Hollow porous FeCo/Cu/CNTs composite microspheres with excellent microwave absorption performance

Magnetic/dielectric composite materials with numerous heterointerfaces are highly promising functional materials, which are widely applied in the fields of electromagnetic wave absorption. Constructing heterogeneous structure is beneficial to further enhance the microwave absorption performance of composite materials. However, the process of constructing multi-heterogeneous interfaces is extremely complex. In this work, hollow porous FeCo/Cu/CNTs composite microspheres are prepared by the simple spray drying method and subsequently two-step annealing treatment, which possess abundant heterogeneous interfaces, unique three-dimensional conductive network and magnetic coupling network. This unique structure is beneficial to improving the ability of dielectric loss and magnetic loss, and then achieving an excellent microwave absorption performance. The prepared FeCo/Cu/CNTs-1 composite microspheres maintain a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −48.1 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 5.76 GHz at a thickness of 1.8 mm. Generally, this work provides a new idea for designing multi-heterogeneous of microwave absorbing materials.

Gemological-Mineralogical Characteristic of Spinels from Sri Lanka

Detailed mineralogical and gemological records were conducted on 340 unheated spinels from the Horana, Eheliyagoda, Ratnapura, and Okkampatiya mining areas in Sri Lanka. The color of Sri Lankan spinel varies greatly: in addition to the mainstream pink to purple pink, green and blue can also be seen. Compared with spinel from other regions such as Myanmar, Vietnam, and Tanzania, Sri Lanka's spinel has more abundant inclusions: several mining areas generally have inclusions such as dolomite, apatite, zircon, and chondrodite. Minerals such as graphite and forsterite are also found in spinel produced in the Horana region;graphite and rutile have been found in spinel produced in the Okkamptiya region. Partially healed fissures are most common in spinel in the Okkampatiya mining area;Unlike Vietnamese spinel, dislocations and growth structures are almost absent in Sri Lankan spinel. The LA-ICP-MS analysis results showed that there were no significant differences among the mining areas. LA-ICP-MS analysis of 5 Sri Lankan cobalt blue spinels showed a variation of 11 to 120 ppm in this chromogenic element. The UV visible absorption spectrum results show that Sri Lankan spinel has a combination spectra with variable ratios of the spectral components Cr 3+ , V 3+ and Fe 2+ from pink to red, orange, purple to purple, and blue-green. The results of infrared spectroscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy analysis showed that all samples showed no indications for heat treatment.

Investigation on Uniaxial Tensile Instability of USIBOR1500 Steel Sheets at Elevated Temperature

In the sheet forming process with stretch, diffuse instability and localized instability usually occur in the process one after another. The necking rate has a great impact on the instability process and the forming limits of the rate sensitive material, such as USIBOR1500 steel sheets at elevated temperature. The available reports about this steel mainly focus on hot uniaxial tensile, martensitic transformation and forming process, but there are few investigations on instability behavior and forming limits. Based on Inoue Kachiro＇s flow stress constitutive model at elevated temperature, combined with Swift＇s diffuse instability rule and Hill＇s localized instability nile, the relation is theoretically deduced between the diffuse necking rate along with the localized necking rate and the exponent of strain rate sensitivity together with the strain rate in the case of the USIBOR1500 steel sheets at elevated temperature. According to the time-temperature characteristics of the hot stamping process, tensile tests of the steel sheets were carried out on Gleeble3800, and the stress-strain curves were obtained at different temperatures and different strain rates. Then the values of the exponent of strain rate sensitivity and the hardening exponent were obtained through fitting the curves by least squares. The tests also helped to provide the distribution laws of the major strain of the specimens and the uniform strains as well as the necking width. The uniform strains obtained from the tests are matched well with the theoretical calculations.

Synthesis of LiFePO_4 /C as cathode material by a novel optimized hydrothermal method

Olivine LiFePO 4 , as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries, was prepared by a novel optimized hydrothermal method; afterwards, the product mixed with glucose was two-step （350℃ and 700℃） calcinated under high-purity N 2 atmosphere to obtain the LiFePO 4 /C composite. The study on the hydrothermal preparation method, which focused on the influences of molar ratios, initial pH value, reaction temperature, and duration, was made to promote the resultant performances and to investigate the relations between the performances and the reaction conditions. The resultant samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and electrochemical tests, which include charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The result shows that the optimal hydrothermal condition is to set the Li：Fe：P molar ratio at 3：1：1 and the reaction temperature at 180℃ for 5 h duration with an initial pH value of 7. The optimized sample, with an average particle size of 100 to 300 nm and a discharge capacity of 118.2 mAh·g-1 at 0.1C, exhibits a stable and narrow-gapped charge-discharge platform and small capacity losses after cycles.

