Three huntite-type aluminoborates of stoichiometry REAl3(BO3)4 (RE = Tb, Dy and Ho), namely, terbium/dysprosium/holmium trialuminium tetrakis(borate), were synthesized by slow cooling within a K2Mo3O10 flux with spontaneous crystallization. The crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data. The synthesized borates are isostructural to the huntite [CaMg3(CO3)4] structure and crystallized within the trigonal R32 space group. The structural parameters were compared to literature data of other huntite REAl3(BO3)4 crystals within the R32 space group. All three borates fit well into the trends calculated from the literature data. The unit-cell parameters and volumes increase linearly with larger RE cations whereas the densities decrease. All of the crystals studied were refined as inversion twins.

Two new co-crystals, tetra­iodo­ethyl­ene–phenanthridine (1/2), 0.5C2I4·C13H9N (1) and tetra­iodo­ethyl­ene–benzo[f]quinoline (1/2), 0.5C2I4·C13H9N (2), were obtained from tetra­iodo­ethyl­ene and aza­phenanthrenes, and characterized by IR and fluorescence spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. In the crystal structures, C—I⋯π and C—I⋯N halogen bonds link the independent mol­ecules into one-dimensional chains and two-dimensional networks with subloops. In addition, the planar aza­phenanthrenes lend themselves to π–π stacking and C—H⋯π inter­actions, leading to a diversity of supra­molecular three-dimensional structural motifs being formed by these inter­actions. Luminescence studies show that co-crystals 1 and 2 exhibit distinctly different luminescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.

In the title hydrated complex, [Co(C15H10ClN3)2]Cl2·4H2O, the complete dication is generated by overline{4} symmetry. The CoN6 moiety shows distortion from regular octa­hedral geometry with the trans bond angles of two N—Co—N units being 160.62 (9)°. In the crystal, O—H⋯Cl and C—H⋯O inter­actions link the components into (001) sheets. The title compound exhibits blue-light emission, as indicated by photoluminescence data, and a HOMO–LUMO energy separation of 2.23 eV was obtained from its diffuse reflectance spectrum.

The crystal structure of the title compound containing lutetium, the last element in the lanthanide series, was determined using a single crystal prepared by heating a pressed pellet of a 2:1 molar ratio mixture of Lu2O3 and Al2O3 powders in an Ar atmosphere at 2173 K for 4 h. Lu4Al2O9 is isostructural with Eu4Al2O9 and composed of Al2O7 di­tetra­hedra and Lu-centered six- and sevenfold oxygen polyhedra. The unit-cell volume, 787.3 (3) Å3, is the smallest among the volumes of the rare-earth (RE) aluminates, RE4Al2O9. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component pseudo-merohedric twin.

Enhancement of X-ray excited optical luminescence in a 100 µm-thick diamond plate by introduction of defect states via electron beam irradiation and subsequent high-temperature annealing is demonstrated. The resulting X-ray transmission-mode scintillator features a linear response to incident photon flux in the range 7.6 × 108 to 1.26 × 1012 photons s−1 mm−2 for hard X-rays (15.9 keV) using exposure times from 0.01 to 5 s. These characteristics enable a real-time transmission-mode imaging of X-ray photon flux density without disruption of X-ray instrument operation.

Nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes are promising host systems for confinement of condensed matter. Characterizing their structure and composition is thus of primary importance for studying the behavior of confined objects. Here a novel methodology to extract quantitative information on the structure and composition of well defined AAO membranes by combining small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging is reported. In particular, (i) information about the pore hexagonal arrangement is extracted from SEM analysis, (ii) the best SANS experimental conditions to perform reliable measurements are determined and (iii) a detailed fitting method is proposed, in which the probed length in the fitting model is a critical parameter related to the longitudinal pore ordering. Finally, to validate this strategy, it is applied to characterize AAOs prepared under different conditions and it is shown that the experimental SANS data can be fully reproduced by a core/shell model, indicating the existence of a contaminated shell. This original approach, based on a detailed and complete description of the SANS data, can be applied to a variety of confining media and will allow the further investigation of condensed matter under confinement.

The microstructures of six stacking-faulted industrially produced cobalt- and aluminium-bearing nickel layered double hydroxide (LDH) samples that are used as precursors for Li(Ni1−x−yCoxAly)O2 battery materials were investigated. Shifts from the brucite-type (AγB)□(AγB)□ stacking pattern to the CdCl2-type (AγB)□(CβA)□(BαC)□ and the CrOOH-type (BγA)□(AβC)□(CαB)□ stacking order, as well as random intercalation of water molecules and carbonate ions, were found to be the main features of the microstructures. A recursive routine for generating and averaging supercells of stacking-faulted layered substances implemented in the TOPAS software was used to calculate diffraction patterns of the LDH phases as a function of the degree of faulting and to refine them against the measured diffraction data. The microstructures of the precursor materials were described by a model containing three parameters: transition probabilities for generating CdCl2-type and CrOOH-type faults and a transition probability for the random intercalation of water/carbonate layers. Automated series of simulations and refinements were performed, in which the transition probabilities were modified incrementally and thus the microstructures optimized by a grid search. All samples were found to exhibit the same fraction of CdCl2-type and CrOOH-type stacking faults, which indicates that they have identical Ni, Co and Al contents. Different degrees of interstratification faulting were determined, which could be correlated to different heights of intercalation-water-related mass-loss steps in the thermal analyses.

