Weld joint characteristics by nano-materials addition

The need for industries to remain competitive in the welding business, has created necessity to develop innovative processes that can exceed customer’s demand. Significant development in improving weld efficiency, during the past decades, still have their drawbacks, specifically in the weld strength properties. The recent innovative technologies have created smallest possible solid material known as nanomaterial and their introduction in welding production has improved the weld strength properties and to overcome unstable microstructures in the weld. This study utilizes a qualitative research method, to elaborate the methods of introducing nanomaterial to the weldments and the characteristic of the welds produced by different welding processes. The study mainly focuses on changes in the microstructural formation and strength properties on the welded joint and also discusses those factors influencing such improvements, due to the addition of nanomaterials. The effect of nanomaterial addition in welding process modifies the physics of joining region, thereby, resulting in significant improvement in the strength properties, with stable microstructure in the weld. The addition of nanomaterials in the welding processes are, through coating on base metal, addition in filler metal and utilizing nanostructured base metal. However, due to its insignificant size, the addition of nanomaterials directly to the weld, would poses complications. The factors having major influence on the joint integrity are dispersion of nanomaterials, characteristics of the nanomaterials, quantity of nanomaterials and selection of nanomaterials. The addition of nanomaterials does not affect the fundamental properties and characteristics of base metals and the filler metal. However, in some cases, the addition of nanomaterials lead to the deterioration of the joint properties by unstable microstructural formations. Still research are ongoing to achieve high joint integrity, in various materials through different welding processes and also on other factors that influence the joint strength.

Determination of myocardial infarction size in rats by echocardiography and tetrazolium staining: correlation, agreements, and simplifications

Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and echocardiography (ECHO) are methods used to determine experimental myocardial infarction (MI) size, whose practical applicability should be expanded. Our objectives were to analyze the accuracy of ECHO in determining infarction size in rats during the first days following coronary occlusion and to test whether a simplified single measurement by TTC correctly indicates MI size, as determined by the average value for multiple slices. Infarction was induced in female Wistar rats by coronary artery occlusion and MI size analysis was performed after the acute (7th day) and chronic periods (after 4 weeks) by ECHO matched with TTC. ECHO and TTC showed similar values of MI size (% of left ventricle perimeter) in acute (ECHO: 33 ± 11, TTC: 35 ± 14) and chronic (ECHO: 38 ± 14, TTC: 39 ± 13 periods), and also presented an excellent correlation (r = 0.92, P < 0.001). Although measurements from different heart planes showed discrepancies, a single measurement acquired from the mid-ventricular level by TTC was a good estimate of MI size calculated by the average of multiple planes, with minimal disagreement (Bland-Altman test with mean ratio bias of 0.99 ± 0.07) and close to an ideal correlation (r = 0.99, P < 0.001). In the present study, ECHO was confirmed as a useful method for the determination of MI size even in the acute phase. Also, the single measure of a mid-ventricular section proposed as a simplification of the TTC method is a satisfactory prediction of average MI extension.

Phenylpyrazolone derivatives inhibit gastric emptying in rats by a capsaicin-sensitive afferent pathway

Dipyrone (Dp), 4-aminoantipyrine (AA) and antipyrine (At) administered iv and Dp administered icv delay gastric emptying (GE) in rats. The participation of capsaicin (Cps)-sensitive afferent fibers in this phenomenon was evaluated. Male Wistar rats were pretreated sc with Cps (50 mg/kg) or vehicle between the first and second day of life and both groups were submitted to the eye-wiping test. GE was determined in these animals at the age of 8/9 weeks (weight: 200-300 g). Ten minutes before the study, the animals of both groups were treated iv with Dp, AA or At (240 μmol/kg), or saline; or treated icv with Dp (4 μmol/animal) or saline. GE was determined 10 min after treatment by measuring % gastric retention (GR) of saline labeled with phenol red 10 min after orogastric administration. Percent GR (mean ± SEM, N = 8) in animals pretreated with Cps and treated with Dp, AA or At (35.8 ± 3.2, 35.4 ± 2.2, and 35.6 ± 2%, respectively) did not differ from the GR of saline-treated animals pretreated with vehicle (36.8 ± 2.8%) and was significantly lower than in animals pretreated with vehicle and treated with the drugs (52.1 ± 2.8, 66.2 ± 4, and 55.8 ± 3%, respectively). The effect of icv administration of Dp (N = 6) was not modified by pretreatment with Cps (63.3 ± 5.7%) compared to Dp-treated animals pretreated with vehicle (62.3 ± 2.4%). The results suggest the participation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers in the delayed GE induced by iv administration of Dp, AA and At, but not of icv Dp.

Essential oil of Lippia alba and its main constituent citral block the excitability of rat sciatic nerves

Lippia alba is empirically used for infusions, teas, macerates, and hydroalcoholic extracts because of its antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, and anxiolytic effects. Citral is a mixture of trans-geranial and cis-neral and is the main constituent of L. alba essential oil and possesses analgesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects. The present study evaluated the effects of the essential oil of L. alba (EOLa) and citral on compound action potentials (CAPs) in Wistar rat sciatic nerves. Both drugs inhibited CAP in a concentration-dependent manner. The calculated half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of peak-to-peak amplitude were 53.2 µg/mL and 35.00 µg/mL (or 230 µM) for EOLa and citral, respectively. Peak-to-peak amplitude of the CAP was significantly reduced by 30 µg/mL EOLa and 10 µg/mL citral. EOLa and citral (at 60 and 30 µg/mL, values close to their respective IC50 for CAP blockade) significantly increased chronaxy and rheobase. The conduction velocity of the first and second CAP components was statistically reduced to ∼86% of control with 10 µg/mL EOLa and ∼90% of control with 3 µg/mL citral. This study showed that EOLa inhibited nerve excitability and this effect can be explained by the presence of citral in its composition. Both EOLa and citral showed inhibitory actions at lower concentrations compared with other essential oils and constituents with local anesthetic activity. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that EOLa and citral are promising agents in the development of new drugs with local anesthetic activity.

Comparison of methods by TLC and HPTLC for determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk and B1 in eggs

Milk and egg matrixes were assayed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and B1 (AFB1) respectively, by AOAC official and modified methods with detection and quantification by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The modified methods: Blanc followed by Romer, showed to be most appropriate for AFM1 analysis in milk. Both methods reduced emulsion formation, produced cleaner extracts, no streaking spots, precision and accuracy improved, especially when quantification was performed by HPTLC. The use of ternary mixture in the Blanc Method was advantageous as the solvent could extract AFM1 directly from the first stage (extraction), leaving other compounds in the binary mixture layer, avoiding emulsion formation, thus reducing toxin loss. The relative standard deviation (RSD%) values were low, 16 and 7% when TLC and HPTLC were used, with a mean recovery of 94 and 97%, respectively. As far as egg matrix and final extract are concerned, both methods evaluated for AFB1 need further studies. Although that matrix leads to emulsion with consequent loss of toxin, the Romer modified presented a reasonable clean extract (mean recovery of 92 and 96% for TLC and HPTLC, respectively). Most of the methods studied did not performed as expected mainly due to the matrixes high content of triglicerides (rich on saturated fatty acids), cholesterol, carotene and proteins. Although nowadays most methodology for AFM1 is based on HPLC, TLC determination (Blanc and Romer modified) for AFM1 and AFB1 is particularly recommended to those, inexperienced in food and feed mycotoxins analysis and especially who cannot afford to purchase sophisticated (HPLC,HPTLC) instrumentation.

Evaluation of novel programs in health counseling – their effectiveness in the oral health of young children, and their acceptance by parents and professionals in public dental service.

