SMARTer for magnetic structure studies

SMARTer, a 36-meter small angle neutron scattering (SANS) spectrometer was installed at the Neutron Scattering Laboratory (NSL), National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia — BATAN in Serpong, Indonesia and has performed the experiment for studying the magnetic structures of Cu(NiFe), CuCo and FeSiBNbCu metal alloys. The experiments were conducted at room temperature and up to 1 T (10 kOe) of external magnetic field. At zero fields, isotropic scattering identified as nuclear scattering is dominant. When a magnetic field is applied in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the neutron beam, the response of the magnetic scattering permits extraction of the field-induced re-arrangement of the magnetic moment. With increasing field the distortion is more pronounced and the magnetic scattering dominates the intensity and affects the peak position. Radial and angular averaging from experimental data are given to show the details of magnetic structures.      

Quantum Teleportation of High-dimensional Atomic Momenta State

Atomic momenta states of the neutral atoms are known to be decoherence resistant and therefore present a viable solution for most of the quantum information tasks including the quantum teleportation. We present a systematic protocol for the teleportation of high-dimensional quantized momenta atomic states to the field state inside the cavities by applying standard cavity QED techniques. The proposal can be executed under prevailing experimental scenario.     

Electrostatic Solitary Waves in Pair-ion Plasmas with Trapped Electrons

Electrostatic solitons in an unmagnetized pair-ion plasma comprising adiabatic fluid positive and negative ions and non-isothermal electrons are investigated using both arbitrary and small amplitude techniques. An energy integral equation involving the Sagdeev potential is derived, and the basic properties of large amplitude solitary structures are investigated. Various features of solitons differ in different existence domains. The effects of ion adiabaticity, particle concentration, and resonant electrons on the profiles of Sagdeev potential and corresponding solitary waves are investigated. The generalized Korteweg-de Vries equation with mixed-nonlinearity is derived by expanding the Sagdeev potential. Asymptotic solutions for different orders of nonlinearity are discussed for solitary waves. The present work is applicable to understanding the wave phenomena and associated nonlinear electrostatic perturbations in pair/bi-ion plasmas which may occur in space and laboratory plasmas.     

Preparation and characterization of finely dispersed pigment particles

Dispersions of uniform colloidal pigments were produced by precipitating solutions of disodium salts of 2-amino, 5-methyl benzosulfonic acid (4B-dye), and 2-amino, 4-chloro, 5-methyl benzosulfonic acid (2B-dye) with Ca(NO₃)₂, SrCl₂, or Ca(NO₃)₂/SrCl₂ solutions in the absence and in the presence of additives (surfactants and alcohols). The latter affected the morphology of the particles, but had a negligible effect on their crystal structures. However, drying the Ca-4B pigment resulted in the change of the crystal phase and morphology. As a rule, the Sr-4B pigment was spheroidal, while Ca-4B, Ca-2B, and Ca/Sr-4B consisted of elongated particles.     

Natural and semisynthetic polymers blended orodispersible films of citalopram

Abstract

This study was aimed at developing orodispersible films of citalopram using combination of natural and semisynthetic polymers for patients with swallowing problem. Okra biopolymer and moringa gum were utilized in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and pullulan. The disintegration time was less than 30?seconds and the drug content uniformity was 97.89–102.05% for all film formulations. Films formulated with HPMC (K15 and K4M) combination (F1) and combination of okra and HPMC K15 (F2) had superior mechanical properties as compared with F3 (okra and pullulan) and F4 (moringa gum and HPMC). Thermal analysis revealed stable formulations over the studied temperature range and the crystalline citalopram was completely or partially transformed into amorphous form as revealed by the differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy images. In conclusion, okra biopolymer could be used in combination with HPMC for the development of orodispersible films.     

Neuraminidase Inhibitor of Garcinia atroviridis L. Fruits and Leaves Using Partial Purification and Molecular Characterization

Neuraminidase (NA) is an enzyme that prevents virions from aggregating within the host cell and promotes cell-to-cell spread by cleaving glycosidic linkages to sialic acid. The best-known neuraminidase is the viral neuraminidase, which present in the influenza virus. Thus, the development of anti-influenza drugs that inhibit NA has emerged as an important and intriguing approach in the treatment of influenza. Garcinia atroviridis L. (GA) dried fruits (GAF) are used commercially as seasoning and in beverages. The main objective of this study was to identify a new potential neuraminidase inhibitor from GA. A bioassay-guided fractionation method was applied to obtain the bioactive compounds leading to the identification of garcinia acid and naringenin. In an enzyme inhibition study, garcinia acid demonstrated the highest activity when compared to naringenin. Garcinia acid had the highest activity, with an IC₅₀ of 17.34–17.53 µg/mL or 91.22–92.21 µM against Clostridium perfringens-NA, and 56.71–57.85 µg/mL or 298.32–304.31 µM against H1N1-NA. Based on molecular docking results, garcinia acid interacted with the triad arginine residues (Arg118, Arg292, and Arg371) of the viral neuraminidase, implying that this compound has the potential to act as a NA enzyme inhibitor.     

A Review Featuring Fabrication,Properties and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Reinforced Polymer and Epoxy Nanocomposites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long been recognized as the stiffest and strongest man-made material known to date.In addition,their high electrical conductivity has roused interest in the areas of electrical appliances and communication related applications.However,due to their miniature size,the excellent properties of these nanostructures can only be exploited if they are homogeneously embedded into light-weight matrices as those offered by a whole series of engineering polymers.In order to enhance their chemical affinity to engineering polymer matrices,chemical modification of the graphitic sidewalls and tips is necessary.The mechanical and electrical properties to date of a whole range of nanocomposites of various carbon nanotube contents are also reviewed in this attempt to facilitate progress in this emerging area.Recently,carbonaceous nano-fillers such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) play a promising role due to their better structural and functional properties and broad range of applications in every field.Since CNTs usually form stabilized bundles due to van der Waals interactions,they are extremely difficult to disperse and align in a polymer matrix.The biggest issues in the preparation of CNTs reinforced composites reside in efficient dispersion of CNTs into a polymer matrix,the assessment of the dispersion,and the alignment and control of the CNTs in the matrix.An overview of various CNT functionalization methods is given.In particular,CNT functionalization using click chemistry and the preparation of CNT composites employing hyperbranched polymers are stressed as potential techniques to achieve good CNT dispersion.In addition,discussions on mechanical,thermal,electrical,electrochemical and applications ofpolymer/CNT composites are also included.