Low La Content Research Articles

Zircon U-Pb and Whole-Rock Geochemistry of the Aolunhua Mo-Associated Granitoid Intrusion, Inner Mongolia, NE China

The Aolunhua Mo deposit is a typical porphyry deposit, which is located in the middle southern section of the Da Hinggan Range metallogenic belt. Here, we report LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age data from the Mo-associated granitoid, together with the element geochemistry of the zircons, discussing the source material of the ore-forming rock of the deposit. The zircon data constrain the crystallization age of the granite porphyry as 135.0 ± 1.0 Ma, correlating it with the widespread Yanshanian intermediate–felsic magmatic activity. The Th/U ratio of the zircon is greater than 0.1, with a significant positive Ce anomaly (Ce* = 1.72–188.71) and a negative Eu anomaly (Eu* = 0.05–0.57). The zircons show depleted LREE and enriched HREE patterns, as well as low La and Pr contents, suggesting crystallization from crust-derived magmas. Based on the geology of the ore deposit and the age data, in combination with the regional geodynamic evolution, we infer that the Aolunhua Mo deposit was formed near the peak stage of Sn poly-metallic metallogenesis in the Da Hinggan Range region at around 140 Ma, associated with a tectonic setting, characterized by the transition from compression to extension. Based on a comparison with the newly found Mo deposits along the banks of the Xilamulun River, we propose that the Tianshan–Linxi is an important Mo-metallogenic belt. It also suggests an increased likelihood for the occurrence of Mo along the north bank of the Xilamulun River.

In situ Strontium isotope stratigraphy of fish teeth in deep-sea sediments from the western Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean

The geochronology of deep-sea sediments beneath the carbonate compensation depth (CCD) presents a challenge due to the calcareous microfossils dissolution, low sedimentation rates, sedimentary hiatus, and redeposition. Fish teeth, commonly found in deep-sea sediments, have been utilized for Sr isotope stratigraphic dating. However, continuous Sr isotope exchange with pore water limits the utility of fish teeth in this context.In this study, we employed laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) to obtain accurate stratigraphic chronology results from rare earth element and yttrium (REY)-rich sediments in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) of the Pacific Ocean.Our analysis indicated that a fish tooth characterized by a dense structure and low La content exhibited a relatively initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio. Additionally, La contents at the same depth displayed a strong positive correlation with 87Sr/86Sr ratios, suggesting that Sr isotopes exchange with pore water during early diagenesis when La and other elements entered the fish teeth. However, certain fish teeth were able to resist early diagenesis alteration due to their dense structure.Based on in situ Sr-isotope stratigraphy results, we estimated the REY-rich layer age in core GC1901 to be 24–32 Ma, consistent with the REY-rich layers of DSDP/ODP in the CCFZ. Our study thus provides a new method for in situ Sr isotope analysis of fish teeth, which improves the accuracy of Sr isotope stratigraphy of pelagic sediments and could be widely used in deep-sea exploration.

Effects of La Addition on Microstructure Evolution and Thermal Stability of Cu-2.35Ni-0.59Si Sheet.

A Cu-2.35Ni-0.69Si alloy with low La content was designed in order to study the role of La addition on microstructure evolution and comprehensive properties. The results indicate that the La element demonstrates a superior ability to combine with Ni and Si elements, via the formation of La-rich primary phases. Owing to existing La-rich primary phases, restricted grain growth was observed, due to the pinning effect during solid solution treatment. It was found that the activation energy of the Ni2Si phase precipitation decreased with the addition of La. Interestingly, the aggregation and distribution of the Ni2Si phase, around the La-rich phase, was observed during the aging process, owing to the attraction of Ni and Si atoms by the La-rich phase during the solid solution. Moreover, the mechanical and conductivity properties of aged alloy sheets suggest that the addition of the La element showed a slight reducing effect on the hardness and electrical conductivity. The decrease in hardness was due to the weakened dispersion and strengthening effect of the Ni2Si phase, while the decrease in electrical conductivity was due to the enhanced scattering of electrons by grain boundaries, caused by grain refinement. More notably, excellent thermal stabilities, including better softening resistance ability and microstructural stability, were detected for the low-La-alloyed Cu-Ni-Si sheet, owing to the delayed recrystallization and restricted grain growth caused by the La-rich phases.

