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The intricacy of 3D surfaces often results cutting‐edge point cloud denoising (PCD) models in surface degradation including remnant noise, wrongly‐removed geometric details. Although using multi‐scale patches to encode the geometry of a point has become the common wisdom in PCD, we find that simple aggregation of extracted multi‐scale features can not adaptively utilize the appropriate scale information according to the geometric information around noisy points. It leads to surface degradation, especially for points close to edges and points on complex curved surfaces. We raise an intriguing question – if employing multi‐scale geometric perception information to guide the network to utilize multi‐scale information, can eliminate the severe surface degradation problem? To answer it, we propose a Multi‐offset Denoising Network (MODNet) customized for multi‐scale patches. First, we extract the low‐level feature of three scales patches by patch feature encoders. Second, a multi‐scale perception module is designed to embed multi‐scale geometric information for each scale feature and regress multi‐scale weights to guide a multi‐offset denoising displacement. Third, a multi‐offset decoder regresses three scale offsets, which are guided by the multi‐scale weights to predict the final displacement by weighting them adaptively. Experiments demonstrate that our method achieves new state‐of‐the‐art performance on both synthetic and real‐scanned datasets. Our code is publicly available at https://github.com/hay-001/MODNet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychromators are most frequently used in Thomson scattering (TS) diagnostics to analyze the scattered light spectrum and intensity so that the plasma electron temperature (Te) and density (ne) can be derived. For Te measurements, the spectral response of the polychromator channels and the relative spectral responsivities need to be calibrated. The spectral response is calibrated with a bromine tungsten lamp and a monochromator in a conventional way. A novel method for calibrating the relative spectral responsivities of the polychromators is described in detail. A broadband pulsed Light Emission Diode (LED) is used, which has a spectral irradiance similar to that of the TS spectrum, and the LED can be driven in pulse mode with the pulse width similar to the TS signal pulse width of about 10–20 ns full width at half maximum. This new method allows for the calibration to be done after the polychromator is fully installed, and in situ system calibration can be easily performed, showing the advantages of accuracy, simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility. For ne measurements, absolute sensitivity calibration is done by Rayleigh scattering with argon gas. Formulas for calculating the plasma density from the calibration data and the polychromator signals from the off-laser wavelength channels are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its large scale, the blocking flow-shop scheduling problem (BFSP) cannot be solved effectively by traditional optimization methods. To solve the problem, this paper develops a novel intelligent optimization algorithm based on differential evolution (DE) for the BFSP with a single objective: minimizing the total flow time (TFT). On the one hand, a new heuristic method was introduced to balance the quality and diversity of the initial population. On the other hand, a new operator was adopted to update the acceleration, velocity and position of each particle. In this way, the population will not converge prematurely to local optimums, and the local and global search abilities are perfectly balanced. Simulation on standard test set proves that our algorithm outperformed most commonly used methods in solving the BFSP. (Received, processed and accepted by the Chinese Representative Office.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of oxidation on charge transport and retention within a sheet of silicon (Si) nanocrystals was investigated with an electrostatic force microscope. Single layers of nanocrystals with smooth and abrupt Si/SiO2 interfaces were prepared by thermal crystallization of thin amorphous Si layers, followed by an oxidation treatment for isolating the nanocrystals. Controlled amounts of charge were injected into the nanocrystals and their in-plane diffusion was monitored in real time. Rapid transport of the injected charge occurred for the nonoxidized nanocrystals. Oxidation of the nanocrystal layer resulted in suppression of lateral transport. The nanocrystals oxidized for 30 min retained the injected charge in a well-defined, localized region with retention times of the order of several days. These long-term charge retention characteristics indicate that nanocrystals prepared by this process could be attractive candidates for nonvolatile memory applications. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rail–wheel interaction can induce train and track vibrations and consequently lead to noise impact, passengers' discomfort, high maintenance cost, etc. Due to the complexity of the rail–wheel interaction and the high cost of field tests, as well as the difficulties in data collection, numerical analyses have been widely resorted to for predicting the train and track vibrations, for which numerous numerical models have been developed. According to track modeling approaches, numerical models can be generally divided into two categories, i.e. beam models and continuum finite element (FE) models. In this paper, these two models are systematically compared and discussed. First, a typical beam model of Wu and Thompson [T. X. Wu and D. Thompson, On the parametric excitation of the wheel/track system, J. Sound Vib.278(4) (2004) 725–747.] is introduced, based on which a modified model is then established. Secondly, a plane continuum FE model with high mesh quality is established, in which the transition mesh generation, contact treatment and element size determination are presented. Numerical tests are conducted to validate the proposed plane FE model. Finally, both the beam and the plane continuum FE models are examined through typical rail–wheel interaction examples, in which the linear response of the track as well as the rail–wheel vibrations under both a single rolling wheel and two rolling wheels are analyzed. The results show that most of the vibration trends obtained from the two models agree well with each other. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the continuum FE model has superiorities, especially for analyzing vibrations at higher frequencies. The present study can be of considerable help for designers and engineers in the railway industry to achieve the trade-off between the simulation demands and the computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Neutron-diffraction investigation on the deformation of a Fe-18Mn-3Si-0.6C-0.4Al steel reveals that the twinning is mainly dominant at a stress below 900 MPa, above which the twinning behavior is largely outweighed by phase transformation from the face-centered-cubic (FCC) γ-austenite to the hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) ε-martensite. In the deformed grains, the distribution of ε-martensite is parallel with the twin boundary. Both the well-known {111} γ //{0001} ε relationship and an additional {111} γ //{11–21} ε orientation relation were identified. After the phase transformation, both phases deformed further with the lattice rotating around an axis perpendicular to the tensile direction. Transition from the twinning dominant behavior to the phase transformation induced plasticity effect is explained by the grain orientation dependence of the effective stacking fault energy (ESFE). An asymmetric and inverse relationship between the width of stacking faults (SF) and the ESFE is obtained from the density functional theory (DFT). The tensile stress always increases proportionally with the SF width in the twinning favorable grains and thus a decreasing ESFE. The replacement of twinning activities by phase transformation could be due to both the nucleation site of ε-martensite at the SF of the twin boundary and the decrease of the ESFE in grains which originally favors the twinning. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pure compressively strained La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (LCMO) dead layer grown on (001)-oriented LaAlO3 substrate can show all the rich phenomenon of large bias field shift, coercive field enhancement, and high blocking temperature. The obtained exchange bias field (~350 Oe) and the enhanced coercivity of about 1160 Oe at 5K under 500 Oe cooling field are superior to that have been reported in LCMO-based ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic superlattices or nanoscale systems. Our results clearly demonstrate that the inhomogeneous magnetic dead layer of LCMO can induce a strong exchange bias effect, which may be exploited as a very simple structure for spin-valve device application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work reports the effect of a tensile stress on the magnetic domain of FeCoSiB amorphous films. The domain structures of the unstressed and stressed FeCoSiB amorphous films with different tensile strains have been studied by magnetic force microscopy (MFM). With the increase of the tensile stress in the samples, it has been observed that the domain structures transform from irregular domains into parallel strip domains, and magnetic contrasts decrease. The MFM image disappears when the tensile stress is strong enough. A model has been presented to explain the evolution of the domain structures under the tensile stress. The effects of the stress on the domain of the films have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tension-compression type of load reversal produces an asymmetric cyclic tension-compression behavior and varied yielding stresses in the subsequent monotonic tension and compression in a twinning induced plasticity steel. The micromechanical behavior was elucidated via the evolutions of the stacking fault probability and the grain orientation density captured by in-situ neutron diffraction. The latter indicates more profound detwinning activities in a reversal from tension to compression than those from compression to tension and more twinning involves in monotonic tension than in compression. This is confirmed by the calculated twinning activities in monotonic tension and compression using the visco-plastic self-consistent model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the isotropic and anisotropic hardening laws implemented in a crystal elastic visco-plastic finite element model (CEPFEM) were tested for the prediction of the flow stress, the r-value and the deformation texture for tensile tests of the AA6016 sheet. The isotropic hardening law provides good predictions of the flow stress anisotropy. The dislocation hardening was found to be dominant in the hardening behavior. By accounting for the strength variety of different dislocation junctions, predictions of the anisotropic hardening law are sensitive to the activity/strength of different dislocation junctions. Both the plastic shear of slip systems and the dominant dislocation junctions are grain orientation dependent. The flow stress level correlates with the strength of particular dislocation junctions. Both hardening models give similar predictions of the r-value and the deformation texture. Although the physics of crystal plasticity is implemented by including the strength difference of different dislocation junctions, the predictions have not significantly improved. This demonstrates that the strength of dislocation junctions is not responsible for explaining the limitation of the isotropic hardening model. Since the latter does not suffer from neglecting the strength variety of different dislocation junctions, the less complicated isotropic hardening model may still be used as such. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver biopsy is not routinely performed in treated chronic hepatitis B. Liver stiffness measurement has been validated for noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment in pretreatment chronic hepatitis B but has not been assessed for fibrosis monitoring during antiviral therapy. Liver stiffness was systemically monitored by Fibroscan® every 6 months in a cohort of patients with hepatitis B receiving antiviral therapy and compared with liver biopsies at baseline and week 104. A total of 534 hepatitis B e antigen- positive treatment- naive patients receiving telbivudine- based therapy with qualified liver stiffness measurement at baseline and week 104 were analyzed, 164 of which had adequate paired liver biopsies. Liver stiffness decreased rapidly (-2.2 kPa/24 weeks) in parallel with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from 8.6 (2.6- 49.5) kPa at baseline to 6.1 (2.2- 37.4) kPa at week 24. Interestingly, liver stiffness decreased slowly (-0.3 kPa/24 weeks) but continually from week 24 to week 104 (6.1 vs 5.3 kPa, P < .001) while ALT levels remained stable within the normal range. More importantly, liver stiffness declined significantly irrespective of baseline ALT levels and liver necroinflammation grades. From baseline to week 104, the proportion of patients with no or mild fibrosis (Ishak, 0-2) increased from 74.4% (122/164) to 93.9% (154/164). Multivariate analysis revealed that percentage decline of 52- week liver stiffness from baseline was independently associated with 104- week liver fibrosis regression (odds ratio, 3.742; P = .016). Early decline of 52-week liver stiffness from baseline may reflect the remission of both liver inflammation and fibrosis and was predictive of 104- week fibrosis regression in treated patients with chronic hepatitis B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneity of the through-thickness residual strain due to the laser shock peening (LSP) in comparison with that due to