bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scuffing propagation of heavily-loaded, lubricated, coated friction joints
Authors: Michalczewski Remigiusz , Piekoszewski Witold , Tuszynski Waldemar , Szczerek Marian
Published: August 2023

There is great interest in improving the wear and friction of a wide variety of machine components, e.g. gear systems, gears. In modern technology, due to the increase of the unit pressure, velocities, and hence temperatures in the tribosystems of machines, a risk of a very dangerous form of wear exists. This form is scuffing.The most effective way of to improve the mechanical properties of various engineering components is the modification of surface properties by the deposition of PVD/CVD coatings.In literature, the problem concerning whether it is the most beneficial to coat only one or both of the contacting surfaces and on when and how the coatings may improve the tribological situation in heavily loaded lubricated friction joints is not solved [2, 3]. The aim of this paper was to explore the mechanisms of scuffing propagation of heavily loaded friction pair elements coated with a low-friction WC/C coating for various material combinations.
Wide-angle broadband AR coating by combining interference layers with a plasma-etched gradient layer
Authors: Schulz Ulrike , Munzert Peter , Präfke Christiane , Rickelt Friedrich , Kaiser Norbert
Published: August 2023

Not available
Silicon carbide surface micromachining using plasma ion etching of sacrificial layer
Authors: Kwietniewski Norbert , Zhang Andy , Lim Jang-Kwon , Bakowski Mietek , Sochacki Mariusz , Szmidt Jan
Published: August 2023

Not available
Features of DC magnetron sputtering of mosaic copper-graphite targets
Authors: Mitin Valery , Mankelevich Yury , Pal Alexander , Rakhimova Tatyana , Ryabinkin Alexey , Serov Alexander , Mitin Alexey , Krasnobaev Nikolay
Published: August 2023

Not available
Poly(acrylic) nanocoatings deposited by AP-PECVD processes on paper substrates for packaging applications
Authors: García José Manuel , Mota Jordi , Crespo Laia , Martínez Meritxell , Aubouy Laurent , Bautista Llorenç
Published: August 2023

Poly(acrylic acid) coatings on paper substrates have been prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (AP-PECVD). The structure/properties relationships of the samples were studied in dependence of the plasma experimental conditions. Acrylic acid monomer/helium ratio and treatment speed clearly influences the wettability properties of the paper substrate: advancing contact angle values were reduced to the half (around 60 º) if compare to non-treated paper (120 º approximately). The surface morphology of the films did not greatly vary with the plasma polymerization treatment.
Multifunctional coatings on fabrics by application of a low-pressure plasma process
Authors: Levalois-Grützmacher Joëlle , Tsafack Marie-Jérôme , Kamlangkla Kanchit , Prinz Katrin
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, there is an increased demand to produce highly-performant fabrics combining multiple properties such as flame retardancy, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, antibacterial, UV resistance, etc. In order to produce a wash-resistant-flame-retardant-water-repellent-dyed multifunctional coating on natural fabrics like cotton and silk, various protocols involving the Ar plasma-induced graft-polymerization (PIGP) process of suitable monomers were investigated. The burning behaviour of treated fabrics is discussed using LOI measurements. The water repellent behaviour is evaluated by means of Schmerber pressures (PSch.) and dyeing properties by spectrophotometric measurements. The wash-resistance of the coatings was tested by using an accelerated laundry method. The obtained results have shown that for each protocol, the flame retardant monomer is compatible with a water repellent or a dyeing treatment.
DC Discharge Plasma Polymerization of 1-Naphthylamine
Authors: Yablokov M. , Gilman A. , Surin N. , Augustyniak-Jablokow M. , Tadyszak K. , Kuznetsov A.
Published: August 2023

Not available
The Improved Friction Properties of Bonded MoS2 Films by MAO Treating of Al Substrates
Authors: Hanjun Hu , Hui Zhou , Yugang Zheng , Ruipeng Sang , Kaifeng Zhang , Zhihua Wan
Published: August 2023

The bonded MoS2 films is widely used as solid lubricants in aerospace mechanisms due to their excellent tribological properties. Traditionally, the MoS2 was directly bonded on the Al substrate that was only treated by the technique named of sandblast. For improving the tribological properties of MoS2 films, micro arc oxidation (MAO) instead of sandblast was introduced as a new technique for treatment of Al substrate. In this article, the tribological properties of MoS2 films bonded on different surface of Al substrate as mentioned above was discussed, respectively. It is concluded from the test results that the MoS2 films bonded on substrate treated by MAO have better tribological properties than the ones treated by sandblast, and the endurance life against abrasion of the former is as high as twenty times than the latter by the stand test method of ball on disk using the UMT Multi-Specimen Test System. This test results can be illustrated by the following reasons. One point is the porous microstructures of MAO ceramic coatings on the Al substrate. The coatings have numerous pits to be good at increasing the binding force with the MoS2 films, and the pits can also provide a MoS2 lubricants reservoir during processes of friction. Both of them improved the MoS2 film’s ability of wear-protective. Otherwise, naturally the MAO coatings’ hardness is higher than the Al, and this ensures well wearing resistance, especially in practical application to big load-supporting moving parts, such as bearing, gear, etc…
Wear behaviour of PN+CrN, PN+CrAlN and PN+TiCrAlN layer composite during ball-on-disk tests in higher temperature
Authors: Kacprzynska Joanna , Smolik Jerzy , Mazurkiewicz Adam
Published: August 2023

