bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microgrooves and Microrugosities in Titanium Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Cavalcanti de Lima José Henrique , Rodriguez Fernando , Calvo-Guirado José Luis , Aramburú Júnior Jaime , Pérez-Díaz Leticia , Mazón Patricia , Aragoneses Juan Manuel , De Aza Piedad N.
Published: April 2019

The physical characteristics of an implant surface can determine and/or facilitate osseointegration processes. In this sense, a new implant surface with microgrooves associated with plus double acid treatment to generate roughness was evaluated and compared in vitro and in vivo with a non-treated (smooth) and double acid surface treatment. Thirty disks and thirty-six conical implants manufactured from commercially pure titanium (grade IV) were prepared for this study. Three groups were determined, as described below: Group 1 (G1), where the samples were only machined; group 2 (G2), where the samples were machined and had their surface treated to generate roughness; and test group 3 (G3), where the samples were machined with microgrooves and the surface was treated to generate the roughness. For the in vitro analysis, the samples were submitted to scanning microscopy (SEM), surface profilometry, the atomic force microscope (MFA) and the surface energy test. For the in vivo analyses, thirty-six implants were placed in the tibia of 9 New Zealand rabbits in a randomized manner, after histological and histomorphometric analysis, to determine the level of contact between the bone and implant (BIC%) and the bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO%) inside of the threads. The data collected were statistically analyzed between groups (p < 0.05). The in vitro evaluations showed different roughness patterns between the groups, and the G3 group had the highest values. In vivo evaluations of the BIC% showed 50.45 ± 9.57% for the G1 group, 55.32 ± 10.31% for the G2 group and 68.65 ± 9.98% for the G3 group, with significant statistical difference between the groups (p < 0.0001). In the BAFO% values, the G1 group presented 54.97 ± 9.56%, the G2 group 59.09 ± 10.13% and the G3 group 70.12 ± 11.07%, with statistical difference between the groups (p < 0.001). The results obtained in the evaluations show that the surface with microgrooves stimulates the process of osseointegration, accelerating the healing process, increasing the contact between the bone and the implant and the area of new bone formation.
Metal Coating Synthesized by Inkjet Printing and Intense Pulsed-Light Sintering
Authors: Meng Fanbo , Huang Jin , Zhang Haitao , Zhao Pengbing , Li Peng , Wang Chao
Published: April 2019

The inkjet printing of nanoparticle inks to produce metal coatings is low in manufacturing cost and high in efficiency compared to conventional methods such as electroplating and etching. However, inkjet-printed metal coatings require sintering to provide better metal conductivity and adhesion. Traditional sintering methods require high processing temperatures that can easily damage the coating substrate. In this study, an enhanced overall conductivity is achieved by sintering a nanoparticle metal coating with intense pulsed light. Metal coatings sintered using different parameters were characterized by a profilometer and a four-probe tester, which showed that the surface topographies differed with different sintering degrees. The adhesion of the metal coating was proportional to the pre-sintering temperature within the allowable range of the substrate. Finally, the optimization of the sintering process according to the experimental results improved both the electrical conductivity and adhesion of the metal coating. The optimized parameters were used to fabricate a microstrip antenna and perform the return loss test and microwave darkroom test. The results matched the simulation results well.
Assessment of the Properties of AISI 410 Martensitic Stainless Steel by an Eddy Current Method
Authors: Zhang Huayu , Wei Zhiheng , Xie Fengqin , Sun Baohai
Published: April 2019

Based on electromagnetic theory, metallurgical characteristics can be detected by eddy current nondestructive testing technology. In this study, the relationship between the surface microstructure and the eddy current output of martensitic stainless steel AISI 410 was studied using this technology at different quenching temperatures. The mechanical properties include material hardness, microstructure types and microstructural changes after thermal treatment was evaluated. Using Vickers hardness as the surface hardness index of AISI 410 steel, the relationship between eddy current output signal, in terms of impedance and inductance, and sample surface hardness was studied and the effects of different quenching temperatures on the steel’s surface hardness was examined. In addition, the change of microstructure types of AISI 410 steel after thermal treatment was detected by the eddy current nondestructive testing method, and the results were verified by metallographic microscopy.
Terbium Ion Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Using Magnetic γ-Fe2O3-NH4OH@SiO2 Nanoparticles Functionalized with Amino Groups
Authors: Kegl Tina , Košak Aljoša , Lobnik Aleksandra , Ban Irena
Published: April 2019

New magnetic stabilized and functionalized core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in a simple way and characterized in order to adsorb Tb3+ from aqueous solution with a very low Tb3+ concentration. For the fluorescence determination of adsorption efficiency and capacity, tiron monohydrate as a ligand was used. The obtained results confirm the potential of the synthesized magnetic γ-Fe2O3-NH4OH@SiO2 NPs, functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS), to be used for adsorption of Tb3+ from aqueous solution, with the possibility of its removal from aqueous solution via an external magnet. The endothermic and spontaneous adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption equilibrium data fit the Temkin isotherm well. The maximum adsorption efficiency from aqueous solution with a 2 × 10−6 M concentration of Tb3+ is over 90% at pH 7.
High Efficiency Mercury Sorption by Dead Biomass of Lysinibacillus sphaericus—New Insights into the Treatment of Contaminated Water
Authors: Vega-Páez J. David , Rivas Ricardo E. , Dussán-Garzón Jenny
Published: April 2019

