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In a compact multi-radiation imaging system, the substitution of traditional charge-coupled devices with a plastic scintillators array coupled with silicon photomultiplier detectors significantly enhances the radiation tolerance of the detection and imaging module, thereby reducing the system footprint. We present a detailed structure of a compact fast neutron/gamma-ray dual-modality imaging system based on a plastic scintillators array and evaluate its performance in imaging various samples. The detector array consists of nine 14.7 × 14.7 × 100 mm3 EJ-276 plastic scintillators coupled with corresponding silicon photomultiplier units, arranged in a 3 × 3 grid. The usage of EJ-276 plastic scintillators allows for discrimination between neutron and gamma signals through pulse shape discrimination techniques, enabling data separation between neutrons and gamma rays. In this paper, we present the experimental procedure and results of fast neutron-gamma imaging for objects containing aluminum and polyethylene materials. Fast neutrons and gammas are delivered by an Cf-252 source. The experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves dual-modality grayscale imaging and has resolution for sample thickness. Reconstructed image contrast allows qualitative differentiation of sample materials, especially detecting low-Z materials encapsulated by high-Z materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competition between α -decay and spontaneous fission (SF) of Z = 112 isotopes are studied. The α -decay half-lives are estimated by the generalized liquid-drop model (GLDM) and several sets of analytic formulas. These formulas include the Royer formula, Viola–Seaborg semiempirical (VSS) formula and universal decay law (UDL). For the SF, its half-lives are calculated by using the Xu, Ren, Karpov and Santhosh formulas. It is shown that the predicted α -decay half-lives by different approaches are more or less identical. However, the SF half-lives are highly sensitive to models. To test the accuracies of different SF formulas, the half-lives of 56 even–even heavy nuclei are calculated by these formulas. By comparing with the experimental data, it is found that the Xu formula is the most accurate one to reproduce the experimental SF half-lives. This allows us to make a systematic prediction on the competition between α -decay and SF of even–even superheavy nuclei (SHN) with Z = 104 – 120 by using the Xu formula and the above mentioned models on α -decay. The calculations suggest that 258,260 104, 268 – 276 110, 270 – 280 112, 272 – 286 114, 274 – 294 116, 284 – 302 118 and 292 – 308 120 have smaller α -decay half-lives than those of SF. Thus these nuclei can be synthesized and identified via α -decay in the laboratory. In addition, it is observed that N = 162 , 178, 184 and 196 may be the submagic or magic numbers. Finally, an extensive study on the possible α -decay chains for Z = 120 isotopes is performed. It is predicted that six sequential α -decay chains can be observed from 292 – 296 120, four α -decay chains from 298 120, three α -decay chains from 300,302 120, two α -decay chains from 304,306 120, and only one α -decay chain from 308 120. These nuclei are the most likely candidates to be synthesized experimentally via α -decay in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

0.94(Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 )-0.06BaTiO 3 ferroelectric thin films with and without the Pb 0.8 La 0.1 Ca 0.1 Ti 0.975 O 3 seed layer were deposited on platinum-buffered silicon substrates by using Sol–Gel process. The influence of Pb 0.8 La 0.1 Ca 0.1 Ti 0.975 O 3 seed layer and annealing temperatures on the microstructures, ferroelectric properties and energy-storage performances of the as-prepared films were investigated in details. The low annealing temperature and Pb 0.8 La 0.1 Ca 0.1 Ti 0.975 O 3 seed layer could improve the values of electric break-down field strength and P max - P r , which play a vital role for high recoverable energy-storage density. Owing to the high electric break-down field strength value of 3310 kV/cm, a large recoverable energy density of W =17.2 J/cm 3 and a high energy efficiency of η =74.3% were obtained for the 0.94(Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 )-0.06BaTiO 3 thin film with the Pb 0.8 La 0.1 Ca 0.1 Ti 0.975 O 3 seed layer, which was annealed at 450 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recombination dynamics of singlet and triplet oppositely charged polarons under the influence of electron–electron (e–e) interactions in coupled polymer chains are investigated using a multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree–Fock (MCTDHF) method. During recombination processes, singlet and triplet intrachain excitons are important products. By calculating the yields of the singlet and triplet intrachain excitons as a function of the on-site and long-range e–e interactions, it is found that the yields of the singlet and triplet intrachain excitons both decrease with increasing on-site e–e interactions. On the other hand, as the long-range e–e interactions increase, the yields of singlet intrachain excitons initially increase and then maintain a constant value, while the yields of the triplet intrachain excitons decrease. Our results show that the long-range e–e interaction is of fundamental importance and improves the luminescence efficiency in coupled polymer chains. Finally, the influence of the polymer chain length on the yields of singlet and triplet intrachain excitons is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the inverse magnetocaloric effect associated with martensitic transformation in a polycrystalline Ni 50 Co 2 Mn 33 In 15 alloy. Through the structural measurements, it is found that the bulk sample have a well-developed preferred orientation. The isothermal entropy change ( Δ S T ) has been calculated by changes of volume fractions at certain temperature based on Clausius–Clapeyron equation for different magnetic fields. The maximum Δ S T of Ni 50 Co 2 Mn 33 In 15 reaches 21.5 J/kg K and keeps in the relative broad temperature range, leading to a great refrigerant capacity under a moderate magnetic field. This can be ascribed to the fact that present textured alloy shows a large shifts in the transition equilibrium temperature with magnetic field as well as a narrow transformation width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and automatic method for radiocarbon analysis of aerosol samples is presented. This type of analysis requires high number of sample measurements of low carbon masses, but accepts precisions lower than for carbon dating analysis. The method is based on online Trapping CO 2 and coupling an elemental analyzer with a MICADAS AMS by means of a gas interface. It gives similar results to a previously validated reference method for the same set of samples. This method is fast and automatic and typically provides uncertainties of 1.5–5% for representative aerosol samples. It proves to be robust and reliable and allows for overnight and unattended measurements. A constant and cross contamination correction is included, which indicates a constant contamination of 1.4 ± 0.2 μg C with 70 ± 7 pMC and a cross contamination of (0.2 ± 0.1)% from the previous sample. A Real-time online coupling version of the method was also investigated. It shows promising results for standard materials with slightly higher uncertainties than the Trapping online approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low extracellular enzyme activity in desert soil can be recovered during the succession of re-vegetation, especially in soils forming under shrubs (microsite soil), which closely reflects desert restoration conditions. However, not much is known about the restoration of soil enzyme activity at these microsites. By using the space-for-time substitution method, soils on moving sand dunes that had been stabilized at different dates over a fifty year period at the southeastern fringe of the Tengger Desert were selected to investigate the enzyme activities in the surface soil crust and three other soil depths at microsites to demonstrate the evolution of enzymatic activity at different stages from bare soil to complex vegetation over a fifty year sequence. The results showed that organic C and total and available N, P, and enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, catalase, α- and β-glucosidase, protease, and phosphatase) were progressively enhanced in each microsite soil in the 50-year chronosequence and had effect down to 35 cm depth. Soil enzyme activities of the crust and the 0–5 cm soil layer were higher than in deeper soil layers. The observed increase over time of the values of the measured soil properties, such as organic C, total and available N, was much larger in the crust and the 0–5 cm soil layer in comparison to the deeper layers. The improvement of desert soil quality indicated that desertification can be mitigated to a certain extent under human controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2-methylbutyrate supplementation on rumen microflora, enzyme activities and methane production in Simmental steers consuming a diet consisting of 600 g/kg corn stover and 400 g/kg concentrate (dry matter [DM] basis). Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were: control (without 2-methylbutyrate), low 2-methylbutyrate (LMB), medium 2-methylbutyrate (MMB) and high 2-methylbutyrate (HMB) with 0, 8.4, 16.8 and 25.2 g 2-methylbutyrate per steer and per day, respectively. Dry matter intake (averaged 9 kg/day) was restricted to a maximum of 0.9 of ad libitum intake. Whether direct counts, roll-tube technique or real-time PCR quantification were used, populations of total bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria and anaerobic fungi linearly increased (P<0.04) and were higher (P<0.05) for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB, whereas those of protozoa and total methanogens linearly reduced and were lower for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB. With increasing 2-methylbutyrate supplementation, real-time PCR quantification of populations of Ruminococcus albus , Ruminococcus flavefaciens , Bufyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Fibrobacter succinogenes linearly increased (P<0.05) and was higher for MMB and HMB than for control (P<0.05). Activities of CMCase, xylanase and β-glucosidase linearly increased (P<0.05) and were higher (P<0.05) for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB, whereas that of protease linearly reduced (P<0.05) and was lower for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB (P<0.05). Activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase tended to be higher (P<0.08) for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB, but activity of urease tended to be lower for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB. Methane production linearly decreased (P<0.01) and was lower for MMB and HMB than for control (P<0.05) with increasing 2-methylbutyrate supplementation. Effective degradabilities of cellulose and hemicellulose of corn stover linearly increased (P<0.01) and were higher for MMB and HMB than for control (P<0.05), whereas that of crude protein in concentrate linearly decreased (P<0.01) and was lower for MMB and HMB than for control and LMB (P<0.05) with increasing 2-methylbutyrate supplementation. The present results indicate that supplementation of diet with 2-methylbutyrate altered ruminal microbial populations and improved ruminal enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner in steers fed high-roughage diet. In the experimental conditions of this trial, the optimum daily dose of 2-methylbutyrate at 16.8 g per steer is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Mn-doped BiFeO 3 (BFO) thin films were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si(111) substrates using a chemical solution deposition method. The structural and optical properties of the Mn doped BFO thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and ellipsometric spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the films have a single perovskite structure and that a phase transition appears with increasing of the Mn content. The Raman scattering spectra reveal that there are two additional peaks at around 480 and 620 cm − 1 for the Mn-doped BFO samples comparing to the undoped one, indicating the existence of orthorhombic phase. Ellipsometric spectroscopy measurements were carried out in the spectral range of 1–5 eV and the experimental data fitted based on the Tauc–Lorentz model using two oscillators. The optical constants (refractive index n and extinction coefficients k) of the Mn-doped BFO thin films were determined. Moreover, the band gap was found to decrease with increasing of the Mn content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial (Ba 0.39 Sr 0.61 ) 6 Ti 2 Nb 8 O 30 (BSTN) thin films have been prepared on MgO (001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique. Their structural qualities and surface morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. XRD indicates that single crystalline BSTN layers with (001) orientation perpendicular to the substrate plane were obtained. Optical studies by ellipsometric and optical transmittance spectra measurements were carried out. The optical constants (refractive index n and extinction coefficient k) of the BSTN film have been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-stoichiometric Zr 0.9 Ti x V 2 ( x = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) alloys are designed to explore the effect of non-stoichiometry on phase constituent, microstructure and hydrogenation properties of Zr-based AB 2 Laves alloys. The alloys are prepared by non-consumable arc melting and annealed at 1273 K for 168 h in argon atmosphere to ensure the homogeneity. Phase structure investigation shows the α-Zr/β-Zr phase and V-BCC phase originating from the non-equilibrium solidification can be reduced after annealing, C15-type ZrV 2 becomes the dominant phase. Meanwhile, a small amount of Zr 3 V 3 O phase generates when x ≤ 0.2 and the β-Zr transforms to α-Zr when x > 0.2. High density annealing twins are observed in ZrV 2 matrix by TEM. Activation behavior, hydrogenation kinetics and PCT characteristics of annealed Zr 0.9 Ti x V 2 are investigated in the temperature range 673–823 K. With the decrease in B/A ratio or increase in Ti content, the initial hydrogen absorption speed decreases obviously, the plateaus of PCT curves become wide and flat, meanwhile the hydrogen absorption capacity and the stability of metal hydrides increases. Twin defects observed in these alloys play an important role in accelerating the hydrogenation kinetics. In addition, phase constituent after hydrogenation is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: LiSr4(BO3)3:0.01Ce3+ phosphor was investigated to assess its potential as a