Capsule Wall Research Articles

Numerical investigation of surface catalytic effect on the plasma sheath of a hypersonic re-entry capsule

Radio frequency blackout indicates the communication interruption between signal monitoring sites and re-entry vehicles; it is a serious threat to the safety of astronauts and the space exploration missions. In this study, a surface catalytic model coupled with a thermochemical non-equilibrium computational fluid dynamic model is developed to study the catalytic wall effect on the plasma sheath of a hypersonic re-entry vehicle. The mechanism of the surface catalytic effect on the plasma sheath of a re-entry capsule is revealed by a comparative study. The flow-field characteristics simulated under conditions of the full-catalytic and non-catalytic walls are compared and discussed for the hypersonic atmospheric re-entry capsule at different altitudes. The chemical and physical mechanisms behind the surface catalytic effect of the re-entry capsule are analyzed. The experimental data of Radio Attenuation Measurement-C-II are used to validate the numerical model established in the present study. It is found that the numerical results simulated with the fully catalytic wall are more consistent with the experimental data. Near the capsule wall, the mole fractions of the species N, O, N+, and O+ decrease as the catalytic recombination coefficient increases. Because of the surface catalytic effect, the communication black is mitigated due to the reduction of the electron number density in the wake zone of the capsule.

Quantification of Thin Walls and Capsules Using X-Ray Computed Tomography

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is widely used in material science to understand the inner morphology of a specimen. Often, it is used to qualitatively understand the distribution of salient features such as cracks, voids, or particles. There are many challenges in using X-ray CT in a quantitative manner. These include a coarser resolution for comparable fields of view when compared to other imaging techniques (i.e., electron or optical microscopy), imaging artifacts (i.e., beam hardening and phase contrast), and the plethora of imaging and processing parameters that are chosen by the instrument/software user that can significantly affect the resultant measures. These limitations must be considered and quantified to acquire accurate and precise measurements. X-ray CT is powerful in that it can measure, in three dimensions, salient features that are subsurface and cannot be imaged with other direct line-of-sight imaging techniques. In this work, we discuss the use of X-ray CT to measure the thickness variations of thin walls of opacity capsules as well as the measurement of double-shell targets to understand the concentricity of the capsules within each other. Morphological measurements needed for target characterization require very high accuracy and precision. This paper will describe the application for the first time of a variety of measurements and will explore their robustness and pros and cons to identify areas of research to improve their accuracy and precision.

Sporogenesis in Physcomitrium patens: Intergenerational collaboration and the development of the spore wall and aperture.

Although the evolution of spores was critical to the diversification of plants on land, sporogenesis is incompletely characterized for model plants such as Physcomitrium patens. In this study, the complete process of P. patens sporogenesis is detailed from capsule expansion to mature spore formation, with emphasis on the construction of the complex spore wall and proximal aperture. Both diploid (sporophytic) and haploid (spores) cells contribute to the development and maturation of spores. During capsule expansion, the diploid cells of the capsule, including spore mother cells (SMCs), inner capsule wall layer (spore sac), and columella, contribute a locular fibrillar matrix that contains the machinery and nutrients for spore ontogeny. Nascent spores are enclosed in a second matrix that is surrounded by a thin SMC wall and suspended in the locular material. As they expand and separate, a band of exine is produced external to a thin foundation layer of tripartite lamellae. Dense globules assemble evenly throughout the locule, and these are incorporated progressively onto the spore surface to form the perine external to the exine. On the distal spore surface, the intine forms internally, while the spiny perine ornamentation is assembled. The exine is at least partially extrasporal in origin, while the perine is derived exclusively from outside the spore. Across the proximal surface of the polar spores, an aperture begins formation at the onset of spore development and consists of an expanded intine, an annulus, and a central pad with radiating fibers. This complex aperture is elastic and enables the proximal spore surface to cycle between being compressed (concave) and expanded (rounded). In addition to providing a site for water intake and germination, the elastic aperture is likely involved in desiccation tolerance. Based on the current phylogenies, the ancestral plant spore contained an aperture, exine, intine, and perine. The reductive evolution of liverwort and hornwort spores entailed the loss of perine in both groups and the aperture in liverworts. This research serves as the foundation for comparisons with other plant groups and for future studies of the developmental genetics and evolution of spores across plants.

