bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature on the Heavy Metal Sorption Capacity of Biochar from Poultry Manure
Authors: Sobik-Szołtysek Jolanta , Wystalska Katarzyna , Malińska Krystyna , Meers Erik
Published: November 2021

Sorption properties of various biochars have been extensively investigated by many researchers. One of the parameters that have a significant impact on sorption properties is pyrolysis temperature. This paper presents a study on the effect of pyrolysis temperature (425, 575, 725 °C) on the sorption properties of poultry-manure-derived biochar (BPM). The produced biochars, i.e., BPM425, BPM575 and BPM725, demonstrated specific properties at 425, 525 and 752 °C such as high pH (10.40, 10.65 and 12.45), high ash contents (52.07, 61.74 and 78.38%) and relatively low BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) surface area (11, 17 and 19 m2·g−1). The analysis of the mineral phases of the BPMs confirmed the buffering capacity. The investigated biochars were tested for sorption of Zn, Cd and Pb in mono-, double- and triple-metal batch sorption tests. According to the obtained results, biochar produced at a temperature of 575 °C (BPM575) can function as a sufficient sorbent for the removal of Zn, Cd and Pb from a water solution. The presented results do not confirm the effect of competing metal ions on the sorption efficiency of the selected metals by the investigated biochars. Based on that, the studied biochar sorbents can be used in environments contaminated with many metals.
Pretreatment Techniques and Green Extraction Technologies for Agar from Gracilaria lemaneiformis
Authors: Xiao Qiong , Wang Xinyi , Zhang Jiabin , Zhang Yonghui , Chen Jun , Chen Fuquan , Xiao Anfeng
Published: November 2021

Optimizing the alkali treatment process alone without tracking the changes of algae and agar quality with each pretreatment process will not achieve the optimal agar yield and final quality. In this study, we monitored the changes of the morphology and weight of algae with each treatment process, and comprehensively analyzed the effects of each pretreatment process on the quality of agar by combining the changes of the physicochemical properties of agar. In conventional alkali-extraction technology, alkali treatment (7%, w/v) alone significantly reduced the weight of algae (52%), but hindered the dissolution of algae, resulting in a lower yield (4%). Acidification could solve the problem of algal hardening after alkali treatment to improve the yield (12%). In enzymatic extraction technology, agar with high purity cannot be obtained by enzyme treatment alone, but low gel strength (405 g/cm2) and high sulfate content (3.4%) can be obtained by subsequent acidification and bleaching. In enzyme-assisted extraction technology, enzyme damage to the surface fiber of algae promoted the penetration of low-concentration alkali (3%, w/v), which ensured a high desulfurization efficiency and a low gel degradation rate, thus improving yield (24.7%) and gel strength (706 g/cm2), which has the potential to replace the traditional alkali-extraction technology.
Antibacterial Meroterpenoids, Merochlorins G–J from the Marine Bacterium Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Ryu Min-Ji , Hillman Prima F. , Lee Jihye , Hwang Sunghoon , Lee Eun-Young , Cha Sun-Shin , Yang Inho , Oh Dong-Chan , Nam Sang-Jip , Fenical William
Published: November 2021

Four new chlorinated meroterpenoids, merochlorins G−J (1−4), and 10, a dihydronaphthalenedione precursor, along with known merochlorins A (5) and C−F (6−9), were obtained from cultivation of the bacterium strain Streptomyces sp. CNH-189, which was isolated from marine sediment. The planar structures of compounds 1−4 and 10 were elucidated by interpretation of MS, UV, and NMR spectroscopic data. The relative configurations of compounds 1−4 were determined via analysis of nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) spectroscopic data, after which their absolute configurations were established by comparing the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of compounds 1−4 to those of previously reported possible enantiomer models and DP4 calculations. Compound 3 displayed strong antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Kocuria rhizophila, and Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 1, 2, and 2 μg/mL, respectively, whereas compound 1 exhibited weak antibacterial effects on these three strains, with a 16−32 μg/mL MIC value range.
Femoral Head and Liner Exchange in Patients with Atraumatic Dislocation. Results of a Retrospective Study with 6 Years Follow-Up
Authors: Hanslmeier Maximilian G. , Maier Michael W. , Feisst Manuel , Beckmann Nicholas A.
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: Femoral head and liner exchange is an established treatment for polyethylene wear but has had a more limited role in the treatment of other conditions including dislocation, because of concerns about an increased postoperative dislocation rate. Some authors have considered dislocation associated with polyethylene wear to be a contraindication for this procedure. Materials and Methods: Our retrospective review evaluated the outcome of head and liner exchange in a small consecutively operated heterogeneous cohort of 20 patients who presented with dislocation unrelated to trauma, component malposition or component loosening. Of this group, 12 had prior primary total hip arthroplasty, and 8 had prior revision total hip arthroplasty, and included 4 patients with prior revision for dislocation. Mean follow-up was 6 ± 3.5 years (range 1–145 months). Results: Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a revision-free implant survival from any cause of 80% (confidence interval 95%:64.3–99.6%) at 5 years after head and liner exchange (index surgery). At final follow-up, 83.3% of patients (n = 10) with prior primary total hip arthroplasty and 62.5% of patients (n = 5) with prior revision total hip arthroplasty, had not required subsequent revision for any cause. None (0%) of the primary total hip arthroplasty group and 3 (38%) of the revision arthroplasty group had required revision for further dislocation. Of the eight revision arthroplasty patients, four had a prior revision for dislocation and three of these four patients required further revision for dislocation after index surgery. The fourth patient had no dislocation after index surgery. One additional patient who had prior revision surgery for femoral component fracture suffered dislocation after index surgery, but was successfully treated with closed reduction. Conclusions: In our study population, femoral head and liner exchange was an effective treatment option for patients with prior primary total hip arthroplasty and also for a highly select group of revision total arthroplasty patients with no prior history of dislocation. Femoral head and liner exchange does not appear to be a viable treatment option for patients who have had revision total arthroplasty after prior dislocations.
AN69 Filter Membranes with High Ultrafiltration Rates during Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Reduce Mortality in Patients with Sepsis-Induced Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome
Authors: Lee Kuo-Hua , Ou Shuo-Ming , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Tseng Wei-Cheng , Yang Chih-Yu , Lin Yao-Ping , Tarng Der-Cherng
Published: November 2021

