Image-Pro Plus Research Articles

Dataset for NiO/ZnO biomorphic nanocomposite using a poplar tree leaf template to generate an enhanced gas sensing platform to detect n-butanol.

The SEM image data presented in this article was collected by the Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed on an XL-30 ESEM FEG scanning electron microscopy. The diameter stastics data was collected and calculated by the Image-Pro Plus software system. The UV–Vis Res spectrum was collected by solid state UV diffuse reflector Shimadzu UV-4100 at wavelength 200–800 nm. The SEM image data showed more details of the poplar tree leave template(PTLT). The diameter stastics data show the diameter averagely distributed in the material. The UV–Vis Res spectrum reflected the physical property of PTLT NiO/ZnO. Interpretation of this data can be found in a research article titled “One-step facile synthesis of a NiO/ZnO biomorphic nanocomposite using a poplar tree leaf template to generate an enhanced gas sensing platform to detect n-butanol” (Qingrui Zeng et al., 2019) [1], Research Article DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.05.018•The SEM image provide the more details about the distinction of the PTLT ZnO and conventional ZnO, further present more morphology information of the PTLT biotemplate. Exhibiting a facile and green way for synthesising ZnO and narrow down the size of ZnO crystal, present the advantage of PTLT ZnO in morphology control. Motivating gas sensor researcher to fabricate ZnO by a biotemplate method, which owned biomorphic and extraordinary gas sensing properties.•The UV–Vis Res spectrum present more detail of the energy band information of PTLT ZnO and PTLT NiO/ZnO, which is use for the gas sensing mechanism analysis. Inspiring researcher forcus on the construction on p-n heterojunction type gas sensor to enhance the gas sensing properties.•The material researchers work on the morphic investigation, gas sensor, and application of semiconductor.•These data are benefit for the application of biotemplate method for material fabrication and material application.

RETRACTED: The evolution of structure properties of vegetation concrete under freeze–thaw cycles

Vegetation concrete is a typical artificial composite soil commonly used for ecological restoration on slopes. The strength and stability of vegetation concrete would be reduced when it is used in areas where freeze–thaw cycles occur frequently. For exploring the changes of structural properties of vegetation concrete under freeze–thaw cycles, an indoor simulation experiment of vegetation concrete samples containing 25 and 30% water content was carried out, so as to test the changes of specimen surface, volume, ultrasonic wave velocity, shearing strength, and microscopic structure. The microstructural parameters were analyzed quantitatively with Image-Pro Plus software. The experimental results indicated that as cycles of freeze–thaw grow, the macroscopic changes of samples included steadily rising surface crack rate, increasing first and then decreasing volume, greatly reducing ultrasonic wave velocity and gradually decreasing shear strength. The inner structure of samples slowly deteriorated from overall dense to dispersed with decreasing cement hydration crystals, pores resulting from dispersion and destruction of bulky grains, higher surface porosity, and smoother particles in microscopic aspect. When compared with samples containing 25% water content, the microstructure of the 30% water content sample was more affected by the freeze–thaw cycle, and its structural weakening effect was more obvious. Reduced cement hydration crystals, lower inter-particle bonding force, and increase in the number of large pores were the main causes of degradation of vegetation concrete structure. Electrical engineering students can refer to the analysis methods in this paper to evaluate the structural performance of any electrical engineering material.

The impact of flavonoids-rich Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Extract on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation

BackgroundTo evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effect of flavonoids-rich Ziziphus jujuba Mill. extract (FZM) against the formation of bacterial biofilms (BBFs) in Staphylococcus aureus.ResultsFZM can effectively inhibit the formation of S. aureus biofilms in vitro. Morphological observation showed a decrease in both biofilm adhesion and thickness. Results of confocal laser scanning microscopy used to detect the thickness of the BBFs showed that FZM treatment reduced the thickness of the BBFs. Furthermore, after the Image-Pro Plus v.6.0 analysis of the fluorescence intensity, FZM treatment reduced the thickness of the BBFs as well as the proportion of green fluorescence. Scanning electron microscopy showed that FZM can disrupt the channels available for substance exchange in the biofilm, thus exposing the bacterial cells and damaging its three-dimensional structures.ConclusionFZM can inhibit biofilm formation, improve the bacterial pH environment, and eliminate the hydrophobic effect of reactive oxygen species and flavonoids.