Design and Modeling of Magnetic Power and Signal Transmission Mechanism for Sensors in Nuclear Reactors

Nuclear reactors rely on constant observation from sensors to ensure safe and reliable operation. However, complications can arise due to wire penetrations for power and data transmission. Here, we design and optimize a low-frequency, inductive coupling transmission mechanism to wirelessly transmit power or signals through a test capsule wall. Inductive coupling was chosen because it can withstand the high pressures and temperatures in a nuclear environment. A model in ANSYS Maxwell was created and examined for different geometries and material properties as well as various loading conditions. Factors such as operating frequency, radial size, choice of driving coil, core and shielding material were analyzed using parametric simulations. Primarily, the efficiency of the power transfer was evaluated to determine the best choice for each of these factors in the design. Then, we quantified how the efficiency of the system will change due to the high operating temperature of a reactor through the variation of the core permeability and coil conductivity. Additionally, a physical prototype was manufactured and tested for validation of the simulations. Our results indicate that this is a viable technique to transmit power or signals for sensors in nuclear reactors.

Orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma masquerading as frontal sinus mucoceles: report of two cases

BackgroundTwo cases of orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma masquerading as frontal sinus mucoceles were reported to understand image findings, clinical and histopathologic features of orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma to improve its diagnosis and treatment.Case presentationTwo East Asian patients aged 41 and 27 without personal or familial medical or trauma history presented with the common complaint of proptosis and inferomedial displacement of the eyeballs. The computed tomography (CT) of both cases showed an irregularly shaped, well-defined lesion in the left frontal bone associated with bony erosion. The lesions resulted in the bone absorption of frontal bone and orbital roof, which extended into the superior orbital space. Anterior orbitotomy through subbrow incision by drainage and curettage resulted in a curative outcome. The histopathological examination revealed inflammatory granulation tissues, fibrous capsule wall, cholesterol clefts with altered blood pigments, and calcifications, consistent with the diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma. No recurrence was observed for one year after surgery in one case and three years in the other.ConclusionsWhen the following features are observed: orbital CT exhibits cystic lesion with irregular bone destruction in the superolateral orbit, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depicts lesions are hyperintense signals on T1 weighted images (T1WI), and T2 weighted images (T2WI), and the contrast-enhanced imaging reveals that the most of tumor is showed a non-significant enhancement, orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma should be considered.

X-ray Microtomography Study of Cranium, Pectoral Fin and Girdle, and Weberian Apparatus Development in Juvenile Triplophysa stewarti (Nemacheilidae)

The stone loach genus Triplophysa is a major component of the Tibetan Plateau ichthyofauna, and its taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships are far from resolved. Skeletogeny patterns contain useful phylogenetic signals, but developmental data for Triplophysa are scarce. Here, we present an X-ray microtomography study of the development of the cranium, pectoral fin and girdle, and Weberian apparatus of juvenile Triplophysa stewarti (12–55 mm standard length). We reveal that the smallest juveniles possess a fontanelle and well-developed Weberian ossicles. Furthermore, the development of the cranium, pectoral fin and girdle, and bony capsule of the Weberian apparatus is illustrated, such as the suturation of preethmoid I to prevomer, the reduction of pectoral radials from four to three by fusion of the most internal two. A paired bony capsule fully enclosing the anterior swim bladder room characterizes the Weberian apparatus of nemacheilid and balitorid loaches. Our data demonstrate that the anterior wall of the bony capsule originates from a vertical plate expanded from the descending process 2, which is a homologue to the “anterior plate” in the superfamily Cobitoidea sensu lato, with the exception of Cobitidae. The lateral process 2 separates from this anterior plate. The horizontal process 4 expands anteriorly to meet the anterior wall, and when posteriorly expanded and curved downward, finally fuses with the bottom wall to close the bony capsule. Accelerated or retarded development of the aforementioned skeletal structures will result in differentiated features in Triplophysa and related nemacheilid genera.

