Examination of 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) in Silica Gels through Fluorometry

Silica sol-gels synthesized through hydrolysis and condensation reactions via acid- and base-catalyzed procedures containing 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) have been examined using fluorescence spectroscopy. DAPI is a fluorescent molecule that has traditionally been used in biosensors as a target molecule and a fluorescent stain known to bind strongly to the A-T rich regions of DNA. Sol-gels containing various concentrations of DAPI were dried conventionally to form xerogels or supercritically to form aerogels and then analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy to determine the most optimal concentration of DAPI

Plasmon-free Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy on TiO\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e-graphene Oxide Inverse Opal Substrates

TiO2-graphene oxide (GO) inverse opal materials were shown to be active plasmon-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates. The SERS activity of the substrates was analyzed using three different probe molecules: phenethylamine (PEA), methylene blue (MB), and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA). The morphology of the substrates was investigated by SEM and AFM. Prepared TiO2-GO inverse opals substrates can be reused up to five times with minimal loss of signal, rendering them perfect candidates to be used as highly stable, low-cost, metal-free, recyclable SERS substrates

Stabilization of DAPI in Base-Catalyzed Sol-Gels Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Sol-gels can be used as substrates for sensory materials in solutions. A fluorescent dye that binds to DNA, 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), could be used as a biosensor for a solution. Adsorption of DAPI onto silver nanoparticles causes rapid precipitation and loss of DAPI in solution. UV-vis and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) were performed to observe a solution of silver nanoparticles and DAPI. Over time, spectra of the solution greatly diminished and could no longer be accurately observed. To facilitate the stabilization of DAPI in the solution, sol-gels were synthesized via base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate while in the DAPI-silver solution. Sol-gels were successfully synthesized and DAPI precipitation was prevented as suggested by UV-vis and SERS

SERS Detection of Graphene Oxide in Acid Catalyzed Sol-Gels

Silica sol-gel and aerogel substrates were synthesized using a modified acid catalyzed hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate method that incorporated graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles into the matrix. The effectiveness of loading of graphene oxide was monitored by UV-vis and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Characterization data suggests that graphene oxide is detectable through SERS while integrated into a sol-gel and that size of silver nanoparticles has an impact on the SERS spectrum of graphene oxide

Speaking the unspeakable in forbidden places: addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the primary school

This paper interrogates the ways in which school is produced as a particular bounded place (or collection of places) where sexuality, and particularly non-heterosexuality, is carefully policed by these boundaries. Drawing upon data generated in primary schools during a nationwide action research project (No Outsiders), we focus on three very different school places: the classroom, the staff room and a school -based afterschool art club. Our analysis engages with the contingency of place-making to show that place is neither a unitary experience nor a neutral stage upon which social relations are enacted. The three vignettes analysed offer insights into the critical potential of consciously and persistently working across (apparently) boundaried spaces within and beyond schools

Examination of Silica Sol-Gels and Aerogels Containing Silver Nanoparticles and 4-Mercaptobenzoic Acid Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Sol-gels and aero-gels containing silver nanoparticles have been investigated for use as substrates in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). 4-Mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was chosen as the target molecule in this study, as it has been well-characterized using SERS. The orientation of the 4-MBA at different coverages in gels, and at differing concentrations of silver colloid, has not been well studied. For both base and acid-catalyzed sol-gels, xerogels, and aerogels, the concentration of 4-MBA was varied with a constant silver colloid concentration in the silica gels and the effects were measured with SERS. The effect of varying silver colloid concentration against a constant 4-MBA concentration was also investigated. The results of each process were compared

The pendulum effect of regulation: How the policy swing between the over and under regulation of financial institutions will be ineffective and detrimental to business.

LLM dissertation considering variant approaches to financial regulation, reviewing the policies, benefits and problems resulting from regulation of financial markets and services with particular reference to financial crises such as the collapse of the American bank Lehman Brothers in 2008. Regulation, the one constant of the financial system, since the beginnings of the industry in coffee houses with gentleman's agreements, to the harshly regulated times we have seen since the financial crash of 2008. Whichever pole the pendulum swings to, it is clear that it has little impact on the behaviour of those who work within our most valued financial institutions. Before we can discuss the merits to regulation and the success of either a harsh or lax approach, we must understand how the greatest financial collapse in living memory happened

The power of belief: Innocents and innocence in children\u27s fantasy fiction

The power of belief is a reoccurring theme in fantasy fiction for children and young adults. Oftentimes such belief merely affects the internal make-up of children or child-likecharacters,giving them the confidence that they need to act upon the world, but at other times belief acts to magically impose an imagined reality onto a physical reality. Fairies are brought back from thedead, destinies are divined through a golden compass, phantom stags lead the way to hidden swords. This thesis explores the power of belief and its associations with the innocence of childhood as found in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan and Wendy, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, and L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Each of the novels that I explore features child characters whose belief in an imagined reality produces a profound effect on the world around her or him

Seasonal Composition of Zooplankton of Lower Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Coastal Waters

Abstract unavailable

Theoretical Studies of Several Small-Ring Precursors to (+)-JQ1

We present the results of DFT(B3LYP) calculations on several precursors to (+)-JQ1 using an accurate basis set, including a report of conformational analysis, thermochemistry, optimized geometries and electrostatic potentials, and calculated IR and Raman spectra. Species include (I)1H-1,4-diazepin-2(3H)-imine, (II) 9H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine, (III) 6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3a][1,4]diazepine, and (IV) 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6H-thieno[3,2f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine. Studies are also reported on monobrominated (II)-(IV) substituted at the chiral center of the seven member ring, including a comparison of the energetics of equatorial versus axial bromination of the parent precursor. Implications with regard to the larger structure of (+)-JQ1 are discussed