Relaxin-like factor expression as a marker of differentiation in the mouse testis and ovary

Expression of the relaxin-like factor (RLF) was studied at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in the testes and ovaries of the mouse, as well as through testicular development and differentiation in the mouse testis. In situ hybridization or RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody raised against a recombinant protein, provided mutually confirmatory results for a high expression of RLF in the Leydig cells of the adult testis and at a much lower level of expression in the luteal cells of the ovary through the cycle, pregnancy, and in lactation. Analysis of protein and mRNA expression, through postnatal testicular development, indicated moderate RLF expression also in the fetal population of Leydig cells, even in the hpg mutant mouse, lacking an active pituitary-gonadal axis. Prepubertal Leydig cells, however, exhibit only very low-level RLF gene expression, this phenotype persisting in the adult hpg mouse. In summary, fetal Leydig cells express RLF in an LH/human CG-independent fashion, whereas LH/human CG is essential to induce RLF expression in the adult-type Leydig cell. In cultured adult Leydig cells or in the mouse tumor MA-10 cell line, RLF mRNA is expressed in a constitutive fashion. RLF thus seems to be a useful marker of Leydig cell differentiation status.     

Microstructural characterization of a rapidly-solidified Al-12 wt% Si alloy

Optical, electron metallography and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to characterize the microstructure of a rapidly solidified Al-12 wt% Si alloy. Ribbons produced with the planar flow casting process at a cooling rate of 10⁶ Ks^–1, had a very fine cellular structure of Al and nanosize Si particles which are distributed inside and at the boundaries of these cells. Thinner sections (t<30 m) have apparently experienced higher cooling rates and show, in addition to a cellular structure, a distinct zone which is featureless at optical microscope magnifications.     

Investigation of photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticle coating on fly ash and red mud based porous ceramic substrate

Titanium dioxide is one of the best semiconducting photocatalysts available for photocatalytic cleaning applications. Especially nano-sized TiO₂ particles deposited on porous substrates can be utilized as a filter for solid and liquid media. On the other hand, red mud and thermal plant fly ash are hazardous wastes that are produced in large quantities. Recycling/reuse of these waste material in a porous ceramic production would be beneficial both for environmental and economical issues. In the present study, a porous substrate was produced from red mud and fly ash with varying ratios and additives of H₃BO₃, CaCO₃, and MgCO₃ for lowering the melting temperature and porosity formation. Sintered ceramics were then coated with nano-sized TiO₂ particles by the sol-gel method. Ultrasonic dispersion of nano-sized TiO₂ nanoparticles was also utilized as an alternative method for impregnation of nanoparticles into the porous structure of the ceramic substrate. Finally, photocatalytic activities and degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV radiation of substrates were investigated. According to the SEM investigations, the sol-gel method was observed to be a better way of nanoparticle deposition because deposited particles are homogenous throughout the ceramic body. Also, this method provides lower particle sizes than the ones that were deposited by the ultrasonic dispersion method. This results in higher surface area and better photocatalytic activities.     

A CrNiCo Alloy as a Potential Tool Material in Semi‐solid Processing of Steels

Semisolid processing of aluminium and magnesium alloys has matured to become a well established manufacturing route for the production of intricate, thin‐walled parts with mechanical properties as good as forged grades. However, this innovative forming technology faces a major challenge in the case of steels. The tool materials must withstand the complex load profile and relatively higher forming temperatures which promote chemical interaction with steel slurries. Thixoforming tools ought to last thousands of forming cycles for industrial application to be attractive. Hot work tool steel dies proved to be entirely inadequate when thixoforming steels. In spite of extensive research on tool materials for the semisolid processing of steels, there is yet no material to fulfil this critical role. The present work was undertaken to explore the potential of a novel CrNiCo alloy as the tooling material in semisolid processing of steel.     

Impact of partial recrystallization on the performance of 6005A tube extrusions

Strain distribution in tube extrusion involves gradients not only across the thickness but also around the diameter in a cyclic fashion favouring recrystallization at the surfaces and weld seams where the peak strains occur. Recrystallized grains are coarse since only a small fraction of the potential nuclei are activated while the rest are pinned by the dispersoids. While coarse surface grain structure is typical in all 6005A tubes, only those with fully recrystallized weld seams have failed. Having been largely depleted of its defects during recrystallization, weld seams respond to a subsequent artificial ageing treatment favourably and enjoy a relatively higher hardness owing to the precipitation of the hardening precursor phases of the Mg₂Si. The interface between the harder weld seams and the relatively softer fibrous zones is believed to be a weak link, a very favourable site for crack initiation. Once initiated, cracks propagate along this interface until they reach the recrystallized surface layer. The recrystallized weld seams are judged to be a serious threat to the integrity of hollow extrusions.