Crystal structure and revised chemical formula for burckhardtite, Pb_2(Fe^(3+)Te^(6+))[AlSi_3O_8]O_6: a double-sheet silicate with intercalated phyllotellurate layers

The crystal structure of burckhardite from the type locality, Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico, has been refined to R_1 = 0.0362 and wR_2 = 0.0370 for 215 reflections with I > 2σ(I). Burckhardtite is trigonal, space group P3lm, with the unit-cell parameters ɑ = 5.2566(5) Å, c = 13.0221(10) Å, V = 311.62(5) Å3 and Z = 1 for the ideal formula unit Pb_2(Fe^(3+)Te^(6+))[AlSi_3O_8]O_6. There is no long-range order of (Fe^(3+), Te^(6+)) or (Al^(3+), Si^(4+)). New microprobe data were used to estimate site scattering factors, and Raman spectroscopic data showed no evidence of O–H stretching bands. Burckhardtite is not closely related to the micas, as supposed previously, but is a double-sheet silicate in which the aluminosilicate anion resembles that of minerals such as cymrite and kampfite. The [(Fe^(3+)Te^(6+))O_6]^(3−) part of the structure is not bonded directly to the aluminosilicate layer, but forms a discrete anionic phyllotellurate layer that alternates with the [AlSi_3O_8]^− double sheets. Similar phyllotellurate layers are known from several synthetic phases. In burckhardtite, Pb^(2+) cations intercalate between phyllosilicate and phyllotellurate layers, forming a Pb_2[FeTeO_6] module that is topologically similar to a slab of the structure of rosiaite, Pb[Sb_2O_6]. The crystal symmetry, structure, classification as a double-sheet silicate and chemical formula, including the determination of the 6+ valence of Te and absence of essential H_2O, are all new findings for the mineral

A Blended Basic Course Examination of Communication Apprehension and Self-Efficacy: A Comparative Analysis

Students desire rich subject-matter and relevant pedagogy despite rising tuition costs, greater demands for flexibility, and unique learning preferences (Allen & Seaman, 2014; Donnelly, Rizvi, & Summers, 2013; Reed & Sork, 2009; Moore, 2007). As higher education modalities have evolved a careful examination of these newer approaches is necessary. This study is a comparative assessment of communication apprehension and self-efficacy of students in traditional (face-to-face) and blended (face-to-face and online instructional components) basic course modalities. Parallel sections of a basic communication course are assessed and results indicated no significant differences between the two groups with minor exceptions

Assessment of discharge treatment prescribed to women admitted to hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum

Aims: Prescribing drug treatment for the management of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the most severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, remains controversial. Since most manufacturers do not recommend prescribing antiemetics during pregnancy, little is known regarding which treatments are most prevalent among pregnant patients. Here we report for the first time, evidence of actual treatments prescribed in English hospitals.Methods: A retrospective pregnancy cohort was constructed using anonymised electronic records in the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust system for all women who delivered between January 2010 and February 2015. For women admitted to hospital for HG, medications prescribed on discharge were described and variation by maternal characteristics was assessed. Compliance with local and national HG treatment guidelines was evaluated.Results: Of 33,567 pregnancies (among 30,439 women), the prevalence of HG was 1.7%. Among 530 HG admissions with records of discharge drugs, Cyclizine was the most frequently prescribed (almost 73% of admissions). Prochlorperazine and metoclopramide were prescribed mainly in combination with other drugs, however, ondansetron was more common than metoclopramide at discharge from first and subsequent admissions. Steroids were only prescribed following readmissions. Thiamine was most frequently prescribed following readmission while high dose of folic acid was prescribed equally after first or subsequent admissions. Prescribing showed little variation by maternal age, ethnicity, weight, socioeconomic deprivation, or comorbidities.Conclusion: Evidence that management of HG in terms of discharge medications mainly followed local and national recommendations provides reassurance within the health professional community. Wider documentation of drugs prescribed to women with HG is required to enable full assessment of whether optimal drug management is being achieved

The relationship between mineral composition, crystal structure and paragenetic sequence: the case of secondary Te mineralization at the Bird Nest drift, Otto Mountain, California, USA

