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Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) ferritic alloys are fascinating materials for future fusion power reactors due to these materials would allow a substantial increase of the operating temperature. Y-Ti bioxides strengthened Fe-Cr alloy was produced by mechanical milling (MM) followed by hot pressing (HP). Microstructure changes of the mixed powders during mechanical milling and subsequent hot pressing were structurally characterized by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The observations of structure of the mixed powders after MM indicated that the powders are fractured and welded with rotation and vibration of container during mechanical milling. And the particle size decreases with increasing milling time. Nanoscale Y-Ti bioxides were formed during the HP process.

The thermal effect arisen from absorbing inclusions is the main factor which causes the damage of optical materials or component irradiated by the longer pulse duration laser. The unsteady heat conduction depends markedly on both the thermal properties of inclusions and the parameters of laser. Based on the differential equation of heat conduction, the temperature distribution caused by single absorbing inclusion is solved by use of finite difference method. The effect of the laser intensity and the pulse duration on temperature field is analyzed in detail. The result demonstrates that the smaller size inclusion and the smaller pulse duration cause relative safe thermal effect, consequently, the less probability to be damaged by thermal effect.

Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST) thin films were fabricated by solgel technique on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate without and with PbO seeding layer from precursor solutions with different concentrations. The crystal structure, surface morphology, dielectric properties and leakage current density of BST thin films are investigated as functions of the concentration of PbO precursor solution. Its found that the growth orientation of BST thin films with PbO seeding layer can be modulated through adjusting the concentration of PbO precursor solution. BST thin film with PbO seeding layer from 0.05 M precursor solution shows the highest dielectric constant and tunability, which may be attributed to the high crystallization and amplitude of the polarization in high (100) preferred orientated films. The leakage current density of BST films increases with the increasing concentration of PbO precursor solution and agrees well with the space-charge-limited current mechanism at room temperature.

Background Tai chi (TC) is proposed as a potential option for the management of osteoarthritis (OA), however, its beneficial effect on patients with knee OA has not been convincing. Objectives To evaluate the effect of a 24-week TC program on physical functions in older Chinese women with knee OA. Methods Thirty-five older Chinese women with knee OA were randomized into TC group (n = 18) and attention control (wellness education and stretching) group (n = 17). Subjects in the TC group practiced the 24-form simplified Yang-style TC 2 to 4 times a week for 24 weeks with frequency gradually increased. Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 6-minute walk distance and stair climb time. Results Compared with the control group, the participants in TC group had statistically significant improvements in changes of the WOMAC total score (6.18 +/- 2.13 vs. 1.71 +/- 2.73, P = 0.000), the WOMAC pain subscale (1.36 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.07 +/- 1.00, P = 0.001), the WOMAC stiffness subscale (0.66 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.38, P = 0.043), the WOMAC function subscale (6.17 +/- 1.96 vs. 1.72 +/- 2.63, P = 0.000), the 6-minute walk distance (32.43 +/- 14.20 vs. 6.67 +/- 16.76, P = 0.003), and the stair climb time (2.27 +/- 0.74 vs. 0.27 +/- 1.24, P = 0.001). Conclusions This study suggests that TC provides a safe, feasible and useful exercise option for older Chinese female patients with knee OA.

Under the protection of argon gas, carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium metal matrix composite was made by stirring carbon nanotube into magnesium melts and formed by die casting. TEM and EDS methods were introduced to analyze boundary structure and chemical composition between carbon nanotube and magnesium metal matrix. The mechanical carbon nanotube properties of the composite were tested. Nickel chemical plating surface of carbon nanotube is favorable to adhesion of carbon nanotube to magnesium. Tests show that carbon nanotube, especially chemical nickel-plated one, has excellent role in strengthening the magnesium. The structure of magnesium was fined .The tensile strength, elongation, hardness and elastic modulus of the composite are improved.