Poisson–Boltzmann for oppositely charged bodies: an explicit derivation

The interaction between two parallel charged plates in ionic solution is a general starting point for studying colloidal complexes. An intuitive expression of the pressure exerted on the plates is usually proposed, which includes an electrostatic plus an osmotic contribution. We present here an explicit and self-consistent derivation of this formula in the only framework of the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) theory. We also show that, depending on external constraints, the correct thermodynamic potential can differ from the usual PB free energy. For asymmetric, oppositely charged plates, the resulting expression predicts a non-trivial equilibrium position with the plates separated by a finite distance. The depth of this energy minimum is decisive for the stability of the complex. It is therefore crucial to obtain its explicit dependence on the charge densities of the plates and on the ion concentration. Analytic expressions for the position and depth of the energy minimum were derived in 1975 by Ohshima [Colloid Polym. Sci. 253, 150 (1975)] but, surprisingly, these important results seem to have been overlooked. We retrieve these expressions in a simpler formalism, more familiar to the physics community, and give a physical interpretation of the observed behavior.     

High temperature electrochemical reduction of the water molecule at cerium dioxide electrodes

The high temperature cathodic reduction of the water molecule at the interface PtCeO_2?x Double Layer Electrode/Yttria Stabilized Zirconia has been investigated. Two different rate determining processes are involved depending on the current density. In the low current density range a Tafel's type kinetic behaviour was found, with an activation free enthalpy around 22 kcal/mole. The rate determining process has been identified in the transport of the oxygen atoms through the CeO_2?x layer. At higher currents a lack of any apparent additional, nonohmic contribution to the overvoltage was put into evidence.At any rate, such DLE resulted in a worsening of the energetic yield of the cathodic process with respect to the porous platinum/YSZ as well as Pt/cerium doped YSZ.     

Thermal,antioxidant, morphological and bioactive properties of starchy material extracted from the bacupari (Garcinia brasiliensis (Mart.)) seed using aqueous and alkaline maceration

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Despite their being rich in bioactive compounds, by-products produced during fruit pulping are usually discarded. The present paper aimed to...     

A Geometrical Pore Model for Estimating the Microscopical Pore Geometry of Soil with Infiltration Measurements

This paper presents a simple geometrical pore model designed to relate characteristic pore radii of the porous network of soils with macroscopic infiltration parameters. The model composed of a stack of spherical hollow elements is described with two radii values: the pore access radius and the actual pore radius. The model was compared to cylindrical pore models and its mathematical consistency was assessed. Soil sorptivity S and the second parameter A of the Philip infiltration equation (1957), have been determined by numerically simulated infiltration. A diagram and an empirical relation have been set in order to relate the pore access and pore radii to the infiltration parameters S and A. The consistency of the model was validated by comparing the predicted sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity values, with the widely used unsaturated soil hydraulic functions (van Genuchten, 1980). The model showed good agreement with experimental infiltration data, and it is therefore concluded that the use of a model with two radii improves the relation between microscopic pore size and macroscopic infiltration parameters.     

Increased Antioxidant Activity and Changes in Phenolic Profile of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon (Crassulaceae) Specimens Grown Under Supplemental Blue Light

Antioxidant compounds protect plants against oxidative stress caused by environmental conditions. Different light qualities, such as UV‐A radiation and blue light, have shown positive effects on the production of phenols in plants. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon (Crassulaceae) is used for treating wounds and inflammations. Some of these beneficial effects are attributed to the antioxidant activity of plant components. We investigated the effects of blue light and UV‐A radiation supplementation on the total phenol content, antioxidant activity and chromatographic profile of aqueous extracts from leaves of K. pinnata. Monoclonal plants were grown under white light, white plus blue light and white plus UV‐A radiation. Supplemental blue light improved the antioxidant activity and changed the phenolic profile of the extracts. Analysis by HPLC of supplemental blue‐light plant extracts revealed a higher proportion of the major flavonoid quercetin 3‐O‐α‐l ‐arabinopyranosyl (1→2) α‐l ‐rhamnopyranoside, as well as the presence of a wide variety of other phenolic substances. These findings may explain the higher antioxidant activity observed for this extract. Blue light is proposed as a supplemental light source in the cultivation of K. pinnata, to improve its antioxidant activity.     

Linear response to perturbation of nonexponential renewal processes

We study the linear response of a two-state stochastic process, obeying the renewal condition, by means of a stochastic rate equation equivalent to a master equation with infinite memory. We show that the condition of perennial aging makes the response to coherent perturbation vanish in the long-time limit.     

Thermal,structural, morphological and bioactive characterization of acid and neutral modified loquat (Eriobotrya japonica lindl.) seed starch and its by-products

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Extraction methods are determinant in technological properties of non-conventional starches. Different steeping procedures are capable of modifying the...     

LC Evaluation of In Vitro Release of AZT from Microemulsions

A reversed phase LC method was developed and validated to analyze the in vitro release of AZT from microemulsions. A mobile phase of acetonitrile:water (15:85) was used. The method validation showed good selectivity and linearity (r = 0.9993) for sample concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 100.0 μg mL⁻¹. The RSD values (0.7–4.3%) and percentage recovery (88.1–109.8%) were within acceptable limits. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were found to be 0.012 and 0.041 μg mL⁻¹. Quantitative analysis of the values obtained in the drug release assay indicates that the microemulsions used promote sustained release of AZT, which follows a Fickian diffusion mechanism.

     

High temperature water electrolysis: Cathodic behaviour of Pt/yttria stabilized zirconia (ysz) interface

The electrolysis of steam using a solid state cell fed by mixtures of hydrogen and water has been carried out at temperatures ranging 700 to 1000°C. The kinetics of the cathodic reduction of water at Pt/YSZ interface has been investigated.Two different processes seem rate determining depending upon the current densities. The transition between each other was found to depend on the temperature but not on the hydrogen vs. water ratio of the feeding mixtures. At low current densities the over-voltage shows a typical Tafel behaviour; the activation enthalpy of the cathodic process was evaluated around 14 Kcal/mole. At high current densities the straight line relationship between total applied voltage and current density suggests the process to occur without apparent overvoltage. This behaviour has been explained in terms of formation of large amounts of complex defects acting as charge exchange sites for the water reduction.The faradic yield of the electrolysis has been proved to be 100%.