Exploring high pressure structural transformations,electronic properties and superconducting properties of MH2 (M = Nb,Ta)

The high-pressure structures and properties of MH₂ (M = Nb, Ta) are explored through an ab initio evolutionary algorithm for crystal structure prediction and first-principles calculations. It is found that NbH₂ undergoes a phase transition from a cubic Fm$\overline{3}$m structure with regular NbH₈ cubes to an orthorhombic Pnma structure with fascinating distorted NbH₉ tetrakaidecahedrons at 48.8 GPa, while the phase transition pressure of TaH₂ from a hexagonal P6₃mc phase with slightly distorted TaH₇ decahedron to an orthorhombic Pnma phase with attractive distorted TaH₉ tetrakaidecahedrons is about 90.0 GPa. Besides, the calculated electronic band structure and density of states demonstrate that all of these structures are metallic. The Poisson’s ratio, electron localization function, and Bader charge analysis suggest that these phases possess dominant ionic bonding character with the effective charges transferring from the metal atom to H. From our electron–phonon calculations, the calculated superconducting critical temperature T_c of the Pnma-NbH₂ is 6.903 K at 50 GPa. Finally, via the quasi-harmonic approximation method, the phase diagrams at pressure up to 300 GPa and temperature up to 1000 K of MH₂ (M = Nb, Ta) are established, where the transition pressure of Fm$\overline{3}$m-NbH₂ → Pnma-NbH₂ and P6₃mc-TaH₂ → Pnma-TaH₂ were found to decrease with increasing temperature.     

Hydrophilic Treatment of the Dyed Nylon-6 Fabric using High-density and Extensible Antenna-coupling Microwave Plasma System

High density and well surface-distributed oxygen microwave plasma with an extensible antenna-coupling design was utilized to modify a densely weaved and large-surface-area Nylon-6 fabric within a short treatment time. Plasma pretreatment and subsequent acrylic acid (AAc) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) grafting process were studied and optimized at the stage after dyed and finished procedure. The monomer-grafted dyed Nylon-6 fabrics evolved lasting hydrophilic properties and thereafter created or improved surface properties such as water diffusion, drainage, moisture regain and water absorbency, in different degrees. The pHEMA-grafted sample exhibited minor effect in color perception, which was also much hydrophilic than the pAAc-grafted one. Based upon surface analyses and wetting assessment, the penetration of HEMA monomer into the plasma-treated fabric matrix contributed to the facilitation of wetting properties. This work accordingly ensures such plasma-induced system to incorporate with the pattern of hydrophilic properties on the analogous textiles without interrupting their finishing process.     

Insoluble eggshell matrix proteins--their peptide mapping and partial characterization by capillary electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography

Avian eggshell matrix proteins were studied by two analytical approaches. Peptide mapping was done by trypsin and pepsin followed by collagenase cleavage; analyses were carried out by capillary electrophoresis and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Comparison of peptide maps obtained by both methods revealed a complex mixture of peptides in the insoluble layers of the eggshell; it was concluded that there are at least three different insoluble protein/peptide layers in the avian eggshell (cuticle, palisade, and mammillary layer). Partial characterization of peptides in each layer was made by HPLC-mass spectrometry analysis. There is an evidence that the eggshell insoluble proteins contain species susceptible to collagenase cleavage, however, the sequences split by this enzyme probably are not those typical for the main triple-helical core of collagenous proteins. It is proposed that the action of collagenase upon eggshell proteins is caused by the side effect of collagenase described previously with synthetic peptides. Some of the proteins present are probably glycosylated. Fatty acid content in the insoluble eggshell layers (after decalcification) was in the range of 2-4% (which reflected both lipid and lipoproteins bound fatty acids). Porphyrin pigments are dominant in the cuticle layer.     

Unraveling the mystery of efficacy in Chinese medicine formula: New approaches and technologies for research on pharmacodynamic substances

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the key to unlock treasures of Chinese civilization. TCM and its compound play a beneficial role in medical activities to cure diseases, especially in major public health events such as novel coronavirus epidemics across the globe. The chemical composition in Chinese medicine formula is complex and diverse, but their effective substances resemble “mystery boxes”. Revealing their active ingredients and their mechanisms of action has become focal point and difficulty of research for herbalists. Although the existing research methods are numerous and constantly updated iteratively, there is remain a lack of prospective reviews. Hence, this paper provides a comprehensive account of existing new approaches and technologies based on previous studies with an in vitro to in vivo perspective. In addition, the bottlenecks of studies on Chinese medicine formula effective substances are also revealed. Especially, we look ahead to new perspectives, technologies and applications for its future development. This work reviews based on new perspectives to open horizons for the future research. Consequently, herbal compounding pharmaceutical substances study should carry on the essence of TCM while pursuing innovations in the field.     

Effect of carbonate incorporation on the structural and superconducting properties of the double chain compound Y2Ba4Cu7O15−x

Structural investigations on powder samples of Y₂Ba₄Cu₇O_15–x with different carbonate content have been performed. Powder x-ray Rietveld refinements showed the remarkable influence of carbonate incorporation on the lattice parameters. Most important is the decrease of T_c with increasing carbonate content. We assign these effects to an incorporation of the carbonate ion into the crystal lattice, copper vacancies at the Cu(1) position and a possible misorientation of the copper oxygen single chains. No change of the structure (e. g. superstructure) could be found.     

Simultaneous Determination of Aluminum and Iron in High Salt Content Matrices by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry. Application to Dialysis Fluids

A new analytical procedure for the simultaneous determination of aluminum(III) and iron(II) in two kinds of dialysis fluids (peritoneal and hemodialysis fluids) by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV) is described. The voltammetric measurements were performed using, as working electrode, a stationary mercury electrode, and a platinum electrode and a Ag|AgCl|KCl_(sat.) electrode as auxiliary and reference electrodes, respectively, employing acetate buffer solutions at different pH as supporting electrolyte. As complexing agents, Solochrome Violet RS, Palatine Chrome Black 6BN, Chromazurol S and Eriochrome Black T were employed. For both elements, the accuracy, expressed as relative recovery R%, was very satisfactory being in the range 94–105%, the precision as repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation s_r%, was lower than 6%, while the limits of detection were of the order of a few units of μg/L. The analytical voltammetric procedure has been validated by comparison with spectroscopic (graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, GFAAS) measurements.     

The structure and electrochemical characteristics of La0.67Mg0.33 (Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1) x (x=2.5–5.0) multiphase alloys for nickel-metal hydride batteries

This paper presents results concerning structure and electrochemical characteristics of the La_0.67Mg_0.33 (Ni_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1) _x (x=2.5–5.0) alloy. It can be found from the result of the Rietveld analyses that the structures of the alloys change obviously with increasing x from 2.5 to 5.0. The main phase of the alloys with x=2.5–3.5 is LaMg₂Ni₉ phase with a PuNi₃-type rhombohedral structure, but the main phase of the alloys with x=4.0–5.0 is LaNi₅phase with a CaCu₅-type hexagonal structure. Furthermore, the phase ratio, lattice parameter and cell volume of the LaMg₂Ni₉phase and the LaNi₅ phase change with increasing x. The electrochemical studies show that the maximum discharge capacity increases from 214.7 mAh/g (x=2.5) to 391.1 mAh/g (x=3.5) and then decreases to 238.5 mAh/g (x=5.0). As the discharge current density is 1,200 mA/g, the high rate dischargeability (HRD) increases from 51.1% (x=2.5) to 83.7% (x=3.5) and then decreases to 71.6% (x=5.0). Moreover, the exchange current density (I ₀) of the alloy electrodes first increases and then decrease with increasing x from 2.5 to 5.0, which is consistent with the variation of the HRD. The cell volume reduces with increasing x in the alloys, which is detrimental to hydrogen diffusion and accordingly decreases the low-temperature dischargeability of the alloy electrodes.     

Comparison of combustion sources for sulfur chemiluminescence detection

Three different types of SCD combustion source have been evaluated for use in the chromatographic analysis of atmospheric sulfur compounds. The conventional FID source and the newer inverted burner source were found to be less sensitive and less stable than the flameless design. Overall, the flameless source was superior for use with HRGC-SCD.     

聚苯基不对称三嗪的热分解

用高分辨裂解气相色谱－质谱（ＨＲＰｙＧＣ－ＭＳ）考察了由对苯二眯腙和四种不同芳香族四酮合成的聚苯基不对称三嗪的热分解行为，鉴定了相应裂解产物的组成、分布及其与高分子结构的关系，并用热重法（ＴＧ）测定了它们的热分解反应动力学参数，提出了其热分解反应机理．     

Nioboxidfluoride mit Blockstrukturen — Elektronenmikroskopische Durchstrahlungsaufnahmen und ihre Simulation

Niobiumoxidefluorides Nb₅₉O₁₄₇F, Nb₃₁O₇₇F, Nb₆₅O₁₆₁F₃ and Nb₃₄O₈₄F₂ were prepared by reaction of Nb₂O₅ and Nb₃O₇F at 1 270°C. These niobiumoxidefluorides have blockstructures which were examined by high resolution electron microscopy. The observed images of the crystal structures were compared with computer simulated images.