Volume Expansion Research Articles

Temporal Separation of Red and Blue Photons Does Not Increase Photon Capture or Yield of Lettuce

Temporal separation of red (R) and blue (B) (alternating R/B) photons has been reported to increase leaf area, photon capture, and yield of lettuce compared with delivering both colors together (concurrent R+B). We grew three diverse lettuce cultivars (Grand Rapids, Rex, and Red Sails) under concurrent R+B photons (9/1 ratio) and alternating R/B photons (9/1 ratio) under an equal daily light integral (DLI) of either 8.6 or 23 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1. Contrary to five previous studies, we found no increase in either leaf area or fresh mass and dry mass in any of the alternating R/B photon treatments compared with concurrent R+B photons. In fact, at a DLI at 8.6 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1, alternating R/B photons decreased the dry mass of ‘Grand Rapids’ and ‘Rex’ lettuce by 38% and 17%, respectively. Two previous studies reported that photosynthetic rates increased with alternating R/B photons; however, we found that the net assimilation rate was generally decreased by alternating R/B photons. An analysis of images obtained from automated digital photography revealed that the relative expansion rate of leaves was 61% higher during intervals of pure B rather than intervals of pure R photons at the same photosynthetic photon flux density; however, this did not result in a higher leaf area compared with concurrent R+B photons. Overall, our studies do not indicate that alternating R/B photons increase lettuce leaf area or yield compared with concurrent R+B photons.

Study on the Applicability of Autothermic Pyrolysis In Situ Conversion Process for Low-Grade Oil Shale: A Case Study of Tongchuan, Ordos Basin, China

The feasibility of the autothermic pyrolysis in situ conversion (ATS) process for low-grade oil shale (OS) has not been determined. In this research, the pyrolysis and combustion properties of Tongchuan OS, with a 4.04% oil yield, were systematically analyzed. The findings revealed that temperatures between 350 and 425 °C favored oil production, while temperatures from 450 to 520 °C resulted in a higher rate of gaseous generation. At 300 °C, the volume expansion and ignition coking caused by the large amount of bitumen generated resulted in severe pore plugging, which significantly increased the combustion activation energy of the residue, while the presence of substantial flammable bitumen also significantly decreased the ignition and combustion temperatures. From 300 to 520 °C, the combustion performance of residue decreases continuously. In addition, pyrolysis residues of Tongchuan exhibited a slightly higher calorific value, between 425 and 520 °C, owing to its higher fixed carbon content (10.79%). Based on the ideal temperature screening method outlined for Tongchuan OS, the recommended preheating temperature for Tongchuan OS was 425 °C, while the optimum temperature for the retorting zone should be 510 °C, considering a heat utilization rate of 40%. These findings contribute valuable insights for the application of the ATS process to low-grade OS.

What drives the heterogeneous interdiffusion in the Li-Si interfacial region of Si anodes: the Li flux or the Si flux?

The electrochemical reaction in silicon (Si) electrode, accompanying with tremendous volume expansion, causes rapid capacity fade of Li-ion batteries. The Li-ion concentration gradient and structural distribution uniformity influence the inhomogeneous expansion, and the kinetic mechanism of lithiation and interfacial morphology evolvement remains debated. The present study focuses on the dynamics of Li-Si interdiffusion at Si/Li interfaces with various Si-facet orientations and phases using a machine-learning potential. We find that the Si flux from bulk Si to Li-Si interface regions controls the length of Li-Si interdiffusion region. The lithiation length in different Si/Li interface systems exhibits the order of amorphous-Si > crystalline-Si(110) > crystalline-Si(100) > crystalline-Si(111), which agrees with the experimental trend. Our atomic simulations further reveal that the key factor determining the Li-Si interdiffusion is the difference of on-site Si atomic energies between the bulk Si and the Li-Si interface regions. We propose that the large interdiffusion extent is due to a low thermodynamics barrier. Our findings provide insights for the development of high-performance Si anode materials.

