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Crime, depression, and substance abuse, often co-occur. This study examined competing models considering each problem domain individually as a driving mechanism for the other problems to better understand etiology and inform prevention efforts. Gender differences were also examined. Data were drawn from the Seattle Social Development Project, a multiethnic and gender-balanced urban panel of 808 participants constituted in 1985. Cross-lagged models examined prospective assessments of early (grades 7 & 8) and late (grades 9–12) adolescent internalizing problems, substance use, and delinquency, as well as measures of depression, substance dependence, and crime at early adulthood (ages 21–24) and later adulthood (ages 27–30). Comparisons of nested models by gender showed (a) continuity in internalizing behaviors/depression, substance use/dependence, and delinquency/crime for both women and men; (b) accounting for continuity, depression did not consistently drive other problems for either women or men; (c) among women, both substance abuse and crime appeared to be important driving mechanisms; and (d) among men, crime emerged as the most pertinent driving mechanism. Findings suggest that externalizing problems may be more important driving mechanisms for depression than vice versa. Preventing crime and substance abuse may have the important added benefit of reducing early adult depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African American girls are disproportionately represented in juvenile detention, yet less is known about their distinctive and heterogeneous needs, especially regarding their psychosocial contexts. Latent class analysis determined four subgroups based on the adolescent ecology (neighborhood, family, peers) among detained African American girls ages 13–17 (N = 188). The Shielded class (32%) displayed the lowest levels of risk and highest levels of protective factors. The Typical class (24%) was close to the sample average on all indicators, with elevated histories of family incarceration. The Family Distress class (16%) reported the lowest neighborhood risk but was marked by high family risk levels and abuse history. The Highest Risk class (28%) had elevated risk on most indicators but particularly high neighborhood and peer risk. These classes significantly varied by youth social context and mental health. Findings bolster the need to consider the diverse, multidimensional contextual experiences of detained and at-risk African American girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the directionality of Fe 2+ ion irradiation on the evolution of vanadium nitride platelet–shaped nanoprecipitates at 500 °C was investigated in a ferritic alloy using transmission electron microscopy. When the ion-irradiation direction was approximately aligned with the initial particle length, particles grew longer and sectioned into shorter lengths at higher doses, resulting in increased particle densities. As ion-irradiation direction deviated from particle-length direction, some particles sectioned lengthwise and then dissolved, resulting in decreased particle densities. Surviving particles were transformed into parallelograms with a different orientation relationship with the matrix. Nanoprecipitate evolution dependence on beam-nanoprecipitate orientation is a process that may be different from reactor irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferritic-martensitic steels such as T91 and NF616 are candidate materials for several nuclear applications. This study evaluates radiation resistance of T91 and NF616 by examining their microstructural evolutions and hardening after the samples were irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor to ∼4.3 displacements per atom (dpa) at an as-run temperature of 469 °C. In general, this irradiation did not result in significant difference in the radiation-induced microstructures between the two steels. Compared to NF616, T91 had a higher number density of dislocation loops and a lower level of radiation-induced segregation, together with a slightly higher radiation-hardening. Unlike dislocation loops developed in both steels, radiation-induced cavities were only observed in T91 but remained small with sub-10 nm sizes. Other than the relatively stable M 23 C 6 , a new phase (likely Sigma phase) was observed in T91 and radiation-enhanced MX → Z phase transformation was identified in NF616. Laves phase was not observed in the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The recent progress and appropriate use of immunosuppressive drugs have considerably improved the short-term survival in kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs). The development of new strategies to improve long-term survival outcome after kidney transplantation is also becoming important. Although current diagnosis of allograft dysfunction relies on serum creatinine concentration and biopsy, they are nonspecific indicators of allograft function. Therefore, noninvasive, sensitive, and specific biomarkers for the prediction of long-term survival are needed. The aim of this study was to discover potential biomarkers for long-term survival in KTRs through the use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Methods We used the metabolic approach