Loose Region Research Articles

High-temperature Mo-based metallic glass thin films with tunable microstructure and mechanical behaviors

Developing high-temperature metallic glass thin films (MGTFs) with excellent combination properties is crucial for extending the practical applications of metallic glasses. A high-temperature multicomponent Mo-based MGTF with tunable microstructure prepared by single-target magnetron sputtering was presented in this study. Corresponding mechanical behaviors and thermal stability of MGTFs related to microstructure are systemically explored. By adjusting deposition parameters (pressure and power), the microstructure of as-deposited MGTFs can be altered from the dense homogeneous type to the loose nanoglass type. Such structure evolution can be explained by the competition between the surface diffusion and geometric shadowing effect. MGTFs with dense microstructure possess smaller surface roughness, higher hardness, higher Young’s modulus, and better wear resistance. Moreover, they also possess higher thermal stability where the fully amorphous structure and smooth surface can be well maintained after vacuum annealing at 1123 K for 30 min. By contrast, the MGTF with nanoglass microstructure shows inferior mechanical properties and thermal stability due to plentiful loose interface regions, providing abundant free volumes during deformation and acting as favorable crystal nucleation sites during annealing. The correlation between the microstructure and properties of as-deposited MGTFs is clarified with the universal scaling law of glasses. The annealing treatment distinctly increases the hardness and Young’s modulus of MGTFs. Meanwhile, after annealing, pop-in behaviors occur in the as-annealed MGTFs with dense microstructure but not in the as-annealed MGTF with nanoglass microstructure during the nanoindentation. These phenomena can be rationalized by the annihilation of free volumes during annealing and the evolution of the dynamical variable, shear transition zone, for the plastic deformation in MGTFs.

Stability analysis of shield tunnel face in sandy pebble strata considering the route slope angle

Unique physical characteristics of sandy pebble strata amplify disadvantages of the route slope angle for tunnel-face stability. This study uses Lanzhou Metro Line 1 as support project to investigate tunnel-face stability in sandy pebble strata. Using PFC 3D to simulate the tunnel-face failure mechanism of the horizontal tunnel and the longitudinal inclined tunnel. The results show that the slip line ahead of the tunnel face is like a logarithmic spiral, likewise, an ellipsoid failure region forms above the tunnel vault. Based on the above, the theoretical analysis model of tunnel-face stability considering the route slope angle is established. The logarithmic spiral-elliptical model comprises an upper elliptical loose region I and a logarithmic spiral slip region II. Moreover, the limit support pressure is derived by combining the upper bound theorem and associated flow rule. Finally, existing theoretical analysis models are compared with the proposed model, showing that the proposed model fits well with the tunnel-face failure mechanism in sandy pebble strata.

Orbitally compact and loose vortex regions

The measure of orbital compactness of the motion of swirling material points inside a vortex is formulated without the assumption of incompressibility. Orbitally compact and loose vortex regions are distinguished. Their boundary is set very permissively and expressed through the introduced measure of orbital compactness. The present analysis is associated with the vortex-identification local trace criterion and explains its limited applicability. The comparison of compact and loose volumetric ratios for selected vortex-identification methods employs numerical data of four flow situations. The investigation shows that some vortex-identification criteria are too permissive, more or less ignoring the inherent vortex property of orbital compactness.

Stilbene, as phyto-oestrogens, can construct resistant starch through noncovalent interactions with starch: A structural correlation study

Stilbenes are one of the major phytoestrogens with a variety of biological and nutritional functions, which have attracted attention in field of nutrition recent years. In this study, stilbenes with different molecular structure including resveratrol (RA), pterostilbene (PB) and polydatin (PD) were selected to interact and complex with rice starch under high pressure homogenization (UHPH), and the changes of multi-scale structure and digestibility of the complex were discussed. The results showed that the digestibility of starch substantially reduced after interacting with RA/PB/PD. When RA/PB/PD additions were 8%, the resistant starch (RS) content reached 36.3%, 33.4% and 23.8%, respectively. From the structural perspectives, on the one hand, RA/PB/PD could form inclusive complexes with starch via non-covalent bonds and further form stable V-type crystalline and relatively loose aggerate structure. On the other hand, RA/PB/PD could be partly released during digestion process from the loose region of the structure to inhibit α-amylase. Among them, RA with smaller molecular structure and more phenolic hydroxyl groups had the most pronounced modulatory effect. Overall, the results provided basic data for the rational design of rice starch-based foods with nutritional functions.