material for measurements of radiotherapeutic doses with electron spin resonance (ESR). The ESR spectrum of the phosphor irradiated with 60Co features five ESR signals. An isochronal annealing experiment has shown that the strongest of these signals is associated with the same trap center as the 473K peak on the TL glow curve of this material. The dose–response is linear in the studied range from 0.89 to 90.30Gy. Fading of the signal was also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The non-stoichiometric C15 Laves phase alloys namely Zr0.9Ti0.1V x (x = 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) are designed and expected to investigate the role of defect and microstructure on hydrogenation kinetics of AB2 type Zr-based alloys. The alloys are prepared by non-consumable arc melting in argon atmosphere and annealed at 1273 K for 168 h to ensure the homogeneity. The microstructure and phase constitute of these alloys are examined by SEM, TEM and XRD. The results indicate the homogenizing can reduce the minor phases α-Zr and abundant V solid solution originating from the non-equilibrium solidification of as-cast alloys. Twin defects with {111}<011 > orientation relationship are observed, and the role of defects on hydrogenation kinetics is discussed. Hydrogen absorption PCT characteristics and hydrogenation kinetics of Zr0.9Ti0.1V x at 673–823 K are investigated by the pressure reduction method using a Sievert apparatus. The results show the hypo-stoichiometric alloys preserve faster hydrogenation kinetics than the hyper-stoichiometric ones due to the decrease of dendritic V. The excess content of Zr3V3O phase decreases the hydrogenation kinetics and the stability of hydrides. In addition, the different rate controlled mechanisms during hydrogen absorption are analyzed. The effects of non-stoichiometry on the crystal structure and hydrogen storage properties of Zr0.9Ti0.1V x Laves alloys are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The dynamics of exciton dissociation in conjugated polymers are investigated. [•] Both the effects of electron-lattice and electron-electron interactions are considered. [•] The different dynamic dissociation behaviors of SE and TE are emphasized. [•] The critical dissociation field for TE is 3 times higher than that of the SE. [•] The dissociation behaviors are analyzed by calculating the total energy difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generalized formulation of Cauchy method for multiplexer rational model extraction is presented in this paper. This new technique can extract the multiplexer rational models from either measurement or electromagnetic simulation results. The generalized formulation of Cauchy method takes into account the relationship between the transmission coefficients and reflection coefficients of each channel filter. It is suitable for multiplexers whose chan-nel filters are connected through resonating junction. The total least square method is applied to solve the system matrix. The new technique presented in this paper is suitable for lossless case as well as lossy case and is verified by lossless triplexer and circuit simu-lation lossy triplexer examples successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The detection of crack initiation in steel Q235, 16MnR and 20 g was carried out by metal magnetic memory (MMM) technique. Fifty specimens of welded and base metal were tested. Both MMM testing and metallographic examination were done to them when unloaded at the different phase of high-cycle fatigue testing, and hence MMM signals before and after crack initiation could be recorded. The values of magnetic intensity gradient were calculated, and whose critical value was determined and proposed for early defects detection. The results show that the magnetic intensity (Hp) curve became concave responding to the occurrence of stress concentration, and its gradient (dHp/dx) increased greatly; at the critical dHp/dx, no change occurred to the microstructure, but beyond the critical value, dHp/dx increased suddenly and a large number of intragranular slips were found in the microstructure. Three different kinds of materials have different critical values of magnetic intensity gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to investigate the chemical characteristics and sources of organic acids in precipitation in Southwest China, 105 rainwater samples were collected at a semi-urban site in Anshun from June 2007 to June 2008. Organic acids and major anions were analyzed along with pH and electrical conductivity. The pH values varied from 3.57 to 7.09 for all the rainfall events sampled, with an average of 4.67 which was typical acidic value. Formic, acetic and oxalic acids were found to be the predominant carboxylic acids and their volume weighted average (VWA) concentrations were 8.77, 6.93 and 2.84μmoll−1, respectively. These organic acids were estimated to account for 8.1% to the total free acidity (TFA) in precipitation. The concentrations of the majority organic acids at studied site had a clear seasonal pattern, reaching higher levels during the non-growing season than those in growing season, which was attributed to dilution effect of heavy rainfall during the growing season. The seasonal variation of wet deposition flux of these organic acids confirmed higher source strength of biogenic emissions from vegetation during the growing season. Formic-to-acetic acids ratio (F/A), an indicator of primary versus secondary sources of these organic acids, suggested that primary sources from vehicular emission, biomass burning, soil and vegetation emissions were dominant sources. In addition, the lowest concentrations of organic acids were found under type S, when air masses originated from the marine (South China Sea) during Southern Asian Monsoon period. And the highest concentrations were observed in precipitation events from Northeast China (type NE), prevailing mostly during winter with the lowest rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbonaceous aerosols comprising a large fraction of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) are considered to affect both global climate and human health. Radiocarbon measurements have been proved to be a useful isotopic tracer for distinguishing contemporary and fossil emissions. An optimized system of a two-step thermal preparation system for radiocarbon (14C) measurement of OC/TC is firstly established in China. In this system, OC/TC are converted into carbon dioxide under a pure oxygen flow at 340°C/650°C and then reduced to graphite for AMS target using the method of zinc reduction. Afterwards, radiocarbon measurements of the targets performed by the NEC Compact AMS System at the Institute of Heavy Ion Physics, Peking University. The measured results for estimated reference martial including HOx I, HOx II and IAEA-C6 are consistent with internationally accepted values. The radiocarbon-based source appointment of carbonaceous aerosols in China would be much more convenient and faster with the preparation system developed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Expression of recombinant human lysosomal acid β-glucosidase (hGCase) by a transgenic animal bioreactor, using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), would decrease the cost of producing this product. The objective was to establish an effective procedure to prepare hGCase transgenic donor cells and nuclear transfer (NT) embryos to produce hGCase protein in the Saanen