Neutrino mass constraints on mu decay and pi0--> nunu

In this Letter, we show that upper limits on the neutrino mass translate into upper limits on the class of neutrino-matter interactions that can generate loop corrections to the neutrino mass matrix. We apply our results to mu and pi decays and derive model-independent limits on six of the ten parameters used to parametrize contributions to mu decay that do not belong to the standard model. These upper limits provide improved constraints on the five Michel parameters, rho, xi', xi", alpha, alpha', that exceed Particle Data Group constraints by at least one order of magnitude. For pi(0) --> nunu we find, for the branching ratio, B(pi(0) --> nunu) < 10(-10).     

A battery-supercapacitor hybrid device composed of metallic zinc,a biodegradable ionic liquid electrolyte and graphite

The integration of a battery-type electrode and of a capacitor-type electrode in a single device by proper design is an effective strategy in developing energy storage devices with high energy and power densities. Herein, we present a battery-supercapacitor hybrid device using metallic zinc as anode, a biodegradable ionic liquid (IL) as electrolyte, and graphite as cathode. The recently developed choline acetate ([Ch]OAc) biodegradable IL-based electrolyte enables reversible deposition/stripping of Zn(II). Spongy-like Zn with a high surface area is obtained, which allows fast charge/discharge at high rates. The adsorption/desorption of ions on the surface of the graphite cathode and intercalation/deintercalation of anions into/from the graphite layers occur at the graphite cathode. Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron reveal the intercalation of IL into and the adsorption of IL on the graphite. Highly reversible adsorption/desorption of ions on the surface of the graphite electrodes in the [Ch]OAc-based electrolyte was demonstrated by a symmetric cell. The Zn/graphite hybrid device delivers an energy density of 53 Wh kg^?1 at a power density of ~ 145 W kg^?1 and 42 Wh kg^?1 at ~ 400 W kg^?1. The hybrid device also exhibits a long cycle life with ～ 86% specific capacitance retained after 1000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g^?1. The combination of well-available zinc, inexpensive graphite, and a biodegradable IL electrolyte in a cell could open new avenues for sustainable energy applications.

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Synthesis and Structure of BaPtIn3 and BaTl0.63In3.33. Two Contrasting Examples of Preferential Site Occupation in BaAl4‐Type Structures

The title compounds have been synthesised by high temperature means and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The compounds crystallize in the tetragonal structure type of BaAl₄, I4/mmm, Z = 2 (a = 4.8130(7), 5.0196(8) Å; c = 11.669(2), 11.900(3) Å for BaPtIn₃ and BaTl_0.63In_3.37, respectively).Platinum and thallium randomly substitute for 50 % of the In in the apical 4e and for 30 % in the basal 4d positions in the two networks, respectively. Consistent with both size and relative electronegativity factors, the basal positions in BaAl₄‐type structure are appropriate for substitution by dimensionally and chemically similar atoms (Tl), which is different from the apical sites in which electronegativities or bond strengths are more important (Pt).     

Design,Synthesis, and Application of an Optimized Monofluorinated Aliphatic Label for Peptide Studies by Solid‐State 19F NMR Spectroscopy

A conformationally restricted monofluorinated α‐amino acid, (3‐fluorobicyclo[1.1.1]pentyl)glycine (F‐Bpg), was designed as a label for the structural analysis of membrane‐bound peptides by solid‐state ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy. The compound was synthesized and validated as a ¹⁹F label for replacing natural aliphatic α‐amino acids. Calculations suggested that F‐Bpg is similar to Leu/Ile in terms of size and lipophilicity. The ¹⁹F NMR label was incorporated into the membrane‐active antimicrobial peptide PGLa and provided information on the structure of the peptide in a lipid bilayer.     

Azopolymer-based micro- and nanopatterning for photonic applications

Azopolymers comprise a unique materials platform, in which the photoisomerization reaction of azobenzene molecules can induce substantial material motions at molecular, mesoscopic, and even macroscopic length scales. In particular, amorphous azopolymer films can form stable surface relief patterns upon exposure to interfering light. This allows obtaining large-area periodic micro- and nanostructures in a remarkably simple way. Herein, recent progress in the development of azopolymer-based surface-patterning techniques for photonic applications is reviewed. Starting with a thin azopolymer layer, one can create a variety of photonic elements, such as diffraction gratings, microlens arrays, plasmonic sensors, antireflection coatings, and nanostructured light-polarization converters, either by using the azopolymer surface patterns themselves as optical elements or by utilizing them to microstructure or nanostructure other materials. Both of these domains are covered, with the aim of triggering further research in this fascinating field of science and technology that is far from being harnessed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014 , 52, 163–182     

Tauberian and Abelian Theorems for Long-range Dependent Random Fields

This paper surveys Abelian and Tauberian theorems for long-range dependent random fields. We describe a framework for asymptotic behaviour of covariance functions or variances of averaged functionals of random fields at infinity and spectral densities at zero. The use of the theorems and their limitations are demonstrated through applications to some new and less-known examples of covariance functions of long-range dependent random fields.     

Error Analysis of a Projection Method for the Navier–Stokes Equations With Coriolis Force

In this paper a projection method for the Navier–Stokes equations with Coriolis force is considered. This time-stepping algorithm takes into account the Coriolis terms both on prediction and correction steps. We study the accuracy of its semi-discretized form and show that the velocity is weakly first-order approximation and the pressure is weakly order \frac12\frac{1}{2} approximation.     

Determination of diclofenac in pharmaceuticals and urine samples using a membrane sensor based on the ion associate of diclofenac with Rhodamine B

The potentiometric response characteristics of a diclofenac selective electrode, based on ion association in different plasticizers, were compared. The sensitivity, working range, detection limit and selectivity of membrane sensors demonstrated significant dependence on the type of plasticizers. The potentiometric unit presented a linear response toward diclofenac concentrations between 1 × 10⁻⁵ − 5 × 10⁻² mol L⁻¹, with slopes of approximately 60 mV dec⁻¹, and exhibited a response time of 3 s. The potentiometric analysis of sodium diclofenac in pharmaceutical formulations was perfomed by the membrane electrode proposed and compared with the results of potentiometric titration given by the Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.      

Poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(ethylene imine) block copolymers as templates and catalysts for the in situ formation of monodisperse silica nanospheres

Block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) are efficient catalysts/templates for the formation of uniform silica nanoparticles. Addition of tetraethylorthosilicate to a solution of PEO–PEI or PEI–PEO–PEI block copolymers results in the formation of silica particles with a diameter of ca. 30 nm and narrow size distribution. The particles precipitated with the diblock copolymers can be redispersed in water after isolation as individual nanoparticles. Evidently, block copolymers based on PEO and PEI serve as excellent templates for the biomimetic and “soft” synthesis of silica nanoparticles.