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We reinvestigate the Cosmic Lens All-Sky Survey (CLASS) gravitational lens B1152+199 using archived Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) data. A consistent luminosity ratio within effective radius between the host galaxy and the X-galaxy is measured from HST tri-band images, which leads to a mass ratio between the two galaxies as rb ∼ 2. To determine the role of the X-galaxy in the lens system, we modelled the dual-lens system with constraints from the VLBI-resolved jet components and the HST images. The 8.4-GHz global-VLBI data currently provide the most stringent constraints to the mass model, especially to the radial power-law slope. The optimized models for this two-image three-component radio lens favour a steeper-than-isothermal inner slope. The jet bending in image B was also investigated and it turned out to be rather a misalignment than a curvature. The goodness-of-fit indicates that the role of the X-galaxy is crucial in the lens system if three pairs of resolved jet components are to be fitted. When we imported the optimal model from radio constraints to optical modelling with the HST tri-band data, the optimization kept the consistency of the optimal model and successfully reproduced the features observed in the HST images. This implies that the diffuse emission discovered in the HST images is actually a detection of the secondary lensing effects from the companion lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice grain-shaped high Mn-doped anatase TiO2(TMO) nanocrystals have been fabricated through redox method at room temperature using several simple chemical reagents. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM & HRTEM). It indicates that the manganese element was successfully incorporated into the anatase TiO2 nanostructure, and the atomic Mn-to-Ti could reach up to 18.2%. We also analyzed the merits and weaknesses of the nanostructured TMO in electrochemistry by dint of some relevant measures. And the cause of influence on the TMO electrochemical properties was briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-function divertor feedback control system has been built on Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to treat the divertor heat load issue. With the real-time data of the Langmuir probes and the impurity seeding, the divertor electron temperature (Te,div) is well controlled to achieve the partial detachment phase. The first trial of the CD4 seeding for the Te,div reduction has been achieved on EAST long-pulse discharge. In the seeding phase, the Te,div was maintained close to 5 eV, and the surface temperature of the target plate (Tsurface,div) had a reduction of about 150 °C. The plasma stored energy had a reduction in the control phase, so it is necessary to find a way to keep the good plasma confinement in the next step. The CD4 injection also mitigated the low hybrid wave coupling rate in some degree. The big volume of the CD4 injection lifted the Greenwald density fraction from ∼0.4 to ∼0.7, which made the SOL into high recycling state. Most of the injected carbon particles were in the high ionized state, and with the lower of the Te,div, the tungsten line emission was suppressed obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the infrared radiation (IR) characteristics of sandstone cracks with different water contents. We propose a new IR-based method to distinguish the initial development and damage point of cracks. The maximum variation of IR variance shows a quadratic relationship with water content. By defining crack initiation and damage using a stiffness stress curve, it can be concluded that the crack initiation and crack damage IR variance thresholds show a quadratic relationship with water content. The proportion of the two thresholds at the maximum IR variation amplitude does not change with increasing water content, yielding ratios of 47.51% and 78.19% for crack initiation and crack damage, respectively. The rock stress threshold of crack initiation and damage show a negative logarithmic relationship with their respective IR variance thresholds with correlation coefficients above 0.90. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed ab initio valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group calculations based on chiral nucleon-nucleon and three-nucleon interactions to study the neutron-rich nuclei around N = 28 , where the experimental and theoretical evidence point to a rapid transition from spherical to rotational regimes. First, the rotational spectra of 40Mg, 42Si, and 44S are established theoretically, anchored by the calculated E 2 transition strength. The results suggest that 40Mg and 42Si exhibit large deformations. After that, the erosion of the N = 28 shell closure, especially the evolutions of shape deformation and the emergence of shape coexistence, are discussed in N = 28 even-even isotones ranging from 40Mg to 48Ca. Finally, the shell evolution of N = 28 in Mg and Si chains is discussed based on the experimental and predicted excitation energies of low-lying states. The results from our ab initio calculations align well with available experimental data, furnishing essential insights into the structure of neutron-rich nuclei, particularly deformations in the vicinity of 40Mg and 42Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of the cognitive behaviour combined with the biofeedback therapy on the evaluation of the emotional status in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting was evaluated. Fifty-two hospitalized patients who are planned to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly divided into the rehabilitation group and the control group under the normed space and the Banach space. The rehabilitation group was treated by the cognitive behaviour combined with the biofeedback therapy. Compared with the control group, the patients in the rehabilitation group have decreased significantly under the normed space and the Banach space after the operation; while the 6 min walking distance of the patients in the rehabilitation group was increased significantly. The concentration of TNF-α of the patients in the rehabilitation group was significantly decreased and the time of the ventilator-assisted ventilation and the time of intensive care for the patients in the rehabilitation group was shorter than that in the control group. Compared to the preoperative conditions, the left ventricular ejection fraction of the patients in the rehabilitation group was significantly improved. Correlation analysis is carried out on the aforementioned observation indexes for the patients in the rehabilitation group. The results show that the decline in the normed space and the Banach space has significant positive correlation with the extension of the 6 min walking distance, respectively. Cognitive behaviour combined with the biofeedback therapy could improve the anxiety and depression of the patients after undergoing the coronary artery bypass grafting, improve the exercise capacity and promote the recovery of the cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the characteristics of local responses in 2D assemblies of elliptical particles when subjected to shearing. A biaxial shearing system was designed for this investigation, and two assemblies of elliptical rods with different eccentricities were used. To quantify the local responses, the assemblies were partitioned into individual Set Voronoi cells, and in this partition, the scaling method was proposed to tackle the interparticle overlapping problem. Then, in the Voronoi cells, the local strain was measured, accounting for the effect of interparticle rotation, and the local structures in terms of the local volume and anisotropy were estimated using Minkowski functionals. In the two samples, discontinuity by shearing was observed for these local quantities. Before the peak stress, the local strain developed randomly and the local volume followed a k-gamma distribution. After shearing, shear band and a mixed k-gamma distribution of the local volume emerged. For the local anisotropy, the variation