Lamellar Layers Research Articles

Evaluating Fire Performance: An Experimental Comparison of Dovetail Massive Wooden Board Elements and Cross-Laminated Timber

The use of adhesives and metal connectors is vital in engineered wood product (EWP) composition. However, the utilization of adhesives poses sustainability and recyclability challenges due to the emission of toxic gases. Similarly, metal fasteners negatively impact the disposal, reusability, and recyclability of EWPs. An alternative solution that exclusively employs pure wood, known as dovetail massive wooden board elements (DMWBEs), eliminates the need for adhesives and metal fasteners. This paper presents an experimental comparative assessment of the fire/charring performance of DMWBEs and cross-laminated timber (CLT). Model-scale test specimens measuring 200 mm in thickness, 950 mm in width, and 950 mm in length were vertically tested according to EN 1363-1. The charring behavior of DMWBEs closely resembled that of solid timber, with only a slight increase in the charring rate. Charring primarily occurred in the third lamella layer out of five, with no observable flames or hot gases on the unexposed side. The dovetail detail effectively prevented char fall-off with the tested lamella thickness. CLT specimens exhibited a notable rise in the charring rate due to the fall-off of the first lamellae layer.

α-tocopherol stabilization by soybean oil and glyceryl monostearate made oleogel: Dynamic changes and characterization for food application

α-tocopherol loaded soybean oil and monostearin-made oleogel were fabricated to explore the protective effect of different concentrations of monostearin as an oleogelator in preserving α-tocopherol. Five oleogel samples were prepared and analyzed after 12 h incubation under 4 °C. The prepared oleogel's physicochemical characteristics were analyzed from thermos-dynamic, microstructural, oxidative, and textural perspectives. The optical microscopy and Cryo-SEM results revealed the presence and formation of needle-like crystals and lamella layers, which the XRD propounds the oleogel's stabilization by the monostearin crystals' network. The oil binding capacity (OBC), gel strength, and whiteness of the prepared oleogels improved (P < 0.05) as monostearin concentration increased. The thermo-rheological analysis also indicated robust pseudo-plastic oleogels with shear thinning behavior. Additionally, the 15-day light stability analysis of α-tocopherol content in the oleogels ameliorated significantly as the monostearin concentration increased. The results are useful in formulating α-tocopherol loaded oleogels for food applications and nutraceutical delivery in which the monostearin content can be adjusted as desired.

3D relationship between hierarchical canal network and gradient mineralization of shark tooth osteodentin.

Osteodentin is a dominant mineralized collagenous tissue in the teeth of many fishes, with structural and histological characteristics resembling those of bone. Osteodentin, like bone, comprises osteons as basic structural building blocks, however, it lacks the osteocytes and the lacuno-canalicular network (LCN), which are known to play critical roles in controlling the mineralization of the collagenous matrix in bone. Although numerous vascular canals exist in osteodentin, their role in tooth maturation and the matrix mineralization process remain poorly understood. Here, high resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) were used to obtain 3D structural information of osteodentin in shark teeth at multiple scales. We observed a complex 3D network of primary canals with a diameter ranging from ∼10 µm to ∼120 µm, where the canals are surrounded by osteon-like concentric layers of lamella, with 'interosteonal' tissue intervening between neighboring osteons. In addition, numerous hierarchically branched secondary canals extended out radially from the primary canals into the interosteonal tissue, with a decreasing diameter from ∼10 µm to hundreds of nanometers. Interestingly, the mineralization degree increases from the periphery of primary canals to the interosteonal tissue, suggesting that mineralization begins in the interosteonal tissue. Correspondingly, the hardness and elastic modulus of the interosteonal tissue is higher than those of the osteonal tissue. These results demonstrate that the 3D hierarchical canal network is positioned to play a critical role in controlling the gradient mineralization of osteodentin, also providing valuable insight into the formation of mineralized collagenous tissue without osteocytes and LCN. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Bone is a composite material with versatile mechanical properties. Osteocytes and lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) are kown to play critical roles during formation of human bone. However, the skeleton of many fishes, including bone and osteodentin, although lacking osteocytes and LCN, could exhibit similar osteon-like structure and mechanical functions. Here, using various high resolution 3D characterization techniques, we reveal that the 3D network of primary canals and numerous hierarchically branched secondary canals correlate with the mineralization gradient and micromechanical properties of osteonal and interosteonal tissues of shark tooth osteodentin. This work significantly improves our understanding of the construction of bone-like mineralized tissue without osteocytes and LCN, and provides inspirations for the fabrication of functional materials with hierarchical structure.

