Synthesis and superconductivity of (Ag)x/CuTl-1223 composites

Series of(Ag)x/(Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ) {(Ag)x/Cu Tl-1223} nano-superconductor composites were synthesized with different concentrations(i.e. x ? 0 4.0 wt%) of silver(Ag) nanoparticles. Low anisotropic Cu Tl-1223 superconducting matrix was prepared by solid-state reaction and Ag nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel method separately. The required(Ag)x/Cu Tl-1223 composition was obtained by the inclusion of Ag nanoparticles in Cu Tl-1223 superconducting matrix. Structural, morphological, compositional and superconducting transport properties of these composites were investigated in detail by x-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive x-rays(EDX)spectroscopy and four-point probe electrical resistivity(ρ) measurements. The inclusion of Ag nanoparticles enhanced the superconducting properties without affecting the tetragonal structure of the host Cu Tl-1223 matrix. The improvement in superconducting properties of(Ag)x/Cu Tl-1223 composites is most likely due to enhanced inter-grains coupling and increased superconducting volume fraction after the addition of metallic Ag nanoparticles at the inter-crystallite sites in the samples. The presence of Ag nanoparticles at the grain-boundaries may increase the number of flux pinning centers, which were present in the form of weak-links in the pure Cu Tl-1223 superconducting matrix.     

Magnetoresistance oscillations in La-based metallic glass

We report that La60Fe30Al10 metallic glass has clear,reproducible,periodic variation in its differential resistance as a function of a perpendicular magnetic field below its superconducting transition temperature. The oscillation period corresponds to a superconducting flux quantum. The observed phenomena originate from the Little-Parks-like resistance oscillations in the cylindrical La nanorod with a high aspect ratio and uniform orientation precipitated on the ribbon surface. The highly-oriented La nanocrystals prepared on a flexible glass substrate offer an opportunity for integrating numerous superconducting circuits into a single chip.     

Development and application of tumor-targeting magnetic nanoparticles FA-StNP@Fe2O3 for hyperthermia

Modified magnetic starch nanoparticles （FA-StNP@Fe2O3） were synthesized by conjugating folic acid （FA-PEG-NH2） onto the surface of magnetic starch nanoparticles （StNP@Fe2O3） prepared by reverse microemulsion method. The synthesized FA-StNP@Fe2O3 was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential analysis. The average size of its well dispersed particles was 250 nm. The iron concentration of 2 mg/g was detected by phenanthroline method. Placing FA-StNP@Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the alternating magnetic field for 30 min resulted in an increase in the suspension temperature from ambient temperature （37℃） to a value between 42℃ and 43℃. Co-cultured nanoparticles and Hela cell line or normal HUEC-12 cell line, and the biological effects at the cellular level were investigated in the alternating magnetic field using MTT assay, Hochest-PI double staining and flow cytometry analysis. Experimental results showed that FA-StNP@Fe2O3 within acertain concentration range has no obvious effect on cell proliferation. When treated in the magnetic field, apoptosis rate on Hela induced by FA-StNP@Fe2O3 was 13.4%. Prussian blue staining analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles modified with folic acid had improved ability in tumor cell-targeting, and therefore, potential applications in biomedical and magnetocaloric areas. It is expected be applied in tumor targeting therapy in the near future.     

体空化纳米气泡的尺寸分布和zeta电位研究

Nanobubble flotation technology is an important research topic in the field of fine mineral particle separation. The basic characteristics of nanobubbles, including their size, concentration, surface zeta potential, and stability have a significant impact on the nanobubble flotation performance. In this paper, bulk nanobubbles generated based on the principle of hydrodynamic cavitation were investigated to determine the effects of different parameters (e.g., surfactant (frother) dosage, air flow, air pressure, liquid flow rate, and solution pH value) on their size distribution and zeta potential, as measured using a nanoparticle analyzer. The results demonstrated that the nanobubble size decreased with increasing pH value, surfactant concentration, and cavitation-tube liquid flow rate but increased with increasing air pressure and increasing air flow rate. The magnitude of the negative surface charge of the nanobubbles was positively correlated with the pH value, and a certain relationship was observed between the zeta potential of the nanobubbles and their size. The structural parameters of the cavitation tube also strongly affected the characteristics of the nanobubbles. The results of this study offer certain guidance for optimizing the nanobubble flotation technology.     

