Cauliflower Shape Research Articles

Influence of Crystallographic Texture on the Corrosion Product Morphology and Corrosion Rate of AZ31 Plate in Simulated Body Fluid

This paper investigates the effect of crystallographic texture on the corrosion product morphology and corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy after immersion in simulated body fluid for 3 days. The microstructure and macrotexture analyses are performed through optical microscopy and x-ray diffraction methods, respectively. The polarization test evaluated the corrosion, and the FESEM electron microscope equipped with EDS was used to investigate the morphology of the corrosion products. According to the results, the morphology of calcium phosphate deposit as a corrosion product at the surface with basal texture was a porous cauliflower shape. In contrast, the calcium phosphate deposit at the surface of the nonbasal texture was uniform and nanoworm-like. The corrosion rate at the basal texture surface was higher than the nonbasal one, which is attributed to the difference in the morphology of calcium phosphate film.

Realization of improved Hackee’s quality factor and photo degradation efficiency of cauliflower shape nanostructured CdO thin films through Cs doping

Cauliflower shape nanostructured Cs-doped CdO (CdO:Cs) thin films were grown using perfume atomizer. A strong (1 1 1) preferential orientation is noticed for the cubic structured CdO:Cs thin films. Surface morphology of CdO was strongly influenced with Cs doping. All the doped films exhibit better transparency than pure CdO. With Cs doping, the absorption edge seems to shift towards lower wave lengths (i.e. higher energies). The 2 wt.% Cs-doped CdO thin film exhibits a minimum resistivity of 0.95 × 10−3 Ω-cm. Increased Hackee’s quality factor realized with Cs doping confirms that the CdO:Cs thin films are well suited for optoelectronic devices especially as transparent electrodes. A maximum photo degradation efficiency of 86.9 % was realized for the 2 wt.% Cs-doped CdO thin film against malachite green under visible light.

Morphological Variability of Submarine Mass Movements in the Tectonically–Controlled Calabro–Tyrrhenian Continental Margin (Southern Italy)

The analysis of high resolution morpho–bathymetric data on the Calabro Tyrrhenian continental margin (Southern Italy) enabled us to identify several morphological features originated by mass–wasting processes, including shallow gullies, shelf–indenting canyons and landslides. Specifically, we focus our attention on submarine landslides occurring from the coast down to −1700 m and affecting variable areas from thousands of square meters up to few tens of square kilometers. These landslides also show a large variability of geomorphic features which seems strictly related to the physiographic/morphological domains where the landslide formed. Tectonically–controlled scarps and canyon flanks are typically characterized by several coalescent and nested landslides, with diameters ranging from hundreds to a few thousands of meters. Canyon headwalls are commonly characterized by a cauliflower shape due to an array of small (diameters of tens of meters) and coalescent scars. In all these sectors, disintegrative–like landslides dominate and are generally characterized by a marked retrogressive evolution, as demonstrated by their morphology and comparison of repeated bathymetric surveys at the canyon headwall. Only in the lower part of tectonically–controlled scarps, a few cohesive–like and isolated landslides are present, indicating the main role of slope gradients and height drop in controlling the post–failure behavior of the mobilized material. Open slopes are generally characterized by large–scale (diameters of thousands of meters) and isolated scars, with associated landslide deposits. A peculiar case is represented by the Capo Vaticano Scar Complex that affected an area of about 18 km2 and is characterized by an impressive variability of landslide morphologies, varying also at short distance. The large extent and variability of such scar complex are thought to be associated with the occurrence of a mixed contouritic–turbidite system. By integrating the high–resolution morpho–bathymetric dataset with the results of previous studies, we discuss the main factors controlling the variability in size and morphology of submarine landslides developed in a tectonically–controlled setting and provide preliminary considerations on their potential geohazard in a densely populated coastal area.

Osteochondroma of the First Phalanx in Tbourida Horses.

