Diode laser absorption spectrum of cold bands of C2HD at 6500 cm

The absorption spectrum of acetylene-d has been observed at high resolution between 6470 and 6630 cm⁻¹ using an external cavity diode laser. Three cold bands have been observed: the strong 2ν₁ band, the weaker ν₁ + ν₂ + 2ν₅ band, and the (ν₁ + ν₃ + ν₅)¹ band, which gains its intensity through Coriolis resonance with 2ν₁. Centers of unblended lines are determined with an accuracy of approximately 10 MHz.     

Hyperpolarized He diffusion MRI and histology of secreted frizzled related protein-1 (SFRP1) deficient lungs in a Murine model

Secreted frizzled related protein-1 (SFRP1) plays a key role in many diverse processes, including embryogenesis, tissue repair, bone formation, and tumor genesis. Previous studies have shown the effects of the SFRP1 gene on lung development using the SFRP1 knockout mouse model via histological and physiological studies. In this study, the feasibility of ADC (acquired via HP ³He) to detect altered lung structure in the SFRP1 knockout (SFRP1^−/−) mice was investigated, and compared to analysis by histology. This study consisted of two groups, the wild-type (WT) mice and the knockout (KO) mice with n = 6 mice for each group. ³He ADC MRI and histology were performed on all of the animals. The global L_m values of WT and KO mice were 35.0 ± 0.8 μm and 38.4 ± 3.8 μm, respectively, which translated to an increase of 9.58% in the L_m of KO mice. The mean global ADCs for the WT and KO mice were 0.12 ± 0.01 cm²/s and 0.13 ± 0.01 cm²/s, respectively, which equated to a relative increase of 8.0% in the KO mice compared to the WT mice. In the sub-analysis of the anterior, medial and posterior lung regions, L_m increased by 10.50%, 6.66% and 11.84% in the KO mice, respectively, whereas the differences in ADC between the two groups in the anterior, medial, and posterior regions were 7.3%, 8.3%, and 4.6%, respectively. These results suggest that HP MRI measurements can be used as a suitable substitute for histology to obtain valuable information about lung geometry non-invasively. This technique is also advantageous as regional measurements can be performed, which can identify lung destruction more precisely. Most importantly, this approach extends far beyond the specific pathology analyzed in this study, as it can be applied to many other pathological conditions in the lung tissue, as well to many other embryonic studies.     

Photoluminescence of Eu-doped CaMgSi2xO6+2x (1.00?x?1.20) phosphors in UV-VUV region

Alkaline-earth silicate phosphors CaMgSi_2xO_6+2x:Eu²⁺ (1.00?x?1.20) were prepared by traditional solid-state reaction. The phosphors showed an intense blue emission centered around 453 nm, with both 254 and 147 nm excitations. The host absorption below 200 nm in the excitation spectra consisted of two bands around 160 and 190 nm. The band around 160 nm was ascertained to be associated with the SiO₄-tetrahedra and MgO₆-polyhedra, and that around 190 nm was due to the CaO₈-polyhedra or some impurities. The incorporation of excess Si of less than 15% would not lead to formation of impurities and the results indicated that an appropriate Si excess could improve the Photoluminescence (PL) intensity in both ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) regions     

