Abstract: A microscopic theory, which describes the orientational dynamics of C60 molecules in the face-centered cubic phase of C60-fullerite, is formulated or the case of a complex molecular structure. Interaction centers which comprise atoms, double bonds, and single bonds as molecular constituents contribute to the intermolecular potential. Orientation dependent physical properties are described in terms of symmetry-adapted rotator functions. It is found that a same set of rotator functions is sufficient even in the case of a complex molecular structure. Phase transition temperatures are discussed for various models of molecular structure.

Abstract: We study the structure and phase behavior of fullerene-cubane C60·C8H8 by Monte Carlo simulation. Using a simple potential model capturing the icosahedral and cubic symmetries of its molecular constituents, we reproduce the experimentally observed phase transition from a cubic to an orthorhombic crystal lattice and the accompanying rotational freezing of the C60 molecules. We elaborate a scheme to identify the low-temperature orientations of individual molecules and to detect a pattern of orientational ordering similar to the arrangement of C60 molecules in solid C60. Our configuration of orientations supports a doubled periodicity along one of the crystal axes.

Abstract: We report on the ordering and dynamics of interacting colloidal particles confined by a parabolic potential. By means of Brownian dynamics simulations, we find that by varying the magnitude of the trap stiffness, it is possible to control the dimension of the system and, thus, explore both the structural transitions and the long-time self-diffusion coefficient as a function of the degree of confinement. We particularly study the structural ordering in the directions perpendicular and parallel to the confinement. Further analysis of the local distribution of the first-neighbors layer allows us to identify the different structural phases induced by the parabolic potential. These results are summarized in a structural state diagram that describes the way in which the colloidal suspension undergoes a structural re-ordering while increasing the confinement. To fully understand the particle dynamics, we take into account hydrodynamic interactions between colloids; the parabolic potential constricts the available space for the colloids, but it does not act on the solvent. Our findings show a non-linear behavior of the long-time self-diffusion coefficient that is associated to the structural transitions induced by the external field. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Abstract: In order to increase the accuracy of the linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method, we present a new approach where the plane wave basis function is augmented by two different atomic radial components constructed at two different linearization energies corresponding to two different electron bands (or energy windows). We demonstrate that this case can be reduced to the standard treatment within the LAPW paradigm where the usual basis set is enriched by the basis functions of the tight binding type, which go to zero with zero derivative at the sphere boundary. We show that the task is closely related with the problem of extended core states which is currently solved by applying the LAPW method with local orbitals (LAPW+LO). In comparison with LAPW+LO, the number of supplemented basis functions in our approach is doubled, which opens up a new channel for the extension of the LAPW and LAPW+LO basis sets. The appearance of new supplemented basis functions absent in the LAPW+LO treatment is closely related with the existence of the ul-component in the canonical LAPW method. We discuss properties of additional tight binding basis functions and apply the extended basis set for computation of electron energy bands of lanthanum (face and body centered structures) and hexagonal close packed lattice of cadmium. We demonstrate that the new treatment gives lower total energies in comparison with both canonical LAPW and LAPW+LO, with the energy difference more pronounced for intermediate and poor LAPW basis sets.

Abstract: The increasing production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is crucial to meet the global food demand, yet high losses of reactive nitrogen associated with the food production/consumption chain progressively deteriorate the natural environment. Currently, mesophilic nitrogen-removing microbes eliminate nitrogen from wastewaters. Although thermophilic nitrifiers have been separately enriched from natural environments, no bioreactors are described that couple these processes for the treatment of nitrogen in hot wastewaters. Samples from composting facilities were used as inoculum for the batch-wise enrichment of thermophilic nitrifiers (350 days). Subsequently, the enrichments were transferred to a bioreactor to obtain a stable, high-rate nitrifying process (560 days). The community contained up to 17% ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOAs) closely related to 'Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis', and 25% nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOBs) related to Nitrospira calida. Incorporation of C-13-derived bicarbonate into the respective characteristic membrane lipids during nitrification supported their activity as autotrophs. Specific activities up to 198 +/- 10 and 894 +/- 81 mg N g(-1) VSS per day for AOAs and NOBs were measured, where NOBs were 33% more sensitive to free ammonia. The NOBs were extremely sensitive to free nitrous acid, whereas the AOAs could only be inhibited by high nitrite concentrations, independent of the free nitrous acid concentration. The observed difference in product/substrate inhibition could facilitate the development of NOB inhibition strategies to achieve more cost-effective processes such as deammonification. This study describes the enrichment of autotrophic thermophilic nitrifiers from a nutrient-rich environment and the successful operation of a thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor for the first time, facilitating opportunities for thermophilic nitrogen removal biotechnology.

