An effect of hydrogenation on the photoemission of amorphous SiCN films

The structure, chemical bonding and photoemission of amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbonitride (a-SiCN:H) films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using hexamethyldisilazane as a main precursor at different hydrogen flow rates are studied. Film properties are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), absorption optical spectra and photoluminescence (PL). The photoluminescence spectra were presented by four photoemission bands centered at 441–451, 489–496, 530–535 and 577–601 (in nm). To explain structural and photoluminescence properties of the deposited films, first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of un-hydrogenated and hydrogenated silicon carbonitride samples were carried out. Based on experimental and theoretical results a possible explanation of the photoemission of the deposited films and its evolution with increasing hydrogen flow rate was done.     

机动车三元催化剂结构性能的研究

当前治理汽车尾气污染的最好方法是采用含有贵金属的三元催化剂同时对NOx、HC、CO进行处理.催化转化器的结构性能直接影响催化效率的高低,准确测定及鉴定催化剂中主要部件的结构性能指标就具有重要意义.该文利用X-射线衍射光谱仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜能谱分析技术(SEM-EDS)以及等温液氮吸附-脱附技术对6种使用过的和未使用过的机动车尾气三元催化剂的结构性能进行分析研究.结果表明:可以通过X-射线衍射光谱仪区分各催化剂载体的材质,文中样品经鉴定都为堇青石陶瓷蜂窝载体,不同催化剂的比表面积和孔容存在差异;通过扫描电子显微镜可以观察到催化剂载体表面涂层的微观结构,及一些催化剂载体表面涂层出现的裂纹;通过能谱分析各载体主要元素的大致含量.     

Solid-state additive manufacturing for metallized optical fiber integration

The formation of smart, Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) structures through the use of solid-state Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) is currently hindered by the fragility of uncoated optical fibers under the required processing conditions. In this work, optical fibers equipped with metallic coatings were fully integrated into solid Aluminum matrices using processing parameter levels not previously possible. The mechanical performance of the resulting manufactured composite structure, as well as the functionality of the integrated fibers, was tested. Optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) analysis were used to characterize the interlaminar and fiber/matrix interfaces whilst mechanical peel testing was used to quantify bond strength. Via the integration of metallized optical fibers it was possible to increase the bond density by 20–22%, increase the composite mechanical strength by 12–29% and create a solid state bond between the metal matrix and fiber coating; whilst maintaining full fiber functionality.     

β‐Cyclodextrin modified cationic acrylamide polymers for flocculating waste drilling fluids

In this article, the P(AM/A‐β‐CD/DMDAAC) is used as flocculant. The synthesis and characterization of the cationic polyacrylamide flocculant modified by β‐cyclodextrin have been studied in the early article. This article stresses its excellent flocculated performance and mechanism. In the flocculated process, the bridging flocculation played a dominant role. Through the flocculation experiments, it can be seen that the flocculating rate of the P(AM/A‐β‐CD/DMDAAC) on four solutions can go up to 93.4%, 89.7%, 85.1%, and 96.7%, respectively. As can be seen from experiment data, the flocculated property of P(AM/A‐β‐CD/DMDAAC) is superior to polyacrylamide and poly (dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40197.     

Coarse-Grained and Atomistic MD Simulations of RNA and DNA Folding

Although the main features of the protein folding problem are coming into clearer focus, the microscopic viewpoint of nucleic acid folding mechanisms is only just beginning to be addressed. Experiments, theory, and simulations are pointing to complex thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms. As is the case for proteins, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations continue to be indispensable tools for providing a molecular basis for nucleic acid folding mechanisms. In this review, we provide an overview of biomolecular folding mechanisms focusing on nucleic acids. We outline the important interactions that are likely to be the main determinants of nucleic acid folding energy landscapes. We discuss recent MD simulation studies of empirical force field and Go-type MD simulations of RNA and DNA folding mechanisms to outline recent successes and the theoretical and computational challenges that lie ahead.     

金属铕配合物的合成及其晶体结构

合成了席夫碱N-亚水杨基-2-氨基吡啶,并以此为有机配体与过渡金属铕反应,得到了相应的配合物,且在一定的条件下培养得到配合物的单晶,解析出其晶体结构,并对其进行了荧光性质研究。     

Gradientenbetontechnologie

The technology of graded concrete – From the development of concrete mixtures and the conceptual design to the automatized manufacturing In accordance with the principle form follows force, the DFG Priority Programme (SPP) 1542 – Leicht Bauen mit Beton – focuses on energy efficient building elements which are designed specifically for desired operational demands. This concept is a specific adaption of the component's inner structure and works in parallel to the optimization of its outer shape which is often limited due to the outer geometry of slabs, walls and supporting pillars. The technology of graded concrete provides an innovative possibility to adapt the inner structure of a concrete component in order to meet defined static and structural‐physical requirements. The challenging demands imposed by the technology of graded concrete require a holistic approach including the development of the concrete mixtures, the design of the building components and finally the automatized manufacturing. In collaboration between the departments ILEK, IWB and ISYS of the University of Stuttgart a complete process chain for the manufacturing of functionally graded concrete components was realized. This approach for concrete results in fully recyclable building elements with significant savings in mass and energy.     

Spectrophotometric evaluation of the photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde by Fe2O3–TiO2 nano hybrid

Photocatalytic capabilities of sol–gel synthesized Fe₂O₃–TiO₂ nano hybrid was investigated in degradation of formaldehyde in presence of ultra violet and visible irradiation. The reaction stream was evaluated by UV–vis spectrophotometry at 330–500 nm spectral region, using Fluoral-P (4-amino-3-penten-2-one) as a complexing agent. Obtained results confirmed the effective role of Fe₂O₃ phase in nano hybrid for degradation of formaldehyde according to Baeyer–Villiger reaction. On the other hand TiO₂ would play the role of photocatalyst in presence of UV ray. Nano hybrid assisted process was monitored by spectrophotometry, utilizing multivariate curve resolution chemometric technique.     

Alpha‐Synuclein Binds to the Inner Membrane of Mitochondria in an α‐Helical Conformation

The human alpha‐Synuclein (αS) protein is of significant interest because of its association with Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. The intrinsically disordered protein (140 amino acids) is characterized by the absence of a well‐defined structure in solution. It displays remarkable conformational flexibility upon macromolecular interactions, and can associate with mitochondrial membranes. Site‐directed spin‐labeling in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy enabled us to study the local binding properties of αS on artificial membranes (mimicking the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes), and to evaluate the importance of cardiolipin in this interaction. With pulsed, twofrequency, double‐electron electron paramagnetic resonance (DEER) approaches, we examined, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the conformation of αS bound to isolated mitochondria.