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal frequently used in illegal and artisanal extraction of gold and silver which makes it a cause of environmental poisoning. Since biosorption of other heavy metals has been reported for several Lysinibacillus sphaericus strains, this study investigates Hg removal. Three L. sphaericus strains previously reported as metal tolerant (CBAM5, Ot4b31, and III(3)7) were assessed with mercury chloride (HgCl2). Bacteria were characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS-SEM). Sorption was evaluated in live and dead bacterial biomass by free and immobilized cells assays. Hg quantification was achieved through spectrophotometry at 508 nm by reaction of Hg supernatants with dithizone prepared in Triton X-114 and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS). Bacteria grew up to 60 ppm of HgCl2. Non-immobilized dead cell mixture of strains III(3)7 and Ot4b31 showed a maximum sorption efficiency of 28.4 µg Hg/mg bacteria during the first 5 min of contact with HgCl2, removing over 95% of Hg. This process was escalated in a semi-batch bubbling fluidized bed reactor (BFB) using rice husk as the immobilization matrix leading to a similar level of efficiency. EDS-SEM analysis showed that all strains can adsorb Hg as particles of nanometric scale that can be related to the presence of S-layer metal binding proteins as shown in previous studies. These results suggest that L. sphaericus could be used as a novel biological method of mercury removal from polluted wastewater.
Strengthening of the Fe-Ni Invar Alloy Through Chromium
Authors: Sui Qingshuang , He Jun , Zhang Xin , Sun Zhonghua , Zhang Yunfei , Wu Yingfei , Zhu Zhixiang , Zhang Qiang , Peng Huifen
Published: April 2019

Invar alloys with both high strength and low thermal expansion are urgently needed in fields such as overhead power transmission, aero-molds, and so on. In this paper, Cr was introduced as a cost-efficient alloying element into the Fe-36Ni binary invar alloy to increase its mechanical strength. Our results confirmed that fine Cr7C3 precipitants, together with some Fe3C, in the invar alloy aged at 425 °C could be obtained with a short aging time. Those precipitants then grew and aggregated at grain or sub-grain boundaries with an increase in aging time. Simultaneously, mechanical strength and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) parabolically varied with the increase in aging time. The sample aged at 425 °C for 7 h presented a maximum strength of 644.4 MPa, together with a minimum coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.30 × 10−6 K−1 in the temperature range of 20–100 °C. This optimized result should be primarily attributed to the precipitation of the nanoscaled Cr7C3.
Functionality of Beech Bark in Adhesive Mixtures Used in Plywood and Its Effect on the Stability Associated with Material Systems
Authors: Réh Roman , Igaz Rastislav , Krišťák Ľuboš , Ružiak Ivan , Gajtanska Milada , Božíková Monika , Kučerka Martin
Published: April 2019

The results of research into utilizing grinded beech bark in order to substitute commonly used fillers in urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesive mixtures to bond plywood are presented in the present study. Four test groups of plywood with various adhesive mixtures were manufactured under laboratory conditions and used for experimentation. Plywood made using the same technology, with the common filler (technical flour), was used as a reference material. Three different concentrations of grinded beech bark were used. The thermal conductivity of the fillers used, viscosity and its time dependence, homogeneity and the dispersion performance of fillers were evaluated in the analysis of adhesive mixture. The time necessary for heating up the material during the pressing process was a further tested parameter. The produced plywood was analyzed in terms of its modulus of elasticity, bending strength, perpendicular tensile strength and free formaldehyde emissions. Following the research results, beech bark can be characterized as an ecologically friendly alternative to technical flour, shortening the time of pressing by up to 27%. At the same time, in terms of the statistics, the mechanical properties and stability of the material changed insignificantly, and the formaldehyde emissions reduced significantly, by up to 74%. The utilization of bark was in compliance with long-term sustainability, resulting in a decrease in the environmental impact of waste generated during the wood processing.
Manufacturing of Mg-Ti Couples at Different Heat Treatment Temperatures and Their Corrosion Behavior in Chloride Solutions
Authors: Sherif El-Sayed M. , AlHazaa Abdulaziz N. , Abdo Hany S.
Published: April 2019

In this study, rods of magnesium alloy and titanium alloy were cut to have similar height of about 5mm and size of 10 mm × 10 mm to fabricate three Mg-Ti couples. The Mg-Ti couple was heat treated at 540 °C, 570 °C, and 600 °C. The corrosion of these couples have been investigated and compared with AZ31 alloy. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were employed to study the corrosion behavior after 1.0 h and 48 h exposure to 3.5% NaCl solutions. The morphology of surfaces was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the profile analysis was collected using an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer after 5 days immersion in the chloride solutions. It is found that coupling Mg with Ti reduces the corrosion of AZ31 alloy, which further decreased with the increase of the temperature of treatment. Prolonging the time of exposure from 1.0 h to 48 h remarkably decreased the corrosion of the couples as well.
Copper-Doped Cobalt Spinel Electrocatalysts Supported on Activated Carbon for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Flores-Lasluisa Jhony Xavier , Quílez-Bermejo Javier , Ramírez-Pérez Ana Cristina , Huerta Francisco , Cazorla-Amorós Diego , Morallón Emilia
Published: April 2019

The development of electrocatalysts based on the doping of copper over cobalt spinel supported on a microporous activated carbon has been studied. Both copper–cobalt and cobalt spinel nanoparticles were synthesized using a silica-template method. Hybrid materials consisting of an activated carbon (AC), cobalt oxide (Co3O4), and copper-doped cobalt oxide (CuCo2O4) nanoparticles, were obtained by dry mixing technique and evaluated as electrocatalysts in alkaline media for hydrogen evolution reaction. Physical mixtures containing 5, 10, and 20 wt.% of Co3O4 or CuCo2O4 with a highly microporous activated carbon were prepared and characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, physical adsorption of gases, and electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical tests revealed that the electrodes containing copper as the dopant cation result in a lower overpotential and higher current density for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Enhancement of the Quality of the Shell-Core Bond Interface in Duplex Work Rolls Manufactured by Centrifugal Casting Used in Hot Strip Mills
Authors: Cofiño-Villar Alberto , Alvarez-Antolin Florentino , Asensio-Lozano Juan
Published: April 2019

To ensure the formation of a sound shell-core bond interface free of defects between the shell and the core in work rolls used in the finishing stands of hot strip mills, a complete fusion of this interface must be achieved, avoiding excessive mixing of the two components and the formation of hard, fragile microstructures. The shell is made of white cast iron, alloyed with Ni and Cr, and the core is manufactured of grey cast iron spheroidal graphite in a pearlitic matrix. It is thus advisable to inoculate the shell with 0.6 kg/T SiCaMn, as this promotes discontinuity in the carbide network and leads to an increase in the impact toughness of the bond interface. Furthermore, inoculation of the shell with FeSi-La should be avoided, as this inoculant leads to an increase in graphite counts, promoting it with a lamellar morphology at the edge of the bond and hence reducing the impact toughness in this interface. Addition of Mg to the shell has been found to produce an increase in hardness in the regions adjacent to the bond interface.
Influence of the Oxide and Ethanol Surface Layer on Phase Transformation of Al-Based Nanocomposite Powders under High-Energy Milling
Authors: Janovszky Dora
Published: April 2019

Pure Al particles reinforced with amorphous-nanocrystalline Cu36Zr48Ag8Al8 particles composite powders were prepared by high-energy milling without and with ethanol. The mechanical milling procedures were compared so that in the case of dry milling the particle size increased owing to cold welding, but the crystallite size decreased below 113 nm. The amorphous phase disappeared and was not developed until 30 h of milling time. Using ethanol as a process control agent, the particle size did not increase, while the amorphous fraction increased to 15 wt.%. Ethanol decomposed to carbon dioxide, water, and ethane. Its addition was necessary to increase the amount of the amorphous structure.
Enamel Surface Remineralization Effect by Fluorinated Graphite and Bioactive Glass-Containing Orthodontic Bonding Resin
Authors: Nam Hyung-Jin , Kim You-Min , Kwon Yong Hoon , Kim In-Ryoung , Park Bong-Soo , Son Woo-Sung , Lee Seung-Min , Kim Yong-Il
Published: April 2019

All orthodontic appliances are potentially cariogenic. The plaque around the orthodontic appliance can make demineralization on tooth surface causing white spot lesion (WSL). The most effective method to prevent WSL is Fluoride appliance and gargling, but this requires patient cooperation, which consumes additional treatment time and cost. As suggested in this study, biomaterials like bioactive glass and fluorinated graphite (FGt) having antibacterial and anti-demineralization ability effective and easy to use in the clinic. To clinically use orthodontic bonding resins containing Graphite Fluoride BAG (FGtBAG), its properties, biological stability, antimicrobial activity, and remineralization effect must be verified. BAG was mixed with 2.5% FGt containing 51 to 61% fluorine. This mixture was mixed with the CharmFill Flow (CF) in the ratios of 1, 3, and 5 wt%. Microhardness and shear bond strength tests were performed to evaluate its mechanical properties. MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetra) assay was performed for evaluating its safety. Streptococcus mutans, which is major cariogen by producing lactic acid, was evaluated for antibacterial ability of reducing WSL. In addition, x-ray images were obtained by CBCT (Cone beam computed tomography) after a pH cycle. The remineralization effect was verified in vivo and by Image J. FGtBAG did not differ significantly from CF in mechanical tests. The MTT assay found no significant differences between the groups. The antibacterial activity of FGtBAG at 24 h and 48 h was significantly higher than that of CF. The fluoride release rate tended to increase with the FGtBAG content. The pH cycle results showed that FGtBAG had higher concentration-dependent remineralization effect than CF. The results of this study suggests that orthodontic resins containing FGtBAG can prevent WSL owing to their antibacterial activity and remineralization effect.
Permeability versus Design in TPMS Scaffolds
Authors: Castro A. P. G. , Pires T. , Santos J. E. , Gouveia B. P. , Fernandes P. R.
Published: April 2019

Scaffolds for bone tissue engineering are porous structures that serve as support for cellular growth and, therefore, new tissue formation. The present work assessed the influence of the porous architecture of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) scaffolds on their macroscopic permeability behavior, combining numerical and experimental methods. The TPMS scaffolds considered were Schwartz D, Schwartz P, and Gyroid, which have been previously studied for bone tissue engineering, with 70% porosity. On the experimental side, these scaffolds were produced by MultiJet 3D printing and tested for fluid passage to calculate their permeability through Darcy’s Law. On the numerical side, finite element (FE) models of the scaffolds were simulated on ABAQUS® for fluid passage under compression to assess potential fluid concentration spots. The outcomes revealed that the design of the unit cell had a noticeable effect on both calculated permeability and FE computed fluid flow velocity, regardless of the identical porosity, with the Gyroid scaffold having higher permeability and the Schwartz P a lower probability of fluid trapping. Schwartz D had the worst outcomes in both testing modalities, so these scaffolds would most likely be the last choice for promoting cell differentiation onto bone cells. Gyroid and Schwartz P would be up for selection depending on the application and targeted bone tissue.
B-Spline Solutions of General Euler-Lagrange Equations
Authors: Sun Lanyin , Zhu Chungang
Published: April 2019

The Euler-Lagrange equations are useful for solving optimization problems in mechanics. In this paper, we study the B-spline solutions of the Euler-Lagrange equations associated with the general functionals. The existing conditions of B-spline solutions to general Euler-Lagrange equations are given. As part of this work, we present a general method for generating B-spline solutions of the second- and fourth-order Euler-Lagrange equations. Furthermore, we show that some existing techniques for surface design, such as Coons patches, are exactly the special cases of the generalized Partial differential equations (PDE) surfaces with appropriate choices of the constants.
Reformulated Zagreb Indices of Some Derived Graphs
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Ali Bahadur , Malik Muhammad Aslam , Siddiqui Hafiz Muhammad Afzal , Imran Muhammad
Published: April 2019

A topological index is a numeric quantity that is closely related to the chemical constitution to establish the correlation of its chemical structure with chemical reactivity or physical properties. Miličević reformulated the original Zagreb indices in 2004, replacing vertex degrees by edge degrees. In this paper, we established the expressions for the reformulated Zagreb indices of some derived graphs such as a complement, line graph, subdivision graph, edge-semitotal graph, vertex-semitotal graph, total graph, and paraline graph of a graph.
Solving ODEs by Obtaining Purely Second Degree Multinomials via Branch and Bound with Admissible Heuristic
Authors: Gözükırmızı Coşar , Demiralp Metin
Published: April 2019

Probabilistic evolution theory (PREVTH) forms a framework for the solution of explicit ODEs. The purpose of the paper is two-fold: (1) conversion of multinomial right-hand sides of the ODEs to purely second degree multinomial right-hand sides by space extension; (2) decrease the computational burden of probabilistic evolution theory by using the condensed Kronecker product. A first order ODE set with multinomial right-hand side functions may be converted to a first order ODE set with purely second degree multinomial right-hand side functions at the expense of an increase in the number of equations and unknowns. Obtaining purely second degree multinomial right-hand side functions is important because the solution of such equation set may be approximated by probabilistic evolution theory. A recent article by the authors states that the ODE set with the smallest number of unknowns can be found by searching. This paper gives the details of a way to search for the optimal space extension. As for the second purpose of the paper, the computational burden can be reduced by considering the properties of the Kronecker product of vectors and how the Kronecker product appears within the recursion of PREVTH: as a Cauchy product structure.
Comparison of Diatoms and Dinoflagellates from Different Habitats as Sources of PUFAs
Authors: Peltomaa Elina , Hällfors Heidi , Taipale Sami J.
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have clearly shown the importance of omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for human and animal health. The long-chain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5ω-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω-3) are especially recognized for their nutritional value, and ability to alleviate many diseases in humans. So far, fish oil has been the main human source of EPA and DHA, but alternative sources are needed to satisfy the growing need for them. Therefore, we compared a fatty acid profile and content of 10 diatoms and seven dinoflagellates originating from marine, brackish and freshwater habitats. These two phytoplankton groups were chosen since they are excellent producers of EPA and DHA in aquatic food webs. Multivariate analysis revealed that, whereas the phytoplankton group (46%) explained most of the differences in the fatty acid profiles, habitat (31%) together with phytoplankton group (24%) explained differences in the fatty acid contents. In both diatoms and dinoflagellates, the total fatty acid concentrations and the ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs were markedly higher in freshwater than in brackish or marine strains. Our results show that, even though the fatty acid profiles are genetically ordered, the fatty acid contents may vary greatly by habitat and affect the ω-3 and ω-6 availability in food webs.
Marine Compound 3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Protects Skin Cells against Oxidative Damage via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Ryu Yea , Fernando Pincha , Kang Kyoung , Piao Mei , Zhen Ao , Kang Hee , Koh Young , Hyun Jin
Published: April 2019