Not available
Chromium and Chromium nitride thin films deposited by HiPIMS using short pulses
Authors: Ferrec Axel , Schuster Frédéric , Jouan Pierre-Yves , Djouadi Mohamed Abdou
Published: August 2023

The chromium nitride thin films are studied since several years and are widely use in mechanical applications as corrosion barrier. It has already been established that magnetron sputtering can improve by many ways the chromium nitride properties such as hardness, adhesion, oxidation resistance. A new development of this process, named HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering), allows enhancing coating properties.In the first part, the objective of this study is to check the influence of the nitrogen content in the gas mixture on the CrN thin film (on the structure, the morphology). And next, the annealing treatment was investigated to study their behavior at high temperature.
Biocompatible thin films obtained from Heparim-methane plasma process
Authors: Mota R. P. , Perrenoud I. A. , Honda R. Y. , Algatti M. A. , Kayama M. E. , Kostov K. G. , Sadahito China T. , Cruz N. C.
Published: August 2023

Heparin is an appropriate molecule to suppress the thrombus formation in the initial stages of blood contact with an artificial material. Therefore the covering of a synthetic material with heparin-like molecules is a great importance issue in biomaterial science and engineering. In order to reach this goal this paper deals with the plasma deposition of thin heparin-like films on microscope slides from RF-excited heparin/methane low pressure plasmas. Plasma were excited by a RF-power supply operating on 13.56 MHz at a fixed power of 50 W. Heparin was diluted in ethanol and fed into the plasma chamber in mixtures of 50% of CH4 (in pressure) at 10 Pa. Films molecular structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR here in). Molecular spectra presented absorption bands due C-H, O-H and C-O stretching and bending modes. Films surface wettability was investigated by contact angle measurements. The experimental results show values varying from 650 to 200. Surfaces optical microscopy showed the occurrence of heparin islands distributed almost uniformly over the _lm. The bloods coagulation time placed in contact with glass substrate covered by plasma deposited heparin/methane films was measured by thrombosis time and activated thromboplastin.
Analysis of the aging of cell-adhesive plasma-polymer coatings on titanium surfaces
Authors: Hempel F. , Schäfer J. , Rebl H. , Nebe J.B. , Weltmann K.-D. , Finke B.
Published: August 2023

Plasma polymer deposition is the method of choice for the finishing of metallic implant materials like titanium with nitrogen-containing bioactive coatings. The deposited cell-adhesive plasma polymer films have to possess special properties such as homogeneity, film stability on air as well as in different media, sufficient density of functional groups and the appropriate surface charge. But also the knowledge of long-term stability is essential for the application as implant surface. Therefore, aging studies of plasma polymer coatings on titanium surfaces are important to detect the changes of surface chemistry over a longer time period. For this purpose, results of physicochemical surface diagnostics were combined with adequate tissue culture experiments. The objective of this paper was to measure surface chemical characteristics of thin plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAAm) coatings on polished titanium with the main focus on FT-IR studies over a time period of one year and to correlate these data with the adhesion of human MG-63 osteoblastic cells.
New methods for reprocessing of medical devices based on plasma treatment
Authors: Ehlbeck Jörg , Schnabel Uta , Stieber Manfred , Winter Jörn , Polak Martin , Krohmann Udo , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter
Published: August 2023

The rapid progress in the development of new devices for minimal invasive surgery leads to more complex and fragile instruments including a mixture of different materials most of them thermo labile. In consequence these instruments become more and more expensive which increases the demand for reuse. By now, the manufacturers are obligated to specify the reprocessing procedure which may be a restriction in the development of new products. Therefore, there is a real need for new reprocessing procedures. Especially, plasma processes are commonly discussed as a promising alternative although only few plasma based techniques are currently commercial available. Three examples for plasma based reprocessing are discussed in detail: 1. Classical gas sterilization device: Based on commercial steam sterilizers of low temperature and formaldehyde (LTSF). The formaldehyde unit is replaced by plasma gas generator based on the PLexc® technology developed at INP. This plasma based decontamination technique was tested on long tubes similar to biopsy channels of endoscopes. 2. Atmospheric pressure plasma coating with nanoparticles in order to generate antimicrobial acting surfaces. With a special treatment unit based on the principle of a dielectric barrier discharge the inner surfaces of tubes are coated with nanoparticles. 3. “Plasmoscope”: using special plastic tubes, which include a helical electrode structure it is possible to manufacture endoscopes which allow plasma operation in their biopsy channel. This plasma can either used for decontamination, a reprocessing or under modified operation condition also for therapeutically applications. To simulate the complete reprocessing procedure the “plasmoscope” can be integrated in a reprocessing demonstrator allowing the combination of cleaning and decontamination steps.
Fabrication and plasma modification of polymer scaffolds for regenerative and replacement medicine
Authors: Vasilets Victor N. , Surguchenko Valentina A. , Sevastianov Viktor I.
Published: August 2023

