X-ray absorption spectroscopy on layered cobaltates Na_xCoO_2

Measurements of polarization and temperature dependent soft x-ray absorption have been performed on Na_xCoO_2 single crystals with x=0.4 and x=0.6. They show a deviation of the local trigonal symmetry of the CoO_6 octahedra, which is temperature independent in a temperature range between 25 K and 372 K. This deviation was found to be different for Co^{3+} and Co^{4+} sites. With the help of a cluster calculation we are able to interpret the Co L_{23}-edge absorption spectrum and find a doping dependent energy splitting between the t_{2g} and the e_g levels (10Dq) in Na_xCoO_2.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure

Design and Implementation of Control Unit for Railways using Power Line Data Transmission

Our project is based on data transmission through power line. And this communication is implemented in railways by transmitting data through it. In this we are using power line communication module, which is defined as “carrying data on a conductor and also used for electric power transmission”. It act as both transceiver with secure and fast condition. The above concept is exiting concept, now a days which are used in home appliances. Now the proposed concept is implemented in railways, by sending a data from junction to engine driver or vice-versa. This process is done in a single line cable. The main advantage in it is data can be transmitted in fraction of seconds. In case of any emergency data can be transmitted and we can do the required process. Thus we discussed completely about the proposed concept in power line communication. DOI: 10.17762/ijritcc2321-8169.150315

Evaluation of Unique Mango Accessions for whole-Fruit Pickle

Studies conducted to evaluate the suitability of nineteen unique mango accessions for preparation of tender whole mango pickles revealed that these varieties were characterized by their acidic taste and rich raw mango flavour, which are most prefered for pickle production. The physical and quality parameters viz. fruit shape, weight, raw mango flavour, firmness, titrable acidity, latex flow, pH, dry matter and vitamin C which are important in pickle quality, showed wide variations among different varieties. Based on the sensory evaluation of whole immature green mango pickle prepared by standard fermentation and curing method, the accessions viz., Kashimidi, Isagoor Appe, Malange, Appemidi, Dantimamidi and Jeerige were considered to be most suitable for preparation of tender mango pickles

Shape Transition in the Epitaxial Growth of Gold Silicide in Au Thin Films on Si(111)

Growth of epitaxial gold silicide islands on bromine-passivated Si(111) substrates has been studied by optical and electron microscopy, electron probe micro analysis and helium ion backscattering. The islands grow in the shape of equilateral triangles up to a critical size beyond which the symmetry of the structure is broken, resulting in a shape transition from triangle to trapezoid. The island edges are aligned along $Si[110]$ directions. We have observed elongated islands with aspect ratios as large as 8:1. These islands, instead of growing along three equivalent [110] directions on the Si(111) substrate, grow only along one preferential direction. This has been attributed to the vicinality of the substrate surface.Comment: revtex version 3.0, 11 pages 4 figures available on request from [email protected] - IP/BBSR/93-6

Chemical characteristics and source apportionment of aerosols over Indian Ocean during INDOEX-1999

During INDOEX IFP-99, the samples of aerosols were collected onboard ORV Sagar Kanya over Indian Ocean along the cruise track, for chemical characterization and identification of dominating sources of aerosols. The concentrations of nss-SO4, nss-Ca, nss-Mg, NO3, K, NH4 and SO2 were observed to be significantly higher before ITCZ in northern hemisphere than across ITCZ in southern hemisphere. In this study, variation of concentrations of nss-SO4, nss-Ca and nss-K with respect to change in latitude, wind direction, wind speed and relative humidity have been highlighted. North of ITCZ, nss-SO4 varied from 2.20 to 18.31 μg/m3 and south of ITCZ from 0.50 to 2.79 μg/m3 while nss-Ca varied from 0.02 to 0.72 μg/m3 north of ITCZ and from 0.01 to 0.14 μg/m3 south of ITCZ. nss-K ranged 0.09-1.43 μg/m3 and 0.07-0.60 μg/m3 before ITCZ and across ITCZ respectively. nss-Ca and nss-SO4 were contributed mainly by NNW and ENE winds while nss-K was observed to be contributed mainly by SSW and ENE winds. Wind speed greater than 4.5 m/s negatively influenced the concentration of nss-Ca concentrations. Correlation coefficients of nss-SO4 with SO2 (r = 0.7) and RH (r = 0.5) suggested a significant contribution of nss-SO4 by aqueous phase oxidation of SO2. Using PCA, four major sources namely sea salt, biogenic combustion, secondary SO4 and crustal contribution were identified over Indian Ocean during INDOEX period