Double Star TC-1 observation of the earthward flowing plasmoids in the near magnetotail

We analyze Double Star TC-1 magnetic field data from July to September in 2004 and find that plas-moids exist in the very near-Earth magnetotail. It is the first time that TC-1 observes the plasmoids inthe magnetotail at X > ?13 RE. According to the difference of the magnetic field structure in plasmoids,we choose two typical cases for our study: the magnetic flux rope on August 6 with the open magneticfield and the magnetic loop on September 14 with the closed magnetic field. Both of the cases are as-sociated with the high speed earthward flow and the magnetic loop is related to a strong substorm. Theions can escape from the magnetic flux rope along its open field line, but the case of the closed mag-netic loop can trap the ions. The earthward flowing plasmoids observed by TC-1 indicate that the mul-tiple X-line magnetic reconnection occurs beyond the distance of X=?10 RE from the earth.     

Fabrication of the 19-filament Fe/Cu clad MgB2 wire via in situ powder-in-tube method

Using commercial amorphous B powder (92% in purity) and Mg powder (99% in purity) as starting materials, 19-filament Fe/Cu clad MgB2 wires were fabricated by an in situ powder-in-tube method. Heat treatment was performed at 700℃ for 1 h under an argon gas atmosphere. The influence of Mg/B ratio on the microstructure and superconducting properties of the wires was investigated. It was found that the major phases of MgB2 wires were MgB2 accompanied with relatively small amounts of MgO and Fe2B impurities. With 5% excess Mg addition, the onset TC slightly decreased. However, the transport JC at 4.2 K and 4 T reached 1.07×104 A·cm-2, increasing by a factor of 1.4 compared to the stoichiometric sample. Moreover, the Mg1.05B2 sample showed an improved field dependence of JC, suggesting that less voids and smaller grain size of the Mg1.05B2 core lead to better grain connectivity and stronger flux pinning.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic SiO_2 Nanoparticles Loaded with Naproxen for Anti-inflammatory Therapy

The aim of this study is to synthesize of magnetic SiO2 nanoparticles(MSNPs)loaded with Naproxen(NAP-MSNPs)for targeting anti-flammatory therapy.The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with a thin layer of silica by stber method and the drug was encapsulated in it simultaneously.The optimal conditions were investigated for the synthesis of MSNPs.The shape,size,and phase structure of NAP-MSNP were characterized by transmission electron micrographs(TEM)and X-ray diffraction(XRD).The drug encapsulation efficiency was confirmed by FT-IR and measured by UV spectrometry.The NAP-MSNPs show the response at the external magnetic field and the drug could be released readily from NAP-MSNPs.All of these facts suggest the NAP-MSNPs could be applied in a promising drug release-controlling system for targeting anti-inflammatory therapy.     

Influence of stress on the stray field signals of ferromagnetic materials

To investigate the influence of stress alone on the stray field signals of ferromagnetic materials,the static tensile tests of 0.45%C steel and 45CrNiMoVA steel flat-shaped specimens were performed on an MTS810 hydraulic testing machine. H_p(y) signals,the normal component of spontaneous stray field,were measured during the testing process by an EMS-2003 metal magnetic memory diagnostic apparatus cooperated with a non-magnetic electric control displacement instrument. Fracture and microstructure were observed by a scanning electronic microscope and a transmission electron microscope,respectively. The relationships between axial applied stress or residual stress measured by X-ray diffraction method and H_p(y) were analyzed. The results indicate that some regular pattern of the magnetic curve is displayed only between applied stress and stray field signals. The magnetic ordering process stops due to dislocation pinning magnetic domain structure,and H_p(y) value unvaried nearly with applied load increasing in the plastic deformation stage.     