dairy goat mammary gland. A mammary-specific expression vector for hGCase was constructed and transfected into HC-11 mammary epithelial cells for bioactivity analysis in vitro; mRNA transcripts and hGCase protein were correctly expressed in transfected HC-11 cells. The hGCase gene was then introduced into fetal fibroblasts (from dairy goats) to prepare competent transgenic donor cells. Transgenic fibroblast clones from a single round of transfection were reliably isolated by 96-well cell culture plates and screened with PCR amplification and chromosomal counting (66.8%). Dairy goat cloned embryos were produced from these hGCase fetal cells by SCNT, the hGCase transgene was successfully detected in these embryos, and there were similar rates (P>0.05) of fusion (83.3% vs. 77.8%), cleavage (89.1% vs. 90.9%), and development to the morula/blastocyst stages (36.4% vs. 38.9%) between NT embryos using transgenic fetal fibroblasts and non-transfected control cells. Moreover, 98 well-developed reconstructed embryos derived from transgenic cells were transferred to 16 recipients; pregnancy was confirmed at 40 d in two goats. Therefore, we achieved functional expression of hGCase in mammary gland cells and normal development to Day 40 of cloned embryos carrying the hGCase gene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The polycrystalline samples of LiSrBO3:RE3+ were synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of different rare earth dopants, i.e. Dy3+, Tb3+, Tm3+ and Ce3+, on thermoluminescence (TL) of LiSrBO3 phosphor was discussed. We also investigated some dosimetric characteristics of LiSrBO3:Tm3+. The effect of the concentration of Tm3+ on the TL intensity was investigated and the result of which showed that the optimum mole fraction of Tm3+ was 1%. The TL kinetic parameters of LiSrBO3:0.01Tm3+ were calculated by the computer glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) method. We also studied the three-dimensional (3D) TL emission spectrum of LiSrBO3:0.01Tm3+ under gamma-ray irradiation. The dose-response of LiSrBO3:0.01Tm3+ to γ-ray was linear in the range from 1 to 400mGy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polycrystalline powder sample of KSr4(BO3)3 was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of different rare earth dopants, i.e. Tb3+, Tm3+ and Ce3+, on thermoluminescence (TL) of KSr4(BO3)3 phosphor was discussed. The TL, photoluminescence (PL) and some dosimetric properties of Ce3+-activated KSr4(BO3)3 phosphor were studied. The effect of the concentration of Ce3+ on TL intensity was investigated and the result showed that the optimum Ce3+ concentration was 0.2mol%. The TL kinetic parameters of KSr4(BO3)3:0.002 Ce3+ phosphor were calculated by computer glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) method. Characteristic emission peaking at about 407 and 383nm due to the 4f05d1 → 2F(5/2, 7/2) transitions of Ce3+ ion were observed both in PL and three-dimensional (3D) TL spectra. The dose–response of KSr4(BO3)3:0.002 Ce3+ to γ-ray was linear in the range from 1 to 1000mGy. In addition, the decay of the TL intensity of KSr4(BO3)3:0.002 Ce3+ was also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two vibroimpact systems are considered, which can exhibit symmetrical double-impact periodic motions under suitable system parameter conditions. Dynamics of such systems are studied by use of maps derived from the equations of motion, between impacts, supplemented by transition conditions at the instants of impacts. Two-parameter bifurcations of fixed points in the vibroimpact systems, associated with 1:2 strong resonance, are analyzed. Interesting features like Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of period-1 double-impact symmetrical motion, tangent bifurcation of period-2 four-impact motion, period-doubling bifurcation of period-2 four-impact motion and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of period-4 eight-impact motion, etc., are found to occur near 1:2 resonance point of a vibroimpact system. The quasi-periodic attractor, associated with the fixed point of period-1 double-impact symmetrical motion, is destroyed as a tangent bifurcation of fixed points of period-2 four-impact motion occurs. However, for the other vibroimpact system the quasi-periodic attractor is restored via the collision of stable and unstable fixed points of period-2 four-impact motion. The results mean that there exist possibly more complicated bifurcation sequences of period-two cycle near 1:2 resonance points of non-linear dynamical systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiCaBO3 was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of different rare earth dopants, i.e. Dy3+, Tb3+, Tm3+ and Ce3+, on thermoluminescence (TL) of LiCaBO3 phosphor was discussed. We studied the TL properties and some dosimetric characteristics of Ce3+-activated LiCaBO3 phosphor in detail. The effect of the concentration of Ce3+ on TL was investigated, the result of which showed that the optimum Ce3+ concentration was 1mol%. The TL kinetic parameters of LiCaBO3:0.01Ce3+ were studied by computer glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) method. The three-dimensional (3D) TL emission spectra were also studied, peaking at 431 and 474nm due to the characteristic transition of Ce3+. We also studied the linearity, annealing condition, reproducibility, fading and different heating rate of the LiCaBO3:0.01Ce3+ phosphor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, dense short carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites had been fabricated by hot-pressed (HP) sintering using Al2O3 and La2O3 as sintering additives. The results showed that the combination of Al2O3 and La2O3 system was effective to promote densification of short cut carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites (Cf/SiC). The whisker structure of silicon carbide was formed during the annealed treatment at 2023 K for 1 h. However, it was noted that this structure was not observed in the as-received HP material. The mechanism of forming whisker structure was not clear, but this kind of whisker structure was helpful to improve mechanical properties. The combination of grain bridging, crack deflection and whisker debonding would improve the fracture toughness of the Cf/SiC composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective was to investigate the effect of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) on the fusion of mammary gland epithelial (MGE) cells into enucleated oocytes in goats. The toxicity of PHA was evaluated by testing its effect on the development of parthenogenetic caprine oocytes. The effective dose and duration of PHA treatment (100μg/mL, 20min incubation) was selected and used to compare fusion efficiency and embryo development following nuclear transfer. Two electrofusion protocols, chamber fusion (CF) and pressurized microelectrode fusion (pMEF), were also compared, when couplets were treated with and without PHA (100μg/mL, 20min). Fusion rate of couplets increased from 52.8 to 74.0% for the CF protocol (P <0.05), but was not significantly different for the pMEF protocol (72.7% vs. 78.1%) after PHA treatment. There were no significant differences between treated group and control in rates of subsequent cleavage or blastocyst development. Following transfer of the cloned blastocysts derived from the PHA-treated group and the control group into synchronized recipients, pregnancy rates (Day 30) were not significantly