Inhomogeneous Voter Models in One Dimension

We establish conditions for survival and extinction of types of one-dimensional voter models, and show that increasing the flip rates at a finite number of sites typically does not affect survival, unless the flipping mechanism is altered. We provide an example of a modified voter model that does not survive but can be made to survive simply by altering the flip mechanism at one site. We also show that a rather general class of such models have clustering behavior.     

A new insight into the understanding of the collapsed form of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) molecules

Possible collapsed forms of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) molecules are reviewed on the basis of first principle calculations. Various configurations and associated conformations are detailed. The calculated optimized structures exhibit different possibilities of creating networks of intra-molecular bonds of the hydrogen type. We show that the most remarkable one is able to form a local, self-saturated and well ordered helix. We also indicate in which direction the synthesis of the molecule should be oriented to improve its global behavior in term of hydrophobic/hydrophilic behavior.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Monoazo N‐Ester‐1,8‐Naphthalimide Disperse Dyestuffs

Five novel monoazo disperse dyestuffs based on N‐ester‐1,8‐naphthalimide were synthesized. Acenaphthene was nitrated, then oxidized to 4‐nitro‐1,8‐naphthalic anhydride. 4‐Nitro‐1,8‐naphthalic anhydride was reacted with methyl and ethyl glycinate in alcoholic media, followed with reduction. 4‐Amino‐N‐methyl and ethyl glycinate‐1,8‐naphthalimide were obtained. These products were diazotized and coupled with appropriate aromatic amines to give bluish‐red or violet dyestuffs. All intermediates and dyestuffs were purified and characterized by ¹H‐NMR, FTIR, DSC, UV‐VIS and Elemental Analysis. Dispersion of dyestuffs was prepared in water and applied to polyester fabrics. The dyed fabrics showed that four of the synthesized dyestuffs were suitable for coloring polyester fibers, producing deep bluish red with very good build up properties.     

Synthesis,spectral, DFT calculations and antibacterial studies of Fe(III) complexes of new fluorescent Schiff bases derived from imidazo[4',5':3,4]benzo[1,2‐c]isoxazole

New fluorescent heterocyclic ligands were synthesized by the reaction of 8‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐alkyl‐3H‐imidazo[4',5':3,4]benzo [1,2‐c]isoxazol‐5‐amine with p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and p‐chlorobenzaldehyde in good yields. The coordination ability of the ligands with Fe³⁺ ion was examined in an aqueous metanolic solution. Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–vis, mass, and NMR spectra. The optical properties of the compounds were investigated and the results showed that the fluorescence of all compounds is intense and their obtained emission quantum yields are around 0.15 – 0.53. Optimized geometries and assignment of the IR bands and NMR chemical shifts of the new complexes were also computed by using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The DFT‐calculated vibrational wavenumbers and NMR chemical shifts are in good agreement with the experimental values, confirming suitability of the optimized geometries for Fe(III) complexes. Also, the 3D‐distribution map for HOMO and LUMO of the compounds were obtained. The new compounds showed potent antibacterial activity and their antibacterial activity (MIC) against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial species were also determined. Results of antibacterial test revealed that coordination of ligands to Fe(III) leads to improvement in the antibacterial activity.     

Direct Synthesis of Anatase Films with ~100% (001) Facets and [001] Preferred Orientation

Anatase films exhibiting ~100% (001) reactive facets at the surface were grown hydrothermally on gold substrate from a homogeneous solution of TiF(4) and NaF. In addition to NaF, it was found that TiO(2) films with very similar properties could be prepared with the fluoride salts LiF, CsF, HF, NH(4)F, and N(CH(2)CH(3))(4)F. The polycrystalline anatase films are continuous, approximately 1 μm thick, and evenly coat the substrate. The surface grain size is ~400 nm. Grazing angle XRD measurements show that the films exhibit a high degree of preferred orientation with the c-axis normal to the substrate surface. SEM images reveal that the grains span the thickness of the films. Annealing the films at 500 °C removes fluorine and causes crystallites within the grains to restructure as shown by SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. Supported anatase films grown from this one-pot method may serve as oxidative photocatalysts and electrodes for photoelectrochemical applications such as solar cells and hydrogen evolution.     

Fabrication of ozone gas sensor based on FeOOH/single walled carbon nanotube-modified field effect transistor

A novel ozone (O₃) sensor is fabricated using commercial metal oxide field effect transistor (MOSFET), modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In this study, integrated circuit (IC: BS250) was selected as the selective probe for O₃ detection. For this purpose, a plastic cover on the surface of the drain was drilled to bare the drain surface, followed by its modification with nitrogen and sulfur-functionalized SWCNTs by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The CVD-synthesized SWCNTs were then electrodeposited with FeOOH nanostructures. According to the figures of merit, the fabricated sensor gave a linear output from 20 to 450 parts per billion (ppb). Detection limit was also 4.1?ppb. Relative standard deviation (RSD) for seven replicate analyses was 3.61%. Based on 90% of maximum response (t₉₀), the response time was ～1.5?min. Calibration sensitivity was measured to 1.3?mV/ppb. No interference was observed, when introducing at least 500 folds of interferences of gaseous species such as H₂O, HCl, H₂S, O₂, H₂, CO, CO₂, NO₂, SO₂, Cl₂, C₂H₂, CH₄ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to 250?ppb of O₃ solution. Reliability of the sensor was also evaluated via determination of O₃ in different air samples.