A noble and single source precursor for the synthesis of metal-rich sulphides embedded in an N-doped carbon framework for highly active OER electrocatalysts

Here, we demonstrate a green and environment-friendly pyrolysis route for the synthesis of metal-rich sulphide embedded in an N-doped carbon (NC) framework in the absence of sulphide ions (S2-). The metal-chelate complex (tris(ethylenediamine) metal(II) sulfate) serves as a new and single source precursor for the synthesis of earth abundant and non-precious hybrid structures such as metal-rich sulphides Co9S8@NC and Ni3S2@ NC when M-II = Co2+ and Ni2+ and counter sulphate (SO42-) ions are the source of S. Both the hybrids show superior OER activity as compared to commercial RuO2.

Transient potassium channels augment degeneracy in hippocampal active dendritic spectral tuning

Hippocampal pyramidal neurons express an intraneuronal map of spectral tuning mediated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-gated nonspecific-cation channels. Modeling studies have predicted a critical regulatory role for A-type potassium (KA) channels towards augmenting functional robustness of this map. To test this, we performed patch-clamp recordings from soma and dendrites of rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons, and measured spectral tuning before and after blocking KA channels using two structurally distinct pharmacological agents. Consistent with computational predictions, we found that blocking KA channels resulted in a significant reduction in resonance frequency and significant increases in input resistance, impedance amplitude and action-potential firing frequency across the somato-apical trunk. Furthermore, across all measured locations, blocking KA channels enhanced temporal summation of postsynaptic potentials and critically altered the impedance phase profile, resulting in a significant reduction in total inductive phase. Finally, pair-wise correlations between intraneuronal percentage changes (after blocking KA channels) in different measurements were mostly weak, suggesting differential regulation of different physiological properties by KA channels. Our results unveil a pivotal role for fast transient channels in regulating theta-frequency spectral tuning and intrinsic phase response, and suggest that degeneracy with reference to several coexisting functional maps is mediated by cross-channel interactions across the active dendritic arbor.

High performance nanocomposite thin film transistors with bilayer carbon nanotube-polythiophene active channel by ink-jet printing

Nanocomposite thin film transistors (TFTs) based on nonpercolating networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polythiophene semiconductor [poly [5, 5′ -bis(3-dodecyl-2-thienyl)- 2, 2′ -bithiophene] (PQT-12)] thin film hosts are demonstrated by ink-jet printing. A systematic study on the effect of CNT loading on the transistor performance and channel morphology is conducted. With an appropriate loading of CNTs into the active channel, ink-jet printed composite transistors show an effective hole mobility of 0.23 cm 2 V-1 s-1, which is an enhancement of more than a factor of 7 over ink-jet printed pristine PQT-12 TFTs. In addition, these devices display reasonable on/off current ratio of 105-10 6, low off currents of the order of 10 pA, and a sharp subthreshold slope (<0.8 V dec-1). The work presented here furthers our understanding of the interaction between polythiophene polymers and nonpercolating CNTs, where the CNT density in the bilayer structure substantially influences the morphology and transistor performance of polythiophene. Therefore, optimized loading of ink-jet printed CNTs is crucial to achieve device performance enhancement. High performance ink-jet printed nanocomposite TFTs can present a promising alternative to organic TFTs in printed electronic applications, including displays, sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and disposable electronics. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.

Estudio del efecto de diferentes densidades de siembra sobre el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo del mani (Arachis hypogaea L.)

El presente trabajo se planificó con la finalidad de determinar el efecto de diferentes densidades de siembra (86,667 plantas/ha tratamiento A 100,000 plantas/ha tratamiento B 111,111 plantas/ha tratamiento C; 114 286 plantas/ha tratamiento D 125,000 plantas/ha tratamiento E y 133,333 plantas/ha tratamiento F) sobre el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo del maní, bajo las condiciones ecológicas de la finca la Concepción, Nagarote León. El ensayo se estableció en la época de postrera de 1999, utilizándose un diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones, encontrándose que la variable altura de planta presentó diferencias significativas a los 30, 45, 60 y 75. El diámetro del tallo y número de hojas por planta presentaron diferencias significativas a los 45, 60 y 75 días después de la siembra. De las variables evaluadas para el rendimiento y sus principales componentes solamente se encontró diferencias significativas para el número de frutos por planta, número de nódulos por planta, número de plantas por metro cuadrado y rendimiento de granel efecto de los tratamientos para las variables número de semillas por fruto y peso de mil granos resultó ser no significativo. Así mismo se observó, que de las seis densidades de siembra evaluadas, la que dio el mayor rendimiento fue la de 125,000 plantas/ha y cuando la densidad de siembra se incrementa por encima de esta el rendimiento de grano disminuye.