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Post-anthesis effect of phosphorus (P)-deficit is less studied in plants. P-deficit analysis is rarely performed in different tissues of the plant together. The present study analyzed total-P, inorganic-P, acid phosphatases, ribonucleases, carbohydrates, and antioxidants in the roots, lower leaves, flag leaves, and spikelets at 0, 10, 20, and 30 days after anthesis and recorded yield components at harvest in rice cultivars CSR10 (low-P tolerant) and Pusa44 (low-P susceptible) under P-deprivation (P0) compared to P-application at 30 kg ha−1 (P30). Total-P was deficient in the roots and leaves of Pusa44 compared to CSR10 under P0. Acid phosphatases and ribonucleases were enhanced by roots under P0, and the increase was exceptionally high in CSR10. Hexoses, sucrose, and starch levels remained low in the vegetative tissues of Pusa44 compared to CSR10 under P0. Starch and sucrose were mobilized from vegetative tissues especially from the roots of CSR10 compared to Pusa44 under P0. Sucrose and starch levels were high in the spikelets of CSR10 compared to Pusa44 under P0. Antioxidants were high in the vegetative tissues especially in the roots of CSR10 compared to Pusa44 under P0. At harvest, unfilled grains per panicle increased and grain yield reduced in Pusa44 under P0. Results concluded that post-anthesis roots metabolic activities, in the form of acid phosphatases/ribonucleases for P-acquisition and antioxidants to counteract stress and starch/sucrose mobilization toward spikelets, may play an important role toward low-P tolerance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present research evaluates the microstructure and hot corrosion performance of HVOF and D-gun sprayed Cr3C2-25NiCr, and ceria (0.4 wt.%) blended Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings on TP347H superheater tube material. All the specimens were subjected to Na2SO4-60%V2O5 environment for 50 cycles at 900 °C. The corroded samples were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, XRD, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray mapping. Moreover, the weight gain versus oxidation time and oxide scale growth rate was subsequently examined. Microstructural results revealed that the ceria-added coating with the D-gun method provided better coating features, such as microhardness, surface roughness, and microporosity than its counterparts. Among the four coatings, D-gun sprayed Ce 0.4 wt.% added Cr3C2-25NiCr coating (D2) proved to be better due to the thin and dense oxide scale of Cr2O3, Cr23C6, NiCr2O4, Ce2O3, and CeVO4. Moreover, the presence of ceria in the carbide coating reduces the development of the NiCr2O4 phase resulting in compact oxide scale of Cr2O3 developed on the coating surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling, SOCS1 acts as a master regulator of the cytokine response across numerous tissue types and cytokine pathways. Haploinsufficiency of SOCS1 has recently emerged as a monogenic immunodysregulatory disease with marked clinical variability. Here, we describe a patient with severe dermatitis, recurrent skin infections, and psoriatic arthritis that harbors a novel heterozygous mutation in SOCS1. The variant, c.202_203delAC, generates a frameshift in SOCS1, p.Thr68fsAla*49, which leads to complete loss of protein expression. Unlike WT SOCS1, Thr68fs SOCS1 fails to inhibit JAK-STAT signaling when expressed in vitro. The peripheral immune signature from this patient was marked by a redistribution of monocyte sub-populations and hyper-responsiveness to multiple cytokines. Despite this broad hyper-response across multiple cytokine pathways in SOCS1 haploinsufficiency, the patient’s clinical disease was markedly responsive to targeted IL4Rα- and IL17-blocking therapy. In accordance, the mutant allele was unable to regulate IL4Rα signaling. Further, patient cells were unresponsive to IL4/IL13 while on monoclonal antibody therapy. Together, this study reports a novel SOCS1 mutation and suggests that IL4Rα blockade may serve as an unexpected, but fruitful therapeutic target for some patients with SOCS1 haploinsufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is in need of population health approaches to address overweight and obesity-related diseases. BMI serves as a simple, blunt metric to monitor these efforts. However, emerging research has demonstrated that healthcare weigh-ins contribute to weight stigma which paraodoxically is associated with weight gain. An alternative metric is urgently needed for VHA's MOVE!