Deriving a fundamental equation for macroscopic stress in chemically strengthened glass: A thermodynamic model

Traditionally, the stuffing model has been used to describe stress generation in chemically strengthened glass. Nevertheless, the associated unrealistic conditions, including an imaginary volume expansion and its suppression in an adiabatic closed system, inhibit a thorough understanding of the process. In this study, we propose a thermodynamic model in an isothermal open system to enable ion exchange without an imaginary volume expansion. We derive a fundamental equation and verify it using atomistic images obtained by Raman spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. This study paves the way for further atomistic design and development of strengthened glasses.

In‐Situ Laser Synthesis of Molecularly Dispersed and Covalently Bound Phosphorus‐Graphene Adducts as Self‐Standing 3D Anodes for High‐Performance Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractPhosphorus shows promise as a next‐generation anode material due to its high theoretical capacity of 2596 mAh g−1. However, challenges such as low conductivity, severe volume expansion, and the dissolution and migration of electrolyte‐soluble lithium polyphosphides hamper high‐performance capabilities. While carbon composites are widely researched as a solution through the physical encapsulation of micro‐nano‐phosphorus domains, anodes still exhibit low cycling stability and rate performance. In response, this work proposes a new approach, focusing on chemical anchoring and molecular dispersion of phosphorus within the carbon host. Through laser irradiation of a red phosphorus/phenolic resin blend, in‐situ covalent binding of molecular phosphorus adducts to the as‐forming laser‐induced graphene is observed; directly synthesizing an additive‐free, flexible and 3‐dimensional mesoporous composite anode with high phosphorus content (33 wt.%), specific surface area (163.4 m2 g−1) and intrinsic conductivity (12 S cm−1). These anodes demonstrate remarkable cycling stability, with capacity retention of 98% after 3000 cycles at a high current density of 2 A g−1 and capacity of 673 mAh g−1. The high cycling stability is further confirmed through the complete inhibition of lithium polyphosphide “shuttle effect” by chemical anchoring of the molecularly dispersed active material. Furthermore, scale‐up prospects utilizing laser‐assisted additive manufacturing are investigated.

Urinary hyaluronidase activity is closely related to vasopressinergic system following an oral water load in men: a potential role in blood pressure regulation and early stages of hypertension development

IntroductionBlood pressure (BP) regulation is a complex process involving several factors, among which water-sodium balance holds a prominent place. Arginin-vasopressin (AVP), a key player in water metabolism, has been evoked in hypertension development since the 1980s, but, to date, the matter is still controversial. Hyaluronic acid metabolism has been reported to be involved in renal water management, and AVP appears to increase hyaluronidase activity resulting in decreased high-molecular-weight hyaluronan content in the renal interstitium, facilitating water reabsorption in collecting ducts. Hence, our aim was to evaluate urinary hyaluronidase activity in response to an oral water load in hypertensive patients (HT, n=21) compared to normotensive subjects with (NT+, n=36) and without (NT-, n=29) a family history of hypertension, and to study its association with BP and AVP system activation, expressed by serum copeptin levels and urine Aquaporin 2 (AQP2)/creatinine ratio.MethodsEighty-six Caucasian men were studied. Water load test consisted in oral administration of 15–20 ml of water/kg body weight over 40–45 min. BP, heart rate, serum copeptin, urine hyaluronidase activity and AQP2 were monitored for 4 hours.ResultsIn response to water drinking, BP raised in all groups with a peak at 20–40 min. Baseline levels of serum copeptin, urinary hyaluronidase activity and AQP2/creatinine ratio were similar among groups and all decreased after water load, reaching their nadir at 120 min and then gradually recovering to baseline values. Significantly, a blunted reduction in serum copeptin, urinary hyaluronidase activity and AQP2/creatinine ratio was observed in NT+ compared to NT- subjects. A strong positive correlation was also found between urinary hyaluronidase activity and AQP2/creatinine ratio, and, although limited to the NT- group, both parameters were positively associated with systolic BP.DiscussionOur results demonstrate for the first time the existence in men of a close association between urinary hyaluronidase activity and vasopressinergic system and suggest that NT+ subjects have a reduced ability to respond to water loading possibly contributing to the blood volume expansion involved in early-stage hypertension. Considering these data, AVP could play a central role in BP regulation by affecting water metabolism through both hyaluronidase activity and AQP2 channel expression.