Aim and design: To evaluate family-based health counseling for young children, and to study the significance of adding parental self-care or the training of professionals to the programs. The effectiveness and acceptability of the programs were evaluated by comparing two new programs with an earlier one. Subjects and methods: The study was carried out in Vantaa, which was divided into three study areas. The subjects consisted of children born in 2008, particularly fi rstborn children, while children born in 2006 formed the historical control. The fi rst of the new programs emphasized oral hygiene and use of fl uoride, and the second program focused on proper diet and use of xylitol. The main outcome measure was mutansstreptococci (MS) in the dental biofi lm of two-year-olds, and the opinions of parents and dental professionals were evaluated using questionnaires. Results: The programs found wide acceptance among dental professionals. There were no group-related differences found in the MS scores of the two-year-olds. However, all groups combined, father’s advanced level of education and child’s proper use of xylitol were associated with negative MS scores. In the opinion of parents, the oral healthcare guidance at least somewhat met their expectations. Conclusions: The present fi ndings suggest that providing training and support for professionals in health education is important. The addition of parental self-care to supplement programs aimed at young children does not improve the program, although it may improve parental readiness to change their own health habits. Counseling for families might be best carried out through a routine patient-centered program.

Germination, initial growth and cotyledon protein content of bean cultivars under salinity stress

Excess salts in the root zone inhibit water uptake by plants, affect nutrient uptake and may result in toxicities due to individual salts in the soil solution. Excess exchangeable sodium in the soil may destroy the soil structure to a point where water penetration and root aeration become impossible. Sodium is also toxic to many plants. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are consumed as protein source in northeastern Brazil, although little is known about common bean cultivar tolerance to salinity. The germination of bean cultivars under salt stress was studied. The cultivars 'Carioca' and 'Mulatinho' were submitted to germination test in a germinator at 25ºC, at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation unit in the Semi- Arid region (Embrapa Semi Árido), Petrolina, Pernambuco State. These seeds were germinated on "germitest" papers imbibed in distilled water or in 10, 50, 100 e 200 mol.m-3sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions. At the first and second counts of the germination test, normal seedlings were counted, measured, weighed and dried, supplying data for vigor, total germination, fresh matter weight and dry matter weight and seedlings length. Total protein was quantified in cotyledons at 3, 6 and 9 days after sowing. The results indicated that the NaCl content influenced seed germination and concentrations above 50 mol.m-3 decreased germination and seedling growth.

Petrography and geochemistry of the McArthur Township area, Ontario /

The McArthur Township area in the Archean Abitibi Belt of northeast Ontario contains northwesterly trending volcanic rocks which are located on a limb of a large syncline. The axial trace of the syncline passes through the adjacent Douglas Township. The Archean volcanic rocks and associated sedimentary rocks are intruded and deformed by two large plutons and a few smaller hypabyssal intrusions. A petrographic and geochemical study of the Precambrian rocks exposed 1n the study area was undertaken in order to investigate the metamorphic grade and geochemical characteristics of the rocks. All the samples were studied with the microscope and analysis of 20 major and trace elements were determined on a selection of the less altered specimens by x-ray fluorescence. Three different periods of igneous activity have occurred in the study area. The first two periods were dominated by volcanic extrusive rocks accompanied by gabbroic sills. The third cycle is the diapiric intrusion of the granitic plutons and subsequent metamorphism of the older rocks to the low to medium grade. Two periods of sedimentation are also recognized in the study area which occurred after the first and second cycle of volcanism. Chemically, the lavas are subdivided into three main associations: (1) The komatiitic association is characterized by high MgO, high Ni, low Ti02 and a low FeO*/(FeO* + MgO) ratio. They occupy the base of each volcanic cycle and some of the flows exhibit spinifex textures. (2) The tholeiitic association displays distinct iron and titanium enrichment trends in the intermediate membersor -i r (3) The calc-alkaline association contains low FeO* and TI02 and high Ni contents relative to modern calc-alkaline types. They are formed at the end of each cycle of volcanism and overlie the tholeiitic flows. All three associations of the first volcanic cycle are exposed in the study area, while the second cycle is represented by a komatiltic sequence. The volcanic rocks were possibly formed by multiple partial melting of the Archean mantle to produce parental magmas under various P - T conditions.

