Calculation of efficiency functions in 4π β-γ counting

An attempt is made to calculate an efficiency function applicable to 4πβ-γ coincidence measurements as the first stage of evaluating the order of the polynomial of the fitting function. For this purpose, the β-ray energy spectra and self-absorptions of spherical particle sources are calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation under the continuous slowing down approximation. On the other hand, it is shown that three sets of absorption coefficients and partial intensity ratios corresponding to a β-ray group give analytically the self-absorption for the same particle sources. Finally, we show that the efficiency functions applicable to ⁵⁹Fe and ¹³⁴Cs are easily obtained by using the energy spectra or self-absorptions.     

Inclusion Complexation of 4-Biphenylacetic Acid with β-Cyclodextrin

The preparation of an inclusion complex of 4-biphenylacetic acid (BPAA), a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, with β-cyclo-dextrin is described. The presumible structure of the inclusion system, the molar ratio, which was found 1:1, and the formation constant were calculated by the analysis of IR, UV, DSC, X-ray diffraction, and ¹H-NMR. Dissolution rate and solubility were also studied. BPAA solubility in water resulted significantly (4,2-fold) increased by complexation, such as its dissolution rate which appears, in the first 12 min, 18 times greater for the complex than the drug alone.     

Inclusion Complexes of Tolnaftate with β-Cyclodextrin and Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin

Tolnaftate, an antifungal agent, was found to form inclusion complexes with both β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrins (HPBCDs) with two different degrees of substitution [HPBCD(A)-8% and HPBCD(B)-3%]. Complex formation in the solution state was studied using phase solubility and spectral shift methods. Solid complexes were prepared by the coprecipitation method. Solubilities and dissolution rates were determined for each solid complex, its corresponding physical mixture, and free drug. The increase in solubility of tolnaftate with added HPBCD was found to be significantly greater than with added β-CD. For both HPBCD(A) and HPBCD(B), over the concentration range 0-0.05 M. 1:1 complexes with stability constants of 1460 ± 139 M^-1 and 1860 ± 165 M^-1 were observed, respectively. Over the β-CD concentration range 0-0.02 M, a 1:1 complex with a stability constant of 1190 ± 105 M^-1 was observed. At higher HPBCD concentrations, the increase in solubility was observed to show a positive deviation from linearity (type A_p phase diagram). Using the spectral method, in a 2 5% v/v methanol in water system, the stability constants were determined to be 1020 ± 150 M^-1 1110 ± 120 M^-1 and 1100 ± 260 M^-1 for HPBCD(A), HPBCD(B) and β-CD, respectively. The solid complexes prepared showed improved dissolution over physical mixtures and free drug.     

Inclusion Complexation of Lorazepam with β — Cyclodextrin

The preparation of an inclusion complex of Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine antianxiety agent with β -cyclodextrin is described. The inclusion compound was prepared by the homogeneous coprecipitation method in the molar ratio of 1:2 of the drug and β -cyclodextrin respectively. The formation of inclusion complex was evaluated by UV spectral studies, IR studies, X-ray diffractometry, and Differential Thermal Analysis. The solubility and in-vitro drug release studies indicated that the complex form of the drug significantly increase the solubility and the dissolution rate compared to the free form. Tablets prepared with Lorazepam- β -cyclodextrin complex also showed a significant increase in dissolution of the drug indicating that P-cyclodextrin plays an important role in the solubilization of the drug.     

Anisotropic Excitation Polarization Response from a Single White Light‐Emitting β‐NaYF4:Yb3+,Pr3+ Microcrystal

