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Purpose: To compare the accuracy of two digital workflows for producing resin patterns to be cast into metal frameworks compared to an identical framework manufactured conventionally from a wax pattern. Materials and Methods: Nine casts were duplicated from a maxillary master cast of a partially edentulous arch. Their accuracy was determined by measuring the same points in two and three dimensions using a reflex microscope, which was also used to measure all frameworks to an accuracy of 4 µm. The same design was used throughout. Three casts were used to make a framework conventionally from an invested wax pattern. Six casts were scanned, and a digital pattern created. Three patterns were milled from a resin block, and three were 3D printed with resin. Then each pattern was cast. Results: The sample size precluded direct statistical conclusions, but no significant differences were found. Duplicate models showed minimal differences compared to the master cast. All patterns and all frameworks showed some level of difference compared to the master cast, but no differences were greater than those reported in the literature as being clinically acceptable. The maximum overall discrepancy between the cast frameworks was 0.64 mm, and at the rest seats was 0.262 mm. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, given the very small actual differences both within and between the groups of the three different workflows, the use of digitally produced resin patterns prior to their being cast as metal frameworks is both feasible and well within the accepted limits for clinical acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MLP waste was converted to valuable paraffins and olefins waxes. • Pyrolysis waxes yield obtained were between 55-61 wt%. • Paraffin wax obtained from Al-MCM-41(50) catalyst was similar to pharmaceutical wax. • Quality of MLP wax almost equal to commercial paraffin wax. Multilayer film packaging (MLP) waste was decomposed completely at 500 °C. Catalysts were employed to convert residue polymer to waxes via pyrolysis at 500 °C. The activities achieved from using mordenite (Si/Al = 10), H-ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 25), MCM-41, and Al-MCM-41 (Si/Al ratio of 25, 50, and 75) catalysts were studied. The yield and property of the wax were improved with the use of the catalysis with various acidity and porous structure. The low yield of the waxes, when using mordenite and H-ZSM-5 catalysts, was caused by the microporous structure and strong acidic properties of the catalysts resulting in larger amount of gas production. The MCM-41 catalyst modified with various aluminum content raised the wax yield to 60 %. Al-MCM-41(50) produced the largest amount of wax when compared to Al-MCM-41(25), Al-MCM-41(75), and MCM-41. The mild acidity and mesoporous structure of Al-MCM-41(50) significantly enhanced the paraffins structure of the obtained waxes over other structures, while lower Si/Al ratios favored the conversion of paraffins toward olefin structure. The pyrolysis of MLP with Al-MCM-41(50) produced paraffins and olefins with the middle carbon ranging (C11-20) which were similar quality to pharmaceutical grade of petroleum wax. The spent catalysts of Al-MCM-41 series gradually decreased in wax yield and paraffins composition during the sequential MLP pyrolysis; however, the activity of catalysts was recovered after calcination of the spent catalysts. Furthermore, the viscosity of waxes obtained from Al-MCM-41(50) was 2384 Pa.s at 25 °C similar to the viscosity from commercial petroleum jelly base of 2333 Pa.s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise of beauty salons and barber shops serving as sites for health promotion, it is essential to consider other similar contexts for health dissemination, including body waxing salons. This research draws on interviews with 13 body wax specialists from the largest waxing salon chain in the US to understand how health messages are navigated between waxers and their clients. Interviews revealed that body wax specialists respond to health-related conversations in three ways: (1) offering support and building rapport, (2) communicating in ways that threaten the waxer-client relationship, and (3) staying silent. The findings of this study illuminate waxing salons as important sites for health dissemination, specifically surrounding medical care of women's reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is cultivated for its seeds, which contain a high-value liquid wax. There is little known regarding irrigation requirements of intensively cultivated jojoba. The project's objectives were to evaluate the effects of irrigation regime on water status, growth, yield, and water productivity (WP, wax yield per unit of water applied) of intensely cultivated jojoba. An experiment was conducted over six years in a 14-year-old commercial plantation in Israel's Northern Negev Desert. Treatments included: Control irrigation according to best commercial practice of returning reference evapotranspiration multiplied by a crop coefficient (Kc) of 0.5; Low irrigation providing 75% (Kc = 0.375) of the control; High irrigation providing 125% (Kc = 0.625) of the control; Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) according to the control treatment, terminated for one to two months, after the wax accumulation stage. Stem water potential (SWP) consistently indicated jojoba water status. Increasing water application from − 25% to the control and further to + 25% led to augmented vegetative growth and number of seeds, but yield was increased at rates lower than the differences in water application by the treatments, such that WP was negatively associated. Effects on yield were limited to higher yielding 'On' years. The RDI treatment resulted in yield not different from the control and 15% higher WP, but significantly inhibited seed removal during mechanical harvesting. The results suggest commercial potential for increasing profits through water savings. Further research is needed to determine RDI regimes without detrimental effects on harvesting efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis of the geometric accuracy of wax models produced using PolyJet molds. Photopolymer resin was used to make the molds, and the surface of the model was finished in a gloss mode in the 3D printing process. This allows you to obtain a smooth surface of the molded part model. The geometric accuracy of the models was determined by measurements with the GOM ATOS scanner and analysis of the measurement results in relation to the base model made in the 3D-CAD program. Accuracy analysis was the basis for determining the wear of the mold wear when making subsequent models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous research showed that bis(benzocyclopentyl) α‐diimine Pd(II) complexes can facilitate chain transfer and polar monomer insertion in ethylene (co)polymerization. In this study, we synthesized two bis(benzocyclopentyl) α‐diimine Ni(II) complexes with different backbones. The Ni(II) complexes exhibited high activities (0.63–7.23 × 106 g·mol−1 h−1) and produced low molecular weight (2.7–7.8 kg mol−1) polyethylene waxes with high branching densities (43–86/1000 C) in ethylene polymerization. The use of a catalyst with a butyl backbone resulted in polyethylene waxes with significantly higher molecular weights. The axial substituent restriction strategy employed in the nickel catalyst allows for a sterically open structure, reducing the molecular weight of the resulting polyethylene by over two orders of magnitude, compared to ethyl catalysts without axial restrictions. This enables the production of polyethylene wax grade products with improved properties. The branched polyethylene wax chain ends were found to be aryl‐functionalized according to NMR characterization analysis, while the double bonds were absent. Also, the choice of solvent affects the branching, molecular weight, and chain end composition of the polyethylene wax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The main aim of the study is to investigate the thermal, textural and vaporization behaviors of turpentine oil (representing essential oils) organogels prepared with wax mixtures (beeswax, BW; shellac wax, SHW) instead of a single wax. The second aim was to determine the optimum level of wax addition to minimize vaporization of volatiles using response surface methodology. RESULTS: Both weighing and thermogravimetric analyses showed that when the total wax concentration increased, the vaporization was decelerated. The variation of the hardness and melting point values depended on both wax types and amounts in the mixtures. Additionally, the kinetics of the vaporization of the volatile compounds at 37 °C were evaluated, and both first‐ and second‐order reaction kinetic models fitted well for the vaporization with R2 values of 0.96–0.99. The organogelation increased the thermal stability and limited the release of volatiles. The multiple response optimization results showed that the melting point, the reaction rate constant and the weight loss of the organogels produced with 24.43% BW and 17.68% SHW were 44.40 °C, 4.00 × 10−3 day−1 and 30.02%, respectively. CONCLUSION: As a result, essential oil organogels produced with a wax mixture instead of a single wax can provide controlled release of volatiles as well as tailored texture and melting range. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wax biosynthesis is closely controlled by many regulators under different environmental conditions. We have previously shown that the module miR156–SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE9 (SPL9)–DEWAX is involved in the diurnal regulation of wax production; however, it was not determined whether other SPLs are also involved in wax synthesis. Here, we report that SPL13 also regulates drought-induced wax production, by directly and indirectly affecting the expression of the two wax biosynthesis genes ECERIFERUM1 (CER1) and CER4 , respectively. In addition, we show that SPL13 together with SPL9 redundantly regulates wax accumulation under both normal and drought stress conditions, and that simultaneous mutation of both genes additively increases cuticle permeability and decreases drought tolerance. However, in contrast to SPL9, SPL13 does not seem to participate in the DEWAX-mediated diurnal regulation of wax production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the origins of lost wax casting extend back into the 5th millennium BCE, it was not until the development of hollow core casting that life-sized metal sculptures could be produced. Based on existing evidence, the earliest adoption of this technique, which involves the inclusion of a clay core within a wax model, occurred in Iraq (Mesopotamia) during the Early Dynastic III period (ca. 2600–2350 BCE). To date, only one hollow core casting from the succeeding Akkadian period (ca. 2350–2150 BCE)—the Sargon Head in the collection of the Iraq Museum—has been studied from a technical point of view. The recent attribution of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Head of a ruler to this formative period of hollow core lost wax casting provided the impetus for its examination by high-energy X-ray computed tomography—the most practical technique for an object that is continuously on display that could image in 3D the interior morphology of this sculpture given the considerable thickness of its metal walls. This scan revealed a markedly different style of production than the Sargon Head. Although further research on early castings is required to determine the chronological implications of the differences observed and to elucidate more generally the early development of hollow casting technology, the scan of the Head of a ruler provides evidence of some of the challenges encountered and problem-solving strategies used in the casting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic packaging materials have caused significant environmental issues because they are nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable. Wax‐emulsified films from biomaterials, on the other hand, are renewable and biodegradable, making them promising packaging alternatives. The development of bioactive wax‐emulsified films (BWEFs) with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties has been a topic of extensive research. In this review, we provide an overview of wax emulsification, BWEF processing, and applications. BWEF contains several bioactive agents such as tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenes. The addition of emulsified wax and active agents to films not only enhances their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties but also reduces their hydrophilicity. Other reagents have been added to BWEF partially to increase hydrophobicity and mainly to improve mechanical properties. BWEFs prolong food shelf life, monitor wound healing, and control drug delivery. We have identified some research challenges that need to be solved to make BWEFs industrially attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jojoba wax is gaining popularity among cosmetics consumers for its skin wound healing and rejuvenation bioactivities, attributed to collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. However, information regarding wax phytochemical composition and quality parameters, as well as effect of cultivation practices, and fertilization in particular, on wax quality is limited. The aim of the current work was to study the effect of nitrogen (N) availability to jojoba plants on wax phytochemical composition and beneficial skin-related contents. For this, wax quality from a six-year fertilization experiment with five N application levels was evaluated. The chemical parameters included antioxidant activity, free fatty acid, total tocopherol, total phytosterol and oxidative stability, as well as fatty acid and fatty alcohol profile. Our results reveal that themajority of wax quality traits were affected by N fertilization level, either positively or negatively. Interestingly, while fatty acids were unaffected, fatty alcohol composition was significantly altered by N level. Additionally, fruit load also largely affected wax quality, and, due to jojoba's biennial alternate bearing cycles, harvest year significantly affected all measured parameters. Results shed light on the effects of N application on various biochemical constituents of jojoba wax, and imply that N availability should be considered part of the entire agricultural management plan to enhance wax quality. Some traits are also suggested as possible chemical quality parameters for jojoba wax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThere are serious wax deposition problems in Yueman block of Tarim Oilfield. It was found that the sediments in Yueman block were mainly composed of high-carbon paraffin, and the carbon number of paraffin was mainly concentrated in C25–C70, of which n-alkanes accounted for 77.14%. A set of evaluation methods (wire mesh filtration method) were created for the deblocking evaluation of high-carbon paraffin deposits. An effective blocking remover formula E4 (150# petroleum ether: 40# dearomatic hydrocarbon solvent (D40): 180# solvent oil (S180) = 3: 1: 1) for high carbon paraffin deposits was developed. Under the condition of a wax ratio of 1: 15 and reaction at 30 °C for 4h, the plugging removal rate (dissolution and dispersion rate of deposit in solvent) can reach 86 %. And it has good universality for other high carbon paraffin sediments, and the deblocking rate can reach more than 80 %. Through the particle size distribution test, it was found that the effect of reaction conditions on the particle size distribution of the deposit was as follows: solvent dosage, reaction temperature, and reaction time. With the enhancement of these conditions, the particle size distribution of organic deposits gradually decreases and the degree of aggregation decreases. From the microscopic analysis, it can be seen that the blocking remover E4 effectively dissolves and strongly disperses the deposit, prevents the aggregation and bonding of the deposit particles, makes the dissolved deposit unable to continue to participate in the agglomeration, and stables dispersion in the solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effect of paraffin wax, expanded graphite, and their dispersion on the properties of the blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The idea is to reduce interfacial tension in blends of PP and EVA while enhancing the properties of blends in the process. The chosen optimum contents of the paraffin wax and EG in the 80/20 PP/EVA blend were 10 and 6 wt.%, respectively. The morphological features show that the expanded graphite (EG) particles had high affinity for each other. Moreover, EG filler particles are localized inside the minor EVA phase and some at the interface. Rheological properties revealed that the flow of the binary composites increased when 10 wt.% wax is added suggesting that wax enhanced the processability of the composites. The Cole-Cole plots deviated from the semi-circular arc suggesting heterogeneity in the blend and PP/EVA/Wax/EG composite. The addition of paraffin wax and EVA delayed crystallization of PP, while earlier crystallization of PP was promoted by the presence of EG. Generally, all samples caught fire after 10 s, started dripping and are thus given a V-2 rating according to the Underwriters Laboratories test standard 94 results (UL-94). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two eggplant cultivars (Brigitte and Dalong) were stored under ambient conditions for 8 days to examine the postharvest quality and shelf life. Results indicated that the respiration rate, firmness and springiness, and nutritional quality of both eggplant cultivars decreased with the extension of shelf life. On the contrary, opposite trends were observed in weight loss, gumminess, and chewiness of eggplant fruits. In addition, the weight loss of 'Brigitte' eggplant fruits was 3.3% and 6.9% lower compared with 'Dalong' eggplant fruits at 4 and 8 days after storage. Thicknesses of epidermal cells and the stratum corneum, the epicuticular wax content of 'Brigitte eggplant fruits increased by 42.9%, 766.7%, and 58.8% compared with 'Dalong' eggplant fruits, respectively, with a concomitant increase in the dense wax layer structure. In conclusion, the storage tolerance of 'Brigitte' eggplant fruits was higher than that of 'Dalong' eggplant fruits due to the higher epicuticular wax content and dense wax layer structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Solid fats are critical to obtaining a wide range of food texture and quality characteristics, but their consumption is strongly associated with higher cardiovascular disease risks. Structuring unsaturated oils with natural waxes into oleogels (OG) is an innovative solution to develop fat mimics with a healthier profile. RESULTS: Soy wax (SW), beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW), have been used in binary mixtures of waxes, aiming to understand their interactions and influence on OG quality properties and microstructural characteristics. In the present study, OGs were produced using binary wax mixtures and analyzed for texture, color, smoke point, microstructure, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Wax combinations led to antagonistic (mixtures with SW) and synergistic interactions (BW/CW) based on their mechanical properties. At the microstructural level BW/CW blends showed a reduction in crystal size and with a more compact structure. XRD and FTIR spectra revealed a packing of orthorhombic perpendicular subcell for most OGs, whereas SW produced samples with an arrangement with β' crystals, characteristic of edible solid fats. Additionally, when compared to commercial beef fat, BW/CW mixtures showed similar quality attributes indicating that they could act as fat mimic. CONCLUSION: The combined analysis of microstructure, spectroscopic and mechanical properties enhanced the understanding of how the nature of the interactions between waxes and lipid phases impact in the final quality of the structured oils. The study's insights indicate that binary wax combinations can efficiently replace solid fats, offering healthier alternatives at the same time as preserving desired sensory characteristics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High content of asphaltenes and waxes leads to the high pour point and the poor flowability of heavy oil, which is adverse to its efficient development and its transportation in pipe. Understanding the interaction mechanism between asphaltene-wax is crucial to solve these problems, but it is still unclear. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the interaction between asphaltenewax and its effects on the crystallization behavior of waxes in heavy oil. Results show that molecules in pure wax are arranged in a paralleled geometry. But wax molecules in heavy oil, which are close to the surface of asphaltene aggregates, are bent and arranged irregularly. When the mass fraction of asphaltenes in asphaltene-wax system (ωasp) is 0-25 wt%, the attraction among wax molecules decreases and the bend degree of wax molecules increases with the increase of ωasp. The ωasp increases from 0 to 25 wt %, and the attraction between asphaltene-wax is stronger than that among waxes. This causes that the wax precipitation point changes from 353 to 333 K. While the ωasp increases to 50 wt%, wax molecules are more dispersed owing to the steric hindrance of asphaltene aggregates, and the interaction among wax molecules transforms from attraction to repulsion. It causes that the ordered crystal structure of waxes can't be formed at normal temperature. Simultaneously, the asphaltene, with the higher molecular weight or the more hetero atoms, has more obvious inhibition to the formation of wax crystals. Besides, resins also have an obvious inhibition on the wax crystal due to the formation of asphalteneresin aggregates with a larger radius. Our results reveal the interaction mechanism between asphaltene-wax, and provide useful guidelines for the development of heavy oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waxes find use as processing aids in filled compounds and polyethylene‐based masterbatches. In such applications, the thermal and physical property changes they impart to the polymer matrix are important. Therefore, this study details results obtained for blends prepared by mixing a Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) wax with a high‐flow linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE). The melting and crystallization behavior are studied using hot‐stage polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The calorimetry results are consistent with partial cocrystallization of the two components. The melting and crystallization exo‐ and endotherms for the wax‐ and LLDPE‐rich phases remained separate. However, they change in shape and shift toward higher‐ and lower temperature ranges, respectively. It is found that increasing the wax content delays the crystallization, decreases the overall crystallinity, and reduces the size of the crystallites of the polyethylene‐rich phase. Rotational viscosity is measured at 170 °C in the Newtonian shear‐rate range. The variation of the zero‐shear viscosity with blend composition is consistent with the assumption of a homogeneous melt in which the chains are in an entangled state. Therefore, it is concluded that the wax and LLDPE are, in effect, miscible in the melt and partially compatible in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability of solid‐state NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) for determination of oil content in waxes is probed by NMR experimental and data processing approaches. NMR is found to underestimate the value of the oil content in Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) waxes due to the ability of the wax to trap small domains of oil within the matrix during crystallisation. No clear relationship could be obtained between T2 relaxation time and oil content, even after applying corrections due to disparities between mass and proton densities. Near linear calibration curves could be obtained by isolating a true oil signal at −32 °C. Model studies using heptadecane as simple oil analogue proved that removing oil/wax interactions and only using the oil as a diluent, near linear calibration curves could be attained. Insight into the mechanism of oil retention in both FT and paraffin waxes is obtained, showing differences due to both molecular and morphological variation. Results showed that, due to underlying molecular interactions, linear calibration curves cannot necessarily be expected even when melting behaviour varies linearly. In applications where oil content plays a crucial role in wax properties, this knowledge enables the industry to make more informed decisions when discrepancies in wax performance arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbine vanes may be subjected to the deposition of particles such as dust from the external environment. The deposition could affect their aerodynamic and cooling performances. As an effective cooling method, the film cooling could alter the deposition. In this paper, the deposition experiments at ambient temperature were conducted by using atomized wax as the substitute for real particles to investigate the influence of film cooling hole shapes on the deposition for different blow ratios and angles of attack. The results indicate that within the range of blowing ratios in this paper, the deposition on the pressure surface of different hole shapes increases with increasing blowing ratio. Among them, the cylindrical model exhibits the most significant variation in deposition, for example, with a relative increase of 94% in deposition when the blowing ratio was