Polyacrylonitrile (AN69) filter membranes adsorb cytokines during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Although high-volume hemofiltration has shown limited benefits, the dose-effect relationship in CVVH with AN69 membranes on severe sepsis remains undetermined. This multi-centered study enrolled 266 patients with sepsis-induced multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) who underwent CVVH with AN69 membranes between 2014 and 2015. We investigated the effects of ultrafiltration rates (UFR) on mortality. We categorized patients that were treated with UFR of 20–25 mL/kg/h as the standard UFR group (n = 124) and those that were treated with a UFR >25 mL/kg/h as the high UFR group (n = 142). Among the patient characteristics, the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL, and a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score ≥15 at CVVH initiation were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In the subgroup analysis, for patients with SOFA scores that were ≥15, the 90-day survival rate was higher in the high UFR group than in the standard UFR group (HR 0.54, CI: 0.36–0.79, p = 0.005). We concluded that in patients with sepsis-induced MODS, SOFA scores ≥15 predicted a poor rate of survival. High UFR setting >25 mL/kg/h in CVVH with AN69 membranes may reduce the mortality risk in these high-risk patients.
Matching the Cellulose/Silica Films Surface Properties for Design of Biomaterials That Modulate Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Dobos Adina-Maria , Ursu Elena-Laura , Gradinaru Luiza-Madalina , Dobromir Marius , Filimon Anca
Published: November 2021

The surface properties of composite films are important to know for many applications from the industrial domain to the medical domain. The physical and chemical characteristics of film/membrane surfaces are totally different from those of the bulk due to the surface segregation of the low surface energy components. Thus, the surfaces of cellulose acetate/silica composite films are analyzed in order to obtain information on the morphology, topography and wettability through atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle investigations. The studied composite films present different surface properties depending on the tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) content from the casting solutions. Up to a content of 1.5 wt.% TEOS, the surface roughness and hydrophobicity increase, after which there is a decrease in these parameters. This behavior suggests that up to a critical amount of TEOS, the results are influenced by the morphology and topographical features, after which a major role seems to be played by surface chemistry—increasing the oxygenation surfaces. The morphological and chemical details and also the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity characteristics are discussed in the attempt to design biological surfaces with optimal wettability properties and possibility of application in tissue engineering.
Towards a High-Flux Separation Layer from Hexagonal Lyotropic Liquid Crystals for Thin-Film Composite Membranes
Authors: Gu Senlin , Yuan Bao , Bai Bo , Tong Xin , O’Dell Luke A. , Wang Dong , Kong Lingxue , Wang Guang
Published: November 2021

Hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystals (HLLC) with uniform pore size in the range of 1~5 nm are highly sought after as promising active separation layers of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, which have been confirmed to be efficient for water purification. The potential interaction between an amphiphile-based HLLC layer and the substrate surface, however, has not been fully explored. In this research, hydrophilic and hydrophobic microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) substrates were chosen, respectively, to prepare TFC membranes with the active layers templated from HLLC, consisting of dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide, water, and a mixture of poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The pore size of the active layer was found to decrease by about 1.6 Å compared to that of the free-standing HLLC after polymerization, but no significant difference was observable by using either hydrophilic or hydrophobic substrates (26.9 Å vs. 27.1 Å). The water flux of the TFC membrane with the hydrophobic substrate, however, was higher than that with the hydrophilic one. A further investigation confirmed that the increase in water flux originated from a much higher porosity was due to the synergistic effect of the hydrophilic HLLC nanoporous material and the hydrophobic substrate.
Misregulation of Wnt Signaling Pathways at the Plasma Membrane in Brain and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Karabicici Mustafa , Azbazdar Yagmur , Iscan Evin , Ozhan Gunes
Published: November 2021