A Periplasmic Lanthanide Mediator, Lanmodulin, in Methylobacterium aquaticum Strain 22A

Methylobacterium and Methylorubrum species oxidize methanol via pyrroloquinoline quinone-methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs). MDHs can be classified into two major groups, Ca2+-dependent MDH (MxaF) and lanthanide (Ln3+)-dependent MDH (XoxF), whose expression is regulated by the availability of Ln3+. A set of a siderophore, TonB-dependent receptor, and an ABC transporter that resembles the machinery for iron uptake is involved in the solubilization and transport of Ln3+. The transport of Ln3+ into the cytosol enhances XoxF expression. A unique protein named lanmodulin from Methylorubrum extorquens strain AM1 was identified as a specific Ln3+-binding protein, and its biological function was implicated to be an Ln3+ shuttle in the periplasm. In contrast, it remains unclear how Ln3+ levels in the cells are maintained, because Ln3+ is potentially deleterious to cellular systems due to its strong affinity to phosphate ions. In this study, we investigated the function of a lanmodulin homolog in Methylobacterium aquaticum strain 22A. The expression of a gene encoding lanmodulin (lanM) was induced in response to the presence of La3+. A recombinant LanM underwent conformational change upon La3+ binding. Phenotypic analyses on lanM deletion mutant and overexpressing strains showed that LanM is not necessary for the wild-type and XoxF-dependent mutant’s methylotrophic growth. We found that lanM expression was regulated by MxcQE (a two-component regulator for MxaF) and TonB_Ln (a TonB-dependent receptor for Ln3+). The expression level of mxcQE was altered to be negatively dependent on Ln3+ concentration in ∆lanM, whereas it was constant in the wild type. Furthermore, when exposed to La3+, ∆lanM showed an aggregating phenotype, cell membrane impairment, La deposition in the periplasm evidenced by electron microscopy, differential expression of proteins involved in membrane integrity and phosphate starvation, and possibly lower La content in the membrane vesicle (MV) fractions. Taken together, we concluded that lanmodulin is involved in the complex regulation mechanism of MDHs and homeostasis of cellular Ln levels by facilitating transport and MV-mediated excretion.

Geochemistry of hydrothermal zircon as a proxy to fingerprint ore fluids in late Mesozoic decratonic gold deposits

Decratonic gold deposits constitute the most important type of gold endowment in the North China Craton (NCC), although the nature and evolution of ore-related fluids in these deposits remain controversial. Here we investigate geochemistry of hydrothermal zircon grains from the Dahu gold deposit in the Xiaoqinling region in the southern margin of the NCC. We also compile the published information on trace elements in hydrothermal zircon from deposits in the other major gold districts of the NCC. The zircon U-Pb data show ages in the range of 101–148 Ma reflecting prolonged hydrothermal alteration that occurred within an extensional tectonic setting. Based on the trace elements, three distinct groups of hydrothermal zircons are recognized. Group 1 shows low La contents (<1 ppm), high Ce/Ce* (>10), and steep positive LREE patterns ((Sm/La)N > 20); Group 2 possesses high La contents (<10 ppm), low Ce/Ce* (<10), and weak positive LREE patterns ((Sm/La)N < 20); Group 3 displays ultra-high La contents (>10 ppm), low Ce/Ce* (<10), and flat LREE patterns ((Sm/La)N < 20). This classification is also applicable to orogenic and porphyry gold deposits. Group 1 grains initially crystallized from magma and underwent subsequent modification by post-magmatic fluids, whereas Group 2 and Group 3 directly crystallized and regrew from zirconium-saturated aqueous fluids. The La-enriched signature in hydrothermal zircons may mainly originate from undetected REE-bearing phases within zircon that formed during the hydrothermal alteration events. The fluid flow has a significant effect on the redox state of gold metallogenic system. The hydrothermal zircons from decratonic gold deposits display higher Ce/Ce* ratios (1–258) and Ce/Nd ratios (0.7–32.2) than those from orogenic and porphyry gold deposits, indicating that the zircon grains formed from a relatively oxidized fluid.

