Solvent Free Microwave Assisted Isomerization of N‐Nitropyrazoles

This paper describes solvent‐free isomerization of N‐nitropyrazoles under microwave irradiation to achieve a new green chemistry procedure for the synthesis of C‐ nitropyrazoles in good to excellent yields. The presented procedure requires less time, offers simplified workup procedure, needs no obnoxious solvents, and may be used for the preparation of several C‐nitropyrazoles.     

Single operation earliness–tardiness scheduling with machine activation costs

We consider a static, single operation, non-pre-emptive, deterministic scheduling problem in which a set of n jobs is to be processed on k identical machines. Jobs assigned to each machine have a common due date. The number of machines (k) is unknown. Activating a machine will require additional costs to be incurred. The objective is to find an optimal sequence, the optimal number of machines (k), and the respective due dates to minimize the weighted sum of earliness, tardiness, and machine activation costs. We propose a polynomial time algorithm to solve the problem.     

Built-up battened columns under lateral cyclic loading

Built-up members with battens designed for typical 2–2.5% of axial load may not behave satisfactorily in the presence of lateral seismic loads. Analytical evaluation of double-channel battened cantilever members designed as per the current practice, and subjected to constant axial compressive load and gradually increasing lateral load showed that the members failed to reach their expected flexural capacity due to lateral instability. The design of members was modified by changing the configuration of battens in the expected plastic-hinge region, i.e., reducing the spacing of battens in end panel by half, and designing battens for a shear demand due to moment capacity of section. The members with battens designed for moment capacity could able to reach the expected flexural strength. Five half-scale test specimens of battened members designed as per the current practice and improved design method were subjected to axial load and gradually increasing cyclic load. The specimens designed as per improved design method showed excellent performance in terms of lateral strength, lateral stiffness, moment rotation characteristics and energy dissipation capacity.     

Biomimetic Multienzyme Complexes Based on Nanoscale Platforms

Inspired by the widely present multienzyme complexes in nature that enable highly cooperative catalytic mechanisms, we designed a biomimetic dual‐functionalized nanoparticle‐based platform for colocalizing multiple enzymes. The use of nanoscale materials together with a novel sequential colocalization approach with two model enzymes [glucose oxidase (GOX) and horseradish peroxidase] resulted in a 100% increase in the overall conversion rate compared to the equivalent amount of free enzymes in solution and a physical mixture of individual immobilized enzymes on nanoparticles. GOX is an important enzyme used in glucose biosensors for diagnostics. Colocalizing GOX with peroxidase allows for colorimetric visualization of the peroxide formed that enables monitoring glucose levels in solution. This platform can be readily applicable to other multienzyme systems as well. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 355–360, 2013     

Progress in deep-UV photoresists

Higher resolution can be achieved in lithography by decreasing the wavelength of the exposure source. However, resist material and their processing are also important when we move to a shorter wavelength lithography technology. This paper reviews the recent development and challenges of deep-UV photoresists and their processing technology.     

Application of Strong Arcs in m-Polar Fuzzy Graphs

Neural Processing Letters - Recently, m-polar fuzzy graph (mPF graph) becomes a growing research topic as the generalization of fuzzy graph. In this paper, at first mPF path, mPF cycle in an mPF...     

Direct Imaging of Atomic Ordering in Undoped and La-Doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3

In this paper, we report the first direct observations of local ordering in undoped and La-doped Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (PMN) on an atomic scale by high-resolution (∼1.26 Å) Z -contrast imaging. The 1:1 ordering occurs by a variation in the occupancy of Mg and Nb cations between B^I and B^II sublattices. In ordered regions, the B^II sublattice is dominantly occupied by Nb cations, but a small Mg occupancy cannot be excluded. The Mg cations were found to dominantly occupy the B^I sublattice. Within the B^I sublattice, the local Mg/Nb ratio was found to vary among the various B^I sublattices. The results show that the random-site model, rather than the space-charge model, is a better structural model for the 1:1 ordering observed in PMN. A random distribution of Mg and Nb cations on the B^I sublattice within 1:1 ordered regions is believed to be responsible for the relaxor behavior of mixed B-site cation relaxors, such as PMN.     

Preparation of thermal resistant gas barrier chitosan nanobiocomposites

Nanobiocomposites of chitosan/clay were prepared by solution method using CuSO₄/glycine chelate complex as the catalyst with variable percentage of clay loading. The chemical interaction of chitosan and clay was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structure of chitosan and clay nanobiocomposites was investigated by X‐ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. From thermogravimetric analysis, it was found that chitosan/clay nanobiocomposites were more thermally stable as compared to pure chitosan. A substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was obtained from the gas permeameter with increase in clay concentrations by which the synthesized nanocomposites materials may be used for packaging applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2324–2328, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers