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A New Family of Ternary Intermetallic Compounds with Dualistic Atomic Ordering – The ZIP Phases

A new family of nanostructured ternary intermetallic compounds − named the ZIP phases − is introduced in this work. The ZIP phases exhibit dualistic atomic ordering, i.e., they form two structural variants: one with the fcc diamond cubic structure (space group Fd$\bar{3}$m) and one with the hexagonal structure (space group P6 3 /mmc). They are also characterized by metallic behavior, ionic bonding, and atomic zigzagging. Powder metallurgical routes involving pressure-assisted densification are adopted to demonstrate ZIP phase synthesis in the Nb-Si-Ni, Nb-Si-Co, Ta-Si-Ni, V-Si-Ni, and Nb-Si-Fe ternary systems. Crucially, reactive hot pressing is capable of producing high-purity ZIP phase materials after the judicious, elemental system-specific optimization of the processing route. Synthesis of phase-pure materials – demonstrated in the Nb-Si-Ni ternary system by the synthesis of quasi phase-pure Nb 3 SiNi 2 and Ni 3 SiNb 2 ZIP phase-based materials – is a steppingstone to the prospective exploitation of the ZIP phases. Characterization of Nb 3 SiNi 2 and Ni 3 SiNb 2 involves crystal structure determination, spatially resolved chemical analysis, and determination of select thermal, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and physical properties. Density functional theory is used to assess the stability of Nb 3 SiNi 2 & Ni 3 SiNb 2 and derivative binary compounds at different temperatures, also exploring the exfoliation of these two ZIP phases along specific surfaces to produce 2D derivatives.

Intermetallic compounds (IMCs)↗

Layered topological semimetal GaGeTe: New polytype with non-centrosymmetric structure

GaGeTe is a layered van der Waals material composed of germanene and GaTe sublayers that has been recently predicted to be a basic Z 2 topological semimetal. To date, only one polytype of GaGeTe is known with trigonal centrosymmetric structure (α phase, space group R-3m, No. 166). Here we show that as-grown samples of GaGeTe show traces of at least another polytype with hexagonal non-centrosymmetric structure (β phase, space group P6 3 mc, No. 186). Moreover, we suggest that another bulk hexagonal polytype (γ phase, space group P-3m1, No. 164) could also be found near room conditions. Both α and β polytypes have been identified and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements with the support of ab initio calculations. We provide the vibrational properties of both polytypes and show that the Raman spectrum reported for GaGeTe almost forty years ago and attributed to the α phase, was, in fact, that of the secondary β phase. Additionally, we show that a Fermi resonance occurs in α-GaGeTe under non-resonant excitation conditions, but not under resonant excitation conditions. Theoretical calculations show that bulk β-GaGeTe is a non-centrosymmetric weak topological semimetal with even smaller lattice thermal conductivity than centrosymmetric bulk α-GaGeTe. In perspective, our work paves the way for the control and engineering of GaGeTe polytypes to design and implement complex van der Waals heterostructures formed by a combination of centrosymmetric and non-centrosymmetric layers of up to three different polytypes in a single material, suitable for a number of fundamental studies and technological applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Influence of Mild Chronic Stress and Social Isolation on Acute Ozone-Induced Alterations in Stress Biomarkers and Brain-Region-Specific Gene Expression in Male Wistar–Kyoto Rats

Individuals with psychosocial stress often experience an exaggerated response to air pollutants. Ozone (O 3 ) exposure has been associated with the activation of the neuroendocrine stress-response system. We hypothesized that preexistent mild chronic stress plus social isolation (CS), or social isolation (SI) alone, would exacerbate the acute effects of O 3 exposure on the circulating adrenal-derived stress hormones, and the expression of the genes regulating glucocorticoid stress signaling via an altered stress adaptation in a brain-region-specific manner. Male Wistar–Kyoto rats (5 weeks old) were socially isolated, plus were subjected to either CS (noise, confinement, fear, uncomfortable living, hectic activity, and single housing), SI (single housing only, restricted handling and no enrichment) or no stress (NS; double housing, frequent handling and enrichment provided) for 8 weeks. The rats were then exposed to either air or O 3 (0.8 ppm for 4 h), and the samples were collected immediately after. The indicators of sympathetic and hypothalamic–pituitary axis (HPA) activation (i.e., epinephrine, corticosterone, and lymphopenia) increased with O 3 exposure, but there were no effects from CS or SI, except for the depletion of serum BDNF. CS and SI revealed small changes in brain-region-specific glucocorticoid-signaling-associated markers of gene expression in the air-exposed rats (hypothalamic Nr3c1, Nr3c2 Hsp90aa1, Hspa4 and Cnr1 inhibition in SI; hippocampal HSP90aa1 increase in SI; and inhibition of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) Cnr1 in CS). Gene expression across all brain regions was altered by O 3 , reflective of glucocorticoid signaling effects, such as Fkbp5 in NS, CS and SI. The SI effects on Fkbp5 were greatest for SI in BNST. O 3 increased Cnr2 expression in the hypothalamus and olfactory bulbs of the NS and SI groups. O 3 , in all stress conditions, generally inhibited the expression of Nr3c1 in all brain regions, Nr3c2 in the hippocampus and hypothalamus and Bdnf in the hippocampus. SI, in general, showed slightly greater O 3 -induced changes when compared to NS and CS. Serum metabolomics revealed increased sphingomyelins in the air-exposed SI and O 3 -exposed NS, with underlying SI dampening some of the O 3 -induced changes. These results suggest a potential link between preexistent SI and acute O 3 -induced increases in the circulating adrenal-derived stress hormones and brain-region-specific gene expression changes in glucocorticoid signaling, which may partly underlie the stress dynamic in those with long-term SI.

gene expression↗

Lay and Expert Perceptions of Planetary Protection

As space scientists and engineers plan new missions to Mars and other planets in our solar system, they will face critical questions about the potential for biological contamination of planetary surfaces. In a society that places ever-increasing importance on the role of public involvement in science and technology policy, questions about risks of biological contamination will be examined and debated in the media, and will lead to the formation of public perceptions of planetary-contamination risks. These perceptions will, over time, form an important input to the development of space policy. Previous research in public and expert perceptions of technological risks and hazards has shown that many of the problems faced by risk-management organizations are the result of differing perceptions of risk (and risk management) between the general public and scientific and technical experts. These differences manifest themselves both as disagreements about the definition (and level) of risk associated with a scientific, technological or industrial enterprise, and as distrust about the ability of risk-management organizations (both public and private) to adequately protect people's health and safety. This report presents the results of a set of survey studies designed to reveal perceptions of planetary exploration and protection from a wide range of respondents, including both members of the general public and experts in the life sciences. The potential value of this research lies in what it reveals about perceptions of risk and benefit that could improve risk-management policies and practices. For example, efforts to communicate with the public about Mars sample return missions could benefit from an understanding of the specific concerns that nonscientists have about such a mission by suggesting areas of potential improvement in public education and information. Assessment of both public and expert perceptions of risk can also be used to provide an advanced signal of aspects of planetary exploration and protection that may be particularly sensitive or controversial and that could prove problematic from a risk-management standpoint, perhaps warranting a more stringent risk-management approach than would otherwise be the case based on technical considerations alone. The design of the study compares perceptions and attitudes about space exploration relevant to a Mars sample return mission between three respondent groups: (1) members of The Planetary Society, a group representing individuals with a strong interest in space-related issues, (2) a group of university-aged students, representing a population relatively sensitive to environmental hazards, and (3) a group of life scientists outside of the space research community. Members of The Planetary Society received the survey as part of a special issue of The Planetary Report on planetary protection, which contained a number of background articles on planetary protection and related topics. A synopsis of the issue was prepared as an introduction to the survey for the other two groups.

Race, Margaret S.↗

N -Arylimide Molecular Balances: A Comprehensive Platform for Studying Aromatic Interactions in Solution

Noncovalent interactions of aromatic surfaces play a key role in many biological processes and in determining the properties and utility of synthetic materials, sensors, and catalysts. However, the study of aromatic interactions has been challenging because these interactions are usually very weak and their trends are modulated by many factors such as structural, electronic, steric, and solvent effects. Recently, N-arylimide molecular balances have emerged as highly versatile and effective platforms for studying aromatic interactions in solution. These molecular balances can accurately measure weak noncovalent interactions in solution via their influence on the folded–unfolded conformational equilibrium. The structure (i.e., size, shape, π-conjugation, and substitution) and nature (i.e., element, charge, and polarity) of the π-surfaces and interacting groups can be readily varied, enabling the study of a wide range of aromatic interactions. These include aromatic stacking, heterocyclic aromatic stacking, and alkyl–π, chalcogen–π, silver–π, halogen–π, substituent–π, and solvent–π interactions. The ability to measure a diverse array of aromatic interactions within a single model system provides a unique perspective and insights as the interaction energies, stability trends, and solvent effects for different types of interactions can be directly compared. Some broad conclusions that have emerged from this comprehensive analysis include: (1) The strongest aromatic interactions involve groups with positive charges such as pyridinium and metal ions which interact with the electrostatically negative π-face of the aromatic surface via cation–π or metal–π interactions. Attractive electrostatic interactions can also form between aromatic surfaces and groups with partial positive charges. (2) Electrostatic interactions involving aromatic surfaces can be switched from repulsive to attractive using electron-withdrawing substituents or heterocycles. These electrostatic trends appear to span many types of aromatic interactions involving a polar group interacting with a π-surface such as halogen–π, chalcogen–π, and carbonyl–π. (3) Nonpolar groups form weak but measurable stabilizing interactions with aromatic surfaces in organic solvents due to favorable dispersion and/or solvophobic effects. Furthermore, a good predictor of the interaction strength is provided by the change in solvent-accessible surface area. (4) Solvent effects modulate the aromatic interactions in the forms of solvophobic effects and competitive solvation, which can be modeled using solvent cohesion density and specific solvent–solute interactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Investigating the Influence of Hexanuclear Clusters in Isostructural Metal–Organic Frameworks on Toxic Gas Adsorption

The efficient capture of toxic gases, such as ammonia (NH 3 ) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), can protect the general population and mitigate widespread air pollution. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) comprise a tunable class of adsorbents with high surface areas that can meet this challenge by selectively capturing these gases at low concentrations. In this work, we explored how modifying the metal ions in the node of an isostructural MOF series from a transition metal to a lanthanide or actinide influences the electronic environment of the node-based active site. Next, we investigated the adsorption properties of each MOF toward the relatively basic NH 3 and relatively acidic SO 2 gases. Within the NU-907 family of MOFs, we found that Zr 6 -NU-907 exhibits the best uptake toward NH 3 at low pressures, while Th 6 -NU-907 demonstrates the best low-pressure performance for SO 2 adsorption. Here, tracking the infrared (IR) stretching frequency of the node-based μ 3 -OH groups provides insights into the electronegativity of the metal ion and suggests that the most electronegative metal ion (Zr) affords the node with the best NH 3 uptake at low pressures. In contrast, the Th 6 node contains additional coordinated water groups relative to the other M 6 nodes, which appears to yield the MOF with the greatest affinity for SO 2 uptake that occurs predominately through reversible physisorption interactions. Finally, in situ NH3 IR spectroscopic studies indicate that both NH 4 + and Lewis-bound NH 3 species form during adsorption. Combined, these results suggest that tuning the electronic properties and structure of the node-based active site in an MOF presents a viable strategy to change the affinity of an MOF toward toxic gases.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Materials Data on CoH7C3NO6 by Materials Project

CoH3(CO2)3NH4 crystallizes in the hexagonal P6_3 space group. The structure is three-dimensional and consists of six ammonium molecules and one CoH3(CO2)3 framework. In the CoH3(CO2)3 framework, Co2+ is bonded in an octahedral geometry to six O2- atoms. There are a spread of Co–O bond distances ranging from 2.11–2.15 Å. There are three inequivalent C2+ sites. In the first C2+ site, C2+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.10 Å. There is one shorter (1.27 Å) and one longer (1.28 Å) C–O bond length. In the second C2+ site, C2+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.10 Å. There is one shorter (1.27 Å) and one longer (1.28 Å) C–O bond length. In the third C2+ site, C2+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.10 Å. There is one shorter (1.27 Å) and one longer (1.28 Å) C–O bond length. There are three inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C2+ atom. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C2+ atom. In the third H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C2+ atom. There are six inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one C2+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one C2+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one C2+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one C2+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one C2+ atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one C2+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on TeMo3(NO6)2 by Materials Project

