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The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is an endangered species endemic to China. Relatively little is known about the taxonomic status of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in these monkeys. Trichuris spp. (syn. Trichocephalus) are among the most important STHs, causing significant socio-economic losses and public health concerns. To date, five Trichuris species have been reported in golden monkeys, including a novel species, T. rhinopiptheroxella, based on morphology. In the present study, molecular and morphological analysis was conducted on adult Trichuris worms obtained from a dead golden snub-nosed monkey, to better understand their taxonomic status. Morphology indicated that the adult Trichuris worms were similar to T. rhinopiptheroxella. To further ascertain their phylogenetic position, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of these worms was sequenced and characterized. The mt genome of T. rhinopiptheroxella is 14,186 bp, encoding 37 genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated amino acids of 12 protein-coding genes (with the exception of atp 8) indicated that T. rhinopiptheroxella was genetically distinct and exhibited 27.5–27.8% genetic distance between T. rhinopiptheroxella and other Trichuris spp. Our results support T. rhinopiptheroxella as a valid Trichuris species and suggest that mt DNA could serve as a marker for future studies on the classification, evolution and molecular epidemiology of Trichuris spp. from golden snub-nosed monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadband unity absorption in graphene-insulator-metal (GIM) structures is demonstrated in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectra. The spectral characteristics possess broadband absorption peaks, by simply choosing a stack of GIM, while no nanofabrication steps and patterning are required, and thus can be easily fabricated to cover a large area. The electromagnetic (EM) waves can be entirely trapped and the absorption can be greatly enhanced are verified with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) methods. The position and the number of the absorption peak can be totally controlled by adjusting the thickness of the insulator layer. The proposed absorber maintains high absorption (above 90%) for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations, and for angles of incidence up to 80°. This work opens up a promising approach to realize perfect absorption (PA) with ultra-thin film, which could implicate many potential applications in optical detection and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary shotcrete lining plays an important role in stabilizing tunnel structures. However, demolition of the temporary lining has negative impacts on the preliminary lining. Based on a case study of using pre-tensioned anchor cables to minimize the risk caused by removing temporary linings, a comprehensive study has been carried out on the displacement caused by removing temporary linings as well as countermeasures. A calculation model was established based on a bedded-beam model recommended by the International Tunneling Association (ITA). Using this model, the influences of three factors, the axial force in the temporary lining, the thickness of the preliminary lining and the deformation modulus of the ground, were studied in detail. Countermeasures were proposed corresponding to each of the influence factors and a countermeasure grading system was constructed. The research results presented in this paper can be valuable references for design and construction of tunnels involving use of temporary linings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features a study which observed infrared photoluminescence and electroluminescence emission from the erbium organic compound called tris(acetylacetonato) (1,10-phenanthroline) erbium. Methods to form erbium-ion-containing polymer films; Experimental procedure; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Precision ball-end milling is widely used in the manufacture of complex microstructures. The purpose of this paper is to explore the origin of the lateral return error in an ultraprecision five-axis machine tool and its influence on a precision ball-end milling surface. First, the origin of the lateral return error of the linear axis is analyzed. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the root of the lateral return error is the gap variation between the slider and the guide, which is decided by the eccentric force moment acting on the hydrostatic guideway. The eccentric force moment relies on the external force and motor eccentricity. In general, the larger the eccentric force moment, the more the gap variation, and resultantly the greater the lateral return error. In addition, the lateral return error is inversely proportional to the oil supply pressure. Because the cutting forces are small enough, the cutting parameters, such as feed speed, cutting depth and cutting stepover, have little effect on the error. Secondly, the lateral return error has an important impact on the yield surface roughness, which will significantly increase the surface roughness and reduce the surface quality. Finally, the lateral return error of the hydrostatic guideway can be suppressed by compensating the machining program. The experimental results show that the surface quality of the compensated surface is significantly improved. [Display omitted] • Lateral return error originates from the gap variation of hydrostatic guideways. • Eccentric force moment and guideway stiffness influence the lateral return error. • Lateral return errors are identified by precision ball-end milling surface topographies. • Surface roughness Rq of ball-end milling is modeled with consideration of lateral return error. • A compensation method is proposed to suppress the lateral return error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preconditioned density-based algorithm and two-domain approach were used to investigate the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in a channel with staggered porous/solid ribs. In the porous zone, the momentum equations were formulated by the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model; and the local thermal equilibrium (LTE) model was adopted for energy