Electron Imaging Research Articles

RETRACTION: Ultrastructural study by backscattered electron imaging and elemental microanalysis of biomaterial-to-bone interface and mineral degradation of bovine xenografts in maxillary sinus floor elevation.

M. P. Ramírez-Fernández, J. L. Calvo-Guirado, R. A. Delgado-Ruiz, J. E. Maté-Sánchez del Val, B. Negri, M. Peñarrocha Diago, "Ultrastructural study by backscattered electron imaging and elemental microanalysis of biomaterial-to-bone interface and mineral degradation of bovine xenografts in maxillary sinus floor elevation," Clinical Oral Implants Research 24, no. 6 (2013): 645-651, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02439.x. The above article, published online on 16 March 2012 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Lisa J. A. Heitz-Mayfield; and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to concerns raised by third parties on the data presented in the article. Several flaws and inconsistencies between results presented and experimental methods described were found. Specifically, instances of overlapping data within the article and with another publication authored by the same group have been found, despite the articles have different study designs. Accordingly, the editors consider the findings of this article unreliable and the conclusions to be invalid. The authors have been informed of the decision to retract the article. The corresponding author M. P. Ramírez-Fernández and co-author R. A. Delgado-Ruiz disagree with the decision of retraction. The remaining co-authors were not available for a final confirmation of the retraction.

Electronic circuit and image encryption for a new 3D nonuniformly conservative system

Electronic circuit and image encryption for a new 3D nonuniformly conservative system

Three-Dimensional Ultrastructure of Flower-Spray Nerve Endings in the Rat Carotid Sinus.

The flower-spray nerve endings are afferent nerve terminals in the carotid sinus that arise from carotid sinus nerve of glossopharyngeal nerve. However, the three-dimensional ultrastructural characteristics of flower-spray nerve endings and spatial relationships between the terminal parts and other cellular elements have not been fully understood. To elucidate their detailed relationship, backscattered electron imaging of serial sections was performed with a scanning electron microscope to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of the flower-spray endings. The terminal parts of flower-spray endings were distributed horizontally approximately 5µm outside the external elastic membrane in the tunica adventitia of the internal carotid artery. The three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the terminal parts of flower-spray endings were flat with irregular contours and were partially covered by the thin cytoplasmic processes of Schwann cells. The complex consisting of the nerve terminals and associated Schwann cells was surrounded by a multilayered basement membrane. The terminal parts of the endings were also surrounded by fibroblasts with elastic fibers and collagen fibrils. Secretory vesicles without an electron-dense core were observed in the terminal parts of the endings. The accumulation of vesicles just below the axonal membrane was observed in terminal parts not covered by Schwann cell cytoplasmic processes on both the luminal and basal sides. Swollen mitochondria, concentric membranous structures, and glycogen granule-like electron-dense materials were often noted in some of the terminal parts of the endings and the parent axon. Collectively, the present results suggest that flower-spray endings are baroreceptors because their morphology was similar to other mechanoreceptors. Furthermore, flower-spray endings may be affected by glutamate secreted in an autocrine manner.

Molecular-Resolution Electron Imaging of Defects and Dynamics at the Ice-Water Interface

Molecular-Resolution Electron Imaging of Defects and Dynamics at the Ice-Water Interface

Experiencing In-Vivo Dosimetry Verification in Malaysia: A Patient-Specific EPID-Based Approach

