Macroscopic Techniques Research Articles

Bodies of evidence: The human remains from Flinders Petrie’s excavations in British Mandate Palestine

Background In the 1920s and 1930s Flinders Petrie excavated several sites in British Mandate Palestine (Tell Jemmeh, Tell Fara and Tell el-ʿAjjul), encountering numerous burials dating from the Chalcolithic period down to the Ottoman period. The osteological finds were thought to have been discarded, until the authors identified a curated selection of skeletal human remains from these tombs at the Duckworth Laboratory in Cambridge in 2017/2018. Methods Rachael Sparks conducted archival research to explore how the human remains from Petrie’s excavations in the Southern Levant were recovered, recorded, curated and studied. This drew on original excavation records, contemporary publications, official and private correspondence, unpublished research notes, and the evidence of the human skeletal remains themselves. Following on this archival investigation, Nina Maaranen conducted skeletal analyses on individuals from Bronze Age contexts – recording crania and mandibles using various non-invasive, macroscopic techniques to estimate age, sex and ancestry. Results It was established that selected skulls were sent to Karl Pearson’s Biometric Laboratory at University College in London for craniometric study as part of wider programmes of research into ancient populations. After the war, changes in the organisation of the Eugenics Department at the University led to the transfer of Pearson’s collection of human skulls to the Duckworth Laboratory in Cambridge, where attempts to get the material published were unsuccessful. The current skeletal analysis of the assemblage revealed a preference for adult individuals, in line with the curation motivations of the original investigators. Earlier research on these remains was compared with our new data and contextualised within the theoretical and methodological development of bioanthropology and osteology. Conclusions Our investigation successfully identified the history of this assemblage, and revealed ethical issues surrounding the collection and subsequent use of some of these human remains, particularly where there may be familial links to modern Palestinian populations.

CT-assisted age estimation from the medial clavicular epiphysis in the Greek population according to Schmeling and Kellinghaus classification.

Examining the clavicle by macroscopic or radiologic techniques is a well-established method in forensic age estimation in living and dead individuals. The present study examined 196 CT (computed tomography scan) images of native patients from the archive of the medical imaging laboratory of the University Hospital in Heraklion, Crete, in Greece. The ossification of the medial clavicular epiphysis was classified according to Schmeling et al. and the extended amplified staging system of Kellinghaus et al. Next, a stage transition analysis was carried out according to the Bayesian model. Probability density functions were calculated using informative priors for age distribution in the total population, deceased and violently deceased individuals. Our study showed that when the medial clavicular epiphysis' ossification is sorted in stages 4 and 5 in Greek males and females, the cumulative probability of adulthood (≥18years) is nearly 1. As far as Greek males are concerned, in stage 3c, the cumulative probability of adulthood (≥18years) is 0.86, and in Greek females in stage 3c, the cumulative probability of adulthood (≥18years) is 0.97. This is the first study of age estimation based on the ossification of the sternal clavicular end using CT in a Greek population.

Assessing the fungal contamination and potential impact of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species on cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions of Ghana.

This study investigated the fungal contamination profile of cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions in Ghana, with particular emphasis on the potential impact of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species. A total of 104 fermented and dried cocoa beans were randomly collected from farmers for analysis. Fungal isolation was conducted using potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media. Species-level identification was performed through macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Ochratoxin A (OTA) quantification and confirmation were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The investigation revealed 163 fungal isolates representing 14 distinct species across 10 genera. Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were predominant. No statistically significant differences in fungal species occurrence were observed among the different cocoa-growing regions. However, certain species exhibited preferential growth on specific media, emphasizing the importance of medium selection in mycological studies. Of the 14 fungal species tested, only Aspergillus niger demonstrated the ability to produce OTA in vitro, as confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. This discovery holds substantial implications for both the cocoa industry and public health, considering that OTA is a potent mycotoxin subject to strict regulatory limits in food commodities. It is crucial to implement enhanced monitoring and control measures to mitigate fungal contamination in cocoa beans, particularly targeting OTA-producing species. The study also highlights the need for improved post-harvest handling practices, optimized storage conditions, and potential biocontrol approaches.

Comparative Analysis of the Morphological Traits of Cucumis melo Seed Remains Discovered in the Graveyard of the Haihun Marquis in Nanchang and Modern C. melo Seeds Using Scanning Electron Microscopy.