In this study, we aimed to illustrate the potential bio-effects of 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3-BDB) on the antioxidant/cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in keratinocytes. The antioxidant effects of 3-BDB were examined via reverse transcription PCR, Western blotting, HO-1 activity assay, and immunocytochemistry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis was performed to test for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) binding to the antioxidant response element of the HO-1 promoter. Furthermore, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that the cytoprotective effects of 3-BDB were mediated by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (PKB, Akt) signaling. Moreover, 3-BDB induced the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, while inhibitors of ERK and Akt abrogated the 3-BDB-enhanced levels of HO-1 and Nrf2. Finally, 3-BDB protected cells from H2O2- and UVB-induced oxidative damage. This 3-BDB-mediated cytoprotection was suppressed by inhibitors of HO-1, ERK, and Akt. The present results indicate that 3-BDB activated Nrf2 signaling cascades in keratinocytes, which was mediated by ERK and Akt, upregulated HO-1, and induced cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress.
Development of Injectable Fucoidan and Biological Macromolecules Hybrid Hydrogels for Intra-Articular Delivery of Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Lu Hsien-Tsung , Chang Wan-Ting , Tsai Min-Lang , Chen Chien-Ho , Chen Wei-Yu , Mi Fwu-Long
Published: April 2019

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors and has commonly been utilized in the repair and regeneration of damaged articular cartilage. However, the major drawbacks of direct PRP injection are unstable biological fixation and fast or burst release of growth factors. Fucoidan is a heparinoid compound that can bind growth factors to control their release rate. Furthermore, fucoidan can reduce arthritis through suppressing inflammatory responses and thus it has been reported to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis, promote bone regeneration and accelerate healing of cartilage injury. Injectable hydrogels can be used to deliver cells and growth factors for an alternative, less invasive treatment of cartilage defects. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA) and fucoidan (FD) was blended with gelatin (GLT) and the GLT/HA/FD hybrid was further cross-linked with genipin (GP) to prepare injectable GP-GLT/HA/FD hydrogels. The gelation rate was affected by the GP, GLT, HA and FD concentrations, as well as the pH values. The addition of HA and FD to GLT networks improved the mechanical strength of the hydrogels and facilitated the sustained release of PRP growth factors. The GP-GLT/HA/FD hydrogel showed adequate injectability, shape-persistent property and strong adhesive ability, and was more resistant to enzymatic degradation. The PRP-loaded GP-GLT/HA/FD hydrogel promoted cartilage regeneration in rabbits, which may lead to an advanced PRP therapy for enhancing cartilage repair.
Dokdolipids A−C, Hydroxylated Rhamnolipids from the Marine-Derived Actinomycete Actinoalloteichus hymeniacidonis
Authors: Choi Byeoung-Kyu , Lee Hwa-Sun , Kang Jong Soon , Shin Hee Jae
Published: April 2019

Three new hydroxylated rhamnolipids, dokdolipids A−C (1−3) were obtained from the marine actinomycete Actinoalloteichus hymeniacidonis, which was isolated from a sediment sample collected off the coasts of Dokdo island, Republic of Korea. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometric data analyses. Their absolute configurations were assigned using the modified Mosher’s method and specific rotation values, as well as acid hydrolysis, chemical derivatizations and subsequent HPLC analysis to determine the configuration of the sugar moieties. All new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against six cancer cell lines, HCT-15, NUGC-3, NCI-H23, ACHN, PC-3 and MDA-MB-231. Compounds 1−3 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against all the cell lines tested with IC50 values ranging from 13.7−41.5 µM.
Effect of Manganese on Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of the Mg-3Al Alloys
Authors: Yao Sheng , Liu Shuhong , Zeng Guang , Li Xiaojing , Lei Ting , Li Yunping , Du Yong
Published: April 2019

Microstructure and corrosion behavior of the Mg-3Al-xMn (x = 0, 0.12, 0.21, 0.36, 0.45) (hereafter in wt.%) alloys were experimentally investigated by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical, and hydrogen evolution tests. A new self-constructed Mg-Al-Mn-Fe thermodynamic database was used to predict the solidification paths of the alloys. The addition of Mn showed no grain refinement in the cast Mg-3Al alloys. According to the microstructure observation, Al-Fe phases were observed in the non-Mn-added alloy, while Al8Mn5(LT) (Al8Mn5 in low temperature) became the main intermetallic phase in the Mn-added alloys, and the amount increased gradually with the Mn addition. The τ–Al0.89Mn1.11 phase with lower Al/(Fe + Mn) ratio was observed in the alloys with 0.36 and 0.45 wt.% Mn content. According to the electrochemical tests, all five alloys showed localized corrosion characteristics in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. Compared with the Mg-3Al alloy, the corrosion resistance of Mn-added alloys were significantly improved and increased gradually with the Mn addition, which was due to the variation of Al-containing intermetallic compounds. The present experimental investigations and thermodynamic calculations confirmed the mechanism that the increasing amount of Al8Mn5(LT) with Mn addition could encapsulate the B2-Al(Mn,Fe) phase with higher Fe. Therefore, it could prevent this detrimental phase from contacting magnesium matrix, thus suppressing micro-galvanic corrosion and improving corrosion resistance gradually.
Effects of a Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of a Friction-Stir-Welded Beryllium-Copper Alloy
Authors: Lim Yeongseok , Lee Kwangjin , Moon Sangdon
Published: April 2019