Characterization of Ordering in A-Site Deficient Perovskite Ca1-xLa2x/3TiO3 Using STEM/EELS.

The vacancy ordering behavior of an A-site deficient perovskite system, Ca1-xLa2x/3TiO3, was studied using atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in conjunction with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), with the aim of determining the role of A-site composition changes. At low La content (x = 0.2), adopting Pbnm symmetry, there was no indication of long-range ordering. Domains, with clear boundaries, were observed in bright-field (BF) imaging, but were not immediately visible in the corresponding high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) image. These boundaries, with the aid of displacement maps from A-site cations in the HAADF signal, are shown to be tilt boundaries. At the La-rich end of the composition (x = 0.9), adopting Cmmm symmetry, long-range ordering of vacancies and La3+ ions was observed, with alternating La-rich and La-poor layers on (001)p planes, creating a double perovskite lattice along the c axis. These highly ordered domains can be found isolated within a random distribution of vacancies/La3+, or within a large population, encompassing a large volume. In regions with a high number density of double perovskite domains, these highly ordered domains were separated by twin boundaries, with 90° or 180° lattice rotations across boundaries. The occurrence and characteristics of these ordered structures are discussed and compared with similar perovskite systems.

Age, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotopes of the Caosiyao porphyry Mo deposit in Inner Mongolia, China

The giant Caosiyao porphyry Mo deposit (Yinshan area, central Inner Mongolia) is recently discovered in the northern margin of the North China Craton. The mineralization is newly molybdenite Re–Os dated to be Late Jurassic (ca. 148Ma). LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the two syenogranite porphyry intrusions in the Caosiyao deposit yielded ca. 148.5Ma and ca. 140.9–140.1Ma, respectively, and the Caosiyao monzogranite porphyry yielded ca. 145.0Ma. These Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous granitic porphyries are high-K calc-alkaline and featured by high Rb, Th, U, and Zr contents and low TiO2, P2O5, Nb, and La contents, with high K2O/Na2O and medium to strong negative Eu anomalies, all resembling post-orogenic granitoids. The Caosiyao granitic porphyries have high whole-rock initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.710417–0.718568), low zircon εHf(t) (−18.9 to −12.5) and whole-rock εNd(t) (−17.8 to −13.7), old single-stage and two-stage model ages for zircon Hf (1282–1552Ma and 1989–2393Ma, respectively) and for whole-rock Nd (1766–2431Ma and 2046–2375Ma, respectively), as well as low K-feldspar 206Pb/204Pb (16.603–17.177), 207Pb/204Pb (15.319–15.374), and 208Pb/204Pb (36.841–37.225) values. We suggest that the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous syenogranite porphyry may have been sourced from a highly and moderately mature lower crust, respectively, whereas the Early Cretaceous monzogranite porphyry may have been sourced from an immature lower crust. The Caosiyao porphyries may have formed during the post-orogenic extension after the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean closure and coeval with the Paleo-Pacific plate subduction.

Mt. Etna plumbing system revealed by combined textural, compositional, and thermobarometric studies in clinopyroxenes