Precise knowledge about optical and structural performance of individual rare earth (RE)‐doped particles is extremely important for the optimization of luminescent particles and for fully exploiting their capability as multifunctional probes for interdisciplinary applications. In this work, optical and structural anisotropy of individual particles through RE‐doped single fluoride microcrystals with controllable morphology is reported. Unique luminescent phenomena, for example, white light‐emission from Pr³⁺ at single particle level and different photoluminescent spectra variation dependence on excitation polarization orientation at different excitation direction are observed upon excitation with a 980 nm linearly polarized laser. Based on the analysis of local site symmetry and electron cloud distribution of REs in hexagonal structure by density functional theory calculations, an exciting mechanism of excitation polarization response anisotropy is given for the first time, providing a guidance for emission polarization simultaneously. The structural anisotropy is presented in Raman spectra with obvious differing Raman curves, revealing the reason why there are differences between powder groups. Taking advantage of anisotropic crystals, potential applications in microscopic multi‐information transportation are suggested for the optical and structural performance anisotropy from RE‐doped fluoride single nano/microcrystals to ordered nano/microcrystal arrays, such as local rate probing in a flowing liquid.     

Comparative study on Inclusion compounds of 4-Biphenylacetic acid with β-Cyclodextrin, Hydroxypropylated-β-Cyclodextrins, and methylated-β-Cyclodextrins

The inclusion behavior of Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin (HP-β-Cyd) and of methylated-β-Cyclodextrins, heptakis-(2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-Cyclodextrin (DM-β-Cyd) and heptakis-(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-Cyclodextrin (TM-β-Cyd), in solution and solid state was compared with that of natural β-Cyclodextrin (β-Cyd) using an anti-inflammatory drug, 4-biphenylacetic acid (BPAA), as a guest molecule. The solubility of BPAA with β-Cyd and β-Cyd derivatives in aqueous solution were determined. Stability constants were calculated by phase solubility method at various pH values and temperatures. The formation of inclusion complexes with β-Cyd and β-Cyd derivatives in the solid slate were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-Ray diffractometry, and in the liquid phase by ultraviolet spectroscopy, circular dichroism and NMR studies. Dissolution rate and “in vitro” release of BPAA from complexes were examined. The results obtained suggest that DM-β-Cyd is more effective than other β-Cyclodextrins in improving the pharmaceutical properties of BPAA.     

Effects of γ Radiation on C60 Fullerene in CCI4 Solution

By treating a CCI₄ solution of C₆₀ in a sealed ampoule under argon with γ radiation generated by a ⁶⁰Co source, chlorinated and trichloromethylated C₆₀ oligomers (dimers, trimers) are produced. A total radiation dose of 122 kGy was used.     

Impact of β-Sheet Conformations on the Mechanical Response of Protein in Biocomposites

Proteins in biological nanocomposites play an important role in their mechanical response. Proteins in nacre, the inner layer of seashells, have been shown to have exceptional mechanical properties. One of the important nacre proteins, Lustrin-A, has abundance of polypeptides in zig-zag conformation called β-sheets. β-sheets of protein when present close to each other in multiple numbers could take the shape of a planar β-sheath like structure or a β-barrel to form a domain. In natural proteins both these types of structures are commonly found. However, the conformation of β-sheets in Lustrin-A is not known at this time. Effort has been made through this work to study the mechanical response of these β-planar sheath and β-barrel structures when subjected to external loads. Comparative study of the stress-deformation characteristics of these two types of structures has been made. Both these structures with almost similar number of amino acids have been extracted from one single spinach protein: Ferredoxin Reductase (1FNR). Steered molecular dynamics has been used to conduct these studies. The article deals with the separation of the two domains from the main protein, simulation details, and results comparing the responses.     

Electrochemical Behaviour of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ SOFC‐Anodes

In order to compare the electrochemical performance of Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_2−δ (CGO) in various fuels, impedance spectroscopy measurements were carried out in the atmospheres containing H₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄, N₂ at various compositions, in the temperature range 650°C to 850°C. Ohmic loss and polarization resistance were derived from impedance spectroscopy measurements. The stability at different temperatures of the anode was also investigated in 9%H₂/91%N₂ humidified with 3% H₂O. The microstructure of the anode before and after degradation test was analysed by SEM. These investigations indicated similarities in the impedance and the activation enthalpies in hydrogen/water, methane/water and CO/CO₂ atmospheres. No indications of methane cracking leading to carbon formation were found.     

