Electronic,transport, magnetic,and optical properties of graphene nanoribbons and their optical sensing applications: A comprehensive review

Low dimensional materials have attracted great research interest from both theoretical and experimental point of views. These materials exhibit novel physical and chemical properties due to the confinement effect in low dimensions. The experimental observations of graphene open a new platform to study the physical properties of materials restricted to two dimensions. This featured article provides a review on the novel properties of quasi one-dimensional (1D) material known as graphene nanoribbon. Graphene nanoribbons can be obtained by unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNT) or cutting the graphene sheet. Alternatively, it is also called the finite termination of graphene edges. It gives rise to different edge geometries, namely zigzag and armchair, among others. There are various physical and chemical techniques to realize these materials. Depending on the edge type termination, these are called the zigzag and armchair graphene nanoribbons (ZGNR and AGNR). These edges play an important role in controlling the properties of graphene nanoribbons. The present review article provides an overview of the electronic, transport, optical, and magnetic properties of graphene nanoribbons. However, there are different ways to tune these properties for device applications. Here, some of them, such as external perturbations and chemical modifications, are highlighted. Few applications of graphene nanoribbon have also been briefly discussed.     

Synthesis, structure, sorption and magnetic properties of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with thiosemicarbazone of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine

(ML)₂(bipy) complexes (LH₂ = thiosemicarbazone of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, M = Ni(II), 1, or Cu(II), 2) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 possessed porous structure due to peculiarities of crystal packing, whereas 2 formed infinite zig-zag chains with dense non-porous packing. It was shown that 1 absorbed 0.013 cm³/g of methanol vapor in two steps. Complex 1 was diamagnetic; for 2, the dependency of χ versus T could be interpreted by Bleaney-Bowers expression in 20-300 K temperature range (J = −6.8 cm⁻¹, g = 2.07).     

First principles investigation of pressure dependent stability,phonon, Debye temperature,physical, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Rh3Al intermetallic compound

ABSTRACT

Pressure dependence of stability, phonon, Debye temperature, physical, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Rh₃Al intermetallic compound were investigated by first-principles The calculated cohesive energy (E_c), formation enthalpy (ΔH) show that Rh₃Al is a thermodynamically stable compound. Properties related to the phonons of Rh₃Al were also obtained. In addition, the transverse sound velocity (ν_s), longitudinal sound velocity (ν_l), average sound velocity (ν_m) and Debye temperature (Θ_D) of Rh₃Al were calculated by using the VRH method along with pressure range from 0 to 60?GPa. The values of lattice parameters, bulk modulus and its first-order pressure derivative are consistent well with other works. The band structure indicates that Rh₃Al compound exhibits a metallic character. Moreover, the total density of states, partial density of states, Mulliken charges and electron density difference have been analysed to explain the physical properties. Based on the stress–strain approach and the Born stability criteria, the mechanical properties were evaluated by elastic constants (C_ij), other modulus (B, E, G), (B/G) ratio, Poisson’s ratio (ν), the anisotropic index (A), hardness (H) and compressibility (K) for this intermetallic compound. Finally, the thermodynamic properties, including enthalpy, free energy, entropy and heat capacity are discussed range from 0 to 1000?K.     

Syntheses, structures, photoluminescent and electrochemical properties of two ferrocenylthiocarboxylate-containing complexes

Two one-dimensional metal-organic complexes containing ferrocenylthiocarboxylate components, [M(η²-SOCFc)₂(btx)]_n (M = Ni, 1, Co, 2; Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄); btx = 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray crystal structural analyses reveal that the two complexes are isomorphous. Both of them exhibit interesting topological motif: 1-D sine curve chain structure. Photoluminescent studies suggest that the two complexes and the ligand FcCOSNa all exhibit broad fluorescence signals with the emission maxima at approximately 390 nm. Electrochemical studies show that the half-wave potentials of the ferrocenyl moieties in 1 and 2 have deviations relative to the free FcCOSNa ligand. Additionally, using quantum chemistry calculations, we further analyzed their luminescent and electrochemical behaviors.     