to explore the change of metabolites in the serum of KTRs. Twenty-four KTRs with long-term good survival (LGS) and 10 KTRs with chronic antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR) were included in this study. After quantile normalization with chromatographic data, multivariate statistical analysis was performed. We attempted to analyze metabolic profiling with LGS and CAMR groups. Results The orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis score plot showed a separation between 2 groups in the principal component. In the corresponding loading plot, 344 metabolites responsible for the separation observed in the score plot were identified (variable influence on projection ≥1.0). We then selected 54 metabolites to compare mass with charge by searching a web database, and 11 compounds were identified. Conclusions We found metabolites in serum that differ in LGS and CAMR groups. Further studies are needed to figure out potential metabolomic biomarkers to predict long-term survival in KTRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper examined proximal and distal effects of protective factors specified in the social development model (SDM) on youth violence among high-risk youth. Methods Data come from the Seattle Social Development Project, a longitudinal study of development from childhood into adulthood. A community sample of 808 participants from the Seattle Public School District was surveyed from the 5th grade through adulthood. This paper uses data from participants' adolescent years, ages 10–18. Results Higher levels of protective factors in early and middle adolescence reduced the odds of violence during late adolescence in the full sample and in two different risk groups (high cumulative risk and low SES). Although risk exposure increased the odds of violence, protective factors in middle adolescence predicted lower odds of violence during late adolescence. Importantly, protective factors had a greater effect in reducing violence among youth exposed to high levels of cumulative risk than among youth exposed to lower levels of cumulative risk. This difference was not observed between youth from higher and lower SES families. Conclusion Protective factors specified in the SDM appear to reduce violence in late adolescence even among youth from low SES families and youth exposed to high levels of cumulative risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its superior creep and corrosion resistance as compared with general austenitic stainless steels, NF709 has emerged as a candidate structural material for advanced nuclear reactors. To obtain fundamental information about the radiation resistance of this material, this study examined the microstructural evolution of NF709 subjected to neutron irradiation to 3 displacements per atom at 500 °C. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-energy x-ray diffraction were employed to characterize radiation-induced segregation, Frank loops, voids, as well as the formation and reduction of precipitates. Radiation hardening of ∼76% was estimated by nanoindentation, approximately consistent with the calculation according to the dispersed barrier-hardening model, suggesting Frank loops as the primary hardening source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the developmental changes in protective factors that lead to healthy youth development provides important information on the appropriate timing and targets for community-based prevention. This study used a control sample of 2002 individuals from 7 states to examine the normative development of protective factors. Data come from the Community Youth Development Study, a community-randomized trial of Communities That Care. Multilevel models estimated the change in protective factors from 5th to 12th grade, controlling for individual characteristics. Gender difference and school transitions were examined. Findings suggest that most protective factors decline through middle school but start increasing during high school, with some declining at slower rates than in middle school. Although females reported higher levels of protective factors than males, the transitional point did not differ by gender. Community initiatives that seek to bolster protective factors should start early and continue through high school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Small amounts of allyl isocyanate modified graphene (iG, 0–2.5phr) were incorporated into acrylate terminated polyurethane (PU) by UV curing. The effects of this incorporation on the morphological, mechanical, thermal and shape memory properties of the nanocomposites were examined. The iG nanoparticles incorporated into the PU chains acted as both multifunctional crosslinkers and reinforcing fillers, and the effects were most pronounced at 1.5phr iG. Consequently, the glassy and rubbery state moduli, yield strength, glass transition temperature (Tg ), shape fixity and shape recovery ratios were increased by adding up to 1.5phr iG. Above the loadings, most of the above properties decreased due to aggregation and the auto-inhibition reaction of allyl compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The chorda-lingual (CL) nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the hilum of the sublingual and submandibular glands (SMGs) and evokes the