A detailed study of the generation of optically detectable watermarks using the logistic map

A digital watermark is a visible, or preferably invisible, identification code that is permanently embedded in digital media, to prove owner authentication and provide protection for documents. Given the interest in watermark generation using chaotic functions a detailed study of one chaotic function for this purpose is performed. In this paper, we present an approach for the generation of watermarks using the logistic map. Using this function, in conjunction with seed management, it is possible to generate chaotic sequences that may be used to create highpass or lowpass digital watermarks. In this paper we provide a detailed study on the generation of optically detectable watermarks and we provide some guidelines on successful chaotic watermark generation using the logistic map, and show using a recently published scheme, how care must be taken in the selection of the function seed.     

Pensions modelling

Valuable insights into the problem of how to fund defined benefitpension schemes can be obtained by analysis using the standardBlack–Scholes/Merton option pricing model, consideringthe pension fund finances jointly with those of the sponsoringcompany. The nature of the fund assets and liabilities is completelydifferent, and this lies behind current controversies aboutthe appropriate discount rate, valuation, financial accountingand preferential status for pension fund claimants in insolvency.     

A Remarkable Two-Step Synthesis of Diverse 1,4-Benzodiazepine-2,5-diones Using the Ugi Four-Component Condensation

A two-step, general synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-diones (BZDs) is presented. This synthesis employs an Ugi four-component condensation using a convertible isocyanide (1-isocyanocyclohexene), followed by an acid-activated cyclization reaction. This synthesis represents a dramatically improved route to BZDs over those currently in the literature. In addition, since amino acids are not used as inputs, the potential for molecular diversity is much greater than that with existing syntheses. It was also found that BZDs substituted with methylenes at the C-3 and N-4 positions display conformational isomerism in the NMR spectra at room temperature. Variable-temperature NMR experiments support this observation and offer the interesting conclusion that the BZD core structure, in certain examples, might not be as rigid as previously supposed.     

Material Design in Poly(Lactic Acid) Systems: Block Copolymers,Star Homo- and Copolymers,and Stereocomplexes

Abstract

This paper gives a general overview of several approaches we have investigated for designing new PLA-based polymers with a broad range of properties and improved processability. These approaches include: copolymerization (block and stereoblock copolymers), microstructure and architecture control, and stereocomplexation. Multiblock copolymers with alternating “soft” and “hard” segments, synthesized over a broad range of chemical compositions, show properties ranging from hard plastics to elastomers. Stereoblock copolymers with alternating amorphous and semicrystalline PLA blocks combine the advantages of PLA homopolymers (crystallinity) and random copolymers (processability). Independent control of polymer architecture and microstructure allows for the synthesis of star polymers with various arm morphologies. A new method for stereocomplex formation between L-PLA and D-PLA, which combines in-situ polymerization with stereocomplexation, is also described. For the synthesis of these new materials we took advantage of: 1) chirality of lactide monomer, 2) retention of configuration during polymerization, 3) living nature of the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide in the presence of active hydrogen groups such as OH and NH₂, and 4) control of the level of transesterification reactions.     

Interplay of thermochemistry and structural chemistry, the journal (volume 24, 2013, issues 1–2) and the discipline

The contents of issues 1 and 2 for the calendar year 2013 are summarized in the current review of the journal Structural Chemistry. In addition, a brief thermochemical commentary is added to the summary of each paper.     

膜流动电位测试中Ag-AgCl电极的制备及稳定性研究

膜的动电特性研究中,往往采用流动电位方法。该方法中,Ag-Ag Cl测试电极的质量是影响测试准确性的关键要素。本文采用正交试验设计和方差分析,着重考察电解法制备Ag-Ag Cl电极过程中,电流强度(I)、氯化时间(t)、电解质溶液浓度(CHCl)、电极来源(n)、烘烤温度(T)、活化电极溶液浓度(CKCl)等因素对Ag-Ag Cl电极稳定性的影响。得到Ag-Ag Cl电极的最优制备参数为:电流密度3.0m A/cm2,氯化时间50min,盐酸浓度0.1mol·L-1,烘烤温度120℃,活化电极溶液(KCl)浓度0.001mol·L-1;最显著影响因素为电极来源,显著影响因素为氯化时间和烘烤温度。对最优条件组合下制备的AgAg Cl电极,进行了稳定性实验,结果表明:制备的电极具有较好的稳定性,24h内电极电位漂移量小于0.10mv,7天内电极电位漂移量小于0.2mv;在聚偏氟乙烯中空纤维超滤膜流动电位测试中,流动电位与流动压差具有良好的线性和可重复性,回归曲线R20.99,变化规律符合Helmholtz-Smoluehowski公式,可以较好满足膜的流动电位测试要求。     

