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Natural gas leakage from gas pipelines usually leads to human intoxication. Further, it may even cause fires and/or explosion accidents or make an indirect chemical contribution to climate change in the long term because of its high global-warming potential. As a clean, potential, and effective method for controlling/mitigating the risk of natural gas leakage, water mist is tested to suppress gas jet leakage from a lab-scale pipe in this study. Based on actual natural gas leakages in pipelines or practical emergency management measures, both tilted and non-tilted gas jet cases were considered to evaluate the performance of gas jet suppression by water mist. A series of small-scale experiments has been conducted to deepen the understanding of the dynamical behavior and mechanisms of the gas jet–water mist interaction by visualizing the two-phase flow via planar particle image velocimetry. The results indicate that different shapes of leakage nozzles with a similar effective diameter are highly consistent regarding the interacting flow field characteristics. In addition, guidelines for optimizing a water mist system for leakage gas suppression/control are presented based on gas–spray momentum ratio and dimensionless gas jet suppression height analyses. Owing to the lack of applications on natural gas leakage with water mist, this study is valuable toward optimizing water mist systems for leakage gas suppression/control of such applications. Image 1 • Water mist as a clean technique is tested to control natural gas leakage. • A tilted gas jet-mist spray interaction is visualized and analysed via 2D-PIV. • The gas-spray interaction was varied with tilt angles and leakage shape. • References based on H∗, Z g ∗ and Φ for optimizing water mist system are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr Si–M (M Ni, Mo, Ni Mo) resistive films were prepared by magnetron sputtering technique at the same process conditions. Experimental results shows that the metal M can reduce the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of Si-rich Cr Si resistive films, and that the resistive films follow the sequence of Cr Si Mo (6.34 at%) < Cr Si Ni (9.97 at%) < Cr Si Ni (6.08 at%) Mo (2.47 at%) according to TCR tending to zero. XRD analysis reveals that CrSi 2 is the main conductive phase in the prepared Cr Si–M resistive films. In order to explore the reasons that M can reduce the TCR of Si-rich Cr Si resistive films, first principles was used to study the influence of M on the performance of CrSi 2 from state density and band structure. The first-principles study on M-doped CrSi 2 shows that M may exist in CrSi 2 semiconductor in the form of deep level impurity, and an energy band model on both Ni and Mo-doped CrSi 2 is constructed to reflect the results of first-principles simulation. Based on the established model, a mechanism is proposed that deep level impurities as electron traps capturing electrons and the formation of tight-binding excitons can suppress the non-equilibrium hot carriers against being contributed to the conductivity of CrSi 2 semiconductor. As a result, the TCR of Si-rich Cr Si resistive films is reduced due to the doping of M as deep level impurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressing a stiff film bonded to a compliant substrate with finite thickness can lead to various instabilities, including global buckling, local wrinkling, delamination or their concomitant buckling. This paper proposed an analytical model, which integrates global and local interactive effects due to the finite thickness, to reveal the growth from buckling to buckling-driven delamination. The resulting governing non-linear equations (non-autonomous fourth-order ordinary differential nonlinear equations with integral conditions) are then solved by introducing a continuation algorithm, which offers considerable advantages to detect multiple bifurcations and trace a complex post-buckling path. The critical conditions for global buckling, local wrinkling and buckling-driven delamination are carefully studied. Two different growth processes from destabilization to restabilization (snap-back) are captured in the post-buckling range. Moreover, it is found that the interface toughness and the pre-existing delamination crack length dominates the critical strain for the onset of buckling-driven delamination, and further decide the initial instability mode. Finally, two phase diagrams are plotted to predict both initial and advanced instability modes in such a bilayer system. The phase diagrams can be used to guide the design of film/substrate systems to achieve desired modes of instabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper elucidates the global and local interactive buckling behavior of a stiff film resting on a compliant substrate under uniaxial compression. The resulting governing non-linear equations (non-autonomous fourth-order ordinary differential nonlinear equations with integral conditions) are then solved by introducing a continuation algorithm, which offers considerable advantages to detect multiple bifurcations and trace a complex post-buckling path. The critical conditions for local and global buckling and respective post-buckling equilibrium paths are carefully studied. Two different evolution mechanisms of buckling modes and processes from destabilization to restabilization (snap-back) are observed beyond the onset of the primary sinusoidal wrinkling mode in the post-buckling range. In addition, the shear modulus of an orthotropic substrate acts as a dominant role in the bifurcation portrait. Our results offer better understanding of the global and local buckling behaviors of such a bilayer system, and can open up new opportunities for the design and applications of novel nanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper elucidates the buckling behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under bending. CNTs are modeled as continuous thin-wall circular tubes, and their buckling is governed by equations that take into account of the sectional Brazier effect and non-uniform structural deformation. The CNT governing equations (fourth-order ordinary differential nonlinear equations with integral conditions) are solved by introducing a continuation algorithm. In addition, the buckling behavior of CNTs under bending is simulated with objective molecular dynamics (OMD). The atomistic simulations are used to verify the continuum results. We show that there exist low- and high-strain phases during the bending process of CNTs, and the transition in between may divide the whole bending process into three stages: low-curvature stage, mixed-curvature stage and high-curvature stage. Ripples are generated on the CNT surfaces before the formation of kinks. Compared to single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs), hydrogen-filled CNTs have a longer mixed-strain stage owing to the presence of internal pressure, and are therefore more inclined to exhibit a ripple morphology. Our results offer better understanding of the buckling behavior of CNTs, and may open up new opportunities for the design and applications of novel CNT-based nanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a spectrum-based wrinkling analysis method via two-dimensional Fourier transformation is proposed aiming to solve the difficulty of nanoscale wrinkle evaluation. It evaluates the wrinkle characteristics including wrinkling wavelength and direction simply using a single wrinkling image. Based on this method, the evaluation results of nanoscale wrinkle characteristics show agreement with the open experimental results within an error of 6%. It is also verified to be appropriate for the macro wrinkle evaluation without scale limitations. The spectrum-based wrinkling analysis is an effective method for nanoscale evaluation, which contributes to reveal the mechanism of nanoscale wrinkling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the torsional wrinkling behavior of an annular thin film. Non-dimensional nonlinear von Karman buckling equations