increased from 2.0 to 2.5. The CONSOLE test model showed a relative increase of 60%, while the conical and fan-shaped test model exhibited a relative increase of 20%. The conical, CONSOLE, and fan-shaped film cooling holes can mitigate the influence of the blowing ratio on the deposition of particles. Within the range of angle of attack in this paper, the deposition on the pressure surfaces with different hole shapes increases with the increase in the absolute value of angle of attack. The cylindrical test model exhibits the most significant variation. The conical and fan-shaped holes can mitigate the influence of the angle of attack on the deposition of particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the hazards associated with handling mercury, most standards organizations have withdrawn the conventional mercury (displacement) method (MM) for shrinkage limit (SL) determination of fine-grained soils. Despite attempts to substantiate the wax (coating) method (WM), which is presently the only standardized MM-testing alternative, the geotechnical community remains somewhat hesitant of its adoption in routine practice. To encourage more widespread use of WM-testing, this study re-examines the level of agreement between the MM- and WM-deduced SL parameters (i.e., SLMM and SLWM, respectively). This was achieved by performing comprehensive statistical analyses on the largest and most diverse database of its kind, to date, entailing SLMM:SLWM measurements for 168 different fine-grained soils having wide ranges of plasticity characteristics (i.e., liquid limit = 31.6–362.0%, plasticity index = 8.2–318.0% and SLMM = 7.1–42.0%). Furthermore, an attempt was made to evaluate the SLWM (in lieu of the SLMM) parameter for performing preliminary soil expansivity assessments using existing SLMM-based classification approaches. It was demonstrated that the MM and WM methods do not produce identical SL values for a given fine-grained soil under similar testing conditions, with their discrepancy being systematic and hence likely arising from the differences between the materials (mercury versus wax) and methodologies involved in performing these tests. New SLWM → SLMM conversion relationships were established, allowing SLMM to be deduced as a function of SLWM with high accuracy. Hence, when inputting SLWM in SLMM-based empirical correlations to predict other geoengineering design parameters, the newly proposed conversion relationships can be employed to minimize systematic prediction errors. It was also demonstrated that plasticity-based correlations, at best, can only provide a rough approximation of SLMM. Hence, when the SL is desired, WM-testing or any other alternative method that directly and reliably measures the soil shrinkage factors should be retained. Finally, the same soil-expansivity rankings, as obtained for existing classification systems employing SLMM results, are achieved using SLWM measurements (i.e., without the need of applying SLWM → SLMM conversion equations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explored the potential of oleogels to serve as a substitute for traditional shortening throughout the entire cookie production process. Specifically, oleogel was prepared using expeller‐pressed high oleic soybean oil (EPHOSO) with 10 wt% of either rice bran wax (RBX) or monoacylglycerol (MAG) to replace shortening in cookie making. Rapid Visco Analyzer and Farinograph were used to thoroughly assess the impact of replacing shortening with oleogels on the qualities of cookie dough. The results demonstrated the efficacy of MAG oleogel in replicating the attributes of traditional shortening in cookie doughs, in terms of water absorption, dough consistency, and dough stability. The overall quality of cookies prepared with oleogels was comparable to the ones prepared with shortening. Additionally, the oxidative stability indicated the remarkable advantage of EPHOSO‐based oleogels, which displayed an elevated resistance to oxidative processes compared to its liquid form. Furthermore, cookies prepared with MAG oleogel exhibited prolonged oxidative stability than those prepared with shortening. Overall, the results underscore the potential of EPHOSO oleogels, particularly those incorporated with MAG, could enhance the oxidative stability of cookies without diminishing the physicochemical qualities of the end product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion In addition to the surface hemorrhage of cancellous bone after large‐area osteotomy, the intramedullary hemorrhage after the reamed knee joint is also a major cause of postoperative bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bone wax application at different time points of prone hemorrhage to reduce perioperative blood loss.From August 2023 to December 2023, 150 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were included in this prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly divided into three groups: group A, after autogenous osteotomy plug was used to fill the femoral medullary cavity, the residual space was sealed with bone wax and the exposed cancellous bone surface around the prosthesis was coated with bone wax after the prosthesis adhesion; group B, only the exposed cancellous bone surface around the prosthesis was coated with bone wax; and group C, no bone wax was used. The primary outcome was total perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcomes included occult blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin reduction, blood transfusion rate, lower limb diameter, and knee function, while length of hospital stay was recorded. Tertiary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative related adverse events.The total blood loss in group A (551.5 ± 224.5 mL) and group B (656.3 ± 267.7 mL) was significantly lower than that in group C (755.3 ± 248.3 ml, p < 0.001), and the total blood loss in group A was also lower than that in group B (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the reduction of hemoglobin level and hidden blood loss among the three groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant improvement in postoperative lower limb swelling, knee joint activity and hospitalization time; there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as thromboembolism.The use of bone wax in TKA can safely and effectively reduce perioperative blood loss and hemoglobin drop rate, and multiple use at time points during the operation when blood loss is prone to occur can produce more significant hemostatic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The plant cuticle is located at the interface of the plant with the environment, thus acting as a protective barrier against biotic and abiotic external stress factors, and regulating water loss. Additionally, it modulates mechanical stresses derived from internal tissues and also from the environment. Recent advances in the understanding of the hydric, mechanical, thermal, and, to a lower extent, optical and electric properties of the cuticle, as well as their phenomenological connections and relationships are reviewed. An equilibrium based on the interaction among the different biophysical properties is essential to ensure plant growth and development. The notable variability reported in cuticle geometry, surface topography, and microchemistry affects the analysis of some biophysical properties of the cuticle. This review aimed to provide an updated view of the plant cuticle, understood as a modification of the cell wall, in order to establish the state‐of‐the‐art biophysics of the plant cuticle, and to serve as an inspiration for future research in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are essential precursors for plant membrane lipids, cuticular waxes, suberin, and storage oils. Integral to the fatty acid elongase (FAE) complex, 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthases (KCSs) function as crucial enzymes in the VLCFA pathway, determining the chain length of VLCFA. This study explores the in‐planta role of the KCS19 gene. KCS19 is predominantly expressed in leaves and stem epidermis, sepals, styles, early silique walls, beaks, pedicels, and mature embryos. Localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, KCS19 interacts with other FAE proteins. kcs19 knockout mutants displayed reduced total wax and wax crystals, particularly alkanes, while KCS19 overexpression increased these components and wax crystals. Moreover, the cuticle permeability was higher for the kcs19 mutants compared to the wild type, rendering them more susceptible to drought and salt stress, whereas KCS19 overexpression enhanced drought and salt tolerance. Disrupting