Ag implantation-induced modification of Ni–Ti shape memory alloy thin films

Nanocrystalline thin films of Ni–Ti shape memory alloy are deposited on an Si substrate by the DC-magnetron co-sputtering technique and 120?keV Ag ions are implanted at different fluences. The thickness and composition of the pristine films are determined by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). X-Ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and four-point probe resistivity methods have been used to study the structural, morphological and electrical transport properties. XRD analysis has revealed the existence of martensitic and austenite phases in the pristine film and also evidenced the structural changes in Ag-implanted Ni–Ti films at different fluences. AFM studies have revealed that surface roughness and grain size of Ni–Ti films have decreased with an increase in ion fluence. The modifications in the mechanical behaviour of implanted Ni–Ti films w.r.t pristine film is determined by using a Nano-indentation tester at room temperature. Higher hardness and the ratio of higher hardness (H) to elastic modulus (E_r) are observed for the film implanted at an optimized fluence of 9?×?10¹⁵ ions/cm². This improvement in mechanical behaviour could be understood in terms of grain refinement and dislocation induced by the Ag ion implantation in the Ni–Ti thin films.     

Scaling and self-similarity in Pb<Subscript>1-x</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>x</Subscript>S nanoparticle films

This paper addresses the issues of scaling and self-similarity in typical nanoparticle films. The role played by microscopic processes contributing to growth on these issues is probed. While we perform this investigation for a specific system viz., Pb_1-xFe_xS nanoparticle films for clarity of the procedures, the analysis is general and can be applied to a variety of systems obtained using different deposition techniques.     

Observation of time-dependent CP violation in B0 --> eta'K0 decays and improved measurements of CP asymmetries in B0 --> phiK0, KS0KS0KS0 and B0 --> J/psiK0 decays

We present improved measurements of CP-violation parameters in B(0) --> phiK(0), eta(')K(0), KS(0)KS(0)KS(0) decays based on a sample of 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We obtain sin2phi1(eff)=+0.64+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.04(syst) for B(0) --> eta(')K(0), +0.50+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.06(syst) for B(0) --> phiK(0), and +0.30+/-0.32(stat)+/-0.08(syst) for B(0) --> KS(0)KS(0)KS(0) decays. We have observed CP violation in the B(0) --> eta(')K(0) decay with a significance of 5.6 standard deviations. We also perform an improved measurement of CP asymmetries in B(0) --> J/psiK(0) decays and obtain sin2phi1=+0.642+/-0.031(stat)+/-0.017(syst).     

Experimental evidence for a light and broad scalar resonance in D(+) --> pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay

From a sample of 1172 +/- 61 D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) = 0.0311 +/- 0.0018(+0.0016)(-0.0026). Using a coherent amplitude analysis to fit the Dalitz plot of these decays, we find strong evidence that a scalar resonance of mass 478(+24)(-23) +/- 17 MeV/c(2) and width 324(+42)(-40) +/- 21 MeV/c(2) accounts for approximately half of all decays.     

Deformed conformal and super-Poincaré symmetries in the non- (anti-) commutative spaces

Generators of the super-Poincaré algebra in the non- (anti-) commutative superspace are represented using appropriate higher derivative operators defined in this quantum superspace. Also discussed are the analogous representations of the conformal and superconformal symmetry generators in the deformed spaces. This construction is obtained by generalizing the recent work of Wess et al. on the Poincaré generators in the θ-deformed Minkowski space, or by using the substitution rules we derived on the basis of the phase-space structures of non- (anti-) commutative-space variables. Even with the non-zero deformation parameters the algebras remain unchanged although the comultiplication rules are deformed. The transformation of the fields under deformed symmetry is also discussed. Our construction can be used for systematic development of field theories in the deformed spaces.     

Melting of heterogeneous vortex matter: The vortex ‘nanoliquid’

Disorder and porosity are parameters that strongly influence the physical behavior of materials, including their mechanical, electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Vortices in superconductors can provide important insight into the effects of disorder because their size is comparable to characteristic sizes of nanofabricated structures. Here we present experimental evidence for a novel form of vortex matter that consists of inter-connected nanodroplets of vortex liquid caged in the pores of a solid vortex structure, like a liquid permeated into a nanoporous solid skeleton. Our nanoporous skeleton is formed by vortices pinned by correlated disorder created by high-energy heavy ion irradiation. By sweeping the applied magnetic field, the number of vortices in the nanodroplets is varied continuously from a few to several hundred. Upon cooling, the caged nanodroplets freeze into ordered nanocrystals through either a first-order or a continuous transition, whereas at high temperatures a uniform liquid phase is formed upon delocalization-induced melting of the solid skeleton. This new vortex nanoliquid displays unique properties and symmetries that are distinct from both solid and liquid phases.     

Magnesium Methoxide-Assisted Synthesis of 2,4,6-Triaryl Pyridines

A new three-component reaction of chalcones, ketones, and ammonia assisted by magnesium methoxide is described. The corresponding 2,4,6-triaryl pyridines (Kröhnke pyridines) are formed in fair to good yields (34–76%) within 3 h. The method also provides a facile way to synthesize 2(6)-difluoromethyl pyridines via an interesting mechanism.     

Fluctuation of the Free Energy of Sherrington–Kirkpatrick Model with Curie–Weiss Interaction: The Paramagnetic Regime

Journal of Statistical Physics - We consider a spin system containing pure two spin Sherrington–Kirkpatrick Hamiltonian with Curie–Weiss interaction. The model where the spins are...     

Nonlocal time-delayed feedback control of spatiotemporal patterns: controlling a network of digital phase-locked loops

Nonlinear Dynamics - Control of spatially extended systems is an important and challenging topic of research. Previous control techniques rely on local or global feedback control. In this paper,...     

Preparation of 125I-Lanreotide and its biodistribution in murine model of melanoma

Lanreotide, a somatostatin analogue, was radioiodinated with ¹²⁵I to explore the possibility of using ¹²³I labeled lanreotide as a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical for tumors overexpressing somatostatin (SST) receptors. Radioiodination was carried out with ¹²⁵I using chloramine T as the oxidant. The labeling yield was >90%. Characterization of ¹²⁵I-Lanreotide was carried out by paper electrophoresis as well as HPLC. ¹²⁵I-Lanreotide was purified by chromatography using a C18 Sep-Pak column. Radiochemical purity of the purified ¹²⁵I-Lanreotide thus obtained was >99%. Significant tumor uptake of ¹²⁵I-Lanreotide was observed in C57BL/6 mice bearing melanoma.