Electrochemical tuning and mechanical resilience of single-wall carbon nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are fascinating systems exhibiting many novel physical properties. In this paper, we give a brief review of the structural, electronic, vibrational, and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. In situ resonance Raman scattering of SWNTs investigated under electrochemical biasing demonstrates that the intensity of the radial breathing mode varies significantly in a nonmonotonic manner as a function of the cathodic bias voltage, but does not change appreciably under anodic bias. These results can be quantitatively understood in terms of the changes in the energy gaps between the 1 D van Hove singularities in the electron density of states, arising possibly due to the alterations in the overlap integral of pi bonds between the p-orbitals of the adjacent carbon atoms. In the second part of this paper, we review our high-pressure X-ray diffraction results, which show that the triangular lattice of the carbon nanotube bundles continues to persist up to similar to10 GPa. The lattice is seen to relax just before the phase transformation, which is observed at similar to10 GPa. Further, our results display the reversibility of the 2D lattice symmetry even after compression up to 13 GPa well beyond the 5 GPa value observed recently. These experimental results explicitly validate the predicted remarkable mechanical resilience of the nanotubes.

Numerical Modelling of the Observed Diurnal Cycle of Indian Monsoon Rainfall

We have analysed the diurnal cycle of rainfall over the Indian region (10S-35N, 60E-100E) using both satellite and in-situ data, and found many interesting features associated with this fundamental, yet under-explored, mode of variability. Since there is a distinct and strong diurnal mode of variability associated with the Indian summer monsoon rainfall, we evaluate the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) to simulate the observed diurnal rainfall characteristics. The model (at 54km grid-spacing) is integrated for the month of July, 2006, since this period was particularly favourable for the study of diurnal cycle. We first evaluate the sensitivity of the model to the prescribed sea surface temperature (SST), by using two different SST datasets, namely, Final Analyses (FNL) and Real-time Global (RTG). It was found that with RTG SST the rainfall simulation over central India (CI) was significantly better than that with FNL. On the other hand, over the Bay of Bengal (BoB), rainfall simulated with FNL was marginally better than with RTG. However, the overall performance of RTG SST was found to be better than FNL, and hence it was used for further model simulations. Next, we investigated the role of the convective parameterization scheme on the simulation of diurnal cycle of rainfall. We found that the Kain-Fritsch (KF) scheme performs significantly better than Betts-Miller-Janjić (BMJ) and Grell-Devenyi schemes. We also studied the impact of other physical parameterizations, namely, microphysics, boundary layer, land surface, and the radiation parameterization, on the simulation of diurnal cycle of rainfall, and identified the “best” model configuration. We used this configuration of the “best” model to perform a sensitivity study on the role of various convective components used in the KF scheme. In particular, we studied the role of convective downdrafts, convective timescale, and feedback fraction, on the simulated diurnal cycle of rainfall. The “best” model simulations, in general, show a good agreement with observations. Specifically, (i) Over CI, the simulated diurnal rainfall peak is at 1430 IST, in comparison to the observed 1430-1730 IST peak; (ii) Over Western Ghats and Burmese mountains, the model simulates a diurnal rainfall peak at 1430 IST, as opposed to the observed peak of 1430-1730 IST; (iii) Over Sumatra, both model and observations show a diurnal peak at 1730 IST; (iv) The observed southward propagating diurnal rainfall bands over BoB are weakly simulated by WRF. Besides the diurnal cycle of rainfall, the mean spatial pattern of total rainfall and its partitioning between the convective and stratiform components, are also well simulated. The “best” model configuration was used to conduct two nested simulations with one-way, three-level nesting (54-18-6km) over CI and BoB. While, the 54km and 18km simulations were conducted for the whole of July, 2006, the 6km simulation was carried out for the period 18 - 24 July, 2006. The results of our coarse- and fine-scale numerical simulations of the diurnal cycle of monsoon rainfall will be discussed.