Real-time dosimetry is crucial for patient-specific quality assurance in radiotherapy facilities across Europe, and the same demand extends to advanced countries like Malaysia. Our study aimed to assess the need for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing in Malaysia, exploring the use of Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID)-based dose verification to simplify complex methods. In this research, we assessed the accuracy of in-vivo dose reconstruction using EPIgrayTM (DOSIsoft, Cachan, France) for 20 cohorts of patients who underwent breast and prostate Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and compared the results with the dose calculated by the Treatment Planning System (TPS). Initially, we set a default tolerance level of 7-10% for dose acceptance. Our study found that the majority of patients in the cohort met the 10% tolerance level when validated with EPIgrayTM in vivo dosimetry. Specifically, 12 out of 15 patients who underwent VMAT treatment were within this tolerance range. Additionally, for IMRT treatment, 4 out of 6 patients achieved the 10% tolerance level. These initial findings demonstrate the potential of EPIgrayTM as a valuable tool for verifying in vivo dosimetry for advanced treatment techniques. For VMAT plans, more than 85% of the points were in agreement with the 10% tolerance level for 11 out of 15 patients. For IMRT plans, more than 90% of the points met the set tolerance level for 4 out of 15 patients. By understanding the agreement and variability of EPID-based IVD, we can further refine the utilization of EPID-based IVD as a relevant tool in ensuring accurate and reliable dose delivery during radiotherapy treatments.

Determination of Crystallographic Information by Means of Very Low Energy Electron Imaging

Determination of Crystallographic Information by Means of Very Low Energy Electron Imaging

SYNTHESIS OF SODIUM HETEROPOLY DECATUNGSTOEUROPATE(III) WITH PLATE-LIKE SURFACE MICROMORPHOLOGY

In order to develop an express procedure for the synthesis of the Eu(III)-containing heteropoly compound Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O, a study of the interaction in an aqueous solution of the Na2WO4 – HNO3 – Eu(NO3)3 – H2O system acidified to an acidity of Z = ν(H+)/ν(WO42–) = 0.80 was carried. A procedure for obtaining a single-phase sample of Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O is proposed, which is performed by a simple technique in a short time, which does not exceed 5 days from the addition of reactants to obtaining the target product with a yield of more than 90%. It was established that during salting out, the addition of an organic solvent (propan-2-one) results in the crystallization of Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O normal salt with plate-like surface micromorphology. The set of oscillations characteristic for the heteropoly tungstate anion with the Peacock–Weakley type of structure, [Eu(W5O18)2]9–, was established by the methods of FT-IR spectroscopy and FT-Raman spectroscopy. By the method of FT-IR spectroscopy the absence of organic solvent molecules (propan-2-one) in the composition of the crystalline product was established. The revealed set of vibrations in the FT-IR and Raman spectra of the isolated salt (the most intense valence vibrations at 710, 797, 849, and 935 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectrum; intense bands in the region of 930–980 cm-1 in the Raman spectrum) is characteristic of the site group of the heteropoly anion [Ln(W5O18)2]9– (Ln = La–Lu) and is identical to the FT-IR and Raman spectra of salts, the crystal structure of which has been reliably established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. By the method of scanning electron microscopy, it was shown that the grain size of Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O powder is up to 500 nm. The single phase of the salt was confirmed by the uniform surface contrast in the backscattered electron imaging (BEI) mode and by the uniform distribution of Eu, Na, W, and O during the scanning of the surface in the characteristic X-ray radiation.

Bonding performance of ethylene vinyl acetate reinforced carbon nanotube repair materials

Inorganic repair materials have significant advantages such as high durability, high strength, and good corrosion resistance. However, their low bonding strength and inadequate tensile performance are clear disadvantages, which often results in problems like cracking, delamination, and insufficient repairing strength. In the current study, a new repair material is developed, which enhances the interfacial bonding performance of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) repair materials by introducing ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The bonding strength of composite specimens was tested by splitting tensile test. Then the microstructure analysis of the repaired materials was conducted by X-ray computed tomography, backscattered electron imaging, and scanning electron microscopy. The phase composition of the repair material was further analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Finally, the bonding mechanisms of EVA reinforced CNTs repair materials were discussed. The results indicate that the interaction between EVA and CNTs can enhance the bonding performance of repair materials. Additionally, the polymer film formed by EVA within the repair material can refine the pores, thereby reducing the porosity of the interfacial transition zone and that of repair materials. The electrostatic repulsion between EVA and CNTs contributes to the uniform dispersion of CNTs within repair materials.

