Effects of cerium on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-20Zn-8Al alloy

Mg-20Zn-8Al-xCe(x=0-2 wt.%) alloys were prepared by metal mould casting method, the effects of Ce on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys were investigated. The results showed that the dendrite as well as gram size were refined by the addition of Ce, and the best refinement was obtained in 1.39% Ce containing alloy. The main phases in the as cast alloys were alpha-Mg and tau-Mg-32 (Al, Zn)(49), and Al4Ce phase was found in the alloys contained more than 1.39% Ce. The addition of Ce improved the mechanical properties of the alloys. The strengthening mechanism was attributed to grain refinement and compound reinforced.

Structural and magnetic properties of Sr2Fe1−xGaxMoO6 (0≤x≤0.25)

We have investigated the structure, magnetization and magnetoresistance (MR) of the double perovskite compounds Sr2Fe1−xGaxMoO6 (0≤x≤0.25). Rietveld refinement results show that the anti-site defects (ASDs) concentration increases with x, giving rise to highly disordered samples at the B/B positions, for the highest doping levels. The evolution of bond lengths and ions oxidation states could be understood by the distribution of trivalent Ga ions at the B/B positions, which leads to the formation of more disorder structure. The saturation magnetization and Curie temperature decreased with the Ga content increases in the samples, and their origin was found that the cations disorder for the Ga-doped compounds is annihilating double exchange mechanism due to the presence of significant amounts of Fe and Ga cations on the B site. The low-field magnetoresistance of Sr2FeMoO6 (SFMO) can be greatly enhanced by replacing the Fe by the nonmagnetic Ga ion up to a temperature of 300 K,since Ga ions may act as a barrier for electron transport along the chain in the ferromagnetic segregation and weaken the ferromagnetic exchange.

Structural determination of a new phase of monoclinic BaTb2Mn2O7

A new phase of monoclinic BaTb2Mn2O7 with extra superlattice lines in addition to the usual orthorhombic X-ray diffraction patterns was prepared and a Rietveld refinement was applied to analyze the crystal structure using X-ray powder diffraction data at room temperature. The refined lattice parameters were a = 0.54918(8) nm, b = 2.0149(5) nm, c = 0.54922(9) nm, and beta = 90.62degrees with the space group A2/m (no. 12). The MnO6 oxygen octahedron has distortion and tilts around a-axis by about 7degrees each other in the reverse direction.

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of a neutral open-framework zincophosphate

A neutral open-frame work zincophosphate has been hydrothermally synthesized: structure refinement shows that it is composed of Zn4O12 tetramers and infinite Zn-O-Zn chains that are linked by PO4 groups forming one-dimensional 16-membered ring channels along b direction.

Local similarity in organic crystals and the non-uniqueness of X-ray powder patterns

Two new concepts for molecular solids, 'local similarity' and 'boundary-preserving isometry', are defined mathematically and a theorem which relates these concepts is formulated. 'Locally similar' solids possess an identical short-range structure and a 'boundary-preserving isometry' is a new mathematical operation on a finite region of a solid that transforms mathematically a given solid to a locally similar one. It is shown further that the existence of such a 'boundary-preserving isometry' in a given solid has infinitely many 'locally similar' solids as a consequence. Chemical implications, referring to the similarity of X-ray powder patterns and patent registration, are discussed as well. These theoretical concepts, which are first introduced in a schematic manner, are proved to exist in nature by the elucidation of the crystal structure of some diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivatives with surprisingly similar powder patterns. Although the available powder patterns were not indexable, the underlying crystals could be elucidated by using the new technique of ab initio prediction of possible polymorphs and a subsequent Rietveld refinement. Further ab initio packing calculations on other molecules reveal that 'local crystal similarity' is not restricted to DPP derivatives and should also be exhibited by other molecules such as quinacridones. The 'boundary-preserving isometry' is presented as a predictive tool for crystal engineering purposes and attempts to detect it in crystals of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) are reported.

Three dimensional solution structure of neurotoxin CM-11 from the Ophiophagus hannah

The Ophiophagus hannah (King Cobra) neurotoxin CM-11 is a small protein with 72 amino acid residues, Based on complete assignments of H-1-NMR resonances and determination of secondary structures of CM-11, 349 distance and 27 dihedral angle constraints including 19 phi's and 8 chi's were collected from NOESY and DQF-COSY , and the chemical stereospecific assignment of beta(1)H was partially achieved, Twelve structures with lower energy was obtained via metric matrix distance geometry and refinement with simulated annealing, These structures have a low RMSD of 0.14 nm for backbone atoms and 0.20 nm for heavy atoms, with no distance constraint violation more than 0.05 nm, and no dihedral angle violation more than 3 degrees.