This paper investigated the microstructure and mechanical properties of a friction-stir-welded beryllium-copper alloy, which is difficult to weld with conventional fusion welding processes. Friction stir welding (FSW) was successfully conducted with a tungsten-carbide (WC) tool. Sound joints without defects were obtained with a tool rotational speed of 700 RPM and tool travel speed of 60 mm/min. A post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) of the FSW joints was performed to analyze the evolution of the microstructure at 315 °C for a half, one, two, three, four, five and eight hours, respectively. The microstructures of the joints were observed using an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Observed softening of microstructure is suggested to be due to the dissolution of the strengthening precipitates during the FSW process, whereas the strength of the joints was recovered via the formation of the CuBe (γ′) phase during the post-weld heat treatment. However, the strength was decreased upon an excessive post-weld heat treatment exceeding three hours. It is considered that the formation of the γ phase and the coarse γ′ phase contributed to the reduction in the strength.
Influence of a Diamond-Like Carbon-Coated Mechanical Part on the Operation of an Orbital Hydraulic Motor in Water
Authors: Strmčnik Ervin , Majdič Franc , Kalin Mitjan
Published: April 2019

The increasing focus on reducing the environmental impact of hydraulic applications has driven efforts to apply new surface-engineering technologies and replace classic lubricants with alternative solutions. In particular, water has gained increasing attention in recent years. However, water has very poor lubrication properties and, especially in combination with steel/steel contact, it leads to severe tribological behavior. A literature review and preliminary research showed that appropriate surface engineering regarding diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings represents a promising solution to overcome the limitation of steel/steel contacts in water. Basic tribological ball-on-disc tests were performed. The result of the tribological investigation showed that there was very low friction and wear in the steel/DLC contact in water. This was our motivation for using DLC coating in a real hydraulic application. The DLC was deployed on the floating outer ring, so steel/DLC contacts between the floating outer ring and three other important parts were created. It was proven that the poor lubrication properties of the water were overcome with appropriate surface engineering. In such a case, the hydraulic motor operated satisfactorily when the water was applied as a working fluid.
Kinetics of Phosphorus Transfer during Industrial Electroslag Remelting of G20CrNi2Mo Bearing Steel
Authors: Li Shijian , Cheng Guoguang , Huang Yu , Dai Weixing , Miao Zhiqi
Published: April 2019

Phosphorus is undesirable in steel for it greatly decreases ductility and causes embrittlement in most cases. The kinetic behavior of phosphorus transfer was investigated during electroslag remelting (ESR) of G20CrNi2Mo bearing steel. Four heat treatments were carried out using an industrial furnace with a capacity to refine 2400 kg ingot. It was found the P content in the four ingots were all higher than that in the electrodes, indicating rephosphorization occurs during ESR. A kinetic model based on film and penetration theory was developed to elucidate the variation of phosphorus from metal film to droplet and metal pool. The model indicates that the rate-determining step of phosphorus transfer is at the slag side. Rephosphorization mainly occurs in the metal film and falling droplet. In addition, the effect of P in the slag and electrode, as well as the temperature of the slag pool on the P content in the metal pool were discussed. In order to achieve a low-P ingot of no more than 0.015%, the corresponding maximum P content in slag under the condition of a certain P content in the electrode was proposed.
Isothermal Kinetic Mechanism of Coke Dissolving in Hot Metal
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hua Fubo , Dai Jing , Xue Zhengliang , Ma Guojun , Li Chengzhi
Published: April 2019

The carburization of molten iron is close to saturation in the blast furnace process, while that in the flash ironmaking process is uncertain because there is no pressure from solid charge and no carburization reactions occurring between the deadman and hot metal. Some experiments were conducted to reveal the kinetic mechanism of coke dissolving in carbon-iron melts. Reduced iron powder, electrolytic iron as well as chemical pure graphite were used as experiment materials. With high-purity argon injected as the protective gas, the specimens were heated up to 1873 K in a tubular resistance furnace to study the isothermal mechanism. The results show that the composition of the ferrous sample affects the dissolution rate. When the FeO content of the iron-bearing material rises from 0% to 4.76%, the apparent dissolution rate constant, kt, falls from 7.98 × 10−6 m/s to 5.48 × 10−6 m/s. There are some differences amongst the dissolution rate coefficients of different cokes despite interacting with similar carbon-iron melts, with coke 1 of 7.98 × 10−6 m/s, coke 2 of 5.17 × 10−6 m/s, and coke 3 of 3.77 × 10−6 m/s. Besides, this index decreases with the increase of the dissolution time and solely depends on the procedure of the mass transfer. A negative correlation is demonstrated between kt and the sulfur content in the iron bath as well. The content of silicon dioxide in the coke has a significant influence on kt. Additionally, the dissolution rate coefficient increases with the increase of the graphitization degree of coke.
Micro-LEGO for MEMS
Authors: Kim Seok
Published: April 2019