equation. At the porous/fluid interface, the stress–continuity interfacial condition was utilized. The governing equations are solved by the preconditioned density-based control-volume method, with preconditioning matrix for equations of porous domain adopted, aiming to eliminate the equation stiffness of the porous seepage flow. The effects of Reynolds number, geometry parameters of ribs (rib length and thickness), and physical property of porous media (permeability and porosity) on the flow pattern and heat transfer performance were analyzed. Results indicate that, compared with that of solid ribs, the recirculating bubble behind the porous ribs is completely detached from it because of the permeability of porous media, and the size of the recirculating bubble is suppressed. The parameters that would affect the mass flow of fluid penetrating the porous ribs, including permeability, Reynolds number, baffle length and thickness, have remarkable influence on the flow pattern. All the aforementioned parameters would affect the local heat transfer performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructure and mechanical properties of an extruded Mg 96 Zn 1 Y 3 alloy have been investigated in the current study. Microstructure of as extruded alloy consists of α-Mg, long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase and parallelepiped Y-riched phases, which exhibits a bimodal distribution of fine recrystallized and coarse elongated grains. Fine recrystallized grains with an average grain size of 1.5 μm are mainly pinned by bulk LPSO-14H phase, inside which both LPSO-18R phase and LPSO-14H phase coexist. The extruded Mg 96 Zn 1 Y 3 alloy exhibits a good combination of yield strength and elongation below 200 °C, which is mainly attributed to LPSO phases, stronger texture and finer DRX grains. The main deformation is controlled by load transfer mechanism below 250 °C, and deformation is controlled by non-basal dislocation movement between 300 °C and 325 °C. A good plasticity is attained at 350 °C with an elongation of 140%. The flow stress behavior at 350 °C is mainly controlled by non-basal slip accompanying with dynamic recrystallization and growth of grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Dispersion state of CoO on Al2O3 was studied using positronium as a new probe. [•] CoO causes spin conversion of positronium when its content is below 3wt%. [•] Inhibition of positronium formation occurs when the CoO content is above 3wt%. [•] The monolayer dispersion capacity of CoO on Al2O3 is about 3wt% detected by Ps. [•] Positronium is a sensitive probe for the dispersion state of active components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A fully coupled model was proposed for the migration of VOCs in unsaturated landfill liners. [•] Finite deformation of soil was considered in the new model. [•] The transport of gas phase VOCs was found to dominate the migration progress. [•] The temperature gradient can accelerate the breakthrough of VOCs in an unsaturated liner. [•] The mechanical consolidation slowed down the motion of the VOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For solute transport in a deformable clay liner, the importance of consolidation in the presence of sorption and consolidation-induced advection are well known. Here a one-dimensional coupled consolidation and solute transport model for a partially saturated porous medium, including the new features of finite strain and geometric and material nonlinearity, is proposed. A new boundary condition at the compacted clay liner (CCL) base is also introduced. A comprehensive comparison demonstrates the significance of finite strain, compressibility of pore water (CPW), longitudinal dispersion (LD) and the degree of saturation on the solute transport in an unsaturated porous medium. Consolidation in the presence of sorption and consolidation-induced advection both affect solute transport in a deformable clay liner. Here, a one-dimensional coupled consolidation and solute transport model for a nearly saturated porous medium, including finite strain and geometric and material nonlinearity, was proposed. A new boundary condition at the compacted clay liner base was also introduced. The model demonstrates the significance of finite strain, pore water compressibility, dispersion and the degree of saturation on solute transport in an unsaturated, consolidating porous medium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current work presents the room-temperature mechanical properties and the corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution of conventional casting and rapidly solidified Mg6ZnMn (ZM61) magnesium alloys. It is found that the mechanical properties of rapidly solidified ZM61 alloy are dramatically enhanced, with the ultimate strength increased from 335MPa to 460MPa (37% increment), which can be attributed to the formation of the refined dendrite microstructure and the strengthening MgZn2 phase distributed within the matrix. Furthermore, the rapidly solidified ZM61 alloy performs better in corrosion resistance than the extruded ZK60 and pure Mg alloys, suggesting that the rapid-solidification technique is a promising way to improve the strength and corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy for the structural and corrosive media utilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: NiO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with NiO content of 9wt% and 24wt% were prepared by solid state reaction method. They are annealed in air at temperatures from 100°C to 1000°C. Positron lifetime spectra were measured to study the microstructure variation during annealing process. Four positron lifetime components were resolved with two long lifetime τ 3 and τ 4, which can be attributed to the ortho-positronium lifetime in microvoids and large pores, respectively. It was found that the longest lifetime τ 4 is rather sensitive to the chemical environment of the large pores. The NiO active centers in the catalysts cause decrease of both τ 4 and its intensity I 4, which is due to the spin-conversion of positronium induced by NiO. However, after heating the catalysts above 600°C, abnormal increase of the lifetime τ 4 is observed. This is due to the formation of NiAl2O4 spinel from the reaction of NiO and γ-Al2O3. The generated NiAl2O4 weakens the spin-conversion effect