The Histomorphometry of Rabbit Bone Tissue with Experimental Osteoporosis after Implantation of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Materials

The histomorphometry of the rabbit bone tissue from the lower jaw was done. Authors hypothesized that local enhancement with biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic materials in the femur trochanter major area increase the trabecular bone volume outside the implantation zone in vivo. Twenty-two California female rabbits were included in this study and were divided into four groups. Four healthy rabbits composed a control group (A group), while other eighteen underwent ovariectomy. Bone defects were created in femur trochanter major region. Sham surgery group (B group) consisted of four female rabbits with osteoporosis and bone defect, but no biomaterials were implanted. In C group (seven rabbits) created defects were filled with granules of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (hydroxyapatite (HAP) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) 30/70); in D group (seven rabbits) defects were filled with the same granules (HAP/TCP 30/70) together with strontium (5% by mass). Twenty-two bone samples were taken from lower jaw premolar region. Trabecular bone area was measured using Image Pro Plus 7 program, where three equal fields (0.975 mm2) of view were at random chosen in all bone samples. Results have shown that the trabecular bone area in A group was 0.201 mm2 (0.176-0.233), which is statistically significantly higher (p <0.0001) than in B group 0.127 mm2 (0.118 – 0.149), C group 0.136 mm2 (0.108 – 0.166) and D group 0.135 mm2 (0.126 – 0.164), respectively. Statistically significant differences between B, C and D groups were not found (p > 0.05).

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties improvement of selective laser melted Co-Cr biomedical alloys during subsequent heat treatments

Abstract Selective laser melting (SLM) technology has garnered considerable attention as an advanced manufacturing method that produces biomedical Co-Cr devices specifically developed for dental restoration applications. However, SLM technology inevitably causes unstable microstructures and excessive residual stress due to rapid heating and cooling, which negatively affects their mechanical properties. Also, information on the phase transformation and precipitation behavior during subsequent heat treatments is limited. In this work, SLM-manufactured Co-Cr specimens were initially subjected to stress-relieving annealing (SRA) at various temperatures (850, 950, 1050, and 1150 °C) and then porcelain firing (PF) treatments, and the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties improvement during subsequent heat treatments was investigated in detail. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, and Image Pro Plus 6.0 (IPP) software were used to analyze alloy microstructures, whereas tensile tests were performed to evaluate corresponding performance. Results showed that after SRA and/or PF treatments, a large number of nanoscale precipitates were observed, and acicular or lamellar e phase appeared. For SRA-treated specimens, as annealing temperatures increased, the volume fraction of γ phase decreased, especially after annealing at 950 °C, the γ phase was completely transformed into the e phase. In contrast, for (SRA + PF)-treated specimens, the volume fraction of γ phase first decreased and then increased with the increase of annealing temperatures. IPP analysis found that the amount, size, and morphology of the precipitates varied with the change in annealing temperature. During annealing, isothermal martensite transformation (γ →e) dominated due to the long duration between 600 and 900 °C, while the amount of athermal martensite transformation (γ →e) gradually increased when porcelain firing. Changes in the above-mentioned microstructures affected corresponding mechanical properties. From 850 °C to 1050 °C, tensile strength and elongation continue to improve. At 1150 °C, both tensile strength and 0.2% yield strength decreased, but the elongation was further improved. The variation in hardness (HV10) with temperature was the same as that of the volume fraction of e phase, that is, the higher the volume fraction of e phase, the higher the hardness. SEM/EDX analysis of tensile fracture surfaces revealed a quasi-cleavage fracture. In conclusion, 1150°C-SRA and PF treatments are an effective method for homogenizing microstructure and improving mechanical properties.