Coupled textural and in situ geochemical studies of clinopyroxene (cpx) phenocrysts, from both historical and recent eruptions of Mt. Etna volcano, provide a means to investigate the processes occurring in the deepest portion of the feeding system (>10 km depth). Five distinct textures were recognized: (1) normal oscillatory zoning, (2) normal zoning with Fe-rich rim, (3) sieve-textured core, (4) reverse oscillatory zoning, and (5) dusty rim. Electron microprobe analyses indicate an almost constant diopside–augite composition, with a slight enrichment in the enstatite for more recent erupted cpx. Core-to-rim compositional profiles, performed along the cpx, reveal distinct compositional characteristics. Normal oscillatory zoning is often characterized by a sharp increase in FeO (Δ ~ 2 wt%) accompanied by a drop in Al2O3 on the outermost 30 μm. Reverse oscillatory zoning, by contrast, exhibits a drop in FeO, Al2O3 (Δ ~ 2 wt%), and a remarkable crystal rim increase in MgO (up to 5 wt%). Similar compositional changes are evident in dusty-textured rims, which are characterized by dissolution edges and overgrowth containing glass pockets and channels. No significant compositional variations have been observed across crystals with sieve-textured cores. Trace element concentrations show enrichments in Sr, La, Zr, and REE, together with a decreasing La/Yb ratio (from ~7 to ~4) in rims of normally zoned crystals. Cpx with reverse zoning and dusty rims has low Sr, La, Zr, and REE contents toward crystal rims. Thermometers and barometers, based on equilibrium cpx-melt pairs, suggest that cpx cores start nucleating at 720 MPa, with the majority of them forming between 600 and 400 MPa but continuing to crystallize until very shallow depths (<100 MPa). Normal oscillatory-zoned phenocrysts surrounded by rims form at pressures shallower than 400 MPa, while reverse zoning and dusty rims occur between 400 and 500 MPa. Coupled petrologic and thermobarometric studies on both clinopyroxenes and plagioclases, associated with detailed textural and in situ geochemical analyses, are promising tools to reconstruct the entire magma ascent path beneath open-system volcanoes. At Mt. Etna, two distinct processes could account for the observed textures: Fe-rich rims in normal oscillatory-zoned crystals can be related to decompression-induced crystallization, while reverse zoning and dusty rims can be produced by mixing with a more basic magma at 400–500 MPa (i.e., ~10 km). Textural features are not restricted to a particular evolutionary phase of the volcano, which suggest that the deep feeding system has not changed significantly since the first alkaline volcanic phase.

Effects of La doping on structural, optical, electronic properties of Sr2Bi2O5 photocatalyst

Single-phase Sr2Bi2O5 was obtained by calcination of the heterobimetallic complex precursor Sr[Bi(DTPA)]·9H2O (DTPA is diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) at 700 °C for 6 h. The effect of La doping on the crystal structure, surface area, morphology, surface chemical state, and absorption properties of Sr2Bi2O5 samples prepared from Sr[Bi(DTPA)]·9H2O were investigated. No traces of an impurity phase were detected in samples with a lower La content (3 and 5 mol%), while impurity phases such as Sr6Bi2O9 and SrCO3 were observed in Sr2Bi2O5 samples with larger La contents of 8 and 10 mol%. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of Sr2Bi2O5 increased slightly with the content of La. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed clear crystalline planes for both undoped and La-doped Sr2Bi2O5 samples without amorphous phases. Meanwhile, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the valence states of constituent metals were Sr2+, Bi3+, and La3+. The solubility limit of La in the Sr2Bi2O5 crystal phase was determined from Raman scattering measurements. La atoms substituted Bi sites when the doping content was low, while both Bi and Sr sites were substituted with La when the content of La was high. The electronic structure of Sr2Bi2O5 could be modified by La doping, resulting in a red shift of the absorption edge with increasing La content. The band-gap narrowing of Sr2Bi2O5 with La-doping was reproduced in energy-band calculations. The photocatalytic activity of Sr2Bi2O5 under visible-light irradiation for the oxidation of isopropanol was enhanced by doping with La.

Zircon Geochronology and Trace Element Geochemistry from the Xiaozhen Copper Deposit, North Daba Mountain: Constraints on Albitites Petrogenesis

