Melting Peak Research Articles

Aberrant methylation scanning by quantitative DNA melting analysis with hybridization probes as exemplified by liquid biopsy of SEPT9 and HIST1H4F in colorectal cancer

ObjectiveThe generally accepted method of quantifying hypermethylated DNA by qPCR using methylation-specific primers has the risk of underestimating DNA methylation and requires data normalization. This makes the analysis complicated and less reliable. MethodsThe end-point PCR method, called qDMA-HP (for quantitative DNA Melting Analysis with hybridization probes), which excludes the normalization procedure, is multiplexed and quantitative, has been proposed. qDMA-HP is characterized by the following features: (i) asymmetric PCR with methylation-independent primers; (ii) fluorescent dual-labeled, self-quenched probes (commonly known as TaqMan probes) covering several interrogated CpGs; (iii) post-PCR melting analysis of amplicon/probe hybrids; (iv) quantitation of unmethylated and methylated DNA alleles by measuring the areas under the corresponding melt peaks. ResultsqDMA-HP was tested in liquid biopsy of colorectal cancer by evaluating SEPT9 and HIST1H4F methylations simultaneously in the single-tube reaction. Differences in the methylation levels in healthy donors versus cancer patients were statistically significant (p < 0.0001), AUCROC values were 0.795–0.921 for various marker combinations. ConclusionsThis proof-of-concept study shows that qDMA-HP is a simple, normalization-independent, quantitative, multiplex and “closed tube” method easily adapted to clinical settings. It is demonstrated, for the first time, that HIST1H4F is a perspective marker for liquid biopsy of colorectal cancer.

Development of Polyhydroxybutyrate-Based Packaging Films and Methods to Their Ultrasonic Welding.

This study developed a technical task associated with the formation of welded joints based on biodegradable polymers and their subsequent physicochemical characterization. The primary objective was to establish the effect of the welding process and modification of natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with N,N-dibutylundecenoylamide (DBUA) as a plasticizing agent on the structure and properties of PHB-based biopolymer materials as well as the process and structure of welded joints formation using ultrasonic welding technique. The weldability of biodegradable layers based on PHB and PHB/DBUA mixture was ultrasonically welded and optimized using a standard Branson press-type installation. The effect of the DBUA plasticizer and welding process on the structure of PHB-based biodegradable material was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermomechanical analysis. The results confirmed that the DBUA acted as an effective plasticizer of PHB, contributing to lower crystallinity of the PHB/DBUA mixture (63%) in relation to the crystallinity degree of pure PHB film (69%). Ultrasonic welding resulted in an additional increase (approximately 8.5%) in the degree of crystallinity in the PHB/DBUA in relation to the initial PHB/DBUA mixture. The significant shift toward lower temperatures of the crystallization and melting peaks of PHB modified with DBUA were observed using DSC concerning pure PHB. The melt crystallization process of PHB was affected by welding treatment, and a shift toward higher temperature was observed compared with the unwelded PHB/DBUA sample. The butt-welded joints of biodegradable PHB/DBUA materials made using the ultrasonic method tested for tensile strength have damaged the area immediately outside the joining surface.

Himalayan-like Crustal Melting and Differentiation in the Southern North American Cordilleran Anatectic Belt during the Laramide Orogeny: Coyote Mountains, Arizona

