While the Cluster spacecraft were located near the high‐latitude magnetopause, between 1010 and 1040 UT on 16 January 2004, three typical flux transfer event (FTE) signatures were observed. During ...this interval, simultaneous and conjugated all‐sky camera measurements, recorded at Yellow River Station, Svalbard, are available at 630.0 and 557.7 nm that show poleward‐moving auroral forms (PMAFs), consistent with magnetic reconnection at the dayside magnetopause. Simultaneous FTEs seen at the magnetopause mainly move northward, but having duskward (eastward) and tailward velocity components, roughly consistent with the observed direction of motion of the PMAFs in all‐sky images. Between the PMAFs meridional keograms, extracted from the all‐sky images, show intervals of lower intensity aurora which migrate equatorward just before the PMAFs intensify. This is strong evidence for an equatorward eroding and poleward moving open‐closed boundary associated with a variable magnetopause reconnection rate under variable IMF conditions. From the durations of the PMAFs, we infer that the evolution time of FTEs is 5–11 minutes from its origin on the magnetopause to its addition to the polar cap.
•We examine the area fraction covered by precipitates on grain boundaries by TEM.•Increasing of over-ageing time increases the grain boundary precipitates coverage.•Moderate over-ageing increases the ...SCC resistance of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy.•Excessive over-ageing decreases the SCC resistance of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy.
The correlations between grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) area fraction and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility for an Al–Zn–Mg alloy have been studied using TEM statistical investigations and image analysis. The results reveal that SCC susceptibility of the Al–Zn–Mg alloy first decreases and then increases with the increase of GBPs area fraction, which does not agree with Dix’s anodic dissolution theory, suggesting that SCC of the Al–Zn–Mg alloy is dominated by hydrogen induced cracking when GBPs area fraction is relatively low and is dominated by anodic dissolution when GBPs area fraction is relatively high.
Microstructure and voids evolution of a selective laser melted (SLM) AlSi10Mg alloy during tension were systematically investigated. The SLM AlSi10Mg sample is featured with a multi-level ...heterogeneous microstructure that is composed of melt pools (MPs), columnar Al grains and sub-cells. According to the Si morphologies and thermal history, the MP could be divided into three regions, including the fine structure zone (FSZ), remelted zone (RMZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ), respectively. The Si segregation phenomenon on sub-cells boundaries is observed and may attributed to the constitutional supercooling. The tensile deformation behaviors of the vertical sample (V-sample) vary from the horizontal sample (H-sample) for that heterogeneous microstructure arises strain localization in V-sample. In addition, the voids have no obvious effect on the uniform plastic deformation, while they may affect the non-uniform deformation during tension. The combined effects of strain localization and void contribute to the earlier break in V-samples than in H-samples.
Spontaneous milk fermentation has a long history in Mongolia, and beneficial microorganisms have been handed down from one generation to the next for use in fermented dairy products. The objective of ...this study was to investigate the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) communities in fermented yak, mare, goat, and cow milk products by analyzing 189 samples collected from 13 different regions in Mongolia. The LAB counts in these samples varied from 3.41 to 9.03 log cfu/mL. Fermented yak and mare milks had almost identical mean numbers of LAB, which were significantly higher than those in fermented goat milk but slightly lower than those in fermented cow milk. In total, 668 isolates were obtained from these samples using de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar and M17 agar. Each isolate was considered to be presumptive LAB based on gram-positive and catalase-negative properties, and was identified at the species level by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multiplex PCR assay, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. All isolates from Mongolian dairy products were accurately identified as Enterococcus faecalis (1 strain), Enterococcus durans (3 strains), Lactobacillus brevis (3 strains), Lactobacillus buchneri (2 strains), Lactobacillus casei (16 strains), Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (142 strains), Lactobacillus diolivorans (17 strains), Lactobacillus fermentum (42 strains), Lactobacillus helveticus (183 strains), Lactobacillus kefiri (6 strains), Lactobacillus plantarum ssp. plantarum (7 strains), Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (7 strains), Leuconostoc lactis (22 strains), Leuconostoc mesenteroides (21 strains), Streptococcus thermophilus (195 strains), and Weissella cibaria (1 strain). The predominant LAB were Strep. thermophilus and Lb. helveticus, which were isolated from all sampling sites. The results demonstrate that traditional fermented dairy products from different regions of Mongolia have complex compositions of LAB species. Such diversity of LAB provides useful information for further studies of probiotic strain selection and starter culture design, with regard to the industrial production of traditional fermented milk.
