High-yield chemical synthesis of hexagonal ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods with excellent optical properties.

Large yield and low temperature growth of nanostructures are key requirements for fulfilling the demand of large scale applications of nanomaterials. Here, we report a highly efficient chemical method to synthesize high quality hexagonal ZnO nanoparticle and nanorods utilizing the low temperature oxidation of metallic zinc powder in the presence of an appropriate catalyst. This one-step method has advantages such as low temperature (90 degrees C) and atmospheric pressure synthesis and a high yield (> 90%). Microstructure and optical properties of the as-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are found to be identical or better than those of the commercial ZnO nanopower (Sigma-Aldrich). In particular, in comparison to the commercial nanopowder the as-grown ZnO nanorods and nanoparticles exhibit stronger UV absorption at 376 nm and intense UV photoluminescence emission at -382 nm, with negligible defect emission band. This method is suitable for large-scale production of nanosized ZnO and could be extended for the synthesis of other metal oxides.

Optical signature of structural defects in single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

Though defects are invariably present in as-grown and purified carbon nanotubes (NTs), spectroscopic properties of defects in NTs have not been established yet. In this work, single walled (SW) and multiwalled (MW) carbon nanotubes (NTs) grown by chemical vapor deposition have been studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman scattering and photoluminescence (PL), electron spin resonance (ESR) and thermo gravometric (TGA) analysis. Raman spectra of both SWNT and MWNT show additional features in the frequency range intermediate between 600-1300 cm(-1) and 1700-2600 cm(-1), in addition to well-known radial breathing modes, D- and G-bands. Room temperature PL studies show two broad but distinct peaks centered at approximately 2.05 eV and approximately 2.33 eV, for both SWNT and MWNT samples. TGA analysis shows very low impurity content in MWNT sample as compared to the SWNT sample. HRTEM analysis reveals various kinds of structural defects in nanotube wall. With the help of HRTEM and ESR studies, we argue that the intermediate frequency Raman modes and the visible PL from the pristine NTs are definite signatures of structural defects in the nanotubes.

Novel low temperature chemical synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanostructures.

We report a new and highly efficient method to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures having a variety of sizes and shapes. A simple chemical reaction is followed that utilizes the oxidation of metallic zinc in the presence of an appropriate catalyst. This one-step method has advantages such as low temperature and atmospheric pressure synthesis, high yield of more than 90% and excellent optical and crystalline properties of the product. X-ray diffraction pattern of the samples shows hexagonal phase of ZnO with particles size in the range of 60-75 nm. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images of the ZnO show hexagonal and rod-shaped nanoparticles. UV-visible spectra of the dispersed samples show strong absorption peaks at approximately 378 nm. The photoluminescence spectra show a strong emission peak at approximately 388 nm indicating good optical characteristics. The product formed is found to be dependent on the ratio of the starting materials and on other reaction conditions such as temperature, time etc. This method is suitable for large-scale production of nanosized ZnO and could be extended for the synthesis of other metal oxides, such as MgO etc.

Interaction between Eimeria uzura infection and aflatoxicosis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The clinical signs and gross lesions caused by Eimeria uzura (10(5) oocysts) in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exhibited little or no influence in the face of intercurrent dietary aflatoxicosis (1 p.p.m. of aflatoxin B1 from Day 0 to 55). Similarly, no significant differences in the mucosal morphology of the intestine were evident histologically between the two groups of Japanese quail. The nervous signs of ataxia, leg weakness, incoordination of movement, torticollis and terminal opisthotonos were toxin-induced manifestations. In the aflatoxic quail, hypoplastic changes and selective depletion of lymphocytes were more prominent in the bursa of fabricius. Increased relative mean weights of liver, kidney, spleen, crop, proventriculus and gizzard were observed in birds due to aflatoxin sensitivity. The combination of E. uzura infection and aflatoxicosis in Japanese quail may cause significant weight loss, and increased oocyst production and reproductive potential.

Polycystic liver disease in golden hamsters.

Seven cases of multiple hepatic cysts of varying sizes and shapes were recorded in a closed colony of golden hamsters. Ante-mortem examination failed to show any clinical signs except for abdominal enlargement in one hamster. Multiple, thin-walled cysts of varying sizes (0.25 to 3.0 cm) and shape were observed in the liver. The larger cysts protruded from the liver surfaces and contained a colourless, clear, serous fluid and caused pathological change in 5-60 per cent of the hepatic parenchyma. Microscopically, the cysts were uni- or multilocular and lined by low cuboidal or flattened epithelial cells. The hepatic parenchyma around cysts showed pressure atrophy, necrosis, engorged sinusoids or other blood vessels or even haemorrhages, mild to extensive fatty or vacuolar degenerative changes and occasionally proliferation of biliary ducts.

Effect of talc injected intravenously in guinea pigs.

The pulmonary angiothrombotic lesions in narcotic addicts attributed to the talc present in drug tablets were studied experimentally in guinea pigs following repeated intravenous administration of a suspension of talc dust (75 mg per animal). In early periods there was a moderate localization of talc particles in the alveolar capillaries of lung, liver and abdominal lymph nodes. The vascular injury in the pulmonary tissue was in the form of mild proliferation of the endothelial cells. In addition, many nodular collections comprising macrophages and lymphocytes developed around such vascular structures. At later periods (150 days) the only significant reaction obtained was moderate thickening of interalveolar septa and the lesions were in no way comparable to the human reports. The significance of these findings has been discussed.

Mammary Intraductal Carcinoma in Goats ( Capra hircus).

Three intraductal carcinomas were found in the mammary glands of 220 goats. The affected glands were indurated and had multiple grey-white dots resembling areas of suppuration on their cut surfaces. The growths were multicentric and had diffuse intraluminal proliferation of cells, giving laciform, cribriform or solid appearance to the epithelium. In one, the neoplastic cells were invasive, having overcome the myoepithelial basement membrane complex, and had metastasised to the regional lymph node.