Study on reinforcement mechanism and microscopic morphology of steel-basalt mixed fiber HPCC

To further improve the working performance of steel fiber cement-based composites, reduce the construction difficulty and explore the mechanism of mixed fibers in cement-based composites. Based on the single blending of steel fiber, the substitution rates of seven different basalt fibers are studied by the equal volume replacement method. And the microstructures of mixed fiber cement-based composites are studied by the method of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and by using Image-Pro Plus (IPP). Results show that when the fiber replacement rate reaches 20%, the positive hybrid effect of the two fibers are the best for the cement-based composites. The splitting tensile strength of the mixed fiber cement-based composites also reaches the maximum value of 20.07 MPa, which is 110% of the corresponding strength of the single-doped steel fiber, and the working performance is also greatly improved. In microscopic view, a reasonable mixing of fibers can effectively improve the internal structure of the matrix and enable the pores to be smaller and more uniform than before. At the same time, the fiber-reinforced crack resistance effect can greatly improve the deformation resistance of the matrix, so that the matrix can still maintain a good integrity in the final destruction. The main factors affecting the macroscopic mechanical properties of the mixed fiber cement-based composite are found by grey correlation, which essentially reveals the influence of the changes in fiber content on the macro-performance of the matrix. The results provide a foundation for the research and application of mixed fiber cement-based composites.

Expansion, injection and micro-explosion phenomena during the full combustion cycle of mixed fuel droplets of ethyl alcohol and biodiesel

In this study, mixed fuel droplets of ethyl alcohol and biodiesel with different volumes or ratios were prepared and the related expansion, injection and micro-explosion phenomena were investigated. During the tests, a mixed-fuel droplet was hung on a high-temperature-resistant Cr-Ni wire, which was transported to the preheating piston for heating and then was ignited automatically. Micro-needles and an infusion set also were employed to prepare mixed droplets with identical ratios but different volumes. Using a single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera, colour videos that captured the combustion process of the mixed droplets were taken and were processed into colour images using Adobe Premiere Pro CC. The colour image series were analysed to determine the ignition delay time, the burnout time and the flame characteristics during combustion of mixed droplets with different ratios. Instantaneous grey images were obtained by means of high-speed photography during combustion of the mixed droplets with different volumes and different ratios, and of droplets of E40 (in which the volume ratio of ethyl alcohol was 40%). Using Image pro plus and Origin software, the variation of normalised mean droplet diameter with time over the whole combustion cycle was calculated and the underlying reasons for various combustion phenomena were analysed.

Study on Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Polypropylene-Steel Fiber RPC and Computational Method of Fiber Content.

On the basis of determining the optimum content of polypropylene fiber reactive powder concrete (RPC), the influence of different steel fiber content on the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of hybrid polypropylene-steel fiber RPC was studied. The particle morphology and pore parameters of hybrid polypropylene-steel fiber RPC were analyzed by combining scanning electron microscope (SEM) with image-pro plus (IPP) software. The results showed that the RPC ductility can be further improved on the basis of polypropylene fiber RPC, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of polypropylene fiber. The optimum content of hybrid polypropylene-steel fiber RPC is 0.15% polypropylene fiber, 1.75% steel fiber. Hybrid polypropylene-steel fiber RPC is mainly composed of particles with small particle size. The particle area ratio first increased and decreased with the increase of steel fiber content, and the maximum steel fiber content is 1.75%. The pore area ratio first decreased and increased with the increase of steel fiber content, and the pore area ratio is the smallest when the steel fiber content is 1.75%. The calculation methods of polypropylene fiber content and steel fiber content and 28-day RPC compressive strength and splitting tensile strength are proposed to select polypropylene fiber content and steel fiber content flexibly according to different engineering requirements, which can provide important guidance for the popularization and application of RPC in practical engineering.

Study on the effect of emulsifiers on the pore structures of geopolymer prepared by emulsion templating

The metakaolin-based porous geopolymer were prepared by emulsion templating method with sunflower oil as the template agent. The effects of the type of emulsifiers with different ionic properties, including sodium stearate (SS), polyacrylamide (PAM), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which are respectively belonging to anionic, nonionic and cationic emulsifiers, on the paste viscosity, mechanical strength and pore structure of geopolymer were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the influence of emulsion template on the geopolymerization. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Image-Pro Plus (IPP) software were used to examine the pore structure of geopolymers, including pore size distribution, average size and roundness of pores. Results indicate that geopolymerization is not significantly affected by the incorporation of emulsion template, while the average size, shape and connectivity of pores in geopolymer were significantly influenced by the type of emulsifiers. With the addition of SS, PAM, and CTAB, the average pore size were 18.1, 27.4, and 11.7 μm, respectively, while the control is 18.9 μm. Both the shape regularity and open porosity of pores were increased with SS and PAM, while no significant changes with CTAB. It is promising to make geopolymer with controllable macro pore structure by adjusting the types of emulsifiers in emulsion templating method by adjusting the oil-water interfacial tension and the particle dispersion.