The unusual electronic structure of the "pseudo-ladder" compound CaCu2O3

Experimental and theoretical studies of the unoccupied electronic structure of CaCu2O3 single crystals have been performed using polarization-dependent x-ray absorption spectroscopy and band structure calculations. The measured hole distribution shows an unusual large number of holes in orbitals parallel to the interlayer direction which is in agreement with the theoretical analysis. CaCu2O3 deviates significantly from the standard pd-sigma cuprate picture. The corresponding strong interlayer exchange is responsible for the missing spin gap generic for other two-leg ladder cuprates.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures include

Structural basis of the carbohydrate specificities of Jacalin: an X-ray and modeling study

The structures of the complexes of tetrameric jacalin with Gal, Me-α-GalNAc, Me-α-T-antigen, GalNAcβ1-3Gal-α-O-Me and Galα1-6Glc (mellibiose) show that the sugar-binding site of jacalin has three components: the primary site, secondary site A, and secondary site B. In these structures and in the two structures reported earlier, Gal or GalNAc occupy the primary site with the anomeric carbon pointing towards secondary site A. The α-substituents, when present, interact, primarily hydrophobically, with secondary site A which has variable geometry. O-H···π and C-H···π hydrogen bonds involving this site also exist. On the other hand, β-substitution leads to severe steric clashes. Therefore, in complexes involving β-linked disaccharides, the reducing sugar binds at the primary site with the non-reducing end located at secondary site B. The interactions at secondary site B are primarily through water bridges. Thus, the nature of the linkage determines the mode of the association of the sugar with jacalin. The interactions observed in the crystal structures and modeling based on them provide a satisfactory qualitative explanation of the available thermodynamic data on jacalin-carbohydrate interactions. They also lead to fresh insights into the nature of the binding of glycoproteins by jacalin

The circadian clock modulates anti-cancer properties of curcumin

Abstract Background Curcuminoids of the spice turmeric and their enhanced derivatives have much potential as cancer treatments. They act on a wide variety of biological pathways, including those regulating cell division and circadian rhythms. It is known that circadian clocks can modify cancer therapy effectiveness, according to studies aimed at optimizing treatments based on the circadian cycle. It is therefore important to determine whether treatments with curcumin or similar chemotherapeutic agents are regulated by circadian timing. Similarly, it is important to characterize any effects of curcumin on timing abilities of the circadian clocks within cancer cells. Methods We examined the circadian clock’s impact on the timing of cell death and cell division in curcumin-treated C6 rat glioma cells through continuous video microscopy for several days. To evaluate its persistence and distribution in cancer cells, curcumin was localized within cell compartments by imaging its autofluorescence. Finally, HPLC and spectroscopy were used to determine the relative stabilities of the curcumin congeners demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin that are present in turmeric. Results Circadian rhythms in cell death were observed in response to low (5 μM) curcumin, reaching a peak several hours before the peak in rhythmic expression of mPER2 protein, a major circadian clock component. These results revealed a sensitive phase of the circadian cycle that could be effectively targeted in patient therapies based on curcumin or its analogs. Curcumin fluorescence was observed in cell compartments at least 24 h after treatment, and the two congeners displayed greater stability than curcumin in cell culture medium. Conclusions We propose a mechanism whereby curcuminoids act in a sustained manner, over several days, despite their tendency to degrade rapidly in blood and other aqueous media. During cancer therapy, curcumin or its analogs should be delivered to tumor cells at the optimal phase for highest efficacy after identifying the circadian phase of the cancer cells. We confirmed the greater stability of the curcumin congeners, suggesting that they may produce sustained toxicity in cancer cells and should be considered for use in patient care.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134662/1/12885_2016_Article_2789.pd

Trace elemental analysis and antimicrobial activities of Elephantopus scaber L.

Screening of various Indian medicinal plants has various degrees of antimicrobial activities against pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms.  Since the number of effective exogenous antibiotics is decreasing, concerted efforts are to be made to identify antimicrobial materials from natural products and traditional medicines. In the present study, we are reporting the antimicrobial activity of the traditionally used Ayurvedic medicinal plant Elephantopus scaber and its elemental composition analysis.  The antimicrobial activities are found to be higher in leaf extracts of Elephantopus scaber whereas no inhibition was found for root extracts. The elements such as Si, Ca, Cl, Mg, S, K and P are more abundant in the leaf than the root whereas heavy metals are higher in roots than in leaves. In the root, presence of Al, Fe, Ti, Sr, and V is more when compared to leaves whereas Zn, Cu, As, Rb and Sr are less available and are equally present in roots as well as leaf. The elements Cr, Co, Ni, Se, Br and Pb are not found in both leaves and roots

DETAILED CHEMICAL KINETIC MODELING OF JP-8/JET-A IGNITION AND COMBUSTION

ABSTRACT Significant progress towards development and validation of a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism for the US Air Force JP-8 fuel is presented in this article. Three detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms for three JP-8 surrogate fuels, as given i