Crystalline Inclusions Research Articles

Study on Transformation of Glassy and Crystalline Inclusions in Cord Steel during Heat Treatment at 1100 °C

Study on Transformation of Glassy and Crystalline Inclusions in Cord Steel during Heat Treatment at 1100 °C

Lambda light chain - restricted non - crystalline proximal tubulopathy with cast nephropathy in multiple myeloma: a case report and literature review

BackgroundMultiple myeloma (MM) often causes renal tubular damage, such as the light chain cast nephropathy (LCCN) and the light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT). The excessive light chains deposited in the proximal and distal tubules usually manifest with different characteristics, leading to a rare coexistence of the two pathological conditions. Here we report a unique case of a patient with multiple myeloma (MM) who presented with acute kidney injury (AKI) due to dual conditions of λ light chain-restricted non-crystalline LCPT and LCCN. This report reviews the clinical presentation and histological findings, comparing them with previously published cases.Case presentationA 49-year-old male patient was admitted with a chief complaint of “fatigue, loss of appetite for 40 days and elevated blood creatinine for 10 days.” In serum and urine, the λ light chain level and the ratio of κ to λ free light chain were 1235 mg/dl and 93.25 mg/dl, 0.0022 and 0.0316, respectively. Additionally, serum protein electrophoresis showed an M-spike with monoclonal IgD-λ. Bone marrow puncture revealed 30.5% primitive naive plasma cells, indicative of IgD-λ MM. Light microscopy of kidney biopsy specimen showed periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-negative cytoplasm in some proximal tubules and PAS-negative casts with a rigid appearance in some distal tubule lumens. On immunofluorescence, these proximal tubular epithelial cells cytoplasm and casts stained exclusively with λ-light chains. Electron microscopy did not reveal any crystalline inclusions. Given the clinical and bone marrow puncture findings, the overall pathological presentation was LCPT with LCCN secondary to IgD-λ MM. After chemotherapy and dialysis, the patient’s condition was improved and he was tracked in follow-ups.ConclusionIn some tubular renal injuries caused by MM, the morphological changes are subtle and often overlooked. In this paper, we present a rare case of LCPT with LCCN showing λ restriction in patient with MM. Through the clinicopathological analysis of patients, the understanding of the disease can be deepened and the diagnosis rate improved.

Very high-T hydration in the lower gabbro section of Semail ophiolite, Hydrous components of the lower crust at fast-spreading ridge

Totally fresh black gabbros are observed locally at the very base of the gabbro section in southern Semail ophiolite. Devoid of medium to low-temperature diffuse alteration, the black gabbros are characterized by cloudy plagioclase marked by a high density of hydrothermal inclusions below the optical microscope resolution, evolving into diopside and pargasite crystals ∼10 μm sized. They record hydration at temperature over 900 °C as shown by their major elements composition. Focused Electron Backscattered Electron Diffraction (EBSD) study of the crystalline inclusions, suggests a phase transition from diopside to amphibole, and traces consistent crystallographic relationships of diopside inclusions with their host plagioclase. The detailed geometry of the microcrack system traces a complete fluid path from inter-grain cracking, to plagioclase intra-grain network, possibly thermally-induced. The evidence of solid-state deformation overprinting the magmatic textures suggests that twinning mechanism in plagioclase controls the intra-grain diffusion of hydrous fluids. Located at the interface of the Moho Transition Zone (MTZ) and semi-brittle lithosphere, the ‘black gabbros’ record a narrow domain where focused fluid flow induces rapid cooling below the gabbro solidus at the lowest limit of the magma chamber.

Neoplastic plasma cells with concomitant azurophilic crystalline inclusions and Snapper‐Schneid bodies

Neoplastic plasma cells with concomitant azurophilic crystalline inclusions and Snapper‐Schneid bodies

Optimizing Manufacturing of Zr–Cu–AI–NI Metallic Glasses via Laser Metal Deposition

Recently, it was discovered that the cutting-edge technique known as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is the best way to produce Zr-based bulk glasses made of metal (BMGs). While LPBF gives greater versatility, current state-of-the-art production techniques like copper mold casting and arc-melting have limits when it comes to implementing complicated designs. Furthermore, LPBF enables a delicate balance to be struck between producing intricate characteristics and sustaining suitable temperatures all through the whole operation. Because of its exceptional features and practical availability, this research focuses on optimizing the process variables for a specific Zr-based alloy, AMZ4, which is produced by additive manufacturing in order to optimize both its mechanical and thermal characteristics. Belonging to the class of zirconium-based alloys known as bulk metallic glasses (BMG), Zr57Cu15Ni10AI5 (or Vit-106) has an excellent glass-forming ability and shows great promise. By casting, a BMG alloy may be transformed into workpieces that are about one centimeter in size in all three dimensions. Nevertheless, crystallization is induced when the cast size is further increased since it reduces the cooling rate. By building a workpiece from many melt sections with the cooling rate maintained above the critical one, selective laser melt (SLM) is an established technique for overcoming size restrictions for BMGs. Partially crystallized BMG is now an issue with SLM-obtained components. The effect of SLM process variables on partial crystallization is investigated in this paper. You may regulate the size and intensity of the inclusion by altering the speed of the laser scanning. Microhardness and wear resistance may be improved by incorporating submicron crystalline inclusions into the amorphous matrix by SLM.

Ultrastructure of the Spermiogenesis in Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): X-Irradiation and New Insights on the Centriolar Region Organization.

Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is an insect pest native to Asia that has spread over the last two decades to most of the North America, parts of South America, Europe and North Africa. Its impact is significant as it can feed on more than 300 host plants, rendering affected fruits and vegetable crops unsellable or of lower quality. Various chemical and biological methods have been used to control this pest, with varying degrees of success. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a pest control method involving the sterilization of insects via ionizing radiation and their subsequent mass release into the field. In the present contribution, the spermiogenesis of H. halys was studied from an ultrastructural point of view in both irradiated and non-irradiated adult males. In both cases, we observed ultrastructural characteristics typical of hemipteran sperm cells: bridges connecting the mitochondrial derivatives and the axonemal microtubules, the absence of accessory bodies, and the presence of two or three crystalline inclusions within the mitochondrial derivatives, an acrosome composed of tightly packed tubules, and an atypical, plaque-shaped microtubular organizing center (MTOC) in the centriolar region. Moreover, in the same region, we seldom observed the presence of two centrioles in the spermatids, one of which disappeared at a later stage of maturation. This feature is a novelty for insect spermiogenesis. The cysts of irradiated adults were not all uniformly affected by the radiation. However, irradiated cysts sometimes exhibited a general disorganization of sperm arrangement, incomplete divisions of sperm cells resulting in multiple copies of the same organelle within the same cell, failure to reabsorb the cytoplasm, and the lack of axonemes. Finally, rod-shaped viruses or virus-like particles were observed in vasa deferentia independently of irradiation.

Magma mingling during the 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki, Hawaiʻi

Magma mingling and mixing are common processes at basaltic volcanoes and play a fundamental role in magma petrogenesis and eruption dynamics. Mingling occurs most commonly when hot primitive magma is introduced into cooler magma. Here, we investigate a scenario whereby cool, partially degassed lava is drained back into a conduit, where it mingles with hotter, less degassed magma. The 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki, Hawaiʻi involved 16 high fountaining episodes. During each episode, fountains fed a lava lake in a pit crater, which then partially drained back into the conduit during and after each episode. We infer highly crystalline tachylite inclusions and streaks in the erupted crystal-poor scoria to be the result of the recycling of this drain-back lava. The crystal phases present are dendrites of plagioclase, augite and magnetite/ilmenite, at sizes of up to 10 µm. Host sideromelane glass contains 7–8 wt% MgO and the tachylite glass (up to 0.5% by area) contains 2.5–6 wt% MgO. The vesicle population in the tachylite is depleted in the smallest size classes (< 0.5 mm) and has overall lower vesicle number densities and a higher degree of vesicle coalescence than the sideromelane component. The tachylite exhibits increasingly complex ‘stretching and folding’ mingling textures through the episodes, with discrete blocky tachylite inclusions in episodes 1 and 3 giving way to complex, folded, thin filaments of tachylite in pyroclasts erupted in episodes 15 and 16. We calculate that a lava lake crust 8–35 cm thick may have formed in the repose times between episodes, and then foundered and been entrained into the conduit during drain-back. The recycled fragments of crust would have been reheated in the conduit, inducing glass devitrification and crystallisation of pyroxene, magnetite and plagioclase dendrites and eventually undergoing ductile flow as the temperature of the fragments approached the host magma temperature. We use simple models of magma mingling to establish that stretching and folding of recycled, ductile lava could involve thinning of the clasts by up to a factor of 10 during the timescale of the eruption, consistent with observations of streaks and filaments of tachylite erupted during episodes 15 and 16, which may have undergone multiple cycles of eruption, drain-back and reheating.

