Proportion Of Fibers Research Articles

A Low-Cost Silica Fiber/Epoxy Composite with Excellent Dielectric Properties, and Good Mechanical and Thermal Stability

In many electronic applications, the dielectric and structural properties of reinforced composites are vital. In this research work, the influence of fiber proportion on the properties of a silica fiber/epoxy (SFE) composite was investigated. The structure, morphology, dielectric constant and loss factor, mechanical properties, and thermal stability were determined. The increase of wt.% of silica fiber (SiO2 (f)) x = 30 to 90, reduced the dielectric constant (εr) and dielectric loss (δ) of the SFE composite from their original values to 18.9% and 48.5%, lowering local charge displacement towards the applied electric field. The SFE composite showed higher mechanical properties with the increase in SiO2 (f), x = 30 to 80, the tensile strength (UTS) was raised from 91.6 MPa to 155.7 MPa, the compression strength (UCS) was increased from 261.1 MPa to 409.6 MPa and the flexural strength was enhanced from 192.3 MPa to 311.9 MPa. Upon further addition of SiO2 (f) to the composite, i.e., x = 90, the mechanical properties were reduced a little, but the dielectric properties were not changed. Increasing SiO2 (f) improved the thermal stability as weight loss was found to be 69% (x = 30) and 24% (x = 90), and average moisture absorption was found to be 1.1 to 1.8%. A silica fiber/epoxy composite, for microelectronics, can be made from a low-cost fiber, and its dielectric properties as well as its mechanical and thermal stability can be tuned or improved by varying fiber fractions.

The clinical, myopathological, and genetic analysis of 155 Chinese mitochondrial ophthalmoplegia patients with mitochondrial DNA single large deletions.

Progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) is a common subtype of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abnormalities, muscle pathology, and clinical manifestations in Chinese patients with single large-scale mtDNA deletion presenting with PEO. This is a retrospective single-center study. Patients with PEO who had a single large deletion in mitochondrial DNA were included in this study. The associations were analyzed between mtDNA deletion patterns, myopathological changes, and clinical characteristics. In total, 155 patients with mitochondrial PEO carrying single large-scale mtDNA mutations were enrolled, including 137 chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) and 18 Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) patients. The onset ages were 9.61 ± 4.12 in KSS and 20.15 ± 9.06 in CPEO. The mtDNA deletions ranged from 2225 bp to 9131 bp, with m.8470_13446del being the most common. The KSS group showed longer deletions than the CPEO group (p = 0.004). Additionally, a higher number of deleted genes encoding respiratory chain complex subunits (p = 0.001) and tRNA genes (p = 0.009) were also observed in the KSS group. A weak negative correlation between the mtDNA deletion size and ages of onset (p < 0.001, r = -0.369) was observed. The proportion of ragged red fibers, ragged blue fibers, and cytochrome c negative fibers did not correlate significantly with onset ages (p > 0.05). However, a higher percentage of abnormal muscle fibers corresponds to an increased prevalence of exercise intolerance, limb muscle weakness, dysphagia, and cerebellar ataxia. We reported a large Chinese cohort consisting of mitochondrial PEO patients with single large-scale mtDNA deletions. Our results demonstrated that the length and locations of mtDNA deletions may influence onset ages and clinical phenotypes. The severity of muscle pathology could not only indicate diagnosis but also may be associated with clinical manifestations beyond the extraocular muscles.

Impact of cooking temperature on pork longissimus, and muscle fibre type, on quality traits and protein denaturation of four pork muscles

Variations in pork quality impact consumer acceptance, and fibre type differences between muscles contribute to this variation. The aim was to investigate the influence of variations in muscle fibre types and protein denaturation peaks across four pork muscles and the influence of ageing and cooking temperature on longissimus quality traits. The longissimus, masseter, cutaneous trunci, and psoas major from 13 carcases were removed 1-day postmortem and subjected to 0- or 14-days ageing (d0, d14). Quality traits, protein denaturation peak temperature (DSC), fibre diameter and fibre type proportions were measured. Cook loss for longissimus was similar on d0 and d14, but was higher on d14 for masseter, cutaneous trunci, and psoas major. Warner-Bratzler shear force was highest, and ultimate pH was lowest, for longissimus, and similar among cutaneous trunci, masseter, and psoas major. Masseter had lowest L* and highest a* and longissimus and cutaneous trunci had highest L* and lowest a*. The DSC temperature peaks for longissimus occurred at lower temperatures relative to the other muscles. Fibre diameter was largest for type-IIb fibres relative to type-IIa and type-I. Longissimus and cutaneous trunci had predominantly type-IIb glycolytic (71%, 51% respectively), masseter had predominantly type-IIa intermediate (50%) and psoas major had predominantly type-I oxidative (48%) fibres. The glycolytic longissimus had the lowest DSC temperature peaks and the lowest quality meat. Masseter had the highest proportion of type-I fibres but was generally similar in quality traits to psoas major, and also similar to cutaneous trunci which had more glycolytic fibres than masseter.