Abstract: Cadmium red is the name used for denoting a class of twentieth century artists' pigments described by the general formula CdS1-xSex. For their vibrant hues and excellent covering power, a number of renowned modern and contemporary painters, including Jackson Pollock, often used cadmium reds. As direct band gap semiconductors, CdS1-xSex compounds undergo direct radiative recombination (with emissions from the green to orange region) and radiative deactivation from intragap trapping states due to crystal defects, which give rise to two peculiar red-NIR emissions, known as deep level emissions (DLEs). The positions of the DLEs mainly depend on the Se content of CdS1-xSex; thus, photoluminescence and diffuse reflectance vis-NIR spectroscopy have been profitably used for the non-invasive identification of different cadmium red varieties in artworks over the last decade. Systematic knowledge is however currently lacking on what are the parameters related to intrinsic crystal defects of CdS1-xSex and environmental factors influencing the spectral properties of DLEs as well as on the overall (photo)chemical reactivity of cadmium reds in paint matrixes. Here, we present the application of a novel multi-length scale and multi-method approach to deepen insights into the photoluminescence properties and (photo)chemical reactivity of cadmium reds in oil paintings by combining both well established and new non-invasive/non-destructive analytical techniques, including macro-scale vis-NIR and vibrational spectroscopies and micro-/nano-scale advanced electron microscopy mapping and X-ray methods employing synchrotron radiation and conventional sources. Macro-scale vis-NIR spectroscopy data obtained from the in situ non-invasive analysis of nine masterpieces by Gerardo Dottori, Jackson Pollock and Nicolas de Stael allowed classifying the CdS1-xSex-paints in three groups, according to the relative intensity of the two DLE bands. These outcomes, combined with results from micro-/nano-scale electron microscopy mapping and X-ray analysis of a set of CdS1-xSex powders and artificially aged paint mock-ups, indicated that the relative intensity of DLEs is not affected by the morphology, microstructure and local atomic environment of the pigment particles but it is influenced by the presence of moisture. Furthermore, the extensive study of artificially aged oil paint mock-ups permitted us to provide first evidence of the tendency of cadmium reds toward photo-degradation and to establish that the conversion of CdS1-xSex to CdSO4 and/or oxalates is triggered by the oil binding medium and moisture level and depends on the Se content. Based on these findings, we could interpret the localized presence of CdSO4 and cadmium oxalate as alteration products of the original cadmium red paints in two paintings by Pollock.

Abstract: We have fabricated 9.7% efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4/CdS/ZnO solar cells by H2Se selenization of sequentially sputtered metal layers. Despite the good efficiency obtained, process control appears to be difficult. In the present contribution we compare the electrical and physical properties of two devices with nominal same fabrication procedure, but 1% and 9.7% power conversion efficiency respectively. We identify the problem of the lower performing device to be the segregation of ZnSe phases at the backside of the sample. This ZnSe seems to be the reason for the strong bias dependent photocurrent observed in the lower performing devices, as it adds a potential barrier for carrier collection. The reason for the different behavior of the two nominally same devices is not fully understood, but speculated to be related to sputtering variability.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry identifies the atomic mass of molecules and fragments in the gas phase. The spectrometer ionizes the molecules that then pass through an electric or magnetic field towards a detector. The field modifies the molecule's trajectory and we infer mass from its direction and velocity in a static field or from the stability of its path in a dynamic field. The electric current is amplified and a mass spectrum is generated from the location or timing of the signal from the detector, translated into a plot of the intensity as a function of the mass‐over‐charge ratio. It is field deployable, measures concentrations in real time with a temporal resolution better than 100 ms, and detection limits of fg. However, the signal drifts with time so we have to calibrate it as frequently as every hour. Calibrating requires multiple mixtures with varying concentrations to map the non‐linear response. The Web of Science Core Collection indexed over 60 000 articles that refer to MS (2016 and 2017) with applications ranging from permanent gas analysis, to identifying protein, forensic science, and natural products. The bibliometric software VOSViewer(2010) identified four clusters of research related to MS: (1) proteomics, proteins, plasma, and metabolomics; (2) solid phase extraction together with gas chromatography; (3) tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography; and (4) waste water and toxicity. We expect that the technique will continue to evolve with increased sensitivity, lower drift, and greater specificity. Miniaturization efforts should also continue in order to develop faster field deployable instruments.