inside shear band was significantly increased by shearing. Finally, the responses inside and outside the shear band were taken out separately for analysis, and the free-volume model was used to explain the differences between these two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of bacteria and fungi are known to degrade tannins. In this study, the efficiency of the white-rot fungus, Bjerkandera adusta MUT 2295, was evaluated for the treatment of a synthetic solution prepared with tannic acid. Tests were performed in continuously fed, bench-scale, packed-bed reactors, operated under non-sterile conditions with biomass immobilized within PolyUrethane Foam cubes (PUFs). The main parameters monitored to evaluate the process efficiency were: soluble Chemical Oxygen Demand (sCOD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal, and activities. of Tannase and Lignin Peroxidase. At the end of the process, additional parameters were evaluated, including the increase of fungal dry weight and the presence of ergosterol. The reactor was operative for 210 days, with maximum sCOD and TOC removal of 81% and 73%, respectively. The reduction of sCOD and TOC were positively correlated with the detection of Tannase and Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) activities. Increases in biomass within the PUF cubes was associated with increases in ergosterol concentrations. This study proved that the fungal-based system tested was efficient for the degradation of tannic acid over a period of time, and under non-sterile conditions. Image 1 • Tannic acid was treated in a continuously-fed reactor using a white-rot fungus. • The reactor was operated for 210 days under non-sterile conditions. • Depletion of the stable recalcitrant compound was achieved after 164 days. • The process was associated with the detection of oxidative enzymes. • Fungal treatment for remediation of tannic acid was demonstrated to be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new early–middle Eocene cylindrodontid rodent, Gobiocylindrodon ulausuensis, gen. et sp. nov., from the Ula Usu West locality, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China. Gobiocylindrodon ulausuensis is morphologically more primitive than known later cylindrodontids in having lower-crowned molars, less-rounded upper molars in occlusal view, a more oblique hypolophid on p4, a slightly anterolabially extended hypoconid on m1–3, and a narrow posterosinusid posteriorly and a broad mesosinusid anteriorly on the lower cheek teeth. The lower incisor enamel of G. ulausuensis is pauciserial. Our phylogenetic analysis of a data matrix including 14 taxa and 40 morphological characters reveals that G. ulausuensis is a basal cylindrodontid. Gobiocylindrodon ulausuensis casts new light on early cylindrodontid evolution in Asia and provides new evidence for mammalian dispersals between Asia and North America during the early–middle Eocene. Gobiocylindrodon-bearing strata are probably Arshantan in age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present work studied the conversion of waste glass (WG) cullet into zeolite using microwave (MW) radiation technique. The temperature and power of radiation were monitored through constant temperature (MWCT) and constant power (MWCP) modes. Indirect fusion synthesis (IFS) and direct hydrothermal synthesis (DHS) conversion methods were studied and the zeolites synthesized by these methods were compared in terms of their characteristics using various techniques including XRD, EDX, SEM, FTIR, TGA, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). IFS was an efficacious synthesis technique and produced zeolites with a much higher crystal growth efficiency compared with those synthesized by DHS method. The IFS method was better than the DHS method as it eliminated the inhibitive effect of soluble aluminates on Si release. The IFS zeolites also provided lower Si/Al ratio and consequently higher cation exchange and water holding capacities compared to DHS zeolites, as validated by EDX, TGA, and CEC results. In addition, high pressure and high-temperature environment deteriorated the zeolite structure and diminished the crystal growth performance. The application of cooling air jet (CAJ) through MWCP mode provided efficient monitoring of temperature overshoot and excessive pressure generation by cooling the excessive generated hot spot zones. Therefore, the CAJ application improved the crystal growth in IFS method as higher radiation powers were applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A rapid zeolite synthesis procedure was investigated using pulverized waste glass cullet via microwave radiation and compared with zeolites synthesized using convection heating. It was observed that constant temperature microwave synthesis method made zeolites more efficiently under superheating conditions with a maximum relative crystallinity of 60%. The maximum relative crystallinity of the synthesized zeolites was found to be similar when convection heating and constant temperature controlled microwave synthesis was used; however, the latter technique offerred a factor of 140 reduction in synthesis time. This rapid synthesis process is attractive to the industrial application due to its high-energy efficiency. Highlights • Rapid MW zeolite synthesis procedure was investigated using beverage WG cullet. • The MW zeolitic phases were compared with those synthesized by CH technique. • MWCT mode efficiently synthesized zeolites in superheating conditions with 60% RC. • The maximum RC of the zeolite synthesized by MWCT mode was close to the CH one. • MWCP mode synthesized poorly crystalline materials and was more energy consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, medium-carbon steel was subjected to warm deformation experiments on a Gleeble 3500 thermosimulator machine at temperatures of 550°C and 650°C and strain rates of 0.001 s-1 to 1 s-1. The warm deformation behavior of martensite and the effects of strain rate on the microstructure of ultrafine grained medium-carbon steel were investigated. The precipitation behavior of Fe3C during deformation was analyzed and the results showed that recrystallization occurred at a low strain rate. The average ultrafine ferrite grains of 500 ± 58 nm were fabricated at 550°C and a strain rate of 0.001 s-1. In addition, the size of Fe3C particles in the ferrite grains did not show any apparent change, while that of the Fe3C particles at the grain boundaries was mainly affected by the deformation temperature. The size of Fe3C particles increased with the increasing deformation temperature, while the strain rate had no significant effect on Fe3C particles. Moreover, the grain size of recrystallized ferrite decreased with an increase in the strain rate. The effects of the strain rate on the grain size of recrystallized ferrite depended on the deformation temperature and the strain rate had a prominent effect on the grain size at 550°C deformation temperature. Finally, the deformation resistance apparently decreased at 550°C and strain rate of 1 s-1 due to the maximum adiabatic heating in the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular composition of Carboniferous-Permian coals in the maturity range from 0.66 to 1.63% vitrinite reflectance has been analysed using organic geochemistry to investigate the factors influencing the biomarker compositions of humic coals. The Carboniferous-Permian coal has a variable organofacies and is mainly humic-prone. There is a significant difference in the distribution of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in these coals, which can be divided into three types. The Group A coals have biomarker compositions typical of humic coal, characterised by high Pr/Ph ratios, a lower abundance of tricyclic terpanes with a decreasing distribution from C19 tricyclic terpane to C24 tricyclic terpane and a high number of terrigenous-related biomarkers, such as C24 tetracyclic terpane and C29 steranes. The biomarker composition of Group B coals, which were deposited in a suboxic environment, have a higher abundance of rearranged hopanes than observed in Group