Crystal structure and microscopic optical properties of anthracene derivative compounds have been investigated by single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction, laser confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

Astronomers are piecing together the reasons for these huge energy outputs, while sorting out why our own galaxy is so modest. The two primary suspects are bursts of star formation that produce many hot young stars, and processes associated with accretion of material onto a supermassive black hole at a galaxy's nucleus.

The post Luminosity of extreme galaxy most likely driven by star formation appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

The dying star, which lit the galactic scene, is the most distant stellar explosion of its kind ever studied.

The post Dying star illuminates distant galaxy, lifting veil of interstellar darkness for astronomers appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

Xian Hu, Salma Jalal, Michael Sheetz, Oddmund Bakke, and Felix Margadant

Despite progress made in confocal microscopy, even fast systems still have insufficient temporal resolution for detailed live cell volume imaging, such as tracking rapid movement of membrane vesicles in three-dimensional space. Depending on the shortfall, this may result in undersampling and/or motion artifacts that ultimately limit the quality of the imaging data. By sacrificing detailed information in the Z-direction, we propose a new imaging modality that involves capturing fast "projections" from the field of depth which shortens imaging time by approximately an order of magnitude as compared to standard volumetric confocal imaging. With faster imaging, radiation exposure to the sample is reduced, resulting in less fluorophore photobleaching and potential photodamage. The implementation minimally requires two synchronized control signals that drive a piezo stage and trigger the camera exposure. The device generating the signals has been tested on spinning disk confocals and instant structured-illumination-microscopy (iSIM) microscopes. Our calibration images show that the approach provides highly repeatable and stable imaging conditions that enable photometric measurements of the acquired data, in both standard live imaging and super-resolution modes.

Globally, up to 27% of all steel and 33% of all aluminium could potentially be reused, according to research. Significant barriers to reuse, such as component incompatibility between products and metal corrosion, must first be addressed if these reuse figures are to be achieved.

The potential of recycling aluminium scrap in Austria has been modelled in a new study. A surplus of mixed aluminium scrap is expected by 2045 if no advanced sorting technologies are applied. Increased demand for wrought aluminium alloys could mean this surplus occurs sooner. New methods to intensively sort aluminium could prevent this excess and contribute towards REACH1 recycling and climate targets.

Emissions of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) tetrafluoromethane (TFM) and hexafluoroethane (HFE) reported by industry accounted for only around half actual levels measured in the atmosphere between 2002 and 2010, new research reveals. The semiconductor and aluminium production industries, the two main sources of these gases, have reported success in their voluntary efforts to control these emissions. However, this does not match ‘top-down’ atmospheric monitoring, the researchers say.

Australian Federal Police National Headquarters in Canberra will be bathed in blue from this evening (Thursday, 30 April) to honour the four Victorian and one South Australian police officer who tragically lost their lives last week.

Urn-believable you say? Columbia University's DeathLAB will soon find out.

Seventy percent of sockets contain inefficient light bulbs. Here's how to switch them out with energy-saving models while minding your lumens and your watts.

The outlet-hogging reign of night lights may soon be over thanks to the ingenious SnapRays Guidelight from Snap Power.

Meet a brainy LED bulb equipped with embedded sensors that will help you sleep better (and save a bundle of cash).

The University of Phoenix Stadium undergoes a lighting retrofit that's game-changing in more ways than one.

In addition to being safe, simple and more efficient, LEDs will transform the replacement bridge into a 'massive canvas.'

From Michael Jordan to J.K. Rowling, these superstars prove the value of perseverance.

Aluminum is everywhere in our food and environment, but ingesting too much of it may lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer's. Here's why and how to avoid it.

Aluminum foil may be convenient, but it may also be toxic. Here are some alternatives for when you're cooking over high heat.

Bioluminescent art blends science and creativity to create images that can only be seen in the dark.

Imagine your city illuminated at night by glow stick-like lighting generated entirely from living organisms.

AlgaeBulb, an LED light bulb that, as described, is filled with microorganisms that power the bulb itself.

Scientists are trying to figure out why the popular tourist destination has gone dark.

Visiting Puerto Rico? Don't forget to plan a visit to the island of Vieques, where you can take a starlit kayak trip on the world's brightest bio bay.

Here's your crash course on the wonderful world of iguanas.

There aren't many government SCUBA divers-turned-pop-artists-turned-film-composers who battled panic attacks, looked for audio to help quell the anxiety, and composed a stunning album in an abandoned mountain town in Greece as the solution.

Pop artist and film composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt's first foray into New Age starts with a smash, hitting iTunes & Amazon charts… and quieting anxiety for the masses.

The Blac Chyna collection is available online beginning Monday November 19, 2018 www.whitenicious.com/collections/blac-chyna.