Biotransformation of polycylic aromatic compounds by fungi and an investigation into the oxidation of alkylbenzenes by Mortierella isabellina NRRL 1757

Incubations of several polycyclic heteroaromatic compounds and two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a series of common fungi have been performed. The fungi Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 26269, Rhizopus arrhizus ATCC 11145, and Mortierella isabellina NRRL 1757 were studied in this regard. Of the aza heteroaromatics, only dibenzopyrrole gave a ring hydroxylated product following the incubation with C. elegans. From the thio heteroaromatics studied, dibenzothiophene was metabolized by all the three fungi and thioxanthone by C. elegans and M. isabellina giving sulfones and sulphoxides. Thiochromanone was metabolized stereoselectively to the corresponding sulphoxide by C. elegans. Methyl substituted thioxanthones on incubation with C. elegans produced oxidative products, arising from S -oxidation and hydroxylation at the methyl group. Of the cyclic ketones studied, only fluorenone was reduced to hydroxyfluorene and this metabolism is compared with that reported with cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases of hepatic microsomes. A series of para-substituted ethylbenzenes has been transformed stereoselectively to the 1-phenylethanols by incubation with M. isabellina. Comparisons of the enantiomeric purities obtained from products with their respective para substituent of the same steric size but different electronic properties indicate that the stereoselectivity of hydroxylation at benzylic carbon may be susceptible to electron donating or withdrawing factors in some cases, but that observation is not va lid in all the comparisons. The stereochemistry of the reaction is discussed in terms of three possible steps, ethylbenzene ---) 1-phenylethanol ---) acetophenone ---) 1-phenylethanol. This metabolic pathway could account for the inconsistencies observed in the comparisons of optical purities and electronic character of para substituents. Furthermore, formation of 2-phenylethanol (in some cases), l-(p-acetylphenyl)ethanol from p-diethylbenzene, and N-acetylation of p-ethylaniline was observed. n-Propylbenzene was also converted to optically active 1-phenylpropanol. Acetophenone, p-ethylacetophenone, and o(,~,~-trifluoroacetophenone were transformed to 1-phenylethanol, l-(p-ethylphenyl)ethanol, and 1-phenyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, respectively, with high chemical and excellent optical yields. The 13 C NMR spectra of several substrates and metabolic products have been reported and assigned for the first time.

Feeding rates, parental investment, and brood reduction in Caspian terns (Sterna caspia)

Fresh egg-weights and feeding rates to chicks were related to chick survival as one means of quantifying apportionment of parental investment wi thin broods of Caspian Terns (SterDI casRla) at a colony in Georgian Bay. Lake Huron, during 1978 and 1979. Ftrst-laid eggs from 2-egg clutches were Significantly heavier and usually hatched one to three days earlier than second-laid eggs in both years of the study. In both years, first-hatched chicks were larger and generally better fed than second-hatched siblings. The disparity between feedIng rates of first- and second-hatched ehicks was greater in 1979. Brood feeding I rates correlated positively with the percentage of food fed to the least-fed sibUng through the period of B-chick ages zero to 10 days in 1978. I suggest that after this age period, parental control over whlcb cbick was fed diminished. In 1978, 10 of 16 secondhatched chicks were fed more than their older siblings during their first 5 days. 'lb.is is interpreted as a parental response to reduce the competitive advantage of the larger first-hatched chicks. Most chick losses were apparently caused by starvation or preda. tion. In 1979, seeorvl-hatched chick disappearance (due to predation) was -related to low feeding rates, whereas first-hatched chick disappearance was related to low fresh egg-weights.. First-hatched chicks survived better than second-hatched chicks both years, and more pairs fledged two chicks in 1978. Maximum estimated feeding rates at the nest and fledging ages suggested that food was more avatlable in 1978 than in 1979. In 1979, second eggs apparently functioned as "insurance" eggs. When the first-laid egg falled to hatch, or the first-hatched chick died, the second-hatched chick was often successfully fledged. When first-hatched chicks survived, the second-hatched chick usually starved or was preyed upon, reducing the brood to one chick. Parental investment patterns favored first-hatched chicks. Brood reduction, when employed, discouraged total nest failure, however, under appropriate conditions, brood reduction was avoided and full broods (or two chicks) were fledged.