Self‐Assembled Binary Mixtures of Partially Etched Nanowires

Arrays of anisotropic particles are sought after for applications in optics, electronics, and energy. Structures assembled from multiple micro‐ or nanoparticles could incorporate the distinct properties of each component to achieve functions not possible from single‐population assemblies. In mixed‐particle populations, the assembly forces may differ between the particle types, which will in turn influence the final assembled structures. Here, binary particle mixtures are studied and compared to assemblies formed from each of the component particles alone. The particles are partially etched nanowires (PENs, ≈300 nm diameter, and 3–8 μm overall length), which are formed by the silica coating and subsequent etching of striped metal nanowires, such that what remains are silica nanotubes containing segments of metal core (Au, Pt, Rh, or Pt/Au) with controllable location and number, spaced by “empty” regions that fill with water. Binary mixtures of PENs with different core metals and segment patterns are examined here to explore how the different core segment material, length, position, and number affects overall self‐assembly behavior.     

镁掺杂氧化铈整体式催化剂催化CO2和CH3OH直接合成碳酸二甲酯

采用共沉淀法成功地合成了不同Mg掺杂量的Ce_1-xMg_xO₂(x=0.05、0.10、0.15、0.20)固溶体催化材料,并运用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、氮气吸附-脱附测试、拉曼光谱、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、CO₂程序升温脱附(CO₂-TPD)等技术对这些材料进行了表征。结果发现,通过调控CeO₂晶格中Mg的含量,可以调控所制备的Ce_1-xMg_xO₂催化材料的粒径、比表面积、表面缺陷等。其中Ce_0.90Mg_0.10O₂展现了最佳的表面性质,具有最小的平均粒径(约5.8 nm),最大的比表面积(约136 m2·g^-1)以及最高的表面氧含量(31.98%)。将Ce_1-xMg_xO₂催化材料涂覆在堇青石蜂窝陶瓷上制成整体催化剂,考察其对CO₂和CH₃OH直接合成碳酸二甲酯的催化性能。在140℃、2.4 MPa、反应2 h的条件下,Ce_0.90Mg_0.10O₂整体催化剂上碳酸二甲酯的收率高达20.21%,催化效果明显优于CeO₂和其余的Ce_1-xMg_xO₂(x=0.05、0.15、0.20)催化材料。     

Hybridization and enzymatic extension of au nanoparticle-bound oligonucleotides

We have investigated the impact of steric effects on the hybridization and enzymatic extension of oligonucleotides bound to 12-nm colloidal Au particles. In these experiments, a nanoparticle-bound 12-mer sequence is hybridized either to its solution phase 12-mer complement or to an 88-mer template sequence. The particle-bound oligonucleotide serves as a primer for enzymatic extension reactions, in which covalent incorporation of nucleotides to form the complement of the template is achieved by the action of DNA polymerase. Primers were attached via-C(6)H(12)SH, -C(12)H(24)SH, and -TTACAATC(6)H(12)SH linkers attached at the 5' end. Primer coverage on the nanoparticles was varied by dilution with (5')HSC(6)H(12)AAA AAA(3'). Hybridization efficiencies were determined as a function of linker length, primer coverage, complement length (12-mer vs 88-mer), and primer:complement concentration ratio. In all cases, hybridization for the 88-mer was less efficient than for the 12-mer. Low primer surface coverage, greater particle-primer separation, and higher primer:complement ratios led to optimal hybridization. Hybridization efficiencies as high as 98% and 75% were observed for the 12-mer and 88-mer, respectively. Enzymatic extension of particle-bound primers was observed under all conditions tested; however, the efficiency of the reaction was strongly affected by linker length and primer coverage. Extension of primers attached by the longest linker was as efficient as the solution-phase reaction.