secretion of saliva. The effect of cutting the CL nerve on the biological processes in SMGs was investigated by examining the gene-expression profiles in the SMGs after a surgical parasympathectomy. Methods: At day 3 after the CL nerve cut, the changes in the SMGs at both the experimental cut and contralateral control sides were analysed by microarray and light microscopy. The expression levels of 6 selected genes were confirmed by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results: The wet weight of the parasympathectomised SMGs decreased significantly compared to that of the contralateral side (p <0.05). Histological analyses after the parasympathectomy showed a widened interacinar space as well as some atropic changes to the acini of the SMGs in the cut side. Microarray analysis revealed that twofold differential expression in mRNA expression in the parasympathectomized SMGs were detected in 88 genes (0.004%): 41 genes were overexpressed, 11 were underexpressed and 36 were unknown. Changes of the expression of 6 selected genes detected by Western blot and/or real-time PCR were consistent with the microarray data. Conclusion: The important genes involved in biological processes for salivation were identified through a large-scale gene expression analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High solid and high stability waterborne polyurethanes were molecularly designed and synthesized. The positions and concentrations of the anionic groups were varied, along with the molecular weights of the polyol. It was found that the dispersions containing ionic groups at the chain termini (called terminal ions) gave the smallest dispersion size, and the highest dispersion stability and viscosity, whereas the hard ions, containing ionic groups in the hard segments, resulted in the greatest swelling in water. However, the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the dispersion cast films were similar. It was demonstrated that highly stable dispersions with a high solid content (45%) can be obtained at a low ionic content (2%) by simply incorporating the ionic groups at the flexible chain ends. The results were interpreted in terms of the high mobility and low free energy of the chain ends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LSGM is known to have a critical limit in terms of its application due to its chemical reactivity with other unit cell components. In particular, the formation of a highly resistive La–Sr–Ga–O phase at the interface of the anode and electrolyte poses a major obstacle toward the application of LSGM-based SOFCs. In this study, we investigated the interfacial reactions in LSGM-based SOFCs under various fabrication conditions in order to identify a means of avoiding or diminishing undesirable interfacial reactions. The electrical properties and phase composition of all reaction products were analyzed with the DC 4-point probes technique and X-ray diffraction. Microstructural evolution due to the chemical reactions between unit cell components was characterized with Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. According to the analysis of the interfacial reaction, a serious reaction zone exists, critically increasing the internal ohmic resistance of the cells. Moreover, this interfacial reaction decreases the OCV (open cell voltage) and consequently deteriorates the unit cell performance. Possible approaches to solving this reaction problem are reducing the heat-treatment temperature or introducing an effective buffering layer to prohibit interfacial reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of embryo injection on void nucleation is evaluated through an extension of classical nucleation theory. Calculations indicate that embryo injection may play a significant role in void nucleation under cascade-producing irradiation environments, such as occur in fission and proposed fusion reactors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: UV curable polyurethane dispersions (UV-PUDs) having different prepolymer chain length, different types of capping agent (2,3-epoxy-1-propanol (glycidol) and 2-hydroxyethylacrylate (HEA)) and ionic center have been synthesized. Films based on polyurethane prepolymer were tack free prior to cure and showed high elongation at break over 200% as well as high hardness and modulus, especially when the terminal isocyanate groups were capped with glycidol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chemical vapor condensation (CVC) process was applied to produce nanosized tungsten carbide powders. Characteristics of the synthesized powders with variations in the CVC parameters were studied. Loosely agglomerated WC1−x powders could be obtained. The size of the CVCed powders decreased with increasing CVC reaction temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanostructured Cu–Al2O3 composite powders were synthesized by thermochemical process. The synthesis procedures are (1) preparation of precursor powder by spray-drying of solution made from water-soluble copper and aluminum nitrates, (2) air heat treatments to evaporate volatile components in the precursor powder and synthesis of nanostructured CuO+Al2O3, and (3) CuO reduction by hydrogen into pure Cu. The suggested procedures stimulated the formation of the γ-Al2O3, and different alumina formation