A coals. In contrast, in Group C coals, the Pr/Ph ratio is less than 1.0, and the sterane and terpane distributions are very different from those in groups A and B. Group C coals generally have abnormally abundant tricyclic terpanes with a normal distribution maximising at the C23 peak; C27 steranes predominates in the m/z 217 mass fragmentograms. The relationships between biomarker compositions, thermal maturity, Pr/Ph ratios and depositional environments, indicate that the biomarker compositions of Carboniferous-Permian coals in Ordos Basin are mainly related to their depositional environment. This leads to the conclusion that the biomarker compositions of groups A and B coals collected from Shanxi and Taiyuan formations in the northern Ordos Basin are mainly related to their marine-terrigenous transitional environment, whereas the biomarker compositions for the Group C coals from Carboniferous strata and Shanxi Formation in the eastern Ordos Basin are associated with marine incursions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have long been proposed to play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). A large proportion of these mutations are localized at the mt-tRNA genes. Owing to its high mutation rate, a growing number of mt-tRNA mutations have been reported; however some of them are neutral genetic polymorphisms and will not result in the alteration of the mitochondrial function responsible for DM. In this study, we reassessed a recent reported "pathogenic" mutation, tRNAGly T10003C, in a clinical manifestation of DM. We first performed the conservation assessment of this mutation between different species. Moreover, the bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the secondary structure of mt-tRNAGly in wild type version and the mutant carrying the T10003C mutation. We also screened the presence of the T10003C mutation in 500 unrelated DM patients and 300 healthy controls. We noticed that the T10003C mutation was not very conserved and did not cause the secondary structure change of mt-tRNAGly. Moreover, this mutation was absent in the 500 unrelated DM patients and controls, suggesting that this mutation may be a rare event in the human population. In conclusion, the current study showed no association between the T10003C mutation and DM in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accomplish experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) physical targets, the plasma control system (PCS), adapted from DIII-D PCS and deployed on EAST in 2005, keeps in continuous development. Some new control abilities for steady-state operation have been achieved. To avoid the integrator linear drift in long pulse discharge, the linear rate for each integrator channel is precalculated and used to decrease the effect of the acquired raw data during shots. Another strategy applied for long pulse operation is real-time data archiving using data segment technology of MDSplus, which provides the possibility to save all data in segments without increasing the computer memory or reducing the saving frequency. For plasma high-performance and noninductive operations, the plasma beta and loop voltage control was implemented in PCS. Using low hybrid wave, the control algorithm was successfully verified in 2016 EAST campaign. Besides, another two control algorithms are integrated to reduce the divertor heat flux. One is radiation power control, which is successfully feedback controlled by using divertor inert gas puffing and mid-plane supersonic molecular beam injection. The other is quasi-snowflake shape control using PEFIT/ISOFLUX, which shows significant heat load reduction to divertor target according to the experimental result. The present EAST PCS has become a huge system capable of long pulse, high-performance advanced plasma control operation, which is ready to demonstrate ITER-like control contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As coal mining operations progress to depths exceeding 1000 m, the long-term large-scale deformation of deep roadways has been a subject of serious concern in regions with high in situ stress fields. The instability of these roadways affects the safety and efficiency of deep coal mines. To solve this support problem, a new type of strengthening support structure, the concrete-filled steel tubular support (CSTS), was developed. This support is composed of a seamless steel tube bent to conform to the cross-section of the roadway and filled with concrete. According to both mechanical and structural performance testing, the ultimate bearing capacity of the tested CSTS is between 1664 kN and 2235 kN, values 3–5 times that of a U-type steel support. In addition, the circular cross-section of the steel tube has a higher structural stability than the U-shaped cross-section and is not prone to torsional deformation. Because of the clear advantages of both the high bearing capacity and structural stability, a support system combining both CSTS and a bolt-cable system can effectively control the long-term large-scale deformation of a deep roadway. Following a field application within a 1200-m-deep roadway in the Huafeng coal mine in China, the large-scale deformation of the roadway, which previously exceeded 1000 mm, was reduced to less than 30 mm. Furthermore, this roadway no longer required frequent repair after the application of the CSTS. To date, the CSTS has been successfully applied and providing effective support in over 20 deep mines in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined influence of silicon content and oxygen concentration on silicon-containing steels was investigated, via a heating route similar to that applied in the industrial reheating process, using a Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer (STA). Four different oxygen concentrations and three different isothermal holding times were designed. The results show that the effect of silicon on the mass gain depends on the oxygen concentration and the oxidation time. The mass gain of low-silicon steel is greater than that of high-silicon steel at 1260°C in the oxygen concentrations of 1.0 vol.% and 2.0 vol.%, even when the isothermal holding time is 90 minutes. However, there is a critical time point for mass gain in oxygen concentrations ≥3.0 vol.%. The mass gain of lowsilicon steel is greater before and smaller after this critical point. The critical time is deferred with decreasing oxygen concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a parametric geometry model based on elliptic and conic surfaces was developed for bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) simulation. The valve material was modeled by a hyperelastic nonlinear anisotropic solid model. Different suture densities could be substituted by various bonded points between artery vessel and the leaflets as boundary conditions in the computational modeling. Besides these two assumptions that dynamic structure (DS) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) both shared, the latter need incompressible viscous Newton fluid model to depict bloodstream passing through the BHV. Immersed boundary (IB) method was introduced to solve the FSI simulation. In addition, the DS analysis applied transvalvular pressure on the valve while FSI had left ventricular pressure on fluid inlet as initials. There was inconsistency between the moments of the maximum deformation and the maximum loading in both simulations. Although a similar trend of deformation lagging the load was viewed, the extent of delay in FSI was much smaller compared with that in DS simulation. The deformed profiles in cross-sectional views were shown in one picture to illustrate different dynamic responses caused by distinct assumptions. Percent of open area at the moments when the maximum deformation occurred was defined to show which calculation achieved better approximation for precise hemodynamics. Fixed point was given as boundaries between BHV and artery in the modeling part. Calculations showed that the more the fixed points in this bonded contact, the lower the principal stress was. The maximum shear stress showed a different trend. It had a different trend. Stress concentration in the conjunction area made it high-risk to be teared. Different suture densities had significant impaction in FSI simulations. With that analysis our work achieved a more comprehensive simulation to describe true hemodynamics of a BHV implanted in artery. The artery vessel had particular dynamic response under such assumptions, gradient existed in the maximum principal stress distribution diagram, from inner wall through which blood passing to the outer wall. Results showed a large suture density was suggested in BHV implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the features of particle motion and, in particular, the associated movements at contacts in response to direct shearing. A tailor-made direct shear box equipped with an image system was set up. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and close-range photogrammetry were used together to help with the investigation. The test sample was made of randomly packed wooden rods of three different diameters. It was found that both the rolling and sliding components were concurrent at the same contacts. Both components were simultaneously increased and gradually concentrated on some particular contacts during shearing. This suggests bimodal behavior of the movements at the contacts (i.e., a strong motion contact versus a weak motion contact). Strong motion contacts are essential to the volumetric responses; contact rolling leads to volumetric dilation, whereas to a certain extent, contact sliding produces volumetric contraction. As the sample volume continues to dilate, the averaged cumulative rolling distance gradually prevails over the cumulative sliding distance, and therefore, the difference between these two distances is steadily increased. Such a difference, however, is reduced as the applied vertical stress (s) increases because a higher confining pressure hinders the development of rolling-induced dilation by simultaneously promoting the countereffect from contact sliding between the rollover particle pair. The analyses on an individual pore in response to shearing reveals a similar trend between the evolution of pore size and the associated movement of contacts among the surrounding particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an atmospheric pressure dual-frequency (50 kHz/33 MHz) micro-plasma jet was used to deposit organosilicon film. The discharge generated in atmospheric environment. Plasma composition was characterized by optical emission spectroscopy. With introduction of tetraethyl orthosilicate, we observed various spectra, for example Si(251.6 nm), OH(308.9 nm), C(247.8 nm), O(777.5 nm). Abundant reactive radical species which are benefit to film deposition were generated in plasma. The deposited film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The film is mostly composed of Si and O. The film has Si-O-Si backbone with a small number of organic component (-CHx). (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge characteristics of coupled capacitively argon plasmas with change of pressure are studied. The mean electron temperature and electron density are calculated via Ar spectral lines at different pressures (10–80 mTorr) and at four frequencies (13.56, 40.68, 94.92, and 100 MHz). From 10–30 mTorr, the mean electron temperature and the electron density both decrease with the increase of pressure at certain frequency. From 30–80 mTorr, the mean electron temperature similarly first increase then decrease with pressure at 94.92 and 100 MHz, and decrease at 40.68 MHz and increase at 13.56 MHz with pressure. The largest mean electron temperature is found at 40.68 MHz. From 40–80 mTorr, the electron density both increase at 94.92 and 100 MHz. The electron density change little at 40.68 and 13.56 MHz with pressure increase. Particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisions (PIC/MCC) method developed within the Vsim 8.0 simulation package is used to simulate the electron density, the potential distribution and the electron energy probability function (EEPF) under the experimental condition. Sheath width decrease with the pressure increase. The EEPF of 40.68 MHz is bi-Maxwellian and 100 MHz are nearly Maxwellian with a large population of low-energy electrons with the increase of pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In actual traffic accidents, a phenomenon is observed where the speedometer needle jams at a certain value after the impact. Using the residual reading of the speedometer, we may infer the approximate vehicle speed while the impact occurred. Based on the function of typical speedometer, the impact characteristic and damage mechanism of vehicles, this paper describes the research of how the speedometer needle stops during accidents and its failure modes. According to the statistics of thirty specific traffic accident cases containing residual speedometer needle readings, we obtain and summarize the characteristics and rules concerning the accidents and the related information. Furthermore, a typical accident case is analyzed by in-depth level. The results reveal that for the accident vehicles with electronic speedometers, there is a strong correlation between the residual reading of the speedometer and the real vehicle impact speed. The conclusions may provide a new effective method and reference for accident reconstruction and the estimation of vehicle speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for optimizing ultra-fine pulverization and abating reactive condition of coal liquefaction is investigated. The single fractal and multifractal approaches are applied to analyze the fractal size dimensions of coal samples at various points within 25 h during the ultra-fine pulverizing process. Pyrolysis and infrared spectrum analyses of the samples are carried out and first expressed with the fractal size dimension of smaller particles by a bi-fractal law. It is shown that the fractal size dimension values of smaller particles are ranged from 1.715 to 1.909 and the minimum is 1.715 at 7 h. The breaking of partial chemical bonds and high pyrolysis reactivity have been demonstrated. Finally, the fractal size dimension is proposed as a promising parameter of the combined reactor of both coal ultra-fine pulverization and liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective:A substantial number of children exposed to gestational opioids have neurodevelopmental, behavioral and cognitive problems. Opioids are not neuroteratogens but whether they affect the developing brain in more subtle ways (for example, volume loss) is unclear. We aimed to determine the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess volumetric changes in healthy opioid-exposed infants.Study design:Observational pilot cohort study conducted in two maternity hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Maternal history and neonatal urine and meconium screens were obtained to confirm drug exposure. Volumetric analysis of MRI scans was performed with the ITK-snap program.Result:Scans for 16 infants (mean (s.d.) gestational age: 40.9 (1.5) weeks, birth weight: 3022.5 (476.6) g, head circumference (HC): 33.7 (1.5 cm)) were analyzed. Six (37.5%) infants had HC <25th percentile. Fourteen mothers used methadone, four used buprenorphine and 11 used more than one opioid (including heroin, seven). All scans were structurally normal whole brain volumes (357.4 (63.8)) and basal ganglia (14.5 (3.5)) ml were significantly smaller than population means (425.4 (4.8), 17.1 (4.4) ml, respectively) but lateral ventricular volumes (3.5 (1.8) ml) were larger than population values (2.1(1.5)) ml.Conclusion:Our pilot study suggests that brain volumes of opioid-exposed babies may be smaller than population means and that specific regions, for example, basal ganglia, that are involved in neurotransmission, may be particularly affected. Larger studies including correlation with neurodevelopmental outcomes are warranted to substantiate this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comparative study for the electrochemical insertion of different cations into a