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In conventional optical microscopes, image contrast of objects mainly results from the differences in light intensity and/or color. Muller matrix optical microscopes (MMMs), on the other hand, can provide significantly enhanced image contrast and rich information about objects by analyzing their interactions with polarized light. However, state‐of‐the‐art MMMs are fundamentally limited by bulky and slow polarization state generators and analyzers. Here, the study demonstrates a metasurface‐based MMM, i.e., Meta‐MMM, which is equipped with a chip‐integrated, single‐shot metasurface polarization state analyzer (Meta‐PSA). The Meta‐MMM is featured with high‐speed measurement (≈2s per Muller matrix (MM) image), superior operation stability, dual‐color operation, and high measurement accuracy (measurement error 1–2%) for MM imaging. The Meta‐MMM is applied to nanostructure characterization, surface morphology analysis, and discovering birefringent structures in honeybee wings. The Meta‐MMMs hold the promise to revolutionize various applications from biological imaging, medical diagnosis, and material characterization to industry inspection and space exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Crystalluria is an important indicator of renal stone recurrence. Mechanisms underlying urinary stone formation are still not fully understood and raising interests has been giving to intestinal commensal bacteria for their contribute in maintaining urinary solutes equilibrium. The aim of our phase II study was to examine the administration of potassium citrate, magnesium and probiotics in order to reduce crystalluria. Materials and Methods: Since May 2021, we enrolled 23 patients candidates for ureterorenolithotripsy for calcium oxalate kidney stones with crystalluria and a normal metabolic profile. The analysis was validated by the Institution's Ethical Committee (no. approval STS CE Lazio 1/N-823). At discharge, patients were provided with daily food supplementation for 20 days of 1 billion Lactobacillus paracasei LPC09, 1 billion Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, 1 billion Bifidobacterium breve BR03, potassium (520 mg), citrate (1400 mg), and magnesium (80 mg). Crystalluria was re-assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12-months follow-up by polarized light microscopy. Results: After one month from the oral supplementation, no patient reported crystalluria; at 3 months, among the 20 participants available for re-evaluation, still no patient reported crystalluria. Instead, crystalluria was reported in three patients (15%) at 6 months, and in five patients (25%) at 12 months follow-up. Conclusions: The oral supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. was found able to reduce the prevalence of crystalluria in a cohort of patients with diagnosis of calcium oxalate kidney stones with crystalluria candidate to ureterorenolithotripsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline Sm3+ substituted V-type hexaferrites Sr 1-x Sm x Fe 8 SnO 15 with composition (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.06, 0.10) were synthesized using hydrothermal method. With the substitution of Sm3+ ions, the lattice constant 'c' experienced a decrement from 54.4600 Å to 53.0200 Å while the value of lattice constant 'a' firstly increased and then decreased. The crystallite size varied from 37.95 to 50.86 nm. The spherical shape of particles was analyzed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The VSM analysis revealed that the samples inherent the soft magnetic properties as evidenced by the coercivity value being below 1 k Oe which exemplifies its usefulness in the field of microwave absorption properties. The successive production of heat during hyperthermia analysis indicated the use of this material in cancer cell treatment. The UV visible spectroscopy technique was utilized to investigate many parameter including absorption, Urbach-energy, and band gap. It can be affirmed that the prepared material might be useful for photo-catalytic purposes and hyperthermia applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent works have demonstrated that the optical excitation of crystalline materials with intense narrow-band infrared pulses, tailored to match the frequencies at which the crystal's permittivity approaches close to zero, can drive a permanent reversal of magnetic and ferroelectric ordering. However, the physical mechanism that microscopically underpins this effect remains unclear, as well as the precise role of laser-induced heating and macroscopic strains. Here, we explore how infrared pulses can simultaneously give rise to strong temperature-dependent birefringence and strain in ferroelectric barium titanate. We develop a model of these two coexisting effects, allowing us to use polarization microscopy to disentangle them through their spatial distributions, temporal evolutions and spectral dependencies. We experimentally observe strain-induced patterns that are an order of magnitude larger than that which can be accounted for by laser-induced heating alone, suggesting that non-thermal effects must also play a role. Our results reveal the distinct fingerprints of heat- and strain-induced birefringence, shedding new light on the process of all-optical switching of order parameters in the epsilon-near-zero regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Animals Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Importance Respirable mineral particles can induce lower airway inflammation, but the role they play in asthma of horses is unknown.Respirable mineral particles, particularly respirable silica, are an overlooked determinant of chronic lung inflammation (asthma) in horses.Twenty‐three horses from an equine hospital population: 11 moderately affected (MEA), 7 severely asthmatic (SEA), and 5 control horses free from respiratory clinical signs.Prospective observational study. The quantity and quality of mineral particles found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were characterized, with particular attention to silica content. Polarized light microscopy performed on cytospin slides identified intracellular birefringent particles as silica. Spectrometry‐based analysis performed on whole BALF determined total mineral and silica percentage and concentration. Group‐related differences in BALF mineral and silica load were investigated as well as associations with BALF cytology.Intracellular birefringent particles were increased in SEA vs MEA (median [interquartile range, IQR]), 12 [7] vs 4 [5] particles/30 high power fields [hpf], respectively; P = .01) and vs controls (4 [2] particles/30 hpf; P = .02). Total mineral concentration in BALF was similar between the groups studied, whereas silica concentration and percentage were increased in SEA vs MEA (1758 [887] particles/mL and 20 [10]% vs 867 [662] particles/mL and 8 [6]%; P = .009 and P = .001) and control group (355 [330] particles/mL and 6 [3]%; P = .0003 and P = .002). Silica load in BALF was associated with BALF neutrophilia in MEA and SEA.Respirable silica is associated with neutrophilic lower airway inflammation in horses and might contribute to asthma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) is compounded with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) by melt blending under the compatibilization of maleic anhydride (MA), and then hot‐pressed to prepare PLA/CPC composite bioplastics. The attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy showed that high temperature and compatibilizer induced the protein secondary structure to transition. CPC can be used as a heterogeneous PLA nucleating agent, effectively accelerating PLA crystallization, which is characterized by polarization optical microscopy (POM), synchrotron radiation wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The highest crystallinity of the PLA/CPC10 composite is 8.9% higher than that of neat PLA. The unfolding of the protein secondary structure is likely to promote an orderly arrangement of PLA crystals, showing strong binding forces between them. Moreover, the CPC/PLA interfacial compatibility is improved by the addition of a small amount of maleic anhydride. The increased crystallinity and interfacial compatibility contribute to the improved mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of the bioplastics. Environmentally friendly plastic handicrafts (e.g., commemorative emblems, flower pots, ornaments, etc.) can be fabricated using these biocomposites for future value‐added applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current advancements in 3D printing technology have the potential to facilitate the production of scaffolds and implants for various biomedical applications, including bone repair and regeneration. 