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Background: Researchers take different positions when describing the effects of infrasound on the human body. Although several studies investigated the likely harmful effects of infrasound exposure from wind turbines a significant connection has not been found yet. There is evidence that infrasound interacts with cell metabolism and may disrupt cell membrane integrity.Objectives: The suggested impairment of the cells' ultrastructure by infrasound leads to the question of whether infrasound can be therapeutically used, for instance in cancer therapy. This review provides the current state of the literature.Method: Current literature on infrasound in cancer therapy including all studies with the search terms 'cancer' and 'infrasound' were identified and reviewed until the year 2020.Results: The present state of research reveals promising effects of targeted infrasound in cancer therapy. Infrasound directly affects the tumor cells' ultrastructure and seems to sensitize several types of cancer to chemotherapy, presumably due to membrane permeabilization. The application of infrasound on tumor cells without other therapeutic agents demonstrates different effects that probably depend on the type of cells, the applied frequency and sound pressure level as well as the time of exposure.Conclusions: The mechanism of infrasound on cancer cells is not completely understood yet, hence, further studies have to be conducted to clarify the ultrastructural and metabolic changes inside the tumor cells. The development of suitable infrasound generators for the application in a clinical setting would be an important course of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the many hypotheses trying to explain how the physiologic sclerotic dentin is formed, there has been so far no convincing explanation for all of its observations. In this review, we tried to make a hypothesis based on the facts published to date. We found that the apoptosis of odontoblasts, which takes place after the formation of the apical constriction, may be the key-factor for the development of physiologic sclerotic dentin, because the resulting apoptotic bodies cannot be eliminated through phagocytosis and become trapped within the dentinal tubules due to the continuous formation of secondary dentin. The apoptotic bodies suffer later from a secondary or apoptotic necrosis leading to the release of the internal contents of pyrophosphate and hydrogen phosphate. Pyrophosphate can dehydrate the dentin and hydrogen phosphate can demineralize it, leading to the release of Ca(2+) ions which then contribute to the intratubular mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess in mice, the electrophysiological criteria developed in humans and rats in vivo for unmyelinated (C) fibre differentiation into sub-classes, derived from the activity-induced latency increase (“slowing”) in response to electrical stimulation during 6 min at 0.25 Hz followed by 3 min at 2 Hz. Fibres are considered nociceptors if they show more than 10% slowing at 2 Hz; nociceptors are further divided into mechanosensitive (“polymodal”) and mechanoinsensitive (“silent”) ones according to a latency shift of less and more than 1% during the first minute at 0.25 Hz, respectively. Sympathetic postganglionics are recognised by 2–10% slowing at 2 Hz; units slowing less than 2% at 2 Hz remain uncategorised. For assessment of these criteria, we also developed a novel in vivo technique for recording of peripheral single-fibres in the mouse. We compared the theoretical slowing-rate discriminator criteria with experimental data obtained from mice in vivo/in vitro and rats in vitro . Out of 69 cutaneous mouse C-fibres in vitro and 19 in vivo , only 38 (67%) and 9 (47%) met the above 1% criterion, respectively; sympathetics were not identified. In contrast, out of 20 rats nerve fibres in vitro , 19 (95%) met this criterion. We conclude that (A) our novel electrophysiological technique is a practical method for examining mouse cutaneous single-fibres in vivo and (B) the published criterion for identifying silent nociceptors in rats and humans is not applicable in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle coating experiments were performed in a lab-scale fluidized bed with varying process parameters, such as spraying rate and air inlet temperature, leading to different drying conditions. Porous (γ-Al 2 O 3 ) and non-porous (glass) initial particles were sprayed with a sodium benzoate solution. For each experiment, the particle size distribution as well as the layer porosity was measured. The results show a dependency of the layer porosity on the drying conditions, represented by the drying potential of the fluidization gas. The obtained relationship is expressed as a linear correlation, which can be used in process models. Apart from the experimental results, a model based on population balances and heat and mass balances is presented. Simulations performed using the obtained empirical correlation are in good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropowder of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) can