Geometric Singular Perturbation Theory for Systems with Symmetry

Journal of Dynamics and Differential Equations - In this paper we focus on a class of symmetric vector fields in the context of singularly perturbed fast-slow dynamical systems. Our main question...     

Stability and bifurcations in oscillations of composite laminates with curvilinear fibres under a supersonic airflow

Nonlinear Dynamics - Nonlinear flutter of variable stiffness composite plates—using a reduced-order model benefiting from a large-enough number of modes or degrees of freedom—is the...     

Can a Procedure for the Growth of Single-layer Graphene on Copper be used in Different Chemical Vapor Deposition Reactors?

In the last decade, catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been intensively explored for the growth of single-layer graphene (SLG). Despite the scattering of guidelines and procedures, variables such as the surface texture/chemistry of catalyst metal foils, carbon feedstock, and growth process parameters have been well-scrutinized. Still, questions remain on how best to standardize the growth procedure. The possible correlation of procedures between different CVD setups is an example. Here, two thermal CVD reactors were explored to grow graphene on Cu foil. The design of these setups was entirely distinct, one being a “showerhead” cold-wall type, whereas the other represented the popular “tubular” hot-wall type. Upon standardizing the Cu foil surface, it was possible to develop a procedure for cm²-scale SLG growth that differed only by the carrier gas flow rate used in the two reactors.     

The Cytotoxic Effect of α-Synuclein Aggregates

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving a functional protein, α-synuclein, whose primary function is related to vesicle trafficking. However, α-synuclein is prone to form aggregates, and these inclusions, known as Lewy bodies, are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. α-synuclein can alter its conformation and acquire aggregating capacity, forming aggregates containing β-sheets. This protein's pathogenic importance is based on its ability to form oligomers that impair synaptic transmission and neuronal function by increasing membrane permeability and altering homeostasis, generating a deleterious effect over cells. First, we establish that oligomers interfere with the mechanical properties of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) membrane, as demonstrated by nanoindentation curves. In contrast, nanoindentation revealed that the α-synuclein monomer's presence leads to a much more resistant lipid bilayer. Moreover, the oligomers’ interaction with cell membranes can promote lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, suggesting the activation of cytotoxic events.     

Probing the Catalytic Activity of Reduced Graphene Oxide Decorated with Au Nanoparticles Triggered by Visible Light

Hybrid materials in which reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is decorated with Au nanoparticles (rGO–Au NPs) were obtained by the in situ reduction of GO and AuCl₄^?_(aq) by ascorbic acid. On laser excitation, rGO could be oxidized as a result of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) excitation in the Au NPs, which generates activated O₂ through the transfer of SPR‐excited hot electrons to O₂ molecules adsorbed from air. The SPR‐mediated catalytic oxidation of p‐aminothiophenol (PATP) to p,p′‐dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) was then employed as a model reaction to probe the effect of rGO as a support for Au NPs on their SPR‐mediated catalytic activities. The increased conversion of PATP to DMAB relative to individual Au NPs indicated that charge‐transfer processes from rGO to Au took place and contributed to improved SPR‐mediated activity. Since the transfer of electrons from Au to adsorbed O₂ molecules is the crucial step for PATP oxidation, in addition to the SPR‐excited hot electrons of Au NPs, the transfer of electrons from rGO to Au contributed to increasing the electron density of Au above the Fermi level and thus the Au‐to‐O₂ charge‐transfer process.     

GDME-based methodology for the determination of free formaldehyde in cosmetics and hygiene products containing formaldehyde releasers

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - Formaldehyde is often applied in the industrial production of different products, such as textiles, insulation materials, or cosmetics, due to its...     

The preparation of 2-iodoamides from glucals and their further transformations into oxazolines

2-Deoxy-2-iodo-glycosylamides have been prepared from a variety of protected d-glucals by their reaction with N-iodosuccinimide and amides. Benzyl protected 2-iodoamides, when treated with sodium hydride and 15-crown-5, gave stable C1 N-linked 2-glycooxazolines as the major products. Silyl protected 2-iodoamides afforded the C1 O-linked 2-glycooxazolines; presumably by the rearrangement of unstable N-acylaziridine intermediates.     

Synthesis, X-ray diffraction study, and ionic conductivity of new AB2O6 pyrochlores

The oxides A(Ti_0.5Te_1.5)O₆ (A = K, Rb, Cs, Tl), A(Ti_0.5W_1.5)O₆ (A = Rb, Cs, Tl), and Cs(B_0.5W_1.5)O₆ (B = Zr, Hf) have been obtained as polycrystalline powders giving X-ray diffraction patterns characteristic of defect cubic pyrochlores, space group (No. 227), Z = 8. The best discrepancy R factors, from 0.0265 for Rb(Ti_0.5Te_1.5)O₆ to 0.0554 for Cs(Zr_0.5W_1.5)O₆, were obtained for the B cations randomly distributed at 16(d), A ions at one quarter of 32(e), and oxygen atoms at 48(f) positions. A linear relationship is observed between the a unit cell parameters and the ionic radii of the A cations, as well as the average ionic radii of the B atoms. The results of electrical resistivity measurements for A(Ti_0.5Te_1.5)O₆ (A = K, Rb, Cs, Tl) are given.