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The micro-actuator is a key element of the MEMS-based initiator. In order to ensure safety and achieve the function of detonation energy isolation and transmission of the micro-pyrotechnic sequence, it is necessary to set up a safety and arming device between the micro-heater and energetic materials on the next level in the initiator. In this paper, the MEMS safety and arming device was simulated and analyzed, and the actuator chip was made based on MEMS technology and then tested. The results showed that the maximum temperature and displacement generated by the silicon-based micro-actuator increased with increasing actuation voltage. When the actuation voltage was larger than 16 V, the device could not work normally because the maximum temperature of the device was higher than the melting point of silicon. Furthermore, the influence factors on the state-recoverable property of the device were studied by changing the actuation voltage, length, width, and thickness of the V-shaped beam in a single way. The results showed that when the actuation voltage remained unchanged and the other factors were changed in a single way, the smaller structural parameters resulted in the shorter response time and recovery time, while the displacement generated was smaller. Meanwhile, the larger structural parameters resulted in larger displacements, while the response time and recovery time were larger. In addition, the state-recoverable characteristics of the device were affected by the working environmental temperature. It is of great significance to the design of the MEMS-based initiator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an emerging additive manufacturing technique that is currently adopted by a number of industries for its ability to directly fabricate complex near-net-shaped components with minimal material wastage. Two major limitations of LPBF, however, are that the process inherently produces components containing some amount of porosity and that fabricated components tend to suffer from poor repeatability. While recent advances have allowed the porosity level to be reduced to a minimum, consistent porosity-free fabrication remains elusive. Therefore, it is important to understand how porosity affects mechanical properties in alloys fabricated this way in order to inform the safe design and application of components. To this aim, this article will review recent literature on the effects of porosity on tensile properties, fatigue life, impact and fracture toughness, creep response, and wear behavior. As the number of alloys that can be fabricated by this technology continues to grow, this overview will mainly focus on four alloys that are commonly fabricated by LPBF—Ti-6Al-4 V, Inconel 718, AISI 316L, and AlSi10Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence that porosities play on the mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was investigated with the aim of improving process efficiency of the LPBF process by establishing the resulting trade-offs to component quality. It was found that build times can be substantially reduced by using higher layer thickness parameters without a significant detriment to mechanical properties. Where porosities formed, spherical pores tend to have a marginal effect on Young's modulus, yield strength, tensile strength, and uniform elongation as these properties can be approximated linearly using the rule of mixtures assuming null strength pores. However, such pores were found to be otherwise more detrimental to total elongation and toughness. Conversely, lack of fusion pores are extremely detrimental and should be avoided. Thus, it is proposed that when building a component, different process parameters can be used at different regions of the component to maximize process efficiency without compromising its overall function. For instance, for surfaces, a highly optimized parameter set with lower layer thickness can be used. At regions with minimal stress distribution during service, a large layer thickness parameter set where the resulting mechanical properties is sufficient can be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effects of post-LPBF (laser powder bed fusion) heat treatments on microstructure evolution, tensile and Charpy properties of Ti-6Al-4V have been investigated. The results show that the original martensitic microstructure in the LPBF sample has converted to a lamellae mixture of α and β phases when post heat-treatment temperatures are below the β-transus (800°C, 850°C and 900°C) with air cooling. On this basis, a good balance of tensile strength and ductility was obtained from sample post heated at 800°C for 6 h followed by air-cooling, with an increase of ~42% in ductility and a significant toughness enhancement (almost 100% increase) compared to the as-built sample. The relationship betweenα lamellaethickness, β volume fraction and post-LPBF heat treatment has been established. Both α lamellae thickness and β volume fraction increase with the heat-treatment temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The silica supported niobium oxide possessed abundant acid active sites. • The relationship between synthesis parameters and acid properties was investigated. • In-situ experimental trials were introduced to understand the catalytic mechanism. The silica supported niobium oxide catalysts with abundant acid active sites were successfully fabricated and demonstrated catalytic activity in the acetalization of glycerol with acetone to produce solketal. Although Niobium pentachloride which was used as the niobium precursor preferred to aggregate on the surface, the chemical vapor deposition method was introduced to remove the surface chloride. The synthesis parameter of the material affects the structure and the type of the supported niobium oxide on the carrier, and directly changes the amounts of catalytic sites. The effect of calcination temperature/time and loading amount of hydrated niobium oxide on the catalytic performance was investigated. The properties of acid sites on catalysts were characterized, and the catalytic process was directly observed by operando Raman. These in-situ experimental trials could provide deep insight to understand the catalytic mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract AISI 440B martensitic stainless steels reinforced with up to 15 vol% NbC particles were successfully cast using a vacuum induction furnace. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction techniques revealed that NbC additions led to a slight decrease in the matrix solid solution Cr content, which was found to have a minor impact on uniform corrosion resistance. An ISO 21988 grade Cr27 martensitic eutectic white cast iron was used to benchmark the wear performance of the composites. Hardness, sliding wear tests, and erosion wear tests against a garnet slurry, showed that the composites could either match or surpass the cast iron despite having a lower total volume fraction of carbide phases. These results show that the proposed martensitic stainless steel composites have immense potential in high wear applications that require some degree of corrosion resistance, such as in the mining and mineral processing industry. Highlights • NbC - AISI 440 stainless steel composites were cast by vacuum induction melting. • NbC had a marginal effect on the corrosion resistance of AISI 440 stainless steels. • NbC was effective in improving hardness, and sliding and erosive wear resistance. • Compared to a Cr27 white cast iron alloy, the composites performed favorably. • The composites are potential alternatives to high-chromium white cast iron alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, the tribological properties of three different high-performance polymers have been investigated at different temperature regimes. In addition, wear behaviour of PEEK composites (reinforced with different TiO 2 content) has also been studied and compared at different temperatures. SEM cross-sectional analysis of the transfer film layers (TFLs) on steel counterparts was carried out to understand the formation of TFLs. Further, the thickness and distribution of TFLs were measured using nanoindentation as well as possible structural changes of the materials by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) technique. Based on experimental investigation, it was concluded that the development of transfer film and wear performance of polymeric materials, can be greatly affected by materials' brittle-ductile transition behaviour, depending on the temperature tested. Highlights • Among presently investigated materials, PEEK/PEEK composites showed more effectiveness to develop resilient TFLs. • PBI shows better wear behaviour at room temperature, though their high temperature wear resistance is not that promising. • In general, higher the combination of hardness, rigidity and ductile of materials, better is the wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being softer and more expensive than TiC, which is usually the preferred choice for reinforcements in a steel matrix, NbC has been shown to be a potential reinforcement for AISI 304 stainless steel matrix composites due to its favorable density with molten steels which ensures a more homogenous distribution of the second phase in the steel matrix and therefore more uniform properties throughout the casting. However, due to the solubility of NbC in the molten steel, the microstructure of the resulting steel composites present Chinese-script structures, which are not as effective in improving (and may even be detrimental to) wear performance as compared to discrete carbide particles. In this study, a unique solution is presented to the aforementioned problems; namely, by dissolving TiC in NbC, it is possible to obtain a stainless steel matrix composite reinforced with (Nb 0.75 ,Ti 0.25 )C which results in a higher particle hardness, a reduction in the occurrence of Chinese-script morphology, primary carbide refinement, better density matching, reduced costs, and significantly better wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A functionally graded NbC – high chromium white cast iron composite was successfully fabricated by centrifugal casting for high wear applications. The migration of primary NbC particles to the outer periphery, as predicted by Stokes' law, resulted in an extremely hard outer layer at the surface of a softer bulk material. Microstructural characterisation showed that both the volume fraction and the morphology of the carbides varies along the thickness of the specimen. At the outer surface, the NbC was present as primary carbides while Chinese-script NbC was found in the bulk of the material. Hardness, sliding wear and three-point bending tests confirmed that the outer layer was harder and more wear resistant than the rest of the material, which was correspondingly tougher. The study of the fracture surface of the specimens showed that there is a strong bond between NbC and the matrix such that delamination between the reinforcements and the matrix did not occur during fracture. If Chinese-script NbC can be reduced or prevented in the bulk material, further improvements to toughness could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sliding behavior of two titanium alloys processed by laser powder bed fusion, with and without heat treatment, was investigated alongside two as-received conventionally-processed versions of these alloys. These samples presented a wide range of microstructures often encountered in Ti alloys. Oxidative, abrasive and adhesive wear always occurred when sliding against steel. However, wear rates were similar regardless of the friction and hardness if material removal mainly occurred through abrasion