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Packaging insulation materials with high thermal conductivity and excellent dielectric properties are favorable to meet the high demand and rapid development of third generation power semiconductors. In this study, we propose to improve the thermal conductivity of epoxy resin (EP) by incorporating a three-dimensional boron nitride thermally conductive network. Detailedly, polyurethane foam (PU) was used as a supporter, and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) were loaded onto the PU supporter through chemical bonding (BNNS@PU). After immersing BNNS@PU into the EP resin, EP-based thermally conductive composites were prepared by vacuum-assisted impregnation. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope were used to characterize the chemical bonding and morphological structure of BNNS@PU, respectively. The content of BNNS in BNNS@PU/EP composites was quantitatively analyzed by TGA. The results show that the thermal conductivity of the BNNS@PU/EP composites reaches 0.521 W/m K with an enhancement rate η of 30.89 at an ultra-low BNNS filler content (5.93 wt. %). Additionally, the BNNS@PU/EP composites have excellent dielectric properties with the frequency range from 101 to 106 Hz. This paper provides an interesting idea for developing high thermal conductivity insulating materials used for power semiconductor packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) imaging with a scanning transmission electron microscope has emerged as a technique of choice for visualizing complex chemical, electronic, plasmonic, and phononic phenomena in complex materials and structures. The availability of the EELS data necessitates the development of methods to analyze multidimensional data sets with complex spatial and energy structures. Traditionally, the analysis of these data sets has been based on analysis of individual spectra, one at a time, whereas the spatial structure and correlations between individual spatial pixels containing the relevant information of the physics of underpinning processes have generally been ignored and analyzed only via the visualization as 2D maps. Here, we develop a machine learning-based approach and workflows for the analysis of spatial structures in 3D EELS data sets using a combination of dimensionality reduction and multichannel rotationally invariant variational autoencoders. This approach is illustrated for the analysis of both the plasmonic phenomena in a system of nanowires and in the core excitations in functional oxides using low loss and core-loss EELS, respectively. The code developed in this manuscript is open sourced and freely available and provided as a Jupyter notebook for the interested reader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-energy ion beam irradiation, combined with the introduction of impurities, presents a promising approach for nanopatterning silicon (Si) surfaces. In this research, we investigate the surface evolution of Si (100) surfaces irradiated by 75 eV helium (He) plasma, in the presence of tantalum (Ta), traditionally regarded as an impurity incapable of initiating pattern formation, as evidenced in prior studies. The Ta impurities are pre-deposited onto the Si surfaces using the magnetron sputtering method, which offers a more controlled and quantifiable approach compared with the conventional co-deposition route. After irradiation at 800 K, dense cone arrays are produced on the Si surface. The growth of the cones is explored for fluence spanning (1–10) × 1025 m−2. The cross-sectional scanning electron microscope images indicate that the cone lengths and base width are well characterized by t1/2 dependence. The kinetics of the cone growth follow Fick's law, characterized by an effective diffusive mechanism with the coefficients of diffusion: D = 6.49 ± 0.83 × 10−16 m−2 s−1. Transmission electron microscope observations reveal that the cone has distinct inner and outer parts with different microstructures and a clear interface. The growth mechanism of these cones is elucidated as a composite process involving preferential sputtering, the destabilizing influence of He bubbles, and the migration of adatoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) recordings of dynamic nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) are difficult to analyze due to the noise caused by low frame rate, insufficient resolution, and blurriness induced by applied electric potentials. Here, we develop an image processing platform enhanced by the physics of the underlying system to track the motion of buckling NEMS structures in the presence of high noise levels. The algorithm is composed of an image filter, two data filters, and a nonlinear regression model, which utilizes the expected form of the physical solution. The method was applied to the recordings of a NEMS beam about 150 nm wide, undergoing intra- and inter-well post-buckling states with a transition rate of approximately 0.5 Hz. The algorithm can track the dynamical motion of the NEMS and capture the dependency of deflection amplitude on the compressive force on the beam. With the help of the proposed algorithm, the transition from inter-well to intra-well motion is clearly resolved for buckling NEMS imaged under SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-destructive method for detecting sub-micrometer-sized micropipes on an entire wafer surface is investigated. Since it is difficult to detect sub-micrometer-sized