This study aimed at describing anatomo-histopathological and imaging features, using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on six ex vivo forelimbs of Tbourida horses, that presented a particular bone exostosis on the dorsal and proximal part of the first phalanx, diagnosed by X-ray. Gross anatomy of the bone exostosis revealed an irregular surface with poly-lobulated tissue masses showing a cauliflower shape. The diameter/depth varied from 0.5 to 5.1 cm with a mean of 3.9 ± 0.9 cm. The capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint was hypertrophic and showed many invaginations in the inner part, in contact with the bone exostosis. Computed tomography revealed cortical and medullary continuity of the bone exostosis, with the underlying bone, and remodeling of the cortical surface of the dorsal and proximal part of the first phalanx. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an increased signal intensity of the bone exostosis on the T1- and T2*-weighted gradient fast echo. Histological examination of the bone exostosis revealed a cap of hyaline cartilage, including large foci of endochondral ossification with a base of cancellous bone surrounding marrow spaces, which confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma. The capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint showed a large amount of recently formed connective tissue fibers in its inner part, interspersed with mature connective tissue. The hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint during a Tbourida show, which occurs on a hard ground surface, and the use of hobbles in horse stabling are most likely responsible for the outgrowth of an osteochondroma of different shapes and sizes, and fracture complications in some cases.

Effects of Nd, Al Doping on the Structure and Properties of BiFeO3

The BiFeO3(BFO) and Bi0.95Nd0.05Fe1-xAlxO3 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1) powders were prepared at 200 °C for 24 h by hydrothermal method. The effects of Al doping content on the structure, morphology, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) demonstrated the compounds are distorted rhombohedral perovskite structure without any other heterogeneity and structural transition. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) reflected surface of compounds is a dense, agglomerated sphere. As the concentration of Al3+ increases, a small part of the spherical crystallites eventually becomes cauliflower shape. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) showed the Bi0.95Nd0.05Fe0.95Al0.05O3 sample mainly consists of five elements (Bi, Fe, O, Nd, Al) and atom radio matched well with the formula. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) integrated in a physical property measurement system (PPMS-9) illustrated introducing Nd3+ ions into BFO will enhance its magnetism at room temperature. However, with the increase of non-magnetic ion Al3+ concentration in Bi0.95Nd0.05Fe1-xAlxO3 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1), the network structure of Fe-O-Fe was destroyed, which led to the decrease of its net magnetization, so that the hysteresis loop shows paramagnetism. The photocatalytic performance of BFO increased initially and decreased afterwards as Al3+ concentration increased, and the best catalytic performance was achieved at x = 0.05.

Aqueous leaf extracts of Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Mayan chaya) cultivated in Yucatán México. Part II: Uses for the phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles

HypothesisRecently proposed alternatives for synthesizing silver nanoparticles involve the use of extracellular extracts of different plants in which the obtained particles show similar or improved characteristics with respect to particles obtained using more conventional methods. On this basis, this paper proposes the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) of silver (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts from the leaves of Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh (Mayan chaya or tree spinach). ExperimentTen aqueous extracts from chaya leaves were prepared, varying the proportion of the mass in the extracts (% m/V): 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.5%, 7.5% and 10.0%. Each of the extracts was used as a reducing agent in the green synthesis of AgNPs, using silver nitrate as a precursor salt at an initial concentration of 1.34 mM. The synthesized particles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light dispersion (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. FindingThe non-purified silver particles synthesized with the aqueous chaya extracts were larger than 100 nm. When the extract concentration was increased particles with a different size and shape were obtained, due to variations in the antioxidant capacity of the different extracts. Starting with the 2.0% extract, agglomerated silver particles organized in a cauliflower shape were obtained, with an average size between 264.5 ± 2.42 and 4610 ± 17 nm. After the silver particles were purified, in all cases spherical AgNPs measuring <50 nm were obtained.

Left Atrial Appendage Parameters Assessed by Real-Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Predict Thromboembolic Risk in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

In nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients, the effect of left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology, structure, and hemodynamic characteristics evaluated by real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) on thromboembolic risk has not been elucidated. A total of 444 NVAF patients who underwent clinically indicated RT3D-TEE were enrolled in the study. The orifice size, orifice area, depth, and volume measurements of the LAA were assessed using Philips QLAB 9.0. The LAA characteristics were compared among different CHA2 DS2 -VASc thromboembolic risk subgroups, as well as between the thromboembolic event and nonevent groups. The orifice size, orifice area, and end-diastolic volumes of the LAA were increased with an increasing CHA2 DS2 -VASc risk score in the NVAF patients, whereas the emptying rate was decreased. The NVAF patients with LAA thrombus exhibited a significantly increased end-diastolic volume (7.39 ± 3.47 versus 5.21 ± 2.59 mL, P = .003) and higher prevalence of the cauliflower shaped LAA (64.3% versus 25%, P = .004) compared with those without thrombus. Logistic regression indicated that the LAA end-diastolic volume (P = .002; odds ratio 1.556; 95% confidence interval 1.176-2.057) and cauliflower shape (P = .001; odds ratio, 10.177; 95% confidence interval, 2.458-42.140) were independent predictors of thromboembolic events in patients with NVAF following adjustment for the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score. The LAA end-diastolic volume and cauliflower phenotype predict thromboembolic events independent of the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, and these data improve stroke prediction in NVAF patients.

