Synthesis and size control of monodisperse copper nanoparticles by polyol method

We describe herein the synthesis of metallic copper nanoparticles in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone), employed as a protecting agent, via a polyol method in ambient atmosphere. The obtained copper particles were confirmed by XRD to be crystalline copper with a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. We observed monodisperse spherical copper nanoparticles with a diameter range 45+/-8 nm. The particle size and its distribution are controlled by varying the synthesis parameters such as the reducing agent concentration, reaction temperature, and precursor injection rate. The precursor injection rate plays an important role in controlling the size of the copper nanoparticles. On the basis of XPS and HRTEM results, we demonstrate that the surface of the copper is surrounded by amorphous CuO and that poly(vinylpyrrolidone) is chemisorbed on the copper surface.     

Spectroscopic detection of exogenous materials in latent fingerprints treated with powders and lifted off with adhesive tapes

Fingerprint evidence offers great value to criminal investigations since it is an internationally recognized and established means of human identification. With recent advances in modern technology, scientists have started analyzing not only the ridge patterns of fingerprints but also substances which can be found within them. The aim of this work was to determine whether Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectromicroscopy could be used to detect contamination in a fingerprint which was dusted with powder (a technique already recognized as an effective and reliable method for developing latent fingerprints) and subsequently lifted off with adhesive tape. Explosive materials (pentaerythritol tetranitrate, C-4, TNT) and noncontrolled substances (sugar, aspirin) were used to prepare contaminated fingerprints on various substrates. Freshly deposited fingermarks with powders which were lifted off with adhesive tapes (provided by Singapore Police Force) were analyzed using a Bruker Hyperion 2000 microscope at the ISMI beamline (Singapore Synchrotron Light Source) with an attenuated total reflection objective. FTIR spectroscopy is a nondestructive technique which requires almost no sample preparation. Further, the fingerprint under analysis remains in pristine condition, allowing subsequent analysis if necessary. All analyzed substances were successfully distinguished using their FTIR spectra in powdered and lifted fingerprints. This method has the potential to significantly impact forensic science by greatly enhancing the information that can be obtained from the study of fingerprints.     

Prior exposure to an attenuated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria</Emphasis> vaccine does not reduce immunogenicity: pre-clinical assessment of the efficacy of a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria</Emphasis>vaccine in the induction of immune responses against HIV

Background  

We have evaluated an attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) candidate vaccine vector in nonhuman primates using a delivery regimen relying solely on oral vaccination. We sought to determine the impact of prior Lm vector exposure on the development of new immune responses against HIV antigens.     

Fourier transform spectral interferometric coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FTSI-CARS) spectroscopy

A novel Fourier transform spectral interferometric (FTSI) multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) technique is developed to extract the vibrational spectrum equivalent to the spontaneous Raman scattering. The conventional FTSI method is modified to use the internal nonresonant CARS signal as a local oscillator to perform spectral interferometry. Utilizing the causality of the coherent vibration (i.e., there should be no signal before the laser excitation), this new FTSI method recovers the entire complex vibrational spectral parameters. We demonstrate this technique with a previously reported single-pulse multiplex CARS method that uses a single phase-controlled broadband ultrafast laser pulse.     

Charged-particle multiplicity distribution ine + e − collision at 29 GeV

The charged-particle multiplicity distribution and forward-backward correlation ofe ⁺ e ^? annihilation at 29 GeV are discussed on the basis of a mixed two-component model.     

Möbius and triangle semigroups

The purpose of this paper is to describe the structures of the Möbius semigroup induced by the Möbius transformation group (?, SL(2,?)). In particular, we study stabilizer subsemigoups of Möbius semigroup via the triangle semigroup. In this work, we obtained a geometric interpretation of the least contraction coefficient function of the Möbius semigroup via the triangle semigroup and investigated an extension of stabilizer subsemigoups of the Möbius semigroup. Finally, we obtained a factorization of our stabilizer subsemigoups of the Möbius semigroup.     

Connection between the 2-body energy of the Kaxiras-Pandey and the Biswas-Hamann potentials

Relationship among interatomic potential functions can be useful in shedding insight on the extent of similarity, and in obtaining a potential function from parameters of another potential function. The 2-body portion of the Biswas-Hamann (BH) and the Kaxiras-Pandey (KP) potential functions are related by equating both functions, as well as their corresponding derivatives up to the third order at the equilibrium bond length. Validity of the parametric relationship is verified by plotting the loose form of the 2-body BH potential in terms of KP parameters and comparing it with the KP potential function. The parametric relationships developed herein are then compared with those that concern other potential functions, with particular emphasis on the scaling factors.     

Laser-effected darkening in TPEs with TiO2 additives

Investigations were carried out for laser-effected darkening and damage-free laser marking on thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was studied as the laser-sensitive additive to the TPEs for its role in enhancing laser marking contrast and its effect on the TPE properties. Laser beam characteristics, processing variables and percentage loading of TiO₂ in the TPEs were found to have significant effect on the marking contrast. Surface damage-free and high contrast marking have been achieved with short pulse UV lasers. The laser-effected darkening was found to penetrate into the material in the order of a few tens of microns. XPS analysis was carried out to understand the laser-effected darkening mechanism. Potential applications of the technique are highlighted.     

Erratum to Formation and control of Au and Ag nanoparticles inside borate glasses using femtosecond laser and heat treatment

We report the spectroscopic properties of femtosecond laser-irradiated sodium-alumino-borate glass doped with silver and gold ions. We precipitated gold and silver nanoparticles by laser irradiation and annealing at 400°C for 30 min. The irradiation and annealing treatment produced different absorption and emission characteristics in Au³⁺ doped and Au³⁺, Ag⁺ codoped glasses, and the possible mechanisms of the observed results are discussed. The size of the nanoparticles was estimated by TEM and absorption band analysis.     

Vapoluminescent Behavior and the Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformations of Chloroform Solvates of [Au2(μ-1,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane)2](AsF6)2

The mono- and di-chloroform solvates of [Au₂(μ-1,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane)₂](AsF₆)₂ undergo single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations that result in gain (over 12 hours) or slow loss (over five years) of only one chloroform molecule. The change in solvation results in changes in the structure and luminescence of the digold cation. The cation consists of a pair of slightly bent As-Au-As units that are connected through the two bridging dpae ligands and by aurophilic interactions with Au⋅⋅⋅Au contacts of 3.05152(15) Å in the disolvate or 2.9570(5) Å in the monosolvate.