Ab initio chemical kinetics for the reactions of HNCN with O(P) and O2

The kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions of cyanomidyl radical (HNCN) with oxygen atoms and molecules have been investigated by ab initio calculations with rate constant prediction. The doublet and quartet state potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the two reactions have been calculated by single-point calculations at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df, 2p) level based on geometries optimized at the CCSD/6-311++G(d, p) level. The rate constants for various product channels of the two reactions in the temperature range of 300-3000 K are predicted by variational transition state and RRKM theories. The predicted total rate constants of the O(³P) + HNCN reaction at 760 Torr Ar pressure can be represented by the expressions k_total (O + HNCN) = 3.12 × 10⁻¹⁰ × T^−0.05 exp (−37/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at T = 300-3000 K. The branching ratios of primary channels of the O(³P) + HNCN are predicted: k₁ for producing the NO + CNH accounts for 0.72-0.64, k₂ + k₉ for producing the ³NH + NCO accounts for 0.27-0.32, and k₆ for producing the CN + HNO accounts for 0.01-0.07 in the temperature range studied. Meanwhile, the predicted total rate constants of the O₂ + HNCN reaction at 760 Torr Ar pressure can be represented by the expression, k_total(O₂ + HNCN) = 2.10 × 10⁻¹⁶ × T^1.28exp (−12200/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at T = 300-3000 K. The predicted branching ratio for k₁₁ + k₁₃ producing HO₂ + ³NCN as the primary products accounts for 0.98-1.00 in the temperature range studied.     

Analysis of rotational structure in the high-resolution infrared spectrum and assignment of vibrational fundamentals of butadiene-2,3-C2

The 2,3-¹³C₂ isotopomer of butadiene was synthesized, and its fundamental vibrational fundamentals were assigned from a study of its infrared and Raman spectra aided with quantum chemical predictions of frequencies, intensities, and Raman depolarization ratios. For two C-type bands in the high-resolution (0.002 cm⁻¹) infrared spectrum, the rotational structure was analyzed. These bands are for ν₁₁ (a_u) at 907.17 cm⁻¹ and for ν₁₂ (a_u) at 523.37 cm⁻¹. Ground state and upper state rotational constants were fitted to Watson-type Hamiltonians with a full quartic set of centrifugal distortion constants and two sextic ones. For the ground state, A₀ = 1.3545088(7) cm⁻¹, B₀ = 0.1469404(1) cm⁻¹, and C₀ = 0.1325838(2)  cm⁻¹. The small inertial defects of butadiene and two ¹³C₂ isotopomers, as well as for five deuterium isotopomers as previously reported, confirm the planarity of the s-trans rotamer of butadiene.     

High sensitivity ICLAS of H2O in the 12,580-13,550 cm transparency window

High-sensitivity Intracavity Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (ICLAS) is used to measure the high resolution absorption spectrum of H₂¹⁸O between 12,580 and 13,550 cm⁻¹. This spectral region covers the 3v+δ polyad of very weak absorption. Four isotopologues of water (H₂¹⁸O, H₂¹⁶O, H₂¹⁷O, HD¹⁸O) are found to contribute to the observed spectrum. Spectrum analysis is performed with the aid of variational calculations and allowed for assigning 1126 lines belonging to H₂¹⁸O, while only 160 H₂¹⁸O lines are included in the HITRAN-2008 database. Altogether, 823 accurate energy levels of H₂¹⁸O are determined from transitions attributed to 26 upper vibrational states, 438 of them being reported for the first time. New information includes energy levels of four newly observed vibrational states of H₂¹⁸O: (2 4 0), (1 4 1), (0 4 2) and (2 3 1) at 13,167.718, 13,212.678, 13,403.71 and 15,073.975 cm⁻¹, respectively. H₂¹⁸O transitions involving highly excited bending states like (1 6 0), (0 6 1), (0 7 1), (1 7 0), (0 9 0) and even (0 10 0) have been identified as a result of an intensity borrowing from stronger bands via high-order resonance interactions. Thirty-six new energy levels of H₂¹⁷O, present with a 2% relative concentration in our sample, could be determined. The rotational structure of the (0 2 3) state of HD¹⁸O at 13,245.497 cm⁻¹ is also reported for the first time.     