and/or adhesion. Martensitic phases decomposed during sliding while nano-crystalline grains enhanced oxidative wear which reduced friction. With a stable nanocrystalline microstructure that confers ultrahigh hardness, wear rate and friction can be substantially reduced by promoting oxidative over abrasive or adhesive wear. • Dry sliding of two conventionally- and LPBF-processed Ti alloys was investigated. • A nano-crystalline microstructure enhances oxide formation which reduces friction. • α′ or α″ is unstable in the presence of frictional heat and oxygen diffusion. • A stable ultrahard nanocrystalline microstructure can reduce both wear and friction. • This microstructure promotes oxidative wear and minimizes adhesion/abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AISI 440 stainless steels reinforced with various volume fractions of niobium carbide (NbC) particles of up to 25 vol% were fabricated in-situ using an argon arc furnace and then heat-treated to produce a martensitic matrix. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques were used to analyze the microstructure, phases and composition of these composites. Interestingly, it was found that Chinese-script NbC could nucleate on existing primary NbC particles creating NbC clusters with complex microstructures. Additionally, hardness tests were used to evaluate viability in mining and mineral processing applications. The increase in NbC content resulted in an overall increase in the hardness of the composites while causing a marginal decrease in the amount of Cr in solid solution with the matrix, which could be a concern for corrosion resistance. The latter was due to the fact that the NbC lattice could dissolve a minor amount of Cr. Thermodynamic simulations also attributed this to a slight increase in M 7 C 3 precipitation. Nonetheless, these novel composites show great promise for applications in wear and corrosive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Powder-fed laser-based directed energy deposition of Beta-C was successful. • Due to a high dislocation density, the Beta-C alloy had a fast-ageing response. • Higher strength was achieved compared to conventionally-processed aged Beta-C. • The ageing response was further accelerated by carbon additions. • With added carbon, the alloy was harder, less ductile but strength was unchanged. This work investigates the viability of fabricating Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr (Beta-CTM) using laser-based and powder-fed directed energy deposition. To determine an appropriate ageing strategy, heat treatments were conducted at 440 °C and 480 °C over different periods of time and their effectiveness were determined through hardness testing. After identifying an optimal ageing treatment, tensile properties were investigated on the samples in the as-built and aged conditions. The microstructure, hardness and tensile properties of the as-built sample was found to resemble that of a conventionally-manufactured and solution-treated alloy. However, as compared to conventionally-manufactured Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr subjected to the same ageing temperature, the ageing process was much quicker with the DED-processed alloy because of its high dislocation density. Furthermore, the latter can also achieve much higher strength while also having comparable ductility. To achieve a similar ageing response and tensile behavior, conventionally-manufactured Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr would require cold-working prior to ageing. Carbon additions were also investigated to further accelerate the ageing response and to refine the β grain size. While the ageing response was much quicker and a much harder alloy can be produced, the carbon amount added was insufficient for β grain refinement, which resulted in reduced ductility without a change in strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature cyclic compressive testing of high purity fine (FG) and coarse (CG) grained Ti 2 AlC were carried out in combination with Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) tests and post mortem Electron-backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The results show that the room temperature mechanical response of Ti 2 AlC can be divided in four stress regions with distinct underlying mechanisms: (a) Region I (FG: 0 to ≈ 175 MPa; CG: 0 to ≈ 100 MPa) characterized by a linear elastic behavior; (b) Region II (FG: from ≈175 to ≈ 350 MPa; CG from ≈100 to ≈ 200 MPa) in which stress strain hysteric behavior due to reversible dislocation flow in the soft grains; (c) Region III (FG: from ≈350 to ≈ 1100 MPa; CG from ≈200 to ≈650 MPa) accumulation of dislocation walls (DWs) results in cyclic hardening and contribute to larger hysteretic loops and thus a larger energy dissipation per loading cycle than in Region II; (d) Region IV (FG: from ≈1100 MPa to failure, CG from ≈600 MPa to failure) characterized by the occurrence of microcracking that, in addition to the other aforementioned deformation mechanisms, contributes to the energy dissipated in each loading cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the tribological properties of an AlSi10Mg alloy that was fabricated using laser powder bed fusion, an additive manufacturing technique, was investigated in both the as-built (but stress-relieved) and T6-treated condition. The stress-relieved condition consists of elongated Al grains and a dendritically-arranged nano-crystalline Si-phase. T6 treatment, a conventional heat treatment for cast AlSi10Mg alloys, caused this Si phase to dissolve, re-precipitate and coarsen, which resulted in a loss of hardness, toughness and strength. Dry sliding wear tests were conducted against both a bearing stainless steel and a much harder SiC, and with the sliding direction either perpendicular or parallel to the building direction. In almost all conditions