Search

A new MOF of [Co(HCOO)2] · 0.33DMF (I) was prepared and characterized by IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1571166). Complex I exhibits a diamond framework based on Co-centered CoCo4 tetrahedral nodes, in which all metal ions have octahedral coordination geometry and all HCOO groups link the metal ions in syn-syn/anti modes. The magnetic property shows a main antiferromagnetic interaction and the ferromagnetic phase transition below 2 K. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of I for degradation of the methyl violet and Rhodamine B have been explored.

A new Cu(II) based metal-organic framework (MOF) having formula [Cu3(H2Tar)(Tar)-(H2O)(Bpa)] · 3H2O (I) (H4Tar = tartaric acid, Bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) has been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectra, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1575136). In I, the Cu(II) center are connected by four symmetry-related tartrate ligands into a 2D layer encapsulating trinuclear cluster, which are further bridged by Bpa molecules into a 3D framework. Complex I exhibits strong ferromagnetic behavior between metal centers.

The reaction of Cu(NO3)2 · 3H2O with rigid ligand 4'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3,5-dicarboxylic acid (H3L) gave a new metal-organic framework of [Cu2(μ3-OH)(L)(H2O)2] n (I) (CIF file CCDC no. 1533273). Complex I has a truncated cuboctahedra that was connected by trigonal Cu3O(N4CR)3 trimers using each tetrazolate (N4CR) moiety and shows a overall 3D nnt net with (6.82)6(83)2(62.84)3 topology. The properties of gas adsorption and the degradation of the methyl violet have been examined.

The level of groundwater has fallen dramatically in the plain, and several obvious cones of depression in the groundwater surface around waterworks have expanded, because of groundwater over-drafting in Beijing. This condition has led to reductions in available groundwater resources, and has even restricted the economic development of Beijing. However, an opportunity has been provided for groundwater recharge, since considerable storage space has been created by this overexploitation. At the beginning of the South-to-North Water Diversion, more water will be transferred to Beijing, because of the supporting infrastructure that is under construction in other cities. Therefore, the underground reservoir in Miyun, Huairou and Shunyi (MHS) district was taken as the study object, and geological exploration and GIS overlay techniques were used to determine the extent and storage capacity of this underground reservoir. The rivers in MHS district were investigated to identify which ones provide suitable places for recharge. Furthermore, a numerical model was built to forecast the groundwater flow field and water level, and an optimal storage program was proposed. The results of this study provide technical guidance for recharge, as well as the safe storage and rational use of the water provided by the South-to-North Water Diversion.

A new paddle-wheel Cu(II) complex having formula [Cu(L) 2 (DMF)] ( 1 ) (HL = 2-fluorobenzoic acid) has been synthesized and characterized using FTIR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study indicates that the carboxylic acid ligand adopt bridging bidentate modes to coordinate Cu(II) centers thereby forming a binuclear copper(II)carboxylate type structure. The complex has been utilized as photocatalyst to photodegrade model aromatic dyes viz. methyl violet (MV) and rhodamine B (Rh B) in UV light. The photocatalytic results indicated that 1 offered moderate photocatalytic activity and offers good stability after performing photocatalysis. The plausible mechanism through which 1 exerted photcatalytic property had been proposed by using density of states (DOS) and partial DOS calculations. KEY WORDS : Photocatalysis, Aromatic dyes, 2-Fluorobenzoic acid, Calculation Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2019 , 33(2), 285-292. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v33i2.9

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) affect almost all cell behaviors of human cancers including gastric cancer (GC). However, the biological role of miR-411 in GC remains to be elucidated.We determined the expression level of miR-411 in GC cell lines. After synthetic miRNAs or SET domain containing 6 (SETD6) expression vectors transfection, cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration were examined. Moreover, the target of miR-411 was identified by luciferase activity reporter assay and Western blot assay.Results revealed that the miR-411 expression was significantly down-regulated in GC cell lines compared with normal colonic epithelial cells. Overexpression of miR-411 inhibits GC cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration, whereas the overexpression of SETD6 promotes cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration. Moreover, SETD6 was identified as a putative target of miR-411. In addition, we showed miR-411 regulates GC cell behaviors by targeting SETD6. The overexpression of SETD6 promoted the activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway.These results suggested that miR-411 functions as a tumor suppressor in GC through targeting SETD6/NF-κB pathway. Targeting miR-411 may be a novel clue for GC treatment.

Objective To explore the consistency between identification diagnosis and pre-identification clinical diagnosis of patients with mental disorder undergoing forensic psychiatry identification. Methods The identification data of 1 369 appraised individuals who underwent criminal responsibility identification carried out by the Forensic Institute of Second Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from 2014 to 2017 were collected retrospectively using self-designed investigation data sorting table. A comparative analysis of the mental disorder diagnosis results of expert opinion and past clinical diagnosis results was made. Results Among 1 369 appraised individuals, 964 cases （70.4%） were identified and diagnosed with mental disorder and 405 cases （29.6%） without mental disorder. Among the former, 63.3% （610 cases） were clinically diagnosed, which was higher than 43.2% （175 cases,1369例司法精神病学鉴定诊断与临床诊断的一致性分析.目的 探讨进行司法精神病学鉴定的精神障碍患者的鉴定诊断与鉴定前临床诊断的一致性。 方法 利用自编调查资料整理表回顾性收集济宁医学院第二附属医院司法鉴定所2014—2017年进行刑事责任能力鉴定的1 369例被鉴定人的鉴定资料，将鉴定意见的精神障碍诊断结果和既往临床诊断进行比较分析。 结果 1 369例被鉴定人中，鉴定诊断有精神障碍者964例（70.4%），无精神障碍者405例（29.6%）。前者有临床诊断者为63.3%（610例），高于后者的43.2%（175例，司法精神病学；精神障碍；刑事责任能力；诊断；案例分析.

A 3D network with the (4 2 ·6·8 3 ) topology of metal-organic framework possessing an open 1D channel was synthesized by rigid and planar tetracarboxylic acid 5,5’-(1H-2,3,5-triazole-1,4-diyl)diisophthalic acid (H 4 L). The luminescent properties of 1 shows highly sensitive response to nitrobenzene, Fe 3+ and CrO 4 2- through luminescence quenching effects, making it a promising luminescent sensor for nitro aromatic compounds, Fe 3+ and CrO 4 2- . KEY WORDS : Metal-organic framework, Luminescence quenching, Iron(III), Chromate, Nitrobenzene Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2017 , 31(2), 291-297. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v31i2.10

Previously, we have reported the crystal structures of Fab fragment of Infliximab in complex with TNFα. The structurally identified epitope on TNFα revealed the mechanism of TNFα inhibition by partially overlapping with the TNFα-receptor interface and the possibility to optimize the binding affinity. In this study, we launched a screen of a phage display library to isolate novel anti-TNFα antibodies based on the infliximab epitope. To develop novel anti-TNFα antibodies, structural analysis, the phage display antibody isolation, step by step antibody optimization, CDR residues random mutagenesis, and binding affinity characterization were performed. One of the novel antibodies generated on the backbone of infliximab, Inf3D6, has the superior binding affinity to TNFα, thus, demonstrating the potential for structure guided optimization for improvement of existing antibody-based therapeutics.

This paper investigates fire resistance of normal-strength high-performance concrete (NS-HPC), at water/binder (W/B) ratios of 0·45, 0·36 and 0·32, with compressive strength of 28-days ranging from 42·5 to 56·3 MPa. The spalling test reveals that, among six types of NS-HPC, the three types of plain concrete encounter spalling as well, different from the previous finding that explosive spalling will not occur in normal strength concrete. Specifically, with a dense microstructure for attaining good permeability-related durability, normal-strength concrete will also be prone to explosive spalling thermally induced. Polymer fibre (PP fibre) does prevent NS-HPC from explosive spalling. NS-HPC subjected to high temperature loses its mechanical properties in a manner similar to that of high-strength/high-performance concrete (HS-HPC). Nevertheless, the relationship between dense microstructure of NS-HPC and explosive spalling occurrence needs further investigation.

The potential of biological degradation of refinery spent caustic is evaluated in this study, including effects of operating parameters such as pH of influent stream, salinity, and air flowrate on the biotreatment of the spent caustic process. The results show that the sequence batch reactor process by using domesticated activated sludge has an effective biodegradability on refinery spent caustic. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency reached above 80% with an initial COD value of 1000 mg/L, and the degradation rate of sulfide was over 95%. Meanwhile the organic components of the spent caustic were completely biodegraded within one cycle time.

To evaluate the effect and safety of a modified Prolift procedure, without preceding partial trachelectomy or hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with coexistent cervical elongation.Clinical data of 72 patients that underwent a modified Prolift procedure for POP with coexistent cervical elongation, between December 2008 and June 2012 in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command was retrospectively analysed. A comparison was carried out between preoperative and postoperative parameters of pelvic organ prolapse quantitation system (POP-Q), and an objective evaluation was made according to the overall cure rate and recurrence rate. Pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PFDI-20) was used to investigate the subjective cure rate and improvement of symptoms.Patients were followed up at median 52 months (36-78 months). One bladder perforation and one rectum perforation occurred during the procedure. Four patients (6%, 4/72) had uterine prolapse at 9-19 months after the opertaion and had transvaginal hysterectomy laterly. The overall anatomical correction rate was 94% (68/72). Six patients (8%, 6/72) had mesh exposures at 3-9 months after the opertaion. Scores of PFDI-20 decreased sifnificantly after the procedure (118.2±25.2 vs 12.1±8.0 vs 12.5±9.5 vs 13.0±9.9, P0.05). The patients' satisfaction rate was 92% (66/72).This modified Prolift procedure, without preceding partial trachelectomy or hysterectomy, could effectively and safely correct POP with coexistent cervical elongation.

Summary Length-weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for two endemic fish species from the Maquan River, the upper of the Yarlung Zangbo River: (Ptychobarbus dipogon Regan, 1905, Schizothorax waltoni Regan, 1905). All the specimens were collected between May and September of 2014. Length–weight relationships for these two fish species were determined for the first time, and new maximum body weights were recorded for these two species. These results will be useful for fishery research, management and conservation of the Yarlung Zangbo River.

The Youjiang basin, which flanks the southwest edge of the Yangtze craton in South China, contains many Carlin-type gold deposits and abundant paleo-oil reservoirs. The gold deposits and paleo-oil reservoirs are restricted to the same tectonic units, commonly at the basinal margins and within the intrabasinal isolated platforms and/or bioherms. The gold deposits are hosted by Permian to Triassic carbonate and siliciclastic rocks that typically contain high contents of organic carbon. Paragenetic relationships indicate that most of the deposits exhibit an early stage of barren quartz ± pyrite (stage I), a main stage of auriferous quartz + arsenian pyrite + arsenopyrite + marcasite (stage II), and a late stage of quartz + calcite + realgar ± orpiment ± native arsenic ± stibnite ± cinnabar ± dolomite (stage III). Bitumen in the gold deposits is commonly present as a migrated hydrocarbon product in mineralized host rocks, particularly close to high grade ores, but is absent in barren sedimentary rocks. Bitumen dispersed in the mineralized rocks is closely associated and/or intergrown with the main stage jasperoidal quartz, arsenian pyrite, and arsenopyrite. Bitumen occurring in hydrothermal veins and veinlets is paragenetically associated with stages II and III mineral assemblages. These observations suggest an intimate relationship between bitumen precipitation and gold mineralization. In the paleo-petroleum reservoirs that typically occur in Permian reef limestones, bitumen is most commonly observed in open spaces, either alone or associated with calcite. Where bitumen occurs with calcite, it is typically concentrated along pore/vein centers as well as along the wall of pores and fractures, indicating approximately coeval precipitation. In the gold deposits, aqueous fluid inclusions are dominant in the early stage barren quartz veins (stage I), with a homogenization temperature range typically of 230°C to 270°C and a salinity range of 2.6 to 7.2 wt% NaCl eq. Fluid inclusions in the main and late-stage quartz and calcite are dominated by aqueous inclusions as well as hydrocarbon- and CO2-rich inclusions. The presence of abundant hydrocarbon fluid inclusions in the gold deposits provides evidence that at least during main periods of the hydrothermal activity responsible for gold mineralization, the ore fluids consisted of an aqueous solution and an immiscible hydrocarbon phase. Aqueous inclusions in the main stage quartz associated with gold mineralization (stage II) typically have a homogenization temperature range of 200–230°C and a modal salinity around 5.3 wt% NaCl eq. Homogenization temperatures and salinities of aqueous inclusions in the late-stage drusy quartz and calcite (stage III) typically range from 120°C to 160°C and from 2.0 to 5.6 wt% NaCl eq., respectively. In the paleo-oil reservoirs, aqueous fluid inclusions with an average homogenization temperature of 80°C are dominant in early diagenetic calcite. Fluid inclusions in late diagenetic pore- and fissure-filling calcite associated with bitumen are dominated by liquid C2H6, vapor CH4, CH4–H2O, and aqueous inclusions, with a typical homogenization temperature range of 90°C to 180°C and a salinity range of 2–8 wt% NaCl eq. It is suggested that the hydrocarbons may have been trapped at relatively low temperatures, while the formation of gold deposits could have occurred under a wider and higher range of temperatures. The timing of gold mineralization in the Youjiang basin is still in dispute and a wide range of ages has been reported for individual deposits. Among the limited isotopic data, the Rb–Sr date of 206 ± 12 Ma for Au-bearing hydrothermal sericite at Jinya as well as the Re–Os date of 193 ± 13 Ma on auriferous arsenian pyrite and 40Ar/39Ar date of 194.6 ± 2 Ma on vein-filling sericite at Lannigou may provide the most reliable age constraints on gold mineralization. This age range is comparable with the estimated petroleum charging age range of 238–185 Ma and the Sm–Nd date of 182 ± 21 Ma for the pore- and fissure-filling calcite associated with bitumen at the Shitouzhai paleo-oil reservoir, corresponding to the late Indosinian to early Yanshanian orogenies in South China. The close association of Carlin-type gold deposits and paleo-oil reservoirs, the paragenetic coexistence of bitumens with ore-stage minerals, the presence of abundant hydrocarbons in the ore fluids, and the temporal coincidence of gold mineralization and hydrocarbon accumulation all support a coeval model in which the gold originated, migrated, and precipitated along with the hydrocarbons in an immiscible, gold- and hydrocarbon-bearing, basinal fluid system.

The fluid inclusion and H–O isotope studies have provided the evidences for the source of ore-forming fluids, and helped to recognize two types of immiscibility and their relationships with mineralization. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic geochemistry shows that the earlier ore-forming fluids during the anhydrous skarn stage (I) and the hydrous skarn-magnetite stage (II) were mainly derived from magmatic water, while the later fluids during the quartz-sulfide stage (III) and the carbonate stage (IV) were mainly from magmatic water mixed with small amounts of meteoric water. Various types of fluid inclusions, including abundant vapor- or liquid-rich two-phase aqueous inclusions, daughter minerals-bearing multiphase inclusions, CO2–H2O inclusions, and less abundant liquid inclusions, vapor inclusions and melt inclusions, are present in hydrothermal minerals of different stages. The liquid–vapor fluid inclusions are mainly composed of H2O, with significant amounts of CO2 and a small amount of CH4. In the opaque-bearing fluid inclusions, the hematite and fahlore (tetrahedrite) were identified. The homogenization temperature of the aqueous fluid inclusions decreases from Stage I (520–410 °C), through Stage II (430–340 °C) and III (250–190 °C), to Stage IV (190–130 °C). The coexistence of melt inclusions with simultaneously trapped vapor- or liquid-rich two-phase aqueous inclusions and daughter minerals-bearing multiphase inclusions in garnet, diopside and epidote of Stages I and II suggests an immiscibility between silicate melt and hydrothermal fluid. It is an effective mechanism on scavenging and transporting ore-forming components from magmas. The aqueous fluid inclusions with various vapor/liquid ratios (from 65%) commonly coexist with simultaneously trapped liquid inclusions, vapor inclusions, daughter minerals-bearing multiphase inclusions and CO2–H2O inclusions in the quartz of Stage III, and the different kinds of the fluid inclusions have similar homogenization temperatures. This indicates that the boiling – another kind of immiscibility, widely took place during Stage III. It resulted in the precipitation and enrichment of gold, copper and iron.

The precipitation behavior of copper sulfides in strip cast and isothermal heat treated low carbon steel were investigated by SEM and TEM. The copper sulfides were classified as duplex inclusion of oxide and sulfide (OS), plate-like copper sulfide (PS), shell-like copper sulfide (SS), and nano-scale copper sulfide (NS). Based on the experimental results, the formation mechanisms of these copper sulfides, as well as the effects of cooling rate and constituentes of steel on the competitive precipitation between copper sulfide and manganese sulfide were discussed. The effects of coppers sulfides on the mechanical properties as well as the formation of acicular ferrite in steel were also introduced.

Aligned ZnO nanowires (NWs) were obtained by hydrothermal method using annealed ZnO film as seed layer.Besides Si(400), only ZnO(002) diffraction peak was observed in X-ray diffraction(XRD) pattern. The lasing emissions were observed in optically pumped aligned ZnO NWs. Multi-mode emission peaks emerged when the excitation power density exceed the threshold.The integrated intensity of the spectra increases nonlinearly with the excitation power density, and the transition point from the spontaneous emission to lasing at about 96 kW/cm2 can be clearly observed.

During the first year of production in the 2250 mm hot strip mill of Qian'an Iron and Steel Company of Shougang Steel Corporation, roll spalling and broken rolls were frequent occurrences, especially on the second stand of roughing mill (R2), and resulted in enormous economic losses. In addition, improvements to strip shape were required. One of the factors resulting in strip shape defects after finish rolling is that the transfer bar usually had an unsound profile such as a large wedge, camber or negative crown after roughing rolling. To solve these problems, a variable contact back-up roll contour curve with six order of polynomials and negative crown contour was designed and applied to the back-up roll and work roll of roughing mill stands R1 and R2 instead of a conventional flat roll contour. After the application, roll spalling, crown and wedge quality of the transfer bar and strip quality all improved.

TiB2 particulates reinforced steel matrix composites have been fabricated by a novel process with the combination of in situ and vacuum induction melting technique. With the in situ induction melti...

Tunneling effect of graphite is studied by atomic force microscopy. The tunneling current in the gap between a conductive tip and a newly cleaved graphite surface at a given voltage keeps almost constant when the gap-distance varies within 1 μm, which cannot be explained by the commonly accepted well model of the potential outside a conductor. Thus modification of the well model is made and a cup model, with a certain wall thickness of the cup, is proposed in the present work.

Experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions to study the effects of temperature, duration of wetness, relative humidity (RH) and light on the discharge and germination of ascospores of Venturia nashicola, the causal agent of pear scab in China. Discharge of ascospores from pseudothecia required free water or 100% RH. A period of soaking in water as short as 10 s was sufficient to initiate the discharge of ascospores. Temperatures from 10 to 30°C did not significantly affect the temporal trend of ascospore discharge. A greater proportion of ascospores was discharged under light than in the dark. However, a period of light as short as 10 min, either during the initial wetting of pseudothecia or interrupting the darkness, was sufficient to reduce the inhibitory effect of darkness on ascospore discharge. Ascospores were discharged within 10 min after pseudothecia were wetted and most ascospores (c. 80%) were discharged within the first hour. The temporal pattern of ascospore discharge could be well described by a logistic model, which estimated that 50% of ascospores were discharged within half an hour of wetting. Ascospores germinated over a wide range of temperatures from 5 to 30°C, with an optimum at c. 20°C. Temporal dynamics of ascospore germination at six temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C) were satisfactorily described by logistic models.

Conidia are believed to be the main source of primary inoculum for pear scab, caused by Venturia nashicola, in northern China. Experiments were conducted to investigate the development and potential role of V. nashicola ascospores in northern China. Leaves with pear scab lesions were collected from commercial orchards in November 2003 and 2004 to monitor pseudothecia formation under various environments. Pseudothecium production was shown to occur readily in northern China. The key requirement for pseudothecium production is the occurrence of rain during the winter and early spring, although the exact timing of these rain events appeared not to affect their development. Excess water may lead to the accelerated leaf decay and hence lead to production of fewer pseudothecia. More than 80% scabbed leaves, placed in a pear orchard, produced pseudothecia. Leaves with only non-sporulating scab lesions in autumn were also able to produce a large number of pseudothecia. Both airborne ascospores and conidia of V. nashicola were caught in a pear orchard. Most ascospores were released by late-May, a month after pear blossom. These results suggest that ascospores may play an important role in the early stage of pear scab epidemics in spring in northern China.

One of the alternatives to enhance the strength of a tubular joint involves the application of doubler or collar plates as reinforcement. In order to gain understanding of the effect of plate reinforcement on the ultimate capacity, an experimental study has been conducted into the static behavior of axially loaded T-joints reinforced with a doubler plate or collar plate. The parameters investigated involve the type of loading (i.e., tension or compression), the configuration (unreinforced, collar plate reinforced, or doubler plate reinforced), the brace-to-chord diameter ratio β , and the chord diameter-to-chord wall thickness ratio 2γ . The general test arrangement, specimen details, and most relevant results (failure mechanism and load-deformation relationships) are presented. The experiments reveal a significant strength enhancement for both types of reinforced T-joints in comparison with the ultimate capacity of the corresponding unreinforced joints. The results of follow-up finite element simulations...

The establishment and spread of autotetraploids from an original diploid population in a heterogeneous environment were studied using a stochastic simulation model. Specifically, we investigated the effects of heterogeneous habitats and nonrandom pollen/seed dispersal on the critical value (l )o f unreduced 2n gamete production necessary for the establishment of autotetraploids as predicted by deterministic models. Introduction of a heterogeneous environment with random pollen/seed dispersal had little effect on the l value. In contrast, incorporating nonrandom pollen/seed dispersal into a homogeneous environment considerably reduced the l value. Incorporating both heterogeneous habitats and nonrandom pollen/seed dispersal may lead either to an increase or to a decrease in the l value compared to that with random dispersal, indicating that the two factors interact in a complex way.

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are difficult to treat with a high complication rate due to difficulties in achieving stable fixation. External fixation methods such as monolateral external fixator, circular external fixators, or a hybrid between a monolateral and a circular external fixator are considered to be good mechanical methods of stabilising these complex fractures. However, main disadvantages of these traditional external fixators are bulky and cumbersome for the patient during daily activities. Therefore, we developed a simple low-profile external device to overcome these drawbacks. ThisTnovel external device is characterized as arced shape proximally and multi-directional screw insertion trajectory to enhance fixation stability of fracture. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical performence of the novel device and to compare with commercialized traditional external fixator. Finite element method was employed to carry out all biomechanical analyses. Three CAD models of a normal tibia bone, the simple low-profile external device, and a traditional monolateral external fixator were reconstructed. Bicondylar tibia plateau fracture was simulated according to AO classification (AO/OTA type 41-C1; Schatzker type-V). A 1000N axial compression load was applied to the tibial plateau with fully fixed distal end of the tibia. Maximum von Mises stress on bone, screws, and fixators were calculated. The construct stiffness of both groups were calculated also. The results showed that the maximum von Mises stress on implants was much lower than the yielding strength of the material for both groups. The construct stiffness of the novel device (4992.5 N/mm) was 49.8% higher than the traditional external device (3333.3 N/mm). This study demonstrated that the fixation strength of the novel external device was higher than the traditional monolateral fixator. Clinical evaluation for the novel device is still necessary to further verify its usefulness.

The role of the inverter-side filter used in the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is examined. Using the circuit analysis method, it is shown that the selection of the filter parameters can affect the DVR inverter rating. Furthermore, with the DVR filter-series injection transformer combination, the loading effect of the filter on the restorer and the primary supply system has been quantified under normal as well as voltage sag conditions. A systematic filter design method is then proposed, the primary objective of which is to achieve specific harmonic performance while ensuring that the DVR inverter rating and the loading effect are minimized. Illustrative examples are also included.

