Graphene nanosheets homogeneously incorporated in polyurethane sponge for the elimination of water-soluble organic dyes.

Highly dispersed graphene nanosheets (GNS) are directly integrated into polyurethane sponge for the very first time. Individual GNS with an average thickness of 5 nm were uniformly encapsulated in polyurethane sponge (PUF). Highly durable, flexible, hydrophilic GNS/PUF demonstrated excellent organic dye absorption properties.

Stabilization of Prussian blue using copper sulfate for eliminating radioactive cesium from a high pH solution and seawater.

Prussian blue (PB), an adsorbent for the selective elimination of radioactive cesium from water, is highly versatile due to its unique crystal structure. However, PB crystals quickly decompose in an alkaline solution, generating hazardous cyanide contamination. In this research, the alkaline susceptibility of PB was remedied by incorporating copper sulfate as a protector.

Genetic variation in blast resistance in rice germplasm from West Africa.

The genetic variation in resistance to blast ( Cavara) in 195 rice accessions comprising 3 species of the AA genome complex (Asian rice [ L.], African rice [ Steud.] and wild rice []) was investigated based on their patterns of reaction to standard differential blast isolates (SDBIs) and SSR marker polymorphism data.

Genetic characterization of rainfed upland New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties.

A total of 18 rainfed upland New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties were categorized as the heavy panicle and low tillering types and early heading, in compared with 32 different varieties. These chromosome components were clarified using 243 SSR markers which showed polymorphism among NERICA varieties and their parents, CG 14 (O. glaberrima Steud.

Single-component molecular conductor [Cu(tmdt)(2)] containing an antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chain.

Traditional molecular conductors are composed of more than two chemical species and are characterized by low-dimensional electronic band structures. By contrast, the single-component molecular metals [M(tmdt)(2)] (M = Ni, Pt, Au; tmdt = trimethylenetetrathiafulvalenedithiolate) possess three-dimensional electronic structures that can be widely tuned by exchanging the central transition metal atom (M). In this study, the Cu atom was used to realize a new magnetic single-component molecular conductor exhibiting strong pi-d interactions.