Nanoscale structure of submicron-thick sputter-deposited Pd films: Effect of the adatoms diffusivity by the film-substrate interaction

Pd films were deposited, at room temperature, on Ti and SiO2 substrates by normal (0°) and oblique (36° and 48°) incidence sputtering processes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the surface and cross morphology of the Pd films so to study the effect of the Pd adatoms surface diffusivity on the films nanostructure. In fact, even if the low homologous temperature (0.17) prescribes that the Pd film grows on both substrates in the Zone I of the structure zone model, some differences are observed: in normal incidence condition, the Pd film on the Ti substrate was found to be formed by tapered grains, while on the SiO2 substrate the Pd film exhibited a columnar morphology with the columns showing a cauliflower shape. Also in the oblique deposition configurations, notable differences in the nanoscale morphology of the Pd films grown in the same conditions are observed on the basis of the supporting substrate. These data suggest that, during depositions, the Pd adatoms diffusivity on the substrate, as determined by the film-substrate interaction both in normal and oblique deposition conditions, is crucial in determining the final film nanostructure. This aspect is semi-quantitatively discussed on the basis of the adsorption energy of the Pd atoms on Ti (0.69eV) and on SiO2 (0.27eV).

Prominent electrocatalytic methanol oxidation from cauli-flower shape gold with high-index facets

Nano-sized gold has been recognized as a potential catalyst in methanol fuel cells for both low cost and no formation of poisoning species compared with Pt. Previous techniques to prepare highly effective pure gold catalysts for methanol fuel cells are dealloying, which needs stern conditions. In this paper, cauli-flower shape gold nanoparticles with exposed high-index facets were obtained by a mild hydrothermal method. During the reaction process, sodium dodecyl sulfonate selectively protected high-index facets of gold, and H2O2 kept etching low-index ones and growing new ones at the same time. A possible growth mechanism for high-index facets was proposed. The as-prepared gold nanoparticles were employed as electrocatalysts in the methanol oxidation. The results show enhanced anode current of 1249.8 μA cm−2 at 0.18 V in solutions with 0.5 M KOH and 1.0 M CH3OH, which is 10.68-fold larger than the previous reported value based on nanoporous gold catalysts. The preparation method of cauli-flower shape gold was easy to be operated and controlled, which is also universal in the synthesis of other materials with high-index facets.

Synthesis and characterization of copper (Cu)/sulfur (S) co-doped anatase TiO2 via sol–gel method and photo degradation efficiency

A copper and sulfur co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by modified sol–gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide, copper sulfate (Cu2SO4·5H2O), and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) as precursors. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray micro-analysis (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared analysis, UV–visible analysis (UV–Vis), Photoluminescence analysis, and atomic force microscopy. The XRD results showed undoped and Cu/S-co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles only include anatase phase. The SEM analysis revealed the doping of Cu and S nano particles are highly agglomerated like cauliflower shape. The increase of copper and sulfur doping enhanced red-shift in the UV–vis absorption spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples was tested for degradation of Rhodamine B solutions. The results showed photocatalytic activity of the catalysts with 0.2 % Cu, 0.2 % S (1:1) on TiO2 were higher than that of other catalysts under ultraviolet irradiation. The Cu/S co-doped TiO2 catalyst has higher photocatalytic efficiency than undoped TiO2 catalyst.

