Photocatalytic production of hydrogen from electrodeposited film and sacrificial electron donors

A new approach to combining a p-type semiconductor photocathode with sacrificial electron donors in the anode compartment in a two-compartment cell is described for photocatalytic hydrogen production. This approach is demonstrated for electrodeposited p-Cu₂O film supported on a transparent conducting oxide substrate. The oxide semiconductor surface was photochemically modified in situ with an ultra-thin Ni layer prior to use. A variety of organic and organometallic electron donors was screened by cyclic voltammetry, and the optimal candidate was hydroquinone at pH 10. Importantly, no photocurrents were measured at zero bias voltage in the two-compartment cell in the absence of an electron donor, signaling that water photosplitting is not feasible with p-Cu₂O. Methyl viologen (MV²⁺) was effective as an electron relay in the photocathode chamber as shown by in situ spectroscopic monitoring of the MV⁺ radical cations. Finally, practical perspectives of this new approach and value-added options for combining it with pollutant destruction are described.     

Electrochemically Stimulated Release from Liposomes Embedded in a Polyelectrolyte Multilayer

Triggered release of an entrapped dye from vesicles embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM), as a consequence of the electrochemically induced local pH change in the vicinity of the electrode, is reported. The PEM was deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode wherein lipid vesicles filled with a fluorescent dye were embedded. The use of vesicles with a strong negative charge and the polyelectrolyte species of the PEM matrix with a polycation as topmost layer enabled the generation of a stable layer of liposomes in the PEM.     

Applications of Euclidean constructions to computer graphics

This paper presents an interactive graphics system called L.E.G.O. The purpose of L.E.G.O. is to model two- and three-dimensional objects using Euclidean geometry constructions. L.E.G.O. has a layered structure which makes it convenient to use, both for the experienced programmer and the novice. The programs may be written in a compiled language (C), written interactively in an interpreted language (LISP) or developed using a graphical interface in a multiple-window environment. Applications of L.E.G.O. include computer-assisted instruction of geometry and computer graphics, geometric modeling, and kinematic analysis. The use of imperative constructions and the powerful interface based on the idea of graphical programming are the most distinctive features of the system.     

Semiconductor nanostructures in an alumina template matrix: micro- versus macro-scale photoelectrochemical behavior

We show herein that the photoelectrochemical behavior of a given semiconductor nanodot (p-CuSCN or n-TiO₂) in an alumina template matrix, is remarkably different than that of its macro-sized counterpart. Three separate examples of this distinct difference in behavior are presented. It is shown how the photoresponse (e.g. photocurrent) may be amplified (from a low level typical of the signal emanating from a ∼10⁻¹¹ cm² region corresponding to a semiconductor nanodot) by using a large number of electrically inter-connected Au nanowires to support the overlying semiconductor nanodots. The anomalous photoresponse of p-CuSCN nanodots in the template matrix was also numerically simulated by a simple parallel equivalent circuit consisting of a semiconductor and a photocapacitor. Possible practical application scenarios are finally presented for these nanostructures.     

Effect of coupling agents on the thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene–jute fabric composites

Composites with different jute fabric contents and polypropylene (PP) were prepared by compression molding. The composite tensile modulus increased as the fiber content increased, although the strain at break decreased due to the restriction imposed on the deformation of the matrix by the rigid fibers. Moreover, and despite the chemical incompatibility between the polar fiber and the PP matrix, the tensile strength increased with jute content because of the use of long woven fibers. The interfacial adhesion between jute and PP was improved by the addition of different commercial maleated polypropylenes to the neat PP matrix. The effect of these coupling agents on the interface properties was inferred from the resulting composite mechanical properties. Out‐of‐plane instrumented falling weight impact tests showed that compatibilized composites had lower propagation energy than uncompatibilized ones, which was a clear indication that the adhesion between matrix and fibers was better in the former case since fewer mechanisms of energy propagation were activated. These results are in agreement with those found in tensile tests, inasmuch as the compatibilized composites exhibit the highest tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that the compatibilized composites exhibited less fiber pullout and smoother fiber surface than uncompatibilized ones. The thermal behavior of PP–compatibilizer blends was also analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, to confirm that the improvements in the mechanical properties were the result of the improved adhesion between both faces and not due to changes in the crystallinity of the matrix. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bradykinin-increased phospholipid deacylation-reacylation in rat renal medulla is inhibited by dBc AMP