Abstract: The painting 'Two fisherboys' has long caused confusion among experts. A close comparison of the painting with a forgery by Han van Meegeren and Frans Hals's `Fisherboy' solves the conundrum and provides valuable insights into the merits and drawbacks of modern analytical techniques.

Abstract: A study of wood dust exposure in 20 small- and medium-scale wood-processing enterprises was performed in Ethiopia. Sampling was conducted daily from January to June, 2013 and a total of 360 samples from 113 workers were collected with Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) personal samplers. Eight-hour time-weighted average exposure to wood dust ranged from 0.24 to 23.3mg m−3 with a geometric mean (GM) of 6.82mg m−3 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.82. Although Ethiopia did not have any defined standard of Occupational Exposure Limit for wood dust exposure, 71% of the measurements exceeded the limit of 5mg m−3 set by the European Union (EU). Higher than the EU exposure limit was measured while workers perform sanding and sawing activities with a GM of 9.72 and 7.60mg m−3, respectively. In conclusion, wood workers in the small- and medium-scale enterprises are at a higher risk of developing different respiratory health problems with continuous exposure trends.

Abstract: An electrochemical matairesinol biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing tyrosinase on a poly(thionine)/nafion/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite film. A polymeric film of the redox dye thionine enables the stable immobilization of tyrosinase while acting as a mediator for the enzymatic process has been incorporated into the carbon nanotube/nafion composite film. The immobilization method is based on crosslinking of the tyrosinase layer with an electropolymerized film of poly(thionine). The good homogenization of the electron conductor CNTs in the integrated films provides the possibility of a three-dimensional electron conductive network. The biosensor was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization. The composite electrode exhibits catalytic activity, high sensitivity, stability and is applicable over a wide range of concentrations from 180 nM to 4.33 μM with a detection limit (LOD) of 37 nM. The obtained results suggest that the developed sensor can be successfully used for the determination of phenolic endocrine disruptors over a concentration range covering their environmental levels.

Abstract: In this paper we demonstrate that by means of scanning reflection FTIR spectroscopy, it is possible to record highly specific distribution maps of organic and inorganic compounds from flat, macroscopic objects with cultural heritage value in a non-invasive manner. Our previous work involved the recording of macroscopic distributions of chemical elements or crystal phases from painted works of art based on respectively macroscopic X-ray fluorescence or X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The use of infrared radiation instead of X-rays has the advantage that more specific information about the nature and distribution of the chemical compounds present can be gathered. This higher imaging specificity represents a clear advantage for the characterization of painting and artist materials. It allows the distribution of metallo-organic compounds to be visualized and permits distinguishing between pigmented materials containing the same key metal. The prototype instrument allows the recording of hyperspectral datacubes by scanning the surface of the artefact in a contactless and sequential single-point measuring mode, while recording the spectrum of reflected infrared radiation. After the acquisition, spectral line intensities of individual bands and chemical distribution maps can be extracted from the datacube to identify the compounds present and/or to highlight their spatial distribution. Not only is information gained on the surface of the investigated artefacts, but also images of overpainted paint layers and, if present, the underdrawing may be revealed in this manner. A current major limitation is the long scanning times required to record these maps.