Structural features and crystallization of Na2O-Cs2O-B2O3-SiO2 glasses for radioactive waste immobilization

Borosilicate glasses have long been the preferred form for immobilizing high-level radioactive wastes. However, a significant drawback of glass-matrices involves the low rate of loading with radionuclides. One of the approaches to solving this problem envisages a multiphase glass system with crystalline inclusions. The present work aims to study model borosilicate glasses and glass-ceramics containing Cs atoms serving as a radionuclide simulator. Two approaches for the synthesis of glass-ceramics were used: directed crystallization, and pressing followed by annealing. The structure of initial borosilicate glasses and glass-ceramic samples obtained by these means was studied using Raman spectroscopy. An X-ray diffraction analysis was applied to identify crystalline phases. The morphology and composition of the crystalline phase was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results showed that the structure and properties of the synthesized glass-ceramic material is determined by the composition of initial glasses. Due to the ratio of modifying cations in glasses at a constant boron-to-silicon ratio, the crystalline phases identified in glass-ceramics are significantly affected by the anionic structure. The formation and growth of crystals was also established to be dependent on the technological scheme of synthesis.

Monoclonal immunoglobulin crystalline nephropathies

Monoclonal immunoglobulin (MIg) crystalline nephropathies are rare lesions resulting from precipitation of MIgs in the kidney as crystalline inclusions. They can be categorized into lesions with predominant intracellular crystals (light chain [LC] proximal tubulopathy, LC crystal-storing histiocytosis, LC crystalline podocytopathy] and lesions with predominant extracellular crystals (crystalglobulin-induced nephropathy, crystalline variant of LC cast nephropathy). The majority of these lesions are associated with low tumor burden lymphoproliferative disorders, with the exception of crystalline variant of LC cast nephropathy. Extra-renal involvement (eg, skin, cornea) is frequent. Kidney biopsy is the cornerstone for diagnosis, which often requires electron microscopy and antigen retrieval. A thorough hematologic workup and evaluation of extra-renal involvement is mandatory for management. Treatment of these lesions is with clone-directed therapy, with the goal of achieving hematologic very good partial response or complete response which preserve or improve kidney function. In vitro and in vivo studies, animal models, and novel sequencing techniques have been invaluable tools to understand the pathogenesis of LC proximal tubulopathy, and can be utilized to increase our limited knowledge of the pathogenesis of the other MIg crystalline nephropathies. This review will provide an update on the pathology, renal and hematologic characteristics, extra-renal manifestations, prognosis, treatment, and pathogenesis of MIg crystalline nephropathies.

Structural studies of epoxy resin with impurities of carbon nanostructures

In this work, using X-ray diffractometry and optical microscopy, studies of epoxy-based composites containing a small amount of nanostructures (nanotubes and graphene oxide) were carried out. The test substance was used to glue two aluminum plates together, and then they were stretched in different directions until rupture. Using X-ray diffractometry, it was found that the introduction of an impurity does not lead to the formation of crystalline inclusions in the adhesive layer. For samples with an admixture of graphene oxide, the formation of graphene oxide conglomerates with a linear size of the order of 10 μm is observed.

Phase Composition, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Zr57Cu15Ni10Nb5 Alloy Obtained by Selective Laser Melting

Zr57Cu15Ni10Nb5 (more known as Vit-106) is a promising zirconium-based alloy with a high glass-forming ability, and belongs to the so-called bulk metallic glasses (BMG). Workpieces with a size of around one centimeter in all three dimensions can be obtained from a BMG alloy by casting. However, further increasing the cast size decreases the cooling rate and thus induces crystallization. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a well-known technique to overcome size limitations for BMGs because a workpiece is built by the addition of multiple melt portions in which the cooling rate is kept above the critical one. Currently, BMG parts obtained by SLM suffer from partial crystallization. The present work studies the influence of SLM process parameters on the partial crystallization of Vit-106 by metallography and the influence of the microstructure on mechanical properties by microhardness and wear resistance testing. Submicron crystalline inclusions are observed in an amorphous matrix of a Vit-106 alloy obtained by SLM. The size and the concentration of the inclusions can be controlled by varying the laser scanning speed. It is shown that submicron crystalline inclusions formed in the amorphous matrix during SLM can favorably affect microhardness and wear resistance.

