In this paper, the compression behavior of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag bi-crystal samples at room temperature under different orientation combinations was studied. The stress-strain distribution of bi-crystal samples during the compression process was studied based on the crystal plastic finite element method (CPFEM). The deformation mismatch and slip transfer caused by the orientation combination of bi-crystal are discussed. The results show that the Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy bi-crystal samples with different orientations exhibit an anisotropic hardening response under compression. The combination of soft and hard orientation can coordinate the dislocation drive of the yield point, delay the elastoplastic transition of the yield point, and greatly improve the strength of the alloy. The mechanism of high strength of heterogeneous structure is proposed in this paper, which provides an important reference for the design of high strength heat resistant aluminum alloy for automobiles.

Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy has the advantages of high strength, high toughness, corrosion resistance and lightweight, and is an economical material for the manufacture of large curved wall panels by creep aging technology. To explore the microstructure evolution mechanism of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy during creep aging forming, the creep response, properties and microstructure evolution of the alloy under different initial heat treatment conditions were studied by creep, quasi-in situ EBSD and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the main factors affecting the creep behavior are crystal orientation, GNDs density and initial precipitation degree. The grains with <001> and <101> orientation are prone to creep strain. GNDs density increases at the initial stage of creep and changes dynamically during subsequent aging treatment. The main sources of dislocation movements resistance are dislocation shearing in GPI zones and Orowan bypassing mechanisms of η' precipitation.

The 7075 alloy is widely used in the manufacture of aerospace components, such as aircraft wings and fuselage plates, owing to its high strength and light weight. Moreover, it is well-suited for manufacturing these massive aviation components using creep aging forming (CAF) technology. In this present study, the effect of creep aging on the mechanical properties of under-aged 7075 alloy was systematically studied in detail by means of a uniaxial creep tensile test and a stress-free artificial aging test. EBSD, SEM, and TEM observations were used to characterize the evolution of dislocations and precipitates with creep aging time. A quantitative analysis was performed on the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure evolution. The results show that creep aging greatly improves the plasticity of the under-aged 7075 aluminum alloy while maintaining its high strength. The mechanical properties of the alloy are sensitive to creep stress. The sample aged for 6 h under 260 MPa and 426 K has the maximum yield strength, reaching 537.9 MPa. In comparison to the artificial aging sample, the dimple distribution of the creep aging sample is denser and the grain is more inclined toward a high Schmid factor orientation, which is 15% higher than the artificial aging sample. TEM results show that the primary phase in the crystal is.' phase. The size of the precipitated phase in the crystal grows with increasing creep aging time from 3.04 nm for 2 h to 4.27 nm for 6 h and the volume fraction increases from 0.22% to 0.46%. The size of the grain boundary precipitates increases and the transition from continuous to discontinuous occurs. The EBSD results show that no significant change in the recrystallization and subgrain ratio occurred in any of the samples, and the average grain size remains approximately 80 mu m. The distribution of geometrically necessary dislocations (GND) decreases first and subsequently increases with the extension of creep aging time. The contribution of grain boundary strengthening to the yield strength contribution model is shown to be essentially constant at about 17 MPa, and the coupling effect of dislocation and precipitation strengthening is the primary reason for the increase in strength.

We are developing a 2D programmable field masks for Mutli-Object Spectroscopy (MOS) in sparsely populated fields. The device is based on the microshutter array MEMS technology originally developed for JWST NIRSpec. A new fabrication process has been developed to actuate microshutter arrays electrostatically thus eliminating the need for the macroscopic mechanisms and improving the reliability and robustness of the device. The microshutters, made with silicon nitride membranes with a shutter pitch size of 100 μm x 200 μm, rotate on narrow torsion bars. The microshutters are actuated, latched, and addressed electrostatically by applying voltages to the electrodes on the microshutters and the adjacent walls of the array support grid. We have demonstrated the fabrication and operation of the pilot arrays and produced an integrated flight unit that was successfully used on the FORTIS (Far-UV Off Rowland-circle Telescope for Imaging and Spectroscopy) project for suborbital flight in 2019.