The peripapillary retinal capillary density is highly correlated with its nerve fibre layer in normal population.

To explore the peripapillary capillary density distribution and its correlation with nerve fibre layer in superficial and deep retinal layers of healthy Chinese. Images of superficial and deep retinal capillary networks were obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) using a CIRRUS TM HD-OCT Model 5000 system and analyzed by Image-Pro Plus (Medical Cybernetics, Version 6.0). Peripapillary capillary density was defined as the mean optical density of the annular region between two concentric circles of 3.085 mm and 3.835 mm diameter. Parafoveal capillary density was defined as the mean optical density between the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) boarder and a 2.5 mm diameter circle. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness was also measured and the correlation with capillary density determined. Mean peripapillary capillary density was 4.16±1.06 in the superficial and 2.92±0.80 in the deep layer. Corresponding mean parafoveal densities were 2.65±0.55 and 2.51±0.55. Capillary densities were higher in the superficial layer of all quadrants for both peripapillary and parafoveal regions (P < 0.001). A significant correlation between peripapillary capillary density and RNFL thickness was found in the superficial layer (r = 0.305, P < 0.05). A negative correlation between age and capillary density was found in both peripapillary and parafoveal regions (P < 0.001). Peripapillary capillary density in the superficial layer highly correlated with RNFL thickness. Regional and age-related differences in peripapillary and parafoveal capillary density should be considered when diagnosing and monitoring individuals with diseases affecting retinal capillary density.

Clinical evaluation of tumor-stroma ratio in pseudomyxoma peritonei from the appendix

To evaluate the effect of tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) on disease progression and prognosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) from the appendix. The study included 30 PMP patients with complete individual patient data, who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Image-Pro Plus was used to quantitatively analyze the proportion of tumor and stromal areas in hematoxylin-eosin staining pathological images, from which TSR was derived. Correlation studies were conducted to evaluate the relationships between TSR and clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical characteristics, and prognosis of PMP. Among 30 PMP patients, there were 16 males (53.3%) and 14 females (46.7%), with the mean age of (54.9±2.3) years. There were 15 cases (50.0%) of low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (LMCP) and high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (HMCP), respectively, with vascular tumor emboli occurring in 4 cases (13.3%), nerve invasion occurring in 3 cases (10.0%), and lymphatic metastasis occurring in 4 cases (13.3%). The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score was 36 (range: 3-39). The median TSR was 8% (range: 2%-24%), with TSR≤10% in 19 cases (63.3%) and TSR>10% in 11 cases (36.7%). Immunohistochemistry showed that 16 cases (53.3%) had Ki67 label index ≤ 50% and 14 cases (46.7%) > 50%. The mutation rate of p53 was 56.7% and the loss rate of MMR protein was 11.8%. In addition, the expression rates of MUC2, MUC5AC, CDX2, CK7, and CK20 were 66.7%, 100.0%, 82.6%, 56.0%, and 92.3%, respectively. There were significant correlations between TSR and histopathological types, nerve invasion, Ki67 label index, and p53 mutation (P<0.05 for all). At the end of the last follow-up, 21 patients (70.0%) died and 9 patients (30.0%) survived, including 6 patients survived with tumor. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.7 months (95%CI: 10.4-11.5 months), and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 60.5%, 32.3%, and 27.7%, respectively. The median OS was 19.4 months (95%CI: 3.0-35.9 months) in the TSR≤10% group, versus 12.6 months (95%CI: 0.7-24.5 months) in the TSR>10% group (χ2=3.996, P=0.046). TSR is correlated with histopathological types, tumor proliferation, invasion behaviors and prognosis of PMP, thus could be a new prognostic indicator for PMP.