Solubility and activity of oxygen in liquid nickel in equilibrium with -Al2O3 and NiO.(1+x)Al2O3

The limiting solubility of oxygen in liquid nickel in equilibrium withα-alumina and nickel aluminate has been measured by inert gas fusion analysis of suction samples in the temperature range 1730 to 1975 K. The corresponding oxygen potential has been monitored by a solid electrolyte cell consisting of calcia stabilized zirconia as the electrolyte and Mo + MoO2 as the reference electrode. The results can be summarized by the following equations: log(at. pct O) = \frac - 10,005T + 4.944 ( ±0.015)log(atpctO)=T−10005+4944(0015) % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn DmO2 /4.606RT = log P O2 1/2 = \frac - 13,550T + 4.411 ( ±0.009)O24606RT=logPO212=T−13550+4411(0009) From simultaneous measurements of the potential and concentration of oxygen in melts, not in thermodynamic equilibrium with alumina and aluminate phases, information on the composition dependence of the activity coefficient and the standard free energy of solution of oxygen is obtained. For the reaction, $\frac{1}{2} O_2 \to \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$Missing close brace ΔG o = -72,930 - 7.11T (±840) J gr.at.–1 = + 0.216 at. pct OlogfO=T−500+0216atpctO where the standard state for dissolved oxygen is that which makes the value of activity equal to the concentration (in at. pct) in the limit as concentration approaches zero. The oxygen solubility in liquid nickel in equilibrium with solid NiO, evaluated from thermodynamic data, is compared with information reported in the literature. Implications of the results to the deoxidation equilibria of aluminum in nickel are discussed.

Analysis of integrated optofluidic lab-on-a-chip sensor based on refractive index and absorbance sensing

The analysis of a fully integrated optofluidic lab-on-a-chip sensor is presented in this paper. This device is comprised of collinear input and output waveguides that are separated by a microfluidic channel. When light is passed through the analyte contained in the fluidic gap, optical power loss occurs owing to absorption of light. Apart from absorption, a mode-mismatch between the input and output waveguides occurs when the light propagates through the fluidic gap. The degree of mode-mismatch and quantum of optical power loss due to absorption of light by the fluid form the basis of our analysis. This sensor can detect changes in refractive index and changes in concentration of species contained in the analyte. The sensitivity to detect minute changes depends on many parameters. The parameters that influence the sensitivity of the sensor are mode spot size, refractive index of the fluid, molar concentration of the species contained in the analyte, width of the fluidic gap, and waveguide geometry. By correlating various parameters, an optimal fluidic gap distance corresponding to a particular mode spot size that achieves the best sensitivity is determined both for refractive index and absorbance-based sensing.

Network properties of decoys and CASP predicted models: a comparison with native protein structures

Protein structure space is believed to consist of a finite set of discrete folds, unlike the protein sequence space which is astronomically large, indicating that proteins from the available sequence space are likely to adopt one of the many folds already observed. In spite of extensive sequence-structure correlation data, protein structure prediction still remains an open question with researchers having tried different approaches (experimental as well as computational). One of the challenges of protein structure prediction is to identify the native protein structures from a milieu of decoys/models. In this work, a rigorous investigation of Protein Structure Networks (PSNs) has been performed to detect native structures from decoys/ models. Ninety four parameters obtained from network studies have been optimally combined with Support Vector Machines (SVM) to derive a general metric to distinguish decoys/models from the native protein structures with an accuracy of 94.11%. Recently, for the first time in the literature we had shown that PSN has the capability to distinguish native proteins from decoys. A major difference between the present work and the previous study is to explore the transition profiles at different strengths of non-covalent interactions and SVM has indeed identified this as an important parameter. Additionally, the SVM trained algorithm is also applied to the recent CASP10 predicted models. The novelty of the network approach is that it is based on general network properties of native protein structures and that a given model can be assessed independent of any reference structure. Thus, the approach presented in this paper can be valuable in validating the predicted structures. A web-server has been developed for this purpose and is freely available at http://vishgraph.mbu.iisc.ernet.in/GraProStr/PSN-QA.html.

Nest site characterization of sympatric hornbills in a tropical dry forest

Hornbills, among the largest and most threatened tropical frugivores, provide important seed dispersal services. Hornbill nest site characteristics are known primarily from wet tropical forests. Nests of the Indian grey hornbill Ocyceros birostris and Oriental pied hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris were characterized in a tropical dry forest. Despite A. albirostris being twice the size of O. birostris, few of the nest cavity attributes were different. A. albirostris nests were surrounded by higher proportion of mixed forest and lower sal forest compared to O. birostris. In this landscape, the larger A. albirostris may prefer to nest in sites with more food plants compared to the smaller O. birostris.

