Rhythmic pattern formations in gels and Matalon—Packter law: A fresh perspective

The periodic precipitation pattern formation in gelatinous media is interpreted as a moving boundary problem. The time law, spacing law and width law are revisited on the basis of the new scenario. The explicit dependence of the geometric structure on the initial concentrations of the reactants is derived. Matalon—Packter law, which relates the spacing coefficient with the initial concentrations is reformulated removing many ambiguities and impractical parameters. Experimental results are discussed to establish the significance of moving boundary concept in the diffusion controlled pattern forming systems     

Non-negative scalar curvature

We study topological obstructions to the existence of Riemannian metrics of non-negative scalar curvature on almost spin manifolds using the Dirac operator, the Bochner technique, C ^* algebras and von Neumann algebras. We also derive some obstructions in terms of the eta invariants of Atiyah, Patodi and Singer. Next, we prove vanishing theorems for the Atiyah-Milnor genus. Finally, we derive obstructions to the existence of metrics of non-negative scalar curvature along the leaves of a leafwise non-amenable foliation on a spin manifold.     

Synthesis and axial ligation behaviour of sterically hindered Zn(II)-porphyrin liquid crystals

A new class of low melting liquid crystalline octaalkyloxyporphyrins have been synthesised. Their Zn(II)-complexes display an interesting ligation behaviour towards amines (of varying shapes and sizes), ascribed to the steric hindrance or hydrophobic pockets on both the faces of the porphryin as evidenced from the crystal structure of Zn(II)-octabutyloxyporphyrin.     

Fabrication of highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays using an organic electrolyte

Anodization of titanium in a fluorinated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol mixture electrolyte is investigated. The prepared anodic film has a highly ordered nanotube-array surface architecture. Using a 20 V anodization potential (vs Pt) nanotube arrays having an inner diameter of 60 nm and 40 nm wall thickness are formed. The overall length of the nanotube arrays is controlled by the duration of the anodization, with nanotubes appearing only after approximately 48 h; a 72 h anodization results in a nanotube array approximately 2.3 mum in length. The photoelectrochemical response of the nanotube-array photoelectrodes is studied using a 1 M KOH solution under both UV and visible (AM 1.5) illumination. Enhanced photocurrent density is observed for samples obtained in the organic electrolyte, with an UV photoconversion efficiency of 10.7%.     

Alpha-sulfinyl carbanions as a new source of olefins

[reaction: see text] Secondary alpha-lithiosulfinyl carbanions react either intermolecularly, after transmetalation into an organocopper derivative in an S(N)2-type process with zinc carbenoid, or intramolecularly via higher-order zincate to give, through a tandem zinc homologation-beta-elimination reaction the corresponding alkenes. alpha,alpha-Disubstituted alkenes are only formed from tertiary alpha-lithiosulfinyl carbanions via the 1,2-metalate rearrangement.     

Epicardial development in the rat: a new perspective.

Development of the epicardium is critical to proper heart formation. It provides all of the precursor cells that form the coronary system and supplies signals that stimulate cardiac myocyte proliferation. The epicardium forms from mesothelial cells associated with the septum transversum and is referred to as the proepicardium (PE). Two different methods by which these PE cells colonize the developing heart have been described. In avians, PE cells form a bridge to the heart over which PE cells migrate onto the heart. In fish and mammals, PE cells form vesicles of cells that detach from the mesothelium, float through the pericardial cavity, and attach to the heart. A previous study of rat PE development investigated this process at the histological level. Protein markers have been developed since this study. Thus, we investigated this important developmental process coupled with these new markers using other visualization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. Finally, a novel, three-dimensional (3-D) culture system was used to confirm the identity of the PE cells. In this study, we found convincing evidence that the rat PE cells directly attach to the heart in a manner similar to that observed in avians.     

Polymers with advanced structural and supramolecular features synthesized through topochemical polymerization

Polymers are an integral part of our daily life. Hence, there are constant efforts towards synthesizing novel polymers with unique properties. As the composition and packing of polymer chains influence polymer''s properties, sophisticated control over the molecular and supramolecular structure of the polymer helps tailor its properties as desired. However, such precise control via conventional solution-state synthesis is challenging. Topochemical polymerization (TP), a solvent- and catalyst-free reaction that occurs under the confinement of a crystal lattice, offers profound control over the molecular structure and supramolecular architecture of a polymer and usually results in ordered polymers. In particular, single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) TP is advantageous as we can correlate the structure and packing of polymer chains with their properties. By designing molecules appended with suitable reactive moieties and utilizing the principles of supramolecular chemistry to align them in a reactive orientation, the synthesis of higher-dimensional polymers and divergent topologies has been achieved via TP. Though there are a few reviews on TP in the literature, an exclusive review showcasing the topochemical synthesis of polymers with advanced structural features is not available. In this perspective, we present selected examples of the topochemical synthesis of organic polymers with sophisticated structures like ladders, tubular polymers, alternating copolymers, polymer blends, and other interesting topologies. We also detail some strategies adopted for obtaining distinct polymers from the same monomer. Finally, we highlight the main challenges and prospects for developing advanced polymers via TP and inspire future directions in this area.

This perspective showcases the potential of topochemical polymerization as an effective tool for synthesizing polymers with advanced molecular and supramolecular structures.     

16‐(4‐Cyanobenzylidene)‐3β‐pyrrolidinoandrost‐5‐en‐17β‐ol monohydrate

In the title compound, C₃₁H₄₀N₂O·H₂O, the outer two six‐membered rings are in chair conformations, while the central ring is in an 8β,9α‐half‐chair conformation. The five‐membered ring adopts a 13β‐envelope conformation and the cyano­benzyl­idene moiety has an E configuration with respect to the hydroxyl group at position 17. The steroid nuclei are linked by intermolecular O—H?O and O—H?N hydrogen bonds to form a molecular network. The molecular packing has an interesting feature, with the steroids aligned parallel to the b axis, forming a closed loop through hydrogen bonds linked via water mol­ecules.     

Synthesis, Characterization, and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Triethylenetetraammonium Tetrathiomolybdate

The reaction of gaseous H₂S with aqueous ammonium heptamolybdate in the presence of triethylenetetramine (trien) gave a red complex. The complex was recrystallized in hot water and characterized by element analysis and UV, visible, IR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. PMR has revealed accidental magnetic equivalence, resulting from the proximity of [MoS₄]^2- species in one complex molecule to the open triethylenetetramine ligand of another molecule. (TrienH₂)[MoS₄] crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pca2₁, a=13.045(2), b=16.461(3), c=13.754(2) , =90, =90, =90°, V=2953.5(9) ³, Z=8, R₁=0.0323, wR₂=0.0730. The structure consists of the tetrahedral tetrathiomolybdate anions, forming an extended 3D framework in solids due to the interactions with triene cations via Mo-S...H-N hydrogen bonds.