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Teleost fish possess calcium carbonate otoliths located in separate chambers (utriculus, sacculus, and lagena) of their membranous labyrinth. This study analyzed the surface topography of the sagittal otolith of the Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) and the daily and annual increments in these otoliths. The otolith surface, characterized by laser scanning confocal microscopy for the first time, consisted of a system of prominent ridges and valleys (grooves), but it is unclear whether these structures are functional or represent time-resolving markings reflecting growth periodicity. Within the first-year volume, daily increments, each consisting of an incremental (more mineralized) and a discontinuous (less mineralized) zone, were resolved by optical microscopy and backscattered electron (BSE) imaging in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Daily growth increments could, however, not be resolved in volumes formed after the first year, presumably because otolith growth markedly slows down and spacing of incremental markings narrows in older fish. Throughout otolith growth, the crystalline network continues across the discontinuous zones. Fluorochrome labeling provides additional information on growth after the first year. Compared with optical and BSE imaging, synchrotron microComputed Tomography of intact otoliths (with 0.69 µm volume elements) was less able to resolve daily increments; X-ray phase contrast reconstructions provided more detail than reconstructions with absorption contrast. Future research directions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various contents of carbon fibers (CFs) and potassium titanate whiskers (PTWs) were added to an Fe-based impregnated diamond bit (IDB) matrix to enhance its adaptability to percussive–rotary drilling. A series of mechanical tests were conducted successively to find the effects of the reinforcing materials on the properties of the Fe-based IDB samples. Then, the fracture surfaces of the samples were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and the worn surfaces and abrasive debris of the samples were analyzed using a laser scanning confocal microscope and SEM. The results show that both the CF and PTW can effectively improve the hardness and bending strength of an Fe-based IDB matrix, and those parameters reached their maximum values at the additive amount of 1 wt%. However, the CF had a better enhancement effect than the PTW. Furthermore, the CF improved the impact wear resistance of the IDB matrix, with a minimum wear rate of 2.38 g/min at the additive amount of 2 wt%. However, the PTW continuously weakened the impact wear resistance of the IDB matrix with increases in its content. Moreover, the morphologies of the worn surfaces indicated that the minimum roughness of the CF-reinforced IDB matrix decreased significantly to as low as 4.91 μm, which was 46.16% lower than that without CF, whereas the minimum roughness of the PTW-reinforced samples decreased by 11.31%. Meanwhile, the abrasive debris of the CF-reinforced samples was more uniform and continuous compared to that of the PTW-reinforced samples. Overall, the appropriate addition of CF or PTWs can enhance the mechanical properties of Fe-based IDB matrices, which can be used on different formations based on their impact wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to produce a film based on the mucilage of Paneerak flower modified with licorice root and copper sulfate nanoparticles. The D-optimal statistical scheme was used to study the antioxidant, antimicrobial, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal decomposition (DSC) properties of the films. The results showed that with the increase of licorice root and copper sulfate nanoparticles, the antioxidant activity of the film increased significantly (p<0.05). The results of the antimicrobial activity of the prepared films showed that the addition of licorice and copper sulfate nanoparticles caused the antimicrobial activity of the film against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that copper sulfate nanoparticles are physically combined with the mucilage polymer of Paneerak flower and it reduces the crystal structure.Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results confirm the physical presence of copper sulfate nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. FTIR results also showed weak electrostatic interactions between film components and composites. The results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that the surface of the films containing copper sulfate nanoparticles and licorice root are more heterogeneous than the mucilage of Paneerak flower. Shirin-bian and copper sulfate nanoparticles were able to delay the thermal decomposition of the mucilage of Paneerak flower and increase the thermal stability of the mucilage film. Finally, based on the results, the addition of copper sulfate nanoparticles and licorice root to edible films based on the mucilage of paneerak flower improved antimicrobial, antioxidant, DSC and SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sperm morphology analysis is very necessary to understand male fertility and the etiology of infertility. Currently, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been widely used to determine surface topology. In this study, we will compare the effects of spermatozoa cryopreservation using three different types of cryoprotectants, namely Nakagata, modification and Kitazato. The cryoprotectant compositions used are Nakagata (raffinose and skim milk), modified (glycerol and raffinose) and Kitazato (glycerol and trehalose). Methods: SEM analysis was carried out on 8 sperm samples before cryopreservation and after the freeze-thaw process. Results: The results obtain showed that cryoprotectant modification was able to protect spermatozoa morphology better than Nakagata and Kitazato. Analysis revealed damage to plasma membrane, acrosome and loss of mitochondria in all treatment groups compared to fresh sperm. SEM showed obvious signs of post-thaw damage such as missing plasma membranes, sperm showing damaged acrosomes and mitochondria in the middle showing structural disorganization. Conclusion: SEM revealed that cryopreservation caused ultrastructural damage to mice sperm due to freezing and thawing. These details provide valuable data for further research to minimize the damage caused by cryopreservation to mice sperm. Apart from that, further examination using TEM is recommended to obtain a more comprehensive picture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research is to analyze the possibility of obtaining an amorphous nanostructured state from the original amorphous state by ion irradiation. The processes of phase formation in the Fe75Mo5Si6B14 amorphous alloy under the influence of argon ion irradiation were investigated using the methods of highly sensitive dilatometry, microhardness measurements, and electron microscopy. The surface treatment of the amorphous alloy with argon ions was carried out at a voltage on the anode of 1 kV and a current through the sample of 1 mA. The surface morphology of the amorphous alloy treated with argon ions was studied under a LensSEI scanning electron microscope. The structure of amorphous alloys is characterized by the presence of frozen-in crystallization centers. It was found that the phenomenon of nanocrystallization is not observed during exposure to ion irradiation for up to 30 minutes. This is explained by the fact that, as a result of ion irradiation, the local temperature on the surface of the sample rises and reaches such values, at which, according to the thermodynamic theory of thermal stability, the frozen centers of crystallization can dissolve in the amorphous matrix. When the ion irradiation time of the source alloy is increased to 45 minutes, a decrease in thermal stability of 25 °C and an increase in microhardness of 8.2% are observed, therefore, the alloy is strengthened. This indirectly indicates the formation of an amorphous-nanocrystalline state in the alloy. Structural changes are also confirmed by the results of studies of the amorphous alloy surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. After irradiation, both the number of crystal nuclei and their average size increase significantly (from 20 nm in the source alloy to 65 nm in the irradiated one). The changes in the number and size of crystal nuclei are explained by the fact that at an irradiation time of 45 minutes, the temperature in the regions of the ion tracks reaches threshold values and thermodynamic conditions are created for the growth of frozen crystallization centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Polynucleotides (PN) are becoming more prominent in aesthetic medicine. However, the structural characteristics of PN have not been published and PN from different companies may have different structural characteristics. This study aimed to elucidate the structural attributes of DOT™ PN and distinguish differences with polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) using high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Materials and methods: DOT™ PN was examined using a Quanta 3‐D field emission gun (FEG) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Sample preparation involved cryogenic cooling, cleavage, etching, and metal coating to