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The low liquid limit silty soil in the North China plain area is generally unsuitable for direct use as roadbed and slope soil. In order to improve the performance of low liquid limit silty soil, xanthan gum was used as an improver. Through a series of tests, the improvement effect of xanthan gum on low liquid limit silty soil was studied. The test results showed that Xanthan gum as an improver could significantly improve the unconfined compressive strength of silty soil. With the increase in dosage and curing age, the unconfined compressive strength of improved silty soil continued to improve and eventually tended to stabilize. The optimal dosage and curing period were 2% and 7 days, respectively. In addition, Xanthan gum could greatly improve the permeability and disintegration of low liquid limit silty soil. The permeability coefficient of improved silty soil with a content of 0.75% Xanthan gum and a 7-day curing period was 4.73 × 10−4 m·s−1, which was only 1.10% of that of plain silty soil at the same curing period. After immersion in water for 12 h, the soil only experienced slight disintegration. The scanning electron microscope image showed that the gel generated by the hydration reaction of Xanthan gum could improve the compactness and integrity of the soil by filling the voids, thus significantly improving the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the low liquid limit silty soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanostructure of lithium-zinc copper ferrite (LiZnCu-Ferrite) prepared experimentally by the auto-combustion method depends on different parameters. The auto-combustion method operates at a temperature (160 °C) suitable for preparing the required nanostructure ferrite phase. The dependent composition was [Li 0.5-x Zn x Cu x Fe 2.5-x O 4 at (x = 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45)]. A pre-firing at temperature (650 °C) was applied during the calcination process that was suitable to remove unwanted products. The sintering at temperature (800 °C) was suitable for a pelletized shape of ferrite samples. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed a spinel structure of ferrite phase produced for all samples under study with the lattice constant in the range (8.345–8.368 Å) as a function of (x). The crystallite size was in the range (18.41–30.27 nm) calculated by the Scherrer method. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed a production of nanorods in the size range (10–45 nm) and nanoparticles in the size range (10–40 nm). There was a coincidence between the results of the XRD and TEM analyses. On the other hand, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the surface morphology and the nature of grain size, which was a sign of the presence of nanostructure; it agreed with the XRD analysis. FTIR spectra showed evidence that the system Li0.5-xZnxCuxFe2.5-xO4 had spinal ferrite nanoparticles successfully prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) showed a change in magnetic parameters as compensation factor (x) increased for all composites of LiZnCu-ferrite such as saturation magnetization (Ms), initial magnetic permeability (μi), remanence (Mr), and coercive force (Hc) that measured from M − H loops. A saturation magnetization increased as a function of (x) and recorded a maximum value at (x = 0.15). While the coercivity, initial magnetic permeability (μi), and remanence magnetization enhanced as a function of (x) and recorded a maximum value at (x = 0.45). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to fabricate composite materials having excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical properties for thermal and electronic applications. In this work, strontium feldspar-containing composites (Sr-feldspar/cordierite and Sr-feldspar/Sr-osumilite) were prepared by solid-state sintering of SrO-containing cordierite (MgSrAl 4 Si 5 O 18)/borosilicate glass powder mixtures. The phase composition, physical properties and microstructure of sintered composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction technique, water displacement method and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Moreover, the thermal expansion coefficient, hardness, and electrical properties were also measured. The results of X-ray patterns revealed the crystallization of Sr-feldspar and cordierite in the composites that contain up to 20% borosilicate glass. On the other hand, the composites that include more than 20% glass, displayed the crystallization of Sr-feldspar and Sr-osumilite with little amount of cristobalite. The bulk density values of sintered composites were decreased from 2.41 to 1.84 g/cm3 with increasing the amount of added glass. The microhardness values were increased from 519 to 710 kg/mm2 with increasing the glass content. Low thermal expansion coefficient (2.65 × 10−6, 2.22 × 10−6, 3.45 × 10−6 and 4.26 × 10−6 K-1 for C0, CG91, CG73, CG55, respectively) and low dialectic constant (7–8.5) were obtained for the prepared composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delved into the structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of rare earth doped strontium ferrites (SrRE x Fe 12-x O 19 (x = 0.05–0.2, RE = La, Sm, Eu, Dy, Er, Lu)) synthesized via the sol-gel method. The dopant ion radius is correlated with the performance of the material to a certain extent. Barium and calcium doping and related iron deficiency state experiments were designed to substantiate the reciprocal dependence between ion radius and coercivity. X-ray diffraction results revealed that doping ions had the capacity to modify lattice dimensions. The lattice size does not exhibit a clear linear relationship with the radius of the doping ion, nor does it inherently correlate with the grain size. The scanning electron microscope demonstrated that ion doping had the capacity to influence the size of grains. A general consequence of rare earth doping is the reduction in the saturation magnetization of strontium ferrites. The lanthanide contraction effect significantly influences the changes in coercivity. It is noteworthy that the variations in lattice internal space induced by doping constitute a primary driving factor for the observed coercivity dependence on the radius of the doping ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration can be effectively aided by porous scaffolds with multiscale cellular structures, making it easier to repair defects in bone tissue. Due to the scarcity of pore-forming agents, it is extremely challenging to fabricate interconnected hierarchically porous zirconia at multi-scale. This work described a novel and straightforward method for directly imprinting a slurry containing two pore-forming agents (microspherical and filamentary) to produce strong and highly porous zirconia (ZrO 2) ceramics with four levels of porosity ranging from nanometers to millimeters. The concentration of hemp fibers significantly affected printability when the rheological behavior of a zirconia slurry was examined. Utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to monitor the development of powder interstices under various sintering techniques. The permeability performance was assessed when simulated plasma had fully filled the scaffolds. The structure had a high compressive strength of 24.18 MPa, a porosity of 80.9 %, an apparent porosity of 55.7 %, and took just 1.11 s to fill a scaffold that was 15 mm high. It is anticipated that the proposed route will be expanded to include various engineering materials for structural and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daqiuni clay is an aluminosilicate clay with unique properties that make it a promising ceramic precursor. Understanding its sintering behavior is crucial for quality control in manufacturing. This study aimed to investigate the phase evolution, densification process, and reaction kinetics during sintering of Daqiuni clay. A combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were employed to comprehensively analyse the phase transformations. The densification behavior, apparent activation energies, and reaction mechanisms were elucidated through thermodilatometric analysis conducted at varying heating rates. Four stages were identified during sintering including dehydration, dehydroxylation, mullite formation, and partial melting. The maximum shrinkages at each stage were measured. Kissinger analysis yielded apparent activation energies of 122.90, 258.40, 361.98 and 348.69 kJ/mol for the dehydroxylation, mullite nucleation, mullite growth, and partial melting stages, respectively. The dehydroxylation and partial melting processes followed the mechanisms of 3rd order reaction and 3D diffusion. Mullite formation was a two-step nucleation and growth process following the JMA model. This study clarified the phase evolution of Daqiuni clay during sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, physicochemical characterizations, and biological investigations on the chelation of the antibiotic medication enoxacin (EXN) with certain vital metal ions, such as platinum(IV), ruthenium(III), and iridium(III) are discussed in this study. These compounds structures were interpreted based on elemental analysis and spectral measurements (FTIR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis electronic, and XRD). The findings show that there is same coordination pathway for the chelation behavior of enoxacin complexes: a monodentate manner. The Pt(IV), Ru(III), and Ir(III) complexes are coordinated through the N atom of the piperazine ring, which is an unusual mode of coordination for this class of compounds. The dissolved complexes in DMSO were found to have non-electrolyte nature based on their molar conductance measurements. The formula for these complexes is [Pt(EXN)3(H2O)2Cl] (1), [Ru(EXN)3(H2O)3] (2), and [Ir(EXN)3(H2O)3] (3). Using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and Xray powder diffraction (XRD), the nano-scale range