Short-term exposure to gossypol causes reversible reproductive toxicity and nephrotoxicity in mice

To study the toxic effects of short-term exposure to gossypol on the testis and kidney in mice and whether these effects are reversible. Twenty 7 to 8-week-old male mice were randomized into blank control group, solvent control group, gossypol treatment group and drug withdrawal group. In the former 3 groups, the mice were subjected to daily intragastric administration of 0.3 mL of purified water, 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution, and 30 mg/mL gossypol solution for 14 days, respectively; In the drug withdrawal group, the mice were treated with gossypol solution in the same manner for 14 days followed by treatment with purified water for another 14 days. After the last administration, the mice were euthanized and tissue samples were collected. The testicular tissue was weighed and observed microscopically with HE and PAS staining; the kidney tissue was stained with HE and examined for mitochondrial ATPase activity. Compared with those in the control group, the mice with gossypol exposure showed reduced testicular seminiferous epithelial cells with rounded seminiferous tubules, enlarged space between the seminiferous tubules, interstitium atrophy of the testis, and incomplete differentiation of the spermatogonia. The gossypol-treated mice also presented with complete, non-elongated spermatids, a large number of cells in the state of round spermatids, and negativity for acrosome PAS reaction; diffuse renal mesangial cell hyperplasia, increased mesangial matrix, and adhesion of the mesangium to the wall of the renal capsule were observed, with significantly shrinkage or even absence of the lumens of the renal capsules and reduced kidney mitochondrial ATPase activity. Compared with the gossypol-treated mice, the mice in the drug withdrawal group showed obvious recovery of morphologies of the testis and the kidney, acrosome PAS reaction and mitochondrial ATPase activity. Shortterm treatment with gossypol can cause reproductive toxicity and nephrotoxicity in mice, but these toxic effects can be reversed after drug withdrawal.

Magnetic-driving giant multilayer polyelectrolyte microcapsules for intelligent enhanced oil recovery

With the worldwide energy crisis breaking out, the global demand for petroleum is increasing tremendously. However, it is still a major challenge to improve oil recovery from oil reservoirs in the petroleum industry. Here, the multilayer giant polyelectrolyte microcapsules (PEM), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate-Fe3O4 @ (polyacrylamine hydrochloride/polystyrene sulfonate)3-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (SFe@(PAH/PSS)3-PND), were prepared through electrostatic self-assembly technique. PND was polymerized from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC). The oil recovery efficiency of the polyelectrolyte microcapsules was all higher than 50 %, and which was significantly increased to over 70 % after heating above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Attributed to the temperature-adjusted intelligent mechanisms of the NIPAM molecular in PND, the contraction of NIPAM molecular chains affected with high temperature, coupled with the reduction of microcapsule volume, led to expansion of the pores in the capsule walls, which significantly increased the permeability of SDBS. Meanwhile, oil droplets combined with SDBS were encapsuled with the hydrophobic PND layer based on hydrophobic interaction, part of which entered into amphiphilic phospholipid core layer. Inspired by cellular cytokinesis, the SFe@ (PAH/PSS)3-PND was capable of intelligently capturing and carrying oil droplets driven with magnetism. The oil recovery efficiency of SFe@ (PAH/PSS)3-PND significantly improved and were all more than 78 % after heating above the LCST With magnetron drive, which is much higher than the traditional method. Hence, this work revealed the novel approaches in potential applications for intelligent enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the petroleum industry.

Effect of pre-existing crystals and melt homogeneity on the decompression-induced crystallization of hydrous rhyodacite magma