Solute effects on the production and decay of primary species in the flash photolysis of indole

Maximum production rates ofs and decay kinetics for the hydrated electron, the indolyl neutral radical and the indole triplet state have been obtained in the microsecond, broadband (X > 260 nm) flash photolysis of helium-saturated, neutral aqueous solutions of indole, in the absence and in the presence of the solutes NaBr, BaCl2*2H20 and CdSCV Fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetimes have also been obtained in the absence and in the presence of the above solutes, The hydrated electron is produced monophotonically and biphotonically at an apparent maximum rate which is increased by BaCl2*2H20 and decreased by NaBr and CdSOif. The neutral indolyl radical may be produced monophotonically and biphotonically or strictly monophotonically at an apparent maximum rate which is increased by NaBr and CdSO^ and is unaffected by BaCl2*2H20. The indole triplet state is produced monophotonically at a maximum rate which is increased by all solutes. The hydrated electron decays by pseudo first order processes, the neutral indolyl radical decays by second order recombination and the indole triplet state decays by combined first and second order processes. Hydrated electrons are shown to react with H , H2O, indole, Na and Cd"*""1"". No evidence has been found for the reaction of hydrated electrons with Ba . The specific rate of second order neutral indolyl radical recombination is unaffected by NaBr and BaCl2*2H20, and is increased by CdSO^. Specific rates for both first and second order triplet state decay processes are increased by all solutes. While NaBr greatly reduced the fluorescence lifetime and emission band intensity, BaCl2*2H20 and CdSO^ had no effect on these parameters. It is suggested that in solute-free solutions and in those containing BaCl2*2H20 and CdSO^, direct excitation occurs to CTTS states as well as to first excited singlet states. It is further suggested that in solutions containing NaBr, direct excitation to first excited singlet states predominates. This difference serves to explain increased indole triplet state production (by ISC from CTTS states) and unchanged fluorescence lifetimes and emission band intensities in the presence of BaCl2*2H20 and CdSOt^., and increased indole triplet state production (by ISC from S^ states) and decreased fluorescence lifetime and emission band intensity in the presence of NaBr. Evidence is presented for (a) very rapid (tx ^ 1 us) processes involving reactions of the hydrated electron with Na and Cd which compete with the reformation of indole by hydrated electron-indole radical cation recombination, and (b) first and second order indole triplet decay processes involving the conversion of first excited triplet states to vibrationally excited ground singlet states.

Interpreting Quantifier Scope Ambiguity: Evidence of Heuristic First, Algorithmic Second Processing

The present work suggests that sentence processing requires both heuristic and algorithmic processing streams, where the heuristic processing strategy precedes the algorithmic phase. This conclusion is based on three self-paced reading experiments in which the processing of two-sentence discourses was investigated, where context sentences exhibited quantifier scope ambiguity. Experiment 1 demonstrates that such sentences are processed in a shallow manner. Experiment 2 uses the same stimuli as Experiment 1 but adds questions to ensure deeper processing. Results indicate that reading times are consistent with a lexical-pragmatic interpretation of number associated with context sentences, but responses to questions are consistent with the algorithmic computation of quantifier scope. Experiment 3 shows the same pattern of results as Experiment 2, despite using stimuli with different lexicalpragmatic biases. These effects suggest that language processing can be superficial, and that deeper processing, which is sensitive to structure, only occurs if required. Implications for recent studies of quantifier scope ambiguity are discussed.

Booklet containing Jekyl Island Club charter, constitution, by-laws and members’ names

Booklet containing Jekyl Island Club charter, constitution, by-laws and members’ names (2 copies). The first copy is missing the membership list and the pages are loose. The spine is taped. The 2nd copy is in good condition, 1887.