of the Pt(IV), Ru(III), and Ir(III) complexes has been determined. Results of in vitro cytotoxicity were examined using MCF-7 cells (human breast cancer cell line) and HepG-2 cells (human hepatocellular carcinoma) that had been grown. The cytotoxic activity of the metal complexes demonstrated a cytotoxic effect against the growth of human breast and liver cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity due to its flexibility in design and adaptability as a manufacturing technique to nearly each industrial area. This study focuses on harnessing the technological versatility of 3D printing by utilizing both standard poly lactic acid (PLA) and copper powder‐doped PLA to fabricate intricate structures through a layer‐by‐layer additive manufacturing process. The other innovation introduced here lies in the postprocessing step, which involves salt remelting. The mechanical properties of 3D‐printed standard test specimens undergo comprehensive assessment, encompassing bending and tensile evaluations, hardness measurements, density assessments, dimensional stability analyses, and wear resistance examinations. Utilizing copper powder‐doped PLA for the initial and final layers in XYZ‐oriented prints enables multimaterial printing, resulting in an ≈14% increase in tensile strength. Subsequently, subjecting this multimaterial composite to salt remelting elevates the strength enhancement to ≈16%, accompanied by a significant boost in rigidity by reducing voids in cross‐sectional area. In addition, scanning electron microscope images are captured, allowing for a detailed morphological analysis, which is then correlated with the findings of the various tests performed. This research unveils the potential of 3D printing technology in crafting materials with tailored mechanical properties, advancing its applicability in numerous industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray nanotomography is a powerful tool for the characterization of nanoscale materials and structures, but it is difficult to implement due to the competing requirements of X-ray flux and spot size. Due to this constraint, state-of-the-art nanotomography is predominantly performed at large synchrotron facilities. We present a laboratory-scale nanotomography instrument that achieves nanoscale spatial resolution while addressing the limitations of conventional tomography tools. The instrument combines the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with the precise, broadband X-ray detection of a superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter. The electron beam generates a highly focused X-ray spot on a metal target held micrometers away from the sample of interest, while the TES spectrometer isolates target photons with a high signal-to-noise ratio. This combination of a focused X-ray spot, energy-resolved X-ray detection, and unique system geometry enables nanoscale, element-specific X-ray imaging in a compact footprint. The proof of concept for this approach to X-ray nanotomography is demonstrated by imaging 160 nm features in three dimensions in six layers of a Cu-SiO2 integrated circuit, and a path toward finer resolution and enhanced imaging capabilities is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a powerful imidazole antifungal drug, ketoconazole's low solubility (0.017 mg/mL), together with its odor and irritation, limited its clinical applications. The inclusion complex of ketoconazole with randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin was prepared by using an aqueous solution method after cyclodextrin selection through phase solubility studies, complexation methods, and condition selection through single factor and orthogonal strategies. The complex was confirmed by FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), SEM (scanning electron microscope images), and NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) studies. Through complexation, the water solubility of ketoconazole in the complex was increased 17,000 times compared with that of ketoconazole alone, which is the best result so far for the ketoconazole water solubility study. In in vitro pharmacokinetic studies, ketoconazole in the complex can be 100% released in 75 min, and in in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in dogs, through the complexation, the Cmax was increased from 7.56 μg/mL to 13.58 µg/mL, and the AUC0~72 was increased from 22.69 μgh/mL to 50.19 μgh/mL, indicating that this ketoconazole complex can be used as a more efficient potential new anti-fungal drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling crushed clay bricks (CCB) in concrete is a sustainable and cost-effective process. Huge quantities of crushed clay bricks waste cause many serious environmental problems around the world. To deal with this problem, crushed bricks were recycled in the concrete industry as an alternative to natural resources, and the brick powder was reused as a partial replacement for cement. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of crushed clay bricks on the characteristics of concrete. 7 concrete mixtures containing coarse crushed brick aggregate (CCBA) and fine crushed brick aggregate (FCBA) were prepared as a complete substitute for sand and dolomite, respectively. Clay brick powder (CBP) and silica fume were used as a partial substitute for cement by 5%, 10%, and 15% of its weight. The water-to-cement ratio was 0.35. For comparison, a control mixture was prepared. Various tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of concrete. The results showed that the workability of the different mixtures containing CCB decreased compared to that of the reference mixture. The compressive strength values of mixtures containing CCBA had a clear decrease compared to the reference mix at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. The modulus of rupture results had the same path as compressive strength results. The thermal conductivity coefficient for mixtures including CCBA decreased compared to the control mix. Scanning Electron Microscope images indicated crystals of calcium silicate hydrate because of the pozzolanic interaction between the brick powder and the fine crushed clay bricks with calcium hydroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquid-phase epitaxial growth (LPE) of GaN crystals on the MOCVD-GaN substrate using the Na-flux method was investigated under various growth times, 30, 60, 100, and 150 h. The morphology properties of as-grown GaN crystals were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The variation of nitrogen concentration and supersaturation of GaN in the Ga-Na melt as a function of time is given computationally during the growth time of 150 h, as well as the distribution of nitrogen concentration for 30, 60, 100, and 150 h. In the early term of LPE growth (Stage I), the growth proceeds in a near-equilibrium laminar pattern at lower growth driving forces, corresponding to a screw dislocation growth mechanism. As the growth time extends, the GaN supersaturation in the Ga-Na melt increases with mass transfer continuing, leading to the mechanism of LPE growth changing from screw dislocation growth to continuous hexagonal pyramidal growth with deeper and deeper pit depths, and also thereby leading to the emergence of Stage II. A high level of GaN supersaturation in the solution could promote the growth along the vertical direction of Stage II but is detrimental to the layer growth of Stage I. Broadening the growth of Stage I could realize near-equilibrium growth of GaN crystals and improve the crystalline quality of epitaxial GaN crystals. The specific mechanisms of the different stages of GaN crystal growth were not clarified in the previous work. Through a combination of experimental and simulation calculations, the GaN crystal growth mechanism was discussed. Based on the growth mechanism acquired, the growth process may be effectively regulated to obtain high-quality GaN single crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collagen, a critical structural protein found abundantly in animal skin and bones, has become increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic role in skincare. Despite growing interest, the scientific evidence for the efficacy of collagen sheet masks remains limited. The principal objective of our study was to provide insights into the multifaceted role of collagen in skin health, with a specific focus on its application in collagen sheet masks. Methods: The effects of a collagen sheet mask consisting of >92% native bovine collagen were investigated. The soluble protein components of the collagen matrix were analyzed and the influence of soluble collagen components on fibroblast regulation was examined. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was performed for structural analysis and effect on irritated skin. Five different clinical studies were conducted, including a comparison of the diversity of the skin microbiome, the tolerance and local irritating reactions in atopic dermatitis, an evaluation of skin redness after UV radiation, wrinkle reduction, and hydration and skin roughness of the collagen mask in comparison to a pre‐soaked cellulose sheet mask. Results: The collagen mask contains soluble protein components, including small collagen peptides. The mask showed potential for promoting fibroblast activity. SEM analysis showed a native collagen structure similar to human dermis. The mask maintained the skin microbiome diversity and decreased skin pH levels. It demonstrated good tolerability on both intact and lesional skin and had a significant effect in reducing erythema caused by UV radiation compared to other skincare products. It showed significant improvements in skin hydration and the volume of eye wrinkles and was more effective than pre‐soaked cellulose sheet masks. Conclusion: Collagen sheet masks have the potential to positively impact skin health and appearance by increasing hydration, reducing erythema, minimizing wrinkles, and maintaining a healthy skin microbiome and skin barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop microwave‐absorbing properties of dielectric ceramics, B4C/C composite powders were prepared by combustion synthesis with B2O3, polyvinyl alcohol, and Mg as the raw materials in this work. The XRD, Raman, scanning electron microscope with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and VNA network analysis carried out the effects of the addition of azodicarbonamide (AC) foaming agent on the phase compositions, microstructure, and dielectric and microwave‐absorbing properties of the products. The results indicated that the addition of an AC foaming agent contributed to the formation of distinct morphologies with a larger specific surface area and uniform distribution of the free carbon in the B4C/C composite powders and improved its graphitization degree, which resulted in the formation of equivalent microcapacitors, enhanced interfacial polarization, improved conductive network, and leading to a low reflection loss (RL) and a broadened effective absorb bandwidth (EAB). Due to the dielectric loss as the dominant loss mechanism, C‐1.5 (1.5 wt.