Determination of Fe(II)-Fe(III) & of Fe(II)-U(IV) in Binary Mixtures by Ce(IV) & V(V) in Phosphoric Acid Medium

213-21

Large nonlinear absorption and refraction coefficients of carbon nanotubes estimated from femtosecond Z-scan measurements

Nonlinear transmission of 80 and 140 femtosecond pulsed light with $0.79 \mu m$ wavelength through single walled carbon nanotubes suspended in water containing sodium dodecyl sulphate is studied. Pulse-width independent saturation absorption and negative cubic nonlinearity are observed, respectively, in open and closed aperture Z-scan experiments. The theoretical expressions derived to analyze the z-dependent transmission in the saturable limit require two photon absorption coefficient $\beta_0\sim$ $1.4 cm/MW$ and a nonlinear index $\gamma \sim -5.5 \times10^{-11} cm^2/W$ to fit the data.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures. Accepted and to appear in Applied Physics Letter

Studies of Phosphazenes: Part II*-Reactions of Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazatriene with N-Methylaniline

823-82

Coulomb Interactions and Nanoscale Electronic Inhomogeneities in Manganites

We address the issue of endemic electronic inhomogeneities in manganites using extensive simulations on a new model with Coulomb interactions amongst two electronic fluids, one localized (polaronic), the other extended (band-like), and dopant ions. The long range Coulomb interactions frustrate phase separation induced by the strong on site repulsion between the fluids. A single quantum phase ensues which is intrinsically and strongly inhomogeneous at a nano-scale, but homogeneous on meso-scales, with many characteristics (including colossal responses)that agree with experiments. This, we argue, is the origin of nanoscale inhomogeneities in manganites, rather than phase competition and disorder related effects as often proposed.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Growth and reproductive parameters of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata)

The present paper summarizes some of the important biological and physiological data recorded over a 30-year period on the biology of bonnet monkeys in captivity. Data on sexual maturity, menstrual cyclicity, general behaviour, endocrine profile, reproductive physiology, gestation, parturition, postpartum amenorrhoea in the female, and sexual maturity, hormone profile, and seasonal variation in sperm count of the male monkeys are presented. In addition to the biological values, weights of selected organs, vertebral and dental pattern are also presented. Menarche occurred at an age of 36±4 months and the first conception in the colony occurred at an age of 54±4 months. The average menstrual cycle length was 28±4.3 days. Majority of monkeys did not cycle regularly during March-June during which the temperature reached a peak. The pregnancy index of the colony was 80% with controlled breeding. The gestation period was 166±5 days with 6-7 months postpartum amenorrhoea. Males attained sexual maturity by the age of 6-7 years and exhibited the characteristic nocturnal surge of serum testosterone at this age and sperm concentration ranged from 116-799 millions/ejaculate

Seaweed resources of the Tuticorin-Tiruchendur coast, Tamil Nadu, India

The southern coast of Tamil Nadu (Mandapam to Kanyakumari) supports luxuriant growth of economic seaweeds. The entire indigenous phycocoUoid industry of the country gets the raw material from this region and during the last two decades, due to indiscriminate harvesting, there has been over-exploitation of the resource. The present paper deals with survey conducted in the first sector from Tuticorin to Tiruchendur during December 1986—March 1987. In this study 58 species of marine algae were recorded of which 7 belong to Chlorophyta, 12 to Phaeophyta and 39 to Rhodophyta besides 3 species of seagrasses namely Cymodocea seiriilata, Halophila ovalis and //. ovata within 650 sq. km area surveyed. The total standing crop of the seaweeds was estimated at 9,100 tonnes (wt.). The estimates for the dominant species are Dictyota maxima 530 t, Sargassum tenerrium 640 t, D. bartayresiana 8601, Selieria rebusta 2,0901 and Hypnea valemiae 2,4301. The seaweed potential for commercial exploitation has been briefly discussed