The recently developed transfer printing-based microassembly called micro-LEGO has been exploited to enable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications which are difficult to achieve using conventional microfabrication. Micro-LEGO involves transfer printing and thermal processing of prefabricated micro/nanoscale materials to assemble structures and devices in a 3D manner without requiring any wet or vacuum processes. Therefore, it complements existing microfabrication and other micro-assembly methods. In this paper, the process components of micro-LEGO, including transfer printing with polymer stamps, material preparation and joining, are summarized. Moreover, recent progress of micro-LEGO within MEMS applications are reviewed by investigating several example devices which are partially or fully assembled via micro-LEGO.
Silver Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Based Electrochemical Enzyme-Less Sensor for Determination of H2O2 Released from Live Cells
Authors: Yang Danting , Ni Ning , Cao Lu , Song Xin , Alhamoud Yasmin , Yu Guangxia , Zhao Jinshun , Zhou Haibo
Published: April 2019

In this study, a silver doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles-based enzyme-less electrochemical sensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from live cells was constructed for the first time. The presented electrochemical sensor exhibited fast response (2 s) towards the reduction of H2O2 concentration variation at an optimized potential of −0.5 V with high selectivity over biological interferents such as uric acid, ascorbic acid, and glucose. In addition, a wide linear range (4 μM to 10 mM) with a low detection limit (LOD) of 3 μM was obtained. Furthermore, the Ag-mSiO2 nanoparticles/glass carbon electrode (Ag-mSiO2 NPs/GCE) based enzyme-less sensor showed good electrocatalytic performance, as well as good reproducibility, and long-term stability, which provided a successful way to in situ determine H2O2 released from live cells. It may also be promising to monitor the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in bacteria against oxidants and antibiotics.
Broad Environmental Tolerance for a Salicola Host-Phage Pair Isolated from the Cargill Solar Saltworks, Newark, CA, USA
Authors: Rodela Meghan L. , Sabet Shereen , Peterson Allison , Dillon Jesse G.
Published: April 2019

Phages greatly influence the ecology and evolution of their bacterial hosts; however, compared to hosts, a relatively low number of phages, especially halophilic phages, have been studied. This study describes a comparative investigation of physicochemical tolerance between a strain of the halophilic bacterium, Salicola, isolated from the Cargill Saltworks (Newark, CA, USA) and its associated phage. The host grew in media between pH 6–8.5, had a salinity growth optimum of 20% total salts (ranging from 10%–30%) and an upper temperature growth limit of 48 °C. The host utilized 61 of 190 substrates tested using BIOLOG Phenotype MicroArrays. The CGφ29 phage, one of only four reported Salicola phages, is a DNA virus of the Siphoviridae family. Overall, the phage tolerated a broader range of environmental conditions than its host (salinity 0–30% total salts; pH 3–9; upper thermal limit 80 °C) and is the most thermotolerant halophilic phage ever reported. This study is the most comprehensive investigation to date of a Salicola host–phage pair and provides novel insights into extreme environmental tolerances among bacteriophages.
Mineralogy and Garnet Sm–Nd Dating for the Hongshan Skarn Deposit in the Zhongdian Area, SW China
Authors: Zu Bo , Xue Chunji , Dong Chen , Zhao Yi
Published: April 2019

The Hongshan deposit is one of the largest Cu-polymetallic deposits in the Zhongdian area, southwest China. Two types of Cu–Mo ores, mainly developed in the skarns, have been recognized in the Hongshan deposit, i.e., massive or layered skarn and vein-type, with the former being dominant. The highly andraditic composition of garnet (Adr100 to Adr64Gr32) and diopsidic composition of pyroxene (Di90Hd9 to Di1Hd99) indicate the layered skarn ores are of magmatic-hydrothermal origin that formed under oxidized conditions. Sm–Nd dating of garnet yield a well-constrained isochron age of 76.48 ± 7.29 Ma (MSWD = 1.2) for the layered skarn ores. This age was consistent with the Re–Os age for the pyrrhotite from the layered skarn ores, and thereby indicated that the layered skarn mineralization was formed in the Late Cretaceous, rather than in the Triassic as was previously thought. The coincidence of the geochronology from the layered skarn ores and vein-type mineralization further indicated that both ores were the result of a single genetic event, rather than multiple events. The recognition of the Late Cretaceous post-collisional porphyry–skarn Cu–Mo–W belt in the Zhongdian area exhibited a promising prospecting potential.
Volatile Chalcophile Elements in Native Sulfur from a Submarine Hydrothermal System at Kueishantao, Offshore NE Taiwan
Authors: Yu Ming-Zhen , Chen Xue-Gang , Garbe-Schönberg Dieter , Ye Ying , Chen Chen-Tung Arthur
Published: April 2019

