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Abstract Modern medicine has taken energy loss during cilia beating in the human stomach, which under some circumstances causes blood flow to become acidic, very seriously. In current report covering a whole advancement and results for the impact of Rabinowitsch model with cilia-driven flow analysis with the help of ciliary beating in a cylindrical tube. The fluid is incompressible, and layers of fluid do not mix. The fluid flow with heat and mass transfer is firstly modeled in wave and then transformed into fixed frame. Exact solutions for stresses, temperature velocity, and concentration profiles whereas numerical pressure rise is obtained subject to relevant boundary conditions. The behavior of incipient parameters is shown graphically (plotted in MATHEMATICA 13.0) in the results section. The key findings obtained from graphical results show that maximum magnitude for velocity and temperature is achieved in middle layer of fluid whereas in the outer layer concentration profile is maximum. The current study may help researchers to develop new treatments for diseases such as cystic fibrosis, in which impaired ciliary function leads to mucus accumulation in the lungs. The attained exact and numerical outcomes are novel and offered here for first time in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporins are highly conserved water channel proteins involved in the transport of solutes across membranes. The few aquaporins identified to date play major roles in excretion in insects. Excretion is a major source of indoor allergens from the house dust mite species, but, to date, aquaporins have not been well studied in these species. We used RNA sequencing to study the transcriptome of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus to identify putative aquaporin family members. RNA was isolated from more than 2000 mites for 5΄-RACE and 3΄-RACE. Putative aquaporins were identified through BLAST alignments, and primers were designed to amplify the five identified sequences. These cDNA fragments were then inserted into bacterial plasmids for molecular cloning and sequencing of DerpAQP1, DerpAQP2, DerpAQP3, DerpAQP4, and DerpAQP5 (GenBank accessions nos. KY305293, KY305294, KY305295, KY305296, and KY305298, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis of cloned sequences revealed the clustering of these putative aquaporins into two groups with human aquaporins (hAQPs): DerpAQP3 was clustered with hAQP8, hAQP11, and hAQP12; and DerpAQP1, DerpAQP2, DerpAQP4, DerpAQP5 were clustered with hAQP3, hAQP7 hAQP9, and hAQP10. This study provides a foundation for future studies of the importance of these proteins to dust mite functions and allergenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manoeuvrable (or time-varying) formation control of second-order integral multi-agent networks with single virtual leaders is contrived by incorporating time-varying weighting matrices into flocking algorithms. Existence and properties are examined, including control bounded-ness, average trajectory and formation manoeuvrability with respect to the weighting matrices and virtual leader reference input. More specifically, it is shown that under the time-varying flocking algorithms, the multi-agents ultimately run into lattice formations and their kinematical features in terms of orientation, scaling, subspace specification and homogeneous/heterogeneous consensus can be manoeuvred. Moreover, by gain-scheduling assignment for the leader-average dynamics via the variation-of-constant formula and iterative learning optimisation, trajectory-tracking manoeuvrable formation control can be achieved. Technical advantages include: flexible formations rather than rigid ones can be dealt with; formation and trajectory tracking can be designed separately and implemented simultaneously; diverse formations are achievable by selecting the weighting matrices; trajectory-tracking control is independent of trajectory modelling. Numerical examples are illustrated to show the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TOC (theory of constraint) supply chain replenishment system (TOC-SCRS), a replenishment method of the TOC supply chain solution, is now being implemented by a growing number of companies. In the application of the TOC-SCRS in a node of a supply chain, the replenishment frequency (RF) and replenishment lead time are the required parameters. Generally, the RF of a node depends on the public transportation schedule such as ship schedules or its private conveyor schedule. If this node is a plant, however, the RF depends on the setup frequency in this plant. Basically, the RF in a plant is determined by its sales or production quantity; when sales significantly increase, the RF in a plant needs to be elongated from a higher frequency (i.e. once a day) to a lower frequency (i.e. once every two or more days) due to the limited capacity. However, during the RF conversion periods, some products will be confronted with an inventory shortage problem. An evaluation and enhancement model is then proposed to release the inventory shortage occurrence during the RF conversion periods. A numeric case is also utilised to evaluate the application of the proposed model. Employing this proposed methodology will facilitate a plant to successfully implement an effective TOC-SCRS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper compares of the rank of a torsion-free Abelian group G of finite rank and the rank of its endomorphism ring E(G) under the condition that E(G) is commutative. In particular, if G is strongly indecomposable such that E(G) is commutative and Q G is flat as a Q E (G) -module, then r0(E(G)) ≤ r0(G). On the other hand, we provide examples that, in general, the rank of E(G) can be any number between 1 and the greatest integer less than or equal to n 2 4 + 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk management is a major concern in supply chains that have high levels of uncertainty in product demand, manufacturing process or part supply. The uncertainties frequently manifest as dynamic events that pose a threat to interrupting supply chain operation. Depending on the nature and severity of uncertainty, the impact of dynamic events can be distinguished into three categories: deviation, disruption, and disaster. Many studies in literature addressed modelling of deviation events. In this paper, a dynamic system model of supply chains is described which can be applied to managing disruptive events in full-load states of manufacturing chains. An example of disruptive events is given which arises from demand shocks in distribution channel. The procedure to construct full-load production functions of complex manufacturing nodes with internal queuing delay is described. Analytic optimal solution is derived for the dynamic model. Given an unordinary event of demand shock, this model can be used to determine if demand shock can be absorbed by a manufacturing chain and the level of contingent resources that must be synchronously activated in multiple nodes of the