Theory-guided investigation on magnetic evolution of MnPt5−x_{5-x}Pdx_xP and discovery of anti-CeCoIn5_5-type ferromagnetic MnPd5_5P

We report the magnetic changes from canted antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic orderings in anti-115-type MnPt$_{5-x}$Pd$_x$P ($x$ = 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5) and the discovery of a new rare-earth-free ferromagnet, MnPd$_5$P by both theoretical prediction and experimental investigation. The family compounds were synthesized using high temperature solid state method and characterized to crystalize in the anti-CeCoIn$_5$ type with the space group P4/mmm exhibiting a two-dimensional layered structural feature. The magnetic property measurements indicate that the compounds ordered from canted A-type antiferromagnet in MnPt$_5$P to ferromagnet above the room temperature with varying degrees of coercivity and magnetic moments in MnPd$_5$P by reducing the spin orbital coupling. The results of the MnPt$_{5-x}$Pd$_x$P have been analyzed in comparison to the other candidates of the 151 family of Mn(Pt/Pd)$_5$(P/As) to understand the complex structure-magnetism relationships

Mn(Pt1−x_{1-x}Pdx_{x})5_5P: Isovalent Tuning of Mn Sublattice Magnetic Order

We report the growth and characterization of MnPd$_5$P, a ferromagnet with T$_C$ $\approx$ 295 K, and conduct a substitutional study with its antiferromagnetic analogue MnPt$_5$P. We grow single crystals of MnPd$_5$P and Mn(Pt$_{1-x}$Pd$_x$)$_5$P by adding Mn into (Pt$_{1-x}$Pd$_{x}$)-P based melts. All compounds in the family adopt the layered anti-CeCoIn$_5$ structure with space group P4/mmm, and EDS and XRD results indicate that MnPt$_5$P and MnPd$_5$P form a solid solution. Based on magnetization and resistance data, we construct a T-x phase diagram for Mn(Pt$_{1-x}$Pd$_x$)$_5$P and demonstrate the antiferromagnetic order found in MnPt$_5$P is extraordinarily sensitive to Pd substitution. At low Pd fractions (x $<$ 0.010), the single antiferromagnetic transition in pure MnPt$_5$P splits into a higher temperature ferromagnetic transition followed on cooling by a lower temperature ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition and then by a re-entrant antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at lower temperatures. The antiferromagnetic region makes up a bubble that persists to x $\approx$ 0.009 for T $\approx$ 150 K, with all samples x $<$ 0.009 recovering their initial ferromagnetic state with further cooling to base temperature. Over the same low x range we find a non-monotonic change in the room temperature unit cell volume, further suggesting that pure MnPt$_5$P is close to an instability. Once x $>$ 0.010, Mn(Pt$_{1-x}$Pd$_x$)$_5$P undergoes a single ferromagnetic transition. The Curie temperature increases rapidly with x, rising from T$_C$ $\approx$ 197 K at x = 0.013 to a maximum of T$_C$ $\approx$ 312 K for x $\approx$ 0.62, and then falls back to T$_C$ $\approx$ 295 K for pure MnPd$_5$P (x = 1). Given that Pt and Pd are isoelectronic, this work raises questions as to the origin of the extreme sensitivity of the magnetic ground state in MnPt$_5$P upon introducing Pd

Approximation algorithms for optimal purchase/inventory policy when purchase price and demand are stochastic

We consider a purchase/inventory control problem in which the purchase price and demand are stochastic, a common situation encountered by firms that replenish in a foreign currency or from commodity markets. More specifically, we assume that the demand follows a Poisson arrival process and that the log-price evolves according to a general Wiener process. Under these circumstances, the optimal policy is a state dependent base-stock policy that can be described as a series of threshold prices. An iterative procedure for determining the optimal thresholds has been derived earlier but, even for the simplest price process, the solution quickly becomes numerically intractable. To deal with this, we propose an approximation that allows us to derive simple heuristics for finding thresholds that are close to optimal. For certain price processes the heuristics are just a series of closed-form expressions. The computational complexity is reduced significantly, and the numerical study shows that the new heuristics perform considerably better than earlier suggested heuristics

Q-Factor Enhancement of Coupling Bragg and Local Resonance Band Gaps in Single-Phase Phononic Crystals for TPOS MEMS Resonator

This paper presents a type of single-phase double “I” hole phononic crystal (DIH-PnC) structure, which is formed by vertically intersecting double “I” holes. By using the finite element method, the complex energy band curve, special point mode shapes, and different delay lines were calculated. Numerical results showed that DIH-PnC yielded ultra-wide band gaps with strong attenuation. The formation mechanism is attributed to the Bragg-coupled local resonance mechanism. The effects of the pore width in DIH-PnC on the band gaps were further explored numerically. Significantly, as the pore width variable, the position of the local resonance natural frequency could be modulated, and this enabled the coupling between the local resonance and the Bragg mechanism. Subsequently, we introduced this DIH-PnC into the thin-film piezoelectric-on-silicon (TPOS) resonator. The results illustrated that the anchor loss quality factor (Qanc) of the DIH-PnC resonator was 20,425.1% higher than that of the conventional resonator and 3762.3% higher than the Qanc of the cross-like holey PnC resonator. In addition, the effect of periodic array numbers on Qanc was researched. When the Qanc reached 1.12 × 106, the number of the period array in DIH-PnC only needed to be 1/6 compared with cross-like holey PnC. Adopting the PnC based on the coupling Bragg and local resonance band gaps had a good effect on improving the Qanc of the resonator

Distribution of human papilloma virus genotype prevalence in invasive cervical carcinomas and precancerous lesions in the Yangtze River Delta area, China

