Study of theS-matrix near bound states in the continuum

The behaviour ofS-matrix for potentials generating bound states in continuum in the neighbourhood of the positive bound state energies is studied. It is shown that unlike the case of usual negative energy bound states, theS-matrix does not have a pole at the positive bound state energy but becomes unity at the energy corresponding to bound states in continuum. Calculations ofS-waveS-matrix for a local potential constructed by Stillinger and Herrick and a separable nonlocal potential constructed by the present authors verify these results. Our results indicate that the bound states embedded in continuum constructedvia the von Neumann and Wigner procedure cannot be interpreted as resonances with zero width.     

Untersuchungen zum Mechanismus der- mit N-Halogenaminen und Fe(II) initiierten Redox-Polymerisation

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Evaluation of carbonic anhydrase and paraoxonase inhibition activities and molecular docking studies of highly water-soluble sulfonated phthalocyanines

The investigation of carbonic anhydrase and paraoxonase enzyme inhibition properties of water-soluble zinc and gallium phthalocyanine complexes ( 1 and 2 ) are reported for the first time. The binding of p-sulfonylphenoxy moieties to the phthalocyanine structure favors excellent solubilities in water, as well as providing an inhibition effect on carbonic anhydrase (CA) I and II isoenzymes and paraoxonase (PON1) enzyme. According to biological activity results, both complexes inhibited hCA I, hCA II, and PON1. Whereas 1 and 2 showed moderate hCA I and hCA II (off-target cytosolic isoforms) inhibitory activity (Ki values of 26.09 µM and 43.11 µM for hCA I and 30.95 µM and 33.19 µM for hCA II, respectively), they exhibited strong PON1 (associated with high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) inhibitory activity (Ki values of 0.37 µM and 0.27 µM, respectively). The inhibition kinetics were analyzed by Lineweaver–Burk double reciprocal plots. It revealed that 1 and 2 were noncompetitive inhibitors against PON1, hCA I, and hCA II. These complexes can be more advantageous than other synthetic CA and PON inhibitors due to their water solubility. Docking studies were carried out to examine the interactions between hCA I, hCA II, and PON1 inhibitors and metal complexes at a molecular level and to predict binding energies.     

Highly improved electrocatalytic oxidation of dimethylamine borane on silver nanoparticles modified polymer composite electrode

Dimethylamine borane (DMAB) is a promising fuel alternative for fuel cell applications. In this work cyclic voltammetric behavior of DMAB was investigated on the polymerized aminophenol film decorated with Ag nanoparticles in alkaline media. The polymer film was formed on the glassy carbon electrode by electrochemical technique and then, the surface was modified with Ag nanoparticles. The surface of the modified electrode was identified by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The developed electrode has displayed high electrocatalytic activity for DMAB oxidation in alkaline media depending on the supporting electrolyte concentration. Experimental parameters such as cycle number used in electropolymerization of p-aminophenol, deposition of Ag nanoparticles and supporting electrolyte were optimized.     

Generating dynamic crack growth resistance curves for fiber-reinforced concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete is known to have a greater resistance to impact and impulsively applied loads than its plain counterpart. However, the exact mechanisms that contribute to this enhanced resistance are not known, and fundamental fracture tests are necessary to develop such an understanding. To this end, an instrumented drop weight impact machine was configured to perform dynamic fracture studies on fiber-reinforced concrete specimens. Cracks were allowed to open in Mode I under high rates of loading using contoured double cantilever beam specimens. The paper describes the test apparatus, instrumentation, calibration, and the data analysis. The technique was applied to investigate dynamic crack growth in two types of fiber-reinforced concrete composites: one with steel macrofiber and the other with polypropylene macrofiber. Companion tests were performed under quasi-static conditions. Test data indicate that the proposed technique can be successfully applied to study dynamic crack growth in cement-based composites and to further enhance their properties.     

The development of information storage materials — How microscopy can help?

The response of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) devices depends critically on the film microstructure, with parameters such as layer thickness and interfacial abruptness being crucial. This paper presents results obtained using high resolution electron microscopy (HREM), chemical mapping and atom probe microanalysis. Local variations in the magnetic properties are induced by the microstructure and also when the films are patterned to form small elements. These lead to changes in the magnetization reversal mechanism. Some results of the studies of the magnetization reversal carried out using in situ in Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) magnetizing experiments are also included.     

Peak effect studies in single crystals CeRu2 and 2H-NbS2

We have studied the peak effect (PE) phenomenon in single crystals of weakly pinned superconductors CeRu₂ and 2H-NbS₂. 2H-NbS₂ is iso-structural and iso-electronic to 2H-NbSe₂, whose similarity with CeRu₂ as regards the PE representing the order-to-disorder transformation of the flux line lattice was claimed some time ago. We report on the step change in equilibrium magnetization across the peak effect in CeRu₂. We also present the vortex phase diagram of 2H-NbS₂ obtained from the magnetization data, and compare the PE phenomenon in 2H-NbS₂ and 2H-NbSe₂.     

Steel-fiber cementitious-matrix bond studies at high stress rates

Experimental Techniques -