SYNTHESIS, THERMAL-STABILITY AND X-RAY CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE OF THE BIS(CYCLOPENTADIENYL)YTTERBIUM NAPHTHOXIDE DERIVATIVE (C5H5)2YB(OC10H7)(THF)

Cp3Yb (Cp = C5H5) reacts with a-naphthol (HNP) in THF to form Cp2Yb(NP)(THF) (1), which crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/n with unit cell dimensions a = 8.084(2), b = 15.996(6), c = 15.973(7) angstrom, beta = 98.95(3), V = 2040.3 angstrom and D(calc.) = 1.69 g cm-3 for Z = 4. Least-squares refinement based on 2242 observed reflections converged to a final R value of 0.081. The average Yb-C(Cp) distance is 2.60(2) angstrom and Yb-O(THF) and Yb-O(NP) distances are 2.30(1) and 2.06(1) angstrom, respectively. The title compound loses the coordinated THF molecule readily by heating under vacuum to give dimeric [Cp2Yb(NP)]2 (2), which undergoes disproportionation to give Cp3Yb and Yb(NP)3 on heating above 230-degrees-C.

SYNTHESES OF METHYLCYCLOPENTADIENYL DERIVATIVES OF LANTHANIDES (LN = LA-ND) AND CRYSTAL-STRUCTURES OF [(THF)2LI(MU-CL)2]2[MECPND(THF)] AND [LI(DME)3][MECPLA(NPH2)3]

The reaction of LnCl3.2LiCl with 1 equiv of MeCpNa in THF gives the complexes [(THF)2Li(mu-Cl)2]2[MeCpLn(THF)] (Ln = Nd (1), La (2)) in good yield. These precursors react further with 2 equiv of LiNPh2 to produce the new complexes [Li(DME)3][MeCpLn(NPh2)3] (Ln = La (3), Pr (4), Nd (5)). They have been characterized by elemental analyses and IR and NMR spectra, as well as by structural analyses of 1 and 3. The chloride 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (No. 14) with a = 12.130 (5) angstrom, b = 17.343 (5) angstrom, c = 17.016 (5) angstrom, beta = 108.54 (3)-degrees, V = 3393.87 angstrom3, Z = 4, and D(c) = 1.45 g/cm3. Least-squares refinement led to a final R value of 0.051 (I greater-than-or-equal-to 3-sigma(I(o))) for 2004 independent reflections. Complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14) with a = 18.335 (6) angstrom, b = 16.576 (5) angstrom, c = 17.461 (6) angstrom, beta = 96.04 (3)-degrees, V = 5277.17 angstrom3, D(c) = 1.26 g/cm3, Z = 4, and R = 0.057 (I greater-than-or-equal-to 2.5-sigma(I(o))) for 3378 reflections. The structure of 3 consists of discrete ion pairs [Li(DME)3]+ and [MeCpLa(NPh2)3]- with average La-N and La-C(ring) distances of 2.459 (8) and 2.84 (1) angstrom, respectively.

SYNTHESIS AND CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE OF THE TRIS(CYCLOPENTADIENYL)PHENYL COMPLEX OF NEODYMIUM, (LI-BULLET-3DME)[(ETA-5-C5H5)3NDC6H5]

(Li.3DME)[eta(5)-C5H5)3NdC6H5], 1 was synthesized by the reaction of NdCl3.2LiCl, 2 equivalents of cyclopentadienylsodium and one equivalent of phenyllithium in THF at -78-degrees-C, and crystallized from THF and DME. The crystal structure of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction method at -80-degrees-C. The crystal of 1 is triclinic, space group P1BAR with a = 15.752(6), b = 16.232(3), c = 23.038(7) angstrom, alpha = 108.81(2), beta = 93.31(3), gamma = 108.38(2)-degrees, Z = 6 and D = 1.33 g/cm3. Least-squares refinement (5732 observed reflections) led to a final R of 0.053. The complex consists of disconnected ion pairs of (Li.3DME)+ and [(eta(5)-C5H5)3NdC6H5]-. The neodymium atom was connected to three eta(5)-bonded cyclopentadienyls and one sigma-bonded phenyl in a distorted tetrahedral arrangement with Nd-C(sigma-) 2.593(17), 2.613(13) and 2.601(13) angstrom.

Reasoning Modeled as a Society of Communicating Experts

This report describes a domain independent reasoning system. The system uses a frame-based knowledge representation language and various reasoning techniques including constraint propagation, progressive refinement, natural deduction and explicit control of reasoning. A computational architecture based on active objects which operate by exchanging messages is developed and it is shown how this architecture supports reasoning activity. The user interacts with the system by specifying frames and by giving descriptions defining the problem situation. The system uses its reasoning capacity to build up a model of the problem situation from which a solution can interactively be extracted. Examples are discussed from a variety of domains, including electronic circuits, mechanical devices and music. The main thesis is that a reasoning system is best viewed as a parallel system whose control and data are distributed over a large network of processors that interact by exchanging messages. Such a system will be metaphorically described as a society of communicating experts.