AbstractAlbitite often accompanies with various metal and gem mineral deposits and a large number of occurrences have been reported globally, including the South Qinling orogen, China. The Xiaozhen copper deposit is a typical deposit in the North Daba Mountain area of the South Qinling orogen whose distribution is controlled by albitite veins and fractures. As there are few studies on the petrogenesis of albitite in Xiaozhen copper deposit, this paper focuses on the petrogenesis of albitite and its mineralization age. Detailed fieldwork and mineral microscopic observations initially suggest that albitite from the Xiaozhen copper deposit is igneous in origin. Further zircon trace element geochemistry studies indicate that these zircons have high Th/U ratios (&gt;0.5), low La content, high (Sm/La)N and Ce/Ce* values, and a strong negative Eu anomaly, which are commonly seen in magmatic zircons. The chondrite–normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are consistent with magmatic zircons from throughout the world, and they fall within or near the field of magmatic zircons on discriminant diagrams. The calculated average apparent Ti–in–zircon temperature for young zircons is 780°C, consistent with magmatic zircon crystallization temperatures. Therefore, zircon geochemistry indicates that the albitite origin is magmatic. SIMS U–Pb dating on nine magmatic zircons yielded a concordia age of 154.8±2.2 Ma, which represents the formation of albitite and the metallogenic age. More importantly, it is consistent with the ages of Yanshanian magmatism and metallogenesis in the South Qinling orogen, so formation of the Xiaozhen copper deposit may be a closely related geological event.

Enhanced electrochemical and storage properties of La 2/3− XLi 3 XTiO 3-coated Li[Ni 0.4Co 0.3Mn 0.3]O 2

A Li[Ni 0.4Co 0.3Mn 0.3]O 2 cathode was modified by applying a La 2/3− X Li 3 X TiO 3 (LLT) coating. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images reveal that the coating layer consists of nanoparticles. The coated cathode demonstrated an enhanced rate capability, discharge capacity, and cyclic performance than the uncoated cathode. However, the influence of the coating upon these electrochemical properties is highly dependent upon the composition of the LLT coating layer. Coating layers having high La and low Li contents, such as La 0.67TiO 3, effectively improved the rate capability of the cathode. However, coating layers with a low La and high Li content greatly enhanced the discharge capacity of the cathode under high cut-off voltage (4.8 V) conditions. Overall, the thermal stability of the Li[Ni 0.4Co 0.3Mn 0.3]O 2 electrode was improved by the LLT coating. Storage tests confirmed that the La 2/3− X Li 3 X TiO 3 coating dramatically suppressed the dissolution of transition metals into the electrolyte.

Molecular dynamics simulations of La2O3-doped silicate intergranular films in Si3N4

Molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations are used to evaluate the effect of composition of the IGF on the location and energetics of La ions in silicon oxy-nitride intergranular films (IGFs) between basal and prism oriented silicon nitride crystals. Results of the simulations show La adsorption at the four sites on the prism oriented nitride surface that are the same as those observed with HAADF-STEM. In addition, the simulations also show the effect of composition on this behavior, in which La segregation to at least the two closest surface sites on the prism surface is observed at almost all compositions, whereas La segregation to the basal interface is significantly affected by composition. With increasing La content, La site-filling increases on both prism and basal interfaces. Because of Lanthanum's role as a network modifier in a pure silica glass, IGFs with no N and low La content show complete segregation of La to the crystal surfaces. Increasing N content in the IGF reduces this La segregation to the interfaces, allowing for more La in the interior IGF. This is consistent with the change in binding energy of the La ions in the interior IGF in comparison to that at the interfaces, reducing the driving force for segregation. Because the additive rare earth ‘poisons’ the surface to which it adsorbs from further growth, the change in segregation is important in the development of microstructure in the ceramic. Importantly, increasing N content in the IGF causes preferential La depletion from the basal surface, with no such significant depletion of La on the prism surface, providing a mechanism for the anisotropic grain growth observed in this system.

Basic properties of MgLaO mixed oxides as determined by microcalorimetry and kinetics

The surface properties of magnesias and of La oxides supported on MgO and MgAl hydrotalcites were compared, using the adsorption of carbon dioxide followed by microcalorimetry. The differential heat of adsorption of CO 2 as a function of coverage is the same for MgO of different surface areas, ranging from 30 to 590 m 2/g, showing that the average coordination of Mg does not change, in agreement with the results reported for the structure of these materials. In the case of La catalysts, an effect of the support is noticed on the distribution of basic strengths, with a higher basicity for MgLa mixed oxides. MgAlLaO mixed oxide is also a strong solid base in spite of much lower La content. These catalysts are active for the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol at 338 K, using a ratio methanol/oil = 6, and give a rate comparable to that reported for anchored guanidines, considered as superbases.

