1,323 research outputs found

    Internal noise driven generalized Langevin equation from a nonlocal continuum model

    Full text link
    Starting with a micropolar formulation, known to account for nonlocal microstructural effects at the continuum level, a generalized Langevin equation (GLE) for a particle, describing the predominant motion of a localized region through a single displacement degree-of-freedom (DOF), is derived. The GLE features a memory dependent multiplicative or internal noise, which appears upon recognising that the micro-rotation variables possess randomness owing to an uncertainty principle. Unlike its classical version, the new GLE qualitatively reproduces the experimentally measured fluctuations in the steady-state mean square displacement of scattering centers in a polyvinyl alcohol slab. The origin of the fluctuations is traced to nonlocal spatial interactions within the continuum. A constraint equation, similar to a fluctuation dissipation theorem (FDT), is shown to statistically relate the internal noise to the other parameters in the GLE

    Ultra-narrow and widely tunable Mn^(2+) Emission from Single Nanocrystals of ZnS-CdS alloy

    Full text link
    Extensively studied Mn-doped semiconductor nanocrystals have invariably exhibited photoluminescence (PL) over a narrow energy window of width <= 149 meV in the orange-red region and a surprisingly large spectral width (>= 180 meV), contrary to its presumed atomic-like origin. Carrying out emission measurements on individual single nanocrystals and supported by ab initio calculations, we show that Mn PL emission, in fact, can (i) vary over a much wider range (~ 370 meV) covering the deep green-deep red region and (ii) exhibit widths substantially lower (~ 60-75 meV) than reported so far, opening newer application possibilities and requiring a fundamental shift in our perception of the emission from Mn-doped semiconductor nanocrystals.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

    Asymmetric rotations and dimerization driven by normal to modulated phase transition in 4-biphenylcarboxy coupled L-phenylalaninate

    Full text link
    Amongst the derivatives of 4-biphenylcarboxylic acid and amino acid esters, the crystal structure of 4-biphenylcarboxy-(L)-phenylalaninate is unusual owing to its monoclinic symmetry within a pseudo-orthorhombic lattice. The distortion is described by disparate rotational property around the chiral centers (φchiral\varphi_{\mathrm{chiral}} \simeq -129 degrees and 58 degrees) of the two molecules in the asymmetric unit. Each of these molecules comprise of planar biphenyl moieties (φbiphenyl\varphi_{\mathrm{biphenyl}} = 0 degrees). Using temperature dependent single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments we show that the compound undergoes a phase transition below TT \sim 124 K that is characterized by a commensurate modulation wave vector, q\mathbf{q} = δ(101)\delta(101), δ\delta = 12\frac{1}{2}. The (3+1) dimensional modulated structure at TT = 100 K suggests that the phase transition drives the biphenyl moieties towards non coplanar conformations with significant variation of internal torsion (φbiphenylmax\varphi^{\mathrm{max}}_{\mathrm{biphenyl}} \leq 2020 degrees). These intramolecular rotations lead to dimerization of the molecular stacks that are described predominantly by intermolecular tilts and small variations in intermolecular distances. Atypical of modulated structures and superstructures of biphenyl and other polyphenyls, the rotations of individual molecules are asymmetric (Δ\Deltaφbiphenyl\varphi_{\mathrm{biphenyl}} \approx 5 degrees) while φbiphenyl\varphi_{\mathrm{biphenyl}} of one independent molecule is two to four times larger than the other. Crystal-chemical analysis and phase relations in superspace suggest multiple competing factors involving intramolecular steric factors, intermolecular H--C{\cdot}{\cdot}{\cdot}C--H contacts and weak C--H{\cdot}{\cdot}{\cdot}O hydrogen bonds that govern the distinctively unequal torsional property of the molecules

    Goblet Cell Tumors of the Appendix: Clinical & Molecular Features

    Get PDF
    View full abstracthttps://openworks.mdanderson.org/leading-edge/1047/thumbnail.jp

    Biochar and its importance on nutrient dynamics in soil and plant

    Get PDF
    Biochar, an environmentally friendly soil conditioner, is produced using several thermochemical processes. It has unique characteristics like high surface area, porosity, and surface charges. This paper reviews the fertilizer value of biochar, and its effects on soil properties, and nutrient use efficiency of crops. Biochar serves as an important source of plant nutrients, especially nitrogen in biochar produced from manures and wastes at low temperature (≤ 400 °C). The phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrient contents are higher in manure/waste biochars than those in crop residues and woody biochars. The nutrient contents and pH of biochar are positively correlated with pyrolysis temperature, except for nitrogen content. Biochar improves the nutrient retention capacity of soil, which depends on porosity and surface charge of biochar. Biochar increases nitrogen retention in soil by reducing leaching and gaseous loss, and also increases phosphorus availability by decreasing the leaching process in soil. However, for potassium and other nutrients, biochar shows inconsistent (positive and negative) impacts on soil. After addition of biochar, porosity, aggregate stability, and amount of water held in soil increase and bulk density decreases. Mostly, biochar increases soil pH and, thus, influences nutrient availability for plants. Biochar also alters soil biological properties by increasing microbial populations, enzyme activity, soil respiration, and microbial biomass. Finally, nutrient use efficiency and nutrient uptake improve with the application of biochar to soil. Thus, biochar can be a potential nutrient reservoir for plants and a good amendment to improve soil properties
    corecore