Highly photoactive heterostructures of PbO quantum dots on TiO2

We present a non-hydrolytic sol-gel combustion method for synthesizing nanocomposites of PbO quantum dots on anatase TiO2 with a high surface area. XRD, electron microscopy, DRS, cathodoluminescence and BET were employed for structural, microstructural and optical characterization of the composites. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and PbO/TiO2 was investigated and compared with Degussa P-25. The results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of quantum dot dispersed TiO2 is higher than that of bare TiO2 and much higher than that of commercial Degussa P-25. The origin of enhanced photoreactivity of the synthesized material can be assigned to a synergetic effect of high surface area, higher number of active sites and an engineered band structure in the heterostructure. The mechanisms for photocatalytic activity are discussed based on production of photogenerated reactive species. The knowledge gained through this report open up ideal synthesis routes for designing advanced functional heterostructures with engineered band structure and has important implications in solar energy based applications.

Hydrothermal synthesis of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors: Effect of surfactant on structural and luminescence properties

Various morphologies of Eu3+ activated gadolinium oxide have been prepared by hydrothermal method using hexadecylamine (HDA) as surfactant at different experimental conditions. The powder X-ray diffraction studies reveal as-formed product is hexagonal Gd(OH)(3):Eu3+ phase and subsequent heat treatment at 350 and 600 degrees C transforms to monoclinic GdOOH:Eu3+ and cubic Gd2O3:Eu3+ phases respectively. SEM pictures of without surfactant show irregular shaped rods along with flakes. However, in the presence of HDA surfactant, the particles are converted into rods of various sizes. The temperature dependent morphological evolution of Gd2O3:Eu3+ without and with HDA surfactant is studied. TEM micrographs of Gd(OH)(3):Eu3+ sample with HDA confirms smooth nanorods with various diameters in the range 20-100 nm. FTIR studies reveal that HDA surfactant plays an important role in conversion of cubic to hexagonal phases. Among these three phases, cubic phase Gd2O3:Eu3+ (lambda(ex) = 254 nm) show red emission at 612 nm corresponding to D-5(0)-> F-7(2) and is more efficient host than the monoclinic counterpart. The band gap for hexagonal Gd(OH)(3):Eu3+ is more when compared to monoclinic GdOOH:Eu3+ and cubic Gd2O3:Eu3+. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Investigations of Ramachandran disallowed conformations in protein domain families

In peptide and protein structures, occurrence of (phi,psi.) angles in the disallowed region of the Ramachandran map almost always suggests local regions of error or poor accuracy. However, very rarely genuine disallowed conformations occur as noted in the current study in proteins of known structure available at ultra-high resolution (<= 1.2 (A) over circle). In the current work, extent of conservation of genuine disallowed conformations in homologous proteins of known structures has been analyzed. From a dataset of 124 protein domain families, with structure of at least one constituent member in each family available at a resolution of 1.2 (A) over circle or better, we have analyzed the conservation of 221 disallowed conformations. It is observed that the disallowed conformation is only moderately conservedin protein domain families. In the gross dataset no particular residue type adopting disallowed conformation elicit high conservation of residue type though there are alignment positions in the dataset with complete conservation of both the residue type and the disallowed conformation. Conserved disallowed conformation in protein domain families play biologically significant role in roughly 50% of the cases. The residues with the disallowed conformation or its flanking residues are often located within or around the functional site of the protein. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of degree of sphericity of primary phase during cooling slope casting of A356 Al alloy: Taguchi method and regression analysis

The present work presents the results of experimental investigation of semi-solid rheocasting of A356 Al alloy using a cooling slope. The experiments have been carried out following Taguchi method of parameter design (orthogonal array of L-9 experiments). Four key process variables (slope angle, pouring temperature, wall temperature, and length of travel of the melt) at three different levels have been considered for the present experimentation. Regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) has also been performed to develop a mathematical model for degree of sphericity evolution of primary alpha-Al phase and to find the significance and percentage contribution of each process variable towards the final outcome of degree of sphericity, respectively. The best processing condition has been identified for optimum degree of sphericity (0.83) as A(3), B-3, C-2, D-1 i.e., slope angle of 60 degrees, pouring temperature of 650 degrees C, wall temperature 60 degrees C, and 500 mm length of travel of the melt, based on mean response and signal to noise ratio (SNR). ANOVA results shows that the length of travel has maximum impact on degree of sphericity evolution. The predicted sphericity obtained from the developed regression model and the values obtained experimentally are found to be in good agreement with each other. The sphericity values obtained from confirmation experiment, performed at 95% confidence level, ensures that the optimum result is correct and also the confirmation experiment values are within permissible limits. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Raman Evidence for Coupling of Superconducting Quasi-Particles with a Phonon and Crystal Field Excitation in Superconductor Ce0.6Y0.4FeAsO0.8F0.2