Abstract Background This study aimed to provide more information for cancer prevention strategies by determining the distribution of human papilloma virus (HPV) genotype prevalence in invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC) and precancerous lesion patients in the Yangtze River Delta area in China. Methods This multi-centre descriptive cross-sectional study involves four university hospitals in the Jiangzhehu area. Women with histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN2, CIN3 or ICC who were diagnosed and treated in the four selected hospitals between February 2012 and April 2014 were eligible for recruitment. The average age of the patients was 40.93 ± 11.87 years old, among whom the youngest was 17 years old and the oldest was 76 years old.Those with immunodeficiency diseases or a previous history of cancer or CIN were excluded. HPV genotyping was performed by a central laboratory. The distribution and age and disease specificity of the HPV genotype prevalence were analysed. Results Of the 2181 collected samples, 251 were ICC and 1930 were CIN. The mean age of cervical cancer and CIN patients was 40.93 ± 11.8 years (range, 17–76 years). The five most commonly identified HPV types in each lesion class were as follows: CIN1: 52, 58, 16, 33, and CP; CIN2: 16, 58, 52, 33, and 31; CIN3: 16, 58, 33, 52, and 31; and ICC: 16, 58, 18, 52, and 33. CIN1 had an earlier age of onset (30–40 years) than CIN2, CIN3, and cervical cancer. The age of onset of cervical cancer exhibited two peaks at 40–44 and 50–54 years of age. In all infected patients, the frequency of HPV infection with a single type was 62.9%, and with multiple types, it was 38.1%. There was no difference in the frequencies of multiple types amongst the different cervical lesions. Conclusions The most prevalent genotypes in the investigated area (52, 58, 16 and 18) justify the necessity of anti-HPV vaccination in teenagers and young girls under 24 years old in the Yangtze River Delta area in China. Infection with multiple high-risk HPV types versus single infection does not increase the risk for ≥ CIN2 in ICC development

Synthesis and physical properties of a new layered ferromagnet Cr1.21Te2

Single crystals of a new layered compound, Cr1.21Te2, were synthesized via a vapor transport method. The crystal structure and physical properties were characterized by single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction, temperature- and field-dependent magnetization, zero-field heat capacity, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Cr1.21Te2, containing two Cr sites, crystalizes in a trigonal structure with a space group P-3 (No. 147). The Cr site in the interstitial layer is partially occupied. Physical property characterizations indicate that Cr1.21Te2 is metallic with hole pockets at the Fermi energy and undergoes a ferromagnetic phase transition at ∼173K. The magnetic moments align along the c axis in the ferromagnetic state. Based on low-temperature magnetization, the spin stiffness constant, D, and spin excitation gap, Δ, were estimated according to Bloch's law to be D=94±17meVÅ2 and Δ=0.45±0.33 meV, suggesting its possible application as a low dimensional ferromagnet

An asymmetrical connection balance transformer-based hybrid railway power conditioning system with cost-function optimization

For solving the emerging power quality problems in electrified railway, an asymmetrical connection balance transformer-based hybrid railway power conditioning system with cost-function optimization (ACBT-HRPC) is proposed in this paper. Compared with other balanced traction transformers, the ACBT is characterized with a much higher material utilization, which really matters in practical applications. Besides, the inductively filtered rectifier transformer, with filter-tuned branches used for filtering harmonics and compensating reactive power, is used as a coupling stage of hybrid railway power conditioning system. The mathematical relationship between power factor and design capacity is analyzed, and the cost-function optimization has been proposed to minimize the investment of ACBT-HRPC, which enables a satisfactory compensation performance with relatively attractive costs. Both the simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of ACBT-HRPC

Solar Radiation Allocation and Spatial Distribution in Chinese Solar Greenhouses: Model Development and Application

Solar radiation is the sole energy source for Chinese solar greenhouse agriculture. A favorable light environment is the foundation of a desirable crop growth environment, and it is key in solar greenhouse design. In this study, a mathematical model is established to quantitatively evaluate the solar greenhouse light environment. The model was developed considering the greenhouse shape parameters, materials&rsquo; optical properties, and interior solar radiation evolution, including the beam radiation, diffuse radiation, and multi-reflection. The model was validated under different weather conditions, and the results reveal a mean percentage error of 1.67 and 10.30% for clear sunny weather and cloudy weather, respectively, and a determination coefficient of 0.9756. By using this model, the solar radiation allocation in a solar greenhouse was calculated to determine the solar radiation availability for the heat-storage north wall and the entire greenhouse, and the dynamical spatial distribution of the solar radiation was obtained to describe the light environment quality. These allow the optimization of the greenhouse lighting regulation and planting pattern. Moreover, several optimizing measures are derived according to the model for improving the low-light environment near the north wall and maximizing the north wall&rsquo;s heat storage/release capacity in a solar greenhouse

A compensation system for cophase high-speed electric railways by reactive power generation of SHC&SAC

In this paper, a system with series hybrid converter and shunt active converter (SHC&SAC) for compensation in cophase high-speed electric railways is proposed. Unlike the general power flow conditioners, the dc-links of the two converters are separated, and therefore, the two converters can operate independently. Just by taking the advantage of the reactive power generation ability and novel connection of SHC&SAC, the grid-side power factor can be improved and negative-sequence current can be suppressed, especially on the cases of high-speed trains. Besides, because of the capacitor in SHC, the active capacity of SHC is significantly lower than that of SAC. To obtain a good current tracking performance, the passive control method, which is based on the dissipation characteristic of resistor, is adopted for controlling converters. And finally, the effectiveness of the system is verified by simulation and experimental results