Te(MoO4)3N2 crystallizes in the hexagonal P6_3 space group. The structure is three-dimensional and consists of four ammonia molecules and one Te(MoO4)3 framework. In the Te(MoO4)3 framework, Mo6+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted MoO6 octahedra that share corners with two equivalent TeO6 octahedra and corners with four equivalent MoO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 21–47°. There are a spread of Mo–O bond distances ranging from 1.77–2.26 Å. Te4+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form TeO6 octahedra that share corners with six equivalent MoO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 46–47°. All Te–O bond lengths are 1.97 Å. There are four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to two equivalent Mo6+ atoms. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Mo6+ and one Te4+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to two equivalent Mo6+ atoms. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Mo6+ and one Te4+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on SnH6Cl2O11 by Materials Project

Sn(H2O)3(ClO4)2 crystallizes in the hexagonal P6_3 space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four ClO4 clusters and two Sn(H2O)3 clusters. In each ClO4 cluster, there are two inequivalent O sites. In the first O site, O is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Cl atom. The O–Cl bond length is 1.46 Å. In the second O site, O is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Cl atom. The O–Cl bond length is 1.49 Å. Cl is bonded in a tetrahedral geometry to four O atoms. In each Sn(H2O)3 cluster, Sn is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three equivalent O atoms. All Sn–O bond lengths are 2.28 Å. There are two inequivalent H sites. In the first H site, H is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O atom. The H–O bond length is 0.99 Å. In the second H site, H is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O atom. The H–O bond length is 0.98 Å. O is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to one Sn and two H atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Sn4P3C(NO4)3 by Materials Project

CN3Sn4(PO4)3 crystallizes in the tetragonal P4_3 space group. The structure is three-dimensional and consists of four guanidine molecules and one Sn4(PO4)3 framework. In the Sn4(PO4)3 framework, there are four inequivalent Sn+3.50+ sites. In the first Sn+3.50+ site, Sn+3.50+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Sn–O bond distances ranging from 2.10–2.13 Å. In the second Sn+3.50+ site, Sn+3.50+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Sn–O bond distances ranging from 2.09–2.12 Å. In the third Sn+3.50+ site, Sn+3.50+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Sn–O bond distances ranging from 2.06–2.11 Å. In the fourth Sn+3.50+ site, Sn+3.50+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three O2- atoms. There are one shorter (2.08 Å) and two longer (2.12 Å) Sn–O bond lengths. There are three inequivalent P5+ sites. In the first P5+ site, P5+ is bonded in a tetrahedral geometry to four O2- atoms. There are a spread of P–O bond distances ranging from 1.54–1.56 Å. In the second P5+ site, P5+ is bonded in a tetrahedral geometry to four O2- atoms. There is two shorter (1.55 Å) and two longer (1.56 Å) P–O bond length. In the third P5+ site, P5+ is bonded in a tetrahedral geometry to four O2- atoms. There are a spread of P–O bond distances ranging from 1.54–1.57 Å. There are twelve inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the eighth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the ninth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the tenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the eleventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom. In the twelfth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Sn+3.50+ and one P5+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on ZnH7C3NO6 by Materials Project

ZnH3(CO2)3NH4 crystallizes in the hexagonal P6_3 space group. The structure is three-dimensional and consists of six ammonium molecules and one ZnH3(CO2)3 framework. In the ZnH3(CO2)3 framework, Zn2+ is bonded in an octahedral geometry to six O2- atoms. There are a spread of Zn–O bond distances ranging from 2.12–2.16 Å. There are three inequivalent C2+ sites. In the first C2+ site, C2+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.11 Å. There is one shorter (1.26 Å) and one longer (1.28 Å) C–O bond length. In the second C2+ site, C2+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.11 Å. There is one shorter (1.27 Å) and one longer (1.28 Å) C–O bond length. In the third C2+ site, C2+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.10 Å. There is one shorter (1.26 Å) and one longer (1.28 Å) C–O bond length. There are three inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C2+ atom. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C2+ atom. In the third H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C2+ atom. There are six inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Zn2+ and one C2+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Zn2+ and one C2+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Zn2+ and one C2+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Zn2+ and one C2+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Zn2+ and one C2+ atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Zn2+ and one C2+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Deconvoluting the Magnetic Structure of the Commensurately Modulated Quinary Zintl Phase Eu 11– x Sr x Zn 4 Sn 2 As 12