Application of 3D Image Technology in Rural Planning

The well-being of villages and villagers is directly related to the development of urban-rural relations. Rural development is an important part of poverty alleviation, as well as the main goal and means of rural rejuvenation, because rural planning affects rural economic development and rural revitalization. Electronic imaging can improve the speed of rural area planning, and can also model the planned scheme. However, the current rural planning still lacks top-level design, which cannot improve the overall structural design of rural planning, and the data resources of rural planning are not perfect. Therefore, this article studied the direction of rural planning and design by analyzing the focus, problems, and external environment characteristics of rural planning, and then analyzed the application characteristics in rural planning according to the process of 3D image technology. By reducing the complex design links in rural planning, the office efficiency of planning and the 3D visualization of planning model can be promoted, so as to improve the effect of rural planning and the construction service of rural planning. The simulated annealing algorithm showed that the planning efficiency and average planning speed of 3D image application in rural planning were gradually increasing; the average planning efficiency was about 1.80, and the average planning speed was about 1.05. The planning efficiency increased by 1.20 in the whole process, while the average planning speed increased by 0.33 in the whole process. Through comparison, it can be seen that the planning rationality of rural planning under 3D image was 12.16% higher than the original one, while the measurement error rate of some teachers was 47.28% lower. In a word, 3D imaging and electronic imaging can improve the architectural design and layout planning of rural planning.

Crystal organisation and material properties of Chama and Glycymeris myostraca and shells

Movement of bivalve hard and soft tissue requires muscular action. Despite diverse bivalve lifestyles and living environments, the myostracum, a specific hard tissue formed where muscles attach to the shell, appears similar in structure for species of many bivalve orders.We investigated myostracal and non-myostracal, valve, microstructure, texture and material properties of Chamidae and Glycymerididae species with electron-backscatter-diffraction, laser-confocal and backscatter electron imaging and nanoindentation testing. Chamidae and Glycymerididae follow different lifestyles and live in distinct environments. Chamidae are cemented to substrate and live in wave-swept, shallow, waters. Glycymerididae dwell in calm water and burrow into sandy/muddy sediment.We found that myostracal aragonite of all investigated species has a crystal assembly pattern that reflects crystal growth through growth competition. Aragonite is extensively twinned in the myostracum and non-myostracal, valve, layers, not in the calcitic ornamentation. For myostracal aragonite, we found cyclic twinning, for non-myostracal aragonite the twinning was polysynthetic or polycyclic. We show how twinning and crystallographic texture are transmitted between myostracal and non-myostracal, valve, layers. Relative to non-biological aragonite, myostracal and non-myostracal, valve, indentation elastic modulus is reduced by 10–15 % and 15–20 %, respectively; myostracal and valve hardness is increased by 15–20 % and 5–10 %, respectively. Comparing modulus and hardness between aragonitic microstructures, we found that, relative to other microstructures, myostracal modulus is increased by 5 % and myostracal hardness by 15 %. Hence, the myostracal material shows a unique and specific microstructure, texture, modulus, and hardness that might be necessary for muscle attachment to enable the lifestyle-controlled requirements posed onto the organism.

A novel EPID-based MLC QA method with log files achieving submillimeter accuracy.