it was found that the T6 treatment either had no statistically significant effect on the wear rate or was detrimental. • In the stress-relieved condition, the wear performance is isotropic. • Wear anisotropy occurred in the T6 condition. • The wear rate against steel is more severe than against SiC. • Frictional response is not necessarily indicative of wear performance. • T6 treatment is generally not recommended for sliding wear performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present work, the sliding wear behaviour of hybrid polymer nanocomposites was investigated under different loading conditions and against different counterface roughness. Two different polymers matrices, epoxy and polyamide 66, with classic micro-sized short carbon fiber and graphite flakes as tribo-fillers were investigated with and without TiO 2 reinforcing nanoparticles. It was found that the synergistic effect between nanoparticles and micro-sized fillers on friction and wear performance depended on the tribological system involved. In particular, for epoxy-based composites, the incorporation of TiO 2 nanoparticles was only beneficial against a sufficiently rough disc but detrimental otherwise. Whilst for polyamide nanocomposites, the combination of nanoparticles and other fillers resulted in low friction and wear against both rough and smooth disks, particularly at higher applied contact pressures. When the cross-sections of the transfer films were analysed using a high-resolution SEM, it was found that TiO 2 nanoparticles are only beneficial if they can blend with other wear debris to form a TiO 2 -enriched transfer film. The strengthened film provides the support required for other dislodged TiO 2 nanoparticles to achieve the rolling effect, thus reducing friction and wear. In contrast, if TiO 2 cannot effectively blend into the transfer film, TiO 2 nanoparticles act as an abrasive that readily abrades away the comparatively softer film, thus exposing the polymer to fresh asperities on the steel counterface, a detrimental outcome to both friction and wear. Hence, to design high wear resistant composite materials, it is important to understanding the interactions between different tribo-fillers for particular circumstances or contact conditions. • Polyamide and epoxy composites with and without TiO 2 nanoparticles were studied. • Depending on the tribological system, the TiO 2 may or may not be beneficial. • Improved friction and wear are due to TiO 2 -enriched transfer film formation. • TiO 2 -enriched transfer films promote the rolling effect. • TiO 2 acts as an abrasive instead if TiO 2 -enriched transfer films do not form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women. More than 90% of breast cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. Epimedii Folium (EF) is a commonly used herb with anti-tumor benefits, but its underlying mechanisms and active components for breast cancer prevention are little understood. This study assessed the therapeutic role of Icariside I (ICS I) in Epimedium flavonoids (EF) on lung metastasis of breast cancer, including the underlying mechanism. Methods: Western blot, RT-qPCR, wound healing assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the inhibition of breast cancer cells growth and migration by EF and ICS I through disrupting the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Combined with 4T1 breast cancer model in mice, Western blot, RT-qPCR, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the therapeutic role of ICS I in proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer. Key findings: EF can inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation and reduce the colony formation and migration of breast cancer cells. Detecting the active ingredients in EF, we found ICS I can reduce the activation of STAT3 in 4T1 breast cancer cells, impair colony formation and migration. Moreover, ICS I induced cells G1 phase arrest and modulated Cyclin D1, CDK4, bcl-2, and bax to inhibit proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells. Similarly, the in vivo studies demonstrated that ICS I significantly suppressed tumor development and lung metastasis in the 4T1 mouse model. Tumor cells in vehicle group were arranged in a spoke-like pattern with obvious heterogeneity, and multinucleated tumor giant cells were seen. But, the tumor cells in the ICS I group were disorganized and necrotic lysis was seen in some areas. In ICS I-treated group, tumors' STAT3 phosphorylation level, IL-6, Cyclin D1, CDK4, bcl-2, and vimentin expression were downregulated, bax and cleaved caspase 3 expression were upregulated. In the lung tissue, we could find less metastasis of breast cancer cells and less lung injury in the ICS I group. Besides, the expression of metastasis-related genes MMP9 and vimentin was decreased in the lung tissue of ICS I group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ICS I can inhibit breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis probably via targeting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, ICS I has the potential to become an innovative therapeutic candidate to breast cancer prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of sliding wear is important as it occurs in many industrial mechanical systems. In metal-ceramic sliding wear, reinforcing the metallic counterpart with ceramic particles transforms the system from a pure metal-ceramic interaction to one that contains both metal-ceramic and ceramic-ceramic interactions, which may improve the wear performance of both materials involved. This study shows that incorporating NbC particles into a bearing stainless steel reduces its wear rate against SiC, WC and Al 2 O 3 counterparts but its wear rate remained unchanged against ZrO 2. For the ceramic counterparts, SiC and WC also experienced reduced wear while Al 2 O 3 showed negligible wear across all tests. ZrO 