different between treated group and control (28.6% vs. 25.0%). However, all recipients aborted within 120d, microsatellite DNA analyses confirmed that the aborted fetuses were genetically identical to the donor goat. In conclusion, the fusion rate of caprine MGE cell couplets was improved by pre-incubating couplets in medium containing 100μg/mL PHA prior to electrical pulsing, and embryos derived from PHA treatment established early pregnancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three-degree-of-freedom vibratory system impacting symmetrical rigid stops is considered. Dynamics of the vibroimpact system is studied by use of a mapping derived from the equations of motion, supplemented by transition conditions at the instants of impacts. Two-parameter bifurcations of fixed points in the vibroimpact system, associated with strong resonance, are analyzed. Neimark–Sacker bifurcations of period-1 double-impact symmetrical orbits, near resonance point, are found, and the transition of quasi-periodic impact motions to unstable period-3 six-impact motions, are obtained numerically. The results conform to resonance bifurcation theory of maps available. More complicated “tire-like” quasi-periodic attractor and torus bifurcation associated with the transition of the closed invariant curve to torus, near resonance point, are found to exist in the nonlinear system. The results imply that there exist possibly more complicated bifurcation sequences near resonance points of nonlinear dynamical systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soil samples taken from a sewage irrigation area, a partial sewage irrigation area and a ground water irrigation area (control area) were studied with the methods of Biolog and FAME. It was found that the microbial utilization of carbon sources in sewage irrigation areas was much higher than that of control area (P <0.05). With the increasing of the amount of sewage irrigation, microbial functional diversity slightly increased by the Biolog analysis; however, the amount of epiphyte decreased by the FAME analysis. The results also showed that the Cr, Zn contents were positively correlated with the values of AWCD and the microbial diversity, while Hg content showed negative correlation with the microbial parameters (AWCD of 72h and Shannon index). Our studies suggested that sewage irrigation resulted in an obvious increase of heavy metals content in soil (P <0.05), although the maximum heavy metals concentrations were much lower than the current standard of China. Other soil basic characteristics such as cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (Nt) and organic matter in sewage irrigation areas obviously increased (P <0.05). Therefore, it is demonstrated that long-term sewage irrigation had influenced soil microorganisms and soil quality in the studied soils. As a result, it is important to monitor the changes in agricultural soils. Furthermore, our results also confirmed that the methods of Biolog and FAME are effective tools for the assessment of soil microbial structure/function and soil health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phytoene synthase (Psy), a critical enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, demonstrated high association with the yellow pigment (YP) content in wheat grain. Characterization of Psy genes and the development of functional markers for them are of importance for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding. In this study, the full-length genomic DNA sequence of a Psy gene ( Psy-A1) located on chromosome 7A, was characterized by in silico cloning and experimental validation. The cloned Psy-A1 comprises six exons and five introns, 4,175 bp in total, and an ORF of 1,284 bp. A co-dominant marker, YP7A, was developed based on polymorphisms of two haplotypes of Psy-A1, yielding 194 and 231-bp fragments in cultivars with high and low YP content, respectively. The marker YP7A was mapped on chromosome 7AL using an RIL population from cross PH82-2/Neixing 188, and a set of Chinese Spring nullisomic–tetrasomic lines and ditelosomic line 7AS. Psy-A1, co-segregating with the STS marker YP7A, was linked to SSR marker Xwmc809 on chromosome 7AL with a genetic distance of 5.8 cM, and explained 20–28% of the phenotypic variance for YP content across three environments. A total of 217 Chinese wheat cultivars and advanced lines were used to validate the association between the polymorphic band pattern and grain YP content. The results showed that the functional marker YP7A was closely related to grain YP content and, therefore, could be used in wheat breeding programs targeting of YP content for various wheat-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A vibratory system having symmetrically placed rigid stops and subjected to periodic excitation is considered. Local codimension two bifurcations of the vibratory system with symmetrical rigid stops, associated with double Hopf bifurcation and interaction of Hopf and pitchfork bifurcation, are analyzed by using the center manifold theorem technique and normal form method of maps. Dynamic behavior of the system, near the points of codimension two bifurcations, is investigated by using qualitative analysis and numerical simulation. Hopf-flip bifurcation of fixed points in the vibratory system with a single stop are briefly analyzed by comparison with unfoldings analyses of Hopf-pitchfork bifurcation of the vibratory system with symmetrical rigid stops. Near the value of double Hopf bifurcation there exist period-one double-impact symmetrical motion and quasi-periodic impact motions. The quasi-periodic impact motions are represented by the closed circle and “tire-like” attractor in projected Poincaré sections. With change of system parameters, the quasi-periodic impact motions usually lead to chaos via “tire-like” torus doubling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stable or metastable phase was found to be dependent on the size of ZrO2 nano particles. Amorphous hydrated ZrO2 powders prepared by precipitation were annealed at 1300°C and maintained for different length of time followed by being quenched in ambient. The average particle size and phases were determined by X-ray diffraction cross-checked by transmission electron microscopy. The powders were found composed of monoclinic (m) phase when the particle size (d) is larger than 31nm, whereas tetragonal (t) phase remains stable at room temperature when particle size is less than 14nm. The mixture of the t and m phases is observed when average particle size locates between 14 and 31nm. Thermodynamic calculation indicates that the surface free energy difference between tetragonal and monoclinic phases surpasses the volume chemical free energy difference between two phases at room temperature when the particle size of zirconia decreases below 13nm. The lower surface energy of tetragonal phase results in the stability of tetragonal structure at room temperature, while tetragonal phase is normally stable at high temperature for coarse ceramics. The experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical prediction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom vibratory system having symmetrically placed rigid stops is considered. The system consists of linear components, but the maximum displacement of one of the masses is limited to a threshold value by the symmetrical rigid stops. Repeated impacts usually occur in the vibratory system due to the rigid amplitude constraints. Such