Morphology and mechanical properties of surfactant aggregates at water-silica interfaces: molecular dynamics simulations

Dilute and concentrated surfactant systems at the solid-liquid interface are examined using classical molecular dynamics simulations. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how surfactants aggregate and form the micellar structure, how micelles change shape at high concentrations in aqueous media and in the presence of hydrophilic surfaces, and at what force this micellar structure breaks apart during indentation of micelle-covered surfaces with a proximal probe microscope tip. The specific system of interest is C12TAB (n-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) surfactant in an aqueous medium that is modeled with empirical potentials. The simulations predict that the micelle structure in water is compact and either spherical or elliptical in shape. In the presence of a hydrophilic surface of silica, the structure evolves into a flat elliptical shape, in agreement with experimental findings. The simulated indentation of the micelle/silica system causes the micelle to break apart at an indentation force of about 1 nN and form a surfactant monolayer. The predicted force curve is in excellent agreement with experimental measurements.     

Spectroscopic properties and photophysics of the synthesized compound 5-nitro-benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid in non-polar/polar media and in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles

The present work investigates by electrochemical and steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic methods a synthesized compound 5-nitro-benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (5NBTC), both in normal solvents and in the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles to reveal the nature of the photophysical processes involved. From the present experimental observations it is inferred that both in the ground state and the excited electronic state S₁, there exists a strong binding between -COOH functionality of 5NBTC and TiO₂ nanoparticles. However, the rupture of this binding in the presence of excess TiO₂, as apparent from the steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic measurements, is responsible for the increase in radiative transitions. Formations of aggregations of TiO₂ nanoparticles at higher concentrations appear the cause of such rupturing. The redox potential measurements by cyclic voltammetry and theoretical computations by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) with B3LYP/6-311 G(d, p) basis function implemented in the Gaussian package confirm the electron accepting nature of 5NBTC and hence no electron transfer is possible between the organic compound and TiO₂ nanoparticles. It is most likely that the interaction model between 5NBTC and TiO₂ nanoparticles should be that the -COOH group of 5NBTC molecule coordinates either directly or through a hydrogen bond to the TiO₂ surface.     

Interference of a thermal tonks gas on a ring

A nonzero temperature generalization of the Fermi-Bose mapping theorem is used to study the exact quantum statistical dynamics of a one-dimensional gas of impenetrable bosons on a ring. We investigate the interference produced when an initially trapped gas localized on one side of the ring is released, split via an optical-dipole grating, and recombined on the other side of the ring. Nonzero temperature is shown not to be a limitation to obtaining high visibility fringes.     

Thermal behaviour of copolymers of methyl methacrylate and iso-octyl/iso-decyl methacrylate

Thermal behaviour of copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with iso-octyliso-decyl methacrylate was investigated using dynamic thermogravimetry, mass spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography. The copolymer samples were stable upto 250 °C. Total loss in weight was observed around 400 °C. The degradation in homopolymers as well as copolymers proceeded by predominans loss of monomer.

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Zusammenfassung Mittels dynamischer Thermogravimetrie, Massenspektroskopie und Pyrolysengaschromatographie wurde das thermische Verhalten von Kopolymeren aus Methylmethacrylat (MMA) und Isooktyl/Isodecyl-methacrylat untersucht. Die Kopolymerproben waren bis 250 °C stabil. Ein vollständiger Gewichtsverlust wurde bei 400 °C beobachtet. Der Abbau sowohl der Homopolymere als auch der Kopolymere erfolgt durch eine überwiegende Abgabe von Monomeren.

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, - /- . /- . 250°. 400°. , .

     

A comparison of the consistency of proteome quantitation using two-dimensional electrophoresis and shotgun isobaric tagging in Escherichia coli cells

An important consideration in the measurement of quantitative changes in protein expression is the consistency of the observations for a given technique as well as the reproducibility of the experiment. A quantitative assessment of the technical and biological variability is crucial to avoid erroneous inferences and conclusions. Two methods for measuring quantitative changes in protein expression are two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and shotgun proteomics of isobaric-tagged samples using iTRAQ reagents. An assessment of changes in Escherichia coli protein expression in response to rhsA induction demonstrates that half of the quantified protein expression ratios have a coefficent of variation (CV) less than 0.31 using 2-DE and less than 0.24 using isobaric tags; whereas 95% of the quantified protein expression ratios have a CV less than 0.81 using 2-DE and less than 0.53 using isobaric tags. The selective removal of outlier data points from the shotgun method using Grubb's and Rosner's statistical outlier tests improves the consistency of the quantitation data obtained.     