National Police Support Fund publishes comprehensive report outlining the outcome of over 100 referenda presented to voters on behalf of police operations and law enforcement during the 2017 through 2019 election cycles.

Skills-Building Sessions To Offer Attendees Leadership and Career Advancement Tools

Underpins company plan to expand commercialization and definitive manufacturing relationships

COLORADO-based THE LUMINEERS are presenting TODAY (5/8) COLORADO GIVES BACK, a live stream benefit concert from 1-4p MT for the COLORADO RESTAURANT WORKERS and NATIONAL MUSIC COMMUNITY. The … more

Seminal and iconic rock, punk and alternative rock members from THE RUNAWAYS, SUPERSUCKERS, THE ADOLESCENTS, PANSY DIVISION, JOSIE COTTON, THE STREETWALKIN' CHEETAHS, THE MINUTEMEN, … more

A photovoltaic cell, for example a thin-film photovoltaic cell, having a substrate glass made of aluminosilicate glass, has a glass composition which has SiO2 and Al2O3 as well as the alkali metal oxide Na2O and the alkaline earth oxides CaO, MgO, and BaO, and optionally further components. The glass composition includes 10 to 16 wt.-% Na2O, >0 to 1 to 10 wt.-% BaO, and the ratio of CaO:MgO is in the range of 0.5 to 1.7. The aluminosilicate glass used is crystallization stable because of the selected quotient of CaO/MgO and has a transformation temperature >580° C. and a processing temperature

An alumino-borosilicate glass for the confinement, isolation of a radioactive liquid effluent of medium activity, and a method for treating a radioactive liquid effluent of medium activity, wherein calcination of said effluent is carried out in order to obtain a calcinate, and a vitrification adjuvant is added to said calcinate.

The present application is directed to a zirconia toughened alumina body and process for making the body. The process involves combining tetragonally stabilized ZrO2 nanoparticles, Mg(OH)2 particles and alumina powder into a mixture. All particles of the mixture are milled, formed into a green compact and then sintered. The final composition of the body includes α-Al2O3 toughened with 0.5 to 2.5 weight percent ZrO2 in a stabilized tetragonal form and 0.03 to 0.10 weight percent MgO. The composition results in an Al2O3 body with a density less than 4.0 g/cc and strength greater than 50 kpsi.

An electroluminescent display comprising semiconductor nanocrystals, wherein the semiconductor nanocrystals are selected to emit light at a predetermined wavelength and are disposed in a predetermined pattern. In certain embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals that emit light at different predetermined wavelengths are disposed in the display to create a predetermined multi-color pattern.

A method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure includes kneading titania particles, alumina particles and a binder ingredient such that raw material paste including the titania particles, alumina particles and binder ingredient is prepared, forming a body made of the raw material paste and having a honeycomb structure such that the body has the honeycomb structure having multiple through-holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the body and multiple partition portions formed between the through-holes, applying sealant composition including aluminum hydroxide particles, talc particles, kaolin particles, water and organic binder to either end of each through-hole of the body in the longitudinal direction such that the honeycomb structure of the body has each through-hole sealed at one end, and sintering the body made of the raw material paste and having the honeycomb structure sealed by the sealant composition such that a ceramic body having the honeycomb structure is formed.

A platinum complex of a formula (I): whereR1 and R2 are each fluoroalkyl,X is C—H or nitrogen, andL1 is a bidentate, nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic ligand.

The present invention relates to electronic devices, in particular organic electroluminescent devices, comprising compounds of the formula (1), and the corresponding compounds.

Provided are a lubricant composition capable of reducing friction between sliding parts at least one of which contains an aluminum-based material in a lubrication section, and a method for lubricating an aluminum-based member with the composition. The lubricant composition is for use in a lubrication section having sliding parts at least one of which contains an aluminum-based material, and contains a lubricant base oil and at least one of a phosphorus-containing carboxylic compound and a metal salt thereof (component (A)) at 0.001 to 1 mass % of the composition in terms of phosphorus. The composition may suitably be used as lubricant such as drive train lubricant for automatic or manual transmissions, grease, wet brake oil, hydraulic actuation oil, turbine oil, compressor oil, bearing oil, refrigerant oil, and the like used in apparatus having the sliding parts.

The invention relates to embedding data symbols of a data signal into a luminance output of an illumination device. The device includes a controller configured for receiving a first base pattern and a second base pattern within a frame period, and generating a shifted second pattern by phase shifting the second base pattern within the frame period with respect to the first base pattern in response to the data signal such that the data symbols are embedded in the luminance output of the device. The device also includes a first light source configured to generate a first luminance output in response to the first base pattern and a second light source configured to generate a second luminance output in response to the shifted second pattern. The first and second luminance outputs have different output spectra and the luminance output of the illumination device comprises both the first and second luminance outputs. With this approach, the short-time average light output of the illumination device remains constant, decreasing the visible flicker and allowing the use of lower switching frequencies relative to the prior art approaches.

There is disclosed a polarization-modulating element for modulating a polarization state of incident light into a predetermined polarization state, the polarization-modulating element being made of an optical material with optical activity and having a circumferentially varying thickness profile.

An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by pivot joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.