Toxicity Reduction of Municipal Wastewater by Anaerobic-anoxic-oxic Process

Objective This study was conducted to optimize the operational parameters of anaerobic-anoxic-oxic （A^2/O） processes to reduce the toxicity of municipal wastewater and evaluate its ability to reduce toxicity. Methods A luminescent bacterium toxicity bioassay was employed to assess the toxicity of influent and effluent of each reactor in the A2/O system. Results The optimum operational parameters for toxicity reduction were as follows： anaerobic hydraulic retention time （HRT） = 2.8 h, anoxic HRT = 2.8 h, aerobic HRT = 6.9 h, sludge retention time （SRT） = 15 days and internal recycle ratio （IRR） = 100%. An important toxicity reduction （%） was observed in the optimized A2/O process, even when the toluene concentration of the influent was 120.7 mg·L^-1. Conclusions The toxicity of municipal wastewater was reduced significantly during the A^2/O process. A^2/O process can be used for toxicity reduction of municipal wastewater under toxic-shock loading.

Shake table testing of a multi-tower connected hybrid structure

Many single-tower reinforced concrete core wall-steel frame （RCC-SF） buildings have been built in China, but there are no buildings of different-height multi-tower hybrid system. A multi-tower RCC-SF tall building was thus studied because of its structural complexity and irregularity. First, a 1/15 scaled model structure was designed and tested on the shake table under minor, moderate, and major earthquake levels. Then, the dynamic responses of the model structure were interpreted to those of the prototype structure according to the similitude theory. Experimental results demonstrate that, despite the complexity of the structure, the lateral deformation bends as the ＂bending type＂ and the RC core walls contribute more than the steel frames to resist seismic loads. The maximum inter-story drift of the complex building under minor earthquakes is slightly beyond the elastic limitation specified in the Chinese code, and meets code requirements under major earthquakes. From the test results some suggestions are provided that could contribute favorable effect on the seismic behavior and the displacement of the building.

Shifting Rule Modification Strategy of Automatic Transmission Based on Driver-vehicle-road Environment

Accidental or frequent shift often occurs when the shifting rule is built based on traditional two parameters （i.e., velocity and throttle）, because the speed of engine varies slower than change of throttle opening. Currently, modifying shift point velocity value or throttle by throttle change rate is one of common methods, but the results are not so satisfactory in some working condition such as uphill. The reason is that these methods merely consider throttle change rate which is not enough for a car driving in driver-vehicle-road environment system. So a novel fuzzy control modification strategy is proposed to avoid or reduce those abnormal shift actions. It can adjust shifting rule by the change rate of throttle, current gear position and road environment information, while different gear position and driving environment get corresponding modification value. In order to compare the results of shifting actions, fuel consumption and braking distance, emergent braking in level road and extra-urban driving cycle（EUDC） working conditions with fuzzy shifting schedule modification strategy are simulated digitally. Furthermore, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform is introduced to verify its effect in slope road condition according to the ON/OFF numbers of solenoid valve in hydraulic system. The simulation results show that the problem of unexpected shift in those working conditions may be resolved by fuzzy modification strategy. At last, it is concluded that although there is some slight decline in power performance in uphill situation, this fuzzy modification strategy could correctly identify slope of road, decrease braking distance, improve vehicle comfort and fuel economy effectively and prolong the life of clutch system. So, this fuzzy logic shifting strategy provides important references for vehicle intelligent shifting schedule.

Decreased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ contributes to increased sensitivity to endotoxin in obstructive jaundice

AIM: To investigate the role of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in increased susceptibility to endotoxin-induced toxicity in rats with bile duct ligation during endotoxemia.METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL). Sham-operated animals served as controls. DNA binding were determined by polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting analysis,and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, respectively.BDL and sham-operated rats received a non-lethal dose of intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Additionally, the potential beneficial effects of the PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone were determined in BDL and sham-operated rats treated with a non-lethal dose of LPS. Survival was assessed in BDL rats treated with a non-lethal dose of LPS and in sham-operatedrats treated at a lethal dose of LPS (6 mg/kg, i.p.).RESULTS: PPAR-γ activity in rats undergoing BDL wassignificantly lower than in the sham-controls. Hepatic PPAR-γ gene expression was downregulated at both them RNA and protein levels. In a parallel group, serumlevels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were nearly unde-tectable in the sham-operated rats. When challenged with a non-lethal dose of LPS (3 mg/kg), the BDL ratshad approximately a 2.4-fold increase in serum IL-6,a 2.7 fold increase in serum TNF-α, 2.2-fold increasein serum IL-1 and 4.2-fold increase in serum ALT. Thesurvival rate was significantly lower as compared with that in sham-operated group. Additionally, rosiglitazone significantly reduced the concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and ALT in sham-operated rats, but not in BDL rats, in response to LPS (3 mg/kg). Also, the survival was improved by rosiglita zone in sham-operated rats challenged with a lethal dose of LPS, but not in BDL rats, even with a non-lethal dose of LPS (3 mg/kg).CONCLUSION: Obstructive jaundice downregulates hepatic PPAR-γ expression, which in turn may contributeto hypersensitivity towards endotoxin.