Effect of Nano-SiC and Nano-Si Doping on Critical Current Density of MgB_2

The discovery of superconductivity in magnesium diboride (MgB2) has opened up a new field in materials science research. It offers a possibility of a new class of high performance superconducting materials for practical applications because of the relatively low cost of fabrication, high critical current densities (Jc) and fields, large coherence length, absence of weak links, higher Tc(TC = 39K) compared with Nb3Sn and Nb-Ti alloys (two or four times that of Nb,,Sn and Nb-Ti alloys). However, the weak flux pinning in the magnetic field remains a major challenge. This paper reports the most interesting results on nanomaterial (SiC and Si) doping in magnesium diboride. The high density of nano-scale defects introduced by doping is responsible for the enhanced pinning. The fabrication method, critical current density, microstructures, flux pinning and cost for magnesium diboride bulks, wires and tapes are also discussed. It is believed that high performance SiC doped MgB2 will have a great potential for m     

Responses of properties in the plasma sheet and at the geosynchronous orbit to interplanetary shock

On July 22, 2004, the WIND spacecraft detected a typical interplanetary shock. There was sustaining weak southward magnetic field in the preshock region and the southward field was suddenly enhanced across the shock front （i.e., southward turning）. When the shock impinged on the magnetosphere, the magnetospheric plasma convection was abruptly enhanced in the central plasma sheet, which was directly observed by both the TC-1 and Cluster spacecraft located in different regions. Simultaneously, the Cluster spacecraft observed that the dawn-to-dusk electric field was abruptly enhanced. The variations of the magnetic field observed by TC-1, Cluster, GOES-10 and GOES-12 that were distributed in different regions in the plasma sheet and at the geosynchronous orbit are obviously distinct. TC-1 observations showed that the magnetic intensity kept almost unchanged and the elevation angle decreased, but the Cluster spacecraft, which was also in the plasma sheet and was further from the equator, observed that the magnetic field was obviously enhanced. Simultaneously, GOES-12 located near the midnight observed that the magnetic intensity sharply increased and the elevation angle decreased, but GOES-10 located in the dawn side observed that the magnetic field was merely compressed with its three components all sharply increasing. Furthermore, the energetic proton and electron fluxes at nearly all channels observed by five LANL satellites located at different magnetic local times （MLTs） all showed impulsive enhancements due to the compression of the shock. The responses of the energetic particles were much evident on the dayside than those on the nightside. Especially the responses near the midnight were rather weak. In this paper, the possible reasonable physical explanation to above observations is also discussed. All the shock-induced responses are the joint effects of the solar wind dynamic pressure pulse and the magnetic field southward turning.     

Observation and simulation of flux rope structures at the dayside magnetopause

The signatures of flux ropes with obvious core magnetic field are detected by Cluster Ⅱ at the dayside magnetopause during 11:00--11:15 UT on Mar. 2, 2001. The similar characteristics can be found from the magnetic fiel dvariations recorded by the four spacecrafts (Cluster Ⅱ C1--C4). All the three (-/ ) bipolar signatures in the BN component are accompanied with enhancements of BM and magnetic field strength B in the boundary normal coordinates (LMN coordinates). A MHD simulation with two dimensions and three components is performed to explore the reconnection process driven by the incoming flow of solar wind at the dayside magnetopause. The numerical results can illustrate the recurrent formation of magnetic structures with a core magnetic field. The time history of the magnetic field B and three components Bx, By and Bz at a given point of the current sheet can reproduce the observational features of the events mentioned above.     