A schematic drawing showingthe optimization of cut blasting design in the condition of vertical stress at 70MPa and horizontal stress at 30MPa.
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•The parameters of RHT model applicable ...to modeling the damage evolution of rock are determined.•The causes for the difficulty in the excavation of deep rock mass arestudied.•The method to the optimization of cut blasting design under high in-situ stresses is proposed.
During excavation using the cut blasting method in deep rock masses, there are difficulties resulting from the in-situ stress influences. This study uses numerical simulation methods to assess the causes of the difficulties encountered in cut blasting. In order to overcome this difficulty, the Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma (RHT) model in the LS-DYNA software was employed. In the simulation, the parameter determination for the RHT model was first carried out based on existing experimental data. Additionally, the existing blasting experiment was used to verify the determined parameters of RHT model. Second, the RHT model was adopted to investigate the damage mechanisms of cut blasting under different hydrostatic pressures and different lateral pressure coefficients. The simulation results indicate that the main causes of the complications arising in deep rock mass excavation are resistance to in-situ stresses and anisotropy in the damage propagation direction. Third, in order to overcome such difficulties, a cut blasting design optimization was conducted for a 2525m depth of rock mass. According to the numerical simulation of this optimization, a modified cut blasting design method applicable to deep rock mass was proposed. This study can provide solutions to the cut blasting difficulties that are encountered during the excavation of deep rock masses.
Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa) is an important forage crop throughout the world. Despite the abiotic nutritional components of alfalfa having been extensively studied, there is only limited information ...on alfalfa endophytes. In this study, thirteen endophytic bacteria were isolated from alfalfa seeds. Bacillus (76·9%) was the most abundant genus, followed by Enterobacter (15·4%), Brevibacterium (7·7%), Geobacillus (7·7%) and Staphylococcus (7·7%). Four of the 13 endophytic bacteria, including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens EnB‐alf1, Bacillus subtilis EnB‐alf3, EnB‐alf5 and EnB‐alf13, were capable of significantly extending the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, B. amyloliquefaciens EnB‐alf1 enhanced the resistance of C. elegans to thermal stress whereas B. subtilis EnB‐alf3 enhanced the resistance to oxidative stress. Further studies demonstrated that the enhanced lifespan of the worm was depended on the function of DAF‐2/DAF‐16 and was associated with the colonization of strain in the worms’ intestines when strain EnB‐alf1 or strain EnB‐alf3 was presented to the worms as food sources. Our results suggest that some endophytic Bacillus strains isolated from alfalfa are beneficial on C. elegans health.
Significance and Impact of the Study
Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa) is an important forage crop throughout the world. Despite the abiotic nutritional components of alfalfa having been extensively studied, there is only limited information available on alfalfa endophytes. Beneficial bacteria residing in the host intestine have been shown to affect host longevity. However, there is limited information available on the functions of alfalfa seed endophytes to nematodes. In this study, four endophytic Bacillus strains isolated from alfalfa seeds were found to significantly extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans and enhance resistance to thermal and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that some endophytic Bacillus strains isolated from alfalfa seeds can promote good health in C. elegans.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa) is an important forage crop throughout the world. Despite the abiotic nutritional components of alfalfa having been extensively studied, there is only limited information available on alfalfa endophytes. Beneficial bacteria residing in the host intestine have been shown to affect host longevity. However, there is limited information available on the functions of alfalfa seed endophytes to nematodes. In this study, four endophytic Bacillus strains isolated from alfalfa seeds were found to significantly extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans and enhance resistance to thermal and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that some endophytic Bacillus strains isolated from alfalfa seeds can promote good health in C. elegans.