Ultrasound diagnosis in inverted papilloma of the bladder

Objective To explore the ultrasound findings of inverted papilloma of the bladder (IPB).Methods The clinical manifestation,cystoscopy examination,intraoperative observation and ultrasonographic imaging of 24 patients with IPB,which were confirmed by surgery and pathology examination,were analyzed retrospectively.Results 24 patients underwent ultrasound examination and 24 tumors were found.The maximum diameter of tumors were from 1.0 cm to 3.4 cm:1.0-2.0 cm (n =17),2.0-3.4 cm (n =7).Tumors were papillary (n =17) or cauliflower shape (n =7),6 cases had pedicles and none in 18 cases,2 cases swung in the bladder cavity.Tumors were slight hyperecho (n =14) or highlevel echo (n =10),and could be divided into three types:homogenous internal echoes (n =14),inhomogenous internal echoes with punctiform hyperecho in brim or internal part (n =7),inhomogenous internal echoes with peripheral hyperecho and hypoecho in internal part (n =3).Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed that there were no blood flow signal in 17 cases,punctiform blood flow signal in 4cases,point and strip blood flow signal or strip blood flow signal in 3 cases.Local bladder walls were continuous and there were no attenuation behind the tumors.The onset position were:triangular area (n =6),left posterior wall (n =5),internal urethral orifice (n =4),right lateral wall (n =3),right posterior wall (n =3),posterior wall (n =2),left lateral wall (n =1).5 cases were misdiagnosed as bladder carcinoma,and 17 cases were considered as solid tumors,and only 1 case was diagnosed as papilloma,and 1 case was considered as benign lesion.Conclusions The representative ultrasonographic imaging of IPB are mostly single,pedunculated,papillary or cauliflower shape with smooth surface,neck and trigone of bladder are the most risk position.Color Doppler ultrasonography can be used as the important screening process for IPB. Key words: Ultrasonography; Urinary bladder neoplasms; Papilloma,inverted

Annealing of Electrodeposited Cu(In,Ga)Se_2 Thin Films Under Se Gas Atmosphere

Cu(In, Ga) (CIGS) precursor films were electrodeposited on Mo/glass substrates in acidic solutions containing , , , and ions at -0.6 V (SCE) and pH. 1.8. In order to induce recrystallization, the electrodeposited (25.0 at.% Cu + 20.2 at.% In + 2.2 at.% Ga + 52.0 at.% Se) precursor films were annealed under a high Se gas atmosphere for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min, respectively, at . The Se amount in the film increased from 52 at.% to 62 at.%, whereas the In amount in the film decreased from 20.8 at.% to 9.1 at.% as the annealing time increased from 0 (asdeposited state) to 60 min. These results were attributed to the Se introduced from the furnace atmosphere and reacted with the In present in the precursor films, resulting in the formation of the volatile . CIGS precursor grains with a cauliflower shape grew as larger grains with the and/or faceted phases as the annealing times increased. These faceted phases resulted in rough surface morphologies of the CIGS films. Furthermore, the CIGS layers were not dense because the empty spaces between the grains were not removed via annealing. Uniform thicknesses of the layers occurred at the 45 and 60 min annealing time. This implies that there was a stable reaction between the Mo back electrode and the Se diffused through the CIGS film. The results obtained in the present research were sufficiently different from comparable studies where the recrystallization annealing was performed under an atmosphere of Ar gas only or a low Se gas pressure.

Effect of component’s geometry on the plasma nitriding behavior of AISI 4340 steel

The main aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the sample geometry on properties of the conventional plasma nitrided (CPN) and active screen plasma nitrided (ASPN) steel. Sample assemblies consisting of rectangular grooved steel blocks with different groove dimensions of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ( W) × 40 ( H) × 20 ( L) mm 3 and AISI 4340 steel plates (substrates) with dimensions of 10 × 40 × 60 mm 3, to serve as groove cover, were prepared. The sample assemblies were conventional and active screen plasma nitrided under the gas mixture of 75%N 2 + 25%H 2, at temperatures of 500 °C and 540 °C, pressure of 4 torr, for 5 h. Properties of the nitrided substrates were investigated by evaluating compound layer thickness, case depth, phase composition and hardness profile. Results of the experiments showed that the thickness of the compound layer, hardness and nitrided case depth increased with increasing the width of the groove for both methods. Also, in each sample, nitrogen atoms penetrated more deeply in the regions of the groove closer to the edge. Hallow cathode effect occurred at the sample with 2 mm width groove, in the CPN method, leading to the overheating of the sample. In ASPN, the hardness and the nitrided case depth are lower in comparison with CPN. The surface morphology of the CPN treated samples consists of cauliflower shape surface nitrides while the surface of the AS plasma nitrided samples are covered by the hexagonal particles with uniform distribution.

Morphological and cultural characterization of some strains of unicellular algae of the genus Prototheca sampled from mastitic cow milk.