Abstract Decompression-induced crystallization is an important process that controls the behavior of volcanic eruptions because it strongly affects magma rheology and degassing behavior in the shallow parts of volcanic conduits. Several decompression experiments have been performed to understand and model the crystallization processes; however, the effect of superheating (i.e., heating above the liquidus temperature for a definite period of time) before decompression has not been elucidated, despite the proposal of its importance in previous cooling experiments. As the superheating influences the number of pre-existing crystals and melt homogeneity, it is expected to control decompression-induced crystallization. In this study, we investigated the effects of pre-existing crystals and melt homogeneity on crystallization during the decompression of rhyodacitic magma at a temperature of 900 °C. The magma studied herein has a liquidus temperature of ~920 °C. Five starting materials were prepared via heating at different super-liquidus temperatures (940, 970, 1050, and 1300 °C) and a sub-liquidus temperature (900 °C) using an internally heated pressure vessel and a cold-seal pressure vessel, respectively. Decompression experiments using these starting materials were conducted from 130 to 30 MPa at decompression rates of 5, 20, and 100 MPa h–1. When the melt was completely homogenized (at 1050 and 1300 °C), no crystals were formed at 100 MPa h–1 and the small amounts of crystals heterogeneously formed along the capsule wall were found at 5 and 20 MPa h–1. At the same decompression rate, the number density of plagioclase formed during decompression increased as the superheating temperature decreased from 970 to 900 °C, despite the higher number densities of pre-existing crystals before decompression in the samples with lower superheating. Such finding indicates that nucleation occurs easily when the number density is initially high. This result is inconsistent with the idea that nucleation occurs when supersaturation is sufficient to overcome the energy barrier for nucleation, and the growth of pre-existing crystals decreases supersaturation. In contrast, the results of our experiments can be explained by considering that higher superheating results in a more homogeneous melt structure with few pre-crystal clusters, which are growth sites, and ultimately the suppression of nucleation. Based on these results, we conclude that pre-existing crystals and melt homogeneity strongly affect the crystal texture formed by decompression. For application to natural systems, the high number density of microlites found in natural samples may be due to heterogeneous nucleation caused by the presence of pre-crystal clusters and other mechanisms. Furthermore, the superheating of magma in a reservoir caused by the injection of high-temperature mafic magma may influence the crystal texture during magma ascent and, hence, control the explosivity of the eruption.

Performance Evaluation and Action Mechanism Analysis of a Controllable Release Nanocapsule Profile Control and Displacement Agent.

With the acceleration in oilfield developments, reservoir advantage channels have been gradually developed. This has led to ineffective circulation in the oilfield injection system and a significant decrease in production. The profile control and displacement technology of low-permeability and heterogeneous reservoirs are in urgent need of updating. In this paper, an intelligent profile control and displacement agent is proposed. The controlled release mechanism and profile control and displacement mechanism is clarified by physical simulation experiments. The profile control agent is a nanocapsule with environmental response and controlled release. The structure of the capsule is a core-shell structure, which is composed of an amphiphilic copolymer AP-g-PNIPAAM and Janus functional particles. The surface chemical stability of the micro/nanocapsule is analyzed by a potentiometric method. The study shows that a temperature at 45 °C causes a potential change in the micro/nanocapsule, indicating that the micro/nanocapsule has a slow release at this temperature. When the temperature is in the range of 40 to 45 °C, the absorbance greatly increases; therefore, it is considered that the capsule wall LCST is about 45 °C. Heating causes the surface contraction of the capsule wall to intensify, the micropores in the capsule wall to increase, the release amount to increase and the release rate per unit time to increase. The release time increases proportionally with the increase in capsule wall thickness. When the release time is the same, an alkaline or acidic environment can improve the release rate of the nanocapsule. The effect of profile control and flooding is evaluated through different differential core models. The research shows that the controlled release micro/nanocapsule has a good environmental response and the internal components can be effectively controlled by adjusting the temperature or pH value. This research has shown that the nanocapsules have good application prospects in low-permeability heterogeneous reservoirs.

Impact of Yak Butter Addition on the Performance of Microcapsule: Physical Properties and Digested Behavior.

In this research, yak butter (YB) microcapsule with different YB addition was successfully prepared by using maltodextrin/whey protein isolate/sodium caseinate as main wall materials. The microstructures, microencapsulation efficiency and possible sacculation mechanism was then analyzed. The in vitro intestinal digested behavior of the microcapsules affected by bile salts was monitored and investigated in details. The results indicated that microcapsules were hollow spheres with entrapped YB located in the wall materials. Higher YB addition resulted in inhomogeneous larger particles with decreased membrane thickness. H-bonding interactions between protein and carbohydrate ensured the integrity of the capsule wall. The in vitro digestion results suggested that the concentration of bile salts had significant impacts on the digestion behavior of microcapsules. The present of bile salts was necessary for pancreatin hydrolysis of wall material. Hydrolysis of pancreatin, emulsification of bile salt and its positive effect for pancreatin hydrolysis all happened during the digestion and affected the digested behavior in the end. This research would provide valuable information for the bioavailability of microcapsule in human gastrointestinal systems.