We analyzed sulfur isotopes, trace elements and chalcophile elements (Se, Te, As, Sb, and Hg) in the native sulfur matrix from the Kueishantao hydrothermal system and conducted a systematic micro-analytical investigation. The sulfur matrix lacked all measured metals (e.g., Fe, Cu) and rare earth elements (REEs) while being significantly enriched in Te, As, Se (750–1500 ppm), Sb (around 100 ppm) and some Hg. The δ34S data (0.2–2.4‰) suggest a magmatic source leached from igneous rocks and a small contribution of seawater sulfates to the sulfur in hydrothermal deposits. Correlations between Te, As, Sb, and S (r2 = 0.30–0.61) indicate that these elements behave coherently in magmatic-hydrothermal processes. The enrichment factors and content ratios of these elements demonstrate their abundance in the sulfur matrix and minor fractionation after being partitioned into the metallic melt and forming a separate vapor phase to transport. Our study focuses on the native sulfur matrix in a shallow-water volcanic hydrothermal system, to which relatively little attention has previously been paid. This will expand our understanding of hydrothermal precipitates. The study of volatile chalcophile elements in the matrix will provide significant information about their sources, distributions and other geochemical behaviors in magmatic-hydrothermal processes and help to understand the Kueishantao hydrothermal circulation better.
Influence of Impurity Dissolution on Surface Properties and NH3-SCR Catalytic Activity of Rare Earth Concentrate
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhu Jinhao , Zhang Shuning , Li Na , Luo Huijuan , Li Baowei , Zhao Zengwu , Jin Guang , Wu Wenfei
Published: April 2019

Impurity removal and modification of rare earth concentrate powder were conducted by roasting weak acid-weak alkali leaching to obtain the active components of denitrification catalysts. NH3 selective catalytic reduction catalyst samples were prepared by mixing and kneading with pseudo-γ-Al2O3 boehmite as carrier. The results showed that the Ce7O12 content in the active component samples increased and dispersed more evenly. The grain size of the samples was refined, the specific surface area increased, and the active sites exposed more. Ce coexists in the form of Ce3+ and Ce4+. Fe coexists in the form of Fe3+ and Fe2+, but Fe3+ is abundant. Some Ce, La, Nd, Pr, Fe, Mn, and other components formed solid melts during preparation, which increased the synergistic catalytic effect. The denitrification efficiency of the catalyst sample was 92.8% under the conditions of reaction temperature 400 °C, NO content was 600 ppm, NH3/NO ratio was 1.5, and O2 concentration was 4%.
Activation and Disproportionation of Zr2Fe Alloy as Hydrogen Storage Material
Authors: Song Jiangfeng , Wang Jingchuan , Hu Xiaoyu , Meng Daqiao , Wang Shumao
Published: April 2019

As a hydrogen storage material, Zr2Fe alloy has many advantages such as fast hydrogen absorption speed, high tritium recovery efficiency, strong anti-pulverization ability, and difficulty self-igniting in air. Zr2Fe alloy has lower hydrogen absorption pressure at room temperature than LaNi5 alloy. Compared with the ZrVFe alloy, the hydrogen release temperature of Zr2Fe is lower so that the material can recover hydrogen isotopes at lower hydrogen concentration efficiently. Unfortunately, the main problem of Zr2Fe alloy in application is that a disproportionation reaction is easy to occur after hydrogen absorption at high temperature. At present, there is little research on the generation and influencing factors of a disproportionation reaction in Zr2Fe alloy. In this paper, the effects of temperature and hydrogen pressure on the disproportionation of Zr2Fe alloy were studied systematically. The specific activation conditions and experimental parameters for reducing alloy disproportionation are given, which provide a reference for the specific application of Zr2Fe alloy.
Silibinin Downregulates the NF-κB Pathway and NLRP1/NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Monocytes from Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia
Authors: Matias Mariana Leticia , Gomes Virginia Juliani , Romao-Veiga Mariana , Ribeiro Vanessa Rocha , Nunes Priscila Rezeck , Romagnoli Graziela Gorete , Peracoli Jose Carlos , Peracoli Maria Terezinha Serrao
Published: April 2019

Preeclampsia (PE) is a human pregnancy-specific syndrome with abnormal activation of cells from the innate immune system. The present study evaluated whether silibinin (SB) treatment of monocytes from preeclamptic women could modulate NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes as well as TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation. Peripheral blood monocytes from 20 preeclamptic and 20 normotensive (NT) pregnant women, as well as the THP-1 cell line, were cultured with or without monosodium urate (MSU) or SB. NLRP1, NLRP3, Caspase-1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α and IL-10 gene expression by monocytes was analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while inflammatory cytokine production and p65NF-κB activity were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes pathways in THP-1 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blot respectively. Compared with NT women, monocytes from preeclamptic women showed The Ethics Committee of the Botucatu Medical School approved the study (protocol number 2.333.216)higher endogenous activation of NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway as well as higher gene and protein expression of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α, and lower expression of IL-10. Monocyte stimulation with MSU increased inflammation-related genes as well as NF-κB activity. In vitro, SB treatment of monocytes from preeclamptic women reduced the basal activation of these cells by decreasing NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes and p65NF-κB activity. THP-1 cells exhibited a similar immunological response profile to monocytes from preeclamptic women when cultured with or without MSU or SB. These results suggest uric acid participates in the systemic inflammatory response characteristic of preeclampsia and that in vitro SB treatment can modulate the sterile inflammation established in monocytes from preeclamptic women.