are established, which are solved by introducing a compound series method to acquire the post-wrinkling characteristics. The proposed theoretical model can accurately predict the critical wrinkling behavior and post-wrinkling characteristics of the annular thin film, which are verified by the experimental measurement based on the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The theoretical results show that the post-wrinkling stress is intimately associated with the wrinkle configuration in the post-wrinkling stage. The hoop post-wrinkling stress along the wrinkle texture direction of the annular thin film dictates the wrinkle evolution. The wrinkle number remains constant in the elastic regime, which is determined by the critical buckling load factor. The results provide good guides to tune or control the wrinkles in the thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the free transverse vibration of a wrinkled annular thin film. The non-dimensional Hamilton motion equation of the wrinkled annular thin film is established, which is solved by using the finite difference method to acquire the vibration frequency and mode. The predicted vibration characteristics are verified by the experimental measurements based on the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The results show that wrinkles have great effects on the vibration of the annular thin film. Especially for the heavily wrinkled cases, the local–global interactive mode dominates the vibration of the annular thin film. The frequency increases as the wrinkling level increases which is mainly due to the increased nonlinear geometric stiffness. The results provide favorable supports for understanding the role of nonlinear wrinkling on the vibration of thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a new design of a piezoelectric transformer (PT) for low-profile DC/DC converter applications, which increases the output power by using heat transfer equipment. We examined several parameters, which allow us to produce a piezoelectric transformer with optimal efficiency. Instead of looking at the typically optimal loading condition of the PT, we consider the influence of the temperature rise on losses. When the vibration velocity is too large, the piezoelectric transformer generates heat unstably until it cracks. By maintaining the vibration mode and limiting the heat produced by the PT, this design can enhance the power capacities of the PT and thus increase the output power of the DC/DC converter. A finite element analysis (FEA) approach with COMSOL Multiphysics was made to predict PT's working temperature. A theoretical-phenomenological model was also developed to explain the relationship between the equivalent losses resistances and the input voltage at different temperatures. It will be shown that the vibration velocity as well as the heat generation increases the losses. A large vibration velocity and generated heat may cause the temperature feedback loop to enter into an unstable state. We began by modeling a piezoelectric transformer in a DC/DC converter configuration in order to determine the design constraints and variables such as the maximum mechanical current, the temperature distribution, the PT geometrical configuration and the energy balance. In our design, the PT power capacity increases 3 times (i.e. from 4.54 W to 13.29 W) at specific temperature and the effects of the different cooling methods of the system were verified. The study comprises of a theoretical part and experimental proof-of-concept demonstration of the proposed design method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electronic structures of transition metal pnictides double perovskite La2NiMO6 (M=Mn, Tc, Re, Ti, Zr, and Hf) were shown as ferromagnetic (FM) insulators based on density functional calculation results. The FM state observed in La2NiMO6 (M=Mn, Tc, and Re) was most likely a mixture of high spin (HS) and low spin (LS) states; the electrons were transferred from the filled LS Ni e g states to the half-filled HS Mn (Tc). On the other hand, the FM state in La2NiMO6 (M=Ti, Zr, and Hf) was caused by the electron transfer from the half-filled LS Ti (Zr and Hf) e g orbital of HS Ni to the empty e g orbital of LS Ti (Zr and Hf). The FM insulating state of La2NiMO6 (M=Mn. Tc, Ti, Zr, and Hf) remained the same, whereas it changed from metal to insulator for La2NiReO6 based on the generalized gradient approximation+U calculation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Double perovskite. [•] Structure optimization. [•] Stable magnetic phase. [•] 4 HM materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To investigate the feasibility of improving embryo production in cattle by immunization against inhibin, both in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted. In two experiments conducted in two autumns, 14 animals aged 14 months were immunized with a recombinant inhibin α subunit protein antigen for four times at monthly intervals, with another 14 animals of the same age served as the controls. Starting from the second immunization, all the heifers received standard superovulation treatment for three sessions, one session per month, each starting 10 days after every antigen administration. Immunization against inhibin increased number of transferable embryos (P <0.05), and high quality Grade A embryos (P <0.01) in each superovulation. Blood concentrations of FSH, estradiol, activin, and also ratio of activin to follistatin concentrations were greater in inhibin immunized than in control animals during the period of superovulatory FSH administration and animal estrous expression. Heifers immunized with inhibin also had greater concentrations of progesterone in the later diestrus period. In the second experiment, the inclusion of anti-inhibin antibody in oocyte IVM medium increased oocyte maturation rate and cleavage rate following IVF (P <0.05). These results demonstrated that inhibition of the adverse effects of inhibin on ovarian follicular development and oocyte maturation improved embryo yield, in both quantity and quality, following superovulation. These results also demonstrate that active immunization against inhibin, in conjunction with the conventional superovulation protocol, can constitute a new technique for consistent improvement of bovine embryo production in vivo; while passive immunization with anti-inhibin antibody can improve embryo production in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the density functional theory calculations, the structural optimization, magnetic stable phase, and electronic structure of the double perovskites Sr2ZnBO6 (B=Tc, Re, Ru, Os, Co, Pd, and Au) were investigated with full structural optimization by using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and by adding the correlation effect (GGA+U). The results indicate that all compounds can be stable half-metallic ferromagnetic materials in the GGA(+U) scheme with a spin splitting e g band of the B ion, which causes half-metallicity at the Fermi level except Sr2ZnCoO6 becomes a conductor in GGA+U scheme. We suggest that the double exchange interaction dominates the half metallicity and magnetism in these materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on Wuʼs elimination method and homotopy analysis method (HAM), an algorithm is proposed to compute accurate analytic approximation of periodical oscillations with high nonlinearity. A Maple package is developed for periodically oscillating systems of center and limit cycle types, which delivers accurate approximations of frequency, mean of motion and amplitude of oscillation automatically. Since HAM is valid for highly nonlinear problems, the package can be used to find accurate approximate solutions of nonlinear oscillation systems with strong nonlinearity. For systems with physical parameters, it can provide possible constraint conditions on parameters. Several examples are given to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the algorithm and the Maple package. This package is freely available online, which provides an easy-to-use tool for