3D printed patient‐specific bone‐inspired nanocomposite grafts might be a viable alternative to current bone repair treatment methods if they provide appropriate anatomic structure, biocompatibility, and adequate mechanical properties. In the current work, a 3D printable nanocomposite biomaterial ink with bone cell biocompatibility (in vitro) is printed while adjusting shear stress during extrusion using a custom‐designed 3D printer to investigate the shear stress effect on the mechanical properties of the 3D printed nanocomposite. Tensile test results, as well as polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, reveal that increasing the applied shear stress from 3.5 to 14 kPa during extrusion‐based 3D printing in a custom‐built 3D printer, increased the strength, tensile modulus, and toughness of printed nanocomposite filaments by about three‐fold. This improvement is attributed to increased crystallinity in the thermoset biopolymer matrix due to the higher shear stress and the nano‐confinement effect. This implies that greater shear during layer‐by‐layer extrusion‐based 3D printing might be employed to create more robust mechanically competent 3D printed nanocomposite bone grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter discusses a case report of a 47-year-old female patient with Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP), a rare and chronic inflammation of the renal parenchyma. The patient had a history of nephrolithiasis, chronic lumbago, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The diagnosis of XGP was suspected based on physical examination, imaging, and laboratory analysis, and confirmed through histopathological examination and urinary foam cell detection. The patient underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy and drainage as treatment. The letter emphasizes the importance of urine foam cell examination for preoperative diagnosis and kidney-sparing treatment guidelines for XGP. [Extracted from the article]

Eagle syndrome is a bone disease where elongation of the styloid process leads to throat and neck pain, and in severe cases neurovascular symptoms such as syncope and neuralgia. The pathophysiology of Eagle syndrome is poorly understood with various theories having been proposed how this elongation is caused. To better understand the pathophysiology, we performed a work-up in 6 patients presenting with Eagle syndrome. Patients mainly presented with pain on turning the neck (100%), foreign body sensation (67%), tension in the neck (67%), and dysphagia (50%). The typical length of the styloid process ranges from 25 to 30 mm; however, [18F]NaF (sodium fluoride) PET/CT showed elongated styloid processes with an average length of 52.1 ± 15.6 mm (mean ± SD) with increased turnover at the base of one of the styloid processes. The removed styloid processes were further examined by histology, micro-CT, quantitative backscatter electron imaging (qBEI), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and circularly polarized light imaging. Histology revealed one case of a fractured styloid process healing through callus formation and one case of pseudarthrosis. Bone mineral density and mineralization was similar in the styloid processes when compared to cortical bone samples derived from the mandibular bone of different patients. Circular polarized light microscopy showed a collagen orientation in the styloid process comparable to the cortical bone samples with a distinct separation of collagen structure between the mineralized structure and the surrounding soft tissue with FTIR analysis demonstrating a typical composition of bone. This altogether suggests that the elongated styloid processes in Eagle syndrome are mature bone, capable of endochondral repair, possibly growing from the base of the process through endochondral ossification, rather than being a form of secondary calcification of the stylohyoid ligament as previously postulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Janus system with liquid crystal properties was synthesized based on units derived from cyanoazobenzene and benzyl ether in its hemispheres, linked by a hydrazide group. The final compound and precursors with liquid crystal properties showed a nematic mesophase. Its mesomorphic properties were studied by polarized light microscopy and DSC. Cis/trans isomerization of the azo group in solution and liquid crystal state was studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic amyloidosis involves the deposition of misfolded proteins in organs/tissues, leading to progressive organ dysfunction and failure. Congo red is the gold-standard chemical stain for visualizing amyloid deposits in tissue, showing birefringence under polarization microscopy. However, Congo red staining is tedious and costly to perform, and prone to false diagnoses due to variations in amyloid amount, staining quality and manual examination of tissue under a polarization microscope. We report virtual birefringence imaging and virtual Congo red staining of label-free human tissue to show that a single neural network can transform autofluorescence images of label-free tissue into brightfield and polarized microscopy images, matching their histochemically stained versions. Blind testing with quantitative metrics and pathologist evaluations on cardiac tissue showed that our virtually stained polarization and brightfield images highlight amyloid patterns in a consistent manner, mitigating challenges due to variations in chemical staining quality and manual imaging processes in the clinical workflow. Detecting amyloid deposits in tissue with Congo red can be limited by several factors, which can potentially lead to false diagnoses. Here, the authors use virtual birefringence imaging and virtual Congo red staining using autofluorescence of label-free human tissue, highlighting amyloid deposits in a consistent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gout and calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) are common forms of inflammatory arthritis whose prevalence has increased in recent years. Although the identification of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate crystals (CPP) in synovial fluid (SF) by polarized light microscopy are the gold standard for diagnosing these diseases, SF analysis is not always available. An early diagnosis and specific treatment, especially in gout, allows avoiding irreversible structural damage, comorbidities, and a severe impact on the quality of life of patients. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is a noninvasive tool that allows detecting aggregates of microcrystals at multiple anatomical sites and helps to establish a specific diagnosis. The objective of this review is to evaluate the applications of US in the diagnosis and clinical management of the main microcrystalline arthropathies. The US has helped improve our understanding of the natural history of the disease, due to its ability to visualize not only soft tissue inflammation and structural damage, but also the characteristics of MSU and CPP crystal deposition. The anatomical sites of crystal deposition are also a key factor for differential diagnosis in different microcrystalline diseases. The US allows establishing an early diagnosis, especially in asymptomatic hyperuricemia, to discriminate with other inflammatory diseases, to assess the extent of microcrystalline deposition and their sensitivity to change after treatment. Given its increasing availability in clinical practice and strong evidence, US is a bedside imaging technique helping clinicians to improve diagnosis and therapy monitoring in their daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of the sixth Microscopy Today Micrograph Awards competition. The competition showcases scientific images that are visually impactful and interesting. This year, submissions came from 21 countries and 17 US states. The article presents the prize winners in each category, including the Published category, Open category, and Video category, as well as the winner of the People's Choice Award. The judging panel consisted of seven judges with expertise in microscopy. The article also provides information on the judging process and criteria for winning micrographs. The submission site for the next contest will reopen in November 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Exploring the intersection between science and art — Sciart — inevitably involves microscopy because of its intrinsic ability to reveal microscopic hidden worlds not normally accessible to the public. Aesthetic microscopy, mainly performed in the biosciences using optical and electron devices, has more recently included the world of rocks and minerals as viewed with polarized light microscopy. In this contribution, all images are only from quartz to demonstrate the project micROCKScopica , where thin slices of rocks are "painted" with polarized light. The results resemble abstract or impressionist works of art. Who would have imagined? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high aromaticity of fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) slurry makes it a superior raw material for the production of high‐performance carbon materials. In this study, direct thermal polycondensation of aromatic‐rich FCC slurries is conducted to synthesize mesophase pitches with a significant anisotropic content. The effects of stirring speed and the pressurized‐atmospheric two‐stage reaction on the structure and composition of the products are investigated. Thermal stability analysis using thermogravimetric (TG) test, observation of mesophase content and optical structure through polarized light microscopy, characterization of material composition and molecular structure via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum (1H NMR), as well as comparison of crystal structures using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) are performed. The experimental results demonstrate that an increase in the stirring rate leads to a more homogeneous molecular distribution within the reaction system, thereby facilitating molecular contact polycondensation and promoting mesophase growth and development. Furthermore, the pressurized‐atmospheric two‐stage reaction process also contributes to mesophase development, resulting in products with more cycloalkane structure, improved thermal stability, and optimized optical structure transitioning from mosaic to flow or even domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the essential oils derived from Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae), Cymbopogon winterianus (Poaceae), and Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) against Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites. Additionally, microemulsions formulated with these essential oils, along with their major components, were analyzed. Methods and results The prepared microemulsions were characterized using polarized light microscopy and rheological techniques. The amoebicidal activity was determined by measuring the inhibitory concentration (IC50). Flow cytometry was employed to detect membrane damage and alterations in trophozoites size. The results revealed transparent and thermodynamically stable microemulsions. The essential oil from O. gratissimum exhibited a lower IC50, with values of 280.66 and 47.28 µg ml−1 after 24 and 48 h, respectively. When microemulsions containing essential oils were tested, the IC50 values exhibited a reduction of over 80% after 24 h. Particularly, eugenol, a constituent of the O. gratissimum essential oil, displayed higher amoebicidal activity. The essential oils also caused damage to the cell membrane, resulting in the subsequent death of the trophozoites. Conclusions The EOs of A. citrodora, C. winterianus , and O. gratissimum and their microemulsions showed antiparasitic effect against A. polyphaga trophozoites, representing promising alternatives for the treatment of diseases caused by this protozoan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution characteristics of iron ore components are important when measuring the difficulty of their beneficiation. Polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are traditional methods with some shortcomings, including complicated operation and low efficiency. Most of the laboratory hyperspectral imaging techniques that have emerged in recent years have been focused on the field of mineral resource exploration. In contrast, the mineral distribution and tectonic characteristics of iron ores have been relatively poorly studied in the field of beneficiation. To address the issue, 11 experimental samples of banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted iron ores were selected and tested using an imaging spectrometer. Then, based on the differences in spectral characteristic of the three main components (quartz, hematite, and magnetite) in the samples, the identification model of the spatial distribution of the iron ore components was established using the normalized spectral amplitude index (NSAI) and spectral angle mapper (SAM). The NSAI and SAM identify minerals based on spectral amplitude features and spectral morphological features of the sample, respectively. The spatial distribution of different minerals in the samples was tested using the model, and the test results demonstrated that the spatial distribution of the three components is consistent with the banded tectonic character of the sample. Upon comparison with the chemical test results, the mean absolute errors (MAE) of the model for quartz, hematite, and magnetite in the samples were 2.03%, 1.34%, and 1.55%, respectively, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 2.72%, 2.08%, and 1.85%, respectively, with the exception of one martite sample that reached an MAE of 10.17%. Therefore, the model demonstrates a high degree of accuracy. The research provides a new method to test the spatial distribution of iron ore components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inefficiency of grain refinement processes has traditionally been attributed to the limited utilization of heterogeneous nucleation particles within master alloy systems, resulting in the formation of abundant inactive particles. This study aims to investigate the alternative influences of particles by incorporating external micrometer-sized TiB2 particles into the grain refinement process. Through a series of experiments, the refinement efficiency, grain refinement mechanism, and resultant microstructure of TiB2 particle-induced grain refinement specimens are comprehensively examined using various microscopy and analytical techniques, including polarization microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our findings demonstrate a direct correlation between increased levels of TiB2 particles and enhanced grain refinement efficiency. Moreover, the microstructure analysis reveals the distribution of TiB2 particles along grain boundaries, forming a coating due to self-assembly phenomena, while regions with a lower particle content may exhibit irregular grain structures. DSC analysis further confirms reduced undercooling, indicating the occurrence of heterogeneous nucleation events. However, TEM observations suggest that heterogeneous nucleation is not significantly influenced by the growth restriction factor attributed to TiAl3 2DC compounds. The grain refinement mechanism involving TiB2 particles is elucidated to entail both heterogeneous nucleation and physical growth restriction effects. Specifically, a reduction in average grain size is attributed not only to heterogeneous nucleation but also to the physical growth restriction effect facilitated by the TiB2 particle coating. This study offers insights into leveraging particles that do not participate in heterogeneous nucleation within master alloy-based grain refinement systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) have emerged as promising candidates for one-dimensional photonic lattices that enable precise tuning of the photonic band gap (PBG). This work systematically investigates the effect of polymer concentrations on the AC electric field-induced tuning of the PBG in PSCLCs, in so doing it explores a range of concentrations and provides new insights into how polymer concentration affects both the stabilization of cholesteric textures and the electro-optic response. We demonstrate that low polymer concentrations (≈3 wt. %) cause a blue shift in the short wavelength band edge, while high concentrations (≈10 wt. %) lead to a contraction and deterioration of the reflection band. Polarization optical microscopy was conducted to confirm the phase transition induced by the application of an electric field. The observations confirm that increased polymer concentration stabilizes the cholesteric texture. Particularly, the highly desired fingerprint texture was stabilized in a sample with 10 wt. % of the polymer, whereas it was unstable for lower polymer concentrations. Additionally, higher polymer concentrations also improved the dissymmetry factor and stability of the lasing emission, with the dissymmetry factor reaching the value of around 2 for samples with 10 wt. % of polymer additive. Our results provide valuable comprehension into the design of advanced PSCLC structures with tunable optical properties, enhancing device performance and paving the way for innovative photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The annulus fibrosus (AF) of the Intervertebral disc (IVD) is composed of concentric lamellae of helically wound collagen fibers. Understanding the spatial variation of collagen fiber orientations in these lamellae, and the resulting material anisotropy, is crucial to predicting the mechanical behavior of the complete IVD. Methods: This study builds on a prior