Path integral quantization corresponding to the deformed Heisenberg algebra

In this paper, the deformation of the Heisenberg algebra, consistent with both the generalized uncertainty principle and doubly special relativity, has been analyzed. It has been observed that, though this algebra can give rise to fractional derivative terms in the corresponding quantum mechanical Hamiltonian, a formal meaning can be given to them by using the theory of harmonic extensions of function. Depending on this argument, the expression of the propagator of the path integral corresponding to the deformed Heisenberg algebra, has been obtained. In particular, the consistent expression of the one dimensional free particle propagator has been evaluated explicitly. With this propagator in hand, it has been shown that, even in free particle case, normal generalized uncertainty principle and doubly special relativity show very much different result.     

ESR studies on calcite encrustation on Fili neotectonic fault, Greece

Electron spin resonance (ESR) study was done on calcite encrustation on Fili neotectonic fault surface, Greece. Normally such calcite encrustations on fault surfaces are not observed. Significantly, the ESR study has detected the presence of nitrate NO₃²⁻ radical in this calcite encrustation, havingg _⊥=2.0063±0.0001 and hyperfine coupling constantA _⊥=3.44 mT, the second such detection of nitrate NO₃²⁻ radical following a sample from Scott Glacier, Antarctica. From isochronal thermal annealing measurement the NO₃²⁻ radical was found to be quite stable, only fully annealed at 475°C. This study also shows that the ESR, as a tool, can be suitably applied to date the age of formation of the calcite encrustation with SO₃⁻ as an ESR dating signal by additive γ-ray irradiation. A preliminary estimation indicates the age of formation of calcite precipitation at Fili fault, Greece to be about 5600 years.     

Experimental characterization of hexatic smectic phases through electro-optic studies and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy

The electro-optic and complex dielectric behaviour of an antiferroelectric liquid crystal 4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)phenyl 4'-(n-butanoyloxyprop-1-oxy)biphenyl-4-carboxylate, having chiral SmC_A* and hexatic smectic phases, have been investigated. Complex dielectric permittivities were measured as a function of frequency, d.c. bias field and temperature. Spontaneous polarization was measured by the current reversal technique; tilt angle was measured under a polarizing microscope using a low frequency electric field. The electro-optic properties and dielectric behaviour of the material are compared with results obtained by DSC and polarizing optical microscopy. Dielectric relaxation processes in SmC_A* and hexatic smectic phases were determined. The dielectric strength at the SmC_A* to hexatic smectic phase transition is discussed in terms of coupling between the long range bond orientational order and smectic C director. It seems from the results of spontaneous polarization and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy that the material might possess an additional phase between the SmC_A* and hexatic smectic I* phases.     

Dielectric spectroscopy of a smectic liquid crystal

Complex dielectric spectroscopy (frequency range 5 Hz-13 MHz) has been used to analyse the frequency, temperature and bias-field dependences of the molecular dynamics of a very high-spontaneous-polarization ferroelectric liquid crystalline material exhibiting SmA, SmC* and unknown SmX smectic phases. Different smectic phase transition temperatures have been observed from the study of the temperature dependence of the dielectric strength and the relaxation frequency. The phase transition temperatures (crystalline to isotropic phases) have also been described very accurately from the temperature-dependent symmetric and asymmetric shape parameters of the relaxation function and also the dc conductivity. In a planar aligned cell, two symmetric modes (Goldstone mode and domain mode) have been observed in both the SmX and SmC* phases. One asymmetric mode (X-mode) observed in the SmC* and SmA phases could be related to the interaction of dipoles of the ferroelectric liquid crystals being affected by the surface of the cell. The soft mode, which usually appears very close to the SmC*-SmA phase transition was not observed until the bias field was applied. The second order nature of the SmC*-SmA phase transition was revealed.     