® Weight Management Program and other eating- and weight-related services. Objective: To develop a brief population health metric called the Weight and Eating Quality of Life (WE-QOL) Scale and assess its psychometric properties. Design: The literature was reviewed for relevant weight- and eating-specific QOL measures to identify unique and overlapping constructs. Eight items, representing these constructs, comprised the new brief WE-QOL Scale. A survey study was conducted with data analyzed in STATA. Participants: A total of 213 consecutively evaluated US Veterans attending an orientation session for MOVE!. Main Measures: The WE-QOL Scale, as well as a widely used generic health-related QOL measure, the European Quality of Life Screener (EQ-ED-5L), and relevant validated measures. Key Results: WE-QOL descriptive findings demonstrated severe impacts on physical activity and physical discomfort for approximately 30% of the sample each; moderate-to-severe impacts on daily responsibilities, emotional distress, and shame and guilt for one-third of the sample each and public distress for one-fourth of the sample. The WE-QOL Scale performed as well as, or better than, the EQ-ED-5L for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and associations to relevant constructs (BMI, eating pathology, and physical activity). Conclusions: Findings support the reliability and construct validity of the WE-QOL Scale. The WE-QOL Scale has potential to provide a standardized population health metric that could be used as a screening tool and clinical reminder to identify, refer, and assess outcomes for Veterans with weight and disordered eating issues. Future research could be targeted at using this measure to improve patient care and quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the article are: to assess spatio-temporal evolution of eutrophication and water quality of the Turawa dam reservoir, located in south-western Poland on the Mała Panew River; to identify location and relationship between potential sources of physicochemical pollution related to the progressing process of eutrophication; and to determine trophic status and water quality indices of the selected research object. The analysis (Mann–Whitney U test, PCA, HCA, Spearman correlation matrix) showed a high susceptibility of the reservoir to eutrophication processes, especially due to the influence of dangerous loads of compounds emerging from areas with high tourist intensity and pollutants flowing from the Mała Panew River. The parameters deteriorating the ecological status were TP, DO, BOD5, and COD. Considering the cumulative results of water quality indices for the period 1998–2020, the average water quality was in classes II or III. A noticeable deterioration appeared in water quality for the years 2016–2020, which proves the progressing eutrophication in the Turawa reservoir. In 1998–2020, the reservoir was classified as eutrophic or mesoeutrophic based on the calculated three trophic status indices. This article would help in developing a strategy for dealing with water blooms, a reliable system for monitoring pressures causing eutrophication, and optimal technologies for the reconstruction of multifunctional reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Herzschrittmachertherapie und Elektrophysiologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Down’s syndrome (DS) presents with a constellation of cardiac, neurocognitive and growth impairments. Individuals with DS are also prone to severe infections and autoimmunity including thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease and alopecia areata1,2. Here, to investigate the mechanisms underlying autoimmune susceptibility, we mapped the soluble and cellular immune landscape of individuals with DS. We found a persistent elevation of up to 22 cytokines at steady state (at levels often exceeding those in patients with acute infection) and detected basal cellular activation: chronic IL-6 signalling in CD4 T cells and a high proportion of plasmablasts and CD11c+TbethighCD21low B cells (Tbet is also known as TBX21). This subset is known to be autoimmune-prone and displayed even greater autoreactive features in DS including receptors with fewer non-reference nucleotides and higher IGHV4-34 utilization. In vitro, incubation of naive B cells in the plasma of individuals with DS or with IL-6-activated T cells resulted in increased plasmablast differentiation compared with control plasma or unstimulated T cells, respectively. Finally, we detected 365 auto-antibodies in the plasma of individuals with DS, which targeted the gastrointestinal tract, the pancreas, the thyroid, the central nervous system, and the immune system itself. Together, these data point to an autoimmunity-prone state in DS, in which a steady-state cytokinopathy, hyperactivated CD4 T cells and ongoing B cell activation all contribute to a breach in immune tolerance. Our findings also open therapeutic paths, as we demonstrate that T cell activation is resolved not only with broad immunosuppressants such as Jak inhibitors, but also with the more tailored approach of IL-6 inhibition.An autoimmune-prone state of steady-state cytokinopathy, hyperactivated CD4 T cells and ongoing B cell activation contributes to a breach in immune tolerance in individuals with Down’s syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain better hot corrosion resistance for superheater tube material (TP347H), different wt% of cerium oxide (CeO2) powder (0.4 wt%, 0.8 wt%, and 1.2 wt%) was blended with Cr3C2–NiCr and formulated on TP347H substrate with HIPOJET-2700 thermal spray gun. The comparative effect of different contents of Ce on corrosion and erosion behaviour was studied by weight change measurements, and X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray mapping tools were used to examine corrosion products. The results show that the appropriate addition of cerium oxide can reduce scale spallation and microporosity and enhance the microhardness and surface roughness of the composite coating. Cr3C2–NiCr coatings with and without the addition of CeO2 successfully protected the substrate steel, which might be due to the development of a dense and continued oxide scale composed of Cr2O3 and NiCr2O4. Moreover, it is observed that the addition of CeO2 with 0.4 wt% concentration enhanced the degradation resistance of the Cr3C2–NiCr coating, which might be attributed to the rapid growth of oxide scale on the coating surface, which blocks the penetration of corroding species. Furthermore, the addition of CeO2 also retards the diffusion between substrate and coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli bacteria are an essential indicator in evaluations of environmental pollution, which is why they must be correctly identified. This study aimed to determine the applicability of various methods for identifying E. coli strains in environmental samples. Bacterial strains preliminary selected on mFc and Chromocult media as E. coli were identified using MALDI Biotyper techniques, based on the presence of genes characteristic of E. coli (uidA, uspA, yaiO), as well as by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The virulence and antibiotic resistance genes pattern of bacterial strains were also analyzed to investigate the prevalence of factors that may indicate adaptation to unsupportive environmental conditions and could have any significance in further identification of E. coli. Of the strains that had been initially identified as E. coli with culture-based methods, 36–81% were classified as E. coli with the use of selected techniques. The value of Cohen's kappa revealed the highest degree of agreement between the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the results obtained in the MALDI Biotyper system, and the results of the analysis based on the presence of the yaiO gene. The results of this study could help in the selection of more accurate and reliable methods which can be used in a preliminary screening and more precise identification of E. coli isolated from environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manure fertilization is the primary source of veterinary antimicrobials in the water-soil system. The research gap is the fate of antimicrobials after their release into the environment. This study aimed to provide a detailed and multi-faceted examination of fertilized cultivated fields using two types of manure (poultry and bovine) enriched with selected antimicrobials. The research focused on assessing the mobility and stability of antimicrobials in the water-soil system. Additionally, transformation products of antimicrobials in the environment were identified. The extraction (solid-phase extraction and/or solid–liquid extraction) and LC–MS/MS analysis procedures were developed to determine 14 antimicrobials in the soil and pore water samples. Ten out of fourteen antimicrobials were detected in manure-amended soil and pore water samples. The highest concentration in the soil was 109.1 ng g−1 (doxycycline), while in pore water, it was 186.6 ng L−1 (ciprofloxacin). Sixteen transformation products of antimicrobials were identified in the soil and soil-related pore water. The same transformation products were detected in both soil and soil pore water extracts, with significantly higher signal intensities observed in soil extracts than in water. Transformation products were formed in oxidation, carbonylation, and ring-opening reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is great interest in identifying factors that are related to positive patient experiences such as physician communication style. Documented gender-specific physician communication and patient behavior differences raise the question of whether gender concordant relationships (i.e., both the provider and patient share the same gender) might affect patient experiences. Objective: Assess whether patient experiences are more positive in gender concordant primary care relationships. Design: Statewide telephone surveys. Linear mixed regression models to estimate the association of CAHPS scores with patient gender and gender concordance. Subjects: Two probability samples of primary care Medicaid patients in Connecticut in 2017 (5/17–7/17) and 2019 (7/19–10/19). Main Measures: Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) survey augmented with questions about aspects of care most salient to PCMH-designated organizations and two questions to assess access to mental health services. Key Results: There were no