Variations in the Vascular Bundle and Fiber Structure during the Stem Development of Rattan (Calamus caesius Blume)

Calamus caesius is one of the most well-known commercial climbing palm species across the world. A comprehensive understanding of the growth-dependent variation in microstructure and polymer distribution can provide fundamental information to guide its end-use applications. In this study, we investigated the age-wise characteristics of rattan stems and the ultrastructure of fibers using electron microscopy, light microscopy, and FTIR. The results showed that the frequency of vascular bundles with a diameter of 0.55∼0.62 mm in C. caesius was 3.49∼3.97 pieces/mm2. The diameter and length of the metaxylem vessel were 0.32∼0.34 mm and 2.86∼3.00 mm, respectively. Cellulose, lignin, xylan, and HCA are mainly concentrated in the fiber sheath of vascular bundles. The distribution of major polymers in positions other than the top was relatively stable. The tissue proportion of parenchyma, xylem, and phloem did not differ significantly at different positions. The proportion of fibers from 22.27%∼25.33% showed significant differences. The fiber length was 1.43∼1.76 mm, and the diameter was 10.78∼12.63 μm. During the growth process of the rattan stem, the secondary wall of fiber cells continued to accumulate inward towards the cell cavity from 2 to 6 layers. The unique fiber properties and stable vascular bundle composition of C. caesius may have potential in fields such as composite materials or renewable energy.

Reinforced water hyacinth based biodegradable cutlery: Green alternative to single-use plastics

Water hyacinth (WH) is an invading water plant that severely threatens biodiversity. The aim of this study was to utilize fibres from this underutilized plant to develop binderless biodegradable plates, in combination with different proportions (10%, 20% and 30%) of waste paper (WP), sugarcane leaf (SC), and banana stem fibre (BF), added as reinforcing agents. The properties of these products are compared with WH plates with starch as a binder (ST). The use of an epoxidized castor oil-based coating to enhance hydrophobicity was also studied. Analytical tests including functional group analysis, mechanical property, wettability, surface morphology, thermal stability and biodegradability studies were performed. It was observed that BF samples had the best mechanical properties, followed by SC, WP and ST, with BF-20 showing the maximum tensile strength (6.23 MPa) and elongation (10.09%). The thermogravimetric analysis showed the reinforced samples to be suitable for high-temperature applications, with SC-30 having a T5 value of 269.75 °C. The contact angles indicated that WH could be considered a suitable raw material for manufacturing biodegradable products with low wettability, and the addition of cellulose-rich reinforcing agents can further enhance its water resistance. SC-30 showed the highest hydrophobicity with a contact angle of 124.3°. Coating using an epoxidized castor oil-based solution can reduce the wettability of even super hydrophilic surfaces. All the samples showed good biodegradability, with most samples degrading completely within 20 days. Hence, water hyacinth reinforced with cellulose-rich reinforcing agents can be regarded as a superior raw material for manufacturing biodegradable cutlery.