The effect of multi-stage aging heat treatments on the hardness, tensile strength, electrical conductance, and exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) resistance of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy has been studied through the Vickers hardness, tensile, conductivity, and EXCO testing combined with microstructure characterization using a transmission electron microscope. Experimental results demonstrated that multi-stage aging conditions could effectively enhance the localized corrosion resistance through a lower strength loss compared to T6 aging condition (120 degrees C/24 h). The designed four-step aging (FSA) treatments could improve the EXCO properties to PB degree along with the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength to 373 MPa and 324 MPa, respectively. The development trend of localized corrosion resistances has been further verified using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization dynamic curves. Microstructures results indicated that dense precipitates in matrix, discontinuous coarse precipitates on grain boundaries, and a proper precipitation free zone play an important role in balancing the strength and corrosion properties of the FSA aged alloy. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

After developing a magnetically actuated microshutter array sub-system, which acts as a field object selector for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), our team at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) focused on the development of electrostatically actuated microshutter arrays – the Next Generation Microshutter Arrays (NGMSA). This letter describes the first NGMSA array that performed shutter operations for telescope imaging and spectroscopy in space. The carrier telescope, the Next-Generation Far-UV Off Rowland-circle Telescope for Imaging and Spectroscopy (NG-FORTIS) was produced by Prof. Stephan McCandliss and his team at Johns Hopkins University and launched into space successfully. [2020-0226]

通过室温拉伸试验,OM、SEM、TEM观察以及XRD检测手段研究了不同温度中间退火对6016铝合金板材组织、织构和力学性能的影响.结果 表明:不同温度中间退火的6016铝合金板材在T4P态与T8X态下的屈服强度、抗拉强度以及伸长率变化不大;经过450℃/1 h中间退火的板材在T4P态下的各向异性最小,成形性最好.同时,中间退火温度越高,AlFeSi相与β"强化相越弥散细小.不同温度的中间退火导致板材在T4P态下织构组分发生变化,板材均含有大量的立方织构和旋转立方织构,但经450℃/1 h是间退火的板材同时还含有较多的高斯织构和P织构,其中P织构与旋转立方织构有利于提升板材的成形性.

Genetic variation of ANK3 is associated with lower white matter structural integrity in bipolar disorder

The effects of loading numbers of fatigue cycles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of A7005 aluminum alloy were investigated by SEM, TEM, XRDand room temperature tensile. The results show that the dislocation densities increase from original 0.75×1014 m-2 to 0.79×1014 m-2 after 0, 104 and 105 fatigue cycles. The tensile strength and yield strength of the alloy increase to the maximum 402.72 MPa and 341.92 MPa after 105 fatigue cycles. The dislocation cells appear after 106 and 107 fatigue cycles, then a large number of dislocations are entangled in the vicinity of the grain boundary, and the dislocation density rapidly rises to 1.53×1014 m-2. Apart of intracrystalline aging precipitation η' metastable phase grow up and become coarsening because of absorbing the dissolution of Zn and Mg elements, and the others are dissolved into the matrix because of dislocation rapid proliferation. The ageing strengthening effect reduces because the quantity of η' metastable phase decreases significantly. The boundary of fatigue zone generates a large amount of fatigue defects due to falling off of the second phase particles. The tensile strength and yield strength of the alloy reduce to 396.57 MPa and 328.07 MPa, respectively.

The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs9804190 in the Ankyrin G ( ANK3 ) gene has been reported in genome-wide association studies to be associated with bipolar disorder (BD). However, the neural system effects of rs9804190 in BD are not known. We investigated associations between rs9804190 and gray and white matter (GM and WM, respectively) structure within a frontotemporal neural system implicated in BD. A total of 187 adolescent and adult European Americans were studied: a group homozygous for the C allele (52 individuals with BD and 56 controls) and a T-carrier group, carrying the high-risk T allele (38 BD and 41 controls). Subjects participated in high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scanning. Frontotemporal region of interest (ROI) and whole-brain exploratory analyses were conducted. DTI ROI-based analysis revealed a significant diagnosis by genotype interaction within the uncinate fasciculus ( P ⩽0.05), with BD subjects carrying the T (risk) allele showing decreased fractional anisotropy compared with other subgroups, independent of age. Genotype effects were not observed in frontotemporal GM volume. These findings support effects of rs9804190 on frontotemporal WM in adolescents and adults with BD and suggest a mechanism contributing to WM pathology in BD.