The effect of bradykinin on the mobilization of arachidonic acid was analyzed separately by acylation and degradation. Acylating activity was determined by the incorporation of [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid into the phospholipids at different times. Different concentrations of bradykinin had no effect on the phospholipid acylating activities. The degradation of the phospholipids was performed on renal medullary slices prelabeled with [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid. Treatment with bradykinin produced an initial degradation of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, with a concomitant increase in lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylinositol within 5 min of incubation. Phosphatidylcholine-, phosphatidylethanolamine-and phosphatidylinositol-labeling increased thereafter and reached the control values after 10 min of incubation. After 30 min, incubation of prelabeled slices with bradykinin produced a significant concentration-dependent increase in the phospholipid-labeling by reutilization of [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid. The effect of bradykinin on the phospholipid-labeling was blocked by preincubation with increasing concentrations of dBc AMP. Mepacrine also blocked the bradykinin stimulation in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, but had no effect on bradykinin-induced changes in the phosphatidylinositol arachidonic acid moiety.     

Generation of hardened steel surfaces with adjustable roughness by means of a pulsed electron beam

In this work we are utilizing a Pulsed Cold Cathode Electron Beam (PCCEB) for steel surface treatment that presents distinct properties as compared to other beam sources for rapid heating of metal surfaces. The possibility of producing different surface transformations like, melting and solid-solid transformations by adjusting the gun control parameters is demonstrated. It is shown that for the same base material, different pulse conditions give rise to distinct structures, a roughened or smooth martensitic surface or a smooth pearlite layer several microns thick. For the liquid-solid transformation, it is shown for the first time that with an adequate impurity content the instability onset threshold (giving rise to a rough topography) is different from the melting threshold. Hence, by controlling the discharge parameters, it is possible to obtain different topographies with similar crystallographic structure and hardness, allowing an adjustment of the final roughness to the particular application requirements.     

Comparison of Cuban and Anglo-American cultural values in a clinical population.

Attempted to replicate an earlier study investigating cultural differences between Cuban immigrants and Anglo-Americans. Whereas the earlier study used a nonclinical adolescent population, the current study used 52 adults in outpatient treatment. Ss were given a biographical questionnaire and the Value Orientation scales. Results indicate that the groups differed in relational, temporal, and person–nature orientations, confirming previous findings and clinical observations. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Can research on morality be "scientific"?

Proposes a particular ground for moral formulation that is consistent with the consensually based scientific ethic. Researchers' acts of formulating investigatory designs constitute moral values, but these assumptions of value often go unnoticed because they violate the positivist mandate that science should be value neutral. Only a special kind of consensus is "scientific" (as opposed to ideological) because the scientific ethic accepts knowledge as truthful only when it is openly achieved after evenhanded consideration and tested in debate. Since truth in science is a moral issue, close examination should be made of science's moral grounds. The kinds of analyses typically performed by philosophers are an essential part of this empirical search. The author concludes that moral research cannot be "scientific" if this means being value neutral, but it can be scientific in the sense of impartially submitting all formulations to the full reality of people's moral consensuses and interactions in everyday life. (40 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Physical and functional characterization of PHASCL membranes

Dense semicrystalline membranes of polyhydroxyalkanoates with medium change length (PHA_SCL), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly β (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) [P(βHB-co-XβHV)] were characterized using wide-angle X-ray (WAXS) and scanning electron microscopy. PHB membranes showed a more rugged surface than those of copolymers (0-22%HV). Properties such as swelling capacity, vapor permeability and selectivity were investigated. Swelling percentage in water-ethanol mixtures was 34% for PHB as compared to 14% for copolymers membranes. The ethanol/water selectivity (α_s) of PHB was 5.8 which shows that it is more selective than copolymers.The water vapor and ethanol vapor permeability were determined by a gravimetric technique at different temperatures by static and dynamic methods. PHB permeability was 69.5 Barrer at 30 °C and a discreet increment was observed at temperatures (30-50 °C). The difference in permeability between PHB and [P(βHB-co-X%βHV)] could be interpreted in terms of the crystallization rate, crystallite size and distribution which impact to transport properties of amorphous phase.