Thin Band Research Articles

Effect of Holes Drilled Various Distances from the Edge of Douglas Fir Utility Poles Tested in Bending

Abstract Wood utility poles are one of the most critical components of U.S. infrastructure. In the Pacific Northwest, Douglas fir is the species of wood predominantly used. Douglas fir has a relatively thin band of treatable sapwood surrounding an impermeable, but only moderately durable, heartwood core that is susceptible to internal decay. Historically, through boring has been the most commonly adopted practice for improving the performance of Douglas fir poles. Despite the inclusion of through boring in national utility standards, questions continue to rise regarding through boring. One important question regarding the process is how close to the edge holes should be drilled. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of through boring edge distance on the flexural strength of Douglas fir poles using a combination of full-scale flexural testing of poles as well as finite element analysis (FEA). Full-scale testing of 48 utility poles revealed that drilling holes within 50 or 75 mm of the outer edge of a pole had no significant effect on flexural properties. FEA consistently predicted failure modes and flexural properties after accounting for through boring and knot locations. These models could be improved through more accurate representation of grain around knots and then used to explore the effects of different sizes, species, quantities of knots and checks, and other drilling patterns on strength, and, therefore, would reduce the need for actual physical testing.

Chimera states in a ring of map-based neurons

Chimera state is a simultaneous combination of synchronous and asynchronous environments in a network of identical oscillators, attracts the attention of researchers in the different fields of science. Neuroscientists believe that existing both the synchronous and asynchronous behavior in the brain plays a vital role in brain neuronal activity. As a result, in this paper, we investigate the ability of a neural network to produce chimera. Our focus has been on using a discrete neuronal model which resolve the curse of dimensionality by retraining the complex behavior at the same time. Each neuron is coupled to its neighboring with limited scope. The interdependency of the spatiotemporal dynamic on the coupling strength in a fixed range made the switching process visible, which rises with the appearance of thin bands of incoherence, occupying the whole space ultimately.

Wood anatomy of the rare species Dinizia jueirana-facao (Fabaceae), “Tabuleiros” Atlantic Forest, Brazil

We present the first wood anatomy description for the rare species Dinizia jueirana-facao G. P. Lewis & G. S. Siqueira, which grows in a megadiverse tropical forest subjected to rainfall seasonality, in SE Brazil. Growth rings are visible to the naked eye and demarcated by thin marginal parenchyma bands and, sometimes, by thick-walled fibers in the latewood. Axial paratracheal parenchyma is vasicentric to lozenge aliform with short confluences. Rays are 2–6-seriate, homocellular (procumbent cells) and non-storied. Vessels are visible to the naked eye, some irregular clusters, with diffuse distribution, sometimes filled with gums. Crystals are absent. Intercellular canals of traumatic origin are present. In general, wood anatomical characteristics of D. jueirana-facao agree with those previously reported for other Mimosoid species. As other cooccurring Fabaceae, the studied species has visible growth rings, but more conspicuous than reported for its sister species. Growth rings in D. jueirana-facao are likely triggered by the marked rainfall seasonality.

Treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundSeveral options have been proposed for the treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS) in dogs, but formal comparisons among different treatment options are currently unavailable. A previous evidence‐based review (2012) found low quality of evidence for papers assessing the treatment of cEHPSS in dogs.ObjectivesTo assess the quality of evidence available in the treatment of cEHPSS, summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to outcome after cEHPSS management, and compare different treatment techniques.AnimalsNot used.MethodsA bibliographic search was performed without date or language restrictions. Studies were assessed for quality of evidence (study design, study group sizes, subject enrollment quality, and overall risk of bias) and outcome measures reported (perioperative outcome, clinical outcome, and surgical or interventional outcome), all reported with 95% confidence intervals. A network meta‐analysis was performed.ResultsForty‐eight studies were included. Six retrospective studies (grade 4b) compared 2 techniques and 7 were abstracts (grade 5). The quality of evidence was low and risk of bias high. Regarding surgical outcome, statistically significant superiority of ameroid constrictor over thin film band was observed (P = .003). No other comparisons were statistically significant.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe evidence base of choice of treatment of cEHPSS in dogs remains weak despite recent publications on the subject. Ameroid is superior to thin film band in causing EHPSS closure. Blinded randomized studies comparing different treatment modalities, which routinely include postoperative imaging to assess cEHPSS closure and acquired portosystemic shunt development are essential.