model predicated on path‐independent displacement of fiber endpoints during vertebral body growth to predict a complete, three‐dimensional annulus fibrosus fiber network from a small number of subject‐independent input parameters and vertebral endplate topographies obtained from clinical imaging. To evaluate the model, it was first fit to mid‐plane fiber orientations obtained using polarized light microscopy in a population of bovine caudal discs for which computed tomography images vertebral endplates were also available. Additionally, the model was used to predict the trajectories based on human lumbar disc geometries and results were compared to previously reported data. Finally, the model was employed to investigate potential disc‐related variations in fiber angle distributions. Results: The model was able to accurately predict experimentally measured fiber distributions in both bovine and human discs using only endplate topography and three input parameters. Critically, the model recapitulated previously observed asymmetry between the inclinations of right‐ and left‐handed fibers in the posterolateral aspect of the human AF. Level to level variation of disc height and aspect ratio in the human lumbar spine was predicted to affect absolute values of fiber inclination, but not this asymmetry. Conclusion: Taken together these results suggest that patient‐specific distributions of AF fiber orientation may be readily incorporated into computational models of the spine using only disc geometry and a small number of subject‐independent parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We studied the performance of integrated Raman polarized light microscopy (iRPolM) for the identification of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP)–associated arthritis (CPPD). Methods: This is a diagnostic accuracy study including 400 consecutive synovial fluid samples from a single hospital in the Netherlands. Accuracy measures were calculated against polarized light microscopy (PLM) and the 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR criteria set for CPPD. Results: The interrater reliability between iRPolM and the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria set for CPPD was strong (κ = 0.88). The diagnostic performance of iRPolM compared to the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria set was sensitivity 86.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.3–94.2), specificity 99.1% (95% CI 97.5–99.8), positive likelihood ratio 100.33 (95% CI 32.3–311.3), negative likelihood ratio 0.14 (95% CI 0.07–0.28), positive predictive value 93.5% (95% CI 82.2–97.8), negative predictive value 98.0% (95% CI 82.2–97.8), and accuracy 97.5% (95% CI 95.5–98.8). We allowed rheumatologists to rate the certainty of their microscopic identification of CPP and found a large correspondence between iRPolM and a certain identification (κ = 0.87), whereas only 10% of the uncertain CPP identifications could be confirmed with iRPolM. We identified several novel particle types in synovial fluid analysis, including calcium carbonate crystals, deposited carotenoids, microplastics, and three types of Maltese cross birefringent objects. Conclusion: iRPolM can easily identify CPP crystals with a strong diagnostic performance. PLM alone is not specific enough to reliably resolve complicated cases, and the implementation of Raman spectroscopy in rheumatology practice can be of benefit to patients with suspected CPPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the possible synergic effect of spindle view-assisted intracytoplasmic sperm injection (SV-ICSI) with assisted oocyte activation (AOA) for low fertilization rate. Materials and methods: A single-center retrospective study from 2019/09–2023/06, a total of 47 patients, autologous IVF cycle, and low fertilization rate history, including control group (SV-ICSI, 33 patients) and intervention group (AOA-SV-ICSI, 14 patients), comparing fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Results: The blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the AOA-SV-ICSI group than in the SV-ICSI group. The fertilization rate (P = 0.468) and clinical pregnancy rate (p = 0.057) were non-significant between groups. Conclusion: The AOA-SV-ICSI group's blastocyst formation rate significantly improved in patients with previous low fertilization rates, which might help them obtain more useable embryos for further embryo implantation.

Highlights This research endeavors to explore the potential of annealing treatment as a viable strategy to optimize the utilization of polypropylene (PP) composites, while preserving their exceptional properties. By incorporating ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and layered double hydroxide (LDH) into PP, this work meticulously analyzes the changes in crystallization behaviors and impact properties under varying annealing conditions. Impact strength is systematically assessed by a digital pendulum impact tester, whereas the crystalline structure is analyzed through polarized light optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and x‐ray diffraction (XRD). The notch impact test exhibits a gradual increase in impact strength from 100 to 130°C, followed by a decline at 140°C. The XRD and DSC results elucidate subtle β‐crystal diffraction peaks for PP/EVA and PP/EVA/LDH composites, attributed to the transformative effect of EVA and LDH on PP crystals. POM analysis further unveils a reduction in spherical crystal size and gradual blurring of grain boundaries during the annealing process. PP/EVA/LDH composites are effectively regulated by changing the annealing treatment conditions. The crystallization behaviors and crystal structure of PP are induced due to synergistic effect of EVA and LDH under annealing treatment. The toughness of PP is enhanced significantly by synergistic effect of EVA and LDH under annealing treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most essential cellular functions are performed by proteins assembled into larger complexes. Fluorescence Polarization Microscopy (FPM) is a powerful technique that goes beyond traditional imaging methods by allowing researchers to measure not only the localization of proteins within cells, but also their orientation or alignment within complexes or cellular structures. FPM can be easily integrated into standard widefield microscopes with the addition of a polarization modulator. However, the extensive image processing and analysis required to interpret the data have limited its widespread adoption. To overcome these challenges and enhance accessibility, we introduce OOPS (Object-Oriented Polarization Software), a MATLAB package for object-based analysis of FPM data. By combining flexible image segmentation and novel object-based analyses with a high-throughput FPM processing pipeline, OOPS empowers researchers to simultaneously study molecular order and orientation in individual biological structures; conduct population assessments based on morphological features, intensity statistics, and FPM measurements; and create publication-quality visualizations, all within a user-friendly graphical interface. Here, we demonstrate the power and versatility of our approach by applying OOPS to punctate and filamentous structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical potassium binders are used in the treatment of hyperkalemia and are widely associated with gastrointestinal side effects, with crystal colonic injury being rare but potentially fatal. In this report, we describe the case of an 82-year-old male with hyperkalemia and calcium polystyrene sulfonate crystal–associated colonic necrosis. Traditionally, this diagnosis has relied on the examination of crystal morphology and polarization through microscopy. Our study enhances crystal identification by incorporating an analysis of the physical characteristics of the crystals using infrared spectroscopy. This is the first description, to our knowledge, of the calcium polystyrene sulfonate infrared spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of sulfur acid residue is an urgent problem confronting sulfuric acid production enterprises, especially the application of sulfur acid residue (SAR) containing lead and zinc. A method combining chlorination roasting using CaCl2 with pelletizing for processing SAR containing lead and zinc was used in this study, and the effect of calcium chloride on pelletizing performance was studied; in addition, the removal behavior of lead and zinc was also studied by using polarized light microscopy (Zeiss double Axioskop 40A), X ray diffraction, SEM and EDS. The results showed that CaCl2 migrated to the surface of the pellets during drying, and this phenomenon resulted in a lower removal rate of lead and zinc inside the pellets than outside the pellets during the preheating phase. When the roasting temperature was 1220 °C, with an increase in the basicity of pellets, the silicate minerals in the pellets gradually decomposed, the hematite particles were gradually refined, and more lead or zinc minerals were exposed, which further increased the removal rate of lead and zinc in the pellets. Finally, the SAR pellets with Pb and Zn removal rates up to 91.33 and 97.88%, and a compressive strength of 2789 N, could be obtained, which is very beneficial to the sustainable development of sulfuric acid mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to explore the composition, thermal characteristics, and morphological properties of binary blends composed of bambangan kernel fat stearin and palm stearin. Various attributes, including the fatty acid composition, triglyceride profile, solid fat content, and crystal microstructure, were assessed through gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, and polarization microscopy. Five binary mixtures were prepared using bambangan kernel fat stearin and palm stearin in varying ratios (g/100 g), with palm stearin content incrementally increasing by 5%. Among these blends, SS5, comprising 70% bambangan kernel fat stearin and 30% palm stearin, demonstrated properties on par with cocoa butter. It contained 21.73% palmitic, 38.92% stearic, and 31.12% oleic acids, along with 1,3-dipalmitate-2-oleate-glycerol, 1-palmitate-2-oleate-3-stearate-glycerol and 1,3-distearate-2-oleate-glycerol values of 10.35%, 10.95%, and 30.22%, respectively. When SS5 was blended with cocoa butter in proportions less than 40%, no tripalmitin was observed, and the thermal and morphological behaviour closely resembled that of cocoa butter. Therefore, SS5 (70:30, bambangan kernel fat stearin: palm stearin) presents a viable alternative due to its comparable properties and compatibility with cocoa butter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is centered on improving the mechanical and barrier characteristics of cellulose nanofibril films for food packaging applications. The goal was to induce fibril orientation, which was achieved by fabricating CNF films via an auto-dynamic sheet former (ADSF) at varying wire speeds, and varying CNF suspension solid contents. The wet-laid films were then dried using restrained (Z_Z shrinkage) and non-restrained (XY_Z) methods. Z_Z films demonstrated higher strength compared to XY_Z films at wire speeds of 1000 m/min and 1100 m/min. Films produced at 1100 m/min demonstrated the best oxygen barrier properties, irrespective of the drying technique employed. For 1100 m/min 0.1 wt.% films, the oxygen permeability values were decreased by 51.7% for the Z_Z shrinkage drying method and 40.3% for the XY_Z shrinkage drying method when compared to 900 m/min 0.1 wt.% films. The orientation of the film was assessed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). However, these methods seemed to be limited to specific instances, as only a small area of the film could be imaged which did not provide a comprehensive indication of the overall alignment of the film, likely due to averaging of film's response to these techniques caused by their multi-layer structure. Future research could delve deeper into producing oxygen barrier packaging materials using similar formulations in a paper-forming machine. Additionally, a potential future study could explore depositing an aligned CNF layer directly onto the paper substrate to form sustainable food containers made of paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the phase transitions and structural dynamics of monomers is essential for designing advanced materials. In this study, the phase transitions of two phosphorus-containing monomers with methoxycarbonyl functional end groups were investigated. Polarized light optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to examine microstructural changes and molecular conformational rearrangements during temperature variations. Additionally, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to explore these changes with high sensitivity. The specific sensitive absorption bands offered significant information regarding the phase transition, even within a narrow transition temperature range, demonstrating the efficiency of such a method in the investigation of polymorphic and liquid crystalline materials. Interestingly, although both molecules absorb light at similar wavelengths regardless of the solvent, their emission properties are different, suggesting that the presence of an extra oxygen atom linked to the central phosphorus atom influences the movement of electrons in the excited state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcareous nannofossils are minute microfossils widely present in marine strata. Their identification holds significant value in studies related to stratigraphic dating, paleo-environmental evolution, and paleoclimate reconstruction. However, the process of identifying these fossils is time consuming, and the discrepancies between the results obtained from different manual identification methods are substantial, hindering quantification efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to explore automated assisted identification of fossil species. This study mainly focused on 18 key fossil species from the Miocene era. Five convolutional neural network (CNN) models and 10 data augmentation techniques were compared. These models and techniques were employed to analyze and collectively train two- and three-dimensional fossil morphologies and structures obtained from three different fossils observed under single-polarized light microscopy, orthogonal polarized light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the model performance was evaluated based on the predictive outcomes on the test set, using metrics such as confusion matrix and top-k accuracy. Result: The results indicate that, for the calcareous nannofossil images, the most effective data augmentation approach is a combination of four methods: random rotation, random mirroring, random brightness, and gamma correction. Among the CNN models, DenseNet121 exhibits the optimal performance, achieving an identification accuracy of 94.56%. Moreover, this model can distinguish other fossils beyond the 18 key fossil species and non-fossil debris. Based on the confusion matrix, the evaluation results reveal that the model has strong generalization capability and outputs highly credible identification results. Conclusion: Drawing on the identification results from CNN, this study asserts a robust correlation among extinction photographs, planar images, and stereoscopic morphological images of fossil species. Collective training facilitates the joint extraction and analysis of fossil features under different imaging methods. CNN demonstrates many advantages in the identification of calcareous nannofossils, offering convenience to researchers in various fields, such as stratigraphy, paleo-ecology, paleoclimate, and paleo-environments of ancient oceans. It has great potential for advancing the development of marine surveys and stratigraphic recognition processes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jones matrix is a powerful quantitative tool for polarimetric imaging and characterization, where the matrix elements represent the intrinsic optical properties of the anisotropic objects on interaction with the polarized light. Most of the state‐of‐the‐art single‐shot Jones‐matrix imaging techniques rely on interferometric methods, which makes the design complex with the use of large number of polarization optics and produces space‐bandwidth limitations. The simultaneous extraction of Jones matrix elements with a compact system design is still a technical challenge in view of its potential applications in biomedical and real‐time characterization scenarios. In this paper, the imaging features of the in‐line holography are exploited to develop a compact polarization in‐line holography (PIH) system capable of single‐shot extraction of Jones‐matrix elements. The technique achieves simultaneous orthogonal polarization state generation and corresponding polarization multiplexed in‐line hologram detection by utilizing a compact polarization geometry. The imaging compatibility and measurement accuracy of the method is experimentally validated by the real‐time synthesis of Jones‐matrix elements corresponding to custom designed polarization sensitive samples and standard birefringent resolution target. Furthermore, to demonstrate the application of the system in dynamic imaging, the transient polarization changes of a custom‐designed parallel nematic liquid crystal display (LCD) are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentrations of carnauba waxes (CRWs) that can compromise organoleptic properties are required to create self‐sustained and functional oleogels. The weak physical properties and stability of 4% w/w