Chitosan-based mixed matrix composite membranes for CO2/CH4 mixed gas separation. Experimental characterization and performance validation

Membrane technology is acknowledged as one of the most efficient for biogas upgrading, separating simultaneously CH4 and CO2 in the retentate and permeate streams, respectively. The sustainability would still be improved by using renewable and environmentally friendly materials for membrane fabrication. Specifically, this study is focused on laboratory-scale mixed gas separation tests of composite membranes prepared from chitosan (CS), a hydrophilic, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer from abundant natural resources, with good adhesive and film forming properties and high affinity for CO2 due to the primary amine and hydroxyl groups functionalities in CS. To improve mechanical resistance and CO2/CH4 separation, CS was hybridized by a 5 wt% loading of non-toxic ionic [emim][acetate] liquid (IL), and variable loadings of compatible inorganic fillers, such as 3D zeolite 4A and NaETS-10, and layered AM-4 titanosilicate. The CS-based mixed matrix layer was coated on porous polyether sulfone (PES) support. The CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 separation were measured at different feed concentrations to evaluate the membranes performance in the treatment of different streams. This separation behavior was explained by the wet thickness, water uptake, morphology and ionic resistance of the composite membrane. As such, the 5 wt% Zeolite 4A and NaETS-10-filled ILCS/PES membranes provided a good dispersion in the ILCS matrix and the mixed matrix layer a good adhesion with the porous PES support, leading to high CO2 permeances and separation factors up to 30, whereas the more hydrophilic lamellar AM-4 titanosilicate-filled ILCS layer showed cluster agglomeration in the matrix and a faster detachment of the coated layer from the PES substrate. With increasing filler loading, an increase of the permeance of both CO2 and CH4 gas components was, although selectivity decreased upon increasing AM-4 filler loading. The CO2/CH4 mixed gas separation performance was validated by a custom-built model for a wide range of feed composition, to cover such processes as natural gas sweetening, biogas upgrading and enhanced oil recovery with acceptable relative error below 10% (absolute value), except for the AM-4 titanosilicate-filled ILCS membranes, showing morphological fabrication defects.

Transmural Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Horse Hoof Internal Structures: Comparative Quantitative Findings-Part 2.

The transmural ultrasound allows for the definition of the normal appearance of the hoof tissues and internal structures. Determining such measurements and proportions could contribute to evaluations of the normal spatial distal phalanx-hoof relationship. The objective was to describe the hoof's dermis and epidermis measurements using the transmural technique, in comparison with DR and anatomical sections. Sixty-two healthy hooves without digital radiographic abnormalities, made up of 30 anatomical pieces (phase 1) and 32 alive horse hooves (phase 2), and 16 sagittal sections of the first ones were used. The proximal and distal planes were compared, defining the following measurements: coronary band-extensor process, distal phalanx apex-hoof wall, sole dermis, middle stratum, parietal dermis, lamellar layer, the sublamellar dermis, and ratios between them. Most of the measurements were consistent among methods. Some showed measurement differences and a minority was impossible to determine. The transmural technique allowed for the observation and replication of measurements of the hoof structures, described with other diagnostic aids. It also allowed for the implementation of new measurements that would help to determine the spatial location of the distal phalanx. Additionally, it contributes to the visualization of normal findings, which will be useful to compare variations in the different phases of laminitis.