Development of a novel murine delayed secondary fracture healing in vivo model using periosteal cauterization

IntroductionDelayed union and nonunion development remain a major clinical problematic complication during fracture healing, with partially unclear pathophysiology. Incidences range from 5 to 40% in high-risk patients, such as patients with periosteal damage. The periosteum is essential in adequate fracture healing, especially during soft callus formation. In this study, we hypothesize that inducing periosteal damage in a murine bone healing model will result in a novel delayed union model.Materials and methodsA mid-shaft femoral non-critically sized osteotomy was created in skeletally mature C57BL/6 mice and stabilized with a bridging plate. In half of the mice, a thin band of periosteum adjacent to the osteotomy was cauterized. Over 42 days of healing, radiographic, biomechanical, micro-computed tomography and histological analysis was performed to assess the degree of fracture healing.ResultsAnalysis showed complete secondary fracture healing in the control group without periosteal injury. Whereas the periosteal injury group demonstrated less than half as much maximum callus volume (p < 0.05) and bridging, recovery of stiffness and temporal expression of callus growth and remodelling was delayed by 7–15 days.ConclusionThis paper introduces a novel mouse model of delayed union without a critically sized defect and with standardized biomechanical conditions, which enables further investigation into the molecular biological, biomechanical, and biochemical processes involved in (delayed) fracture healing and nonunion development. This model provides a continuum between normal fracture healing and the development of nonunions.

Anomalous twinning in AZ 31 magnesium alloy during electrically assisted forming

Abstract Electroplasticity has been explained by increased glide due to electron dislocation interactions and thermal effects. However, current pulse treatment of AZ 31 at 0.7 kA mm−1 within the elastic regime caused significant twinning, occurring in thin bands in the interior of grains. This is inconsistent with a purely dislocation based explanation of electroplasticity, which predicts a suppression of twinning as a strain accommodation mechanism. The presence of unexpected twinning offers insights on the relative contributions of dislocation mediated mechanisms and contributions from Joule heating to the overall effect.

Shallow water wave turbulence

The dynamics of irrotational shallow water wave turbulence forced at large scales and dissipated at small scales is investigated. First, we derive the shallow water analogue of the ‘four-fifths law’ of Kolmogorov turbulence for a third-order structure function involving velocity and displacement increments. Using this relation and assuming that the flow is dominated by shocks, we develop a simple model predicting that the shock amplitude scales as $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}d)^{1/3}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}$ is the mean dissipation rate and $d$ the mean distance between the shocks, and that the $p$th-order displacement and velocity structure functions scale as $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}d)^{p/3}r/d$, where $r$ is the separation. Then we carry out a series of forced simulations with resolutions up to $7680^{2}$, varying the Froude number, $F_{f}=(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}L_{f})^{1/3}/c$, where $L_{f}$ is the forcing length scale and $c$ is the wave speed. In all simulations a stationary state is reached in which there is a constant spectral energy flux and equipartition between kinetic and potential energy in the constant flux range. The third-order structure function relation is satisfied with a high degree of accuracy. Mean energy is found to scale approximately as $E\sim \sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}L_{f}c}$, and is also dependent on resolution, indicating that shallow water wave turbulence does not fit into the paradigm of a Richardson–Kolmogorov cascade. In all simulations shocks develop, displayed as long thin bands of negative divergence in flow visualisations. The mean distance between the shocks is found to scale as $d\sim F_{f}^{1/2}L_{f}$. Structure functions of second and higher order are found to scale in good agreement with the model. We conclude that in the weak limit, $F_{f}\rightarrow 0$, shocks will become denser and weaker and finally disappear for a finite Reynolds number. On the other hand, for a given $F_{f}$, no matter how small, shocks will prevail if the Reynolds number is sufficiently large.