The purpose of this study is to develop an electronic portal imaging device-based multi-leaf collimator calibration procedure using log files. Picket fence fields with 2-14mm nominal strip widths were performed and normalized by open field. Normalized pixel intensity profiles along the direction of leaf motion for each leaf pair were taken. Three independent algorithms and an integration method derived from them were developed according to the valley value, valley area, full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of the profile, and the abutment width of the leaf pairs obtained from the log files. Three data processing schemes (Scheme A, Scheme B, and Scheme C) were performed based on different data processing methods. To test the usefulness and robustness of the algorithm, the known leaf position errors along the direction of perpendicular leaf motion via the treatment planning system were introduced in the picket fence field with nominal 5, 8, and 11mm. Algorithm tests were performed every 2weeks over 4 months. According to the log files, about 17.628% and 1.060% of the leaves had position errors beyond ±0.1 and ±0.2mm, respectively. The absolute position errors of the algorithm tests for different data schemes were 0.062±0.067 (Scheme A), 0.041±0.045 (Scheme B), and 0.037±0.043 (Scheme C). The absolute position errors of the algorithms developed by Scheme C were 0.054±0.063 (valley depth method), 0.040±0.038 (valley area method), 0.031±0.031 (FWHM method), and 0.021±0.024 (integrated method). For the efficiency and robustness test of the algorithm, the absolute position errors of the integration method of Scheme C were 0.020±0.024 (5mm), 0.024±0.026 (8mm), and 0.018±0.024 (11mm). Different data processing schemes could affect the accuracy of the developed algorithms. The integration method could integrate the benefits of each algorithm, which improved the level of robustness and accuracy of the algorithm. The integration method can perform multi-leaf collimator (MLC) quality assurance with an accuracy of 0.1mm. This method is simple, effective, robust, quantitative, and can detect a wide range of MLC leaf position errors.

100-kHz carbon monoxide TP-PLIF imaging using ultra-narrow-linewidth burst-mode OPO.

A 100-kHz rate two-photon planar laser-induced fluorescence (TP-PLIF) imaging of carbon monoxide (CO) is successfully demonstrated utilizing a narrow-linewidth optical parametric oscillator (OPO) generating light at ∼230.1 nm. A specially designed injection-seeded burst-mode OPO was constructed and characterized for this purpose. This OPO efficiently converts the 355-nm output of a high-energy nanosecond burst-mode laser to ∼230.1 nm following parametric splitting and mixing processes. Generation of an ultra-narrow-linewidth 230.1 nm laser pulse is crucial for effectively exciting CO via a two-photon process from the ground X1Σ+ to the B1Σ+ electronic state-enabling PLIF imaging over a large area. The experimental setup is capable of tracking high-speed flow structures of a CO/N2 mixture, showcasing detection speeds 100 times greater than those achieved with previous femtosecond laser sources. This substantial increase in repetition rate will allow time-resolved CO-TP-PLIF measurements in highly dynamic hypersonic boundary layers and detonation-driven combustion processes for revealing chemical kinetics and turbulent aerodynamics.

High-detail and low-cost underwater inspection of large-scale hydropower dams

Abstract. The article presents a practical method that combines low-cost camera systems with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to accomplish a comprehensive but economically feasible underwater survey of large hydropower infrastructures. Typically, inspecting reservoirs entails draining them off to allow for visual inspections, which are time-intensive, pose risks to operators' safety and are associated with generation losses. In this regard, ROVs are a much safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods. The study was conducted at the Pack reservoir in Austria, where a reference framework was set up using terrestrial laser scanning and checkerboard markings for the above-water components. A ROV equipped with a GoPro camera and lighting system for the underwater recordings has been employed. Via a close-range photogrammetric approach, it was possible to generate 3D point clouds of the submerged infrastructure with a survey-grade accuracy level. Various strategies were explored to perform bundle block adjustment (BBA), among these were strategies where ground control points (GCPs) were used, strategies without the use of GCPs but pre-calibrated initial camera parameters and strategies with a combination of using both GCPs and pre-calibrated camera parameters in the BBA. The deployment of an inspection technique using low-cost sensors that can generate highly detailed three-dimensional models of submerged infrastructure areas is presented and discussed, allowing easy detection and localization for maintenance inspection, all while being cost-effective. The paper strengthens the suggestion of best practices that optimize camera settings, considering the effect of electronic image stabilization, suggesting its avoidance, and using advanced calibration methods.