behaviors appeared with various heat-treating temperatures. The mean particle size of the final Cu–Al2O3 composite powders produced was 20 nm, and the electrical conductivity and hardness in the hot-extruded bulk were competitive with Cu–Al2O3 composite by the conventional internal oxidation process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) and AB crosslinked polymer (ABCP) hydrogels composed of polyacrylamide (PAAm) and polyurethane (PU) have been synthesized as function of degree of polymerization of PU prepolymer, crosslink density of PAAm domain, and gel composition. Both PAAm/PU IPN and ABCP gels gave synergistic effects in terms of density showing positive deviation from the linear additivity. As a result of this, the strength of swollen gel increased over approximately two times with a small addition of flexible PU (10–20%) to the rigid PAAm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nano-structured titanium carbides were synthesized by liquid-magnesium reduction of vaporized TiCl4 + CCl4 solution. Fine TiC particles were produced by the reaction of released Ti and C atoms, and vacuum was used to remove the residual phases of MgCl2 and excess Mg. Characterization of products was performed with various reaction parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Amorphous polyurethane (PU)–based shape memory polymers (SMPs) were synthesized with different extents of allophanate reactions, hard segment contents, and types of polyol. They were characterized in terms of hydrogen bonding, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermomechanical properties of solution-cast films. Polyols with molecular mass of 500 g/mole resulted in two-phase mixed morphology of the PU. However, the extent of phase mixing depended on the cross-linking density and hard segment content, as well as the type of polyol, and was directly related to the hydrogen bonding determined from the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis (PKMB) is a condition which occurs on the glans penis of older men and may be associated with the development of a verrucous carcinoma. A role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in the aetiology of verrucous carcinoma has been implicated and several different HPV types have been found. We report a 74-year-old man who developed a verrucous carcinoma within an area of PKMB on the glans penis. Using a broad-spectrum polymerase chain reaction technique for identifying HPV, the epidermis of the area of PKMB and of the verrucous carcinoma were examined and no HPV DNA was identifiable. These results suggest that there is no part for HPV in the pathogenesis of PKMB or its transformation to verrucous carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of helium on microstructures and mechanical properties of reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic steels is important to use of these steels in fusion reactor structures. The 9Cr-2WVTa steels were doped with 58Ni and 60Ni isotopes at 2 weight percent to control the rate of transmutation helium generation. The samples were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor to ~24 displacements per atom at nominal temperatures of 300, 400, and 500°C, producing 228 and 7 atomic parts-per-million helium in the 58Ni- and 60Ni-doped samples, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a variety of precipitates and the radiation-induced dislocation loops and cavities (voids or helium bubbles). Tensile tests of the irradiated samples at the irradiation temperatures showed radiation-induced hardening at 300°C and radiation-induced softening at 400°C. Analysis indicates that the hardening primarily originated from the loops and cavities. The 58Ni-doped samples had greater strengthening contributions from loops and cavities, leading to higher hardening with lower ductility than the 60Ni-doped samples. The greater helium production of 58Ni did not show pronounced reductions in ductility of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Court-involved youth have high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can impact functioning in adolescence and throughout adulthood. Yet there is limited research to help clinicians translate these histories into trauma-responsive programming guidelines. This manuscript utilizes data that is routinely collected to inform practitioners about how to utilize trauma histories to inform program and practice decisions. This study used administrative data with a diverse sample of medium- to high-risk youth on probation (N = 5,378) to examine how ACE clusters, identified through Latent Class Analysis, evinced differential treatment needs across multiple domains. Six identified classes – Low All, Parental Incarceration, Parental Health Problems, High Conflict, High Maltreatment, and High All – were assessed for differences in self-regulation, mental health, substance use, academic functioning, family/social resources, and behavioral problems. Classes varied significantly on all assessed domains, indicating differential needs for effective interventions to interrupt negative trajectories. Utilizing existing data in a real-world setting and addressing challenges and barriers in real-time can help bring research evidence to practice. In addition to juvenile justice settings, we conclude with