Homothallism, morphology and phylogenetic position of a new species of Sellaphora (Bacillariophyta), S. pausariae

Background and aims – The eutrophic Blackford Pond in Edinburgh has already provided the holotypes of six other Sellaphora species. A further undescribed species is present and requires description and characterization.&#x0D; Methods – Clones of the new species are characterized by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular phylogenetics (from a concatenated five-gene alignment of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 23S rDNA, cox1 and rbcL, and a two-gene alignment of cox1 and rbcL).&#x0D; Key results – Sellaphora pausariae sp. nov. is named in honour of Dr Eileen Cox (‘pausaria’ = a lady coxswain). In molecular phylogenies, small-celled Sellaphora species (‘minima’ and ‘seminulum’ morphologies) branch off at the base of Sellaphora, though nodes are not well supported. Species and demes previously classified in either “Navicula pupula” or “Navicula bacillum” group into three very well supported clades (numbered 1–3). Although appearing in LM and SEM like a smaller, more delicate version of S. obesa, S. pausariae (clade 1) is not closely related to S. obesa (clade 2). Features of Sellaphora pausariae not confirmed previously in any Sellaphora but possibly widespread are: (a) hymenes with pores arranged in a regular scatter; (b) a stepped mantle near the poles; and (c) a ‘primodominant’ girdle comprising a wide band 1, a segmental band 2, and two extremely thin bands at the abvalvar end of the girdle. Sellaphora pausariae is homothallic; a deficiency of interclonal pairings in two-clone mixtures is interpreted as reflecting the tendency of cells to mate with their immediate neighbours.&#x0D; Conclusions – Morphologically, the new species can be differentiated from existing described species, though only problematically from some informally named demes. Molecularly, it is clearly characterized by the five genes sequenced. Girdle terminology needs expansion (e.g. to distinguish primodominant girdles from ‘graded’ ones, in which the bands gradually decrease in width and structural complexity from the valve outwards).

Outcomes of dogs treated for extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts with thin film banding or ameroid ring constrictor.

To compare the outcomes of dogs treated at a single institution for single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) by thin film banding (TFB) or by placement of an ameroid constrictor (AC). Retrospective case series. Seventy-six client-owned dogs with CPSS treated with TFB (n = 53) or AC (n = 23). Records were reviewed for signalment, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management and short-term outcomes. Data on second surgeries were reviewed. Long-term outcomes were obtained via an owner-directed health-related quality of life questionnaire. The rates of complications, mortality, and revision surgery were compared between the treatment groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 15 (28%) dogs with TFB (9% mortality, n = 5) and 8 (35%) dogs with an AC (4% mortality, n = 1). Long-term follow-up was available in 41 of 56 dogs at a median of 55 months (range, 15-89). Revision surgery for persistent shunting was performed in 14 (29%) dogs treated initially with TFB and in no dogs treated initially with AC (P = .007). Median long-term outcome scores were good in both groups; nine of 14 revision surgeries led to favorable outcomes. Persistent shunting requiring revision surgery was more common when CPSS were treated with TFB than with an AC, but both treatments achieved favorable long-term outcomes. Treatment of CPPS by placement of an AC rather than TFB seems more reliable for shunt attenuation and prevention of revision surgeries.