Resistance Exercise Training Rescues Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle of Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominant autosomal neuromuscular disorder caused by the inheritance of a CTG triplet repeat expansion in the Dystrophia Myotonica Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene. At present, no cure currently exists for DM1 disease. This study investigates the effects of 12-week resistance exercise training on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle in a cohort of DM1 patients (n = 11, men) in comparison to control muscle with normal oxidative phosphorylation. Immunofluorescence was used to assess protein levels of key respiratory chain subunits of complex I (CI) and complex IV (CIV), and markers of mitochondrial mass and cell membrane in individual myofibres sampled from muscle biopsies. Using control's skeletal muscle fibers population, we classified each patient's fibers as having normal, low or high levels of CI and CIV and compared the proportions of fibers before and after exercise training. The significance of changes observed between pre- and post-exercise within patients was estimated using a permutation test. At baseline, DM1 patients present with significantly decreased mitochondrial mass, and isolated or combined CI and CIV deficiency. After resistance exercise training, in most patients a significant increase in mitochondrial mass was observed, and all patients showed a significant increase in CI and/or CIV protein levels. Moreover, improvements in mitochondrial mass were correlated with the one-repetition maximum strength evaluation. Remarkably, 12-week resistance exercise training is sufficient to partially rescue mitochondrial dysfunction in DM1 patients, suggesting that the response to exercise is in part be due to changes in mitochondria.

383 Effect of Feeding Ractopamine to Finisher Lard-Type Mangalica Pigs on Longissimus Muscle Fiber Myosin-Heavy Chain Isoform Expression and Cross-Sectional Area

Abstract Heritage breeds such as Mangalica pigs are gaining popularity in US niche markets and currently sold as high-quality meat due to greater meat quality characteristics. Research has demonstrated that feeding the β-adrenergic agonist ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC), stimulates hypertrophic growth of type-2, fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers via mTOR signaling resulting in greater myofibrillar protein synthesis. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of feeding RAC to Mangalica pigs during the finisher phase on longissimus muscle fiber myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoform expression and cross-sectional area. Mangalica pigs were randomly assigned finisher diets for 21 d with 20 ppm (RAC; n = 8) or without (CTL; n = 6). Longissimus muscle samples were collected during carcass fabrication, flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 °C. Immunofluorescence staining of 5-µm-thick cryosections to identify Type-1 (Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB) antibody Ba-D5), Type-2a (DSHB SC-71), and 2x (DSHB BF-35) MHC positive fibers. Type 2b fibers were determined by subtraction. Fibers in each image (≥ 150) were assessed for fiber type and their cross-sectional area (CSA) at 200X magnification. Data were analyzed as a one-way ANOVA using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS V9.4. Means were separated with the PDIFF option and declared different when P ≤ 0.05. Tendencies were declared when 0.0501 ≤ P ≤ 0.1000. Feeding RAC decreased the density of Type 2a (P = 0.0136) and Type 2b (P = 0.0186) fibers in the longissimus muscle of Mangalica pigs. A tendency for RAC to reduce the density of Type 1, slow-twitch (6.61 vs. 16.14 fiber per mm2; P = 0.0505) fibers and increase the density of primarily oxidative fibers expressing a combination of Type 1 + Type 2a MHC isoforms (10.23 vs. 2.88%; P = 0.0524) was also observed. When analyzed as a proportion of total fibers, RAC reduced the proportion of fibers expressing only Type 2a (11.8 vs. 6.70%; P = 0.0468) and Type 2b (0.19 vs. 1.32%; P = 0.0101) MHC isoforms but increased the percentage of fibers expressing both Type 1 + Type 2a MHC isoforms (4.66 vs. 1.13%; P = 0.0280). Feeding RAC did not impact the density or proportion of fibers expressing Type 2x MHC (P ≥ 0.386). Mean longissimus muscle fiber CSA was not impacted by feeding Mangalica pigs RAC for 21 d (P = 0.4815). The CSA of the smallest and largest fibers nor fiber distribution were influenced by RAC inclusion in the diet of Mangalica pigs (P ≥ 0.484). In conclusion, feeding RAC Mangalica pigs impacted fiber MHC isoform expression in the longissimus muscle without altering fiber CSA. Future studies will explore the impact of RAC on the CSA of the various fiber types as well as the impact on other muscles in the Mangalica pig.