the indentation was studied in Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples. The latter is almost a quasi-static process while the former features extremely high strain-rate deformation. The synchrotron based high-energy X-ray diffraction was employed to investigate the through-thickness residual strain distribution. The studied two samples after the two processing procedures share the following features: (i) the pressure affected depths are both ~2 mm and (ii) the largest magnitudes of the compressive residual strains parallel to the surface are ~4,000 με. However, the pit depth for the indentation sample is ~9 times larger than that for the LSP. The position featuring the largest magnitude of the compressive residual strain is in the sub-surface for the indentation while it is in the surface for the LSP. Results of the elastic-visco-plastic finite element simulation for the indentation indicate that the position featuring the maximum accumulative plastic shear as defined in this paper corresponds to the location with the largest magnitude of compressive residual strain. To validate this finding, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the X-ray diffraction profile, which is proportional to the level of the plastic deformation, is also studied. It is found that positions with the largest FWHM indeed correspond to the largest magnitude of compressive residual strain for both tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a sparse optimization framework for extracting sparse shape priors from a collection of 3D models. Shape priors are defined as point-set neighborhoods sampled from shape surfaces which convey important information encompassing normals and local shape characterization. A 3D shape model can be considered to be formed with a set of 3D local shape priors, while most of them are likely to have similar geometry. Our key observation is that the local priors extracted from a family of 3D shapes lie in a very low-dimensional manifold. Consequently, a compact and informative subset of priors can be learned to efficiently encode all shapes of the same family. A comprehensive library of local shape priors is first built with the given collection of 3D models of the same family. We then formulate a global, sparse optimization problem which enforces selecting representative priors while minimizing the reconstruction error. To solve the optimization problem, we design an efficient solver based on the Augmented Lagrangian Multipliers method (ALM). Extensive experiments exhibit the power of our data-driven sparse priors in elegantly solving several high-level shape analysis applications and geometry processing tasks, such as shape retrieval, style analysis and symmetry detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution of the peak intensity for different grain orientations was in-situ measured by neutron diffraction for a twinning induced plasticity steel during tension-compression fatigue tests. Amplitude of the intensity variation is larger in high cycles than that at early cycles. The hysteresis loop features an asymmetric shape at early cycles and becomes symmetric with increase of cycles. Different twinning/detwinning activities correspond to different shape of the hysteresis loop. In cycle one, limited fresh twin volume is expected to correspond to short period of detwinning/retwinning. At later cycles, the twinning and detwinning are expected to happen together throughout the whole cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B infection ( CHB) causes up to 1.0 million deaths annually. Currently, more than 90% of CHB patients worldwide are receiving indefinite nucleos(t)ide analogue ( NA) therapy. New strategies for optimizing hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg) loss are required for NA-treated patients as the majority are unable to achieve HBsAg loss and may require lifelong therapy. In hepatitis B e antigen ( HBeAg)-positive patients, switching from NAs to finite peginterferon (Peg IFN) therapy can double HBeAg seroconversion rates. One in five patients who switch to Peg IFN can achieve HBsAg loss, whereas patients who continue NA therapy typically do not. In HBeAg-negative NA-treated patients, add-on Peg IFN therapy achieves higher, albeit modest, HBsAg loss rates compared with continued NA monotherapy and offers the opportunity for NA-treated patients to achieve the inactive carrier state. In the absence of curative therapies, Peg IFN represents a valuable, finite option for NA-treated patients who would otherwise require potentially lifelong therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a cyclic elastoplastic model applicable for studying the hysteretic performance of self-centering buckling restrained braces (SC-BRBs) is established based on the rheological analysis method. The linear-elastic pretensioned rods and superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) pretensioned rods can be taken into account, and the tube stiffness modification coefficient in consideration of fabrication tolerances is introduced in this model. In the proposed rheological model simulating the SC-BRB specimens, the prediction of the hysteretic performance accurately matched the experiments. The proposed rheological model was applied to study the influence of the key structural parameters on the SC-BRB hysteretic performance: the energy dissipation of SC-BRBs with SMA pretensioned rods is superior to that of linear-elastic pretensioned rods; an increase of pretension and the area of the pretensioned rods will have different impacts on the hysteretic performance of SC-BRBs with linear-elastic pretensioned rods and SC-BRBs with SMA pretensioned rods; increasing the section area of the core plate will result in a higher energy dissipation but a weakened self-centering capacity for the SC-BRB; and reducing the initial stiffness of the brace will have little effect on its energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of scanning electron microscope surface morphology and the reflectivity of the mode II fractured surface of graphite/epoxy laminates. A discrete number average method was developed for the quantitative characterization of hackles formation. The variation of hackle marks linear density with impact energy for end-notch flexure and centre-notch flexure for pure mode II loading were determined. The results indicated that hackles formation decreased with impact energy and the maximum hackles formation were observed at the centre area. Reflectivity was observed to be increased with the angle of reflection and decreased with impact energy, which is in agreement with the scanning electron microscope analysis. With the incident light scanned in the transverse direction, the intensity of the reflected light increases much more exponentially compared with along the fibre direction. Reflectivity in the fibre direction was clearly lower than in the transverse direction in the damaged area. The greater the damaged area, the less the intensity (reflectivity) of light reflected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bragg-edge imaging, which is also known as neutron radiography, has recently emerged as a novel crystalline characterization technique. Modelling of this novel technique by incorporating various features of the underlying microstructure (including the crystallographic texture, the morphological texture, and the grain size) of the material remains a subject of considerable research and development. In this paper, Inconel 718 samples made by additive manufacturing were investigated by neutron diffraction and neutron radiography techniques. The specimen features strong morphological and crystallographic textures and a highly heterogeneous microstructure. A 3D statistical full-field model is introduced by taking details of the microstructure into account to understand the experimental neutron radiography results. The Bragg-edge imaging and the total cross section were calculated based on the neutron transmission physics. A good match was obtained between the model predictions and experimental results at different incident beam angles with respect to the sample build direction. The current theoretical approach has the ability to incorporate 3D spatially resolved microstructural heterogeneity information and shows promise in understanding the 2D neutron radiography of bulk samples. With further development to incorporate the heterogeneity in lattice strain in the model, it can be used as a powerful tool in the future to better understand the neutron radiography data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, 4-node quadrilateral and 3-node triangular solid-shell elements are applied to drape simulations. With locking issues alleviated by the assumed natural strain method and plane-stress enforcement, static and dynamic drape problems are attempted by the quadrilateral element. If the drape is deep and the mesh density is inadequate, non-realistic sharp folds are predicted due to the non-physical interpenetration of top and bottom element surfaces. To avoid the interpenetration, a reversible adaptive subdivision based on the 1–4 splitting method is developed. To ensure displacement compatibility among elements at different subdivision levels, macro-transition elements are formed by quadrilateral and triangular solid-shell elements. To reduce the dynamic oscillation induced by newly inserted nodes, the discrete Kirchhoff condition is employed to determine the related nodal variables. Dynamic drape examples using adaptive meshing are presented. It can be seen that the predictions look realistic and deep drapes can be predicted with the interpenetration avoided yet the required number of nodes can be kept relatively small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fundamental molecular and microscopic properties of materials leading to dynamic wetting and relaxation effects have been subject to numerous studies in the past decades, but a thorough understanding is still missing. While most previous experiments utilize fluids deposited on planar substrates, this article focuses on an attractive alternative based on single colloidal particles: colloidal particles have the ability to strongly interact with fluid–fluid interfaces and the behavior strongly depends on the surface properties of the particles and the fluids used. Recent progress in the manipulation and synthesis of colloidal particles with well-defined surface properties and shapes makes them ideal candidates to probe the fundamental surface properties leading to dynamic wetting effects. In this paper we review and discuss the status of experimental and numerical techniques to characterize the dynamic wetting of single particles at fluid–fluid interfaces, with the aim to assist scientists and engineers in the design of new experimental techniques and particle-based (bio)analytical tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth loss is a chronic disability, which makes it difficult for patients to perform essential tasks such as eating, communicating with others and socialising. Numerous studies have revealed and addressed the recent rapid development of various prosthodontic materials and treatment patterns. Oral rehabilitation with dentures exerts a great influence on people's daily life and has tremendous social implications. Dentures help to restore an individual's sense of normality and ability to interact normally. With the introduction and progression of implant technology, many troublesome issues can now be solved simply. Nowadays, more and more attention has been paid to new trends (implant-assisted restoration and fixed prostheses). However, removable dentures may be a more appropriate solution under some circumstances, such as if they are a patient's preferred option, if remaining oral tissues are in poor condition, or if they provide the most cost-effective form of treatment. Thus, removable dentures are still an option for the rehabilitation of oral function. The purpose of this article was to retrospectively review the applications of removable dentures and to emphasise their indispensable status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An additional length scale is introduced which is not considered by the existing Taylor or viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) models. In these models, a macroscopic deformation is imposed on a representative volume element (RVE) of the macroscopic length scale (∼1000 grains). Each grain constitutes a RVE at what will be called the “mesoscopic-1” length scale. Here an additional intermediate length scale is introduced, called “mesoscopic-2”. Its RVE is a “cluster” of several grains. Within each cluster, the algorithm of the Neffect-VPSC model is employed to treat grain interactions. The average deformation of each cluster is the macroscopic deformation. This model gives texture predictions as good as, or better than, the Neffect-VPSC or the ALAMEL models for several tested materials and kinds of tests. The Taylor, VPSC and the ALAMEL models can be seen as special versions of such cluster-type model. The Taylor and the VPSC models were then tested to give two bounds of the predicted total slip rate in the aggregate for rolling. The total slip rate is proportional to the predicted von Mises equivalent stress of the aggregate. The difference among these model predictions was studied statistically by plotting the x-value distribution as defined and discussed in this paper. It seems that according to a cluster model simulation for rolling, statistically the strain rates of the hard grains defined in this paper tend to reduce less than the increase in the strain rate of soft grains in the direction of the imposed strain rate; gradually this diminution/increase reduces for both hard and soft grains as deformation increases. We call these diminution/increase “relaxations”. Relaxations projected on the five bases in the 5-D plastic strain rate space for rolling indicate that different numbers of grains in each