Wnt signaling pathways constitute a group of signal transduction pathways that direct many physiological processes, such as development, growth, and differentiation. Dysregulation of these pathways is thus associated with many pathological processes, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. At the same time, alterations are observed in plasma membrane compositions, lipid organizations, and ordered membrane domains in brain and metabolic diseases that are associated with Wnt signaling pathway activation. Here, we discuss the relationships between plasma membrane components—specifically ligands, (co) receptors, and extracellular or membrane-associated modulators—to activate Wnt pathways in several brain and metabolic diseases. Thus, the Wnt–receptor complex can be targeted based on the composition and organization of the plasma membrane, in order to develop effective targeted therapy drugs.
Fast Reduced Graphene-Based Membranes with High Desalination Performance
Authors: Liang Shanshan , Zhu Liuyuan , Wang Shuai , Chen Liang , Fang Haiping
Published: November 2021

Graphene-oxide (GO) membrane with notable ions sieving properties has attracted significant attention for many applications. However, because of the water swelling of GO membrane, the rejection of monovalent metal cations is generally low. In this work, we developed a fast and facile method to fabricate a kind of reduced GO membranes using the thermal treatment method at 160 °C for only one minute, which denoted as fast reduced GO membrane (FRGO). Surprising, the FRGO membrane represents high ion sieving ability and ultrahigh water/ions selectivity, compared with other reduced GO membranes with similar average interlayer spacings, and even superior to most of GO-based membranes reported in literature. Building on these findings, we provide a new light on fabricating of energy- and environment-related high desalination performance of GO-based membranes as well as a new insight into the transport mechanism within 2D laminar nanochannels.
Characteristic Analysis of AlGaN/GaN HEMT with Composited Buffer Layer on High-Heat Dissipation Poly-AlN Substrates
Authors: Huang Chong-Rong , Chiu Hsien-Chin , Liu Chia-Hao , Wang Hsiang-Chun , Kao Hsuan-Ling , Chen Chih-Tien , Chang Kuo-Jen
Published: November 2021

In this study, an AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) was grown through metal organic chemical vapor deposition on a Qromis Substrate Technology (QST). The GaN on the QST device exhibited a superior heat dissipation performance to the GaN on a Si device because of the higher thermal conductivity of the QST substrate. Thermal imaging analysis indicated that the temperature variation of the GaN on the QST device was 4.5 °C and that of the GaN on the Si device was 9.2 °C at a drain-to-source current (IDS) of 300 mA/mm following 50 s of operation. Compared with the GaN HEMT on the Si device, the GaN on the QST device exhibited a lower IDS degradation at high temperatures (17.5% at 400 K). The QST substrate is suitable for employment in different temperature environments because of its high thermal stability.
Cryo-EM Structure of Mechanosensitive Channel YnaI Using SMA2000: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Catalano Claudio , Ben-Hail Danya , Qiu Weihua , Blount Paul , des Georges Amedee , Guo Youzhong
Published: November 2021

Mechanosensitive channels respond to mechanical forces exerted on the cell membrane and play vital roles in regulating the chemical equilibrium within cells and their environment. High-resolution structural information is required to understand the gating mechanisms of mechanosensitive channels. Protein-lipid interactions are essential for the structural and functional integrity of mechanosensitive channels, but detergents cannot maintain the crucial native lipid environment for purified mechanosensitive channels. Recently, detergent-free systems have emerged as alternatives for membrane protein structural biology. This report shows that while membrane-active polymer, SMA2000, could retain some native cell membrane lipids on the transmembrane domain of the mechanosensitive-like YnaI channel, the complete structure of the transmembrane domain of YnaI was not resolved. This reveals a significant limitation of SMA2000 or similar membrane-active copolymers. This limitation may come from the heterogeneity of the polymers and nonspecific interactions between the polymers and the relatively large hydrophobic pockets within the transmembrane domain of YnaI. However, this limitation offers development opportunities for detergent-free technology for challenging membrane proteins.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Asymmetric Mesoporous PTFE/Clay Composite Membranes for Textile Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Bousbih Saida , Belhadj Ammar Rihab , Ben Amar Raja , Dammak Lasâad , Darragi Fadila , Selmane Emna
Published: November 2021

Asymmetric mesoporous composite PTFE membranes wit 40, 50, and 85 wt.% of a clay (kaolin) were fabricated and characterized using a scanning electron microscope equipped with EDX for morphology and elemental analysis. The surface chemistry of the membranes was checked using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of incorporating the clay on the hydrophilicity, permeability, morphology, and antifouling properties of the fabricated membranes was investigated. It was observed that incorporating kaolin particles improved the mechanical properties but decreased the contact angle of the membranes, thereby resulting in an improvement in the membrane permeability. The performance of the three composite UF membranes was evaluated through the treatment of a real textile effluent sample containing indigo dye. The results confirmed that these membranes are effective in the removal of COD, color, and turbidity. Indeed, at a transmembrane pressure of 2.5 bar, almost total removal of the turbidity, COD removal > 85%, and color removal > 97% were attained. Furthermore, membrane A85 (with 85% clay) showed the best performance, with a water flux of 659.1 L·h−1·m−2·bar−1. This study highlights the potential of incorporating low-cost clay material for the enhancement of the performance of mixed organic/inorganic matrix membranes, which can be applied to textile wastewater treatment.
Quantum Tunneling-Induced Membrane Depolarization Can Explain the Cellular Effects Mediated by Lithium: Mathematical Modeling and Hypothesis
Authors: Khreesha Lubna , Qaswal Abdallah Barjas , Al Omari Baheth , Albliwi Moath Ahmad , Ababneh Omar , Albanna Ahmad , Abunab’ah Abdelrahman , Iswaid Mohammad , Alarood Salameh , Guzu Hasan , Alshawabkeh Ghadeer , Zayed Fuad Mohammed , Abuhilaleh Mohammad Awad , Al-Jbour Mohammad Nayel , Obeidat Salameh , Suleiman Aiman
Published: November 2021