Theoretical study on the stability,electronic, mechanical,vibrational and thermodynamic properties of rare-earth intermetallic compound Rh3Ce

The structural, stability, electronic, mechanical, vibrational and thermodynamic properties of rare-earth intermetallic compound Rh₃Ce have been explored systematically by using first-principle calculations. The evaluation of the equilibrium lattice parameters were obtained firstly. Remarkably, the result of calculated unit cell volume, derived by the total energies as a function of volume, is consistent with other results. Next, the values of cohesive energy (E_c), formation enthalpy (ΔH) have verified that Rh₃Ce is a stable compound. In addition, the band structure and the total density of states indicate a metallic behaviour. Furthermore, the Mulliken charges were calculated to understand the bonding in Rh₃Ce compound. Otherwise, the elastic constants(C_ij) as well as other modulus were also calculated to evaluated the mechanical properties of Rh₃Ce. Phonon dispersion curves for Rh₃Ce were depicted to access the vibrational properties. Finally, the thermodynamic properties of Rh₃Ce were summarised range from 0 to 60?GPa, 0 to 1800?K, respectively. We also pointed out that the thermal expansion(α), heat capacity(C_v), entropy(S), Debye temperature(Θ) and Güneisen parameter (γ) change under pressure and temperature.     

A chiral copper(II) inverse-9-metallacrown-3 complex: Synthesis, crystal structure, ferroelectric and magnetic properties

The reaction of phenyl 2-pyridyl ketoxime (PhPyCNOH) with Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O in methanol results in the chiral trinuclear complex [Cu₃(OH)(PhPyCNO)₃(NO₃) (CH₃OH)]·(NO₃) (1), which has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 exhibits a triangle of Cu(II) ions, centered by a triply bridging hydroxo ligand and with three edge-bridging oximate groups from the three PhPyCNO⁻ ions. Preliminary variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies reveal an antiferromagnetically-coupled system showing antisymmetric exchange. Complex 1 crystallizes in an acentric space group (P2₁) that belongs to a polar point group, which displays second harmonic generation response and ferroelectric behavior, and provides a new strategy for designing functional coordination complexes.     

Thermal,structural, optical,and photon shielding studies of cerium-doped barium tellurite glasses

A series of tellurite-based glasses are prepared by using a melt-quenching method. The effect of cerium on the physical, thermal, structural, optical, spectroscopic, and shielding properties of barium tellurite glass samples is studied. It has been observed that the thermal stability factor increases with increasing cerium ion (Ce³⁺) concentration. The density and other physical parameters such as ion concentration and molar volume are calculated using the Archimedes principle. An increase in optical band gap and density suggests a decrement in non-bridging oxygens. These results are in accordance with Raman results. The blue emission in prepared glasses is studied in terms of International Commission on Illumination chromaticity coordinates. Moreover, various shielding properties such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, half-value layer, and tenth-value layer have also been determined to understand the photon shielding characteristics of as-prepared glass samples.     

Purification,biochemical, and thermal properties of fibrinolytic enzyme secreted by Bacillus cereus SRM-001

The discovery of microbial fibrinolytic enzymes is essential to treat cardiovascular diseases. This study reports the discovery of a fibrinolytic enzyme secreted by Bacillus cereus SRM-001, a microorganism isolated from the soil of a chicken waste-dump yard. The B. cereus SRM-001 was cultured and the secreted fibrinolytic enzyme purified to show that it is a ～28 kDa protein. The purified enzyme was characterized for its kinetics, biochemical and thermal properties to show that it possesses properties similar to plasmin. A HPLC-MS/MS analysis of trypsin digested protein indicated that the fibrinolytic enzyme shared close sequence homology with serine proteases reported for other Bacillus sp. The results show that the B. cereus SRM-001 secreted enzyme is a ～28 kDa serine protease that possesses fibrinolytic potential.     