% AC foaming agent addition) exhibits the EAB of 3.02 GHz and the minimum RL (RLmin) of −22.90 dB at the thickness of 2.20 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Camellia oleifera shell as raw materials to preparative SiC ceramics by warm‐press forming and sintering is proposed in this paper. Warm‐press forming before preparing for the C. oleifera shell‐based SiC ceramics is beneficial to obtain the internal uniform and suitable pore structure of the cylindrical sample. Thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry was applied to analyze the pyrolysis behavior of C. oleiefra shell and phenolic resin. The scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction were used to investigate the properties of C. oleifera shell‐based SiC ceramics. Then, the response surface method was applied to establish a multivariate prediction model based on the process parameters of warm‐press forming. And the regression equations of porosity and bending strength of COS‐SiC are obtained. The result demonstrated that the predicted and experimental values can be in good agreement for the model. By comparing the F‐value, it is found that the forming temperature and pressure during the process of warm‐press forming have a more significant influence on the porosity and bending strength of SiC ceramics. The optimization process parameters were obtained as follows: forming temperature 153°C, pressure 35 MPa, and holding time 30 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PyC/BN multiphase interfacial phases were prepared on the surface of SiC fiber preform, then the near stoichiometric ratio SiC fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites were obtained by polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) process. The mechanical behavior of SiC/SiC composites was characterized by three‐point bending tests and fracture toughness tests. The stress release and load transfer effects of the interfaces under external loads were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that with the increasing of PyC component thickness from.10 to.30 µm in the PyC/BN multiphase interfacial phases, the bending strength and fracture toughness both increased first and then decreased. The results occurred due to the competition between load transfer and stress release of the interfaces. The relatively optimized interfacial phase structure was that the thickness of the PyC interfacial phase and BN interfacial phase were.20 and.30 µm. The bending strength and fracture toughness of the optimized SiC/SiC composites reached 660.65 MPa and 29.01 MPa•m1/2. Respectively, many matrix cracks appeared in the horizontal and vertical directions, occupying almost the entire fracture section. The growth path of the matrix crack was significantly increased with many long fibers pulled out and broken, which was conducive to the strengthening and toughening of SiC/SiC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, microporous MgO–Al2O3 refractory aggregates were prepared with Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)3 via the in situ decomposition synthesis method. The effect of Al(OH)3 addition on the microstructure and properties of microporous MgO–Al2O3 refractory aggregates was investigated with scanning electron microscope and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results indicated that the improved green density of the samples and the reaction sintering accelerated the mass transport rate with adding Al(OH)3 from 0 to 4.0 wt%. Besides, a small amount of Al3+ diffused into porous MgO particles, accelerating the merging and growth of nanopores in the porous MgO particles. The intra‐particle pore size and the densification degree of microparticles were increased, and thus the strength of the samples was improved. Due to the formation of Kirkendall voids by interdiffusion of Mg2+ and Al3+, the inter‐particle pore size increased. Adding Al(OH)3 from 4.0 to 17.6 wt%, the Kirkendall voids weakened the mass transport rate and improved the inter‐particle pore size. The merging and growth of nanopores in the MgO particles were limited, resulting in the reduced intra‐particle pore size and increased intra‐particle pore number. The densification degree of microparticles was reduced, and thus the strength of the samples decreased. At the Al(OH)3 addition of 4.0 wt%, microporous MgO–Al2O3 refractory aggregates had the best comprehensive properties, a bulk density of 2.48 g/cm3, an apparent porosity of 29.4%, a median pore size of 1.6 μm with 42.2 vol% nanopores and the thermal conductivity of 4.0 W/(m K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study successfully synthesized novel phosphors Ca 2 GaTaO 6 : x Dy3+ (CGTO: x Dy3+) and Ca 2 GaTaO 6 :0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+ (CGTO:0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+) using the high temperature solid-phase reaction preparation. The microstructure, optical properties, and energy transfer mechanism of the phosphors were studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and fluorescence lifetimes. XRD and corresponding refinement results indicate that Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions were effectively doped into the Ca 2 GaTaO 6 (CGTO) lattice. The SEM graphs show that the elements in CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.5Sm3+ phosphors are uniformly distributed. PL spectra analysis show the CGTO: x Dy3+ phosphors display two strong emission peaks located at 482 nm for blue emission and 575 nm for yellow emission when excited with 350 nm light. Under uniform conditions, when excited with 365 nm of light, the CGTO:0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+ phosphors emit light that can be tuned with adjustable color coordinates and correlated color temperature (CCT) by incorporating varying proportions of Sm3+ ions. This tunability is achieved through the effective energy migration from Dy3+ to Sm3+ ions within the phosphor material. Furthermore, the emission spectra and weaken lifetimes of the CGTO:0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+ confirm the energy transport between Dy3+ and Sm3+, and the energy transfer efficiency reached to 76 %. At 423 K, the luminescence intensity of CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.05Sm3+ phosphor retains 87 % of the intensity observed at 298 K, signifying its excellent thermal durability. Finally, the electroluminescent performance of the CGTO:0.06Dy3+ and CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.05Sm3+ phosphors packaged on 365 nm light-emitting diode (LED) chips respectively were studied to investigate the capability applications of the phosphors in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) field. The CCT of the packaged LEDs decline from 3396 to 2825 K, indicating CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.05Sm3+ phosphor shifts to warmer white light. At a voltage input of 3.4 V and a current of 600 mA, the thermal sensing shows that the WLEDs maintain aptitude for 90 min, showing that the packaged WLEDs can function consistently under elevated temperatures. These studies indicated the phosphors have potential applications in indoor lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large temperature differences between day and night in winter at plateau areas can lead to the reduction of skid resistance of roads. However, most of the traditional salt storage and deicing fillers are chlorides, and their long-term usage will cause damage to the ecological environment. In order to achieve green deicing of asphalt pavement, this paper developed efficient and environmentally friendly salt storage fibers for the anti-icing of asphalt pavement, and the optimal components of salt storage fibers were determined. On this basis, the morphology and rust resistance of salt storage fibers were characterized, and the ice suppression and deicing performances were also determined. The experimental results show that the optimal component ratio of anti-icing reagent for sodium acetate, potassium acetate and sodium formate follows 7∶2∶1 and the optimal component ratio of organic salt and fiber is 3∶1 , which can achieve a better ice-melting effect and sustainable economy. According to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, the salts in the salt storage fiber are fully absorbed, which has a certain slow-release performance due to the resin package. In addition, the effective anti-icing components of the salt storage fiber are less corrosive to the metal materials, and the asphalt mixtures doped with salt storage fibers can melt ice at the rate of (1,022 g/ h·m2) under relatively low temperatures. This can effectively weaken the freeze-bond strengths and ice–road interface adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled development of novel materials fosters innovation in the electrical sector. The hybrid materials based on magnetic nanocellulose are intriguing since they have many uses in electronics, catalysis, medicine, and ecology. The study investigated the structure and morphology of hybrid nanomaterials made from nanocellulose and cobalt ferrite. The nanocellulose was prepared by TEMPO-oxidation and the cobalt ferrite was prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion method. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques, it was determined how nanocellulose loading affected the crystal structure of the synthesized composite. To ascertain the variation in the component concentrations, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) are used. Composite with a higher concentration of nanocellulose fibers (NCF) show lesser particle size, and this may account for the smaller size of nanocellulose fibers, and attachment of nanocellulose nanofibers over the surface of porous cobalt ferrite (CF) found in SEM images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corundum and transition alumina powders are commonly produced through the Bayer process—that is, by digestion of bauxite in a sodium hydroxide solution, followed by gibbsite precipitation, which contains significant amounts of Na+ ions. During the de‐hydroxylation of gibbsite, Na+ is associated with retardation of the structural phase transformations between transition alumina and corundum (α‐Al2O3) phases, although the exact role of Na is unclear. The influence of Na+ ions on the phase transformation of γ‐Al2O3 to α‐alumina was investigated by varying the concentration of NaOH in aqueous γ‐Al2O3 suspensions. The phase transformation behavior of γ‐Al2O3 was monitored through thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and transmission electron microscope. As the Na concentration in γ‐alumina suspensions increased, the amount of α‐Al2O3 decreased in samples that were heat treated at 1200°C for 2 h. XPS analysis indicated that washing transition alumina powders with NH4OH solutions had decreased the surface concentration of Na+ and facilitated the phase transformation to α‐Al2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from various sources has previously been carried out to obtain strains that produce high of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Isolate K2, which was LAB isolated from longan (Dimocarpus longan) fruit, can produce EPS. This study aimed to identify isolate K2, and evaluated the effect of supplementation carbon sources (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose) and pH of media (4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) on EPS production. Isolate K2 was identified as Weissella confusa molecularly based on 16S rDNA, the type of carbon source, and the pH of media had significant effects (P<0.05) on EPS production. W. confusa K2 produced EPS that was highest on media with the supplementation of sucrose as a carbon source and produced the lowest EPS on lactose. The amount of EPS produced by W. confusa K2 under alkaline was higher than under acidic, the highest EPS of 47.703 g/L at pH 8 and the lowest EPS at pH 4 of 1.858 g/L. The physical properties showed EPS has good solubility in water with the solubility and Water Holding Capacity (WHC) at 40.533% and 354% respectively. Based on Surface morphology of EPS with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis, the surface structure of EPS was a porous polymer matrix. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) results of EPS showed the presence of absorption bands as characteristic of carbohydrates, such as the presence of O-H, C-H, C=O, C=C, C-O-C groups, and glycosidic bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattodea: Blattidae), is one of the most common pests that thrive in diverse environments and carries various pathogens, causing critical threats to public health and the ecosystem. We thus report in this study the first observation of decapitated American cockroaches as a result of infestation with scuttle fly parasitoids. Interestingly, behavioral alterations in the form of zombification-like behavior could be observed in cockroaches reared in the laboratory before being decapitated, implying that the insect targets cockroach heads. To identify this parasitoid, cockroaches' corpora were isolated in jars, and apodous larvae were observed. Larvae developed into small coarctate pupae, and adults emerged. The scuttle flies were collected and exhibited tiny black, brown, to yellowish bodies. The fly was initially identified based on its morphological properties as a member of the order Diptera, family Phoridae. To provide further insights into the morphological attributes of the phorid species, the fly was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and then identified as Megaselia scalaris accordingly. SEM analysis revealed the distinctive structure of M. scalaris concerning the head, mouth parts, and legs. Specifically, the mouth parts include the labrum, labellum, rostrum, and maxillary palps. Although further investigations are still required to understand the complicated relationships between M. scalaris and American cockroaches, our findings provide a prominent step in the control of American cockroaches using M. scalaris as an efficient biological control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), due to its thermoelectric properties, is an interesting semiconducting material for optoelectronics and energy conversion devices; still, it has limited stability and durability. Under high pressure, we can fine-tune its performance, potentially enhancing its capabilities. The presented work uses the semi-automatic Reddy tube to explore the behavior of bismuth telluride under dynamic pressure. Commercially available bismuth telluride was purchased and subjected to different numbers of shock pulses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 with 2 MPa transient pressure and 864 K transient temperature. XRD, Raman, UV-DRS, PL, and SEM were used to characterize Bi2Te3 and shock-loaded Bi2Te3. The XRD and Raman study confirms that the Bi2Te3 underwent phase transition from Bi2Te3 to Bi4Te5 (rhombohedral to hexagonal) at 300 shock pulses. The optical property of Bi2Te3 was determined using UV-DRS and PL; the bandgap and PL intensity changed with respect to the number of shock pulses. A scanning electron microscope was used to analyze sample morphology. Our findings reveal the reversible phase transition of bismuth telluride from Bi2Te3 to Bi4Te5 under dynamic shock waves, something that has not been reported earlier. Using traditional synthesis methods, Bi4Te5 consume a lot of time, leading to impurities and problems of sample quality. Our results reveal that a rapid and reversible phase transition and unique response to dynamic shock waves will allow excellent technological applications without requiring lengthy and complex synthesis methods, offering enhanced stability and potential advancements in energy conversion devices. The process detailing how shock waves initiate the phase transition is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acid modifications have attracted increasing attention in recent years since they have been found to be related to a number of diseases including cancer. Previous studies have shown that the early development of endometrial cancer (EC) is often accompanied by changes in methylation levels of related genes, and the expression of related proteins that regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) shows significant differences in EC cells and tissues. However, it has not been reported whether nucleic acid modifications related to methylation or ROS can serve as biomarkers for EC. Accurate quantification of these nucleic acid modifications still has challenges because their amounts in urine are very low and the interferences in urine are complicated. In this study, a novel dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) method based on chitosan-carbon nanotube-Al2O3 (CS-CNT-Al2O3) has been established for the analysis of 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5 mU), 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-mdC), 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-hmdC), 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-fdC), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in EC patient urine samples coupled with UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS/MS and HPLC–UV. Firstly, the synthesis of the CS-CNT-Al2O3 nanocomposite was conducted by a sono-coprecipitation method and was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Under the optimal extraction conditions of DSPE, we successfully quantified 5 mU, 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 5-fdC, and 8-OHdG in urine samples from 37 EC patients and 39 healthy controls. The results showed that there were significant differences in the levels of 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 5-fdC, and 8-OHdG in EC patients compared to the healthy control group. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to evaluate the potential of 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 5-fdC, and 8-OHdG to distinguish EC patients from healthy volunteers. The area under the curve (AUC) for 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 5-fdC, and 8-OHdG was 0.7412, 0.667, 0.8438, and 0.7981, respectively. It indicated that 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 5-fdC, and 8-OHdG had certain potential in distinguishing between EC patients and healthy volunteers and they could act as potential non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of EC. Moreover, the present study would stimulate investigations of the effects of nucleic acid modifications on the initiation and progression of EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with cold spraying and electroplating, laser cladding is also an efficient and reliable surface modification technique to prepare pure copper coating, yet with uniqueness such as the combination of forming metallurgical bonding with substrate and high deposition rate. As such, pure copper coating with different overlap rates was successfully prepared on the Q245R substrate. The surface quality, defects quantity, phase composition, grain orientation, and corrosion behavior were investigated by surface profiler, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, electron backscattered diffraction, and electrochemical analysis. As the overlap rate increases, the surface roughness decreases then increases, and the pores and unfused defects disappear then reappear. The grain formation changes from columnar to equiaxed crystals and then to columnar crystals, with the orientation of grains shifting from 100 to 101 direction. Further analysis revealed that the pure copper coating with a 70% overlap rate possesses fewer pores, unfused defects, and no interfacial cracks, thus the best compactness. Moreover, the pure copper coating with a 70% overlap rate in 3 mol/L NaCl solution exhibits the best corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance Sr 0.99 La 0.01 TiO 3 ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid-phase method, and Sr 0.99 La 0.01 TiO 3 percolated (SLT10-P) samples with excellent resistivity were obtained by coating with an oxidant and heat treatment. In this work, simultaneous excellent dielectric properties (16667 of dielectric permittivity, 0.016 of loss tangent at 1 kHz) and high resistivity (1.44 × 1011 Ω·cm at DC100V) was achieved in SLT10-P ceramics at room temperature by modulating the duration of thermal treatment. X-ray Diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses proved the diffusion of the oxidant in the grains and grain boundaries during the heat treatment. The increase in grain boundary resistance is mainly due to the fact that the insulating layer formed by the oxide ions entering the grain boundary hinders the long-range movement of electrons. In addition, the diffusion of oxygen from the air into the ceramic during the heat treatment process also contributes to the insulation of grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of apparently biocompatible implanted bovine bone grafts may be compromised by unresolved chronic inflammation, and poor graft incorporation leading to implant failure. Monitoring the intensity and duration of the inflammatory response caused by implanted bone grafts is crucial. In this study, the ability of demineralized (DMB) and decellularized (DCC) bovine bone substitutes in initiating inflammatory responses to peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (PBMMs) was investigated. The response of PBMMs to bone substitutes was evaluated by using both direct and indirect cell culture, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, immunophenotyping, and cytokine production. Analysis of DMB and DCC substitutes using scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a roughened surface with a size ranging between 500 and 750 μm. PBMMs treated with DMB demonstrated cell aggregation and clumping mimicking lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated PBMMs and a higher proliferation ability (166.93%) compared to control (100%) and DCC treatments (115.64%; p<0.001) at 24h. This was associated with a significantly increased production of intracellular ROS in PBMMs exposed to DMB substitutes than control (3158.5 vs 1715.5; p<0.001) and DCC treatment (2117.5). The bone substitute exposure also caused an increase in percentage apoptosis which was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in both DMB (27.85) and DCC (29.2) treatment than control (19.383). A significant increase in proinflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α: 3.4 folds; p<0.05) was observed in DMB substitute-treated PBMMs compared to control. Notably, IL-1β mRNA was significantly higher in DMB (21.75 folds; p<0.0001) than control and DCC (5.01 folds). In contrast, DCC substitutes exhibited immunoregulatory effects on PBMMs, as indicated by the expression for CD86, CD206, and HLDR surface markers mimicking IL-4 treatments. In conclusion, DMB excites a higher immunological response compared to DCC suggesting decellularization process of tissues dampen down inflammatory reactions when exposed to PBMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the suitability of recycled asphalt pavement and polyethylene wastes as coarse aggregate in asphaltic concrete by evaluating the impact of the use of polyethylene polymer wastes and recycled asphalt pavement composite as aggregates on the physical and mechanical properties of the asphaltic concrete. The physical characteristics of the aggregate and bitumen were determined using relevant parametric tests. Recycled asphalt pavement was used to make asphaltic concrete samples using LDPE at 5%, 10%, 15%, RAP at 5% and HDPE at 5%, 10%, 15%, and a mixture of LDPE + HDPE at 5+5%, 7.5+7.5% and 10+10% RAP at 5% as additives. Marshall Stability test was conducted to assess the mechanical strength of the asphaltic concrete, and the results included information on the aggregate's stability, flow, density, voids filled with bitumen, voids filled with air, and voids in mineral aggregate. In addition, the surface and crystal structure of the aggregates was studied by carrying out a microscopic examination with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The results obtained from this study demonstrated that RAP, HDPE & LDPE are viable conventional aggregate substitute for asphalt concrete production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, advances in materials engineering based on adaptive electronics have found a new paradigm to optimize drawbacks in signal processing. A two-layer MnO/ZnO:Zn heterostructure envisioned for frequency adaptive electronic signal processing is synthesized by sputtering, where the use of internal states allows reconfigurability to obtain new operating modes at different frequency input signals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is performed on each layer, revealing a cubic structure for MnO and a hexagonal structure for ZnO:Zn with preferential growth in [111] and [002] directions, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show that the surface of both materials is homogeneous and smooth. The thickness for each layer is determined to be approximately 106.3 nm for MnO, 119.3 nm for ZnO:Zn and 224.1 nm for the MnO/ZnO:Zn structure. An electrical characterisation with an oscilloscope and signal generator was carried out to obtain the time-response signals and current-voltage (I–V) curves, where no degradation is detected when changing frequencies within the range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. An equivalent circuit is proposed to explain the effects in the interface. Measurements of switching speeds from high resistance state (HRS) to low resistance state (LRS) at approximately 17 ns, highlight the device's rapid adaptability, and an estimated switching ratio of approximately 2 × 104 indicates its efficiency as a memristive component. Finally, the MnO/ZnO:Zn heterojunction delivers states that are stable, repeatable, and reproducible, demonstrating how the interaction of the materials can be utilised in adaptive device applications by applying frequencies and internal states to create new and innovative design schematics, thus reducing the number of components/connections in a system for future sustainable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a novel phenylacetylene capped polyimide (PI) with unique high-temperature resistance, its curing kinetics and thermal decomposition behavior were investigated. The curing mechanism and kinetics were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A) of the curing reaction were calculated based on the Kissinger equation, Ozawa equation, and Crane equation. According to the curve of conversion rate changing with temperature, the relationship between the dynamic reaction Ea and conversion rate (α) was calculated by the Friedman equation, Starink equation, and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (O-F-W) equation, and the reaction Ea in different stages was compared with the results of molecular dynamics. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the thermal decomposition behavior of PI resins before and after curing. Temperatures at 5% and 20% mass loss (T5%, T20%), peak decomposition temperature (Tmax), residual carbon rate (RW), and integral process decomposition temperature (IPDT) were used to compare the thermal stability of PI resins and cured PI resins. The results display that the cured PI has excellent thermal stability. The Ea of the thermal decomposition reaction was calculated by the Coats–Redfern method, and the thermal decomposition behavior was analyzed. The thermal decomposition reaction of PI resins at different temperatures was simulated by molecular dynamics, the initial thermal decomposition reaction was studied, and the pyrolysis mechanism was analyzed more comprehensively and intuitively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate basalt as a natural mineral-based fibre together with a vitrimeric resin as a sustainable alternative to standard composite materials. Vitrimers combine the properties of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, enabling the repair of specimens and hence prolonging the lifetime of the composite material. The micro-mechanical characteristics between the basalt fibres and the vitrimer resin are reported and shown to match those of a standard Skyflex K51 epoxy resin. Discontinuous (4 mm) basalt fibres were employed to produce aligned discontinuous fibre-reinforced composites (ADFRCs) using the high-performance discontinuous fibre (HiPerDiF) technology. The mechanical characteristics of the laminates were investigated through tensile testing and the fracture zones were analysed under a scanning electron microscope. By normalising the results by their respective fibre volume fraction, it was