significant effects of gender concordance and differences in experiences by patient gender were modest. Conclusions: This study did not support the suggestion that patient and physician gender and gender concordance have an important effect on patient experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a major kharif cereal crop cultivated in Punjab. Over the past five decades the rice yield has increased from as low as 1800 kg/ha during 1970–4815 kg/ha during 2017, i.e., an overall increase of 167.5% or increase @ 3.5% per year. One of the major reasons for this increase has been the introduction of improved and high-yielding varieties (PR 106, PR 111, PR 116, PR 118, PR 121, PR 122, PR 126, PR 127, etc.). Other important factors are the improved crop production and protection practices coupled with mechanization of farm operations. However, weather factors have always been a major bottleneck shattering the steady plateau of high rice yield (3443 kg/ha during 1979, 3231 kg/ha during 1995, 3273 kg/ha during 1998, 4257 kg/ha during 2011 and recent low yield of 4387 kg/ha during 2018). The actual weather data of the recent two decades at Ludhiana (2000–2018) were correlated with the historical rice yield. The results revealed a combination of high temperature coupled with clear sunny (total seasonal sunshine ~ 900–1000 h) and dry (low relative humidity) days is conducive for proper growth, development and yield of rice in Punjab. The rainfall and rainy days were found to be negatively correlated with yield since heavy rainfall events and more number of rainy days create a humid weather which is conducive for insect-pest and disease incidence in rice and also reduces sunshine duration. Hence, a combination of ample sunshine hours and well-distributed rainfall during the vegetative stage of rice leads to high productivity of cultivars grown under optimized crop management techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SARS-CoV-2 variants replacing the first wave strain pose an increased threat by their potential ability to escape pre-existing humoral protection. An angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) decoy that competes with endogenous ACE2 for binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (S RBD) and inhibits infection may offer a therapeutic option with sustained efficacy against variants. Here, we used Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation to predict ACE2 sequence substitutions that might increase its affinity for S RBD and screened candidate ACE2 decoys in vitro. The lead ACE2(T27Y/H34A)-IgG1FC fusion protein with enhanced S RBD affinity shows greater live SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization capability than wild type ACE2. MD simulation was used to predict the effects of S RBD variant mutations on decoy affinity that was then confirmed by testing of an ACE2 Triple Decoy that included an additional enzyme activity-deactivating H374N substitution against mutated S RBD. The ACE2 Triple Decoy maintains high affinity for mutated S RBD, displays enhanced affinity for S RBD N501Y or L452R, and has the highest affinity for S RBD with both E484K and N501Y mutations, making it a viable therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection with a high likelihood of efficacy against variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electro-mechanical and electro-thermal properties of high-performance Restacked-Rod-Process (RRP) Nb3Sn wires are key factors in the realization of compact magnets above 15 T for the future particle physics experiments. Combining X-ray micro-tomography with unsupervised machine learning algorithm, we provide a new tool capable to study the internal features of RRP wires and unlock different approaches to enhance their performances. Such tool is ideal to characterize the distribution and morphology of the voids that are generated during the heat treatment necessary to form the Nb3Sn superconducting phase. Two different types of voids can be detected in this type of wires: one inside the copper matrix and the other inside the Nb3Sn sub-elements. The former type can be related to Sn leaking from sub-elements to the copper matrix which leads to poor electro-thermal stability of the whole wire. The second type is detrimental for the electro-mechanical performance of the wires as superconducting wires experience large electromagnetic stresses in high field and high current conditions. We analyze these aspects thoroughly and discuss the potential of the X-ray tomography analysis tool to help modeling and predicting electro-mechanical and electro-thermal behavior of RRP wires and optimize their design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effectiveness and safety of a walking program offered as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP). Participants were randomized to 10 weeks of CBT-CP, delivered either in person or by interactive voice response. Participants reported pedometer-measured step counts daily throughout treatment and received a weekly goal to increase their steps by 10% over the prior week's average. Walking-related adverse events (AEs) were assessed weekly. Participants (n = 125) were primarily male (72%), and white (80%) with longstanding pain (median: 11 years). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in rate of change in daily steps, but there was a significant increase in steps from baseline to treatment termination in the combined study sample (1648 steps (95% CI 1063–2225)). Participants classified as active doubled. AEs were mostly minor and temporary. Treatment was effective and safe whether the program was delivered in-person or remotely. Trial registration number: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01025752. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper critical field sets the thermodynamic limit to superconductivity. A big gap is present between the upper-critical-field values measured in MgB2 polycrystalline bulk superconductors and those of thin films, where values as high as ~ 50 T have been achieved at 4.2 K. Filling this gap would unlock the potential of MgB2 for magnet applications. This work presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign on MgB2 bulk samples, which has been guided by a Design of Experiment. We modeled the dependence of the upper critical field on the main synthesis parameters and established a new record (~ 35 T at 4.2 K) preparing C-doped bulk samples by a non-conventional rapid-synthesis route. This value appears to be an upper boundary for the upper critical field in bulk samples. Structural disorder in films seems to act selectively on one of the two bands where superconductivity in MgB2 takes place: this enhances the upper critical field while reducing the critical temperature only by few Kelvins. On the other hand, the critical temperature in bulk samples decreases monotonically when structural disorder increases, and this imposes a limit to the maximum achievable upper critical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the high-temperature corrosion behavior of plasma-coated boiler steel for 1000 h in a 110-MW water tube boiler, which had encountered severe corrosion and the tube failure. The coating was carried out by alumina and MWCNTs (multiwalled carbon nanotubes)-reinforced alumina composite powders. The uncoated and coated steel substrates were hung at a platen superheater at 900 °C. After the exposure, thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to evaluate the kinetics of corrosion. XRD, SEM, TEM and EDS analysis was carried out to evaluate the corrosion products at the end of the cyclic high-temperature corrosion. The present research work concludes that CNT-reinforced alumina coatings (4.0 wt.% CNT + Al2O3 coating) have decreased the corrosion rate to 30.72 mpy, which was 113.53 mpy for conventional alumina coatings and 376.96 mpy for bare T11 boiler steel in the boiler environment. This manuscript submits the failure of tube at the platen superheater, exposure conditions and the analysis of the coated and uncoated samples of the steel tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloys have been extensively used as implants, especially in total joint replacements and in odontology, due to their superior mechanical properties and wear resistance in vivo. However, the excessive release of the 'Co' and 'Cr' ions from CoCr implants can lead to adverse health issues, such as hypersensitivity and inflammatory reactions. The present study aimed to improve the corrosion resistance of a medical grade CoCr alloy (ASTM F-1537) plasma-sprayed with tantalum (Ta)-reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. The weight percent (wt.%) of Ta content in HA coating was varied at three levels, i.e., 10, 20, and 30%. In vitro corrosion behavior was investigated by electrochemical measurements in Ringer's solution along with surface properties analysis. The results revealed an increase in surface hardness value with an incremental increase in Ta content in the HA coating. The surface of HA as well as Ta-reinforced HA coatings possessed adequate roughness and demonstrated hydrophilic nature. With the Ta reinforcement in HA coating, the Ecorr values shifted toward nobler potentials and Icorr values declined noticeably which indicated an increase in corrosion resistance of the surface. The results of the study indicate that the proposed Ta reinforcement in HA is potentially important for CoCr bio-implant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies have been performed to decide an appropriate combination of welding process and filler material by virtue of microstructural evolution, micro-hardness studies, tensile strength and fractographic analysis. Manual arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding processes are used along with different filler materials to manufacture T91/T22 welded joints. Studies with the purpose of comparison and evaluation of different zones of the weldments have been carried out. The highest value of micro-hardness observed on the T91 HAZ of the weldments may be attributed to martensitic structure of the region. The fracture morphology of both the weldments obtained from T22 BM has revealed the ductile fracture. Comparatively higher tensile strength (578 MPa) of T91/T22, GTAW combination is noticed by virtue of lower heat input. The better performance of T91/T22, GTAW weldment can be quoted on the basis of better joint integrity, tensile strength and ductility (26.