The graveyard of the Haihun Marquis in Nanchang is the largest and best-preserved Han Dynasty mausoleum discovered in China. Within the tomb's beam bank (M1), archaeologists have uncovered a variety of plant remains, such as melon seeds, the traits and origins of which warrant timely investigation. Cucumis melo L. has a long history of being cultivated and consumed in China. In this study, macroscopic identification techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and cluster analyses of the seeds of ancient C. melo and 16 varieties of modern melons (9 with thick skin, 6 with thin skin, and 1 thick/thin-skinned hybrid) were performed to compare their morphological trait indexes and seed coat ultrastructures. Through the measurement of various morphological parameters (length, width, upper one-third width, lower one-third width, thickness, and surface area) of each type of melon seed and subsequent cluster analysis of the morphological data, the ancient melon was determined to belong to the same cluster as the C. melo varieties "Lvbao", "Huangpi", "Boyang No. 9", "Malianzhuang", "Yangjiaomi", and "Zhimami", exhibiting the closest affinity to the thin-skinned types, particularly "Huangpi", "Malianzhuang", and "Zhimami". Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the epidermal ultrastructure revealed that the reticulated morphology of the seed coat of the ancient melon closely resembled that of the thin-skinned melon. Consequently, we hypothesize that the melon seeds excavated from the graveyard of the Haihun Marquis belong to the thin-skinned type of melon.

Tetracalcium Phosphate/Monetite/Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate Biocement for Alveolar Bone Augmentation After Tooth Extraction in Pig Mandible.

A tetracalcium phosphate/monetite/calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder cement mixture (CAS) in the form of a paste was used as a socket preservative to prevent alveolar ridge resorption after the extraction of the second premolar tooth in the mandible of a pig model. During the post-surgery period, the animals were monitored daily. No signs of inflammation, infection, or other complications were observed in the defect site for six months. Six months after surgery, the mandible defects in pigs were evaluated using macroscopic, histological, and radiological techniques. Treatment of the extraction sites with CAS biocement resulted in the uniform filling of the defects with alveolar bone tissue, characterized by a relatively smooth and homogeneous gum surface with no visible biocement residues. The formation of new bone tissue with osteoblasts, osteocytes, and mineralized matrices was confirmed. The results showed the similar morphology, thickness, and complete integration of the newly formed bone with the surrounding tissue. CAS biocement could be an effective material to prevent alveolar bone reduction as well as soft tissue loss and could support dental implant placement with long-term functionality.

Unveiling the Human Brain on a Chip: An Odyssey to Reconstitute Neuronal Ensembles and Explore Plausible Applications in Neuroscience.

The brain is an incredibly complex structure that consists of millions of neural networks. In developmental and cellular neuroscience, probing the highly complex dynamics of the brain remains a challenge. Furthermore, deciphering how several cues can influence neuronal growth and its interactions with different brain cell types (such as astrocytes and microglia) is also a formidable task. Traditional in vitro macroscopic cell culture techniques offer simple and straightforward methods. However, they often fall short of providing insights into the complex phenomena of neuronal network formation and the relevant microenvironments. To circumvent the drawbacks of conventional cell culture methods, recent advancements in the development of microfluidic device-based microplatforms have emerged as promising alternatives. Microfluidic devices enable precise spatiotemporal control over compartmentalized cell cultures. This feature facilitates researchers in reconstituting the intricacies of the neuronal cytoarchitecture within a regulated environment. Therefore, in this review, we focus primarily on modeling neuronal development in a microfluidic device and the various strategies that researchers have adopted to mimic neurogenesis on a chip. Additionally, we have presented an overview of the application of brain-on-chip models for the recapitulation of the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases, followed by subsequent high-throughput drug screening. These lab-on-a-chip technologies have tremendous potential to mimic the brain on a chip, providing valuable insights into fundamental brain processes. The brain-on-chip models will also serve as innovative platforms for developing novel neurotherapeutics to address several neurological disorders.

Rapid Detection of Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus Flavus Using Coconut Agar Medium

Certain fungal species develop toxic substances called aflatoxins, which are extremely dangerous to both human and animal health. This study focuses on the identification and detection of fungi that produce aflatoxin, which is a serious health danger because of its carcinogenic and poisonous qualities. Using both macroscopic and microscopic techniques, fungal isolates were collected and described in accordance with the taxonomic standards established by Klich & Pitt. Fluorescence under UV light, which revealed the presence of aflatoxins, demonstrated the usefulness of the study's use of coconut agar medium (CAM) for the quick analysis of aflatoxin production. The detrimental consequences of aflatoxins are emphasized in the conclusion, along with the significance of creating quick and precise detection techniques to reduce the hazards involved.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy using macroscopic on-site evaluation technique reduces the number passes yet maintains a high diagnostic accuracy: A randomized study.

