[en] A miniature data acquisition (DAQ) system is introduced, which is used for dark matter pre-investigation. The software is developed VC⁺⁺6.0 studio and it has a good working interface. The characteristics of CaF2(Eu) crystal is preliminary measured with this miniature system

[en] Ca_nF_2n nanoclusters for n ranging from 2 to 10 were calculated with B3LYP/6-31G ab initio method. For n = 5 and n = 7 no stable configurations were found. The energy parameters, symmetries and stability of the nanoclusters is discussed. The results of ab initio calculations are then compared to pair potentials (PP) classical calculation. (paper)

[en] Homeland security applications demand performant two-plane Compton-camera systems, with high detector efficiency, good nuclide identification and able to perform in-field conditions. A low-Z scintillator has been proposed and studied as a promising candidate for use in the scattering plane of a scintillator-based Compton camera: CaF₂(Eu). All the relevant properties for the application of this scintillator in a mobile Compton camera system, have been addressed: the energy resolution and the non-proportionality at room temperature and in the temperature range of -20°C to +55°C, the photoelectron yield and the relative light yield in the relevant temperature range. A new method of inferring the relative light output of scintillators has been proposed.

[en] Using frequency-chirped radiation pressure slowing, we precisely control the velocity of a pulsed CaF molecular beam down to a few m s^–1, compressing its velocity spread by a factor of 10 while retaining high intensity: at a velocity of 15 m s^–1 the flux, measured 1.3 m from the source, is 7 × 10⁵ molecules per cm² per shot in a single rovibrational state. The beam is suitable for loading a magneto-optical trap or, when combined with transverse laser cooling, improving the precision of spectroscopic measurements that test fundamental physics. We compare the frequency-chirped slowing method with the more commonly used frequency-broadened slowing method. (fast track communication)

[en] In order to study the effectiveness of Calcium chloride treatments on post harvest quality and storage behavior of 'Surkh' cultivar of loquat, fruit was dipped in three concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) of Calcium chloride for two minutes and stored in soft board cartons at 4 deg. C in a cold store for 10 weeks period. The fruit was harvested at mature ripe stage, clipped, sorted and washed before applying the treatments. Changes in weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), browning index (BI), ascorbic acid, titratable acidity (TA) and relative electrical conductivity (REC) were studied. One percent CaCl/sub 2/ did not affect quality parameters of the fruit compared to control treatment, whereas, 2% and 3% CaCl/sub 2/ retained maximum firmness, TSS, ascorbic acid content reduced browning index (BI), relative electrical conductivity (REC) and weight loss up to 4-5 weeks. (author)

[en] Growth topographies of CaF₂(111) after molecular beam growth of CaF₂ at T = 1055 K for different saturation ratios S>1 and layer thickness were inspected by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Growth steps one triple layer high run mostly in <110> directions, where those of type I prevail. Macrosteps resulting from a step bunching of triple layer steps are observed only for the <110> directions. Macrosteps resulting from a pile-up of type I triple layer steps are steeper than those from type II steps. This can be attributed to a theoretically predicted attractive interaction between type I steps at distances closer than 1 nm. (letter to the editor)

[en] Eucalyptus saligna is an important woody plant used to lumber and cellulose. The aim of this research was to establish a protocol for micropropagation of this species from cotyledonary nodes. Plantlets with 16 days old were used as a donor explants. The induction of cotyledonary nodes consisted of two parts: a dark culture followed by a light culture. Basal medium was MS added with 30g.L-1 sucrose, 10% coconut water and solidified with 7g.L-1 agar. For the dark culture the media were supplemented with 3.6 micro M NAA (Naftalenoacetic acid) and 4.4 micro M BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) and for the light culture the media were supplemented with 2.7 micro M NAA and 1.1 micro M BAP. The period for dark and light culture was 20 days. Shoots were multiplied on MS medium, 30 g.L-1 sucrose supplemented with 1.1 micro M BAP. Shoots were elongated on MS medium free of plant growth regulators. Shoots were rooting on half-strength MS salts. Acclimatization was performed in a hydroponics floating system. Moreover, the shoot multiplication in liquid medium with different CaCl/sub 2/ levels was carried out under agitation. Organogenesis of cotyledonary nodes was characterized by simultaneous occurrence of shoot and callus. Shoots presented hyperhydricity under liquid medium, however, the CaCl/sub 2/ reduces the hyperhydricity in liquid medium; nevertheless, it had been not effective in eliminating hyperhydricity due to toxicity of chlorine. The hydroponics acclimatization results in 90% plant survival. An efficient protocol for micropropagation of E. saligna was suitable established and can be used for clonal propagation or genetic transformation. (author)

[en] The study of the electrochemical behavior of wrought and welded Alloy 22 was carried out in 5 M CaC12 at various temperatures. Comparisons were made between the electrochemical behaviors of the wrought and welded forms of Alloy 22 Multiple Crevice Assembly (MCA) specimens. The susceptibility to corrosion was found to increase with increase in temperature in both the wrought and the welded forms of the alloy. Nevertheless, degree of susceptibility was found to be similar in both the wrought and welded

[en] Short communication

[en] The study of the electrochemical behavior of wrought and welded Alloy 22 was carried out in 5 M CaC12 at various temperatures. Comparisons were made between the electrochemical behaviors of the wrought and welded forms of Alloy 22 Multiple Crevice Assembly (MCA) specimens. The susceptibility to corrosion was found to increase with increase in temperature in both the wrought and the welded forms of the alloy: Nevertheless, the measure critical breakdown potential E_crit was found to be Similar for the wrought and welded specimens