of positronium, thus leads to the increase of o-Ps lifetime τ 4. Formation of NiAl2O4 is further confirmed by both X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The preconditioned density-based algorithm and two-domain approach were used to investigate the laminar-plate transpiration cooling process. In the porous zone, the momentum equations were formulated by the Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model; and the local thermal equilibrium model (LTE) was adopted for the energy equation. At the porous/fluid interface, the stress-continuity interfacial condition was utilized. The effects of coolant injection rate, Reynolds number, pressure gradient of mainstream, and thermal conductivity ratio on the transpiration cooling performance were studied. Results indicate that the thickness of the coolant boundary layer on the protected surface has a significant effect on the transpiration cooling effect. Under the current conditions, the transpiration cooling performance would be enhanced with increasing coolant injection rate, but would be weakened with increasing Re. The adverse pressure gradient of mainstream would improve the transpiration cooling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is well recognized that amorphous alloys usually offer much higher resistance to corrosion over their conventional counterparts in most aqueous solutions. Whereas, in this work, we reported an anomalous corrosion resistance of an arc melting Zr62.3Cu22.5Fe4.9Al6.8Ag3.5 crystalline alloy, which was superior to that of the same composition in glassy state in simulated seawater. It was revealed that the easy formation of a highly protective Zr- and Al-enriched oxide layer at the surface of the crystalline alloy is responsible for the extremely high corrosion resistance. The current finding not only presents an excellent alloy candidate for potential application in seawater but provides a new insight into the understanding of corrosion behavior of amorphous/crystalline alloys in demanding corrosive media. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the one-dimensional Biot consolidation equations, this paper developed an advection–diffusion equation that incorporates saturation, compressibility of the pore fluid and longitudinal dispersivity of the solute transport in an unsaturated, deforming porous medium. A simplified model was proposed for the case of a landfill liner. Numerical results demonstrated that the longitudinal dispersivity and compressibility of the pore fluid can be significant. Furthermore, the degree of soil saturation and loading rate of the waste surcharge affect significantly the contamination advective emission, namely the cumulative contaminant mass outflow per unit area from compacted clay liner (CCL) due to advective flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic spectroscopic study on the interfaces between the organic molecular semiconductor and the (110) phase of the doped polysilicon has been carried out using valence and core-level photoemission spectroscopy. All photoemission spectra (UPS/XPS) exhibited shifts in the positions of the peaks following the deposition of the organic films. A set of clearly resolved valence band features is found associated to the dispersion of the molecular orbitals. The nonexistence of Fermi edge in the FePc films is thought to account for its semiconducting nature. The thickness dependent change in the work function of the substrate is noticed and a minute amount of charge transfer is found. The asymmetric C1s peak is resolved into three components, reflecting photoemission from multiple sites within the organic molecule. A larger shift in the benzene carbon (Cb) as compared to the pyrrole carbon (Cp) peak suggests that more charge transfers from the former carbon to the substrate. The observed negative sign of the sizable interface dipole potential indicates that the guest molecule and the hosting substrate have donor and acceptor character, respectively. Furthermore, the dipole width, i.e. d=1.35Å, is determined on the basis of the measured quantities and basic physics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An Al2O3-modified aluminide coating was produced by aluminizing an as-electrodeposited Ni–Al2O3 nanocomposite film using pack cementation method at 1100  C for 4 h. For comparison, aluminizing was also performed in the same condition on an as-deposited Ni film without Al2O3 nanoparticles. SEM/EDAX and TEM results indicated that the co-deposited Al2O3 nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the finer-grain nanocrystalline Ni grains. The isothermal and cyclic oxidation in air at 900 °C indicated that the Al2O3-modified aluminide coatings were profoundly oxidation resistant as compared to the Al2O3-free aluminide coatings due to the faster formation of a continuous adherent α-Al2O3 scale. The effect of Al2O3 on the microstructure and the oxidation of the aluminide coating are discussed in the detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 2219-T6 aluminum alloy was underwater friction stir welded at a fixed welding speed and various rotation speeds in order to illuminate the influence of rotation speed on the performance of underwater joints. With increasing rotation speed, the hardness of the stir zone (SZ) gradually increases due to the increase in dislocation density. The tensile strength first increases from 600 to 800rpm and then reaches a plateau in a wide rotation speed range. After that a remarkable decrease in tensile strength occurs owing to the formation of void defect. The joint welded at lower rotation speed tends to be fractured in the SZ. At higher rotation speeds, the hardness increase in the SZ makes the fracture locations of defect-free joints move to the thermal-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) or heat affected zone (HAZ). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A preconditioned density-based finite-volume method is proposed to simulate the coupled fluid flow and heat transfer problems in hybrid porous/fluid/solid domains. In the porous zone, the momentum equation is formulated by the Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model; and the thermal nonequilibrium model is adopted for the energy equation. At the porous/fluid interface, both the stress-jump and stress-continuity models are applied for interfacial hydrodynamic conditions. The preconditioning method for solving the flow equation of porous domain is developed, aiming to eliminate the stiffness of the equation for porous seepage flows. Three test cases in hybrid porous/fluid and porous/solid domains are presented to demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the numerical algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Underwater friction stir welding (underwater FSW) has been demonstrated to be available for the strength improvement of normal FSW joints. In the present study, a 2219 aluminum alloy was underwater friction stir welded at a fixed rotation speed of 800rpm and various welding speeds ranging from 50 to 200mm/min in order to clarify the effect of welding speed on the performance of underwater friction stir welded joint. The results revealed that the precipitate deterioration in the thermal mechanically affected zone and the heat affected zone is weakened with the increase of welding speed, leading to a narrowing of softening region and an increase in lowest hardness value. Tensile strength firstly increases with the welding speed but dramatically decreases at the welding speed of 200mm/min owing to the occurrence of groove defect. During tensile test, the joint welded at a lower welding speed is fractured in the heat affected zone on the retreating side. While at higher welding speed, the defect-free joint is fractured in the thermal mechanically affected zone on the advancing side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The oxidation of graphene layer on Ru(0001) has been investigated by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. Graphene overlayer can be formed by decomposing ethyne on Ru(0001) at a temperature of about 1000K. The lattice mismatch between the graphene overlayer and the substrate causes a moiré pattern with a superstructure in a periodicity of about 30Å. The oxidation of graphene/Ru(0001) was performed by exposure the sample to O2 gas at 823K. The results showed that, at the initial stage, the oxygen intercalation between the graphene and the Ru(0001) substrate takes place at step edges, and extends on the lower steps. The oxygen intercalation decouples the graphene layer from the Ru(0001) substrate. More oxygen intercalation yields wrinkled bumps on the graphene surface. The oxidation of graphene, or the removal of carbon atoms can be attributed to a process of the combination of the carbon atoms with atomic oxygen to form volatile reaction products. Finally, the Ru(0001)–(2×1)O phase was observed after the graphene layer is fully removed by oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The crystal structure of Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 (CBN-28) crystal with Nd-doping has been determined from X-ray single crystal diffraction data, in the tetragonal system with space group P4bm and the following parameters: a = b =12.458Å, c =3.954Å, V =613.688Å3, and Z =5. X-ray diffraction results on a Nd-doped CBN-28 single crystal also have demonstrated that Nd3+ and Ca2+ occupy the same site in the crystal structure. Dielectric and ferroelectric measurements have been performed. Transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric at around 223°C has been observed. The Nd-doped crystal has a lower Curie temperature (T m) than that of undoped CBN-28 crystal. The spontaneous polarization (P s) and coercive electric field (E c) also decrease compared with their values in the undoped CBN-28 crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fe2O3/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by solid state reaction method using -Fe2O3 and -Al2O3 nano powders. The microstructure and surface properties of the catalyst were studied using positron lifetime and coincidence Doppler broadening annihilation radiation measurements. The positron lifetime spectrum shows four components. The two long lifetimes and are attributed to positronium annihilation in two types of pores distributed inside Al2O3 grain and between the grains, respectively. With increasing Fe2O3 content from 3wt% to 40wt%, the lifetime keeps nearly unchanged, while the longest lifetime shows decrease from 96ns to 64ns. Its intensity decreases drastically from 24% to less than 8%. The Doppler broadening S parameter shows also a continuous decrease. Further analysis of the Doppler broadening spectra reveals a decrease in the p-Ps intensity with increasing Fe2O3 content, which rules out the possibility of spin-conversion of positronium. Therefore the decrease of is most probably due to the chemical quenching reaction of positronium with Fe ions on the surface of the large pores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Calcium barium niobate (Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6, CBN-28) crystallizes with an unfilled tungsten bronze (TB) type structure in the tetragonal system. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been performed to explore the effect of Nd-doping on the local electronic environment in the CBN-28 crystal. The content of oxygen vacancies is increased after Nd-doping. The Raman scattering spectrum has been investigated using the back scattering configuration on a CBN-28 crystal and on a crystal with Nd-doping. Comparison of the Raman data obtained for the undoped and Nd-doped CBN-28 crystals reveals slight differences in the shape and position of the Raman peaks. The difference is not readily apparent due to the low Nd3+ content and the intrinsic disorder of the tetragonal tungsten bronze structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mn overlayers growth on PbTe(111) have been investigated by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The strong chemical interactions were found during the formation of Mn/PbTe(111) interface. At the initial deposition of Mn, one part of Mn adatoms substitute Pb atoms on the PbTe(111) surface, forming a (√3×√3)R30° MnTe phase, and the other part of Mn adatoms, together with the kicked-out Pb atoms, nucleate at the boundaries of the MnTe islands, forming loop islands around the MnTe islands as an intermediate state. Finally, they develop into regular 3D Pb capped Mn islands upon further Mn deposition. For Mn growth on the PbTe surface where Pb atoms are almost completely substituted by Mn, the deposited Mn atoms either cooperate into the 3D Pb capped Mn islands