214 Effects of Fiber Concentration and Fermentation Rate on Reproductive Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Immune Response of Lactating Sows

Abstract High fiber diets are known to have many benefits to sows (e.g., improving reproductive performance such as vitality of piglets, stimulating gut health, and improving well-being), and due to their fermentation properties, they may have different functions in lactating sows. Fast fermentable fiber favors the growth of beneficial microbiota which contributes to improved gut health, and slow fermentable fiber increases the fecal mass and provides a delayed release of some nutrients which benefits the farrowing process of sows. On the other hand, high fiber diets may reduce feed intake and nutrient digestibility. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fiber concentration and fermentation rate on lactating sow performance, nutrient digestibility, and immunity. Four diets were formulated with increasing fast fermentable fiber, with diets 1 and 2 formulated at low (15%) total dietary fiber (TDF) and diets 3 and 4 at high (25%) TDF. The proportion of fast fermentable fiber in total diet of 4 treatments were 1.25%, 2.5%, 3.75%, and 5% respectively. The main fiber sources were sugar beet pulp, oat hull, and barley. Digestible energy, crude protein, and lysine levels were comparable among each treatment group. A total of 136 lactating sows (Landrace × Large White) were blocked by parity, body weight (BW), and back fat (BF), and then randomly assigned to each block (8 blocks). Feed allowance was set to increase from 3 kg/d (primiparous) or 3.5 kg/d (multiparous) at farrowing to a maximum of 7 kg/d or 8 kg/d at 7d or 8d post farrowing. Results showed that sows in high fiber groups had an increased litter weight gain and BF loss (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and sows in fast fiber groups showed a decreased BW and protein loss (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Low fiber fed sows showed a significantly increased digestibility of protein, gross energy (GE), and dry matter compared with high fiber ones (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Sows fed with slow fermentable fiber in the low fiber groups showed greater digestibility of GE, protein, and dry matter compared with the ones fed with fast fermentable fiber; however, the opposite was true in high fiber groups. Fiber concentration and fermentation rate did not show significant effects on serum IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, or endotoxin of sows (P &amp;gt; 0.05). In conclusion, high fiber diet increased BF loss and negatively influenced nutrient digestibility while having positive effects on litter growth. The negative effects of fiber were partially compensated by increasing the soluble fraction. Based on the current study, when feeding lactating sows a diet with high fiber, a relative increase of fast fermentable fiber is the most favorable feeding strategy.

Performance of fibre-reinforced landfill mined soil like fraction as an environment friendly fill material

Landfill mining is emerging as an effective strategy towards mitigation of the problems associated with legacy landfills. About 40–80% of the landfill mined waste is soil-like fraction (landfill mined soil like fraction, LMSF) that is obtained after removing the combustibles and recyclables. However, due to its lower calorific value and presence of organic content, LMSF has not found many applications except landfill cover material and filling of low-lying areas. In this context, the present study explores the strength properties of LMSF with and without fibres (coir and polypropylene fibres) through unconfined compression, direct shear, UU triaxial, cyclic UU triaxial, indirect tension and bending strength tests. Overall, the shear strength properties of LMSF are similar to sand with some cohesion. Further, the performance of LMSF with optimum fibre proportion (2% for coir fibres and 1.5% for polypropylene fibres) is quite superior under monotonic and cyclic compressive loading conditions, as well as indirect tension and flexural loading conditions. An assessment of 1 m replacement of soft soil with LMSF with/without fibre reinforcement infers substantial increase in the allowable bearing pressure of LMSF. Overall, though LMSF may need assessment/pre-treatment (as required) due to presence of organic content and any possible heavy metal concentration, utilization of LMSF would encourage the adoption of landfill mining process. The current research insights contribute in the direction of achieving sustainable infrastructure development by reduction in the landfill area that would reduce the depletion of conventionally utilized natural resources for fill applications such as sand and gravel, and contribute positively towards environment.

USE OF STEEL FIBER AND COPPER SLAG IN CONCRETE PAVEMENT

This study explores the utilization of steel fiber as a reinforcement material in concrete pavement construction. The investigation delves into the mechanical and structural properties of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) and its impact on the performance of pavement structures. Various proportions of steel fibers are incorporated into the concrete mix, and the resulting mixtures are subjected to comprehensive testing, including compressive strength, flexural strength, and fatigue resistance. The study aims to assess the potential enhancement in the durability and load-bearing capacity of concrete pavements through the incorporation of steel fibers. The findings indicate that the addition of steel fibers contributes to increased tensile strength and crack resistance, addressing common issues such as reflective cracking and fatigue failure in concrete pavements. Moreover, the study investigates the economic viability and sustainability aspects associated with the use of steel fiber in concrete pavements, considering its influence on lifecycle costs and environmental impact. The outcomes provide valuable insights for engineers and practitioners seeking optimized solutions for durable and resilient concrete pavement construction. Keywords: Steel fibers, Concrete pavement, Reinforcement, Mechanical Properties, Durability,Structural Performance, Compressive strength, Flexural Strength,Fatigue resistance, Reflective Cracking,Sustainability.