Lithium imposes several cellular effects allegedly through multiple physiological mechanisms. Membrane depolarization is a potential unifying concept of these mechanisms. Multiple inherent imperfections of classical electrophysiology limit its ability to fully explain the depolarizing effect of lithium ions; these include incapacity to explain the high resting permeability of lithium ions, the degree of depolarization with extracellular lithium concentration, depolarization at low therapeutic concentration, or the differences between the two lithium isotopes Li-6 and Li-7 in terms of depolarization. In this study, we implemented a mathematical model that explains the quantum tunneling of lithium ions through the closed gates of voltage-gated sodium channels as a conclusive approach that decodes the depolarizing action of lithium. Additionally, we compared our model to the classical model available and reported the differences. Our results showed that lithium can achieve high quantum membrane conductance at the resting state, which leads to significant depolarization. The quantum model infers that quantum membrane conductance of lithium ions emerges from quantum tunneling of lithium through the closed gates of sodium channels. It also differentiates between the two lithium isotopes (Li-6 and Li-7) in terms of depolarization compared with the previous classical model. Moreover, our study listed many examples of the cellular effects of lithium and membrane depolarization to show similarity and consistency with model predictions. In conclusion, the study suggests that lithium mediates its multiple cellular effects through membrane depolarization, and this can be comprehensively explained by the quantum tunneling model of lithium ions.
Formability and Magnetic Properties of the Binary Nd-Co Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ding Ding , Xia Lei
Published: November 2021

In this paper, binary Nd-Co alloys with compositional range from Nd72.5Co27.5 to Nd50Co50 were successfully vitrified into glassy state by a melt-spinning method. The glass formability of the metallic glasses (MGs) was studied and the best glass former in the binary Nd-Co alloys was obtained. Magnetic properties of the MGs were measured. The compositional dependence of Curie temperature of the MGs was observed. The mechanism for the spin-glass-like behaviors and high coercivity at low temperature, and their influence on the magnetic entropy change of the MGs, were investigated.
Leaching/Bioleaching and Recovery of Metals
Authors: Castro Laura , Blázquez María Luisa , Muñoz Jesús Ángel
Published: November 2021

Hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction are becoming more and more popular as average ore grades are declining and huge tonnages of tailings and recycle materials containing valuable metals are being accumulated all around the world [...]
Measurement Uncertainty and Representation of Tensile Mechanical Properties in Metals
Authors: Xu Tingdong , Wang Kai , Song Shenhua
Published: November 2021

The International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee for Metallic Materials—Tensile Testing stated in 2011 that temperature and strain rate variations would induce a change in the results of tensile tests, termed as the measurement uncertainty of tensile mechanical properties in metals. The uncertainty means that the tensile testing results of a specimen at a temperature and strain rate are not the original mechanical properties possessed prior to the testing. Hence, since the time of Galileo the results of tensile testing have been incorrectly interpreted as the original mechanical properties of specimens, thereby forming a paradox. At the turn of the 21st century, the micro-theory of metallic elastic deformation was proposed, identifying that a change in microstructure at atomic level could occur during elastic deformation, leading to a change in the concentration of solute (impurity) at grain boundaries/around dislocations. The micro-theory has been used to explain the mechanism of the measurement uncertainty. Different tensile temperatures and strain rates correspond to different durations of elastic deformation during tensile testing, different concentrations of solute at grain boundaries/dislocations, and thus different mechanical properties. On this basis, a new technology system of tensile testing is suggested, i.e., a “mechanical property–tensile strain rate” curve at a given test temperature can be used to evaluate the original mechanical property. The higher the strain rate is, the closer the property on the curve is to the original property. Therefore, to determine the original mechanical property of the tested metal, a sufficiently high strain rate is required. The curve can also characterize the property variation of the tested metal in service with the service time. In addition, the property characterized by a point on the curve can represent the property of the tested metal when processing-deformed with the corresponding strain rate. As an example of the application of the new technology system, the property of high-entropy alloys is represented with a curve. The results show that the new technology system could change the conceptual framework and testing technology system of metallic mechanics.
Effect of Al Content on Phase Compositions of FeNiCoCrMo0.5Alx High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Semikolenov Anton , Shalnova Svetlana , Klinkov Victor , Andreeva Valentina , Salynova Maria , Larionova Tatiana , Tolochko Oleg
Published: November 2021