Evaluación de dieciseis variedades criollas de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) colectadas en diversas zonas de Nicaragua

Se evaluaron 16 materiales criollos de frijol común (Phaseolus vulqaris L.) con el objetivo de determinar su comportamiento en cuanto a crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento; así como la precocidad y composición química del grano. El ensayo se estableció en época de postrera en la Estación Experimental "La Compañía" en el Departamento de Carazo. El diseño utilizado fue Látice balanceado 4x4 modificado, 4 réplicas. En la evaluación se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: En el diámetro del tallo se obtuvieron variaciones entre 4.77 y 6.25 mm. Los primeros materiales florecieron a los 30 días después de la siembra. En cuanto a precocidad, Cuarenteño, Pepita, Rosado y Rojo Tico, maduraron primero, a los 60 días después de la siembra. El mayor número de vainas/planta (11.45) y granos/vaina (6.2) correspondió a Mono o Bayo. El peso de 1000 semillas fue superior para Rojo Seda con 227.5 g. Los mayores rendimientos correspondieron a Barreño (Acc.1730), Combinado (Acc.1287), Kaki (Acc.1234), Rojo Tico (Acc.1923) y Cuarenteño (Acc.2343), los que superaron los 1000 Kg/ha.

基于分段常滑翔角的长航时纵向远程滑翔飞行方程近似解

提出用包含地球旋转效应的n个常滑翔角飞行段近似实际滑翔飞行轨迹的方法。基于该方法推导了长航时纵向远程滑翔飞行轨迹近似解，并给出了各段常滑翔角、滑翔时间的求解方法及整个滑翔轨迹近似计算步骤。文中算例结果表明，该近似求解方法计算得到的滑翔航程和滑翔时间与实际值相差很小，航程误差率约为0．7％，时间误差率约为0．6％，因此该方法在近似小初始滑翔角的长航时远程纵向滑翔飞行时是有效的、可行的，尤其针对航程在地球半圈以上的滑翔飞行轨迹。

圆柱绕流三维不稳定性的低维Galerkin法分析

利用低维Galerkin方法及Floquet稳定性分析理论,计算分析了圆柱绕流的三维线性不稳定性.分析中构造了能较好描述尾迹区流动的周向基函数,建立了完备的合理的基函数组,改进了计算机算法.结果证实圆柱二维周期流对展向小扰动为不稳定的,正确地预计了出现三维长波不稳定性的临界雷诺数Re_c=190,扰动展向波长为λ_c=3.6d.对雷诺数Re为180,190两种工况下的圆柱三维绕流流场的计算进一步证实了这种流动的整体不稳定性.该文所预计的临界值比Noack等人的结果更为精确,与Barkley等人的DNS解一致,与Williamson的实验相符.

Efecto de tres tipos de ambientes sobre la viabilidad y potencial de almacenamiento en cuatro lotes de semillas de maiz (Zea mays L.) mediante la prueba de envejecimiento acelerado

En el Banco y Laboratorio de Semillas del Programa Recursos Genéticos Nicaragüenses (REGEN) se estableció un experimento en el periodo comprendido entre octubre de 1994 y marzo de 1995, con el objetivo de determinar el efecto de tres condiciones ambientales (cuarto frío, cuarto seco y ambiente) sobre cuatro lotes de semillas certificada de maíz, tomando como referencia la prueba de germinación estándar y de envejecimiento acelerado a los 10, 100 y 143 días después del almacenamiento. La germinación de la semilla sometida a prueba estándares y condiciones de estrés (germinación envejecida) se diferenciaron estadísticamente, así como los ambientes y cultivares evaluados en los tres períodos de almacenamiento. Los mayores porcentajes de germinación de los cultivares evaluados se obtuvieron en los ambientes fríos y secos. Asimismo, los mayores porcentajes de germinación iniciales lo presentaron los cultivares H-5 y NB-6, seguido de los cultivares NB-12. En lo que respecta a la germinación estándar, los menores porcentajes de germinación se obtuvieron en el segundo período de almacenamiento (68 % y 83 %) y entre 16 % y 78 % para la germinación con la prueba envejecida. A los 100 días de almacenar las semillas en la prueba de envejecimiento acelerado la variedad NB-6 presentó un 16 % de germinación (ambiente) y 47.5% a los 143 días de almacenamiento (cuarto frío). Al final del período la germinación (semillas envejecidas) aumentó positivamente quedando el siguiente orden: NB-12 B (78 %), H-5 (71 %), NB-12 A (64.5 %) y NB-6 (52.5 %).