170 Do you Have the Energy to Grind Feed Costs and Maximize Net Income in Demanding Economic Times?

Abstract Energy is not only the most expensive component of the diet, but also among the most complex. Energy impacts all aspects of the growth and metabolism of the pig. Therefore, when feed costs escalate, energy is a predictable though challenging target for increased attention. To achieve greatest success, a two-pronged approach is warranted. The first focuses on our understanding of the fundamentals of energy science and the second logically follows with applying this knowledge in practice. This presentation will address both the science and the application. Formulating energy in pig diets is a complicated process. For example, one can achieve equal dietary energy values with different proportions of protein, starch, fat and fiber. Each of these nutrients is used with a different level of efficiency by the pig, leading one to question whether equal performance should be expected just because ME or NE is the same. We will dig a bit more deeply into how energy values of ingredients are generated, what assumptions are made in this process and the limitations of these values in predicting pig performance. Beyond ME and NE, we will note that changing energy sources may also alter the microbiota, oxidative load, gut structure and function, and even the digestibility of dietary nutrients. This, in turn, can impact not only the performance of the pig, but also resistance to disease and susceptibility to environmental stress. We will also discuss why feed efficiency is sometimes highly correlated to dietary energy but in other cases, this relationship is quite weak; how can this be? On a positive note, the ME or NE of ingredients has been found to be highly correlated with certain dietary constituents. This infers that the prediction of the energy content of ingredients should be quite effective, and such predictions will improve the precision of diet formulation. Moving forward, it makes sense that wherever possible, energy response curves should be part of the toolkit available to swine nutritionists, but these curves should involve diverse diet composition, unlike the energy titration studies commonly used in our industry. When energy is the most expensive, and production margins are weakest, this is the very time to invest strategically in diet analysis to ensure that we are extracting every bit of energy we can from available ingredients. In other words, are we achieving our formulation targets? Because the topic of dietary energy is so large and complex, we will remind ourselves where we can have the greatest impact on net income by managing energy. In conclusion, energy drives feed costs and drives performance. As complex a topic as it is, we will be rewarded by understanding dietary energy more deeply, and applying that knowledge as effectively as possible in commercial practice.

Three-dimensional visualization of the vascular bundle in a branched bamboo node

Bamboo is a natural vascular bundle (VB) reinforced composite material used in more than 10 fields such as construction and furniture. The nodes in bamboo are crucial to its mechanical properties, but understanding of its performance is limited by lack of knowledge about the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the node. This work aimed to non-destructively identify the multi-dimensional characteristics of the VB in a bamboo branched node (BN) using X-ray microtomography (µCT). The VB was segmented from the BN using deep learning combined with the Watershed algorithm. The 3D model reconstruction and characterization of the VB were also conducted. It was found that the structure of VBs showed significant changes along the height of the BN. The VBs formed a complex 3D structure, VBs of the culm are connected with those of the branch, and the connectivity of the conducting tissue and fibers was 88.91% and 99.95%, respectively. The conducting tissue and the fibers had similar shapes but varying thicknesses, which enabled VBs to perform both water transport and mechanical support functions. The volumes fraction of parenchyma, fibers, and conducting tissue in the BN were 61.3%, 35.3%, and 3.4%, respectively, but the tissue proportion of the different heights of the BN varied from each other. The nodal ridge was a mechanical weak point of the BN, with a maximum fibers proportion of 43.8%. This study contributes to understanding the relationship of VBs between the branch and the culm. It provides a structural perspective for understanding the mechanical properties of BN and a theoretical basis for optimizing bamboo utilization efficiency.