An unusually diverse array of 25 secondary Te oxysalt minerals has been documented from Otto Mountain, California, and 18 of these from the Bird Nest drift sublocality. A paragenetic sequence for these minerals is proposed, using observed overgrowth relationships plus spatial association data and data from other localities. Apart from Te and O, the components Pb, Cu and H are essential in the majority of the minerals. The atomic Cu/Te ratio decreases through the paragenetic sequence. This, and the occurrence of minerals with additional components such as Cl^–, CO_3^(2–), SO_4^(2–) and Fe^(3+) at an intermediate stage, suggests nonmonotonic evolution of the parent fluids, reflecting differing access to or spatial distribution of various components. For the minerals with known crystal structures, two alternative 'structural units' were identified, one consisting only of the Te^(4+) or Te^(6+) oxyanion, while the other also included small, strongly-bound cations such as Cu^(2+). The degree of polymerization for the Te oxyanion correlated with the paragenetic sequence: the monomeric tellurate anions of early minerals were replaced progressively by dimers, chains and sheet structures, which may relate to a decreasing abundance of the 'network modifying' Cu^(2+) cation, analogous to Bowen's discontinuous reaction series in igneous rock-forming silicates. No relationship was seen between paragenetic order and the larger type of structural unit, or structural complexity as defined by information content. This contrasts with results in the literature for evaporite sulfates and pegmatite phosphates. While structure–paragenesis relationships may be widespread, the exact nature of such relationships may be different for different chemical systems and different paragenetic environments

Zincalstibite-9R: the first nine-layer polytype with the layered double hydroxide structure-type

Zincalstibite-9R, a new polytype in the hydrotalcite supergroup is reported from the Monte Avanza mine, Italy. It occurs as pale blue curved disc-like tablets flattened on {001} intergrown to form rosettes typically less than 50 μm in diameter, with cyanophyllite and linarite in cavities in baryte. Zincalstibite-9R is uniaxial (−), with refractive indices ω = 1.647(2) and ε = 1.626(2) measured in white light. The empirical formula (based on 12 OH groups) is (Zn^(2+)_(1.09)Cu^(2+)_(0.87)Al_(0.04))_(Σ2.00)Al_(1.01) (Sb^(5+)_(0.97)Si_(0.02))Σ_(0.99)(OH)_(12), and the ideal formula is (Zn,Cu)_2Al(OH)_6[Sb(OH)_6]. Zincalstibite-9R crystallizes in space group R3İ, with ɑ = 5.340(2), c = 88.01(2) Å, V = 2173.70(15) Å^3 and Z = 9. The crystal structure was refined to R_1 = 0.0931 for 370 unique reflections [F_o > 4σ(F)] and R_1 = 0.0944 for all 381 unique reflections. It has the longest periodic layer stacking sequence for a layered double hydroxide compound reported to date

Camaronesite, [Fe^(3+)(H_2O)_2(PO_3OH)]_2(SO_4)•1-2H_2O, a new phosphate-sulfate from the Camarones Valley, Chile, structurally related to taranakite

Camaronesite (IMA 2012-094), [Fe^(3+)(H_2O)_2(PO_3OH)]_2(SO_4)•1-2H_2O, is a new mineral from near the village of Cuya in the Camarones Valley, Arica Province, Chile. The mineral is a low-temperature, secondary mineral occurring in a sulfate assemblage with anhydrite, botryogen, chalcanthite, copiapite, halotrichite, hexahydrite, hydroniumjarosite, pyrite, römerite, rozenite and szomolnokite. Lavender-coloured crystals up to several mm across form dense intergrowths. More rarely crystals occur as drusy aggregates of tablets up to 0.5 mm in diameter and 0.02 mm thick. Tablets are flattened on {001} and exhibit the forms {001}, {104}, {015} and {018}. The mineral is transparent with white streak and vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is 2½, the tenacity is brittle and the fracture is irregular, conchoidal and stepped. Camaronesite has one perfect cleavage on {001}. The measured and calculated densities are 2.43(1) and 2.383 g/cm^3, respectively. The mineral is optically uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.612(1) and ε = 1.621(1) (white light). The pleochroism is O (pale lavender) > E (colourless). Electron-microprobe analyses provided Fe_2O_331.84, P_2O_529.22, SO_315.74, H_2O 23.94 (based on O analyses), total 100.74 wt.%. The empirical formula (based on 2 P a.p.f.u.) is: Fe_(1.94)(PO_3OH)_2(S_(0.96)O_4)(H_2O)_4•1.46H_2O. The mineral is slowly soluble in concentrated HCl and extremely slowly soluble in concentrated H_2SO_4. Camaronesite is trigonal, R32, with cell parameters:a = 9.0833(5), c = 42.944(3) Å, V = 3068.5(3) Å3 and Z = 9. The eight strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [d_(obs) Å (I)(hkl)]: 7.74(45)(101), 7.415(100)(012), 4.545(72)(110), 4.426(26)(018), 3.862(32)(021,202,116), 3.298(93)(027,119), 3.179(25)(208) and 2.818(25)(1•1•12,125). In the structure of camaronesite (R_1 = 2.28% for 1138 F_o > 4σF), three types of Fe octahedra are linked by corner sharing with (PO_3OH) tetrahedra to form polyhedral layers perpendicular to c with composition [Fe^(3+)(H_2O)_2(PO_3OH)]. Two such layers are joined through SO_4 tetrahedra (in two half-occupied orientations) to form thick slabs of composition [Fe^(3+)(H_2O)_2(PO_3OH)]_2(SO_4). Between the slabs are partially occupied H_2O groups. The only linkages between the slabs are hydrogen bonds. The most distinctive component in the structure consists of two Fe octahedra linked to one another by three PO_4 tetrahedra yielding an [Fe_2(PO_4)_3] unit. This unit is also the key component in the sodium super-ionic conductor (NASICON) structure and has been referred to as the lantern unit. The polyhedral layers in the structure of camaronesite are similar to those in the structure of taranakite. The Raman spectrum exhibits peaks consistent with sulfate, phosphate, water and OH groups