High sensitivity CW-CRDS of O enriched water near 1.6 μm

The absorption spectrum of ¹⁸O enriched water has been recorded by continuous wave cavity ring down spectroscopy between 5905.7 and 6725.7 cm⁻¹ using a series of fibred DFB lasers. The investigated spectral region corresponds to the important 1.55 μm transparency window of the atmosphere where water absorption is very weak. The typical CRDS sensitivity (noise equivalent absorption of 5×10⁻¹⁰ cm⁻¹) allowed for the detection of lines with intensity as low as 10⁻²⁸ cm/molecule while the minimum intensity value provided by HITRAN in the considered spectral region is 1.7×10⁻²⁴ cm/molecule. The line parameters were retrieved with the help of an interactive least squares multi-lines fitting program assuming a Voigt function as line profile. Overall, 4510 absorption lines belonging to the H₂¹⁸O, H₂¹⁶O, HD¹⁸O, HD¹⁶O and H₂¹⁷O water isotopologues were measured. Their intensities range between 3×10⁻²⁹ and 5×10⁻²³ cm/molecule at 296 K and the typical accuracy on the line positions is 1×10⁻³ cm⁻¹. 2074 of the observed lines attributed to H₂¹⁸O, HD¹⁸O and H₂¹⁷O are reported for the first time. The transitions were assigned on the basis of variational calculations resulting in 288, 135 and 38 newly determined rovibrational energy levels for the H₂¹⁸O, HD¹⁸O and H₂¹⁷O isotopologues, respectively. The new data set includes the band origin of the 4ν₂ bending overtone of H₂¹⁸O at 6110.4239 cm⁻¹ and rovibrational levels corresponding to J and K_a values up to 18 and 12, respectively, for the strongest bands of H₂¹⁸O: 4ν₂, ν₁+2ν₂, 2ν₂+ν₃, 2ν₁, ν₁+ν₃, and ν₂+ν₃. The obtained experimental results have been compared to the spectroscopic parameters provided by the HITRAN database and to the recent IUPAC critical review of the rovibrational spectrum of H₂¹⁸O and H₂¹⁷O as well as to variational calculations. Large discrepancies between the 4ν₂ variationally predicted and experimental intensities have been evidenced for the H₂¹⁸O and H₂¹⁶O molecules.     

Iron isotope effect on Tc in optimally-doped (Ba,K)Fe2As2 (Tc = 38 K) and SmFeAsO1−y (Tc = 54 K) superconductors

We report the iron isotope effect on a transition temperature (T_c) in an optimally-doped (Ba,K)Fe₂As₂ (T_c = 38 K) and SmFeAsO_1−y (T_c = 54 K) superconductors. In order to obtain the reliable isotope shift in T_c, twin samples with different iron isotope mass are synthesized in the same conditions (simultaneously) under high-pressure. We have found that (Ba,K)Fe₂As₂ shows an inverse iron isotope effect α_Fe = −0.18 ± 0.03 while SmFeAsO_1−y shows a small iron isotope effect α_Fe = −0.02 ± 0.01, where the isotope exponent α is defined by T_c ∼ M^−α (M is the isotopic mass). The results show that α_Fe changes in the iron-based superconductors depending on the system. The distinct iron isotope effects imply the exotic coupling mechanism in the iron-based superconductors.     

Rotational analysis of the (3, 6) band in the comet-tail (AΠi -XΣ) system of CO

The direct observation and rotational analysis of the (3, 6) band in the comet-tail (A²Π_i-X²Σ⁺) system of CO⁺ are carried out for the first time employing optical heterodyne and magnetic rotation enhanced velocity modulation spectroscopy. That 193 lines are assigned to this band ranging from 12 100 to 12 370 cm⁻¹ results in most accurate molecular constants by nonlinear least-squares fitting procedure employing the effective Hamiltonians.     