Histological Analysis of Regenerative Properties in Human Glenoid Labral Regions

Background: The healing capacity of the human glenoid labrum varies by tear location. Current evidence suggests that the healing capacity of meniscal and cartilage injuries relates to cellular composition and vascularity. However, little is known about the histological characteristics of the glenoid labrum and how they may affect healing potential in specific anatomic regions. Hypothesis: Regenerative characteristics of the glenoid labrum differ based on the anatomic region. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Human glenoid labra from fresh unpreserved cadavers were transversely sectioned in different anatomic regions. Masson trichrome stain was used to determine dense and loose extracellular matrix regions and vessel densities. Hematoxylin and eosin, Ki-67+, and CD90+/CD105+ stains were performed to determine total, proliferative, and progenitor cell densities, respectively. Regression models demonstrated relationships between vascular area, progenitor cell quantity, and probability of successful operation. Results: Among all labral aspects, the superior glenoid labrum had the highest percentage (56.8% ± 6.9%) of dense extracellular matrix or avascular tissue (P < .1). The vascular region of the superior labrum had the fewest total cells (321 ± 135 cells/mm2; P < .01) and progenitor cells (20 ± 4 cells/mm2; P < .001). Vascular area was directly correlated with progenitor cell quantity (P = .006002). An increase in probability of successful operation was associated with a linear increase in vascular area (R2 = 0.765) and an exponential increase in progenitor cell quantity (R2 = 0.795). Subsequently, quadratic models of vascularity and progenitor cell quantity around the labral clock were used to assess relative healing potential. Quadratic models for percentage vascular area (P = 6.35e-07) and weighted progenitor cell density (P = 3.03e-05) around the labral clock showed that percentage vascular area and progenitor cell quantity increased as labral tissue neared the inferior aspect and diminished near the superior aspect. Conclusion: Anatomic regions of the glenoid labrum differ in extracellular matrix composition, vascularity, and cell composition. The superior glenoid labrum is deficient in vascularity and progenitor cells, which may explain the high failure rates for repairs in this location. Clinical Relevance: Improved understanding of the composition of distinct glenoid labral positions may help to improve therapeutic strategies for labral pathology.

Genome- and transcriptome-wide splicing associations with alcohol use disorder

Genetic mechanisms of alternative mRNA splicing have been shown in the brain for a variety of neuropsychiatric traits, but not substance use disorders. Our study utilized RNA-sequencing data on alcohol use disorder (AUD) in four brain regions (n = 56; ages 40–73; 100% ‘Caucasian’; PFC, NAc, BLA and CEA) and genome-wide association data on AUD (n = 435,563, ages 22–90; 100% European-American). Polygenic scores of AUD were associated with AUD-related alternative mRNA splicing in the brain. We identified 714 differentially spliced genes between AUD vs controls, which included both putative addiction genes and novel gene targets. We found 6463 splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) that linked to the AUD differentially spliced genes. sQTLs were enriched in loose chromatin genomic regions and downstream gene targets. Additionally, the heritability of AUD was enriched for DNA variants in and around differentially spliced genes associated with AUD. Our study also performed splicing transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) of AUD and other drug use traits that unveiled specific genes for follow-up and splicing correlations across SUDs. Finally, we showed that differentially spliced genes between AUD vs control were also associated with primate models of chronic alcohol consumption in similar brain regions. Our study found substantial genetic contributions of alternative mRNA splicing in AUD.

Effects of Mechanical Stress on Insulation Structure and Performance of HV Cable.

Mechanical stresses generated during manufacturing and laying process of high voltage cables can result in degradation of insulation properties, affecting the stable operation of the transmission system. Traditional test methods for testing the effect of mechanical stress on the insulation properties of polyethylene still have some shortcomings to be explored and it is able to explain the changes of the insulation properties of polyethylene under mechanical stress from a microscopic perspective. In order to further study the effect of stress on the insulation properties of polyethylene, microstructural changes, the breakdown field strength, conductivity and charge distribution of polyethylene at different elongation rates are investigated by a combination of experimental and molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the increase in stress leads to a decrease in crystallinity and microcrystalline size of the material decrease. The untwisting and orientation of the polyethylene molecular chains during the stretching process can create cavities, resulting in an uneven sample distribution and thickness reduction, leading to a reduction in the breakdown field strength. Meanwhile, some crystal regions are transformed into amorphous regions. The loose amorphous regions facilitate the directional migration of carriers, resulting in the increase of conductivity. When the elongation ratio is smaller, the distance between the molecular chains increases and the trap depth of the specimen becomes shallower. This facilitates the migration of ions and electrons and increases the rate of decay of the surface potential. When the stretch is further increased, new traps are created by broken molecular chains to limit the movement of charges, decreasing the decay rate of the surface potential and reducing the insulation properties of the polyethylene. Meanwhile, the molecular dynamics model of semi-crystalline polyethylene was developed to observe the microstructure and energy changes during the stretching process. The conclusions in terms of tensile tests were verified from a microscopic perspective.