cluster correspond to different levels of relaxations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two immobilized nano-sized TiO2 catalysts, TiO2/activated carbon (TiO2/AC) and TiO2/silica gel (SG) (TiO2/SG), were prepared by the sol-gel method, and their use in the photocatalytic degradation of organic matter in fresh garbage leachate under UV irradiation was investigated. The influences of the catalyst dosage, the initial solution pH, H2O2 addition and the reuse of the catalysts were evaluated. The degradation of organic matter was assessed based on the decrease of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the leachate. The results indicated that the degradation of the COD obeyed first-order kinetics in the presence of both photocatalysts. The degradation rate of COD was found to increase with increasing catalyst dosage up to 9 g/L for TiO2/AC and 6 g/L for TiO2/SG, above which the degradation began to attenuate. Furthermore, the degradation rate first increased and then decreased as the solution pH increased from 2 to 14, and the degradation rate increased as the amount of H2O2 increased to 2.93 mM, after which it remained constant. No obvious decrease in the rate of COD degradation was observed during the first four repeated uses of the photocatalysts, indicating that the catalysts could be recovered and reused. Compared with TiO2/AC, TiO2/SG exhibited higher efficiency in photocatalyzing the degradation of COD in garbage leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the density functional theory (DFT), the plane-wave pseudopotential method was used to calculate structural stabilities, electronic structures, and ferromagnetism of Fe3Si, Fe11NiSi4, Fe11CoSi4 and Fe11CrSi4 intermetallic compound. This study showed that the Fe11NiSi4 and Fe11CrSi4 phase are more stable than Fe3Si phase, especially Fe11NiSi4, but decreased with Fe11CoSi4 phase. Calculating the density of states and the Mulliken electronic populations showed that Fe11NiSi4 had the highest structural stability because of its Fermi level, which was close to the bottom of the pseudo-gap. Fe11NiSi4 also had the largest Mulliken population, which increased the metallic bonding of the alloying system. The total magnetic moments of Fe11NiSi4, Fe11CoSi4 and Fe11CrSi4 were 20.04μ B, 19.98μ B, and 18.81μ B, respectively. These magnetic moments mainly originated from the 3d spin polarization of Fe and those of additional atoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To explore the value of B-flow (B-mode blood flow) imaging and its enhanced mode in perforator mapping. Before surgery, B-flow imaging, enhanced B-flow imaging, colour Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were used to detect the skin-perforating vessels and small vessels in the fat layer of the donor site. Taking the intra-operative results as the reference standard, the diagnostic consistency and efficiency of the four modes were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman M -test, Cochran's Q -test, and the Z -test. Thirty flaps were excised, with 34 skin-perforating vessels and 25 non-skin-perforating vessels, as confirmed during surgery. In order of the number of skin-perforating vessels detected, the results showed that enhanced B-flow imaging detected more vessels than B-flow imaging and CDFI (all p< 0.05), CEUS detected more vessels than B-flow imaging and CDFI (all p< 0.05), B-flow imaging detected more vessels than CDFI (p< 0.05). All four modes had remarkable and satisfactory diagnostic consistency and effectiveness, but B-flow imaging was the best (sensitivity 100%, specificity 92%, Youden index 0.92). In order of the number of small vessels in the fat layer detected, the results showed that enhanced B-flow imaging detected more vessels than CEUS, B-flow imaging, and CDFI (all p< 0.05). CEUS detected more vessels than B-flow imaging and CDFI (all p< 0.05). B-flow imaging is an alternative method for perforator mapping. Enhanced B-flow imaging can reveal the microcirculation of flaps. • B-flow imaging is an alternative method for perforator mapping. • Enhanced B-flow imaging can reveal the microcirculation of flaps. • Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used for perforator mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium fluoride on the ameloblast and reveal the mechanism of dental fluorosis. Materials and methods: Mouse ameloblast‐like cell line (ALC) cells were treated with various concentrations of NaF, and subjected to Incucyte, fluorescence immunoassay, transmission electron microscopy, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), western blot for autophagy examination, alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining for mineralization after osteogenic induction. Results: NaF exerts a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on ALC cell growth. TEM and fluorescence immunoassay showed that 1.5 mM or higher concentrations of NaF could induce a fusion of lysosome and mitochondria, finally increasing the number of autophagosome. RT‐qPCR and western blot showed that the upregulation of autophagy related gene 13 (ATG13), downregulation of phosphorylated Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (p‐ULK1) were found in NaF‐induced autophagy of ALC cells. The knockdown of ATG13 could rescue it as well as the expression of p‐ULK1 and LC3B. Besides, alizarin red staining showed that fluoride under these concentrations could promote the mineralization of ALC. Conclusions: The data show that fluoride in higher concentration can induce autophagy via the p‐ULk1/ATG13/LC3B pathway of ALCs than lower ones promote mineralization in vitro, which provides insight into the function of NaF in the autophagy and mineralization of ameloblast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two micro–macro scale transition models, namely the ALAMEL and visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) models (both predict the evolution of grain shape and texture), were used to study the effect of the initial grain shape. The evolution of plastic anisotropy was characterized by the q-value and was simulated in three directions for three low carbon steels assuming either equiaxed (hypothetical one) or a pancake (measured one) grain shape. In addition, texture evolution during rolling was investigated for one of the materials. Comparisons between the model predictions and the measured values demonstrate that the grain shape effect can be predicted well by both models. In most cases, the initial q-value can be nicely estimated by both models. VPSC is better than ALAMEL on q-value evolution prediction for simulations which consider the measured aspect ratios. For texture evolution of rolling, the effect of initial grain shape is only significant at large deformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim XELOX and FOLFOX4 have both been recommended as adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer. This study compared the two regimens in terms of monetary costs, assuming