chain. This model can be used to reduce what could have been a disruptive event into a deviation event, thus enhancing risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layout of a facility is a key factor that influences its ability to reduce throughput times, maintain low WIP levels and maximize space utilization. Traditionally, a facility planner uses, as-is, the from-to chart representation of the material flow network in the facility to design a new layout. This paper introduces the production flow analysis and simplification toolkit (PFAST) to evaluate and simplify the material flow network in any facility prior to the design of the layout. The idea for PFAST resulted from the observation that algorithms for machine and part family grouping for cell formation could be applied to layout design. The algorithms for cell formation tend to use operation sequences (or a 0-1 matrix, bipartite graph or hypergraph representation). The algorithms for facility layout primarily use the from-to chart derived from the operation sequences. Depending on the type of input data and desired results, PFAST offers a variety of algorithms to the facility planner. In this survey paper, eleven algorithms that comprise the current version of this toolkit are reviewed and demonstrated using a single data set. The paper concludes with a description of several ways in which the outputs from different algorithms in this library could be used synergistically to support facility layout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magmatic-textured zircon from medium- to high-K calc-alkaline Warraweena Volcanics (WV) in two drill holes have yielded concordant U-Pb dates of 417 ± 3.5 and 414 ± 4.0 Ma and are interpreted as maximum emplacement ages. The Warraweena volcanics were previously considered to be either Neoproterozoic or Macquarie arc equivalents. Whole-rock εNdt values of these volcanics are +4.5 and +4.8. Along strike of the drill holes, Devonian zircon U-Pb ages (411 ± 5.5 Ma) were obtained from coherent S-type rhyolite flows that have highly negative εNdt values (-7.9 and -7.8). These are a component of the Oxley volcanics. The ages of the Warraweena and Oxley volcanics are identical within uncertainty. The Oxley volcanics (OV) are interbedded with predominantly fine- to medium-grained metasedimentary and so imply a Lower Devonian deposition age for these host rocks. Based on their geophysical characteristics, the metasediments are widely distributed. These metasedimentary rocks yield a wide range of maximum depositional ages, from Early Devonian to earliest Ordovician-latest Cambrian, similar to the Cobar Basin. The absence of complex fabric development typical of Ordovician supracrustal rocks in the region, and conformity with the OV where observable suggest the widespread sedimentation was synchronous with rift-related volcanism in the Early Devonian. Regionally, the WV is temporally, geochemically and isotopically (εNd values) similar to the calc-alkaline Louth Volcanics located over 100 km to the southwest of the WV. Louth Volcanics define a complexly folded belt in geophysical data. Other potentially correlative Early Devonian igneous rocks occur in the nearby Cobar Superbasin and elsewhere in the eastern Lachlan Orogen and are considered to represent the products of a post-orogenic, nascent continental back-arc rift system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re-evaluation of geochemical and geophysical datasets, and analysis of magmatic and detrital zircons from drill-core samples extracted from the Louth region of the southern Thomson Orogen (STO), augmented by limited field samples, has shown that two temporally and compositionally distinct igneous groups exist. The older Lower Devonian, calc-alkaline group corresponds to complexly folded, high-intensity curvilinear magnetic anomalies in the Louth region (Louth Volcanics) and are probable equivalents to Lower Devonian volcanics in the northern Lachlan Orogen. A younger Permo-Triassic alkaline assemblage forms part of an E-W corridor of diatremes that appears to relate to focussed lithospheric extension associated with the later stages of the Hunter-Bowen Orogeny in the New England Orogen. The alkaline group includes gabbros previously considered as Neoproterozoic, but all magmatic rocks, including alkaline basalts, contain an unusual number of xenocrystic zircons. The age spectra of the xenocrystic zircons mimic detrital zircons from Cobar Basin sedimentary rocks and/or underlying Ordovician turbidites, suggesting incorporation of upper crustal zircons into the alkaline basaltic magmas. A distinct difference of detrital zircon age spectra from central Thomson Orogen metasediments indicates the STO metasediments have greater affinities to the Lachlan Orogen, but both orogens probably began in the Early Ordovician during widespread backarc extension and deposition of turbidites in the Tasmanides. A surprising result is that Ordovician, Devonian and Permo-Triassic basaltic rocks from the STO and elsewhere in the Tasmanides, all yield the same Nd-model ages of ca 960-830 Ma, suggesting that Neoproterozoic subcontinental lithospheric mantle persisted throughout the evolution of the Tasmanide orogenic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The turbidite-filled, Lower Devonian Cobar Basin is characterised through a detrital zircon study. Uranium-Pb age data for six samples were combined with published data to show the basin has a unique age spectrum characterised by a subordinate Middle Ordovician (ca 470 Ma) peak superimposed on a dominant ca 500 Ma peak. Maximum depositional ages for 3 samples were ca 425 Ma, close to the published Lower Devonian (Lochkovian 419-411 Ma) biostratigraphic ages. A minor ca 1000 Ma zircon population was also identified. The major source of the 500 Ma zircons was probably the local Ordovician metasedimentary basement, which was folded, thickened and presumably exposed during the ca 440 Ma Benambran Orogeny. The ca 470 Ma age peak reflects derivation from Middle Ordovician (Phase 2) rocks of the Macquarie Arc to the east. The I-type Florida Volcanics, located ∼50 km eastward from the Cobar Basin, contains distinctive Middle and Late Ordovician zircon populations, considered to be derived from deeply underthrust Macquarie Arc crust. Protracted silicic magmatism occurred before, during and after Cobar Basin deposition, indicating that the basin formed by subduction-related processes in a back-arc setting, rather than as a continental rift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper Cambrian Yancannia Formation is a small and isolated basement exposure situated in the southern Thomson Orogen, northwestern New South Wales. Understanding the geology of the Yancannia Formation is important, as it offers a rare glimpse of the composition and structure of the mostly covered basement rocks of the southern Thomson Orogen. It consists of deformed fine-grained, lithic-rich, turbiditic metasediments, suggesting deposition in a proximal, low-energy deep-marine environment. A 497 ± 13 Ma U-Pb detrital zircon date