TDPAC measurements in pure and Fe-doped In 2 O 3

We try to envision that there might be a dark-matter world and neutrinos, especially the right-handed ones, might be coupled directly with dark-matter particles in the dark-matter world. The candidate model would be the extended Standard Model based on SU _c (3) × SU _L (2) × U(1) × SU _f (3) × SU _R (2), with the search of the detailed version through the aid of the two working rules, “Dirac similarity principle” and “minimum Higgs hypothesis”.     

Flame Induced Flow Features in the Presence of Darrieus-Landau Instability

The onset of hydrodynamic or Darrieus-Landau (DL) instability can largely impact on premixed flame morphology, turbulent flame speed and induced flow field. In this work, we focus on the latter induced flow by means of two dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS) of slot burner flames performed in a parametric fashion. Results from linear stability analysis are used to select the adequate parameter range to be investigated. The presence of DL instability is initially assessed using a recently proposed statistical marker related to flame morphology. The differences between stable and unstable flames are then statistically investigated, utilizing a single, laminar, DL-induced corrugation as a reference state. Such DL-induced effects are investigated at various turbulence intensities, in terms of local propagation, induced strain rate patterns and flow field as well as vorticity production and transformation. Using displacement speed as a measure of local propagation, no noticeable statistical difference is observed between stable and unstable flames while strain rate and vorticity patterns are shown to be largely influenced by the DL induced morphology. From the modeling point view, an enhancement of counter gradient type transport for turbulent scalar fluxes is observed for hydrodynamically unstable flames.     

Coupling of neurons with biosensor devices for detection of the properties of neuronal populations

The in vitro detection of the neural biophysical chemistry of populations of neurons is an important emerging area of research. This critical review describes the current methodologies, challenges and future prospects for this exciting field of research. There are different classes of techniques for the study of neuron-based systems. These include devices to measure inter-neuron contact and connectivity, microelectrodes for the determination of extracellular metabolic products, and sensors employed for the evaluation of complex neuron-small molecule interactions, toxicity, and mutagenicity of anti-tumor drugs.Since the neuron is an electrogenic cell and a complex biological entity capable of effecting recognition, the main emphasis of this article will be placed on devices based on nerve-cell networks that are able to electrically detect neuron-active compounds and specific pharmacological activity. Such neuron-based devices can be used to measure numerous neurological events with a high degree of sensitivity. Examples include the influence of different neuro-active compounds on neuronal function, the effects of neurotransmitters and neuro-modulators, changes in membrane potential, transmission effects that influence the propagation of the action potential, and the manner through which neuro-chemicals can influence ion channels. Moreover, these devices posses promising potential for the testing and development of novel neuron-active drugs and fundamental neurological research to further the understanding of brain activity. The inner workings of the human mind remain largely unknown and the key to comprehending it may rely on how molecules can initiate and influence synchronous neural oscillations, and the phenomenon of resonance in neural cells. The knowledge acquired in such detailed investigations can lead to the future development of regenerative medicines, neurochips and biocomputers, intelligent prosthetic devices and new applications that integrate neurobiology with molecular electronics (69 references).     

Spectrophotometric determination of dopaminergic drugs used for Parkinson's disease, cabergoline and ropinirole, in pharmaceutical preparations

Simple and reproducible spectrophotometric methods have been developed for determination of dopaminergic drugs used for Parkinson's disease, cabergoline (CAB) and ropinirole hydrochloride (ROP), in pharmaceutical preparations. The methods are based on the reactions between the studied drug substances and ion-pair agents [methyl orange (MO), bromocresol green (BCG) and bromophenol blue (BPB)] producing yellow colored ion-pair complexes in acidic buffers, after extracting in dichloromethane, which are spectrophotometrically determined at the appropriate wavelength of ion-pair complexes. Beer's law was obeyed within the concentration range from 1.0 to 35 microg ml(-1). The developed methods were applied successfully for the determination of these drugs in tablets.     

A novel interferometric method for contour mapping of optically rough surfaces

A new white light interferometric arrangement for contour mapping of light diffusing but not depolarising surfaces is presented and compared with related electronic speckle and holographic interferometry (ESPI and HI) methods. Using two angles of illumination of the tested surface, and modifying the light beam in the observation pupil it is possible to observe contour fringes with arbitrary sensitivity depending on the geometry of a chosen set-up.     

Improved Gain Characteristics in Er3+-Doped Alumina (Al2O3) Channel Optical Waveguide Amplifiers for WDM Systems

Er3+-doped Al2O3 optical waveguides are analyzed both as single amplifiers and as elements of a 16-channel wavelength division multiplexing transmission system; their performance is compared with that from Er3+-doped SiO2 optical waveguide amplifiers. The amplifier model, based on propagation and population-rate equa tions, includes both uniform and pair-induced up-conversion mechanisms and is solved numerically by combining finite elements and the Runge-Kutta algorithm. The analysis showed that Er3+-doped Al2O3 waveguides exhibit much higher signal gains than Er3+-doped SiO2 waveguides and also that the use of Er3+-doped Al2O3 waveguides reduces the deleterious gain peaking effect, increasing the maximum transmission distance.     

Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Hydrogels for Environmental Remediation: Evaluation of Adsorption Efficiency under Electric Field

The performance of Carbon Nanotubes hybrid hydrogels for environmental remediation was investigated using Methylene Blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RD), and Bengal Rose (BR) as model contaminating dyes. An acrylate hydrogel network with incorporated CNT was synthesized by photo-polymerization without any preliminary derivatization of CNT surface. Thermodynamics, isothermal and kinetic studies showed favorable sorption processes with the application of an external 12 V electric field found to be able to influence the amount of adsorbed dyes: stronger interactions with cationic MB molecules (qexp and qexp12 of 19.72 and 33.45 mg g⁻¹, respectively) and reduced affinity for anionic RD (qexp and qexp12 of 28.93 and 13.06 mg g⁻¹, respectively) and neutral BR (qexp and qexp12 of 36.75 and 15.85 mg g⁻¹, respectively) molecules were recorded. The influence of pH variation on dyes adsorption was finally highlighted by reusability studies, with the negligible variation of adsorption capacity after five repeated sorption cycles claiming for the suitability of the proposed systems as effective sorbent for wastewater treatment.     

Polymerization of 1-vinylcyclohexene in the presence of group 4 metallocenes – MAO catalysts

1-Vinylcyclohexene was polymerized in the presence of several homogeneous catalytic systems consisting of methylaluminoxane and group 4 metallocenes such as CpTiCl₃, [isopropyl(cyclopentadienyl)(1-fluorenyl)]ZrCl₂,rac-[ethylenebis(1-indenyl)] ZrCl₂, (CH₃)₂Si(Cp)₂ZrCl₂, CpZrCl₃. The structure of the polymers depends on the catalyst. In fact, with CpTiCl₃, [isopropyl(cyclopentadienyl)(1-fluorenyl)]ZrCl₂ and rac-[ethylenebis-(1-indenyl)]ZrCl₂ the polymers are chemo-, regio- and stereoregular with 1,4 cis, 1,4 trans and 1,2 isotactic structure, respectively.