KCS19 increased C18 species and decreased C20 and longer species in seed fatty acids, indicating its role in elongating C18 to C20 VLCFAs, potentially up to C24 for seed storage lipids. Collectively, KCS19‐mediated VLCFA synthesis is required for cuticular wax biosynthesis and seed storage lipids, impacting plant responses to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wax is a prevalent lubrication material extensively employed in various engineering applications. Understanding the degradation characteristics of the waxy lubrication layer under diverse stress variables and levels is crucial for ensuring system security and reliability. Due to the unclear mechanism governing the degradation of the waxy lubrication layer under different stress variables, existing degradation models are unsuitable for modeling waxy lubrication layer degradation data. To address this challenge, we propose a functional data‐driven method leveraging dense observations of waxy degradation. Through extensive simulations and a case study, we demonstrate the superior performance and effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce negative effects of floral visitation by ants, which do not serve as reliable cross-pollinators, some plants have developed a non-floral, stem-based defense mechanism called greasy pole syndrome. In the present study, we examined the effects of two surface features (trichomes and three-dimensional epicuticular wax coverage) on stems of Alliaria petiolata plants on visiting frequencies, travelled distances, and running velocities of Lasius niger ants. The experiments were performed with stem samples prepared from different (apical and basal) stem portions showing different surface morphologies (smooth control, covered by wax and trichomes + wax, respectively). The control, mechanically wiped stem samples lacking any surface features were significantly more often visited by ants, where they travelled significantly longer distances and moved with significantly higher velocities, compared to the intact stems. The apical and basal stem portions showed no significant differences in the measured parameters. Based on data obtained, we conclude about the main contribution of the wax to the greasy pole function of the A. petiolata stem via reduction of ant adhesion to the wax-bearing stem surface, whereas trichomes presumably serve as the first barrier for ants approaching usually from the ground level and protect the fragile wax coverage from an excessive deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jojoba oil, which is extracted from jojoba plant seeds that are native to North America, possesses a unique molecular structure and is distinct from other oils. Unlike typical oils, which mostly contain triglycerides, jojoba oil is composed of long monounsaturated esters, affording it exceptional properties and is valuable across cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. While jojoba oil is prevalent in beauty and skincare today, its seeds and oil have ancient roots in folk medicine, used for treating skin and scalp issues, wounds, sore throats, obesity, and even cancer, while enhancing immunity and fostering hair growth. Modern research underscores jojoba oil's pharmacological versatility, demonstrating antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antibacterial properties. Notably, there has been a surge in its utilization in pharmaceuticals, particularly in topical, transdermal, and parenteral formulations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of jojoba oil, encompassing its chemical composition, extraction techniques, health advantages, and pharmaceutical application developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic addition to bitumen increases the stiffness of the binder, reduces its workability due to the increase in viscosity, and causes storage stability issues. Thus, plastic pre-treatment methods are needed. This research aims to address these shortcomings by developing a wax derived from the pyrolysis of polyethylene (PE) waste and investigating its efficacy as an additive in virgin bitumen and bitumen modified with recycled polypropylene (PP). Penetration, softening point, segregation, stress ratio, consistency, stiffness, and viscosity of the modified bitumen were measured. The interior structure and chemical changes of the proposed binders were also studied using a fluorescence microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). When virgin bitumen is modified with 7% PE wax, its softening point increases (+ 15%), its viscosity is reduced (− 27%), and no segregation issue is observed. It also presented a stiffness increase (+ 32%) and better resistance to hot climates. Adding 7% of PE wax to bitumen modified with 5% PP reduces its viscosity by 70% and segregation by 26% while increasing its stiffness and rutting resistance in comparison to the bitumen solely modified with PP. These results reveal that, in addition to enhancing bitumen properties, the proposed substance reduces compaction and mixing energy requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect attachment devices enhance adhesion to complex-geometry substrates by increasing the real contact area. In nature, insects mainly interact with plant surfaces that are often covered by 3D wax structures. Here, we describe, discuss, and give a mechanical interpretation of plant waxes and the possible fracture mechanisms of these wax structures during their interactions with the adhesive pads of insects. It is argued that these plant surface microstructures significantly influence insect adhesion through reducing the contact area and contaminating the insect pads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of four modifiers were studied to compare their roles in the self-healing ability of asphalt binder: elemental sulfur, with a known plasticizing effect; wax, containing long alkane chains (>C50) with a known crystallizing capability; a plastic oil, with short alkane chains (

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]

Objective: to evaluate the characteristics of Frankfurt-type sausages formulated with soybean and canola oleogel structured with candelilla wax (CW). Design/methodology/approach: evaluated the physicochemical properties and textural attributes through storage time (1 and 21 days) after a partial or total substitution of the fat phase in the meat emulsion (50% and 100%) in two comercial edible oil [soybean oil (SO) and canola oil (CO)]. Results: the physicochemical characterization showed that retained higher moisture as the animal fat was displaced in the formulation, being 100% SO and 100% CO (43.46% and 40.64% respectively) those that conserved higher humidity, as well as fat and protein values. Additionally, the samples responded incrementally in 50% SO and 100% SO than in CO, after storage this in hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness, stickiness and chewiness profiles. Besides 100% SO and 100% CO were the ones that developed the greater hardness over time. Limitations on study/implications: limitations in the manufacture of sausages, which implied a longer maturation time of the meat matrix in order to obtain a stable emulsion. Findings/conclusions: these results are promising to establish processing parameters in order to design an attractive final product for the consumer, helping to reduce the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated two methods of arginine encapsulation, melt emulsification and nanoprecipitation, using a lipid matrix of carnauba wax and commercial polymers (Eudragit®) as a protective material. The ratios of wax–arginine were 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, while those of Eudragit® RS:RL were 30:70 and 40:60 in proportions of 1:0.5 and 1:1 Eudragit®–arginine. The microcapsules were morphostructurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and a microelement analysis was performed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, in vitro digestibility was used to determine the protection efficiency. Both encapsulated systems presented regular (crystals) and spherical (microcapsules) polyhedral morphologies. Qualitative nitrogen decreased significantly as the wax ratio increased in the wax–arginine formulations. The formulations with a 1:1 Eudragit:–arginine ratio (1000 mg arginine) produced a higher nitrogen content in the encapsulated systems than the formulations containing 500 mg of arginine. The 2:1 and 3:1 wax–arginine formulations had the lowest degradability after 5 h of rumen fluid exposure (40.7 and 21.26%, respectively) in comparison with 100% unencapsulated arginine. The 3:1 