Novel S-Gal analogs as H MRI reporters for in vivo detection of β-galactosidase

The quantitative assessment of gene expression and related enzyme activity in vivo could be important for the characterization of gene altering diseases and therapy. The development of imaging techniques, based on specific reporter molecules may enable routine non-invasive assessment of enzyme activity and gene expression in vivo. We recently reported the use of commercially available S-Gal^® as a β-galactosidase reporter for ¹H MRI, and the synthesis of several S-Gal^® analogs with enhanced response to β-galactosidase activity. We have now compared these analogs in vitro and have identified the optimal analog, C3-GD, based on strong T₁ and T₂ response to enzyme presence (ΔR₁ and ΔR₂ ~ 1.8 times S-Gal^®). Moreover, application is demonstrated in vivo in human breast tumor xenografts. MRI studies in MCF7-lacZ tumors implanted subcutaneously in athymic nude mice (n = 6), showed significant reduction in T₁ and T₂ values (each ~ 13%) 2 h after intra-tumoral injection of C3-GD, whereas the MCF7 (wild type) tumors showed slight increase. Thus, C3-GD successfully detects β-galactosidase activity in vivo and shows promise as a lacZ gene ¹H MR reporter molecule.     

High-resolution infrared analysis of the ν7 band of cis-ethylene-d2 (cis-C2H2D2)

The spectrum of the ν₇ band of cis-ethylene-d₂ (cis-C₂H₂D₂) has been recorded with an unapodized resolution of 0.0063 cm⁻¹ in the 740-950 cm⁻¹ region using a Bruker IFS 125 HR Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. By fitting 2186 infrared transitions of ν₇ with a standard deviation of 0.00060 cm⁻¹ using a Watson’s A-reduced Hamiltonian in the I^r representation, accurate rovibrational constants for ν₇ = 1 state have been derived. The band center of ν₇ has been found to be 842.20957 ± 0.00004 cm⁻¹. In a simultaneous fit of 1331 infrared ground state combination differences from the present ν₇ transitions, together with 22 microwave frequencies, ground state constants have been improved. The rms deviation of the ground state fit was 0.00027 cm⁻¹.     

BiFeO3/Zn1−xMnxO bilayered thin films

BiFeO₃/Zn_1−xMn_xO (x = 0-0.08) bilayered thin films were deposited on the SrRuO₃/Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si(1 0 0) substrates by radio frequency sputtering. A highly (1 1 0) orientation was induced for BiFeO₃/Zn_1−xMn_xO. BiFeO₃/Zn_1−xMn_xO thin films demonstrate diode-like and resistive hysteresis behavior. A remanent polarization in the range of 2P_r ∼ 121.0-130.6 μC/cm² was measured for BiFeO₃/Zn_1−xMn_xO. BiFeO₃/Zn_1−xMn_xO (x = 0.04) bilayer exhibits a highest M_s value of ∼15.2 emu/cm³, owing to the presence of the magnetic Zn_0.96Mn_0.04O layer with an enhanced M_s value.     

Observation of the K2 4Δg state by cw perturbation-facilitated optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy

This paper reports for the first time both, an experimental observation and theoretical calculations of the K₂ 4³Δ_g state. For the experiment we used cw perturbation-facilitated optical-optical double resonance (PFOODR) spectroscopy. A single mode Ti-sapphire laser and a dye laser served as the pump and probe lasers, respectively. A total of 55 PFOODR signals have been assigned to the 4³Δ_g ← b³Π_u transitions. Absolute vibrational numbering was determined by using quantum defect analysis combined with comparing observed intensities with calculated Franck-Condon factors (FCF). For the former we used known parameters from the 2³Δ_g state since the 2³Δ_g and the 4³Δ_g states belong to the same Rydberg series. We report here our experimental and calculated spectroscopic constants, the corresponding RKR potential energy curve, the Franck-Condon table for the 4³Δ_g ↔ b³ Π_u system, as well as a comparison with the theoretical potential energy curve. The T_e value is found to be 28408.938(52) cm⁻¹.     