Experimentally-informed lattice model to simulate the fiber pull-out behavior at the microscale

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is widely employed in engineering due to its high toughness and ductility. The Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) between the fibers and the matrix plays a vital role in influencing the strength and durability of ECC. This study introduces a numerical method to simulate fiber pull-out behaviors, specifically the fiber debonding and slipping. A birth-death method is proposed to account for the mechanical transition from fiber debonding stage to slipping stage. The contributions of various phases in the ITZ are explicitly considered. Furthermore, nanoindentation tests and Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging were conducted to determine the microstructures of ITZ and local mechanical properties of each phase within the ITZ. A series of fiber pullout experiments with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers were conducted to calibrate and validate the model. Subsequently, the validated model was employed to explore the influence of w/c ratios, fiber orientations and bonding properties on the interfacial behavior. The microstructure-informed model proposed herein effectively predicts fiber pull-out behavior, facilitating a thorough exploration of fracture mechanisms throughout the pull-out process, and serves as the basis for multiscale modeling of ECC.

Исследование железоматричных композитов с карбидным упрочнением, полученных спеканием механоактивированных смесей титанидов железа с углеродом

Introduction. The addition of dispersed solid particles of refractory compounds (carbides, borides, silicides) to the structure of alloy is a widely used effective way to increase the wear resistance of steels and alloys. Composites with a matrix of iron-based alloys (steel and cast iron) strengthened by titanium carbide particles are of great practical interest. The main structural characteristics, which define hardness and wear resistance of the composites, are volume fraction, dispersion and morphology of the particles of the strengthening carbide phase. The structure of composites depends on the method of its preparation. The methods of powder metallurgy combined with preliminary mechanical activation of powder mixtures have become widespread. It is previously established that in mechanically activated powder mixtures of FTi35S5 ferrotitanium, consisting of 82 % of (Fe,Al)2Ti phase, and P-803 carbon black, a reaction occurs with the formation of a composite consisting of a steel binder and titanium carbide. The synthesis reaction of carbides occurs in a solid-phase mode at combustion’s temperatures of 900–950 °C. Therefore, there is no coarsening of the structure due to the growth of carbide particles, which is typical for reactions in the presence of a liquid phase. FTi35S5 alloy contains a plenty of impurities (silicon, aluminum and etc). The purpose of the work is to investigate the phase composition and structure of the products of the interaction of Fe2Ti and FeTi iron titanides with carbon under the conditions of reaction sintering of mechanically activated powder mixtures and to determine the possibility of synthesizing iron-matrix composites strengthened with submicron titanium carbide particles. Research methods. The structure and phase composition of sintered compacts from mechanically activated powders were studied by optical metallography, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using determination of the elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Experimental technique. The reaction mixtures were prepared using intermetallic powders obtained by vacuum sintering of compacts from iron and titanium powder mixtures of 2Fe+Ti and Fe+Ti compositions. Carbon black was added to the intermetallic powders to convert all the titanium containing in the intermetallic compounds into carbide. The titanides – carbon black mixtures were processed by an Activator 2S planetary ball mill for 10 min milling time at a rotation speed of 755 rpm (40g). The mechanically activated mixtures were cold compacted into cylindrical samples with a diameter of 20 mm, which were sintered in vacuum at а temperature of 1,200 °C and an isothermal holding time of 60 minutes. Results and discussion. According to the results of X-ray diffraction analysis, almost all titanium contained in iron titanides reacts with carbon to form carbide and reduced iron. The sintering products of compacts of both compositions contain target phases: titanium carbide with a slight shift from the equiatomic ratio and α-iron, which has the lattice parameters close to the reference data, and also a few of other phases. The titanium carbide particles in the iron binder were identified on the back-scattered electron (BSE) images due to the tonal contrast: the heavy iron appears darker against the carbide, which is composed of lighter elements. According to EDX analysis, the relative content of titanium and carbon in the carbide particles indeed corresponds to the composition of non-stoichiometric titanium carbide. Conclusion. The composites including titanium carbide and α-iron binder were obtained by sintering of iron titanides and carbon (carbon black) mechanically activated powder mixtures. The granules of composite powders obtained by crushing of sintered compacts are of interest as feedstocks for wear-resistant coatings and additive technologies, as well as for manufacturing of dense materials by other compaction methods: spark plasma sintering (SPS) or hot pressing (HP).