Bath Temperature Effect on c-axis Preferred Orientations and Band Gap of Semiconductor ZnO Thin Films

Semiconductor ZnO thin films were deposited via chemical bath deposition technique (CBD) on glass substrates at varying temperatures (75°C-90°C). Influence of bath temperature on c-axis preferred orientations of ZnO thin films were examined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results proved that thin films deposited at 80°C and 85°C bath temperature have a preferred orientation towards (011) peak. The preferred orientation changed towards (010) peak when the bath temperature increased to 90°C. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images proved that ZnO thin film structure was formed by flower-like nanorods. In the thin films produced at 80°C and 85°C, the alignment of the nanorods was vertical, while in the films produced at 90°C, the nanorods mostly formed horizontally. These FESEM images also proved that the preferential orientation has changed from (011) to (010). Effects of bath temperature on band gap of semiconductor ZnO thin films were investigated by UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. ZnO thin films band gap value increased to 3.37 eV as the bath temperature increased to 85°C. When the bath temperature increased to 90°C the band gap value strongly decreased to 3.24 eV.

Study of CuSbS2 thin films nanofibers prepared by spin coating technique using ultra pure water as a solvent

Nanofiber thin films of CuSbS2 were successfully grown by spin coating method using ultra-pure water as a solvent. In this work, we study the annealing temperature effect on the structural, morphological and optical properties of the synthesized films. The XRD results indicate the presence of pure CuSbS2 as major phase in chalcostibite structure. Microstructural results revealed that the sample heated at 250 °C showed a high quality with disordered self-assembly nanofibers with an average diameter about 50 nm. It was found that by increasing heating temperature from 150 to 250 °C, the CuSbS2 thin films optical band gap decreased from 1.80 to 1.35 ± 0.15 eV; while the sheet resistance dropped from 680 ± 34 Ω to 516 ± 25Ω. The fact that the energy band gap of this ternary material, synthesized using water as a solvent for the first time, can be adjusted to expect values that absorb the maximum of the solar spectrum, makes this material as a promise candidate as absorber in cheap, flexible and environmentally friendly solar cell applications.

The Orientation of Strain-Induced Crystallites in Uniaxially-Strained, Thin and Wide Bands Made from Natural Rubber

Vulcanized natural rubber (unfilled and filled with 20 phr carbon black) is strained. We suppress the macroscopic formation of fiber symmetry by choosing strip-shaped samples ("pure-shear geometry") and investigate the orientation of the resulting crystallites by two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), additionally rotating the sample tape about the straining direction. Indications of a directed reinforcing effect of the strain-induced crystallization (SIC) in the thin strip are found. In the filled material fewer crystallites are oriented and the orientation distribution of the oriented crystallites is less perfect. The results confirm, that it is important for the evaluation of crystallinity under deformation to check, whether fiber symmetry can be assumed. This has consequences in particular on the quantitative interpretation of space-resolved scanning experiments in the vicinity of crack tips. Furthermore it raises the question, whether there is an asymmetric reinforcing effect of the SIC in the vicinity of crack tips inside natural rubber.

Hot Corrosion Behavior of BaLa2Ti3O10 Thermal Barrier Ceramics in V2O5 and Na2SO4 + V2O5 Molten Salts

BaLa2Ti3O10 ceramics for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications were fabricated, and exposed to V2O5 and Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts at 900 °C to investigate the hot corrosion behavior. After 4 h corrosion tests, the main reaction products resulting from V2O5 salt corrosion were LaVO4, TiO2, and Ba3V4O13, whereas those due to Na2SO4 + V2O5 corrosion consisted of LaVO4, TiO2, BaSO4 and some Ba3V4O13. The structures of reaction layers on the surfaces depended on the corrosion medium. In V2O5 salt, the layer was dense and had a thickness of 8–10 μm. While in Na2SO4 + V2O5 salt, it had a ~15 μm porous structure and a dense, thin band at the bottom. Beneath the dense layer or the band, no obvious molten salt was found. The mechanisms by which the reaction layer forms were discussed.