be used in base oils to improve the tribological properties significantly, if oil molecules are covalently linked to primary PTFE particles in the dispersion. Enhanced properties are not only determined by the amount of PTFE micropowder added to the oil but as well by the surface charge, radical concentration, and the size and distribution of PTFE particles in the oil phase. The chemical compatibilization (=cc) between PTFE micropowder and ester oil by the use of two types of PTFE micropowder, which differ in radical concentration and the amount of functional groups is shown. The concentration of PTFE micropowder in the dispersions was varied from 5 to 20 wt%. Both the pure PTFE micropowder and the oil-PTFE-cc dispersions were characterized by ESR and FTIR spectroscopy as well as by zeta potential measurements. Rheological and tribological tests were performed on the ester oil and the oil-PTFE-cc dispersions. Qualitative differences are discussed in terms of particle interactions, dispersion stability, chemical compatibilization efficiency and the amount of functional groups. A correlation between flow properties and surface charge of the PTFE particles within the dispersions was obtained. The influence on tribological properties is discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The flow properties of bulk materials are influenced by particle shape and particle size, amongst others. Often the particle shape is assumed to be less important in literature. As yet, almost no results are available on the effect of particle shape on the flowability of crushed grain products. Therefore, two test series were performed with two different particle size fractions in the range of 0.2mm

Abstract: Animal feed often consists of different components and is normally stored in tower silos as a mixture. The components differ in terms of their flow properties, which determine the flow out process. In this study a series of key components like crushed grain and crushed meals of native and imported oils and legumes were examined. To characterize the flow properties, shear strength measurements with the Jenike shear cell were carried out and the flowability ffc and the outlet diameter were calculated. The tensile strength was measured with a device according to Ashton. The results show the known tendency between the flowability ffc and the amount of fine components. Because of the different bulk materials the coefficient of determination is low. The flowability based on own investigations is lower than the flowability of Jenike. The evaluation of the results did not demonstrate any influence of the ingredients on the flow properties of the components examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Often shredded grain is stored up to feeding as bulk material in tower silos over a longer period. Due to time-dependent consolidation the material becomes more or less incapable of flow out. In this research, the flow characteristic of pig-feed is determined in dependence on the granulometric conditions and the storage period. For the investigations three samples of mixed pig-feed were produced with a transformed median x50;3 ⁎ of 0.335mm, 1.0mm and 5.2mm and a constant standard deviation of 0.9. The percentage of cohesive fine material with particle size x<0.2mm was 100%, 30% and 8.9% in order to represent the flow properties “very cohesive”, “cohesive” and “free flowing”. The material samples were pre-sheared by use of a translation-shear-device and afterwards stored for 20, 40 ore 90h under the consolidation stress. After that followed the shearing of under reduced normal-stress. The flow function values ffc were calculated based on the measurements. Results show that the flow characteristic is mainly influenced by the fine material portion H3(0.2mm). Extremely cohesive behavior is present at H3(0.2mm)=100%. At H3(0.2mm)=30% or 8.9%, the bulk material behaves cohesively or cohesionless. Shredded grain for animal feed should have a small standard deviation and a portion of cohesive material H3(0.2mm)<5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Rhine catchment experienced strong changes in upstream allogenic forcing during the last 20,000 years. Climatic changes of the glacial–interglacial transition and steadily growing human impact during the second half of the Holocene forced the Rhine to adapt, resulting in changes in the fluvial morphology. The lower Rhine left two late Weichselian terraces and many Holocene palaeo-meanders in the Lower Rhine Valley (western Germany). This well-preserved terrace sequence is used to investigate the exact course of events of the lower Rhine response to changes in allogenic forcing. Five detailed cross-sections that integrate new and existing borehole data were constructed, and the deposits were analysed with regards to abandonment of terraces, changes in number of active channels, fluvial style, terrace gradients, and overbank sedimentation during the Lateglacial and Holocene. We improved and expanded the chronology of the Lower Rhine Valley deposits by dating new samples (14C, OSL), and integrated these with existing dating evidence (archaeological and historical data, cross-cutting relationships). Twice during the glacial–interglacial transition, the lower Rhine changed from braided to meandering fluvial style. During both transitional episodes (meandering) secondary channels existed alongside the main channel, with a life span up to 2500 years. The findings imply that the lower Rhine was inherently slow to complete the full morphological transition to a single thread meandering system. On specific aspects of response, the morphological response (point bar/terrace formation, contraction to a single thread) extended over relatively long periods of time, whereas discharge-related response (e.g. fluvial style change, abandonment of braidplains, channel bed lowering/incision) seems to have been near instantaneous. Reach-specific conditions determine the degree to which the geomorphic response is delayed and the complexity of the resultant morphology. Increased human-induced sediment delivery (last 2000–3000 years) is expressed as relative thicker and coarser overbank deposits in the entire study area. In the downstream part of the Lower Rhine Valley it accelerated high-stand deltaic backfilling and decreased incision. The response to human activities occurred relatively quickly in contrast to the long-term fluvial response to the glacial–interglacial transition, because the human impact mainly involved change in delivery of the suspended load. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The knowledge of thermodynamics and transport properties of gas mixtures at high temperature is important for many industrial applications. Spark ignition, re-entry problems of space-vehicles, gas dischargers, arc welding, and circuit breakers can be mentioned as examples. This paper focuses on metal/inert-gas mixtures in the temperature range from 300 to 30,000K, which are important for arc welding processes. As metals we consider iron, copper, aluminium, and calcium and as inert gases nitrogen, argon, and helium. The results are validated by comparison with transport properties from literature. Furthermore, this study also significantly extends and improves the transport model developed earlier [S. Selle, U. Riedel, Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 891 (1999) 72–80; J. Prager, G. Baldea, U. Riedel, J. Warnatz, Equilibrium Composition and Electrical Conductivity of High-Temperature Air, 21st ICDERS (2007); J. Prager, U. Riedel, J. Warnatz, Proc. Combust. Inst. 31 (2007) 1129–1137]. The transport properties are calculated using Chapman–Enskog theory. The model is universally applicable and needs little input data. A multicomponent mixture formulation or simple mixing rules can be used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent research pointed out the question of missing OH reactivity in a forest system and the question for unknown highly reactive biogenic emissions. In this study we show that coniferous forests are an important source of highly reactive hydrocarbons, the sesquiterpenes. We investigated the seasonality of terpene emissions from Scots pine to work out influences on atmospheric chemistry in different seasons for both mono- and sesquiterpenes. Especially sesquiterpenes (C15) change dramatically in their contribution to the terpene emissions of Scots pine. Fourteen sesquiterpenes and oxygenated compounds were found in the emissions. In spring, the pattern was most complex with all 14 compounds being emitted, whereas in summer and fall it was reduced to 1,8-cineol and camphor. The emission pattern of the monoterpenes varied only slightly. The main compounds emitted were α-pinene, β-pinene, and 3-carene representing up to 90% of the total terpene emission. The total monoterpene emission rates varied from below detection limit to 460pmolm−2 s−1 with highest emission rates found in June. Standard emission rates of the main compounds calculated from the monthly measured diurnal emission courses varied considerably over the year. Highest values were found in spring and early summer with up to 700pmolm−2 s−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: This study (a) evaluated the reading ability of patients following stroke and their carers and the reading level and content and design characteristics of the written information provided to them, (b) explored the influence of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on patients' reading ability, and (c) described an education package that provides well-designed information tailored to patients' and carers' informational needs. Methods: Fifty-seven patients and 12 carers were interviewed about their informational needs in an acute stroke unit. Their reading ability was assessed using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). The written information provided to them in the acute stroke unit was analysed using the SMOG readability formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). Results: Thirteen (22.8%) patients and 5 (41.7%) carers had received written stroke information. The mean reading level of materials analysed was 11th grade while patients read at a mean of 7-8th grade. Most materials (89%) scored as