equal efficacy of the therapies. Method A retrospective financial audit was conducted of the medical records of patients treated with XELOX or FOLFOX4. All itemized expenses were classified as direct (chemotherapy, hospitalization, venous access and tests), related to adverse effects due to the adjuvant therapy, or societal (travel and time costs). The cost of supportive care was not included. Results XELOX involved less total cost to the patient than FOLFOX4 (a difference of US$2857.68), fewer costs related to adverse effects ($668.97), and less travel ($26.07) and time ($390.93) expenditure per patient. Conclusion The results indicate that, overall, XELOX is a more affordable option than FOLFOX4 in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aetiology of temporomandibular disorder ( TMD) is multifactorial, and numerous studies have addressed that occlusion may be of great importance. However, whether occlusion plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TMD remains controversial. Study designs utilising animal models have been used to study the effects of artificial occlusal alterations. Experimental traumatic occlusion affects blood flow in the temporomandibular joint and results in changes in the condylar cartilage, and artificial occlusal interference induces masticatory muscle nociceptive responses that are associated with peripheral sensitisation and lead to central sensitisation, which maintains masticatory muscle hyperalgesia. The possibility that occlusal interference results in TMD has been investigated in humans using a double-blind randomised design. Subjects without a history of TMD show fairly good adaptation to interferences. In contrast, subjects with a history of TMD develop a significant increase in clinical signs and self-report stronger symptoms (occlusal discomfort and chewing difficulties) in response to interferences. Meanwhile, psychological factors appear meaningful for symptomatic responses to artificial interferences in subjects with a history of TMD. Thus, individual differences in vulnerability to occlusal interferences do exist. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to using human and animal occlusal interference models, these approaches are indispensable for discovering the role of occlusion in TMD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electronic structures and magnetism of Fe3Si intermetallic compounds have been investigated by using first principle methods based on plane-wave pseudo-potential theory. The calculated cohesive energy and heat of formation indicated that Fe3Si intermetallic compounds have the strong alloying ability and high structural stability. The calculation of band structure shows that the Fe3Si has characteristics of metal, whose bonding modes are covalence bond and metallic bond. Ferromagnetic properties of it are attributed to the 3d states of the Fe atoms. The difference in local moments of Fe[A,C] and Fe[B] is due to the exchange interaction between Fe[A,C] and Fe[B] and the electrons transfer from Fe[B] atoms to Fe[A,C] atoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the potential of pinon shell polysaccharide (PSP) to enhance immunity against H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (H9N2 AIV) in chickens. The effect of PSP treatment and H9N2 virus infection after PSP pretreatment were investigated by [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 3-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay and analysis of major histocompatibility complex and cytokine mRNA expression. The in vivo effects on lymphocytes and serum antibody titers were also investigated. The IL-6 expression and antibody titers were enhanced in the first week after PSP treatment. These data indicate that prophylactic PSP administration reduces H9N2 AIV replica-tion and promotes early humoral immune responses in young birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of different combi-nations of probiotics on performance, egg quality, and immune response of layer hens, a trial was carried out with 1,800 white feather layer hens of the Lohmann variety. The experiment was conducted by using a com-pletely randomized design with 9 treatments, 4 repli-cates, and 50 hens in each replicate. Compared with the control group, group F, which added a composition of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus salivariusCB and Bacillus subtilis to the diets of layer hens, caused highly signifi-cant (P < 0.05) increases in egg production, daily egg yield, damaged egg ratio, combined with a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in feed conversion and damaged egg ratio. Group G, adding a combination of inacti-vated Lactobacillus salivarius and sodium butyrate, re-sulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in daily egg yield, feed conversion, damaged egg ratio and Haugh unit. Meanwhile, groups D and H had significantly de-creased feed conversion (P < 0.05), and groups B, H, and I had a significantly decreased damaged egg ratio. In serum levels, no significant difference was observed except a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total choles-terol (groups D, E, and G) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (group E and G) and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol (groups D, E, and G) compared with group A. According to the hemagglu-tination inhibition test, the antibody titer of antibody against the avian influenza virus was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in most treated groups such as groups B, C, E, G, and I after d 15 fed to layers with probi-otics and groups B, C, D, E, F, G, and H after d 45 compared with the control group. No significant dif-ference was observed in the antibody titer against the Newcastle disease virus at d 15, but significantly (P < 0.05) higher at d 45 in groups F and G. These results demonstrate that several combinations of probiotics used in this experiment have a positive impact on the performance, egg quality, and immune response of layer hens, and the following work will continue to focus on these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) on the in vitro demineralization of root dentine. Root fragments were obtained from sound human teeth. The fragments were randomly assigned to different treatments solutions: GSE, fluoride (F), GSE+F and distilled water (control). Samples were treated daily for 30 min and subjected to a pH cycling artificial caries protocol using demineralization cycles (2.2 mM CaCl2×H2O, 2.2 mM KH2PO4, 50 mM acetic acid, pH 4.3) for 6 h and remineralization cycles (20 mM HEPES, 2.25 mM CaCl2×H2O, 1.35 mM KH2PO4, 130 mM KCl, pH 7.0) for 17.5 h. Mineral loss (ΔZ) and lesion depth (LD) were determined after 18 days of treatment/pH cycling, by transverse microradiography. GSE was able to minimize ΔZ and LD compared with the control group (p < 0.0001). The GSE+F and F groups showed the lowest values of ΔZ and LD (p < 0.05), with no statistically significant differences between them (p = 0.554 and p = 0.726, respectively). A biomimetic approach to strengthen root dentine using GSE results in decreased rates of root demineralization and may be used in conjunction with F to prevent root caries. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian clock serves to coordinate physiology and behavior with the diurnal cycles derived from the daily rotation of the earth. In plants, circadian rhythms contribute to growth and yield and, hence, to both agricultural productivity and evolutionary fitness. Arabidopsis thaliana has served as a tractable model species in which to dissect clock mechanism and function, but it now becomes important to define the extent to which the Arabidopsis model can be extrapolated to other species, including crops. Accordingly, we have extended our studies to the close Arabidopsis relative and crop species, Brassica rapa. We have investigated natural variation in circadian function and flowering time among multiple B. rapa collections. There is wide variation in clock function, based on a robust rhythm in cotyledon movement, within a collection of B. rapa accessions, wild populations and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between parents from two distinct subspecies, a rapid cycling Chinese cabbage (ssp. pekinensis) and a Yellow Sarson oilseed (ssp. trilocularis). We further analyzed the RILs to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for this natural variation in clock period and temperature compensation, as well as for flowering time under different temperature and day length settings. Most clock and flowering-time QTL mapped to overlapping chromosomal loci. We have exploited micro-synteny between the Arabidopsis and B. rapa genomes to identify candidate genes for these QTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that the idea of quantum control can be generalized to construct the exact many-body coherent state (MBCS) in a trapped Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) of N atoms. Such a MBCS possesses the form of the single-particle coherent state, which does not deform in propagation and is stable for a repulsive BEC. The results suggest an experimental scheme for resonantly generating and coherently controlling the MBCSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ruthenium films were grown by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) on Si(100) and ALD TiN. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the as-deposited films on Si(100) were polycrystalline, on TiN they were (002) oriented. After annealing at 800°C for 60s, all Ru films were strongly (002) textured and very smooth. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the lateral grain size of the annealed films was several 100nm, which was large compared to the 10nm thickness of the films. No ruthenium silicide was formed by annealing the ALD Ru films on Si(100). Comparison with sputter deposited films learned that this occurred because the ammonia plasma created a SiO x N y reaction barrier layer prior to film growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (HO-PBDEs) may disrupt thyroid hormone status because of their structural similarity to thyroid hormone. However, the molecular mechanisms of interactions with thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are not fully understood. Objectives: We investigated the interactions between HO-PBDEs and TR[beta] to identify critical structural features and physicochemical properties of HO-PBDEs related to their hormone activity, and to develop quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for the thyroid hormone activity of HO-PBDEs. Methods: We used the recombinant two-hybrid yeast assay to determine the hormone activities to TR[beta] and molecular docking to model the ligand-receptor interaction in the binding site. Based on the mechanism of action, molecular structural descriptors were computed, selected, and employed to characterize the interactions, and finally a QSAR model was constructed. The applicability domain (AD) of the model was assessed by Williams plot. Results: The 18 HO-PBDEs tested exhibited significantly higher thyroid hormone activities than did PBDEs (p < 0.05). Hydrogen bonding was the characteristic interaction between HO-PBDE molecules and TR[beta], and aromaticity had a negative effect on the thyroid hormone activity of HO-PBDEs. The developed QSAR model had good robustness, predictive ability, and mechanism interpretability. Conclusions: Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between HO-PBDEs and TR[beta] are important factors governing thyroid hormone activities. The HO-PBDEs with higher ability to accept electrons tend to have weak hydrogen bonding with TR[beta] and lower thyroid hormone activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) usually causes high morbidity and mortality in 1to 3-wkold Muscovy ducklings due to serious infections, which is an imminent threat to the commercial duck industry in China, The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate a simple, rapid, and inexpensive ioopmediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for specific detection of MDPV and to compare it with the PCR method in rapidity, sensitivity, and accuracy. The novel LAMP assay used a set of 4 specific primers to recognize 6 distinct genomic sequences of capsid protein (VP3) from MDPV, which could be completed within 50 mm at 63°C in a simple water bath. The diagnostic results demonstrated that the LAMP assay detected all 7 preserved MDPV isolates, had no cross-reactivity with other duck pathogens (i.e., goose parvovirus, duck plague virus, H9N2 avian influenza virus, duck hepatitis type virus I, and Muscovy duck reovirus). The LAMP assay was at least 10-fold more sensitive than the routine PCR assay and obtained more sensitivity in 61 clinical samples. Therefore, the newly developed LAMP assay provides a specific and sensitive means for detecting MDPV and can be simply applied both in field conditions and in laboratory operations in a costeffective manner with primary care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian influenza is a severe disease among farmed poultry and free-living birds and a constant threat to the commercial chicken industry around the world. Hemagglutinin (HA) is the major immunogen on the envelope of influenza A virus and is the predominant inducer of neutralizing antibody. To obtain the bioactive antigen proteins in large quantities, a new protein expression vector pBCX was constructed, which is based on the pET32a vector. The HA gene of the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) was inserted into the pBCX vector and expressed efficiently in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Fused expression of the exogenous gene and msyB produced a 97-kDa msyBHA fusion protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE combined with scanning analysis demonstrated that the msyB-HA fusion protein accounted for 29.5% of the total bacterial protein, 