Preparation of Nickel-Copper Bilayers Coated on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Due to oxidizability of copper coating on carbon nanotubes, the interfacial bond strength between copper coating and its matrix is weak, which leads to the reduction of the macroscopic properties of copper matrix composite. The electroless coating technics was applied to prepare nickel-copper bilayers coated on single-walled carbon nanotubes. The coated single-walled carbon nanotubes were characterized through transmission electron microscope spectroscopy, field-emission electron microscope spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that the nickel-copper bilayers coated on single-walled carbon nanotubes possessed higher purity of unoxidized copper fine-grains than copper monolayers

In vivo breast sound-speed imaging with ultrasound tomography

We discuss a bent-ray ultrasound tomography algorithm with total-variation (TV) regularization. We have applied this algorithm to 61 in vivo breast datasets collected with our in-house clinical prototype for imaging sound-speed distributions in the breast. Our analysis showed that TV regularization could preserve sharper lesion edges than the classic Tikhonov regularization. Furthermore, the image quality of our TV bent-ray sound-speed tomograms was superior to that of the straight-ray counterparts for all types of breasts within BI-RADS density categories 1-4. For all four breast types from fatty to dense, the improvements for average sharpness (in the unit of (m{center_dot} s) {sup -1}) of lesion edges in our TV bent-ray tomograms are between 2.1 to 3.4 fold compared to the straight ray tomograms. Reconstructed sound-speed tomograms illustrated that our algorithm could successfully image fatty and glandular tissues within the breast. We calculated the mean sound-speed values for fatty tissue and breast parenchyma as 1422 {+-} 9 mls (mean{+-} SD) and1487 {+-} 21 mls, respectively. Based on 32 lesions in a cohort of 61 patients, we also found that the mean sound-speed for malignant breast lesions (1548{+-}17 mls) was higher, on average, than that of benign ones (1513{+-}27 mls) (one-sided p<O.OOl). These results suggest that, clinically, sound-speed tomograms can be used to assess breast density (, and therefore, breast cancer risk), as well as detect and help differentiate breast lesions. Finally, our sound-speed tomograms may also be a useful tool to monitor clinical response of breast cancer patients to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy

Investigation and Control of VIVs with Multi-Lock-in Regions on Wide Flat Box Girders

On the preliminary designing of a wide flat box girder with the slenderness ratio 12, vertical and torsional vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) are observed in wind tunnel tests. More than one lock-in region, which are defined as “multi-lock-in regions,” are recorded. Therefore, suspicions should be aroused regarding the viewpoint that wide box girders are aerodynamic friendly. As the three nascent vortexes originating at the pedestrian guardrails and inspection rails shed to near-wake through different pathways with different frequencies, the mechanisms of VIVs and multi-lock-in regions are analyzed to be determined by the inappropriate subsidiary structures. A hybrid method combining Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with experimental results is introduced to study the flow-structure interactions (FSI) when undergoing VIVs; the vortex mode of torsional VIV on wide flat box girders is defined as “4/2S,” which is different from any other known ones. Based on the mechanism of VIV, a new approach by increasing ventilation rate of the pedestrian guardrails is proved to be effective in suppressing vertical and torsional VIVs, and it is more feasible than other control schemes. Then, the control mechanisms are deeper investigated by analyzing the evolution of vortex mode and FSI using Hybrid-LES method

Mesoporous TiO

Mesoporous anatase TiO2 micro-nanometer composite structure was synthesized by solvothermal method at 180°C, followed by calcination at 400°C for 2 h. The as-prepared TiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The specific surface area and pore size distribution were obtained from N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, and the optoelectric property of the mesoporous TiO2 was studied by UV-Vis absorption spectrum and surface photovoltage spectra (SPS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photodegradation of sole rhodamine B (RhB) and sole phenol aqueous solutions under simulated sunlight irradiation and compared with that of Degussa P-25 (P25) under the same conditions. The photodegradation preference of this mesoporous TiO2 was also investigated for an RhB-phenol mixed solution. The results show that the TiO2 composite structure consists of microspheres (∼0.5–2 μm in diameter) and irregular aggregates (several hundred nanometers) with rough surfaces and the average primary particle size is 10.2 nm. The photodegradation activities of this mesoporous TiO2 on both RhB and phenol solutions are higher than those of P25. Moreover, this as-prepared TiO2 exhibits photodegradation preference on RhB in the RhB-phenol mixture solution