Comparison and quantitative analysis of microstructure parameters between original loess and remoulded loess under different wetting-drying cycles

The microstructural evolution of loess had a significant impact on the collapsibility of loess during wetting-drying cycles. Based on the analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images by using Image-Pro Plus, the present study quantitatively compared the microstructural parameters of original loess and remoulded loess with different moisture content before and after wetting-drying cycles in size, shape, and arrangement. In size, the average diameter of both original loess particles and remoulded loess particles increased with the increasing of initial moisture content. However, the average diameter of original loess particles was slightly larger than that of remoulded loess particles before wetting-drying cycles. In contrast, the average diameter of both original loess particles and remoulded loess particles were very close to each other after three wetting-drying cycles. In shape, before wetting-drying cycles, the average shape factor of original loess particles was higher than that of remoulded loess particles. After three wetting-drying cycles, the difference in the average shape factor of both two loess samples with 5% initial moisture content is similar to that before wetting-drying cycles. Nevertheless, the average shape factor of both original loess particles and remouled loess particles with 15% initial moisture content were very close to that with 25% initial moisture content. In the arrangement, directional frequency indicated remoulded loess appeared to be more vertically aligned than original before and after three wetting-drying cycles. Furthermore, the directed anisotropy rate of remoulded loess was higher than that of the original loess before and after three wetting-drying cycles. In summary, the size, shape, and arrangement of both original loess particles and remoulded loess particles varied in different degrees before and after three wetting-drying cycles. Combined with the water retention curve of the loess, we analyzed the microstructural evolution mechanism of two loess particles during wetting-drying cycles. It is an excellent significance to study the engineering properties of original loess and remoulded loess.

Objective evaluation of sizing morphology of E-glass filament yarn

In spinning, sizing agent makes originally rigid glass filament yarn soft, smooth, reduces mechanical wear, and alleviates static electricity. In order to produce “stronger, thinner, and more uniform” E(Electronic) fiberglass cloth, the sized filament yarn is required to have good strand integrity and uniform belt-like shape. Currently, the sizing effect can only be evaluated artificially according to the image of cross section or longitudinal section of yarns. The goal of the paper is to find an objective evaluation method for sizing effects on strand integrity and performance of belt-forming of E-glass filament yarn. The image of cross section of yarn is captured by Keyence VK-X110 and analyzed by Image-Pro Plus to obtain the central position and diameter of each filament. The threshold of fiber spacing is set to determine whether filaments are clustered in group. The area of outer enveloping convex polygon containing all the clustered filaments is calculated and fiber-filling rate is calculated accordingly. By using the least square method, the minimum rectangle containing all groups of filaments is obtained to describe the basic contour of yarn cross section. The outer envelope polygon is divided into several equal parts to calculate the coefficient variation of thickness distribution and yarn distribution. These objective values well reflect the strand integrity and feature of belt-forming of yarn, and are consistent with the subjective evaluation. Rank order method is used to compare the sizing morphology of the yarns based on the values. A standard is also suggested for objective grade assessment of sized E-Glass yarns.

Optimal selection of viscoelastic surfactant fracturing fluids based on influence on coal seam pores

Coalbed methane is stored mainly in coal pores, and pore changes by fracturing fluid affect the extraction effect of coalbed methane. To select the optimal formulation of viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluids, we treated coal samples of different hardness with deionized water (A) and three different fluids that contained cationic surfactants (B), mixed cationic and zwitterionic surfactants (C) and mixed anionic and zwitterionic surfactants (D) as the main agents. The effect of the three VES fracturing fluids on pores was compared quantitatively and on a multi-scale. The pore characteristics were tested by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion capillary pressure and low-pressure nitrogen physisorption. Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software was used to digitize information from the obtained images. The Angulo and Frenkel–Halsey–Hill models were used to calculate the fractal dimension by using mercury intrusion capillary pressure and low-pressure nitrogen physisorption data, respectively. The effect of VES fracturing fluids B and D on pores from 14 nm to 180 μm was greater than that for VES fracturing fluid C as the main agent. The effect of VES fracturing fluid C on the pores (2–300 nm) was most obvious.

Association of glucose tolerance status with pancreatic β- and α-cell mass in community-based autopsy samples of Japanese individuals: The Hisayama Study.

