Polyurethane–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi- IPN–nanooxide composites

Two sets of hybrid polyurethane–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi-interpenetrating polymer network–nanooxide composites with 0.25 or 3 wt% nanosilica or nanoalumina functionalised with OH, NH2 or CHLCH2 groups were prepared. A combination of atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermally stimulated depolarisation current measurement, differential scanning calorimetry and creep rate spectroscopy analysis of the nanostructure and properties of the composites was performed. The pronounced dynamic heterogeneity and the strong impact of oxide additives, basically suppression of the dynamics and temperature-dependent increasing modulus of elasticity, were observed. The effects correlated with either interfacial interactions (for silica) or the nanostructure (for alumina). A low oxide content strongly affected the matrix due to the formation of an unusual cross-linked, via double covalent hybridisation of three components, structure of the nanocomposites

First Experiment at TASCA Towards X-Ray Fingerprinting of Element 115 Decay Chains

To identify the atomic number of superheavy nuclei produced in Ca-48-induced fusion-evaporation reactions, an experiment aiming at measuring characteristic X-rays is being prepared at GSI, Darmstadt, Germany. The gas-filled separator TASCA will be employed, sending the residues towards the multi-coincidence detector setup TASISpec. Two ion-optical modes relying on differing magnetic polarities of the quadrupole magnets can be used at TASCA. New simulations and experimental tests of transmission and background suppression for these two focusing modes into TASISpec are presented

Alpha-Photon Coincidence Spectroscopy Along Element 115 Decay Chains

Produced in the reaction 48Ca+243Am, thirty correlated α-decay chains were observed in an experiment conducted at the GSI Helmholzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt, Germany. The decay chains are basically consistent with previous findings and are considered to originate from isotopes of element 115 with mass numbers 287, 288, and 289. A set-up aiming specifically for high-resolution charged particle and photon coincidence spectroscopy was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA. For the first time, γ rays as well as X-ray candidates were observed in prompt coincidence with the α-decay chains of element 115

Highly-Ordered PdIn Intermetallic Nanostructures Obtained from Heterobimetallic Acetate Complex: Formation and Catalytic Properties in Diphenylacetylene Hydrogenation

Formation of PdIn intermetallic nanoparticles supported on α-Al2O3 was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and hydrogen temperature-programmed desorption (H2-TPD) methods. The metals were loaded as heterobimetallic Pd(μ-O2CMe)4In(O2CMe) complex to ensure intimate contact between Pd and In. Reduction in H2 at 200 °C resulted in Pd-rich PdIn alloy as evidenced by XRD and the disappearance of Pd hydride. A minor amount of Pd1In1 intermetallic phase appeared after reduction at 200 °C and its formation was accomplished at 400 °C. Neither monometallic Pd or in nor other intermetallic structures were found after reduction at 400–600 °C. Catalytic performance of Pd1In1/α-Al2O3 was studied in the selective liquid-phase diphenylacetylene (DPA) hydrogenation. It was found that the reaction rate of undesired alkene hydrogenation is strongly reduced on Pd1In1 nanoparticles enabling effective kinetic control of the hydrogenation, and the catalyst demonstrated excellent selectivity to alkene

Evaluating the Impact of Headstarting on the Critically Endangered Spoon-Billed Sandpiper <i>Calidris pygmaea</i>

Headstarting is a conservation approach that suggests offering an advantage to a population by improving egg production, survival of embryos and/or juveniles. In this article, we are providing the quantitative data obtained during 10 years for different stages of headstarting (production of eggs per pair, hatching and fledging rates) and the resulting impact (survival to maturity, philopatry rate, sex ratio, apparent survival, growth/decline rate) on the local population of the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper. We have shown that headstarting gains are reduced over time from fledging to long-term recruitment to the local breeding population. The possible reasons for this reduction are suggested and discussed. The unexpected finding was a drastic difference in sex ratios of the new recruits, which was about even for headstarting, but strongly male-biased for wild-reared birds. We suggest this happens due to increased mortality of female chicks in nature. We have also shown only headstarting could stop the global decline of the species, particularly once the suggested improvements are implemented and the number of pairs involved is scaled up. Headstarting also had a significant social effect due to the involvement of increasing numbers of people both in the local communities in Chukotka and from many countries on the flyway into searching for marked birds and learning about waders, raising awareness about ecological problems on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Thus, it has made the need for conservation actions on the flyway more obvious and sensible