Materials that serve as analogues for the native extra-cellular matrix (ECM) can be used in medicine to aid in either the reconstruction or regeneration of damaged tissue and organs. Polymer matrices have been used for regeneration of bone, liver, pancreas, skin and other tissues. Macroporous. biodegradable polymer scaffolds have been prepared by numerous techniques including solvent casting/salt leaching, phase separation, solvent evaporation, and fiber bonding to form a polymer mesh. The main goal of this research was to apply novel physical processing techniques to fabricate and modify highly porous implantable biodegradable scaffolds. More specifically, this involves fabricating scaffolds using electrospinning, piezoelectric printing, gel sublimation techniques and finally modification of matrixes by plasma treatment in order to control chemical structure and morphology of scaffolds.
Thermal and electrical characterization of thin carbon nanotubes films
Authors: Gaillard Mireille , Amin-Chalhoub Èliane , Semmar Nadjib , Petit Agnés , Thomann Anne-Lise , Boulmer-Leborgne Chantal
Published: August 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are grown with a three steps process combining pulsed laser deposition and radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition techniques. The result is a dense thin film made of vertically aligned and multi-walled CNTs. To characterize the thermal properties of the film by pulsed photothermal method, it is necessary to deposit on the top a metallic thin layer of 600 nm acting as a photothermal transducer. The thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of the CNTs film are identified. They are found to be respectively 180 Wm-1K-1 and 5x104 JK-1m-3. The thermal resistance between the CNTs film and the metallic transducer is identified as well: 1x10-7 Km2W-1.
High rate PECVD of a-C:H coatings in a hollow cathode arc plasma
Authors: Zimmermann Burkhard , Fietzke Fred , Klostermann Heidrun , Munnik Frans , Möller Wolfhard , Lehmann Jan
Published: August 2023

Amorphous carbon films deposited by plasma-based processes are of increasing importance for tribologi-cal applications, e. g. as protective coatings on components or in order to reduce their friction. However, most plasma-activated CVD and PVD techniques suffer from their poor deposition rate and low economic efficiency. At Fraunhofer FEP, a hollow cathode-based plasma source has been established as a versatile, reliable, and highly efficient tool for plasma pretreatment, plasma-enhanced PVD processes, and reactive gas activation in large volumes. As a further application field, this plasma source has been evaluated for PECVD of amorphous hydrogenated carbon films (a-C:H). Acetylene has been introduced into the hollow cathode plasma as a precursor gas. The plasma composi-tion has been characterized by an energy-resolved ion mass spectrometer. Intense ionization, dissociation, and polymerization effects have been observed, which strongly increase when the argon gas flow rate through the hollow cathode tube is reduced. Moreover, the ion energy distributions show high energy tails up to 100 eV in dependence of the spatial distribution of ion generation. a-C:H films have been deposited on stainless steel and silicon substrates with growth rates up to 1000 nm/min. Nanoindentation measurement of the a-C:H coatings reveal hardness up to 18.2 GPa. In this paper, film properties and compositions will be discussed and related to the corresponding plasma condi-tions obtained by energy-resolved ion mass spectrometry.
Cr-DLC films deposited by dual pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Písarík Petr , Jelínek Miroslav , Kocourek Tomáš , Mikšovký Jan , Jurek Karel
Published: August 2023

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) and Cr doped diamond-like carbon (Cr-DLC) layers were studied for potential medical applications. DLC and Cr-DLC were deposited on silicon and titanium substrate by dual pulsed laser ablation using two KrF excimer lasers and two targets (graphite and chromium). The topology of layers was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition was analyzed using wavelength-dependent X-ray spectroscopy (WDS). Ethylene glycol, diodomethane and deionized water were used to measure their contact angles, which were used to evaluate the surface free energy.
Oxidation behaviour of RuAl thin films: influence of diffusion barrier
Authors: Guitar M. A. , Mücklich F.
Published: August 2023

Not available
Oxidation Behavior of Thermal Barrier Coatings With Cold Gas Dynamic Sprayed CoNiCrAlY Bond Coats
Authors: Karaoglanli A. C. , Turk A. , Ozdemir Ð. , Ustel F.
Published: August 2023

The paper presents the results of investigation into the oxidation resistance and thermally grown oxide (TGO) of thermal barrier coatings (TBC). TGO occurred during in service affect the lifetime of the component by introducing several kinds of degradation mechanisms such as decreasing bonding strength, initiation of stress concentration and thermal stresses which lead to crack initiation and propagation associated with delamination or spallation failure. Therefore, TGO plays important role on TBC durability. In this study, TBCs that consist of a typical bond layer / top layer system (CoNiCrAlY bond layers and YSZ top layers) are deposited on Inconel 718 superalloy substrates. The metallic bond coatings are applied via Cold Gas Dynamic Spraying (CGDS); the ceramic top coatings via Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS). Investigations are done concerning the oxidation behavior of this TBC system at 1100 °C in normal atmosphere for 8h, 24h, 50 h and 100 hours. The oxidation behaviour and microstructural properties during the oxidation test were evaluated and compared, and TGO growth behavior was also investigated under high temperature oxidation. The microstructural features and oxidation behaviours were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Phase stability of TBCs were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction method.
Novel Nanometer Thin Films On Magnesium Alloy Prepared By Ultra-Shallow Nitrogen Implantation Using PECVD Method
Authors: Grobelny Marcin , Kalisz Malgorzata , Mroczynski Robert , Szymanska Magdalena
Published: August 2023