A Case Study of Search Engine on World Wide Web for Chemical Fiber Engineering

Search engine is an effective approach to promote the service quality of the World Wide Web. On terms of the analysis of search engines at home and abroad, the developing principle of search engines is given according to the requirement of Web information for chemical fiber engineering. The implementation method for the communication and dynamic refreshment of information on home page of the search engines are elaborated by using programming technology of Active Server Page 3.0 (ASP3.0). The query of chemical fiber information and automatic linking of chemical fiber Web sites can be easily realized by the developed search engine under Internet environment according to users' requirement.

SemTrust: A Semantic Reputation System in P2P-Based Semantic Web

A reputation mechanism is introduced in P2P- based Semantic Web to solve the problem of lacking trust. It enables Semantic Web to utilize reputation information based on semantic similarity of peers in the network. This approach is evaluated in a simulation of a content sharing system and the experiments show that the system with reputation mechanism outperforms the system without it.

VATS Right Upper Lobe Anterior Segmentectomy in Post Left Pneumonectomy: Technique

Lung resection following pneumonectomy for recurrent lung cancer is a challenging scenario.Peri-operative airway management and choice of surgical procedure are issues to be addressed by both the anesthesiologists and thoracic surgeons.We hereby report a case of anterior segmentectomy of the right upper for recurrent lung cancer,in a patient who had previously underwent pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer one year earlier.A modified conventional tracheal intubation and unique surgical techniques were applied for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)anterior segmentectomy of the right upper lobe in a patient with a notable mediastinal shift(following contralateral pneumonectomy),resulting in a good recovery and clinical outcome.The clinical experience is summarized in detail in this article.

Sulfate Attack Resistance of Air-entrained Silica Fume Concrete under Dry-Wet Cycle Condition

Based on the erosion resistant coefficient,the effects of water-cement ratio,air-entrained,silica fume content and sand ratio on the sulfate attack resistance of air-entrained silica fume concrete were studied by orthogonal experiments in order to explore its sulfate attack resistance under dry-wet condition.A more significant model of concrete resistance to sulfate attack was also established,thus this work provided a strategy reference for quantitative design of sulfate attack resistant concrete.The experimental results show that dry-wet cycle deteriorates the concrete resistance to the sulfate attack,and leads to the remarkable declines of concrete strength and sulfate resistance.Air bubbles in the air-entrained silica fume concrete lower and delay the damage resulted from the crystallization sulfate salt.However this delay gradually disappears when most of the close bubbles are breached by the alternative running of the sulfate salt crystallization and the permeating pressure,and then the air bubbles are filled with sulfate salt crystallization.The concrete is provided with the strongest sulfate resistance when it is prepared with the 0.47 water-binder ratio,6.0% air-entrained,5% silica fume and 30% sand ratio.The erosion resistant coefficients K80 and K150 of this concrete are increased by 9%,7%,9%,and 5% respectively as compared with those of concretes without silica fume and air entraining.

An Immunohistochemical Study of Langerhans Cells,T-Cells and the HLA Antigen in Human Cornea

The distribution of Langerhans cells (LC),T-cell subsets andHLA antigen in 12 normal and 7 morbid corneas,including 4 of suppurativecorneal ulcer and 3 of uveogenic endophthalmitis,was investigated withmonoclonal antibodies.The results revealed that a small amount of LC andT-cell subsets were present in the limbal region of normal corneas,whilelarge numbers of LC and OKT_4^+ were observed in the corneas of suppurativeulcer.HLA-A,B,C antigens were expressed on the epithelial cells keratocytes of the normal corneas, while the HLA-DRantigens wereexpressed on the surface of LC at the limbus.

Gold Catalysts Supported on Crystalline Fe_2O_3 and CeO_2/Fe_2O_3 for Low-temperature CO Oxidation

High active and stable gold catalysts supported on crystalline Fe203 and CeO2/Fe2O3 were prepared via the deposition-precipitation method. The catalyst with a Au load of 1.0% calcined at 180 ℃ showed a CO conversion of 100% at -8.9℃, while Au/CeO2/Fe2O3 converted CO completely at -16.1 ℃. Even having been calcined at 500 ℃, Au/Fe2O3 still exhibited significant catalytic activity, achieving full conversion of CO at 61.6℃. The catalyst with a low Au load of 0.5% could convert CO completely at room temperature and kept the activity unchanged for at least 150 h. N2 adsorption-desorption measurements show that the crystalline supports possessed a high specific surface area of about 200 m2/g. Characterizations of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that gold species were highly dispersed as nano or sub-nano particles on the supports. Even after the catalyst was calcined at 500 ℃, the Au particles remained in a nano-size of about 6--10 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectra reveal that the supported Au existed in metallic state Au0. The modification of Au/Fe2O3 by CeO2 proved to be beneficial to the inhibition of crystallization of Fe2O3 and the stabilization of gold particles in dispersed state, consequently promoting catalytic activity.