Analyzing Ionosphere TEC and ROTI Responses on 2010 August High Speed Solar Winds

The high-speed solar winds stream (HSSWS) generated by coronal hole can produce large interplanetary magnetic field magnitude oscillations, leading to high latitude geomagnetic disturbances, and ionospheric responses as well. This paper has analyzed the global ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and rate of TEC index (ROTI) responses during the high speed solar winds stream occurred from 23 to 29 August, 2010. Ground Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network was mainly used to investigate ionosphere TEC and ROTI behaviors. It has revealed that high latitudes and middle latitudes ionosphere suffered most during this event, with hemisphere asymmetry characteristics. Both TEC variations and ionosphere irregularities were analyzed. The HSSWS event brings to strong ionosphere irregularities represented by large ROTI enhancements at high latitudes. The concentrated ionosphere irregularities were closely related to the intensity of Auroral Electrojet enhancement activities. The ROTI enhancements at high latitudes, including polar cap, aurora, and sub-aurora are also influenced by solar zenith angle; all the prominent ROTI increments are observed in the ranges between 70° and 110° solar zenith angles; while the ROTI enhancements at low latitudes and equator are mostly found in the ranges between 130° and 170° solar zenith angles. The ionosphere disturbance triggered by the HSSWS is also noticed by some remarkable changes of F2 layer peak height. The work is contributing to the understanding of the theoretical coupling mechanism between high speed solar winds stream and magneto-ionosphere responses and provides a reference for space weather analysis and forecasting under similar events

Retrospective analysis of 217 fatal intoxication autopsy cases from 2009 to 2021: temporal trends in fatal intoxication at Tongji center for medicolegal expertise, Hubei, China

This retrospective analysis of fatal intoxication case autopsies was performed at Tongji Center for Medicolegal Expertise in Hubei (TCMEH) from 2009 to 2021 to obtain up-to-date information on intoxication cases. The objective was to describe important data about evolving patterns in intoxication occurrences, enhance public safety policies, and assist forensic examiners and police in more efficient handling of such cases. Analyses based on sex, age, topical exposure routes, toxic agents, and mode of death were performed using 217 records of intoxication cases collected from TCMEH as a sample, and the results were compared with reports previously published (from 1999 to 2008) from this institution. Deaths from intoxications occurred at a higher rate in males than in females and were most common among individuals aged 30–39 years. The most frequent method of exposure was oral ingestion. The causative agents of deadly intoxications have changed when compared to the data from the previous 10 years. For instance, deaths from amphetamine overdoses are becoming more prevalent gradually, whereas deaths due to carbon monoxide and rodenticide intoxication have declined dramatically. In 72 cases, pesticides continued to be the most frequent intoxication cause. A total of 60.4% of the deaths were accidental exposure. Men died from accidents at a higher rate than women, although women were more likely to commit suicide. Particular focus is needed on the use of succinylcholine, cyanide, and paraquat in homicides

Effects of Voltage-Gated K +

Objective. To study the effects and underlying mechanisms of voltage-gated K+ channels on the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells. Methods. RPMI-8226 MM cell line was used for the experiments. Voltage-gated K+ currents and the resting potential were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. RT-PCR detected Kv channel mRNA expression. Cell viability was analyzed with MTT assay. Cell counting system was employed to monitor cell proliferation. DNA contents and cell volume were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results. Currents recorded in RPMI-8226 cells were confirmed to be voltage-gated K+ channels. A high level of Kv1.3 mRNA was detected but no Kv3.1 mRNA was detected in RPMI-8226 cells. Voltage-gated K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) (2 mM) depolarized the resting potential from −42 ± 1.7 mV to −31.8 ± 2.8 mV (P<0.01). The results of MTT assay showed that there was no significant cytotoxicity to RPMI-8226 cells when the 4-AP concentration was lower than 4 mM. 4-AP arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Cells were synchronized at the G1/S boundary by treatment of aphidicolin and released from the blockage by replacing the medium with normal culture medium or with culture medium containing 2 mM 4-AP. 4-AP produced no significant inhibitory effect on cell cycle compared with control cells (P>0.05). Conclusions. In RPMI-8226, voltage-gated K+ channels are involved in proliferation and cell cycle progression its influence on the resting potential and cell volume may be responsible for this process; the inhibitory effect of the voltage-gated K+ channel blocker on RPMI-8226 cell proliferation is a phase-specific event

