EPR Studies of Tl0.5Pb0.5Sr1.6Ba0.4CaCu2?xRuxO7?δ Superconductor

Bulk superconducting samples of type Tl_0.5Pb_0.5Sr_1.6Ba_0.4CaCu_2−x Ru _x O_7−δ, (Tl, Pb)/Sr-1212, with 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.525 were prepared by the conventional one-step solid-state reaction technique. The prepared samples were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, electrical resistivity and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. Enhancement of the phase formation, superconducting transition temperature T _c and hole carriers concentration P was observed up to x = 0.075. For x > 0.075, a reverse trend was observed. EPR spectra were measured at different temperatures (120–290 K) for all prepared samples. The number of spins N participating in the resonance and the paramagnetic susceptibility χ were calculated as a function of both Ru-content and temperature. N and χ increased as the Ru-content increased. A linear relationship between logN and 1/T was established, from which the activation energy E _a was calculated as a function of the Ru-content. The temperature dependence of χ was fitted according to Curie–Weiss type of magnetic behavior. Curie constant C, Curie temperature θ, the effective magnetic moment μ and the electronic specific heat γ were estimated as a function of the Ru-content.     

Controlling General Polynomial Networks

We consider networks of massive particles connected by non-linear springs. Some particles interact with heat baths at different temperatures, which are modeled as stochastic driving forces. The structure of the network is arbitrary, but the motion of each particle is 1D. For polynomial interactions, we give sufficient conditions for Hörmander’s “bracket condition” to hold, which implies the uniqueness of the steady state (if it exists), as well as the controllability of the associated system in control theory. These conditions are constructive; they are formulated in terms of inequivalence of the forces (modulo translations) and/or conditions on the topology of the connections. We illustrate our results with examples, including “conducting chains” of variable cross-section. This then extends the results for a simple chain obtained in Eckmann et al. in (Commun Math Phys 201:657–697, 1999).     

A Refractive INdex Gradient (RING) diagnostic for transientdischarges or expansions of vapor or plasmas

The refractive index gradient (RING) diagnostic described uses a fast, silicon, photodiode quadrant detector with a differential amplifier to temporally detect the refraction of a CW laser by transient discharges or expansions of vapor, gas, or plasma. The method is a local one-dimensional time-resolved, quantitative, species-discriminating (i.e., atoms or electrons) Schlieren technique. The diagnostic is easy to field, sensitive (the minimum deflection angles detectable are ≈0.3 μrad), and fast (risetime=11±1 ns). Circuit design, performance, and diagnostic theory are discussed. To illustrate the utility of this technique, examples of measurements on LEVIS (laser evaporation ion source), a laser-produced, active, lithium ion source, are given. Measured properties include vapor/plasma production thresholds, expansion velocities, and time-resolved gradient and density spatial profiles. Comparisons of the RING results with measurements using a Faraday cup and a double-floating Langmuir probe are presented     

Radiation energetics of ICF-relevant wire-array Z pinches

Short-implosion-time 20-mm diameter, 300-wire tungsten arrays maintain high peak x-ray powers despite a reduction in peak current from 19 to 13 MA. The main radiation pulse on tests with a 1-mm on-axis rod may be explained by the observable j x B work done during the implosion, but bare-axis tests require sub-mm convergence of the magnetic field not seen except perhaps in >1 keV emission. The data include the first measurement of the imploding mass density profile of a wire-array Z pinch that further constrains simulation models.     

Effect of IR laser radiation on the structure and optical properties of PC-PBT/Pd polymer nanocomposite films