Microplastics in the Syr Darya River Tributaries, Uzbekistan

The objective of the study was a pre-screening of the microplastic (MP) content in surface water and benthic sediments of Kara Darya and Chirchiq rivers, the first-order tributaries of the Syr Darya River (Uzbekistan). For the first time, surface water and benthic sediment samples were taken from this region, and quantitative screening of MPs 0.15–5.00 mm in size was performed. A combined visual and μRaman-based methodology was used to quantify and characterize artificial polymer microparticles from the surface water and bottom sediments of two rivers. The average abundance of MPs in the Kara Darya River and Chirchiq River waters was found to be 4.28 ± 0.09 and 0.95 ± 0.36 items per m3, and that in benthic sediments attained 244 ± 28.9 and 333 ± 11.5 items per kg of dry soil, respectively. MP concentration in surface water and benthic sediments of the Kara Darya River significantly exceeded (p-value &lt; 0.01) that in the Chirchiq River. Microfibers were most abundant; the proportion of MP fibers in the water of the Kara Darya and Chirchiq rivers amounted to 89 and 95%, respectively, and that in benthic sediments of the rivers was 86 and 84%, respectively. The dominance of microfibers may indicate the route of entry to the rivers through domestic wastewater treatment plant discharges. The polymer microparticles in the surface water and benthic sediments of the Kara Darya and Chirchiq rivers were mainly represented by polyethylenterephtalate (PET), which accounted for half of all MPs detected in the Kara Darya River. Microparticles of textile origin were particularly abundant in the Kara Darya River, where viscose and nylon fibers were also found, which suggests the leading role of synthetic textiles in the pollution. The reported data are the first experimental evidence of MP pollution of the Syr Darya tributaries, but the distribution and circulation of MPs in surface water in Central Asia requires further comprehensive studies.

Effects of different feeding patterns on the rumen bacterial community of tan lambs, based on high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons.

The mutton quality of Chinese Tan lambs (Ovis aries) has declined as feeding patterns have shifted from pasturing to pen rationing. While pen-fed can enhance the growth performance of sheep, it falls short in terms of meat quality attributes such as meat color and tenderness. Furthermore, compared to pen-fed, pasture-fed husbandry increases the proportion of oxidative muscle fibers, decreases the proportion of glycolytic muscle fibers, and reduces LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activity. Mutton quality is affected by fatty acids, and rumen microorganisms play a role in the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acids. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the effects of two feeding patterns on the rumen bacteria of Tan lambs. In a randomized block design with 24 newborn Tan lambs, 12 lambs were fed by ewes in pasture and 12 were fed by pen-fed ewes. At 2 months, the biceps femoris and the longissimus dorsi were analyzed by gas chromatography for intramuscular fat content and fatty acids composition, and DNA in the rumen contents was extracted and used to analyze the structure of the bacterial community. Different feeding patterns had no significant effect on the intramuscular fat content of the biceps femoris and longissimus dorsi of the lambs, but there was a significant effect on fatty acids composition. The fatty acids c18:3n3 and c20:5n3 were significantly higher in the biceps femoris and longissimus dorsi of the pasture group than the pen-ration group. The alpha diversity of rumen bacteria was significantly greater in the pasture group compared to the pen-ration group. The ACE index, Chao1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index were all notably higher in the pasture group than in the pen-ration group. Utilizing beta diversity analysis to examine the differences in rumen bacteria between the pasture group and pen-ration group, it was observed that the homogeneity of bacteria in the pasture group was lower than that in the pen-ration group. Furthermore, the diversity of rumen bacteria in the pasture group was greater than that in the pen-ration group. Twenty-one phyla were identified in the pasture group, and 14 phyla were identified in the pen-ration group. The dominant phyla in the pasture group were Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres; the dominant phyla in the pen-ration group were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly higher in the pen-ration group than in the pasture group (p < 0.01). Diversity at the genus level was also higher in the pasture group, with 176 genera in the pasture group and 113 genera in the pen-ration group. The dominant genera in the pasture group were Prevotella_1, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Bacteroidales_BS11_gut_group_Na; the dominant genera in the pen-ration group were Prevotella_1, Prevotella_7, Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001, and Succinivibrionaceae_NA. The rumen bacterial community of Tan sheep is significantly influenced by pen-ration and pasture-fed conditions, leading to variations in fatty acid content in the muscle, which in turn affects the flavor and nutritional value of the meat to some extent. Pasture-fed conditions have been shown to enhance the diversity of rumen bacterial community structure in Tan sheep, thereby increasing the nutritional value of their meat.

Damage Model of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Coal Gangue Concrete under Freeze-Thaw Cycles Based on Weibull Distribution.