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supplementation of culture medium with fetal bovine serum (FBS, also referred to as "fetal calf serum") is still common practice in cell culture applications. Due to a number of disadvantages in terms of quality and reproducibility of in vitro data, animal welfare concerns, and in light of recent cases of fraudulent marketing, the search for alternatives and the development of serum-free medium formulations has gained global attention. Here, we report on the 3rd Workshop on FBS, Serum Alternatives and Serum-free Media, where regulatory aspects, the serum dilemma, alternatives to FBS, case-studies of serum-free in vitro applications, and the establishment of serum-free databases were discussed. The whole process of obtaining blood from a living calf fetus to using the FBS produced from it for scientific purposes is de facto not yet legally regulated despite the existing EU-Directive 2010/63/EU on the use of animals for scientific purposes. Together with the above-mentioned challenges, several strategies have been developed to reduce or replace FBS in cell culture media in terms of the 3Rs (Refinement, Reduction, Replacement). Most recently, releasates of activated human donor thrombocytes (human platelet lysates) have been shown to be one of the most promising serum alternatives when chemically-defined media are not yet an option. Additionally, new developments in cell-based assay techniques, advanced organ-on-chip and microphysiological systems are covered in this report. Chemically-defined serum-free media are shown to be the ultimate goal for the majority of culture systems, and examples are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent data on the relationship of testosterone with physical function. Recent Findings: The safety of testosterone treatment in older men who do not have hypogonadism has increasingly been questioned. In recent years, multiple studies have been performed to better understand the relationship between testosterone and physical function. Summary: Overall, the relationship between testosterone and physical function is unclear. Endogenous and exogenous testosterones are associated with favorable changes in body composition and, to a lesser extent, muscle strength. However, the relationship between testosterone and physical function is less clear in healthy older men. Exogenous testosterone is associated with favorable changes in body composition and strength, but further data are needed to understand if treatment is associated with functional improvements and ultimately decreased disability and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced AlO coatings were prepared and successfully deposited on ASME-SA213-T11 boiler tube steel. Coatings were deposited by the plasma spray process. Ni-Cr was also used as a bond coat before applying CNTs-AlO coatings. The coatings were subjected to metallography, XRD, SEM/EDAX, and X-ray mapping analysis. The porosity of CNT-AlO mixed coatings was decreasing with increase in CNT content. The CNTs were found to be uniformly distributed within the AlO matrix. The CNTs were chemically stable during the spray forming. It did not react to form oxides or aluminum carbides even at the very high processing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is dedicated to a special test, checking the capability of density functional theory computations in the account of long-range effects. The particular case of endohedral noble gas atoms in C60 fullerene puts several methodological challenges, such as the numeric problem in the balance of covalent versus non-covalent interactions. We designed a procedure based on the shifts of vibrational frequencies in C60 versus Ng@C60 couples. The energy scale of the investigated vibrations is comparable to that of the extracted van der Waals interaction parameters, achieving then a well-tempered description. A phenomenological model, based on transparent analytical formulas of the totally symmetric modes, is outlined and used to assess the computational results on series of functionals belonging to different classes (genuine forms, long-range corrected and with empiric dispersion ingredients). While the vast majority of the tested functionals undergo failures, good results are obtained for some long-range-corrected functionals (LC-BLYP and LC-wPBE), which follow the Tsuneda and Hirao's scheme, provided that richer basis sets (with diffuse components) are used. Successes are obtained also for the Grimme B97D functional, when coupled with the D2 and D3 dispersion scheme, the