The FeCoNiCrMo0.5Alx system with x up to 2.13 was analyzed from the point of view of evolution of the phase composition and microstructure. Cast samples were synthesized by induction melting and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Vickers microhardness test methods. Phase compositions of these alloys in dependance on Al concentration consist of FCC solid solution, σ-phase, NiAl-based B2 phase, and BCC solid solution enriched with Mo and Cr. Phase formation principles were studied. Al dissolves in a FeCoNiCrMo0.5 FCC solid solution up to 8 at.%.; at higher concentrations, Al attracts Ni, removing it from FCC solid solution and forming the B2 phase. Despite Al not participating in σ-phase formation, an increase in Al concentration to about 20 at.% leads to a growth in the σ-phase fraction. The increase in the σ-phase was caused by an increase in the amount of B2 because the solubility of σ-forming Mo and Cr in B2 was less than that in the FCC solution. A further increase in Al concentration led to an excess of Mo and Cr in the solution, which formed a disordered BCC solid solution. The hardness of the alloys attained the maximum of 630 HV at 22 and 32 at.% Al.
Towards Qualification in the Aviation Industry: Impact Toughness of Ti6Al4V(ELI) Specimens Produced through Laser Powder Bed Fusion Followed by Two-Stage Heat Treatment
Authors: Monaheng Lehlohonolo Francis , du Preez Willie Bouwer , Polese Claudia
Published: November 2021

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has the potential to be applied in the production of titanium aircraft components with good mechanical properties, provided the technology has been qualified and accepted in the aviation industry. To achieve acceptance of the L-PBF technology in the aircraft industry, mechanical property data needed for the qualification process must be generated according to accepted testing standards. The impact toughness of Ti6Al4V extra low interstitial (ELI) specimens, produced through L-PBF followed by annealing, was investigated in this study. Charpy impact testing complying with American Standard Test Method (ASTM) E23 was performed with specimens annealed and conditioned at low temperature. On average, the toughness recorded for the specimens with 3D-printed and machined V-notches was 28 J and 31 J, respectively. These results are higher than the 24 J required in the aerospace industry. Finally, fractographic analyses of the fracture surfaces of the specimens were performed to determine the fracture mechanism of the Ti6Al4V(ELI) impact specimens.
Elucidating the Effect of Additive Friction Stir Deposition on the Resulting Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloy WE43
Authors: Williams M. B. , Robinson T. W. , Williamson C. J. , Kinser R. P. , Ashmore N. A. , Allison P. G. , Jordon J. B.
Published: November 2021

In this work, the effect of processing parameters on the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy WE43 processed via Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), a nascent solid-state additive manufacturing (AM) process, is investigated. In particular, a parameterization study was carried out, using multiple four-layer deposits, to identify a suitable process window for a structural 68-layers bulk WE43 deposition. The parametric study identified an acceptable set of parameters with minimal surface defects and excellent consolidation for the fabrication of a bulk WE43 deposition. Microstructural, tensile, and fatigue life characterization was conducted on the bulk WE43 deposition and compared to commercially available wrought material to elucidate the process-structure-property-performance (PSPP) relationship of the AFSD process. This study shows that the bulk WE43 deposit exhibited a refined homogenous microstructure and a texture shift relative to the wrought material. However, a reduction in hardness and tensile behavior was observed in the as-deposited WE43 compared to the wrought control. Additionally, fatigue specimens extracted from the bulk deposition exhibited a decrease in life in the low-cycle regime but performed comparably to the wrought plate in the high-cycle regime. The outcomes of this study illustrate the potential of the AFSD process in additively manufactured structural load-bearing components made with magnesium alloy WE43 in the as-built condition.
Application of an Artificial Neural Network to Develop Fracture Toughness Predictor of Ferritic Steels Based on Tensile Test Results
Authors: Ishihara Kenichi , Kitagawa Hayato , Takagishi Yoichi , Meshii Toshiyuki
Published: November 2021

Analyzing the structural integrity of ferritic steel structures subjected to large temperature variations requires the collection of the fracture toughness (KJc) of ferritic steels in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. Consequently, predicting KJc from minimal testing has been of interest for a long time. In this study, a Windows-ready KJc predictor based on tensile properties (specifically, yield stress σYSRT and tensile strength σBRT at room temperature (RT) and σYS at KJc prediction temperature) was developed by applying an artificial neural network (ANN) to 531 KJc data points. If the σYS temperature dependence can be adequately described using the Zerilli–Armstrong σYS master curve (MC), the necessary data for KJc prediction are reduced to σYSRT and σBRT. The developed KJc predictor successfully predicted KJc under arbitrary conditions. Compared with the existing ASTM E1921 KJc MC, the developed KJc predictor was especially effective in cases where σB/σYS of the material was larger than that of RPV steel.
Effects of Water Cooling on the Microstructure of Electron Beam Additive-Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Panin Alexey , Martynov Sergey , Kazachenok Marina , Kazantseva Lyudmila , Bakulin Alexander , Kulkova Svetlana , Perevalova Olga , Sklyarova Elena
Published: November 2021