provides its maximum depositional age, the same as previously published for a tuff horizon in a correlative unit. Analysis of sedimentological, geochronological and geophysical data confirms the Yancannia Formation belongs to the Warratta Group. The Warratta Group exhibits many similarities to the Teltawongee Group in the adjacent Delamerian Orogen, including similar provenance, sedimentology and deep-water turbiditic depositional environment. Additionally, there is no sedimentological evidence for deposition of the Warratta Group following the ca 500 Ma Delamerian Orogeny, which suggests that the Warratta Group is syn-Delamerian. However, no geochronological or structural evidence for Delamerian orogenesis was observed in the Warratta Group, suggesting that the group was either unaffected by Delamerian orogenesis, or that no conclusive record remains. The provenance signature of the Warratta Group also bears strong similarities with the upper Cambrian Stawell Zone Saint Arnaud Group in the western Lachlan Orogen. Units east of Yancannia have similar provenance signatures to the Lower Ordovician Girilambone Group of the Lachlan Orogen, suggesting equivalents exist in the southern Thomson Orogen. These are likely to be the Thomson beds, deposited in a deep-marine setting outboard of the Delamerian continental margin. Structural analysis from a ∼10 km, semi-continuous, across-strike section indicates a major, kilometre-scale, upright, shallow northwest-trending, doubly plunging anticline dominates the Yancannia region. This D1 structure was associated with tight-to-isoclinal folding, penetrative cleavage and abundant quartz veining of probable Benambran age. Later dextral transpressional deformation (D2) produced a sporadic, weak cleavage and dextral faulting, possibly of Bindian age. Major south-directed thrusting (D3) on the adjacent Olepoloko Fault occurred in the early Carboniferous and appears to pre-date a later deformation event (D4), which was associated with kink folding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a toxin associated with numerous species of freshwater cyanobacteria throughout the world. It is postulated to have caused an episode of serious illnesses in Australia through treated drinking water, as well as lethal effects in livestock exposed to water from farm ponds. Toxicity included effects indicative of both hepatic and renal dysfunction. In humans, symptoms progressed from initial hepatomegaly, vomiting, and malaise to acidosis and hypokalemia, bloody diarrhea, and hyperemia in mucous membranes. Laboratory animal studies predominantly involved the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route of administration and confirmed this pattern of toxicity with changes in liver enzyme activities and histopathology consistent with hepatic injury and adverse renal effects. The aim of this study was designed to assess subchronic oral exposure (90 d) of purified CYN from 75 to 300 µg/kg/d in mouse. At the end of the dosing period, examinations of animals noted (1) elevated organ to body weight ratios of liver and kidney at all dose levels, (2) treatment-related increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, (3) decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cholesterol concentrations in males, and (4) elevated monocyte counts in both genders. Histopathological alterations included hepatocellular hypertrophy and cord disruption in the liver, as well as renal cellular hypertrophy, tubule dilation, and cortical tubule lesions that were more prominent in males. A series of genes were differentially expressed including Bax (apoptosis), Rpl6 (tissue regeneration), Fabp4 (fatty acid metabolism), and Proc (blood coagulation). Males were more sensitive to many renal end points suggestive of toxicity. At the end of exposure, toxicity was noted at all dose levels, and the 75 µg/kg group exhibited significant effects in liver and kidney/body weight ratios, reduced BUN, increased serum monocytes, and multiple signs of histopathology indicating that a no-observed-adverse-effect level could not be determined for any dose level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release regulations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) during the sintering process have been studied in this paper, and the factors of NOx release were systematically investigated, such as sinter temperature, coke content, and basicity. Results indicated that NOx produced from sintering includes NO, NO2, and N2O. Analysis on the material composition suggested that the NOx concentration was mainly related to the sinter temperature and the N content of the coke breeze. The material accouting of sintering mixture on N element indicated that 94.59% of NOx in sintering flue gas are fuel NOx . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel preparation from Jatropha oil catalyzed by KF/Red mud (KF/RM) was studied. The optimum values of parameters for preparation of Jatropha oil biodiesel were obtained. The conversion rate of transesterification reached 92.2% under the optimum conditions, and the used KF/RM could be regenerated. Catalyst characterization showed that KOH and KFeF4were produced in KF/RM catalyst, which was crucial for the transesterification of Jatropha oil with methanol. Red mud was a good support to prepare KF-loaded catalyst, and prepared KF/RM was an excellent catalyst for biodiesel synthesis from Jatropha oil via transesterification reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Composite microspheres based on gelatin (Gel) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were prepared by an emulsion–coagulation method with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. The influences of stirring speed, crosslinker concentration, HA content and water/oil ratio on the particle size and surface morphology were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared spectra characterisation indicated that Gel and HA were crosslinked successfully by the glutaraldehyde. Thein vitrorelease behaviours of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from Gel/HA microspheres were also studied. The results showed that the adhesion and agglomeration phenomena were apparent when the HA content reached 10.0 wt-%. The particle diameter of the microspheres decreased greatly with increasing stirring speed; however, the adhesion of smaller microspheres could be observed when the stirring speed reached 800 rev min− 1. The effect of crosslinker concentration on the particle size was not significant, but the dispersion degree of the Gel/HA microspheres decreased with decreasing crosslinker content. The particle size of the microspheres gradually became uniform with the increase of the water/oil ratios. The dispersion and surface smoothness level could be improved by optimising the experimental conditions. The cumulative drug release of 5-FU from the microspheres decreased with increasing glutaraldehyde content. The results of 5-FU release kinetics from Gel/HA microspheres indicated Fickian diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a nanocomposite