We report inelastic light scattering experiments on superconductor Ce0.6Y0.4FeAsO0.8F0.2 from 4K to 300K covering the superconducting transition temperature T-c similar to 48.6K. A strong evidence of the superconductivity induced phonon renormalization for the A(1g) phonon mode near 150cm(-1) associated with the Ce/Y vibrations is observed as reflected in the anomalous red-shift and decrease in the linewidth below T-c. Invoking the coupling of this mode with the superconducting gap, the superconducting gap (2 Delta) at zero temperature is estimated to be similar to 20meV i.e the ratio 2 Delta(0)/k(B)T(c) is similar to 5, suggesting Ce0.6Y0.4FeAsO0.8F0.2 to belong to the class of strong coupling superconductors. In addition, the mode near 430cm(-1) associated with Ce3+ crystal field excitation also shows anomalous increase in its linewidth below T-c suggesting strong coupling between crystal field excitation and the superconducting quasi-particles.

Thermal Response on the Microstructure and Texture of ECAP and Cold-Rolled Pure Magnesium

This paper deals with dynamic recrystallization (DRX), static recrystallization, and grain growth phenomena of pure magnesium after equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) by route A and B-C at 523 K (250 A degrees C) followed by 80 pct cold rolling. The ECAP-deformed and the subsequently rolled samples were annealed at 373 K and 773 K (100 A degrees C and 500 A degrees C). The associated changes in the microstructure and texture were studied using electron back-scattered diffraction. ECAP produced an average grain size of 12 to 18 A mu m with B and C-2 fiber textures. Subsequent rolling led to an average grain size 8 to 10 A mu m with basal texture fiber parallel to ND. There was no noticeable increase in the average grain size on annealing at 373 K (100 A degrees C). However, significant increase in the average grain size occurred at 773 K (500 A degrees C). The occurrence of different DRX mechanisms was detected: discontinuous dynamic recrystallization was attributed to basal slip activity and continuous dynamic recovery and recrystallization to prismatic/pyramidal slip systems. Only continuous static recrystallization could be observed on annealing.

Chemical-free graphene by unzipping carbon nanotubes using cryo-milling

Current paper reports synthesis of chemical free graphene by unzipping of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using high strain rate deformation at 150K. A specially designed cryomill operating at 150 K was used for the experiments. The mechanism of unzipping was further explored using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Both experimental and simulation results reveal two modes of unzipping through radial and shear loading. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spin-reorientation and weak ferromagnetism in antiferromagnetic TbMn0.5Fe0.5O3

Orthorhombic single crystals of TbMn0.5Fe0.5O3 are found to exhibit spin-reorientation, magnetization reversal, and weak ferromagnetism. Strong anisotropy effects are evident in the temperature dependent magnetization measurements along the three crystallographic axes a, b, and c. A broad magnetic transition is visible at T-N(Fe/Mn) = 286K due to paramagnetic to A(x)G(y)C(z) ordering. A sharp transition is observed at T-SR(Fe/Mn) = 28 K, which is pronounced along c axis in the form of a sharp jump in magnetization where the spins reorient to G(x)A(y)F(z) configuration. The negative magnetization observed below T-SR(Fe/Mn) along c axis is explained in terms of domain wall pinning. A component of weak ferromagnetism is observed in field-scans along c-axis but below 28 K. Field-induced steps-like transitions are observed in hysteresis measurement along b axis below 28 K. It is noted that no sign of Tb-order is discernible down to 2K. TbMn0.5Fe0.5O3 could be highlighted as a potential candidate to evaluate its magneto-dielectric effects across the magnetic transitions. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

One pot auto-ignition based synthesis of novel Sr2CeO4: Ho3+ nanophosphor for photoluminescent applications

Ho3+ (0.25-7 mol%) doped Sr2CeO4 nanophosphors were synthesized by solution combustion method using urea as fuel. The structural properties of the nanophosphors were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction studies (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. UV-Visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic techniques were used for analysing the optical properties of the nanoparticles. PXRD and TEM results revealed the formation of Sr2CeO4: Ho3+ nanocrystalline particles with orthorhombic crystal structure. From the UV-Vis studies the optical band gap energy found to decrease from 5.9 to 5.74 eV with increase in dopant concentration. The PL spectra exhibit the broad excitation band from 200 to 400 nm which concurs well with the commercial near UV LED. The PL spectra vary with the dopant content due to energy transfer from the host to the activator. In this present work we demonstrate that color tuning of phosphor can be achieved by merely varying the Ho3+ ions concentration. The CIE and CCT chromaticity coordinates suggests Sr2CeO4: Ho3+ nanophosphors may be potentially applicable as promising single - phased phosphors for lighting applications. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Eu3+-activated ZnO superstructures: Photoluminescence, Judd-Ofelt analysis and Sunlight photocatalytic properties

Photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties of Eu-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by facile phyto route. XPS results demonstrated the existence of Eu3+ as dopant into ZnO. Morphologies of the NPs were mainly dependent on Eu3+ and Aloe vera gel. Red shift of energy band gap was due to the creation of intermediate energy states of Eu3+ and oxygen vacancies in the band gap. PL emission of ZnO:Eu3+ (1-11 mol%, 8 ml and 7 mol%, 2-12 ml) exhibit characteristic peaks of D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transitions. From the Judd-Ofelt analysis, intensities of transitions between different.' levels dependent on the symmetry of the local environment of Eu3+ ions. CIE chromaticity co-ordinates confirm reddish emission of the phosphor. Further, NPs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (94%) under Sunlight was attributed to crystallite size, band gap, morphology and oxygen vacancies. In addition, photocatalyst reusability studies were conducted and found that Eu-doped catalyst could be reused several times with negligible decrease in catalytic activity. The present work directs new possibilities to provide some new insights into the design of new phyto synthesized nanophosphors for display devices, photocatalysts with high activity for environmental clean-up and solar energy conversion. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High temperature deformation behavior of Nb-1 wt.%Zr alloy

The hot deformation behavior of Nb-1 wt.%Zr alloy was studied using uniaxial compression tests carried out in vacuum to a true strain of 0.6 in the temperature range of 900 to 1700 degrees C and the strain rate range of 3 x 10(-3) to 10 s(-1). The optimum regime of hot workability of Nb-1Zr alloy was determined from the strain rate sensitivity (m) contour plots. A high m of about 02 was obtained in the temperature and strain rate range of 1200-1500 degrees C and 10(-3) to 10(-1) s(-1) and 1600-1700 degrees C and 10(-1) to 1 s(-1). Microstructure of the deformed samples showed features of dynamic recrystallization within the high strain rate sensitivity domain. Compared to the study on Nb-1Zr-0.1C alloy, Nb-1Zr showed a lower flow stress and an optimum hot working domain at lower temperatures. In the 1500 to 1700 degrees C range the apparent activation energy of deformation for Nb-1Zr was 259 kJ mol(-1), the stress exponent 5, and the activation volume about 200 to 700 b(3). (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluaci��n productiva y reproductiva del hato de la finca "San Benito" Telica, León, Nicaragua

El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de estudiar el efecto de los diferentes factores ambientales y genético (RAZAV, NUMPA, AÑOP, EPOCA), sobre el comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de un hato bovino del municipio de Telica, departamento de León, en la finca "San Benito". Además se caracterizó la curva general de lactancia para la cual se utiliz�� el modelo Yx = axb e-ex. En donde "a" es el par��metro asociado con la producci��n inicial, "b" señala el ascenso al pico, "c" es la declinación de la producción post-pico y Yx es la producci��n diaria en el período "x". Se analizaron los registros productivos y reproductivos correspondiente al per��odo de 1990 a 1992, las características estudiadas fueron: PLTOT, PL305, LARLA e IEP. En el análisis se utilizó el procedimiento de m��nimos cuadrados mediante el an��lisis de varianza <ANDEVA>, se evalu�� el efecto de raza, nOmero de parto, año de parto y época de parto. Este análisis mostr�� un efecto altamente significativo (p<0.01) del año de parto sobre las características PLTOT, PL305 y LARLA. La época de parto resultó altamente significativa (p<0.01), para las caracter��sticas PL305 y LARLA, y resultó significativa (p<0.05), para PLTOT. EL efecto de la raza de la vaca y el n��mero de parto resultó no significativo para todas las variables estudiadas, así mismo, el estudio de las características: intervalo entre parto resultó no significativa Las medias de mínimos cuadrados reportados en este estudio fueron: 1287.30��464.77 kg, 1392.99��554.53 kg ,277.72 días y 468.06±32.62 días para PLTOT, PL305, LARLA e IEP respectivamente, resultando estos valores superiores a los reportados a nivel nacional. Las medias de mínimos cuadrados para los parámetros de la curva de lactancia fueron: 3.37��3.17, 0.36��0.24" 0.005±0.004 para ��a���, "b" y "c" respectivamente.