Abstract The southern US and northern Mexican Cordillera experienced crustal melting during the Laramide orogeny (c. 80–40 Ma). The metamorphic sources of melt are not exposed at the surface; however, anatectic granites are present throughout the region, providing an opportunity to investigate the metamorphic processes associated with this orogeny. A detailed geochemical and petrochronological analysis of the Pan Tak Granite from the Coyote Mountains core complex in southern Arizona suggests that prograde metamorphism, melting, and melt crystallization occurred here from 62 to 42 Ma. Ti-in-zircon temperatures (TTi-zr) correlate with changes in zircon rare earth elements (REE) concentrations, and indicate prograde heating, mineral breakdown, and melt generation took place from 62 to 53 Ma. TTi-zr increases from ~650 to 850 °C during this interval. A prominent gap in zircon ages is observed from 53 to 51 Ma and is interpreted to reflect the timing of peak metamorphism and melting, which caused zircon dissolution. The age gap is an inflection point in several geochemical-temporal trends that suggest crystallization and cooling dominated afterward, from 51 to 42 Ma. Supporting this interpretation is an increase in zircon U/Th and Hf, a decrease in TTi-zr, increasing zircon (Dy/Yb)n, and textural evidence for coupled dissolution–reprecipitation processes that resulted in zircon (re)crystallization. In addition, whole rock REE, large ion lithophile elements, and major elements suggest that the Pan Tak Granite experienced advanced fractional crystallization during this time. High-silica, muscovite± garnet leucogranite dikes that crosscut two-mica granite represent more evolved residual melt compositions. The Pan Tak Granite was formed by fluid-deficient melting and biotite dehydration melting of meta-igneous protoliths, including Jurassic arc rocks and the Proterozoic Oracle Granite. The most likely causes of melting are interpreted to be a combination of (1) radiogenic heating and relaxation of isotherms associated with crustal thickening under a plateau environment, (2) heat and fluid transfer related to the Laramide continental arc, and (3) shear and viscous heating related to the deformation of the deep lithosphere. The characteristics and petrologic processes that created the Pan Tak Granite are strikingly similar to intrusive suites in the Himalayan leucogranite belt and further support the association between the North American Cordilleran anatectic belt and a major orogenic and thermal event during the Laramide orogeny.

Application of real-time PCR-based multicolor melting curve with automatic analysis system in pregestational and prenatal thalassemia diagnoses.

To evaluate the value of the real-time PCR-based multicolor melting curve analysis (MMCA) with an automatic analysis system used in a mass thalassemia screening and prenatal diagnosis program. A total of 18,912 peripheral blood samples from 9456 couples and 1150 prenatal samples were detected by MMCA assay. All prenatal samples were also tested by a conventional method. Samples with unknown melting peaks, unusual peak height ratios between a wild allele and a mutant allele, or a discordant phenotype-genotype match were further studied by using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) or Sanger sequencing. All MMCA results were automatically analyzed and manually checked. The consistency between MMCA assay and conventional methods among prenatal samples was investigated. Except for initiation codon (T>G) (HBB:c.2T>G), all genotypes of thalassemia inside the scope of conventional methods were detected by MMCA assay. Additionally, 27 carriers with 10 rare HBB variants, 13 with α fusion gene, 1 with a rare deletion in α globin gene, and 1 with rare HBA variant were detected by using MMCA assay. MMCA can be an alternative approach used in routine thalassemia carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis for its high throughput, sufficient stability, low cost, and easy operation.

Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): determining the transition temperatures, and enthalpy and heat capacity changes in multicomponent systems by analytical model fitting

We have developed an analytical method to quantitatively analyze differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experimental data. This method provides accurate determination of thermal properties such as equilibrium melting temperature, latent heat, change of heat capacity which can be performed automatically without intervention of a DSC operator. DSC is one of the best techniques to determine the thermal properties of materials. However, the accuracy of the transition temperature and enthalpy change can be affected by artifacts caused by the instrumentation, sampling, and the DSC analysis methods which are based on graphical constructions. In the present study, an analytical function (DSCN(T)) has been developed based on an assumed Arrhenius crystal size distribution together with instrumental and sample-related peak broadening. The DSCN(T) function was successfully applied to fit the experimental data of a substantial number of calibration and new unknown samples, including samples with an obvious asymmetry of the melting peak, yielding the thermal characteristics such as melting and glass transition temperature, and enthalpy and heat capacity change. It also allows very accurate analysis of binary systems with two distinct but severely overlapping peaks and samples that include a cold crystallization before melting.