Performance Evaluation and Experimental Studies on Metallised Gel Propellants

Metallised gel propellants offer higher specific impulse and volumetric loading, reduced vaporisation loss, spillage and slosh problems and easy storage in comparison to the conventional liquid propellants. Theoretical performance analysis of gel propellant containing Al in unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine-dinitrogen tetroxide (UDMH-N/sub 2/O/sub 4} system shows peak Isp (vacuum condition) of 316.7 s and 318.3 s at oxidiser/fuel (O/f) ratios of 1.5 and 1.0, respectively for 30 per cent and 40 per cent UDMH-Al gel propellants, under standard conditions. The effect of other parameters like area ratio and chamber pressure on performance has been brought out in view of mission oriented applications. Aluminium has been found to be a better choice over magnesium in metallised gel propellants. Experimental studies on UDMH gellation using propellant grade (15 micrometer)and pyrotechnic grade (1.5 micrometer)Al in 500g batch level show that gellant(methyl cellulose) concentration could be reduced by 50 percent using pyrotechnic grade Al. The pseudoplastic-thixotropic behaviour, flow rate through die holes, burst pressure tests and bulk density are studied. UDMH -25 to 30 per cent Al gels with both grades of Al are found to be stable, pseudoplastic (shear thinning) and thixotropic (time-dependent shear thinning), but their flow pattern through die holes differ in nature

Effect of chronic administration of 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone on serum testosterone, number of spermatozoa and fertility in adult male bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata)

Hormonal approaches to male contraception that are based on the suppression of LH secretion require androgen replacement treatment to maintain sexual behaviour and secondary sexual characteristics. Androgen supplementation not only involves large and frequent doses of testosterone esters but also results in undesirable effects on the prostate gland. In an attempt to avoid such problems, a synthetic androgen, 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT), which is much more potent than testosterone, has been developed. In the present study, MENT was administered at different doses (25, 50, 100, 300 and 1000 μg day−1 either alone or in combination with oestradiol via Silastic implants for a specified period to adult male bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata). Blood and semen samples were collected at specific intervals and analysed for serum testosterone and seminal parameters, respectively. The results of the present study clearly indicate that administration of MENT at all doses tested results in suppression of the nocturnal surge of testosterone (by day 3), as well as a decrease in the number of spermatozoa (by day 45). Co-administration of oestradiol resulted in a reduction in the dose of MENT required to suppress the nocturnal surge. None of the male bonnet monkeys treated with MENT were able to impregnate females, clearly demonstrating the efficacy of MENT in blocking fertility in male bonnet monkeys

Effect of some adverse factors on the diversity and distribution of marine macro algae along the Indian coasts

The diversity and distribution of marine macro algal resources of Indian waters are affected since early 1970s due to over exploitation, sediment deposition and discharge of effluents, changes in the environmental factors, water temperature, light intensity, tidal waves, cyclones and consequence of bottom trawl fishing. As a result, there is decrease in algal production in Gulf of Mannar, Andhra coast and Kerala coast. On the other hand, there is rising demand for the phycocolloids viz. agar, algin, carrageenan and others. In this context there is an urgent need for conservation and better exploitation of the resources. Regulation of exploitation, control of pollution by domestic and industrial effluents, conducting algal culture are proposed as measures to overcome the damage to natural algal stocks to enable conservation and sustained production. Attempts have to be made to assess the availability and distribution of marine algae in deeper waters using remote sensing techniques, spot satellite imagery as is done in France (Brittany), English Channel and Australia. The details are discussed in the paper

Distribution of sea weeds off Kattapadu - Tiruchendur coast, Tamil nadu

The present paper deals with the distribution of seaweeds and seagrasses during the deep sea survey conducted in the first sector from Kattapadu to Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu coast between December 1986 and March 1987 covering an area of 650 sq.km. In thiS survey. 58 species of marine algae \\ere recorded. of which 7 belong to Chlorophyta. 12 to Phaeophyta and 39 to Rhodophyta. Three species of seagrasses vi z. Cymodocea serrl/lata. Halophila ovails and H. ovala were also recorded at the depths ranging from 5.5 to 21.5 III Halim eda macroloba, D,ClyOIO barlayresiana, D. Maxima, Gracliaria corl/cala var. corlicala, G. edulis, Sarcodia indica, Sarconema filiform e, Soliena rob"sla, flypnea esperi and H. "alenliae were found to be dominant and widely distributed. Hydrological data were also collected from area surveyed. The atmospheric and bottom water temperature varied from 25.0 to 36.8'C and 26.0 to 31.8'C respectively. The pH ranged from 8.3 to 8.6 and the salinity from 26.39 to 33.430/00 . The dissolved oxygen ranged from 3A2 to 6.47 mill. The phosphate content varied from 0.05 to 0. 15 I'g atm/ l, silicate from 4.00 to 12.00 I'g atmll, nitrate from 0.25 to 1.00 I'g at mil and nitrite from 1.05 to 3.99 I'g atml l