scientist and engineer to solve accurate approximations of periodic oscillations of dynamic systems with high nonlinearity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 (FB1, FB2 and FB3) and aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) are both major mycotoxins of food concern, because of their wide range of concentration and possible co-occurrence. Therefore, a contamination survey in corn and wheat flour by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was carried out. Quantification of fumonisins and aflatoxins was based on internal calibration (by the use of 13C34-fumonisin) and external calibration, respectively. Fumonisins were detected in 95% of corn samples and in 7% of wheat flour samples, with the mean level (FB1 + FB2 + FB3) of 441 µg kg−1 and 0.09 µg kg−1, respectively. Low levels of aflatoxins were detected in 37% of the samples with a mean level (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) of 0.12 µg kg−1. Fumonisins and aflatoxins were not detected in 29% of the samples analysed. Simultaneous occurrence of fumonisins and aflatoxins was observed in 12% of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the possible candidates of half-metal (HM) material in double perovskites structure Sr2 BB′O6 (B, B′=3d transition metal). The electronic structure calculations were based on density functional theory (DFT) with both generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA+U approaches, where +U is on-site Coulomb interaction correction. With the consideration of 4 types of magnetic states, i.e. ferromagnetic (FM), ferromagnetic (FiM), antimagnetic (AF) and nonmagnetic (NM), we found 5 promising candidates for half-metallic (HM) materials: Sr2ScCrO6, Sr2TiCrO6, Sr2MnCrO6, Sr2ZnMnO6 and Sr2ZnFeO6. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have observed that during temperature-dependent four-terminal resistance measurement of monolayer graphene, the resistance exhibits anomalous rising and falling behavior at different temperature regions. At lower temperature region (2–200K) the resistance decreases gradually, but when the temperature rise further it turn to a sudden increase, and after 280K it resumes gradual decrease. The rising and falling resistance behavior is characteristic of semiconductor or metal property. Consequently, the resistance transition follows a phase of semiconductor–metal–semiconductor. However, when a perpendicular magnetic field is applied, the resistance shows reverse transition behavior which follows a sequence of metal–semiconductor–metal. The novel transition property is attributed to the competition between the disorder of lattice defects as a short-range scattering in monolayer graphene and the Landau levels interaction. Magneto-transport measurement reveals that the excitonic gap induced by magnetic field in the monolayer graphene show an anomalous thermally activated property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethyl carbamate (EC) in wine, grain spirits and wine sauce (145 samples) was analysed using solid-phase extraction and stable isotope dilution GC/MS. Samples were obtained from markets in eight areas (Shijiazhuang, Baoding, Handan, Qinhuangdao, Langfang, Zhangjiakou, Xingtai and Cangzhou) of Hebei Province, China. The method had a limit of detection of 2 µg kg-1, with recoveries varying from 95.7 to 102% and RSD ranging 2.3-5.6%. The average concentrations of ethyl carbamate in wines, grain spirits and wine sauce were 14.7 (<2.0-44.5) µg kg-1, 33.8 (2.9-129) µg kg-1 and 8.7 (<2.0-63.3) µg kg-1, respectively. The results led to the development of limit standards that can be used to predict the concentration of ethyl carbamate in Chinese fermented wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In current practice, the design of composite columns such as concrete-filled and concrete-encased steel columns is a member-based procedure which is based on linear analysis in conjunction with the effective length method, rather than a system-based approach utilizing the concept of advanced analysis. In principle, the advanced analysis can be used for any structural forms when imperfections are considered and proper plastic functions for cross-sections are used. The new method considering these issues needs to be calibrated with design codes and experimental tests. Surprisingly, the application of advanced analysis to composite structures is relatively rare in the literature and the advantages have not been exploited fully. In this paper, an “advanced analysis” design method for composite columns is proposed, and the results predicted by the proposed method are compared with the results calculated by Eurocode 4 and from laboratory tests. With the verification and calibration carried out in this study, without loss of generality, the proposed method can be applied to the design of composite structures beyond the scope of the conventional design method and without the assumption of an uncertain effective length factor, which implies an improved accuracy and convenience, as frame classification for the use of the effective length method or alignment charts is no longer needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A rapid method for the determination of seven predominant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in fish was developed. The analysis could be completed in 1 h. The PBDEs in the sample were extracted with fat by selective pressurized liquid extraction (SPLE) using acid alumina as a fat retainer. After concentration, the extract was directly injected into online gel permeation chromatography with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GPC-GC/MS) in negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode. Method detection limits of seven PBDEs were between 0.002 and 0.005 ng g-1 fat. Quantitative recoveries ranging from 81.9% to 110.3% were obtained by analysis of spiked fish. The relative standard deviations were less than 15% (n = 6). The method was applied to a certified reference material of fish; all results were in the reference ranges. It was shown to be a rapid and reliable alternative in the routine analysis for PBDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) films were grown on (100) LaAlO3 (LAO) and SrTiO3 (STO) substrates by the method of radio frequency magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction patterns of LSMO films deposited on LAO and STO substrates showed a slight shift of diffraction peaks as compared to the corresponding peaks of the bulk LSMO. The shift of diffraction peaks was believed to result from the in-plane lattice mismatch between the film and substrate. The distinguished strain effects of substrates were found to be effective on the magnetic properties and the surface morphology of LSMO films on both substrates. The results indicate that STO substrate may be the promising candidate for room-temperature applications of LSMO film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coal ash fusion temperature is important to boiler designers and operators of power plants. Fusion temperature is determined by the chemical composition of coal ash, however, their relationships are not precisely known. A novel neural network, ACO-BP neural network, is used to model coal ash fusion temperature based on its chemical composition. Ant colony optimization (ACO) is an ecological system algorithm, which draws its inspiration from the foraging behavior of real ants. A three-layer network is designed with 10 hidden nodes. The oxide contents consist of the inputs of the network and the fusion temperature is the output. Data on 80 typical Chinese coal ash samples were used for training and testing. Results show that ACO-BP neural network can obtain better performance compared with empirical formulas and BP neural network. The well-trained neural network can be used as a useful tool to predict coal ash fusion temperature according to the oxide contents of the coal ash. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanical behavior of erythrocytes is studied experimentally and numerically. In the experiment, prepared silica microbeads are attached to the surface of spherically swollen erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBCs) at room temperature (25°C). The cells are then stretched by single laser beam via the microbeads. The relation of deformation and stretching force is quantitatively assessed by the image processing of digital pictures. Meanwhile, a physical model for an axisymmetric cell is introduced to study its deformation by different level of stretching force. By comparing the experimental and numerical data, stiffness of the cell membrane can be determined and the optimal values are found to agree with other studies by different techniques such as micropipette aspiration or high frequency electric field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simulation of a deformable vesicle by laser trapping in a Newtonian fluid is performed by the finite element analysis (FEA). The vesicle is modeled as a sphere with two incompressible, Mooney–Rivilin materials to represent the lipid bi-layer membrane and cytoskeleton of a cell. Several parameters such as the Reynolds number, the ratios of Young''s modulus and Mooney–Rivilin coefficients are used for a systematic numerical study on the interaction between the fluid and vesicle. Results show that the vesicle deformation is highly localized near the laser-trapping region and it results in a local negative pressure gradient if the membrane''s stiffness is low. Corresponding stress analysis also reveals that the deformation mechanism in membrane changes from bending to stretching along the circumferential direction. Finally, it is found that Mooney–Rivilin coefficients of cytoskeleton have a dominated influence on the part of non-linear deformation of vesicle if the stiffness of membrane is low. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The kinetics of desorption of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn from riverine and estuarine sediments have been determined in deionised water and seawater (salinity=30). The time-dependent release of Cd, Cu and Ni from riverine sediments in both media showed an increase in dissolved metal concentrations within a few minutes, followed by a plateau after several hours of incubation. Desorption of Zn from riverine sediments in seawater was characterised by a maximum dissolved concentration after several minutes, followed by readsorption onto the suspended sediment. The extent of metal desorption from estuarine sediment (relative to a chemical digest of available particulate metal), in both deionised water and seawater, was less than that from the fluvial sediments, even though the available particulate metal concentrations were higher. The desorption kinetics of the metals were modelled using a mechanism consisting of reversible, first-order consecutive reactions. The dissolved metals were assumed to desorb into the bulk solution from exchangeable surface sites and from binding sites located within the particle matrix. A reasonable fit to the observed time-dependent desorption behaviour was simulated by integrating the differential equations resulting from the mechanism, assuming that the exchangeable particulate metal was defined by the chemical digest. The results are discussed within the context of improved understanding of the non-conservative behaviour of dissolved metals in estuaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The distribution of trace metals Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr between suspended particulate matter (SPM) and water in the Conwy estuary, North Wales, has been studied in three surveys in 1998. Dissolved Cu and Mn showed some monthly variations. Most of the dissolved trace metals displayed a negative association with salinity, indicating rivers as a major source of inputs for them. Particulate Zn, Mn and Fe showed a decreasing concentration seaward, whilst the levels of Ni, Cu, Cr and Pb increased with salinity. SPM concentration was the most important variable significantly related to trace metal concentrations in SPM, with an inverse relationship between the two parameters. This was explained by the relative enrichment of trace metals in fine particles at low SPM concentrations and relative depletion of trace metals in coarse particles at high SPM concentrations. Particulate Zn, Mn and Pb were dominated by the fraction available to acetic acid (non-detrital), whilst particulate Ni, Fe and Cr were dominated by the fraction available to nitric acid (detrital). The partition coefficient of trace metals between SPM and water declined with increasing SPM concentration, consistent with the so-called “particle concentration effect”. Such a phenomenon may be explained by the presence of fine particles (including colloids) enriched with trace metals at low SPM concentrations, and the salinity-induced desorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• High-solid system by inoculating multifunctional activated sludge was established. • High methane yield of 380.8 mL⋅gVS−1 was achieved at OLR of 3.5 g VS·L−1d−1. • The acclimation mechanism of the novel activated sludge was explored. High solid anaerobic digestion (HSAD) was an emerging bioconversion technology which had the advantages of small digester, less digestate and low heating energy. A one-stage anaerobic system in CSTR by inoculating activated sludge of simultaneous propionate degradation and methanogenesis was proposed to improve the high-solid digestion performance and to stabilize the reaction process. Semi-continuous mode was successfully used to perform HSAD from cellulosic ethanol whole stillage at an initial substrate loading of 15.4% (w/w) dry matter content with different OLRs from 1.5 to 5.0 gVS·L−1 d−1 at an HRT of 30 days. The average methane yield during whole digestion reached 349.9 mL⋅gVS−1 with a total VS removal rate of 61.3%. The acclimation mechanism of multifunctional activated sludge was also explored by analyzing the functional property, physiological activity and microbial community structure. The results indicated the feasibility and efficiency of multifunctional activated sludge in a semi-continuous high-solid stirred tank reactor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) half-bridge circuit for piezoelectric transformers is introduced. The proposed circuit topology is the extension of the inductor-less half-bridge driver for the piezoelectric transformers. Two auxiliary shunt circuits are connected to the input terminal PT to ensure the ZVS condition in a wide bandwidth. Each auxiliary shunt circuit includes a diode, a switch and an inductor. The auxiliary inductor exhibits a small inductance and is not in the path of the major power flow, thus it can be implemented by the parasitic inductance of the connection wires or by PCB tracks. A 80kHz piezoelectric transformer was tested by the proposed circuit from 20 to 160 kHz to verify the ZVS condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors are standard treatments for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This phase III RENOTORCH study compared the efficacy and safety of toripalimab plus axitinib versus sunitinib for the first-line treatment of patients with intermediate-/poor-risk advanced RCC. Patients with intermediate-/poor-risk unresectable or metastatic RCC were randomized in a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive toripalimab (240 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks) plus axitinib (5 mg orally twice daily) or sunitinib [50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks (6-week cycle) or 2 weeks (3-week cycle)]. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by an independent review committee (IRC). The secondary endpoints were investigator-assessed PFS, overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety. A total of 421 patients were randomized to receive toripalimab plus axitinib (n = 210) or sunitinib (n = 211). With a median follow-up of 14.6 months, toripalimab plus axitinib significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 35% compared with sunitinib as assessed by an IRC [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.86; P = 0.0028]. The median PFS was 18.0 months in the toripalimab–axitinib group, whereas it was 9.8 months in the sunitinib group. The IRC-assessed ORR was significantly higher in the toripalimab–axitinib group compared with the sunitinib group (56.7% versus 30.8%; P < 0.0001). An OS trend favoring toripalimab plus axitinib was also observed (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.92). Treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 61.5% of patients in the toripalimab–axitinib group and 58.6% of patients in the sunitinib group. In patients with previously untreated intermediate-/poor-risk advanced RCC, toripalimab plus axitinib provided significantly longer PFS and higher ORR than sunitinib and had a manageable safety profile ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04394975 • Toripalimab plus axitinib provided significantly better PFS than sunitinib as a first-line treatment for advanced RCC. • A significantly higher ORR was found in patients who received toripalimab plus axitinib than those who received sunitinib. • The combination of toripalimab plus axitinib was generally well tolerated. • No new safety signals were identified in the combination outside the known safety profile of toripalimab or axitinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the low temperature formation of YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7-x] superconducting thin films. Precursors of the developed films; Use of standard spin-coating techniques in the deposition process; Determination of the electrical properties and surface morphology of the films.

Background and aims Diabetes contributes to atherosclerosis partially through induction of oxidative stress. Both vitamin D receptor (VDR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists exhibit anti-atherogenic effects. Methods We explored the effects of combination treatment with VDR and RXR agonists (represented by calcitriol and bexarotene, respectively) on atherosclerosis progression and the mechanisms involved, using a diabetes model of mice. The animals were intragastrically fed calcitriol (200 ng/kg, twice-a-week), bexarotene (10 mg/kg, once-daily) either alone or in combination for 12 weeks. Results VDR and RXR agonists delayed atherosclerosis progression independent of serum lipid and glucose levels, and significantly reduced the protein expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit gp91phox and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) subunit p65, as well as plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Combination therapy alleviated atherosclerosis and inhibited indexes of oxidative stress and inflammation to a greater extent than either monotherapy. In the in vitro study, naturally occurring VDR ligand 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25[OH] 2 D 3 ) and RXR ligand 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis-RA), both significantly inhibited high-glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Co-administration of VDR and RXR ligands produced synergistic protection against endothelial apoptosis by antagonizing the protein kinase C /NADPH oxidase/reactive oxygen species pathway. The inhibitory effects of 9-cis-RA on oxidative stress was attenuated when VDR was downregulated by VDR siRNA; however, downregulation of RXR by RXR siRNA imposed no influence on the effects of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Conclusions Combination treatment with VDR and RXR agonists synergistically alleviated diabetic atherosclerosis through inhibition of oxidative stress, and the preventive effects of RXR agonist may partially depend on VDR activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A multiple component correlation model is first proposed to give an accurate prediction for the elastic modulus of single layer graphene sheets (SLGS). This model reflects the correlation of geometric size, chirality and aspect ratio by introducing two parameters, the graphene size and a coupling factor. The coupling factor may be used to reflect the chirality and aspect ratio simultaneously. Determination of the model coefficients is by using MD atomistic simulation. Precision of the prediction model is evaluated by relative error and confidence. The reliability of this model is verified by comparing with published data. It provides a convenient and effective prediction for elastic modulus of SLGS. It is beneficial to evaluate the complex macroscopic mechanical behavior of SLGS accurately. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We present a conceptual design of defect-guided wrinkling controller in graphene. [•] The line defect may be regarded as a controller embedded in pristine graphene. [•] The graphene wrinkling may be controlled by tuning the defect angle. [•] The tuning is realized by the buckling and energy release of the defected structure. [•] The wrinkling controller is benefit to the nano-mechanical systems and graphene composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A pseudo beam model with 3-node beam element is proposed to simulate the modal behavior of the wrinkled single-layered graphene sheets (SLGS) based on molecular structural mechanics (MSM) method. The wrinkling characteristics are simulated using a direct perturbed-force technique originated from the continuum theory. The primary bifurcation and the secondary wrinkling behaviors are investigated so as to obtain the characteristics of the formation and the evolution of the wrinkles. The wrinkled shape, stress and effective mass are introduced into the modal model using the updated geometry technique. The effects of the wrinkles on the vibration characteristics of the SLGS are then interpreted by comparing with the unwrinkled case. The effects of the aspect ratio on the modal behavior of wrinkled SLGS are further studied. Based on the MSM simulation results and the continuum thin plate model, a prediction model is proposed to obtain the natural frequency of wrinkled SLGS. The predictions agree well with the MSM simulations. The results and observations are good references to design a wrinkled highly frequency nano-devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: While it was recently found that La2VTcO6 and La2VCuO6 are promising candidates for half-metallic antiferromagnets (HM-AFM), the search continues for other potential candidates of HM-AFM in the double perovskites structure (B, metal). La2VReO6 is found to be a nearly HM-AFM. Furthermore, considering correlation and spin–orbital coupling (SOC) effects in transition metals, it is still nearly a HM-AFM after generalized gradient approximation with correction of on-site Coulomb interaction and SOC calculations, as reported herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a new technique has been firstly introduced that TiN permeation layer composed of diffusion and deposition layer was synthesized on the surface of carbon steel, mainly according to plasma point discharge, hollow cathode effect and reactive vapor deposition technique, and then TiN film was deposited (PVD) on this surface to form TiN multi-permeation layer. The thickness was above 10 μm, and all the composition and structure were graded distribution. And it also was metallurgical bonding with substrate and cohesion force was better without any spallation phenomenon. Subsequently comparative research between TiN permeation layer and TiN multi-permeation layer on surface appearance, phase structure, microhardness and wear resistance were investigated. The results show that both surface appearances consist of compact and fine cellular structure and color are golden. From X-ray diffraction results the surface of multi-permeation layer is pure TiN layer and the diffraction peak of (200) crystal face is the strongest having obvious preferred orientation. Surface microhardness of TiN multi-permeation layer is higher, reaching about 2500 HV. But also the abrasion curve is more stable, mean friction coefficient is lower, and abrasion crack is also narrower, compared to TiN permeation layer. So the wear resistance is better than that. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To assess the influence of age as a continuous variable on prognosis in patients with pT1-2N1 breast cancer after mastectomy and determine its value in decision-making on postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). We retrospectively evaluated 5438 patients with pT1-T2N1 breast cancer who were treated with mastectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 11 Chinese hospitals. PMRT was delivered to 1779 (32.7%) patients. The endpoints included locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastasis (DM), disease-free survival (DFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS). The associations between age and outcomes were evaluated on a continuous scale with restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves based on Cox proportional hazards models. Non-linearity was tested by using a likelihood ratio test. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox logistic regression. The effect of PMRT versus no PMRT in patients with different age groups was demonstrated using hazard ratio curves. A two-sided test of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Median follow-up was 67.0 months. After adjustment for clinicopathologic and treatment characteristics, there was a significant nonlinear association between age and DM, DFS and OS (P-overall association < 0.05; P-non-linear association < 0.05). There was a nonsignificant trend toward decreased LRR risk with the increasing age (P-overall association = 0.344). The association between age and BCSS did not reach significance (P-overall association= 0.075). DM rates exhibited a L-shaped relationship, indicating that the hazard decreased rapidly up until approximately age of 50 but then increased gradually thereafter. DFS, BSCC and OS exhibited a U-shaped relationship, indicating that the hazard ratio (HR) reached a nadir at approximately 50 years with negative associations below and positive associations above. In patients who received PMRT, age as a continuous variable was not a prognostic factor for all endpoints (P-overall association > 0.05). A decreased risk of LRR with PMRT versus no PMRT (HR=0.304, P<0.001) was maintained in patients of all ages. The hazard ratio of PMRT versus no PMRT on DM (HR: 0.736, P= 0.014) and DFS (HR: 0.684, P<0.001) gradually increased as the age increased, indicating that the older the age, the smaller benefit of PMRT on DM and DFS. In 3047 patients with ≤ 50 years, PMRT was independently associated with favorable LRR (HR=0.500, p=0.002), DM (HR=0.641, p=0.006), DFS (HR=0.592, p<0.001), BCSS (HR=0.507, p=0.004) and OS (HR=0.500, p=0.002) after adjustments for confounders. In 2391 patients with > 50 years, PMRT was independently associated with reduced LRR after adjustments for confounders (p = 0.004), but had no impact on DM, DFS, BCSS and OS (p>0.05). Age was an independent prognostic and predictive factor in patients with pT1-2N1 breast cancer. PMRT provided a survival benefit for patients with ≤ 50 years old but not for patients with > 50 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ceiling jet fire may popularly occur due to gas fuel leakage caused by corrosion of the pipeline in underground galleries or other accidental factors, and usually inflict major heat hazards and related risks. So the characteristics of a ceiling impinging flow induced by a jet fire in an inclined tunnel are valuable to be investigated. Therefore, the temperature profile and flame extension length along an inclined tunnel ceiling in upward and downward directions under different initial fuel momentums and tunnel inclination angles are obtained and analysed. The results show that the flame extension length in both directions along the ceiling can be correlated with flame free height, inclination angles and height between the fire source and ceiling accounting for the non-symmetrical distribution of un-burnt fuel after impingement. Furthermore, the temperature profile of the ceiling jet is obviously affected by the source initial momentum comparing to the flames with negligible initial momentum. New correlations for predicting the temperature decay profiles are proposed considering the source Froude number and inclination angles. The results of this paper would be valuable for modelling of a ceiling jet fire in inclined tunnel or providing significant guidance/raw data for protection and risk assessment of such fire scenarios. Highlights • Ceiling jet flow induced by a jet fire in inclined tunnel was characterized. • Flame extension length in both directions can be expressed by a united equation. • Source initial momentum influences the behaviour of the temperature profile. • Two dimensionless groups for predicting temperature profile are discussed. • New correlations were proposed to predict flame extension length and temperature rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water mist spray is considered a potential and effective method for controlling or mitigating the risk of natural gas (NG) leakage. In order to address the lack of understanding of the dynamical behaviours and interacting mechanisms between water mist spray and high-velocity leakage gas jets, a series of small-scale experiments were conducted by means of a 2D particle image velocimetry technique. For safety reasons, nitrogen was tested instead of NG. The results demonstrate that the two-phase flow field could be divided into gas- or spray-dominant flow for different gas-spray momentum ratios. The exponential correlation model based on the effective gas-spray momentum ratio Φ Eff could predict the vertical gas-spray interaction interface position more effectively. The gas-spray momentum ratio and relative gas-spray opening angle values are important factors affecting the gas-spray interaction. An effective gas-spray momentum ratio of Φ Eff < 1 is necessary for practical applications. A counter-rotating vortex pair is formed due to the entrainment effect of the high-velocity gas flow, which may enhance the mitigation efficiency by means of effective gas-droplet mixing. The comparison of Nozzle A with Nozzle B indicates that the water mist spray with larger coverage relative to the gas plume should exhibit superior performance in terms of controlling or mitigation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is noxious due to the high prevalence of sleep-related injuries to patients and their bed-partners. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of patients' RBD symptoms on their spouses, in terms of the quality of sleep, and physical, mental and marital aspects.Method: A cross-sectional study comparing spouses of iRBD patients to the spouses of the age-and-sex-matched OSAS patients.Results: 40 iRBD patients and their spouses (patients' age 66.6 ± 9.1, male 90%; spouses' age 62.9 ± 7.5), and 35 OSAS patients and their spouses (patients' age 67.8 ± 8.7 years old, male 80%; spouses' age 64.1 ± 9.1) were recruited. Almost all iRBD spouses (90%) reported disturbances by the nocturnal RBD behavioral symptoms of their bedpartners. About two-thirds (62.5%, N = 25) of the iRBD spouses reported a history of being injured during sleep. Spouses of both iRBD and OSAS patients reported a comparably high prevalence of insomnia, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Spouses of iRBD patients, however, reported more impaired quality of life and marital relationship. Nearly two-thirds of RBD couples continued co-sleeping, despite the risk of sleep-related injuries and nocturnal disturbances.Conclusions: Both iRBD and OSAS spouses exhibited a high prevalence of insomnia and mood problems. In particular, iRBD significantly and negatively affect the spouses' quality of life and the marital relationship. Optimization of iRBD treatment, proper diagnosis, and management of sleep and mental health aspects of spouses may help to lessen the caring burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

