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Isochoric (constant-volume or volumetrically confined) vitrification has shown potential as an alternative cryopreservation-by-vitrification technique, but the complex processes at play within the chamber are yet poorly characterized, and recent investigations have prompted significant debate around whether a truly isochoric vitrification process (in which the liquid remains completely confined by solid boundaries) is indeed feasible. Based on a recent thermomechanical simulation of a high-concentration Me2SO solution, Solanki and Rabin (Cryobiology, 2023, 111, 9-15.) argue that isochoric vitrification is not feasible, because differential thermal contraction of the solution and container will necessarily drive generation of a cavity, corrupting the rigid confinement of the liquid. Here, we provide direct experimental evidence to the contrary, demonstrating cavity-free isochoric vitrification of a ∼3.5 M vitrification solution by combined isochoric pressure measurement (IPM) and photon-counting x-ray computed tomography (PC-CT). We hypothesize that the absence of a cavity is due to the minimal thermal contraction of the solution, which we support with additional volumetric analysis of the PC-CT reconstructions. In total, this study provides experimental evidence both demonstrating the feasibility of isochoric vitrification and highlighting the potential of designing vitrification solutions that exhibit minimal thermal contraction.

This paper investigates the integration of optical fibers into an on-chip Fabry–Pérot (FP) resonator to achieve high-quality (Q) factors, which is favorable in sensing applications. Initially designed for high-speed data transmission, optical fibers are now utilized in sensing applications because of their flexibility and sensitivity to optical phenomena. This article focuses on the role of single-mode fibers (SMF) and the geometry of different structures in enhancing light confinement within FP resonators. Two distinct on-chip designs utilizing SMFs are demonstrated, modeled, and experimentally evaluated. One achieves a Q-factor higher than 5200, demonstrating significant improvement in light confinement, while the other maximizes the spectral range between the resonant modes' peaks, maximizing the sensing range through the wavelength shift. This is supported by visualized simulation and coupling efficiencies calculations for fundamental and higher-order modes for comprehensive analysis. Comparison with existing literature is also made, underscoring the advancements achieved by the presented approaches. The findings contribute to the development of microscale refractive index sensing applications, highlighting the vital role of optical fiber integration for high-performance sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine papillomatosis (BP) is one of the imperative cutaneous oncogenic viral diseases resulting in leather depreciation and economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress, immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural alterations in BP and its impact on cowhide. Ninety skin tissue specimens and blood samples were collected from cattle. Hematological parameters including complete blood picture, copper and zinc concentration in sera and oxidative stress biomarkers in skin were evaluated. Sera were tested for bovine papillomatosis antibodies. Histopathology of all skin samples, immunohistochemistry of collagen 1 and gamma catenin were performed. Moreover, BP virus was identified by transmission electron microscope in papilloma lesions. Bovine sera tested were positive for bovine papillomatosis antibodies (28.8%). In diseased cases, a significant reduction in Cu and hemoglobin were recorded compared to normal animals. Protein oxidation and MDA were elevated whereas GSH and SOD were reduced in diseased cases. Histopathology of bovine skin lesions of papilloma infected cases showed finger-like projecting papillae and papilloma with overlying stratum corneum and acanthosis. Collagen I fibers were altered in papilloma's and fibropapillomas. Gamma catenin expression was translocated to the nucleus in many epidermal cell layers indicating desmosomes damage. In conclusion, BPV altered the host hematological parameters, oxidant/antioxidant balance toward oxidative damage, collagen, γ-catenin content, trace elements, especially copper, and the tensile strength of the skin. Therefore, BP decreased the quality of animal hide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude oil storage tanks usually undergo corrosion problems due to the activity of sulfur compounds, water content, and salts in crude oil. In this study, the corrosion resistance of carbon steel A285 grade C was improved by adding SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as a corrosion inhibitor. The SiO2 NPs were extracted from sand (from the city of Al-Ramadi in western Iraq) using a combined physical and chemical method. The present work investigated the effect of various additions of SiO2 NPs as a corrosion inhibitor (i.e., 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 g/L) on the corrosion resistance of carbon steel A285 grade C. The corrosion rate was evaluated by applying potentiostatic technique under a 1 M concentration of sulfuric acid as the corrosion medium. The results indicated the formation of a thin film of SiO2 NPs adhering to the surface of the carbon steel and working as a corrosion inhibitor. This film will protect the metal from corrosion by preventing any corrosion activity. Moreover, the results showed that the corrosion rate reduced greatly by increasing the amount of nano-addition. Furthermore, it was found that the corrosion resistance was enhanced dramatically with increasing nano-additions. An optimal corrosion inhibition of more than a 91.6% was achieved with a nano-addition of 1 g/L for the immersion time of 10 h. Additionally, the corrosion inhibition in this process with the eco-friendly material showed a high protection rate and low operating cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: acute myeloid leukaemia; CBL syndrome; loss of heterozygosity; uniparental isodisomy; juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia EN acute myeloid leukaemia CBL syndrome loss of heterozygosity uniparental isodisomy juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia 665 667 3 02/02/21 20210201 NES 210201 Germline mutations in I CBL i produce a syndrome presenting in childhood or early adulthood with variable phenotype ranging from Noonan syndrome and RASopathy features, along with a strong association with the development of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML).1 Although somatic mutations in I CBL i have been found in approximately 5% of myeloid neoplasms,2 cancers other than JMML have not been reported frequently in CBL syndrome. Given the pattern in most patients with CBL syndrome and the heterozygous mutation status in one son, uniparental disomy is favoured as the mechanism of homozygosity in this patient. Overall, this case illustrates some of the clinical, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of I CBL i syndrome caused by germline I CBL i variants as well as the classic LOH/UPD (uniparental disomy) frequently seen in CBL syndrome. [Extracted from the article]