discovered that the vitrimer–basalt ADFRCs exhibited, on average, a 4% higher strength and a 25% higher stiffness compared to their basalt epoxy counterparts. The repair potential of the vitrimer ADFRC specimens was explored during low-temperature compression repair. Two approaches were tested using double-sided local- and full-patch repair. Both successfully recovered a significant amount of their prime strength. In conclusion, the potential of the sustainable vitrimer–basalt composite is shown by its competitive mechanical performance. Combining this with the manufacturing flexibility, repair potential, and recyclability of the material, the vitrimer–basalt composite seems to be a competitive alternative to standard glass epoxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers generally form incompatible mixtures that make the process of recycling difficult, especially the mechanical recycling of mixed plastic waste. One of the most commonly used films in the packaging industry is multilayer films, mainly composed of polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA). Recycling these materials with such different molecular structures requires the use of compatibilizers to minimize phase separation and obtain more useful recycled materials. In this work, commercial polyisoprene–graft–maleic anhydride (PI-g-MA) was tested as a compatibilizer for a blend of PE and PA derived from the mechanical recycling of PE/PA multilayer films. Different amounts of PI-g-MA were tested, and the films made with 1.5% PI-g-MA showed the best results in terms of mechanical properties and dart impact. The films were also characterized thermally via thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and morphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Other parameters, such as tearing and perforation, were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We compared the effects of heat on the physicochemical properties of recently developed calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBSs), including BioRoot Flow, BioRoot RCS, and AH Plus Bioceramic sealer, with those of the epoxy-resin-based sealer (ERBS) AH Plus. Methods: The flow, film thickness, setting time, and solubility of sealers were evaluated at 37 °C and 100 °C using ISO 6876/2012. Furthermore, pH and calcium ion release were evaluated at these temperatures. In addition, the mass change in sealers at a high temperature was assessed via thermogravimetric analysis. Then, the chemical composition and components of the sealers were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: BioRoot Flow, AH Plus Bioceramic, and AH Plus complied with ISO standards in terms of flow and film thickness, both before and after heat application. However, BioRoot RCS exhibited significantly increased film thickness at 100 °C. The setting times of all sealers were significantly reduced at 100 °C. The solubility of CSBS was >3%, exceeding the ISO 6876/2012 standard, both before and after heat exposure. Conversely, the solubility of AH Plus complied with the standard, regardless of the thermal condition. For 4 weeks, CSBS showed a significantly higher pH than AH Plus at both 37 °C and 100 °C. After heat treatment, calcium release decreased in Bioroot RCS and BioRoot Flow, while AH Plus showed no significant differences before and after treatment. However, CSBS consistently exhibited significantly higher calcium release than AH Plus at both temperatures. An FTIR analysis revealed that the chemical composition of the sealers did not change at the high temperature, whereas a thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated a >5% weight reduction in CSBS and a 0.005% weight reduction in AH Plus at 100 °C. Conclusions: BioRoot Flow, AH Plus Bioceramic, and AH Plus possess favorable physicochemical properties, which make them suitable for application under thermal conditions. At a high temperature, BioRoot RCS did not exhibit changes in its chemical composition. However, its film thickness was increased, and pH and solubility were reduced. Therefore, caution is needed when it is applied at high temperatures, such as during the warm obturation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) exposure can have several adverse health impacts on people, especially the respiratory system. Low selectivity, a lack of long-term stability, and structural and morphological optimization are some challenges associated with using ZnO for NO 2 gas sensing. Therefore, we intended copper (Cu) doping in ZnO to alter its shape and gas-sensing characteristics. This study explores the synthesis, properties, and gas-sensing capabilities of bitter gourd-shaped Cu-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures for the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2). A facile hydrothermal synthesis method was employed to synthesize bitter gourd-shaped Cu-doped ZnO nanostructures and comprehensively characterized by several techniques. Comprehensive characterizations of our produced Cu-doped ZnO nanomaterial demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and different energy spectrum. The material was annealed at 400 °C in a controlled dry air environment to improve its suitability for gas sensor applications. A series of temperature-ranging experiments were conducted to get gas-sensing readings from 25 °C to 300 °C. The resulting sensor, founded upon the distinctive morphology of Cu-doped ZnO structures reminiscent of the intricate shape of bitter gourd, unveiled good selectivity with a pronounced affinity for detecting NO 2 gas. Notably, the zenith of its performance was attained at an operating temperature of 200 °C, where its selectivity and sensitivity were most pronounced. Even at a low concentration of 1 ppm, the sensors displayed a maximum response of 3.7, highlighting their high sensitivity. The sensors demonstrated excellent reproducibility, selectivity, and a low detection limit. These findings position bitter gourd-shaped Cu-doped ZnO nanostructures as promising candidates for NO 2 sensing applications across diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the correlation between coercivity (Hc), grain size (d), and dislocation density in the Permimphy alloy (Fe–80%Ni–6%Mo). The samples used in this study were subjected to varying levels of applied strain through processing by high-pressure torsion. The microstructure and the magnetic coercivity were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, electron backscatter diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry. The grain size of the samples varied from 30 to 190 nm. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between Hc and microhardness when d > 3 µm. The results show that the coercivity of the Permimphy alloy follows an inverse V-shape with respect to grain size. The coercivity of the samples decreased despite increasing the dislocation density and the hardness when d < 3 µm. This phenomenon is attributed to the ferromagnetic exchange interaction across multiple grains and leads to the alignment of magnetic moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A major worldwide health issue is the rising frequency of resistance of bacteria.Drug combinations are a winning strategy in fighting resistant bacteria and might help in protecting the existing drugs.Monolaurin is natural compound extracted from coconut oil and has a promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus.aureus. This study aims to examine the efficacy of monolaurin both individually and in combination with β-lactam antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Methods: Agar dilution method was used for determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of monolaurin against S.aureus isolates. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to detect morphological changes in S.aureus after treatment with monolaurin. Conventional and Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to detect of beta-lactamase (blaZ) gene and its expressional levels after monolaurin treatment. Combination therapy of monolaurin and antibiotics was assessed through fractional inhibitory concentration and time-kill method. Results: The antibacterial activity of monolaurin was assessed on 115 S.aureus isolates, the MIC of monolaurin were 250 to 2000 µg/ml. SEM showed cell elongation and swelling in the outer membrane of S.aureus in the prescence of 1xMIC of monolaurin. blaZ gene was found in 73.9% of S.aureus isolates. RT-PCR shows a significant decrease in of blaZ gene expression at 250 and 500 µg/ml of monolaurin. Synergistic effects were detected through FIC method and time killing curve. Combination therapy established a significant reduction on the MIC value. The collective findings from the antibiotic combinations with monolaurin indicated synergism rates ranging from 83.3% to 100%.In time-kill studies, combination of monolaurin and β-lactam antibiotics produced a synergistic effect. Conclusion: This study showed that monolaurin may be a natural antibacterial agent against S. aureus, and may be an outstanding modulator of β-lactam drugs. The concurrent application of monolaurin and β-lactam antibiotics, exhibiting synergistic effects against S. aureus in vitro, holds promise as potential candidates for the development of combination therapies that target particularly, patients with bacterial infections that are nearly incurable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study focused on the formulation of mucoadhesive bilayer composite films for the treatment of periodontitis and evaluation of their physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods: The solvent casting technique was used to prepare films. The primary layer (D) was prepared with flaxseed and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose composite to sustain the release of doxycycline hyclate. The second layer (S) comprised sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol composite for faster release of clove oil. Both layers were combined to generate the bilayer film (B). All formulations were characterized further to obtain an optimized formulation. Results: Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared radiation results showed intactness of drug and clove oil in the presence of excipients. The pH of the films was compatible with the periodontal cavity and the thickness was suitable for inserting into the cavity. The immediate release layer showed faster disintegration and swelling. The content of clove oil was above 80%. The rate of swelling of the primary layer was slow and drug content complied with the United States Pharmacopoeia. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed intact, non-porous and smooth films. Films exhibited better mechanical strength and bioadhesiveness. Clove oil was released from the immediate release layer within 10 min, and doxycycline hyclate release was retarded to a minimum of up to 8 h in the primary layer as well as the bilayer. Formulation also had a significant effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: In the current study, bilayers were successfully prepared and characterized. The optimized formulation can be effectively used for the treatment of periodontitis. [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]