The low density of magnesium alloys makes them especially attractive especially for the automotive, electronic and aeronautical industries. Unfortunately, magnesium alloys have a strong susceptibility to atmospheric, galvanic and pitting corrosion and need to be protected with anticorrosive coatings. Traditionally magnesium and magnesium alloys have been protected with chromium-based coatings with the consequent problem of pollution by Cr(IV) ions. The development of new corrosion resistant coatings, by using clean and environmentally friendly processes is very important and strategic for the European industry due to environmental, health and economic considerations.In this context plasma technology, including: Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) are becoming increasingly popular. In this paper, magnesium alloys AZ91 were treated using nitrogen plasma (N2 and NH3) generated in PECVD reactor. Then, some of magnesium alloys samples were oxidized in oxygen plasma, and for some magnesium alloys samples SiO2 layer was deposited (in PECVD reactor). The obtained coatings were investigated using various characterization methods. Electrochemical properties were based on analysis of the voltammetric curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the microscopic examination was performed by using the techniques of SEM / EDS.
Fabrication of heterostructured M@M´Ox Nanorods by low temperature PECVD
Authors: Borras Ana , Macias-Montero Manuel , Barranco Angel , Cotrino Jose , Espinos Juan , González-Elipe Augustin R.
Published: August 2023

In this communication we report on the fabrication of two different heterostructured core@shell 1D materials by low temperature (135 oC) plasma enhanced chemical deposition: Ag@TiO2 and Ag-NPs@ZnO nanorods (NRs). The controlled formation of these heterostructures on processable substrates such as Si wafers, fused silica and ITO is demonstrated. The NRs are studied by SEM, HAADF-STEM, TEM, XRD and in situ XPS in order to fully describe their microstructure and inner structure, eventually proposing a growth mechanism. The first type of nanostructures consists on a silver wire surrounded by a TiO2 shell that grows following the volcano-like mechanism. The Ag-NPs@ZnO nanostructures are formed by supported ZnO nanorods decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The 3D reconstruction by HAADF-STEM electron tomography reveals that the Ag NPs are distributed along the hollow interior of highly porous ZnO NRs. The aligned Ag-NPs@ZnO-NRs grow by a combination of different factors including geometrical distribution of precursor, plasma sheath and differences in the silver/silver oxide densities. Tuning the deposition angle, Ag-NPs@ZnO-NRs depicting different tilting angles can be homogeneously grown allowing the formation of zig-zag nanostructures. The as prepared surfaces are superhydrophobic with water contact angles higher than 150o. These surfaces turn into superhydrophilic with water contact angles lower than 10º after irradiation under UV light. In the case of the AgNPs@ZnO NRs such modification can be also provoked by irradiation with VIS light. The evolution rate of the wetting angle and its dependence on the light characteristics are related with the nanostructure and the presence of silver embedded within the NRs.
Laminated Composite on the Basis of Plasma Modified PTFE Films and Thin Aluminum Layers
Authors: Yablokov M. , Gilman A. , Kechek'yan A. , Kuznetsov A.
Published: August 2023

Not available
Electrochemical and mechanical properties of low friction nc-CrC/a-C:H and nc-WC/a-C:H coatings on construction materials deposited by magnetron sputtering.
Authors: Grobelny Marcin , Rudnik Dariusz , Makowka Marcin , Wlodarczyk-Kowalska Katarzyna , Nolbrzak Piotr , Pawlak Wojciech
Published: August 2023

The increased focus on the natural environment protection, the increasing fuel prices and the will to reduce the costs of machines’ maintenance - all that obliges us to search for innovative engineering solutions that would both limit the use of conventional lubricants and enhance the machines’ efficiency. To fulfil this challenging goal, the parts of machines are coated with special low friction and high wear resistant materials more and more often. The PVD methods play a great role in this field. As the examples of coatings deposited by a PVD method and assuring the above mentioned goals may serve the nc-CrC/a-C:H and nc-WC/a-C:H. This research focuses on the electrochemical and mechanical studies of low friction nc-CrC/a- C:H and nc-WC/a-C:H coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering on two kind of construction materials: Vanadis 23 steel and oxygen hardened Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The obtained coatings were investigated using various electrochemical and mechanical methods. The following parameters of coatings were determines: electrochemical (corrosion resistance), micro-mechanical (nanohardness, Young’s modulus) and tribological (wear resistance, friction coefficient). The results presented in this paper have been obtained within the project “KomCerMet” (contract no. POIG.01.03.01-00-013/08 with the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education) in the framework of the Innovative Economy Operational Programme 2007-2013.
Effect of time in plasma electrolytic oxidation process on titanium substrate with addition nano alpha alumina powder in electrolyte and investigate wear behavior of coating
Authors: Sarbishei S. , Faghihi-Sani M.A. , Mohammadi M. , Einkhah F.
Published: August 2023