Design of a compact heat exchanger for heat recuperation from a high temperature electrolysis system

Design details of a compact heat exchanger and supporting hardware for heat recuperation in a high-temperature electrolysis application are presented. The recuperative heat exchanger uses a vacuum-brazed plate-fin design and operates between 300 and 800°C. It includes corrugated inserts for enhancement of heat transfer coefficients and extended heat transfer surface area. Two recuperative heat exchangers are required per each four-stack electrolysis module. The heat exchangers are mated to a base manifold unit that distributes the inlet and outlet flows to and from the four electrolysis stacks. Results of heat exchanger design calculations and assembly details are also presented

Performance of Single Electrode-Supported Cells Operating in the Electrolysis Mode

An experimental study is under way to assess the performance of electrode-supported solid-oxide cells operating in the steam electrolysis mode for hydrogen production over a temperature range of 800 to 900ºC. Results presented in this paper were obtained from single cells, with an active area of 16 cm2 per cell. The electrolysis cells are electrode-supported, with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes (~10 µm thick), nickel-YSZ steam/hydrogen electrodes (~1400 µm thick), and manganite (LSM) air-side electrodes. The experiments were performed over a range of steam inlet mole fractions (0.1 – 0.6), gas flow rates, and current densities (0 to 0.6 A/cm2). Steam consumption rates associated with electrolysis were measured directly using inlet and outlet dewpoint instrumentation. On a molar basis, the steam consumption rate is equal to the hydrogen production rate. Cell performance was evaluated by performing DC potential sweeps at 800, 850, and 900°C. The voltage-current characteristics are presented, along with values of area-specific resistance as a function of current density. Long-term cell performance is also assessed to evaluate cell degradation. Details of the custom single-cell test apparatus developed for these experiments are also presented

Bluebellite and mojaveite, two new minerals from the central Mojave Desert, California, USA

