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In this study, multilayer graphene (Gr)-reinforced cellulose composites were synthesized by using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphonate ionic liquid. The composites were fabricated via dissolving the cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphonate and Gr loading at different ratios (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt.%). Both sides of the composites were coated with gold leaf to generate electrodes. The effect of Gr loading on chemical functional groups, crystallographic properties, thermal stability, and morphological and mechanical properties of cellulose film was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile test, respectively. Electromechanical behavior of the cellulose composite films reinforced with Gr (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt.%) was investigated under DC excitation voltages of 1, 3, 5 and 7 V. Gr loading of 0.2 wt.% increased maximum tip displacement by 400% when the actuator is excited with 3 V.

Objective: Chemotherapy (CT) is the standard treatment for patients with metastatic esophageal cancer. Primary tumor progression is one of the important reasons for morbidity and mortality. Several studies have shown that aggressive treatment of primary tumors in metastatic patients may contribute to survival. In this study, patients with metastatic esophageal cancer and who received radiotherapy (RT) to the esophagus were evaluated. Methods: Patients with metastatic esophageal cancer treated with esophageal RT were retrospectively evaluated. ECOG 3-4 patients were not included. Analyzes were performed with SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc., IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Kaplan-Meier, Log-rank, and Cox-regression tests were used for the analysis. Results: Forty-seven patients between 2009 and 2016 were evaluated. The median age was 61 (44-85); 60% of the patients were female. Eighty-nine percent of the histological subtype was squamous cell carcinoma. The mean RT dose was 45 Gy (20-68 Gy). Thirty percent of the patients had concurrent CT. The median overall survival (OS) was 14 months. 45 Gy and higher RT doses and concurrent CT were associated with better OS in univariate analysis (p=0.009, p=0.03). The median OS was nine months in patients receiving <45 Gy, and 20 months in patients who received RT ≥45 Gy; 24 months in patients who received concurrent CT, and 13 months in patients who did not. There was no significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Forty-five Gy and higher dose RT with concurrent CT after standard treatment may contribute to survival in metastatic esophageal cancer patients with good performance scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine and chromium (Cr) doped WO3 nanoflakes (NFs) with various concentrations were successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal technique on alumina (Al2O3) substrates. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of these NFs were investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible diffusion reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gas sensor tests were performed against various volatile organic compounds such as ethanol, xylene, toluene, and isopropanol gases in the temperature range between 50 °C and 250 °C. According to the results of these tests, the isopropanol sensing ability of WO3 NFs is enhanced with Cr-doping due to the increasing active adsorption sites on the surface and improved surface reactions with the decreasing band gap energy. The highest isopropanol sensing response which was calculated to be 77.1 has been obtained by nominally 2% Cr doping at the optimal operating temperature of 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapureli is an ancient settlement in Rough Cilicia connected to the Kızılgeçit Valley being located 32 km north of Erdemli in the province of Mersin. It attracts attention with its layout and size, continuity of settlement, well-preserved houses and churches. In this study, two decorated houses that we identified among the houses during our surveys in Tapureli are evaluated. There are architectural decorations in Ionic and Corinthian order at the entrances of the houses belonging to the Roman Imperial Period which are also used in the Late Antiquity. These are rare examples in Cilicia and in other regions. In this study, the architectural ornaments and layouts in these two houses are examined in detail. In this context, reconstruction suggestions are undertaken with the data obtained from the entrances of both houses and a dating proposal has been made based on architectural ornaments. The appearance of architectural ornament forms in Tapureli, indicates that architectural elements in cities were also in demand at the countryside. For this reason, the relationship of these houses with local ornament workshops and local craftsmen is discussed. In addition, the reasons for the presence and use of these decorations in the houses located in the countryside of Rough Cilicia are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is motivated by the lack of knowledge in the research of mechanical characterization of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) with additional fiber hybridization. To enhance the mechanical properties of long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite, hybridization via alkaline-treated aramid and carbon fabrics is performed. High performance fabrics modified with 10 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) aqueous solution are incorporated into the PP composite as reinforcements. Herewith, four arrangements (hybrid composites) for two different reinforcements and two different stacking configurations and the monolithic composite are separately investigated in terms of quasi-static perforation behavior. Failure mechanisms are also evaluated at macro level by visual observations and micro scales through a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results provide a basis for selecting fiber-enabled hybridization and lay-up configuration with improved perforation resistance. Moreover, the influence of test temperature is reported for three different values as 20°C, 60°C, and 100°C. Based upon the results, the maximum penetration force of hybrid configuration with single-layered aramid fabric reinforcements is approximately 15.5% higher than that of single-layered carbon fabric reinforcements at 60°C test temperature. It is further observed that the absorbed energy improves as the number of fabrics is increased in both aramid and carbon reinforcements. The test temperatures significantly affect the failure mechanisms of TPCs. A smaller damaged area at the penetrated faces of the hybrid structures is obtained by comparison with the monolithic TPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]