The structure, magnetic properties, and 151 Eu and 119 Sn Mössbauer spectra of the solid-solution Eu 11– x Sr x Zn 4 Sn 2 As 12 are presented. A new commensurately modulated structure is described for Eu 11 Zn 4 Sn 2 As 12 ( R 3 m space group, average structure) that closely resembles the original structural description in the monoclinic C 2/ c space group with layers of Eu, puckered hexagonal Zn 2 As 3 sheets, and Zn 2 As 6 ethane-like isolated pillars. The solid-solution Eu 11– x Sr x Zn 4 Sn 2 As 12 (0 < x < 10) is found to crystallize in the commensurately modulated R 3 space group, related to the parent phase but lacking the mirror symmetry. Eu 11 Zn 4 Sn 2 As 12 orders with a saturation plateau at 1 T for 7 of the 11 Eu 2+ cations ferromagnetically coupled (5 K) and shows colossal magnetoresistance at 15 K. The magnetic properties of Eu 11 Zn 4 Sn 2 As 12 are investigated at higher fields, and the ferromagnetic saturation of all 11 Eu 2+ cations occurs at ~8 T. The temperature-dependent magnetic properties of the solid solution were investigated, and a nontrivial structure–magnetization correlation is revealed. The temperature-dependent 151 Eu and 119 Sn Mössbauer spectra confirm that the europium atoms in the structure are all Eu 2+ and that the tin is consistent with an oxidation state of less than four in the intermetallic region. The spectral areas of both Eu(II) and Sn increase at the magnetic transition, indicating a magnetoelastic effect upon magnetic ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structure–Activity Relationships of Inactive‐Conformation Binding EGFR Inhibitors: Linking the ATP and Allosteric Pockets

ABSTRACT The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase is an important therapeutic target in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the continual emergence of resistance mutations in the treatment of EGFR mutation‐positive NSCLC with currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors warrants the development of next‐generation inhibitors. Since research for ATP‐competitive EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that extend into the back pocket has been neglected in the recent past, we survey the extent to which such binding functional groups can be incorporated into an ATP‐site imidazole scaffold. We find thatmeta‐substituted amide linkers derivatized with fluorine in 2,6‐positions and/or a hydroxy group in 3‐position of the back pocket phenyl exhibit the highest potency. Structural insights into how the back pocket groups are bound through points of connection provide new directions for the discovery and optimization of inactive conformation targeting agents in EGFR and other kinases.

Chemistry↗

Rapid Turn Around BRIC-PDFU Payload: A New Paradigm for Spaceflight Experiments

In 2009, NASA's Fundamental Space Biology program provided an opportunity for investigators to propose for a quick-turn-around multi-user spaceflight experiment that focused on the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. This was a passive payload with no on-orbit power or communications available. An NRA was rapidly written (8/09), released (NNH09ZTT004N; 9/09), proposals were received (11/09) and peer reviewed with 3 PI groups selected for flight (1/10): (1) A-L Paul, University of Florida, (2) E. Blancaflor, Noble Foundation, (3) J. Kiss, Miami University. The investigators flew Arabidopsis seeds or callus cultures of their choosing (plated onto 60 mm diameter Petri dishes containing agarsolidified media) on the STS-131 Space Shuttle mission (launched 4/5/10) and the resulting plant tissues returned to earth on 4/20/10. Each petri dish was placed inside its own Petri Dish Fixation Unit (PDFU), which was assembled and loaded with either formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde or RNAlater for crew-facilitated on-orbit fixation. Five PDFUs plus a temperature data logger were loaded into each of 8 BRIC-PDFUs (Biological Research In Canisters PDFU). All eight BRIC-PDFUs were loaded into a half tray along with actuator equipment that the crew used for the fixations. Pre-flight turn-over was 28 hours prior to launch. The BRIC-PDFU assemblies were removed from the orbiter and handed over to the investigator teams for processing 5-6 hours after landing. This payload demonstrated a rapid response turnaround for flying multiple peer-reviewed science investigations using previously flown hardware and minimal ISS-resources. The approach used reduced both hardware/certification and PI costs. The time waiting for a flight opportunity for the selected Pls was minimal. This new paradigm for spaceflight experiments may provide a model for future flight research opportunities. The ultimate goal is to fly as many investigators as rapidly as possible and reinvigorate the space biology community while obtaining high-quality, peer-reviewed science.