only adequate in content and design. Patients with combined aphasia read significantly lower (4-6th grade) than other patients (p=0.001). Conclusion: Only a small proportion of patients and carers received written materials about stroke and the readability level and content and design characteristics of most materials required improvement. Practice Implications: When developing and distributing written materials about stroke, health professionals should consider the reading ability and informational needs of the recipients, and the reading level and content and design characteristics of the written materials. A computer system can be used to generate written materials tailored to the informational needs and literacy skills of patients and carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrothermal growth of polycrystalline BaTiO3 deposits on the surface of TiO2 rutile single crystals has been studied with respect to the following parameters: (a) small quantities of Sr (1.0 and 0.04 at.%) in the Ba(OH)2 aqueous solution and (b) crystallographic surface of TiO2. For this purpose, the substrates were immersed in hydrothermal baths at temperatures between 100 and 200 °C for 4 h. It was found that the deposits grown with the high purity Ba(OH)2 reagent (Sr∼0.04 at.%) exhibited grains with a pronounced crystal habit of octahedral shape with well-defined {1 1 1} faces. The grains grew at temperatures as low as 100 °C. The strontium rich Ba(OH)2 solution (Sr∼1.0 at.%) led to grains of spherical shapes, which appeared only at temperatures of 150 °C and above. The use of single crystal substrates with different orientations strongly influences the growth of the BaTiO3 layer: the same treatment to deposit BaTiO3 on the (0 0 1) TiO2 face did not produce BaTiO3 on the (1 1 0) surfaces. This result can be interpreted in term of the stability of the single crystal surfaces and the related dissolution of TiO2. The samples were characterized by means of XRD, RBS, EDX, XPS, SEM (secondary and backscattered electrons), WDS, TEM and AFM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work investigates the influence of temperature on the performance of hydrothermal carbonization of corn Stover between 175 and 250 °C, 240 min, 2.0 °C/min, and biomass-to-water ratio of 1:10. The performance analyzed for yields, energy densification and recovery. Aqueous phase analyzed for pH, acetic acid equivalent (HAc), HPLC, and GC, solid phase for dry and organic matter, ash, and elemental analysis. Solid yield (62.92–35.82%) increases with temperature, showing an inflection region between 200 and 225 °C, while that of liquid (35.43–54.59%) decreases in a similar behavior, and gas yield (1.49–9.59%) increases exponentially. GC identified alcohols, carboxylic acids, and furans. The concentration of furfural and Hidroxymethylfurfural (HMF) decreases exponentially and as a sigmoid with temperature, being not detectable at 250 °C. Carbon content increases, while oxygen and hydrogen decreases with temperature. The high heating values (HHV) increase, and the energy efficiency decreases with temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic can be weakened by under-reporting of cases, particularly due to asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infections, resulting in bias. Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater (WW) can be used to infer infection prevalence, but uncertainty in sensitivity and considerable variability has meant that accurate measurement remains elusive. Data from 44 sewage sites in England, covering 31% of the population, are used in this analysis where samples are available from July 2020 to present day. Samples include the raw SARS-CoV-2 gene copy number and associated meta-data. To establish the sensitivity and specificity of the WW data, we compare to population representative prevalence surveys available across England (the ONS Covid Infection Survey - CIS). The WW data were mapped to sub-regional data of the CIS and fitted using mathematical modelling. First, a phenomenological model was developed to model how infected individuals shed SARS-CoV-2 into WW and how the markers may degrade in time and compare this to the data. Second, we develop a model to estimate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence directly from WW data which is trained on the CIS data. Data from 44 sewage sites in England, shows that SARS-CoV-2 prevalence is estimated to within 1.1% of estimates from representative prevalence surveys (with 95% confidence). Using machine learning and phenomenological models, differences between sampled sites, particularly the WW flow rate, influence prevalence estimation and require careful interpretation. SARS-CoV-2 signals in WW appear 4-5 days earlier in comparison to clinical testing data but are coincident with prevalence surveys suggesting that WW surveillance can be a leading indicator for asymptomatic viral infections. Wastewater-based epidemiology complements and strengthens traditional surveillance, with significant implications for public health. Using WW to quantify infection prevalence requires knowledge of additional meta-data and