CRW–rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel were addressed by substituting CRW with beeswax (BW) in different weight ratios. The texture profile analyzer revealed that substituting only 10% (weight ratio) of CRW with BW improved the hardness compared to the mono‐CRW oleogel. The hardness of binary oleogels increased gradually as the proportion of BW increased. At a BW ratio of 70% or more, the hardness was three times higher than that of mono‐BW oleogel. Rheology analysis showed the same trend as the large deformation test; however, the hardest binary oleogels had lower critical strain and yield point compared to the mono‐wax oleogels, implying that they are more prone to lose their structure upon applied stress. Nevertheless, nearly all binary mixtures (except for 10%BW90%CRW) showed oil‐binding capacities above 99%, suggesting improved nucleation and crystallization process. Polarized light microscopy showed the coexistence of BW and CRW crystals and changes in the size and arrangement of wax crystals upon proportional changes of the two waxes. X‐ray diffraction confirmed no differences in the peaks' location, and all oleogels had β′ polymorphism. Differential scanning calorimetry showed eutectic melting behavior in some binary blends. Oxidation stability in the binary wax oleogels improved as compared to the mono‐wax oleogel and bulk RBO. BW and CRW mixtures have promising oil‐structuring abilities and have various properties at different ratios that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes. Practical Application: As a trending green oil‐structuring technology, oleogelation has shown great potential to reduce saturated fats in food systems. The current research provides valuable fundamental information on the strong synergistic interactions between beeswax and carnauba wax that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes created with a much lower total concentration of the required wax. This will help create wax oleogels with better organoleptic properties and less negative waxy mouthfeel. Such knowledge could prove beneficial for the development of healthy products that have potential applications in meat, bakery, dairy, pharmaceutical, as well as cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric liquid crystals exhibiting a chiral smectic C* phase are deposited on z-cut periodically poled lithium niobate substrates and investigated by polarized optical microscopy. While the pure substrates placed between crossed polarizers and observed in transmission appear dark, uniformly aligned liquid crystal films deposited on these substrates show alternating domains with varying brightness. This effect can be attributed to the well-known coupling between the direction of the spontaneous polarization and the optical axis in the birefringent ferroelectric smectic C* phase. Quantitative measurements of the tilt angle between the local optical axis and the smectic layer normal confirm antiparallel orientations of spontaneous polarization of the liquid crystal from domain to domain, as expected by the periodic poling of the lithium niobate substrate. This effect provides a valuable non-destructive method of optical inspection of the quality of periodically poled ferroelectric substrates, which plays an important role in achieving quasi-phase-matching in non-linear optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cangjie Temple was built to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters. It stands as one of the few remaining temples in China dedicated to the invention and creation of writing. In this study, the material properties of wooden paintings from the Cangjie temple were characterized using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Micro-confocal Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). It was confirmed that the pigments of the paintings included cinnabar, lapis lazuli, lead white, Paris green, and carbon black. The proteinaceous glue was used as an adhesive in the pigment samples, with tung oil likely being utilized as a primer for the wooden structures before painting. This study not only provides valuable data support for the conservation and restoration of the architectural features of Cangjie Temple but also provides useful reference for the maintenance and inheritance of similar ancient buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesomorphic, optical, and dielectric properties of a nematic mixture of 4-pentyloxy- and 4-heptyloxy-4′-cyanobiphenyls doped with optically active (bis)camphoralidene-hexamethylenediamine were studied. The clearance temperatures of the mixtures were measured using polarization microscopy to assess the degree of destabilization of the mesophase upon dopant introduction. Additionally, the helical pitch of the induced chiral nematic phase in the mixtures was measured, and the influence of the chiral dopant on the mesophase's anisotropic characteristics was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Preparation of a recipient cytoplast by oocyte enucleation is an essential task for animal cloning and assisted reproductive technologies in humans. The femtosecond laser is a precise and low-invasive tool for oocyte enucleation, and it should be an appropriate alternative to traditional enucleation by a microneedle aspiration. However, until recently, the laser enucleation was performed only with applying a fluorescent dye. Aim: This work is aimed to (1) achieve femtosecond laser oocyte enucleation without applying a fluorescent dye and (2) to study the effect of laser destruction of chromosomes on the structure and dynamics of the spindle. Approach: We applied polarized light microscopy for spindle visualization and performed stain-free mouse and human oocyte enucleation with a 1033 nm femtosecond laser. Also, we studied transformation of a spindle after metaphase plate elimination by a confocal microscopy. Results: We demonstrated a fundamental possibility of inactivating the metaphase plate in mouse and human oocytes by 1033 nm femtosecond laser radiation without applying a fluorescent dye. Irradiation of the spindle area, visualized by polarized light microscopy, resulted in partly or complete metaphase plate destruction but avoided the microtubules impairment. After the metaphase plate elimination, the spindle reorganized, however, it was not a complete depolymerization. Conclusions: This method of recipient cytoplast preparation is expected to be useful for animal cloning and assisted reproductive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has been characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Majority of drugs given through chemotherapy produce unwanted and adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents to the other healthy cells and tissues of body. Various nanocarriers have now been considered for treatment of cancer. Among various nanocarriers, cubosomes are the nano sized dispersions that have drawn interest of researchers recently. Cubosomes are defined as dispersions of colloidal nature containing cubic crystalline liquid formations in aqueous medium in presence of suitable surfactant molecules. The unique capacity to encapsulate lipophilic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic compounds inside their structure distinguishes them among others. Top- down method and hydrotrope method are most often employed methods for cubosomes preparation. Cubosomes can be characterized by Polarized light microscopy Photon correlation spectroscopy X-ray scattering (SAXS), Transmission electron microscopy and various stability studies. Cubic lipid nanoparticles have a very stable cubic structure that enables slower dissociation rate, increased retention and site-specific delivery of drugs. Cubosomes containing extracts of cornelian cherry for boosting anti-cancerous effects in cancer of colorectal cells by preventing against GIT destruction. When applied for skin cancer, cubosomes have shown to be having enhanced permeation of the drug. In liver cancer, increased bioavailability of drug was observed via cubosomes. This current review elaborates the advancement of cubosomes and their effective role in the treatment of cancer. This review aims to describe vesicular approach of cubosomes, its composition and method of preparation, characterization tests as well as elaborates various applications of cubosomes in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallization behavior of 1,2,3-tripalmitoyl glycerol or PPP using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo-optical polarized light microscopy and in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) techniques was precisely examined under static isothermal and dynamic thermal treatments, and the results were compared with preceding studies. PPP was rapidly (15 °C min−1) cooled to target temperatures (from 40 to 59 °C) to determine the precise moment at which crystallization