Phase equilibria in the system LaMnO3 + δ-SrMnO3-LaFeO3-SrFeO3 − d

We have revealed the formation of a continuous series of orthorhombic LaMn_{1 ? y} Fe_yO₃ solid solutions (0<y<1); La_{1 ? x} Sr_xFeO₃ solid solutions in the composition range 0 < x ≤ 0.8, with an orthorhombic structure at 0 < x ≤ 0.6 and a cubic structure at 0.6 < x ≤ 0.8; and a tetragonal SrMn_{1 ? y} Fe_yO₃ phase in the range 0.6 ≤ y ≤ 1. The composition stability limits of the perovskite phase La_{1 ? x} Sr_xMn_{1 ? y} Fe_yO₃ have been determined, and the 1100°C isotherm of the La₂O₃-SrO-Mn₃O₄-Fe₂O₃ system in air has been constructed.     

Corrosion-resistant analogue of Hadfield steel

The concept of alloying austenitic steels with carbon + nitrogen is used for the development of a corrosion-resistant austenitic CrMn steel having an impact wear resistance close to that of the Hadfield steel. A higher stabilization of the austenitic phase by C + N, as compared to carbon or nitrogen alone, is substantiated by ab initio calculation of the electron structure, measurements of the concentration of free electrons and calculations of the phase equilibrium. Based on these results, the compositions (mass%) Cr18Mn18C0.34N0.61 and Cr18Mn18C0.49N0.58 were melted and tested along with Hadfield steel Mn12C1.2. Mechanical tests have shown that, as compared to the Hadfield steel, the experimental steels possess a higher strength, plasticity, hardness and the same resistance to impact wear. TEM studies of the surface layer after impact treatment revealed a mixture of the amorphous phase, nanocrystals and fine-twinned austenite. At the same time, using Mössbauer spectroscopy of conversion electrons, the ferromagnetic ordering was found in the surface layer of up to 10 μm in depth, which is the sign of the strain-induced martensitic phase. The hypothesis of a transition from the low-spin to the high-spin state of the iron atoms within the thin twins in austenite was proposed in order to interpret the discrepancy between TEM and Mössbauer studies. Potentiodynamic measurements and immersion tests show that the CrMnCN steels possess a significantly higher pitting potential and resistance to general corrosion in comparison with Hadfield steel.     

Parabolic flight experiments with PK-4

PK-4 is an experiment designed to investigate complex plasmas (low-temperature plasmas containing microparticles, e.g. dust grains) in a combined dc/rf discharge under microgravity conditions on board of the International Space Station. Within the 35th and 36th ESA parabolic flight campaigns first experiments under microgravity conditions in a specially designed experiment set-up have been performed. The particle flow inside the tube, the appearance of dust waves, and lane formation in interpenetrating particle clouds have been observed.     

Nanoscale Magnetic Behavior of C60 Thin Films in Earth Magnetic Field under Polarization Light Influences

Magnetic behavior of C₆₀ thin films in the Earth's magnetic field under polarization light influence is presented. Transformation of magnetic field for two fullerene thin films of different thickness is investigated. Two proton magnetometers were used for these measurements. Samples of 30 nm and 250 nm thickness illustrate a significant change of magnetic field intensity under the influence of polarization light, in range from 3.4 to 12.9 nT, for 200 measurement data per sample.     

Optical Disks as a Basis of Modern Paperless Data Processing

Potentialities of the methods of information processing, distribution, and storage are analyzed. Directions are defined in which optical information media characteristics can be improved. Possibility of using optical media for a long-term storage of digital information is considered.     

MBE of InGaN/GaN heterostructures using ammonia as a source of nitrogen

Technical Physics Letters - InGaN/GaN heterostructures have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) using ammonia as a source of nitrogen. The influence of the growth temperature and rate on the...     

Novel Models of Crohn’s Disease Pathogenesis Associated with the Occurrence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Intestinal Cells

Crohn’s disease remains one of the challenging problems of modern medicine, and the development of new and effective and safer treatments against it is a dynamic field of research. To make such developments possible, it is important to understand the pathologic processes underlying the onset and progression of Crohn’s disease at the molecular and cellular levels. During the recent years, the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and associated chronic inflammation in these processes became evident. In this review, we discuss the published works on pathogenetic models of Crohn’s disease. These models make studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the disease pathogenesis possible and advances the development of novel therapies.     

Encapsulation of urease in double‐layered hydrogels of macroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) core and poly(ethylene oxide) outer layer: fabrication and biosensing properties

Double‐layered hydrogels of super‐macroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) cryogel core and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel outer layer for encapsulation of the enzyme urease were constructed. The enzyme was entrapped into the pores of PHEMA cryogel by soaking and then the core was covered with a PEO layer. The leaking of urease from the core was prevented when the density of the PEO network was increased by incorporation of the crosslinking agent, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. The hybrid system exhibited a nearly constant enzyme activity with time and maintained its structural integrity after several reactions of hydrolysis of urea. The potential of double‐layered hydrogels containing urease for establishment of water pollution with copper was investigated as well. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry