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Plasma cytokine levels were quantified among 30 persons with HIV (PWH) identified as elite controllers (15 transient controllers [studied a median of 1.38 years before losing viral control] and 15 persistent controllers). Thirty antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive PWH, 30 ART-treated PWH with undetectable viremia, and 30 HIV-uninfected controls also were studied. Higher levels of cytokines were recognized among PWH than among controls, with EC displaying the highest levels. Elevated levels of IP-10 and MIG were identified among transient controllers as predictors of the loss of viral control. These findings offer feasible biomarkers for predicting virologic outcome and loss of control in EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is essential for many tumours to grow and metastasise, including breast tumours. Captopril, an Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme inhibitor is known to have anti-angiogenic activity. Recently, novel derivatives of captopril that include thiosemicarbazide moiety have shown enhanced ACE inhibition activity compared to captopril. This study aimed to assess the anti-angiogenic activity of one of these derivatives designated as (8) in the Estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7, and the Estrogen-Progesterone receptor-negative AMJ13 breast cancer cells. The study included a microarray screening for 24 angiogenic factors, and genes were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Results demonstrated a stronger anti-angiogenic effect in the MCF-7 cells compared to those on AMJ13. In MCF7, the derivative caused a significant decrease in the pro-angiogenic bFGF mRNA, VEGF-A mRNA expression, thrombopoietin protein level, PECAM -1 (CD31) mRNA, G-CSF protein, and a significant increase in the anti-angiogenic factors MIG mRNA level, IL-13 protein level, PF-4 both protein and mRNA level. The derivative also significantly decreased TIMP-1 mRNA and IFN-γ protein levels, whereas in AMJ13, a significant increase in MIG protein expression (but not mRNA), a significant decrease in IL-β protein expression, as well as thrombopoietin and PECAM-1 mRNA were documented. This work has shown the thiosemicarbazide derivative of captopril (8) as a potential anti-angiogenic agent targeting multiple factors in the angiogenesis of breast cancer cells. This study has demonstrated derivative (8) as a very promising molecule to be further investigated in other modes of angiogenesis and types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper explores the impact of various weld cladding techniques, such as MIG and TIG, alongside innovative methods like Cold Metal Transfer (CMT), on enhancing the microstructure, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of metals and alloys. Welding dissimilar metals with traditional methods presents challenges, but the CMT process, a modified version of MIG welding, addresses these with its rapid deposition rate, improved bead aesthetics and low thermal heat input. Robotic welding further enhances microstructural characteristics. Advancements in conventional TIG, MIG and CMT processes, including A-TIG, Keyhole-TIG, Pulsed MIG, Plasma-MIG, CMT Pulse and CMT Advanced, improve capabilities such as weld penetration, heat-affected zone width, weld finish, and defect reduction. This paper summarises how different welding techniques improve weld quality in terms of microstructure, electrochemical and mechanical properties. Additionally, it compares conventional welds and their variants to identify the best welding technology for Austenitic SS316 in marine environments. Highlighting the applications and benefits of weld cladding in industries like aerospace, shipbuilding and power generation, the paper underscores the significance of a comparative study on TIG, MIG and CMT weld cladding using Ni-Cr-Mo filler on SS316 base metal for optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical performance in marine settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Son yıllarda hasar görmüş makine parçalarının düşük maliyetli kaynak yöntemleri ile tamir edilip tekrar kullanılması yaygın hale gelmiştir. Bu çalışmada imalat sektöründe yaygın olarak kullanılan MIG ve ark kaynak yöntemleri ile beş farklı kaynak teli kullanılarak AISI 1050 çeliğine kaynaklı tamir işlemleri uygulanmıştır. MIG yönteminde SG2 kalite ve paslanmaz kaynak telleri, ark kaynağında rutil, bazik ve paslanmaz kaynak telleri kullanılmıştır. Tamir edilmiş numunelerin mikroyapı, mikrosertlik, sürtünme ve aşınma davranışları incelenmiştir. Mikroyapı incelemeleri optik mikroskop ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Aşınma deneyleri ASTM G99 standartına uygun olarak kuru şartlarda pim-disk yöntemi ile yapılmıştır. Aşınma kanalları yüzey profilometresi ile ölçülerek spesfik aşınma oranları hesaplanmıştır. Aşınmış yüzeyler SEM ve EDS analizi ile incelenerek aşınma mekanizmaları belirlenmiştir. Tamir edilmiş numunelerin kaynak bölgelerinde çatlak, boşluk vb. mikroyapısal kusurlar tespit edilmemiştir. Tamir edilmiş tüm numunelerin mikrosertlik değerleri AISI 1050 çeliğinden yüksek çıkmıştır. En yüksek ortalama mikrosertlik değerleri paslanmaz kaynak teli ile tamir edilmiş numunelerde tespit edilmiştir. Tamir işlemleri sonrası numunelerin aşınma performansı yaklaşık 3 kat artmıştır. En yüksek aşınma direnci MIG yöntemi ve SG2 kalite kaynak teli kullanılan numunede tespit edilmiştir

The additive manufacturing method offers a number of advantages such as rapid prototyping, design flexibility and unique part production. However, compared to traditional production methods, the production volume is limited. Therefore, to meet large-volume production demands, additive manufacturing is not as effective as traditional methods. In order to overcome this disadvantage, scientists are conducting research on the assembly of parts produced by additive manufacturing method. This study focuses on investigating the MIG (Metal Inert Gas) weldability of AlSi10Mg SLM (Selective Laser Melting) plate to AlSi10Mg SLM plate and subsequently optimizing the welding parameters for welding zone hardness and tensile strength. The most suitable parameters obtained in the hardness optimization of the weld zone were determined as 20.6 V, 120 A, 5356 (AlMg5). The most suitable parameters for tensile strength optimization were determined as 20.6 V, 110 A and 4047 (AlSi12). In addition to all these, 4047 filler material is thought to be the most suitable weld filler material for this study, as it provides the best tensile strength performance, offers acceptable weld zone hardness and is relatively easily accessible in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welding using a metal inert gas, also known as MIG welding, is an acceptable method for joining stainless steel. The impact of welding parameters on the hardness of the welded connections was investigated in the work that is being presented here. These welding parameters include gas flow rate, current, and voltage. Regarding the data that were acquired through experimentation, the modification was carried out using MINITAB. The design matrix of the trials was figured out by using the design of the experiment (DOE) program Minitab 21.1.0. The number of input parameters that were used was the primary factor in this determination. The Taguchi orthogonal matrix methodology (Taguchi) technique was used to generate some empirical analyses for maximal suitable surface hardness as a function of the aforementioned welding parameters. These analyses were used to make some recommendations for improving the welding process. The typical reaction to the degree of difficulty If there is a variation in the gas flow rate (GFR), it is crystal obvious that level 3 for a gas flow rate of value corresponds to 219 HV0.3, which is indicated as the best circumstance for obtaining the optimal value of hardness. At level 1, for the value of current 70 amperes, it results from the value 222 HV0.3, which demonstrates the optimal condition for hardness, when a fluctuation of current is considered to be a factor in the calculation. At level 1, for a voltage value of 20 volts, it results in a value of 216 HV0.3, which is indicated as the best condition of optimal hardness. This is pointed out as the best condition of optimum hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering & Architectural Faculty of Eskisehir Osmangazi University / Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University 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.)

Plasma cytokine levels were quantified among 30 persons with HIV (PWH) identified as elite controllers (15 transient controllers [studied a median of 1.38 years before losing viral control] and 15 persistent controllers). Thirty antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive PWH, 30 ART-treated PWH with undetectable viremia, and 30 HIV-uninfected controls also were studied. Higher levels of cytokines were recognized among PWH than among controls, with EC displaying the highest levels. Elevated levels of IP-10 and MIG were identified among transient controllers as predictors of the loss of viral control. These findings offer feasible biomarkers for predicting virologic outcome and loss of control in EC.

Austenitic stainless steels are very popular due to their high strength properties, ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and work hardening. This paper presents the test results for joining AISI 316Ti austenitic steel. The technologies used for joining were the most popular welding techniques such as TIG (welding with a non-consumable electrode in the shield of inert gases), MIG (welding with a consumable electrode in the shield of inert gases) as well as high-energy EBW welding (Electron Beam Welding) and plasma PAW (plasma welding). Microstructural examinations in the face, center and root areas of the weld revealed different contents of delta ferrite with skeletal or lathy ferrite morphology. Additionally, the presence of columnar grains at the fusion line and equiaxed grains in the center of the welds was found. Microstructural, X-ray and ferroscope tests showed the presence of different delta ferrite contents depending on the technology used. The highest content of delta ferrite was found in the TIG and PAW connectors, approximately 5%, and the lowest in the EBW connector, approximately 2%. Based on the tests carried out on the mechanical properties, it was found that the highest properties were achieved by the MIG joint (Rm, 616, Rp0.2 = 335 MPa), while the lowest were achieved by the PAW joint (Rm = 576, Rp0.2 = 315 MPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a similarity coefficient generation code system was established using the Monte Carlo Code for Advanced Reactor Design (McCARD) transport code and the MIG multi-correlated input sampling code. We considered the adjoint-based sensitivity and uncertainty (S/U) and stochastic sampling (S.S.) approaches to the generation of the ck similarity coefficient. To examine the code system, the ck similarity coefficients of 23 relevant critical experiments and the System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART) small modular reactor (SMR) target system were generated using ENDF/B-VII.1 covariance data with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) 30-group energy group structure. Our results show that the similarity coefficients between the 16 LEU thermal-spectrum-based critical experiments and SMART are more than 0.90, which is the recommended criterion of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These results are very helpful for licensees and can be used to justify the determination of critical experiment benchmarks for computational bias estimations of the SMART target system. To examine the discrepancy in the similarity coefficient, ck, due to the covariance data, similarity analyses for a 24 × 24 benchmark matrix were performed using ENDF-VIII.0, JENDL-5.0, and JEFF-3.3 covariance data. The results show that the selection of the covariance data used for ck generation significantly impacts the similarity coefficient. Moreover, it was observed that the current results for the SCALE 6.1 covariance data show a consistent trend with the results reported in earlier studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current era makes a pressure on more ecological and economical production, therefore technological innovations are required. Current trend is to use additive manufacturing, which saves production time and reduces the amount of waste. That also contributes to better utilization of raw materials. This paper deals with the analysis of multilayer weld made of AISI 316LSi using WAAM. The aim was to evaluate the integrity of this component via structural analysis. A pipe was welded up and the cross-section of the pipe was analysed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure of the weld metal revealed a dendritic morphology. The dendrites were formed by austenite and the interdendritic space contained δ-ferrite. The boundaries of individual weld layers were sharp and without the presence of an annealed area. SEM-EDS analysis was used in order to obtain maps of the elements distribution in examined microstructure. Globular particles were observed in the microstructure. These particles were identified as oxides rich in silicon and manganese. The mechanical properties were evaluated using microhardness measurement in vertical line and three horizontal lines of the wall. It was found that the microhardness values in the top and middle part of the wall are higher on the inside of the component due to cooling conditions.

The present study is focused on investigating the feasibility of additive manufacturing of single crystal nickel components using MIG processed wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technique. The feasibility was validated by depositing the material first on 99.999 % pure polycrystalline nickel substrate and then onto a 99.995 % pure single crystal nickel specimen oriented in direction. Optical microscopy and EBSD results prove the possibility for regions of single crystal to be deposited. The process yielded distinct regions of single crystal. Columnar and equiaxed grains occurred in a region with the highest local thermal gradient and slowest solidification rate. EBSD analysis confirmed that the single crystal region revealed in optical microscopy was in one orientation and the etchant was effective in highlighting individual grain boundaries.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that is potentially fatal when untreated. Current diagnostic methods have limitations that contribute to ongoing transmission and poor prognosis. Thus, new tests are needed to provide quick, accurate diagnoses and evaluate clinical progression and treatment efficacy. The monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) and interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) has been associated with the host susceptibility to VL with potential diagnostic and prognostic purposes. We performed a systematic review using four search databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) to identify studies assessing MIG and IP-10 as potential biomarkers in patients with VL across various clinical conditions. A total of 13 studies were potentially eligible and included in this review. The articles, in general, reveal that the chemokines MIG and IP-10 are elevated in response to infection by Leishmania spp., acting on the host’s resistance to the development of the disease. They are associated with asymptomatic conditions and after VL treatment, and this relationship can be observed in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Consequently, these chemokines hold relevance in the diagnoses and appropriate management of individuals with VL.

Background: Interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) are chemokines recognized as inflammatory biomarkers during HIV-1 infection. We assessed their early and long-term dynamics after initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods: Persons with HIV-1 (PWH) aged>18 years starting their first ART in 2015-2021 in a prospective cohort (n=73) were included. IP-10 and MIG plasma levels were quantified using a multiplexed bead-based assay. Results: IP-10 and MIG plasma levels showed a significant and consistent reduction following ART (80% integrase inhibitor [INSTI]-based) initiation, starting at day 20 and maintained throughout the study period (48 months), paralleling the HIV-1 RNA decay and CD4+ count recovery (p<0·001). At baseline, PWH= 50 years, CDC stage C and CD4+ count<350cells/mm3 had higher levels of IP-10 (p=0·022, p=0·001 and p=0·002, respectively) and MIG (p<0·001, p=0·024 and p=0·069, respectively). All of them matched their counterparts several months following ART initiation. MIG levels showed a greater decrease at day 10 in those treated with INSTI (p=0·038). Low-level HIV-1 viremia did not impact MIG or IP-10 levels. Conclusion: Plasma IP-10 and MIG showed an early significant decline following ART initiation, with greater early declines in MIG levels in INSTI-based regimens. These findings suggest a strong impact of HIV-1 viremia on IP-10 and MIG levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Công nghệ hàn TIG/MIG-MAG thường được sử dụng hàn các sản phẩm ống thép trong công nghiệp. Để nâng cao cơ tính, tổ chức tế vi, tăng năng suất và cải thiện chiều sâu ngấu của mối hàn, dao động rung siêu âm có thể áp dụng. Do đó, nhóm tác giả đã nghiên cứu, thiết kế và chế tạo thiết bị hàn ống thép tự động có hỗ trợ rung siêu âm. Thiết kế sử dụng hai hệ siêu âm 20 kHz, công suất 1,5kW để tạo rung động ở vị trí cách vũng hàn 120 mm và vị trí đầu ống. Tốc độ hàn được thay đổi nhờ thay đổi tốc độ vòng quay của ống thông qua biến tần và hệ truyền động bánh răng. Thiết bị hàn ống tự động đã thử nghiệm thành công trên ống có đường kính trong giới hạn từ 50 ÷ 200 mm, chiều dày từ 5 ÷ 10 mm sử dụng nguồn hàn TIG/MIG-MAG.

ABSTRACT Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe infectious disease affecting the central nervous system, causing high mortality and disability. However, current diagnostic methods for TBM using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lack sensitivity and predictive biomarkers for prognosis. We conducted a study on cytokine profiles in CSF and serum samples from TBM patients to identify disease-specific biomarkers. Patients were categorized into three groups: TBM (n = 17), cryptococcal meningitis (n = 10), and non-infection (n = 6), and cytokine levels were quantified using a 48-plex panel. After treatment, we observed a significant reduction in the levels of 12 cytokines, indicating their potential use as biomarkers for treatment monitoring. Among them, monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG) and interleukin-18 showed significant differences in serum or CSF cytokine levels compared to the control groups. CSF levels of MIG in TBM patients were negatively correlated with the CSF/blood glucose ratio (r = −0.4728, P = 0.0475). Positive correlations were found between CSF leukocyte counts and several cytokines, including fibroblast growth factor-basic, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), monocyte chemotactic protein-3, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α), and tumor necrosis factor alpha. G-CSF and MIP-1α were also positively correlated with CSF protein levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that MIG exhibited the highest area under the curve of 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.00] with a sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI 0.58–0.97) and a specificity of 0.87 (95% CI 0.62–0.98), making it a promising diagnostic biomarker for TBM. Our study provides valuable insights into TBM’s pathogenesis and identifies potential biomarkers for diagnosis and evaluating treatment monitoring. IMPORTANCE Tuberculous meningitis is a life-threatening infection with high mortality and disability rates. Current diagnostic methods using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples have limited sensitivity and lack predictive biomarkers for evaluating prognosis. This study’s findings reveal excessive activation of the immune response during tuberculous meningitis (TBM) infection. Notably, a strong negative correlation was observed between CSF levels of monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG) and the CSF/blood glucose ratio in TBM patients. MIG also exhibited the highest area under the curve with high sensitivity and specificity. This study suggests that MIG may serve as a novel biomarker for differentiating TBM infection in CSF or serum, potentially leading to improved diagnostic accuracy and better patient outcomes.

Background: it has been suggested that chronic low-grade inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to previous studies, it remains unclear which cytokines influence the development of this syndrome and whether their increase is associated with the presence of excess weight/obesity or is an independent factor. The aim of our research was to determine the parameters of chronic inflammation in women with PCOS in comparison with healthy women in the normal weight and the overweight subgroups. Methods: This case-control study included 44 patients with PCOS (19 women with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m² and 25 women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and 45 women without symptoms of PCOS (22 women with a BMI < 25 kg/m² and 23 women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). Thirty-two cytokines were analyzed in the plasma of the participants using Immunology multiplex assay HCYTA-60K-PX48 (Merck Life Science, LLC, Germany). Results: Cytokines: interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 RA), IL-2, IL-6, IL-17 E, IL-17 A, IL-18, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 α) were increased in women with PCOS compared to controls, both in lean and overweight/obese subgroups (p < 0.05). Moreover, only lean women with PCOS had higher levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-4, IL-9, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) alpha and beta, soluble CD40 and its ligand (SCD40L), fractalkine (FKN), monocyte-chemotactic protein 3 (MCP-3), and MIP-1 β compared to the control group (p < 0.05). IL-22 was increased in the combined group of women with PCOS (lean and overweight/obese) compared to the control group (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Chronic low-grade inflammation is an independent factor affecting the occurrence of PCOS and does not depend on the presence of excess weight/obesity. For the first time, we obtained data on the increase in such inflammatory parameters as IL-9, MCP-3, and MIP-1α in women with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three different arc welding processes, namely tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) processes, are used to weld 409 M ferritic stainless steel. K-type thermocouples are located in the area of heat-affected zone by drilling blind holes in a plate at a distance of 3 mm and 7 mm from the weld line, revealing the contours of the temperature distribution of the weld. The experimental results are compared with the results of simulations using ANSYS by Goldak heat source model. The temperature is experimentally measured in the heat-affected region with the help of a thermocouple. The temperature distribution profile by the finite element method using ANSYS is compared with the experimental temperature distribution profile with the heat source. The experimental and simulation results for TIG, MIG and SMAW welding processes have been found to be excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a DeCART/MIG uncertainty quantification (UQ) analysis code system with a multi-correlated cross section stochastic sampling (S.S.) module was established and verified through the UAM (Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling) and the BEAVRS (Benchmark for Evaluation And Validation of Reactor Simulations) benchmark calculations. For the S.S. calculations, a sample of 500 DeCART multi-group cross section sets for two major actinides, i.e., 235U and 238U, were generated by the MIG code and covariance data from the ENDF/B-VII.1 evaluated nuclear data library. In the three pin problems (i.e. TMI-1, PB2, and Koz-6) from the UAM benchmark, the uncertainties in kinf by the DeCART/MIG S.S. calculations agreed very well with the sensitivity and uncertainty (S/U) perturbation results by DeCART/MUSAD and the S/U direct subtraction (S/U-DS) results by the DeCART/MIG. From these results, it was concluded that the multi-group cross section sampling module of the MIG code works correctly and accurately. In the BEAVRS whole benchmark problems, the uncertainties in the control rod bank worth, isothermal temperature coefficient, power distribution, and critical boron concentration due to cross section uncertainties were calculated by the DeCART/MIG code system. Overall, the uncertainties in these design parameters were less than the general design review criteria of a typical pressurized water reactor start-up case. This newly-developed DeCART/MIG UQ analysis code system by the S.S. method can be widely utilized as uncertainty analysis and margin estimation tools for developing and designing new advanced nuclear reactors.

Austenitic stainless steels are very popular due to their high strength properties, ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and work hardening. This paper presents the test results for joining AISI 316Ti austenitic steel. The technologies used for joining were the most popular welding techniques such as TIG (welding with a non-consumable electrode in the shield of inert gases), MIG (welding with a consumable electrode in the shield of inert gases) as well as high-energy EBW welding (Electron Beam Welding) and plasma PAW (plasma welding). Microstructural examinations in the face, center and root areas of the weld revealed different contents of delta ferrite with skeletal or lathy ferrite morphology. Additionally, the presence of columnar grains at the fusion line and equiaxed grains in the center of the welds was found. Microstructural, X-ray and ferroscope tests showed the presence of different delta ferrite contents depending on the technology used. The highest content of delta ferrite was found in the TIG and PAW connectors, approximately 5%, and the lowest in the EBW connector, approximately 2%. Based on the tests carried out on the mechanical properties, it was found that the highest properties were achieved by the MIG joint (Rm, 616, Rp0.2 = 335 MPa), while the lowest were achieved by the PAW joint (Rm = 576, Rp0.2 = 315 MPa).

In this study, a similarity coefficient generation code system was established using the Monte Carlo Code for Advanced Reactor Design (McCARD) transport code and the MIG multi-correlated input sampling code. We considered the adjoint-based sensitivity and uncertainty (S/U) and stochastic sampling (S.S.) approaches to the generation of the ck similarity coefficient. To examine the code system, the ck similarity coefficients of 23 relevant critical experiments and the System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART) small modular reactor (SMR) target system were generated using ENDF/B-VII.1 covariance data with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) 30-group energy group structure. Our results show that the similarity coefficients between the 16 LEU thermal-spectrum-based critical experiments and SMART are more than 0.90, which is the recommended criterion of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These results are very helpful for licensees and can be used to justify the determination of critical experiment benchmarks for computational bias estimations of the SMART target system. To examine the discrepancy in the similarity coefficient, ck, due to the covariance data, similarity analyses for a 24 × 24 benchmark matrix were performed using ENDF-VIII.0, JENDL-5.0, and JEFF-3.3 covariance data. The results show that the selection of the covariance data used for ck generation significantly impacts the similarity coefficient. Moreover, it was observed that the current results for the SCALE 6.1 covariance data show a consistent trend with the results reported in earlier studies.

BackgroundInterferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) are chemokines recognized as inflammatory biomarkers during HIV-1 infection. We assessed their early and long-term dynamics after initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART).MethodsPersons with HIV-1 (PWH) aged>18 years starting their first ART in 2015-2021 in a prospective cohort (n=73) were included. IP-10 and MIG plasma levels were quantified using a multiplexed bead-based assay.ResultsIP-10 and MIG plasma levels showed a significant and consistent reduction following ART (80% integrase inhibitor [INSTI]-based) initiation, starting at day 20 and maintained throughout the study period (48 months), paralleling the HIV-1 RNA decay and CD4+ count recovery (p

The 6005A aluminum alloy extrusion profiles are widely used in China Railway High-speed trains and mainly welded by metal-inert gas welding. The coarse-grain layer covering the profiles leads to the formation of liquation cracks and deteriorates the mechanical properties of the welded joints. In addition, the weld reinforcement has negative effects on the fatigue life. To improve the mechanical properties of the welded joints, a novel hybrid milling-friction stir processing (HMFSP) tool is developed. The surficial coarse grains and intergranular eutectic could be eliminated by the tool, which suppressed the formation of liquation cracks. Meanwhile, the weld reinforcement was removed simultaneously and the stress concentration near the weld toe was eliminated. The average grain size of the affected zone was refined to 5.7 μm and the tensile strength of the welded joints increased by 10% after HMFSP. Moreover, a 62.1% prolongation of the fatigue life was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area around the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan in the north-western North Pacific provides opportunities for studying the impact of climate oscillations on the evolutionary history of cold-temperate species independent of direct ice sheet development. We conducted a range-wide collection survey of white-spotted charr, Salvelinus leucomaenis , and integrated nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data to reveal the evolutionary history of this species. Phylogeographic analyses using genome-wide SNP data revealed the presence of five geographically distinct groups with slightly overlapping ranges. Of these, a northern group was widely distributed along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan and the northern region of Honshu Island, whereas the other four groups were only found on Honshu Island. The population structure of Honshu Island was largely divided into the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean groups by the mountain ranges running through the centre of Honshu Island, and was further subdivided by many geological factors, such as river capture and other vicariance processes. There was a discrepancy in the phylogeographic patterns between nuclear DNA and mtDNA, which was likely influenced by a complex population history that involved multiple dispersal and secondary contact events during several glacial-interglacial cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a cross section stochastic sampling (S.S.) capability is implemented into both the McCARD continuous energy Monte Carlo code and MIG multiple-correlated data sampling code. The ENDF/B-VII.1 covariance data based 30 group cross section sets and the SCALE6 covariance data based 44 group cross section sets are sampled by the MIG code. Through various uncertainty quantification (UQ) benchmark calculations, the McCARD/MIG results are verified to be consistent with the McCARD stand-alone sensitivity/uncertainty (S/U) results and the XSUSA S.S. results. UQ analyses for Three Mile Island Unit 1, Peach Bottom Unit 2, and Kozloduy-6 fuel pin problems are conducted to provide the uncertainties of keff and microscopic and macroscopic cross sections by the McCARD/MIG code system. Moreover, the SNU S/U formulations for uncertainty propagation in a MC depletion analysis are validated through a comparison with the McCARD/MIG S.S. results for the UAM Exercise I-1b burnup benchmark. It is therefore concluded that the SNU formulation based on the S/U method has the capability to accurately estimate the uncertainty propagation in a MC depletion analysis.