nanostructured vanadium oxide material. The oxide is hydrothemally synthesized and electrically characterized by variable temperature measurements. The electrochemical reactions are performed in aqueous chloride solutions of lithium, sodium, potassium, and ammonium, and the electrochemical behavior of various cycles are correlated with visual changes in the vanadium oxide nanosheets as observed by scanning electron microscopy. We note an increase in the specific charge per cycle in the cases of sodium and ammonium ions only, correlated with minimal physical changes to the nanosheets. The differing behavior of the various ions has implications for their use in electrical energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reactive miscible flow displacements in homogeneous porous media with time-dependent injection velocities are analyzed. The displacements consist of periodic cycles that involve alternating stages of injection and extraction. Nonlinear simulations are used and the dynamics of the flows are characterized qualitatively as well as quantitatively in terms of the amount of generated chemical product. The simulations revealed that, when compared with constant velocity flows with the same overall amount of injected fluid, time dependent displacements show drastically different flow structures and chemical productivity. These differences are strongly dependent on the period of the velocity cycles and the scenario of whether the displacement is initiated through an injection or an extraction process. In particular, for non-monotonic viscosity profiles, displacements with larger period result in stronger chemical production while the effects of the velocity scenarios depend on the nature of the instability at the initial front. Moreover, for monotonically decreasing viscosity profiles known to be stable under constant injection velocity, only displacements starting with extraction can trigger instabilities and increase the amount of chemical product. Finally for monotonically increasing viscosity profiles, displacements that start with injection tend to generate more chemical product than the constant velocity flow and its counterpart starting with an extraction instead. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study described here combines materials science and engineering and mathematical analysis to fundamentally obtain insights underlying nanoscale deformation in polymer nanocomposites. The objective was achieved by examining the surface deformation response of two polymer nanocomposite systems with significant differences in ductility during scratching with a nanoindenter. The model host systems are a ductile polyethylene and a less ductile polypropylene. The model reinforcement material is nanoclay. The two systems are unique nanostructured materials because the distance between the individual clay layers is comparable to their thickness and also to the polymer segments. Thus, it is a morphology that is truly dominated by nanoscale features. Furthermore, we have used pressure-induced crystallization approach to alter the structure of the investigated two systems and study nanoscale surface deformation response. Our hypothesis is that the susceptibility to scratch deformation of nanostructured materials compared to their respective unreinforced counterpart depends on the shift of von Mises stress from the surface to the sub-surface region, leading to reduction in the maximum tensile stress induced by the scratch. To test the hypothesis, we have addressed two important aspects influencing the mechanics of surface deformation response of nanostructured materials. They include: (a) the determining role of nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties and (b) the primary effect of nanoparticles on the structure of the host matrix. In the test of hypothesis, we have elucidated the relationship between structure, physical, and mechanical properties on the mechanism of nanoscale deformation via careful electron microscopy of the deformed surface. The nanoscale deformation response of polypropylene with large spherulites and α-phase was characterized by ripple-type deformation tracks that formed by a stick–slip mechanism. However, with decrease in spherulite size and evolution of toughness enhancing γ-phase, induced by high crystallization pressure and nanoclay, ironing represented the primary mode of deformation. In contrast, the highly ductile polyethylene system experienced multiple or single ironing process. In summary, the surface deformation topography implied that the nanoscale deformation response was material specific. Furthermore, electron microscopy topography of scratch tracks confirmed that reinforcement of polymers with nanoclay is a viable route to decrease the susceptibility of polymeric materials to nanoscale deformation and can be discussed in terms of physical and mechanical properties of materials, notably refinement of structure, percentage crystallinity, and elastic recovery. It was also intriguing to note that during nanoscratching, elastic recovery was high, in the range 77–85%, implying that a large fraction of the scratch-deformed volume was recovered. Finally, the electron microscopy findings and mechanical properties are related to mathematical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is one of the most ardently debated topics in traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the differences between DC with and without mass evacuation in patients with TBI. Methods. From January 2005 to December 2009, 164 patients underwent DC at our centre. Seventy-one of the 164 patients underwent DC for diffuse injury (group B). Ninety-three patients underwent DC as part of an operation to treat a mass lesion (group A). Patient characteristics and post-operative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. Thirty-six patients died during this study (22.0%). Fifty-nine of these patients (36.0%) remained either vegetative (n = 30) or severely disabled (n = 29). Sixty-nine patients (42%) had a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 4 to 5. Three predictors were significantly related to 60-day mortality: age older than 50 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-5.52), abnormal pupillary response to light (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.29-11.14), and DC with mass evacuation (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.79). Mortality differed substantially between patients with (group A) and without (group B) mass evacuation (14.0% versus 32.4%). Only one predictor was significantly related to good outcome: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission: (OR, 2.43; and 95% CI, 1.39-4.24). Conclusions. DC for patients with or without mass lesion has different patient characteristics. DC with mass evacuation has lower mortality than DC without mass evacuation. Outcome prediction following DC should be adjusted according to mass evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a linear model for plasma current, position and shape control based on the plasma rigid motion assumption is presented and implemented in an EAST tokamak simulator. The simulator models the plasma, poloidal field (PF) coils, and power supplies, and is used to verify the control algorithm and optimize control parameters and PF coil current trajectories. Plasma position and shape control has been achieved during the last several EAST operation campaigns due to successful decoupling of plasma current, plasma position and shape. The control logic used and experimental results are described in detail. Diverted plasma shapes, including double null, upper and lower single null, and with elongation up to 2.0, triangularity in the range 0.4--0.6 and X point control accuracy of 1 cm, were successfully controlled. Smooth shape transition in the current ramp-up ensures that volt--seconds are saved and that plasma disruptions are avoided. Such control capability provides the basis for future high performance plasma operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polypropylene (PP) introduces a significant change in the structure and phase