wax–arginine formulation is an efficient encapsulating system which protects against rumen degradation. The more intense absorption bands at 1738 cm−1 and 1468 cm−1 associated with the C=O and C-H groups in carnauba wax indicate that arginine was more protected than in the other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low friction ice sliding interfaces were critical for ski performance optimization. Traditional fluorinated ski waxes have attracted considerable attention for enhancing the hydrophobicity, anti-wearing, and oxidation resistance of ski-ice base. However, the toxicity and complexity of the waxing process limited batch manufacturing of low-cost and non-toxic ski-ice base, what is more, the wax covering on the base wore and failed during skiing due to the friction between ski and ice. Herein, we demonstrated a novel ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite that could maintain a low coefficient of friction (COF) with about 0.026 for at least 160 min when skiing on the ice. Microcapsule (MS) could release liquid (liquid paraffin (LP)). The released LP further enhanced the hydrophobicity of UHMWPE's surfaces when friction occurred, which would maintain the stability and durability of the water film, and achieved superior and long-lasting friction resistance. Compared with other microcapsules with lower hydrophobic core, microcapsules with LP performed the best in reducing the friction of ski base from 0.126 to 0.024. Meanwhile, the COF of the surface kept at about 0.02 even after 12 rapid temperature changes. The presented UHMWPE composite of encapsulated liquids showed great potential and broad application owing to its simplicity and efficiency in winter sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wax warm additives are widely used in asphalt mixture production due to their energy savings and low cost. However, the compatibility problem between waxes and asphalt binders leads to wax precipitation and asphalt low-temperature cracking. Plasma treatment technology can modify the surface of waxes. In this study, plasma technology was used to modify Fischer Tropsch (FT) wax surfaces, linear aliphatic hydrocarbon wax, and two plastic cracking waxes. The effects of waxes on the high-temperature performance, fatigue performance, low-temperature physical hardening, and wax precipitation temperature of asphalt binders were evaluated by the multistress creep recovery (MSCR) test, linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test, extended bending beam rheometer (ExBBR) test, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) viscosity test. In addition, the effect of plasma treatment on waxes in terms of low-temperature physical hardening and wax precipitation temperature was explored. The results showed that the effect of waxes on the high-temperature properties of asphalt binders was related to wax type, dosage, and stress level. Within the allowable dosage range, waxes improve the fatigue properties of asphalt binders. After plasma treatment, the surface roughness and activity of waxes were increased, resulting in the alleviation of physical hardening of waxed asphalt binders and a decrease in wax precipitation temperature. Among them, plastic cracking waxes were more sensitive to the plasma treatment technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After surgery for a broken ankle, patients are usually instructed to avoid walking for 6 weeks (delayed weight-bearing). Walking 2 weeks after surgery (early weight-bearing) might be a safe and preferable rehabilitation strategy. This study aimed to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of an early weight-bearing strategy compared with a delayed weight-bearing strategy. This was a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority trial including 561 participants (aged ≥18 years) who received acute surgery for an unstable ankle fracture in 23 UK National Health Service (NHS) hospitals who were assigned to either a delayed weight-bearing (n=280) or an early weight-bearing rehabilitation strategy (n=281). Patients treated with a hindfoot nail, those who did not have protective ankle sensation (eg, peripheral neuropathy), did not have the capacity to consent, or did not have the ability to adhere to trial procedures were excluded. Neither participants nor clinicians were masked to the treatment. The primary outcome was ankle function measured using the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) at 4 months after randomisation, in the per-protocol population. The pre-specified non-inferiority OMAS margin was –6 points and superiority testing was included in the intention-to-treat population in the event of non-inferiority. The trial was prospectively registered with ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN12883981, and the trial is closed to new participants. Primary outcome data were collected from 480 (86%) of 561 participants. Recruitment was conducted between Jan 13, 2020, and Oct 29, 2021. At 4 months after randomisation, the mean OMAS score was 65·9 in the early weight-bearing and 61·2 in the delayed weight-bearing group and adjusted mean difference was 4·47 (95% CI 0·58 to 8·37, p=0·024; superiority testing adjusted difference 4·42, 95% CI 0·53 to 8·32, p=0·026) in favour of early weight-bearing. 46 (16%) participants in the early weight-bearing group and 39 (14%) in the delayed weight-bearing group had one or more complications (adjusted odds ratio 1·18, 95% CI 0·80 to 1·75, p=0·40). The mean costs from the perspective of the NHS and personal social services in the early and delayed weight-bearing groups were £725 and £785, respectively (mean difference –£60 [95% CI –342 to 232]). The probability that early weight-bearing is cost-effective exceeded 80%. An early weight-bearing strategy was found to be clinically non-inferior and highly likely to be cost-effective compared with the current standard of care (delayed weight-bearing). National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Oxford and Thames Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a renewable, environmentally friendly, natural, and organic material, wood has been receiving extensive attention from various industries. However, the hydrophilicity of wood significantly impacts the stability and durability of its products, which can be effectively addressed by constructing superhydrophobic coatings on the surface of wood. In this study, tung oil, carnauba wax, and silica nanoparticles were used to construct superhydrophobic coatings on hydrophilic wood surfaces by a facile two-step dip-coating method. The surface wettability and morphology of the coatings were analyzed by a contact angle meter and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results suggest that the coating has a micron–nanosized two-tiered structure, and the contact angle of the coating is higher than 150° and the roll-off angle is lower than 10°. Sandpaper abrasion tests and UV diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that the coatings have excellent abrasion resistance and good transparency. In addition, the coated wood shows excellent self-cleaning and water resistance, which have great potential for applications in industry and furniture manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a resinous bee product with a very complex composition, which is dependent upon the plant sources that bees visit. Due to the promising antimicrobial activities of red Brazilian propolis, it is paramount to identify the compounds responsible for it, which, in most of the cases, are not commercially available. The aim of this study was to develop a quick and clean preparative-scale methodology for preparing fractions of red propolis directly from a complex crude ethanol extract by combining the extractive capacity of counter-current chromatography (CCC) with preparative HPLC. The CCC method development included step gradient elution for the removal of waxes (which can bind to and block HPLC columns), sample injection in a single solvent to improve stationary phase stability, and a change in the mobile phase flow pattern, resulting in the loading of 2.5 g of the Brazilian red propolis crude extract on a 912.5 mL Midi CCC column. Three compounds were subsequently isolated from the concentrated fractions by preparative HPLC and identified by NMR and high-resolution MS: red pigment, retusapurpurin A; the isoflavan 3(R)-7-O-methylvestitol; and the prenylated benzophenone isomers xanthochymol/isoxanthochymol. These compounds are markers of red propolis that contribute to its therapeutic properties, and the amount isolated allows for further biological activities testing and for