 3% on average in the 300–1000 nm wavelength range, with a low sensitivity to the angle of incident light. Such patterned substrates showed potential for application in crystalline Si solar cells.     

The early-stage diagnosis of albinic embryos by applying optical coherence tomography

Albinism is a kind of congenital disease of abnormal metabolism. Poecilia reticulata (guppy fish) is chosen as the model to study the development of albinic embryos as it is albinic, ovoviviparous and with short life period. This study proposed an imaging method for penetrative embryo investigation using optical coherence tomography. By imaging through guppy mother’s reproduction purse, we found the embryo’s eyes were the early-developed albinism features. As human’s ocular albinism typically appear at about four weeks old, it is the time to determine if an embryo will grow into an albino.     

Shape Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization Using NASTRAN∗

Abstract

Major software improvements have been made by the developers of NASTRAN in the area of structural optimization. Grid point sensitivity is available in version 67. This paper tests this capability by comparison with analytical solutions. Suggestions for further improvements are identified as well as recommendations for its use. The new capability has been integrated into an optimization system for component design. Several examples, including a cantilever beam, a simplified engine connecting rod, a cantilever plate, and an upper suspension control arm, are analyzed and optimized using this system.     

Melamine trisulfonic acid-catalyzed N-formylation of amines under solvent-free conditions

A highly convenient method for N-formylation of amines via treatment by formic acid in the presence of melamine trisulfonic acid as a catalyst has been developed. This method showed improvements over previous reports in terms of yield, reaction time and chemoselectivity.