Three-dimensional explicit finite element formulation for shear localization with global tracking of embedded weak discontinuities

Shear localization is a damage mechanism characterized by the concentration of plastic deformation within thin bands of materials, often observed as a precursor to failure in metals. In this paper, we present a three-dimensional explicit finite element formulation with embedded weak discontinuities for the treatment of shear localization under dynamic loading conditions. In this formulation, the onset of localization is detected via a material stability analysis suitable for rate-sensitive materials, and the continuity of propagating shear bands is ensured using a global tracking strategy involving a heat-conduction type boundary value problem, solved for a scalar level set function over the global domain of the problem. In addition, we propose a modified quadrature rule that is used to compute the contribution of an individual element to the global finite element arrays, taking into account the position of the embedded shear band within that element. The mechanical threshold stress (MTS) model, modified to account for dynamic recrystallization, is adopted as the constitutive model for rate- and temperature-sensitive metallic materials, and the constitutive equations are formulated in a corotational setting. The algorithmic implementation of the integrated finite element framework, including the global tracking strategy, is described in detail. Subsequently, a simple example problem involving shear band formation under uni-axial tension is presented, to illustrate the advantages of the proposed computational framework over conventional finite element techniques, in terms of convergence and mesh insensitivity of their numerical results. In addition, to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed computational framework in more realistic problems, numerical results are compared to data from split-Hopkinson pressure bar dynamic experiments, conducted on two stainless steel samples with different geometric designs. In each problem presented, we study the effect of the mesh size on the numerical solution, including global results such as the load–displacement response, and local quantities such as material state variables at individual quadrature points. These numerical studies show that the geometry and total volume of the fully-developed embedded shear band are independent of the mesh size.

Compositional characteristics and genetic affinity of the ferricrete deposit in Adi Kokeb district, northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

ABSTRACTThe ferricrete deposit in Adi Kokeb district was investigated using field observations, petrographic studies and chemical analysis of samples for their geochemistry and mode of origin. Field observations confirmed the presence of kaolinites, thin iron bands and relict quartz veins. Petrographic studies of the samples revealed that quartz, sericite, muscovite, orthoclase feldspar and iron oxides/hydroxides are the dominant minerals. Geochemical determination of major, minor and trace elements of seventeen (17) samples were done using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results show a general increasing trend in Fe2O3 (16.75–57.9 wt.%) and Al2O3 (11.35–16.44 wt.%) values and decreasing trends in SiO2 (57.05–22.01 wt.%) values from the Meta-sandstone to the ferricrete. The alkali and alkaline earth elements, notably K2O (0.142 wt.%), Na2O (<0.005 wt.%), CaO (0.075 wt.%) and MgO (0.098 wt.%), are highly depleted, confirming that iron precipitation with subsequent oxidation is major process in ferricrete formation. Similarly, the minor elements such as MnO (0.17 wt.%), TiO2 (0.56 wt.%) and P2O5 (0.154 wt.%) are highly depleted, implying their weak substitution for major elements in the ferricrete. The average value of trace elements such as Ba (669 ppm), Zr (348 ppm), Sr (215 ppm), Cu (125 ppm), Zn (55 ppm) and Pb (9.5 ppm) show a relative enrichment of the ferricrete compared to ferruginous sandstone and meta-sandstone. The relatively high concentrations of Zr, Ba and Sr in the ferricrete are attributed to their presence in detrital material during weathering (Zr) and their adsorption on neo-formed kaolinite (Ba and Sr). Integration of field, petrographic and geochemical results suggest that the origin of this deposit is associated with weathering processes. Therefore, the deposit is likely to be a ferricrete.

Preparation and identification of modified La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 nanoparticles and study of its microwave properties using silicone rubber or PVC

In this research a thin broad band and efficient microwave absorber was prepared by the conventional Sol-Gel method and identified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), vector network analyzer (VNA), x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Interfacial and dipolar polarization effects on microwave absorption were investigated for silicone rubber having a dielectric-strength and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with dipolar effects in microwave-absorbing matrices. Moreover, the Snoek’s limit related to the size of nanoparticles was investigated using organic templated nanoparticles. According to the VSM and FE-SEM results, magnetic properties and average size of modified nanoparticles were enhanced. According to VNA results, the effective bandwidth (RL <−10 dB) of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3/silicone rubber, modified La0.8Sr0.2FeO3/silicone rubber, and La0.8Sr0.2FeO3/PVC nanocomposites were 3.51, 3.47, 3.65 GHz while the La0.8Sr0.2FeO3/silicone rubber nanocomposite absorbed 64.28 dB at 9.88 GHz with a thickness of 1.8 mm.