Optical and dielectric response of two-dimensional WX2 (X = Cl,O, S,Se, Te) monolayers: A comprehensive study based on density functional theory

Here, we study the dielectric and optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) WX₂ monolayers, where X is Cl, O, S, Se, and Te. First principle electronic band structure calculations reveal that all materials are direct band gap semiconductors except WO₂ and WCl₂, which are found to be indirect band gap semiconducting 2D materials. The dielectric response of these materials is also systematically investigated. The obtained results suggest that these materials are suitable as dielectric materials to suppress unwanted signal noise. The optical properties of these 2D materials, such as absorption, reflection and extinction coefficients, refractive index, and optical conductivity, are also calculated from the dielectric function. It is found that these materials exhibit excellent optical response. The present electronic, dielectric, and optical findings indicate that WX₂ monolayers have an opportunity in electronic, optical, and optoelectronic device applications.     

Effect of carbopol and polyvinylpyrrolidone on the mechanical, rheological, and release properties of bioadhesive polyethylene glycol gels

This study examined the mechanical (hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness) and rheological (zero-rate viscosity and thixotropy) properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) gels that contain different ratios of Carbopol 934P (CP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP). Mechanical properties were examined using a texture analyzer (TA-XT2), and rheological properties were examined using a rheometer (Rheomat 115A). In addition, lidocaine release from gels was evaluated using a release apparatus simulating the buccal condition. The results indicated that an increase in CP concentration significantly increased gel compressibility, hardness, and adhesiveness, factors that affect ease of gel removal from container, ease of gel application onto mucosal membrane, and gel bioadhesion. However, CP concentration was negatively correlated with gel cohesiveness, a factor representing structural reformation. In contrast, PVP concentration as negatively correlated with gel hardness and compressibility, but positively correlated with gel cohesiveness. All PEG gels exhibited pseudoplastic flow with thixotropy, indicating a general loss of consistency with increased shearing stress. Drug release T_50% was affected by the flow rate of the simulated saliva solution. A reduction in the flow rate caused a slower drug release and hence a higher T_50% value. In addition, drug release was significantly reduced as the concentrations of CP and PVP increased because of the increase in zero-rate viscosity of the gels. Response surfaces and contour plots of the dependent variables further substantiated that various combinations of CP and PVP in the PEG gels offered a wide range of mechanical, rheological, and drug-release characteristics. A combination of CP and PVP with complementary physical properties resulted in a prolonged buccal drug delivery.     

Neighborhood effects on soil properties,mycorrhizal attributes,tree growth,and nutrient status in afforested zones

A harmonious interspecies relationship is the key to the success of mixed afforestation. This study was conducted to assess the responses of afforestation species to their neighboring trees. We examined five types of stands—monocultures of Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), sea‐buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and two mixtures (Chinese pine × black locust mixture and Chinese pine × sea‐buckthorn mixture)—in the Loess Plateau, northwestern China. The height and diameter at breast height of each tree species were measured, and rhizosphere soil, shoot, and root were sampled. In monocultures, black locust was taller than Chinese pine and sea‐buckthorn, while the height of Chinese pine and sea‐buckthorn was similar. In mixtures, Chinese pine grew better with sea‐buckthorn than alone as a result of modified soil properties and plant nutrition, but not with black locust. When Chinese pine was used as neighbors, it affected the level of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization of black locust, soil properties and AM fungal spore density of black locust and sea‐buckthorn, but did not significantly affect their growth. Our results suggest that the reciprocal effects between tree species in mixture are not symmetric, and thus planning for efficient mixed afforestation requires knowledge of species‐specific growth rate, nutrient requirements, and species interactions.     