Electronic phase separation in transition metal oxide systems

Electronic phase separation is increasingly getting recognized as a phenomenon of importance in understanding the magnetic and electron transport properties of transition metal oxides. The phenomenon dominates the rare-earth manganates of the formula Ln(1-x)A(x)MnO(3)(Ln = rare earth and A = alkaline earth) which exhibit ferromagnetism and metallicity as well as charge-ordering, depending on the composition, size of A-site cations and external factors such as magnetic and electric fields. We discuss typical phase separation scenarios in the manganates, with particular reference to Pr(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(3)(x= 0.3-0.4), (La(1-x)Ln(x))(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO(3)(Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd and Y) and Nd(0.5)Sr(0.5)MnO(3). Besides discussing the magnetic and electron transport properties, we discuss electric field effects. Rare-earth cobaltates of the type Pr(0.7)Ca(0.3)CoO(3) and Gd(0.5)Ba(0.5)CoO(3) also exhibit interesting magnetic and electron transport properties which can be understood in terms of phase separation.     

Nanoparticles from cationic copolymer and DNA that are soluble and stable in common organic solvents

DNA by virtue of its superlative ability to self-assemble has found use beyond biological research in the design and fabrication of nanomaterials. However, developing novel DNA-based materials for chemical applications might be restricted due to the insoluble nature of DNA in most common organic solvents. In this Communication, we are reporting the first demonstration of making DNA soluble in a variety of nonbiological solvents such as acetonitrile, benzene, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and tetrahydrofuran with the help of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based cationic random copolymers. Because of complex formation between cationic copolymer and anionic DNA, nanoparticles are formed. These nanoparticles are expected to exhibit micelle-like structures with a nanometric core of cationic units neutralized by phosphate anions of DNA, surrounded by a shell of PEG segments. As PEG is soluble in the organic solvents used in this study, nanoparticles are stable in these solvents, making entrapped DNA soluble in these organic solvents.     

Synthesis of 5-ethynylorotic acid

Condensation of 2,4-dimethoxy-5-iodo-6-carbomethoxypyrimidine ( 10 ) with copper (I) 3-tetrahydropyranyloxyprop-1-ynide ( 4 ) afforded 2,4-dimethoxy-5-(3′-tetrahydropyranyloxyprop-1′-yn)-6-carbomethoxypyrimidine ( 11 ), which was hydrolyzed to produce 2,4-dimethoxy-5-(3′-hydroxyprop-1′-yn)-6-carbomethoxypyrimidine ( 12 ). Oxidation of 12 with dimethyl sulfoxide-oxalyl chloride reagent gave the acetylenic aldehyde ( 13 ), which on treatment with sodium methoxide in dry tetrahydrofuran yielded 2,4-dimethoxy-5-ethynyl-6-carbomethoxypyrimidine ( 14 ). The trimethylsilyl derivative ( 15 ) was deprotected by sequential treatment with iodotrimethylsilane and aqueous sodium hydroxide, leading to the formation of 5-ethynylorotic acid ( 1 ).     

A new route to obtain shape-controlled gold nanoparticles from Au(III)-beta-diketonates

Ligands with a beta-diketone skeleton have been employed for the first time as reductant to produce ligand stabilized gold nanoparticles of different shapes from aqueous HAuCl(4) solution. Evolution of stable gold nanoparticles follows first order (k approximately equal to 10(-2) min(-1)) kinetics with respect to Au(0) concentration. Growth of particles of different shapes (spherical or triangular or hexagonal) goes hand in hand under the influence of different beta-diketones, which have excellent capping and reducing properties. Chlorine insertion was observed to take place in the beta-diketone skeleton.     

Synthesis and DNA binding properties of pyrrole amino acid-containing peptides

Dimers of the pyrrole amino acid (Paa), 5-(aminomethyl)pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, and its derivatives having Lys anchored on N- and C-termini bind in the minor groove of DNA with considerable apparent binding affinities. When the Lys unit is attached to the C-terminus, the resulting ligand binds to ds-DNA with twice the affinity, of the order of 10⁵, than the one carrying two positive charges at the same end.