Observation of directional change of core field inside flux ropes within one reconnection diffusion region in the Earth’s magnetotail

Two consecutive magnetic flux ropes, separated by less than 30 s （△t 〈 30 s）, are observed within one magnetic reconnection diffusion region without strong guide field in the Earth＇s magnetotail by Cluster multispacecraft. The flux ropes are characterized by bipolar signatures of the south-north magnetic field component Bz accompanied with strong core magnetic field By, intense current J and density depletions inside of them. In spite of the small but non-trivial global scale negative guide field （-By）, there exists a directional change of the core fields of two flux ropes, i.e., -By for the first one, and ＋By for the second one. The directions of the core fields are the same as the ambient cross-tail magnetic field component （By） just outside of flux ropes. Therefore, we suggest that the core field of flux ropes is formed by compression of the local preexisting By and that the directional change of core field is due to the change of local preexisting By. Such a change in ambient By might be caused by some microscale physics.     

Pseudo-particle modeling for gas flow in microchannels

The velocity profiles and temperature distributions of gas flow in microchannels, for Knudsen numbers ranging from 0.01 to 0.20, are investigated with pseudo-particle modeling (PPM). It has been found that the velocity profiles are mainly affected by Knudsen number and the external force fields applied. When Knudsen number was increased, the slip velocities on the walls increased at the beginning, and then decreased. The temperature distributions were also significantly affected by the external force. The Darcy friction factor increased with increasing Knudsen number, and its variation with Mach number under increased Knudsen number was similar to the so-called premature laminar-turbulent transition observed in experiments.     

Effect of Nano－SiC and Nano－Si Doping on Critical Current Density of MgB2

The discovery of superconductivity in magnesium diboride (MgB2) has opened up a new field in materials science research. It offers a possibility of a new class of high performance superconducting materials for practical applications because of the relatively low cost of fabrication, high critical current densities (Jc)and fields, large coherence length, absence of Weak links, higher Tc (Tc = 39 K) compared with Nb3Sn and Nb-Ti alloys (two or four times that of Nb3Sn and Nb-Ti alloys). However, the weak flux pinning in the magnetic field remains a major challenge. This paper reports the most interesting results on nenomaterial (SiC and Si) doping in magnesium diboride. The high density of nano-scele defects introduced by doping is responsible for the enhanced pinning. The fabrication method, critical current density, microstructures, flux pinning and cost for magnesium diboride bulks, wires and tapes are also discussed. It is believed that high performance SiC doped MgB2 will have a great potential for many practical applications at 5K to 25K up to 5T.     

Phase analysis of AlFe2B2 by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, magnetic and Mössbauer studies

The structural and magnetic properties of essentially phase pure AlFe_2B_2 prepared by arc melting were compared with a sample containing impurities. Analysis was carried out by means of synchrotron X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The analysis of synchrotron X-ray diffraction data confirmed the orthorhombic structure of space group Cmmm for AlFe_2B_2 with Al_(13)Fe_4 as main impurity phase. The magnetic measurements revealed an unsaturated ferromagnetic state in AlFe_2B_2 with a transition temperature(T_c) of 286 K. Isothermal magnetization measurment at 5 K gave a saturation magnetization of 0.7 μB per Fe atom while Arrott plots establish the second order nature of ferromagnetic transition. The thermal evolution of M?ssbauer spectra confirmed the ferromagnetic nature of this material revealing an hyperfine field of 73 kOe and an isomer shift of 0.46 mm/s at 100 K. The M?ssbauer spectra of a phase pure sample was compared with the one containing impurity phases. It is suggested that the low temperature paramagnetic contribution in M?ssbauer spectra of phase pure material may have its origin in some intrinsic phenomena arising from defects or inhomogeneities in crystal structure.     

Numerical analysis on intermittent flow in a longitudinal section of Bingham fluid along a slope

The transition process of intermittent flow in a longitudinal section of Bingham fluid from initial distribution to fully developed state was numerically investigated in this paper. The influences of slope θ. dimensionless runoff Q* and viscosity μ0* on the dimensionless surge speed U* were also presented in a wide range of parameters. By one typical example, the intermittent flow possessed wave characteristics and showed a supercritical flow conformation for a fully developed flow. The distributions of gravity and bed drag along the flow path and the velocity distribution of flow field were also analyzed.     