Analysis of the first triad of interacting states (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) of D2O from hot emission spectra

The far-infrared and middle-infrared emission spectra of deuterated water vapour were measured at temperatures 1370, 1520, and 1940 K in the ranges 320-860 and 1750-3400 cm⁻¹. The measurements were performed in an alumina cell with an effective length of hot gas of about 50 cm. More than 3550 new measured lines for the D₂¹⁶O molecule corresponding to transitions from highly excited rotational levels of the (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) vibrational states are reported. These new lines correspond to rotational states with higher values of the rotational quantum numbers compared to previously published determinations: J_max = 29 and K_a(max) = 22 for the (0 2 0) state, J_max = 29 and K_a(max) = 25 for the (1 0 0) state, and J_max = 30 and K_a(max) = 23 for the (0 0 1) state. The extended set of 1987 experimental rotational energy levels for the (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) vibration states including all previously available data has been determined. For the data reduction we used the generating function model. The root mean square (RMS) deviation between observed and calculated values is 0.004 cm⁻¹ for 1952 rovibrational levels of all three vibration states. A comparison of the observed energy levels with the best available values from the literature and with the global predictions from molecular electronic potential energy surfaces of water isotopic species [H. Partridge, D.W. Schwenke, J. Chem. Phys. 106 (1997) 4618] is discussed. The latter confirms a good consistency of mass-dependent DBOC corrections in the PS potential function with new experimental rovibrational data.     

High resolution analysis of the rotational levels of the (0 0 0), (0 1 0), (1 0 0), (0 0 1), (0 2 0), (1 1 0) and (0 1 1) vibrational states of SO2

A high resolution (0.0018 cm⁻¹) Fourier transform instrument has been used to record the spectrum of an enriched ³⁴S (95.3%) sample of sulfur dioxide. A thorough analysis of the ν₂, 2ν₂ − ν₂, ν₁, ν₁ + ν₂ − ν₂, ν₃, ν₂ + ν₃ − ν₂, ν₁ + ν₂ and ν₂ + ν₃ bands has been carried out leading to a large set of assigned lines. From these lines ground state combination differences were obtained and fit together with the existing microwave, millimeter, and terahertz rotational lines. An improved set of ground state rotational constants were obtained. Next, the upper state rotational levels were fit. For the (0 1 0), (1 1 0) and (0 1 1) states, a simple Watson-type Hamiltonian sufficed. However, it was necessary to include explicitly interacting terms in the Hamiltonian matrix in order to fit the rotational levels of the (0 2 0), (1 0 0) and (1 0 1) states to within their experimental accuracy. More explicitly, it was necessary to use a ΔK = 2 term to model the Fermi interaction between the (0 2 0) and (1 0 0) levels and a ΔK = 3 term to model the Coriolis interaction between the (1 0 0) and (0 0 1) levels. Precise Hamiltonian constants were derived for the (0 0 0), (0 1 0), (1 0 0), (0 0 1), (0 2 0), (1 1 0) and (0 1 1) vibrational states.     

Studies of the electrochemical reduction processes of Bi, HTeO2 and their mixtures

The reduction process of Bi³⁺, HTeO₂⁺ and their mixtures on Au electrode surface was studied by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. XRD and EDS methods were also used to measure the reductive products prepared under different potentials and provide the evidences of the reactions. The results indicate that the reduction of HTeO₂⁺ occurs at more positive potential than that of Bi³⁺, but its reduction rate is slower and adsorption phenomenon exists during its reduction process. Bi₂Te₃ compound can be obtained potentiostatically at a proper potential in all the mixed solutions with concentration ratio CHTe+O₂/CBi3+ in our research range (0.1-10). But pure Bi₂Te₃ compound can only be obtained at 42 mV in the solution with concentration ratio CHTe+O₂/CBi3+ equaling to 1. And the formation of Bi₂Te₃ compound is an inductive co-depositing process: (1) HTeO₂⁺ + 4e⁻ + 3H⁺ → Te⁰ + 2H₂O, (2) 3Te⁰ + 2Bi³⁺ + 6e⁻ → Bi₂Te₃.     