Medusan morphospace: phylogenetic constraints, biomechanical solutions, and ecological consequences

Abstract. Medusae were the earliest animals to evolve muscle‐powered swimming in the seas. Although medusae have achieved diverse and prominent ecological roles throughout the world's oceans, we argue that the primitive organization of cnidarian muscle tissue limits force production and, hence, the mechanical alternatives for swimming bell function. We use a recently developed model comparing the potential force production with the hydrodynamic requirements of jet propulsion, and conclude that jet production is possible only at relatively small bell diameters. In contrast, production of a more complex wake via what we term rowing propulsion permits much larger sizes but requires a different suite of morphological features. Analysis of morphometric data from all medusan taxa independently confirms size‐dependent patterns of bell forms that correspond with model predictions. Further, morphospace analysis indicates that various lineages within the Medusozoa have proceeded along either of two evolutionary trajectories. The first alternative involved restriction of jet‐propelled medusan bell diameters to small dimensions. These medusae may be either solitary individuals (characteristic of Anthomedusae and Trachymedusae) or aggregates of small individual medusan units into larger colonial forms (characteristic of the nectophores of many members of the Siphonophorae). The second trajectory involved use of rowing propulsion (characteristic of Scyphozoa and some hydromedusan lineages such as the Leptomedusae and Narcomedusae) that allows much larger bell sizes. Convergence on either of the differing propulsive alternatives within the Medusozoa has emerged via parallel evolution among different medusan lineages. The distinctions between propulsive modes have important ecological ramifications because swimming and foraging are interdependent activities for medusae. Rowing swimmers are characteristically cruising predators that select different prey types from those selected by jet‐propelled medusae, which are predominantly ambush predators. These relationships indicate that the different biomechanical solutions to constraints on bell function have entailed ecological consequences that are evident in the prey selection patterns and trophic impacts of contemporary medusan lineages.     

重组GluV8的克隆表达、纯化及酶学性质研究

谷氨酰内切酶在生物制药及检测中应用较多,但来源受限,将全基因合成的金黄色葡萄球菌来源的谷氨酰内切酶功能区部分对应的基因进行改造后,克隆入表达载体pGEX-4T-2,导入E.coli BL21（DE3）,重组蛋白以可溶性形式表达。采用亲和层析等纯化步骤对重组蛋白进行纯化,用底物Z-Phe-Leu-Glu-pNA（L-2135）对重组蛋白的酶学性质进行了研究,用HPLC、LC-MS/MS检测方法对酶切融合蛋白的位点特异性进行了鉴定。结果表明该酶的相对活性为1568U/mg,最适作用温度为42℃、最适作用pH为8.0,在pH 9.0,50℃时仍有较高的酶活,将该酶与胰酶酶切融合蛋白所得肽段结合能够提升质谱检测结果的精确度。以上结果表明该重组酶具有良好的应用前景。     

L-谷氨酸氧化酶的克隆表达、纯化及酶学性质研究

为提高微生物产L-谷氨酸氧化酶水平,将Streptomyces sp.X-119-6的L-谷氨酸氧化酶基因(LGOX)与表达载体pET28a连接,导入E.coli BL21(DE3),实现LGOX的高效表达.采用HisTrapTM FF亲和层析柱对重组L-谷氨酸氧化酶进行纯化,并对纯酶的酶学性质进行了研究.结果表明:在IPTG终浓度为0.4 mmol/L下,30℃诱导6h,可以获得比酶活为1.1 U/mg的粗酶液;重组酶的最适反应温度和pH分别为37℃和5.O;km值为2.12 mmol/L,Vmax为1.06μmol/min·mg,对L-谷氨酸具有专一性;具有良好的应用前景.     