The inferior mechanical properties of EBAM Ti-6Al-4V samples are due to the coarse columnar grains containing coarse lamellar structures. One can expect that water cooling of the build platform will increase the cooling rate of the molten pool during the build-up process, causing microstructure refinement. In the present work, the substrate cooling effects on the microstructure and phase composition of EBAM Ti-6Al-4V samples are studied using optical, scanning electron, and scanning transmission microscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction analysis. It is shown that the microstructure of the EBAM Ti-6Al-4V samples built on the substrate without water cooling consists predominantly of columnar prior β grains with lateral sizes ranging up to 2000 µm, while cooling of the build platform causes the appearance of equiaxed prior β grains measuring 1000 µm. Moreover, the refinement of the martensite structure and the precipitation of α′′ martensite platelets within α laths occur in the EBAM Ti-6Al-4V samples built on the water-cooled build platform. An explanation of the mechanisms underlying the α′→α + β and α′→α + α′′ + β transformations during the building process is provided based upon ab initio calculations. The fragmentation of the α laths under the residual compressive stresses is discussed.
What Are the Chances of Resilon to Dominate the Market Filling Materials for Endodontics?
Authors: Dobrzańska Joanna , Dobrzański Lech B. , Dobrzański Leszek A. , Dobrzańska-Danikiewicz Anna D. , Gołombek Klaudiusz
Published: November 2021

This paper is a literature review with additional virtual analyses of the authors’ own experimental research results. Knowledge from various areas was synergistically combined, appropriately for concurrent engineering, presenting several possible methodological approaches used in research, optimizing the selection of engineering materials and the conditions of their application with particular application in endodontics. Particular attention was paid to the theoretical aspects of filling material strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats SWOT analysis. Attention was paid to the original concepts of Sustainable Dentistry Development in conjunction with Dentistry 4.0, which includes endodontics as an important element. The dentists’ actions, among others, in conservative dentistry, along with endodontics, requires close cooperation with engineers and the enginering sciences. Methods of root canal preparation were described, together with selected tools, including those made of nitinol. Principles concerning the process of cleaning and shaping the pulp complex are presented. The importance of obturation methods, including the Thermo-Hydraulic-Condensation THC technique, and the selection of filling materials with the necessary sealants for the success of endodontic treatment are discussed. The experimental studies were carried out in vitro on human teeth removed for medical reasons, except for caries, for which two groups of 16 teeth were separated. After the root canal was prepared, it was filled with studs and pellets of a filling material based on polyester materials, which has gained the common trade name of resilon or, less frequently, RealSeal (SybronEndo) with an epiphany sealant. The teeth for the first group were obturated by cold lateral condensation. In the second case the obturation was performed using the Thermo-Hydraulic-Condensation technique using System B and Obtura III. The experimental leakage testing was done using a scanning electron microscope SEM and a light stereoscopic microscope LSM, as typical research tools used in materialography. The research results, in a confrontation with the data taken from the literature studies, do not indicate the domination of resilon in endodontics.
Neutron Diffraction Study of the Martensitic Transformation of Ni2.07Mn0.93Ga Heusler Alloy
Authors: Righi Lara
Published: November 2021

The martensitic transition featuring the ternary Heusler alloy Ni2.09Mn0.91Ga was investigated by neutron diffraction. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that structural transition starts at 230 K on cooling with a significant increase in the martensitic transformation onset compared to the classical Ni2MnGa. The low-temperature martensite presents the 5M type of modulated structure, and the structural analysis was performed by the application of the superspace approach. As already observed in Mn-rich modulated martensites, the periodical distortion corresponds to an incommensurate wave-like shift of the atomic layers. The symmetry of the modulated martensite at 220 K is orthorhombic with unit cell constants a = 4.2172(3) Å, b = 5.5482(2) Å, and c = 4.1899(2) Å; space group Immm(00γ)s00; and modulation vector q = γc* = 0.4226(5)c*. Considering the different neutron scattering lengths of the elements involved in this alloy, it was possible to ascertain that the chemical composition was Ni2.07Mn0.93Ga, close to the nominal formula. In order to characterize the martensitic transformation upon increasing the temperature, a series of neutron diffraction patterns was collected at different temperatures. The structural analysis indicated that the progressive change of the martensitic lattice is characterized by the exponential change of the c/a parameter approaching the limit value c/a = 1 of the cubic austenite.
Quantitative Description of Duplex Stainless Steels Microstructure Using Selective Etching
Authors: Fedorov Aleksandr Sergeevich , Zhitenev Andrey Igorevich , Strekalovskaya Darya Andreevna , Kur Aleksandr Aleksandrovich , Alkhimenko Alexey Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2021

