Influence of post-treatment on the microstructural and tribomechanical properties of suspension thermally sprayed WC-12 wt%Co nanocomposite coatings.

The potential to improve the tribomechanical performance of HVOF-sprayed WC-12Co coatings was studied by using aqueous WC-12Co suspensions as feed-stock. Both as-sprayed and hot-isostatic-pressed (HIPed) coatings were studied. Mathematical models of wear rate based on the structure property relationships, even for the conventionally sprayed WC-Co hardmetal coatings, are at best based on the semiempirical approach. This paper aims to develop these semiempirical mathematical models for suspension sprayed nanocomposite coatings in as-sprayed and heat-treated (HIPed) conditions. Microstructural evaluations included transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The nanohardness and modulus of the coated specimens were investigated using a diamond Berkovich nanoindenter. Sliding wear tests were conducted using a ball-on-flat test rig. Results indicated that the HIPing post-treatment resulted in crystallization of amorphous coating phases and increase in elastic modulus and hardness. Influence of these changes in the wear mechanisms and wear rate is discussed. Results are also compared with conventionally sprayed high-velocity oxy-fuel hardmetal WC-Co coatings

The Lantern Vol. 30, No. 2, May 1963

• An Observation • Interim • The Collected Raid • Please • Love Me • Waiting With the Sun • Upon a Summit • A Hedonist Comments on His Religion • Like Ice • Dark Morning • So Soft the Breeze • The Heat of Youth • Solemnity • A Laugh • Peter Departinghttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/lantern/1084/thumbnail.jp

Full genome sequence and sfRNA interferon antagonist activity of Zika virus from Recife, Brazil

Background: The outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas has transformed a previously obscure mosquito-transmitted arbovirus of the Flaviviridae family into a major public health concern. Little is currently known about the evolution and biology of ZIKV and the factors that contribute to the associated pathogenesis. Determining genomic sequences of clinical viral isolates and characterization of elements within these are an important prerequisite to advance our understanding of viral replicative processes and virus-host interactions. Methodology/Principal findings: We obtained a ZIKV isolate from a patient who presented with classical ZIKV-associated symptoms, and used high throughput sequencing and other molecular biology approaches to determine its full genome sequence, including non-coding regions. Genome regions were characterized and compared to the sequences of other isolates where available. Furthermore, we identified a subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) in ZIKV-infected cells that has antagonist activity against RIG-I induced type I interferon induction, with a lesser effect on MDA-5 mediated action. Conclusions/Significance: The full-length genome sequence including non-coding regions of a South American ZIKV isolate from a patient with classical symptoms will support efforts to develop genetic tools for this virus. Detection of sfRNA that counteracts interferon responses is likely to be important for further understanding of pathogenesis and virus-host interactions

Caractérisation phénotypique et génétique du riz africain (Oryza glaberrima Steud) phenotypic and genetic characterization of african rice (oryza glaberrima steud)

The agronomic interest of African rice and the morphological similarities with other species, arouse the necessity to characterize African rice for recovery and conservation. The present study aims primarily to characterize phenotypically and genetically African rice for better exploitation in aid of rice producers and consumers. Indeed, the phenotypic characteristics of the rice accessions examined have been determined in two agronomics systems (upland and irrigated) carried out about 235 accessions of African rice; and afterwards, genetic characterization using a specific marker has been carried. At the end of the analyzes, with regard to the phenotypic characters, 22 O.sativa or interspecific accessions differing morphologically on several descriptors were identified. Genetically, out of 19 profiles revealed on a 935-bp band, 14 confirmed the phenotypic results. This study shows that 221 out of 235 accessions are O. glaberrima rice. These results show that the accessions of different species analyzed were confused during the collection. They also seems to validate the possibility of hybridization between the two rice species in peasant environment. The accessions characterized strengthen the conservation effort of African rice. This collection can be used for future studies, particularly with perspective to selection and running African rice with the possibility to establish a genetic model to facilitate the transfer of useful genes from O.glaberrima to O.sativa, while controlling the reproductive barrier. Thus, it will be easy to better exploit the genetic diversity of the African species of cultivated rice

Tailoring interfacial effect in multilayers with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction by helium ion irradiation

We show a method to control magnetic interfacial effects in multilayers with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) using helium (He+) ion irradiation. We report results from SQUID magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance as well as Brillouin light scattering results on multilayers with DMI as a function of irradiation fluence to study the effect of irradiation on the magnetic properties of the multilayers. Our results show clear evidence of the He+irradiation effects on the magnetic properties which is consistent with interface modification due to the effects of the He+ irradiation. This external degree of freedom offers promising perspectives to further improve the control of magnetic skyrmions in multilayers, that could push them towards integration in future technologies

Characterization and prediction of permanent deformation properties of unbound granular materials for Pavement ME Design