2 , on the other hand, experienced a very high level of wear when the stainless steel contained 5 vol% NbC but the wear rate gradually decreased as the volume fraction of NbC increased to 15 vol%. Higher NbC volume fractions are thus expected to yield further improvement. • A bearing stainless steel was subjected to sliding against SiC, WC, Al 2 O 3 and ZrO 2. • Adding NbC into the steel reduced its wear loss against SiC, WC and Al 2 O 3. • Consequently, SiC and WC also experienced a reduction in wear losses. • Al 2 O 3 experienced negligible wear across all tests. • Adding low NbC amounts to the steel is very detrimental to the wear rate of ZrO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is often proposed that the wear performance of high-chromium white cast irons could be improved by adding Nb to form NbC. However, NbC can form with a needle-like "Chinese-script" morphology and/or as nodular particles, and clear evidence is not available as to which morphology is more beneficial against slurry erosion, a common application for these alloys. The lack of evidence is due to the difficulty of differentiating between the effect of NbC and that of a second type of carbide, M 7 C 3 , on slurry erosion resistance. Therefore, we created a martensitic stainless steel resembling the ferrous matrix of a typical high-chromium white cast iron, but without the M 7 C 3 phase, that was reinforced with Chinese-script NbC. A second specimen was prepared by substituting a small amount of Nb for Ti to inoculate the NbC, thus forming nodular particles. An AISI 440C stainless steel was used as a commercial benchmark since it has a similar hardness and microstructure. All three samples were subjected to slurry erosion tests against garnet and sand, with the Chinese-script NbC sample being the worst performer in both cases. Analysis of the worn surfaces revealed that the Chinese-script morphology promoted fracturing, resulting in a higher erosion rate. • NbC has been known to improve the wear performance in ferrous alloys. • NbC can form Chinese-script structures, dissolving Ti promotes a nodular structure. • NbC and (Nb,Ti)C-reinforced stainless steels were tested for slurry erosion. • Chinese-script NbC was particularly detrimental to slurry erosion. • This has implications for Nb-containing high-chromium white cast iron design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cGAS-STING signaling pathway is an essential section of the natural immune system. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown a strong link between abnormal activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, a natural immune pathway mediated by the nucleic acid receptor cGAS, and the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it is important to identify an effective compound to specifically downregulate this pathway for disease. Methods: The effect of Glabridin (Glab) was investigated in BMDMs and Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) by establishing an in vitro model of cGAS-STING signaling pathway activation. An activation model stimulated by DMXAA was also established in mice to study the effect of Glab. On the other hand, we investigated the possible mechanism of action of Glab and the effect of Glab on Trex1-deficient mice. Results: In this research, we report that Glab, a major component of licorice, specifically inhibits the cGAS-STING signaling pathway by inhibiting the level of type I interferon and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). In addition, Glab has a therapeutic effect on innate immune diseases caused by abnormal cytoplasmic DNA in Trex1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, Glab can specifically inhibit the interaction of STING with IRF3. Conclusion: Glab is a specific inhibitor of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and may be used in the clinical therapy of cGAS-STING pathway-mediated autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Laser Powder Bed Fusion Inconel 718 produced with intentionally non‐optimized parameters is investigated to understand the role of defects and microstructure on the high‐cycle fatigue life. Samples from three built directions and three heat treatments were used for fatigue tests at room and 650°C under R=0.1. Printing orientation has a minor effect on fatigue life at both temperatures. Most samples failed from lack of fusion defects, carefully analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations. Surface defect leads to transgranular fracture surface, while subsurface initiation leads to crystallographic fracture surface. S−N curves related to hot isostatic pressure condition shown that defects have higher influence at 20°C than at 650°C. Kitagawa diagrams are plotted for both temperatures to quantify the influence of defect size on fatigue limit. Natural cracks are observed at the surface in order to discuss the relative part of initiation life in the whole fatigue life. Highlights: Fatigue is governed by lack of fusion (LoF) ranging from 200 to 600 μmThe fatigue limit is higher at high temperature compared with ambient temperatureHot isostatic pressure (HIP) treatment improves the fatigue resistanceNatural crack initiated from LoF propagates in a very similar way compared with long crack [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several case studies related to the use of ureteric stents, surgical devices including to a 65-year-old man with right loin pain, 68-year-old woman with ureteric injury at the pelvic brim, and 59-year-old male who underwent elective flexible ureteroscopy. Topics mentioned include the importance of ureteric stents to relieve ureteric obstruction, the several complications of ureteric stents such as urinary tract infection and haematuria, and the patients management