Prototheca is a unicellular, achlorophillous, ubiquitary and saprophytic alga spread in the surrounding environment mostly in vastly damp locations in the presence of the organic matters. This is deemed to be pathogenic to a low degree, taking immediate advantage of the environment and triggering diseases at a time when the immunological capability of defense of the organisms is low or, when favorable factors come about. Prototheca is capable to induce disease in man as well as in several other animal species. Twenty strains of Prototheca sp, were sampled from cows with mastitis. The strains are characterized morphologically and developmentally on various culture media: glucose media (broth and agar), blood agar, potato medium, glucose medium of various pH values, medium containing antibiotics, Mac Conkey agar, Smith Baskerville medium (without antibiotics), and engine-oil medium. Growth took place within conditions of aerobic at 37 C and the culture became visible within 36-48 hours. On liquid media there has been noticed that the medium keeps settled and the tube bottom shelters granular drags, that lend to slight homogenization. On solid media the colonies become visible within 36-48 hours. By continuing to maintain them at room temperature, they increase in size. First, they are small, irregular in shape resembling ice crystals reflecting shiny irisations. With lapse of time, they increase in size reaching 3-5 mm, displaying pale-white colour. They also increase in height and the surface takes a mulberry or cauliflower shape. Morphological assessment was carried out on wet smear in Lol solution or in thinned staining solutions (methylene blue, malachite green, Congo red or fuchsine), allowing for good differentiation in the inner structures. The prevailig shape of Prototheca is that of an egg, seldom round or, that of a kidney with variation in size between 9.5/10.5?m up to 27.5/30.4?m. With some cells 6 to 8 endospores were noticed. Based on morphological and cultural characters there was set down that the strains under surveillance belonged to the species of Prototheca zopfii.

Comparison of conventional and active screen plasma nitriding of hard chromium electroplated steel

This paper considers the nitriding behavior of hard chromium electroplated steel by conventional plasma nitriding (CPN) and active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) methods. Indentation test along the cross-section of the treated samples reveals that duplex treatment performed by two methods exhibits almost the same hardnesses. Furthermore, an increase in the time of plasma nitriding from 5 h to 10 h restores 30% of the hardness decline. Morphological studies show that surface particles formed on active screen plasma nitrided samples have orderly formed geometrical shapes while in conventional plasma nitriding they are in cauliflower shape. The reason for reaction between chromium and nitrogen seems to be the difference between thermal expansion coefficient of chromium oxide, chromium and steel substrate which results in partial breakdown of the oxide film. Moreover, the reducing of chromium oxide by hydrogen promotes the process. It looks as if nitriding treatment changes the corrosion behavior of the chromium coating from severe localized to uniform corrosion. Also active screen plasma nitriding treatment lowers the anodic dissolution 50–100 orders of magnitude which would be the result of full closure of surface microcracks.

Proteic composition of corpora amylacea in the bovine mammary gland

Histochemical studies of mammary gland sections obtained from healthy lactating Prim'Holstein cows contained numerous corpora amylacea, mainly located in active alveoli. Observations by electron microscopy revealed a cauliflower shape, with a fibrillar or multilayered organization. Mineral studies confirmed the presence of high calcium levels (12.3% of dry matter) and phosphorus (7.4%) in the corpora amylacea composition. These bodies stained positive to Von Kossa silver nitrate and to Periodic acid-Schiff. However, depending on the gland of origin, corpora amylacea stained positive or negative to Congo red. Histochemical studies seemed, therefore, insufficient to determine the presence or absence of amyloid. The amount of total protein varied by approximately 25%. Immunoblotting and analysis of the amino acid sequence of a peptidic fragment obtained from corpora amylacea gave clear evidence of the occurrence of caseins, β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin. However, the comparison between the amino acid composition of corpora amylacea and those of the main milk proteins indicated the presence of other proteins. Electrophoretic analysis also gave evidence of the presence of several other proteins, i.e. glycoproteins. Therefore, it is probable that corpora amylacea composition is much more complex than previously reported.

Morphometric Study of Cauliflower Collagen Fibrils in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type I

The abnormal cauliflower collagen fibrils present in skin of patients with Ehlers-Danlostype I were studied by electron microscopy and computerized image analysis. The size control of the few fibrils displaying a cauliflower shape is apparently lost, eventuating in an increased amount of collagen polymers constitutive of these fibrils. This situation is fundamentally different from that occuring in dermatosparaxis, an animal disease considered as a model for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.