In situ synthesis of vertical graphene on porous Si microparticle composite for high-performance anode material

Silicon is capable of delivering a high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh g-1) in lithium-ion batteries. However, silicon has poor electrical conductivity, huge volume expansion (∼300%), and unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film, especially for micron-sized silicon particles. We proposed and prepared a novel vertical carbon (VG) coating on a porous silicon (p-Si) microparticle structure, which effectively alleviated the volume expansion and inhibited the interface reaction. The synthesized porous silicon p-Si@VG composite exhibited significant enhanced cycling stability and an excellent reversible capacity of 1563 mAh g-1 (capacity retention of 48.6%) after 200 cycles. The vertical carbon nanosheet structure constructed a three-dimensional conductive network. Therefore, the p-Si@VG composite showed better rate capability and higher lithium-ion diffusion rates. This work is expected to promote the application of micron Si-based composites in lithium-ion batteries.

The effect of corn starch and transglutaminase on quality improvement of soybean-based analog rice

The development of soybean-based analog rice is a potential alternative to rice because of its high protein content. However, the soybean-based analog rice has poor physical properties during cooking, so improvements are required. This research aimed to investigate the effects of corn starch and transglutaminase (TGase) additions on the physicochemical properties of soybean-based analog rice. Variation of soybean flour to corn starch ratio (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60) and TGase concentrations (0 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %) were applied. The result showed that the soybean-corn starch interaction produced a strong network, decreasing the cooking loss. The addition of corn starch also improved the lightness and whiteness of analog rice. The formulation of 60 % soybean and 40 % corn starch produced analog rice with a balanced macronutrient composition, providing moderate levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, a relatively higher ash content, and the most compact and smoothest microstructure. Furthermore, the addition of TGase increased the texture profile of analog rice, reduced water absorption and volume expansion, and significantly prevented cooking losses. Hence, the combination of soybean flour and corn starch, along with the addition of TGase, improved the physicochemical properties, including the high protein content, color, texture, and cooking quality of analog rice.

Gastroretentive fibrous dosage forms for prolonged delivery of sparingly-soluble tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Part 2: Experimental validation of the models of expansion, post-expansion mechanical strength, and drug release

In Part 1, we have introduced expandable gastroretentive fibrous dosage forms for prolonged delivery of sparingly-soluble tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The expansion rate, post-expansion mechanical strength, and drug release rate were modeled for a dosage form containing 200 mg nilotinib. In the present part, the dosage form was prepared and tested in vitro to validate the models. Upon immersing in a dissolution fluid, the fibrous dosage form expanded at a constant rate to a normalized radial expansion of 0.5 by 4 h, and then formed an expanded viscoelastic mass of high strength. The drug was released at a constant rate over a day. For comparison, a particle-filled gelatin capsule with the same amount of nilotinib disintegrated almost immediately, and released eighty percent of the drug content in just 10 min. The experimental data validate the theoretical models of Part 1 reasonably

Binder-Free Intertwined Si and MnO2 Composite Electrode for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery Anode.

Silicon is considered as the most felicitous anode material candidate for lithium-ion batteries on account of abundant availability, suitable operating potential, and high specific capacity. Nevertheless, drastic volume expansion during the cycle impedes its practical utilization. Herein, Si and MnO2 (Si-MO) constructed the binder-free intertwined electrode that is reported to effectively improve upon the cycling stability of Si-based materials. The Si-based electrode without a binder has good electrical conductivity, strong adhesion to the substrate, and ample space for mitigating volume expansion. The incorporation of MnO2 establishes a multiphase interface, which mitigates the electrode volume expansion, and supports the electrode structure. Furthermore, MnO2 (∼1230 mAh g-1 theoretical capacity) synergistically enhances the overall capacity of the composite electrodes. Consequently, the Si-MO composite electrode exhibits a reversible specific capacity of 1300 mAh g-1 at 420 mA g-1 and remarkable cycling performance with a specific capacity of 830 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles. In particular, a reversible specific capacity of 837 mAh g-1 at 4200 mA g-1 is achieved and remains stable during 200 cycles. This work provides a potentially feasible way to achieve the Si-based anode commercialization for LIBs.