Enhanced performance of micro deep drawing through the application of TiO2 nanolubricant and graphene lubricants on SUS 301 stainless steel foil

first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Enhanced Performance of Micro Deep Drawing through the Application of TiO2 Nanolubricant and Graphene Lubricants on SUS 301 Stainless Steel Foil by Di Pan 1ORCID,Guangqing Zhang 1,Fanghui Jia 1,Yao Lu 2,Jun Wang 2,Zhou Li 3,Lianjie Li 4,Ming Yang 5ORCID andZhengyi Jiang 1,* 1 School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia 2 Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK 3 College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China 4 School of Intelligent Manufacturing and Control Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China 5 Graduate School of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hino, Tokyo 191-0055, Japan * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Processes 2023, 11(10), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11103042 Received: 2 September 2023 / Revised: 17 October 2023 / Accepted: 20 October 2023 / Published: 23 October 2023 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Manufacturing and Properties of Metal and Alloys) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes Abstract In recent years, the quest for effective lubrication in micro deep drawing (MDD) has seen promising advancements. In this study, the influence of TiO2 nanolubricants and graphene lubricants on the performance of 301 stainless steel foil in MDD is examined. The MDD undergoes an extensive evaluation of various lubrication conditions, including dry, TiO2 nanolubricant, graphene lubricant at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, and 10.0 mg/mL, as well as combined applications of TiO2 and graphene lubricants. Utilising a 5.0 mg/mL graphene lubricant together with TiO2 nanolubricants led to a significant reduction in drawing force, highlighting the synergistic efficacy of this combined lubricant. A pronounced enhancement in the consistency of the produced microcups was also attained. These results emphasise the promise of TiO2 nanolubricant and graphene lubricants in optimising the MDD process

A 0.35 THz Extended Interaction Oscillator based on Overmoded and Bi-Periodic Structure

An improved topology of Extended interaction oscillators (EIO) is presented with enhanced efficiency at 0.35 THz. A bi-periodic ladder-type structure is used for optimizing the performance of the TM 31−2π mode operation, based on bi-periodic interaction gaps composed of staggered short and long slots. The bi-periodic interaction mechanism permits to operate the circuit with a standing-wave field between the π and 2π modes, thus providing the potential to combine the advantages of both π and 2π modes in terms of both coupling and output performance. The resulting transverse TM 31 operating mechanism exhibits a good agreement with the bi-periodic structure in terms of coupling performance, with the short slot length positively correlated with the value of effective characteristic impedance M2R/Q . The circuit demonstrates attractive coupling and output characteristics by optimization of M2R/Q and Qe . A state-of-the-art value M2R/Q of 59.69 Ω and a moderate Qe of 2523.52 are achieved for a proposed eight-period ladder-type EIO. An RF power of 540 W is obtained with a 42.5 kV, 0.6 A sheet beam, with 2.1% electronic efficiency at 0.35 THz

Exploring the use of graphene lubricant and TiO2 nanolubricants in micro deep drawing of stainless steel SUS301

This study investigates the effects of different lubrication conditions on drawing force and microcup formation during micro deep drawing (MDD). Results show that graphene lubricant, in combination with TiO2 nanolubricants, has the potential to reduce friction during MDD. The peak drawing force was reduced by 15.39% when both lubricants were used together, while the use of TiO2 nanolubricant and 10.0 mg/ml graphene lubricant reduced it by 6.03% and 14.52%, respectively. The study also reveals that lubricants reduce wrinkling during the formation of microcups by minimising energy consumption during the primary formation. However, the combination of TiO2 nanolubricant and graphene lubricant can cause inhomogeneous formation on the upper part of the blank, leading to more apparent wrinkling. Overall, the study highlights the potential of TiO2 nanolubricant and graphene lubricant in reducing friction and improving microcup formation during MDD.Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions. This research received funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) through the project designated as DP190100738