The process of superhard particle breakage in the grinding zone of the fluidized bed opposed jet mill is investigated using the CFD-DEM (computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method) coupling method with the Tavares UFRJ Breakage Model in the present study. The effects of structural and operational parameters, such as target plate structure, nozzle position, air inlet velocity, and feed rate, on the equipment stress distribution, airflow velocity, pressure field, particle velocity, and cumulative particle size distribution are thoroughly studied to determine the optimal structural and operational parameters. Experimental validation is conducted, including scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation of particle morphology and analysis of particle size distribution of ground product particles. The simulation results indicate that the wear rate of the structure without a target plate is lower than that of the structure with a target plate in the grinding central zone. Therefore, the structure without a target plate is chosen for further investigation. The cumulative particle size distribution after grinding is influenced by nozzle position, air inlet velocity, and feed rate. The particle D50 is positively correlated with nozzle spacing and feed rate, while it is negatively correlated with air inlet velocity. The optimal grinding effect is achieved when the distance between the nozzle and the center of the grinding zone ranges from 52.5 mm to 72.55 mm, the air inlet velocity is 950 m/s, and the feed rate is 10.5 g/s. Through experimental investigation, it has been observed that when the feed rate is 10 g/s, the particle size distribution becomes more uniform. Furthermore, consistent trends in the cumulative particle size distribution in the experiment and simulation results can be found, which validates the present numerical model. It was observed that particles at low feed rates retain certain angular edges, while particle roundness increases at high feed rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nephrite is a very precious gemstone material. As a non-renewable resource, the discovery of new nephrite deposits and the study of the genesis of nephrite have aroused great interest. A new occurrence of nephrite known as Xinyu nephrite was discovered in Xinyu Country, Jiangxi province, China. Field investigations reveal that nephrite appears in a contact zone between the Mengshan composite granitic pluton and Permian carbonate rock. The carbonate rock is calcic marble that underwent diopsidization and tremolitization. Nephrites have a light yellow-green color, weak greasy luster, are slightly-translucent to translucent, and are fine-grained. Their refractive index (RI) ranges from 1.60 to 1.61, and their specific gravity (SG) value ranges from 2.90 to 2.91, falling within the range of nephrites from Xinjiang, China. Their Mohs hardness (Hm) ranges from 5.78 to 5.83. Petrographic observations and electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) data indicated that analyzed nephrites mainly comprise tremolite, with minor diopside, calcite, quartz, and apatite. Tremolite has a ratio of Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) greater than 0.99. The tremolite grains show microscopic fibrous-felted and columnar textures. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show some tremolite fibers interwoven in different crystallographic orientations, and some arranged in parallel. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy features reveal the bands of minerals typical for nephrite composition. The petrographic characteristics and geological background of the Mengshan area indicate that nephrite formed through a replacement of calcic marble, which differs from the two known types (D-type: dolomite-related; S-type: serpentinite-related). Mineral replacements were common in nephrite, including diopside by tremolite, calcite by tremolite, and recrystallization of coarse by fine tremolite grains. The discovery of Xinyu nephrite occurrence complements the resource and provides an updated case for the in-depth study of the diversity of nephrite deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagenetic evolution of sandstone is very complicated under the conditions of high temperatures and pressures in deep-water, deep-buried regimes, which have great influence on reservoir quality. This study investigates the typical reservoir target of Neogene deep-water, submarine-fan sandstones under high-temperature, high-pressure regimes in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea. Utilizing a thin section, scanning electron microscope (SEM), mineral geochemistry combined with burial history evolution, complex diagenetic events, and main controlling factors of the sandstone in the Neogene Meishan Formation were determined. The results show that the evolution of sandstone reservoirs is initially controlled by depositional framework compositions and subsequently modified by eogenetic and mesogenetic alterations during progressive burial. Eogenetic alterations mainly include the following: (1) mechanical compaction; (2) dissolution of feldspar; (3) low-Fe calcite cementation. Mesogenetic events were identified as the following: (1) dissolution of feldspar; (2) ferroan calcite and ankerite formation; (3) precipitation of quartz and clay mineral. Mechanical compaction is greatly influenced by the original depositional framework composition, and sandstone samples enriched in high contents of detrital clay matrix always experienced extensive mechanical compaction. Different phases of carbonate cement during different diagenetic regimes lead to continuous destruction on reservoir porosity. The dissolution of unstable feldspar minerals during eogenetic and mesogenetic environments leads to the development of secondary porosities and would enhance the quality of the reservoir. Overpressure formation is pervasively developed owing to early disequilibrium compaction and subsequent natural gas charging. Only well-sorted sandstones with low contents of detrital clay matrix could resist early mechanical compaction, lead to ample residual original porosities, and then undergo extensive mineral dissolution to generate sufficient secondary porosities. Subsequently, these porosities would be effectively protected by overpressure formation. Poor-sorted sandstones with high contents of detrital clay matrix would experience strong mechanical compaction and extensive destruction of original porosities. Thus, these sandstones are difficult to have significant dissolution and are unable to be effectively protected by overpressure formation. Therefore, the interplay between the original framework composition and the corresponding diagenetic pathways coupled with overpressure formation would result in strong reservoir heterogeneity for the deep-buried sandstones during progressive burial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound dressings developed by combining plant extracts with polymers have made a great progress in wound care treatment. One plant with remarkable healing properties is Phyllanthus emblica Linn (P. emblica), which is described as having potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of P. emblica‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin‐based cryogels (PVA/Gel/P.emblica) through cytotoxicity and proliferation tests in HaCaT cells and examine their potential in wound dressing applications. Accordingly, PVA/Gel/P.emblica cryogels are successfully synthesized and characterization studies and in vitro cell culture studies are performed. The swelling tests and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis results show that swelling and surface area properties of cryogels increase with increasing P. emblica amounts. Morphological results display that the cryogels have a dense, interconnected pore morphology and a macroporous structure. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, trypan blue exclusion, and live–dead assay results reveal that P. emblica enhances cell proliferation, increases cell number, and improves cell viability. Based on the scanning electron microscope, immunofluorescence, and Giemsa staining images, it is observed that P. emblica promotes cell attachment, proliferation, and penetration. These findings confirm that PVA/Gel/P.emblica cryogels are suitable for use as wound dressing materials and can be developed with further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotor or impeller is a rotational and key part of a pump and compressor. This article presents the detailed development process of a rotor of small size constructed from an EN8 steel cylindrical blank using a novel technique based on a computer numerical control engraving milling machine (CNC-EMM) equipped with a 4 mm tungsten carbide end mill cutter. We fabricated a total of twenty-eight stepped rotors following the Box–Behnken Design (BBD) DoE technique at fourteen distinct combinations of CNC-EMM variable parameters, namely rotational speed, feed, and plunge feed. Average roughness 'Ra', an important surface quality indicator, has been considered and presented in this article, as a quality measure for the fabricated rotors. Feed and plunge feed have been identified as the most influencing variable parameters as per an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The lowest average roughness value obtained by this process for the rotor blade was 0.11 µm. A micrograph obtained from a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) showed a uniform and accurate tooth profile along with burr formation at corner edges. This study claims to establish engraving milling as a viable alternative to other manufacturing processes used for rotor blades. The findings of this study are useful to scholars, engineers, and researchers who are exploring new ways to fabricate mechanical parts and components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote the resource utilization of steel slag and improve the production process of steel slag in steelmaking plants, this research studied the characteristics of three different processed steel slags from four steelmaking plants. The physical and mechanical characteristics and volume stability of steel slags were analyzed through density, water absorption, and expansion tests. The main mineral phases, morphological characteristics, and thermal stability of the original steel slag and the steel slag after the expansion test are analyzed with X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) tests. The results show that the composition of steel slag produced by different processes is similar. The main active substances of other processed steel slags are dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium silicate (C3S), CaO, and MgO. After the expansion test, the main chemical products of steel slag are CaCO3, MgCO3, and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). Noticeable mineral crystals appeared on the surface of the steel slag after the expansion test, presenting tetrahedral or cigar-like protrusions. The drum slag had the highest density and water stability. The drum slag had the lowest porosity and the densest microstructure surface, compared with steel slags that other methods produce. The thermal stability of steel slag treated by the hot splashing method was relatively higher than that of steel slag treated by the other two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harsh service environment of aeroengine hot-end components requires superalloys possessing excellent antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effect of pre-strain on the oxidation behavior of polycrystalline Ni3Al-based superalloys. The growth behaviors of oxidation products were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that the 5% pre-strained alloys exhibited lower mass gain, shallower oxidation depth and more compact oxide film structures compared to the original alloy. This is mainly attributed to the formation of rapid diffusion paths for Al atoms diffusing to the surface under 5% pre-strain, which promotes the faster formation of protective Al2O3 film while continuing to increase the pre-strain to 25% results in less protective transient oxidation behavior being aggravated due to the increase in dislocation density within the alloy, which prevents the timely formation of the protective Al2O3 film, resulting in uneven oxidation behavior on the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recently demonstrated that laser micromachining of magnetoactive elastomers is a very convenient method for fabricating dynamic surface microstructures with magnetically tunable properties, such as wettability and surface reflectivity. In this study, we investigate the impact of the micromachining process on the fabricated material's structural properties and its chemical composition. By employing scanning electron microscopy, we investigate changes in size distribution and spatial arrangement of carbonyl iron microparticles dispersed in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix as a function of laser irradiation. Based on the images obtained by a low vacuum secondary electron detector, we analyze modifications of the surface topography. The results show that most profound modifications occur during the low-exposure (8 J/cm2) treatment of the surface with the laser beam. Our findings provide important insights for developing theoretical models of functional properties of laser-sculptured microstructures from magnetoactive elastomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese slag (MS) containing a certain amount of active hydration substances may be used as a kind of cementitious material. In the present study, we measured the mass, the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME), and the flexural and compressive strengths of MS high-performance concrete (MS-HPC) with added basalt fibers exposed to NaCl freeze–thaw cycles (N-FCs), NaCl dry–wet alternations (N-DAs), and Na2SO4 dry–wet alternations (NS-DAs). Scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TG) curves, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) curves were obtained. The mass ratio of MS ranged from 0% to 40%. The volume ratio of basalt fibers varied from 0% to 2%. We found that, as a result of salt action, the mass loss rate (MLR) exhibited linear functions which were inversely correlated with the mass ratio of MS and the volume ratio of basalt fibers. After salt action, MLR increased by rates of 0~56.3%, but this increase was attenuated by the addition of MS and basalt fibers. Corresponding increases in RDME exhibited a linear function which was positively correlated with MS mass ratios in a range of 0~55.1%. The addition of MS and basalt fibers also led to decreased attenuation of mechanical strength, while the addition of MS led to increased levels of flocculent hydration products and the elements Mn, Mg, and Fe. CaClOH and CaSO4 crystals were observed in XRD curves after N-DA and NS-DA actions, respectively. Finally, the addition of MS resulted in increased variation in TG values. However, the opposite result was obtained when dry–wet actions were exerted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cemented soil as a subgrade fill material can meet certain performance requirements, it is susceptible to capillary erosion caused by groundwater. In order to eliminate the hazards caused by capillary water rise and to summarize the relevant laws of water transport properties, graphene oxide (GO) was used to improve cemented soil. This paper conducted capillary water absorption tests, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, softening coefficient tests, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests on cemented soil using various contents of GO. The results showed that the capillary water absorption capacity and capillary water absorption rate exhibited a decreasing and then increasing trend with increasing GO content, while the UCS demonstrated an increasing and then decreasing trend. The improvement effect is most obvious when the content is 0.09%. At this content, the capillary absorption and capillary water absorption rate were reduced by 25.8% and 33.9%, respectively, and the UCS at 7d, 14d, and 28d was increased by 70.32%, 57.94%, and 61.97%, respectively. SEM testing results demonstrated that GO reduces the apparent void ratio of cemented soil by stimulating cement hydration and promoting ion exchange, thereby optimizing the microstructure and improving water resistance and mechanical properties. This research serves as a foundation for further investigating water migration and the appropriate treatment of GO-modified cemented soil subgrade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dressings with multiple functional performances (such as hemostasis, promoting regeneration, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory effects) are highly desired in orthopedic surgery. Herein, several new kinds of medicated nanofibers loaded with several active ingredients for providing multiple functions were prepared using the modified coaxial electrospinning processes. With an electrospinnable solution composed of polycaprolactone and fenoprofen as the core working fluid, several different types of unspinnable fluids (including pure solvent, nanosuspension containing tranexamic acid and hydroxyapatite, and dilute polymeric solution comprising tranexamic acid, hydroxyapatite, and polyvinylpyrrolidone) were explored to implement the modified coaxial processes for creating the multifunctional nanofibers. Their morphologies and inner structures were assessed through scanning and transmission electron microscopes, which all showed a linear format without the discerned beads or spindles and a diameter smaller than 1.0 μm, and some of them had incomplete core–shell nanostructures, represented by the symbol @. Additionally, strange details about the sheaths' topographies were observed, which included cracks, adhesions, and embedded nanoparticles. XRD and FTIR verified that the drugs tranexamic acid and fenoprofen presented in the nanofibers in an amorphous state, which resulted from the fine compatibility among the involved components. All the prepared samples were demonstrated to have a fine hydrophilic property and exhibited a lower water contact angle smaller than 40° in 300 ms. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that fenoprofen was released in a sustained manner over 6 h through a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. Hemostatic tests verified that the intentional distribution of tranexamic acid on the shell sections was able to endow a rapid hemostatic effect within 60 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]