A conformal mapping approach for investigating the free-boundary seepage from symmetric channels

We present a new method to investigate the two-dimensional free-boundary groundwater seepage from symmetric soil channels into a homogeneous isotropic porous medium. We use Levi–Civitá’s function to construct an integral representation for the conformal mapping of the complex potential domain onto the physical flow domain. A genetic algorithm (GA) is used to calculate the coefficients of the Maclaurin series expansion of Levi–Civitá’s function. The coordinates of the points from the channel contour, calculated by means of the integral representation, must satisfy the analytic equation of the contour. We use this condition to define the objective function of the genetic algorithm. Levi–Civitá’s function is afterwards used to calculate the seepage loss, the free lines, the streamlines, the equipotential lines, the isobars and the velocity field. Some examples illustrate the method.     

Online resource for theoretical study of hydration of biopolymers

An online resource has been developed for the theoretical study of hydration of biopolymers by the RISM (Reference Interaction Site Model) method, deriving from the integral equation theory of liquids. The online resource is based upon original software developed by the authors and includes all steps in studying a biopolymer with a given spatial structure and force field. It prepares the input data and carries out the RISM calculation yielding the atom-atom correlation functions of the biopolymer with water as solvent. From these functions the algorithm finds atomic partial contributions to the hydration free energy using various free energy expressions from integral equation theory. The calculated results are automatically recorded in a database, and become available on the website as tables of partial thermodynamic quantities. In addition, the website displays an interactive 3D model of a given molecule, the atoms of which can be painted in different colors in accordance with their partial contributions to the thermodynamic quantity chosen by the user. The user can interactively choose atoms on this molecule and their correlation functions will be displayed. The aim of our work was to develop and present a publicly-accessible resource on the basis of original software which could be used for scientific and educational purposes.     

Efficient Green Procedure for the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives by a One‐Pot,Three‐Component Reaction under Solvent‐Free Conditions

A simple, efficient, and general method has been developed for the synthesis of coumarin derivatives through a one‐pot reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione and 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione, in the presence of TEBA under solvent‐free conditions using grinding methods. The mild reaction conditions, simple protocol, high yields, and cleaner reaction make this protocol practical and economically attractive.     

A Solvent‐Free Procedure for Synthesis of N‐Sulfonylimines Using Microwave Irradiation Catalyzed by ZrO2/S2O8 2− Solid Superacid

Abstract

A solvent‐free synthesis of N‐sulfonylimines from aldehydes with sulfonamides is described using ZrO₂/S₂O₈ ^2? as catalyst under microwave irradiation. This method is fast and high yielding for a range of substrates.     

Label free non-invasive imaging of topically applied actives in reconstructed human epidermis by confocal Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy has become a versatile tool for the in vivo characterization of skin. Here we describe use of Raman spectroscopy for high resolution optical cross sectioning to resolve skin constituents and administered drugs at the cellular level. Percutaneous penetration is typically studied using permeation cells with biopsies of animals or human skin. Although this technique provides valuable clinical data, little insight is gained in the microstructure of drug penetration (intercellular or transcellular) or in the mode of action of applied vehicles or penetration enhancers. Therefore, a Raman microspectroscopic method was combined with a confocal scanning setup to image the microstructure of commercially available skin models (SkinEthic^®) and the spatial distribution of penetrated actives. The models’ microstructure was scanned without any special treatment or environment such as cutting, staining, freezing, or application of vacuum. The non-invasive Raman images reveal the layered structure of stratum corneum. This in particular for lipids while water tends to be more evenly distributed. When penetration of the hydrophilic active glycerol and the lipophilic octyl methoxycinnamate, OMC, was studied, a strong correlation between the local distribution of skin constituents and the hydrophilic/lipophilic character of the active was observed.     