outbreak detection needs to account for unexplained aberrations in WW data to improve reliability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work presents a process to fabricate Bulk FinFETs with advancements in critical fabrication steps such as the shallow trench oxide recess and the adjustment of the fin height. These steps are accomplished with the adoption of Siconi™ Selective Material Removal (SMR™) in the fabrication flow. FinFETs obtained with this new integration scheme were tested in a co-fabrication process flow proposed to integrate planar CMOS and Bulk FinFETs on the same wafer. Morphological and electrical results indicate perfectly filled trenches, a better fin height control and a Bulk FinFET static performance similar to planar CMOS. The 20nm wide fins are fabricated using 193nm illumination lithography followed by a series of trimming steps during the trench etching, the filling and a fin re-oxidation during the steam densification of the trench filling oxide. Trench depth is 300nm and the electrically active fin height is 40nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The multi-gate architecture is considered as a key enabler for further CMOS scaling thanks to its improved electrostatics and short-channel effect control. FinFETs represent one of the architectures of interest within that family together with Ω-gates, Π-gates, gate-all-around… They can readily be manufactured starting from SOI or bulk substrates even though more efforts have been dedicated to the SOI option so far. We report in this work an extensive benchmark of their critical electrical figures of merit (FOM) and their limitations. Both alternatives show better scalability (threshold voltage –V t vs. L) than PLANAR CMOS and exhibit similar intrinsic device performance (I off vs. I on). Introducing SOI substrates and low doped fins results in lower junction capacitance, higher mobility and voltage gain with reduced threshold voltage mismatch. Using an optimized integration to minimize parasitic capacitances and resistances we demonstrate high-performing FinFET ring-oscillators with delays down to 10ps/stage for both SOI and bulk FinFETs. SRAM cells are also reported to work, scaling similarly with the supply voltage (VDD) for the two FinFET integration schemes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the simultaneous improvement of both on- and off-properties for n- and p-channel MOSFETs by means of carbon co-implantation at extension level, using conventional spike annealing. For the first time, spike-annealed NFETs with phosphorus-implanted source/drain extensions (SDE) are shown to outperform conventional As-implanted devices in the deca-nanometric range. Parameters such as on-current, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), external resistance (R EXT) vs. effective channel length (L eff) trade-off are examined. To obtain the full benefit of carbon co-implantation, we recommend adjusting pocket, highly doped drain (HDD) and spacer parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel phosphorus-modified polysulfone (P-PSu) was employed as a combined toughness modifier and a source of flame retardancy for a DGEBA/DDS thermosetting system. In comparison to the results of a commercially available polysulfone (PSu), commonly used as a toughness modifier, the chemorheological changes during curing measured by means of temperature-modulated DSC revealed an earlier occurrence of mobility restrictions in the P-PSu-modified epoxy. A higher viscosity and secondary epoxy-modifier reactions induced a sooner vitrification of the reacting mixture; effects that effectively prevented any phase separation and morphology development in the resulting material during cure. Thus, only about a 20% increase in fracture toughness was observed in the epoxy modified with 20wt.% of P-PSu, cured under standard conditions at 180°C for 2h. Blends of the phosphorus-modified and the standard polysulfone (PSu) were also prepared in various mixing ratios and were used to modify the same thermosetting system. Again, no evidence for phase separation of the P-PSu was found in the epoxy modified with the P-PSu/PSu blends cured under the selected experimental conditions. The particular microstructures formed upon curing these novel materials are attributed to a separation of PSu from a miscible P-PSu–epoxy mixture. Nevertheless, the blends of P-PSu/PSu were found to be effective toughness/flame retardancy enhancers owing to the simultaneous microstructure development and polymer interpenetration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A status report of nanoimprint lithography is given in the context of alternative nanofabrication methods. Since the ultimate resolution of nanoimprint appears to be determined by the stamp, this is discussed in detail, particularly the recent developments on polymer stamps. The scope of the technique is illustrated with applications in passive optical structures and organic devices. Throughout the report, critical dimensions are discussed, as well as other challenges facing nanoimprint lithography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]