Aims/IntroductionChanges in histologically quantified β‐ and α‐cell mass during the development of glucose intolerance have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to explore differences in β‐ and α‐cell mass according to the glucose tolerance status.Materials and MethodsAutopsy samples from a total of 103 individuals (40 with normal glucose tolerance, 31 with prediabetes and 32 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test within 5 years before death were selected from 643 community‐based autopsy samples collected from 2002 to 2016. Fractional β‐cell area (BCA) and α‐cell area were quantified with Image Pro Plus software. Associations of BCA and α‐cell area with glucose tolerance status were assessed using a linear regression analysis, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients between glycemic markers and β‐cell function were estimated.ResultsThe mean values of BCA decreased significantly with worsening glucose tolerance status (mean ± standard error 1.85 ± 0.10% in normal glucose tolerance, 1.59 ± 0.11% in prediabetes and 1.17 ± 0.11% in type 2 diabetes mellitus, P for trend < 0.001), whereas there was no significant association between α‐cell area and glucose tolerance status. BCA was inversely correlated with fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance test and glycated hemoglobin measurement, and positively correlated with disposition index (all P < 0.01).Conclusionsβ‐Cell mass decreased significantly with worsening glucose tolerance, from the stage of prediabetes, in the Japanese population. Prevention of declining β‐cell mass before the onset of glucose intolerance is important to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Si alloy modified with Al–3P

Abstract Al–Si alloy was modified with Al–3P master alloy at 740 °C. The effects of Si content (7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 wt.%) and adding amount of alterant Al–3P (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.%) on microstructures and tensile properties of the alloy were investigated with optical microscope (OP), Image Pro Plus 6.0, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and universal testing machine. When the content of Al–3P is 0.6 wt.%, the area fraction of primary α(Al) in the Al–Si alloy increases more compared to the unmodified alloy with an increase in Si content, which could be explained by the movement of non-equilibrium eutectic point. When the Si content is constant (Al–10Si), with the increase of Al–3P content, the increased rate in area fraction of primary α(Al) phase in the Al–10Si alloy increases first and then decreases. And when 0.6 wt.% Al–3P is added, the increase in area fraction of primary α(Al) phase is the largest. Compared to the unmodified Al–10Si alloy, the tensile strength and elongation of Al–10Si alloy increase by 2.3% and 47.0%, respectively, after being modified with 0.6 wt.% Al–3P alloy. The fracture mode of the modified Al–10Si alloy is ductile fracture.

Effects of plant roots on soil preferential flow in typical forest and grassland in the dry-hot valley of Jinsha River, China

To clarify the morphological characteristics of soil preferential flow and the effect of plant roots on its formation, plants from the typical vegetation types of an artificial woodland (Leucaena acacia) and a dry watershed grassland (Heteropogon contortus) of Yuanmou County, Jinsha River were selected as the experimental objects. Based on the staining and tracing method combined with Photoshop CS5 and the Image-Pro Plus 6.0 image processing technology, we analyzed the morphological and distribution characteristics of soil preferential flow under the two planting types and examined the effects of plant roots. We found significant difference in soil preferential flow dyeing area between the woodland and grassland species, and the overall variation trend of the forestland dyeing area ratio decreased with increasing soil depth. The dyeing area of the grassland decreased monotonously with the increases of soil depth. The occurrence degree of soil preferential flow in forest was higher than that of grassland. Root systemaffected the formation of soil preferential flow. At the root diameter ranges of 0≤d≤5 mm and d>10 mm, root length density of the woodland showed a monotonous decreasing trend with increasing soil depth, while in the root diameter range of 5 mm<d≤10 mm, it fluctuated in the 30-40 cm soil layer. Root length densities at all the root diameter levels of desert grassland were negatively correlated with soil depth. The dyeing area ratio of the woodland was significantly correlated to root length density in the 3 mm<d≤5 mm root diameter range, while that of the grassland was significantly correlated to root length density in the d≤3 mm range. The dyeing area ratio of both land types showed significant correlation with root weight density in the range of 1 mm<d≤3 mm and with root surface area of d≤1 mm, but did not correlated with root length density, root weight density, and root surface area in the root diameter range of d>5 mm. The overall change trend of soil preferential flow dyeing area of two vegetation types in the study area decreased with increasing soil depth. Plant root system was closely related to the formation of soil preferential flow. Fine roots could promote while coarse roots may retard the formation of preferential flows.

Can fluorescence and autofluorescence imaging be useful in diagnosis of basal cell cancer? Proposition of algorithms.