Titanium and its alloys have wide applications in industry and recently researches have been expanded in this area. The main reasons are unique features of titanium such as biological behavior, corrosion resistance and high strength to weight ratio. The fundamental problem of titanium is low wear resistance that leads to be worn in industrial applications. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a novel method to create ceramic coatings on metals and improve wear resistance. Base of this method is similar to electrochemical coating methods with difference the high voltage discharge phenomenon. In this research hard nano alpha-alumina particles (hardness of 9 Mohs) were added to the electrolyte for improving wear properties of titanium.
Mechanical properties of plasma polymer films controlled by RF power
Authors: Palesch Erik , Kontarova Sona , Cech Vladimir
Published: August 2023

This study deals with plasma polymer films deposited on silicon substrates using tetravinylsilane monomer. The deposition technique was plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition. Nanoindentation was used as a method to investigate mechanical properties of samples prepared at different RF powers. The Young’s modulus and hardness of thin films were estimated from load-displacement curves. The nanoscratch test was employed to determine the critical normal load needed for film delamination, as a parameter describing adhesion to the substrate. AFM images of scratches were carried out to correlate the data with nature and shape of scratches.
Tribological Characterization and Wear Mechanisms of Novel Oxynitride PVD Coatings Designed for Applications at High Temperatures
Authors: Nohava Jiri , Dessarzin Pascal , Karvankova Pavla , Morstein Marcus
Published: August 2023

In recent years, newly developed protective coatings for cutting tools have become more and more wear and abrasion resistant to the extreme environments associated with modern machining processes. On these new coatings the common pin on disk tribological tests have failed, resulting in practically no wear or strongly heterogeneous wear. For efficient tribological testing and determination of wear resistance of the new hard coatings it is therefore crucial to establish a valid set of room temperature and high-temperature wear test conditions. After a large number of preliminary tests performed on a state-of-the-art high-temperature pin on disc tester we identified optimized conditions for characterization of these new types of hard coatings. The investigated coatings comprised AlTiN-based reference, nanostructured Al-Cr-based nitride, oxynitride and oxide coatings deposited using an industrial rotating cathodes arc PVD process on cemented carbide. The nitrogen in the coating was progressively substituted by oxygen up to 100 at.% to create oxide structure in order to avoid oxidation of the coatings at high temperatures. These new oxide coatings are known to withstand extremely high temperatures in dry milling and turning of high-strength materials while exhibiting high wear resistance. However, characterization of their wear resistance by the common tribological tests had proven to be very difficult and new testing procedures had to be established.
Crystallinity control of sputtered ZnO films by utilizing buffer layers fabricated via nitrogen mediated crystallization: Effects of nitrogen flow rate
Authors: Itagaki Naho , Oshikawa Koichi , Matsushima K. , Suhariadi Iping , Yamashita Daisuke , Seo Hyunwoong , Kamataki Kunihiro , Uchida Giichiro , Kamataki Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: August 2023

High quality ZnO:Al (AZO) films have been obtained by utilizing buffer layers fabricated via nitrogen mediated crystallization (NMC), where sputtering method is employed for preparation of both buffer layers and AZO films. Introduction of small amount of N2 (N2/(Ar+N2) = 16%) to the sputtering atmosphere of NMC-ZnO buffer layers drastically improves the crystallinity of buffer layers and thus AZO films. The most remarkable effect of the buffer layers is a significant reduction in the resistivity at high base pressure of background gases. The resistivity of conventional AZO films increases from 2.0 m O•cm to 70.0 O•cm with increasing the base pressure from 3×10-5 Pa to 1×10-3 Pa, while the resistivity of AZO films with NMC buffer layers increases from 0.5 mO•cm to 2.0 mO•cm, where the thickness of AZO film is 88 nm. Furthermore, AZO films with a sheet resistance of 10O/? and an optical transmittance higher than 80% in a wide wavelength range of 400–1100 nm have been obtained.
Investigations on the active screen plasma nitriding process
Authors: Börner Kristian , Burlacov Igor , Spies Heinz-Joachim , Biermann Horst , Hamann Spetham , Röpcke Jürgen
Published: August 2023