Thermal,chemical, and optical properties of Crater Lake,Oregon

Crater Lake covers the floor of the Mount Mazama caldera that formed 7700 years ago. The lake has a surface area of 53 km² and a maximum depth of 594 m. There is no outlet stream and surface inflow is limited to small streams and springs. Owing to its great volume and heat, the lake is not covered by snow and ice in winter unlike other lakes in the Cascade Range. The lake is isothermal in winter except for a slight increase in temperature in the deep lake from hyperadiabatic processes and inflow of hydrothermal fluids. During winter and spring the water column mixes to a depth of about 200–250 m from wind energy and convection. Circulation of the deep lake occurs periodically in winter and spring when cold, near-surface waters sink to the lake bottom; a process that results in the upwelling of nutrients, especially nitrate-N, into the upper strata of the lake. Thermal stratification occurs in late summer and fall. The maximum thickness of the epilimnion is about 20 m and the metalimnion extends to a depth of about 100 m. Thus, most of the lake volume is a cold hypolimnion. The year-round near-bottom temperature is about 3.5°C. Overall, hydrothermal fluids define and temporally maintain the basic water quality characteristics of the lake (e.g., pH, alkalinity and conductivity). Total phosphorus and orthophosphate-P concentrations are fairly uniform throughout the water column, where as total Kjeldahl-N and ammonia-N are highest in concentration in the upper lake. Concentrations of nitrate-N increase with depth below 200 m. No long-term changes in water quality have been detected. Secchi disk (20-cm) clarity varied seasonally and annually, but was typically highest in June and lowest in August. During the current study, August Secchi disk clarity readings averaged about 30 m. The maximum individual clarity reading was 41.5 m in June 1997. The lowest reading was 18.1 m in July 1995. From 1896 (white-dinner plate) to 2003, the average August Secchi disk reading was about 30 m. No long-term changes in the Secchi disk clarity were observed. Average turbidity of the water column (2–550 m) between June and September from 1991 to 2000 as measured by a transmissometer ranged between 88.8% and 90.7%. The depth of 1% of the incident solar radiation during thermal stratification varied annually between 80 m and 100 m. Both of these measurements provided additional evidence about the exceptional clarity of Crater Lake.     

Botanical,Phytochemical, and Anticancer Properties of the Eucalyptus Species

The genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is mainly native to Australia; however, some species are now distributed globally. Eucalyptus has been used in indigenous Australian medicines for the treatment of a range of aliments including colds, flu, fever, muscular aches, sores, internal pains, and inflammation. Eucalyptus oils containing volatile compounds have been widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for a multitude of purposes. In addition, Eucalyptus extracts containing nonvolatile compounds are also an important source of key bioactive compounds, and several studies have linked Eucalyptus extracts with anticancer properties. With the increasing research interest in Eucalyptus and its health properties, this review briefly outlines the botanical features of Eucalyptus, discusses its traditional use as medicine, and comprehensively reviews its phytochemical and anticancer properties and, finally, proposes trends for future studies.     

Correlation of electrophysiological,histochemical, and mechanical properties in fibres of the coxa rotator muscle of the locust,Locusta migratoria

Summary The fibre composition of the anterior coxa rotator muscle of the locust middle leg (M92) was examined. The muscle is composed of 90–100 fibres. Muscle fibres were characterized with regard to innervation pattern, electrophysiological properties, and morphological parameters. Activity and isoenzyme composition of myofibrillar ATPase, succinic acid dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and glycogen content were examined employing histochemical techniques. Shortening velocity and the dependence of tension on intracellular Ca²⁺ were determined in skinned fibre experiments. A close match was observed between the innervation pattern of the muscle fibres and their histochemical and physiological properties. The combination of all parameters examined allowed an accurate classification of the muscle fibres into three types. Within a given type, broad variability of some properties was observed (SDH activity, Ca²⁺ sensitivity) while others assumed distinct values (innervation pattern, shortening velocity). The comprehensive characterization of muscle fibre properties permits a functional interpretation of fibre heterogeneity with regard to muscle performance. Fibres with the same innervation pattern may be recruited specifically, according to their electric properties and Ca²⁺ sensitivities. The resulting specific recruitment of fibres with different mechanical responses should allow a subtle control of muscular force, with regard to force amplitude, temporal characteristics of contraction, and metabolic cost.Abbreviations CI₁ common inhibitory neurone one - ejp ijp excitatory, inhibitory junctional potential - EGTA ethylene glycol-bis[-aminoethyl ether] N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid - mATPase myofibrillar adenosinetriphosphatase - MOPSO 3-[N-morpholino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid - M92 anterior rotator muscle of the coxa - n Hill coefficient - pCa₅₀ pCa corresponding to half-maximal tension - P₀ maximal isometric tension - SDH succinic acid dehydrogenase - V _max maximal shortening velocity