The most common non-melanoma skin carcinomas (NMSC) are basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Autofluorescence study may allow a non-invasive distinction of neoplastic lesions from benign lesions, whereas fluorescence spectroscopy enables qualification of the patient for possible photodynamic or surgical treatment. The aim of the study is to assess the suitability of autofluorescence and fluorescence imaging in the diagnosis of the stage of advancement, and the morphological type of changes in basal cell carcinoma of the skin. A group of 382 patients with 430 skin lesions of basal cell carcinoma were subjected to an autofluorescence study and a spectral imaging using a spectral camera. The acquired spectra and fluorescence images were analyzed using the Image Pro-Plus 5.0.2 software. An analysis of fluorescence intensity profiles in the long and short axis of the studied changes was carried out. The fluorescence emission observed in BCC lesions with an area of ​​up to 3 cm2 showed a statistically significantly higher level of intensity in comparison to changes in lesions exceeding 3 cm2 (#p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01). In the autofluorescence evaluation, we observed significant differences in the mean values of the Numerical Colour Value (NCV) depending on the size of the area of skin occupied by skin lesions. Based on the spatial and profile assessment of the types of BCC lesions a proposed algorithm for identifying changes was developed. Analysis of green fluorescence intensity profiles, analogous to fluorescence profiles analysis, allowed to propose an algorithm of autofluorescence evaluation in the diagnosis of BCC. Autofluorescence and fluorescence imaging allow assessment of the extent of neoplastic infiltration and distinguish types of skin lesions with BCC. The determined diagnostic algorithms may be an effective diagnostic solution in the diagnosis of skin lesions of this nature.

Biohydrogen Production by Reusing Immobilized Mixed Culture in Batch System

Biohydrogen production via dark fermentation is a prospective renewable energy technology. In the process, reused of immobilized mixed culture is very important as their activities greatly influencehydrogen production. The aim of this work was to evaluate the reuse of alginate beads affecting the biohydrogen production for 45 days. This study in batch reactor were performed using glucose 10 M as substrate, alginate and activated carbon as immobilization matrix materials, chicken eggshell as buffer, and cow dung biodigester as mixed culture. Hydrogen and pH on fermentation product are investigated by gas chromatography (GC) technique and pH meter, respectively. The colony diameter on immobilized and co-immobilized mixed culture was observed using optical microscope and colony diameter was measured using Image-Pro Plus Software v4.5.0.29. The surface morphology of immobilization and co-immobilization beads were determined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the colonies growth observed using optical microscopy or SEM was apparent only in the immobilization of mixed culture. The average growth and diameter of colonies per day were 90 colonies and 0.025 mm, respectively. The weight of beads and pH during the 45-day fermentation process for bead immobilization of mixed culture were 1.32–1.95 g and 6.25–6.62, correspondingly, meanwhile, the co-immobilizations of the mixed culture were 1.735–2.21g and 6.25–6.61, respectively. In addition, the average hydrogen volume of glucose fermented using an eggshell buffer and reusing the immobilization and co-immobilization beads was 18.91 mL for 15 cycles.©2020. CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reserved

Efficacy of the photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming combined with different solutions on Enterococcus faecalis in the root canals.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different irrigation solutions used in photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) or conventional needle irrigation (CNI) for eradication of Enterococcus faecalis from artificial root canals. Altogether, 240 artificial root canal samples were included. The models were split and incubated for 2 days to allow formation of E. faecalis biofilm. The models were randomly divided into two groups (n = 120): CNI and laser-activated irrigation (LAI). Each group was divided into six subgroups according to different irrigation solutions: distilled water, 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl, MTAD, and chlorhexidine, respectively. After irrigation, half of the samples (n = 10) were assessed immediately, and the other half of the samples (n = 10) were incubated for 6 hr. Bacterial suspensions were obtained from all samples before and after irrigation, and after incubation, and were quantified adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) assay kit. The biofilms were examined using fluorescent microscopy and analyzed by Image Pro Plus software. Significant reduction of ATP, average fluorescence density after irrigation, and growth after incubation was obtained in LAI group than in CNI group (p < .05). LAI can improve bacteriostasis effect of 2% NaOCl (p < .05). PIPS improved the antibacterial effect of the 2% NaOCl used in root canal therapy.