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We have prepared the composites of a room temperature nematic liquid crystal namely 4-(trans-4-n-hexylcyclohexyl) isothiocyanatobenzoate (6CHBT) and Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots (CdSe-QDs) and investigated their electro-optical and dielectric properties. Effect of dispersion of CdSe-QDs on various electro-optical and display parameters of host liquid crystalline material have been studied. Physical parameters, such as switching threshold voltage and splay elastic constant have been altered drastically for composites. Dispersion of QDs in a liquid crystals medium destabilizes nematic ordering of the host and decreases the nematic-to-isotropic transition temperature.

Zinc nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in silica were irradiated with swift heavy ions (SHIs) of seven different combinations of species and energies. The shape elongation induced by the irradiations was evaluated by optical linear dichroism (OLD) spectroscopy, which is a sensitive tool for determining the change in the mean aspect ratio (AR) of NPs. Although the mean AR change indicated a linear fluence dependence in the low- and medium-fluence regions, it indicated a nonlinear dependence in the high-fluence region. The data reveal that the elongation efficiency of Zn is correlated with the electronic stopping power ‘Se in silica’ and is not correlated with either the ‘Se in Zn’ or the nuclear stopping power. The elongation efficiency plotted as a function of the ‘Se in silica’ revealed a linear relationship, with a threshold value of ∼2 keV nm−1, which is the same dependence exhibited by the ion-track formation in silica. The log–log plot showed that the elongation efficiency increased linearly with Se above a critical value of ∼3 keV nm−1 and steeply decreased with Se to the power of 5 below the critical Se. The steep decrease can be ascribed to the discontinuous nature of the ion tracks, which is expected at Se ∼ 2–4 keV nm−1 in silica. The fluence Φ dependences of AR − 1 under various irradiations are well-normalized with the electronic energy deposition of SHIs, i.e., the product of Se and Φ, with a Se greater than the same critical value of ∼3 keV nm−1. The normalized data above the critical value fell on a linear relation, AR(Φ) − 1 ∝ SeΦ, for SeΦ < 2 keV nm−3 and a sublinear relation, AR(Φ) − 1 ∝ (SeΦ)1/2 for SeΦ > 2 keV nm−3. On the basis of these experimental results, we discuss some insights into the elongation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To evaluate the effect of antitubercular therapy (ATT) on an ovarian function such as ovarian reserve, ovarian dimensions, and ovarian stromal blood flow. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective study design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty infertile women with female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) without tubo-ovarian masses diagnosed by positive acid-fast bacilli culture or epithelioid granuloma on endometrial aspirate or positive polymerase chain reaction with positive findings on laparoscopy or hysteroscopy were recruited. The ovarian function tests were performed on day 2/3 as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Ovarian dimensions (length, width, and depth) were measured using a transvaginal ultrasound. Mean antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow (peak systolic velocity [PSV], pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index [RI]) were measured using a transvaginal ultrasound. All women were started on ATT for 6 months by directly observed treatment strategy. After completion of ATT, all the parameters were repeated. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in AMH (2.68 ± 0.97 ng/ml to 2.8 ± 1.03 ng/ml) pre- to post-ATT, nonsignificant increase in FSH (7.16 ± 2.34 mIU/ml to 7.26 ± 2.33 mIU/ml) post-ATT, significant increase in mean AFC (7.40 ± 2.12-8.14 ± 2.17), PSV in the right ovary (6.015-6.11 cm/s) and left ovary (6.05-6.08 cm/s), PI in the right ovary (0.935-0.951 cm/s) and left ovary (0.936-0.957 cm/s), and RI in the right ovary (0.62 ± 0.01-0.79 ± 0.02) and left ovary (0.65 ± 0.02-0.84 ± 0.01) with ATT. There was no significant change in mean ovarian dimensions (ovarian length, breadth, and width) and summed ovarian volume with ATT. On laparoscopy, tubercles were seen in 27 (54%) women. Caseous nodules and encysted ascites were seen in 8% cases each. CONCLUSION: ATT improves the ovarian function (AMH and AFC) and ovarian blood flow in women with FGTB.