The properties of duplex stainless steels (DSSs) depend on the ferrite–austenite ratio, on the content of secondary phases and on the contamination with non-metallic inclusions. To assess the quality of DSSs, it is necessary to use an integrated approach which includes controlling for the volume fraction, the morphology and the distribution of all phases and non-metallic inclusions. Samples of several grades of DSSs were obtained using various heat treatments, such as solution annealing and quenching from 1050 to 1250 °C to obtain different amounts of ferrite and to provoke annealing at 850 °C to precipitate σ-phase. As a result, a metallographic technique of phase analysis in DSSs based on selective etching and subsequent structure parameters estimation according to ASTM E1245 was developed. We demonstrated that the developed method of quantitative analysis based on selective etching and metallographic analysis according to ASTM E1245 allows us to obtaining much more accurate results, compared to the point count method described in ASTM E562 and to the XRD method.
Research on the Corrosion Fatigue Property of 2524-T3 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Liu Chi , Ma Liyong , Zhang Ziyong , Fu Zhuo , Liu Lijuan
Published: November 2021

The 2524-T3 aluminum alloy was subjected to fatigue tests under the conditions of R = 0, 3.5% NaCl corrosion solution, and the loading cycles of 106, and the S-N curve was obtained. The horizontal fatigue limit was 169 MPa, which is slightly higher than the longitudinal fatigue limit of 163 MPa. In addition, detailed microstructural analysis of the micro-morphological fatigue failure features was carried out. The influence mechanism of corrosion on the fatigue crack propagation of 2524-T3 aluminum alloy was discussed. The fatigue source characterized by cleavage and fracture mainly comes from corrosion pits, whose expansion direction is perpendicular to the principal stress direction. The stable propagation zone is characterized by strip fractures. The main feature of the fracture in the fracture zone is equiaxed dimples. The larger dimples are mixed with second-phase particles ranging in size from 1 to 5 μm. There is almost a one-to-one correspondence between the dimples and the second-phase particles. The fracture mechanism of 2524 alloy at this stage is transformed into a micro-holes connection mechanism, and the nucleation of micropores is mainly derived from the second-phase particles.
The Deformation Behaviors and Mechanism of the High-Temperature Mechanical Properties of a Ni48W35Co17 Alloy
Authors: Xie Guoliang , Xue Wenli , Fu Yilei , Feng Kai , Wang Rui , Zheng Lei
Published: November 2021

Investigations of the plastic deformation mechanisms of Ni-W-based heavy alloys varying with increasing temperatures are very important for the development of hot forming processes and applications at elevated temperatures. In this study, the continuous variation of strength and plasticity of a novel Ni-W-based heavy alloy with increasing temperatures was investigated. The tensile strength of a Ni48W35Co17 sample at 600 °C was 471 MPa, which was 47% lower than that at 100 °C. A variation in an abnormal decrease in elongations at temperatures from 400 °C to 800 °C was found in this alloy. The elongation rate of the sample tensile at 600 °C was 19%, which was 73% lower than that at 100 °C. A microstructural analysis revealed that the number of twins in the sample tensile at a temperature higher than 600 °C increased considerably compared with the sample tensile at lower temperatures, indicating that the dislocation slips were suppressed during the high-temperature stretching process. The precipitates of the NiW phase were found in the 600 °C tensile sample, which was not clearly observed in the 400 °C tensile sample, suggesting that dislocation slips were affected by the formation of these precipitates. Moreover, the orientation relationship between the matrix and NiW phase was (200)Ni//(240)NiW and [001]Ni//[001]NiW. The tiny precipitated phase was the main reason for the plasticity decrease of the alloy with the temperature increase.
Strain-Specific Liver Metabolite Profiles in Medaka
Authors: Soergel Hannah , Loosli Felix , Muhle-Goll Claudia
Published: November 2021

The relationship between genetic variation and phenotypic traits is often poorly understood since specific genotypes do not always easily translate into associated phenotypes, especially for complex disorders. The genetic background has been shown to affect metabolic pathways and thus contribute to variations in the metabolome. Here, we tested the suitability of NMR metabolomics for comparative analysis of fish lines as a first step towards phenotype-genotype association studies. The Japanese rice fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes), is a widely used genetic vertebrate model with several isogenic inbred laboratory strains. We used liver extracts of medaka iCab and HO5 strains as a paradigm to test the feasibility of distinguishing the metabolome of two different inbred strains. Fifteen metabolites could be detected in uni- and multivariate analyses that showed strain-specific levels. Differences could be assigned to specific metabolic pathways. Our results show that NMR spectroscopy is a suitable method to detect variance of the metabolome caused by subtle genetic differences. Thus, it has the potential to address genotype–phenotype associations in medaka, providing an additional level of phenotypic analysis.
Model Balancing: A Search for In-Vivo Kinetic Constants and Consistent Metabolic States
Authors: Liebermeister Wolfram , Noor Elad
Published: November 2021