evolution during crystallisation at ambient and elevated pressures. The differences between the behaviours of PP and PP containing CNTs are attributed to CNT/polymer interface driven nucleation, which is also responsible for the significant reduction in spherulite size and is associated with the change in equilibrium melting point and percentage crystallinity. This opens the gateway for the use of polymer CNT composites for functional devices, including biomedical and electronic devices. A study of the impact of 1 wt-%CNT additions on the microstructure evolution of PP during pressure induced crystallisation is reported. It is demonstrated that the dispersion of CNTs produces a significant difference in the macromolecular structure and phase evolution during crystallisation at ambient and elevated pressures. The change in equilibrium melting point with pressure is higher for PP containing CNT, which is indicative of the chemical interaction between polymer and CNT. It is found that CNT additions promote the formation of γ-phase at low crystallisation pressure of 0·1-25 MPa, in contrast to the neat PP where α-crystals nucleate at low to moderate pressures (about 0·1-60 MPa) and the γ-phase nucleates at crystallisation pressures exceeding ∼60 MPa. The dependence of equilibrium melting temperature on crystallisation pressure and spherulite size delineates two distinct regimes, characterised predominantly by α- and γ-phases respectively, for both PP and PP-CNT systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrically conducting zeolite-like frameworks are largely unstudied as electronic materials, but may offer new avenues in energy applications, ranging from electrical energy storage to catalysis. We present two zeolite-like framework materials, a vanadium arsenate [(As6V15O51)−9]∞, compound (1), and a vanadium phosphate [(P6V15O51)−9]∞, compound (2), their syntheses, and physical and electrical characterization. We compare the electrical characteristics of the two compounds through the measurements of conductivity as a function of temperature and extra-framework constituents. Our results indicate that compound (1) is a mixed conductor with framework electronic conduction and ionic conduction associated with the extra-framework constituents. Compound (2), in contrast, shows only ionic conductivity. Probing the electronic properties of zeolite-like mixed conductors paves the way for the innovative use of these materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection causing glomerulonephritis is a rare disorder. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis-mediated glomerulonephritis (TB-GN) between 2002 and 2009, as well as the diagnostic tools used. These findings were then compared with those of patients with primary glomerulonephritis (P-GN). The records of all patients were reviewed. The diagnosis of TB-GN was based on renal hematuria and/or proteinuria and cure after antituberculosis therapy alone plus urine culture positive for M. tuberculosis, demonstration of typical tubercle granulomas on renal biopsy specimens, or the detection of M. tuberculosis DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on renal specimens. Forty-six patients with TB-GN and 49 patients with P-GN were included. Compared with patients in the P-GN group, most (76%) patients with TB-GN had a history of TB. Systemic symptoms were much more frequent in patients with TB-GN than local genitourinary symptoms. Serological testing showed a statistical difference between the two groups. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy was found in the majority (72%) of patients with TB-GN. M. tuberculosis DNA detection was positive in 39 (84.8%) patients, a much higher positive rate of diagnosis than that with urine culture for M. tuberculosis. The manifestation of TB-GN is atypical and nonspecific. It warrants a high index of suspicion when patients with renal hematuria and proteinuria fail to respond to standard treatments for P-GN. Clinicians should pay close attention to the medical history and results of special laboratory tests. M. tuberculosis DNA detection on renal biopsy specimens should be considered in order to confirm the diagnosis of TB-GN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We elucidate here the biomechanical response and large strain deformation behavior of silicone containing dispersion of different forms of nanostructured carbon, which adapt favorably to the functional requirements of joints during soft tissue reconstruction or replacement. The behavior of hybrid silicone systems is compared with standalone silicone. The key biomechanical properties, contact stiffness, reduced modulus and hardness were studied in vitro using nanoindentation approach in a simulated physiological environment under conditions of slow and rapid mechanical loading. Based on the biomechanical analysis, it is proposed that handheld indentation devices can be appropriately used during clinical practice for determination of stiffness of artificial soft tissues. However, while nanoindentation is a sensitive technique for quantitative evaluation of biomechanical properties of soft tissues, it is, important that the test procedure is standardized. Also, discussed are the basic physical mechanisms that govern elastic recovery and large strain deformation in terms of molecular theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study described here is in sequel to our studies on the mechanics of microscale deformation in thermoplastic materials where a perspective of deformation processes occurring over different strain–strain rate regimes was obtained. The specific aim here is to enhance our fundamental understanding from microscale to nanoscale deformation in polymeric material systems containing dispersion of nanoparticles, considering the growing use of polymeric materials as functional materials. A Berkovich nanoindenter was used to induce surface damage using a load of 0.5–1mN and scratch velocity of 1μm/s. The secondary objective is to investigate the commonality in surface deformation behavior between nano- and microscale deformation to reinforce the underlying fundamental principles governing surface deformation. Combining electron microscopy with nanoscale surface deformation experiments enabled us to extend the understanding of microscale deformation to nanoscale deformation. In the intercalated polypropylene-nanoclay system, the susceptibility to surface deformation was significantly reduced because of the shift of von Mises stress from the surface to the sub-surface region, with consequent reduction in the maximum tensile stress induced by the nanoindenter. This conclusion was consistent with electron microscopy observations and theoretical analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of addition of sucrose, lecithin, and cellulose on unsteady state diffusivity and steady state permeability of moisture through fractionated palm kernel oil (PKO)-based films were studied under liquid-induced moisture migration at a water activity gradient of 1.0 and at a temperature of 25°C. Addition of sucrose, cellulose, and lecithin into the fat films decreased the diffusivity of moisture, but increased the permeability of moisture due to the high moisture sorption capacity of these hydrophilic components. The effect of sucrose concentration and the presence of sugar ester in the aqueous phase on the diffusivity and permeability of moisture through the fat-based film were also studied. For pure PKO films, sucrose concentration of the aqueous phase and presence of sugar ester in the aqueous phase had no effect on the diffusivity and permeability. For fat-based films containing sucrose, with increasing sucrose concentration of the aqueous phase, the diffusivity increased but the permeability decreased. Presence of sugar ester at 0.3% in the aqueous phase significantly increased permeability of the fat-based films containing sucrose. The mass transfer coefficient for sucrose leaching from the fat based films into the aqueous phase increased with sucrose content in the film. The rate of sucrose leaching out from the fat film into 