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Additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed the process of shaping refractory metals into complex form factors. This study was undertaken to investigate the AM processing parameters for pure tantalum (Ta) and to understand their influence on the attendant properties. Computational fluid dynamics simulations informed a subset of AM laser parameters that were manufactured and characterized for their porosity and mechanical response. Manufacturing with high energy densities (350-470 J/mm3) increased material density and mechanical strength, but dramatically reduced the ductility owing to the prolific formation of pre-existing edge cracks. While low porosity is typically a key metric for success in AM, the results presented here elucidate that a balance between maximizing bulk material density and minimizing steep thermal gradients during processing is needed to optimize the strength-ductility tradeoff.

Transformational advances in additive manufacturing combined with the unique functional behavior of shape memory alloys (SMAs) has propelled the field of 4D printing “smart” materials. In this study, we leverage multiple processing pathways with additive manufacturing to design and fabricate SMA components capable of precise, self-guided shape change that could actuate large-scale (up to 25 × 25 × 33 cm3) structures under external thermal stimuli. The dual benefits of minor alloy doping (

Despite the strict rules of the current legislation, road transport origins countless stress factors to animals. The purpose of this retrospective study is to assess the current welfare conditions during animal transport in Calabria and all related operations in the three years 2013-2015.The results showed that during this period 2015 the checks carried out by regional police are increased whereas sanctions imposed are decreased. The most frequent irregularities registered regard documentations (74.8%), animal welfare irregularities shows low incidence (6.5%), and percentage of irregularities regarding inadequate of the vehicle is halved in 2014 and 2015 respect to 2013. Data reported demonstrate the need for the competent Authorities to continue in their inspection actions in order to contrast the irregularities in the animal transport and improve animal welfare.

A systematic characterization of Co-doped BaFe2As2 (Ba-122) thin films has been carried out. Two samples were available, one grown on CaF2 substrate and the other on MgO with an Fe buffer layer. The goal was to investigate films’ magnetic and superconducting properties, their reciprocal interplay, and the role played by the Fe buffer layer in modifying them. Morphological characterization and Energy Dispersive X-ray analyses on the Fe-buffered sample demonstrate the presence of diffused Fe close to the Co-doped Ba-122 outer surface as well as irregular holes in the overlying superconducting film. These results account for hysteresis loops obtained with magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements and observed at both room and low temperatures. The magnetic pattern was visualized by magneto-optical imaging with an indicator film. Moreover, we investigated the onset of superconductivity through a measure of the superconducting energy gap. The latter is strictly related to the decay time of the excitation produced by an ultrashort laser pulse and has been determined in a pump-probe transient reflectivity experiment. A comparison of results relative to Co-doped Ba-122 thin films with and without Fe buffer layer is finally reported.

The ability of circulating blood monocytes to express C1q receptors (cC1qR and gC1qR)synthesize and secrete the classical pathway proteins C1q, C1r and C1s and their regulator, C1-INH is very well established. What is intriguing however is that, in addition to secretion of the individual proteins monocytes are able to display macromolecular C1 on their surface in a manner that is stable and functional. The cell surface C1 complex is presumably formed by a Ca2+–dependent association of the C1r2.C1s2 tetramer to C1q, which in turn is anchored via a membrane-binding domain located in the N-terminus of its A-chain as shown previously. Monocytes, which circulate in the blood for 1-3 days before they move into tissues throughout the body, not only serve as precursors of macrophages and dendritic cells, but also fulfill three main functions in the immune system: phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and cytokine production. Since the globular heads of C1q within the membrane associated C1 are displayed outwardly, we hypothesize that their main function-especially in circulating monocytes–is to recognize and capture circulating immune complexes or pathogen-associated molecular patterns in the blood. This in turn may give crucial signal, which drives the monocytes to migrate into tissues, differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells, and initiate the process of antigen elimination. Unoccupied C1q on the other hand may serve to keep monocytes in a pre-dendritic phenotype by silencing key molecular players thus ensuring that unwarranted DC-driven immune response does not occur. In this paper we will discuss the role of monocyte/DC-associated C1q receptors, macromolecular C1 as well as secreted C1q in both innate and acquired immune responses.

Herbivory is a fundamental process determining reef resilience, and while algal farming damselfishes can help shape benthic assemblages, an understanding of their contribution to areas outside of defended territories is relatively unexplored. Here, we demonstrate how the farming damselfish Stegastes marginatus plays a dual role in benthic structuring by 1) contributing to persistence of the invasive macroalga Acanthophora spicifera within a Hawaiian marine protected area, where the macroalga occurred exclusively inside Stegastes territories, and 2) behaving as an opportunistic browser of the exotic alga outside their territorial borders. Greater than 50% of the biomass of tethered A. spicifera was consumed within one-hour when placed outside Stegastes territories, compared to

Abstract  Over the last 15 years, important research has expanded our knowledge of the clinical, molecular genetic, and biochemical features of mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE). The characterization of mitochondrial involvement in this disorder and the seminal determination of its genetic cause, have opened new possibilities for more detailed and deeper studies on the pathomechanisms in this progressive and fatal disease. It has been established that MNGIE is caused by mutations in the gene encoding thymidine phosphorylase (TP), which lead to absolute or nearly complete loss of its catalytic activity, producing systemic accumulations of its substrates, thymidine (dThd) and deoxyuridine (dUrd). Findings obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the biochemical imbalances specifically impair mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, repair, or both leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. We have proposed that therapy for MNGIE should be aimed at reducing the concentrations of these toxic nucleosides to normal or nearly normal levels. The first treatment, allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (alloSCT) reported in 2006, produced a nearly full biochemical correction of the dThd and dUrd imbalances in blood. Clinical follow-up of this and other patients receiving alloSCT is necessary to determine whether this and other therapies based on a permanent restoration of TP will be effective treatment for MNGIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between electrical conductivity and magnetic field response, due to multi-walled carbon nanotubes' (MWCNTs) distribution within the polymer matrix, has been demonstrated using a contactless and non-destructive technique. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, both buckypaper and reinforced epoxy matrix specimens with different nanotube percentages, have been inspected using the eddy current technique based on an HTc SQUID magnetometer. The SQUID magnetic field response, due to the nanotube distribution, has been compared with the thermographic technique results. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of nanotube-reinforced composites and buckypaper has been carried out by using the Van der Pauw method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]