In situ TiB2 and TiC particulates reinforced steel matrix composites have been fabricated using cheap ferrotitanium and boron carbide powders by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The sintering behaviour and the formation mechanism of the composite were studied. The results show that when the composite was sintered at 1050°C for 5 min, the maximum relative density and hardness of the composite are 99·2% and 83·8 HRA respectively. The phase evolution of the composite during sintering indicates that the TiB2 and TiC reinforcements were formed in situ as follows: first, the solid/solid interface reaction between Fe2Ti and B4C, resulting in the formation of a small amount of TiB2 and TiC below 950°C; second, the solid–liquid solution precipitation reaction in the Fe–Ti–B–C system, resulting in the formation of the main TiB2 and TiC reinforcements at ∼1000°C.

Starch yield was significantly affected by all three main unit operations in alkali wet-milling (debranning, roller milling, and steeping). The conditions for the three unit operations were studied using a single hybrid. Studies on debranning showed that optimal separation between pericarp and corn endosperm was obtained when corn was soaked in a 1.5–2% NaOH solution at 85°C for 5 min. Passing debranned corn through smooth roller mill once or twice did not affect the product yields, but passing the corn through the roller mill three times decreased the germ yield because of a large amount of broken germ. A 62% higher processing rate could be achieved when passing corn through the mill twice than by passing it through the mill once. The gap should be set at 2.0 mm when passing corn through the mill once, and it should be set at 3.5 mm for the first pass and 2.0 mm for the second pass when passing corn through the mill twice. Starch yield was more sensitive to NaOH concentration and steep temperatu...

We have determined several mutation spectra with the supF sequence after UV mutagenesis in Escherichia coli. The cells were either mfd+ or mfd− and grown in defined or complex medium. The tRNA supF gene was expressed from the plasmid pZ189 or pLS1D (similar to pLS189, a variant of pZ189, but with a tac promoter for supF). Most of the mutations with either plasmid could be attributed to possible targeting photoproducts at dipyrimidine sites in the transcribed (TS) or non-transcribed (NTS) DNA strand with differential characteristics relevant to the repair process “mutation frequency decline” (MFD): (1) with pZ189, targeting sites in TS were favored over sites in NTS in all conditions except after an explicit MFD incubation with mfd+ cells, when there was a majority in NTS; (2) with pLS1D (tac promoter), there was always a marked bias for targeting sites in TS and this was not altered by an MFD incubation; and (3) with pLS1D, spectra withmfd− cells vis-a-vis wild-type indicated a notable shift in the position of a hot-spot (both targeting sites in TS) and an increase in deletion mutations. The results support the Selby-Sancar idea that transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TCR) at tRNA genes accounts for MFD and can be inhibited by rapid transcription. During interference of TCR by rapid transcription, however, the presence or absence of functional Mfd protein (transcription-repair coupling factor) can still influence the pattern of mutation, e.g. alter the position of a hot-spot in pLS1D. Only when a tRNA promoter is modulated by an MFD condition is transcription at a rate conducive to TCR. There were several deletion mutations with pLS1D between direct repeats (not present in pZ189) and a model for their production by UV damage is suggested. The spectra with pZ189 in E. coli had similarities with those published for UV mutagenesis in human cells, e.g. mutations at positions ∼124 and 156.

A corn wet-milling process in which alkali was used was studied as an alternative to the conventional corn wet-milling procedure. In the alkali wet-milling process, corn was soaked in 2% NaOH at 85°C for 5 min and then debranned mechanically to obtain pericarp as a coproduct. Debranned corn was cracked in a roller mill, and the cracked corn was steeped with agitation for 1 hr in 0.5% NaOH at 45°C. The cracked and steeped corn was then processed to separate germ, fiber, and gluten by steps similar to those in conventional wet-milling. Alkali wet-milling yielded soakwater solids, pericarp, germ, starch, gluten, and fine fiber. The protein content of the starch and the starch content of the fiber from the alkali process were lower than those from the conventional process.

