Abstract
The main purpose of this work was to design, develop, and construct a simple desktop AC susceptometer to monitor in situ and in real time the coprecipitation synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. The design incorporates one pair of identical pick-up sensing coils and one pair of Helmholtz coils. The picked up signal is detected by a lock-in SR850 amplifier that measures the in-and out-of-phase signals. The apparatus also includes a stirrer with 45 degrees-angle blades to promote the fast homogenization of the reaction mixture. Our susceptometer has been successfully used to monitor the coprecipitation reaction for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Abstract
We investigated the reductive intramolecular cyclization of bromopropargyl ethers derivatives, catalyzed by electrogenerated (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraaza-cyclotetradecane)nickel(I), [Ni(tmc)]+ as the catalysts in N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2- hydroxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide,[N1112(OH)][NTf2] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C2mim][NTf2] by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis. The results show that the reaction leads to the formation of the expected cyclic compounds, which are important intermediates in the synthesis of natural products with possible biological activities. © The Electrochemical Society.

Abstract
Childhood lead poisoning remains a significant public health issue, especially in the United States, where the most common source of exposure is lead-based paint (LBP). X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis is still the most widely used method for detecting LBP in the field. Although portable XRF instrumentation based on excitation from a 57Co radioisotope has been used for more than 30 years, there have been few reports documenting its performance. Here we describe a study that was conducted by the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center laboratory in response to concerns raised by field users of the RMD LPA-1 XRF analyzer (Protec Instrument Corp.) working across the state. The performance issues were investigated for ten field units: five reported as problematic based on user feedback, and 5 that were not. Accuracy was assessed against NIST SRM 2579 lead in paint, which was developed specifically for use with portable XRF analyzers. On average, the absolute bias found was within ±20% at the threshold value for LBP (1.0 mg cm-2) based on the NIST SRM 2579 data. Calibration blocks provided with each analyzer for quality assurance monitoring were evaluated using a different XRF analyzer (Niton XLT 3t 700s GOLDD) operated in painted products mode (µg cm-2). However, when the Niton XRF analyzer was checked against NIST SRM 2579, it was found to have a negative bias. That negative bias was easily corrected using a "calibration" curve with a quadratic fit to the data. NIST-corrected data obtained for the calibration blocks showed assigned values were within the manufacturer's stated tolerance range, albeit with a consistent positive bias. The root cause for 3 of the 5 problematic devices was likely incorrect positioning of the device. A low bias for a fourth device was likely caused by a deteriorated calibration block, and the fifth device, while just within the manufacturer's technical specifications, was the only one confirmed with a low bias. Increased operator training may resolve some of the issues reported in the field; on-going competency assessments may be warranted for this hand-held technology. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Abstract
Fiber Bragg grating sensors were attached to the surface of a rechargeable lithium battery in order to monitor its thermal and strain fluctuations through charge and different discharge C rates. During the discharge process above 1C, it were observed, a temperature and strain fluctuations of a 4.12 +/- 0.67 degrees C and 24.64 +/- 6.02 mu epsilon, respectively. In the regular charge process, a temperature and strain variation of 1.03 +/- 0.67 degrees C and 15.86 +/- 6.02 mu epsilon, were detected.

Abstract
Optical fiber sensors based on the phenomenon of plasmonic resonance can be interrogated applying different methods, the most common one being the spectral approach where the measurand information is derived from the reading of the wavelength resonance dip. In principle, a far better performance can be achieved considering the reading of the phase of the light at a specific wavelength located within the spectral plasmonic resonance. This approach is investigated in this work for fiber optic SPR sensors with overlays which are combinations of metallic and dielectric thin films, permitting not only to tune the wavelength of the SPR resonance but also the sensitivity associated with the phase interrogation of the sensors.

Abstract
In this work, a hybrid Fabry-Perot interferometer based on a novel four-bridge microstructured fiber is presented and characterized. The characterization of this cavity is performed in the L-band using two different instruments: an optical spectrum analyzer and an optical backscatter reflectometer. The Fabry-Perot output signal presents linear variation with temperature changes (sensitivity 9.8-11.9 pm/°C), variation with the polarization states of light and high stability. © 2014 SPIE.