Abstract 2475: Visualization of cell to cell and cell to matrix interactions in the disruption of tumor-promoting desmoplasia by adoptive transfer of fibroblast activation protein targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells

Abstract The efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in solid tumors is limited by inefficient T-cell infiltration, localization and hypofunctionality within the tumor microenvironment. Prior studies demonstrated that stromal cell targeted CAR T cells, in particular CAR T cells that target fibroblast activation protein (FAP), can effectively infiltrate, and inhibit tumor growth in mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) due to their capacity to deplete stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) that otherwise present a barrier to adoptive cell therapies. However, the kinetics of tumor infiltration by FAP-CAR T cells, and the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions that contribute to their anti-tumor activity are poorly understood. A better understanding FAP-CAR T-cell kinetics and intratumoral interactions should provide insights into the requirements for successful adoptive cell therapies in solid tumors. By combining immunostaining and real-time two-photon microscopy in tumor fragments of PDAC, we found that stromal cell targeted FAP-CAR T cells can efficiently traffic into tumors. Initially (days 1-3) FAP-CAR T cells were enriched in the stroma surrounding tumor nests but excluded from the tumor nests per se. While associated with the stroma rich region, the CAR T cells appeared activated and T cell motility was observed in loose collagen regions, but T cells migrated poorly in dense matrix areas. Aligned collagen fibers in the tumor boarder dictated the migratory trajectory of T cells and restricted them from entering tumor nests. By day 5 we observed depletion of immunosuppressive stromal cells, dissolution of the fibrillar collagen network surrounding tumor nests and infiltration of FAP-CAR T cells into tumor nests. Treatment with hyaluronidase increased the ability of T cells to infiltrate the tumor nest. Thus, FAP-CAR T cell-mediated ablation of immunosuppressive FAP+ stromal cells and disruption of the desmoplastic stroma they generate, can enhance accumulation and functionality of CAR-T cell therapy in the context of highly desmoplastic solid tumors. Citation Format: Zebin Xiao, Leslie A. Hopper, Meghan C. Kopp, Emily McMillan, Yue Li, Richard L. Barrett, Ellen Puré. Visualization of cell to cell and cell to matrix interactions in the disruption of tumor-promoting desmoplasia by adoptive transfer of fibroblast activation protein targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2475.

Optimization of Access Point Positioning on Wi-Fi Networks Using the K-Means Clustering Method

Uneven distribution is a common problem in setting up access points where some areas have many signals colliding with each other and others have no signals at all (blank spots). As a result, proper access point positioning on the WI-FI network is required to optimize the number of access points used and the signal strength received while maintaining the same coverage area's functionality. In this study, signal strength measurement is used to obtain the estimated distance using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) method. The server analyzes using the K-Means Clustering algorithm to cluster the observation area. The output of this classification is the mapping of dense regions (traffic) and loose regions to determine the coverage areas of each access point. This approach aims to optimize the placement of access points in terms of their number and specifications.

Surface Microstructure and Performance of Anodized TZ30 Alloy in SBF Solution

Anodization is performed on the Ti-30Zr-5Al-3V (TZ30) alloy to improve its surface performance. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Olympus microscope are used to determine the phase constitution, morphology, and thickness of the anodization film (AOF). Tribological tests and electrochemical corrosion experiments are carried out to measure, respectively, the wear behavior and corrosion resistance of AOFs in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. The microstructure characteristic of the AOF anodized at low voltage (20 V) is composed of compact and loose regions. As the applied voltage increases to 60 V, the compact regions transform progressively into loose regions, and then grow into nanotube regions. Besides, an increase in thickness of the AOF from 8.6 ± 4.61 μm to 20.7 ± 2.18 μm, and a gradual increase in surface microhardness from 364.6 ± 14.4 HV to 818.4 ± 19.3 HV, are also exhibited as the applied voltage increases from 20 V to 60 V. Specimens anodized at 40 V and 60 V have a low friction coefficient (~0.15) and wear rate (~2.2 mg/N/m) in the SBF solution. The enhanced wearability originates from the high hardness and various wear mechanisms. Potentiodynamic polarization curves suggest that the corrosion resistance in the SBF solution of all anodized specimens is greatly improved, thanks to the protection from the anodized TiO2 film.

Method Comparison Study-One Step Forward toward Robust Silicone Layer Thickness Measurements.

In the past decades, the silicone layer thickness and its distribution on the inner glass barrels of prefilled syringes have been characterized in several studies. However, the limited number of adequate methods to characterize thin baked-on silicone layers and the destructive nature of some analytical techniques suggest challenges to the inter-lab reproducibility of some methods. In this study, the measured silicone layer thickness of baked-on siliconized syringes was compared between two laboratories, both equipped with white light reflectometry coupled to laser interferometry instrumentation (Bouncer, LE UT 1.0, LE UT 2.0). The quantity of silicone oil of a subset of those syringes was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Glide force tests were realized as complementary measurements on both syringes analyzed by white light reflectometry coupled to laser interferometry instrumentation and on non-analyzed identical syringes from the same lot. Silicone profiles of all prefilled syringes including the limit of detection results replaced with 20 nm were comparable, but values were slightly lower when measured with the Bouncer instrument. An increase of the layer thickness from the finger flange to the needle side was found for all syringes with all instruments (20 nm to 130-140 nm). Glide force results were similar except for a difference in peak width in the break loose region between the laboratories. The mean quantities of silicone oil found by both laboratories were similar (64 µg/syringe and 69 µg/syringe). Overall, comparable results between laboratories suggest a good reproducibility of the thickness measurement method as a result of thorough method understanding and defining key method parameters. Hence this study presents a robust inter-lab comparison between silicone layer thickness measurements that has been a lack in the literature up to now.

The sulfurization recorded in tridymite in the monomict eucrite Northwest Africa 11591

AbstractSome of the tridymite in the monomict Northwest Africa (NWA) 11591 eucrite are found to have sulfide‐rich replacement textures (SRTs) to varying degrees. The SRTs of tridymite in NWA 11591 are characterized by the distribution of loose porous regions with aggregates of quartz and minor troilite grains along the rims and fractures of the tridymite, and we propose a new mechanism for the origin of this texture. According to the volume and density conversion relationship, the quartz in the SRT of tridymite with a hackle fracture pattern was transformed from tridymite. We suggest that the primary tridymite grains are affected by the S‐rich vapors along the rims and fractures, leading to the transformation of tridymite into quartz. In addition, the S‐rich vapors reacted with Fe2+, which was transported from the relict tridymite and/or the adjacent Fe‐rich minerals, and/or the S‐rich vapors react with the exotic metallic Fe to form troilite grains. The sulfurization in NWA 11591 most likely occurred during the prolonged subsolidus thermal metamorphism in the shallow crust of Vesta and might be an open, relatively high temperature (&gt;800 °C) process. Sulfur would be an important component of the metasomatic fluid on Vesta.

Experimental Study on Grouting Reinforcement Mechanism of Heterogeneous Fractured Rock and Soil Mass

To explore the grouting reinforcement mechanism of heterogeneous rock and soil in a fault fracture zone, based on the F2 fault grouting project of Yonglian Tunnel, the filling area composed of loose and soft media in the fault is defined as the advantageous grouting diffusion region, which is divided into loose and weak diffusion regions according to the slurry diffusion form. A self-developed grouting reinforcement test system is used to carry out grouting reinforcement tests on the heterogeneous rock and soil. The existence of the advantageous diffusion region can effectively improve the reinforced body strength. The slurry in the reinforced body containing the loose medium mainly expands outwards in the form of first infiltration and then compaction, and the slurry vein mainly remains in the advantageous diffusion region. The slurry in the reinforced body containing the soft medium mainly diffuses in the form of compaction splitting, which can form thicker splitting of the grouting veins. When the reinforced body is destroyed, the body containing the loose medium is mostly conically fractured, indicating complete lithology and homogeneous material. Moreover, the reinforced body containing the soft medium always forms a penetrating crack along the slurry vein or near the grouting vein. Focusing on the heterogeneous stratum consisting of fault breccia and soft plastic fault gouge, controllable slurry dynamic adjustment, same-hole multi-sequence sub-gradient grouting, and localized grouting control are proposed. The grouting control method is applied to the case of Yonglian Tunnel, and a superior grouting reinforcement effect is achieved.