Zr0.9Ti0.1(Ni0.57V0.1Mn0.28Co0.05)(2.1) alloy was prepared by melt-spinning and ball-milled with Co3Mo additive to improve its kinetic characteristics. It was shown that after 2 h milling the alloy exhibited a much improved activation performance as well as electrochemical capacity. Electrochemical impedance experiments also showed that ball-milling of the alloy with Co3Mo could improve the surface activity to a great extent. This can be attributed to the catalytic effect of Co3Mo, which had a much closer contact with the alloy powder after ball-milling, on hydrogen oxidation. However, long time milling could decrease the capacity gradually due to the further amorphization of the alloy. The experimental results also showed that the alloy ball-milled with electrochemically catalytic material such as Co3Mo exhibited a better activity than those milled without any additives or with a metal powder such as Cu acting only as a conductor.

Mutagenesis by C-to-U events specifically in either DNA strand assayed with ung uvrA defective Escherichia coli on a metabolically restrictive medium produces more glutamine tRNA suppressor mutations from U occurring in the non-transcribed DNA strand than from U in the transcribed (template) DNA strand. This bias is the reverse of what might be expected from transcriptional mutagenesis (mutation expression utilizing mutated RNA transcribed from damaged template strand DNA). The results and related ideas are discussed.

Three kinds of 12-fold quasi-periodic subwavelength hole arrays have been designed using the same dodecahedral supercell arranged with different local rotational symmetries. Fano resonances associated with spoof surface plasmons in these structures have been studied by far-infrared transmission measurements. The resonant transmission channels of the lowest-order Fano resonance mode have been compared directly between these structures, benefitting from constant non-resonant transmission channel. It is found that the higher is the local rotational symmetry of the supercell array, the higher the transmission intensity and the narrower the linewidth of the Fano resonance.

UV-irradiated excision proficient Escherichia coli were exposed to light for photoenzymatic reversal (PR) of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and assayed for reversion mutation (glutamine tRNA suppressor mutations) on semi-enriched medium or on the same medium containing acriflavine to inhibit excision repair. The initial mutation frequency without PR was relatively greater when assayed with acriflavine, and this difference increased as larger UV fluences were used. The PR kinetics were first order and about the same or slightly faster when cells were assayed with acriflavine (after 15, 30 or 45 J/m2, respectively). The results indicated mutation targeting by CPD in excision proficient cells. These results and conclusion contrast sharply with the original study of this type done several years ago. PR kinetics were considerably slower with assays containing acriflavine, sustaining the idea that PR causes repair of non-dimer targeting lesions by enhancing excision repair. To explain this contrast we devised a fluence-decrement rate for estimating the effectiveness of PR and measured PR-dependent excision repair (PER) as the difference in the fluence-decrement rate with excision proficient and deficient cells. PER was more evident when cells were prepared as in the original study but was still an insufficient factor. More importantly, the original study included a component of indirect photoreactivation or photoprotection (using unfiltered PR light) which accentuated the role of excision repair. Taking these factors into account, the original data also are consistent with the model that glutamine tRNA suppressor mutations produced by UV-mutagenesis in excision proficient E. coli result from targeting by CPD just as in excision defective cells. Thus, with regards to a common UV mutation assay, there does not appear to be two types of targeting lesion depending on excision proficiency.

We present results of transport measurements on superconducting Nb films with diluted triangular arrays (honeycomb and kagome) of holes. The patterned films have large disk-shaped interstitial regions even when the edge-to-edge separations between nearest neighboring holes are comparable to the coherence length. Changes in the field interval of two consecutive minima in the field dependent resistance R(H) curves are observed. In the low field region, fine structures in the R(H) and T(c)(H) curves are identified in both arrays. Comparison of experimental data with calculation results reveals that these structures observed in honeycomb and kagome hole arrays resemble those in wire networks with triangular and T(3) symmetries, respectively. The findings suggest that even in these specified periodic hole arrays with very large interstitial regions, the low field fine structures are determined by the connectivity of the nanostructures.

Successful development of epitaxial Ag as a new plasmonic platform has enabled low-threshold, continuous-wave (CW) operation of a SPASER-enabled nanolaser comprised of a subdiffraction plasmonic cavity and a single InGaN@GaN core-shell nanorod gain medium.