Grain size and hardness: Key parameters for enhancing the chemo-mechanical stability of lithiated aluminum foil anodes

Aluminum (Al) has gained attention as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to several advantageous properties such as a relatively low volume expansion of approximately 97% during lithiation, a large charge capacity of 993 mAh/g, a low potential of 0.36 V vs. Li/Li+, high electronic conductivity, and its abundance in the Earth's crust. Furthermore, Al is readily available as foil, eliminating the need for binders, conductive additives, and expensive copper (Cu) current collectors. However, one of the challenges associated with Al as a LIB anode is the mechanical cracking of the lithiated β-LiAl phase, leading to rapid capacity fading. This paper introduces an effective strategy to address this issue by suppressing plastic deformation and pulverization of the Al anode during the lithiation process through grain refinement and strengthening of aluminum foil. The study demonstrates that cold-rolled low-purity (99.5%) purity Al foil anode exhibits higher resistance against plastic deformation during lithiation compared to cold-rolled high-purity (99.99%) Al foil. The superior chemo-mechanical stability of the cold-rolled 99.5% Al foil can be attributed to its higher hardness (90 Hv) and smaller grain size (1.7 µm) in comparison to the cold-rolled 99.99% Al foil (30 Hv and 73 µm). These microstructural and mechanical features play a key role in maintaining high chemo-mechanical stability in facing significant volumetric expansion during the phase transformation from Al to β-LiAl, while also facilitating the formation of a uniform lamellar β-LiAl layer on the Al substrate. This paper also presents a model that establishes a relationship between chronoamperometric current and plastic strain, enabling real-time estimation of invisible strain by monitoring the current during the lithiation process. This approach provides a means to assess the structural integrity of the anode during battery operation.

Elasticity and material anisotropy of lamellar cortical bone in adult bovine tibia characterized via AFM nanoindentation

The research focuses on the evaluation of the mechanical properties of osteonal cortical bone at the lamellar level. Elastic properties of the mid-diaphysis region of the bovine tibia are investigated via cantilever-based nanoindentation at the submicron length scale utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy, where the force-displacement curves are used for the elastic assessment using the Derjaguin-Muller-Toropov model to calculate indentation modulus. Variations of the modulus and the directional mechanical response of the osteonal bone at different distances from the Haversian canal are investigated. Additionally, the effects of demineralization on the indentation modulus are discussed. It was found that in the axial direction, the first and last untreated thick lamella layers show a significant indentation modulus difference compared to all other layers (4.26 ± 0.4 and 4.6 ± 0.3 GPa vs ∼3.5 GPa). On the other hand, the indentation modulus of transverse thick lamella layers shows a periodic variation between ∼3 ± 0.7 GPa and ∼4 ± 0.3 GPa from near the Haversian canal to near the interstitial bone. A periodic variation in the anisotropy ratio was found. Mineral content was quantified via energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis at different levels of mineralization and shows a positive correlation with the indentation modulus.

Systematic Exploration of Structural Topologies in Hydrogen-Bonded Supramolecular Assemblies of Citric Acid with Different Heterocyclic Compounds.

Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular assemblies of citric acid, CA, with some heterocyclic compounds (N-donor and N-oxide)-acridine (acr), phenazine (phenz), 1,10-phenanthroline (110phen), 1,7-phenanthroline (17phen), 4,7-phenanthroline (47phen), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco), and 4,4'-bipyridyl-N,N'-dioxide (bpydo)-have been reported. Among these, only the N-donors phenz and N-oxide (bpydo) form neutral co-crystals, while the others form salts owing to the deprotonation of -COOH. Thus, depending on the nature of the aggregate (salt/co-crystal), recognition between the co-formers is established through O-H···N/N+-H···O/N+H···O-heteromeric hydrogen bonding. Additionally, CA molecules establish homomeric interactions mediated by O-H···O hydrogen bonds. Moreover, CA forms a cyclic network with the co-formers or on its own, with a noteworthy feature of formation of host-guest networks in the assemblies with acr and phenz (solvated). In the assembly of acr, the CA molecules form a host network and captivate acr molecules as guest species, while in the case of phenz assembly, both the co-formers together encapsulate the solvent in the channels. However, the observed cyclic networks in the other structures form three-dimensional topologies in the form of ladders, a sandwich, lamellar layers, and interpenetrated networks. The structural features of the ensembles are evaluated unequivocally by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method, while the homogeneity and phase purity are evaluated by using the powder X-ray diffraction method and differential scanning calorimetry. Further, conformational analysis of CA molecules reveals three types of conformations-T-shape (type I), syn-anti (type II), and syn (type III) as also observed in the literature for other CA co-crystals. In addition, the strength of the intermolecular interactions is quantified by performing Hirshfeld analysis.

