Unprecedented layered coordination polymers of dithiolene group 10 metals: Magnetic and electrical properties

One-pot reactions between Ni(ii), Pd(ii) or Pt(ii) salts and 3,6-dichloro-1,2-benzenedithiol (HSC6H2Cl2SH) in KOH medium under argon lead to a series of bis-dithiolene coordination polymers. X-ray analysis shows the presence of a common square planar complex [M(SC6H2Cl2S)2]2- linked to potassium cations forming either a two-dimensional coordination polymer network for {[K2(μ-H2O)2(μ-thf)(thf)2][M(SC6H2Cl2S)2]}n [M = Ni (1) and Pd (2)] or a one-dimensional coordination polymer for {[K2(μ-H2O)2(thf)6][Pt(SC6H2Cl2S)2]}n (3). In 3 the coordination environment of the potassium ions may slightly change leading to the two-dimensional coordination polymer {[K2(μ-H2O)(μ-thf)2][Pt(SC6H2Cl2S)2]}n (4) that crystallizes together with 3. The physical characterization of compounds 1-3 show similar trends, they are diamagnetic and behave as semiconductorsWe thank financial support from MICINN (MAT2013-46753-C2-1-P, CTQ2014-52758-P and MAT2014-56143-R) and Generalitat Valenciana (PrometeoII/2014/076

Vision-based schemas for an autunomous robotic soccer player

This article describes two vision-based behaviors designed for an autonomous robot. These behaviors have been designed and implemented using schemas according to an architecture named DSH (Dynamic Schema Hierarchies), which is also briefly described. The reactive behaviors implemented have been tested in our robotic soccer players, running in EyeBot commercial platforms. The developed behaviors provide the robot with the follow ball, and the follow border capabilities, using only the local camera and the robot on-board low processing power. The design of the control schemas, the algorithms used to analyze the images in perceptual schemas and relevant implementation issues are also described in this pape

Technical characterization of sintered glass-ceramics derived from glass fibers recovered by pyrolysis

Sintered wollastonite-plagioclase glass-ceramics were prepared through crystallization of a parent glass generated by vitrification of pyrolysis residual glass fibers that had been pyrolytically recovered from waste composite materials. A vitrifiable mixture consisting of 95 wt.% glass fiber and 5 wt.% Na2O was melted at 1450ºC to obtain a glass frit. The glass-ceramic materials were produced by a sinter-crystallization process from the powdered glass frit. The effect of firing temperature on the properties of sintered glass-ceramics was investigated. The sintering behaviour of glass-ceramic tiles was evaluated by means of water absorption, apparent porosity and bulk density. In addition, the mineralogical and microstructural characterization of these tiles was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results from experiments such as water absorption, bending strength, chemical resistance and stain resistance have shown that the developed glass-ceramic materials possess technological properties very suitable for architectural applications.Dr. M.I. Martín thanks the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), co-financed by the European Social Fund Operational Programme 2007-2013 Adaptability and Employment Multiregional, for the contract JAE-Doc_08-00032Peer reviewe

Different Susceptibility to Neurodegeneration of Dorsal and Ventral Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus: A Study with Transgenic Mice Overexpressing GSK3β

Dorsal hippocampal regions are involved in memory and learning processes, while ventral areas are related to emotional and anxiety processes. Hippocampal dependent memory and behaviour alterations do not always come out in neurodegenerative diseases at the same time. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus (DG) regions respond in a different manner to increased glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) levels in GSK3β transgenic mice, a genetic model of neurodegeneration. Reactive astrocytosis indicate tissue stress in dorsal DG, while ventral area does not show that marker. These changes occurred with a significant reduction of total cell number and with a significantly higher level of cell death in dorsal area than in ventral one as measured by fractin-positive cells. Biochemistry analysis showed higher levels of phosphorylated GSK3β in those residues that inactivate the enzyme in hippocampal ventral areas compared with dorsal area suggesting that the observed susceptibility is in part due to different GSK3 regulation. Previous studies carried out with this animal model had demonstrated impairment in Morris Water Maze and Object recognition tests point out to dorsal hippocampal atrophy. Here, we show that two tests used to evaluate emotional status, the light–dark box and the novelty suppressed feeding test, suggest that GSK3β mice do not show any anxiety-related disorder. Thus, our results demonstrate that in vivo overexpression of GSK3β results in dorsal but not ventral hippocampal DG neurodegeneration and suggest that both areas do not behave in a similar manner in neurodegenerative processes

Mechanical Isolation of Highly Stable Antimonene under Ambient Conditions

Using mechanical exfoliation combined with a controlled double step transfer procedure we demonstrate that single layers of antimony can be readily produced. These flakes are not significantly contaminated upon exposure to ambient conditions and they do not react with water. DFT calculations confirm our experimental observations and predict a band gap of 1.2-1.3 eV (ambient conditions) for single layer antimonene, which is smaller than that calculated under vacuum conditions at 0 K. Our work confirms antimonene as a highly stable 2D material with promising relevant applications in optoelectronics.Comment: main paper: 5 pages, 4 figures supporting: 9 pages, 7 figures, Advanced Materials, 201

Production of Sponge Iron Powder by Reduction of a By-product of the Steelmaking Industry

Ref. Revista/libro: Proceedings of the International Powder Metallurgy Congress & Exhibition (PM2010). Volumen I. Editors: European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA). Florencia (Italia), October 2010.Rolling mill scale is a solid steelmaking by-product that contains metallic iron (Fe), wustite (FeO), hematite (α-Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4). It also contains traces of non-ferrous metals, alkaline compounds and oils from the rolling process. A study is made of the reduction of mill scale to sponge iron, in covered crucibles, using coke at different temperatures (1050º-1150ºC) and times (3-12 h). The final treatment of the samples was carried out in a hydrogen atmosphere furnace at 900ºC for 0.5 h. The reduced samples are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Oxygen analysis is carried out by combustion in a LECO oven. The reduction of mill scale allows the new use and development of this material to obtain sponge iron that can be re-used to the electric furnace as metallic load in steel manufacturing or as a raw material in the production of iron-base powder metallurgy parts.European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA).Peer reviewe

Procedimiento de obtención de esponjas metálicas

Titulares: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasProcedimiento de obtención de esponjas metálicas. La presente invención proporciona un procedimiento para obtener una esponja metálica a partir de un material metálico que comprende: i) reducción de un material metálico mediante tratamiento con un material carbonoso en horno con atmósfera de aire; y ii) reducción del producto obtenido en la etapa anterior mediante tratamiento en horno de atmósfera de hidrógeno. En particular, la invención describe la obtención de esponja de hierro a partir de cascarilla por el procedimiento anterior.Peer reviewe