Сравнительный структурно-динамический анализ ультратонких волокон поли-(3-гидроксибутирата), модифицированного комплексами тетрафенилпорфирина с металлами

Проведены комплексные исследования, сочетающие рентгеноструктурный анализ, термофизические, динамические измерения зондовым методом и сканирующую электронную микроскопию. Рассмотрена особенность кристаллической и аморфной структуры ультратонких волокон на основе поли(3-гидроксибутирата) (ПГБ), содержащего минорные концентрации (0–5%) комплексов тетрафенилпорфирина (ТФП) с марганцем (в форме MnCl2 ), цинком и железом (в форме FeCl3 ). Показано, что при добавлении в волокна ПГБ указанных комплексов меняется морфология волокон, наблюдается изменение кристалличности и замедление молекулярной подвижности в плотных и рыхлых аморфных областях ПГБ в следующей последовательности: ПГБ/ТФП, ПГБ/Zn–ТФП, ПГБ/MnCl2 –ТФП, FeCl3 –ТФП. Температурное воздействие на волокна (их отжиг при 140°С) приводит к резкому росту кристалличности и молекулярной подвижности в аморфных областях волокон. Их экспозиция в водной среде при 70°С приводит к росту энтальпии плавления и замедлению молекулярной динамики только в исходном ПГБ, но к значительному снижению энтальпии в модифицированных волокнах. Молекулярная подвижность цепей в аморфных областях при этом возрастает. Полученные волокнистые материалы обладают бактерицидными свойствами и должны найти применение при создании новых терапевтических систем антибактериального и противоопухолевого действия.

Domain structure and oxygen-pockets in the silica melt under pressure

We have investigated firstly domain structure and oxygen-pockets for silica melt. The result shows that the structure comprises separate domains and boundaries between them. The domains occupy dense regions, while the boundaries between domains occupy loose regions. We found a number of Oxy bonded to three Si types. The structure undergoes through one- and two-domain pressure regions. A number of oxygen-pockets are found, and their volume reaches up to 1100 Å3. The densification is realized by decrease in Voronoi volume and transformations of Si4→Si5, Si5→Si6 and O2→O3. Further analysis indicates that at ambient pressure the exchange of coordinated O between basic units happens non-uniformly through the network structure, which causes the dynamics heterogeneity.

Influence of Backfill Compaction on Mechanical Characteristics of High-Density Polyethylene Double-Wall Corrugated Pipelines

For flexible pipelines, the influence of backfill compaction on the deformation of the pipe has always been the focus of researchers. Through the finite element software, a three-dimensional soil model matching the exterior wall corrugation of the high-density polyethylene pipe was skillfully established, and the “real” finite element model of pipe-soil interaction verified the accuracy through field test. Based on the model, the strain distribution at any position of the buried HDPE pipe can be obtained. Changing the location and extent of the loose backfill, the strain and radial displacement distributions of the interior and exterior walls of the HDPE pipe under different backfill conditions when external load applied to the foundation were analyzed, and the dangerous parts of the pipe where local buckling and fracture may occur were identified. It is pointed out that when the backfill is loose, near the interface between the backfill loose region and the well-compacted region, the maximum circumferential strain occurs frequently, the exterior wall strain is more likely to increase greatly on the region near crown or invert, the interior wall strains increase in amplitude at springline, and the location of the loose region has a greater influence on the strain of the pipe than the size of the loose area.

An investigation of structural stability in protein-ligand complexes reveals the balance between order and disorder

The predominant view in structure-based drug design is that small-molecule ligands, once bound to their target structures, display a well-defined binding mode. However, structural stability (robustness) is not necessary for thermodynamic stability (binding affinity). In fact, it entails an entropic penalty that counters complex formation. Surprisingly, little is known about the causes, consequences and real degree of robustness of protein-ligand complexes. Since hydrogen bonds have been described as essential for structural stability, here we investigate 469 such interactions across two diverse structure sets, comprising of 79 drug-like and 27 fragment ligands, respectively. Completely constricted protein-ligand complexes are rare and may fulfill a functional role. Most complexes balance order and disorder by combining a single anchoring point with looser regions. 25% do not contain any robust hydrogen bond and may form loose structures. Structural stability analysis reveals a hidden layer of complexity in protein-ligand complexes that should be considered in ligand design.