Levine, Howard G.↗

New procedure for evaluation of U(3) coupling and recoupling coefficients

A simple method to calculate Wigner coupling coefficients and Racah recoupling coefficients for U(3) in two group–subgroup chains is presented. While the canonical U(3) coupling and recoupling coefficients are applicable to any system that respects U(3) symmetry, the U(3) coupling coefficients are more specific to nuclear structure studies. This new procedure precludes the use of binomial coefficients and alternating sums which were used in the 1973 formulation of Draayer and Akiyama, and in so doing provides a faster and more accurate determination of any and all required results. The resolution of the outer multiplicity is based on the null space concept of the U(3) generators proposed by Alex et al., whereas the inner multiplicity in the angular momentum subgroup chain is obtained from the dimension of the null space of the SO(3) raising operator. It is anticipated that a C++ library will ultimately be available for determining generic coupling and recoupling coefficients associated with both the canonical and the physical group–subgroup chains of U(3).

Cross-Coupling Reaction↗

Strain‐Driven Stabilization of a Room‐Temperature Chiral Multiferroic with Coupled Ferroaxial and Ferroelectric Order

Noncollinear ferroic materials are sought after as testbeds to explore the intimate connections between topology and symmetry, which result in electronic, optical, and magnetic functionalities not observed in collinear ferroic materials. For example, ferroaxial materials have rotational structural distortions that break mirror symmetry and induce chirality. When ferroaxial order is coupled with ferroelectricity arising from a broken inversion symmetry, it offers the prospect of electric-field-control of the ferroaxial distortions and opens up new tunable functionalities. However, chiral multiferroics, especially ones stable at room temperature, are rare. A strain-stabilized, room-temperature chiral multiferroic phase in single crystals of BaTiS 3 is reported here. Using first-principles calculations, the stabilization of this multiferroic phase having P6 3 space group for biaxial tensile strains exceeding 1.5% applied on the basal ab-plane of the room temperature P6 3 cm phase of BaTiS 3 is predicted. The chiral multiferroic phase is characterized by rotational distortions of TiS 6 octahedra around the long c-axis and polar displacement of Ti atoms along the c-axis. Furthermore, the ferroaxial and ferroelectric distortions and their domains in P6 3 -BaTiS 3 are directly resolved using atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Landau-based phenomenological modeling predicts a strong coupling between the ferroelectric and the ferroaxial order making P6 3 -BaTiS 3 an attractive test bed for achieving electric-field-control of chirality.

Chalcogenide↗

A Metal Organic Framework Derived Solid Electrolyte for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are currently considered as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies. However, their practical application is hindered by the critical issue of the polysulfide-shuttle. Herein, a metal organic framework (MOF)-derived solid electrolyte is presented to address it. The MOF solid electrolyte is developed based on a Universitetet i Oslo (UIO) structure. By grafting a lithium sulfonate (-SO 3 Li) group to the UIO ligand, both the ionic conductivity and the polysulfide-suppression capability of the resulting -SO 3 Li grafted UIO (UIOSLi) solid electrolyte are greatly improved. After integrating a Li-based ionic liquid (Li-IL), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, the resulting Li-IL/UIOSLi solid electrolyte exhibits an ionic conductivity of 3.3 × 10 -4 S cm -1 at room temperature. Based on its unique structure, the Li-IL/UIOSLi solid electrolyte effectively restrains the polysulfide shuttle and suppresses lithium dendritic growth. Lithium–sulfur cells with the Li-IL/UIOSLi solid electrolyte and a Li 2 S 6 catholyte show stable cycling performance that preserves 84% of the initial capacity after 250 cycles with a capacity-fade rate of 0.06% per cycle.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