We have demonstrated in the laboratory multiple, fully functional, kilopixel, bolometer arrays for the upgraded instrument, the High-resolution airborne wideband camera plus (HAWC+), for the stratospheric observatory for infrared astronomy (SOFIA). Each kilopixel array consists of three individual components assembled into a single working unit: (1) a filled, Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometer array, (2) an infrared, back-termination, and (3) an integrated, two-dimensional superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) multiplexer readout. Kilopixel TES arrays are directly indium-bump-bonded to a 32  \(\times \)  40 SQUID multiplexer (MUX) circuit. In order to provide a fully superconducting pathway from the TES to the SQUID readout, numerous superconductor-to-superconductor interfaces must be made. This paper focuses on the fabrication techniques needed to create the superconducting path from the TES, out of the detector membrane, through the wafer, and to the SQUID readout.

Introduction: Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) single tablet regimen (STR) is approved in Europe for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with genotypes (GT) 1, 3 and 4. The ION-3 study showed that 8 weeks (8w) of LDV/SOF treatment was noninferior to 12 weeks in previously untreated GT1 patients without cirrhosis with no benefit for the addition of Ribavirin. According to the SPC 8w may be considered in this population. The aim of the present analysis is to characterise the population receiving 8w LDV/SOF and to describe outcomes in clinical practice. Material and Methods: The first CHC patients treated with 8w LDV/SOF in a single centre in Germany, and for whom sustained virological response after 4 weeks of follow-up (SVR4) will be available in April, were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, prior treatment history, safety and effectiveness were investigated. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: 46 patients met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. These patients initiated 8w treatment with LDV/SOF between 24/11/2014 to 27/01/2015. No patient had ribavirin added to the STR. The mean (SD) age was 50.9 (12.4) years and 56.5% were males. The genotype distribution was 52%, 44% and 4% for GT1a, GT1b and GT4, respectively. At entry, 98% of patients had no cirrhosis, one patient had compensated disease. The METAVIR stage distribution of non-cirrhotic patients at baseline was 39.1%, 32.6%, 19.6% and 8.7% for F0, F1, F2 and F3, respectively. Median (range) HCVRNA at baseline was 5.86 (Q1-Q3 5.38–6.22; Min-Max 3.74–6.67) log10 IU/ml, no patient had HCVRNA ≥6 million IU/mL. No patient was HIV co-infected and one patient was HBV coinfected. Overall, 98% of the patients were treatment-naive. One patient had relapsed after previous IFN/RBV therapy. At baseline, co-morbidities were reported in 93% of patients, with depression (16%) and arterial hypertension (16%) being most common. Up to date, no discontinuations or relevant Adverse Drug Reactions have been observed. Complete results regarding SVR4, adverse events and discontinuations will be available at the time of presentation. Conclusions: 8w LDV/SOF is predominantly prescribed according to the SPC for treatment-naive non-cirrhotic CHC patients with HCVRNA <6 million IU/mL at baseline. Preliminary results indicate that LDV/SOF is a safe, well tolerated treatment option with no adverse drug reactions or discontinuations reported so far.

Background and aims: Neuroprotective therapies are needed to improve the outcomes following ischemic brain injury from cardiac arrest in children. Previously we showed a monoclonal antibody to CD18 (aCD18ab) injected following injury blocks cerebral and systemic inflammation and improves neuronal survival and spatial memory in a 2 vessel occlusion (2VO) model of forebrain ischemia in juvenile mice. Aims: To discover serum biomarkers of cerebral ischemia and neuroprotection. Methods: This study was conducted in strict accordance with the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Ottawa Animal Care Committees, and Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines. Mice were randomized to 3 groups: 1) 2VO injected with 2 mg/kg aCD18ab; 2) 2VO injected with control antibody and; 3) sham. We included 10 mice in each of the 3 groups. Serum samples were taken at 24 hours following injury or sham operation and low abundance proteins were identified using tandem mass spectrometry. Results: More than 400 serum peptides were identified by mass spectrometry. Serum kallikrein-1 was significantly differentially expressed in the three groups. There was a 7 to 56 fold increase in the mice subject to 2VO and treated with a control antibody compared to sham, and a 98 to 505 fold increase in the mice subject to 2VO and treated with aCD18ab compared to sham. Conclusions: Our results suggesting kallikrein-1 may be an important biomarker of neuroprotection which could be used in pilot randomized controlled trials of this neuroprotective therapy in children with cardiac arrest.

