A study of the dynamics and structure of the dielectric anomaly within the molecular solid TEA(TCNQ).

With rising interest in organic-based functional materials, it is important to understand the nature of magnetic and electrical transitions within these types of systems. One intriguing material is triethylammonium bis-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TEA(TCNQ)) where there is an order-disorder transition at ∼220 K. This work focuses on novel neutron scattering techniques to understand the motion of the TEA cations at this transition and explain why we see the dielectric behaviour and possible ferroelectricity within this type of system.

Kidney Stones are Prevalent in Individuals with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum, a Genetic Ectopic Mineralization Disorder.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene. While PXE is characterized by ectopic mineralization of connective tissues clinically affecting the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system, kidney stones were reported in some individuals with PXE. The aim of this study is to determine whether kidney stones are an incidental finding or a frequent manifestation of PXE.

The PhenX Toolkit: Establishing Standard Measures for COVID-19 Research.

The PhenX (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures) Toolkit (https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/) is a publicly available, web-based catalog of recommended, well-established measurement protocols of phenotypes and exposures.

No evidence for room temperature ferromagnetism in the high temperature metal-organic material: NiTCNQ.

The search for ferromagnetic organic-based compounds has been a particular challenge to both chemists and physicists over the past few decades. The synthesis of the NiA, where A is an organic acceptor; tetracyanoethene (TCNE), 3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) or 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) (Jain et al 2007 Nature 445 291), was reported to be a great advancement with claims that the ferromagnetism persisted to well above room temperature. There were, however some substantial flaws in the methodology associated with the synthesis and physical characterisation.

Magnetic ordering of defects in a molecular spin-Peierls system.

With interest in charge transfer compounds growing steadily, it is important to understand all aspects of the underlying physics of these systems, including the properties of the defects and interfaces that are universally present in actual experimental systems. For the study of these defects and their interactions a spin-Peierls (SP) system provides a useful testing ground. This work presents an investigation within the SP phase of potassium TCNQF where anomalous features are observed in both the magnetic susceptibility and ESR spectra for temperatures between 60 K and 100 K.

Controlling nickel nanoparticle size in an organic/metal-organic matrix through the use of different solvents.

Nickel nanoparticles have been created in an organic-based matrix by the reaction of Ni(COD)2 (COD = 1,5-bis-cyclooctadiene) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQF4). The size of the nickel nanoparticles can be controlled by the use of different solvents and inclusion of tetrahydrofuran (THF) within the reaction to stabilise the Ni(0) atoms from the Ni(COD)2. Materials are characterised with a combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and magnetometry and it is found that samples made using a halocarbon solvent resulted in clustered bulk Ni particles (size ≤ 10 nm) with anomalously high superparamagnetic blocking temperatures.

The skyshine benchmark experiment revisited.

With the coming renaissance of nuclear power, heralded by new nuclear power plant construction in Finland, the issue of qualifying modern tools for calculation becomes prominent. Among the calculations required may be the determination of radiation levels outside the plant owing to skyshine. For example, knowledge of the degree of accuracy in the calculation of gamma skyshine through the turbine hall roof of a BWR plant is important.

Modern new nuclear fuel characteristics and radiation protection aspects.

The glut of fissile material from reprocessing plants and from the conclusion of the cold war has provided the opportunity to design new fuel types to beneficially dispose of such stocks by generating useful power. Thus, in addition to the normal reactor core complement of enriched uranium fuel assemblies, two other types are available on the world market. These are the ERU (enriched recycled uranium) and the MOX (mixed oxide) fuel assemblies.

A synthetic route to size-controlled fcc and fct FePt nanoparticles.

We report here a new synthetic route to FePt nanoparticles using a stoichiometric mixture of Na2Fe(CO)4 and Pt(acac)2. The structure of FePt nanoparticles, their size, chemical composition, and magnetic property can be controlled by various synthetic parameters, such as the solvent type, nature, and molar ratio of surfactants and stabilizers, synthesis temperature, and purification process. Partially ordered fct (L10) nanoparticles with room temperature magnetic coercivity can be synthesized directly in tetracosane solution at 389 degrees C.