This study presents the mechanism of nitrogen transfer in a large scale active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) unit. The active screen provides a homogeneous temperature distribution within the workload as well as an arcing tendency is reduced, since the plasma is moved from the treated work pieces to the active screen. In order to study the mechanisms in detail, plasma diagnostics is necessary. The applied diagnostic methods for analyses of the excited process gas synthesised by the active screen include mass spectrometry and infrared diode laser spectroscopy (TDLAS). Together with a metallurgical characterisation of nitrided steels a better understanding of the chemical phenomena in the N2-H2 plasmas is achieved. Various N2/H2 gas mixtures and variable bias activation powers at the pressure of 200 Pa were investigated. It was found that even during heating up in nitrogen free process gas exited nitrogen (atomic or molecular) releases from the active screen. Infrared diode laser spectroscopy has been used as a diagnostic methode to measure the concentrations of the stable NH3 molecules downstream the plasma source. The ammonia production turns out to depend on the mixtures of N2-H2 and the current input of the bias activation. The results are discussed with the plasma parameters measured by the electrostatic probe. Thus, a contribution to the interpretation of the mass transfer in ASPN process has been realised.
Técnicas guitarrísticas de mano derecha incorporadas desigualmente en países de habla Hispana e Inglesa
Authors: Barceló Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Reparamos que existen algunos aspectos técnicos de la mano derecha en la guitarra clásica divulgados irregularmente dependiendo de la zona geográfica, especialmente entre guitarristas anglófonos e hispanohablantes. Entre tales aspectos se encuentran la preparación dinámica del ataque los dedos, conocida también como planting y el limado de las uñas de la mano derecha de formas alternativas. En este trabajo investigamos sobre el origen y la evolución de estas cuestiones desde mediados del siglo pasado hasta el presente.
Interrelation between the lipid accumulation product index and diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tang Min , Yao Shuangshuang , Cao Han , Wei Xiaohui , Zhen Qin , Tan Yijiong , Liu Fang , Wang Yufan , Peng Yongde , Fan Nengguang
Published: August 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between the lipid accumulation product index (LAPI) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Herein, 931 patients were enrolled and their data were collected. Then the interrelation between LAPI and DKD was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses (LRAs) and by a restricted cubic spline (RCS).

Results

In total, 931 participants (352 females and 579 males) aged 55 years on average were included in the study. After adjusting for several confounders, the odds ratio for DKD was increased evidently in the third LAPI tertile compared with that in the first LAPI tertile. In addition, the RCS revealed a positive interrelation between LAPI and DKD. In the subgroup analyses, age, sex, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and HbA1c did not significantly interact with LAPI.

Conclusions

LAPI was higher in the DKD group than in the no-DKD group, and LAPI is positively linked with DKD, which may have potential value to diagnose DKD in clinical practice.
CD62L as target receptor for specific gene delivery into less differentiated human T lymphocytes
Authors: Kapitza Laura , Ho Naphang , Kerzel Thomas , Frank Annika M. , Thalheimer Frederic B. , Jamali Arezoo , Schaser Thomas , Buchholz Christian J. , Hartmann Jessica
Published: August 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells are a complex and heterogeneous gene therapy product with variable phenotype compositions. A higher proportion of less differentiated CAR T cells is usually associated with improved antitumoral function and persistence. We describe in this study a novel receptor-targeted lentiviral vector (LV) named 62L-LV that preferentially transduces less differentiated T cells marked by the L-selectin receptor CD62L, with transduction rates of up to 70% of CD4+ and 50% of CD8+ primary T cells. Remarkably, higher amounts of less differentiated T cells are transduced and preserved upon long-term cultivation using 62L-LV compared to VSV-LV. Interestingly, shed CD62L neither altered the binding of 62L-LV particles to T cells nor impacted their transduction. The incubation of 2 days of activated T lymphocytes with 62L-LV or VSV-LV for only 24 hours was sufficient to generate CAR T cells that controlled tumor growth in a leukemia tumor mouse model. The data proved that potent CAR T cells can be generated by short-term ex vivo exposure of primary cells to LVs. As a first vector type that preferentially transduces less differentiated T lymphocytes, 62L-LV has the potential to circumvent cumbersome selections of T cell subtypes and offers substantial shortening of the CAR T cell manufacturing process.
Fusarium spp. an emerging fungal threat to leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs and neonates
Authors: Kuschke Samantha G. , Wyneken Jeanette , Cray Carolyn , Turla Emily , Kinsella Megan , Miller Debra L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Fungal diseases are a rising health problem globally, in humans, nonhuman animals, and plants. Emerging fungal diseases have been associated with mass mortality events. A recent example of fungal disease pathogenicity is sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF). The pathogenicity of STEF has been linked to fungi within the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). This complex is composed of over 45 phylogenetically identifiable species commonly found in the environment. Species within the FSSC lineage have been isolated from the nests of multiple sea turtle species and are linked to decreased hatching success in all 7 of the extant sea turtle species. Fungi within this lineage are also known to cause cutaneous and subcutaneous infections. These fungi are not only a threat to sea turtles but also to other animals, including humans, that use coastal waters and beaches inhabited by Fusarium spp. The presence of Fusarium spp., in the context of sea turtle health, has not been investigated on southeastern Florida beaches which are fundamentally important for at least three sea turtle species that nest there in large numbers.

Methods

We performed a retrospective assessment of necropsy reports from dead captive leatherback neonates from 2010 to 2022 to assess the most common microscopic diagnoses and the presence of skin lesions associated with mycotic dermatitis. Additionally, live captive leatherbacks and dead-in-nest samples from the 2022 hatching season were used to assess the presence and effect of mycotic dermatitis in Juno Beach and Boca Raton, Florida, USA. This was accomplished by observing gross lesions, fungal cultures, and blood values.

Results

The retrospective analysis of dead captive neonates revealed that the diagnosis of mycotic dermatitis on histopathology has significantly increased since 2010. The assessment of gross skin lesions associated with mycotic dermatitis in dead and live captive leatherback neonates also revealed a similar increase. Investigations in live captive leatherbacks revealed fungal cultures positive for Fusarium spp. and significant differences in blood values at emergence between healthy turtles and those that later developed mycotic dermatitis.