POTENTIAL is an ongoing prospective, multicenter, phase III, randomized trial investigating whether internal mammary nodal irradiation (IMNI) improves prognosis in high-risk breast cancer with positive axillary nodes after mastectomy. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) in patients from the POTENTIAL trial, and the trends of lymphocyte recovery from RIL were also evaluated. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive IMNI (IMNI group) or not (no IMNI group). The prescribed dose is either 50 Gy in 25 fractions (conventional fractionated radiation therapy, CFRT) or 43.5 Gy in 15 fractions (hypofractionated radiation therapy, HFRT). Peripheral lymphocyte count (PLC) tests were performed before radiation therapy (RT), weekly during RT, at 1, 2 weeks, 3, 6 months and 1 year after RT. The lowest PLC (nadir-PLC) during RT or within two weeks after RT was graded according to CTCAE version 5.0. PLCs were summarized as means ± standard deviation and compared by the t test. A total of 431 patients treated in 15 Chinese institutions were prospectively evaluated, including 214 (49.7%) patients in IMNI group and 217 (50.3%) in no IMNI group. 291 (67.5%) patients received HFRT and 140 (32.5%) received CFRT. Chest wall ± IMN was irradiated with intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) in 397 (92.1%) patients and electrons in 34 (7.9%) patients. Supra/infraclavicular axillary nodal region was irradiated with IMRT technique in 431 (100%) patients. All patients received a median of 8 cycles of chemotherapy, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 153 (35.5%) patients. 52 (12.1%) patients had ≥ Grade 1 lymphopenia before RT. A total of 417 (96.8%) patients developed RIL during RT or within two weeks after RT, grade 1 in 37 (8.6%) patients, grade 2 in 190 (44.1%) patients, grade 3 in 187 (43.4%) patients, and grade 4 in 3 (0.7%) patients. Mean PLC at 1 year after RT was still significantly lower than mean baseline PLC (1.35±0.32 vs. 1.58±0.46, P=0.001). Among 187 patients who had grade ≥ 3 RIL, most (118/122, 96.7%) of them recovered with grade ≤ 2 lymphopenia at 3 months after RT. The mean nadir-PLC was significantly higher in the no IMNI group than in the IMNI group (0.58±0.23 vs. 0.52±0.19, p =0.005). The incidence of grade ≥ 3 RIL was similar in the IMNI and no IMNI group (48.6% vs. 45.3%, p=0.061). In both HFRT and CFRT groups, the PLC declined steadily during RT but started to recover at 1 week after RT. The mean nadir-PLC was significantly higher in the HFRT group than in the CFRT group (0.57±0.22 vs. 0.51±0.18, p =0.011), and the incidence of grade ≥ 3 RIL was significantly higher in the CFRT than in the HFRT group (53.6% vs. 39.50%, p =0.006). Left-sided tumors, low baseline PLC, CFRT and IMRT techniques were risk factors for developing grade ≥ 3 RIL. The incidence of RIL was high in breast cancer patients receiving IMRT after mastectomy. The risk of grade ≥ 3 RIL is lower with HFRT than with CFRT. IMNI may not increase the risk of grade ≥ 3 RIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the incidence and risk factors of radiation-induced hypothyroidism (RHT) after adjuvant hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in patients with breast cancer, and identify the dose constraint for the thyroid gland. The trends of RHT over time were also evaluated to determine the optimal timing of screening for RHT in breast cancer patients treated with hypofractionated RT. Consecutive eligible breast cancer patients who were treated with hypofractionated RT were prospectively evaluated. Thyroid function tests were performed before and at regular times following RT (every 3-4 months during the first two years, then every six months until five years). RHT was defined as twice elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with decreased or normal free thyroxin after RT. The patient, tumor, and treatment factors were evaluated for possible associations with the risk of RHT. The incidence of RHT was calculated from the end of RT using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the differences between groups were compared with the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox logistic regression analysis. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model with penalized spline (P-spline) was used to examine the relationship between thyroid mean dose (Dmean) and RHT. A two-sided test of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 500 patients treated between 2017 and 2020 were analyzed. All patients underwent chest wall/breast ± regional nodal irradiation with a prescription dose of 43.5Gy in 15 fractions. Among them, 369 (73.8%) patients received supraclavicular nodal radiation (SCRT). Eighty-two (16.4%) patients had elevated TSH before RT. At a median follow-up of 21.9 months, 131 (26.2%) patients developed RHT, and 59 (11.8%) patients received thyroid hormone-replacement therapy. The 2-year cumulative incidence of RHT was 26.0%. Patients with SCRT had a significantly increased 2-year cumulative incidence of RHT compared with patients without SCRT (31.5% and 11.4%, p<0.001). The median time to the onset of RHT was 9.3 months (range, 1.0-42.4) after RT. The peak incidence of RHT occurred around 6-12 months after RT. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated baseline TSH and increased thyroid Dmean as a continuous variable were independent risk factors for developing RHT. After adjusted for baseline TSH, there was a nonlinear relationship between Dmean and the risk of RHT. Dmean > 21 Gy was identified as the threshold value for predicting RHT (HR=2.2, p<0.001). Dmean > 21 Gy compared with Dmean ≤ 21 Gy was associated with a significantly higher incidence of RHT at two years after RT (17.0% vs. 32.2%, P<0.001). The incidence of RHT was high in breast cancer patients. Thyroid function test should be started no later than six months following RT. We recommend that the Dmean of the thyroid should be kept lower than 21Gy for hypofractionated RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study to investigate changes in electrical resistance of germanium during melting and cooling under high pressure. Information on germanium; Methodology used to conduct study; Indication of findings; Discussion on results.

Purpose/objective(s): In an era of increasingly use of axilla irradiation in high-risk breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node (LN) biopsy, the optimal clinical target volume (CTV) for level I axilla (Ax-L1) LN is uncertain. We mapped the location of pretreatment LN metastases in the Ax-L1 of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and propose modification of the CTV borders as defined by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) breast cancer atlas. Further, we assessed the differences in dosimetric parameters of modified Ax-L1 planning target volume (PTV) and surrounding organs at risk (OAR) between whole breast irradiation with standard "high tangential" simplified IMRT (HT-sIMRT WBI) and whole breast plus Ax-L1 irradiation with VMAT (VMAT WBI+ Ax-L1).Materials/methods: We identified 76 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with 1-4 positive LNs after curative-intent surgery and axillary lymph node dissection treated between 2016 and 2018. All patients had a pretreatment diagnostic computed tomography (CT) chest scan demonstrating involved Ax-L1 LNs. The locations of 116 involved Ax-L1 LNs were mapped onto simulation CT images of a standard patient and the appropriateness of RTOG atlas was assessed. A modified Ax-L1 CTV with better coverage for involved Ax-L1 LNs was proposed, and PTV was generated for plans. Standard "high tangential" sIMRT plans for WBI and VMAT plans for WBI+ Ax-L1 on each side (left side and right side) were designed with a prescription dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions, and dosimetric parameters were compared.Results: For the RTOG atlas, the mapped LNs were 70.7% (82/116) inside, 13.8% (16/116) marginal and 15.5% (18/116) outside the CTV borders. The RTOG atlas missed 29.3% of LNs: 50.0% (17/34) in the anterior, 23.5% (8/34) in the caudal, 14.7% (5/34) in the cranial, 11.8% (4/34) in the medial direction. Modification by extending 