The continuous structure of the joint capsule and meniscus in the pig knee.

The knee joint capsules composed of a fibrous layer and a synovial layer. The knee meniscus consists of the superficial network, lamellar layer, tie fibre and circumferential bundles. However, the continuous structure of the knee joint capsule and meniscus has not been reported. Fetal and adult pigs were used to investigate the structural relationship between the stifle joint capsule and meniscus based on the gross anatomy and histological findings. In the gross anatomical examination, the joint capsule appeared to have separated attachments to the meniscus, except for the lower aspect of the popliteal hiatus. Histologically, the lower half of the popliteal hiatus was found to have separated attachments, with vessels running between the attachments of the joint capsules. The synovial layer of the joint capsule continued to the superficial network, and the fibrous layer of the joint capsule continued to the lamellar layer and tie fibres. There were two routes of arterial entry into the meniscus: intracapsular and intercapsular. It appeared that the presence of separated attachments of the joint capsule was necessary to allow the intercapsular route. This study clarified for the first time the routes of feeding vessels entering the meniscus and proposed to call this entry point the meniscus hilum. We consider that this detailed anatomical information is important for understanding the continuation between the joint capsule and the meniscus.

Transmural Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Horse Hoof Internal Structures: Comparative Qualitative Findings-Part 1.

Ultrasonography is commonly used to evaluate equine lameness-related structures, but traditional hoof approaches cannot adequately visualize internal structures such as the lamellar layer. To address this limitation, we used 62 healthy hooves without digital radiographic abnormalities, made up of thirty anatomical pieces (phase 1) and thirty-two hooves from living horses (phase 2). In both phases, half of the digits were submerged in water (group 1) and the other half in water and ice (group 2) for 24 h. Ultrasonographic views and temperature and humidity measurements were taken every two hours, and sagittal sections were obtained in phase 1. Good quality images were obtained in both phases. The transmural technique allowed the evaluation of several structures of the DEJ (tubular and lamellar strata of the hoof wall, sublamellar dermis, and solar and coronary papillae) and of the distal phalanx (extensor process, parietal surface, and apex). Our findings suggest that the transmural technique following hoof submersion can be useful for internal evaluation of hoof conditions, such as laminitis. However, further validation of the technique in natural or experimental cases is required.