models play an important role in the studies of mechanical systems with clearances or gaps. Local codimension two bifurcation of maps, involving a real eigenvalue and a complex conjugate pair escaping the unit circle simultaneously, is analyzed by using the center manifold theorem technique and normal form method for maps. Symmetrical double-impact periodic motion and Poincaré map of the system are derived analytically. A center manifold theorem technique is applied to reduce the Poincaré map to a three-dimensional one, and the normal form map associated with the codimension two bifurcation is obtained. Local behaviors of the vibratory systems with symmetrical rigid stops, near the points of codimension two bifurcations, are reported by the presentation of results for a two-degree-of-freedom vibratory system with symmetrical stops. The existence and stability of symmetrical double-impact periodic motion are analyzed explicitly. Also, local bifurcations at the points of change in stability, are analyzed. Near the point of codimension two bifurcation, there exists not only Hopf bifurcation of period-one double-impact motion, but also pitchfork bifurcation of the motion. Pitchfork bifurcation of period-one double-impact symmetrical motion results in the period-one double-impact unsymmetrical motion. The unsymmetrical double-impact motion is of two antisymmetrical forms due to different initial conditions and symmetrical stops. With change of the forcing frequency, the unsymmetrical double-impact periodic motion will undergo Hopf bifurcation. Moreover the period-one double-impact symmetrical motion will undergo Hopf bifurcation directly as the forcing frequency is changed in the contrary direction. The routes of quasi-periodic impact motions to chaos are observed by results from simulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A dual component system with vibro-impact is considered. Local codimension two bifurcation of maps, involving a real eigenvalue and a complex conjugate pair escaping the unit circle simultaneously, is analyzed by using the center manifold and normal form method for maps. The period n single-impact motion and Poincaré map of the vibro-impact system are derived analytically. Stability and local bifurcation of single-impact periodic motion are analyzed by using the Poincaré map. A center manifold theorem technique is applied to reduce the Poincaré map to a three-dimensional one, and the normal form map associated with the codimension two bifurcation is obtained. Local behavior of the dual component system with vibro-impact, near the point of codimension two bifurcation, is analyzed. It is found that near the point of codimension two bifurcation, there exists not only Hopf bifurcation of period one single-impact motion, but also Hopf bifurcation of period two double-impact motion. Period doubling bifurcation of period one single-impact motion commonly exists near the point of codimension two bifurcation. However, no period doubling cascade emerges due to change of the type of period two fixed points and occurrence of Hopf bifurcation associated with period two fixed points. The period two fixed points are symmetrical about the corresponding period one point. The results from simulation show that the attracting invariant circles associated with period two points are symmetrical about the corresponding period one point near the value of Hopf bifurcation of period two points. Two actual examples, the impact-forming machinery and inertial shaker, are chosen to analyze further the phenomena of codimension two bifurcation of maps, and local bifurcation analysis and numerical simulation are carried out to unfold dynamical behavior of these vibro-impact systems near the points of codimension two bifurcations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sr2Mg(BO3)2 phosphors doped respectively with Tm3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+ as activator were prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction. All the thermoluminescence curves of the phosphors consisted of two isolated peaks and the Dy3+ activated sample exhibited the strongest thermoluminescence intensity. The kinetic parameters of the thermoluminescence of Sr2Mg(BO3)2 :0.04 Dy were calculated employing the peak shape method and 3 dimensional thermoluminescent emission spectra were observed peaking at 480, 579, 662 and 755 nm due to the characteristic transition of Dy3+. In addition, the pre-irradiation heat-treatment and the thermoluminescence dose response of Sr2Mg(BO3)2 :0.04 Dy were investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermoelastic behavior and crystallography of the tetragonal (t)→monoclinic (m) martensitic transformation in Ce–Y-TZP ceramics are investigated by means of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Wechsler–Lieberman–Read phenomenological theory. In situ TEM observations show that in Ce–Y-TZP the t/m interface can move freely with the change of thermal stress supplied by the beam illumination, whereas this is not found in thermal cycles. Based on the features of reversibility of interface motion, large thermal hysteresis and high critical driving force for Ce–Y-TZP, the t→m transformation is suggested as a semi-thermoelastic one. The habit plane and the lattice correspondence are determined as (130)t and [001]t//[010]m, which is in agreement with the calculated results of the phenomenological theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Interface reliability issue has become a major concern in developing flip chip assembly. The CTE mismatch between different material layers may induce severe interface delamination reliability problem. In this study, multifunctional micro-moiré interferometry (M3I) system was utilized to study the interfacial response of flip chip assembly under accelerated thermal cycling (ATC) in the temperature range of −40°C to 125°C. This in-situ measurement provided good interpretation of interfacial behavior of delaminated flip chip assembly. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out by introducing viscoelastic properties of underfill material. The simulation results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Interfacial fracture mechanics was used to quantify interfacial fracture toughness and mode mixity of the underfill/chip interface under the ATC loading. It was found that the interfacial toughness is not only relative to CTE mismatch but also a function of stiffness mismatch between chip/underfill. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arc/graphite, laser ablation and CVD are three main methods for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A free coal-based or graphite electrodes method was explored in our lab. In this method, coal powder was directly injected into arc plasma jet instead of arc evaporation of coal-based electrodes, so we called it coal/arc-jet process. It is found that the Cu nano-particles sputtered from copper electrodes played an important role of catalyst for the synthesis of CNTs. Three metal particles (Fe, Co, Cu) with grain size of 120 mesh were mixed into coal powder and injected into plasma jet, respectively. It is found that the yield of CNTs was improved evidently. The difference of their effectiveness of catalysis was discussed. Under the condition of thermal plasma jet with initial temperature of 3700 K, coal was cracked into aromatic fragments, carbon free radicals and light hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, metallic particles were vaporized and then condense to nano-droplet that was the active site for CNTs growth. The generation of carbon precursor and “preparation” of metallic nano-particles was finished within one stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-quality Sr2−xCaxNaNb5O15 (SCNN) thin films have been epitaxially grown on MgO(0 0 1) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique for the first time. The thickness of the films is in the range of 600–800 nm. Their structural qualities and surface morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. θ–2θ scans indicate that single crystalline SCNN layers with (0 0 1) orientation perpendicular to the substrate plane were obtained. φ-scans on the (2 2 1) plane confirm that the unit cell of SCNN films rotates in the plane of the film by ±17.8° with respect to the MgO substrate unit cell. Optical studies by optical transmittance measurements were carried out in the spectral range of 200–900 nm. In the analysis of the measured optical transmittance spectra, a single electronic oscillator model was adopted to represent the refractive index and the extinction coefficient of the SCNN films. Our results suggest that PLD is a promising technique in preparing high-quality epitaxial SCNN films for electro-optic device applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The results of an experimental study on both pulsating and steady Newtonian fluid flow in an initially stretched rubber tube subjected to external vibration are reported. A circulating loop system was designed to maintain constant hydrostatic pressure throughout the tests so that the influence of external excitation on the fluid flow could be properly distinguished. The effects of fluid flow velocity and initial stretch rates on the dynamic response and damping of the tube conveying fluid were examined, and it was observed that damping ratios increase with increasing flow velocities, and generally decrease with increasing initial stretch rates for the tube conveying fluid. It was also noted that dynamic responses increase with increasing initial stretch rates, and decrease with increasing flow velocities. The effect of external vibration on fluid flow rates is small in a tube with a thickness-to-radius ratio (Dout−Din)/Din=0.617. Fluid pressures vary, in terms of frequency and amplitude, with external vibration as well as Womersley number. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The difference of Gibbs free energy between tetragonal and monoclinic phases in ZrO2–CeO2–Y2O3 as a function of composition and temperature is thermodynamically calculated from the three related binary systems. In 8 mol% CeO2–0.5 mol% Y2O3–ZrO2, the equilibrium temperature between tetragonal and monoclinic phases, T0, is obtained as 832.5 K and the Ms temperature of this alloy with a mean grain size of 0.90 μm is calculated as 249.9 K using the approach derived by Hsu et al. [J. Mater. Sci., 18(1983)3206; 20(1985)23; Acta Metall., 37(1989)3091; Acta Metall. Mater., 39(1991)1045; Mater. Trans. JIM, 37(1996)1284], which is in good agreement with the experimental one of 253 K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The genetic organization and sequences of the group II capsule gene cluster of Aeromonas hydrophila PPD134/91 have been determined previously. The purified capsular polysaccharides can increase the ability of avirulent strain PPD35/85 to survive in naive tilapia serum but have no inhibitory effect on the adhesion of PPD134/91 to carp epithelial cells. In this study, the presence of group II capsules among 33 randomly chosen A. hydrophila strains was examined by electron microscopy and genetic analysis. Ten strains were found to produce group II capsules. A PCR detection system was developed to identify two types of group II capsules (IIA and IIB) based on their genetic organization in the region II gene clusters. Group IIA capsules in the authors' collection of A. hydrophila strains are mainly found in the O : 18 and O : 34 serogroups, while group lib capsules are found in the O : 21 and O : 27 serogroups. The presence of group II capsules in A. hydrophila strongly correlates with the serum and phagocyte survival abilities (seven out of ten strains). The results indicate that the authors' PCR detection system can constitute a reliable assay for the classification of group II capsules in A. hydrophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel surface modified complex strontium titanate used as dispersion particles in an electrorhelogical fluid with an extraordinary high yield stress was synthesized by means of a modified sol–gel technique and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The structure model free full profile fitting technique was used to derive the crystallographic data of the compound, which crystallized in a monoclinic lattice with a=13.6822(7), b=14.5549(6), c=12.7423(5) A˚ and β=91.803(2)°. Deliberate examination of the XRD pattern indicates that the most probable space group of the compound is P21/n. A possible composition of the complex strontium titanate is Sr[TiO4(C2O4)2].3H2O with eight chemical formula units per unit cell, leading to a calculated density of DX=2.25 g/cm3 in good agreement with the measured density of Dm=2.28(5) g/cm3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines genetic differences between virulent and avirulent strains of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from diseased fish. Use of suppression subtractive hybridization in identifying genetic differences and virulence genes in A. hydrophila strains; Known virulence factors of A. hydrophila; Identification of universal virulence genes in A. hydrophila.

Presents a study on fundamental tracking control algorithms of a differently steered wheel mobile robot with two conventional driven wheel by analysing the robots inherent kinematics. Information on the proposal of globally convergent tracking control algorithms; Development of a fundamental motion orientation equation; Detailed results from the study.

The formation and evolution of photogenerated soliton pairs in trans -polyacetylene is simulated by using a nonadiabatic dynamical method. Electron–lattice interaction as well as electron correlation effects are both included by employing the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger+Pariser–Parr–Pople model. We adopt the multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree–Fock formulas which allows for the distinguishing between charged and neutral soliton pairs. It is found that charged soliton pairs are created in the initial stage of the evolution after photoexcitation. Subsequently, the formed charged soliton pairs transform into neutral ones during the dynamical evolutions. The conversion time from charged to neutral state depends on the strength of Coulomb interactions. However, neutral soliton pairs are suppressed in the non-interacting limit, which is in good agreement with the previous estimates based on the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model. We hope these results can provide further insight into some of the basic issues of interest in photogenerated processes in conducting polymers. • We have studied the formation and evolution of photogenerated soliton pairs • Charged soliton pairs are created in the initial stage after the photoexcitation. • Charged pairs transform into neutral ones if e–e correlations are considered. • Neutral pairs are suppressed in the non-interacting limit. • e–e interactions