Microwave-Assisted Chemical Demulsification of Water-in-Crude-Oil Emulsions

Two case studies are presented that shows the effects of chemical demulsifiers used under conventional heating and in combination with microwave radiation on efficiency of demulsification and light transmittance of the water separated from the emulsions. The data shows that the chemical demulsifiers coupling with microwave radiation does a better job at demulsifying the water-in-crude-oil emulsions than when the chemical demulsifiers are used under conventional heating. The demulsification efficiency of AE-121 could reach 100% under microwave irradiation (300 W) for 50 seconds.     

Near‐Infrared‐Controlled,Targeted Hydrophobic Drug‐Delivery System for Synergistic Cancer Therapy

Hydrophobicity has been an obstacle that hinders the use of many anticancer drugs. A critical challenge for cancer therapy concerns the limited availability of effective biocompatible delivery systems for most hydrophobic therapeutic anticancer drugs. In this study, we have developed a targeted near‐infrared (NIR)‐regulated hydrophobic drug‐delivery platform based on gold nanorods incorporated within a mesoporous silica framework (AuMPs). Upon application of NIR light, the photothermal effect of the gold nanorods leads to a rapid rise in the local temperature, thus resulting in the release of the entrapped drug molecules. By integrating chemotherapy and photothermotherapy into one system, we have studied the therapeutic effects of camptothecin‐loaded AuMP‐polyethylene glycol‐folic acid nanocarrier. Results revealed a synergistic effect in vitro and in vivo, which would make it possible to enhance the therapeutic effect of hydrophobic drugs and decrease drug side effects. Studies have shown the feasibility of using this nanocarrier as a targeted and noninvasive remote‐controlled hydrophobic drug‐delivery system with high spatial/temperal resolution. Owing to these advantages, we envision that this NIR‐controlled, targeted drug‐delivery method would promote the development of high‐performance hydrophobic anticancer drug‐delivery system in future clinical applications.     

二维柱坐标系辐射输运方程保球对称的离散纵标格式

 离散纵标格式是计算辐射输运方程的常用格式之一. 但是, 传统的离散纵标格式求解二维柱坐标系辐射输运方程模拟一维球对称问题时, 会出现明显的非对称现象, 球对称性被破坏. 针对该问题, 本文分析了传统离散纵标格式不能够保持球对称性的原因, 提出了空间基于柱坐标系、方向基于球坐标系的辐射输运方程, 并对该方程设计了新的离散纵标格式, 从理论上证明了当空间网格取球对称剖分时该离散格式能够保持一维球对称性的充分必要条件. 通过对真空球区域辐射输运、与物质耦合辐射输运等球对称算例的数值模拟, 验证了该格式的保球对称性, 球对称误差能够达到机器精度. 非对称辐射驱动模型以及非对称网格剖分条件下的数值模拟等算例也取得了较好的结果.     

Macrocyclic ZnII and CuII complexes as guests of the hybrid composites based on the layered MnPS3 phase. Comparison of spectroscopic properties

A family of macrocyclic complexes [M₂LⁿCl₂] have been synthesized and characterized (M: Cu^II or Zn^II; Lⁿ: macrocyclic ligand derived from 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3-benzenedicarbaldehyde and different aliphatic diamines and o-phenylenediamine). The influence of the aromaticity of the ligand and the metal center on the spectroscopic properties of the complexes (absorption and emission) has been studied. Making use of the weak interactions between hydrated potassium ions and the layers of the K_0.4Mn_0.8PS₃ precursor, the obtained macrocyclic complexes have been intercalated in the interlamellar space by a microwave assisted cationic exchange reaction. The optical properties of the obtained hybrid materials are reported. The absorption edge, recorded by solid state reflectance spectroscopy for Cu^II and the Zn^II macrocycle-based composites, is 1.67–1.76 eV, both shifted to lower energy compared with that of the pristine MnPS₃.     

An original approach for Raman spectroscopy analysis of radioactive materials and its application to americium‐containing samples

An approach for Raman measurements of highly radioactive samples is presented here. The innovative part of this approach lies in the fact that no single part of the Raman equipment is in direct contact with the radioactive sample, as the sample is sealed in an alpha‐tight capsule. Raman analysis is effectively performed through the optical‐grade quartz window closing the capsule. This allows performing micro‐Raman measurements on radioactive samples with no limitations on the laser source wavelength, polarisation mode, spectrometer mode and microscope mode (provided the focal length of the microscope objective is greater than the thickness of the quartz window and with sub mg samples). Some example results are shown and discussed. In particular, some spectral features of americium‐containing oxide nuclear fuel specimens are presented. Raman spectra clearly reveal in these specimens the presence of abundant oxygen defects induced in the fcc fluorite lattice by trivalent americium. In order to complete the analysis the Raman spectrum of pure americium dioxide was also measured with a lower energy excitation source compared with previous research. The current results seem to be consistent with the possible occurrence of a photolysis process induced by the Raman laser, resulting in the formation of hyperstoichiometric americium sesquioxide Am₂O_{3 + z}. Such a photolytic process is deemed to be unavoidable when visible lasers are used as excitation sources for the Raman analysis of americium dioxide. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Raman Spectroscopy Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

How does the skin sense sun light? An integrative view of light sensing molecules

The consensus on the effects of excessive sun exposure on human health has long emphasized the negative effects of solar UV radiation. Nevertheless, although UV radiation has been demonized, less is known about the consequences of sun exposure while using sunscreen, which can lead to high visible light exposure. UV and visible light play key roles in vitamin D synthesis, reduction of blood pressure, among other beneficial effects. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the wide range of responses of the human skin to sunlight by revisiting data on the beneficial and harmful effects of UV and visible light. We start by exploring the interaction of photons in the skin at several levels including physical (depth of photon penetration), chemical (light absorption and subsequent photochemical events), and biological (how cells and tissues respond). Skin responses to sun exposure can only be comprehensively understood through a consideration of the light-absorbing molecules present in the skin, especially the light-sensing proteins called opsins. Indeed, many of the cellular responses to sun exposure are modulated by opsins, which act as the “eyes of the skin”.     

用于气象观测的阵列式温度传感器流体动力学分析与实验研究

传统百叶箱和防辐射罩内部的温度传感器受到太阳辐射会导致其温度高于大气真实温度, 升温量可达0.8 K甚至更高. 为提高大气温度观测精度, 本文设计了一种阵列式温度传感器. 利用计算流体动力学方法分析计算该传感器在不同环境条件下的辐射升温量, 采用遗传算法对计算结果进行拟合, 获得辐射升温量修正方程. 为验证阵列式温度传感器的实际性能, 研制了强制通风温度测量平台. 将阵列式温度传感器、配有传统防辐射罩的温度传感器和强制通风温度测量平台置于相同环境下, 进行大气温度观测比对实验. 配有传统防辐射罩的温度传感器辐射升温量平均值为0.409 K; 与前者相比, 阵列式温度传感器的辐射升温量仅为0.027 K. 这种阵列式温度传感器可将辐射升温引起的误差降低约93%. 辐射升温量实验测量值与修正方程修正值之间的平均偏移量为0.0174 K, 均方根误差为0.0215 K, 该结果验证了计算流体动力学方法与遗传算法的准确性. 如果配合计算流体动力学方法与遗传算法, 温度测量精度有进一步提高的潜力.