facilitate high‐resolution imaging. Cryo‐FIB/SEM techniques were employed for in‐depth structural analysis. Results: PDRN exhibited an amorphous structure without distinct features. In contrast, DOT™ PN displayed well‐defined polyhedral shapes with smooth, uniformly thick walls. These cells were empty, with diameters ranging from 3 to 8 micrometers, forming a seamless tessellation pattern. Discussion: DOT™ PN's distinct geometric tessellation design conforms to the principles of biotensegrity, providing both structural reinforcement and integrity. The presence of delicate partitions and vacant compartments hints at possible uses in the field of pharmaceutical delivery systems. Within the realms of beauty enhancement and regenerative medicine, DOT™ PN's capacity to bolster cell growth and tissue mending could potentially transform approaches to rejuvenation treatments. Its adaptability becomes apparent when considering its contributions to drug administration and surgical procedures. Conclusion: This study unveils the intricate structural scaffold features of DOT™ PN for the first time, setting it apart from PDRN and inspiring innovation in biomedicine and materials science. DOT™ PN's unique attributes open doors to potential applications across healthcare and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant risk to humans and animals due to their ability to absorb, adsorb, and desorb organic pollutants. MPs catchment from either sediments or water bodies is crucial for risk assessment, but fast and effective particle quantification of irregularly shaped particles is only marginally addressed. Many studies used microscopy methods to count MP particles, which are tedious for large sample sizes. Alternatively, this work presents an algorithm developed in the free software GNU Octave to analyze microscope images of MP particles with variable sizes and shapes. The algorithm can detect and distinguish different particles, compensate for uneven illumination and low image contrast, find high-contrast areas, unify edge regions, and fill the remaining pixels of stacked particles. The fully automatic algorithm calculates shape parameters such as convexity, solidity, reciprocal aspect ratio, rectangularity, and the Feret major axis ratio and generates the particle size distribution. The study tested low-density polyethylene particles with sizes of 50–100 µm and 200–300 µm. A scanning electron microscope image series analyzed with Octave was compared to a manual evaluation using ImageJ. Although the fully automatic algorithm did not identify all particles, the comprehensive tests demonstrate a qualitatively accurate particle size and shape monitoring applicable to any MPs, which processes larger data sets in a short time and is compatible with MATLAB-based codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Age‐related changes in the fiber structure around adipocytes were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of excised skin tissues. In addition, the viscoelasticity of the subcutaneous fat layer was evaluated via elastography, and the association between the fiber structure and the viscoelastic properties was assessed. Methods: Skin tissues excised from the facial cheek area were used. Then, SEM images of these tissues were obtained. The thickness and quantity of the fibers around adipocytes were assessed using a 5‐point scale. The score was used to grade 18 tissue samples. Moreover, the viscoelasticity of the subcutaneous fat layer in the same samples was evaluated via ultrasound elastography. Results: Based on the SEM image score, an association was observed between the fiber status score and age, thereby indicating a tendency toward age‐related fibrosis. Fiber structures with high scores, which indicate fibrosis, had a significantly lower viscoelasticity based on ultrasound elastography. Conclusion: The thickness and quantity of fibrous structures around adipocytes in the subcutaneous fat layer increase with age, and these changes can be associated with decreased viscoelasticity in the subcutaneous fat layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal evolution of photogenerated charge carriers on surfaces and at interfaces of photoactive materials is an important issue for understanding fundamental physical processes in optoelectronic devices and advanced materials. Conventional optical probe-based microscopes that provide indirect information about the dynamic behavior of photogenerated carriers are inherently limited by their poor spatial resolution and large penetration depth. Herein, we develop an ultrafast scanning electron microscope (USEM) with a planar emitter. The photoelectrons per pulse in this USEM can be two orders of magnitude higher than that of a tip emitter, allowing the capture of high-resolution spatiotemporal images. We used the contrast change of the USEM to examine the dynamic nature of surface carriers in an InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode (APD) after femtosecond laser excitation. It was observed that the photogenerated carriers showed notable longitudinal drift, lateral diffusion, and carrier recombination associated with the presence of photovoltaic potential at the surface. This work demonstrates an in situ multiphysics USEM platform with the capability to stroboscopically record carrier dynamics in space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of carbonate petrography is essential for understanding reservoir properties and the quality of rock formations. High-resolution cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and optical microscopy were used to determine the impact of cement on the porosity evolution of carbonate rocks of the Kurra Chine Formation at Sirwan Valley, Northern Iraq. This study represents the first-ever attempt to investigate sedimentology at this location. A total, of 183 thin-section slides, 18 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) samples, 14 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) samples, and 6 Cathodoluminescence (CL) samples were analyzed from the outcrop section of the Kurra Chine Formation. Four types of dolomite textures are recognized and classified based on the crystal size distribution and crystalboundary shape. The porosity within Kurra Chine Formation includes primary and secondary porosity, with the majority of primary porosity being occluded by cementation. Cathodoluminescence analysis revealed two phases of calcite cement in the Kurra Chine Formation. The first phase (C1), is characterized by weak-zoned blocky calcite, displaying a dull luminescence with typical homogenous red color, which fills most of the interparticle and moldic pores. The second type of calcite cement (C2) is ghost-zoned calcite exhibiting red to slight orange luminesces interfingering with dolomite cement. XRD analysis indicated a predominant of calcite and common dolomite. SEM analysis revealed the predominance of secondary porosity occurring within fractures of the dolomite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the degree of mineralization as well of the chemical composition at the interface of failed dental implants with surrounding bone. Material and methods. The analysis was performed on human histological samples by the aid of a scanning electron microscope and an energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (ESEM-EDX). Results. The middle and the apical region of the implant surfaces had higher quantity of bone tissue deposition. A higher degree of mineralization was observed in these two regions as well. Conclusion. From the analysis performed by the aid of scanning electron microscopy, it appears that the bone tissue deposition is better represented in the middle and apical region of the implants [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the preparation of surfactant-assisted carbon nanotube dispersions using gum arabic, Triton X-100, and graphene oxide as dispersing agents for removing rare earth elements in an aqueous solution. The analytical tools, including (a) scanning electron microscopy and (b) neutron activation analysis, were utilized for qualitative and quantitative examinations, respectively. Neutron activation analysis was employed to quantitatively determine the percent of extraction of nuclides onto the carbon structure, while the images produced from the scanning electron microscope allowed the morphological structure of the surfactant–CNT complex to be analyzed. This report tested the effects responsible for nuclide removal onto CNTs, including the adsorbent to target mass ratio, the CNT concentration and manufacturing process, the pH, and the ionic radius. Observable trends in nuclide extraction were found for each parameter change, with the degree of dispersion displaying high dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 composite materials were successfully prepared by hydrothermal reaction method. The phase structure and morphology of the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. The results show that TiO2 particles are evenly distributed between the layers and on the surface of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. The prepared composite materials were added to PAO6 base oil, and the MDW-02 friction and wear testing machine was used to study the effects of material addition concentration, working load and working speed on the tribological properties of lubricating oil. The friction test