Influence of alkyl groups on the formation of softenable polysilsesquioxanes

Polysilsesquioxanes (PSQ) containing phenyl groups as substituents on the silicon atom can form transparent, hard and glassy materials at room temperature, which reversibly soften when heated above the glass transition temperature. Further increase in temperature leads to irreversible curing. With this property, polyphenylsilsesquioxanes can be assigned to the so-called melting gels. In contrast to the aromatic systems, polysilsesquioxanes with alkyl groups belonging to this class of materials are not known. To identify structural differences between aryl and alkyl systems, polyalkylsilsesquioxanes (RPSQs with R = methyl, ethyl, propyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, hexadecyl, and octadecyl) were synthesised by a solvent-free, acid-catalysed hydrolysis and condensation reaction of alkyltrimethoxysilanes followed by thermal treatment at 300 °C under N2 atmosphere. The influence of the alkyl chain length on the structure built and the thermally initiated further condensation reactions were investigated via NMR, FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEC, and XRD. Depending on the alkyl chain length, the formation of highly crosslinked, insoluble systems (Me-PrPSQ), low molecular weight oligosilsesquioxanes in the form of cages (Hex-DecPSQ) to semicrystalline, lamellar layers (Dodec-OctadecPSQ) were detected. A low degree of condensation, inhibition of self-assembly and preferentially intermolecular condensation reactions were found to be crucial factors in the melting gel formation.Graphical So called melting gels are usually prepared by acid-catalysed hydrolysis and condensation of aromatic trialkoxysilanes. The final materials show a thermoplastic and a thermoset temperature regime based on the stabilisation of silanol groups in the material. In this study we transferred the typical synthetic conditions to alkyltrialkoxysilanes with different alkyl chain lengths and obtained completely changed structures of the synthesised polyalkylsilsesquioxanes compared to their aromatic counterparts. Depending on the chain length, densely cross-linked solids, viscous gels with cage-like structure and waxes with a lamellar composition were formed. Moreover, missing stabilisation of the OH groups and self-assembly phenomena, which favour the cage and semicrystalline layer formation were detected in the resulting materials, which leads to the loss of the typical melting gel properties.

Study of the influence of the type of pores present in the electrodes on the behaviour of a SWAGELOK-type supercapacitor

The sharp increase in energy consumption in recent years has increased the demand for new energy storage systems or the improvement of existing ones. Supercapacitors are the answer to this great challenge needed by any industrialized society. In this work, to improve the storage system of these supercapacitors, the composition of carbon-based electrodes has been modified by adding carbon carbonaceous materials and the influence of porous texture (porosity and porosity distribution) on carbonaceous electrodes. Thus, a commercial activated carbon-based electrode PCO-1000 was modified by adding structured carbons TEG, TEG-B92, and carbon black V3. For this purpose, three PCO-1000 (commercial activated carbon) base electrodes were prepared, to which 5 % Teflon was added as a binder and 5 % TEG (structured carbon), TEG-B92 (92 h heat-treated structured carbon) and V3 (carbon black), to provide the electrodes with carbon porous structures, as well as graphitic structures with carbon separation between lamellar layers. The structured carbons (TEG and TEG-B92) have carbon structures formed by interlamellar layers at carbon spacing distances and micro, macroporous pore distributions versus V3 carbon black with meso-macroporous distributions. Furthermore, carbon black V3 was selected as it has a pore distribution (meso-macroporous) greater than 50 Å which is electrochemically accessible by aqueous solutions of H2SO4, in an organic medium large solvated ions are not accessible to small pores. The supercapacitor prepared on the PCO-1000 basis with V3 (E-V3), is the best performing, with capacity, power, and energy parameters far superior to the other samples. This seems to indicate that E-V3 supercapacitors with a varied pore structure perform better than those with a predominantly micropore distribution. It seems to be deduced that it is the wide mesopores present in V3 that favour the diffusion of ions inside the carbons.In conclusion, the resistance of the supercapacitor cell is strongly dependent on the resistance of the electrolyte used, the size of the electrolyte ions in which it diffuses, and the size of the electrode pores, so the characteristics of the electrode material and the electrolyte must be considered together and not separately.Finally, this study could be of great importance in the fabrication of electrodes with a certain porosity distribution and predominance of wide mesopores and macropores to achieve important energy storage capacities in this type of supercapacitors and their application to hybrid electric vehicles, computers, uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS), motor starters, etc.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST ARSENIC INDUCED TOXICITY IN CIRRHINUS MRIGALA

