Effects of high temperature pre-straining on natural aging and bake hardening response of Al-Mg-Si alloys

The influences of high temperature pre-straining (HT-PS) on the natural aging and bake hardening of Al?Mg?Si alloys were investigated by Vickers microhardness measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization. The results show that pre-straining at 170 °C immediately after quenching can effectively resolve the rather high T4 temper hardness caused by the conventional room temperature (RT) pre-straining treatment, and give a better bake hardening response (BHR) after paint-bake cycle. HT-PS 7% at 170 °C for 10 min is chosen as the optimum process as it provides lower T4 temper hardness and better BHR. The simultaneous introduction of dislocations and Cluster (2) can significantly suppress the natural aging and promote the precipitation of β″ phase, and reduce the effects of deformation hardening by dynamic recovery.

Identification of QTLs for seed storability in rice under natural aging conditions using two RILs with the same parent Shennong 265

Seed storability （SS） is an important trait for agronomic production and germplasm preservation in rice （Oryza sativa L.）. Quantitative trait locus （QTL） for seed storability in three storage periods was identified using two sets of recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the crosses with a colnmon female parent Shennong 265 （SN265）. Ten QTLs for seed storability were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12in SL-RILs （SN265/Lijiangxingtuanheigui （LTH））, and a total of 12 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 10 in SH-RILs （SN265/Luhui 99 （LH99））in different storage periods. Among these QTLs, five major QTLs were identified in more than one storage period. The qSS3-1, qSS3-2, qSS12-1, and qSS12-2 were detected in SL-RILs. Similarly, qSS2-2, qSS2-3, qSS6-2, qSS6-3, qSS6-4, qSS9-1, and qSS9-2 were detected in SH-RILs. In addition, the maximum phenotypic variation was derived from the qSS6-1 and qSS9-2, explaining 53.58 and 29.09%, respectively, while qSS6-1 was a new stable QTL for seed storability. These results provide an opportunity for pyramiding and map-based cloning major QTLs for seed storability in rice.

Effect of natural aging on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded 7050-T7451 joints

The microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded 2. 5 mm 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy natural aging 72 h and 17 520 h were investigated, respectively. The uniaxial tensile test showed that yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of the joints 17 520 h natural aging were about 20%, 12% and 24% higher than those joints natural aging 72 h. Hardness profile of natural aging 17 520 h joint witnessed significant enhancement in nugget zone, compared with 72 h natural aging. Differential scanning calorimetry （ DSC ） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） test revealed that more Guinier-Preston zone, η＇ and 71 phase emerged in nugget zone as natural aging duration increased, high density of dislocation located within grain boundary in nugget zone of joints natural aging 72 h. It is concluded that natural aging was feasible to enhalwe strength and plasticity of FSW joints simultaneously.

Current Perspective in the Discovery of Anti-aging Agents from Natural Products

Aging is a process characterized by accumulating degenerative damages,resulting in the death of an organism ultimately.The main goal of aging research is to develop therapies that delay age-related diseases in human.Since signaling pathways in aging of Caenorhabditis elegans(C.elegans),fruit flies and mice are evolutionarily conserved,compounds extending lifespan of them by intervening pathways of aging may be useful in treating age-related diseases in human.Natural products have special resource advantage and with few side effect.Recently,many compounds or extracts from natural products slowing aging and extending lifespan have been reported.Here we summarized these compounds or extracts and their mechanisms in increasing longevity of C.elegans or other species,and the prospect in developing antiaging medicine from natural products.

Natural astaxanthin enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved semen quality through the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in aging layer breeder roosters

Background:Natural astaxanthin(ASTA)has strong antioxidant properties and has been widely used as a health product to improve human health.However,the effects of ASTA on the reproductive performance of aging roosters have been poorly studied.We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity in aging roosters and to explore the potential mechanism of semen quality change via antioxidation defense system.Methods:In the present study,9653-week-old Jinghong No.1 layer breeder roosters were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 0,25,50,or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks.Results:Semen quality in the ASTA groups remarkably improved than that in the control group,and antioxidant activities,the abilities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions,increased gradually with ASTA addition(P<0.05).In addition,the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as the mRNA and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)were markedly increased in the 50-100 mg/kg ASTA group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,these results demonstrate that dietary ASTA may improve semen quality by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals,which may be related to upregulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Influence of Non-Natural Ageing Temperature on the Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Cast Aluminum 6063 Alloy

This research considered the effect of non-natural aging on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of as-cast aluminum 6063 alloys. The samples were developed through a sand casting process and machined into tensile and impact test samples before carrying out solution heat treatment at 550?C (0.83 Tm) on two parts of the samples while retaining one part as the control. The two parts were further divided into sets denoted A and B and were aged at 180?C (0.27 Tm) and 160?C (0.24 Tm), respectively, for 12 hours. The results showed that sample A has the optimal yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of 192 and 206 MPa, respectively. Likewise, the sample gave the highest impact strength value of about 9.63 J/mm2. The observed results were supported by the optical micrograph, which revealed that the sample has evenly dispersed precipitates in its microstructure. This is deemed responsible for the observed increase in strength of the sample.