results show that the introduction of Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 composite material can reduce friction, and the maximum reduction of friction and wear was achieved under additive concentration of 1.0 wt%. By scanning electron microscopy analysis of the wear scars, it was confirmed that the prepared nanocomposites repaired the scratched surface and formed a uniform lubricating film, which helped to improve the tribological properties of the base oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of milling parameters on the development of Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposites and the refinement of NiO and Al powders. Ball milling of certain mixtures was followed by sintering at 800 and 1100 °C for 2 h. The X-ray diffraction results of the dry-milled powders indicated that increasing the ball-to-powder weight ratio from 20:1 to 42:1 resulted in finer particles, which enabled the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposites by milling at 200 rpm for 1.5 h. Extending the milling duration at lower rotational speeds yielded powders with nanoscale particle sizes. However, as shown by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy, a nanocomposite with metallic matrix was formed by the mechanochemical reaction, and the crystallite size was estimated using the Williamson--Hall plot. Furthermore, we used differential scanning calorimetry diagrams to analyze the effects of milling on the temperatures of phase transformation and/or reduction reactions. The tribological performance of the developed nickel metal matrix composite was investigated using a ball-on-disc tribometer under various loading conditions. Indeed, the friction coefficient increases with the applied forces and decreases with milling. Comprehensive examinations of the worn surfaces were carried out using a scanning electron microscope and a 3D optical profiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially available photovoltaic (PV) modules typically consist of individual silicon half-cut cells that are electrically interconnected. This interconnection method results in gaps between the cells, which do not contribute to the overall PV output power. One approach to enhance the cell-to-module power ratio is the placement of white, diffuse reflecting plastic material within these gaps. Conventionally, the process of generating reflective patterns involves several discrete steps, including film deposition, resist patterning, etching, and resist stripping. This study presents an innovative single-step procedure for the direct deposition of zinc reflective patterns onto glass substrates using laser-induced backward transfer (LIBT) and a nanosecond pulsed laser system. The process successfully produced lines and squares, demonstrating its versatility in achieving diverse geometric patterns under ambient atmospheric pressure and room temperature conditions. The evaluation of the transferred patterns included an examination of geometric dimensions and surface morphology using a 3D microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis at the air/Zn interface. Additionally, the thickness of the zinc film and its adhesion to the glass substrate were quantified. The angular reflectance at a wavelength of 660 nm for both the glass/Zn and air/Zn interfaces was measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U-10 wt.% Zr (U-10Zr) metallic fuel is the leading candidate for next-generation sodium-cooled fast reactors. Porosity is one of the most important factors that impacts the performance of U-10Zr metallic fuel. The pores generated by the fission gas accumulation can lead to changes in thermal conductivity, fuel swelling, Fuel-Cladding Chemical Interaction (FCCI) and Fuel-Cladding Mechanical Interaction (FCMI). Therefore, it is crucial to accurately segment and analyze porosity to understand the U-10Zr fuel system to design future fast reactors. To address the above issues, we introduce a workflow to process and analyze multi-source Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image data. Moreover, an encoder-decoder-based, deep fully convolutional network is proposed to segment pores accurately by integrating the residual unit and the densely-connected units. Two SEM 250 × field of view image datasets with different formats are utilized to evaluate the new proposed model's performance. Sufficient comparison results demonstrate that our method quantitatively outperforms two popular deep fully convolutional networks. Furthermore, we conducted experiments on the third SEM 2500 × field of view image dataset, and the transfer learning results show the potential capability to transfer the knowledge from low-magnification images to high-magnification images. Finally, we use a pre-trained network to predict the pores of SEM images in the whole cross-sectional image and obtain quantitative porosity analysis. Our findings will guide the SEM microscopy data collection efficiently, provide a mechanistic understanding of the U-10Zr fuel system and bridge the gap between advanced characterization to fuel system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We compared the histological changes and hearing restoration during the healing of acute total tympanic membrane (TM) perforations between Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with and without excision of the mallear handle. Materials and methods: Bilateral, acute, and total TM perforations were created in 36 male SD rats. The mallear handle was preserved in the left ear (handle‐preserved ear [HPE]) and excised from the right ear (handle‐excised ear [HEE]). Endoscopical examination, auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds, histopathological, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were performed. Results: Endoscopic photographs showed that all perforations in the 18 SD rats were closed. The mean closure times were 6.83 ± 0.85 and 8.50 ± 0.71 days in the HPE and HEE groups, respectively (p <.001). SEM images showed radial arrangement of fiber bundles in a single direction in HPEs, although normal arrangement was not achieved. In contrast, HEEs showed disorganized arrangement. At 1 month after perforation closure, the ABR thresholds at high frequencies were significantly higher in the HEE group than in the HPE group (p =.029 and p =.017 for 16 and 32 kHz, respectively). Additionally, the changes in ABR threshold were significantly different at high frequencies (p =.011 and p =.017 for 16 and 32 kHz, respectively) before and 1 month after perforation closure between the HPE and HEE groups, although the differences were not statistically significant at the remaining frequencies. Conclusion: Although the malleus handle may not affect the closure of total perforation in SD rats, it contributes to accelerate the perforation closure by possible guide the migration of proliferative epithelial cell on the upper halves of the annulus. Additionally, resection of the malleus handle impairs high frequency hearing recovery following spontaneous closure of the TM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This in vitro study aimed to assess the presence of microgaps at the implant–abutment interface in monolithic zirconia partial implant-supported fixed prostheses on transepithelial abutments versus Ti-base abutments. Methods: Sixty conical connection dental implants were divided into two groups (n = 30). The control group consisted of three-unit bridge monolithic zirconia connected to two implants by a transepithelial abutment. The test group consisted of monolithic zirconia three-unit restoration connected to two implants directly by a titanium base (Ti-base) abutment. The sample was subjected to thermocycling (10,000 cycles at 5 °C to 55 °C, dwelling time 50 s) and chewing simulation (300,000 cycles, under 200 N at frequencies of 2 Hz, at a 30° angle). The microgap was evaluated at six points (mesiobuccal, buccal, distobuccal, mesiolingual, lingual, and distolingual) of each implant–abutment interface by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U tests (p > 0.05). Results: The SEM analysis showed a smaller microgap at the implant–abutment interface in the control group (0.270 μm) than in the test group (3.902 μm). Statistically significant differences were observed between both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use or not of transepithelial abutments affects the microgap size. The transepithelial abutments group presented lower microgap values at the interface with the implant than the Ti-base group in monolithic zirconia partial implant-supported fixed prostheses. However, both groups had microgap values within the clinically acceptable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and cone crusher pilot-scale tests were conducted using Upper Group 2 (UG2) platinum-bearing ore in order to determine the impact of micro-cracks in HPGR products toward energy requirements in ball mills and the degree of liberation. The ball mill was fed with HPGR and cone crusher products of similar particle size distributions (PSDs). Qualitative analysis of the degree of micro-cracking on the HPGR and cone crusher products performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and image analysis software showed that an HPGR product had more micro-cracks than the equivalent cone crusher product. Milling energy requirements were evaluated using size-specific energy consumption indices calculated based on three grind sizes of 300 µm, 150 µm and 75 µm. The effect of residual micro-cracks in the products of HPGR and cone crusher on the milling size-specific energy requirement is inconclusive. The kinetic parameter k in the cumulative rate kinetic model for ball milling cone crusher products and for ball milling HPGR products were similar. Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN) was used to determine the degree of liberation of various mineral phases in the mill products. At a coarser grind size (P80 of 300 µm), the sulfides in the mill products pre-crushed using the cone crusher have consistently poorer liberation than in the equivalent HPGR pre-crushed sample. However, at a finer grind size (P80 of 75 µm), the sulfides in the mill products pre-crushed using the cone crusher and using an HPGR showed similar liberation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of aging on the low-temperature crack resistance of fiber asphalt mixes, three kinds of fibers (lignin fiber, polyester fiber, and basalt fiber) were dry blended into AC-13 asphalt mixes to prepare unaged, asphalt aged (that is, the original asphalt material is subjected to aging treatment), short-term aged, and long-term aged fiber reinforced asphalt mixes. Semicircular bending (SCB) tests and scanning electron microscopy tests were used to analyze and study the effects of aging time and fiber type on the low-temperature properties of asphalt mixtures at an ambient temperature of −5 °C. The SCB test results indicated that: with the deepening of aging, the fracture toughness and fracture energy of the fiber asphalt mixture specimens will tend to decrease, and the aging of the original asphalt has a greater impact on the specimens without fiber; there was great variability in the effect of lignin fibers on the crack resistance of the mix, but it could be a good promoter in unaged asphalt mixes; polyester fiber is the material of choice for improving low-temperature crack resistance in long-term aging pavements; the incorporation of basalt fiber greatly enhances the crack resistance of asphalt mixes and is an excellent material for improving aging asphalt mixes. It is clearly seen by the scanning electron microscope test that with the deepening of aging, the adhesion of asphalt and aggregate gradually deteriorates, and even more so, there is the phenomenon of fine aggregate flaking, and the fiber cannot play an excellent role in reinforcement and crack resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital rock physics (DRP) is important for characterizing the pore characteristics and petrophysical parameters of rocks from a microscopic perspective. Among the digital rock reconstruction methods, the most widely used is the computer tomography (CT) scan method. However, the pore structure of rocks has multiscale features, and CT scan images with a single resolution cannot completely describe the pore structure characteristics of rocks. In this paper, we analysed reconstructed multisource and multiscale 3-D digital rocks based on the cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) method. This method fully integrates the advantages of the large field of view of low-resolution images and the high-precision features of high-resolution images. To investigate the performance of the method, two sequences of CT scan images of a sandstone (sample A) and a carbonate rock (sample B) collected from oilfields were studied. Moreover, due to the high resolution of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, we also constructed 3-D digital rocks with different resolutions of the Berea sandstone based on the combination of CT scan images and SEM images. Finally, the statistical properties and absolute permeabilities were calculated to evaluate the accuracies of reconstructed multisource and multiscale 3-D digital rocks. The results show that the reconstructed multiscale digital rocks based on the CycleGAN method have good accuracy in terms of statistical properties and petrophysical properties. Considering the computational cost and computational accuracy, for high- and low-resolution CT scan images and CT scan images with SEM images as training image data sources, we suggest that the resolution of the reconstructed multiscale digital cores is 4–8 times and 4–16 times higher than that of the low-resolution CT scan images, respectively. The findings of our research will be helpful in gaining insight into the petrophysical properties of heterogeneous rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An herbal supplement made with thyme, mint, cilantro, and rowan and viburnum fruit has been used to fortify wheat bread with antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of raw materials and bread was determined by the spectrophotometric method. To determine substances with antioxidant properties, the HPLC method was used. The chromatogram of the alcoholic extract of the herbal supplement showed that the supplement contains organic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The HPLC method was used to determine the amount of flavonoids in the supplement and bread. Micrographs of the surface of slices of bread with a phytonutrient were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The presence of chemical elements with antioxidant properties was determined using an X-ray EMF detector in the scanning electron microscope system. The use of phytonutrients in bread technology has been found to lead to an increase in the quality of the product and its antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back-scattered electron imaging and X-ray elemental mapping were combined in a tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate cross-sections of three AA-type (mignon) nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) batteries from different manufacturers. All batteries underwent 500–800 charge/discharge cycles and reached their end of lifetime after several years as they could no longer hold any significant electric charge (less than 20% of nominal charge capacity), but none showed any short-circuiting. The types of degradation observed in this field study included electrode swelling, metallic nickel formation and carbon incorporation into pores in the positive electrodes and, in the negative electrodes, metal alloy segregation of different elements such as nickel, lanthanum and, in one case, sodium, as well as grain break-up and pore formation. All these phenomena could readily be observed at rather small magnifications. This will be important for the improvement of NiMH batteries, for which new generations with nominally slightly increased charge capacities are being marketed all the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlF3 has interesting electrophysical properties, due to which the material is promising for applications in supercapacitors, UV coatings with low refractive index, excimer laser mirrors, and photolithography. The formation of AlF3-based nano- and micro-wires can bring new functionalities to AlF3 material. AlF3 nanowires are used, for example, in functionally modified microprobes for a scanning probe microscope. In this work, we investigate the AlF3 samples obtained by the reaction of initial aluminum with an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution of different concentrations. The peculiarity of our work is that the presented method for the synthesis of AlF3 and one-dimensional structures based on AlF3 is simple to perform and does not require any additional precursors or costs related to the additional source materials. All the samples were obtained under normal conditions. The morphology of the nanowire samples is studied using scanning electron microscopy. We performed an intermediate atomic force microscope analysis of dissolved Al samples to analyze the reactions occurring on the metal surface. The surface of the obtained samples was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. During the analysis, it was found that under the given conditions, whiskers were synthesized. The scale of one-dimensional structures varies depending on the given parameters in the system. Quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy spectra are obtained and analyzed with respect to the feedstock and each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the fields of forensics, the identification of human remains is a recurrent problem. The estimated age at death is one of the copious criteria to be evaluated. In adult teeth, the height of the root dentin transparency is used to estimate age. However, in archaeological material, this phenomenon appears inconstant. The aim of this work was to observe the structural modifications of the sclerotic dentin in the teeth for different postmortem intervals. The study included two parts (retrospective and prospective study) with 21 human monoradicular teeth, from bodies donated to medical science with postmortem intervals (PMIs) of 0, 1, 2 and 5 years and archeological excavation. After inclusion based on resin, section and polishing, the samples were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) JSM-7800F®, and the procedure was completed via a semiquantitative analysis of calcium and phosphorus using EDX microanalysis. The analysis showed the existence of tubular and chemical modifications of sclerotic dentin at different PMIs. Our SEM study allowed us to observe a difference in tubule