Influence of Hot‐Press Temperature on β‐Phase Formation and Electrical Properties of Solvent‐Casted PVDF‐HFP Co‐Polymer Films Prepared from Two Different Solvents: A Comparison Study

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) co‐polymer films are prepared via solution casting followed by hot‐press method. Two different types of solvents, viz., solvent mixture DMF and acetone and single solvent only DMF are used to prepare two sets of samples which are then hot‐pressed at various temperatures (110, 120, and 130 °C) to study the effect of hot‐press temperature on samples prepared from different types of solvents. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra shows formation of electroactive β‐phase whose fraction remaining above 71% for all the synthesized samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is performed to obtain the degree of crystallinity of the as‐prepared samples and the hot‐pressed samples seemed to have a single exothermic melting peak instead of two in case of the casted ones. Dielectric properties and AC conductivity of the samples are also studied. The highest dielectric constant among the synthesized samples is found to be ≈12 at 1 kHz at room temperature. The static hysteresis loops are traced for all the as‐synthesized films. Remnant polarization is found to increase with increase in the hot‐press temperature, the coercive field remaining almost similar for all of them. The PUND analysis is also carried out for the all as‐prepared samples. A comparison study is presented through this report, emphasizing the influence of hot‐press temperature on β‐phase fraction of PVDF‐HFP films prepared from two different types of solvents, intended for energy harvesting and storage applications.

Purification and characterization of pure curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin from North-East India Lakadong turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Lakadong turmeric has been outlined for its high content of curcuminoids across the globe. Three significant molecular markers are widely present in turmeric viz, curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and they are present very high amount in Lakadong turmeric. Curcuminoids have been reported for structural and spectrum similarity of 3 to 4 nm (432, 434, and 436 nm, respectively). Current purification methods are based on recrystallisation where it is difficult to get highly pure material and preparative methods associated with tedious separation with high cost. Lakadong turmeric has not been explored commercially since long time. No reports are available in the literature with highly pure reference materials with in-depth characterization data and purity assessment. Curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin were characterized using different analytical techniques viz, UV–Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR), Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13CNMR), High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR-MS) and Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Purified 3 markers has shown High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) purity more than 99.5%. DSC the melting peaks of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin were observed at 168 °C, 165 °C, and 210 °C, respectively. These plant-based markers have high commercial potential as reference material for routine Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) in herbal industries.

Occurrence, Characteristics, and qPCR-Based Identification of Pectobacterium versatile Causing Soft Rot of Chinese Cabbage in China.

Pectobacterium is one of the most important genera of phytopathogenic bacteria. It can cause soft-rot diseases on a wide range of plant species across the world. In this study, three Pectobacterium strains (KC01, KC02, and KC03) were isolated from soft-rotted Chinese cabbage in Beijing, China. These three strains were identified as Pectobacterium versatile based on phylogenetic analysis of Pectobacterium 16S ribosomal RNA, pmrA, and 504 Pectobacterium core genes, as well as a genomic average nucleotide identity analysis. Their biochemical characteristics were found to be similar to the P. versatile type strain ICMP9168T but differed in response to citric acid, stachyose, D-glucuronic acid, dextrin, and N-acetyl-β-D-mannosamine. All of the tested P. versatile strains showed different carbohydrate utilization abilities compared with P. carotovorum and P. odoriferum, particularly in their ability to utilize D-arabitol, L-rhamnose, and L-serine. Under laboratory conditions, the maceration ability of P. versatile on Chinese cabbage was the highest at 28°C, compared with those at 13, 28, 23, and 33°C. Additionally, P. versatile could infect all of the 17 known Pectobacterium host plants, except for Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum). A SYBR Green quantitative PCR (qPCR) detection system was developed to distinguish P. versatile from other soft-rot bacteria based on the combined performance of melting curve (with a single melting peak at around 85°C) and fluorescence curve (with cycle threshold <30) when the bacterial genomic DNA concentration was in the range of 10 pg/µl to 10 ng/µl. This study is the first to report the presence of P. versatile on Chinese cabbage in China, as well as a specific and sensitive qPCR assay that can be used to quickly identify P. versatile. The work contributes to a better understanding of P. versatile and will facilitate the effective diagnosis of soft-rot disease, ultimately benefitting commercial crop production.