Enhanced basal autophagy supports ameloblastoma-derived cell survival and reactivation

ObjectivesAmeloblastoma is an aggressive odontogenic jaw neoplasm. Its unlimited growth confers high potential for malignant transformation and recurrence. It is unclear why ameloblastoma is highly recurrent despite surgical resection with a wide margin of normal tissue. While canonical autophagy can be used to degrade and eliminate damaged cellular components, it is also a protective mechanism that provides energy and vital metabolites for cell survival. We used ameloblastoma-derived cells to test the hypothesis that autophagic processes play a role in survival and reactivation of ameloblastoma. MethodsPrimary epithelial (EP-AMCs) and mesenchymal (MS-AMCs) ameloblastoma-derived cells were established from tissue samples of solid multicystic ameloblastoma. Clonogenic capacity and basal autophagic capacity were assessed in ameloblastoma-derived cells relative to human odontoma-derived cells (HODCs) and maxilla-mesenchymal stem cells (MX-MSCs). Ability of ameloblastoma-derived cells to survive and form new ameloblastoma was assessed in mouse tumor xenografts. ResultsEP-AMCs were highly clonogenic (p < 0.0001) and demonstrated enhanced basal levels of autophagic proteins microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3 (LC3) (p < 0.01), p62 (Sequestosome 1, SQSTM1) (p < 0.01), and the LC3-adapter, melanoregulin (MREG) (p < 0.05) relative to controls. EP-AMCs xenografts regenerated solid ameloblastoma-like tumor with histological features of columnar ameloblast-like cells, loose stellate reticulum-like cells and regions of cystic degeneration characteristic of follicular variant of solid multicystic ameloblastoma. The xenografts also displayed stromal epithelial invaginations strongly reactive to LC3 and p62 suggestive of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium. ConclusionsEP-AMCs exhibit altered autophagic processes that can support survival and recurrence of post-surgical ameloblastoma cells.

Axial heterogeneities in capillary ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography columns: Chromatographic and bed morphological characterization

We study axial heterogeneities in capillary ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) columns through kinetic performance and bed morphological analysis. Two columns are used in this work, a 75 μm i.d. × 100 cm column packed with 1.3 μm C18-silica particles and a 75 μm i.d. × 45 cm column packed with 1.9 μm C18-silica particles. The long column is chromatographically characterized and is afterwards sectioned into three segments, each analyzed individually. The column packed with the 1.9 μm particles is subjected to a bed morphological analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy near the inlet, center, and outlet of the column. Chromatographic and morphological characterizations reveal highest separation efficiency and most homogeneous bed microstructure towards the column outlet. Kinetic performance data for inlet and central packing segments indicate enhanced contributions from wall effects to a transcolumn flow heterogeneity. Bed morphological data reveal systematic changes in geometrical and frictional wall effects along the bed: from inlet to outlet, bed morphologies increasingly reflect packing microstructures associated with concentrated slurries. Variations in separation efficiency and bed morphology can be related to the constant-pressure packing mode; the decrease in packing rate along the bed leaves fewer chances for particle rearrangement and bed consolidation from inlet to outlet. It explains the relatively uniform bed morphology towards the outlet and also the relatively loose wall region near the inlet. Bed microstructural features are discussed in a context of previous observations made in the characterization of capillary UHPLC columns.

The Influence of the Type of Dipping Composition on the Structure of Aramid Cord Threads

Publications concerned with the influence of the type of dipping composition on the adhesion, physicomechanical, and service properties of aramid cord threads of grades Arom-75 (Rusar-75), Arom-175 (Rusar-175), and Rusar-200 are analysed. According to current ideas, the type of dipping composition affects not only the adhesion and physicomechanical properties of aramid cord but also its structure. Using electron spin resonance spectroscopy, we studied specimens of dipped Arom-75 cord threads and undipped threads (for comparison). The parameters characterising the structural state of the investigated polymer specimens were determined: the correlation time, the radical concentration in the investigated specimen, and the ratio of the proportion of dense amorphous regions to the proportion of loose amorphous regions. Data for cord based on Ruslan® threads dipped in two different compositions and data for undipped cord were compared. The possibility of changing the structure of cord and the service properties of mechanical rubber goods with an aramid skeleton by using different types of dipping composition was shown.