micropipes due to their small core size, a non-destructively and accurately detecting method is required. To solve the issue, we focus on a characteristic depression generated around micropipes, namely, line-shaped depressions. In this paper, the location of line-shaped depressions is identified by using optical inspection, and the line-shaped depressions are distinguished whether micropipes exhibit line-shaped depression or not by using mirror electron microscope observation as high-resolution inspection. The accuracy of the distinction results is confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation, and electrical characteristics of the P–N diode are fabricated using the inspected wafer. Furthermore, the sub-micrometer-sized micropipes are observed at the sites of leakage current identified by emission microscopy. Additionally, device simulation of the blocking-voltage characteristics of P–N diodes suggests that the increase in leakage current depends on the electric field at the sub-micrometer-sized micropipes, regardless of their core size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastropods forage with their radula, a thin chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, which scratch across the substrate to lose food particles. During this interaction, the risk of loosening particles is obvious without having a specialized mechanism holding them on the tooth surface. As mucus secretions are essential in molluscan life cycles and the locomotion and attachment gels are known to have an instant high adhesion, we have hypothesized that the saliva could support particle retention during feeding. As adhesion of snail saliva was not studied before, we present here an experimental setup to test its particle-binding capacity using a large land snail (Lissachatina fulica, Stylommatophora, Heterobranchia). This experiment was also applied to the gels produced by the snail foot for comparison and can be potentially applied to various fluids present at a small volume in the future. We found, that the saliva has high particle retention capacity that is comparable to the foot glue of the snail. To gain some insight into the properties of the saliva, we additionally studied it in the scanning electron microscope, estimated its viscosity in a de-wetting experiment, and investigated its elemental composition using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveling higher contents of Ca, Zn and other potential cross-linkers similar to those found in the glue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, precision and accuracy for a more precise critical dimension (CD) control have been required in CD measurement technology. CD distortion between the measurement by a critical dimension scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM) and a reference tool is the most important factor for a more accurate CD measurement. CD bias varies by a CD-SEM and a pattern condition. Therefore, it is urgently needed to identify, characterize, and quantify those parameters that may or may not affect the CD measurement by a CD-SEM. The sensitivity of the Monte Carlo simulated CD-SEM images with multiple physical modeling components has been studied previously. In this study, we demonstrate that the work function and elastic scattering potential models have a significant impact on secondary electron emission intensity, but their influence on the shape of the linescan profile is small, and other factors like the optical energy loss function and dielectric function models have even smaller effects. We have evaluated the uncertainty in the linescan profiles of Si line structures with different sidewall angles due to several different physical factors. It is found that when the CD is evaluated by a peak/valley method, the uncertainty of the CD is negligible. Therefore, it is concluded that the CD value and its related uncertainty are not critically related to the physical factors of the present Monte Carlo simulation model but rely dominantly on the line structure and electron beam parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the metrological characterization of the emission from a germanium-vacancy center in diamond under a microfabricated solid immersion lens in a confocal laser-scanning microscope setup. Ge ions were implanted into a synthetic diamond at 3 MeV, and germanium-vacancy centers were then formed by subsequent annealing. Afterward, solid immersion lenses were fabricated in a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope. The photoluminescence was investigated at room temperature in terms of the spectral distribution, the excited state lifetime, the second-order correlation function, and the saturation behavior, proving simultaneous high single-photon purity and high brightness. Two methods were exploited to minimize the residual multi-photon probability: spectral filtering and temporal filtering. According to these results, we assume that Raman scattered photons and emission from neighboring color centers play an important role in the residual multi-photon emission probability. The system efficiency of the single-photon source was investigated and found to be in accordance with the value calculated from all sources of loss in the setup. The branching ratio of the germanium-vacancy center for the decay into the ground state and into metastable state was calculated. The results enable the usage of the single-photon source in future quantum radiometric experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their full compatibility with CMOS technology, HfO2-based ferroelectrics, and especially Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO), attract a lot of attention. However, the overwhelming majority of measurement techniques provides only information about the cumulative electrical response of many domains of HZO, i.e., at the macroscopic level. So far, only piezoresponse force microscopy technique was applied to visualize distinct ferroelectric domains in HZO and to analyze the local switching behavior in the microscopic level. This work introduces the possibility of using electron beam-induced current (EBIC) technique in the scanning electron microscope to visualize the gradual polarization reversal of HZO and to obtain the local polarization dynamics. We show that although the local EBIC signal is affected by surrounding domains, studying the variations in the ferroelectric response of individual domains as well as the spread of the local stiffness and local imprint is possible by this method. Besides, we show the connection between the EBIC current and an electric field across passive non-ferroelectric layers at interfaces between HZO and metal electrodes, which opens up additional opportunities to use the EBIC technique for investigations of interface-dependent properties of HZO ferroelectrics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Glass fiber‐reinforced resin matrix composites have good mechanical and impact resistance properties, while with particle co‐reinforcement, a synergistic effect can further improve their performance. In this paper, continuous glass fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 (GF/PA6) and continuous glass fiber (GF) with glass beads (GBs) co‐reinforced nylon 6 (GB–GF/PA6) were prepared to investigate the co‐reinforcement mechanism and the synergistic effect of particle and fiber. A quantitative parameter of the residual impact force divided by the critical force Pr/Pcr, as the damage degree of the low‐velocity impact, is defined to evaluate the impact resistance of the composite. The results indicate that the damage of GB–GF/PA6 was lower than that of GF/PA6, and the synergistic effect reaches the most obvious at the GB addition of 10 wt%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x‐ray computed tomography (XCT) images disclose that GB impedes the type II crack spread in the matrix and fiber/matrix interface. With the type II cracks reducing, the materials' resistance to delamination can be significantly enhanced. For the composite structure, in which 10 wt% GB and 60 wt% GF are introduced, the flexural strength, shear strength, and pendulum impact strength were tested with the maximum values of 379.4 MPa, 53.1 MPa, and 219.0 J/m2, respectively. This composite structure design, presenting a continuous GF and GBs co‐reinforce effect, offers a manufacturing process that is easily scalable to achieve excellent characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing and investigating metallic‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced epoxies is an important new attempt to present their potential to contribute to the aviation industry. In order to explore the energy absorption in novel CoFeSiB metallic‐glass‐fiber/epoxy resin composites, CoFeSiB/epoxy resin composite cylinders with different fiber volume fractions were prepared by a hot‐pressing method. The amorphism of the metal fibers was analyzed using x‐ray diffraction. The quasi‐static compression tests were performed on different fiber oriented samples with a diameter of 3.6 mm and a height of 7.2 mm. The sample with the fiber orientation [0°/90°] has a higher energy absorption capacity, compared to the one with the fiber orientation [0°/0°]. The dynamic‐ compression tests were performed on the [0°/0°] samples with a diameter of 3 mm and height of 6 mm at different air pressures. The compression fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscope. Then the energy absorption mechanism of the composites was investigated. This study is of great significance for the energy absorption in amorphous metal fiber/epoxy composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Microplasmas can be used for a wide range of technological applications and to improve the understanding of fundamental physics. Scanning electron microscopy, on the other hand, provides insights into the sample morphology and chemistry of materials from the mm‐ down to the nm‐scale. Combining both would provide direct insight into plasma‐sample interactions in real‐time and at high spatial resolution. Up till now, very few attempts in this direction have been made, and significant challenges remain. This work presents a stable direct current glow discharge microplasma setup built inside a scanning electron microscope. The experimental setup is capable of real‐time in situ imaging of the sample evolution during plasma operation and it demonstrates localized sputtering and sample oxidation. Further, the experimental parameters such as varying gas mixtures, electrode polarity, and field strength are explored and experimental V–I curves under various conditions are provided. These results demonstrate the capabilities of this setup in potential investigations of plasma physics, plasma‐surface interactions, and materials science and its practical applications. The presented setup shows the potential to have several technological applications, for example, to locally modify the sample surface (e.g., local oxidation and ion implantation for nanotechnology applications) on the µm‐scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, increasing dyes pollution is of great importance for life. Leaving the dyes used in industries such as textiles without being discharged pollutes other water sources. In order to prevent this, different methods are used in the literature. In this study, SrAl2B2O7, a borate metal, was used to remove methyl blue (MB), an anionic dye, by batch adsorption method. Strontium aluminoborate (SrAl2B2O7) was prepared using a solution combustion method at 950 °C for 4 h in air. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The particle morphology of the adsorbent was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). By using N2 adsorption–desorption, the Brunnauer, Emmet, and Teller (BET) specific surface area was found to be 1.9578 m2 g−1. The surface charge of the dye-adsorbed SrAl2B2O7 was determined based on zeta-potential measurements. Langmuir (R2=0.9897), Freundlich (R2=0.985), Dubinin & Radushkevic (R2=0.976), Scatchard (R2=0.881), Temkin & Pyzhev (R2=0.978) isotherms were calculated in the study. SrAl2B2O7 showed good adsorption performance for methyl blue (MB) with maximum adsorption capacities of 29.069 mg g−1 (Langmuir). Adsorption processes were also studied in detail. Thermodynamic and kinetic models; pseudo-first-order (R2=0.415), pseudo-second-order (R2=0.999), Elovich (R2=0.968) showed that adsorption using SrAl2B2O7 in MB removal is endothermic and pseudo-second order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of polyaniline (PANIs) samples was prepared from HCl or H2SO4 electrolytes containing 0.01 M of aniline, and then subjecting them to electropolymerization. The morphology, structure, and properties of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrate that the capacitance and morphology of the product depend exclusively on the reactive medium used. The PANI was used as a material electrode in a supercapacitor, and the electrochemical performance of the elaborated electrodes was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The optimal results for the specific capacitance of the PANI films were achieved under a 5-mVs−1 scan rate, ranging from 410.35 F/g for the FTO/PANI-H2SO4 to 758.72 F/g for the FTO/PANI-HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic fracturing effectively enhances production in the unconventional oil and gas industry. As we all know, proppant plays a vital role in the hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, the effects of proppant type, particle size, concentration, closure pressure, and other factors are studied by laboratory experiments. Based on the actual triaxial simulation device (TSD), quartz sand, ceramic, and coated sand are used as proppant, while sandstone, coal rock, shale, and granite are selected as the stone slate to experiment. The surface of the proppant was imaged by a surface profiler (SP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to compare the microscopic surface characteristics before and after the experiment. The particle size macroscopic distribution was measured by Mastersizer 2000. The results and innovation are as follows: This paper investigates the proppant crushing for hydraulic fracturing and provides an alternative evaluation method for proppant selection. The crushing laws of proppant under different pressures and stone slate are compared by using the experimental device. It is reliable for quartz sand to replace ceramic in deep layer of the field application. It also overturns the previous thinking. We believe this found holds the key toward systematically optimizing the development of unconventional reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

In the current research, new metal complexes have been synthesized by using the greener synthetic approach in which 3‐Nitroaniline reacts with the elements of group‐IIB and group‐IVB. According to this method, ligand and metals were dissolved in 1,4‐dioxane and stirred at room temperature for a specific time period. The method for the preparation of metal‐base complexes is quite simple and cost‐effective. To identify the synthesized compounds various physio‐chemical analytical techniques were used such as Melting point, FT‐Raman Spectroscopy, FT‐IR Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) that provide significant data about the general structural characteristics of synthesized compounds. The percentage degradation efficiency of synthetic dyes was obtained as 57 %, 66 %, and 97 % using the synthesized compounds as photocatalysts. A statistical tool, RSM was used for the optimization of parameters (Concentration of Dye, Dose of Catalyst, and contact time). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molten salt-assisted method for the synthesis of Eu 3 + -doped bismuth molybdate (BMO: Eu 3 + ) phosphor was proposed. (BMO: Eu 3 + ) phosphors with different phase structures were obtained by changing the calcination temperature. The applications in LED devices and latent fingerprint recognition of the obtained product were explored. The results of structural characterizations and scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs analysis prove that the products exhibit different crystal structures and morphologies with the change of calcination temperature. Based on the above findings, the as-prepared products have potential applications in the field of WLED and potential fingerprint recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Population ageing has increased the incidence of osteoporosis, which is mainly treated by using artificial bone. To practically utilise an artificial bone, it is necessary to synthesise bioceramics and evaluate their physical and biological properties, which requires animal experiments. To refine these properties, bioceramics must be evaluated repeatedly, which requires more time, money, and animal sacrifice. In a previous study, a machine learning model was used to predict the bone formation rate as a function of synthesis conditions, physical properties, and implant conditions before performing any animal experiments. However, the model did not consider bioceramic structure, which may be an important predictor of bone formation rate. In this study, we used scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of artificial bones to analyse their structural properties and extract important features for predicting bone formation rate, including grain size and contour, and latent variables were transformed using an autoencoder constructed with SEM images. The features and latent variables were used as inputs for a machine learning model predicting bone formation rate. The coefficient of determination of the proposed model was higher than that of the conventional model, thus confirming that a highly accurate model to predict bone formation rate can be constructed using important features in SEM images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To expand the market capacity of p‐diethylbenzene (PDEB), core‐shell zeolite (TS‐1@MCM‐48) is designed as a catalyst for PDEB oxidation. TS‐1@MCM‐48 catalyst is synthesized by in‐situ crystallization method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption‐desorption, in‐situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS‐NMR). Oxidation of PDEB by H2O2 was investigated systematically in liquid phase. The conversion of PDEB over TS‐1@MCM‐48 was 28.1 % and the total selectivity was 72.6 %, where the selectivity of EAP (p‐ethylacetophenone) and EPEA (4‐ethyl‐α‐methylbenzyl alcohol) was 28.6 % and 44.0 %, respectively. Compared with TS‐1 and MCM‐48 zeolite, the conversion rate of reactants and the selectivity of products have been significantly improved. The catalytic performance of TS‐1@MCM‐48 is derived from its well‐crystallized microporous core and mesoporous shell with regular channels, which make active sites of TS‐1 zeolite in the catalyst be fully utilized and mass transfer resistance be largely reduced. Further through theoretical calculation, we propose that the oxidation of PDEB is the result of the combination and mutual transformation of free radical process and carbocation process. Core‐shell structure ensures the conversion rate of raw materials and improves the selectivity of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using macroporous cation exchange resin as the donor of exchangeable ions and carrier of products, ZnO@IER (namely, zinc oxide [ZnO]-loaded ion exchange resin) composites were successfully synthesized through the constant temperature oscillation and hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscope results show that the gullies on the surface of D113 resin were inlaid with granular ZnO product and the size was <200 nm; D072 resin had a smooth surface structure, and when the hydrothermal time was 2 or 3 h, a perfect ZnO product with hexagonal structure could be obtained with side length of about 2–2.5 μm and thickness of hundreds of nanometers. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization fully confirmed the existence of ZnO in the composite. In addition, ZnO@D072IER-2h had a significant degradation effect on methylene blue solution, and the photocatalytic degradation rate reached 92.5% within 200 min. The photocatalytic degradation of ZnO@IER composites for the methylene blue solution was due to superposition of photocatalytic effects of ion exchange resin and ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight reduction is one of the prime goals for auto industries to achieve fuel economy, and magnesium matrix composite offers the opportunity to assist with fulfilling those needs. The present work focuses on developing the magnesium alloy (AZ91D), AZ91D/SiCnp nanocomposite, and AZ91D/SiCnp/CNT hybrid nanocomposite via the semisolid stir casting technique incorporating the ultrasonic vibration process. The produced cast samples are subjected to physical, microstructural, and mechanical characteristics study. The evaluated results are compared and it was found that AZ91D/6wt% SiCnpnanocomposite offers high hardness (78.45 ± 0.1 Hv), yield (150 ± 1.8 MPa), and ultimate tensile strength (241 ± 1.75 MPa) as compared to the cast AZ91D alloy samples. The scanning electron microscope reveals the homogeneous particle distribution structure with reduced porosity. The density of the developed composite obeys the rule of the mixture, and the porosity is limited to less than 1%. The presence of 6 wt% carbon nanotube in AZ91D/6wt% SiCnp alloy nanocomposite facilitates superior hardness, yield, and tensile strength of 84.35 ± 0.1 Hv, 174 ± 1.5 MPa, and 271 ± 1.6 MPa. The impact strength of the composite increased, while the content of SiCnp was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, significant progress has been made in the preparation and properties of fiber-reinforced shells for investment