Direct observation of orbital ordering in La0.5Sr1.5MnO4 using soft x-ray diffraction

We report the first direct resonant soft x-ray scattering observations of orbital ordering. We have studied the low temperature phase of La0.5Sr1.5MnO4, a compound that displays charge and orbital ordering. Previous claims of orbital ordering in such materials have relied on observations at the manganese K edge. These claims have been questioned in several theoretical studies. Instead we have employed resonant soft x-ray scattering at the manganese L(III) and L(II) edges which probes the orbital ordering directly. Energy scans at constant wave vector are compared to theoretical predictions and suggest that at all temperatures there are two separate contributions to the scattering: direct orbital ordering and strong cooperative Jahn-Teller distortions of the Mn3+ ions.     

Three-dimensional spin fluctuations in Na0.75CoO2

We report polarized- and unpolarized-neutron scattering measurements of magnetic excitations in single-crystal Na0.75CoO2. The data confirm ferromagnetic correlations within the cobalt layers and reveal antiferromagnetic correlations perpendicular to the layers, consistent with an A-type antiferromagnetic ordering. The magnetic modes propagating perpendicular to the layers are sharp, and reach a maximum energy of approximately 12 meV. From a minimal spin-wave model, containing only nearest-neighbor Heisenberg exchange interactions, we estimate the interlayer and intralayer exchange constants to be 12.2+/-0.5 meV and -6+/-2 meV, respectively. We conclude that the magnetic fluctuations in Na0.75CoO2 are highly three dimensional.     

Charge stripe glasses in La<Subscript>2-x</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>x</Subscript>NiO<Subscript>4</Subscript> for 0.20 < x < 0.25

We present high resolution X-ray measurements characterising the charge stripe order state in the La_2-xSr_xNiO₄ system with x = 0.20, 0.225 and 0.25. We find that in the x = 0.20, 0.225 and 0.25 systems the charge stripe order exists in a charge stripe glass characterised by weak, poorly correlated incommensurate charge stripes in contrast to the strong well correlated charge stripes in the commensurate x = 1/3 system. No stabilisation of the charge order was observed at the next possible commensurate value of ε= 0.25. A comparison with high energy X-ray measurements suggested that the charge order may exist in a charge stripe glass in the bulk in the doping region x = 0.20 - 0.33. Finally at low temperature there was an initial increase in the intensity and correlation not observed with neutron measurements and it appears to be an effect that X-rays are sensitive to but neutrons are not.     

The interpretation of isoclinics in photo-orthotropic-elasticity

Significant progress has been made in the interpretation of isochromatic fringes in photo-orthotropic-elasticity. However, the isoclinic fringes have not yet been satisfactorily interpreted. While it has been recognized that the isoclinics do not give the principal-stress directions in the composite model, there has been speculation that the isoclinics may give the principal-strain directions. An experimental study of the isoclinic fringes in orthotropic models was undertaken. The model material employed consisted of a transparent, unidirectionally reinforced, E-glass-polyester composite. First, the optical isoclinic parameters were measured in uniaxial stress fields for compression specimens as a function of the fiber-orientation angle. It was observed that, while the optical isoclinic parameter was different from the composite principal-stress angle, it was also different from the composite principal-strain angle. The optical isoclinic parameter was predicted very well by the Mohr circle of birefringence postulated by Sampson. In the second set of experiments, the optical isoclinic parameter was measured in biaxial stress fields by testing a circular disk in diametral compression. The actual state of strain and stress at the center of the disk was measured by means of a rectangular strain-gage rosette. Again it was observed that the optical isoclinic parameter was predicted very well by Sampson's relation. Thus, the isoclinic fringes in orthotropic models can be satisfactorily interpreted and Sampson's scheme can be utilized to obtain the individual principal stresses in orthotropic models.     

A pseudo trinuclear nickel–sodium complex containing tris(8-methyl-2-oxo-quinolidineamino ethylamine): Synthesis,spectral characterization,X-ray crystallography and in vitro biological evaluations

A new mixed nickel–sodium complex has been synthesized from Ni(ClO₄)₂ and tris(8-methyl 2-oxo-quinolidine amino ethylamine) with a 1:1 molar ratio in methanol and has been characterized by various analytical, spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies which confirmed an octahedral geometry around the nickel ion. Further, structural optimization of the complex was performed using DFT calculations. The ligand and complex were evaluated for their binding affinity with CT-DNA and an intercalative type of binding interaction was proposed from the absorption and fluorescence titration experiments. Albumin binding interaction of the ligand and complex was determined by absorption, fluorescence and synchronous spectral techniques at room temperature, suggesting the static quenching mechanism of BSA with the compounds. Antioxidant studies revealed the radical scavenging potential of Ni(II) complex. The anticancer activity of the ligand and complex was probed via in vitro cytotoxicity against human breast (MCF7) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Further, cytological changes observed in acridine orange/ethidium bromide and DAPI staining methods validated the cytotoxic potential of the complex.     

Shape optimization for a composite crack-length sensor

Conductive polymeric sensors can be used as crack-length gages. They have the advantages of being inexpensive, versatile in size and require inexpensive instrumentation. They also measure crack length continuously. The shape of these gages can be varied in several ways to improve their sensitivity. The gages with the 'optimized' or tapered shape overcome the principal disadvantages of rectangular gages, namely poor sensitivity at small crack lengths.     

An investigation of the losipescu and asymmetrical four-point bend tests

The Iosipescu shear test, utilizing a notched specimen in bending and a modification—the asymmetrical four-point bend (AFPB) test—were evaluated as shear tests for composites. This paper summarizes the results of an extensive numerical and experimental investigation of the Iosipescu and AFPB test methods. Finite-element analyses were conducted to assess the influence of notch parameters and load locations on the stress state in the specimen. The shear moduli and the shear strengths were experimentally measured for a quasiisotropic graphite/epoxy laminate using both the Iosipescu and the AFPB test methods. The tests were conducted for various combinations of notch parameters and load locations. The test results indicate that changes in the notch geometry and load locations aimed at improving the stress distribution in the test section resulted in unexpected changes in the failure mode. Paper was presented at the 1985 SEM Spring Conference on Experimental Mechanics held in Las Vegas, NV on June 9–14.     

Catalyst-free synthesis of 3-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles by reaction of isatin and cyclic enaminone in water

An easy protocol for the synthesis of enaminone attached 3-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles has been demonstrated by reaction of isatin and cyclic enaminone in water. The developed catalyst-free reaction has the advantage of being atom-economical, eco-friendly, and benign reaction conditions. The broader substrate scope, experimentally simple procedures, and easy purification of products with high yield further make this method attractive and useful.     

Effect of chlorine on the adsorption of oxygen on Cu and Ag surfaces

Based on XPS and UVPS studies, it is shown that oxygen is preferentially adsorbed molecularly in the singlet state on Cu and Ag surfaces containing presorbed chlorine. Adsorption of chlorine on Cu and Ag surfaces containing presorbed atomic oxygen causes a disappearance of the oxygen. Extended Hückel calculations predict the observed behaviour.