This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Arsenic (As) induced toxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala in Tawakkal Fish Hatchery at Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan. 288 fingerlings were collected from fish pond and kept in circular tank for acclimatization. 12 fish about 100-day old having similar size were selected randomly and kept in separate glass aquaria for each treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and control group T4. Fish in treatments groups T1, T2 and T3 were exposed with water born sublethal concentration of 1/10th LC50 of arsenic (As) for 7days (240 hours). On 8th and 16th days of the experiment three fish were collected from each aquarium, humanly dissected targeted organ was taken out and used for liver, muscle, and gills antioxidant enzyme activities and histopathological alteration. The findings indicate that in treatment group T2 which feed with 2% and 4% Moringa oleifera supplemented diet reduced significantly (P&lt;0.05) arsenic induced oxidative stress in fish, enhance the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities but treatment group T2 is 2% Moringa oleifera supplemented diet is more effective near to control group T4 as compared to treatment group T3 with 4% Moringa oleifera supplemented. After 16 days exposure of 1/10th concentration of arsenic with 0% Moringa oleifera various degenerative alteration were seen in gills. In 2% and 4% Moringa oleifera with 1/10th arsenic, spiked secondary lamellae and lamellar epithelium lifting (EL) and rupture of epithelial layer (↑↑) and fusion of lamellae were observed at several points. Moringa oleifera is medicinal herb, which has various tremendous benefits.

Photoelectrochemical performance and S-scheme mechanism of ternary GO/g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalyst for photocatalytic antibiosis and dye degradation under visible light

Herein, an efficient ternary S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, GO/g-C3N4/TiO2, was constructed and investigated toward photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The three-step synthesis method with regulated optimal calcination temperature and g-C3N4 content was used to insert TiO2 nanoparticles into the interbedding structure of the g-C3N4 lamella and GO layer in situ, obtaining a pepperoni pizz-like nanostructure. Morphology, crystalline structures, composition and photoelectrochemical performance of samples were determined by TEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, DRS, EIS and PL, etc. The charge transfer mechanism of GO/g-C3N4/TiO2 was investigated by employing VB-XPS, Tauc plot, EPR, and DFT. Constructing the efficient S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst by introduction of GO as efficient photo–-electron accepter significantly promoted the photoinduced charges transferring. The adsorption edge of the GO/g-C3N4/TiO2 was dramatically extended to the 595.02 nm in visible light region by g-C3N4 participating in band rearrangement to narrow band-gap barriers to 2.55 eV. Thus, the successful construction of S-scheme charge transfer route for the ternary photocatalyst led to high visible light utilization and enhanced charge transferring ability, which were responsible for the excellent photocatalytic activity. The antibacterial rate for Escherichia coli (E. coli) could reach up to 98.18% and degradation rate for methylene blue (MB) (10 mg/L) could reach up to 98.84% under visible light.

2D and 3D TEM Characterisation of Benzene and Ethylene Soot

Flame-generated soot particles from two different fuels, benzene (B) and ethylene (E), at different ageing conditions, were analysed to assess their morphological and structural features. Samples were collected at 6, 10 and 14 mm from the nozzle location. Traditional 2D transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a novel 3D TEM were used to investigate morphology variations. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) was used to capture structural characteristics. Samples were then placed on lacey carbon microgrids. A field emission gun TEM was used to capture images of the agglomerates. Tilt series of ±60 degrees were acquired at 1-degree steps to perform the 3D reconstruction. IMOD software and backwards projection were used to reconstruct the tomogram from the tilt series. The 2D analysis revealed that soot particles’ agglomerations for both fuels change from a bundle to a chain-like structure as they “age”, i.e., extracted at a higher “flame height”. In B, the primary particle diameter increases as they get “older,” whereas in E, the opposite happens, and overall, E particles are bigger than B ones. The nanostructure presents ordered regions with parallel-stacked layers of carbon lamellae. This is more evident in the aged soot samples, with the difference that in E a thick amorphous layer is present at the edge of the particles, which is not observable for B. A nanostructure analysis suggests a trend of increasing fringes length as the soot ages, going from 1.04 nm of B6 to 1.22 nm of B10 to 1.05 nm of B14 and from 1.139 nm of E6 to 1.20 nm of E14 (±0.02 nm). The tortuosity does not vary greatly across all the samples, ranging between 1.132 and 1.149 (±0.004). Separation is also quite similar everywhere, with 0.404 nm of B6, 0.392 nm of B10, 0.399 nm of B14, 0.397 nm of E6 and 0.396 nm of E14 (±0.002 nm). Ring structures and particle overlaps, two examples of geometrical characteristics concealed in 2D, can be seen in the 3D reconstructions. Furthermore, the comparison between 3D and 2D volume and surface area raises questions about the reliability of those parameters as derived from 2D measurements. This study advances knowledge of how soot structure can be affected by the fuel type and emphasises the significance of how soot is investigated.