Amino-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-NH2) was directly grafted onto carbon fiber surface by covalent bonding in an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites. The ...effect of surface modification on the properties of carbon fiber and the resulting carbon fiber composites was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and interfacial shear strength (IFSS). As revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), GO-NH2 was successfully grafted on the carbon fiber surface. From dynamic contact angle analysis (DCAT) and XPS values, such GO-NH2 grafted carbon fiber exhibited significant improvements in surface energy and functional groups of the carbon fiber surface, which lead to an increase of 36.4% in the IFSS of its composites. Such hierarchical reinforcement shows great potential for enhancing interfacial properties in carbon fiber-reinforced composites.
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•Amino-functionalized graphene oxide was grafted onto carbon fibers by covalent bonding.•The functionalized carbon fiber exhibited enhanced mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion.•The functional groups on the hierarchical reinforcement are tunable to meet different demands.
Summary
Background
Methotrexate (MTX) is an efficacious treatment for psoriasis; however, its widespread application is limited by its unpredictable efficacy.
Objectives
To investigate the ...association of clinical factors and variants of psoriasis susceptibility genes with clinical responses to MTX in a prospective cohort.
Methods
A total of 221 patients with psoriasis were recruited. Patients who achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) improvement ≥ 75% at week 12 were defined as responders, whereas those with PASI improvement < 50% were defined as nonresponders. In 90 screening patients, genetic variants for 18 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in 14 susceptibility genes, and HLA‐Cw6 status were initially compared for responders and nonresponders. Statistically significant associations in genetic variants were verified in all 221 patients.
Results
Overall, 49% and 45% of patients achieved PASI 75 improvement during screening and verification stages, respectively. Concomitant arthritis with psoriasis and high body mass index (BMI) negatively affect the efficacy of MTX. TT genotype of rs10036748 in TNIP1 was significantly associated with PASI 75 response at week 12 (54% and 37%, P < 0·05). A significantly higher PASI 90 response was observed in patients with TT genotype of rs10036748 (27% vs. 12%, P < 0·01) and TC/TT genotype of rs4112788 in LCE3D (25% vs. 13%, P < 0·05) at week 12 compared with those who had other genotypes. After adjustment for all confounding factors, only BMI (P < 0·05), arthritis (P < 0·05) and genotype of rs10036748 (P < 0·05) were significantly associated with clinical responses to MTX.
Conclusions
Patients with psoriasis with TT genotype of rs10036748 in TNIP1, with lower BMI, without arthritis will achieve a better response to MTX.
What's already known about this topic?
Methotrexate is the first‐line treatment for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. However, there is significant heterogeneity in individual responses to methotrexate.
Patients with psoriasis who are positive for HLA‐Cw6 show improved response to methotrexate treatment.
What does this study add?
Concomitant psoriasis and high body mass index negatively affect the efficacy of methotrexate.
TT genotype of rs10036748 in TNIP1 was significantly associated with better responses to methotrexate.
What is the translational message?
Patients with psoriasis with TT genotype of rs10036748 in TNIP1 will demonstrate a better response to methotrexate.
Treatment with methotrexate can be recommended particularly for those patients with psoriasis who have a low body mass index and do not have arthritis.
Linked Comment: Cheng. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:660–661.
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Divertor detachment offers a promising solution to the challenge of plasma-wall interactions for steady-state operation of fusion reactors. Here, we demonstrate the excellent compatibility of ...actively controlled full divertor detachment with a high-performance (β
~ 3, H
~ 1.5) core plasma, using high-β
(poloidal beta, β
> 2) scenario characterized by a sustained core internal transport barrier (ITB) and a modest edge transport barrier (ETB) in DIII-D tokamak. The high-β
high-confinement scenario facilitates divertor detachment which, in turn, promotes the development of an even stronger ITB at large radius with a weaker ETB. This self-organized synergy between ITB and ETB, leads to a net gain in energy confinement, in contrast to the net confinement loss caused by divertor detachment in standard H-modes. These results show the potential of integrating excellent core plasma performance with an efficient divertor solution, an essential step towards steady-state operation of reactor-grade plasmas.
Highlights • Guanabenz extended the lifespan of SOD1 G93A mice. • Guanabenz delayed the disease onset of SOD1 G93A mice. • Guanabenz improved motor performance in SOD1 G93A mice. • Guanabenz ...attenuated motor neuron loss in SOD1 G93A mice. • Guanabenz attenuated ER stress and mitochondrial stress.
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