Wound Dressing Based on Cassava Silk-Chitosan.

The application prospects of composite sponges with antibacterial and drug-carrying functions in the field of medical tissue engineering are extensive. A solution of cassava silk fibroin (CSF) was prepared with Ca(NO3)2 as a solvent, which was then combined with chitosan (CS) to create a sponge-porous material by freeze-drying. The CSF-CS composite sponge with a mesh structure was successfully fabricated through hydrogen bonding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared absorption (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to investigate the appearance and structure of the cassava silk's fibroin materials, specifically examining the impact of different mass percentages of CS on the sponge's structure. The swelling rate and mechanical properties of the CSF-CS sponge were analyzed, along with its antibacterial properties. Furthermore, by incorporating ibuprofen as a model drug into these loaded sponges, their potential efficacy as efficient drug delivery systems was demonstrated. The results indicate that the CSF-CS sponge possesses a three-dimensional porous structure with over 70% porosity and an expansion rate exceeding 400% while also exhibiting good resistance against pressure. Moreover, it exhibits excellent drug-carrying ability and exerts significant bacteriostatic effects on Escherichia coli. Overall, these findings support considering the CSF-CS composite sponge as a viable candidate for use in drug delivery systems or wound dressings.

Unlocking the influence of pitch-based and acetylene-based carbon coating on the electrochemical performance of SiO anodes: bridging insights from half-cell to full-cell studies

Silicon monoxide (SiO) has garnered significant attention as a prominent candidate for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its reduced volume expansion and enhanced cycling stability compared to pure silicon (Si). However, the effect of carbon layers derived from different carbon sources on the electrochemical performance of SiO in both half and full cells has not been comprehensively studied, and the industrial consensus regarding the selection of carbon sources for SiO remains elusive. Herein, a systematic comparative evaluation was conducted to analyze the physicochemical properties and electrochemical behaviors of SiO with two different carbon layers. Additionally, comprehensive assessments were carried out to investigate the electrochemical performance of SiO employing two distinct carbon coating methods in 6 Ah pouch full-cell configurations, where SiO coated acetylene-based carbon exhibits advantages in cycling stability and Li+ kinetic. In industrial SiO carbon coating processes, it is advisable to prioritize acetylene-derived carbon using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) characterized by a high degree of graphitization, enhanced electrical conductivity, and uniform surface coverage. The investigation rooted in electrochemical performance of different carbon layers on SiO in both half-cell and full-cell configurations, provides fundamental insights for the advancement of research in silicon-based anodes’ development.

Did steam boost the height and growth rate of the giant Hunga eruption plume?

The eruption of Hunga volcano on 15 January 2022 produced a higher plume and faster-growing umbrella cloud than has ever been previously recorded. The plume height exceeded 58 km, and the umbrella grew to 450 km in diameter within 50 min. Assuming an umbrella thickness of 10 km, this growth rate implied an average volume injection rate into the umbrella of 330–500 km3 s−1. Conventional relationships between plume height, umbrella-growth rate, and mass eruption rate suggest that this period of activity should have injected a few to several cubic kilometers of rock particles (tephra) into the plume. Yet tephra fall deposits on neighboring islands are only a few centimeters thick and can be reproduced using ash transport simulations with only 0.1–0.2 km3 erupted volume (dense-rock equivalent). How could such a powerful eruption contain so little tephra? Here, we propose that seawater mixing at the vent boosted the plume height and umbrella growth rate. Using the one-dimensional (1-D) steady plume model Plumeria, we find that a plume fed by ~90% water vapor at a temperature of 100 °C (referred to here as steam) could have exceeded 50 km height while keeping the injection rate of solids low enough to be consistent with Hunga’s modest tephra-fall deposit volume. Steam is envisaged to rise from intense phreatomagmatic jets or pyroclastic density currents entering the ocean. Overall, the height and expansion rate of Hunga’s giant plume is consistent with the total mass of fall deposits plus underwater density current deposits, even though most of the erupted mass decoupled from the high plume. This example represents a class of high (> 10 km), ash-poor, steam-driven plumes, that also includes Kīlauea (2020) and Fukutoku-oka-no-ba (2021). Their height is driven by heat flux following well-established relations; however, most of the heat is contained in steam rather than particles. As a result, the heights of these water-rich plumes do not follow well-known relations with the mass eruption rate of tephra.

Superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm at implantation site of drug eluting stent discovered due to bacteremia: A case report

BACKGROUND Drug-eluting stents (DES) are used to treat lower extremity arterial disease. During DES treatment, aneurysmal degeneration occasionally occurs, especially with fluoropolymer-based DES. However, the incidence of pseudoaneurysms after DES placement is rarely reported in the lower extremity region, although there have been several reports on pseudoaneurysm formation after DES pla-cement in the coronary artery region. CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with fever and pain in his left hand after dialysis. Bacteremia was diagnosed by blood culture, and after admission, he developed pain on the medial side of the right thigh. A pseudoaneurysm was observed in the right superficial femoral artery (SFA) at the proximal end of a previously placed DES. The bacteremia was thought to have been caused by a pseudoaneurysm of the left superficial brachial artery, and the pseudoaneurysm of the left superficial brachial artery was removed after antibiotic treatment. The pseudoaneurysm of the right SFA rapidly expanded after admission, but the expansion rate was reduced after infection control. Seven months after the first admission, the pseudoaneurysm of the left SFA was re-moved and in situ revascularization performed using a rifampicin-soaked Dacron graft. CONCLUSION Although pseudoaneurysm after DES placement in the lower extremity region is rare, it must be considered in patients with bacteremia.

Amorphous GeSnSe nanoparticles as a Li-Ion battery anode with High-Capacity and long cycle performance

A new ternary amorphous GeSnSe (GSS) nanopowder was effectively synthesized by using ball milling under inert atmosphere. Its topographical, microstructural and elemental characterizations revealed the formation of nanoparticles with undefined shape, short-range order and the tailored stoichiometry. Remarkably, this novel amorphous material demonstrates its competences as a promising Li-ion host anode, exhibiting a high cycle performance with a specific charge capacity of 963 mAh g−1 at an applied C-rate of 0.2C with a coulombic efficiency > 99.4 % after 300 cycles. Its high specific capacity, large rate capability, acceptable capacity retention and long cycle life could be attributed to a dual Li-ion storage mechanism that consists mostly of multiple reversible electrochemical processes as conversion and alloying reactions and capacitive processes. Moreover, its stable volume expansion (34 %), moderate electrode polarization (248.9 mV), reasonable charge transfer resistance (83 Ω) and apparent Li-ion diffusion coefficients between 10–9 – 10–14 cm2 s−1 could be promoted by a synergistic effect between Ge (capacity), Sn (conductivity) and Se (stability), which plays an important role on the stability and high cycle performance of the promising GSS-based anode.

Ohmic baking of gluten free sponge cake: Analysis of technological and quality characteristics

The demand of gluten-free bakery products is worldwide increasing. Simultaneously, ohmic heating is an alternative heating technology that still deserves further research and development. Therefore, the aim of this work was assessing different technological and quality characteristics of gluten free sponge cake baked by ohmic heating. A custom ohmic system was designed and built and different electric field strengths (1500, 2000 and 2500 V/m) were tested. Conventional baking was performed for comparison purposes. The conventional baking time was 24 min, whilst the ohmic heating time ranged from 3.51 min at 2500 V/m to 7.93 min at 1500 V/m. The ohmic system achieved significantly higher energy efficiencies, reaching nearly 60%, compared to only 4.1% for conventional baking. Additionally, specific energy consumption was significantly lower for ohmic heating. Weight loss was higher for ohmically processed samples, showing larger number of pores in their inner spongy structure. Ohmic heating resulted in a larger volume expansion and a cake with lower density. The remaining quality characteristics, such as color, hardness, cohesiveness, and elasticity, were not significantly different. Results demonstrated that ohmic heating is a suitable technology for baking gluten-free sponge cakes and that it is a promising technology for fast industrial baking of such products.