Natural wound dressing films prepared from acetylated starch/κ-carrageenan blend incorporated with mandelic acid

Due to several limitations of acetylated starch film for wound dressing applications such as low mechanical properties and no antibacterial activity, acetylated starch film was, therefore, modified by different contents of κ-carrageenan and mandelic acid. Infrared spectra confirmed the presence of κ-carrageenan and mandelic acid in the modified acetylated starch films. In addition, the decreased crystallinity of the carrageenan modified acetylated starch films led to more smooth film, as observed by scanning electron images. Besides, the addition of various amounts of κ-carrageenan in the modified acetylated starch films caused the improvement of mechanical properties, moisture uptake, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and degree of swelling. Moreover, κ-carrageenan modified acetylated starch film loaded with 20 wt% of mandelic acid exhibited antibacterial property against both S.aureus and E.coli bacteria. Additionally, degree of crystallinity, mechanical properties, moisture uptake, WVTR, degree of swelling, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of κ-carrageenan modified acetylated starch films added by different amounts of mandelic acid were also studied.

Garnet and Zircon U‐Pb Geochronology and Geochemistry Reveal Genesis of the Dafang Au‐Pb‐Zn‐Ag Deposit, Southern Hunan

AbstractGarnet is a primary mineral in skarn deposits and plays a significant role in recording copious mineralization and metallogenic information. This study systematically investigates the geochemistry and geochronology of garnet and zircon in the Dafang Au‐Pb‐Zn‐Ag deposit, which represents prominent gold mineralization in southern Hunan, China. Garnet samples with distinct zoning patterns and compositional variations were identified using various analytical techniques, including Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging, Cathodoluminescence (CL) response, textural characterization, and analysis of rare‐earth elements (REE), major contents, and trace element compositions. The garnet was dated U‐Pb dating, which yielded a lower intercept age of 161.06 ± 1.93 Ma. This age is older than the underlying granodiorite porphyry, which has a concordia age of 155.13 ± 0.95 Ma determined by zircon U‐Pb dating. These results suggest that the gold mineralization may be related to the concealed granite. Two groups of garnet changed from depleted Al garnet to enriched Al garnet, and the rare earth element (REE) patterns of these groups were converted from light REE (LREE)‐enriched and heavy REE (HREE)‐depleted with positive europium (Eu) anomalies to medium REE (MREE)‐enriched from core to rim zoning. The different REE patterns of garnet in various zones may be attributed to changes in the fluid environment and late superposition alteration. The development of distal skarn in the southern Hunan could be a significant indicator for identifying gold mineralization.

Effect of electrochemical treatment in mitigating OH− leaching from cement paste and its microscopic analysis at BSE imaging

The present study concerns the electrochemical treatment between steel embedment and an external mesh in mitigating OH− ion leaching from the cement paste into external water, which was ensured by a microscopic observation on the surface of the cement paste specimen at the backscattered electron (BSE) image analysis and by measuring the leaching rate for OH− ions with time. The electrochemical properties for the treatment included 1000 mA/m2 current density and 4 weeks duration. As a result, the pH at the electrochemical treatment in the external water accounted for 9.32 in the pH, while the untreated specimen indicated 13.46, implying a quite reduction of OH− ion leaching to a water environment. The porosity on the surface was reduced to lower the access of external water, while the decomposition of C–S–H gel was lowered. Due to the precipitation of Ca(OH)2, a further solidification of hydration phases could lower OH− ion leaching.