Effects of surface modification of β-CaSiO3 on electrospun poly(butylene succinate)/β-CaSiO3 composite fibers

In this experiment, pure PBSU fibers, PBSU/12.5% β-CaSiO₃, and PBSU/25% β-CaSiO₃ composite fibers were fabricated by electrospinning. In order to investigate the effects of surface modification of β-CaSiO₃ on composite fibers, β-CaSiO₃ nanowires were surface esterified using dodecyl alcohol. SEM micrographs showed that composite materials with modified β-CaSiO₃ have homogeneous fibrous structures similar as that of pure PBSU fibers, while the fibers containing unmodified β-CaSiO₃ were inhomogeneous and much larger in diameter, and also junctions where β-CaSiO₃ agglomerated could be found. Mechanical testing showed that with the addition of unmodified β-CaSiO₃ into PBSU matrix, the tensile strength of fibrous materials decreased obviously, and the decrease degree increased with increased β-CaSiO₃ content. However, the tensile stresses of composite materials after surface modification of β-CaSiO₃ turned back and increased about 40% compared to those containing unmodified β-CaSiO₃. All of these results suggested surface modification of β-CaSiO₃ was an effective approach to obtain composite fibrous materials with better morphologies and enhanced mechanical properties, and this method is supposed to be feasible in other fibrous material systems.     

Crystal structure of the orthorhombic U2-Al4Mg4Si4 precipitate in the Al–Mg–Si alloy system and its relation to the β′ and β″ phases

The atomic structure of a common precipitate in the Al–Mg–Si system has been determined. It is isotypic with TiNiSi (space group Pnma) and contains four units of MgAlSi in a unit cell of size a = 0.675 nm, b = 0.405 nm, c = 0.794 nm. EDS analyses support the composition. A model was based on the atomic structure of the β′ precipitate, electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images. A quantum mechanical refinement of the model removed discrepancies between simulated and experimental diffraction intensities. Finally, a multi-slice least square refinement confirmed the structure. The structural relation with β″ is investigated. A similar Mg–Si plane also existing in β″ and β′, can explain most coherency relations between the precipitate phases and with matrix.     

Effects of hydrolysis on dodecyl alcohol modified β-CaSiO3 particles and PDLLA/modified β-CaSiO3 composite films

In this research, β-CaSiO₃ particles were surface modified with dodecyl alcohol, and Poly-(DL-lactic acid) (PDLLA)/modified β-CaSiO₃ composite films were fabricated with a homogenous dispersion of β-CaSiO₃ particles in the PDLLA matrix. The aim of the study was to investigate the properties of the composite films before and after hydrolytic treatment. SEM images showed retained homogenous dispersion of β-CaSiO₃ particles after hydrolysis and tensile test also showed maintained mechanical property. Simulated body fluid (SBF) incubation experiment suggested that hydrolytic treatment did not affect the formation of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the composite films. The hydrophilicity of the composites was greatly recovered (from 69.82° to 50.28°) after hydrolysis. In addition, cells cultured on composite films after hydrolysis presented the highest cell proliferation rate and differentiation level. All of these results suggested that the surface modification of silicate particles with dodecyl alcohol along with reversible hydrolytic treatment was an effective and feasible approach to fabricate polymer/silicate composite materials with improved properties.     

Prediction of flow stress in Ti–6Al–4V alloy with an equiaxed α + β microstructure by artificial neural networks

Flow stress during hot deformation depends mainly on the strain, strain rate and temperature, and shows a complex and nonlinear relationship with them. A number of semi-empirical models were reported by others to predict the flow stress during hot deformation. This work attempts to develop a back-propagation neural network model to predict the flow stress of Ti–6Al–4V alloy for any given processing conditions. The network was successfully trained across different phase regimes (α + β to β phase) and various deformation domains. This model can predict the mean flow stress within an average error of 5.6% from the experimental values, using strain, strain rate and temperature as inputs. This model seems to have an edge over existing constitutive model, like hyperbolic sine equation, and has a great potential to be employed in industries.