Topics in Noncommutative Geometry Inspired Physics

In this review article we discuss some of the applications of noncommutative geometry in physics that are of recent interest, such as noncommutative many-body systems, noncommutative extension of Special Theory of Relativity kinematics, twisted gauge theories and noncommutative gravity.Comment: New references added, Published online in Foundations of Physic

RAFT Polymerization in Homogeneous Aqueous Media

Controlled radical polymerization has been the focus of intense research during the last decade. However, to date, research has focused primarily on polymerizations conducted in homogeneous organic media or bulk with common monomers such as styrene, methyl methacrylate or butyl acrylate. The ability to conduct polymerizations in homogeneous aqueous solution is advantageous from both environmental and commercial viewpoints. In this chapter we will present a summary of our research efforts in the area of aqueous Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We will demonstrate the broad versatility of RAFT, showing its applicability to neutral, anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic monomers from a range of monomer classes, including styrenics, acrylamides and (meth)acrylates

Rigid Orthogonal Bis-TEMPO Biradicals with Improved Solubility for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

The synthesis and characterization of oxidized bis-thioketal-trispiro dinitroxide biradicals that orient the nitroxides in a rigid, approximately orthogonal geometry are reported. The biradicals show better performance as polarizing agents in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) NMR experiments as compared to biradicals lacking the constrained geometry. In addition, the biradicals display improved solubility in aqueous media due to the presence of polar sulfoxides. The results suggest that the orientation of the radicals is not dramatically affected by the oxidation state of the sulfur atoms in the biradical, and we conclude that a biradical polarizing agent containing a mixture of oxidation states can be used for improved solubility without a loss in performance.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant EB002804)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant EB002026)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (grant GM095843)European Commission (Design Study project Bio-DNP)Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (postdoctoral fellowship