Although rapid on-site cytological evaluation (ROSE) for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) may increase diagnostic yield, it is not widely available. Macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) is an alternative modality although it is not standardized for EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (FNB). We evaluated diagnostic performance of MOSE compared with conventional technique of EUS-TA using core biopsy needle. Consecutive patients undergoing EUS-FNA for solid lesions were randomized to MOSE or conventional arms. The primary and secondary outcome measures were diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the number of passes, respectively. The optimum parameters for macroscopic visible core (MVC, i.e., length, number) by MOSE to achieve accurate diagnosis were evaluated. Ninety-six patients (48 conventional and 48 MOSE) were enrolled. Mean lesion size was larger in MOSE arm (32.67±7.22 vs 29.31±6.98mm, P=0.023). Diagnostic accuracy (95.8% vs 91.6%), diagnostic yield (97.9% vs 95.8%), procedure duration, and adverse events of the two methods were similar. Median number of passes with MOSE was less (2 vs 3 P=0.000). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that with MOSE, obtaining a total MVC length of 11.5mm had 93.3% sensitivity, and 2.5 MVC cores (each 4mm) had 86.7% sensitivity for malignancy diagnosis. EUS-FNB with MOSE, a simple reliable technique, can achieve a high and comparable diagnostic accuracy with lesser number of passes. Obtaining longer length and greater number of MVC increase the sensitivity to diagnose malignancy with MOSE.

Molecular Identification of Fungal Species Isolated from the External Surfaces of Ants Caught from Educational Hospitals in Babol City (2021-2022)

Background. Since the ants play a key role in transmitting microorganisms, it is important to identify the fungal species isolated from the external surfaces of ants caught from hospitals. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the fungal species isolated from the external surfaces of ants caught from Babol hospitals. Methods. Ants were collected by trapping inside sterile tubes and were washed with normal saline for 20 seconds. Then, 100 µL of the resulting solution was cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and incubated for one week at 35C°. Macroscopic, microscopic, and RFLP-PCR molecular techniques were employed to confirm the grown isolates. Results. A total of 79 fungal isolates including 47 isolates of hyaline fungi (59.49%) and 32 isolates of black fungi (40.51%) were obtained from 63 captured ants. Out of 47 cultured fungi, 15 fungi (31.91%) were Aspergillus niger and 15 (31.91%) were A. flavus, 12 (25.53%) were A. fumigatus and 5 isolates were Penicillium (10.63%). Conclusion. Taking into account the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, outbreak of COVID-19 in recent years, and numerous reports about the invasive fungal diseases among COVID-19 patients, it was found necessary to control the ants as carriers of these organisms. Practical Implications. It was necessary to control these insects effectively in order to prevent the increasing prevalence of the fungal diseases among the hospitalized people.

X-ray spectroscopic investigation of crystal fields in Ce2Rh1−xIrxIn8 heavy fermions

The higher dimensionality in the crystal fields of the Ce2MIn8 (M=Rh,Ir) compounds and its interplay with hybridization and disorder are key ingredients to understand the complex phase diagrams by this family, which have been explored extensively by macroscopic techniques. Here, we present an investigation of the crystal-electric field schemes of Ce2Rh1−xIrxIn8 using x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Our full multiplet calculations for the 4f1 configuration of Ce3+ to describe the temperature-dependent linear dichroism in Ce2MIn8 are consistent with a Γ71=1−α2·|∓32〉−|α|·|±52〉 ground state containing a predominant |±3/2〉 contribution that increases further with x. This enhancement is believed to favor superconductivity in Ce-based heavy fermion materials, observed in previous results in the CeMIn5 family. Our recent observations shed light on the unexpected emergence of the ambient-pressure superconducting dome in the center of the composition phase diagram and its subsequent suppression on the Ir-rich side due to the early onset of fluctuations associated with the structurally more disordered state, inferred from previous neutron magnetic diffraction experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Wettability of anatase TiO2 surface: Effect of niobium doping

