Nonequilibrium Green's functions and atom-surface dynamics: Simple views from a simple model system

We employ Non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) to describe the real-time dynamics of an adsorbate-surface model system exposed to ultrafast laser pulses. For a finite number of electronic orbitals, the system is solved exactly and within different levels of approximation. Specifically i) the full exact quantum mechanical solution for electron and nuclear degrees of freedom is used to benchmark ii) the Ehrenfest approximation (EA) for the nuclei, with the electron dynamics still treated exactly. Then, using the EA, electronic correlations are treated with NEGF within iii) 2nd Born and with iv) a recently introduced hybrid scheme, which mixes 2nd Born self-energies with non-perturbative, local exchange-correlation potentials of Density Functional Theory (DFT). Finally, the effect of a semi-infinite substrate is considered: we observe that a macroscopic number of de-excitation channels can hinder desorption. While very preliminary in character and based on a simple and rather specific model system, our results clearly illustrate the large potential of NEGF to investigate atomic desorption, and more generally, the non equilibrium dynamics of material surfaces subject to ultrafast laser fields.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

Organogels versus Hydrogels: Advantages, Challenges, and Applications

Organogels are an important class of gels, and are comparable to hydrogels owing to their properties as liquid-infused soft materials. Despite the extensive choice of liquid media and compatible networks that can provide a broader range of properties, relatively few studies are reported in this area. This review presents the applicability of organogels concerning their choice of components, unique properties, and applications. Their distinctive features compared to other gels are discussed, including multi-stimuli responses, affinity to a broad range of substances, thermal and environmental stability, electronic and ionic conductivity, and actuation. The active role of solvents is highlighted in the versatility of organogel properties. To differentiate between organogels and other gels, these are classified as gels filled with different organic liquids, including highly polar organic solvents and binary solvent systems. Most promising applications of organogels as sophisticated multifunctional materials are discussed in light of their unique features

Fabrication of Omniphobic‐Omniphilic Micropatterns using GPOSS‐PDMS Coating

Surfaces with special wettability properties, such as omniphobicity or omniphilicity, are essential for functional devices that use both aqueous and organic media. Micropatterning of omniphobic and omniphilic properties can provide a wide range of applications, including miniaturized experiments using both aqueous and organic media. Herein, an approach for creating omniphobic-omniphilic micropatterns based on selective photoacid polymerization of octa(3-glycidyloxypropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane modified with mono-aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane is reported. The composition of the polymeric coatings using infrared spectroscopy; patterning accuracy using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy; wettability characteristics of the omniphobic, and omniphilic surfaces using contact angle measurements are studied. The proposed approach allows for single-step micropatterning (sub-10 µm) or macropatterning (3 mm). Liquids with surface tensions >22.8 mN m−1 can be confined to the omniphilic areas by the omniphobic borders. C2C12 cells are successfully cultivated in omniphilic areas, demonstrating their cell compatibility. The cells adhere to and grow on the entire surface of the pattern, without any signs of cytotoxicity. However, the strongest adhesion is observed in the omniphilic areas, making it possible to create cell micropatterns in a single step. The proposed method for the fabrication of omniphobic-omniphilic transparent, mechanically robust, biocompatible patterns can find applications in microfluidics, biotechnology or miniaturized biological screening experiments

Direct Modification of Quercetin by 6-Nitroazolo[1,5-a]Pyrimidines

The work was sponsored by the Russian Science Foundation (Project 14-13-01301)

Performance of the SAET of the Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute of the Rospotrebnadzor during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi

Given is a general overview of the SAET performance during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Winter Games, 2014 in Sochi. Discussed are the peculiarities of work management of the SAET diagnostic facilities; represented are the data on the structure and scope of laboratory investigations of clinical material and environmental samples. Analyzed is the experience of operation under major international mass event. Consequently, it is concluded that current SAET structure, its stuffing and equipping, the laid-up stock of preparations and test-systems have allowed for coping with a diverse task complex in the laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases and indication of their agents