Exploring the Local Optoelectronic Properties of ALD Grown TiO2 Photoelectrode-Coatings with Atomic Force Microscopy Methods

Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) hold great promise as an environmentally friendly method of converting sunlight into valuable fuels. However, the semiconductor components of PEC photoelectrodes are susceptible to corrosion under photoelectrochemical conditions.In order to protect the surface of these semiconductors from degradation, a thin overlayer of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is often applied by atomic layer deposition (ALD). In addition to their protecting function, the physicochemical properties of these thin films significantly affect the overall performance of the device. The local nano-scale optoelectronic characteristics, which considerably influence their macroscopic properties, have rarely been reported in the literature.AFM methods constitute a powerful tool to investigate photo-induced charge separation, charge transport and recombination on photoelectrode surfaces with nanometer resolution.In this context, we have employed Tunneling Conductive AFM (TUNA) and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) in the dark and under illumination to investigate the surface of ALD-grown TiO2. The synthesis conditions determine the morphology, which has a strong impact on the local optoelectronic properties. TUNA measurements reveal higher photogenerated currents on the grain and facet boundaries, showing that these regions can be favorable conduction pathways. Based on KPFM experiments we can quantify the more efficient photo-induced charge separation on the crystalline TiO2 inclusions, which generate a significant surface photopotential (~450 mV) upon UV-illumination. Categorization of different regions of surface topography based on morphology allows us to analyze the evolution of surface potential over time and extract localized time constants for carrier dynamic processes on the films. This spatially resolved information provides valuable insight to guide the development of macroscopically stable and efficient photoelectrodes through the engineering of microstructure at the nano scale.

Mechanism of carbonate assimilation by intraplate basaltic magma and liquid immiscibility: example of Wangtian’e volcano (Changbaishan volcanic area, NE China)

The balance of CO2 during abundant basaltic magma production is an important factor of volcanic hazards and climate. In particular, this can be explored based on CO2-rich mantle-derived magmas or carbonate assimilation by basaltic melts. To reconstruct the origin of Fe-rich carbonates hosted by Cenozoic basalts from Wangtian’e volcano (northeast China), we studied elemental compositions of melt, crystalline and fluid inclusions in magmatic minerals as well as the oxygen and carbon isotope compositions of the plagioclase and carbonates from basalts. The crystallization of basaltic magmas occurred in shallow chamber (∼4 km) at temperatures of 1,180°C–1,200°C and a pressure of 0.1 ± 0.01 GPa. Stable Fe-rich carbonates occur in the Wangtian’e tholeiite basalts as groundmass minerals, crystalline inclusions in plagioclase and globules in melt inclusions, which suggests that they crystallized from a ferrocarbonate melt. The values of δ18О and δ13С in the minerals analyzed by laser fluorination method are in line with the sedimentary source of Fe-rich carbonates, indicating assimilation and partial decomposition of carbonate phases. The parent ferrocarbonate melt could be produced during interactions between the basaltic magma and the crustal marbles. The phase diagram and thermodynamic calculations show that the ferrocarbonate melt is stable at a temperature of 1,200°C and a pressure of 0.1 GPa. Our thermodynamic calculations show that carbonate melt containing 73 wt% FeCO3, 24 wt% MgCO3 and 3 wt% CaCO3 is in thermodynamic equilibrium with silicate melt in agreement with our natural observations. The proposed mechanism is crustal carbonate sediment assimilation by the intraplate basaltic magma resulting in the melt immiscibility, production of the ferrocarbonate melt and the following Fe-rich carbonate mineral crystallization during magma residence and cooling.

Phase analysis of complex non-metallic inclusions in Al-deoxidized 42CrMo4 steel after contact with MgO–C refractories

This study extensively investigated characteristic non-metallic inclusions in oxidized and deoxidized 42CrMo4 steel after contact to MgO–C refractories, proposing possible formation and modification mechanisms of non-metallic inclusions. The structures and compositions of different inclusion species were analyzed, revealing various types: crystalline, amorphous, and complex inclusions containing both crystalline and amorphous phases. The latter always consisted of an amorphous Mn–Si–Al–O matrix containing various crystalline phases such as Al2O3, MnAl2O4 and/or MnTiO3. The formation of amorphous Mn–Si–Al–O inclusions was attributed to steel melt oxidation, while pure crystalline corundum inclusions resulted from both the steel melt oxidation and deoxidation. Alumina inclusions exhibited different shapes, likely because of variations in aluminum and oxygen supersaturation in the steel melt during their formation. Complex inclusions were suggested to form through precipitation on existing inclusions and mutual collision of pre-existing inclusions, facilitated by the non-wetting behavior of solid alumina inclusions in the steel melt.