The objective of this study is to characterize and predict the permanent deformation properties of unbound granular materials (UGMs) for Pavement ME Design. First, laboratory repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests are conducted on the UGMs from 11 quarries in Texas to measure the permanent strain curves. The shakedown theory is applied to evaluate the permanent deformation behavior of the selected UGMs. It is found that using Werkmeister's criteria to define the shakedown range boundaries is not suitable for the selected UGMs. Under this circumstance, new criteria are proposed to redefine the shakedown range boundaries for the flexible base materials in Texas. The new criteria are consistent with the current Texas flexible base specification in terms of aggregate classification. Second, the mechanistic-empirical design guide (MEPDG) model is used to determine the permanent deformation properties of the selected UGMs on the basis of the measured permanent strain curves. The determined permanent deformation properties are assigned as target values for the development of permanent deformation prediction models. Third, a series of performance-related base course properties are used to comprehensively characterize the UGMs, which include the dry density, moisture content, aggregate gradation, morphological properties, percent fines content, and methylene blue value. These performance-related base course properties are assigned as the inputs of the permanent deformation prediction models. Fourth, a multiple regression analysis is conducted to develop the prediction models for permanent deformation properties using these performance-related properties. The developed models are capable of accurately predicting the permanent deformation properties of UGMs. Compared to other prediction models (e.g., simple indicators-based models and Pavement ME Design models), the developed models have the highest prediction accuracy. It is also found that the Pavement ME model-predicted permanent strains are much lower than those measured from the RLT tests. This demonstrates that the current Pavement ME Design software substantially underestimates the rutting that occurs in base course. Finally, the developed prediction models are validated by comparing the predicted and measured permanent strains of other four base materials. The obtained R-squared value of 0.81 indicates that the developed models have a desirable accuracy in the prediction of permanent deformation properties of UGMs

Role of Culex and Anopheles mosquito species as potential vectors of rift valley fever virus in Sudan outbreak, 2007

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute febrile arthropod-borne viral disease of man and animals caused by a member of the <it>Phlebovirus </it>genus, one of the five genera in the family <it>Bunyaviridae</it>. RVF virus (RVFV) is transmitted between animals and human by mosquitoes, particularly those belonging to the <it>Culex, Anopheles </it>and <it>Aedes </it>genera.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Experiments were designed during RVF outbreak, 2007 in Sudan to provide an answer about many raised questions about the estimated role of vector in RVFV epidemiology. During this study, adult and immature mosquito species were collected from Khartoum and White Nile states, identified and species abundance was calculated. All samples were frozen individually for further virus detection. Total RNA was extracted from individual insects and RVF virus was detected from <it>Culex, Anopheles </it>and <it>Aedes </it>species using RT-PCR. In addition, data were collected about human cases up to November 24^th, 2007 to asses the situation of the disease in affected states. Furthermore, a historical background of the RVF outbreaks was discussed in relation to global climatic anomalies and incriminated vector species.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 978 mosquitoes, belonging to 3 genera and 7 species, were collected during Sudan outbreak, 2007. <it>Anopheles gambiae arabiensis </it>was the most frequent species (80.7%) in White Nile state. Meanwhile, <it>Cx. pipiens </it>complex was the most abundant species (91.2%) in Khartoum state. RT-PCR was used and successfully amplified 551 bp within the M segment of the tripartite negative-sense single stranded RNA genome of RVFV. The virus was detected in female, male and larval stages of <it>Culex </it>and <it>Anopheles </it>species. The most affected human age interval was 15-29 years old followed by ≥ 45 years old, 30-44 years old, and then 5-14 years old. Regarding to the profession, housewives followed by farmers, students, shepherd, workers and the free were more vulnerable to the infection. Furthermore, connection between human and entomological studies results in important human case-vulnerability relatedness findings.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Model performance, integrated with epidemiologic and environmental surveillance systems should be assessed systematically for RVF and other mosquito-borne diseases using historical epidemiologic and satellite monitoring data. Case management related interventions; health education and vector control efforts are extremely effective in preparedness for viral hemorrhagic fever and other seasonal outbreaks.</p

Living with the COVID-19 pandemic: act now with the tools we have.

Fil: Bedford, Juliet. Anthrologica, Oxfordshire; Reino Unido.Fil: Enria, Delia. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas; Argentina.Fil: Giesecke, Johan. Karolinska Institute, Stockholm; Suecia.Fil: Heymann, David L. Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Reino Unido.Fil: Ihekweazu, Chikwe. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control; Nigeria.Fil: Kobinger, Gary. Infectious Disease Research Centre, Université Laval, Faculty of Medicine; Canada.Fil: Lane, H Clifford. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Estados Unidos.Fil: Memish, Ziad A. J W Lee Center for Global Medicine, SNU College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital; Corea del Sur.Fil: Oh, Myoung-Don. J W Lee Center for Global Medicine, SNU College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital; Corea del Sur.Fil: Sall, Amadou Alpha. Institut Pasteur de Dakar; Senegal.Fil: Ungchusak, Kumnuan. Ministry of Health, Department of Diseases Control; Tailandia.Fil: Wieler, Lothar H. Robert Koch Institute; Alemania.The responses of countries to the COVID-19 pandemic have been disparate.1, 2 Many countries are reopening workplaces, schools, and social gatherings and striving to adapt their economies and resume international travel. Other countries are attempting to suppress transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by again restricting businesses, industries, and schools while hoping for future COVID-19 vaccines or treatments. The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Infectious Hazards (STAG-IH), the independent advisory group to the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, has reviewed information from countries around the world and has concluded that the most sound approach on the basis of current understanding is to deploy long-term strategies with a focus on preventing amplification of transmission, protecting those most at risk of severe illness, and supporting research to better understand the virus, the disease, and people's responses to them

Acute traumatic abdominal wall hernia

Although blunt abdominal trauma is frequent, traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are rare. We describe a large TAWH with associated intra-abdominal lesions that were caused by high-energy trauma. The diagnosis was missed by clinical examination but was subsequently revealed by a computed tomography (CT) scan. Repair consisted of an open anatomical reconstruction of the abdominal wall layers with reinforcement by an intraperitoneal composite mesh. The patient recovered well and the results of a post-operative CT scan are presented