discussion of ways that allied community based services in schools, youth programming, and family services can benefit from awareness of these youth adversity profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, we investigated the anti‐osteoporotic effect of two fermented milk products (FMPs) fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum A41 and Lactobacillus fermentum SRK414 on a rat model of ovariectomy‐induced post‐menopausal primary osteoporosis. Methods and Results: The two Lactobacillus FMPs increased the bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and normalized the bone biomarkers in the serum. Additionally, they altered the gene expression levels of bone‐metabolism‐related markers. Furthermore, the two Lactobacillus FMPs downregulated bone‐apoptosis‐related genes stimulated by ovariectomy. Interestingly, the Lactobacillus FMPs decreased the levels of inflammation markers in the serum, bone, ileum and colon of the rats. Gut bacterial populations were also affected upon FMP treatment due to increase in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Conclusions: Milk products fermented by L. plantarum A41 and L. fermentum SRK414 can exhibit anti‐osteoporotic effects on post‐menopausal osteoporosis via regulating the expression of bone‐metabolism‐related markers. Significance and Impact of the Study: The two Lactobacillus FMPs used in the study can be an ideal method that has its potential of treating post‐menopausal osteoporosis instead of drug treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel optical access network with Manchester coded downstream and remodulated NRZ coded upstream is proposed and experimentally implemented in a 20 km standard singlemode fibre network. When the downstream light source is reused for the upstream signal, acceptably small penalty was observed compared to the unmodulated light source case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new radioactive ion-beam accelerator facility, RAON, is under construction in Korea. Among the seven experimental systems being built, the Large Acceptance Multi-Purpose Spectrometer (LAMPS) in the high-energy experimental hall is the versatile detector system for nuclear physics. Its primary goal is to study the nuclear equation of state (EoS) and the symmetry energy of the compressed nuclear matter, which should be essential to understand the effective nuclear interactions and structure of the astrophysical objects like neutron stars. The basic LAMPS system consists of the beam diagnostic elements such as the starting counters and beam drift chambers, the time-projection chamber, the barrel and forward time-of-flight systems, the forward neutron detector array, and the superconducting solenoid magnet. In this paper the overview of the present status of each detector component for LAMPS will be given with some prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative diffraction efficiency (RDE), operating voltage, and response times are most important performance characteristics of holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals (HPDLC). Two types of triallyl isocyanurate (TI) having different structures were incorporated into the conventional transmission grating of HPDLC. Premix viscosity decreased by 13–18% with up to 3% TI, beyond which it increased. TI eliminated induction period and augmented initial grating formation rate at all contents. Saturation RDE increased over 200% while threshold voltage and rise time decreased to about half and 2/3, respectively up to 3% TI, beyond which the tendencies were reversed. Among the two TIs, low viscosity monomer (TA) showed high RDE, while high miscibility monomer (TE) low characteristic voltages and short response times. It is concluded that grating formation is largely favored by low viscosity, while interface tensions and electro-optical performances by miscibility at similar viscosities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients. Noninvasive coronary angiography with the use of multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) is feasible with high sensitivity and negative predictive value to evaluate CAD. However, few studies have been conducted to elucidate the applicability of MDCT in KT. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of CAD with the use of MDCT angiography in asymptomatic KT recipients. Methods From September 2011 to November 2013, MDCT angiography was performed on 90 renal transplant recipients who had no pre-transplantation CAD history and stabilized post-transplantation renal function for 6–18 months. According to the MDCT results, we divided our study population into 2 groups: The no-CAD group ( n = 36; 40.0%) and the CAD group ( n = 54; 60.0%). Severity of CAD was categorized as follows: mild CAD, 1 vessel obstructive, 2 vessels obstructive (or in the proximal left anterior descending), and 3 vessels obstructive (or left main). Results Among the risk factors, pre-transplantation diabetes mellitus and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein, higher parathyroid hormone levels, higher coronary artery calcification scores, and rejection episodes were independent factors for CAD. Thirty-two (59.3%) of the CAD group had mild obstructive lesions and 22 (40.7%) had obstructive lesions in >1 vessel according to MDCT