Liquid alumina: detailed atomic coordination determined from neutron diffraction data using empirical potential structure refinement

Greaves, George; Jenkins, T.E.; Landron, C.; Hennet, L., (2001) 'Liquid alumina: detailed atomic coordination determined from neutron diffraction data using empirical potential structure refinement', Physical Review Letters 86 pp.4839-4842 RAE2008

An Examination of a Church-Based Recovery Program on the Quality of Physical and Spiritual Life of Mentally Ill Persons in Korea

This study explores the effectiveness of a Church-based recovery program for the mentally ill in Korea where many Christian communities view mental illness as evidence of sin. Building on theological and psychological literature, an empirical study was conducted with participants in the alternative program of the Han-ma-um community. Data analysis revealed that this program, which views mental disorders as illness rather than sin, helps participants build self-respect and enables families to provide support as they move toward recovery. Based on this empirical examination, recommendations for refinement and expansion of the program and avenues for future research are proposed.

Development of large-scale colloidal crystallisation methods for the production of photonic crystals

Colloidal photonic crystals have potential light manipulation applications including; fabrication of efficient lasers and LEDs, improved optical sensors and interconnects, and improving photovoltaic efficiencies. One road-block of colloidal selfassembly is their inherent defects; however, they can be manufactured cost effectively into large area films compared to micro-fabrication methods. This thesis investigates production of ‘large-area’ colloidal photonic crystals by sonication, under oil co-crystallization and controlled evaporation, with a view to reducing cracking and other defects. A simple monotonic Stöber particle synthesis method was developed producing silica particles in the range of 80 to 600nm in a single step. An analytical method assesses the quality of surface particle ordering in a semiquantitative manner was developed. Using fast Fourier transform (FFT) spot intensities, a grey scale symmetry area method, has been used to quantify the FFT profiles. Adding ultrasonic vibrations during film formation demonstrated large areas could be assembled rapidly, however film ordering suffered as a result. Under oil cocrystallisation results in the particles being bound together during film formation. While having potential to form large areas, it requires further refinement to be established as a production technique. Achieving high quality photonic crystals bonded with low concentrations (<5%) of polymeric adhesives while maintaining refractive index contrast, proved difficult and degraded the film’s uniformity. A controlled evaporation method, using a mixed solvent suspension, represents the most promising method to produce high quality films over large areas, 75mm x 25mm. During this mixed solvent approach, the film is kept in the wet state longer, thus reducing cracks developing during the drying stage. These films are crack-free up to a critical thickness, and show very large domains, which are visible in low magnification SEM images as Moiré fringe patterns. Higher magnification reveals separation between alternate fringe patterns are domain boundaries between individual crystalline growth fronts.

A critical realist examination of the inhibitors of double loop learning in an agile adoption

The original solution to the high failure rate of software development projects was the imposition of an engineering approach to software development, with processes aimed at providing a repeatable structure to maintain a consistency in the ‘production process’. Despite these attempts at addressing the crisis in software development, others have argued that the rigid processes of an engineering approach did not provide the solution. The Agile approach to software development strives to change how software is developed. It does this primarily by relying on empowered teams of developers who are trusted to manage the necessary tasks, and who accept that change is a necessary part of a development project. The use of, and interest in, Agile methods in software development projects has expanded greatly, yet this has been predominantly practitioner driven. There is a paucity of scientific research on Agile methods and how they are adopted and managed. This study aims at addressing this paucity by examining the adoption of Agile through a theoretical lens. The lens used in this research is that of double loop learning theory. The behaviours required in an Agile team are the same behaviours required in double loop learning; therefore, a transition to double loop learning is required for a successful Agile adoption. The theory of triple loop learning highlights that power factors (or power mechanisms in this research) can inhibit the attainment of double loop learning. This study identifies the negative behaviours - potential power mechanisms - that can inhibit the double loop learning inherent in an Agile adoption, to determine how the Agile processes and behaviours can create these power mechanisms, and how these power mechanisms impact on double loop learning and the Agile adoption. This is a critical realist study, which acknowledges that the real world is a complex one, hierarchically structured into layers. An a priori framework is created to represent these layers, which are categorised as: the Agile context, the power mechanisms, and double loop learning. The aim of the framework is to explain how the Agile processes and behaviours, through the teams of developers and project managers, can ultimately impact on the double loop learning behaviours required in an Agile adoption. Four case studies provide further refinement to the framework, with changes required due to observations which were often different to what existing literature would have predicted. The study concludes by explaining how the teams of developers, the individual developers, and the project managers, working with the Agile processes and required behaviours, can inhibit the double loop learning required in an Agile adoption. A solution is then proposed to mitigate these negative impacts. Additionally, two new research processes are introduced to add to the Information Systems research toolkit.

Mesh partitioning: a multilevel balancing and refinement algorithm

Multilevel algorithms are a successful class of optimization techniques which addresses the mesh partitioning problem. They usually combine a graph contraction algorithm together with a local optimization method which refines the partition at each graph level. In this paper we present an enhancement of the technique which uses imbalance to achieve higher quality partitions. We also present a formulation of the Kernighan-Lin partition optimization algorithm which incorporates load-balancing. The resulting algorithm is tested against a different but related state-of-the-art partitioner and shown to provide improved results.