A quark model based on QCD scale anomaly

We consider a quark model based on QCD scale anomaly in which the quarks move in the field of an effective glueball field. Hadrons correspond to solitonic bags of higher energy density in a nonperturbative sea of condensed gluons. We calculate the static properties of nucleon in this model and find that the nucleon mass is far too large (2.4–4 GeV) and the proton charge radius (0.37–0.54 fm) is low. The proton gyromagnetic ratio and g_A/g_v are in reasonable agreement with the experimental numbers.     

Impedance and dielectric studies of ferroelectric SrBi2Nb2O9 ceramics

This paper reports the dielectric and impedance characteristics of ferroelectric SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ (SBN) ceramics in the 100 Hz-1 MHz frequency range at various temperatures (300-823 K). A strong low frequency dielectric dispersion (LFDD) associated with an impedance relaxation has been found to exist in these ceramics in the temperature range 573-823 K. The Z″ of the AC complex impedance showed two distinct slopes in the frequency range 100 Hz-1 MHz suggesting the existence of two dispersion mechanisms. This non-ideal behavior has been explained on the basis of the expression, Z*=R₀/(1+(iω/ω₁)^m+(iω/ω₂)ⁿ) [J. Phys. Chem. Solids 53 (1992) 1] where ω₁ and ω₂ characterize the lattice response and the charge carrier behavior, respectively. The exponents m and n were obtained from the curve fitting. The exponent n was found to exhibit a minimum at the Curie temperature, T_c (723 K) whereas the m was temperature independent.     

Effects of delayed linear electrical perturbation of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction: a case of complex mixed mode oscillations in a batch reactor

Delayed feedbacks are quite common in many physical and biological systems and in particular many physiological systems. Delay can cause a stable system to become unstable and vice versa. One of the well-studied non-biological chemical oscillators is the Belousov-Zhabotinskii (BZ) reaction. This gives relaxation oscillations for a considerable period of time under batch conditions. This paper deals with the effect of perturbing the limit cycle oscillation of BZ reaction by employing a delayed electrical feedback to the system under batch conditions. The parameters chosen to study are external resistance and delay. For various resistances and delays the system was electrically perturbed and found to exhibit various complex mixed mode oscillations. The dynamic features are accounted for by the Oregonator model, with time delay incorporated in one of the variables. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Adsorption of Pb(2+) ions on nanosized gamma-Fe(2)O(3): formation of surface ternary complexes on ligand complexation

Adsorption of Pb²⁺ ions on the combustion derived nanosized γ-Fe₂O₃ and its thiourea complex composite is reported. The adsorbents upon adsorption of Pb²⁺ ions are characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and infrared spectroscopy techniques. The eluent is characterised by atomic absorption spectroscopy for the estimation of Pb²⁺ ions. The reduction in the amount of lead after adsorption was estimated to be around 50% in case of complex composite adsorbent and around 15% in case of the γ-Fe₂O₃ adsorbents. Orthorhombic PbSO₄ precipitated out from the eluent and is reported with a model reaction. Adsorption of lead onto the complex composite is explained through the formation of a surface tertiary complex. The advantage of employing a thiourea-γ-Fe₂O₃ complex composite as solid adsorbent for the adsorption of heavy metal pollutants is envisaged in the present investigation.     

Studies on hydrogen ferrite phase in γ-Fe2O3 synthesised from ferrous fumarate half hydrate precursor

Thermal techniques viz., TG/DTA/DSC methods have been employed in understanding the formation and decomposition of hydrogen ferrite phase (H-F) as a metastable intermediate in the conversion of -Fe₂O₃·xH₂O, to -Fe₂O₃. Magnetic hysteresis measurements carried out at liquid N₂ and at room temperature for the vacancy ordered -Fe₂O₃ and its H-F phase also supplement these studies.The author thanks prof. M.R. Udpa, IIT, Madras for supplying TG/DTA data on Stanton Redcroft Instrument and to the Head, Department of Chemistry, S.P. University, Vallabh Vidyanagar for providing the facilities.     

Synthesis of homoceramides, novel ceramide analogues, and their lack of effect on the growth of hippocampal neurons

The synthesis of a new series of D-erythro-homoceramide analogues is described. Several synthetic approaches were investigated. Homoceramides can be successfully synthesized from L-homoserine as chiral building block and a protected Weinreb-amide as a key intermediate. The synthesis of short-chain analogues with a heptyl side chain, as well as with a phenyl residue in the sphingoid part (instead of the naturally occurring tridecyl side chain), was effected. The homoceramides 15-17 and 24 were investigated for their potential to reverse the inhibitory effect of fumonisin B(1) on axonal growth. Unfortunately, none of the tested compounds showed any biological activity due to their lack of metabolism to glucosylhomoceramide.     

Raney nickel reductions—VIII A synthesis of 1:2-benzanthracene and its 3′-methyl and 4-methyl derivatives

1:2-Benzanthracene and the 3′-methyl derivative have been prepared by Raney nickel reduction of the sulphuric esters of the leuco derivatives of 1:2-benzanthraquinone and 4′-chloro-3′-methyl-1:2-benzanthraquinone, followed by dehydrogenation. 3-Hydroxy-1:2-benzanthraquinone was methylated in the 4-position by formaldehyde, sodium hydrosulphite and sodium hydroxide solution (the Marschalk reaction). Simultaneous reduction of the nuclear hydroxyl and quinone groups was effected by Raney nickel reduction of the trisulphuric ester of 3:9:10-trihydroxy-4-methyl-1:2-benzanthracene, and the resultant hexahydro-4-methyl-1:2-benzanthracene was dehydrogenated to 4-methyl-1:2-benzanthracene. The preparation of 3:4:9:10-dibenzopyrene from Mayvat brilliant red AF by Raney nickel reduction of the sulphuric ester of the leuco derivative and subsequent dehydrogenation is described.