Preparation and Performance of Microencapsulated Sealing Material for Coal Mine Gas Drainage.

The performance of coal mine gas extraction borehole sealing material plays an essential role in the efficiency of gas extraction. Microcapsule technology was proposed to delay the expansion time of sealing materials to address the ineffective expansion of cement-based sealing materials in hydration. Based on conventional cement-based sealing materials, delayed-expansion microcapsules were prepared by phase separation with ethyl cellulose (EC) as the capsule wall material and montmorillonite (MMT) as the core material. A single-factor experiment showed that the delayed-expansion microcapsule had the best comprehensive effect when the EC content was 3%, the stirring rate was 400 rpm, the MMT content was 3.5%, and the core-wall ratio (CWR) was 10:3. Second, the slow release effect of the cement samples under the action of microcapsules is remarkable through physical tests. In addition, the triaxial compression test results show better mechanical properties of the delayed-expansion sealing materials. Then, nuclear magnetic resonance scanning was applied to the coal samples injected with different sealing materials. It was found that the proportions of macropores and mesopores in the total pore volume in the coal sample at 50 and 100 mm from the borehole wall decreased by 12.28 and 11.82%, respectively, indicating that the delayed-expansion sealing material has a better sealing effect.

MICROENCAPSULATION: A REVIEW

Microencapsulation is a technique by which thin coatings of wall material are formed around the substances which may be solids, liquids or even gases, enclosed in microscopic particles. Microencapsulated products (micro particles) are the small entities that have an active agent know as the core material surrounded by a shell known as the coating material or embedded into a matrix structure. Several properties can be attained by macro packaging techniques; however, the uniqueness of microencapsulation is the smallness of the coated particles and their subsequent use and adaptation to a wide variety of dosage forms and not has been technically feasible. The reasons for microencapsulation are countless. Microencapsulation system offers potential advantages over conventional drug delivery systems and also established as unique carrier systems for many pharmaceuticals. Although significant advances have been made in the field of microencapsulation, still many challenges need to be rectified during the appropriate selection of core materials, coating materials and process techniques. The review covers encapsulation materials, coating material, classification of microcapsules, physics of release through the capsule wall and/or desorption from carrier, techniques of preparation, characterization/evaluation of microspheres many uses to which microcapsules are put.

Capsules with bacteria and fungi in distinct compartments: A platform for studying microbes from different kingdoms and their cross-communication.

Recently, we have created 'artificial cells' with an architecture mimicking that of typical eukaryotic cells. Our design uses common biopolymers like alginate and chitosan to create multi-compartment capsules (MCCs) via oil-free microfluidics. MCCs (~ 500 μm in diameter) can be engineered with multiple inner compartments, each with a distinct payload. This mimics the distinct organelles in eukaryotic cells, each of which has unique properties. In this study, we encapsulate microbial cells from two distinct kingdoms - Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacteria) and Candida albicans (fungi) - in the inner compartments of MCCs. The two microbes are commonly found in biofilms at sites of infection in humans. We first demonstrate that the MCC can serve as a simple platform to observe the comparative growth of the cells in real time. Unlike typical co-culture in solution or on agar plates, the cells can grow in their own compartments without direct physical contact. Moreover, the hydrogel matrix in the compartments mimics the three-dimensional (3-D) environment that cells naturally encounter during their growth. Small molecules added to the solution are shown to permeate through the capsule walls and affect cell growth: for example, cationic surfactants inhibit the fungi but not the bacteria. Conversely, low pH and kanamycin inhibit the bacteria but not the fungi. Also, when the bacteria are present in adjacent compartments, the fungal cells mostly stay in a yeast morphology, meaning as spheroidal cells. In contrast, in the absence of the bacteria, the fungi transition into hyphae, i.e., long multicellular filaments. The inhibition of this morphological switch in fungal cells is shown to be induced by signaling molecules (specifically, the quorum sensing autoinducer-1 or AI-1) secreted by the bacteria. Thus, the MCC platform can also be used to detect cross-kingdom signaling between the compartmentalized microbes.