Natural Aging Effects on the Solutionizing Heat Treatment Process of the A6060 Al Alloy As-Cast Billets for Profile Production

Recently results were presented for an R & D program for handling the as-cast billets of an Al-Si-Mg A6060 Al alloy at the solutionizing heat treatment temperature. A reduction in the solutionizing temperature of the as-cast billets from 585℃ to 540℃ was found. This leads to substantial energy savings without lowering the quality of the final commercial Al profiles. The alloy was treated from the microstructural point of view as an Aluminum Metal-Matrix Composite (Al-MMC). Strengthening of the Al matrix grains during the process was quantified and measured by micro-Vickers hardness testing. A possible application of this is to apply the suggested lower temperature solutionizing process to billets stockpiled in the factory for some months. The alloy undergoes natural aging, a physical process at ambient temperature that alters its microstructural features. Does this aging affect the quality of the lower temperature solutionizing treated profiles? The effect of the natural aging by micro-Vickers hardness testing on some of the same samples of our original work stockpiled in our lab for 10 months was investigated. We applied, further, the Image-Pro Plus image processing software on them in an effort to collect microstructural data and compared them to values taken 10 months earlier. Also we tried an interconnection between the two experimental processes treating the alloy as an Al-MMC.

Influence of Trace Oxygen on the Mechanical Properties of High Pure Silver during Natural Aging

Two kinds of high pure silver materials with 5.3 ppm oxygen and 32.7 ppm oxygen were prepared by various melting processes, both samples were subjected to accumulative rolling with 95% thickness reduction. Their mechanical properties were tested during long natural aging. Results showed that the Ag sheet with 5.3 ppm oxygen is at full annealed state when natural aging 58 days or kept at 150℃ for 30 minutes, and the Ag sheet with 32.7 ppm oxygen is a little of recovery when natural aging a year. It is suggested that appropriate oxygen interstitial solute in Ag solid solution and a few of Ag2O particles at Ag grain boundaries impede the recovery and recrystallization of Ag sheets.

Natural aging mechanism of buried polyethylene pipelines during long-term service

Currently,accelerated aging tests are widely used to study the aging process of polyethylene pipelines.However,this approach can only simulate one or several main influencing factors in the natural environment,which are often quite different from the actual environment of the buried pipelines.In this study,five types of PE80 buried pipelines in service for 9e18 years were taken as the research object,while new PE80 pipelines were taken as the reference group.The aging process and mechanism of polyethylene buried pipelines were studied through mechanical and chemical property tests and microstructural analysis.The results showed that the pipeline exhibited cross-linking as the main aging mechanism after being in service for 0e18 years.The aging degree and law of the inner and outer surface of the pipeline were compared,and the observed mechanism of both surfaces was explained.After 18 years in service,the elongation at the break of the pipe decreased by 16.2%,and the toughness of the matrix in the main collapse area of the tensile sample was the fundamental reason responsible for changes in the mechanical properties.Finally,after 18 years in service,the oxidation induction time of the pipeline was 25.7 min,which was 28.5% higher than the national standard value.There were no potential safety hazards during continuous long-term service.The results of this paper provide reference data and theoretical guidance for the aging process study of buried polyethylene pipelines.

Hygrothermal/UV Aging Effect on Visual Aspect and Mechanical Properties of Non-Woven Natural-Fiber Composites

This work aims at studying the effect of hygrothermal and UV cyclic aging on the tensile properties and esthetic characteristics of non-woven composites.The composite materials were thermo-compressed from non-woven mats made up of PP and flax or kenaf fibers.This works included evaluating the change in color appearance and analyzing the variations in tensile properties and damage mechanisms,depending on the aging time.The presence of the UV protection film on the composite surface showed its effectiveness against aging.From visual observations and measurement of colorimetric parameters,it has been proved effective in the reduction of the bleaching and yellowing of the composites.As regards the tensile tests,the UV protection film enabled to stabilize the Young’s modulus after 1-week aging for Kenaf/PP and after 3-weeks for Flax/PP.After 4-weeks aging,it halved the number of acoustic emission events related to interfacial decohesion and fiber slippage/pull out for Flax/PP and Kenaf/PP composites.

Damping Property of Supersaturated ZnA127Ce Alloy during Natural Aging

The microstructures and damping property of supersaturated ZnA127Ce alloy during natural aging have been investigated. H-800 TEM was mainly used to research the microstructures. The relationship between microstructure and damping property was primarily studied. The results showed that solution plus natural aging was the best heat treatment, which could improve the damping property. Both continuous precipitation and cellular reaction occurred during the aging. Continuous precipitation follows the sequence: β→spherical GP zones→elliptical GP zones→intermediate phase R→n. The cellular reaction can be written as follows:β→a+n+ε.