The effect of niobium doping on the hydrophilic behavior of anatase TiO2 surface was demonstrated on a series of x-Nb-TiO2 nanocoatings with dopant concentrations in the range of 0.0 - 1.0 at.% Nb. Thin films prepared on glass substrates from sols by dip-coating were characterized by tensiometric, work function and isoelectric point measurements along with FT-IR spectroscopy in situ method. Using macroscopic and microscopic techniques, it was found that, at low doping level, it is the functionalization of the anatase surface with niobium ions that leads to a drastic change in its surface acid-base as well as electronic properties and, as a consequence, to a sharp increase in the initial surface hydrophilicity. The rearrangement in the hydroxyl‑hydrated layer with the formation of additional hydroxyl groups as a result of surface functionalization has an increased effect on wettability only at low levels of niobium inclusion, whereas with increasing dopant content the electronic factor plays a significant role on the properties of titanium dioxide, including its wettability. The kinetic dependencies of the photoinduced superhydrophilic conversion for all Nb-doped titanium dioxide surfaces were obtained and discussed in terms of proposed mechanism. Both the initial hydrophilic state and the initial rate of photoinduced hydrophilic conversion depend on the Nb concentration in titanium dioxide, while the final UV-induced superhydrophilic state is achieved for all Nb-doped TiO2 regardless of the dopant content.

A comparison of whole-mount and conventional sections for pathological mesorectal extension and circumferential resection margin assessment after total mesorectal excision

IntroductionThe objective of the study is to compare 2 techniques for histological handling of rectal cancer specimens, namely whole-mount in a large block vs conventional sampling using small blocks, for mesorectal pathological assessment of circumferential resection margin status and depth of tumor invasion into the mesorectal fat. MethodsThis is a prospective study including 27 total mesorectal excision specimens of rectal cancer from patients treated for primary rectal carcinoma between 2020 and 2022 in a specialized multidisciplinary Colorectal Unit. For each total mesorectal excision specimen, 2 contiguous representative tumoral slices were selected and comparatively analyzed with whole-mount and small blocks macroscopic dissection techniques, enabling comparison between them in the same surgical specimen. The agreement between the 2 techniques to assess the distance of the tumor from the circumferential resection margin as well as the depth of tumor invasion was evaluated with the Student’s t-test for paired samples, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman method comparison analysis. ResultsComplete mesorectal excision was observed in 8% of cases. Circumferential resection margin involvement was observed in only one case (4 %). The whole-mount and small block techniques obtained similar results when we assessed the distance to the circumferential resection margin (t-test P = 0.8, r = 0.92) and the depth of mesorectal infiltration (t-test P = 0.6, r = 0.95). ConclusionsBoth gross dissection techniques (whole-mount vs multiple small cassettes) are equivalent and reliable to assess the distance to circumferential resection margin and the depth of mesorectal infiltration in the mesorectal fat in rectal cancer staging.

Simplifying vasectomy reversal without compromising outcomes: a single-surgeon series.

In vasovasostomy (VV) surgery, the micro-surgical technique has consistently been shown to provide superior outcomes to both macroscopic and loupe-assisted techniques, with large studies showing overall patency rates of ~86% and pregnancy rates of ~52%. However, the question of whether a single- or double-layer anastomosis offers the best outcomes remains contentious, and despite the popularity of the two-layer technique, a meta-analysis suggests little difference in outcomes. This study records the outcomes of a single-surgeon series of a simplified single-layer technique, along with the comparative outcomes and predictive factors. A retrospective analysis of 237 consecutive patients undergoing microsurgical vasectomy reversal between 2010 and 2022 in a single institution was performed. A microsurgical, single-layer, six-point, 8-0 nylon anastomosis was performed with macroscopic intra-operative assessment of vasal fluid. An ipsilateral vasoepididymostomy (VE) was only performed in cases of complete absence of vasal fluid or the presence of toothpaste-like discharge (bilateral VE were excluded from this series). Semen analysis was performed 3 months postoperatively to assess for the presence of motile sperm. A total of 237 men underwent microsurgical vasectomy reversal over a 12-year period. The median age of men at vasectomy was 34 years. The median age at vasectomy reversal was 42 years. The median obstructive interval was 7.3 years. An overall patency rate of 85.8% was achieved (motile sperm present), with 53.8% having a sperm count greater than 15 million/mL on initial 3-month assessment. For obstructive intervals of <3, 3-8, 9-14, and ≥15 years, there were declining patency rates of 96.3%, 90.5%, 80.0%, and 74.1%, respectively (P=0.04). These are the equivalent outcomes to published high-volume two-layer studies. We found no difference between patency rates of VV performed on the straight vas vs. the convoluted vas, and no difference when only one side could be re-anastomosed (20 patients). Using a micro-surgical technique in high volume, similar outcomes can be achieved from a simplified single-layer VV technique with fewer sutures, as compared to the more complex two-layer techniques described. We postulate that this may be due to reduced ischaemia relating to fewer sutures and less tissue-handling. Given the associated time and cost savings, as well as the easier learning curve involved, we would advocate the use of this technique in routine VV practise.