aspects linked to an increased PMI: the loss of peritubular collar and the lumen obstruction of tubules with a hyperdense material. Microanalysis highlighted variations in phosphocalcic ratios among the different groups, especially in the pulp area and the canine. Our hypotheses that explain these differences are based on the postmortem modifications of the crystals of the mineral phase of sclerotic dentin under the influence of chemical and/or bacterial action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental study of the wet freeze–thaw (FT) durability of a fibre–polymer composite produced by vacuum infusion using an innovative bio-based unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and basalt fibres. As the benchmark, an equivalent composite produced with a conventional (oil-based) UPR was also tested. The composites were preconditioned in water immersion for 30 days at 20 °C followed by exposure to wet FT for up to 300 cycles; each FT cycle consisted of 3 h in dry freezing condition (−20 °C) and 8 h in thawing condition (23 °C) submerged in water. The composites' properties were assessed after preconditioning and after 100, 200, and 300 FT cycles, through mechanical (tensile, compressive, in-plane shear, interlaminar shear) and thermomechanical (dynamic mechanical analysis) tests. Gravimetric and scanning electron microscope analyses were also carried out. The results obtained show that the preconditioning stage, involving water immersion, caused most of the damage, with property reductions of 5% to 39% in the bio-composite, while in the oil-composite they ranged between 4% and 22%, being higher for matrix-dominated properties. On the other hand, FT alone had an insignificant effect on the degradation of material properties; after exposure to FT, property recovery was observed, specifically in matrix-dominated properties, such as interlaminar shear strength, which recovered by 12% in the bio-composite during exposure to FT. The overall performance of the bio-composite was inferior to the conventional one, especially during the preconditioning stage, and this was attributed to the hydrophilicity of some of the components of its bio-based resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casamassima old town, locally known as "blue town", is widespread stratified blue paint covering the facades of the historical buildings, not reported in the archival data and historical sources. The archaeometric results presented in this study aimed to investigate raw materials, in particular pigments, used to cover the facades to contribute more precisely to the historical reconstruction of this local custom. A set of nine samples was collected from two representative historical buildings and observed by reflected light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS) and their mineralogical characterisation was carried out by means of X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD). The comparison of the mineralogical and elementary results and the stratigraphic, morphological, and microstructural observations made it possible to highlight a significant stratification of these plasters and to recognize the artificial ultramarine blue applied with lime, as the main mineral pigment, together with red ochre and blanc fixe. The identification of pigments was crucial to date the blue plasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic development of the food industry and the growing interest of consumers in innovative solutions that increase the comfort and quality of life push the industry towards seeking pioneering solutions in the field of food packaging. Intelligent and active packaging, which affects the quality and durability of food products and allows one to determine their freshness, is still a modern concept. The aim of our study was to obtain two types of films based on chitosan and starch with micellar nanostructures containing extracts from turmeric rhizomes and hibiscus flowers. The presence of spherical nanostructures was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The structural and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet-Visible (UV-VIS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures with a size of about 800 nm in the obtained biocomposites. The presence of nano-/microstructures containing extracts affected the mechanical properties of the composites: it weakened the strength of the films and improved their elongation at break (EAB). Films with nano-/microparticles were characterised by a higher water content compared to the control sample and lower solubility, and they showed stronger hydrophilic properties. Preliminary storage tests showed that the obtained biocomposites are sensitive to changes occurring during the storage of products such as cheese or fish. In addition, it was found that the film with the addition of turmeric extract inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage. The results suggest that the obtained bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or intelligent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-volume manufacturing of the next generation of semiconductor devices requires state-of-the-art statistical analyses to reduce measurement uncertainties. Prediction intervals can characterize the reliability of the predictive performance of regression models. Normalized conformal prediction is a mathematically motivated approach to find distribution-free prediction intervals which depends on skillful modeling to evaluate a regression model fit to training data, and quantile regression is a classical and widely applied guideline to devise prediction intervals. Noise levels impact the reliability of line edge roughness estimates from noisy scanning electron microscope images. We propose procedures to generate prediction intervals based on image denoising and other image processing techniques and demonstrate significant improvements over earlier methods developed for the deep convolutional neural network EDGENet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the welding process of a high-entropy CrMnFeCoNi alloy with iron, unraveling the intricate chemical compositions that materialize in distinct regions of the weld joint. A mid-wave infrared thermal camera was deployed to monitor the cooling sequences during welding. A thorough analysis of the metallographic sample from the weld joint, along with measurements taken using a nano-hardness indenter, provided insights into the hardness and Young's modulus. The element distribution across the weld joint was assessed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an EDS spectrometer. Advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy underscored the prevalence of the martensitic phase within the weld joint, accompanied by the presence of bcc (iron) and fcc phases. In contrast, Young's modulus in the base metal areas displayed typical values for a high-entropy alloy (202 GPa) and iron (204 GPa). The weld joint material displayed substantial chemical heterogeneity, leading to noticeable concentration gradients of individual elements. The higher hardness noted in the weld (up to 420 HV), when compared to the base metal regions (up to 290 HV for CrMnFeCoNi alloy and approximately 150 HV for iron), can be ascribed to the dominance of the martensitic phase. These findings provide valuable insights for scenarios involving diverse welded joints containing high-entropy alloys, contributing to our understanding of materials engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance can only quantitatively obtain porosity and pore size distribution, but as a conventional microstructure observation technology, scanning electron microscope (SEM) can select different magnifications to observe the microstructure of backfill materials. However, the processing of SEM images is not deep enough. In this paper, Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software was used to extract the data from SEM images, and the parameters of the area, and the perimeter, aspect ratio and roundness of the pores in the SEM images were obtained. The fractal characteristics of the pores in the SEM image were obtained by using the slit island method fractal theory. The concretization and quantification analysis of the pores' complexity were achieved. A functional relationship model for the strength and pore parameters was constructed; thus, the influence law of pore characteristics on strength was quantitatively analyzed. The conclusions included: (1) Pore parameters indicate that most pores in backfill are irregular, and only a few pores are regular—however, the whole structure has good fractal characteristics (R2 > 0.96). (2) The fractal dimension of pores is directly proportional to the roundness, the aspect ratio, and the pore content of pores—which indicates that the complexity of pores is related to both pore shape and pore content. (3) The strength had a linear inverse relationship with the roundness, aspect ratio, pore content, and fractal dimension—which indicates that all characteristics of pores have a certain influence on the strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral biofilms are the major etiological agents of periodontal pathologies. Neutrophils are the first line of defense in fighting the pathogens in the biofilm. One of the mechanisms by which they operate is neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are a novel mechanism