Owing to acetochlor persistence in the environment and its perceptible threats to the ecosystem and human health, it is urgent to search for effective approaches to decontaminate acetochlor. In this study, an acetochlor-degrading enrichment culture was obtained by continuous enrichment from acetochlor-contaminated soil and named T3. T3 could completely degrade 100mgl-1 acetochlor and butachlor within 6days. Two bacterial strains Rhodococcus sp.T3-1 and Delftia sp.T3-6 and one strain Sphingobium sp.MEA3-1 were isolated and identified from T3 by using acetochlor and MEA as sole carbon source, respectively. These three bacteria could completely mineralize acetochlor by the cooperative metabolism. The biochemical pathway of acetochlor degradation by these three bacteria in a consortium was proposed: acetochlor to 2-methyl-6-ethyl-2-chloroacetanilide (CMEPA) by Rhodococcus sp. T3-1, CMEPA to 2-methyl-6-ethyl aniline (MEA) by Delftia sp.T3-6 and MEA by Sphingobium sp.MEA3-1 based on the identified degradation intermediates. Under laboratory conditions, the consortium was effective in the acetochlor mineralization.

The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism underlying the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) modulated by Anthopleurin-Q (AP-Q), a sea anemone toxin, using whole-cell patch clamp and fluorescence digital imaging techniques. Results indicated that the overall Ca(2+) concentration could be augmented in presence of AP-Q. The increase of [Ca(2+)]i induced by AP-Q was eliminated in Na(+)-free solution, Ca(2+)-free solution or in presence of TTX. However, the Ca(2+) increase induced by AP-Q could not be influenced by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a specific inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase pump. We furthermore demonstrated that voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) blocker verapamil, or inhibitor of the reverse operation Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger NiCl2 attenuated AP-Q-induced [Ca(2+)]i elevation. Furthermore, the inactivation process of Na(+) current (I Na ) was significantly delayed with slightly change of its amplitude by AP-Q. These findings demonstrated that neuron voltage-gated Na(+) channels are also targets of AP-Q. Overall, the present results suggested that AP-Q induced calcium influx via Na(+)-dependent activation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), VGCCs and reverse operation of the Na(+)/Ca(2+)exchanger.

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of small, highly conserved cytoplasmic proteins that bind long-chain fatty acids and other hydrophobic ligands. In this study, cDNA and genomic sequences of FABP4 and FABP5 were cloned successfully from the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology and touchdown-PCR. The cDNAs of FABP4 and FABP5 cloned from the giant panda were 400 and 413 bp in length, containing an open reading frame of 399 and 408 bp, encoding 132 and 135 amino acids, respectively. The genomic sequences of FABP4 and FABP5 were 3976 and 3962 bp, respectively, which each contained four exons and three introns. Sequence alignment indicated a high degree of homology with reported FABP sequences of other mammals at both the amino acid and DNA levels. Topology prediction revealed seven protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, two casein kinase II phosphorylation sites, two N-myristoylation sites, and one cytosolic fatty acid-binding protein signature in the FABP4 protein, and three N-glycosylation sites, three protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, one casein kinase II phosphorylation site, one N-myristoylation site, one amidation site, and one cytosolic fatty acid-binding protein signature in the FABP5 protein. The FABP4 and FABP5 genes were overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and they produced the expected 16.8- and 17.0-kDa polypeptides. The results obtained in this study provide information for further in-depth research of this system, which has great value of both theoretical and practical significance.