Secret Sharing Using Visual Cryptography

Compared with the traditional crypto- graphy, visual cryptography （VC） decrypts secret images referring to the characteristics of human vision, rather than the cryptography knowledge or complex computations. Furthermore, seeing to the freeness of the secret key, the whole process of encryption as well as deeryption for the visual cryptography meets a fast dealing course. As to the security concern, it is able to guarantee that no one can have access to any clues about the content of a secret image from individual cover images. Thus, owing to the studies on this area, the target of light-weighted cryptography is reached. Now the visual cryptography has been developed from the meaningless shadows to the meaningful ones. Seeing to the highly developed technique, some advanced VC techniques are introduced in this survey, respectively.

Design of relative position sensing system for high-speed maglev train

In the high-speed maglev system,accurate real-time information of the train position is essential forstable,safe and efficient train operation.To detect the relative position of the high-speed maglev trainfrom a reference position,a location method based on long stator slot detection was proposed.Besides,aprototype system has been successfully developed.The hardware structure of the system,as well as itsworking principle was described.Moreover,a subdivision algorithm for calculating the pole location anglesignal was elucidated.Experiments show that the proposed method is feasible.The technical indexes ofthe detection system satisfy the requirements of the vehicle operation control system.The relative positionsensing system can be put into practice.

ANALYSIS ON IMPACT RESPONSES OF UNRESTRAINED PLANAR FRAME STRUCTURE(Ⅰ)—FORMULA DERIVATION

The generalized Fourier-series method was used to derive the impact responses formula of an unrestrained planar frame structure when subjected to an impact of a moving rigid-body. By using these formula, the analytic solutions of dynamic responses of the contact-impact system can be obtained. During the derivation, the momentum sum of elastic responses of the contact-impact system is demonstrated to be zero. From the derivation, it is seen that the modal method can also be used to solve this kind of impact problem.

Females adopt sexual catalepsy to facilitate mating

Theory predicts that males and females of dioecious species typically engage in an evolutionary sexual conflict over the frequency and choice of mating partner.Female sexual cannibalism,a particularly dramatic illustration of this conflict,is widespread in certain animal taxa including spiders.Nevertheless,females of some funnel weaving spiders that are generally aggressive to conspecifics enter a cataleptic state after male courtship,ensuring the males can mate without risk of attack.In this study,we demonstrated that the physical posture and duration,metabo-lites,and central neurotransmitters of females of Aterigena aculeata in sexual catalepsy closely resemble females in thanatosis but are distinct from those in anesthesia,indicating that the courted females feign death to eliminate the risk of potentially aggressive responses and thereby allow preferred males to mate.Unlike the taxonomically widespread thanatosis,which generally represents a deceptive visual signal that acts against the interest of the receivers,sexual catalepsy of females in the funnel weaving spiders may deliver a sexual-receptive signal to the courting males and thereby benefit both the signal senders and receivers.Therefore,sexual catalepsy in A.aculeata may not reflect a conflict butrather a confluence of interest betweenthe sexes.

A review of fracture mechanic behaviors of rocks containing various defects

The existence of defects in a rock mass is a vital factor complicating the mechanical response of the rock mass under stress.The characteristics of defects control the rock mass’s mechanical behaviors.This report reviews the experimental studies on the influence of simulating the internal defects of rock mass’s mechanical properties.The effects of preexisting defects(shape,size,number,angle,and other factors)on the mechanical properties and failure modes of the rock are investigated from the perspectives of rock failure and fracture mechanics.The fracture propagation mechanisms of different defective rock masses are analyzed by studying the stress state of different defective rock masses under uniaxial compression.After the defective rock samples with varying inclination angles are destroyed,the relationship among the compressive strength,the fracture propagation,and the failure characteristics is explored.The primary findings are as follows.The increase in the size and number of defects rapidly damages the mechanical properties of the rock and intensifies defect penetration and expansion.The rock mechanics characteristics of fissured rocks with different inclination angles show two primary variations:one is a continuous increase,and the other is a decrease followed by an increase.This result is strongly related to the failure pattern of rocks with preexisting fissures.This investigation is crucial for further studying the failure modes of complex defective rock masses and the geotechnical engineering related to defective rocks.