Relaxation of dynamically disordered tetragonal platelets in the relaxor ferroelectric 0.964Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3−0.036BaTiO30.964\mathrm{Na}_{1/2}\mathrm{Bi}_{1/2}\mathrm{TiO}_3-0.036\mathrm{BaTiO}_3

The local dynamics of the lead-free relaxor $0.964\mathrm{Na}_{1/2}\mathrm{Bi}_{1/2}\mathrm{TiO}_3-0.036\mathrm{BaTiO}_3$ (NBT-3.6BT) have been investigated by a combination of quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. In a previous paper, we were able to show that the tetragonal platelets in the microstructure are crucial for understanding the dielectric properties of NBT-3.6BT [F. Pforr et al., Phys. Rev. B 94, 014105 (2016)]. To investigate their dynamics, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using $\mathrm{Na}_{1/2}\mathrm{Bi}_{1/2}\mathrm{TiO}_3$ with 001 cation order as a simple model system for the tetragonal platelets in NBT-3.6BT. Similarly, 111-ordered $\mathrm{Na}_{1/2}\mathrm{Bi}_{1/2}\mathrm{TiO}_3$ was used as a model for the rhombohedral matrix. The measured single crystal QENS spectra could be reproduced by a linear combination of calculated spectra. We find that the relaxational dynamics of NBT-3.6BT are concentrated in the tetragonal platelets. Chaotic stages, during which the local tilt order changes incessantly on the timescale of several picoseconds, cause the most significant contribution to the quasielastic intensity. They can be regarded as an excited state of tetragonal platelets, whose relaxation back into a quasistable state might explain the frequency dependence of the dielectric properties of NBT-3.6BT in the 100 GHz to THz range. This substantiates the assumption that the relaxor properties of NBT-3.6BT originate from the tetragonal platelets.Comment: 27 pages, 9 figure

Commencement Program [Fall 1976]

St. Cloud State University commencement program for fall 1976https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/commpro/1129/thumbnail.jp

Algal Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Biotechnological Potentials

A nanoparticle can be defined as a small object that behaves as a whole unit in terms of its transport and properties. Nanoparticles are sized between 1 and 100 nm in diameter. Nanoparticles can act against the microbes in multiple ways, and the microbes are less likely to develop resistance against nanoparticles because it requires multiple gene mutations. The large surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles, their ability to easily interact with other particles, and several other features make them attractive tools in various fields. Nanoparticles are widely used various fields such as electronics, cosmetics, biomedical, and biotechnology. Nanoparticles can be synthesized by physical methods such as attrition, pyrolysis, and using some wet chemical methods. The physical and chemical methods have various drawbacks such as high cost of production, require high energy input and generation of toxic by-products. To overcome this, several biological methods are employed in the synthesis of nanoparticles. The biological methods are generally cost effective, nontoxic, and ecofriendly. This chapter focuses on the methods involved in algal-synthesized nanoparticles and its applications

Patient Admission Patterns and Acquisitions of "Feeder" Hospitals

Large, urban tertiary care hospitals often acquire outlying community hospitals. One possible motivation is to increase referrals. Sophisticated acquirers may even attempt to concentrate additional referrals among more profitable patients. We explore these issues by studying 26 vertical acquisitions in Florida and New York that occurred in the late 1990s, a peak period for such transactions. We compare changes in referrals of patients from target market areas to changes in a matched set of control markets. We find that roughly 30 percent of the vertical acquisitions resulted in a significant increase in referrals to the acquirer. Very few acquisitions were followed by decreases in referrals. When acquisitions did lead to increased referrals, the effect was usually largest for patients with more remunerative insurance and patients undergoing more profitable procedures. However, we find no evidence that hospitals selectively avoided referrals of patients with severe conditions for which costs might exceed reimbursements.Hospitals, Mergers and Acquisitions, Referrals, Patient Selection

Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of Mangrolide D

The unique 18-membered macrocyclic natural product mangrolide D was prepared in totally synthetic form. Key steps feature an Au-catalyzed glycosylation, aza-Michael addition, and LaLi3tris(binaphthoxide) catalyzed epoxidation. Detailed analysis of the constitution and configuration of the carbohydrate segment and the total synthesis of the revised structure led to structural revision of the originally proposed structure

Estimation of immunological and biochemical parameters in Hepatitis B positive patients

Background: Changes in immunological response have been reported duringHBV infections, and these changes can be markers for the diagnosis andprediction of the outcome of infection The aim of this study was to measureand correlate serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), C-reactive protein (CRP)Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and HBVantigens and antibodies in a sample of patients with HBV infection and inhealthy controlsMethods: The study population consisted of 26 patients with hepatitis Binfection (HBsAg seropositive), and 26 apparently healthy (HBsAgseronegative) participants as controls. Biochemical markers of liver diseasewere evaluated by routine methods. Hepatitis B antigens (HBVsAg, HBeAg)and antibodies (HBsAb, HBeAb, HBcAb) were determined usingimmunochromatographic method. Serum concentrations of IL-2, and CRPwere determined using ELISA method.Results: IL-2 level in HBsAg seropositive patients was found to be lower thanthat of control with no statistical significance while CRP level in HBV positivepatients was higher than that of control with no statistical significance. HBVpatients showed statistically significant difference in AST and ALT levels,compared to healthy controls. A statistically significant value was also observedbetween IL-2 and CRP in HBV infected individuals.Conclusion:The study concluded that deranged ALT and AST values correlatewith HBV infection and may be a potential tool for disease diagnosis andprogression. Keyword: IL-2, C-reactive protein, Alanine transferase, Aspartate transaminase, Hepatitis B antigens, Hepatitis B antibodies