Modulation of nociception and pain by attention and stress

Les facteurs psychologiques tels que l'hypnose, l'émotion, le stress et l’attention exercent un effet modulant puissant sur la nociception et la douleur. Toutefois, l’influence de l'attention sur la nociception et la douleur, ainsi que les mécanismes neuronaux sous-jacents, ne sont pas clairs. La littérature actuelle sur la modulation attentionnelle des réponses spinales nociceptives, telles que mesurées par le réflexe RIII, et de la perception de l’intensité de la douleur est discordante et souvent contradictoire. Ce mémoire fournit un nouveau cadre pour examiner la modulation du réflexe RIII et de la douleur par l’attention. Une tâche de discrimination sensorielle a été décomposée en trois composantes attentionnelles : la vigilance, l’orientation, et le contrôle exécutif. Auparavant, la nature multidimensionnelle de l’attention fut largement ignorée dans la littérature. Nous démontrons que les composantes attentionnelles ont des effets modulatoires distincts sur la nociception et la douleur et suggérons que ceci représente une partie de la confusion présente dans la littérature. En prenant compte du stress indépendamment, nous démontrons, pour la première fois, que le stress inhibe la modulation attentionnelle du réflexe RIII ce qui indique une interaction et dissociation de la modulation des réponses nociceptives par l’attention et le stress. Ces résultats importants clarifient, en grande partie, les contradictions dans la littérature, puisque les tâches cognitives produisent souvent des augmentations du stress ce qui confond l’interprétation des résultats. De plus, la tâche de discrimination inclut des stimuli visuels et somatosensoriels et révèle que l’influence de l'attention sur la douleur est spatialement spécifique tandis que la modulation attentionnelle de la nociception est spécifique à la modalité des stimuli, au moins en ce qui concerne les modalités examinées. A partir de ces résultats, un nouveau modèle de la modulation attentionnelle des processus de la douleur, basée sur les composantes attentionnelles, a été proposé. Celui-ci est appuyé par la littérature et fournit une explication systématique et intégratrice des résultats antérieurement contradictoires. De plus, à partir de ce modèle, plusieurs mécanismes neuronaux ont été proposés pour sous-tendre la modulation attentionnelle de la nociception et de la douleur.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Spiro-Starburst-Structures as Blue Light Emitters and Zeolites

Spiro-starburst-structures with symmetric globular structures in forms of first and second generations that readily form stable amorphous glasses have been synthesized and then characterised in this work. During the synthesis of these materials, possibilities of the extension of the chains of the phenyl rings in 2,2’,7 and 7’-positions of the central core of the spirobifluorene as well as the 2’,7 and 7’-positions of the terminal spirobifluorene units of the spiro-starburst-structures have been investigated so that solubilities and morphologies of the compounds are not negatively influenced. Their morphological properties have been explored by recording their decomposition temperature and glass transition temperature. These compounds possessing two perpendicular arrangement of the two molecular halves show high glass transition temperature (Tg), which is one of the most important parameter indicating the stability of the amorphous state of the material for optoelectronic devices like organic light emitting diodes. Within the species of second generation compounds, for example, 4-spiro3 shows the highest Tg (330 °C) and the highest branching degree. When one [4B(SBF)SBF-SBF 84] or two [4SBFSBF-SBF 79] terminal spirobifluorene units are removed, the Tg decreases to 318 °C and 307 °C respectively. Photo absorption and fluorescence spectra and cyclic voltammetry measurements are taken in account to characterize the optoelectronic properties of the compounds. Spiro-starburst-structures emit radiation in the blue region of the visible spectrum. The peak maxima of absorption and emission spectra are observed to be at higher wavelength in the molecules with longer chromophore chains than in the molecules with shorter chromophore chains. Excitation spectra are monitored with their emission peak maxima. The increasing absorbing species in molecule leads to increasing molar extinction coefficient. In the case of 4B(TP)SBF-SBF 53 and 4B(SBF)SBF-SBF 84, the greater values of the molar extinction coefficients (43*104 and 44*104 L mol-1 cm-1 respectively) are the evidences of the presence of four times octiphenyl conjugation rings and eight times terminal fluorene units respectively. The optical properties of solid states of these compounds in the form of thin film indicate that the intermolecular interaction and aggregation of individual molecules in neat amorphous films are effectively hindered by their sterically demanding structures. Accordingly, in solid state, they behave like isolated molecules in highly dilute solution. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of these compounds show electrochemically reversibility and stability. Furthermore, the zeolitic nature (host-guest) of the molecular sieve of the synthesized spiro-starburst-structures has been analysed by thermogravimetric analysis method.