Magnetohydrodynamic flow over a moving plate in a parallel stream with an induced magnetic field

A viscous boundary layer flow of an electrically-conducting fluid over a moving flat plate in a parallel stream with a constant magnetic field applied outside the boundary layer parallel to the plate was investigated. The governing system of partial differential equations was transformed to ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation. The similarity equations were then solved numerically using a finite-difference scheme known as the Keller-box method. Numerical results of the skin friction coefficient, velocity profiles, and the induced magnetic field profiles were obtained for some values of the moving parameter, magnetic parameter, and reciprocal magnetic Prandtl number. The results indicate that dual solutions exist when the plate and the fluid move in the opposite directions up to a critical value of the moving parameter, whose value depends on the value of the magnetic parameter.     

Effect of frequency and intensity of rotating magneticfield on the microstructures of Pb-Sn alloys

The solidification microstructures of Pb-45% Sn hypoeutectic and Pb-85%Sn hypereutectic alloys were studied in rotating magnetic field （RMF）. A transition of primary phase from dendrite to spherical growth was caused by the RMF, which simultaneously fractured and fined grains. The fracture and refinement increased first and then decreased with the increase in RMF intensity. When magnetic intensity exceeded a critical value, the size of the primary phase became bigger on the contrary. Therefore, there existed an optimum value of magnetic intensity in fracture and refinement of grain. Moreover, the rotating frequency determined the skin depth of magnetic field, and further affected the homogenization of temperature and solute. The rotating frequency and magnetic intensity were key factors affecting refinement and uniformity of solidification microstructures. The introduction of RMF not only changed the solidification thermodynamics, but also led to a reduction in Gibbs free energy associated with the formation of critical crystal nucleus and atom diffusion activation energy, thus enhancing the rate of nucleation.     

Braking of high-speed flows in the magnetotail:THEMIS joint observations

The motion and deceleration processes of plasma sheet high-speed flows have great significance to magnetospheric particle acceleration,magnetic field perturbation,magnetic flux transport,triggering of substorm,and the current system formation in the magnetotail.From February to April 2009,two satellites of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission,THA and THE,were often separated largely in Z direction,but had small X and Y separations.Such special configuration allows simultaneous observations of highspeed flows at the center and boundary of the plasma sheet.Based on selected case study and statistical analysis,it is found that for about 89%of the events we selected,the probe further away from the neutral sheet observed the high-speed flow earlier than the one close to the center,and the flow is mainly field aligned.And for about 95%events the probe further away from the neutral sheet observed higher X component of the plasma flow.With the hypothesis that parallel flow keeps the same speed during its earthward propagation while central plasma sheet stream uniformly or suddenly brakes on its way to the earth,we deduced the position where the deceleration begins to be between 13 Re and 17 Re downtail,where thenear-earth reconnection is supposed to occur.In addition,our statistical results show that dipolarization fronts observed in the central plasma sheet are more prominent than those observed in the plasma sheet boundary layer ahead of the high-speed flow.     

Magnetic susceptibility measurements on metakaolin admixtured cement hydrated with ground water and sea water

The role of metakaolin in the properties of Portland cement hydrated with ground water and sea water was described by magnetic susceptibility study. Cement pastes containing 0wt%, 10wt%, 20wt% and 30wt% replacement of metakaolin and in a water/cement (W/C) ratio of 0.4 were prepared. The susceptibility at different hydration periods was determined by Faraday Curie balance and it was related to the changes in setting time and compressive strength of admixtured cement. Compared with sea water-treated cement paste, the magnetic susceptibility of ground water-treated cement paste is higher in value. The observed result shows that, irrespective of water, the magnetic susceptibility increases with increasing metakaolin percentage replacement level in cement.