0.3% sugar ester solution was higher than that into pure water. The diffusivity of sucrose in the fat film leaching out into the aqueous phase increased with sucrose content in the fat films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We describe here a new family of folate-decorated and carbon nanotube (CNT)-mediated drug delivery system that involves uniquely combining carbon nanotubes with anticancer drug (doxorubicin) for controlled drug release, which is gaining significant attention. The synthesis of nanocarrier involved attachment of doxorubicin (DOX) to CNT surface via π–π stacking interaction, followed by encapsulation of CNTs with folic acid-conjugated chitosan. The π–π stacking interaction, ascribed as a non-covalent type of functionalization, allows controlled release of drug. Furthermore, encapsulation of CNTs enhances the stability of the nanocarrier in aqueous medium because of the hydrophilicity and cationic charge of chitosan. The unique integration of drug targeting and visualization has high potential to address the current challenges in cancer therapy. Thus, it is attractive to consider the possibility of investigating a drug delivery system that combines the biodegradable chitosan and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17: 1574-1580 Abstract A sensitive and convenient immunoassay that can directly differentiate pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) virus from seasonal influenza virus can play an important role in the clinic. In the presented study, a double-sandwich ELISA (pH1N1 ELISA), based on two monoclonal antibodies against haemagglutinin (HA) of the pH1N1 virus, was developed. After laboratory determination of the sensitivity and specificity characteristics, the performance of this assay was evaluated in a cohort of 904 patients with influenza-like illness. All seven strains of pH1N1 virus tested were positive by pH1N1 ELISA, with an average lower detection limit of 103.0 ± 0.4 tissue culture infective dose (TCID)50/mL (or 0.009 ± 0.005 HA titre). Cross-reaction of the assay with seasonal influenza virus and other common respiratory pathogens was rare. In pH1N1-infected patients, the sensitivity of the pH1N1 ELISA was 92.3% (84/91, 95% CI 84.8-96.9%), which is significantly higher than that of the BD Directigen EZ Flu A + B test (70.3%, p <0.01). The specificity of pH1N1 ELISA in seasonal influenza A patients was 100.0% (171/171, 95% CI 97.9-100.0%), similar to that in non-influenza A patients (640/642, 99.7%, 95% CI 98.9-100.0%). The positive predictive value for pH1N1 ELISA was 97.7% and the negative predictive value was 99.1% in this study population with a pH1N1 prevalence of 10.1%. In conclusion, detection of HA of pH1N1 virus by immunoassay appears to be a convenient and reliable method for the differential diagnosis of pH1N1 from other respiratory pathogens, including seasonal influenza virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years, the focus of our research has been to obtain insights on microscale deformation mechanisms in thermoplastic materials reinforced with micrometer-sized particles. A perspective of deformation processes occurring over different strain–strain rate regimes was obtained [Dasari, A., Misra, R.D.K., 2004. Acta Mater. 52, 1683; Nathani, H., Dasari, A., Misra, R.D.K., 2004. Acta Mater. 52, 3217; Surampudi, N.L., Pesacreta, T.C., Misra, R.D.K., 2007. Mater. Sci. Eng. A 456, 218]. The objective here is to advance our basic understanding to nanoscale deformation in polymeric systems containing dispersion of nanoparticles, considering the growing use of polymeric materials as functional materials. A Berkovich nanoindenter was used to induce surface damage using a load of 0.5–1mN and scratch velocity of 1μm/s. An accompanying objective is to investigate the commonality in surface deformation behavior between nano- and microscale deformation to reinforce the underlying fundamental principles governing surface deformation. An understanding of mechanics of surface deformation is accomplished via electron microscopy analysis of scratch damage at and beneath the surface in conjunction with physical and mechanical properties. The electron microscopy analysis suggests that the understanding of microscale surface deformation can be extended to nanoscale surface deformation. In the intercalated high density polyethylene–nanoclay system, the susceptibility to scratch deformation is significantly reduced because of the shift of von Mises stress from the surface to the sub-surface region, with consequent reduction in the maximum tensile stress induced by the scratch. This conclusion is derived from electron microscopy and supported by the theoretical analysis. To the best of our understanding this is the first electron microscopy study that combines micro- and nanoscale deformation response during scratching of polymer nanocomposites in terms of processes that occur at and beneath the surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The electron energy probability functions (EEPFs) were measured with increasing gas pressure in 60/13.56 MHz dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasma (DF-CCP) using compensated Langmiur electrostatic probe. The transition pressure of heating mode from collisionless to collisional heating in 60/13.56 MHz DF-CCP is found to be significantly lower than that in 13.56 MHz single-frequency CCP. As the pressure increases, the EEPFs change from bi-Maxwellian to Druyvesteyn type which is similar with that in 60 MHz single-frequency CCP. The pressure dependence of electron densities, effective electron temperatures, floating potentials, and plasma potentials in 60/13.56 MHz DF-CCP were measured and were compared with that in 60 MHz single-frequency CCP. The pressure dependence of these plasma parameters in 60/13.56 MHz DF-CCP is similar with that in 60 MHz single-frequency CCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) Euler-Euler gas-liquid two-phase mathematical model was developed for simulating the local transient fluid flow in a gas-induced pulsating flow bubble column using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method, with multiple size group (MUSIG) model implemented to predict the bubble size distribution. Model simulated results such as local transient axial liquid velocities and time-averaged liquid turbulent kinetic energy distributions were validated successfully by corresponding experimental measurements under varied operating conditions, i.e. pulsating amplitudes and frequencies. It was found that the liquid turbulent kinetic energy increased with the increase in pulsating amplitude and frequency, and a maximum value appeared at an axial position of Z = 0.4 m, centerline of the column. Furthermore, local transient fluid flow characters such as the gas holdups, gas velocity fields and liquid velocity fields, as well as bubble size distributions were predicted reasonably by the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phyllosilicates including mica offer one of the easiest methods to obtain atomically flat surface of macroscopic size by cleavage. Thus, thin films of polypropylene crystallized at different pressure and as a function of polypropylene concentration were investigated. The objective was to probe the nucleation and chain organization in thin films on basal plane surface from the view point of relating the nucleation and growth process to the intergallery space between the clay layers. The crystal morphology was altered from leaf-like structure at high undercooling to fully developed spherulites at low undercooling. Furthermore, the lamellae structure change from well-oriented to cross-hatched with increase in the crystallization pressure was indicative of epitaxial growth between polymer matrix and mica surface. The possible epitaxial mechanism is discussed here. The study provides a method to explore the macro- and microstructure of polymer and epitaxy between polymer matrix and inorganic particle surface. The good interfacial bonding favored by epitaxial crystallization is beneficial for toughness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The