Vertical incision subperiosteal tunnel access and three-dimensional OBS lever arm to recover a labially-impacted canine: Differential biomechanics to control root resorption

A 15-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of unesthetic smile and protrusive lips. Lower facial height and convexity were within normal limits, but the lower lip was protrusive (3mm to the E-Line). Bimaxillary retrusion (SNA 79.5˚, SNB 76˚, and ANB 3.5˚) and a high mandibular angle (SN-MP 38˚) were noted. Lower incisors were prominent (L1 to MP 96˚ and L1 to NB 8 mm). Molars were Class I, but the upper right canine (UR3) was Class II. The upper left deciduous canine (ULc) was retained, and the UL3 was labially impacted. An oblique direction of canine eruption wedged the impaction between the keratinized mucosa and the adjacent incisor, eliciting root resorption on the labial surface of the UL2. The discrepancy index (DI) was 16. Following extraction of all four first premolars and the ULc, all teeth except the UL2 were bonded with a Damon Q® passive self-ligating bracket system. Vertical incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique was performed to produce a submucosal space for retraction and extrusion of the impacted UR3. A button was bonded on the UL3, and a power chain was attached. The elastomer chain exited the mucosa through a more distal incision, and traction was applied with a custom lever arm, anchored by an OBS® inserted into the left infrazygomatic crest. The impaction was retracted into a normal position between the UL2 and UL4. Once the UL3 was extruded to the occlusal plane, the UL2 was bonded and its axial inclination was corrected with a labial root torquing auxiliary. Both arches were detailed and finished. After 24 months of active treatment, the UL3 was well aligned, but the labial gingiva supporting it was immature and only partially keratinized. Follow-up visit 1.5 years later showed its maturation into a stable but relatively thin band of gingiva. In retrospect, this UL3 gingival problem may have been avoided by adjusting the three-dimensional (3D) lever arm for a more palatal emersion of the impaction. There was no change in the preexisting labial root resorption of the UL2, but no additional root resorption on any teeth occurred during active treatment. Final alignment and dental esthetics were excellent as evidenced by an American Board of Orthodontics Cast-Radiograph Evaluation score of 12, and the IBOI Pink and White Esthetic Score of 2. VISTA with an OBS 3D lever arm is an important advance for orthodontic impaction recovery. Submucosal retraction of a labially- impacted, partially transposed maxillary canine permits optimal emergence into the arch. Differential biomechanics of soft and hard tissue explains impaction-related root loss before treatment, as well as the mechanism for protecting an unrestrained lateral incisor while the impacted canine is recovered.

Analysis of annexin 7 gene of malignant prostatic hyperplasia-induced male wistar rats in the presence of Annona muricata

Background: Prostate cancer has become the most common cancer among African – American men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Many anti-malignant agents have been isolated from different plant species with minimal or no side effects thus it holds future promise as a resort as cancer biotherapeutics when compared with other treatment methods including synthetic drugs. Aim: This current investigation was aimed at evaluating the anti-proliferative efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Annonamuricata leaf on annexin 7 gene of malignant prostatic hyperplasia induced male wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Sub-chronic daily oral gavage exposure of the test substances to experimental animals lasted for a period of 28 days. Monosodium glutamate and L-arginine (90:22.5 mg/kg/b.wt) with purity 98% were administered concomitantly to the male wistar rats in various treatment groups. A total of 25 male wistar rats of about 6 weeks old weighing between 250–282 grams were used for this investigation. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemicals screening of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaf were also carried out. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used in the histological assay of the prostate tissues. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) values were determined using standard protocol and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify annexin-7 gene. 1.5% agarose gel was used to separate the amplicons into bands of varying patterns. Result: Qualitative analysis demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, Saponins, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycoside, reducing sugar, phenol and triterpenes. Quantitative screening of the extract unveiled that alkaloid was present in the highest amount while Cardiac glycosides had the least concentration. The prostate histological assessment revealed a dose-dependent disruption in normal prostate tissue architecture. There was statistically significant difference P ≤ 0.05 in the body weight and prostate specific antigen (PSA) values of the male wistar rats in the experimental groups during the period of this investigation. The varying amplicon band patterns obtained from the treatment groups indicates possible MSG and L-ARG induced mutation in annexin 7 gene. The DNA amplicon bands observed in the positive control without treatments had some degree of similarity with bands obtained from the amplicons in the various treatment groups that were administered with both carcinogens and ethanolic leaf extract while thin bands were observed for the negative control group that was administered with carcinogens alone. Conclusion: This investigation has demonstrated that ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaf could be used as a potent ethno-chemopreventive agent against L-arginine and monosodium glutamate induced malignant prostatic hyperplasia in male wistar rats.