90.5% being soluble. The msyB-HA fusion protein was purified with nondenaturing 50% Ni-NTA column chromatography, and the result showed that 24 mg of purified msyB-HA fusion protein could be obtained from 1 L of induced expression bacterial culture medium. The comparative results in the present study showed that pBCX was superior to pET32a as a protein expression vector. Western blotting showed the recombinant msyB-HA (rHA) to have better antigenic activity, which may be the result from the better posttranslation protein modification and folding in the pBCX expression system. With the rHA fusion protein as antigen, we successfully prepared and screened specific monoclonal antibodys against the H5N1 subtype AIV, which indicated that the rHA had antigen epitopes and biofunctions. The immune test confirmed that the rHA protein vaccine could also induce high neutralizing antibodies, and the AIV challenge test proved that the rHA protein-based vaccine could prevent the corresponding infection. This study demonstrates that the recombinant HA protein produced by the pBCX expression system could be used as a recombinant protein-based vaccine and has potential for further development for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single phase of La1−xSrxCoO3 (LSCO) with 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 have been prepared by the solid-state reaction method. All samples have the R3̅c symmetry. There is no phase transition detected at the temperature range from 10 to 300 K. The variations of the local bond-lengths of Co—O in CoO6 octahedron and lattice parameter ar confirm that hole-doping stabilize the intermediate-spin (IS) state of Co ions. The magnetic phase diagram is well understood in terms of phase separation scenario. Qualitatively, hole-rich ferromagnetic (FM) clusters increasing in size and number with the increase in the concentration of Sr at the expensive of non-FM insulating matrix, and percolating at the vicinity of 0.15, are suggested to explain the onset of FM order and insulator–metal transition. In addition, the values of effective paramagnetic moment μeff also strongly prove the presence of IS spin state of Co in our system. Very small magnetoresistance (MR), 5% with 3 T magnetic field applied, is obtained. This MR response indicates that a distinct mechanism is likely to dominate in LSCO compared to that in mixed-valence manganites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiN was grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) from tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium (TDMAT). Both thermal and plasma enhanced processes were studied, with N2 and NH3 as reactive gases. Using an optimized thermal ammonia based process, a growth rate of 0.06nm/cycle and a resistivity of 53×103 μΩcm were achieved. With an optimized plasma enhanced NH3 process, a growth rate of 0.08nm/cycle and a resistivity of 180 μΩ cm could be obtained. X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the difference in resistivity correlates with the purity of the deposited films. The high resistivity of thermal ALD films is caused by oxygen (37%) and carbon (9%) contamination. For the film deposited with optimized plasma conditions, impurity levels below 6% could be achieved. The copper diffusion barrier properties of the TiN films were determined by in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and were found to be as good as or better than those of films deposited with physical vapor deposition (PVD). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Galla Chinensis is a leaf gall known to have some antibacterial effects. Using an in vitro biofilm model of dental plaque, the present study aimed to evaluate the anticaries effects of Galla Chinensis and its chemical fractions. Methods: A four-organism bacterial consortium ( Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus) was grown on hydroxyapatite (HA) discs, bovine enamel blocks, and glass surfaces in a continuous culture system and exposed to repeated solution pulses. Galla Chinensis extracts, sucrose solutions, and sodium fluoride solutions were pulsed into different flow cells. The pH value of the planktonic phase in each flow cell was recorded and the bacteria colonizing the biofilm on the HA discs were counted. Enamel blocks were observed using a polarized microscope and lesion depth was evaluated. The biofilm morphology was examined with a fluorescence microscope and the images captured were analyzed on an image analysis system. Results: When Galla Chinensis extract, its chemical fraction, or fluoride was added to the sucrose solution, the planktonic phase pH remained higher than that in the sucrose alone. A lower level of colonization on the HA surface was also observed in the groups to which Galla Chinensis and fluoride were added compared with the control sucrose group, and this was reflected in both the total viable count and the biofilm imaging, which showed fewer cariogenic bacteria and a less compact biofilm, respectively. Enamel demineralization in both the fluoride group and the Galla Chinensis group was significantly less than that in the sucrose group. Conclusions: Galla Chinensis and fluoride may inhibit the cariogenicity of the oral biofilm. Galla Chinensis appears to be a promising source of new agents that may prevent dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam laser patterning of thin films and/or solid surfaces has been studied by jetting a beam of steam, such as water vapor, onto a sample surface to form a thin liquid film on it and patterning the sample by laser etching along predetermined path. In steam laser patterning, bubbles are formed in a thin liquid film on a sample surface irradiated by a pulsed laser. When the collapsed shock wave generated at the moment of bubble collapse and the high-speed liquid jet formed during bubble collapse are strong enough, cavitation erosion of the sample surface takes place. Compared to dry laser patterning, the etching rate can be greatly enhanced and no shoulder-like structure is formed at the rim of the laser-irradiated spot in steam laser patterning due to this cavitation erosion effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Maskless nanostructure fabrication by laser interference lithography (LIL) using Lloyd''s mirror interferometer is investigated. With the usage of 100nm thickness high contrast i-line positive photoresist PFI-88 A6, discrete uniform dot pattern is achieved with stable dose. The edge quality is improved by anti-reflective coating (ARC) between the substrate and the photoresist to minimize the interference of vertical standing waves. Using AZ-BARLi-II 90 (ARC), 100nm uniform dot pattern with smooth and round edge quality is demonstrated. Three regions of laser intensity distributions and vertical standing wave schematics are described. This nanopatterning technology has potential applications in high density data storage as well as nano-device fabrication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]