results being rather independent from the basis set, as expected from the empirical nature of this type of amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray, carbide-cermet-based coatings are usually employed in high-temperature erosive and erosive-corrosive environments. Extensive literature is available on high-temperature erosion performance of HVOF coatings under moderate to low particle flux and velocities for application in boiler tubes. This research work presents the characterization and high-temperature erosion behaviour of CrC-25NiCr and WC-10Co-4Cr HVOF-sprayed coatings. Coatings were formulated on the substrate steel of type AISI 304, commonly used for the fabrication of pulverized coal burner nozzles (PCBN). Erosion testing was carried out in high-temperature air-jet erosion tester after simulating the conditions akin to that prevailing in PCBN in the boiler furnace. The coatings were tested for erosion behaviour at different angles and temperatures by freezing other test parameters. Brittle erosion behaviour was depicted in erosion testing, and the coatings couldn't restrain the erodent attacks to protect the substrate. High particle velocity and high particle flux were attributed to be the reasons of extensive erosive weight loss of the coatings. The surface morphology of the eroded specimens was analysed from back-scattered electron images to depict the probable mechanism of material removal. The coatings were characterized with optical microscopy, SEM-EDS analysis, XRD analysis, micro-hardness testing, porosity measurements, surface roughness testing and bond strength testing. The work was undertaken to investigate the performance of the selected coatings in highly erosive environment, so as to envisage their application in PCBNs for protection against material degradation. The coatings could only sustain in oblique impact erosion at room temperature and depleted fully under all other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) prognostic value in postmenopausal, node-negative breast cancer patients bearing tumors with estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) expression, treated with locoregional therapy alone, within an early follow-up. We focused our analysis on tumors of histological grade II in order to improve its prognostic value and, consequently, to improve a decision-making process. The cytosol extracts of 73 tumor samples were used for assessing several biomarkers. ER and PR levels were measured by classical biochemical method. Cathepsin D was assayed by a radiometric immunoassay while both uPA and PAI-1 level determinations were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. HER-2 gene amplification was determined by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) in primary tumor tissue. Patients bearing tumors smaller than or equal to 2 cm (pT1) or those with low PAI-1 levels (PAI-1 < 6.35 pg/mg) showed favorable outcome compared to patients bearing tumors greater than 2 cm (pT2,3) or those with high PAI-1 levels, respectively. Analyses of 4 phenotypes, defined by tumor size and PAI-1 status, revealed that patients bearing either pT1 tumors, irrespective of PAI-1 levels, or pT2,3 tumors with low PAI-1 levels, had similar disease-free interval probabilities and showed favorable outcome compared to those bearing pT2,3 tumors with high PAI-1 levels. Our findings suggest that tumor size and PAI-1, used in combination as phenotypes are not only prognostic but might also be predictive in node-negative, postmenopausal breast cancer patients bearing histological grade II tumors with ER/PR expression, during an early follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies on the high temperature corrosion of the dissimilar metal weldment are necessary for longer service of the weldments in corrosive medium. This paper reports the performance of microstructurally different regions, namely heat-affected zone (HAZ), weld metal (WM), and base metal (BM) of dissimilar metal weldment of T22/T91 in the molten salt (NaSO-60%VO) environment under cyclic studies. The T22 HAZ, WM, and T91 HAZ were observed to oxidize at higher rates and develop more scale thickness than other regions in the weldment. Microstructures and elemental analysis indicate lesser availability of Cr in T22 HAZ and T91 HAZ due to formation of Cr-rich phases, which ultimately causes the difference in oxidation behavior of different regions. The presence of chromium carbides and intermetallics in un-oxidized T22 HAZ region and martensitic structure with the presence of delta ferrites in un-oxidized T91 HAZ region was observed to be the major cause behind the weak corrosion resistance of the respective HAZs. The higher oxidation rate of T22 HAZ may be attributed to the absence of protective scale of CrO and presence of FeO phases. Similarly higher oxidation rate of T91 HAZ region can be attributed to lesser availability of Cr due to the propensity of development of delta ferrite in martensitic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]