promoting the upright growth of the 3D Pb capped Mn islands, or nucleate and grow on the MnTe superstructure areas. Free Pb layer always floats on the top of surface, indicating that Pb layer has smaller surface energy, and Mn adatoms always exchange the positions with the underneath Pb atoms during the growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of humidity and hydrogen on the growth of an unloaded indentation crack in lead-free potassium sodium niobate (KNN) ferroelectric ceramics has been investigated. The results indicate that crack growth of an unloaded indentation occurs in humid air of 70 and 90% RH without the presence of an electric field or mechanical stresses but not in air with RH≤30%. Growth of an indentation crack also occurs in dry air when the field is larger than the threshold field E th(y)=0.01E c (normal to the poling direction) or E th(z)=0.05E c (parallel to the poling direction), and the incubation time decreases for larger fields. The change in crack growth length in humid air under a sustained field, Δc, is composed of three parts; i.e., Δc =Δc 1 +Δc 2 +Δc 12, where Δc 1 is the incremental growth in humid air without a field, Δc 2 is that in dry air under a sustained field and Δc 12 is that induced by the coupling effect of the electric field and humidity since humidity promotes domain switching. Crack growth of an unloaded indentation can occur during hydrogen charging, and the threshold stress intensity factor of hydrogen-induced delayed cracking, K IH, as well as the fracture toughness of hydrogenated ceramics, K IC(H), decreases with increasing hydrogen concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microstructural defects of nanocrystalline SnO2 thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Defects inside nanocrystalline SnO2 thin films could be significantly reduced by in situ annealing SnO2 thin films at 300°C for 2h. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that the stacking faults and twins were annihilated upon in situ annealing. In particular, the inside of the SnO2 nanoparticles demonstrated perfect lattices free of defects after in situ annealing. Raman spectra also confirmed that the in situ annealed specimen was almost defect-free. By using in situ annealing, defect-free nanocrystalline SnO2 thin films can be prepared in a simple and practical way, which holds the promise for applications as transparent electrodes and solid-state gas sensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The disordered laser crystal neodymium-doped calcium lithium niobium gallium garnet (Nd:CLNGG) was successfully grown by the Czochralski method. Its thermal properties, including the average linear thermal expansion coefficient, thermal diffusion coefficient, specific heat, and thermal conductivity were measured, and continuous-wave (CW) laser performance at 1.06μm was demonstrated. The maximum power of 1.48W was achieved with corresponding optical conversion efficiency of 12.4% and slope efficiency of 16.2%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new high-efficiency method for welding thick plates of low-alloy high-tensile steel which does not require back chipping – double-sided arc welding (DSAW) – is provided in this paper. Backing run adopts double-sided pulse gas tungsten arc welding, and other passes adopt double-sided gas metal arc welding. Three-dimensional numerical models of DSAW with 50mm plates are developed to predict the stress distribution by using finite-element analysis, computer parallel processing technology and multiple jobs design, and are compared with single arc welding (SAW). The analysis of the interpass stresses indicates that the stresses of the back and cover pass are to be regarded as the key point in multipass welding. To verify the calculated results, the residual stresses and transient temperature of back run weld measured individually agree approximately with the calculated results, which illustrates that the backing run and residual stresses of DSAW are lower than those of SAW. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. The influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the antioxidant status in the absence or presence of endotoxin exposure was studied with male broiler chicks. 2. In experiment 1, a total of 240 1-d-old broilers were allotted into 4 dietary groups (0, 2·5, 5·0 or 10·0 g pure CLA/kg) to study the influence of CLA on growth performance and antioxidant defence systems. The results showed that growth performance was not altered by 42 d of CLA consumption. Increased total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) activities in liver, serum and muscle were observed in chicks given 10·0 g CLA/kg diet. Dietary CLA at 10·0 g/kg also markedly elevated liver catalase (CAT) activity. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, decreased in liver, serum and muscle in chicks given 5·0 and 10·0 g CLA/kg diet. 3. In experiment 2, a total of 120 1-d-old broilers were fed on a control diet (without CLA) or 10·0 g CLA/kg diet. Half of the birds fed on each diet were injected intraperitoneally with 0·25 mg/kg body weight of Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 16, 18 and 20 d of age. Decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), TSOD activity and increased ceruloplasmin and MDA concentrations were seen in the challenged chicks. Dietary CLA prevented the loss of body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of chicks followed repeated endotoxin exposure. CLA partially inhibited the increase of serum ceruloplasmin and MDA at 17 and 21 d of age and notably suppressed the decrease of serum TSOD activity at 21 d of age. 4. These results suggested that dietary CLA enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes including TSOD and CAT. Supplementation of CLA has been shown to ameliorate the antioxidant balance and performance of chicks during oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The results of first-principles calculations about the two possible terminations of (001) surface of SrTiO3 perovskite and adsorption of NO on SrTiO3 (001) surface were presented. Both surface parameters (atomic structures and electronic configurations) and adsorption parameters (bond, energy and charge) of NO on SrTiO3 (001) surface, which have never been investigated before as far as we know were investigated using