Potential of Natural Killer Cell Enriched Conditioned Media for Skin Care and Anti-Aging

Natural killer (NK) cell is a type of immune cell and is known to be particularly responsible for innate immunity such as anti-cancer immunity, defense mechanisms against infections, and secretion of various cytokines and chemokines for increasing recruitment of other immune cells. In this study, we investigated the potentials of NK-enriched lymphocytes (NKEL) conditioned media (CM) on skin care for cosmeceutical compositions. Various cytokines of NKEL CM can improve wound healing through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by increasing KLKs (kallikreins) and reduce metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-2 to inhibit wrinkle formation. Our results suggest that NKEL CM which has various cytokines promotes up-regulation of cell migration and KLKs and down-regulation of MMP-1 and MMP-2 by stimulating HaCaT keratinocytes migration. Therefore, NKEL CM can be used as a cosmetic composition that can play a role in skin regeneration and anti-aging.

Effect of Aging on Solar Reflectance of White Cool Roof Coatings:Natural Weathering and the Influence on Building Energy Needs for Different Climate Conditions in Brazil

The use of cool materials on the building envelope is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase indoor thermal comfort conditions in hot climates and decrease the cooling energy needs.Despite the benefit of reducing cooling loads,researches have demonstrated that aging of roof coatings changes the initial solar reflectance(SR),which influences the long term building thermal and energy performance.Thus,this work presents preliminary natural weathering tests performed on samples of nine white coatings exposed to natural weathering for one year in the city of Sao Carlos,Brazil.Solar reflectances were measured with a spectrophotometer before and after exposure,every 3 months,for identifying the effect of aging along the time.The findings showed changes of 13%to 23%on SR after one year of natural weathering,with higher decrease on SR for rougher surfaces.The cleaning process restored from 90%to 100%of the original SR,which means maintenance can be an effective solution to restore the initial SR.Simulations indicated that roofs with higher solar reflectance increase indoor thermal comfort conditions and decrease the cooling energy need for buildings in hot climates,but the aging of white coatings increased the cooling energy needs along the time.

Experimental study on thermal decomposition kinetics of natural ageing AP/HTPB base bleed composite propellant

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition for a naturally ageing ammonium perchlorate(AP) and hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene(HTPB) base bleed composite propellant were investigated using a differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The naturally ageing AP/HTPB base bleed propellant samples have been stored in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature(5-25 ℃) for more than 20 years. The experimental DSC results were obtained by placing samples(each about 1.5 mg) in a sealed pan under non-isothermal condition under different heating rates, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 30.0 ℃·min^(-1). The activation energy and pre-exponential factor were estimated based on the relationship between the exothermic peak temperature and the heating rate by Ozawa and Kissinger methods, respectively. The decomposition kinetic parameters is lower the values under laboratorial aging condition.

Natural Ageing Tests to Study In-service Different Facade Solutions--ETICS and Premixed One-Coat Rendered Walls

In situ testing provides accurate characterization of existing degradation mechanisms of materials and building systems which helps reducing the subjectivity of visual inspections especially when ageing under natural ageing conditions is carried out over significant periods of time. In this work, data collected from field experimental campaigns over 10 years after construction using several premixed one-coat rendered walls and over 4 and 6 years after construction in the case of ETICS （external thermal insulation composite systems） are presented and discussed. The influence of hydrophobic agents on the performance of both types of facades in terms of surface condition and water penetration was assessed by visual inspections, Karsten test and capillary tests. Additionally, adhesion tests and subsequent evaluation of porosity were also carried out for premixed one-coat mortars. The results obtained have shown that ageing of the rendering solutions, especially after 5 or 6 years in-service, results from the loss of resistance to liquid water penetration, especially at the surface. Yet, additional mechanisms such as leaching of hydrophobic agents and photochemical degradation are thought to be involved, too. Moreover, the results obtained using the Karsten test proved to be the most reliable method to determine the loss of water penetration resistance and predict the ageing of facade solutions. The information collected and the correlations established can help developing solutions to prevent early ageing and implement appropriate maintenance plans to delay their effect.

Removal of Ag(I) from Aqueous Solution by Japanese Natural Clinoptilolite

The present study examined the adsorption of silver ion in aqueous solution onto natural clinoptilolite zeolite from Futatsui Mine, Akita Prefecture, Japan. The effects of various parameters, i.e., solution pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, silver ion solution concentration, and temperature, on silver ion adsorption process onto clinoptilolite were examined. Additionally, the thermodynamics of the silver ion adsorption process was investigated. The optimum pH for silver adsorption was determined to be around 4.0. The adsorption process could be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity was 0.64 mmol/g. Adsorption kinetics studies were also conducted. The results showed that the adsorption process preferentially followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model over the pseudo-first-order model. Furthermore, with decreasing aqueous solution temperatures, the adsorption kinetics became slower and the amount of silver ion adsorbed increased. The thermodynamic values, ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0, indicated that adsorption was an exo-thermic and spontaneous process.