scaffold was prepared on the basis of collagen, hyaluronic acid (HA) and nanobioactive glass (NBAG) by the freeze drying method for the application to tissue engineering scaffold materials. The biological property assays, including von Kossa staining, tetracycline staining, hemolysis, platelet adhesion test, pyrogen tests and acute toxicity test, were performed according to the requirements of ISO 10993 standards to evaluate its performance as applicable tissue engineering. The results indicated that the collagen-HA/NBAG scaffold possessed a homogeneous morphology and interconnected pore structure, with pore sizes ranging from 50 to 500 μm in diameter. Examination of the hemolytic potential showed that the nanocomposite scaffolds were non-hemolytic in nature and showed blood compatibility. The platelet adhesion tests showed that the collagen-HA/NBAG material had an excellent anticoagulation property. The collagen-HA/NBAG scaffolds showed no acute systemic toxicity or pyrogen reaction. The results of von Kossa and tetracycline stainings indicated that the NBAG can promote fibroblastic differentiation and improve the mineral deposition of the collagen/HA. Therefore, the collagen-HA/NBAG composite materials would be a promising candidate of biomedical materials for tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environment radiations in vault rooms resulting from Axesse linac use was assessed at Medical University Hospital using Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) during the use of the new radiation treatment known as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The TLD-100H was calibrated using linac 6 MV photons. A total of 75 measurement points of the TLD-100H were utilized for environmental monitoring. The measured environment radiations were then visualized as three-dimensional graphical representations. Environment radiations were visualized using colored three-dimentional graphical representations. The radiations in NPC treatment of Rando phantom was found to reach levels up to 370 mSv/treatment. Many researchers consider TLD, which is the most cost-effective method to environment radiations. The minimum detectable dose (MDD) was also identified to demonstrate the reliability of the TLD approach. Quantitative results that provide practical guidance with regarded radiation protections. Potentially hazardous of secondary radiations from the operating linac is evaluated with regard to its potential health effects on both patients and the public.KEY POINTSThis work tried to evaluate the environment radiation and minimal detectable limit of TLD inside the LINAC maze. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Multilayers consisting of alternating ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) copolymer and relaxor poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofloroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) terpolymer with different periodicities in thickness were prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett method. Except for the dielectric and ferroelectric properties enhanced, the tunability also was enhanced in the multilayers with thinner periodic thickness. The polymer multilayers can be utilized for high energy density and low loss dielectrics, the multilayers with alternating 3 monolayers get the biggest high energy density. The reasons for the enhanced tunability and high energy density in the multilayer sample are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the influences of the addition forms of Sn, such as nanoparticles or ingot, on the microstructure and properties of magnesium alloy matrix were investigated. It was found that the size of as-formed Mg2Sn phases was in nano scale for the sample with Sn nanoparticles addition. While Mg2Sn phases were in macro scale for the sample with Sn ingot addition. The strength and plasticity of the AZ31 alloy matrix were improved because of the Sn additions regardless of nanoparticle or ingot. However, the AZ31 alloy with Sn ingot addition exhibited better mechanical properties than the sample with the nanoparticle addition, which could be owing to the loss of Sn nanoparticles in the processing of smelting and existence of nanoscopic Mg2Sn phase as particle clusters in the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the float glass produced by oxy-fuel combustion technology contains higher structural water than that produced by air-fuel combustion, 'bloom phenomenon' is a serious issue. In order to study the effect of water in the glass on the tin penetration, glass with different water contents was lab-prepared and the glass forming process was simulated by floating glass melt on the surface of liquid tin. Water content in glass was determined by Fourier translation infrared. The penetrated amount of tin and its distribution in glass were analysed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and Electron Probe MicroAnalyer (wavelength Dispersive Spectrometer). The results showed that the water content in glass strongly depended on the moisture concentration in the melting atmosphere. Meanwhile, it was found that both the penetrated amount of tin and the penetration depth in glass were related to the water content in glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the rapid decay of the CO2capture capacity of calcined powders derived from Ca(OH)2is presented. The observed decay is closely related to the calcination conditions of Ca(OH)2. By increasing calcinaion time, the CO2capture capacity decreases significantly. At 973 K, the decay can cause a 27.3% of CO2capture capacity loss by 2.5 min increase of calcination time. A higher calcination temperature will decrease the observed decay. In order to well understand the decay process, the characteristics of calcined powders derived from Ca(OH)2, such as pore structure and basicity, were investigated. During the process of CO2capture of calcined powders from shorter Ca(OH)2calcination time, a carbonation reaction and Ca(OH)2decomposition occur simultaneously. Therefore, the diffusion and transportation of steam from the Ca(OH)2decomposition helps to prevent the formation of an exterior CaCO3layer, which can result in more thorough carbonation reactions. Furthermore, a preliminary attempt to overcome the observed decay was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Peroxidases (PODs) are involved in many plant disease defence responses. Twenty-eight varieties of Colocasia esculenta (taro), with varying degrees of resistance to leaf blight disease caused by Phytophthora colocasiae, were used to assess the possible role of phenolic compounds in resistance to the disease.Total soluble phenolic compound (TSPC) concentrations were negatively correlated with mean lesion diameter (MLD); however, ester-bound phenolic compound (EBPC) concentrations were positively correlated with MLD. Degenerate primers were designed to amplify partial genomic sequences of POD genes, and high-tail PCR was used to clone the flanking sequences from a taro variety that was immune to P. colocasiae with the highest TSPC concentration, in