density functional theory calculations with the local-density approximation (DFT-LDA). It was found that the two possible terminations of SrTiO3 (001) surface have large surface relaxation, which leads to surface polarization and exhibits different reactivity toward the dissociative adsorption of NO. The electronic states of TiO2-terminated surface have larger difference than that of bulk, so it is more favorable for adsorption of NO than SrO-terminated surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Investigations of growth of RuO2 thin layer on Ru by oxidation were performed by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The results showed that the morphologies and the structures of RuO2 thin film grown on Ru depend crucially on the O2 pressure and reaction temperature. At a sample temperature of about 600K and an O2 pressure of 5×10−6 mbar, the oxidation of Ru leads to formation of Ru–O chain structures, which can be attributed to the dynamical hindrance arisen from the repulsive dipolar interaction. This dynamical hindrance can be overcome, and the RuO2(100)-(1×1) phase, together with the RuO2(100)-c(2×2) patch, can be formed by increasing O2 pressure. Further increasing the sample temperature up to 760K at the same O2 pressure, the oxidation results in formation of a RuO2(111) film over the RuO2(100) thin layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A laser crystal of Yb:LuVO4 with high optical quality was grown by the Czochralski technique. Its thermal properties including specific heat, thermal expansion coefficients, and thermal conductivities along the a- and c-axis have been measured for the first time. Continuous-wave laser output up to 3.5 W at 1031 nm was obtained at room temperature through end-pumping by a high-power diode laser. The corresponding optical conversion efficiency was 43% and the slope efficiency was 72%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Sb-doped TiO2 thin films were prepared on glass by RF magnetron co-sputtering method. The influence of Sb element and calcination temperature on the films structure was investigated by XRD, XPS, and AFM. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria was studied applying the antibacterial drop-test. The bactericidal activity for the bacteria cells was estimated by relative number of bacteria survived calculated from the number of viable cells which from colonies on the nutrient agar plates. The Sb-doped TiO2 thin films exhibited a high antibacterial activity, which was enhanced with the increase of the temperature of thermal treatment and formation of anatase crystalline structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adsorption structures of tetracene on the Ru surface has been investigated by means of ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Several adsorption geometries of tetracene on Ru were examined in details. The optimized structures have an adsorption energy of 4.23eV for tetracene adsorbed between the top and the second Ru atoms rows with its long molecular axis along the direction, and a slightly smaller adsorption energy of 4.19eV for tetracene adsorbed with its long axis perpendicular to , consisting well with the adsorption structures observed in the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements for tetracene overlayer on Ru. By Comparing DOS before and after tetracene adsorption, we suggest that the coupling of the substrate d-band and the filled p-orbitals of tetracene determines tetracene adsorption on the Ru surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Shape memory thin films offer a unique combination of novel properties, which promise some exciting application potentials in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). In this study, Ti48.9Ni46.3Cu4.8 (at.%) driving thin films were successfully prepared by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Crystallographic structure, surface morphology and phase transformation temperatures were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope and differential scanning calorimeter, respectively. Applying a MEMS process, a valve-less micropump of Ti48.9Ni46.3Cu4.8 shape memory thin film for low temperature application is fabricated. The results show that the phase transformation between martensite and austenite is rather low, below 290K, and the surface of the thin films is smooth. The displacement measurement clearly revealed the TiNi(Cu) diaphragm valve-less pump has superior performance such as high diaphragm displacement (up to 6μm) and high working frequency (up to 85Hz). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epitaxial growth of PbSe thin film on is studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The results showed that the structures and morphologies of PbSe thin films depend crucially on Pb-to-Se atomic ratio in the growth of PbSe film. For the PbSe film grown with an atomic ratio of at a substrate temperature of , the morphologies are dominated by two interlocked spirals around threading dislocation. Meanwhile, for the PbSe film grown with a higher Pb-to-Se atomic ratio, besides some spirals structures, the V-defects appear in the film. PbSe growth on is in the step-flow mode, and the formation of the V-defects in the case of the PbSe film growth with a higher Pb-to-Se atomic ratio can be attributed to excessive Pb atoms congregating in the dislocation core area and relatively slow growth rate of facets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using hydrazine hydrate as reductant, metallic Ni ultrafine powders were prepared from NiSO4 aqueous solution by electroless plating method. The factors including concentration of NiSO4, bathing temperature, ratio of hydrazine hydrate to NiSO4, the pH of the solution, etc., on influence of the yield and average particle size of metallic Ni ultrafine powders were studied in detail. X-ray powders diffraction patterns show that the nickel powders are cubic crystallite. The average crystalline size of the ultrafine nickel powders is about 30nm. The dielectric and magnetic loss of ultrafine Ni powders–paraffin wax composites were measured by the rectangle waveguide method in the range 8.2–12.4GHz. The factors for Ni ultrafine powders preparation are optimized by computer pattern recognition program based on principal component analysis, the optimum factors regions with higher yield of metallic Ni ultrafine powders are indicated by this way. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The growth behavior and the adsorption geometries of tetracene on the surface in the submonolayer regime were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Tetracene molecules are in the flat-lying geometry on , and orientated with their long axes mainly along the and [0001] directions. Tetracene form neither islands, nor ordered structure at submonolayer coverages, and for the tetracene overlayer near to a monolayer, a parquet-like pattern evolves. The DFT calculations showed an adsorption energy of 4.23eV for tetracene adsorbed between the top and the second Ru atoms rows with its long molecular axis along the direction, and a slightly smaller adsorption energy of 4.19eV for tetracene adsorbed with its long axis perpendicular to , consisting qualitatively with the orientational distributions observed by STM. The results indicate that growth of tetracene on is mainly controlled by the adsorbate-substrate interactions, and the laterally intermolecular interaction has little influence on the growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In situ photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) measurements of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) film were carried out. Upon deposition of Alq3 on the glass substrate, the PL intensity changes dramatically, while the peak position of Alq3 emission shows a sharp red-shift from 524nm at the initial deposition of Alq3, and tends to a saturation value of 536nm for the film thickness range from 2 to 500nm. This red-shift is associated with the change from the 2D to 3D exciton state with increasing Alq3 film thickness. Temperature dependent PL spectra of Alq3 films showed, besides the changes in the PL intensity, clearly a blue-shift of Alq3 emission about 9nm for the film annealing up to 150°C, while no any shift of Alq3 emission was observed for the film annealing below 130°C. Both changes in PL intensity, and especially in the peak position of Alq3 emission were attributed to crystallization (thermal) effect of Alq3 film upon annealing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thin film growth of tetracene on Ag(110) has been investigated by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In the monolayer regime, the tetracene molecules formed islands of ordered structure, which is commensurate (4-fold periodicity) in the direction, but incommensurate in the [001] azimuth, with the substrate. All the tetracene molecules align regularly with their longer axes parallel to the [001] direction, and with their molecular planes parallel to the surface. At multilayer coverages, the tetracene molecules form a crystalline film in a novel 3D orthorhombic structure, with their orientations remained unchanged. Growth of tetracene on Ag(110) is in the layer-by-layer growth mode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to examine the chemical nature of titanium nitride (TiN) films deposited by reactive unbalanced magnetron sputtering under different substrate biases (ranging from 0 to -500V). Before Ar+ sputtering, three groups of Ti 2p doublet, related to TiN, TiON and TiO2, were observed in the core level spectra of the deposited TiN films. The intensity of peak from TiO2 decreases drastically with the increasing substrate bias, reaching a minimum at a bias voltage of –100V, and then increases greatly. However, the intensity of peak from TiN shows an opposite behavior with its maximum value at –100V. Furthermore, the nonlinear intensity variation of these peaks was accompanied with obvious nonlinear trend of peak shift. Similar tendency was found for the N 1s spectra of these films. After Ar+ sputtering, the Ti 2p and N 1s region of bulk TiN both displayed a nonlinear peak shifting with their highest binding energy at a bias voltage of –50V. The reason for the different optimum bias between the surface and the bulk were considered to be the incorporation and diffusion of oxygen near surface. The appropriate substrate bias was believed to be helpful for the bonding and formation of stoichiometric TiN, hinder the generation of surface oxide and restrict the initiation of impurities and defects in both surface and bulk materials. Our atomic force microscopy study also revealed a nonlinear trend of surface morphology and root-mean-square roughness. As a combined effect from improved surface morphology, significantly restricted surface oxidation and well-bonded stoichiometric TiNx in both native surface and bulk material, the best hardness was measured to be about 32GPa at optimum bias of –100V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) measurements for oxygen adsorption on Ru(1 0 1¯ 0) were performed. The STM images taken on the c(2 × 4)-2O phase showed a c(2 × 4) symmetry, in which four Ru atoms without any oxygen atoms in between were supposed to be imaged as a bright spot. In the c(2 × 4)-2O phase, a domain boundary was identified. In the (2 × 1)p2mg-2O phase, the STM images arrays showed zigzag structures in the [1 2¯ 1 0] direction which is in accordance with the oxygen zigzag chains derived in earlier work for this phase. The UPS spectra showed that the O 2p state is located at 5.9 eV in binding energy. Upon oxygen adsorption, ΔΦ, the change in work function, increases from 0.5 eV in the c(2 × 4)-2O phase to 0.7 eV in the (2 × 1)p2mg-2O phase with respect to the clean Ru(1 0 1¯ 0) surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ca2Al2SiO7:Eu3+ was prepared by the sol–gel method. Through the emission spectrum of Eu3+ ion, the fluorescence parameters such as Ωi (i=2,4) and radiative transition probabilities of 5D0–7Fj were calculated. The Pb2+ ion with bigger radius has an effect on the fluorescence spectra of Eu3+ which can be explained by the structure of the matrix. Simultaneously, the energy transfers between mercury-like ions (Pb2+ and Bi3+) and Eu3+ ion were observed. The 5D4 and 5D2 energy levels of Eu3+ are the resonance ones for Pb2+ ion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interaction between MgF2 and tris(8-hydroxy-quinoline) aluminum (Alq3) has been studied using high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The reaction between MgF2 and Alq3 occurred in the cases of both MgF2 deposited on Alq3 and Alq3 deposited on MgF2. The shift