Redox mediators accelerate electrochemically-driven solubility cycling of molecular transition metal complexes

The solubility of molecular transition metal complexes can vary widely across different redox states, leaving these compounds vulnerable to electron transfer-initiated heterogenization processes in which oxidation or reduction of the soluble form of the redox couple generates insoluble molecular deposits. These insoluble species can precipitate as suspended nanoparticles in solution or, under electrochemical conditions, as an electrode-adsorbed material. While this electrochemically-driven solubility cycling is technically reversible, the reverse electron transfer to regenerate the soluble redox couple state is a practical challenge if sluggish electron transfer kinetics result in a loss of electronic communication between the molecular deposits and the electrode. In this work, we present an example of this electrochemically-driven solubility cycling, report a novel strategy for catalytically enhancing the oxidation of the insoluble material using homogeneous redox mediators, and develop the theoretical framework for analysing and digitally simulating the action of a homogeneous catalyst on a heterogeneous substrate via cyclic voltammetry. First, a mix of electrochemical and spectroscopic methods are used to characterize an example of this electrochemically-driven solubility cycling which is based on the two-electron reduction of homogeneous [Ni(P^Ph₂N^Ph₂)₂(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (P^Ph₂N^Ph₂ = 1,3,5,7-tetraphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane). The limited solubility of the doubly-reduced product in acetonitrile leads to precipitation and deposition of molecular [Ni(P^Ph₂N^Ph₂)₂]. While direct oxidation of this heterogeneous [Ni(P^Ph₂N^Ph₂)₂] at the electrode surface is possible, this electron transfer is kinetically limited. We demonstrate how a freely diffusing redox mediator (ferrocene) – which shuttles electrons between the electrode and the molecular material – can be used to overcome these slow electron transfer kinetics, enabling catalytic regeneration of soluble [Ni(P^Ph₂N^Ph₂)₂]²⁺. Finally, mathematical models are developed that describe the current–potential response for a generic EC′ mechanism involving a homogeneous catalyst and surface-adsorbed substrate. This novel strategy has the potential to enable reversible redox chemistry for heterogeneous, molecular deposits that are adsorbed on the electrode or suspended as nanoparticles in solution.

We present an example of electrochemically-driven solubility cycling of a molecular transition metal complex and report a novel strategy for catalytically enhancing the oxidation of an insoluble material using homogeneous redox mediators.     

Amperometric glycolate sensors based on glycolate oxidase and polymeric electron transfer mediators

Using experiments involving cyclic voltammetry and stationary potential measurements, it was shown that siloxane polymers with covalently attached ferrocene and 1,1'-dimethylferrocene relays efficiently mediate electron transfer from reduced glycolate oxidase to a conventional carbon-paste electrode. Sensors containing these polymeric relay systems and glycolate oxidase respond rapidly to low (< 0.1 mM) glycolate concentrations, with steady-state current responses achieved in less than 1 min. The dependence of the sensor response on the nature of the siloxane polymer backbone, the type of polymer-bound redox mediator used and the amount of redox mediator present is discussed. From these considerations, sensors have been designed which can operate efficiently at low applied potential and can avoid decreased current response due to dissolved oxygen.     

Photoinduced and chemical oxidation of coordinated imine to amide in isomeric osmium(II) complexes of N-arylpyridine-2-carboxaldimines. Synthesis,characterization, electron transfer properties,and structural studies

The reaction of N-arylpyridine-2-carboxaldimine [C(5)H(4)NC(H)NC(6)H(4)R] (HL) with ammonium hexabromoosmate (NH(4))(2)[OsBr(6)] in boiling 2-methoxyethanol afforded a violet solution from which two geometrical isomers of [OsBr(2)(HL)(2)] (1 and 2) were isolated. These are characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data. (1)H NMR spectral data were used for the identification of the isomers. The blue-violet isomer, 1 (designated as ctc), has a 2-fold symmetry axis and gave rise to resonances for only one coordinated HL. The geometry of the ctc-isomer was, however, revealed from the X-ray structure determination of a representative example. The red-violet isomer (2, designated as ccc), on the other hand, is unsymmetrical and gave rise to a large number of proton resonances. The isomeric complexes, [OsBr(2)(HL)(2)], showed intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. This transition, in the ccc-isomer, is slightly (10 nm) red shifted in comparison to the ctc-isomer. These diimine complexes showed one metal based reversible oxidation assignable to the Os(III)/Os(II) process followed by two irreversible oxidations at more anodic potentials (>1.4 V). In addition to these, the complexes also showed two irreversible ligand reductions at high cathodic potentials (<-1.4 V). An unusual type of photochemical transformation of the azomethine function of coordinated HL in osmium compounds 1 is studied. When an air equilibrated acetonitrile solution of 1 was exposed to a xenon lamp, it underwent oxidation affording the mixed ligand, amido complexes of general formula [OsBr(2)(HL)(LO)], 3 (LO = C(5)H(4)NC(O)-N-C(6)H(4)R), in an excellent yield (>95%). This transformation (1 --> 3) was achieved chemically when H(2)O(2) was used as an oxidant. Notably, the chemical oxidation with H(2)O(2) also led to the formation of a tetravalent complex, [OsBr(2)(LO)(2)], 4, as a minor product. Compound 3 was characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The room temperature magnetic moment of 3 corresponds to a t(2)(5) configuration for the osmium(III) center. EPR spectra of the amido complexes were recorded at 77 K in 1:1 dichloromethane-toluene glass, and they were anisotropic in nature. FAB mass spectra of 3 displayed intense peaks due to parent molecular ions. For example, the complex [OsBr(2)(HL(1))(L(1)O)], 3a, showed a strong peak at m/z 729 amu. The electronic spectrum of compound 3 consisted of a broad LMCT transition (ca. 525 nm; epsilon, 3000 M(-1) cm(-1)). The cyclic voltammogram of compound 3 consisted of two responses, one each on the positive and negative side of SCE, corresponding to Os(IV)/Os(III) (ca. 0.8V) and Os(III)/Os(II) (ca. -0.3V) couples, respectively. There has been a large cathodic shift of potential for the Os(III)/Os(II) couple in 3 in comparison to that in the parent complex, 1. The diamido compound [OsBr(2)(LO)(2)], 4, is diamagnetic and insoluble in common solvents. The X-ray structure determination of a representative sample, 4a, is reported. The molecule contains a C(2)-symmetry axis with bromide ions in relative cis positions. The Os-N(amide) bond lengths are considerably shorter than the Os-N(pyridine) lengths. All other bond lengths and angles fall within the expected range.     