Fish Oil in Combination with High or Low Intakes of Linoleic Acid Lowers Plasma Triacylglycerols but Does Not Affect Other Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Healthy Men

Both (n-3) long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) and linoleic acid [LA, 18:2(n-6)] improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, but a high-LA intake may weaken the effect of (n-3) LCPUFA. In a controlled, double-blind, 2 × 2-factorial 8-wk intervention, we investigated whether fish oil combined with a high- or low-LA intake affects overall CVD risk profile. Healthy men (n = 64) were randomized to 5 mL/d fish oil capsules (FO) [mean intake 3.1 g/d (n-3) LCPUFA] or olive oil capsules (control) and to oils and spreads with either a high (S/B) or a low (R/K) LA content, resulting in a 7.3 g/d higher LA intake in the S/B groups than in the R/K groups. Diet, (n-3) LCPUFA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and plasma CVD risk markers were measured before and after the intervention. FO lowered fasting plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) (P < 0.001) by 51% and 19% in the FO+R/K-group and FO+S/B-group, respectively, which was also reflected in postprandial TAG measured after the intervention (P < 0.01). Although a fat x FO interaction was found for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, neither the FO nor fat intervention affected fasting plasma cholesterol, glucose, insulin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, P-selectin, oxidized LDL, cluster of differentiation antigen 40 ligand (CD40L), adiponectin, or fasting or postprandial BP or HR after adjustment for body weight changes. In conclusion, neither fish oil supplementation nor the LA intake had immediate pronounced effects on the overall CVD risk profile in healthy men, but fish oil lowered plasma TAG in healthy subjects with initially low concentrations.

Lanthanum-doped zinc hydroxycarbonates for the catalytic disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide into singlet oxygen

Lanthanum-containing materials were obtained by coprecipitation of La 3+ and Mg 2+, Ca 2+, or Zn 2+ in the presence of sodium carbonate. All materials were tested in the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide into singlet molecular oxygen ( 1O 2). Whereas La supported on Mg or Ca hydroxycarbonate showed very low catalytic activity, La-doped zinc hydroxycarbonate was far more active, even without addition of a soluble base. This may be related to the high surface area and small crystal size of the Zn material and the high number of easily accessible basic sites. The catalytic performance of a series of La-containing Zn hydroxycarbonates with varying La/Zn ratios was strongly dependent on the composition; the highest catalytic activity was observed for materials having relatively small amounts of La. Structural characterization of the materials revealed that at low La content, the Zn–La coprecipitate can be considered a Zn hydroxycarbonate (hydrozincite) doped with a small amount of La. At higher La content, distinct La (hydroxy)carbonate phases are formed, which are less active in the disproportionation of H 2O 2. Filtrate tests demonstrated that the La-doped Zn hydroxycarbonate is a truly heterogeneous catalyst, allowing recycling of the catalyst. Finally, this material was used for the selective peroxidation of functionalized alkenes. After reduction of the hydroperoxides, the corresponding allylic alcohols were obtained in good chemical yield (>90%).

Preparation and magnetic properties of La-substituted Zn–Cu–Cr ferrites via a rheological phase reaction method

Nanocrystalline La-substituted Zn–Cu–Cr ferrites Zn 0.6Cu 0.4Cr 0.5La x Fe 1.5− x O 4 ( x=0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) were prepared by a rheological phase reaction method. The obtained powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. Permeability of the samples was investigated using an impedance analyzer. The results indicated that ferrite samples had the single spinel phase at low La content. Lattice parameter increased with increasing La content, while particle size calculated from Scherrer's formula decreased with increasing La content in La-substituted ferrite samples. The magnetic properties of La-substituted ferrites were strongly affected by La content. The saturation magnetization decreased, while coercivity increased with increasing La content. The variation of real permeability with La content was investigated in the frequency range of 1 MHz–1 GHz.