Discussion

Positive dead-in-nest culture results suggest that Fusarium spp. are likely present in leatherback sea turtle nests in Boca Raton and Juno Beach, Florida, USA. Additionally, the occurrence of mycotic dermatitis in dead and live captive leatherback neonates suggests that the presence of Fusarium spp. in the nest likely affects leatherback neonates even after emergence.
A novel and high-efficient method for the preparation of heat-stable antifungal factor from Lysobacter enzymogenes by high-speed counter-current chromatography
Authors: Sun Weibo , Tang Bao , Dong Liangliang , Xu Jianhong , Zhao Yancun , Liu Fengquan
Published: August 2023

Heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) produced by the biocontrol bacterium Lysobacter enzymogenes shows considerable antifungal activity and has broad application potential in the agricultural and medical fields. There is a great demand for pure HSAF compounds in academic or industrial studies. However, an efficient preparation method that produces a high yield and high purity of HSAF is lacking, limiting the development of HSAF as a new drug. In the present study, high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) combined with column chromatography was successfully developed for the separation and preparation of HSAF from the crude extract of L. enzymogenes OH11. The crude extract was obtained by macroporous resin adsorption and desorption, and the main impurities were partly removed by ultraviolet light (254 nm) and gel filtration (Sephadex LH-20). In the HSCCC procedure, the selected suitable two-phase solvent system (n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water = 3:5:4:5, v/v, the lower phase added with 0.1% TFA) with a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min and a sample loading size of 100 mg was optimized for the separation. As a result, a total of 42 mg HSAF with a purity of 97.6% and recovery of 91.7% was yielded in one separation. The structure elucidation based on HR-TOF-MS, 1H and 13C NMR, and antifungal activities revealed that the isolated compound was unambiguously identified as HSAF. These results are helpful for separating and producing HSAF at an industrial scale, and they further demonstrate that HSCCC is a useful tool for isolating bioactive constituents from beneficial microorganisms.
Identification of QTLs and their candidate genes for the number of maize tassel branches in F2 from two higher generation sister lines using QTL mapping and RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Ruidong Sun , Shijin He , Yuwei Qi , Yimeng Li , Xiaohang Zhou , Ying Liu , Xihang Liu , Mingyang Ding , Xiangling Lv , Fenghai Li
Published: August 2023

Tassel branch number is an important agronomic trait that is closely associated with maize kernels and yield. The regulation of genes associated with tassel branch development can provide a theoretical basis for analyzing tassel branch growth and improving maize yield. In this study. we used two high-generation sister maize lines, PCU (unbranched) and PCM (multiple-branched), to construct an F2 population comprising 190 individuals, which were genotyped and mapped using the Maize6H-60K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. Candidate genes associated with tassel development were subsequently identified by analyzing samples collected at three stages of tassel growth via RNA-seq. A total of 13 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 22 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with tassel branch number (TBN) were identified, among which, two major QTLs, qTBN6.06-1 and qTBN6.06-2, on chromosome 6 were identified in two progeny populations, accounting for 15.07% to 37.64% of the phenotypic variation. Moreover, we identified 613 genes that were differentially expressed between PCU and PCM, which, according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, were enriched in amino acid metabolism and plant signal transduction pathways. Additionally, we established that the phytohormone content of Stage I tassels and the levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and IAA-glucose were higher in PCU than in PCM plants, whereas contrastingly, the levels of 5-deoxymonopolyl alcohol in PCM were higher than those in PCU. On the basis of these findings, we speculate that differences in TBN may be related to hormone content. Collectively, by combining QTL mapping and RNA-seq analysis, we identified five candidate genes associated with TBN. This study provides theoretical insights into the mechanism of tassel branch development in maize.
Positive communication workshops: are they useful for treatment programmes for anorexia nervosa?
Authors: Tchanturia Kate , Croft Philippa , Holetic Victoria , Webb Jessica , Dapelo Marcela Marin
Published: August 2023

Background

Social isolation, loneliness and difficulties in relationships are often described as a core feature of eating disorders. Based on the experimental research, we have designed one-off workshops for patients in inpatients and day care services and evaluated its acceptability and effectiveness using feedback questionnaires.

Methods

This naturalistic project is an evaluation of multiple positive communication workshops. Forty-one participants completed workshop questionnaires, which were provided immediately at the beginning and end of the workshop, including feedback on these one-off groups. The workshops consisted of educational and experiential components. The questionnaire outcomes were evaluated by independent researchers.

Results

All participants were female adults with a mean age of 33 (12.2) and a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa (AN; either restrictive or binge-purge subtype). Post-workshop questionnaires showed large effect sizes in the improvement of understanding the importance and confidence in using positive communication strategies.

Discussion

Addressing social communication difficulties in eating disorder treatment programmes adds valuable dimensions to these symptom-based treatments in both inpatient settings and day services, and may provide broader benefits in overall social functioning in patients with AN.