success of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) depends on the constant availability of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). To reduce costs, waste streams would be a preferred source. Since VFAs were shown to vary in the incoming sewage and fermentate from primary sludge the next available source is waste activated sludge (WAS). The opportunity is particularly good in plants where WAS is stored before shipment. Little information is however available on the rate of VFA release from such sludge, especially at the lower temperatures and under the storage conditions typically found in colder climates. Bench-scale batch tests were performed to investigate the effect of temperature and requirement for mixing on VFA generation from WAS generated in full scale non-EBPR wastewater treatment plant. WAS fermentation was found highly temperature-dependent. Hydrolysis rate constant (k h) values of 0.17, 0.08 and 0.04d−1 at 24.6, 14 and 4°C were obtained, respectively. Arrhenius temperature coefficient was calculated to be 1.07. It took 5d to complete hydrolysis at 24.6°C, 7d at 14°C, and 9d at 4°C. The fermentation lasted for 20d. At 24.6°C the mixed reactor reached 84% of the overall VFA production only in 5d. When temperature dropped to 14 and 4°C, the ratio of VFA production at day 10 to overall VFA production in the mixed reactor were 62% and 48%, respectively. The overall VFA–COD concentration in the non-mixed reactors was much lower than the mixed reactors. The information is important for the designer as there was uncertainty with the effect of temperature and mixing on sludge fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are formed by aggregates of soil particles and communities of microbial organisms and are common in all drylands. The role of BSCs on infiltration remains uncertain due to the lack of data on their role in affecting soil physical properties such as porosity and structure. Quantitative assessment of these properties is primarily hindered by the fragile nature of the crusts. Here we show how the use of a combination of non-destructive imaging X-ray microtomography (XMT) and Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) enables quantification of key soil physical parameters and the modeling of water flow through BSCs samples from Kalahari Sands, Botswana. We quantify porosity and flow changes as a result of mechanical disturbance of such a fragile cyanobacteria-dominated crust. Results show significant variations in porosity between different types of crusts and how they affect the flow and that disturbance of a cyanobacteria-dominated crust results in the breakdown of larger pore spaces and reduces flow rates through the surface layer. We conclude that the XMT–LBM approach is well suited for study of fragile surface crust samples where physical and hydraulic properties cannot be easily quantified using conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe here phase evolution and structural changes that are induced when high density polyethylene (HDPE) containing dispersion of nano-calcium carbonate is isothermally crystallized in the pressure range of 0.1–100MPa. To delineate and separate the effects of applied crystallization pressure from nanoparticle effects, a relative comparison is made between neat HDPE and HDPE containing nano-calcium carbonate under similar experimental conditions. X-ray diffraction studies point toward the evolution of monoclinic phase at high crystallization pressure together with the commonly observed orthorhombic phase of HDPE. Furthermore, the nucleation of monoclinic phase is promoted by nanoparticles even at low crystallization pressure. The equilibrium melting point is insignificantly influenced on the addition of nanoparticle, such that the crystallization pressure has no obvious effect. The strong thermodynamic interaction between nano-calcium carbonate and HDPE is supported by the shift in glass transition temperature and changes in the modification of absorption bands of HDPE in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum. Furthermore, the reinforcement of HDPE with nano-calcium carbonate increases impact strength and alters the micromechanism from crazing-tearing in polyethylene to fibrillated fracture in polymer nanocomposite, such that the fibrillation increases with crystallization pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Significant differences in the microstructure occur when the polypropylene matrix dispersed with 4wt.% and 8wt.% nanoclay. In neat polypropylene, α-crystals nucleate in the low to moderate crystallization pressure range of (∼0.1–60MPa), while γ-phase nucleates at crystallization pressure of ∼60–200MPa. In contrast to neat polypropylene, the presence of nanoclay in the polymer matrix, promotes the formation of γ-phase at ambient crystallization pressure of 0.1MPa. Nanoclay and pressure-induced crystallization governs phase evolution and microstructure of polypropylene and is associated with change in the thermodynamic and physical properties such as equilibrium melting point and glass transition temperature. This change in equilibrium melting point and glass transition temperature points toward thermodynamic interaction between polymer-nanoparticle and nanoparticle interface-driven microstructural evolution. The dependence of equilibrium melting point on crystallization pressure and spherulite size on undercooling delineates two distinct regimes which are ascribed to dominant α- and γ-phases of polypropylene. However, the effect of nanoparticles is less dramatic when nanoclay content is increased from 4wt.% to 8wt.% implying that the effect maximizes at ∼4wt.% nanoclay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe here the relationship between fracture resistance and microstructural changes that are induced when polymers containing dispersion of nanoparticles are isothermally crystallized at elevated pressures. To identify the effects of applied crystallization pressure from nanoparticle effects, a relative comparison is made between polyethylene and polyethylene containing dispersion of nanoclay under similar experimental conditions. At high crystallization pressure, besides commonly observed orthorhombic phase, monoclinic phase is also observed. The nucleation of monoclinic phase is promoted by nanoclay even at low crystallization pressure, implying that both pressure and nanoclay have an influence on phase evolution. The addition of nanoclay to polyethylene retains adequately high impact strength and the micromechanism of deformation is altered from a combination of craze and drawing of fibrils in polyethylene to microvoid coalescence–fibrillation in polyethylene with dispersion of nanoclay. The monoclinic phase has no obvious influence on fracture resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Primary sludge (PS), waste activated sludge (WAS) and a mixture of WAS and PS were fermented at 21°C. The sludge was collected from two plants: the biological nutrient removal (BNR) West End Water Pollution Control Center (WEWPCC) and carbon-removal only South End WPCC (SEWPCC). The PS fermentation predictably generated a significantly higher amount of soluble COD than WAS. WAS fermentation released considerable amounts of phosphate and ammonium. Co-fermentation of WAS with PS enhanced soluble COD production and increased the release of phosphate and ammonium. The semi-continuous flow fermenters showed that regardless of the sludge source, with a similar total COD load, there was no significant difference in soluble COD production observed during co-fermentation between the two plants. Volatile fatty acids were the primary components of the soluble COD generated during fermentation. 20–22% volatile solids destruction was achieved due to sludge fermentation. The WEWPCC sludge released a higher concentration of phosphate than the SEWPCC sludge – the latter originating from a non-BNR process. Fermentation of combined PS and WAS sludge generated a concentration of phosphate high enough to allow phosphorus recovery as struvite at both plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]