Voltage-Mediated Enhances Lithium-Ion Storage in LiTiOPO4 by Combustion Method

Abstract LiTiOPO4 was prepared by solid-phase combustion method using citric acid as fuel. The LiTiOPO4 materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction test (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The XRD test showed that the synthesized samples were pure phases and the addition of different weight fractions of the combustion agent citric acid did not change the phase structure of the LiTiOPO4. The microscopic observations revealed that the LiTiOPO4 prepared after the addition of citric acid as a combustion agent was a sheet-like stacked structure. The electrochemical test results showed that the rate discharge capacity of LiTiOPO4 anode at 5000 mA g−1 maintains 184.7 mAh g−1 in the voltage range of 0.01–3.0 V and keeps at 147.2 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. The LiTiOPO4 anode exhibits excellent cycling stability and good reversibility, which is attributed to the high crystallinity of LiTiOPO4 prepared by solid-phase combustion and the lamellar stacked layer structure that facilitates lithium-ion insertion/de-insertion.

Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Assessment of a Silver/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite as an Effective Antiseptic against Foodborne Pathogens for Promising Food Protection.

Foodborne pathogens can have devastating repercussions and significantly threaten public health. Therefore, it is indeed essential to guarantee the sustainability of our food production. Food preservation and storage using nanocomposites is a promising strategy. Accordingly, the present research's objectives were to identify and isolate a few foodborne pathogens from food products, (ii) synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using wet chemical reduction into the lamellar space layer of montmorillonite (MMT), and (iii) investigate the antibacterial potential of the AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite versus isolated strains of bacteria. Six bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus were isolated from some food products (meat, fish, cheese, and vegetables). The Ag/MMT nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, particle size analyzer, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with dispersive energy X-ray (EDX). The antibacterial effectiveness of the AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite further investigated distinct bacterial species using a zone of inhibition assay and microtiter-based methods. Nanoparticles with a narrow dimension range of 12 to 30 nm were identified using TEM analysis. The SEM was employed to view the sizeable flakes of the AgNPs/MMT. At 416 nm, the most excellent UV absorption was measured. Four silver metallic diffraction peaks were found in the XRD pattern during the study, and the EDX spectrum revealed a strong signal attributed to Ag nanocrystals. AgNPs/MMT figured out the powerful antibacterial action. The AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite confirmed outstanding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against six isolates of foodborne pathogens, ranging from 15 to 75 µg/mL, respectively. The AgNPs/MMT's antibacterial potential against gram-negative bacteria was noticeably better than gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, the AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite has the potential to be used as a reliable deactivator in food processing and preservation to protect against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. This suggests that the nanocomposite may be effective at inhibiting the growth and proliferation of harmful bacteria in food, which could help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Sporogenesis in Physcomitrium patens: Intergenerational collaboration and the development of the spore wall and aperture.