3D Bismuth@N-Doped carbon microflowers for ultrahigh rate and stable sodium storage

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are gaining attention in the energy storage market due to their high theoretical capacity and affordability. However, challenges such as volume expansion and sluggish dynamics during sodiation/desodiation hinder their practical application. A 3D bismuth@N-doped carbon microflowers (Bi@NC) anode was successfully prepared to address these issues. The Bi nanosheets expedite Na ions and electrons transport and inhibit particle pulverization, while the N-doped carbon layer maintains electrode stability and improves electronic conductivity. The Bi@NC anode exhibits ultrahigh rate (336.7 mAh/g at 20 A/g) and stable performance (92.9% capacity retention after 2500 cycles at 5 A/g).

Elucidating the role of magnesium in alkali-silica reaction: Performance and mechanisms

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a major concrete deterioration causing volume expansion, cracking, and hence degradations in the strength and permeability of concrete structures. Despite a variety of ASR mitigation approaches having been investigated, the successful use of chemical admixture is limited to lithium salts, which have negative impacts on cement hydration and shrinkage behavior of concrete. To explore alternative substances for effective and economic ASR mitigation, the role of magnesium nitrate in mortars containing reactive aggregate is investigated at varying Mg/alkali ratios from 0 to 3.0 in terms of volume expansion, cracking behavior, silica dissolution, and modifications of ASR products. The results indicate that, at a Mg/alkali ratio of 0.74, the expansion and surface cracking density of the ASR-impacted mortar were decreased by 21.1 % and 39.1 %, respectively, which is superior to the efficacy of lithium nitrate. The 51.3 % less silica dissolution from aggregate, suppressed ASR gel formation, fewer Q3 polymerization sites in the silicate chains, less packed structure, and reduced alkali/Si ratio of the reaction products elucidate the underlying mechanisms across multiple length scales.

Global expansion of Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link over 200 years

AbstractCytisus scoparius (L.) Link, commonly referred to as Scotch broom, is a Mediterranean shrub capable of thriving in a variety of ecosystems that has invaded every habitable continent on Earth. Our research presents a timeline and estimated rate of expansion from 1816 to 2016. We then model its expected range over the next 70 years, highlighting the need for investigation into its expansion mechanisms and the establishment of monitoring programs.

Interlayer Structure Manipulation of FeOCl/MXene with Soft/Hard Interface Design for Safe Water Production Using Dechlorination Battery Deionization

AbstractSuffering from the susceptibility to decomposition, the potential electrochemical application of FeOCl has greatly been hindered. The rational design of the soft‐hard material interface can effectively address the challenge of stress concentration and thus decomposition that may occur in the electrodes during charging and discharging. Herein, interlayer structure manipulation of FeOCl/MXene using soft‐hard interface design method were conducted for electrochemical dechlorination. FeOCl was encapsulated in Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets by electrostatic self‐assembly layer by layer to form a soft‐hard mechanical hierarchical structure, in which Ti3C2Tx was used as flexible buffer layers to relieve the huge volume change of FeOCl during Cl− intercalation/deintercalation and constructed a conductive network for fast charge transfer. The CDI dechlorination system of FeOCl/Ti3C2Tx delivered outstanding Cl− adsorption capacity (158.47 ± 6.98 mg g−1), rate (6.07 ± 0.35 mg g−1 min−1), and stability (over 94.49 % in 30 cycles), and achieved considerable energy recovery (21.14 ± 0.25 %). The superior dechlorination performance was proved to originate from the Fe2+/Fe3+ topochemical transformation and the deformation constraint effect of Ti3C2Tx on FeOCl. Our interfacial design strategy enables a hard‐to‐soft integration capacity, which can serve as a universal technology for solving the traditional problem of electrode volume expansion.