of defense in the presence of pathogenic plaque. The present study was carried out to investigate their role in periodontal disease. Methodology: Following institutional ethical committee approval, ten gingival (biopsy) samples from individuals with periodontitis were collected during periodontal flap surgery and processed and examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: SEM examination revealed that the excised gingival tissues displayed an intricate meshwork of NETs. Conclusion: NETs may be one of the means of defense against periodontal infections, although further research is necessary to understand the exact nature of their role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the leaf micromorphological properties, stomatal indexes, and chlorophyll contents of 20 Turkish hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) cultivars. The cultivars examined included the "Acı, Allahverdi, Cavcava, Çakıldak, Foşa, Giresun melezi, Incekara, Kalınkara, Kan, Karafındık, Kargalak, Kuş, Mincane, Okay 28, Palaz, Sivri, Uzunmusa, Tombul, Yassı Badem, and Yuvarlak Badem". The chlorophyll content was measured by a portable chlorophyll meter and the surface sections of leaves were excised by hand and all measurements were obtained by using imaging software (NIS - Elements, Version 3.00 SP5). The stomatal index per unit area (1x104 μm²) was calculated. For scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, the dried leaves were mounted on stubs using double-sided adhesive tape. The leaf samples were coated with 12.5-15.0 nm of gold and the coated leaves were photographed using a Hitachi SU 1510 SEM. Three wax ornamentation types were found in the leaf samples (e.g., crust, smooth, and granules). The epidermal features, stomatal index, and chlorophyll quantities showed some differences among the C. avellana cultivars. The importance of stoma width and stoma length were determined for the "Palaz", "Kuş", "Yuvarlak Badem", and "Yassı Badem". The stomatal index and width and length of upper epidermis and lower epidermis were identified as distinctive properties for the "Allahverdi", "Kargalak", "Kara", and "Mincane". The chlorophyll density was identified as a distinctive feature of the "Sivri", "Çakıldak", "Incekara", and "Acı" cultivars. The highest correlation was found at a rate of 0.98 between "Okay 28" and "Tombul" while the lowest correlation was found at a rate of 0.87 between "Sivri - Karafındık", "Sivri -Foşa", and "Sivri - Kargalak". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To carry out research on the particle size distribution, micro -morphology, and composition characteristics of combustible combustion smoke particles, and comprehensively understand the smoke information of fires. Methods The cable outer sheath, rubber tires, wire insulation layer, insulating cardboard, transformer oil, and fire residue oil at the combustion site of the substation fire were collected. Through combustion simulation experiments, use a particle matter classification sampler to collect the smoke particles released by combustion and analyze the particle size distribution characteristics of different smoke particles and their distribution in different deposition sites of the human respiratory tract. By comparing the scanning electron microscope images of different particle sizes of smoke dust, the micro-morphology and elemental composition of different particle sizes were surveyed. Results Based on ion chromatography analysis, Cl- emission factor was 0.089 2-1.207 2 滋g/g, accounting for 57.3%-67.9% of water-soluble ions, and there were differences in its particle size distribution characteristics between solid and liquid combustibles. Conclusions The smoke particles released by different combustibles were mainly particles with a diameter less than 0.25 滋m, and there were differences in Cl - emission factors. These differences could be used as the basis for evaluating the source of smoke dust and respiratory exposure assessment of personnel at fire scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this paper, we used scanning electron microscopy to describe the morphological types, number of sensilla, and their distributions on the antennae of each nymphal instar and adult of Notobitus meleagris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae). The results show that there were eight subtypes of sensilla on the antennae of the nymphs and 11 subtypes of sensilla on the antennae of the adults. With the growth of instars, the type, quantity, and size of the sensilla gradually increased. Sexual dimorphism did not appear in the type of sensilla but existed in the length and diameter of some sensilla. In addition, we also discussed the functions of different types of sensilla through previous published studies, which will be helpful for further research on the behavioral and biological control of N. meleagris. The bamboo bug Notobitus meleagris (Fabricius, 1787) is a serious pest of bamboo shoots in China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore. The antennae of the nymphal instars and adults of N.meleagris are involved in communication among individuals and finding the host plants. In order to understand the morphology of antennal sensilla, their types, and the distribution of sensilla on the antennae of nymphal instars and adults in N. meleagris, we studied the morphology of antennal sensilla with a scanning electron microscope. The antennae of the nymphs and adults comprised the scape, pedicel, and two flagellomeres. Four types and eight subtypes of sensilla were identified in the nymphal instars (sensilla trichodea [St].1, St.2, St.3, sensilla basiconica [Sb].1, Sb.2, sensilla chaetica [Sc].1, Sc.2, sensilla coeloconica [Sco].1), whereas those of the adults had five types and eleven subtypes of sensilla (St.1, St.2, St.3, Sb.1, Sb.2, Sb.3, Sc.1, Sc.2, Sco.1, Sco.2, and sensilla campaniformia [Sca]). There are significant differences in the number, type, and size of the sensilla in different nymphal instars, which increases with the increase in nymphal instars. There was no sexual dimorphism observed in the adult sensilla; however, the length and diameter of St.3, Sb.2, and Sb.3 were sexually dimorphic. The potential functions of each sensillum were discussed based on the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla and were compared with similar published studies. Our results provide primary data for further research on the behavioral mechanism, green prevention, and control of N. meleagris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Antennae and mouthparts are key organs for food searching and feeding in insects. In the present study, the microstructures of the antennae and mouthparts of the flat bugs Mezira yunnana Hsiao were demonstrated. Five types of antennal sensilla and three types of labial sensilla were documented. Labial tip gustatory sensilla form a small group of only three pairs, which is essentially different in this species from other true bugs. The labial tip is constricted distally, which is rarely observed in other pentatomomorphans. Teeth on the external surface of the mandibular apex are ridge-like and uniform. These characteristics may be associated with the species' unique fungi-feeding habit. Many species of the family Aradidae (also known as flat bugs) feed on fungal mycelia and fruiting bodies. In order to better understand the morphological adaptation to this unique feeding habit, we examined the microstructure of antennae and mouthparts of an aradid species, Mezira yunnana Hsiao, using scanning electron microscope, and documented the fungal feeding process under laboratory conditions. The antennal sensilla include three subtypes of sensilla trichodea, three subtypes of sensilla basiconica, two subtypes of sensilla chaetica, sensilla campaniformia, and sensilla styloconica. The apex of the second segment of flagellum has a large number of various sensilla forming a sensilla cluster. The labial tip is distally constricted, which is rarely observed in other Pentatomomorpha species. The labial sensilla include three subtypes of sensilla trichodea, three subtypes of sensilla basiconica, and a sensilla campaniformia. The tip of the labium has only three pairs of sensilla basiconica III and small comb-shaped cuticular processes. The external surface of the mandibular apex has 8–10 ridge-like central teeth. A series of key morphological structures associated with mycetophagous feeding habit were identified, which will facilitate future studies on adaptive evolution of species in Pentatomomorpha as well as in other heteropteran lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in world population, decreased farmland, and global climate changes, the search for intelligent systems has become important to maintain product quality and productivity. For the continuous, quality, and clean production of wheat, which is a basic macronutrient for human health, it is necessary to use high-yield, high-quality, and unmixed clean seeds. The target of this review is to provide computer-aided identification of wheat species in the food industry and to offer taxonomists an opportunity to overcome classification difficulties. This research also highlights a systematic and functional wheat identification approach using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging techniques. The review found that not only accurately classifies the SEM images of wheat species