Photovoltaic Wafering Silicon Kerf Loss as Raw Material: Example of Negative Electrode for Lithium‐Ion Battery**

AbstractSilicon powder kerf loss from diamond wire sawing in the photovoltaic wafering industry is a highly appealing source material for use in lithium‐ion battery negative electrodes. Here, it is demonstrated for the first time that the kerf particles from three independent sources contain ~50 % amorphous silicon. The crystalline phase is in the shape of nano‐scale crystalline inclusions in an amorphous matrix. From literature on wafering technology looking at wafer quality, the origin and mechanisms responsible for the amorphous content in the kerf loss powder are explained. In order to better understand for which applications the material could be a valuable raw material, the amorphicity and other relevant features are thoroughly investigated by a large amount of experimental methods. Furthermore, the kerf powder was crystallized and compared to the partly amorphous sample by operando X‐ray powder diffraction experiments during battery cycling, demonstrating that the powders are relevant for further investigation and development for battery applications.

Study and characterization of the nanotextured Ga2O3-GaOOH formations synthesized via thermal oxidation of GaAs in ambient air

In this work, we present the characterization of a UV-sensitive material based on Ga2O3-GaOOH, which was obtained through the thermal oxidation of GaAs wafers in ambient air to achieve Ga2O3. The material’s oxidation mechanism was thoroughly examined using structural, compositional, and optical approaches. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the presence of the β-Ga2O3 crystalline phase, with both in-plane and out-of-plane preferred orientations, along with crystalline inclusions attributed to GaOOH. Furthermore, energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the uniform sublimation of Arsenic, as evidenced by elemental mapping, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy suggested the inclusion of −OH bonds. Surface analysis was carried out by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, revealing a grain size of approximately 20 nm. Finally, UV-Vis characterization unveiled a bandgap ranging from 2.9 to 3.9 eV, indicative of the material’s potential for UV-sensitive applications. Overall, the results demonstrate the consistency and reliability of the oxidation process, providing valuable insights into the properties of the Ga2O3-GaOOH material for potential technological advancements.

Toxicological and morphological aspects of nano-TiO2 and nano-TiO2-Ag acute action on the liver of mice

Aim. To study the toxic effect of TiO2 and TiO2-Ag nanopowders on the morphology and elemental composition of the laboratory mice liver. Materials and methods. The study used a model of acute intoxication on laboratory animals. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with TiO2 and TiO2-Ag nanopowders at 4000 mg/kg, 7000 mg/kg, or 10000 mg/kg doses. During two weeks, the animals were observed, lethality was assessed, the accumulation of nanopowder in the organ and the morphology of liver tissues were investigated. The content of titanium and silver in liver samples was determined by optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma. Liver tissue micropreparations were examined using an Olympus BX51 light microscope. Also, the micropreparations of the liver were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using the Tescan Mira 3 device, and the elemental composition was determined using an energy dispersive spectrometer Oxford instrument, X-max 80 mm2. Results. The dependence of the mice lethality on the nanopowders dose was revealed; mortality was higher when exposed to nano-TiO2-Ag compared to nano-TiO2. Average lethal doses were calculated using probit analysis. For nano-TiO2, the LD50 is 4783.30 mg/kg; for nano-TiO2-Ag – 724.44 mg/kg. The accumulation of titanium, titanium, and silver in the liver after exposure to nano-TiO2 and nano-TiO2-Ag was established. In general, there was a tendency to increase the content of titanium in the skin tissue with an increase in the administered dose of nanopowders. Morphological changes in the liver were studied by histological methods. The most characteristic morphological signs of the toxic effect of nano-TiO2 on tissue were dystrophic changes at the level of 67.7 % (cytoplasmic vacuolization in hepatocytes), and when exposed to nano-TiO2-Ag – initial necrotic changes at the level of 70 % (hepatocytes with nuclear pyknosis). It is worth noting that the toxic effect of nano-TiO2 and nano-TiO2-Ag is much less often manifested by focal necrosis and inflammatory reactions (focal infiltration), in some cases, there were adaptive changes that provoked an increase in the number of binuclear hepatocytes. In case of detection agglomerates of a foreign object (crystalline inclusions) were obtained, which were examined spectrally and showed a high content of titanium (Ti). SEM morphometry showed that the size of nanoparticles and their agglomerates ranged from 80 nm to 20 μm. Conclusions. The lethality of mice was higher when the composition of nano-TiO2-Ag was introduced compared to nano-TiO2. Based on the calculated average lethal doses, both nanopowders were assigned to the 3rd class (moderately dangerous) of the danger of chemical substances according to the classification of GOST 12.1.007-76. It was established that with an increase in the injected dose in the tissue of the products of laboratory mice, the accumulation of titanium (under the action of nano-TiO2) and titanium and silver (under the action of nano-TiO2-Ag) increases. Characteristic microscopic signs of the toxic effect of TiO2 and TiO2-Ag nanopowders after intraperitoneal injection in laboratory bags are dystrophic changes in hepatocytes, necrosis of parenchymal disease, while inflammatory reactions occur less often. SEM and the method of elemental mapping of titanium confirmed the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles and their agglomerates in skin tissue when TiO2 nanopowder was administered.