Benzotriazole corrosion inhibitor loaded nanocontainer based on g-C3N4 and hollow polyaniline spheres towards enhancing anticorrosion performance of waterborne epoxy coatings

Multi-dimensional composite nanocontainers provided an opportunity to prolong the service life of waterborne self-healing coatings through combining intelligent protection with physical barrier. Herein, we constructed a benzotriazole (BTA) corrosion inhibitor loaded nanocontainer with barrier/controlled release/corrosion inhibition properties by assembling graphitic (g)-C3N4 lamella, hollow polyaniline capsule and outer polydopamine wall. Hollow polyaniline and g-C3N4 lamella with adsorption properties provide effective space and sites for loading BTA corrosion inhibitor. Outer polydopamine wall can not only realize the controlled release of corrosion inhibitor, but also ensure the good compatibility between the composite container and the water-based epoxy resin. In addition, polydopamine (PDA) and polyaniline (PANI) as a container frame can also serve as active inhibitors after the release of corrosion inhibitor to enhance the self-healing protection effect of waterborne coatings. In comparative evaluation, the composite coatings containing BTA-loaded nanocontainers (0.5 wt.%) exhibit obviously physical barrier effect after soaking in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 40 days, and maintains good protective performance after immersion for 80 days. Meanwhile, the artificial scratch experiment verified the effective self-repair protection of the composite container to the coating under the condition of damage. To be sure, it will provide an effective improvement idea for the long-term application of waterborne epoxy coating in marine environment.

Effectiveness of coal mine dust control: A new technique for preparation and efficacy of self-adaptive microcapsule suppressant

This study aims to make full use of the agricultural waste peanut shells to lower material costs and achieve cleaner production at the same time. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) extracted from peanut shells were mixed with acrylic acid (AA) and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) to prepare a new type of capsule core (dust suppressant). Then, the self-adaptive AA-DM-CNF/CA microcapsules were prepared under the action of calcium alginate. The infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis results suggest that AA, DMDAAC and CNF have experienced graft copolymerization which leads to the formation of an amorphous structure. The scanning electron microscopy analysis results demonstrate that the internal dust suppressant can expand and break the wall after absorbing water, featuring a self-adaptive function. Meanwhile, the laser particle size analysis results show that the microcapsules, inside which the encapsulated dust suppressant can be observed clearly, maintain a good shape. The product performance experimental results reveal that the capsule core and the capsule wall achieve synergistic dust suppression, thus lengthening the dust suppression time. The product boasts good dust suppression, weather resistance, degradation and synergistic combustion performances. Moreover, this study, as the first report on the development and analysis of dust-suppressing microcapsules, fills in the research gap on the reaction mechanism between dust-suppressing microcapsules and coal by MS simulation. The proposed AA-DM-CNF/CA dust-suppressing microcapsules can effectively lower the dust concentration in the space and protect the physical and mental health of coal workers. In general, this research provides a new insight into the structure control and performance enhancement of dust suppressants. Expanding the application range of microcapsules is of crucial economic and social benefits.

Technology of production process and encapsulation fruit and berry concentrates

The article presents 2 methods for making concentrates from fruits and berries, which were later used as a filler for alginate capsules. The results of the physicochemical parameters of the obtained concentrates are presented. Of the 15 options for the formulations of fruit and berry concentrates - capsule fillers, 11 formulations were selected, which were divided into categories "up to 7 years" and "7 +" depending on their composition. Under laboratory conditions, the technological regime for the manufacture of alginate capsules by the drop method was worked out. As a result of the single-factor experiment, it was revealed that from the moment a drop of about 6 mm in size is immersed to the formation of a capsule wall with a thickness of about 2.3 mm, 2 minutes are needed in the given experiment parameters: the concentration of alginate in the filler solution is 1 %, the Ph of the filler is 4.2, the concentration of calcium salt, where the drops are immersed to form a sphere - 1 %, the size of the drop is 6 mm, the thickness of the capsules is not less than 2 mm and not more than 2.5 mm. To prevent the process of gelation, it is necessary to heat the spheres in a bath of water at 85 °C for 10 minutes. With such a manipulation, the gelification process stops, and the center of the sphere remains liquid. Prototypes have been developed that are stable if, during storage, they are immersed in a neutral medium of the filler. Based on the results of a sensory assessment of the quality and texture of yogurt from sheep and goat milk mixed with capsules according to M. Bourne, it can be concluded that mixing the homogeneous structure of yogurt with capsules has a positive effect on the taste range, the product acquires a new look and taste, while not losing its quality.