casting; however, the research on the enhancement mechanism of fiber is inadequate. Herein, the composite shell is prepared using the airflow placement fiber process, and the conventional method, preimmersion silica sol and preimmersion slurry methods are adopted to obtain different interfaces between the matrix and fibers. Combined with the directional tensile test and fracture morphology of the shell observed via scanning electron microscope and stereomicroscope, the fiber-reinforced mechanism of the shell is analyzed in detail. It is found that the shell with polypropylene fibers is strengthened by the fiber pull-out, debonding, debonding-deformation and bridging-deformation, even with the different interface bonding between the matrix and fibers. However, the main failure modes of fibers are different under different interface conditions. The fibers in the preimmersion slurry shell mainly fail in the form of debonding-deformation and bridging-deformation, which makes the green strength of composite shells increase significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper originally investigates the sulfide inclusion-induced micro-scaled pitting corrosion in indoor atmospheric environment on automotive crankshafts manufactured by classical non-quenched and tempered steel using scanning electron microscope using energy-dispersive spectrometer. The crankshafts, which were disassembled from gasoline engines with low mileage after specific tests, were stored in an indoor atmospheric environment with an ambient humidity of approximately 75% for 2 weeks. The experimental results show that the anodic reaction initially took place at the sulfide inclusion/steel matrix interface, which was induced by the sulfide inclusion wherever very small amount of residual neutral chloride medium on the crankshaft surface was activated by moisture in the air. In addition, the reaction products could accelerate the rate of pitting corrosion toward the steel matrix in nearby micro-zones, and tiny rust that could be hardly observed by visual inspection, as a result, appeared in micro-scale on the experimental crankshaft surface even in indoor atmospheric environment. It is concluded that even when the crankshaft is stored indoors, special attention should be pertinently paid to corrosion prevention, for example, to remove all corrosive media on surface carefully by fine cleaning, to implement rust prevention measures, and to control humidity of atmospheric environment at a proper level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfuric acid corrosion is a non-negligible problem affecting the durability of concrete materials. To explore the mechanism of sulfuric acid corrosion on the fracture performance and microstructure of concrete, three-point bending test was utilized to analyze the evolutionary characteristics of the crack mouth opening displacement and the fracture toughness of concrete corroded by sulfuric acid. Scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectrometer were utilized to analyze the characteristics of microscopic morphology and corrosion products of concrete corroded by sulfuric acid. The result shows that the fracture evolution of concrete can be divided into four stages: nonlinear development stage, linear development stage, deceleration expansion stage, and accelerated expansion stage. In purified water environment, the peak fracture load and fracture toughness of concrete is positively related to corrosion time. In sulfuric acid corrosion environment, the peak fracture load and fracture toughness of concrete are negatively related to corrosion time and concentrations of sulfuric acid solution. Microscopic experiments show that the interior of concrete is less affected by sulfuric acid corrosion, and the structure is relatively dense compared with the surface. The expansion crystal ettringite formed at the fracture surface of the concrete specimen during sulfuric acid corrosion was the main reason for the durability reduction of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

This paper describes the methodology of combining experimental measurements with mathematical–physics analyses in the investigation of flow in the aperture and nozzle. The aperture and nozzle separate the differentially pumped chamber from the specimen chamber in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Experimental measurements are provided by temperature and pressure sensors that meet the demanding conditions of cryogenic temperature zones and low pressures. This aperture maintains the required pressure difference between the chambers. Since it separates the large pressure gradient, critical flow occurs on it and supersonic gas flow with the characteristic properties of critical flow in the state variables occurs behind it. As a primary electron beam passes through the differential pumped chamber and the given aperture, the aperture is equipped with a nozzle. The shape of the nozzle strongly influences the character of the supersonic flow. The course of state variables is also strongly influenced by this shape; thus, it affects the number of collisions the primary beam's electrons have with gas molecules, and so the resulting image. This paper describes experimental measurements made using sensors under laboratory conditions in a specially created experimental chamber. Then, validation using mathematical–physical analysis in the Ansys Fluent system is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]