Synthesis and characterization of a novel Y-Fe phase via kinetic neutron diffraction

Kinetic in situ neutron diffraction has been used to study the crystallization of amorphous Y67Fe33. The results show that partial crystallization first occurs close to 300 ◦C where the Y phase is formed. The entire sample crystallizes at 390 ◦C and new Bragg peaks appear, signifying the formation of a novel Y–Fe phase. This new phase coexists with Y to 450 ◦C when the Bragg peaks associated with this phase rapidly decrease in intensity and YFe2 also coexisting with Y, emerges as the final crystallization product. Rietveld refinement shows that the new phase crystallizes into a hexagonal structure, space group P63/mmc, with a = 12.8893(7) Å, c = 11.7006(9) Å and γ = 120◦

Heterogeneity in the Rebound Eff ect – Further Evidence for Germany

Rebound effects measure the behaviorally induced offset in the reduction of energy consumption following efficiency improvements. Using both panel estimation and quantile-regression methods on household travel diary data collected in Germany between 1997 and 2009, this study investigates the heterogeneity of the rebound effect in private transport. With the average rebound effect being in the range of 57% to 62%, our results are in line with a recent German study by FRONDEL, PETERS, and VANCE (2008), but are substantially larger than those obtained from other studies. Furthermore, our quantile-regression results indicate that the magnitude of estimated fuel price elasticities – from which rebound effects can be derived – depends inversely on the household’s driving intensity: Households with low vehicle mileage exhibit fuel price elasticities, and hence rebound effects, that are significantly larger than those for households with high vehicle mileage.Automobile travel; rebound effect; panel models; quantile regression

Germany's Solar Cell Promotion: Dark Clouds on the Horizon

This article demonstrates that the large feed-in tariffs currently guaranteed for solar electricity in Germany constitute a subsidization regime that, if extended to 2020, threatens to reach a level comparable to that of German hard coal production, a notoriously outstanding example of misguided political intervention. Yet, as a consequence of the coexistence of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and theEUEmissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the increased use of renewable energy technologies does not imply any additional emission reductions beyond those already achieved by ETS alone. Similarly disappointing is the net employment balance, which is likely to be negative if one takes into account the opportunity cost of this form of solar photovoltaic support. Along the lines of the International Energy Agency (IEA 2007:77), we therefore recommend the immediate and drastic reduction of the magnitude of the feed-in tariffs granted for solar-based electricity. Ultimately, producing electricity on this basis is among the most expensive greenhouse gas abatement options.Energy policy, energy security, learning effects

Measuring Energy Supply Risks: A G7 Ranking

The security of energy supply has again become a similarly hot topic as it was during the oil crises in the 1970s, not least due to the recent historical oil price peaks. In this paper, we analyze the energy security situation of the G7 countries using a statistical risk indicator and empirical energy data for the years 1978 through 2007.We find that Germany’s energy supply risk has risen substantially since the oil price crises of the 1970s, whereas France has managed to reduce its risk dramatically, most notably through the deployment of nuclear power plants. As a result of the legally stipulated nuclear phase-out, Germany’s supply risk can be expected to rise further and to approach the level of Italy.Due to its resource poverty, Italy has by far the highest energy supply risk among G7 countries.Herfindahl Index, Energy Supply Risk Indicator

A-Type KV Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons: Diversity, Function, and Dysfunction

A-type voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are major regulators of neuronal excitability that have been mainly characterized in the central nervous system. By contrast, there is a paucity of knowledge about the molecular physiology of these Kv channels in the peripheral nervous system, including highly specialized and heterogenous dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Although all A-type Kv channels display pore-forming subunits with similar structural properties and fast inactivation, their voltage-, and time-dependent properties and modulation are significantly different. These differences ultimately determine distinct physiological roles of diverse A-type Kv channels, and how their dysfunction might contribute to neurological disorders. The importance of A-type Kv channels in DRG neurons is highlighted by recent studies that have linked their dysfunction to persistent pain sensitization. Here, we review the molecular neurophysiology of A-type Kv channels with an emphasis on those that have been identified and investigated in DRG nociceptors (Kv1.4, Kv3.4, and Kv4s). Also, we discuss evidence implicating these Kv channels in neuropathic pain resulting from injury, and present a perspective of outstanding challenges that must be tackled in order to discover novel treatments for intractable pain disorders

Economic Impacts from the Promotion of Renewable Energy Technologies - The German Experience

The allure of an environmentally benign, abundant, and cost-effective energy source has led an increasing number of industrialized countries to back public financing of renewable energies. Germany's experience with renewable energy promotion is often cited as a model to be replicated elsewhere, being based on a combination of far-reaching energy and environmental laws that stretch back nearly two decades. This paper critically reviews the current centerpiece of this effort, the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), focusing on its costs and the associated implications for job creation and climate protection. We argue that German renewable energy policy, and in particular the adopted feed-in tariff scheme, has failed to harness the market incentives needed to ensure a viable and cost-effective introduction of renewable energies into the country's energy portfolio. To the contrary, the government's support mechanisms have in many respects subverted these incentives, resulting in massive expenditures that show little long-term promise for stimulating the economy, protecting the environment, or increasing energy security.Energy policy, energy security, climate, employment