ZnO thin film deposition on butterfly shaped electrodes for ultraviolet sensing applications

ZnO thin film was deposited on patterned gold electrodes using sol–gel spin coating technique. Conventional photo-lithography with wet etching process was used to create butterfly shaped 13 μm gap from zero gap chrome mask. The deposited thin film was characterized structurally, morphologically and electrically using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and Kiethly sourcemeter. Current–voltage (I–V) characterization was captured in dark and UV conditions. The current gain of the fabricated device was 1.36 and the response and recovery time of the sensor was 76 s and 104 s, respectively, showed the fabricated device can be used for UV applications.     

Phenyl polypropanoids from Lindelofia stylosa

A phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Lindelofia stylosa has resulted in the isolation of seven phenyl propanoids. This includes three analogs of lithospermic acid, along with rosmarinic acid and its ester derivatives. Compound 1 was identified as a new natural product. These compounds were studied for their antioxidant properties.     

Investigation of the optimal annealing temperature for the enhanced thermoelectric properties of MOCVD-grown ZnO films

In this study, we demonstrate the optimization of the annealing temperature for enhanced thermoelectric properties of ZnO. Thin films of ZnO are grown on a sapphire substrate using the metal organic chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) technique. The grown films are annealed in an oxygen environment at 600–1000°C, with a step of 100°C for one hour. Seebeck measurements at room temperature revealed that the Seebeck coefficient of the sample that was not annealed was 152 μV/K, having a carrier concentration of N _D ~ 1.46 × 10¹⁸ cm^–3. The Seebeck coefficient of the annealed films increased from 212 to 415 μV/K up to 900°C and then decreased at 1000°C. The power factor is calculated and found to have an increasing trend with the annealing temperature. This observation is explained by the theory of Johnson and Lark–Horovitz that thermoelectric properties are enhanced by improving the structure of ZnO thin films. The Hall measurements and PL data strongly justify the proposed argument.     

Transverse Momentum Distributions of Charged Hadrons Produced in He12C Collisions at 4.2A GeV/c

Physics of Particles and Nuclei Letters - We study the trend of transverse momentum (pT) and maximum transverse momentum (pTmax) distributions of pions and protons in He12C-interactions at 4.2A...     

Surface Plasmon Polariton Fizeaus Dragging: via Relative Rotational Sensing

A new scheme focusing on the surface plasmon polariton interferometry between the metal and dielectric interface is introduced. The phase shift is measured by using surface plasmon polariton wave, generated at the interface of metallic and dielectric media. The phase shift of SPPs is modi?ed under phase and amplitude control of complex conductivity for interferometry. The control ?elds strongly in?uence the phase shift of SPPs for detection of molecular motion. The phase shift of SPPs is further modi?ed by Plasmon polariton Fizeaus dragging effect. We measure 20%–25%fractional change in delay and their phases shift between two left and right SPPs modes. Our results may have signi?cant applications in sensor interferometer technology.     

Quenching of I(2P1/2) by NO2, N2O4, and N2O

Quenching of excited iodine atoms (I(5p5, 2P1/2)) by nitrogen oxides are processes of relevance to discharge-driven oxygen iodine lasers. Rate constants at ambient and elevated temperatures (293-380 K) for quenching of I(2P1/2) atoms by NO2, N2O4, and N2O have been measured using time-resolved I(2P1/2) --> I(2P3/2) 1315 nm emission. The excited atoms were generated by pulsed laser photodissociation of CF3I at 248 nm. The rate constants for I(2P1/2) quenching by NO2 and N2O were found to be independent of temperature over the range examined with average values of (2.9 +/- 0.3) x 10(-15) and (1.4 +/- 0.1) x 10(-15) cm3 s(-1), respectively. The rate constant for quenching of I(2P1/2) by N2O4 was found to be (3.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(-13) cm3 s(-1) at ambient temperature.     

Comparative profiling of plasma proteome from breast cancer patients reveals thrombospondin-1 and BRWD3 as serological biomarkers

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is necessary to identify biomarkers for early detection, to make accurate prognoses, and to monitor for any recurrence of the cancer. In order to identify potential breast cancer biomarkers, we analyzed the plasma samples of women diagnosed with breast cancer and age-matched normal healthy women by mTRAQ-based stable isotope-labeling mass spectrometry. We identified and quantified 204 proteins including thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) and bromodomain and WD repeat-containing protein 3 (BRWD3) which were increased by more than 5-fold in breast cancer plasma. The plasma levels of the two proteins were evaluated by Western blot assay to confirm for their diagnostic value as serum markers. A 1.8-fold increase in BRWD3 was observed while comparing the plasma levels of breast cancer patients (n = 54) with age-matched normal healthy controls (n = 30), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.917. THBS1 was detected in pooled breast cancer plasma at the ratio similar to mTRAQ ratio (> 5-fold). The AUC value for THBS1 was 0.875. The increase of THBS1 was more prominent in estrogen receptor negative and progesterone receptor negative patients than receptor-positive patients. Our results are evidence of the diagnostic value of THBS1 in detecting breast cancer. Based on our findings, we suggest a proteomic method for protein identification and quantification lead to effective biomarker discovery.     

MXenes as Emerging Materials: Synthesis,Properties, and Applications

Due to their unique layered microstructure, the presence of various functional groups at the surface, earth abundance, and attractive electrical, optical, and thermal properties, MXenes are considered promising candidates for the solution of energy- and environmental-related problems. It is seen that the energy conversion and storage capacity of MXenes can be enhanced by changing the material dimensions, chemical composition, structure, and surface chemistry. Hence, it is also essential to understand how one can easily improve the structure–property relationship from an applied point of view. In the current review, we reviewed the fabrication, properties, and potential applications of MXenes. In addition, various properties of MXenes such as structural, optical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and mechanical have been discussed. Furthermore, the potential applications of MXenes in the areas of photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nitrogen fixation, gas sensing, cancer therapy, and supercapacitors have also been outlooked. Based on the reported works, it could easily be observed that the properties and applications of MXenes can be further enhanced by applying various modification and functionalization approaches. This review also emphasizes the recent developments and future perspectives of MXenes-based composite materials, which will greatly help scientists working in the fields of academia and material science.