Typically, computational screens for new materials sharply constrain the compositional search space, structural search space, or both, for the sake of tractability. To lift these constraints, we construct a machine learning model from a database of thousands of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The resulting model can predict the thermodynamic stability of arbitrary compositions without any other input and with six orders of magnitude less computer time than DFT. We use this model to scan roughly 1.6 million candidate compositions for novel ternary compounds (A x B y C z), and predict 4500 new stable materials. Our method can be readily applied to other descriptors of interest to accelerate domain-specific materials discovery.

Objectives-Since Devic's original description of neuromyelitis optica in 1894 there has been much debate regarding its aetiology. A specific cause has been identified in a minority of cases but in most the question has arisen whether or not Devic's neuromyelitis optica is a variant of multiple sclerosis. This study was undertaken to help clarify this issue. Methods-Neuromyelitis optica was defined as (1) a severe transverse myelitis; (2) an acute unilateral or bilateral optic neuropathy; (3)

Patients with multiple sclerosis who develop progressive disability from onset without relapses or remissions pose difficulties in diagnosis, monitoring of disease activity and treatment. There is a need to define the diagnostic criteria for this group more precisely and, in particular, to describe a comprehensive battery of investigations to exclude other conditions. The mechanisms underlying the development of disability and the role of MRI in monitoring disease activity in this clinical subgroup require elucidation, particularly in view of the lack of change on conventional imaging in the presence of continuing clinical deterioration. The prognosis is poor and there are currently no treatment trials for this form of the disease.

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Presently, the only commercially available power generating thermoelectric (TE) modules are based on bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) alloys and are limited to a hot side temperature of 250 °C due to the melting point of the solder interconnects and/or generally poor power generation performance above this point. For the purposes of demonstrating a TE generator or TEG with higher temperature capability, we selected skutterudite based materials to carry forward with module fabrication because these materials have adequate TE performance and are mechanically robust. We have previously reported the electrical power output for a 32 couple skutterudite TE module, a module that is type identical to ones used in a high temperature capable TEG prototype. The purpose of this previous work was to establish the expected power output of the modules as a function of varying hot and cold side temperatures. Recent upgrades to the TE module measurement system built at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques allow for the assessment of not only the power output, as previously described, but also the thermal to electrical energy conversion efficiency. Here we report the power output and conversion efficiency of a 32 couple, high temperature skutterudite module at varying applied loading pressures and with different interface materials between the module and the heat source and sink of the test system. We demonstrate a 7% conversion efficiency at the module level when a temperature difference of 460 °C is established. Extrapolated values indicate that 7.5% is achievable when proper thermal interfaces and loading pressures are used.

Materials with the half-Heusler structure possess interesting electrical and magnetic properties, including potential for thermoelectric applications. MgAgSb is compositionally and structurally related to many half-Heusler materials, but has not been extensively studied. This work presents the high-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis of MgAgSb between 27 and 420°C, complemented with thermoelectric property measurements.MgAgSb is found to exist in three different crystal structures in this temperature region, taking the half-Heusler structure at high temperatures, a Cu 2 Sb-related structure at intermediate temperatures, and a previously unreported tetragonal structure at room temperature. All three structures are related by a distorted Mg-Sb rocksalt-type sublattice, differing primarily in the Ag location among the available tetrahedral sites. Transition temperatures between the three phases correlate well with discontinuities in the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity; the best performance occurs with the novel room temperature phase. For application of MgAgSb as a thermoelectric material, it may be desirable to develop methods to stabilize the room temperature phase at higher temperatures.

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