In order to improve the utilization rate of coal gangue and expand the application range of coal gangue concrete (CGC), a certain proportion of steel fiber was added to the concrete, and the freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) and flexural tests were used to explore the effects of different mass replacement rates of coal gangue (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and different proportions of the volumetric blending of the steel fiber (0%, 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.2%) on the frost resistance of steel fiber-reinforced CGC (SCGC). The governing laws of mass loss rate, relative dynamic elastic modulus and load-midspan deflection curve were obtained on the base of the analysis of testing results. The damage mechanisms of the SCGC under the FTCs were analyzed using the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the Lemaitre's strain equivalence principle and Krajcinovic's vector damage theory, a damage evolution model of the SCGC under the FTCs was established by introducing the damage variable of the SCGC satisfying Weibull distribution. The results show an increasing mass loss rate of the SCGC and a decreasing relative dynamic elastic modulus with an increasing mass replacement rate of coal gangue. The proper content of the steel fiber can reduce the mass loss rate of concrete by 10~40% and the relative loss rate of dynamic elastic modulus of concrete by 2~8%, thus significantly improving the ductility and toughness of the concrete. The established damage evolution model is well validated by the experimental results, which further help to improve the modelling accuracy. This study provides key experimental data and a theoretical basis for a wider range of proper utilization of coal gangue in cold regions.

Hybrid hemp/glass fiber reinforced high-temperature shape memory photopolymer with mechanical and flame-retardant analysis

Cultivated natural fibers have a huge possibility for green and sustainable reinforcement for polymers, but their limited load-bearing ability and flammability prevent them from wide applications in composites. According to the beam theory, normal stress is the maximum at the outermost layers but zero at the mid-plane under bending (with (non)linear strain distribution). Shear stress is the maximum at the mid-plane but manageable for most polymers. Accordingly, a laminated composite made of hybrid fiber-reinforced shape memory photopolymer was developed, incorporating strong synthetic glass fibers over a weak core of natural hemp fibers. Even with a significant proportion of natural hemp fibers, the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were close to those reinforced solely with glass fibers. The composites exhibited good shape memory properties, with at least 52% shape fixity ratio and 71% shape recovery ratio, and 24 MPa recovery stress. After 40 s burning, a hybrid composite still maintained 83.53% of its load carrying capacity. Therefore, in addition to largely maintaining the load carrying capacity through the hybrid reinforcement design, the use of shape memory photopolymer endowed a couple of new functionalities to the composites: the plastically deformed laminated composite beam can largely return to its original shape due to the shape memory effect of the polymer matrix, and the flame retardancy of the polymer matrix makes the flammable hemp fiber survive the fire hazard. The findings of this study present exciting prospects for utilizing low-strength and flammable natural fibers in multifunctional load-bearing composites that possess both flame retardancy and shape memory properties.

Effect of Basalt Fiber Diameter on the Properties of Asphalt Mastic and Asphalt Mixture.

In this study, basalt fiber having two types of diameters (16 μm and 25 μm) was selected and added to asphalt mastic and asphalt mixtures using different fiber proportions. The influences of fiber diameters and proportions on the properties of asphalt mastic and mixtures were studied. The adhesion behavior of the fiber-asphalt mastic (FAM) interface was evaluated by a monofilament pullout test, and the rheological properties of FAM were evaluated by temperature sweep, linear amplitude sweep, and bending beam rheological tests. In addition, the high-temperature stability, intermediate and low-temperature cracking resistance, and water stability of fiber-modified mixtures were studied by wheel tracking, ideal cracking, a low-temperature bending beam, and a water-immersed Marshall test. The results showed that the interface adhesion behavior between 16 μm fiber and asphalt mastic was more likely in the fiber failure mode at both -12 °C and 25 °C. Adding basalt fiber can significantly improve the high-temperature and fatigue properties of asphalt mastics. Moreover, 16 μm fiber had a better modifying effect on asphalt mastic than 25 μm fiber. The same enhancement trend can be observed in asphalt mixtures. Basalt fibers with 16 μm diameters can improve the high-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures more significantly. In addition, 16 μm fiber could sharply enhance the cracking performance of the mixtures at intermediate and low temperatures, while the enhancing effect of 25 μm fiber on the mixture is insignificant, though both diameters of the fibers have a minor effect on the water stability.

Unhealthy white matter connectivity, cognition, and racialization in older adults.