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emergent viral disease in which the host inflammatory response modulates the clinical outcome. Severe outcomes are associated with an exacerbation of inflammation in which chemokines play an important role as the attractants of immune cells to the tissues.Objective: To evaluate the relationship of the chemokines IL-8, RANTES, MIG, MCP-1, and IP-10 with COVID-19 severity and outcomes in Mexican patients.Methods: We analyzed the serum levels of IL-8, RANTES, MIG, MCP-1 and IP-10 in 148 COVID-19 hospitalized patients classified as mild (n=20), severe (n=61), and critical (n=67), as well as in healthy individuals (n=10), by flow cytometry bead array assay.Results: Chemokine levels were higher in patients than in the healthy individuals, but only MIG, MCP-1, and IP-10 increased according to the disease severity, showing the highest levels in the critical group. MIG, MCP-1, and IP-10 levels were also higher in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities such as renal disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Moreover, elevated MIG levels seem to be related to organic failure/shock, and an increased risk of death.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the increased levels of MCP-1, IP-10, and especially MIG might be useful in predicting severe COVID-19 outcomes and could be promising therapeutic targets.

Suitable welding wire is a key factor affecting the quality of 7N01 aluminium alloy welded joints for high-speed trains. The effect of ER5356 and ER5087 welding wires on microstructures and the root bend property of 7N01-T4 aluminium alloy by metal-inert gas (MIG) welding was investigated. Two weld zones were mainly characterized by as-cast structures. There were mainly equiaxed crystals in the microstructure of the bottom layer and cover layer of ER5356 and ER5087 welded joints. While the weld center of the middle layer was mainly columnar crystals. ER5087 welded joint had a smaller grain size than the ER5356 weld joint. The root bend test showed that ER5087 welded joint was cracked at a bend angle of about 120o, and the ER5356 welded joint was cracked at a bend angle of about 150o, indicating that ER5087 welded joint had better-bending performance than ER5356 welded joint. The cracks were generated in the fusion zone (FZ) and weld zone (WZ) of the bottom layer in the ER5356 and ER5087 welded joint, respectively. The weld grains of the bottom layer were elongated, and the grains of the cover layer was extruded. ER5356 welded joint had no fine grain zone between the bottom and middle layers while ER5087 welded joint had a small number of fine grains due to the less recrystallization degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-Mg alloys used in the shipbuilding industry were tested. The most commonly used alloy AW 5083 and alloy AW 5059 with higher strength properties were selected. Both native materials and their joints welded by the traditional MIG arc welding method and the friction stir welding (FSW) method were tested. Both methods are approved by classification societies which allow them to be used in construction by the shipbuilding industry. The research was carried out in two stages. The first study was an "in-situ tensile test in SEM". The surfaces of the deformed specimens' changes were observed in the vacuum chamber of a Philips XL30 scanning electron microscope. During the tests, the force and elongation of the specimen were recorded. In addition, a chemical analysis of selected precipitates was performed by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) using the EDAX adapter. Slip lines were observed on the surface of the tested specimens, which are arranged in bands in the native material and in a disordered manner in the joints welded by MIG and FSW methods. Cracking starts mainly through decohesion at the matrix-precipitate interfaces. In the second stage of the research, slow strain rate testing (SSRT) was carried out in accordance with ISO 7539-7:2005. The tests were carried out on a specially designed test stand, where the FT-5307 strain gauge force sensor with a measuring range of 0–16 kN was used to measure the force value. The PSz 20 transducer with a measuring range of 0–20 mm was also used. The test consisted of subjecting the specimen to increasing deformation with the strain rate έ = 1.6 × 10−6 s−1 until destruction. The fracture surfaces of the SSRT specimens were subjected to fractographic analysis using a Philips XL-30 scanning electron microscope. The results of fractographic studies after the SSRT test of the native materials and their joints welded by the MIG and FSW methods indicate that the trans-crystalline cracking mechanism is dominant, characterized by ductile fracture, and cracks are initiated at the interfaces of the precipitates with the matrix. The research results show that the plastic deformation increases and micro-cracks develop and merge into a main crack, which, after reaching the critical dimension, rapidly develops, causing the destruction of the material. The fracture micrographs of the specimens of base metals and their joints welded by FSW and MIG after the SSRT test allow us to conclude that the cracking mechanism was trans-crystalline ductile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetron injection gun (MIG) is an essential component of the gyrotron traveling wave tube (gyro-TWT). Although the electron beam status influences the performance of the device, it cannot be measured directly in the experiment. An online evaluation module (OEM) for the experiment is developed to calculate the instant beam parameters of MIG. The OEM, by reconstructing the geometry of the MIG and related magnetic field distribution, can obtain the electron beam status under the operating parameters through the online simulation. The beam velocity spread of thermal emission with instant temperature and surface roughness are also considered. The validation is done in a W-band gyro-TWT, and the beam performance is evaluated in the experiment. With a pitch factor of 1.06 electron beam, the velocity spread affected by the electric-magnetic mismatch, thermal emission, and roughness is 1.00%, 0.56%, and 0.43%, respectively. The other beam parameters are also presented in the developed module. The OEM could guide and accelerate the testing process and ensure the safe and stable operation of the device.

