Spectroscopic behavior of Nd in a new microcrystalline ZnY4W3O16 tungstate

In the framework of systematic investigations of the optical properties of a new tungstate ZnY₄W₃O₁₆ in which Y³⁺ cations allow for rare-earth ions doping, the compounds doped with neodymium Nd³⁺ ion were synthesized, analyzed and considered as a possible laser material. The crystalline stoichiometric sample of the chemical formula ZnNd₄W₃O₁₆ and their yttrium diluted analogues 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mol% Nd³⁺-doped ZnY₄W₃O₁₆ were obtained by a solid-state reaction. X-ray powder diffraction analysis as well as the IR spectra were used to the structural characterization of the compounds. Electron microscopy has been used to analyze the grain size, the presence of aggregates, and the type of boundary between the microcrystals. In order to study spectroscopic properties, the high resolution absorption and emission spectra at room and low temperature were measured in visible and IR regions. The radiative transition probabilities in those tungstates were calculated and analyzed. Based on the 4 K absorption spectra in the range of ⁴I_9/2 → ²P_1/2 transition the number of metal sites occupied by the dopants was determined. The strong fluorescent emission involving the ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2, ⁴I_11/2, ⁴I_13/2 transitions at 298 and 77 K were observed under pulsed laser and xenon lamp excitation. The dynamics of the Nd³⁺ excited states were characterized by decay times measurements and compared to earlier reported data for neodymium tungstates.     

Life cycle environmental assessment of lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride batteries for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles

This study presents the life cycle assessment (LCA) of three batteries for plug-in hybrid and full performance battery electric vehicles. A transparent life cycle inventory (LCI) was compiled in a component-wise manner for nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cobalt manganese lithium-ion (NCM), and iron phosphate lithium-ion (LFP) batteries. The battery systems were investigated with a functional unit based on energy storage, and environmental impacts were analyzed using midpoint indicators. On a per-storage basis, the NiMH technology was found to have the highest environmental impact, followed by NCM and then LFP, for all categories considered except ozone depletion potential. We found higher life cycle global warming emissions than have been previously reported. Detailed contribution and structural path analyses allowed for the identification of the different processes and value-chains most directly responsible for these emissions. This article contributes a public and detailed inventory, which can be easily be adapted to any powertrain, along with readily usable environmental performance assessments.     

Poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-based tissue-embedding medium compatible with MALDI mass spectrometry imaging experiments

Traditional tissue-sectioning techniques for histological samples utilize various embedding media to stabilize the tissue on a sectioning target and to provide a smooth cutting surface. Due to the ion suppression effect in MALDI ionization and number of background peaks in the low-mass region, these media are not suitable for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) experiments. To overcome this, droplets of water are often used to mount the tissue on a sectioning target, but the ice block formed around the tissue does not provide a good support for sectioning of fragile samples. In this work, we propose a novel embedding media, compatible with MALDI ionization and MSI experiments, based on poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (pHPMA). Using a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization technique, well-defined pHPMA polymer with narrow mass distribution was prepared. Benefits of the resulted pHPMA-based embedding media were tested on different tissue samples.     

New halide glasses of the CdX2-PbX2-KI (X=Cl,Br) systems

The glass forming regions and some properties of the CdBr₂-PbBr₂-KI (10 to 50 mol % CdBr₂, 10 to 70 mol % PbBr₂, 20 to 40 mol % KI), CdCl₂-PbBr₂-KI (10 to 50 mol % CdCl₂, 10 to 80 mol % PbBr₂, 10 to 70 mol % KI) and CdCl₂-PbCl₂-KI (20 to 50 mol % CdCl₂, 10 to 70 mol % PbCl₂, 5 to 60 mol % KI) ternary systems were studied. Glasses exhibit remarkably high transmittance (up to 80%) in the visible and IR region (down to 250 cm^–1 for CdBr₂-PbBr₂-KI, 300 cm^–1 for CdCl₂-PbBr₂-KI and 400 cm^–1 for CdCl₂-PbCl₂-KI for 1 mm thick plates). The values of glass transition temperature lie between 343 to 353 K and crystallization temperature between 343 to 403 K.     

Fluorescent staining with bromocresol purple: A rapid method for determining yeast cell dead count developed as an assay of killer toxin activity

A method is described for detecting yeast cells with plasma membrane damage, based on cell staining with bromocresol purple (BCP) which has a convenient fluorescence after entering the cells at pH below 5·2. The method was used to determine the activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae pore-forming killer toxin K1 in commonly used lethal units. The BCP test is rapid and as precise as the plating test.     

A problem-based education program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation after three and twelve months

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to present a preliminary numerical analysis of the integration process of dental implants using a finite element simulation of the dynamic response following impulse excitation. Assessment of the osseointegration process has been previously examined using a numerical approach by calculating the natural frequency of a cantilever attached to the implant. The methodology adopted in this work allows a direct measurement of the implant response following impulse loading and avoids the addition of a bulky cantilever set-up. METHODS: The geometric configuration was obtained by averaging the coordinate data from tomographic scans of 14 mandibles. The materials properties were approximated from experimental analysis performed on trabecular and cortical bone tissue. A load was applied to the top of the implant in one direction resulting in an initial displacement. The implant was then freed and allowed to vibrate over approximately 10 cycles. Three fixity conditions were assumed by changing the properties of the surrounding bone ranging from full integration to a poorly integrated implant typical of the situation during bone healing following surgery. The results of the three fixity conditions were compared by calculating the fundamental displacement amplitudes and frequencies of the vibrating impact. RESULTS: The calculated results indicated that the implant vibrated at a predominant frequency when partially integrated with a displacement principally in the direction of the applied impulse. However, when the implant was fully integrated a more complex vibration pattern ensued, suggesting the superposition of two or more fundamentals. SIGNIFICANCE: Attention has been paid to the formulation of the numerical model for validation purposes as well as a reliable reference for the optimum interpretation of the experimental data. In this way it was possible to establish a simulation procedure to investigate the response of the tissues surrounding the implant and their properties at different stages of healing. It should be pointed out that the numerical procedures represented a valid preliminary approach to the problem and were capable of indicating a guide to the optimum design of the experimental apparatus for measurement of displacement and frequency in vivo.     

A compact time-of-flight spectrometer for electrofission studies

A compact time-of-flight spectrometer for measurements of fission fragment distributions is described. The start detector consists of a channel plate arrangement with an electrostatic mirror. The time resolution of PPACs, serving as stop detectors, has been optimized.Velocity distributions of ²⁵²Cf fragments and mean velocities are reported. The results are discussed with respect to planned (e, e'f) coincidence experiments at the Mainz microtron.