Nucleation and shape dynamics of model nematic tactoids around adhesive colloids.

Recent experiments have shown how nematically ordered tactoid shaped actin droplets can be reorganized and divided by the action of myosin molecular motors. In this paper, we consider how similar morphological changes can potentially be achieved under equilibrium conditions. Using simulations, both atomistic and continuum, and a simple macroscopic model, we explore how the nucleation dynamics, shape changes, and the final steady state of a nematic tactoid droplet can be modified by interactions with model adhesive colloids that mimic a myosin motor cluster.

Phase-field-crystal model for ordered crystals.

We describe a general method to model multicomponent ordered crystals using the phase-field-crystal (PFC) formalism. As a test case, a generic B2 compound is investigated. We are able to produce a line of either first-order or second-order order-disorder phase transitions, features that have not been incorporated in existing PFC approaches.

Geometrically specific imino complexes of the [Re6(μ3-Se)8]2+ core-containing clusters.

The reactions of nitrile complexes of the [Re(6)(μ(3)-Se)(8)](2+) core-containing clusters, [Re(6)(μ(3)-Se)(8)(PEt(3))(n)(CH(3)CN)(6-n)](2+) [n = 5 (1); n = 4, cis- (2) and trans- (3); n = 0 (4)], with organic azides C(6)H(5)CH(CH(3))N(3) and C(6)H(5)CH(2)N(3) produced the corresponding cationic imino complexes of the general formula [Re(6)(μ(3)-Se)(8)(PEt(3))(n)(L)(6-n)](2+) [L = PhN=CHCH(3): n = 5 (5); n = 4, cis- (6) and trans- (7); n = 0 (8) and L = HN=CHPh: n = 5 (9); n = 4, cis- (10) and trans- (11)]. These novel complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy ((1)H and (31)P) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A mechanism involving the migration of one of the groups on the azido α-C atom to the α-N atom of the azido complex, concerted with the photo-expulsion of N(2), was invoked to rationalize the formation of the imino complexes.