Detection of Protective Coatings Applied on Baroque Amber Artworks: Case Studies

Amber has been used to create decorative items for centuries, but its degradation presents challenges for conservators. This study identifies substances historically used to protect amber objects, especially those from 17th and 18th century Gdansk workshops. Despite their historical value, information on amber conservation is scarce. Traditional substances are noted, but their exact compositions and effects on amber remain unclear. Synthetic resins, introduced in the late 19th century, also degrade, complicating conservation due to their removal difficulty and interference with amber identification. This research aimed to develop methods for detecting and analyzing protective coatings on amber objects using macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Initial methods included analytical photography under visible and UV light and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) to assess the surface. Raman spectroscopy (RS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used for detailed analysis. RS provided precise layer-specific information but was sensitive to surface conditions, while XRF quickly identified inorganic compounds but not organic materials. Examining amber objects from Polish collections using this methodology revealed various protective substances, including synthetic resins and nitrocellulose varnishes. This research contributes to amber conservation by proposing a comprehensive material analysis approach, essential for developing effective conservation strategies for these historic objects.

The influence of Mg/Al ratio on the cracking resistance of Zn–Al–Mg coatings

Galvanized steel plates with Zn–Al–Mg coatings are extensively utilized due to their exceptional corrosion resistance. This study, focusing on the cracking behavior of coatings with varying Mg/Al ratios, was conducted using in-situ tensile tests on different samples. The influence of the Mg/Al ratio on the crack resistance of the sample coatings was systematically summarized. To elucidate this point, five types of Zn–Al–Mg coatings with varying Mg/Al ratios were prepared using the same galvanizing process and tensile testing performed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with in-situ tensile capabilities. Macroscopic digital image statistical techniques were employed to quantify the extent of coating cracking, demonstrating the impact of the Mg/Al ratio on the coatings' crack resistance. The findings suggest that an increase in the Mg/Al ratio deteriorates the crack resistance of the coating, while enhancing its hardness. Moreover, this research offers a novel perspective in evaluating the crack resistance of coatings by comparing the effects of different Mg/Al ratios.

High-resolution spatiotemporal inference of urban road traffic emissions using taxi GPS and multi-source urban features data: a case study in Chengdu, China

The spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability of traffic in urban environments make traffic emissions inference challenging. To address this challenge, this study introduces a novel geographical context-based approach utilizing high-resolution taxi GPS data, incorporating multidimensional contextual factors such as road data, points of interest (POI), weather data, and population density. The proposed method can enhance the precision of traffic emissions inference compared to conventional macroscopic estimation techniques. To overcome the issue of missing data in traffic emissions inference from taxi data, three ensemble machine learning algorithms—Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—are employed. These algorithms efficiently handle a substantial volume of taxi GPS data, achieving reduced computational time and model complexity. The proposed framework establishes localized models for each road segment, taking into consideration both geographical and external features that characterize the urban environment. This localized modeling contributes significantly to a more profound understanding of traffic dynamics. A thorough comparative analysis is conducted to assess the performance of the proposed method. Results indicate that incorporating multidimensional urban features is advantageous for traffic speed inference. Among the ensemble learning models, Random Forest outperforms others when dealing with a small missing rate or limited sample size, while XGBoost exhibits superior performance for larger missing rates or substantial sample sizes. Additionally, an analysis of the feature importance in traffic speed highlights that road network features are the most significant factors, followed by temporal characteristics, spatial attributes, POI data, and weather information. Finally, leveraging inferred traffic speed and volume information, emissions from large-scale urban road traffic are inferred based on the COPERT model. In contrast to methods relying on complex, multi-source data for emission estimation, our approach utilizes simple and easily accessible data, enabling precise estimation of emissions on a large-scale spatiotemporal basis.