Conclusion

Brief one-off workshops targeting social functioning for patients with eating disorders might be useful complementary input for treatment programmes.
Inter- and intra-observer reliability of thoracic limb circumference measurement methods in sound dogs
Authors: Deabold Kelly , Harriz Jordan , Madeiros Brandy , Davies Wendy , Shmalberg Justin , Miscioscia Erin
Published: August 2023

Objective

The primary objectives of this study are to (1) compare the inter- and intra-observer reliability of thoracic limb circumference measurement methods in sound dogs, and (2) determine the most reliable thoracic limb positioning and location on the thoracic limb for performing circumferential measurements.

Methods

Thoracic limbs of 10 apparently sound dogs (20 limbs) were blindly and independently measured by 3 observers. Triplicate measurements were performed with dogs in lateral recumbency at 50 and 70% brachial (Br) length (length between the greater tubercle and lateral humoral epicondyle) and 25% ABr length (length between the lateral humeral epicondyle and ulnar styloid process), both with the elbow extended and at an approximate weight-bearing (WB) angle. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for data analysis with ap < 0.05 being significant.

Results

All measures had significantly good to excellent intra- (ICC 0.836–0.994,p < 0.001) and inter-observer reliability (ICC 0.834–0.996,p < 0.001). Inter-observer reliability was excellent at 25% ABr extended and WB positions, and at 50% Br WB position, with a wider confidence interval at the latter location. Intra-observer reliability was excellent across all observers for 25% ABr extended and WB, and 50% Br WB positions, also with a wider confidence interval at the latter location.

Conclusion

Circumferential measurement of the canine thoracic limb was most reliable at 25% ABr length with the elbow either in an extended or WB position.
The Relationship between Institutional Environments and Thai Hospitality-Oriented Entrepreneurship through the Moderating Role of Educational Support: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Wannamakok Wisuwat , Yonwikai Wilasinee
Published: August 2023

This research draws upon an institutional theory framework to explore the underlying factors that influence opportunity-driven and necessity-driven entrepreneurship. The objective is to analyze how the institutional environment either supports or impedes the establishment and expansion of ventures within the Thai hospitality industry. By examining the interplay between the country’s institutional determinants and entrepreneurial behaviors, the study contributes to the existing body of academic literature on entrepreneurship and institutional theory. Furthermore, education support is treated as a moderator in the relationship between the three determinants of the institutional environment theory: regulatory, cognitive, and normative dimensions, and opportunity-necessity-driven entrepreneurship activity. This study adopted a mixed methods approach. For the quantitative approach, national data were mainly collected from the GEM and IEF databases from 2015 to 2018 (n = 939) using binary logistic regression to validate the hypotheses. Regarding the qualitative approach, data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 20 hotel and restaurant entrepreneurs. The findings indicated that the normative and cognitive determinants have a direct impact on both opportunity-driven and necessity-driven entrepreneurship activity. Additionally, the study reveals that the relationship between a regulative environment and opportunity-necessity entrepreneurship activity is moderated by educational support. The results provided new insights into Thailand’s hospitality-oriented entrepreneurship at large.
Characteristics of Nitrogen Output during Typical Rainfall in Different Sugarcane Growth Stages in a Southern Subtropical Watershed
Authors: Guo Hao , Li Yong , Wang Xu , Ruan Hongyan , Abegunrin Toyin Peter , Wei Lanchao , Huang Zhigang , Are Kayode Steven , Awe Gabriel Oladele
Published: August 2023

Excessive fertilizer application, majorly nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizers, in farmland has intensified environmental pollution of rivers, lakes, and other surface water bodies worldwide by agricultural non-point sources, especially the highly-mobile nitrogen. To solve nitrogen pollution in sugarcane areas, exploring the nitrogen output characteristics of agricultural watersheds in crop fields becomes necessary. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of nitrogen output during typical rainfall events in different sugarcane growth stages in a southern tropical watershed in China. Dynamic monitoring of runoff and nitrogen concentration was carried out for four rainfall events and compared among four sugarcane growth stages (Establishment; Vegetative growth; Grand growth; Ripening) during the growing season of 2018 in the Nala watershed, Kelan Reservoir, Guangxi, China. The results showed that the total dissolved nitrogen flux of the 4 rainfall events ranged from 0.08 to 9.88 kg·hm−2 for the different growth stages. Nitrate nitrogen was the main component of the total flux, accounting between 75.7 and 92.1% of the total dissolved nitrogen while ammonium nitrogen accounted between 1.80 and 5.26% of the total flux for the 4 rainfall events. Total dissolved nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen were significantly and negatively correlated with runoff (p < 0.05), while total dissolved nitrogen concentration did not correlate with runoff. The incipient scouring effect of total dissolved nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen was not noticeable. The concentration of total dissolved nitrogen in the Nala watershed was inferior to class V water quality standard, indicating water eutrophication danger. The study showed that nitrogen nutrient inflow into the river was promoted by N-fertilization time and rainfall. Therefore, reasonably reducing N-fertilization dose and post-rain fertilization could effectively reduce nitrogen inflow into rivers and avoid the intensification of eutrophication in sugarcane areas. We recommend multiple years of studies to verify the possible impacts of differences in weather conditions.