their use as chromatographic standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MIXTA-like transcription factors AtMYB16 and AtMYB106 play important roles in the regulation of cuticular wax accumulation in dicot model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, but there are very few studies on the MIXTA-like transcription factors in monocot plants. Herein, wheat MIXTA-like transcription factors TaMIXTA1 and TaMIXTA2 were characterized as positive regulators of cuticular wax accumulation. The virus-induced gene silencing experiments showed that knock-down of wheat TaMIXTA1 and TaMIXTA2 expressions resulted in the decreased accumulation of leaf cuticular wax, increased leaf water loss rate, and potentiated chlorophyll leaching. Furthermore, three wheat orthologous genes of ECERIFERUM 5 (TaCER5-1A, 1B, and 1D) and their function in cuticular wax deposition were reported. The silencing of TaCER5 by BSMV-VIGS led to reduced loads of leaf cuticular wax and enhanced rates of leaf water loss and chlorophyll leaching, indicating the essential role of the TaCER5 gene in the deposition of wheat cuticular wax. In addition, we demonstrated that TaMIXTA1 and TaMIXTA2 function as transcriptional activators and could directly stimulate the transcription of wax biosynthesis gene TaKCS1 and wax deposition gene TaCER5. The above results strongly support that wheat MIXTA-Like transcriptional activators TaMIXTA1 and TaMIXTA2 positively regulate cuticular wax accumulation via activating TaKCS1 and TaCER5 gene transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective waxes are typically mixtures of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes that retard the aging of unsaturated rubbers and are widely used in rubber products. The wax solubility of rubber products is important for understanding the migration behavior and film formation of waxes and determining the appropriate wax content in rubber compounds. In this article, protective waxes were applied to natural rubber (NR)/polybutadiene rubber (BR) based sidewall rubber and the compatibility between NR and BR and the protective wax dissolution in these rubbers were investigated with a focus on the former investigation through Materials Studio simulations. It was found that the simulation results are strongly correlated with the wax migration test results on compounded and cured rubber at different NR/BR mass ratios. Blends and mesoscopic dynamics simulations yielded good compatibility between NR and BR and favorable blend morphology. By analyzing the solubility parameter, R value, mean square displacement and diffusion coefficient of wax chains with different lengths in the NR/BR matrix, the mechanism and reasons for the wax precipitation variation of protective waxes at varying NR/BR mass ratios were analyzed from a microstructural point of view, which provides strong theoretical support for the design of the molecular structure of protective waxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydrogen gas (H2), a novel and beneficial gaseous molecule, plays a significant role in plant growth and development processes. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is regarded as a safe and easily available way to study the physiological effects of H2 on plants. Several recent research has shown that HRW attenuates stress-induced seed germination inhibition; however, the underlying modes of HRW on seed germination remain obscure under non-stress condition. Results: In this current study, we investigated the possible roles of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in HRW-regulated seed germination in wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) through pharmacological, physiological, and transcriptome approaches. The results showed that HRW application at an optimal dose (50% HRW) significantly promoted seed germination and shortened the average germination time (AGT). Subsequent results suggested that 50% HRW treatment stimulated GA production by regulating GA biosynthesis genes (BhiGA3ox, BhiGA2ox, and BhiKAO), whereas it had no effect on the content of ABA and the expression of its biosynthesis (BhiNCED6) and catabolism genes (BhiCYP707A2) but decreased the expression of ABA receptor gene (BhiPYL). In addition, inhibition of GA production by paclobutrazol (PAC) could block the HRW-mediated germination. Treatment with ABA could hinder HRW-mediated seed germination and the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor sodium tungstate (ST) could recover the function of HRW. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that, in the presence of GA or ABA, an abundance of genes involved in GA, ABA, and ethylene signal sensing and transduction might involve in HRW-regulated germination. Conclusions: This study portrays insights into the mechanism of HRW-mediated seed germination, suggesting that HRW can regulate the balance between GA and ABA to mediate seed germination through ethylene signals in wax gourd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal energy storage technology has evolved as one of the prominent methods of storing thermal energy when it is available and utilized as per the requirements. In recent years, thermal energy storage has found a variety of applications for thermal management, such as buildings, batteries, electronics, cold storage, textiles, and solar thermal systems. Phase Change Material (PCM) has taken the lead among all other thermal energy storage materials because of various merits such as high energy density, ease of use, low cost, low volume change, environmental friendliness, easy availability, and chemical stability. However, limitations such as poor thermal conductivity and leakage during phase transformation limit their applicability. In this study, Shape Stabilized Composite PCM (SSCPCM) was developed to overcome these drawbacks. Paraffin wax and soya wax were used as PCMs and multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide were used as nano-additives. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is used as a supporting matrix. Leakage test suggest maximum loading of 40 wt% and 35 wt% of paraffin wax and soya wax in HDPE without any leakage at elevated temperature. The prepared SSCPCM shows substantially better thermal energy storage capacity along with improved thermal conductivity. A maximum rise of 260.8% in thermal conductivity was observed in paraffin wax supported by HDPE and loaded with 3 wt% of multi-walled carbon nanotube nanoparticles. The heating and cooling performance suggests an improvement in the heating and cooling rate by adding nano-additives. The prepared SSCPCM are also thermally stable at elevated temperatures up to 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The plant cuticle is a hydrophobic barrier, which seals the epidermal surface of most aboveground organs. While the cuticle biosynthesis of angiosperms has been intensively studied, knowledge about its existence and composition in nonvascular plants is scarce.Here, we identified and characterized homologs of Arabidopsis thaliana fatty acyl‐CoA reductase (FAR) ECERIFERUM 4 (AtCER4) and bifunctional wax ester synthase/acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (AtWSD1) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (MpFAR2 and MpWSD1) and the moss Physcomitrium patens (PpFAR2A, PpFAR2B, and PpWSD1).Although bryophyte harbor similar compound classes as described for angiosperm cuticles, their biosynthesis may not be fully conserved between the bryophytes M. polymorpha and P. patens or between these bryophytes and angiosperms. While PpFAR2A and PpFAR2B contribute to the production of primary alcohols in P. patens, loss of MpFAR2 function does not affect the wax profile of M. polymorpha. By contrast, MpWSD1 acts as the major wax ester‐producing enzyme in M. polymorpha, whereas mutations of PpWSD1 do not affect the wax ester levels of P. patens.Our results suggest that the biosynthetic enzymes involved in primary alcohol and wax ester formation in land plants have either evolved multiple times independently or undergone pronounced radiation followed by the formation of lineage‐specific toolkits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special technique has been developed for producing a composite aerogel which consists of graphene oxide and soy wax (GO/wax). The reduction of graphene oxide was carried out by the stepwise heating of this aerogel to 250 °C. The aerogel obtained in the process of the stepwise thermal treatment of rGO/wax was studied by IR and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry. The heat treatment led to an increase in the wax fraction accompanied by an increase