Influence of La on the crystallisation behaviour of amorphous [formula omitted] ( [formula omitted] –7) alloys

Melt spun and subsequently annealed Al-alloys with 6 at.% Ni and 4–7 at.% La were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD). XRD reveals that the ribbons are fully amorphous in the as melt spun state. DSC shows that crystallisation proceeds in two stages which are sensitively influenced by the La content. The first stage compromises the formation of either fcc-Al (at low La content) or a bcc phase (at high La concentration) of yet unknown composition. Micro hardness changes significantly during annealing and can be correlated to the different stages of microstructural transformation as observed by XRD.

Effect of La doping on structural, magnetic and microstructural properties of Ba1 − x La x Fe12O19 ceramics prepared by citrate combustion process

La-substituted M-type barium ferrites, Ba1 − xLax Fe12O19, with x = 0.00–0.30 were successfully prepared via a citrate combustion process. Properties of the ceramics were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and scanning electron microscopy. XRD patterns revealed only magnetoplumbite structure without minor phases. With increasing the La substituted content, the saturation magnetization (MS) was increased and reached to a maximum at x = 0.15 and then decreased but coercivity (HC) was increased. SEM micrographs of the dense ceramics showed the hexagonal platelet shape at low La content and the irregular shape at high La content.

Synthesis and network parameters of hydrophobic poly(N‐[3‐(dimethylaminopropyl)]methacrylamide‐co‐lauryl acrylate) hydrogels

AbstractHydrophobic poly(N‐[3‐(dimethylaminopropyl)]methacrylamide‐co‐lauryl acrylate) [P(DMAPMA‐co‐LA)] hydrogels with different LA content were synthesized by free‐radical crosslinking copolymerization of corresponding monomers in water by using N,N‐methylenebis(acrylamide) as the crosslinker, ammonium persulfate as the initiator, and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine as the activator. The swelling equilibrium of the hydrogels was investigated as a function of temperature and hydrophobic comonomer content in pure water. An interesting feature of the swelling behavior of the P(DMAPMA‐co‐LA) hydrogels with low LA content was the reshrinking phase transition where the hydrogels swell once and collapse as temperature was varied in the range of 30–40°C. The average molecular mass between crosslinks (M̄c) and polymer–solvent interaction parameter (χ) of the hydrogels were calculated from equilibrium swelling values. The enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) changes appearing in the χ parameter for the hydrogels were determined by using the Flory–Rehner theory based on the phantom network model of swelling equilibrium. The positive values for ΔH and ΔS indicated that the hydrogels had a positive temperature‐sensitive property in water, that is, swelling at a higher temperature and shrinking at a lower temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4159–4166, 2006

Dietary, but not topical, alpha-linolenic acid suppresses UVB-induced skin injury in hairless mice when compared with linoleic acids.

Peroxidizability of fatty acids in the air is roughly proportional to the number of double bonds, but in vivo peroxidation proceeds in a more complex manner. Here, we compared the effects of dietary and topically applied oils enriched with linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) on UV-induced skin injury in a strain of hairless mice. The UVB-induced erythema score was significantly lower in mice with topically applied creams containing LA and ALA than in mice with the basal cream; no significant increase in the score was detected in the ALA group compared with the LA group. However, dietary ALA inhibited the increase in erythema score after UVB irradiation compared with LA. The peroxidizability index of the skin total lipids was significantly higher, but UVB-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was significantly lower in the group fed an ALA-rich diet compared with the group fed an LA-rich diet. The levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, estimated in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene in the assay mixture, were not affected by UVB treatment or by the dietary fatty acids, but the severity of the skin lesion was associated with PGE2 levels. These results indicate that the type of fatty acids, n-6 or n-3, is critical for the suppression of UVB-induced skin lesion when the skin fatty acids are modified by dietary manipulation. Anti-inflammatory activity of dietary flaxseed oil with relatively high ALA and low LA contents was demonstrated in UVB-irradiated hairless mice.