of the loss peak corresponding to the out-of-plane ring bend was observed similar to that for Mg deposited on Alq3. The HREELS spectra indicated that Mg was produced from MgF2 deposited on Alq3, and interacted with Al, O, and N in Alq3. Analysis of the HREELS results suggested that Mg was not in the Alq3 molecule plane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This note reports an experimental study of the fluid damping of a long slender cylinder, fixed at both ends (no rotation and displacement), in a cross air-flow. The structural dynamic strain was measured in the lift direction over a range of reduced velocity Ur using a fibre-optic Bragg grating sensor. An auto-regressive moving average technique was used to deduce the effective damping ratios (including structural and fluid damping) from the strain data. The modal damping ratios corresponding to the first-, second- and third-mode vibrations over a range of Ur from 3 to 45 have been characterized and discussed. The results show that the value of fluid damping varied significantly at resonance when the vortex-shedding frequency coincides with one of the natural frequencies of the combined fluid–structure system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxyapatite NaY9Si6O26 was prepared by sol–gel method. By choosing the precursors, a single phase compound was obtained. This soft chemical method lowered the reaction temperature by 100°C compared with the solid state method. Its morphology was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Several rare earth ions (Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+) and Pb2+ ion were doped in this compound. The high resolution emission spectrum of Eu3+ showed that rare earth ions occupied two yttrium sites. In spite of the charge imbalance of Pb2+ with the cations in this compound, it was found that Pb2+ could emit in UV range and transfer its excitation energy to Dy3+ ion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper aims to develop an approximate mechanics model to predict the forces in the orthogonal cutting of unidirectional fibre-reinforced plastics when the fibre-orientation varies from 0° to 90°. Based on the experimental understanding achieved, the model divides the cutting zone into three characteristic regions, i.e., chipping, pressing and bouncing regions. The cutting tool geometry, such as the rake angle and nose radius, is considered. It shows that the model developed has captured the major deformation mechanisms in cutting the composites and can predict the cutting forces with acceptable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-phthalocyanine molecules have wide range of optoelectronics and sensor applications. Motivated by the importance of this material, we studied the adsorption of CoPc thin to thick films on Au(111) surface by using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) coupled with angle resolved UPS (AR-UPS) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Molecular spectral emissions are found to be at 5.13, 7.94, and 10.32 eV below the Fermi level. Observed UPS and AR-UPS measurements show both changes and shifting in valence band features. The work functions of clean Au(111) surface and thick CoPc film are found circa 5.32 eV and 5.25 eV, respectively. Both the work function variation and shifting of molecular features dictate strong adsorbate-substrate interaction. AR-UPS measurements further illustrates that CoPc molecules lie flat on the Au(111) surface. Our STM results disclose that at sub-monolayer (Sub-ML, 0.4–0.8 ML) coverage and room temperature, CoPc molecules tend to adsorb in random fashions; which reveal a strong interaction at the CoPc-Au(111) interface. However, at the ML coverage and elevated temperature (~520K), long range pattern with the oblique structure is observed. Beyond ML coverage, existence of mixed phases consisting of well arranged patterns and molecular clusters have been observed. Overall, our STM results show that depending on the molecular thickness, CoPc molecules form three types of organized oblique, rectangular and square geometries which is consistent with the findings of CuPc and CoPc on Au(111) surface. Our findings may seek potential use in the organic molecular based electronic devices. • Thickness dependent electronic properties at the CoPc and Au(111) interface have been studied by means of UPS, ARUPS, and STM. • Valence level structures of CoPc molecules are found to be at 5.13, 7.94, and 10.32 eV below the Fermi level. • Work functions of the clean Au(111) surface and thick CoPc film are found to be 5.32 eV and 5.25 eV, respectively and IP of CoPc is found to be 5.89eV. • Angle resolved valence band (AR-UPS) measurements demonstrate that CoPc molecules lie flat on the adsorbate surface. • STM images reveal that CoPc molecules possess three packing arrangements, i.e. oblique, rectangular and square. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured multi-main-phase (MMP) Nd-Ce-Fe-B magnet produced by melt-spinning powders has great potential for achieving high performance. However, the inferior intrinsic properties of the Ce 2 Fe 14 B phase lead to the low coercivity and thermal stability of this magnet. In this study, low-melting-point Pr 68 Cu 32 powders were introduced into nanostructured MMP magnet through intergranular addition to further improve its coercivity and thermal stability. When only 2 wt% Pr 68 Cu 32 was added, the intrinsic coercivity H cj and thermal stability were significantly improved with a slight reduction in the remanence B r and the maximum energy product (BH) max. The microstructure evolution of MMP magnet with adding Pr 68 Cu 32 was revealed by microstructural and compositional characterization and thermodynamic calculation, and a schematic model was proposed. Furthermore, mechanisms underlying changes in magnetic properties were systematically analyzed by combining micromagnetic simulation. ● Grain boundary modification is adopted for fabricating high-performance nanostructured MMP Nd-Ce-Fe-B magnet. ● H cj and thermal stability are significantly improved with a slight reduction in B r and (BH) max. ● Microstructure and microchemistry evolution are investigated and a corresponding model is proposed. ● Mechanisms underlying changes in magnetic properties are systematically analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]