was initiated. Once crystallization ceased, polymorphic transformation and melting were analyzed during subsequent heating. α form was crystallized during isotherms from 40 to 46 °C, temperature at which it coexisted with β′ phase. The latter was solely formed from 47 to 53 °C, and polymorphic crystallization was directed to obtain exclusively most stable β at 54 °C and higher temperatures. Nucleation time values for the α, β′ and β polymorphs exhibited exponential growth type, and a good correlation was found between data obtained by DSC and SR-XRD. Dynamic experiments were based on the use of high (15 °C min−1), intermediate (2 °C min−1) and low (0.5 and 0.1 °C min−1) cooling and heating rates. Thermo-optical polarized light microscopy experiments also provided valuable information on microstructural changes occurring during polymorphic modifications. Less stable forms predominated at high cooling rates, whereas lower velocities leaded the polymorphic crystallization to obtain more stable forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suq Al-Shuyoukh is one of the Iraqi alluvial plain areas. Five farms were selected and a total of three samples were taken from each farm at depths of 50, 100, and 150 cm. All samples were subjected to a polarized light microscope to determine the mineral type in fine sand grains and determine the origin and the mechanism of their formation. The results showed two main mineral categories in the fine sand, light, and heavy minerals. The light minerals were Calcite, Quartz, Chert, Gypsum, Anhydrite, and Feldspar, in addition to rock pieces and some fossils. Calcite was dominant. The heavy minerals included the dark minerals (Opaque), Chlorite, Amphibole, Pyroxene,Apidot, Zircon, Muscovite, Garnet, Biotite, Rutile, Tourmaline, in addition to pieces of rocks or fossils, and the dominant mineral was Opaque. Weathering index values for heavy and light minerals ranged between (0.2 - 0.5%) and (4.5 - 9.6%), respectively. The weathering unit index values for light minerals showed an increase in the surface weathering decreased with depth, which indicates the climatic influences mainly. According to the heavy minerals'types and concentration, the proposed source for these minerals is the Arabian Shield due to the volcanic provenance of the parent rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piezoelectric and dielectric properties of PMN-PT single crystals were significantly enhanced by alternating current electric field poling (ACP). In this work, to investigate the mechanisms of piezoelectric performance enhancement in relaxor ferroelectric single crystals by ACP, a [001]-oriented PIN-PMN-PT single crystal with a diameter of 3 in was grown by the modified Bridgman method, and a series of single crystal samples within 100 mm of the height of the crystal boule were prepared. Compared with their direct current electric field poling (DCP) counterparts, the electrical properties of single crystal samples at different heights by ACP were regularly enhanced. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 and the dielectric constant ɛ33 of the rhombohedral samples both increased by nearly 20%. Based on the results of polarized light microscopy, the domain wall in [001]-poled ACP samples could not be observed along the [001] direction. The brightness of polarized light propagating along the [010] orientation was enhanced after ACP. The domain images of {100} in the DCP and ACP samples were observed by piezoelectric force microscopy. The results showed that the domain size of ACP samples increased. The existence of layered domains can be clearly found in the scanning electron microscopy results of the stress fracture surface of the ACP sample. According to the analysis, the improvement of the piezoelectric performance in ACP samples comes from the elimination of the 71° domain walls. This work demonstrates that certain ACPs can regulate the domain structure and steadily improve the piezoelectric properties of R-phase PIN-PMN-PT single crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed polarization-sensitive nonlinear optical microscopy to assess crystallinity of diamond microneedles. In the experiment, we mapped the coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) signal in the vicinity of 1332 cm−1 diamond Raman peak over the needle length and demonstrated that the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility remains the same at both micrometer-sized base and the nanoscale thin apex of the needle. This indicated the single-crystal nature of the diamond needle and allowed us to describe the results of the polarization CARS measurements in terms of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility of diamond. High crystallinity of the needle was also confirmed by measuring the linewidth of the zero-phonon line of the silicon-vacancy centers in diamond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection welding is an excellent adhesive‐free bonding method for thermoplastic resins, demonstrating outstanding connection effectiveness. The incorporation of carbon fibers (CFs) significantly enhances the weld shear strength at the injection interface. This study aims to investigate the reinforcement effect of CF‐reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) during the injection welding process. And explore the influence of the amount of added CFs on the weld shear strength. Polyamide 6 (PA6)/CF composites with CF contents of 10 wt% and 30 wt% were subjected to injection welding for the first and second molding cycles, respectively. It was observed that the reinforcement effects varied considerably depending on the combinations studied. Under the optimal combination and process parameters, the weld shear strength of PA6/CF composites reached 63 MPa, equivalent to 90% of the shear strength (70 MPa) of the original PA6/CF material. Polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to analyze the distribution of CFs at the interface and the reinforcing mechanism during tensile fracture. The significance of maintaining uniform CF content during the welding process of PA6/CF composites was emphasized. Highlights: Preparation of PA6 composite materials with different carbon fiber contents.Achieving high welding shear strength of composite materials through injection welding.Identified the optimal injection welding conditions to achieve the highest strength.The positive effect of specific fiber distribution on welding strength was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction of polarized light with healthy and abnormal regions of tissue reveals structural information associated with its pathological condition. Even a slight variation in structural alignment can induce a change in polarization property, which can play a crucial role in the early detection of abnormal tissue morphology. We propose a transmission-based Stokes-Mueller microscope for quantitative analysis of the microstructural properties of the tissue specimen. The Stokes-Mueller based polarization microscopy provides significant structural information of tissue through various polarization parameters such as degree of polarization (DOP), degree of linear polarization (DOLP), and degree of circular polarization (DOCP), anisotropy (r) and Mueller decomposition parameters such as diattenuation, retardance and depolarization. Further, by applying a suitable image processing technique such as Machine learning (ML) output images were analysed effectively. The support vector machine image classification model achieved 95.78% validation accuracy and 94.81% testing accuracy with polarization parameter dataset. The study's findings demonstrate the potential of Stokes-Mueller polarimetry in tissue characterization and diagnosis, providing a valuable tool for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of polymer-polymer thermoplastic composites is increasing due to ease of recycling. This work investigates the effects of remolding temperature and thermal annealing on the properties of polyethylene (PE) composites containing PA6 and GO/PA6 electrospun nanofibers. Nanocomposite samples were prepared by sandwiching several layers of PA6 or GO/PA6 electrospun mats and PE films in a hot press and subsequently were remolded at varying higher temperatures in a range of 180 to 210°C. Furthermore the remolded samples at 200°C were then annealed at 100°C for 10 h. SEM and DMTA results of the developed samples showed that the application of higher remolding temperatures, close to the melting point of PA6, improves wettability and interfacial strength in the composites. The DSC results of the samples revealed a slight increase in PE crystallinity due to the induced crystallization on the surface of nanofiber mat. It was also observed that an increase in the remolding temperature increases the tensile properties of the composites with the best