Efecto de tres densidades de siembra y tres distancias entre hilera, sobre el crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento del cultivo de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Var. 887V2

Con el objetivo de determinar el efecto de diferentes densidades de siembra y distancias entre hileras sobre el crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento en el cultivo del sorgo (sorghum bicolor (L) Moench); se estableció un ensayo en la finca " El Plantel localizada en el kilómetro 42 carretera Tipitapa-Masaya, ubicada a 200 msnm, 12° 03' latitud norte y 86° 06' longitud oeste, en la época de postrera comprendido de agosto-diciembre. Los factores evaluados fueron Densidades de población (120000, 180000 y 240000 plantas/hectáreas) y Distancias entre hilera (8, 17 y 30 pulgadas). El diseño experimental utilizado fue un bifactorial en arreglo de bloques completamente al azar, con 4 repeticiones y 9 tratamientos. A los resultados de las variables evaluados se les aplico un análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) y separación de rangos múltiples de medias de Duncan con un x=0.05., a los tratamientos evaluados se les realizó un análisis económico para determinar su relación beneficio/costo. Los resultados reflejan, que los factores evaluados no presentaron efecto sobre las variables de crecimiento y desarrollo, a excepción de la evaluación de la altura a los 65 días después de siembra que fue afectada significativamente por el factor Distancia entre hilera. El factor densidad de siembra con excepción del peso de mil granos, afectó significativamente los componentes del rendimiento y el rendimiento de grano obteniéndose los mejores rendimientos con la densidad de 120000 plts/ha. Los resultados de la Distancia entre hilera sobre los componentes del rendimiento, reflejan un efecto significativo sobre estas variables y el rendimiento, siendo a la distancia entre hileras de 30 pulgadas la que presentó los mayores valores. Los resultados del análisis económico determinaron que el tratamiento 120000 plantas por hectáreas y 30 pulgadas entre hilera (A1B3), presentó los mayores valores de relación beneficio/costo con 3.7 unidades monetarias, seguido por el tratamiento 120000 plantas por hectárea y 17 pulgadas entre hilera (A1B2).

Reajuste dos benefícios previdenciários

Consultoria de Orçamento e Fiscalização Financeira - Núcleo Trabalho, Previdência e Assistência Social.

Spawn production of common carp

(4 p.)

A Review of the Aquatic Environmental Fate of Triclopyr and its Major Metabolites

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the aquatic environmental fate of triclopyr and its major metabolites, TCP and TMP. This review is primarily based on results of laboratory and field studies conducted by various Federal Agencies and the registrant to support the US aquatic registration for triclopyr TEA.

Joannis Clerici ars critica, in qua ad studia linguarum latinae, graecae, et hebraicae via munitur : veterumque emendandorum spuriorum scriptorum a genuinis dignoscendorum, & judicandi de eorum libris ratio traditur

Jean Le Clerc nasceu em Genebra em 1657 e morreu em Amsterdã em 1736. Erudito suíço distinguiu-se como historiador, crítico, teólogo e filósofo. Suas doutrinas filosóficas carecem de unidade e foram, basicamente, fundamentadas em obras de escritores ingleses. Como pastor protestante exerceu o sacerdócio em Londres, tendo aplicado em seus estudos de teologia e exegese bíblica um critério de extrema liberdade, o que o levou a ser acusado de sociniano. Alguns de seus trabalhos foram publicados sob o pseudônimo de Joannes Phereponus. ‘Ars critica’ teve sua primeira edição em 1697. Editado em dois volumes. Contém regras para o estudo dos autores gregos e latinos clássicos, constituindo um tratado de crítica geral e dicionário para o entendimento desses autores. A quarta edição de ‘Ars critica’ foi acrescida de um terceiro volume. Considera-se a edição de 1730 a melhor dentre as publicadas. E uma obra que exigiu uma imensa erudição e grande conhecimento filosófico para sua realização