Carbon assimilation and distribution in cotton photosynthetic organs is a limiting factor affecting boll weight formation under drought.

Previous studies have documented cotton boll weight reductions under drought, but the relative importance of the subtending leaf, bracts and capsule wall in driving drought-induced reductions in boll mass has received limited attention. To investigate the role of carbon metabolism in driving organ-specific differences in contribution to boll weight formation, under drought conditions. Controlled experiments were carried out under soil relative water content (SRWC) (75 ± 5)% (well-watered conditions, control), (60 ± 5)% (moderate drought) and (45 ± 5)% (severe drought) in 2018 and 2019 with two cultivars Yuzaomian 9110 and Dexiamian 1. Under severe drought, the decreases of photosynthetic rate (Pn) and carbon isotope composition (δ13C) were observed in the subtending leaf, bract and capsule wall, suggesting that carbon assimilation of three organs was restricted and the limitation was most pronounced in the subtending leaf. Changes in the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SuSy), invertases as well as the reduction in expression of sucrose transporter (GhSUT1) led to variabilities in the sucrose content of three organs. Moreover, photosynthate distribution from subtending leaf to seeds plus fibers (the components of boll weight) was significantly restricted and the photosynthetic contribution rate of subtending leaf to boll weight was decreased, while contributions of bracts and capsule wall were increased by drought. This, in conjunction with the observed decreases in boll weight, indicated that the subtending leaf was the most sensitive photosynthetic organ to drought and was a dominant driver of boll weight loss under drought. Therefore, the subtending leaf governs boll weight loss under drought due to limitations in carbon assimilation, perturbations in sucrose metabolism and inhibition of sucrose transport.

UV-R mitigation strategies in encapsulated embryos of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon: A way to compensate for lack of parental care

Intracapsular embryonic development in the intertidal zone exposes embryos to various stress sources characteristic of this environment, including UV-R. They require defensive mechanisms to mitigate its adverse effects. The presence of total carotenoids (TC), and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) was studied in adults, in encapsulated embryos, and in the egg capsule walls of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon. Oxygen consumption rates (OCR) were determined in encapsulated and excapsulated embryos exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and PAR + UV-A + UV-B to understand if the capsule wall is a protective structure for encapsulated embryos. The results showed the presence of TC in adult pedal and gonad tissues, and in all encapsulated stages. MAAs were not detected. The physical structure of the capsule wall retained most wavelengths, being particularly efficient in the UV-B range. Excapsulated embryos exposed to PAR + UV-A + UV-B radiation increased its OCR compared to encapsulated embryos, indicating the protective character of the capsule wall.

An environmental-friendly oil-based dust suppression microcapsules: Structure with chitosan derivative as capsule wall

In this study, environmentally friendly microcapsules with chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) and sodium alginate (SA) shells and rapeseed oil cores were used to harmlessly reduce the dangers of open pit coal mine dust to coal miners. Due to the electrostatic attraction between -NH3+ of HACC and -COOH- of SA, the complex coacervation method was used to coat the rapeseed oil core material to prepare a type of oil-based dust suppression microcapsules. Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed that the microcapsules had a spherical structure, smooth surface without holes, core-shell structure, and sustained release properties. Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that HACC and SA were electrostatically attracted to form a kind of "eggshell" structure-coated core material. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the microencapsulated rapeseed oil had good thermal stability. Performance tests showed that rapeseed oil adheres well to the dust, the shell material and the dust form a strong solid layer, and the core and shell materials work synergistically to suppress coal dust. The dust suppression rate reached up to 91.98 %. In addition, the dust suppression microcapsules have good water retention performance and degradability, which can reduce the harm to the environment.