The Age Structure of a Larix gmelini Population and How It Was Related to Natural Disturbances

The age structure of a Lurix gmelini population in the northern part of the Great Xingan mountains consists of one to several age waves. Three types (one-, two- and multi-generation populations) , plusing eleven subtypes of age structure can be classified. As the basic unit of the age structure, age waves show an apparent β distribution in the range from 20 to 60 years. The interval between the starting points of two adjacent age waves is more than 100 years. Natural disturbances,especially forest fires that occurred in this area have had an important effect on the age structure. Most of the age waves resulted from forest fires, but the effect of windfall on the age structure also can be revealed through the analysis of young age waves. Generally, high intensity and low frequency fires are usually followed by one-generation populations, while low intensity and high frequency fires by two- or multi-generation populations.

Effects of Mulberry Extract on Regulation of Sex Hormone and Hypothalamic Neurotransmitter in Naturally Aged Female Rats

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different mulberry extracts on sex hormone and hypothalamic neurotransmitter in naturally aged female rats and reveal the mechanism and material basis of anti-aging effect of mulberry. [ Method] Fourteen-month-old SD female rats were selected and ran- domly divided into model group, positive control group, high-dose and low-dose water extract groups, high-dose and low-dose 50% ethanol extract groups, and high-dose and low-dose 95% ethanol extract groups; four-month-old SD female rats were used as blank control group. After eight weeks of drug administration, the levels of 17β-estradiol （E2 ）, follicle- stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH） in serum and beta-endorphin （β-EP） in hypothalamus were de- termined by radioimmunoassay; the levels of norepinephrine （ NE）, dopamine （ DA）, 5-hydroxy tryptamine （5-HT） and 5-HIAA in hypothalamus were determined by fluorescence spectrometry. [ Result] Water extract of mulberry can increase the level of E2 and reduce levels of FSH and LH in serum, and increase the level of fl-EP and reduce levels of DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in hypothalamus of naturally aged female rats. Water extract of mulberry exhibited higher effects than 50% eth- anol extract and 95% ethanol extract. [ Conclusion] Mulberry could significantly improve the function of hypothalamic peptide neurotransmitter in naturally aged rats, correct disorders of hypothalamic monoamine neurotransmitter, and treat perimenopausal syndrome by regulating reproductive endocrine function, which might be related with its water-soluble components and require further investigation and development.

The Natural History of Dry Type of Age-related Macular Degeneration

To study the natural history of dry type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and search for a sensitive method for detecting the development of the disease, the fundus fluorescein angiography, visual acuity, electroretinogram and FM 100-hue test were used to examine 75 eyes, 147 eyes, 73 eyes, and 94 eyes respectively. These examinations were taken at least twice during the follow-up periods. The average age was 63.2 years (50-80 years ). The average follow-up was 29.8 months with a range of 3-74 ...

Natural history and long-term clinical course of Crohn's disease

Crohn&#x02019;s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease process involving different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Occasionally, so-called metastatic disease occurs in extra-intestinal sites. Granulomatous inflammation may be detected in endoscopic biopsies or resected tissues. Genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors appear to play a role. Multiple susceptibility genes have been described in both familial and non-familial forms while the disease is phenotypically heterogeneous with a female predominance. The disorder occurs over a broad age spectrum, from early childhood to late adulthood. More than 80% are diagnosed before age 40 years usually with terminal ileal and colonic involvement. Pediatric-onset disease is more severe and more extensive, usually with a higher chance of upper gastrointestinal tract disease, compared to adult-onset disease. Long-term studies have shown that the disorder may evolve with time into more complex disease with stricture formation and penetrating disease complications (i.e., fistula, abscess). Although prolonged remission may occur, discrete periods of symptomatic disease may re-appear over many decades suggesting recurrence or re-activation of this inflammatory process. Eventual development of a cure will likely depend on identification of an etiologic cause and a fundamental understanding of its pathogenesis. Until now, treatment has focused on removing risk factors, particularly cigarette smoking, and improving symptoms. In clinical trials, clinical remission is largely defined as improved numerical and endoscopic indices for &#x0201c;mucosal healing&#x0201d;. &#x0201c;Deep remission&#x0201d; is a conceptual, more &#x0201c;extended&#x0201d; goal that may or may not alter the long-term natural history of the disease in selected patients, albeit at a significant risk for treatment complications, including serious and unusual opportunistic infections.