of deep learning methods but also yields them being distinguished under different environmental conditions (irrigated and non-irrigated). Recently, the EfficientNet models are noteworthy as providing higher training speed and better parameter efficiency compared to the previous models. Therefore, the EfficientNet-B4 and EfficientNetV2-M were utilized on the top of an effective pre-processing task. Findings confirm that SEM imaging is outstanding when it comes to diagnosis and classification in the agricultural industry. The experimental results show that the proposed technique provides significantly better quantitative results and higher accuracy rates than the state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serial focussed ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) enables imaging and assessment of subcellular structures on the mesoscale (10 nm to 10 µm). When applied to vitrified samples, serial FIB/SEM is also a means to target specific structures in cells and tissues while maintaining constituents' hydration shells for in situ structural biology downstream. However, the application of serial FIB/SEM imaging of non-stained cryogenic biological samples is limited due to low contrast, curtaining, and charging artefacts. We address these challenges using a cryogenic plasma FIB/SEM. We evaluated the choice of plasma ion source and imaging regimes to produce high-quality SEM images of a range of different biological samples. Using an automated workflow we produced three-dimensional volumes of bacteria, human cells, and tissue, and calculated estimates for their resolution, typically achieving 20-50 nm. Additionally, a tag-free localisation tool for regions of interest is needed to drive the application of in situ structural biology towards tissue. The combination of serial FIB/SEM with plasma-based ion sources promises a framework for targeting specific features in bulk-frozen samples (>100 µm) to produce lamellae for cryogenic electron tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers based on the amniotic membrane compare favorably with synthetic materials in that, along with a specific 2D structure, they have biologically active properties. However, in recent years, there has been a tendency to perform decellularization of the biomaterial during the preparation of the scaffold. In this study, we studied the microstructure of 157 samples and identified individual biological components in the manufacture of a medical biopolymer from an amniotic membrane using various methods. Group 1 had 55 samples, and the amniotic membrane was impregnated with glycerol and dried over silica gel. Group 2 had 48 samples, and the decellularized amniotic membrane was impregnated with glycerol followed by lyophilization, Group 3 had 44 samples, and the decellularized amniotic membrane without pre-impregnation with glycerol was subjected to lyophilization. Decellularization was performed by treatment with a low-frequency ultrasound at a frequency of 24–40 kHz in an ultrasonic bath. A morphological study using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope showed the preservation of the structure of the biomaterial and more complete decellularization in samples subjected to lyophilization without prior impregnation with glycerol. The study of the Raman spectroscopy lines of a biopolymer made from a lyophilized amniotic membrane without preliminary impregnation with glycerin showed significant differences in the intensity of the spectral lines of amides, glycogen, and proline. Additionally, in these samples, the spectral lines of Raman scattering the characteristic of glycerol were not visualized; therefore, only biological substances characteristic of the native amniotic membrane have been preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to provide advanced insights into scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (oAD-MSCs). In this study after isolation and proliferation of ADMSCs, their cell surface markers characterized using antibodies RT-PCR. SEM was used to study of ultrastructure of oAD-MSCs. Adipose tissue was obtained from tail fat of sheep. Surface markers (CD44, CD90, CD34, CD31) evaluated by RT-PCR. RT-PCR was done for CD44, CD90, CD34 and CD31 to identify of cells. Morphological characterization was done by inverted microscope and SEM. Cells was prepared by glutaraldehyde for first fixation and tetroxide osmium for second fixation and dehydration with different percent of ethanol. Finally, cells coated with gold and observed in SEM. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) were isolated and proliferated. They were positive for CD44 and CD90 markers and negative for CD31 and Cd34 markers in RT-PCR technique. AD-MSCs showed a fibroblast-like, spindleshaped morphology after they attached to the culture flasks observing in inverted microscope. Explanted specimens were imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM provides the main technology to visualize surface features. In SEM the outer surface of the mesenchymal cells could be observed; so, in this study, the pseudopods arising from each cell and extending through each other were clearly shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molten Na2CO3–K2CO3 (NKC, 56–44 mol%) eutectic compositions were vacuum‐impregnated, at the eutectic temperature, into two porous ZrO2:8.6 mol% MgO (magnesium‐partially stabilized zirconia, MgPSZ) and ZrO2:8 mol% Y2O2 (yttria‐fully stabilized zirconia, 8YSZ) ceramics. Thermogravimetric analyses were performed in mixtures of that composition with MgPSZ and 8YSZ ceramic powders. Before impregnation, porosity was achieved in the two compounds by addition and thermal removal of 30 vol.% NKC. To ascertain the carbonates had filled up through the ceramic body, both sides of the parallel and fracture surfaces of the disk‐shaped impregnated compositions were observed in a scanning electron microscope and analyzed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of the two ceramics, before and after impregnation, was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the 5 Hz–13 MHz frequency range from approximately 530 to 740°C. The permeation of the carbonate ions through the membranes via the eutectic composition was assessed by the threshold temperatures of the onset of the carbonate ion percolation. The objectives were to prepare dual‐phase membranes for the separation of carbon dioxide and for the development of carbon dioxide sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different collagen barrier membranes come in various sources and crosslinking that may affect barrier function and tissue integration. This study investigated barrier function and tissue integration of the three different collagen membranes (Jason®: porcine pericardium, GENOSS: bovine tendon, and BioMend® Extend: cross-linked bovine tendon) with human gingival fibroblasts. The barrier function and tissue integration properties were determined under confocal microscopy. Morphological characteristics were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Our results showed that all collagen membranes allowed a small number of cells to migrate, and the difference in barrier function ability was not significant. The cross-linked characteristics did not improve barrier ability. The native collagen membrane surfaces allowed evenly scattered proliferation of HGF, while the cross-linked collagen membrane induced patchy proliferation. Statistically significant differences in cell proliferation were found between Jason and BioMend Extend membranes (p = 0.04). Scanning electron microscope showed a compact membrane surface at the top, while the bottom surfaces displayed interwoven collagen fibers, which were denser in the crosslinked collagen membranes. Within the limitations of this study, collagen membranes of different origins and physical properties can adequately prevent the invasion of unwanted cells. Native collagen membranes may provide a better surface for gingival cell attachment and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved hearing restoration by cochlear implants (CI) is expected by optical cochlear implants (oCI) exciting optogenetically modified spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) via an optical pulse generated outside the cochlea. The pulse is guided to the SGNs inside the cochlea via flexible polymer-based waveguide probes. The fabrication of these waveguide probes is realized by using 6" wafer-level micromachining processes, including lithography processes such as spin-coating cladding layers and a waveguide layer in between and etch processes for structuring the waveguide layer. Further adhesion layers and metal layers for laser diode (LD) bonding and light-outcoupling structures are also integrated in this waveguide process flow. Optical microscope and SEM images revealed that the majority of the waveguides are sufficiently smooth to guide light with low intensity loss. By coupling light into the waveguides and detecting the outcoupled light from the waveguide, we distinguished intensity losses caused by bending the waveguide and outcoupling. The probes were used in first modules called single-beam guides (SBGs) based on a waveguide probe, a ball lens and an LD. Finally, these SBGs were tested in animal models for proof-of-concept implantation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the examination of the seed and pollen morphology of