Characterizing pathological imperfections in macromolecular crystals: lattice disorders and modulations

Macromolecular crystal structure determination can be complicated or brought to a halt by crystal imperfections. These issues motivated us to write up what we affectionately call ‘The Definitive Hitchhiker’s Guide to Pathological Macromolecular Crystals: Lattice Disorders and Modulations’. Perhaps the most challenging imperfections are lattice order–disorder phenomena and positional modulations. Many of these types of crystals have been solved, and progress has been made on the more challenging forms. Diagnostic tools and how to solve many of these problem crystal structures are reviewed. New avenues are provided for approaching the solution of incommensurately modulated crystals. There are a good number of case studies in the literature of lattice order–disorder phenomena and crystallographic modulations that make it timely to write a review. This review concludes with a projected pathway for solving incommensurately modulated crystals, personal views of future directions and needs of the crystallographic community.     

Effects of SiC particles codeposition and ultrasound agitation on the electrocrystallisation of nickel-based composite coatings

This study analysed the influence of the codeposition of SiC particles with different sizes: 50 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm, and the type of bath agitation (stirring or ultrasonic) on the electrocrystallisation of nickel coatings. The composites matrix microstructure was analysed by means of SEM, EBSD and XRD, to evaluate the grain size, crystal orientation, and internal stresses and was benchmarked against pure nickel samples electrodeposited in equivalent conditions. The codeposition of nano- and microsize particles with an approximate content of 0.8 and 4 vol.%, respectively, caused only a minor grain refinement and did not vary the dominant?<?100?>?crystal orientation observed in pure Ni. The internal stress was, however, increased by particles codeposition, up to 104 MPa by nanoparticles and 57 MPa by microparticles, compared to the values observed in pure nickel (41 MPa). The higher codeposition rate (11 vol.%) obtained by the addition of submicron-size particles caused a change in the grain growth from columnar to equiaxial, resulting in deposits with a fully random crystal orientation and pronounced grain refinement. The internal stress was also increased by 800% compared to pure nickel. The ultrasound (US) agitation during the deposition caused grain refinement and a selective particle inclusion prompting a decrease in the content of the particles with the larger particles. The deposits produced under US agitation showed an increase in the internal stresses, with double values compared to stirring. The increase in the deposits microhardness, from 280 HV in pure Ni to 560 HV in Ni/SiC submicron-US, was linked to the microstructural changes and particles content.

Graphical abstract

     

Groundwater problems in surface coal mining in Scotland

The paper reviews the problems encountered with groundwater in surface mining in Scotland. The problems which occur at various stages of the mining process from initial exploration to mine planning and final restoration are referred to. Special consideration is given to mine drainage and pumping methods.     

Estimate of Stress-Strain State of Rocks in the Area of Drilling Kola Ultradeep Well

The values of horizontal tectonic stresses are estimated up to depth of 11 500 m by the measurement of velocities of longitudinal and transverse waves in rock samples extracted from various depths when drilling Kola Ultradeep Well.     

Statistical Criteria and Estimation Results for Regularities of Gas-Dynamic Phenomenon Distribution in Potash Deposits

An analysis and estimate are performed for possible schemes of spatial distribution of gas-dynamic phenomena in potash deposits by the methods of mathematical statistics. The problem stated is solved by comparing the numerical characteristics of the events observed and those obtained on the basis of the theoretical model developed.     

用氮气和戊基黄药浮选时黄铁矿的低电位疏水状态

为了解释和查明N2TEC浮选法的基本原理，本文报道了在用戊基钾黄药(PAX)作捕收剂时，黄铁矿的低电位疏水状态的研究成果。新制定的N2TEC浮选法的目的是提高难处理含金硫化矿金回收率。在典型的N2TEC浮选法中，用氮气代替空气作为浮选气体，戊基钾黄药作为评选含金黄铁矿颗粒的捕收剂。l997年3月，第一个N2TEC浮选工艺在内华达州Lone Tree矿山浮选厂投产，一直操作至今。根据电化学校制接触角测量结果，研究了黄铁矿的低电位、低pH疏水状态与浮选变量(pH、气相组成、捕收剂浓度和黄铁矿电位)之间的关系。