order to obtain a full-length sequence of a taro POD gene. The cloned gene contained the complete open reading frame as well as 5'-upstream and 3'-downstream sequences. It contained four exons, as well as the predicted transcription start site and the poly(A) tail signal. Expression of the taro POD gene (GenBank Accession No. KJ591051) increased more rapidly in an incompatible interaction than in a compatible interaction with P. colocasiae based on real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grancrete PCW, a new inorganic composite material, has favourable properties compared with Portland cement because of rapid setting, excellent fire and heat resistance, etc. In order to strengthen shield tunnel rapidly, a rapid setting binder, namely Grancrete concrete (GC) binder, based on Grancrete PCW for textile-reinforced concrete, was developed. The uniaxial test of GC binder and the experiment of shield tunnel strengthened by textile-reinforced concrete were conducted. The results show that compared with fine-grained concrete commonly used as the binder for textile-reinforced concrete, the GC binder has an excellent penetration property; the textile-reinforced concrete with the GC binder can play the role in 2 hours. Finally, the action mechanism of the GC binder and the fine-grained concrete was discussed by conducting SEM experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, Zr/a-C:Zr/Zr-C:H- x films with various pulsed-direct current power frequency in the range of 30-110 kHz ( x in the term Zr-C:H- x is the pulse frequencies in the deposition process) are deposited on AISI M2 substrates by a closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. The tribological properties of the films are investigated under rod-on-disc line contact wear modes using a reciprocating tribometer. The tribological behaviour of various wear pairs is discussed based on hardness ( H), elastic modulus ( E), adhesion property, initial Hertzian pressure and transformed layer on various contact surfaces of wear pairs. The experimental results display that the Zr-C:H-70 film with the maximum hardness and plastic deformation resistance ( H3/ E2) exhibits excellent tribological properties under line contact wear mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2 nanoparticles with diameter of approximately 20 nm were successfully assembled on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes layer-by-layer so as to improve the hydrophilicity of the PVDF membranes. SEM and droplet imaging system were used to determine microstructure and hydrophilicity of PVDF membranes. The effect of the TiO2 assembling layers on the contact angle (CA) of PVDF membranes was explored. As the number of the assembling layers were 2 and 3, the CAs of the modified PVDF membranes slightly increased at initial frozen time whilst decreased obviously after 1 min. For the modified PVDF membrane with assembling 5 layers TiO2 nanoparticles, the initial CA significantly decreased to 72.1° by approximately 30%. This novel method can be used to develop high performance hydrophilic PVDF membranes with high dispersion of TiO2 in filtration and separation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three metal powders of Mg, an Al-Mg alloy (AM) and Al are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. This study focuses on the reactions of the metal powders with flowing steam heated at 600°C, 700°C, 800°C, and 900°C in a transparent pipe furnace. The phases of the solid reaction products are analyzed using XRD, and the residual metal content and ignition delay times are measured. The experimental results revealed that the Mg and AM powders ignite and burn in the 600°C heated steam; however, the Al powders do not ignite even at 900°C. The ignition delay time of AM powders was shorter than that of the Mg powders. The Al in the AM and Al powders does not react completely even when the temperature reached 900°C; however, the content of unreacted Al in the AM powders (13.9%) was much less than that in the Al powders (82.2%) at 900°C. The combustion process of the AM powders at 600°C is divided into three stages: the Mg in the alloy (Al12Mg17) first reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide, and the remainder of the Al and Mg in the alloy formed the new alloy phase; then, the magnesium in the new alloy phase continues to react, forming magnesium oxide, and remaining elemental Al exists; finally, ignition occurs, and the aluminium in the AM powders reacts with the heated steam, forming Al2MgO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many dental orthodontic wires are produced from alloys that are prone to the release of metal ions and the adhesion of bacteria during orthodontic treatment. To reduce these effects, this study implanted nitrogen ions into the surface of four different commercial Ti containing dental orthodontic wires via nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (NPIII) treatment. The wires contained Ti-Mo-Zr-Sn, Ni-Ti-Cu, Ni-Ti and Ti-Nb alloys respectively. Wires with and without nitrogen ions implantation were then immersed in artificial saliva with added bacteria ( Streptococcus salivarius or clinical plaque). Following a 28 day immersion period, we analysed the release of metal ions into the immersion solution using atomic absorption spectrometry. We also determined the quantity of bacteria attached to orthodontic wires using the turbidity measurement method. Results revealed that NPIII treatment led to the formation of titanium nitride (TiN) in the surface film of the orthodontic wires. The presence of the TiN containing film on the NPIII treated wires reduced both the release of metal ions and the adhesion of bacteria, compared to the untreated wires. Regardless of whether NPIII treatment was performed, Ni-Ti-Cu and Ni-Ti wires had more metal ions release but less bacterial adhesion than did Ti-Mo-Zr-Sn and Ti-Nb wires. Our results demonstrate that implanting nitrogen ions into Ti containing dental orthodontic wires is an effective way to block the release of metal ions and retard bacterial adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social communication problems are a major contributor to negative life outcomes for adults with brain injury, yet the basic skill deficits underlying these problems are poorly understood. Aim: To examine one aspect of social communication that may have a negative impact on social interactions: the ability to successfully take turns in a conversation. Methods & Procedures: Seventeen adults with traumatic brain injury and two with bilateral strokes, and their typical peers matched for age and sex, viewed video-recorded conversations and indicated when they could join in the conversation. Turn timing was compared between groups using a novel statistical method designed for this study. Outcomes & Results: There was a significant between-groups difference in timing of turn-taking but no significant difference in number of turns. The novel analysis method revealed between-groups differences in responding to specific conversational cues. Conclusions: Adults with brain injury may miss or misinterpret verbal and non-verbal cues to turn-taking, which could contribute to conversation partners’ perceptions of impaired conversation skills in adults in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functions and mechanisms of the genomes from the different gametes on the epigenetic reprogramming of embryos are still unclear. In this study, the expression of enzymes typically associated with changes in epigenetic markers was measured in parthenogenetically-activated and in-vitro fertilised embryos. General control of nucleotide synthesis 5 (GCN5), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1), were analysed in early diploid PA and control embryos using fluorescent immunocytochemistry. Levels of GCN5 expression of two-cell embryos were similar between the PA and IVF groups, but the distribution of GCN5 in PA embryos at the four-cell stage was significantly decreased. HDAC1 and DNMT1 expression was also significantly decreased in PA embryos. In addition, the observed localisation of HDAC1 expression within and surrounding the nucleus in IVF embryos was not present in PA embryos. Embryos with only the maternal genome have altered expression patterns of key enzymes required for embryonic epigenetic reprogramming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous SnO2 cubes with high uniformity were prepared via a selective leaching strategy using Zn2SnO4 cubes as the starting material. The structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical measurement respectively. The structural, morphological measurements show that the as prepared samples have particular 3D structure, porous surface, high purity phase and good crystallinity. Electrochemical measurement suggests that the porous SnO2 cubes exhibit better cycling properties than that of the solid Zn2SnO4 cubes. The favourable structure of the porous SnO2 leads to the observation of enhanced performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous columnar grained (CCG) Cu-12 wt-%Al alloy shows significant advantages in elasticity, conductivity and plasticity. Especially, the ductility is enhanced from 3% to >20% compared with conventional polycrystalline counterparts. However, usual cold and hot working are not suitable for the CCG alloy wires because of poor workability and recrystallisation respectively. In the present paper, the deformation mechanism, phase transformation behaviour and microstructure evolution during the drawing process were investigated. Then, the effects of the deformation temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the CCG alloy were studied to determine reasonable temperature range for warm drawing. The results show that total elongation of 1500% and total reduction of cross-section of 93·7% for the CCG alloy wire could be obtained by drawing at 340-400°C. After the warm drawing process, the CCG microstructure was also maintained and the surface of the wire remained bright without obvious oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterisation of microstructure and properties of Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy was reviewed. The strengthening mechanism, corrosion resistance, weldability, fatigue and fracture toughness of the Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy were summarised and analysed according to the research studies in recent years. Compared with traditional Al-Mg series alloys, combined addition of Sc and Zr increases the strength of Al-Mg based alloys remarkably while keeping excellent comprehensive properties (such as corrosion resistance). The trace elements (Sc and Zr) could precipitate the dispersive distribution of Al3(Sc, Zr) phase, which could refine the casting structure of the Al-Mg alloy and increases the strength notably. The Al3(Sc, Zr) precipitation, which keeps an LI2 structure and retains a coherent lattice relationship with Al matrix, has a significant effect on pinning dislocation and hindering motions of grain boundary. As a result, the recrystallisation temperature of Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy is elevated apparently. There is also significant effect on the corrosion resistance, weldability, fatigue and fracture toughness of Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to compare the characteristics of two typical diamond tools used for the grinding of natural stone materials. Powder metallurgical sintering and brazing were adopted to fabricate two kinds of diamond tools: sintered and brazed tools. The comparison was conducted for the two diamond tools from three aspects: the bonding of metal matrix to diamonds, the evaluation of diamond retention, and tool wear process. It was found that the bonding of brazing alloy was rather different from that in the sintered tools, thereby leading to a totally different method for assessing the bonding of bond materials to diamonds as well as different wear mechanisms for the diamond tools in grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural convection process in an annulus of a cold square enclosure with a hot eccentric square cylinder is simulated using a novel flexible forcing immerse boundary (IB)–lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). In the conventional IB–LBM schemes, the explicit force density calculation may not ensure the exact no-slip velocity/no-jump temperature boundary condition, which may produce unphysical streamline/isotherm penetration into the cylinder. Here, we proposed a single Lagrangian velocity/temperature correction that satisfies the boundary conditions accurately. The developed scheme is applied to analyze the flow regime and heat transfer, as functions of Rayleigh number and eccentricity of the cylinder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an efficient image deblurring algorithm is proposed. This algorithm restores the blurred image by incorporating a curvelet-based empirical Wiener filter with a spatial-based joint non-local means filter. Curvelets provide a multidirectional and multiscale decomposition that has been mathematically shown to represent distributed discontinuities such as edges better than traditional wavelets. Our method restores the image in the frequency domain to obtain a noisy result with minimal loss of image components, followed by an empirical Wiener filter in the curvelet domain to attenuate the leaked noise. Although the curvelet-based methods are efficient in edge-preserving image denoising, they are prone to producing edge ringing which relates to the structure of the underlying curvelet. In order to reduce the ringing, we develop an efficient joint non-local means filter by using the curvelet deblurring result. This filter could suppress the leaked noise while preserving image details. We compare our deblurring algorithm with a few competitive deblurring techniques in terms of improvement in signal-to-noise-ratio (ISNR) and visual quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study sought to determine whether postoperative hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has a negative influence on