Curva de lactancia para un hato criollo lechero reyna en condiciones de tr��pico seco

Con el objetivo de caracterizar la curva de lactancia y evaluar los efectos ambientales, a��o de parto (AAPAR), época de parto (E) y número de parto (NUMPA) asociados con los parámetros de la curva de lactancia, se analizaron registros mensuales (N=241) de vacas criollo Reyna bajo condiciones de trópico seco en la Hacienda "El Pino" Rivas, Nicaragua, los que corresponden a los años 1982-1989. Para la caracterización de la curva de lactancia, se utiliz�� el modelo propuesto por Wood (1967) de forma linealizada Ln Yx =Ln a + b Ln x - cx, donde Yx es la producci��n diaria en el periodo x, a representa la producción inicial, b el ascenso al pico, c descenso de producción. A partir del mismo se generaron la persistencia S, rendimiento al pico RP, tiempo al pico TP. La proporción de curvas at��picas encontradas en el presente estudio, fu�� de 23.21 . Al analizar la curva de lactancia general se observa un a = 1.94t +-0.l7 Kg, b =0.52+-0.04 Kg, c =0.006622+-0.000423 Kg, RP=6.13+-0.11 Kg, TP=89.17+-5.07 d��as y S = 7.78+-0.13; determin��ndose una curva sobreestimada producto de un valor para b sumamente grande. En el análisis de varianza se encontr�� que el factor ��poca fue el que ejerci�� una mayor influencia sobre las caracter��sticas en estudio. Las medias de m��nimos cuadrados y su error est��ndar según la época de parto, fueron de 2.25+-0.20 Kg, 0.50+-0.04 Kg, 0.007344+-0.0005 Kg para a, b y c respectivamente y para RP, TP y S de 6.38+-0.14 Kq, 67.64+-6.06 d��as y 7.49+-0.15 en la ��poca 1 (Mayo-Octubre). En la ��poca 2 (Noviembre-Abril) fueron de 1.63+-0.25 Kg para a, 0.52+-0.06 Kg para b, 0.005899+-0.0006 Kg para c y para RP, TP y s de 5.88+-0.17 Kg, l10.7l+-7.53 días y 8.07+-0.09 respectivamente. Los valores estimados para las correlaciones fenot��picas (rs) entre a y b, a y S resultaron de -0.71 y -0.75 respectivamente, y entre PL305 y a, PL305 y c, TP y s b y c, y entre b y S fueron de -0.00, -0.25, 0.66, 0.70 Y 0.84, respectivamente, presentando el resto de las estimaciones correlaciones cercanas a cero.

Efecto del sistema lactoperoxidasa en la conservación de la leche cruda en dos fincas de la comunidad Monte Rosa, El Rama - RAAS, Nicaragua

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de conocer el efecto del sistema lactoperoxidasa, mejor conocido como stabilak, para la conservación de la leche, se desarrollo un estudio en El Rama ubicado en la Región Aut��noma Sur de Nicaragua, en las fincas El paraíso y Las Lomas, del 17 de Agosto al 24 de Septiembre – 2011, se determinaron dos tratamientos T1 con stabilak y T2 sin stabilak o testigo, se tomaron un total de 480 muestras y se analizaron, para valorar su calidad. En las fincas seleccionadas se realizó el muestreo, tres veces por semana, en cada día se tomaba tres muestras de leche, para cada una de ellas se les determinó la prueba de acidez (204 muestras) y la prueba de alcohol (204 muestras), excepto para la prueba de reductasa que se realiz�� una por d��a (72 muestras). Los datos, se pr ocesaron en los programas estadísticos SAS y SPSS. Se encontró que los mejores comportamientos de preservación de la leche fue en la finca Las Lomas y cuando se utilizó el stabilak, donde la acidez reportó veinte y siete muestras con acidez aceptable, de 1 5 a 16 ml NaOH 0.1N/100 ml, con la prueba de alcohol, veinte y siete muestras negativas, en cambio en El Paraíso, veinte y cuatro muestras con acidez aceptable y con la prueba de alcohol reportaron 27 muestras negativas. La clasificación de la leche, A, B y C, se realizó, con la prueba de Reductasa en: A Las Lomas con 13 muestras y El Paraíso con 8, en B: 10 muestras en El Paraíso, 5 en Las Lomas, en C no se reportó ninguna. En conclusi��n, el efecto del stabilak, mantiene los parámetros de calidad, según normativas nacional, Siendo el sistema lactoperoxidasa m��s eficaz, cuando se aplican las buenas pr��cticas de higiene en el orde��o.