Understanding how speciation occurs is central to biology. Gene flow between diverging taxa is correlated with geography and other aspects of speciation; therefore, the examination of gene flow during divergence is a potent approach to understanding the nature of speciation. Here, we inferred the speciation process of the sympatric rockfishes Sebastes steindachneri and Sebastes wakiyai in the north-western Pacific and its marginal seas based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism and mitochondrial DNA data. Model-based demographic inference showed that gene flow between the two species was absent in the initial and late stages of divergence and present only in the middle stage. Population expansion occurred before or during the period of gene flow. The estimated timings of the initial divergence and population expansion fell within the Pleistocene, during which the seas currently inhabited by the two species were repeatedly isolated and reconnected. Contemporary isolation was supported by the absence of hybrids and the shared mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. Our results suggest that the two species initially diverged in allopatry, followed by secondary contact and introgression and by the completion of reproductive isolation. Given that complete isolation following secondary contact has rarely been tested or documented in marine organisms, we highlight the importance of careful consideration of alternative divergence scenarios to be tested, which should take into account the geological and environmental settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welding is an essential fabrication process in any of the construction or manufacturing industries. Over the years, numerous welding techniques have been developed to fulfil the continuously changing requirements of the manufacturers as well as to keep up with the evolving materials. Any welding operation is associated with a number of input parameters, their interactions with the achievable weld quality and material properties that determine the success of the overall process. Due to time consuming nature of physical experiments and advancements in computing power and theories, in-silico parametric analysis and optimization of welding processes has gained significant attention in recent years. This paper endeavours to provide a timely comprehensive review of the existing literature on finite element modelling, predictive modelling and optimization of the welding processes. Due to numerous welding processes, an exhaustive review of all of them would exceed the limit of a single research paper. Thus, only three widely popular and versatile welding processes, i.e. metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and friction stir welding (FSW) are considered in this review paper. The essence of more than 225 research articles is concisely presented here, which would make this paper an asset to the future researchers and practitioners. Thermo-mechanical finite element analysis of welding processes, and use of traditional experiment design plans, like orthogonal array, Box-Behnken design and central composite design are found to be extremely popular in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, ferritic stainless steel (FSS) weldments were prepared by tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG), and pulsed-MIG welding. Pure argon and a mixture of argon + 2% oxygen were utilized as shielding gas in each type of welding. The FSS (ER430) and austenitic stainless steel (ASS) (ER309L) wires were used as filler consumable wires during all the three types of welding. The effects of varying welding processes, shielding gases, and consumable electrodes on the longitudinal tensile properties of weldments were investigated. The universal tensile testing machine was used to evaluate longitudinal ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation experimentally in each case. The maximum tensile strength of FSS weldment was obtained in the case of (Ar + 2% O2) mixture of shielding gas and ASS filler wire in each welding process. Heat treatment was also carried out for samples prepared by MIG and TIG welding. The reduction in tensile strength and enhancement in percentage elongation was observed for both MIG and TIG welding after heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade-off between strength and toughness is a long-term challenge for engineering metal structural materials. However, natural materials overcome the inverse relationship between strength and toughness through their unique structures. Inspired by plant leaves and dragonfly wings, a 'soft-hard' alternating bionic heterostructure is prepared on 6061-T6 Al alloy MIG welded joints by laser surface remelting (LSR) technology. After LSR, the grain size of the laser treated zone is significantly refined, dislocation density is increased, and the formation of fine and stable GP zone and β′′ phase is promoted, enhancing microhardness and tensile properties of the LSRed sample. By adjusting the laser stripe spacing and distribution angle, stress transfer and redistribution can be optimized, effectively improving the tensile properties of the welded joint can be. Compared to as-welded sample, the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of LSRed sample can be increased by 30.6 %, 13.6 % and 102 %, respectively. In addition, the bionic heterostructure composed of grain size gradient, dislocation gradient and precipitated phases gradient can effectively develop heterogeneous deformation induced (HDI) stress strengthening and HDI strain hardening, enabling synergistic strengthening of strength and toughness. • Laser surface remelting provides a new choice for the preparation of bionic heterostructure. • Bionic heterostructure are constructed on Al alloy welded joints. • Bionic heterostructure joint exhibits excellent strength-toughness matching. • High strength is attributed to fine grain, dislocation strengthening, precipitation strengthening and stress transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that is potentially fatal when untreated. Current diagnostic methods have limitations that contribute to ongoing transmission and poor prognosis. Thus, new tests are needed to provide quick, accurate diagnoses and evaluate clinical progression and treatment efficacy. The monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) and interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) has been associated with the host susceptibility to VL with potential diagnostic and prognostic purposes. We performed a systematic review using four search databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) to identify studies assessing MIG and IP-10 as potential biomarkers in patients with VL across various clinical conditions. A total of 13 studies were potentially eligible and included in this review. The articles, in general, reveal that the chemokines MIG and IP-10 are elevated in response to infection by Leishmania spp., acting on the host's resistance to the development of the disease. They are associated with asymptomatic conditions and after VL treatment, and this relationship can be observed in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Consequently, these chemokines hold relevance in the diagnoses and appropriate management of individuals with VL.