angiography. Conclusions MDCT angiography is a useful and noninvasive method for detecting CAD even in asymptomatic KT recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Gelatin was chemically modified by vinyltrimethoxysilane. [•] Modified gelatin was chemically incorporated into waterborne polyurethane (WPU). [•] Gelatins in WPU acted as multifunctional crosslinks and reinforcing fillers. [•] Mechanical and surface properties of the WPU were enhanced. [•] Biodegradability in trypsin solution and in soil was significantly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-sensitive hybrid films were synthesized with a concentration gradient by casting and UV curing of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomers (0%–70%) on the free surface of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) films on a Teflon substrate. The surface hardness and contact angle of the free surface with a water drop increased asymptotically with the addition of NIPAAm, whereas those on the substrate side were virtually unchanged. The diffusion coefficient (D), rates of swelling at 20°C (below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)) and deswelling at 50°C (above the LCST) increased with increasing NIPAM content, showing favorable thermosensitivity. In addition, the glassy state modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the film increased with increasing NIPAM content, whereas the rubbery modulus decreased due to the increased molecular weight between the crosslinks. In addition, as the NIPAM content increased, the film showed a positive yield with an increased yield and fracture stress and decreased ductility. Above 50% NIPAM, the film became brittle, showing a linear stress–strain relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Various compositions of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/polypropylene (UHMWPE/PP) blends were prepared in decalin, with the rheological, mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of the blends being determined using the solution cast film. Viscosity and mechanical properties of the blends decreased below the additivity value with increasing PP content implying that PP molecules disturb the entanglement of UHMWPE. Contact angle of the blend films with a water drop increased with increasing content of PP. The atomic force microscope (AFM) images showed that the surface of cast UHMWPE was very smooth whereas that of cast PP was very uneven. For blends, the surface became rough and uneven with increasing content of PP. The melting temperature of PP (TmP) decreased in the blends with increasing UHMWPE content while that of UHMWPE (TmU) remained almost constant in blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Waterborne polyurethane (PU)/clay nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating the chemically modified clay into the main chain of PU by UV cure where modification was made using vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) via sol–gel reaction. It was found that VTMS modified clay gave dual effects of multifunctional cross-link as well as reinforcing filler and significantly augmented hardness, tensile modulus and strength, rubbery modulus, gel content and swelling resistance, glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the waterborne PU. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Crystalline tungsten disulphide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the chemical vapor condensation (CVC) method. The process performed as decomposition of tungsten hexacarbonyl over sulphur vapor in inert gas flow, where WS2 nanoparticles were synthesized by direct reaction between as formed pure tungsten nanoclusters and sulphur vapor. Influence of experimental parameters on shape, size distribution, structure and phase composition of nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The produced nanoparticles have closely spherical shape with the mean size in the range 20–70nm in diameter dependently of process parameters. Nested “onion-like” structure of nanoparticles was observed. The mean value of interlayer distance in the {0001} direction, is about 0.6358±0.031nm. Due to nanodimensional size, physical properties and layered structure tungsten disulphide nanoparticles have great potential as a solid lubricant material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals (HPDLC) have been fabricated from four different types of LC at a specific resin composition to optimize the electro-optical performance of the film. Among them, ZLI-3417-100 gave the lowest driving voltage (<2.5V/μm) and fastest response time (<10ms) which was interpreted in terms of high dielectric anisotropy (Δɛ) and low viscosity of the LC. However, diffraction efficiency of the film was a bit low due to the relatively small refractive anisotropy (Δn) of the LC giving rise to a small mismatch of refractive index with resin. With regard to the LC content, 40% LC gave the greatest diffraction efficiency, whereas saturation time decreased with increasing content of LC, which emphasizes the viscosity reducing effect of LC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iron carbide Fe3C nanoparticles were fabricated by a chemical vapor condensation (CVC), and their structural and magnetic properties were investigated. It was found that the formation of iron carbide nanoparticles strongly depended on reaction temperature and pressure. The iron carbide was formed only above 650°C at 101kPa (760Torr) but never formed in vacuum (1.33Pa) regardless of reaction temperature. The fabricated iron carbide nanoparticles were spherical with T c of about 240°C. While the particles formed at 650°C (∼30nm) possessed a typical core–shell structure, those formed at 800°C (∼50nm) did not have such structure. The nanoparticles fabricated at 650°C and 800°C at 101kPa, exhibited M s of ∼125Am2/kg whereas i H c of the former was slightly higher (∼63kA/m) than that of the latter (∼40kA/m). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ni–Zr–Ti–Si–Sn/Cu metallic glass (BMG) composites were fabricated by magnetic compaction of powder mixtures. A considerable plastic deformation took place without apparent failure during the dynamic compaction even at room temperature and at a high strain rate. The BMG particles retained their amorphous phase after the dynamic magnetic compaction at 450 °C. The resulting Ni52.65Zr28.71Ti13.57Si1.33Sn3.74/60% Cu composite exhibited a remarkable tensile ductility at room temperature combined with high strength: tensile elongation of 28% and ultimate tensile stress up to 1.1 GPa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Jeongshintang (JST) is a Korean herbal prescription, which has been successfully used for cerebral diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of JST on Alzheimer''s disease (AD) is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of JST in attenuating the inflammatory response induced by interleukin (IL)-1β plus β-amyloid [1–42] fragment (Aβ) in the human astrocyte cell line, U373MG. The production of IL-6, IL-8, and prostaglandin (PG)E2 was significantly increased by IL-1β plus Aβ (1–42) in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). JST significantly inhibited the IL-1β plus Aβ (1–42)-induced IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 production at 24 h (P < 0.05). Maximal inhibition rate of IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 production by JST was about 54.40%, 56.01%, and 44.06% respectively. JST (0.01–1 mg/ml) also attenuated the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and activation of p38 MAPK induced by IL-1β and Aβ (1–42). These results demonstrated that JST has an anti-inflammatory effect, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polyurethane-b-poly(N-isopropyl acryl amide) block copolymers having 0–40% N-isopropyl acryl amide have been synthesized via AB crosslinked polymerization technique and tested for various properties. It was possible to systematically control the thermal, mechanical, dynamic mechanical properties as well as swelling–deswelling characteristics of the copolymers by controlling the block length. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanosized titanium carbide particles were synthesized by the reaction of liquid magnesium and vaporized TiCl4+CxCl4 (x=1, 2) solution. Fine titanium carbide particles with about 50 nm were successfully produced by combining of Ti and C atoms released by chloride reduction of magnesium, and vacuum was then used to remove the residual phases of MgCl2 and excess Mg. With respect to the reaction kinetic, the activation energy for the reactions of TiCl4+C2Cl4 and Mg was found to 69 kJ mol-1, which was about half value against the use of TiCl4+CCl4, and such higher reactivity of the former contributed to increase the stoichiometry until the level of TiC0.96 and decrease the free carbon content below 0.3 wt.%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanosized #x03B5;-Fe3N and iron-nitrides/α-Fe particles with a core-shell structure were prepared by the chemical vapor condensation. Structure and magnetic properties were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The core consists of iron-nitrides/α-Fe or single #x03B5;-Fe3N nanoparticles, while the shell consists of iron oxides. Magnetic properties of #x03B5;-Fe3N nanoparticles can be improved by varying the experimental conditions. The maximum value of the saturation magnetization reaches 126.1 emu/g for the #x03B5;-Fe3N nanoparticles prepared at 1000°C by a pure 60 sccm NH3 carrier gas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polyurethane (PU)–polyacrylic acid (PAAc) multiblock copolymers have been prepared via a macroiniferter technique, and were tested for living mechanism, thermal, and water swell of the cast films. It was found that molecular weight of the PU–PAAc block copolymers linearly increased while molecular weight distribution decreased with conversion. As the PAAc content increases, water swell of the cast films and crystalline melting temperature (Tm) of PU decreased while glass transition temperature of PU increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultrafine titanium carbide particles were synthesized by liquid-magnesium reduction of vaporized TiCl4+CCl4 solution. Fine TiC particles were produced by the reaction of released Ti and C atoms, and after reduction process vacuum was used to remove the residual phases of MgCl2 and excess Mg. Fixed and free carbon were measured in products synthesized with various parameters as well as stoichiometry and microstructure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]