Bluebellite, Cu_6[I^(5+)O_3(OH)_3](OH)_7Cl and mojaveite, Cu_6[Te^(6+)O_4(OH)_2](OH)_7Cl, are new secondary copper minerals from the Mojave Desert. The type locality for bluebellite is the D shaft, Blue Bell claims, near Baker, San Bernardino County, California, while cotype localities for mojaveite are the E pit at Blue Bell claims and also the Bird Nest drift, Otto Mountain, also near Baker. The two minerals are very similar in their properties. Bluebellite is associated particularly with murdochite, but also with calcite, fluorite, hemimorphite and rarely dioptase in a highly siliceous hornfels. It forms bright bluish-green plates or flakes up to ~20 μm ×20 μm ×5 μm in size that are usually curved. The streak is pale bluish green and the lustre is adamantine, but often appears dull because of surface roughness. It is non-fluorescent. Bluebellite is very soft (Mohs hardness ~1), sectile, has perfect cleavage on {001} and an irregular fracture. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 4.746 g cm^(−3). Bluebellite is uniaxial (–), with mean refractive index estimated as 1.96 from the Gladstone-Dale relationship. It is pleochroic O (bluish green) >> E (nearly colourless). Electron microprobe analyses gave the empirical formula Cu_(5.82)I_(0.99)Al_(0.02)Si_(0.12)O_(3.11)(OH)_(9.80)Cl_(1.09) based on 14 (O+Cl) a.p.f.u. The Raman spectrum shows strong iodate-related bands at 680, 611 and 254 cm^(−1). Bluebellite is trigonal, space group R3, with the unit-cell parameters: a = 8.3017(5), c = 13.259(1) Å, V = 791.4(1) Å^3 and Z = 3. The eight strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern are [dobs/Å (I) (hkl)]: 4.427(99)(003), 2.664(35)(211), 2.516(100)(212İ), 2.213(9)(006), 2.103(29)(033,214), 1.899(47)(312,215İ), 1.566(48)(140,217) and 1.479(29)(045,143İ,324). Mojaveite occurs at the Blue Bell claims in direct association with cerussite, chlorargyrite, chrysocolla, hemimorphite, kettnerite, perite, quartz and wulfenite, while at the Bird Nest drift, it is associated with andradite, chrysocolla, cerussite, burckhardtite, galena, goethite, khinite, mcalpineite, thorneite, timroseite, paratimroseite, quartz and wulfenite. It has also been found at the Aga mine, Otto Mountain, with cerussite, chrysocolla, khinite, perite and quartz. Mojaveite occurs as irregular aggregates of greenish-blue plates flattened on {001} and often curved, which rarely show a hexagonal outline, and also occurs as compact balls, from sky blue to medium greenish blue in colour. Aggregates and balls are up to 0.5 mm in size. The streak of mojaveite is pale greenish blue, while the lustre may be adamantine, pearly or dull, and it is non-fluorescent. The Mohs hardness is ~1. It is sectile, with perfect cleavage on {001} and an irregular fracture. The calculated density is 4.886 g cm^(−3), based on the empirical formulae and unit-cell dimensions. Mojaveite is uniaxial (–), with mean refractive index estimated as 1.95 from the Gladstone-Dale relationship. It is pleochroic O (greenish blue) >> E (light greenish blue). The empirical formula for mojaveite, based on 14 (O+Cl) a.p.f.u., is Cu_(5.92)Te_(1.00)Pb_(0.08)Bi_(0.01)O_4(OH)_(8.94)Cl_(1.06).The most intense Raman bands occur at 694, 654 (poorly resolved), 624, 611 and 254 cm^(−1). Mojaveite is trigonal, space group R3, with the unit-cell parameters: a = 8.316(2), c = 13.202(6) Å and V = 790.7(1) Å^3. The eight strongest lines in the powder XRD pattern are [d_(obs/) Å (I) (hkl)]: 4.403(91)(003), 2.672(28)(211), 2.512(100)(212İ), 2.110(27)(033,214), 1.889(34)(312,215İ,223İ), 1.570(39)(404,140,217), 1.481(34)(045,143İ,324) and 1.338(14)(422). Diffraction data could not be refined, but stoichiometries and unit-cell parameters imply that bluebellite and mojaveite are very similar in crystal structure. Structure models that satisfy bond-valence requirements are presented that are based on stackings of brucite-like Cu_6MX_(14) layers, where M = (I or Te) and X = (O, OH and Cl). Bluebellite and mojaveite provide a rare instance of isotypy between an iodate containing I^(5+) with a stereoactive lone electron pair and a tellurate containing Te^(6+) with no lone pair

Defining a Theoretical Model: The Application of 3D Printing as a Disruptive Technology, Explored Through the Analysis of the Process of Creative Garment Development

With fashion brands such as Pringle and designer Iris Van Herpen utilising the technology to create innovative garments, 3D printing in fashion is playing a pivotal role in the reinvention of both material and structural processes (Braddock, Clarke & Harris, 2012).  Whilst the technology itself is not new, its use within commercial fashion is more recent, where typically the approach to design is through collaborative partnerships, reaching across other non-fashion disciplines. This project was initiated through the research and development of learning materials for undergraduate Fashion Design and Technology students, who are new to this process.  A model was developed with the aim to facilitate students understanding of how the technology can be applied within, across and outside of the boundaries of creative pattern cutting, including experimentation using 3D software. The factors affecting implementation of conceptual knowledge is discussed and applied to the model.  The role of 3D printing integrated within creative pattern cutting, design, product development, textile design and product modelling/engineering is explored.  The outcome of the research is the proposal of a theoretical model to inform teaching and learning