TIG-MIG hybrid welding is a useful method to achieve the advantages of both TIG and MIG welding methods. The arc configuration and the torch angle are important parameters in the heat distribution and stability of the MIG arc in TIG-MIG hybrid welding. In this study, these two parameters were investigated using finite element simulation. First, mathematical modeling of the effect of angle on the heat source was developed, and then finite element modeling of the hybrid welding process was performed. A Fortran subroutine was used to model moving heat sources. Six different arc configuration and torch angles were designed and simulated to investigate the effect of these two parameters. The finite element results were validated using an experimental test as well as a comparison with previously published results, and a very good agreement was obtained. The output of the modeling showed that the interaction of the arcs occurs in all cases and it can cause stabilization of the MIG arc. Leading TIG arc increases the heat transferred to the workpiece and increases the maximum temperature and penetration depth of the weld. The leading arc angle increases the input heat, and the following arc angle decreases it and thus decreases the maximum temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, metal inert gas welding (MIG) was applied to 4 mm thick 6005A-T6 aluminum alloy welding. Compared with other parts, the hardness of the weld zone (WZ) was the lowest, about 67 HV. There was the Softening in WZ, which might make WZ the weakest zone. Then, fatigue tests were carried out on MIG welded joints. All the fatigue specimens fractured at the weld toe of the lap joint, and the fracture was characterized by a cleavage fracture. Crack closure induced by oxide was observed during the steady propagation of the fatigue crack. Impurities hindered crack propagation, changed the direction of crack propagation, and appeared in stepped fatigue strip distribution morphology; in the process of the main crack propagation, the initiation and propagation of small cracks were easily restricted and hindered by the main crack, which slowed down the propagation rate and even stopped the propagation directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7N01-T4 aluminum alloy plates were welded by the metal inert gas (MIG) welding method, with ER5087 and ER5356 welding wires, respectively. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the weld zones in the two kinds of welded joints using 3.5 wt.% and 5 wt.% NaCl solutions were investigated by polarization curve, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and laser confocal scanning microscope (LCSM). The results indicated the better corrosion resistance of the weld zone in the ER5356 welded joint than that in the ER5087 welded joint, which was related to the different contents of Mn and Zn elements and the distribution of precipitates for the weld zones in the two kinds of welded joints. Based on the LSCM of the weld zones, the maximum depth (dmax) of corrosion pits for the weld zone in the ER5356 welded joint was lower than that in the ER5087 welded joint when immersed in the same NaCl concentrations. The dmax of the corrosion pit of the weld zone in the ER5356 welded joint using the 5 wt.% NaCl solution was 78.5 ± 0.96 μm, which was much bigger than that using the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. For the weld zone in the ER5087 welded joint with 5 wt.% NaCl solution, more Cl- was adsorbed onto the active surface of weld zones, which accelerated the corrosion, resulting in the corrosion mechanism from pitting to intergranular corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7N01-T4 aluminum alloy were welded into three layers by metal inert gas (MIG) welding, with ER5087 welding wire containing Zr and ER5356 welding wire without Zr, respectively. The microstructures and face bend properties of the ER5356 and ER5087 welded joints were investigated. The weld zone (WZ) of the ER5087 welded joint had a smaller grain size than that of the ER5356 welded joint. Two kinds of welded joints were not broken via the face-bend test. However, there were some small holes and microcracks on the surface of the ER5356 welded joint, and there were no obvious defects on the surface of the ER5087 welded joint. The face bending specimen metallography shows that the grains of the cover layer were elongated, and the grains of the bottom layer were extruded. The ER5087 welded joint had a better bending performance than the ER5356 welded joint due to the microstructure refinement of the WZ through adding Zr element in ER5087 welding wire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]