Solvent free synthesis,characterization, DFT,cyclic voltammetry and biological assay of Cu(II), Hg(II) and UO2(II) – Schiff base complexes

A series of metal ion complexes was prepared in solid state from Cu(II), Hg(II) and UO₂(II) ions with 3-oxo-3-(2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-phenylpropanamide (H₃L) ligand through solvent free synthesis methodology. The chemical formulae of the new compounds were estimated according to variable spectral and analytical investigations. The ligand exhibited a neutral or mononegative tetradentate mode of coordination towards the central ions inside the octahedral arrangement that proposed for the three complexes. The DFT/B3LYP method was applied under different basis sets (6-31G*or SDD) to optimize the structures of new compounds except the UO₂(II) complex. The computational data were investigated to verify the binding mode that suggested spectrally. Moreover, studies in solution regarding Cu(II) ion via cyclic voltammetry were performed in absence or presence of H₃L, to realize the significant effect of complex formation on the electrochemical manners of copper. The shifts in the potential peaks accompanied by the changes in the values of parameters correspond to kinetic and thermodynamic. Also, the solvation and kinetic characteristics for the cathodic and anodic potential of Cu(II) ion in absence or presence of H₃L at different scan rates, were estimated. Finally, the ligand and copper ion exhibited high affinity towards complexation in solution. Furthermore, the activity of the new compounds towards inhibiting microbes was studied against Staphylococcus aureus (G+) and Escherichia coli (G-) bacteria as well as Candida albicans (fungus) by determining the inhibition zone diameter. Also, both the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds were evaluated. Commonly, a remarkable antimicrobial and anticancer activity was appeared with UO₂(II) complex and the ligand. While, the antioxidant activity of all compounds appeared lower.     

同型二聚体肽模型的二维红外光谱

利用一个同型二聚体模型,甲酰胺二聚体,模拟一对肽基团.用量子化学从头计算考察了二聚体中酰胺-I带振动模式之间的振动耦合及其在空间的行为. 研究发现C=O伸缩振动耦合以静电作用为主,耦合有效距离能超过10 oA. 一维和二维红外光谱的激子模拟计算表明,耦合常数的空间依赖性能够清楚地表现在光谱特征中. 这些结果意味着多肽中C=O伸缩振动模式能够在很远的距离相互耦合并产生振动态的离域化.     

黑腔冷冻靶传热与自然对流的数值模拟研究

惯性约束聚变的设计要求在靶丸内形成均匀光滑的氘氚冰层, 靶丸周围的热环境对冰层的质量特别是低阶粗糙度有很大的影响. 本文对自主研发的黑腔冷冻靶实验装置中的热物理问题展开了数值模拟, 重点考察了黑腔冷冻靶的传热和流体力学特性. 通过参数分析得到了自然对流对靶丸温度均匀性产生影响的临界条件. 比较了黑腔不同布置朝向时的流场和温度分布, 结果显示黑腔水平布置时自然对流更加强烈, 造成的靶丸温度不均匀性也更大. 在此基础上, 讨论了消除自然对流影响的可能性, 结果发现仅当黑腔垂直布置时利用黑腔分区方法能够消除对流效应对靶丸温度不均匀性的影响而黑腔水平布置时不能消除. 研究结论对于实验中冷冻靶结构的设计、改进和实验的开展等具有指导意义.     

Hidden chemistry of substituted aniline radical cations in water: a mechanistic study

Absolute rate constants for hydroxyl radical, azide radical, and hydrated electron reactions with a sulfa drug 4,4'‐diamino diphenyl sulfone (dapsone) in water have been evaluated using electron pulse radiolysis technique. Absolute rate constants for hydroxyl radical and azide radical were determined as (8.4 ± 0.3) × 10⁹ and (5.6 ± 0.5) × 10⁹ M^?1 s^?1, respectively. The reduction of dapsone with the hydrated electron occurred with rate constant of (9.2 ± 0.1) × 10⁹ M^?1 s^?1. Hydroxyl radical reactions result in the synchronous formation of adduct as well as anilino radical. The interesting observation is that the yield of the anilino radical increases with increase in pH. Contrary to this, the yield of the adduct decreases with pH. We propose that hydroxyl radical adds predominantly to the aniline. In contrast, the reaction of azide radical with the dapsone suggests that the reaction occurs at the –NH₂ moiety of the aniline ring. The free radical electron transfer from dapsone to parent radical cation of non‐polar solvent also results in the formation of anilino radical only suggesting that the radical cation of dapsone has a short lifetime. The reaction of hydrated electrons with the dapsone suggests that the reaction occurs at different reaction site. The experimental results supported by theoretical calculations of this study provide fundamental mechanistic parameters that probably decide the fate of the radical cation of aniline derivatives. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.