the progression-free and overall survival of epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients. Methods A retrospective chart review identified 77 patients with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer who had received HRT after primary surgical treatment from January 1995 to December 2010 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. A 1 : 1 cohort of patients with the same diagnosis who did not receive HRT were matched by age and stage. An analysis of both progression-free survival and overall survival was performed using Cox proportional hazards models. Results According to the univariate analysis, HRT did not significantly influence progression-free or overall survival. Similarly, different types of HRT (estrogen alone, tibolone alone or an estrogen-tibolone combination) had no significant effect on the prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer patients. The FIGO stage, differentiation, histological type and resection status were significantly correlated with progression-free survival and, except for histological type, these factors also significantly influenced overall survival. Finally, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that the strongest independent variable in predicting both progression-free survival and overall survival was the FIGO stage of the disease. Conclusion This study supports the hypothesis that postoperative HRT does not have a negative effect on the progression-free and overall survival of epithelial ovarian cancer patients. However, a multicenter study is needed to support and extend our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SAPO-34 catalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), NH3temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The synthesized catalysts were tested for dehydration of bio-ethanol to ethylene in comparison with commercial ZSM-5 and γ-Al2O3. The home-made SAPO-34 catalysts exhibited similar bio-ethanol conversion and ethylene selectivity at 60°C and 110°C lower compared to commercial ZSM-5 and γ-Al2O3catalysts, respectively, indicating higher low-temperature activity. It was found that the crystallinity and surface acidity of synthesized SAPO-34 decreased after 4 h on stream, which is attributed to the carbonaceous deposits on catalyst confirmed by TG-DTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study investigated the volumetric relationship of white matter lesion (WML) and contrast-enhanced lesion (CEL) in delayed radiation brain injury (RBI) during the course of evolution. Materials and methods. MRI results in 45 patients with RBI after receiving radiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were analyzed. In total there were 75 lobes with RBI and 114 MRI examinations in this study. WML and CEL lesion volumes were measured. The lesion volume change of less than 5% or 0.25 cm3 was regarded as being static. Results. The average WML volume was 16.33 cm3 (ranging 0.11 cm3 to 102.83 cm3), and the average CEL volume was 3.15 cm3 (ranging 0.03 cm3 to 27.85 cm3). WML was larger than CEL in 164 measurements, and CEL was larger than WML in 10 measurements. In 64.3% follow-ups WML and CEL evolved in the same pattern; and in most follow-ups (93.8%) WML and CEL did not evolve in the opposite directions. A larger WML volume tended to have a larger CEL volume though this relationship was not linear. Conclusion. Evolution of WML and CEL tended to follow the same pattern. WML tended to be larger than CEL, and larger WML tended to be associated with larger CEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD), which intends to eliminate selective disclosure to only a few privileged interested parties, on the information embedded in the stock-and-option markets prior to tender offer announcements. In the pre-announcement period after Reg FD, the volume of public option information contains less information about subsequent stock price movements. Although the quantity of public information may be higher after Reg FD, the inferior quality of publicly available option information dominates the higher quantity. Thus, the predictive power of option information decreases. In the post-RFD pre-announcement period, the volume of public option information is more informative than the volume of stock private information. It indicates that although the quality of private stock information is superior to that of public option information, the much lower quantity of stock information results in a lower predictive power of private stock information than that of public option information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluidities of commercial AZ91D and newly developed Mg-3Nd-0·2Zn-Zr (wt-%) (NZ30K) magnesium alloys were investigated at the same superheat temperature (Tpouring-Tliquidus) and temperature difference between solidus line and mould temperature (TDSM) (Tsolidus-Tmould) conditions. The results indicate that in the range of superheat 60-150°C and TDSM 400-100°C, the increases in both pouring temperature and mould temperature can effectively improve the fluidities of both AZ91D and NZ30K alloys. The flow lengths of AZ91D and NZ30K alloys could be estimated approximately by and (ΔT: superheat; T: pouring temperature; T0: mould temperature). In order to achieve better fluidity in permanent mould casting, the ranges of pouring and mould temperatures are suggested to be 718-748 and ≧268°C for AZ91D alloy, and 760-790 and ≧350°C for NZ30K alloy respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different proportion Ce doping NiCuZn ferrite was synthesised by the sol–gel and self-propagating high temperature synthesis method. Through using the X-ray diffraction analysis on the sample, we can know that it is a typical spinel structure and the powder grain size is ∼30 nm. According to the Mössbauer spectrum measurement, absorption area and hyperfine field relatively reduce with increase in Ce3+ doping content, but B absorption area increases and hyperfine field has little change. Hysteresis loop shows coercivity Hc, and remanent magnetisation Mr increases with change of doping. It may be that the magnetic anisotropy constant changing with particle size and domain wall movement caused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A different proportion of Co, Bi doping NiCuZn ferrite was synthesised by the sol–gel self-propagating high temperature synthesis method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the sample grain density increases with the increase in doping amount of Bi ion. The hysteresis loop at T = 300 K of the samples showed that this ferrite is typical ferrimagnetic, coercive force Hc increases with the increase in doped ion and the saturation magnetisation increases firstly and then decreases with the increase in doped ion. Through Mössbauer spectrum analysis, the absorption area of A site is relatively reduced and the absorption area of B site is relatively increased with the compound doped increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of aluminum particle size (10.7 µm, 2.6 µm, and 40 nm) on the thermal decomposition of 1,3,5-trimethylene trinitramine (RDX) was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry–derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), and DSC-TG–mass spectrometry (MS)–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that the first exothermic peak (512 K) of RDX diminishes gradually with an increase in the nanosize aluminum content and is overcome by the second exothermic peak when the content of nano-Al reaches 30 wt%. The reaction mechanisms demonstrated by the nonisothermal kinetics of RDX in the absence and presence of 30 wt% Al were conformed to the Avrami-Erofeev equations for all of the RDX compositions. The nucleus growth factor for the RDX/40 nm Al mixture was found to be n = 2/3 compared to n = 3/4 for RDX with and without the microsized Al. The MS and FTIR analyses indicated that the thermal decomposition of RDX in the presence of Al nanopowders favors C-N bond cleavage over N-N bond cleavage as the rate determining step. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study presents a green post-grafting method to prepare functional mesoporous silica materials. In the functionalisation stage, potassium iodide was applied as catalyst, and ecofriendly ethanol was used as solvent. The optimal molecular ratio of the reagent was n (potassium iodide)/n (3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane)/n (2-mercaptobenzothiazole) = 1·5:1:1·5. The reaction could be completed after reflux for 12 h at 90°C. The resulting materials were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The results indicate that the large pore (the maximal size is ∼8·62 nm) functional mesoporous silica could be prepared by our improved graft method, which has a high efficiency of 50·63%. The functional mesoporous silica was applied to adsorb trace amount of heavy metal ions [Hg(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II)]. The materials exhibit large adsorption capacity and excellent regeneration ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new caryolane sesquiterpene, 1β-methoxycaryol-9-one (1), along with eight known compounds (2–9), was isolated from the whole plant of Heteropappus altaicus. The structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive 1D- and 2D-NMR analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The 13C-NMR data of compound 2 are reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a general k-level uncapacitated facility location problem (k-GLUFLP), we are given a set of demand points, denoted by D, where clients are located. Facilities have to be located at a given set of potential sites, which is denoted by F in order to serve the clients. Each client needs to be served by a chain of k different facilities. The problem is to determine some sites of F to be set up and to find an assignment of each client to a chain of k facilities so that the sum of the setup costs and the shipping costs is minimized. In this paper, for a fixed k, an approximation algorithm within a factor of 3 of the optimum cost is presented for k-GLUFLP under the assumption that the shipping costs satisfy the properties of metric space. In addition, when no fixed cost is charged for setting up the facilities and k=2, we show that the problem is strong NP-complete and the constant approximation factor is further sharpen to be 3/2 by a simple algorithm. Furthermore, it is shown that this ratio analysis is tight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling of the liquefaction reaction kinetics for the low-input high-diversity mixtures of native grassland perennials was studied. The highest liquid yield of 82% was achieved within a short residence time of 1 minute at 374°C and 22.1 MPa. Seven possible reaction schemes and kinetic models were developed and compared. The unknown kinetic parameters of each model were estimated by nonlinear least square method. Model 3, assuming that biomass first decomposes to condensable hydrocarbons or tars (liquid products), gaseous products, and solid chars via three competitive reactions and then tars are subjected to a second cracking reaction producing gases, is found to be the best one closely matching the experimental yield data obtained from liquefaction of prairie grasses. The effects of temperature on reaction rate constants for all the reactions except the biomass conversion to char were best described by Arrhenius-type equations. The model developed here in addition to helping better understand the fundamentals of reaction kinetics of biomass liquefaction is also helpful for prediction of three lumped products—liquid products, gaseous products, and solid chars, and rough design of biomass liquefaction reactors and subsequent techno-economic analysis of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study microfocus computed tomography (μCT), a nondestructive technique, was used for 3D characterization of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX)-based thermosetting plastic-bonded explosives. Quantitative information on RDX crystals including the packing status of the crystal and binder system, as well as the inner structure characteristics of partially solidified and fully solidified samples, was obtained using cone-beam μCT technology. The CT images show that the CT value of RDX crystal grains was obviously higher than that of crystal powder/binder. The results also show that after vacuum casting and thermosetting, the RDX grains were dispersed evenly and there were no air pores or cracks observed in the sample. Small pores exist inside the RDX grains with a porosity of less than 0.3%. The analysis results indicate high quality of the explosive part after employing thermosetting molding. The binder system and RDX crystals were integrated sufficiently, yet the grain packing was not maximum. The estimated average density and maximal difference in density of the sample were both in accordance with the testing results by Archimedes’ method and it was proven that complete curing may enhance the overall density and density uniformity of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we introduce an asymmetric Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) model, Glosten, Jagannathan and Runkle-GARCH (GJR-GARCH), in Value-at-Risk (VaR) to examine whether or not GJR-GARCH is a good method to evaluate the market risk of financial holdings. Because of lacking the actual daily Profit and Loss (P&L) data, portfolios A and B, representing FuBon and Cathay financial holdings are simulated. We take 400 observations as sample group to do the backward test and use the rest of the observations to forecast the change of VaR. We find GJR-GARCH works very well in VaR forecasting. Nonetheless, it also performs very well under the symmetric GARCH-in-Mean (GARCH-M) model, suggesting no leverage effect exists. Further, a 5-day moving window is opened to update parameter estimates. Comparing the results under different models, we find that the model is more accurate by updating parameter estimates. It is a trade-off between violations and capital charges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]