Nodeless d-wave superconducting pairing due to residual antiferromagnetism in underdoped Pr2-xCexCuO4-delta

We investigate the doping dependence of the penetration depth versus temperature in electron-doped Pr(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4-delta) using a model which assumes the uniform coexistence of (mean-field) antiferromagnetism and superconductivity. Despite the presence of a d(x2-y2) pairing gap in the underlying spectrum, we find nodeless behavior of the low-T penetration depth in the underdoped case, in accord with experimental results. As doping increases, a linear-in-T behavior of the penetration depth, characteristic of d-wave pairing, emerges as the lower magnetic band crosses the Fermi level and creates a nodal Fermi surface pocket.     

Transport and percolation in a low-density high-mobility two-dimensional hole system

We present a study of the temperature and density dependence of the resistivity of an extremely high quality two-dimensional hole system grown on the (100) surface of GaAs. For high densities in the metallic regime (p > or approximately4x10;{9} cm;{-2}), the nonmonotonic temperature dependence ( approximately 50-300 mK) of the resistivity is consistent with temperature dependent screening of residual impurities. At a fixed temperature of T=50 mK, the conductivity versus density data indicate an inhomogeneity driven percolation-type transition to an insulating state at a critical density of 3.8x10;{9} cm;{-2}.     

Multiple-pulse coherence enhancement of solid state spin qubits

We describe how the spin coherence time of a localized electron spin in solids, i.e., a solid state spin qubit, can be prolonged by applying designed electron spin resonance pulse sequences. In particular, the spin echo decay due to the spectral diffusion of the electron spin resonance frequency induced by the non-Markovian temporal fluctuations of the nuclear spin flip-flop dynamics can be strongly suppressed using multiple-pulse sequences akin to the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence in nuclear magnetic resonance. Spin coherence time can be enhanced by factors of 4-10 in GaAs quantum-dot and Si:P quantum computer architectures using composite sequences with an even number of pulses.     

Progress in Developments of Inorganic Nanocatalysts for Application in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Significant progress has been made in the last few years toward synthesizing highly dispersible inorganic catalysts for application in the electrodes of direct methanol fuel cells. In addition, research toward achieving an efficient catalyst supporting matrix has also attracted much attention in recent years. Carbon black- (Vulcan XC-72) supported Platinum and Platinum-Ruthenium catalysts have for long served as the conventional choice as the cathode and the anode catalyst materials, respectively. Oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode and methanol oxidation reaction at the anode occur simultaneously during the operation of a direct methanol fuel cell. However, inefficiencies in these reactions result in a generation of mixed potential. This, in turn, gives rise to reduced cell voltage, increased oxygen stoichiometric ratio, and generation of additional water that is responsible for water flooding in the cathode chamber. In addition, the lack of long-term stability of Pt-Ru anode catalyst, coupled with the tendency of Ru to cross through the polymer electrolyte membrane and eventually get deposited on the cathode, is also a serious drawback. Another source of potential concern is the fact that the natural resource of Pt and the rare earth metal Ru is very limited, and has been predicted to become exhausted very soon. To overcome these problems, new catalyst systems with high methanol tolerance and higher catalytic activity than Pt need to be developed. In addition, the catalyst-supporting matrix is also witnessing a change from traditionally used carbon powder to transition metal carbides and other high-performance materials. This article surveys the recent literature based on the advancements made in the field of highly dispersible inorganic catalysts for application in direct methanol fuel cells, as well as the progress made in the area of catalyst-supporting matrices.     

Effect of in-medium parameters of ρ meson in its photoproduction reactions on nuclei

There exist model calculations showing the modification of the hadronic parameters of ρ meson in the nuclear environment. From these parameters, we extract the ρ-meson-nucleus optical potential and show the medium effect due to this potential on the ρ-meson mass distribution spectra in the photonuclear reactions. The calculated results reproduced reasonably the measured e ⁺ e ⁻ invariant mass, i.e., ρ-meson mass, distribution spectra in γ, ρ ⁰ → e ⁺ e ⁻ reactions on nuclei.

     

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Sesamum indicum

Abstract

Effective extraction of phyto-biomolecules insures retaining maximum functionality along with higher recovery. In this study, ultrasound-solvent assisted extraction (USAE) was employed for optimal extraction of phyto-biomolecules from Sesamum indicum (sesame) leaves using the approach of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized condition of 200?W power, 59% methanol concentration with 1:14?g/mL solid–liquid ratio and 15?min of extraction time yielded 367.39?±?1.85?mg GAE/100?g of total phenolic content, 96.72?±?3.27% of free radical scavenging activity and 81.20?±?2.87% of iron chelating activity respectively. The extract consist of essential phytocomponents like gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin with lipid peroxidation activities of >50% over incubation time of 48?h. Also, showed antimicrobial activity against various Gram’s negative and positive food borne pathogens. The results of this study implied the importance of USAE for effective and optimum recovery of phyto-biomolecules from Sesame leaves with retained functional properties.     

Dynamics of ternary complex formation in the reaction of diaquoanthranilato-N,N-diacetatonickelate(II) with 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline

Dynamics of ternary complex formation in the reaction of diaquoanthranilato-N, N-diacetatonickelate(II) with 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline. $\rm Ni(ada)(H_2O)_2^{-}$ $+$ $L\rightleftharpoons Ni(ada)(L)^{-}$ $+$ $2 H_20;$ $- {{d[Ni(ada)^{-}]}\over{dt}}$ $=$ $k_f[Ni(ada)^{-}][L]+k_d\ [Ni(ada)(L)];$ $\ ada^{3-}=$anthranilate-N, N-diacetate; and L=bipy or phen. The kinetics of formation of ternary complexes by diaquoanthranilato-N, N-diacetatonickelate(II). [Ni(ada)(H₂O)]⁻ with 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) have been studied under pseudo-first-order conditions containing excess bipy or phen by stopped-flow spectrophotometry in the pH range 7.1–7.8 at 25°C and λ = 0.1 mol dm⁻³. In each case, the reaction is first-order with respect to both Ni(ada)⁻ and the entering ligand (ie., bipy, phen). The reactions are reversible. The forward rate constants are: $k^{\rm Ni(ada)}_{\rm Ni(ada)(bipy)}=0.87\times10^3{\rm dm}^3 {\rm mol}^{-1}{\rm s}^{-1}$, . $k^{\rm Ni(ada)}_{\rm Ni(ada)(phen)}=1.87\times10^3{\rm dm}^3 {\rm mol}^{-1}{\rm s}^{-1}$; and the reverse rate constants are: $k^{\rm Ni(ada)(bipy)}_{\rm Ni(ada)}=1.0{\rm s}^{-1}$ and $k^{\rm Ni(ada)(phen)}_{\rm Ni(ada)}=2.0{\rm s}^{-1}$. The corresponding stability constants of ternary complex formation are: and , . The observed rate constants and huge drops in stability constants in ternary complex formation agree well with the mechanism in which dissociation of an acetate arm of the coordinated ada³⁻ prior to chelation by the aromatic ligand occurs. The observations have been compared with the kinetics of ternary complex formation in the reaction Ni(ada)⁻ - glycine in which the kinetics involves a singly bonded intermediate, N(ada)((SINGLE BOND)O(SINGLE BOND)N)²⁻ in rapid equilibrium with the reactants followed by a sluggish ring closure step. The reaction with the aromatic ligands conforms to a steady-state mechanism, while for glycine it gets shifted to an equilibrium mechanism. The cause of this difference in mechanistic pathways has been explained. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.