Wave localization in two dimensional parabolic periodic refractive index profiles: a 4th order Runge–Kutta study

In this work, we have studied the wave localization in a two dimensional parabolic periodic refractive index profile. Our calculations have been performed by developing a 4th order Runge–Kutta method. Effects of different parameters in refractive index profile and incident wave shape on the wave intensity and shape in the future are shown. Effects of the mentioned parameters on localization degree and total momentum of the system are also investigated. We find different parameters change intervals within which the excitation disperses. Thus no bound state is possible. Finally, we show when a bound state is present.     

In situ coarsening study of inverse micelle-prepared Pt nanoparticles supported on γ-Al2O3: pretreatment and environmental effects

The thermal stability of inverse micelle prepared Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on nanocrystalline γ-Al(2)O(3) was monitored in situ under different chemical environments (H(2), O(2), H(2)O) via extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and ex situ via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Drastic differences in the stability of identically synthesized NP samples were observed upon exposure to two different pre-treatments. In particular, exposure to O(2) at 400 °C before high temperature annealing in H(2) (800 °C) was found to result in the stabilization of the inverse micelle prepared Pt NPs, reaching a maximum overall size after moderate coarsening of ～1 nm. Interestingly, when an analogous sample was pre-treated in H(2) at ～400 °C, a final size of ～5 nm was reached at 800 °C. The beneficial role of oxygen in the stabilization of small Pt NPs was also observed in situ during annealing treatments in O(2) at 450 °C for several hours. In particular, while NPs of 0.5 ± 0.1 nm initial average size did not display any significant sintering (0.6 ± 0.2 nm final size), an analogous thermal treatment in hydrogen leads to NP coarsening (1.2 ± 0.3 nm). The same sample pre-dosed and annealed in an atmosphere containing water only displayed moderate sintering (0.8 ± 0.3 nm). Our data suggest that PtO(x) species, possibly modifying the NP/support interface, play a role in the stabilization of small Pt NPs. Our study reveals the enhanced thermal stability of inverse micelle prepared Pt NPs and the importance of the sample pre-treatment and annealing environment in the minimization of undesired sintering processes affecting the catalytic performance of nanosized particles.     

Shape-dependent catalytic properties of Pt nanoparticles

Tailoring the chemical reactivity of nanomaterials at the atomic level is one of the most important challenges in catalysis research. In order to achieve this elusive goal, fundamental understanding of the geometric and electronic structure of these complex systems at the atomic level must be obtained. This article reports the influence of the nanoparticle shape on the reactivity of Pt nanocatalysts supported on γ-Al(2)O(3). Nanoparticles with analogous average size distributions (～0.8-1 nm), but with different shapes, synthesized by inverse micelle encapsulation, were found to display distinct reactivities for the oxidation of 2-propanol. A correlation between the number of undercoordinated atoms at the nanoparticle surface and the onset temperature for 2-propanol oxidation was observed, demonstrating that catalytic properties can be controlled through shape-selective synthesis.     

Electromagnetic fields with 217 Hz and 0.2 mT as hazardous factors for tubulin structure and assembly (in vitro study)

Nowadays exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) is an unavoidable fact in human societies. In spite of destructive effects of ELF-EMF such as impression on short-term memory and cognitive performances, neuroprotective and neurogeneration effects of ELF-EMF have been reported. On the other hand, microtubule (MT) proteins, the dynamic cytoskeleton proteins that are mostly located in axons, are able to produce local EMFs and possess key role in memory formation and consciousness. Therefore, MTs have strong potential to be affected by exogenous ELF-EMFs. In the present study, decline of MT polymerization was shown by transmission electron microscopy images and turbidimetry method after exposure to ELF-EMFs with 50, 100, and 217 Hz frequencies at 0.2 mT intensity. Circular dichroism and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) fluorometry were used to demonstrate the MT secondary and third structural changes. Decrement of MT polymerization through disruption of tubulin native structure, and increasing the β-sheets and random coils were observed in all exposure conditions. Therefore, ELF-EMFs with 50, 100, and specially 217 Hz frequencies at 0.2 mT could lead to disruption of MT functions in the neural cells.     

Energy-related carbon dioxide emission forecasting of four European countries by employing data-driven methods

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Carbon dioxide emission of countries is deeply dependent on the energy system. Share of different energy resources in primary energy consumption of the...     

Numerical investigation of relativistic self-focusing of intense laser beam with LG01 mode in plasmas

In this paper, we numerically investigate the relativistic self-focusing of laser beam with LG₀₁ mode in plasmas. An effective potential is introduced to identify the critical power. Numerical methods are employed to solve the governing equations. To verify the numerical procedures, we compare the known analytical solution of the relativistic critical power for TEM₀₀ mode with our numerical method. It is shown that there is a good agreement between our numerical results and the analytical solution. The critical power for relativistic self-focusing of a LG₀₁ laser beam is about 6 times of that for a TEM₀₀ laser beam.