Arsenic calamity in the Indian subcontinent What lessons have been learned?

Groundwater arsenic (As) contamination in West Bengal (WB, India) was first reported in December 1983, when 63 people from three villages of two districts were identified by health officials as suffering from As toxicity. As of October 2001, the authors from the School of Environmental Studies (SOES) have analyzed >105 000 water samples, >25 000 urine/hair/nail/skin-scale samples, screened approximately 86 000 people in WB. The results show that more than 6 million people in 2700 villages from nine affected districts (total population approximately 42 million) of 18 total districts are drinking water containing >/=50 mug l(-1) As and >300 000 people may have visible arsenical skin lesions. The As content of the physiological samples indicates that many more may be sub-clinically affected. Children in As-affected villages may be in special danger. In 1995, we had found three villages in two districts of Bangladesh where groundwater contained >/=50 mug l(-1) As. The present situation is that in 2000 villages in 50 out of total 64 districts of Bangladesh, groundwater contains As above 50 mug l(-1) and more than 25 million people are drinking water above >/=50 mug l(-1) As. After years of research in WB and Bangladesh, additional affected villages are being identified on virtually every new survey. The present research may still reflect only the tip of iceberg in identifying the extent of As contamination. Although the WB As problem became public almost 20 years ago, there are still few concrete plans, much less achievements, to solve the problem. Villagers are probably in worse condition than 20 years ago. Even now, many who are drinking As-contaminated water are not even aware of that fact and its consequences. 20 years ago when the WB government was first informed, it was a casual matter, without the realization of the magnitude this problem was to assume. At least up to 1994, one committee after another was formed but no solution was forthcoming. None of the expert reports has suggested solutions that involve awareness campaigns, education of the villagers and participation of the people. Initially, international aid agencies working in the subcontinent simply did not consider that As could be present in groundwater. Even now, while As in drinking water is being highlighted, there have been almost no studies on how additional As is introduced through the food chain, as large amounts of As are present in the agricultural irrigation water. Past mistakes, notably the ceaseless exploitation of groundwater for irrigation, continue unabated today; at this time, more groundwater is being withdrawn than ever before. No efforts have been made to adopt effective watershed management to harness the extensive surface water and rainwater resources of this region. Proper watershed management and participation by villagers are needed for the proper utilization of water resources and to combat the As calamity. As in groundwater may just be nature's initial warning about more dangerous toxins yet to come. What lessons have we really learned?     

catena‐Poly[[[triaqua­cobalt(II)]‐μ‐2,6‐dioxo‐1,2,3,6‐tetra­hydro­pyrimidine‐4‐carboxyl­ato(2–)] 1.72‐hydrate]

The Co^II ion in the title complex {[Co(C₅H₂N₂O₄)(H₂O)₃]·1.72H₂O}_n, has a distorted octa­hedral coordination geometry comprised of three water ligands, one deprotonated pyrimidine N atom and an adjacent carboxyl­ate O atom of one orotate ligand. The sixth coordination site is occupied by an exocyclic O atom from a neighbouring orotate moiety, and through this inter­action a helicoidal chain is formed. The mol­ecules are linked by intra­molecular O_water—H⋯O and inter­molecular N—H⋯O and O_water—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three‐dimensional network.