Nanoparticles and the influence of interface elasticity

In this manuscript, we discuss the influence of surface and interface stress on the elastic field of a nanoparticle, embedded in a finite spherical substrate. We consider an axially symmetric traction field acting along the outer boundary of the substrate and a non-shear uniform eigenstrain field inside the particle. As a result of axial symmetry, two Papkovitch-Neuber displacement potential functions are sufficient to represent the elastic solution. The surface and interface stress effects are fully represented utilizing Gurtin and Murdoch's theory of surface and interface elasticity. These effects modify the traction-continuity boundary conditions associated with the classical continuum elasticity theory. A complete methodology is presented resulting in the solution of the elastostatic Navier's equations. In contrast to the classical solution, the modified version introduces additional dependencies on the size of the nanoparticles as well as the surface and interface material properties

Atomistic calculations of interface elastic properties in noncoherent metallic bilayers

The paper describes theoretical and computational studies associated with the interface elastic properties of noncoherent metallic bicrystals. Analytical forms of interface energy, interface stresses, and interface elastic constants are derived in terms of interatomic potential functions. Embedded-atom method potentials are then incorporated into the model to compute these excess thermodynamics variables, using energy minimization in a parallel computing environment. The proposed model is validated by calculating surface thermodynamic variables and comparing them with preexisting data. Next, the interface elastic properties of several fcc-fcc bicrystals are computed. The excess energies and stresses of interfaces are smaller than those on free surfaces of the same crystal orientations. In addition, no negative values of interface stresses are observed. Current results can be applied to various heterogeneous materials where interfaces assume a prominent role in the systems' mechanical behavior.open322

MLVA genotyping of Chinese human Brucella melitensis biovar 1, 2 and 3 isolates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Since 1950, <it>Brucella melitensis </it>has been the predominant strain associated with human brucellosis in China. In this study we investigated the genotypic characteristics of <it>B. melitensis </it>isolates from China using a multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and evaluated the utility of MLVA with regards to epidemiological trace-back investigation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 105 <it>B. melitensis </it>strains isolated from throughout China were divided into 69 MLVA types using MLVA-16. Nei's genetic diversity indices for the various loci ranged between 0.00 - 0.84. 12 out 16 loci were the low diversity with values < 0.2 and the most discriminatory markers were bruce16 and bruce30 with a diversity index of > 0.75 and containing 8 and 7 alleles, respectively. Many isolates were single-locus or double-locus variants of closely related <it>B. melitensis </it>isolates from different regions, including the north and south of China. Using panel 1, the majority of strains (84/105) were genotype 42 clustering to the 'East Mediterranean' <it>B. melitensis </it>group. Chinese <it>B. melitensis </it>are classified in limited number of closely related genotypes showing variation mainly at the panel 2B loci.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The MLVA-16 assay can be useful to reveal the predominant genotypes and strain relatedness in endemic or non-endemic regions of brucellosis. However it is not suitable for biovar differentiation of <it>B. melitensis</it>. Genotype 42 is widely distributed throughout China during a long time. Bruce 16 and bruce 30 in panel 2B markers are most useful for typing Chinese isolates.</p

On the Durability of Sealable Circular Concrete Structures under Chloride Environment

Reinforcement corrosion resulting from chloride attack is one major mechanism that compromises concrete durability. Numerical methods were commonly used for tackling Fick’s diffusion equations. In this paper, we developed a Crank-Nicolson based finite difference scheme suitable for circular concrete structures. Both a time-dependent surface chloride model and diffusivity were considered. The impact of an ideal sealer on chloride redistribution was further investigated. Results suggested that the chloride threshold depth in a concrete structure is greatly affected by the radius of curvature, environment severity, and diffusivity. For sealable concrete structures, both the sealer application timing and location are of great importance

The Effect of Hippocampal Cognitive Impairment and XIAP on Glucose and Lipids Metabolism in Rats

Background/Aims: To investigate the effect of cognitive impairment and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) on glucolipid metabolism. Materials and Methods: β-amyloid (Aβ 1-42) was injected into the hippocampus of rats to establish a cognitive impairment model. Trans-activator of transcription (TAT)-XIAP fusion protein (the TAT-XIAP group), PBS (the model group), or XIAP antisense oligonucleotides (the ASODN group) was injected into the lateral ventricles of the rats to increase and decrease the activity of XIAP in the hippocampus. To determine the level of blood glucose and lipids, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression of liver and hipppocamual neuronal apoptosis. Results: The levels of FPG, TG, TC and LDL were significantly higher in the TAT-XIAP group, the model group and the ASODN group than in the blank group (P Conclusion: Cognitive impairment and hippocampal neuron apoptosis can cause glucose and lipids metabolic abnormalities, possibly by regulating gastrointestinal motility and AMPK expression in the liver. The changes in the function of XIAP, which is an anti-apoptotic protein in the hippocampus, may affect the metabolism of glucose and lipids