in the contact angle of the rGO/wax aerogel surface from 136.2 °C to 142.4 °C. The SEM analysis has shown that the spatial structure of the aerogel was formed by sheets of graphene oxide, while the wax formed rather large (200–1000 nm) clumps in the folds of graphene oxide sheets and small (several nm) deposits on the flat surface of the sheets. The sorption properties of the rGO/wax aerogel were studied with respect to eight solvent, oil, and petroleum products, and it was found that dichlorobenzene (85.8 g/g) and hexane (41.9 g/g) had the maximum and minimum sorption capacities, respectively. In the case of oil and petroleum products, the indicators were in the range of 52–63 g/g. The rGO/wax aerogel was found to be highly resistant to sorption–desorption cycles. The cyclic tests also revealed a swelling effect that occurred differently for different parts of the aerogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fires impact ecosystems globally and due to climate change, the frequency of high-severity fires has increased. As ecosystems change with altered fire regimes, changes in the communities that provide ecosystem services, such as pollination, have been reported. We studied fires with mixed-severity types that burned >20 years ago and compared insect floral visitor communities by focusing on an important floral resource, wax currant (Ribes cereum). Simultaneously, we conducted a pollinator exclusion experiment to determine how floral visitors impact fruit production of wax currant. Importantly, the pollinator community of wax currant is virtually unknown with only a single study that was conducted in a riparian ecosystem. We found that there was no difference in the floral visitor communities or fruit production of wax currant plants across fire severity, but our sample sizes were small. Notably, we found that the pollinator exclusion treatment had a significant impact on fruit production of wax currant plants, especially early season pollinators, which demonstrates the importance of insect pollinators across all fire severities for wax currant plants. Resumen Los incendios impactan los ecosistemas a nivel mundial y debido al cambio climático, hay aumentos en la frecuencia de aquellos de alta gravedad. A medida que los ecosistemas cambian con regímenes de incendios alterados, se han reportado efectos en las comunidades que brindan servicios ecosistémicos, como la polinización. Estudiamos incendios de gravedad mixta que ardieron hace más de 20 años y comparamos comunidades de insectos visitantes de flores en diferentes niveles de gravedad del incendio, centrándonos en un importante recurso floral, la grosella cera (Ribes cereum). Simultáneamente, llevamos a cabo un experimento de exclusión de polinizadores para determinar cómo los visitantes florales impactan el amarre de la grosella cera. La comunidad polinizadora de la grosella cerosa es prácticamente desconocida y solo se ha realizado otro estudio en un ecosistema ribereño. Descubrimos que no había diferencias en las comunidades de visitantes florales o en el amarre de frutos de las plantas de grosella cera según la gravedad del incendio, pero los tamaños de nuestras muestras fueron pequeños. Encontramos que el tratamiento de exclusión de polinizadores tuvo un impacto significativo en amarre de frutos de las plantas de grosella cera, especialmente en los polinizadores tempranos, lo que demuestra la importancia de los insectos polinizadores en todas las severidades de los incendios para las plantas de grosella cera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serving as one of the largest rivers in terms of both sediment and organic carbon transport fluxes in the world, the Yellow River plays a crucial role in regional biogeochemical process as well as in the global carbon cycle. However, although a large number of studies have been carried out on the flux, composition, source and seasonal variation of total particulate organic carbon in the Yellow River so far, studies on molecular biomarkers at different spatial and temporal scales are still scarce. In this study, we focus on the molecular and hydrogen isotopic properties of leaf wax n-alkanes among different types of samples which obtained from different seasons (flood vs. non-flood) along the lower Yellow River. The molecular distribution of n-alkanes show that the riparian topsoils are subject to inputs from the overlying vegetation, while the suspended sediments from the flood season are characterized by the mixing of soil materials which originate from various stratigraphy with different ages on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Due to the contrasting hydrodynamic conditions, the n-alkanes in suspended sediments also show distinct molecular composition between flood and non-flood seasons. Additionally, considering the effect of climatic factors, the proportion of monocots in flood-season suspended sediments is calculated from a semi-quantitative perspective using δ2Hwax. Our findings may bring to light new considerations for the interpretation of leaf wax proxies in studies of organic matter sources of Yellow River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuticular waxes are essential for protecting plants from various environmental stresses. Allium fistulosum serves as an excellent model for investigating the regulatory mechanisms underlying cuticular wax synthesis with notable epidermal wax characteristics. A combination of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolite analysis and transcriptomics was used to investigate variations in metabolites and gene expression patterns between the wild type (WT) and glossy mutant type (gl2) of A. fistulosum. The WT surface had a large number of acicular and lamellar waxy crystals, whereas the leaf surface of gl2 was essentially devoid of waxy crystals. And the results revealed a significant decrease in the content of 16-hentriacontanone, the principal component of cuticular wax, in the gl2 mutant. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 3084 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WT and gl2. Moreover, we identified 12 genes related to fatty acid or wax synthesis. Among these, 10 DEGs were associated with positive regulation of wax synthesis, whereas 2 genes exhibited negative regulatory functions. Furthermore, two of these genes were identified as key regulators through weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Notably, the promoter region of AfisC5G01838 (AfCER1-LIKE1) exhibited a 258-bp insertion upstream of the coding region in gl2 and decreased the transcription of the AfCER1-LIKE1 gene. This study provided insights into the molecular mechanisms governing cuticular wax synthesis in A. fistulosum, laying the foundation for future breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-gas two phase wax deposition is a fairly common and open-ended question in flow assurance of multiphase transportation pipelines. This paper investigated the two main aspects of oil-gas two phase wax deposition layer: apparent thickness and crystal structure characteristics. A typical highly paraffinic oil in Bohai Sea, China, was used as the experimental material to investigate the wax deposition thickness in oil-gas two phase under the influence of different oil temperatures, superficial gas/liquid phase velocities and gas-oil ratios by using multiphase flow loop experimental device. Just as in the classical theory of wax molecular diffusion, it showed that wax deposition thickness of oil-gas two phase increased with increasing oil temperature. Analysis of the impact of different superficial phase velocities found that the actual liquid flow heat transfer and shear stripping was the gas phase dominant mechanisms determining wax deposit thickness. In addition, the crystal structure of the wax deposition layer was characterized with the help of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for different circumferential positions, flow rates and gas-oil ratios. The bottom deposition layer had a complex crystal structure and high hardness, which were subject to change over flow rate variations. Furthermore, the SAXS results provided evidence that the indirect effect of the actual liquid velocity modified by the gas phase was the main mechanism. Our study of the effect of gas phase on the wax deposition of oil-gas two phase will help shed light onto the mechanism by which this important process occurs. Our findings address a very urgent need in the field of wax deposition of highly paraffinic oil to understand the flow security of oilgas two phase that occurs easily in multiphase field pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]