Post heat treatment is essential for additively manufactured alloys to eliminate residual stress and in some cases further improve mechanical performance. This study systematically investigated the hardening response of a Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo alloy processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) to a one-step heat treatment. The results revealed significant hardening at both 500 °C and 650 °C. Most notably, an ultra-high peak-hardness of 563VHN was achieved within 5 mins of heat treatment at 650 °C due to a unique martensite-decomposed α+β microstructure consisting of alternating long β laths that are ∼5 nm thick and α laths that are ∼35 nm thick, and within the α laths are also short β laths that are ∼2 nm thick with an ∼11 nm inter-spacing. The influence of both types of β laths on the α lath thickness was established and related to the ultra-high hardness observed, which provides new insight for the design of new metastable LPBF-processed Ti alloys. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tantalum nitrides (TaN) have attracted much attention as a new material of energy exchangers in insensitive detonators, we mainly investigate its ignition law in this paper. Firstly, the paper utilizes numerical simulation to predict the influence of the substrate material, bridge zone thickness, bridge zone length and width on the ignition action. Then its reliability was verified by experiments, which provided technical support for the design of passivated pyrotechnics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the nature of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and investigates the challenges facing its incorporation into Western medicine. Details concerning the history and philosophy behind TCM practices are presented. Evidence that Chinese herbs and acupuncture are effective treatments for chemotherapy-induced nausea and atopic eczema are cited. The integration of TCM and western medicine in China is discussed. Problems surrounding Western research trials of TCM are analyzed.

Highlights • The as-built material is strongly anisotropic and process parameters dependent. • T6 heat-treated material can be considered as a reference for this type of manufacturing process. • The influence of defect size on the fatigue limit is analyzed by the Kitagawa-type diagrams. • ALM material (HT and not HT) is less sensitive to defect than conventional cast alloys. Abstract This work shows the impact of microstructure and defect on the fatigue life of an AlSi10Mg manufactured by Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM). Samples were manufactured via a laser powder-bed process: two configurations (0° and 90°) are considered in order to evaluate the impact of the building direction on fatigue properties. 3D X-Ray tomography was used to characterize the defect population. The microstructure was characterized by considering four parameters: melt-pools, crystallographic grains, dendritic structure and precipitates. The fatigue properties were determined by establishing S-N curves for machined samples, with and without T6 heat-treatment, at R = −1 under tensile loading. The size of the defect responsible for the fatigue failure was determined in each sample so as to establish a relationship between the fatigue limit and the defect size using Kitagawa-type diagrams. In order to study a broader range of defect size, artificial defects were introduced using electro-discharge machining. The following observations are made: (i) after heat-treatment, the boundaries of melt-pools and the dendritic structure are not visible. Si is organized into pure precipitates homogeneously distributed over space and intermetallic Fe based compounds are observed in the form of needles; (ii) The impact of building direction on fatigue life is seen only after T6 heat treatment; (iii) An improvement of the fatigue resistance is observed after T6, in spite of the presence of intermetallic needles; (iv) The fatigue limit is controlled by the defect size both before and after T6 heat treatment, and it seems that the influence of T6 decreases as the defect size increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, we have found that the dysregulation of the cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)‒stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway leads to the development of immune and inflammatory diseases, therefore, finding compounds that can specifically regulate this pathway is essential for effective regulation of the immune pathway for addressing inflammatory diseases. Licorice flavonoids (LFs), are active ingredients extracted from the Chinese herb licorice, which has been reported to have strong anti-inflammatory activity in previous studies. Here, we report that LFs inhibit the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway evidenced by the inhibition of the expression of type I interferons and related downstream genes such as interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), as well as inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Notably, LFs markedly improve the LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the excessive activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Mechanistically, LFs treatment leads to the blocking of 2′3′-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthesis resulting in an inhibition of the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Our results indicate that LFs is a specific inhibitor of the cGAS-STING pathway, which is suggested to be a potential candidate for the treatment of cGAS-STING pathway-mediated inflammatory diseases. [Display omitted] • Licorice flavonoids in licorice can specifically inhibit the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. • Licorice flavonoids inhibit the cGAS-STING pathway by reducing the synthesis of 2′3′-cGAMP. • Licorice flavonoids have ameliorative effects on acute lung injury in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]