Although the evolution of spores was critical to the diversification of plants on land, sporogenesis is incompletely characterized for model plants such as Physcomitrium patens. In this study, the complete process of P. patens sporogenesis is detailed from capsule expansion to mature spore formation, with emphasis on the construction of the complex spore wall and proximal aperture. Both diploid (sporophytic) and haploid (spores) cells contribute to the development and maturation of spores. During capsule expansion, the diploid cells of the capsule, including spore mother cells (SMCs), inner capsule wall layer (spore sac), and columella, contribute a locular fibrillar matrix that contains the machinery and nutrients for spore ontogeny. Nascent spores are enclosed in a second matrix that is surrounded by a thin SMC wall and suspended in the locular material. As they expand and separate, a band of exine is produced external to a thin foundation layer of tripartite lamellae. Dense globules assemble evenly throughout the locule, and these are incorporated progressively onto the spore surface to form the perine external to the exine. On the distal spore surface, the intine forms internally, while the spiny perine ornamentation is assembled. The exine is at least partially extrasporal in origin, while the perine is derived exclusively from outside the spore. Across the proximal surface of the polar spores, an aperture begins formation at the onset of spore development and consists of an expanded intine, an annulus, and a central pad with radiating fibers. This complex aperture is elastic and enables the proximal spore surface to cycle between being compressed (concave) and expanded (rounded). In addition to providing a site for water intake and germination, the elastic aperture is likely involved in desiccation tolerance. Based on the current phylogenies, the ancestral plant spore contained an aperture, exine, intine, and perine. The reductive evolution of liverwort and hornwort spores entailed the loss of perine in both groups and the aperture in liverworts. This research serves as the foundation for comparisons with other plant groups and for future studies of the developmental genetics and evolution of spores across plants.

A novel constitutive model considering the role of elastic lamellae' structural heterogeneity in homogenizing transmural stress distribution in arteries.

Understanding how the homeostatic stress state can be reached in arterial tissues can provide new insights into vascular physiology. Even though the function of maintaining homeostasis is often linked to the concentric layers of medial elastic lamellae, how the lamellae are capable of evenly distributing the stress transmurally remains to be understood. The recent microstructural study by Yu et al. (2018 J. R. Soc. Interface 15, 20180492) revealed that, circumferentially, lamellar layers closer to the lumen are wavier than the ones further away from it and, thus, experience more unfolding when subjected to blood pressure. Motivated by this peculiar finding, the current study, for the first time, proposes a novel approach to model elastic lamellae and such structural heterogeneity using the extensible worm-like chain model. When implemented into the material description of the conventional two-layer artery model, in which adventitial collagen is modelled using the inextensible worm-like chain model, it is demonstrated that structural heterogeneity in elastic lamellae plays an important role in dictating transmural stress distribution and, therefore, the homeostasis of the arterial wall.

Construction and Performance of Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Rusted Iron Artifacts

Ancient iron artifacts need to be protected with a rust layer, often stabilized by tannic acid corrosion inhibition. In humid environments, water vapor could slowly penetrate and trigger galvanic corrosion of metal artefacts. Sealing treatments are generally applied to the artefact surface to isolate water and enhance its corrosion resistance. Superhydrophobic modifications could effectively block the penetration of moisture into the interior of the artefact and provide a nice water barrier. Stearic acid with tannic acid inhibition treatment creates a superhydrophobic protective layer on the surface of rusted iron artifacts and enhances corrosion resistance effectively. Various scientific analyses and testing methods are used in this paper to evaluate the corrosion resistance of rusted surfaces after superhydrophobic modification and investigate the reaction mechanisms. The results indicate that the contact angle of the rusted surface after corrosion inhibition by tannic acid and modified by stearic acid is increased to 152.2°, which means the superhydrophobic protective layer has been successfully constructed. The C/Fe ratio of the rusted surface is increased from 0.21 to 2.10, and the characteristic diffraction peaks of O1s and Fe 2p3/2 shift toward higher binding energy. Stearic acid is combined with the corrosion product layer by chemical bonding. Chelation between rust products, tannic acid, and steric acid is effective, and the chelate is chemically stable. The superhydrophobic surface forms a lamellar wax-like layer as an air barrier to isolate liquid water, resulting in a significant decrease in corrosion current and an increase in Warburg impedance to 217.9 times the original state, with a protection efficiency of 88.3%. Tannic acid corrosion inhibition and stearic acid superhydrophobic modification have an excellent synergistic protective effect on improving the corrosion resistance of iron artifacts, resulting in better corrosion resistance of iron artifact materials. The research provides new ideas and references for the protection of ancient iron artifacts sealing.