Development and evaluation of a lateral flow-based portable optical system for determination of the pregnancy status of dairy cows

Our objectives were to develop and evaluate an integrated system consisting of a lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA) and an electronic portable imaging device for determination of pregnancy status of cows based on plasma concentrations of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB). Experiment 1 was conducted to test the performance of the LFIA for PSPB (PSPB-LFIA) whereas experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate the performance of the integrated system including both the LFIA and imaging device. The PSPB-LFIA strips were made of nitrocellulose membrane with polystreptavidin, anti-mouse antibody, Europium-anti-PSPB conjugates, and biotin-PSPB. After adding buffer and plasma in a 96-well plate, strips were dipped to initiate flow and were read in a fluorescence microscope to estimate PSPB concentrations based on the test-to-control line signal (T/C ratio). The T/C ratio of standards was linearly associated with PSPB (R2 = 0.99 in both experiments) concentrations. To test the ability to identify pregnant cows of the PSPB-LFIA only or the integrated system, plasma samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) was conducted 29 to 35 d post AI in lactating Holstein cows (Experiment 1: n = 83; Experiment 2: n = 205). A cow was considered pregnant (Preg) if concentrations of PSPB in plasma obtained by ELISA were ≥2 ng/mL or if an embryo was visible by TUS. In Experiment 1, the accuracy of the PSPB-LFIA compared with ELISA was 92.7% (91.2% Se; 96.1% Sp; 98.1% PPV; 83.3% NPV) and compared with TUS was 90.4% (100% Se; 78.9% Sp; 84.9% PPV; 100% NPV). The agreement between LFIA and ELISA (kappa = 0.84; 95%CI 0.71-0.96) or LFIA and TUS (kappa = 0.80; 95%CI 0.67-0.93) as methods to classify cows as Preg or Non-Preg was high. In Experiment 2, the accuracy of the PSPB-LFIA compared with ELISA was 96.1% (93.8% Se; 100% Sp; 100% PPV; 90.5% NPV) and compared with TUS was 92.2% (99.0% Se; 84.7% Sp; 87.6% PPV; 98.8% NPV). The agreement between LFIA and ELISA (kappa = 0.92; 95%CI 0.86-0.97) or LFIA and TUS (kappa = 0.84; 95%CI 0.77-0.92) as methods to classify cows as Preg or Non-Preg was high. We conclude that a system integrating a fluorescence-based LFIA and an optical reader was effective for classifying cows as pregnant or not pregnant based on estimations of plasma concentrations of PSPB. This novel system serves as a platform for further development of on-farm pregnancy testing tools based on measurement of biomarkers of pregnancy in bodily fluids of cattle.

Molding Process Retaining Gold Nanoparticle Assembly Structures during Transfer to a Polycarbonate Surface.

The immobilization of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) linear surface assemblies on polycarbonate (PC) melt surface via molding is investigated. The order of the particle assemblies is preserved during the molding process. The assemblies on PC exhibit plasmonic coupling features and dichroic properties. The structure of the assemblies is quantified based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and image analysis data using an orientational order parameter. The transfer process from mold to melt shows high structural fidelity. The order parameter of around 0.98 reflects the orientation of the lines and remains unaffected, independent of the injection direction of the melt relative to the particle lines. This is discussed in the frame of fountain flow during injection molding. The particles were permanently fixed and withstood the injection molding process, detachment of the substrate, and extraction in boiling ethanol. The plasmonic particles coupled strongly within the dense nanoparticle lines to produce anisotropic optical properties, as quantified by dichroic ratios of 0.28 and 0.52 using ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. AuNP line assemblies on a polymer surface may be a basis for plasmonic devices like surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors or a precursor for nanowires. Their embedding via injection molding constitutes an important link between particle-self-assembly approaches for optically functional surfaces and polymer processing techniques.