are the key ingredient in driving the formation of neutral pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Geometric characteristics of actual micro scratch are studied and measured. • Two principles to deal with fatigue damage problem caused by micro scratch is proposed. • area Δ is proposed to describe fatigue damage quantitatively for micro scratch. • Combined with area Δ and Paris law, fatigue life model based on micro scratch is established. Micro scratch with depth and width of micron expresses a significant influence on fatigue life. However, little literature is available on modelling the effect of micro scratch on the fatigue life of TC17 titanium alloy. In this paper, the geometric characteristics of micro scratch, especially depth and width, were obsevered and measured. Then, fatigue experiment was conducted to obtain the corresponding fatigue test data. Result shows the presence of micro scratches dramatically reduced the fatigue life from very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) to the high cycle fatigue (HCF) regime. According to the geometrical characteristics of micro scratch, two principles of no obvious influence of scratch direction and length on fatigue life was proposed based on Murakami theory. A new parameter area Δ is proposed to describe fatigue damage quantitatively caused by micro scratches, which is defined as the square root of triangle area of scratch section. An HCF life model of TC17 with the consideration of micro scratches is established by the combined application of area Δ and Paris formula. The validity of the model is confirmed by a good agreement between predicted and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Borates LiSr4(BO3)3 were synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. The thermoluminescence (TL) and some of the dosimetric characteristics of Ce3+-activated LiSr4(BO3)3 were reported. The TL glow curve is composed of only one peak located at about 209 °C between room temperature and 500 °C. The optimum Ce3+ concentration is 1 mol% to obtain the highest TL intensity. The TL kinetic parameters of LiSr4(BO3)3:0.01Ce3+ were studied by the peak shape method. The TL dose response is linear in the protection dose ranging from 1 mGy to 1 Gy. The three-dimensional thermoluminescence emission spectra were also studied, peaking at 441 and 474 nm due to the characteristic transition of Ce3+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In view of poor oxidation resistance of Ti6Al4V, the composites coatings prepared by laser cladding were used to solve the above shortcoming with a mixture of NiCrBSi and 5 wt%- 30 wt% Si as the cladding material. The investigation into the evolution in microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation resistance with the Si content was carried out in detail. The results indicated that the coating with a Si content of 5 wt% was mainly composed of Ti 2 Ni, TiNi, TiB 2 , TiB and TiC. A new phase of Ti 5 Si 3 was synthesized in the coatings with a Si content more than 10 wt%, and its content presented an upward tendency with the Si content coupled with the decrease in TiB 2 , TiB and TiNi. The microstructural change caused the slight increase (about 3.82%) in microhardness of the coatings, accompanied with which their fracture toughness was correspondingly reduced by about 23.90%. The increase in Si content significantly improved oxidation resistance of the coatings due to the reduction in oxidation weight gain. The oxidation weight gain of the coatings was reduced about 36.98% when the Si content was increased from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. A compacter oxidation layer could be formed on the coating's surface with a higher Si content due to the higher PBR (Pilling-Bedworth ratio)value for Ti 5 Si 3 subject to oxidation than those of the other phases, which played the essential role in the improvement in the coatings' oxidation resistance. The suitable addition of Si was confirmed as 20 wt%, in which the coating was endowed with excellent comprehensive mechanical properties and outstanding oxidation resistance. • A laser-clad coating with outstanding oxidation resistance was produced on Ti6Al4V. • The coating also exhibited good mechanical property (hardness and toughness). • Microstructural evolution with increasing Si content in cladding material was explored. • Changes in mechanical property resulting from microstructural evolution were studied. • The oxidation mechanism of the coatings with the Si content was revealed in details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this investigation was to identify microstructure and cyclic deformation behavior of a 3D-printed Ti–6Al–4V alloy via selective electron beam melting (SEBM). Abundant orientated α-lamellae were present in the prior columnar β grains along the building direction. Four distinct high-angle α/α grain boundaries were detected as stipulated by the Burgers orientation relationship in the β→α phase transformation at a relatively slow cooling rate during SEBM, including the unique low-energy prismatic/basal (PB) grain boundaries with a misorientation angle of 90° in the 3D-printed Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The alloy exhibited superior strength and adequate ductility, along with a certain extent of strain-rate sensitivity. Cyclic stabilization largely sustained, while cyclic softening occurred at higher strain amplitudes. Although fatigue life could be described by Smith, Watson and Topper (SWT) model, it would be better predicted via a total strain energy-based model. Crack initiation occurred from near-surface defects of entrapped gas pores or residual unmelted zones, and crack propagation was characterized by typical fatigue striations. The results obtained would help promote the safe and reliable applications of 3D-printed titanium components. Image 1 • A superior strength along with sufficient ductility is achieved via 3D printing. • Abundant α lamellae are present and positioned in the prior columnar β grains. • Distinct α/α grain boundaries are detected in the β.→α phase transformation. • Cyclic stabilization retains despite cyclic softening at higher strain amplitudes. • Fatigue life can be well predicted via a total strain energy-based approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manganese based lithium ion sieve H 1.6 Mn 1.6 O 4 is regarded as a promising adsorbent for recovering lithium from salt-lake brines. However, the poor recycle stability caused by the dissolution of manganese hinders its industrial application. In this work, the Co-doped H 1.6 Co x Mn 1.6-x O 4 ion sieve with enhanced cycling performance for Li + adsorption was prepared through hydrothermal synthesis. The results of XRD and SEM indicated that Co-doping did not affect the spinel crystal structure of Li 1.6 Mn 1.6 O 4 and a micro array structure was obtained. The cooperative effect of Co-doping and the micro array structure morphology on the Li + adsorption performance was investigated. Compared with H 1.6 Mn 1.6 O 4 (23.53 mg/g), the adsorption capacity of H 1.6 Co 0.16 Mn 1.44 O 4 reached 29.95 mg/g. Also, H 1.6 Co 0.16 Mn 1.44 O 4 showed excellent cycling performance that the Li + adsorption capacity maintained over 88% and the dissolution rate of manganese was below 2% after five cycles. The Co-doped H 1.6 Co x Mn 1.6-x O 4 ion sieves show the prospects to be employed for the Li + extraction from aqueous lithium resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]