nine native Chinese species of the genus Sorbus L. using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The crucial features investigated for seeds include color, shape, epidermal cell size, and seeds coat ornamentation. On the other hand, the pollen grains are analyzed based on quantitative traits as well as the following quantitative traits: polar and equatorial view, shape, apertures and exine ornamentation. Pollens of the studied taxa were monad and trizonocolporate. The most important pollen features include exine ornamentation based on traits of striae and grooves (length and width) and perforations (number and diameter). The variability of the observed morphological features for both seeds and pollen provide important characteristics to differentiate the studied Sorbus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to prepare experimental adhesive (EA) with ZrO2 nanoparticles (ZEA) and without it; and its interaction with dentin conditioned with photodynamic therapy (PDT), etch and rinse, and Er, Cr: YSGG laser (ECL). Methods consisted of the scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), shear bond strength (SBS) failure mode, and rheological property analysis. The methods were employed to assess bond integrity; the shape of ZrO2 NPs and interfacial dentin and adhesive interaction. Ninety premolar teeth were collected and pre-bonding, conditioning of dentin was performed utilizing phosphoric acid (H3PO4), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and ER-CR-YSGG laser (ECL). The teeth were set to form bonded specimens using two adhesives EA and ZEA. The microscopic imagery of ZrO2 revealed irregular-shaped, non-edged particles. EDX analysis revealed Zr to be 75.7% whereas, O2 by weight was 25.3%. The highest SBS was demonstrated in dentin conditioned with etch and rinse and ZEA (19.05 ± 0.13 MPa). Whereas, the lowest SBS was observed in dentin surface treated with PDT and EA (12.25 ± 0.14 MPa). Most of the reported failure modes were adhesive. Rheological analysis revealed that with increasing frequencies the viscosities of adhesives were reduced. The presence of 10% ZrO by weight in adhesive improves SBS of restoration and this improvement in bond values is statistically significant compared to EA. Bond values may be influenced by surface treatment of dentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a generative model and transfer learning powered system for classification of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of defective nanofibers (D-NF) and nondefective nanofibers (ND-NF) produced by electrospinning (ES) process. Specifically, a conditional-Generative Adversarial Network (c-GAN) is developed to generate synthetic D-NF/ND-NF SEM images. A transfer learning-oriented strategy is also proposed. First, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is pre-trained on real images. The transfer-learned CNN is trained on synthetic SEM images and validated on real ones, reporting accuracy rate up to 95.31%. The achieved encouraging results endorse the use of the proposed generative model in industrial applications as it could reduce the number of needed laboratory ES experiments that are costly and time consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effect of intrauterine carbamazepine (CBZ) exposure on fetal bone development during pregnancy. Methods: In the study, 24 female Wistar pregnant rats were used. Rats were 20 weeks old. They had an average body weight of 150–200 g. Pregnant rats were randomly selected and divided (n = 6) into a control group, low‐dose CBZ (10 mg/kg/day) group, medium‐dose CBZ (25 mg/kg/day) group, and high‐dose CBZ (50 mg/kg/day) group. The ossification length (mm) and ossification area (mm2) of the long bones of the fetuses in the experimental and control groups were calculated. The densities of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were analyzed. The ossification regions of the femurs of the fetuses were examined under a light microscope. Microstructural images of the femurs were evaluated with scanning electron microscope photographs. The densities of minerals involved in the ossification process were analyzed. Results: According to the results of the study, all three doses of CBZ caused loss of ossification areas, and it was observed that this bone loss also increased statistically significantly depending on the dose increase (p <.05). Calcium concentration decreased in the CBZ groups. When the electron microscope images were examined, it was determined that the cartilage matrix of the CBZ groups was thinned. In the histological evaluation of the groups, narrowing of the primary bone collar and smaller bone spicules in the ossification region compared to the control group were noted due to the increase in dose in the CBZ groups. In immunohistochemical staining, it was observed that the TRAP and AP expression values of the femurs were the lowest in the CBZ groups. These decreases were also statistically significant when compared with the control group. Significance: It was revealed with both microscopic and macroscopic findings that exposure to intrauterine CBZ negatively affected ossification and bone growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms are assemblages of sessile microorganisms that form an extracellular matrix around themselves and mediate attachment to surfaces. The major component of the extracellular matrix of Uropathogenic E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae are curli fibers, making biofilms robust and resistant to antimicrobials. It is therefore imperative to screen antibiofilm compounds that can impair biofilm formation. In the present study, we investigated the curli-dependent antibiofilm activity of caffeine against UPEC strain CFT073 and commensal strain E. coli K-12MG1655.Caffeine significantly reduced the biofilm formation of both UPEC and E. coli K-12 by 86.58% and 91.80% respectively at 48 mM caffeine as determined by Crystal Violet assay. These results were further confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Caffeine significantly reduced the cytotoxicity and survivability of UPEC. Molecular docking analysis revealed a strong interaction between caffeine and curli regulator protein (Csg D) of E. coli. The qRT-PCR data also showed significant downregulation in the expression of CsgBA and the CsgDEFG operon at both 24 mM and 48 mM caffeine. The findings revealed that caffeine could inhibit E. coli biofilm formation by regulating curli assembly and thus may be used as an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic E. coli biofilm-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, mechanical properties of reinforced polypropylene composites were studied. PP in particulates shape with two different melt flow indexes (MFI) was used, i.e., 3 and 23 g/10 min, namely PP3 and PP23, respectively. Three different materials, namely TiO2 nanoparticle (nTiO2, spherical, 0D), micro-size short carbon fiber (SCF, fiber, 1D), and graphite nanoplatelet (GNP, sheet, 2D), were used as reinforcements/fillers. PP and fillers (in the desired composition) were first pre-mixed by a mechanical mixer. The mixture was then fed to a co-rotating twin-screw extruder for melt-compounding, followed by injection molding to fabricate testing samples. The microstructure and fracture surface of the composites were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were conducted to evaluate their mechanical properties. The SEM images stipulate that PP23 had better adhesion and dispersion with the fillers. The results from the SEM images support the mechanical testing results. PP23 composites exhibited more significant improvement in mechanical properties in comparison to PP3. At 5 wt. % filler loading, PP/GNP composite exhibited a greater improvement in mechanical properties compared with two other composites, which are PP/SCF and PP/nTiO2 composites for both PPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wasp Anastatus disparis is an egg endoparasitoid of a number of Lepidopteran pest species. To better understand the A. disparis olfactory system, we observed the antennal sensilla of males and females under a scanning electron microscope and quantified their sizes and morphological characteristics. We identified the types of sensilla and counted the numbers and locations of the different types on the dorsal and ventral antennal surfaces. The antennae of A. disparis are geniculate, with flagella that comprise 11 subsegments in females and eight in males. The mean antenna length was 1324.10 ± 52.50 μm in females and 1323.93 ± 65.20 μm in males. Ten sensillum types were identified in both sexes: Böhm bristles (BBs), sensilla trichodea (ST, with subtypes STI and STII), sensilla chaetica (SCh), sensilla basiconica (SB, with subtypes SBI and SBII), sensilla placodea (SP), sensilla coeleoconica (SCo), sensilla grooved peg (SGP), sensilla auricillica (SAu), sensilla campaniformia (SCa), and glandular pores (GPs). The total numbers of BBs, STI, SBII, SCa, SCo, and GPs did not differ significantly between the sexes, whereas the total numbers of SCh, SBI, and SAu were significantly greater in females, and those of STII, SP, and SGP were significantly lower. The types, number, and density of antennal sensilla increased from the base to the end. The possible functions of these sensilla in host-detection behavior are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]