Enzyme kinetic constants in vivo are largely unknown, which limits the construction of large metabolic models. Given measured metabolic fluxes, metabolite concentrations, and enzyme concentrations, these constants may be inferred by model fitting, but the estimation problems are hard to solve if models are large. Here we show how consistent kinetic constants, metabolite concentrations, and enzyme concentrations can be determined from data if metabolic fluxes are known. The estimation method, called model balancing, can handle models with a wide range of rate laws and accounts for thermodynamic constraints between fluxes, kinetic constants, and metabolite concentrations. It can be used to estimate in-vivo kinetic constants, to complete and adjust available data, and to construct plausible metabolic states with predefined flux distributions. By omitting one term from the log posterior—a term for penalising low enzyme concentrations—we obtain a convex optimality problem with a unique local optimum. As a demonstrative case, we balance a model of E. coli central metabolism with artificial or experimental data and obtain a physically and biologically plausible parameterisation of reaction kinetics in E. coli central metabolism. The example shows what information about kinetic constants can be obtained from omics data and reveals practical limits to estimating in-vivo kinetic constants. While noise-free omics data allow for a reasonable reconstruction of in-vivo kcat and KM values, prediction from noisy omics data are worse. Hence, adjusting kinetic constants and omics data to obtain consistent metabolic models is the main application of model balancing.
Increased Reliance on Carbohydrates for Aerobic Exercise in Highland Andean Leaf-Eared Mice, but Not in Highland Lima Leaf-Eared Mice
Authors: Schippers Marie-Pierre , Ramirez Oswaldo , Arana Margarita , McClelland Grant B.
Published: November 2021

Exercise is an important performance trait in mammals and variation in aerobic capacity and/or substrate allocation during submaximal exercise may be important for survival at high altitude. Comparisons between lowland and highland populations is a fruitful approach to understanding the mechanisms for altitude differences in exercise performance. However, it has only been applied in very few highland species. The leaf-eared mice (LEM, genus Phyllotis) of South America are a promising taxon to uncover the pervasiveness of hypoxia tolerance mechanisms. Here we use lowland and highland populations of Andean and Lima LEM (P. andium and P. limatus), acclimated to common laboratory conditions, to determine exercise-induced maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max), and submaximal exercise metabolism. Lowland and highland populations of both species showed no difference in V˙O2max running in either normoxia or hypoxia. When run at 75% of V˙O2max, highland Andean LEM had a greater reliance on carbohydrate oxidation to power exercise. In contrast, highland Lima LEM showed no difference in exercise fuel use compared to their lowland counterparts. The higher carbohydrate oxidation seen in highland Andean LEM was not explained by maximal activities of glycolytic enzymes in the gastrocnemius muscle, which were equivalent to lowlanders. This result is consistent with data on highland deer mouse populations and suggests changes in metabolic regulation may explain altitude differences in exercise performance.
Overview of Metabolomic Analysis and the Integration with Multi-Omics for Economic Traits in Cattle
Authors: Hao Dan , Bai Jiangsong , Du Jianyong , Wu Xiaoping , Thomsen Bo , Gao Hongding , Su Guosheng , Wang Xiao
Published: November 2021

Metabolomics has been applied to measure the dynamic metabolic responses, to understand the systematic biological networks, to reveal the potential genetic architecture, etc., for human diseases and livestock traits. For example, the current published results include the detected relevant candidate metabolites, identified metabolic pathways, potential systematic networks, etc., for different cattle traits that can be applied for further metabolomic and integrated omics studies. Therefore, summarizing the applications of metabolomics for economic traits is required in cattle. We here provide a comprehensive review about metabolomic analysis and its integration with other omics in five aspects: (1) characterization of the metabolomic profile of cattle; (2) metabolomic applications in cattle; (3) integrated metabolomic analysis with other omics; (4) methods and tools in metabolomic analysis; and (5) further potentialities. The review aims to investigate the existing metabolomic studies by highlighting the results in cattle, integrated with other omics studies, to understand the metabolic mechanisms underlying the economic traits and to provide useful information for further research and practical breeding programs in cattle.
ZRO Drift Reduction of MEMS Gyroscopes via Internal and Packaging Stress Release
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Wei Zhenyu , Jia Lu , Zhao Yongmei , Han Guowei , Si Chaowei , Ning Jin , Yang Fuhua
Published: November 2021

Zero-rate output (ZRO) drift induces deteriorated micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope performances, severely limiting its practical applications. Hence, it is vital to explore an effective method toward ZRO drift reduction. In this work, we conduct an elaborate investigation on the impacts of the internal and packaging stresses on the ZRO drift at the thermal start-up stage and propose a temperature-induced stress release method to reduce the duration and magnitude of ZRO drift. Self-developed high-Q dual-mass tuning fork gyroscopes (TFGs) are adopted to study the correlations between temperature, frequency, and ZRO drift. Furthermore, a rigorous finite element simulation model is built based on the actual device and packaging structure, revealing the temperature and stresses distribution inside TFGs. Meanwhile, the relationship between temperature and stresses are deeply explored. Moreover, we introduce a temperature-induced stress release process to generate thermal stresses and reduce the temperature-related device sensitivity. By this way, the ZRO drift duration is drastically reduced from ~2000 s to ~890 s, and the drift magnitude decreases from ~0.4 °/s to ~0.23 °/s. The optimized device achieves a small bias instability (BI) of 7.903 °/h and a low angle random walk (ARW) of 0.792 °/√ h, and its long-term bias performance is significantly improved.