properties obtained at a remolding temperature of 200°C. Increasing the remolding temperature beyond 200°C decreases the tensile properties of the composites due to melting and geometry degradation of the nanofibers. The results revealed that the annealing of the samples at 100°C for 10 h increases the degree of crystallinity and tensile properties. The highest yield strength, 16.4 MPa, and modulus, 277 MPa, were obtained for the composite containing 10.5 wt% of pure PA6 nanofibers. The elongation and toughness of this composite compared to those of pure matrix were increased by 61% and 83%, respectively. In the remolded and annealed nanocomposites, a crystalline region, as thick as 20 microns, grown on the surface of the nanofiber mat or nanofiber rich region, so called transcrystalline region, was observed by polarized reflected light microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the pigments and binders used in the painted wooden structure of DaZhong Gate in the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong Province, China. Five samples were collected from the building and analyzed using techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy (m-RS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The findings reveal that the red, yellow, green, and blue pigments are identified as lead red, lead chromate yellow, emerald green, and ultramarine, respectively. The white pigment is determined to be a combination of chalk and lead white or anglesite. Considering the production period of the yellow and green pigments, it is inferred that architectural paintings underwent restoration or repainting during the late Qing Dynasty. The analysis of the binder in the pigment using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) reveals that the binder employed is a protein-based glue. Additionally, the detected presence of Heat-bodied tung oil suggests a potential connection to traditional Chinese painting techniques on wooden surfaces. This discovery not only contributes to the historical research of the Confucius Temple but also provides crucial data for the conservation and restoration efforts of this culturally significant heritage site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An original series of bipyrimidine‐based chromophores featuring alkoxystyryl donor groups bearing short chiral (S)‐2‐methylbutyl chains in positions 4, 3,4 and 3,5, connected to electron‐accepting 2,2‐bipyrimidine rings, has been developed. Their linear and non‐linear optical properties were studied using a variety of techniques, including one‐ and two‐photon absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, as well as Hyper‐Rayleigh scattering to determine the first hyperpolarizabilities. Their electronic and geometrical properties were rationalized by TD‐DFT calculations. The thermal properties of the compounds were also investigated by a combination of polarized light optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry measurements and small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments. The derivatives were found not to have mesomorphic properties, but to exhibit melting temperatures or cold crystallization behavior that enabled the isolation of well‐organized thin films. The nonlinear optical properties of amorphous or crystalline thin films were studied by wide‐field second harmonic generation and multiphoton fluorescence imaging, confirming that non‐centrosymmetric crystal organization enables strong second and third harmonic generation. This new series confirms that our strategy of functionalizing 3D organic octupoles with short chiral chains to generate non‐centrosymmetric organized thin films enables the development of highly second order nonlinear optical active materials without the use of corona‐poling or tedious deposition techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of spinel ferrites with a composition of Co0.9Cu0.1Fe2O4 (AM NPs) were effectively synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The structure of ferrite nanoparticles was characterized with X-ray diffraction, which showed a single cubic spinel phase. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were employed to analyse elemental composition and surface morphology, respectively. Moreover, the effects of the Co0.9Cu0.1Fe2O4 on the morphology of [PLA = polylactic acid] nanocomposites were examined through polarized light optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal behaviours for tested samples were studied through [DSC = differential scanning calorimetry] and [TGA = thermal gravimetric analysis]. A great number of minor PLA spherulites were detected using POM in the presence of the Co0.9Cu0.1Fe2O4 ceramic magnetic nanoparticles (AM), increasing with AM nanoparticle contents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the presence of nanoparticles led to an increase in the intensity of diffraction peaks. The DSC findings implied that the crystallization behaviours for the efficient PLA as well as its nanocomposites were affected by the addition of AM nanoparticles. They act as efficient nucleating agents because they shift the temperature of crystallization to a lower value. The Avrami models were used to analyse kinetics data. The experimental data were well described using the Avrami method for all samples tested. The addition of AM to the PLA matrix resulted in a decrease in the crystallization half-time t1/2 values, indicating a faster crystallization rate. TGA data showed that the occurrence of AM nanoparticles decreased the thermal stability of PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/starch composites were prepared. The effects of several surfactants on the mechanical properties of the composites were compared, and the best surfactants were selected to study the effects of their dosage on the properties of the composites. The mechanical properties, melt flow, hydrophilic and thermal properties of PBAT/starch composites were analyzed, and the molecular structure and microstructure morphology of the composites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and polarization microscope. The results show that sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) has a better modification effect on starch. When the dosage of SDBS is 15 g, the tensile strength of the composite is 10.15 MPa, and the elongation at break is 639.49%. With the increase of SDBS, the melt flow rate of composites first decreases and then changes little, the hydrophilicity increases, and the crystallization temperature increases, but the effect on the melting temperature is not significant. Polarization microscopy shows that the crystal refinement and the size decreases. Infrared characterization shows an increasing trend in the intensity of the response peak at 3 340 cm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil (PO), a semi-solid fat at room temperature, is a popular food ingredient. To steer the fat functionality, sucrose esters (SEs) are often used as food additives. Many SEs exist, varying in their hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB), making them suitable for various food and non-food applications. In this study, a stearic–palmitic sucrose ester with a moderate HLB (6) was studied. It was found that the SE exhibited a complex thermal behavior consistent with smectic liquid crystals (type A). Small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that the mono- and poly-esters of the SE have different packings, more specifically, double and single chain-length packing. The polymorphism encountered upon crystallization was repeatable during successive heating and cooling cycles. After studying the pure SE, it was added to palm oil, and the crystallization behavior of the mixture was compared to that of pure palm oil. The crystallization conditions were varied by applying cooling at 20 °C/min (fast) and 1 °C/min (slow) to 0 °C, 20 °C or 25 °C. The samples were followed for one hour of isothermal time. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that nucleation and polymorphic transitions were accelerated. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) unraveled that the α-to-β′ polymorphic transition remained present upon the addition of the SE. SAXS showed that the addition of the SE at 0.5 wt% did not significantly change the double chain-length packing of palm oil, but it decreased the domain size when cooling in a fast manner. Ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) revealed that the addition of the SE created smaller crystal nanoplatelets (CNPs). The microstructure of the fat crystal network was visualized by means of polarized light microscopy (PLM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). The addition of the SE created a finer and space-filling network without the visibility of separate floc structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]