Comparative Study of Anatomical and Diagnostic Features of the Leaves of the European Dewberry (&lt;i&gt;Rubus caesius&lt;/i&gt; L.), Allegheny Blackberry (&lt;i&gt;R. allegheniensis&lt;/i&gt; Porter) and European Blackberry (&lt;i&gt;R. nessensis&lt;/i&gt; Hall)

Introduction. Expansion of the nomenclature of raw materials, including herbal substances, is one of the tasks of the development of the pharmaceutical industry. As an example of a potential and affordable medicinal plant raw material, we can offer the leaves of European dewberry with a proven anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial activity. Medicinal plant – European dewberry (Rubus caesius L.) belongs to the genus Rubus L., which includes many species, often difficult to distinguish between each other. For complete pharmacognostic characteristics of medicinal plant raw materials, microscopic examination is necessary.Aim. To carry out a comparative microscopic analysis of the leaves of R. caesius L., R. allegheniensis Porter and R. nessensis Hall to establish anatomical and diagnostic characters.Materials and methods. Leaf samples were collected on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region in 2021-2022. Microscopic structures were analyzed using a Leica DM1000 light microscope (Germany) with a 10x/20 eyepiece and 10x/0.25 and 40x/0.65 lenses.Results and discussion. A comparative analysis of the anatomical and diagnostic structures of the leaves of the Rubus caesius L. (European dewberry) and its related species has been carried out. The size and frequency of occurrence per 1 mm2 of simple and glandular hairs and stomata were investigated, the type of stomatal apparatus was established, the shape of epidermal cells and crystalline inclusions in the mesophyll were considered. Conclusion. As a result of the study, differences in the anatomical structures of the leaves of three types of blackberries were revealed. Anatomical and diagnostic characters of Rubus caesius L. leaves have been established, which are indicators of the identification of this raw material, including: the presence of simple one-celled fused at the base trichomes, abundant leaf pubescence (especially on the abaxial epiderm), a large number of stomata (106 ± 37 per 1 mm2), the sinuous shape of epidermal cells, cubic crystals of calcium oxalate in the mesophyll.

Gradient network architecture design induced strain delocalization and delayed failure in metallic glass matrix composites

Making composites with crystalline inclusions can improve plasticity in brittle metallic glasses. In this study, we show a new metallic glass matrix composite designed with a gradient network architecture made of amorphous matrix regions and gradient crystalline network regions. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we validated theoretically the hypothesized concept of this new composite. Our results show that the unique microstructure leads to significant strain delocalization which can delay the generation of catastrophic shear bands. This is resulted from the new mechanism by both forming diffuse embryonic shear bands in the thin crystalline network interface and hindering or guiding their formation and movement in thick crystalline network regions with the presence of internal stresses generated from the gradient. This work demonstrates the synergistic effects induced by the heterogeneous gradient network design in the mechanical properties of metallic glass matrix composites and may open up exciting new possibilities.

The influence of mercury vapor on the electrical resistance of chalcogenide amorphous films

Using the planar structures "Ni layer - chalcogenide amorphous film - Ni layer" and "graphite probe - chalcogenide amorphous film graphite probe" samples, the influence of mercury vapor on the electrical resistance of amorphous films of the Se-Te, Se-Sb and Se-As systems was investigated. It was established that exposure of samples in mercury vapor leads to a decrease in their electrical resistance by 4-7 orders of magnitude. As the temperature and mercury concentration increase, the transition time from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state decreases. When introducing Te, Sb, and As into amorphous selenium and increasing their concentration in the composition of the films, the transition time increases, and the value of the change in resistance decreases. It was established that the change in resistance is mainly determined by the change in surface conductivity of chalcogenide films. A decrease in the electrical resistance of selenium-containing amorphous films modified with mercury is caused by the formation of HgSe crystalline inclusions in their matrix.