Curcuma particle size evolution by application of bead milling process and curcuminoids content determination

SummaryThe aim of this research was to investigate the effect of curcuma dispersion bead milling on particle size evolution over time. The study of 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% curcuma dispersions revealed that dispersions' polydispersity was decreasing up to 180 min which was found to be the optimum milling time with the volume mean diameter (d4,3) of (11.47 ± 0.85) μm. This diameter was the most effective with respect to the curcuma powder coagulation process attributed to the effect of curcuma oils after the milling time of 180 min. The mechanochemically atomized curcuma was used as a potential source of curcuminoids. By differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), two endothermic peaks were observed and related to curcuma melting effects. Curcumin powder exhibited one broad melting peak at 176 °C. Obtained data indicated that effective mechanochemical treatment makes curcuma powder a highly beneficial supplement applicable in food matrices of the human diet.

Study on the mechanism of structure modification of amylopectin co-crystalized by sodium chloride to promote disulfide bond formation of alkali-soluble glutenin

Strength and stiffness are the main characteristics of high-quality dough products. As one of the key components to endow those functions to noodles, formation of disulfide bonds in alkali-soluble glutenin (ASG) is very important. Interaction of ASG and co-crystalized wheat amylopectin with NaCl could prompt formation of disulfide bonds of ASG and its mechanism was deduced in the paper. The results showed that the disulfide bonds contents of ASG were increased significantly by interaction with co-crystalized wheat amylopectin. The co-crystalized wheat amylopectin with 2% NaCl for 24 h at 30 °C was distinguished by the Mn distribution of 0.55–0.95 × 106 g/mol, more chains with 18∼24 glucose residues being grafted from chains of 4∼7 glucose residues during the eutectic process, presence of the weak resonance enhancement at 96.5 ppm, molecular aggregate diameter less than 120 μm, and only one of X-diffraction angles 2θ at 20.2°. In the process of interaction, Qβ, Qδ, Yγ, Yε of ASG and C1, C6 of what amylopectin involved in the formation of disulfide bond, the contents of intermolecular β-sheet decreased and those of intra-molecular aggregation extended β-sheet and random coils increased. The peak melting temperature and melting enthalpy of the mixture decreased significantly after co-crystallized wheat amylopectin interacted with the ASG. Co-crystalized wheat amylopectin with NaCl can be used as a reinforcing agent of wheat flour.

Influence of Epoxy Functional Chain-Extenders on the Thermal and Rheological Properties of Bio-Based Polyamide 10.10.

Bio-based polyamide 10.10 (PA 10.10) has excellent properties compared to other bio-based polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and is therefore used in more technical applications where higher strength is required. For foam and filament extrusion, a good balance between strength and stiffness of the polymer is needed. Therefore, two commercial chain-extenders (Joncryl® ADR types) with different epoxy functionalities are used to modify the melt properties of PA 10.10. The chain-extenders are used in a concentration range up to 1.25 wt.%. The range of glass transition temperature widens with increasing Joncryl® content, and the apparent activation energy shows a maximum at a concentration of 0.5 wt.%. Furthermore, the melting temperatures are constant and the crystallinity decreases with increasing chain-extender content due to the formation of branches. During the second heating run, a bimodal melting peak appeared, consisting of α-triclinic and pseudo γ-hexagonal crystals. The weight average molar masses (Mw) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) increased linearly with increasing ADR 4400 content. In contrast, the compounds containing ADR 4468 show a maximum at 0.5 wt.% and it begins to decrease thereafter. The rheological data show an increase in viscosity with increasing chain-extender content due to branch formation. ATR spectra of the compounds show a decrease at the wavelength of the primary (3301 cm-1) and secondary (1634 cm-1) (-NH stretching in PA 10.10) amine, indicating that chain-extension, e.g., branching, takes place during compounding.