Exchange-mediated contrast in CEST and spin-lock imaging

Purpose

Magnetic resonance images of biological media based on chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) show contrast that depends on chemical exchange between water and other protons. In addition, spin–lattice relaxation rates in the rotating frame (R_1ρ) are also affected by exchange, especially at high fields, and can be exploited to provide novel, exchange-dependent contrast. Here, we evaluate and compare the factors that modulate the exchange contrast for these methods using simulations and experiments on simple, biologically relevant samples.

Methods

Simulations and experimental measurements at 9.4 T of rotating frame relaxation rate dispersion and CEST contrast were performed on solutions of macromolecules containing amide and hydroxyl exchanging protons.

Results

The simulations and experimental measurements confirm that both CEST and R_1ρ measurements depend on similar exchange parameters, but they manifest themselves differently in their effects on contrast. CEST contrast may be larger in the slow and intermediate exchange regimes for protons with large resonant frequency offsets (e.g. > 2 ppm). Spin-locking techniques can produce larger contrast enhancement when resonant frequency offsets are small (< 2 ppm) and exchange is in the intermediate-to-fast regime. The image contrasts scale differently with field strength, exchange rate and concentration.

Conclusion

CEST and R_1ρ measurements provide different and somewhat complementary information about exchange in tissues. Whereas CEST can depict exchange of protons with specific chemical shifts, appropriate R_1ρ-dependent acquisitions can be employed to selectively portray protons of specific exchange rates.     

Thermodynamic investigations of ternary o-toluidine + tetrahydropyran + N,N-dimethylformamide mixture and its binaries at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K

The densities ρ, speed of sound u, data of o-toluidine (i) + tetrahydropyran (j) + N,N-dimethylformamide (k) and its {tetrahydropyran (j) + N,N-dimethylformamide (k); o-toluidine (i) + N,N-dimethylformamide (k)} binaries have been measured as a function of composition at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K. The excess molar enthalpies, H^E data of same set of binary mixtures have also been measured over entire composition at 308.15 K. The densities and speeds of sound data of binary and ternary mixtures have been utilized to determine their excess molar volumes, V^E and excess isentropic compressibilities, κ_S^E. The observed thermodynamic properties of binary and ternary mixtures have been analyzed in terms of Graph theory. It has been observed that Graph theory correctly predicts the sign as well as magnitude of thermodynamic properties.     

Collision-induced first overtone band of D2 in binary mixtures D2-X where X is Ar, Kr, and Xe

Enhancement spectra of the collision-induced absorption in the first overtone region 5500-6750 cm⁻¹ of D₂ in the D₂-Ar, D₂-Kr, and D₂-Xe binary mixtures were studied at 298 K for base densities of D₂ in the range 55-251 amagat and for partial densities of Ar, Kr, and Xe in the range 46-384 amagat. The observed spectra consist of the following quadrupolar transitions: O₂(3), O₂(2), Q₂ (J), J = 1-5 and S₂ (J), J = 0-5 of D₂. Binary and ternary absorption coefficients were determined from the integrated absorption coefficients of the band. Profile analyses of the spectra were carried out using the Birnbaum-Cohen (BC) lineshape function and characteristic lineshape parameters were determined from the analyses.     

Surface characterization and luminescent properties of SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy nano thin films

SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ thin films were grown on Si (1 0 0) substrates in different atmospheres using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The effects of vacuum, oxygen (O₂) and argon (Ar) deposition atmospheres on the structural, morphological and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the films were investigated. The films were ablated using a 248 nm KrF excimer laser. Improved PL intensities were obtained from the unannealed films prepared in Ar and O₂ atmospheres compared to those prepared in vacuum. A stable green emission peak at 520 nm, attributed to 4f⁶5d¹→4f⁷ Eu²⁺ transitions was obtained. After annealing the films prepared in vacuum at 800 °C for 2 h, the intensity of the green emission (520 nm) of the thin film increased considerably. The amorphous thin film was crystalline after the annealing process. The diffusion of adventitious C into the nanostructured layers deposited in the Ar and O₂ atmospheres was most probably responsible for the quenching of the PL intensity after annealing.