ABSTRACT

Bayfol (PC-PBT blend ?lm) is a class of polymeric solid-state nuclear track detector which has a lot of applications in several radiation detection ?elds. It is a bisphenol-A polycarbonate PC blended with polybutylene terephthalate PBT. Bayfol/Palladium (PC-PBT/Pd) nanocomposite films have been deposited using the molding technique. It is worth mentioning that this report is almost the first one dealing with the topic of the changes of physical properties of Bayfol/Pd nanocomposite due to laser exposure. Samples from PC-PBT/Pd (5?wt%) nanocomposite were exposed to IR-pulsed laser of 5-W power, capable of producing 2000 pulses per second with pulse duration of 200?ns at 904?nm. The laser fluences were in the range 2–25?J/cm². The resultant modi?cations in the exposed nanocomposite samples have been studied as a function of fluence using different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV spectroscopy and color difference studies. The results indicate the proper dispersion of Pd nanoparticles in the PC-PBT matrix that causes a strong intermolecular interaction between Pd and PC-PBT, resulted in an increase in refractive index and the amorphous phase. Also, it is found that the laser exposure reduces the optical energy gap that could be attributed to the increase in structural disorder of the exposed PC-PBT/Pd nanocomposites due to crosslinking. Further, the color intensity ΔE, which is the color difference between the exposed samples and the non-exposed one, was increased with increasing the laser fluence, convoyed by a significant increase in the green and yellow color components.     

A sulfone-based strategy for the preparation of 2,4-disubstituted furan derivatives

2,4-Disubstituted furans are prepared by treating 2,3-dibromo-1-phenylsulfonyl-1-propene (DBP, 2) with 1,3-diketones under basic conditions. The furan-forming step involves a deacetylation, and the selectivity of this process depends upon the steric demand of the R group. The substituent in position 4 is elaborated by reaction of sulfonyl carbanions with alkyl halides, acyl halides, and aldehydes. Oxidative or reductive desulfonylation produces the 2,4-disubstituted furans in 60-92% yield. This strategy has been used to prepare rabdoketone A (12) and the naturally occurring nematotoxic furoic acid 13.     

Symmetric inertial-confinement-fusion-capsule implosions in a double-z-pinch-driven hohlraum

An inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) concept using two 60-MA Z pinches to drive a cylindrical hohlraum to 220 eV has been recently proposed. The first capsule implosions relevant to this concept have been performed at the same physical scale with a lower 20-MA current, yielding a 70+/-5 eV capsule drive. The capsule shell shape implies a polar radiation symmetry, the first high-accuracy measurement of this type in a pulsed-power-driven ICF configuration, within a factor of 1.6-4 of that required for scaling to ignition. The convergence ratio of 14-21 is to date the highest in any pulsed-power ICF system.     

昆虫信息素研究III: 拟蚜虫警戒素的研究

合成了一系列碳数为十五和十四的倍半萜类蚜虫警戒素,并进行了生物活性测定,从中筛选有效化合物.     

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a γ-Lactone Isolated from Ostrich Oil of Struthio camelus (Ratite) and Its Formulated Nano-Emulsion in Formalin-Induced Paw Edema

The ostrich oil of Struthio camelus (Ratite) found uses in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory in eczema and contact dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory effect of a γ-lactone (5-hexyl-3H-furan-2-one) isolated from ostrich oil and its formulated nano-emulsion in formalin-induced paw edema was investigated in this study. Ostrich oil was saponified using a standard procedure; the aqueous residue was fractionated, purified, and characterized as γ-lactone (5-hexyl-3H-furan-2-one) through the interpretation of IR, NMR, and MS analyses. The γ-lactone was formulated as nano-emulsion using methylcellulose (MC) for oral solubilized form. The γ-lactone methylcellulose nanoparticles (γ-lactone-MC-NPs) were characterized for their size, shape, and encapsulation efficiency with a uniform size of 300 nm and 59.9% drug content. The γ-lactone was applied topically, while the formulated nanoparticles (NPs) were administered orally to rats. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac gel) was used as a reference drug for topical use and ibuprofen suspension for oral administration. Edema was measured using the plethysmograph method. Both γ-lactone and γ-lactone-MC-NPs showed reduction of formalin-induced paw edema in rats and proved to be better than the reference drugs; diclofenac gel and ibuprofen emulsion. Histological examination of the skin tissue revealed increased skin thickness with subepidermal edema and mixed inflammatory cellular infiltration, which were significantly reduced by the γ-lactone compared to the positive control (p-value = 0.00013). Diuretic and toxicity studies of oral γ-lactone-MC-NPs were performed. No diuretic activity was observed. However, lethargy, drowsiness, and refusal to feeding observed may limit its oral administration.