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) may promote clinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) disparities between Black American (BA) and non-Hispanic White (nHW) populations. Using a novel measurement, unhealthy white matter connectivity (UWMC), we interrogated racialized group differences in associations between WMH in AD pathology-affected regions and cognition. UWMC is the proportion of white matter fibers that pass through WMH for every pair of brain regions. Individual regression models tested associations of UWMC in beta-amyloid (Aβ) or tau pathology-affected regions with cognition overall, stratified by racialized group, and with a racialized group interaction. In 201 older adults ranging from cognitively unimpaired to AD, BA participants exhibited greater UWMC and worse cognition than nHW participants. UWMC was negatively associated with cognition in 17 and 5 Aβ- and tau-affected regions, respectively. Racialization did not modify these relationships. Differential UWMC burden, not differential UWMC-and-cognition associations, may drive clinical AD disparities between racialized groups. Unhealthy white matter connectivity (UWMC) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology-affected brain regions is associated with cognition. Relationships between UWMC and cognition are similar between Black American (BA) and non-Hispanic White (nHW) individuals. More UWMC may partially drive higher clinical AD burden in BA versus nHW populations. UWMC risk factors, particularly social and environmental, should be identified.

Biocompatibility, Biomineralization and Induction of Collagen Maturation with the Use of Calcium Hydroxide and Iodoform Intracanal Dressing.

Biocompatibility and biomineralization of root canal dressings are important requirements for periapical healing. This study evaluated the inflammatory response, biomineralization and tissue repair by collagen fiber maturation in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Eighteen Wistar rats (n = 6) received subcutaneous implants: calcium hydroxide + propylene glycol [CH+P], calcium hydroxide + propylene glycol + iodoform [CH+P+I], iodoform + carbowax [I+Cwax] and carbowax [Cwax]. Extra empty tubes were used as a control [C]. After 7, 15 and 30 days, the implants were removed with surrounding tissue for staining of hematoxylin-eosin, Von Kossa, picrosirius red and without staining for analysis under polarized light. Results were analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn testing for nonparametric data and ANOVA followed by a Tukey post hoc test for parametric data (p < 5%). At 7 days, all groups showed a moderate inflammatory reaction and thick fibrous capsule, except the [Cwax] group, with a severe inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.05). After 15 days, all groups but control had a decrease in inflammatory response. At 30 days, all groups presented a mild reaction and thin fibrous capsule (p > 0.05). Only groups containing calcium hydroxide were found to be positive using Von Kossa staining and polarized light in all periods. At 7 days, all groups showed a higher proportion of immature fibers. At 15 days, the [CH+P] and [Cwax] groups increased their proportion of mature/immature fibers. At 30 days, only the [CH+P] group presented a significant prevalence of mature collagen fibers (p < 0.05). All groups showed biocompatibility, but only groups containing calcium hydroxide induced biomineralization. The addition of iodoform delayed tissue healing.

Agave inulin as a fat replacer in tamales: Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory attributes.

Tamales are a traditional dish rich in fat and carbohydrates with increasing popularity. The present study aimed to investigate the use of agave inulin powder (AIP) as a potential fat replacer in tamales. The effect of replacing 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% (w/w) of fat with AIP was evaluated in the physicochemical, sensory, and nutritional features of tamales. The fat content of tamales decreased up to 88% in AIP tamales, whereas total dietary fiber (TDF) increased up to 14%. TDF in AIP tamales had a higher proportion of soluble dietary fiber (SDF). Moreover, results indicated that both insoluble and SDF were formed during the processing of tamales. Fat replacement led to a reduction of up to 26% in the calorie load of tamales. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed changes in the absorption bands related to carbohydrates, with increments in peaks associated with inulin (936 and 862cm-1 ), and inhibition of retrogradation when inulin was included. AIP addition resulted in tamales with lighter color. Fat replacement with AIP affected the texture of tamales increasing their softness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness. In general, inulin positively affected the hedonic attributes and acceptance of tamales. Interestingly, full-fat tamales had a lower glycemic index and presented higher contents of resistant starch compared to tamales with AIP. Nevertheless, agave inulin may serve as a fat replacer yielding reduced-fat tamales with higher TDF and SDF and yielding a lower calorie load without significantly affecting the sensory acceptability of this traditional meal.