Neocrystallization of clay minerals in the Alhama de Murcia Fault (southeast Spain): implications for fault mechanics

AbstractTwo preferred textures were observed in the Alhama de Murcia Fault rocks: (a) foliated bands (&gt;100 µm thick) rich in well-crystallized dioctahedral micas, quartz, hematite and dolomite; and (b) ultrafine-grained bands (&lt;100 µm thick) made of patches composed of small mica crystals (&lt;15 µm) and dispersed Fe-oxides. In both textures, kaolinite forms intergrowths or patches of randomly oriented crystals filling gaps or opening layers of presumably inherited detrital mica crystals, which is interpreted as an epitaxial growth from fluids. The Na/K ratio of mica crystals in the thin ultrafine-grained bands shows a wider range than the micas from the foliated bands including muscovitic, intermediate Na/K and paragonitic compositions. The absence of the 0.98 nm intermediate peak in the diffractograms indicates that the small micas are submicroscopically paragonite and phengite intergrowths. The d001 values of the K-dioctahedral micas in the &lt;2 µm and whole fractions are clearly different from each other. The d001 values of micas of the &lt;2 µm fraction are larger, indicating a higher K and lower Na content in the small micas. Their composition corresponds to lower temperatures, suggesting their growth during a genetic episode in the fault. The textural relationships indicate a late growth of kaolinite, probably due to the fluid–rock interaction along fault planes and fractures. The neoformed clay minerals might alter the stability of the fault plane. The absence of expandable clay minerals and the relatively high frictional strength of kaolinite under wet conditions might explain the observed velocity-neutral behaviour of this gouge and earthquake propagation towards the surface.

The Synthetic ALMA Multiband Analysis of the Dust Properties of the TW Hya Protoplanetary Disk

Abstract Analyzing multiband observations of dust continuum emission is one of the useful tools to constrain dust properties that help us to understand the physical properties of the protoplanetary disks. We perform a synthetic ALMA multiband analysis to find the best ALMA band set for constraining the dust properties of the TW Hya disk. We find that the Band [10, 6, 3] set is the best set among the possible combinations of ALMA Bands [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. We also find two conditions for the good ALMA band sets providing narrow constraint ranges on dust properties: (1) Band 9 or 10 is included in the band set, and (2) there are enough frequency intervals between the bands. These are related to the conditions that give good constraints on dust properties: the combination of optically thick and thin bands is required, and large β (β is the power-law index of dust opacity, κ ν ∝ ν β ) and low dust temperature are preferable. To examine our synthetic analysis results, we apply the multiband analysis to ALMA archival data of the TW Hya disk at Bands 4, 6, 7, and 9. The Band [9, 6, 4] set provides the dust properties close to the model profile, while the Band [7, 6, 4] set gives the dust properties deviating from the model at all radii with too broad a constraint range to specify the accurate values of dust temperature, optical depth, and β. Since these features are expected by the synthetic multiband analysis, we confirm that the synthetic multiband analysis is consistent with the results derived from real data.