Occurrence of parasitism promoted by Myzobdella lugubris Leidy, 1851 (Annelida: Piscicolidae) in Callinectes bocourti (Crustacea: Portunidae): A report of invasive leech in Brazilian Amazon province

This study reports the presence of high parasitic load by Myzobdella lugubris Leidy, 1851 in the swimming crab Callinectes bocourti A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 from Amazon mangrove. We sampled the swimming crabs using a baited trap, between January and June 2023, in Santa Maria River, located in the municipality of Curuçá, state of Pará, Brazil (geographical coordinates 0°40′3.705”S, 047°54′43.405”W). After sampling, each swimming crab was individually placed in plastic containers for the count of leeches per individual. In the laboratory, the specimens were sexed, measured (parasite and host) and fixed in 70% alcohol. For the leech species identification, macroscopic techniques were combined with light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We examined 86 specimens of C. bocourti (75 males and 11 females) in a ratio of 1 M:0.14 F, all infested with leeches. In total, 186 leech specimens were collected, ranging from 1 to 21 leeches per host. Leeches oviposited the cocoons in greater quantities in ventral area of swimming crab carapace (32%), followed by dorsal area of carapace (29.09%), chelipeds (24.34%) and ambulatory legs (14.57%). The presence of M. lugubris is a risk to the health of the host, once it may transmit a range of diseases to aquatic organisms, and subsequently risk to human health.

Near-Infrared-II Imaging Revealed Hypothermia Regulates Neuroinflammation Following Brain Injury by Increasing the Glymphatic Influx.

Advanced in vivo imaging techniques have facilitated the comprehensive visual exploration of animal biological processes, leading to groundbreaking discoveries such as the glymphatic system. However, current limitations of macroscopic imaging techniques impede the precise investigation of physiological parameters regulating this specialized lymphatic transport system. While NIR-II fluorescence imaging has demonstrated advantages in peripheral lymphatic imaging, there are few reports regarding its utilization in the glymphatic system. To address this, a noninvasive transcranial macroscopic NIR-II fluorescence imaging model is developed using a cyanine dye-protein coupled nanoprobe. NIR-II imaging with high temporal and spatial resolution reveals that hypothermia can increase the glymphatic influx by reducing the flow rate of cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, respiratory rate, respiratory amplitude, and heart rate all play a role in regulating the glymphatic influx. Thus, targeting the glymphatic influx may alter the trajectory of immune inflammation following brain injury, providing therapeutic prospects for treating brain injury with mild hypothermia.

Study on the effect of wax on hydrate formation in the presence/absence of span 80

Scholars have been unable to arrive at a consistent verdict on the effect of wax on hydrate nucleation, as the influence of emulsifiers on the dispersion of wax in oil has been neglected. Accordingly, we discuss the effects of wax, span 80, and their coupling on hydrate nucleation utilizing CO2 as the hydrate guest molecule to clarify the precise role of wax on hydrate nucleation. It was discovered that the incorporation of either 10 wt% wax or 2 vol% span 80 prolonged the induction period, and their combined addition led to a longer induction period. This phenomenon indicates that wax and span 80 negatively impact on hydrate nucleation, and their combination strengthens this process. A combination of macroscopic and microscopic techniques was employed to illustrate the mechanism underlying the effect of wax on hydrate nucleation. The study found that both wax and span 80, as well as their coupling, facilitated the dispersion of water droplets in the oil. However, the waxes alone had a needle-like shape and could not entirely encase the water droplets, resulting in the aggregation of hydrate particles. While span 80 changes the shape of the wax, the coupling effect completely encapsulates the water droplets, preventing gas mass transfer and inhibiting hydrate nucleation. Furthermore, the wax stabilizes the structure of the span 80-containing emulsion, thus enhancing the anti-aggregation of span 80.

Continuing Osteological Research with Fairmont State University’s Human Skeletal Collection

Human skeletal remains have been used at some point by most institutions involved in natural science education, though many real remains are slowly being replaced in classroom use by plastic models. Unfortunately, most antique teaching skeletons still in collections today were obtained during an ethically gray era, resulting in a lack of documentation and accountability. Since their purchase, many of these skeletal remains have been disassociated and damaged due to improper storage, the selling of partial skeletons, and mishandling. Projects such as this one at Fairmont State University are being performed to rehumanize and reassociate individuals using a variety of osteometric and macroscopic analysis techniques and create osteobiographies for them. Fairmont State University’s collection has been determined to contain a minimum of 43 individuals, 28 of whom were able to have profile information restored. Current ethical and legal standards related to the treatment of teaching skeletons are nearly non-existent in the US, but projects such as this one can bring attention to the historically immoral treatment of these individuals.