1 cm caudal and 0.5 cm anterior to the CTV borders of the RTOG atlas allowed the modified Ax-L1 CTV to encompass 90.5% (105/116) of LNs. For HT-sIMRT WBI and VMAT WBI+ Ax-L1 plans, the mean V50 of modified Ax-L1 PTV was 69.5% and 97.8%; the mean dose, V20 and V5 of ipsilateral lung were 8.9 Gy, 16.4%, 32.5% and 10.5 Gy, 20.8%, 33.8%; the mean heart dose in left-sided plans was 4.1 Gy and 3.0 Gy; the mean dose and V5 of liver in the right-sided plans were 1.5 Gy, 3.6% and 2.8 Gy, 10.3%, respectively.Conclusion: According to the distribution of Ax-L1 LNs, the RTOG atlas might be insufficient for their coverage. We propose a modified Ax-L1 CTV with expansion of RTOG Ax-L1 CTV borders, most notably in the caudal and anterior directions. Standard "high tangential" sIMRT WBI plans failed to deliver a therapeutic dose adequately to the modified Ax-L1 PTV. VMAT plans intended for whole breast plus Ax-L1 irradiation provided adequate dose to Ax-L1 PTV without increasing the doses to OARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, buckling and post-buckling analysis and small amplitude vibrations in the pre/post-buckling regimes of functionally graded beams resting on a nonlinear elastic foundation and subjected to in-plane thermal loads are investigated. The Timoshenko beam theory with the von Kármán nonlinearity and the microstructural length scale based on the modified couple stress theory are used to derive the governing nonlinear equilibrium equations. Various types of boundary conditions are considered. Thermo-mechanical properties of the FGM beams are assumed to be functions of both temperature and thickness. The solution is determined in two different regimes. A static phase with large amplitude response and a dynamic regime near the static one with small amplitudes are considered. In order to discretize the motion equations in geometrical domain of both regimes, generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is used. The resulting system of nonlinear algebraic equations are solved iteratively using Newton’s method. Numerical results indicate that, depending on the boundary conditions and the type of thermal load, the response of the structure may be of unique stable path or the bifurcation-type in static regime. Also, free vibration of a beam subjected to in-plane thermal load may show zero frequency magnitude at a certain temperature, which specifies the existence of bifurcation-type of instability. Influences of nonlinear elastic foundation parameters, thermal load type, different types of boundary conditions, and microstructural length scale on equilibrium paths, critical buckling load, and fundamental frequencies are studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present the results of an international comparison regarding the magnetic properties of hard magnets, measured using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. The comparison involved eight different international laboratories, plus two laboratories using the SQUID magnetometer. It was directed, in particular, at the determination of the hysteresis loop parameters of hard ferrite and magnetic tape samples. It was carried out in the framework of the activity of the IEC TC68 Working Group 2. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed according to standard rules (e.g. ISO and EURAMET guidelines). The standard deviation around the mean of the laboratories best estimates is found to be s &nvsim; 1% in anisotropic ferrites for all the measured quantities: coercive fields H_{cJ} and H_{cB}, high-field polarization J_{800 k}, polarization at remanence J_r, maximum energy product (BH)_{max}. Isotropic ferrites show larger dispersion of the best estimates of J_r and H_{cB} (&nvsim; 3%) and (BH)_{max} (&nvsim;6%). For the quantities measured in the magnetic tapes (magnetic moment under applied field H=400 kA/m m_{400 k} and at remanence m_r, squareness S = m_{400 k}/m_r, H_{cJ}) s is found to fluctuate around 2%. In all cases, the relative expanded uncertainty of the reference value (weighted mean), associated with a 95% confidence level, is at most ± 1.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A single-phase wurtzite MgZnO film with an optical band gap of 294.5nm was synthesized on ZnO substrate by molecular beam epitaxy, and a photodetector was fabricated working in the ultraviolet-B spectrum region. Wurtzite BeO was adopted to restrain the substrate response as an insulating layer and provide an excellent epitaxial template for high-Mg-content MgZnO growth. In situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction observations, ex situ X-ray diffraction and reflectance spectrum indicate the achievement of high-quality single-phase wurtzite MgZnO with smooth surface and deep ultraviolet band gap. The BeO layer efficiently suppresses the photoresponse from the substrate, as the photodetector demonstrates a sharp cutoff at 290nm, consistent with the optical band gap. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose/objective(s): Portal vein or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis is a leading predictor of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conduct this phase II clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of concurrent sorafenib and radiotherapy for advanced HCC with portal vein and/or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis.Materials/methods: We designed a single-arm, prospective phase II trial to evaluate median survival time (MST), overall response rate (ORR), time to progression (TTP) and toxicities in patients of HCC with portal vein and/or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis receiving concurrent sorafenib and radiotherapy. Eligibility criteria included the following: clinical or histologic diagnosis of HCC with portal vein or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis; liver-GTV > 700ml; and ECOG performance status score of 0 or 1 etc. Eligibility patients would receive radiotherapy to hepatic primary tumor and vein tumor thrombosis with concurrently sorafenib with a dose of 400mg twice daily. Prescription of radiotherapy would be a conventional fraction dose of 2-2.6Gy to a total dose of 40 to 65Gy to tumor. Sorafenib will be maintained with a dose of 400mg twice daily after radiotherapy until disease progression, or unacceptable adverse events.Results: Between April 2018 and January 2020, a total of 86 eligible patients were enrolled. Seventy patients were with portal vein thrombosis, 5 patients were with hepatic vein tumor thrombosis, and 11 patients were with portal vein and hepatic vein tumor thrombosis. For portal vein thrombosis, 87.5% patients involved main trunk or first branches of portal vein. For hepatic vein tumor thrombosis, 43.8% patients involved inferior vena cava, and 2 patients involved right atrium. The median dose of radiotherapy was 54Gy (40-65Gy). ORR was 53.4% and disease control rate (DCR) was 76.6%. With a median follow-up of 24 months for living patients, MST and TTP was 16.8 months and 7.1 months, respectively. The 2-year local control rate for hepatic primary tumor and tumor thrombosis were 83.0% and 90.7%, respectively. Out-field recurrence in liver and distance metastasis were the main failure pattern. The 2-year out-field recurrence rate in liver and distance metastasis rate were 43.6% and 45.7%. Concurrent sorafenib and radiotherapy was well tolerated by patients. All patients were able to complete radiotherapy as planned. And 87.2% patients could complete concurrent sorafenib as a dose of 400mg twice daily. The most common grade 3 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (23.3%), leukopenia (14.0%), dermatitis (4.7%), anemia (3.5%), hand-foot syndrome (2.3%) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (2.3%). Classical or non-classical radiation-induced liver disease was not noted.Conclusion: Concurrent sorafenib and radiotherapy is an effective, well tolerated and promising treatment in HCC patients with portal vein and/or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT03535259). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]