Effects of Dietary Supplements of DHA-enriched Micro Algae Diet on Physical and Technological Properties of Dairy Cow Milk Fat

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of DHA-enriched micro algae diet on physical and technological properties of dairy milk fat in terms of the dynamic crystallization and melting behaviour. Two dairy cows were subjected to feeding regime of DHA-enriched micro algae diet and control diet. The experiment was carried out during 21-d to determine the normal (control) and DHA-enriched micro algae diet modified milk fat that were taken for further analysis. The melting and crystallization behaviour of the milk fat from the cows fed control and DHA-enriched micro algae diets was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Q1000 (TA Instruments, New Castle, DE, United States). DHA-enriched micro algae supplementation strongly affected the melting and crystallization properties of milk fat. Generally, the onset temperature (°C) of milk fat crystallization was significantly lower in DHA-enriched milk fat as compared to the control. The quantity of heat released by fat crystallization expressed as J/g (peak area) was significantly lower in enriched milk fat. DHA-enriched milk fat also had a lower peak maximum temperature as compared to control in all samples investigated. All melting curves displayed two peaks (lower melting and higher melting peaks) and for melting peaks, DHA-enriched milk fat melted at significantly lower temperature as compared to the control indicating an increase in the degree of unsaturation of milk fat. Melting offset temperature was significantly lower for DHA-enriched milk fat as compared to the control. It can be concluded that from the results of this study, micro algae supplementation significantly altered the milk fat composition and positively affected melting and crystallization behaviour of milk fat.

AYÇİÇEĞİ YAĞI OLEOJELLERİNDEKİ MUM İLAVE SEVİYESİNİN YANIT YÜZEY YÖNTEMİYLE OPTİMİZASYONU

In this study, oleogels were produced with a wax mixture (sunflower wax, SW; beeswax, BW) instead of single wax in order to reduce the total wax addition level and maintain the optimal properties of the oleogels. The textural and thermal properties were evaluated using the response surface methodology to determine the optimum wax addition level to form a gel with the similar properties to margarine. The firmness values and melting point were dominated by SW levels in the wax mixture. The XRD patterns showed that all of the samples had the β polymorphic form. The optimization results showed that oleogel prepared with 0.20%-SW and 2.80%-BW had lowest melting peak (46.42 °C). In conclusion, using a wax mixture instead of single wax type, a structurally stable gel with a lower melting point could be formed at a lower wax addition level.

Solid-state green synthesis of blue light emitting fluorescent novel organic charge transfer complex; its optical, physicochemical and thermal studies

A novel charge transfer complex (HMBAA) using 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (HMB) and anthranilic acid (AA) has synthesized via green synthesis using solid-state grinding method. The phase diagram study has been employed to identify the exact composition forming the charge transfer (CT) complex. To study the various thermal properties of the novel complex, the enthalpy of fusion values of CT complex and parents are obtained from their DSC curves. The sharp and single endothermic melting peak of CT complex at very high temperature signifies the successful synthesis of the CT complex and its pure nature. The FTIR, NMR and PXRD studies infers the structural changes and novelty of CT complex. The study of cyclic voltammetry shows the redox behaviour of the CT complex. The optical absorption, emission and the CIE chromaticity diagram studies reveal the remarkable fluorescent emission properties of the novel CT complex in the deep blue region which indicates the utility of CT complex for its future applicability as fluorescence and pharmaceutical material. Nevertheless, the reported study is an opening for the solid-state grinding green synthesis method for synthesizing the worth novel materials.

Analysis of bovine beta-casein A1 and A2 allele frequency in Holstein-Friesian cows by Real-time PCR with fluorescent hybridization probes

A2 milk popularity is increasing across the world and novel molecular techniques have been evaluated to develop reliable methods. This study aimed to genotype Holstein-Friesian cows concerning their A1/A2 status using Real-time PCR assay with the specifically designed FRET hybridization probes. In this context, DNA samples were obtained from 310 Holstein-Friesian milk samples. Concerning the Real-time PCR assay, the melting temperature of each amplicon was analyzed and the melting data was converted to a derivative plot using the LightCycler 480 System. The sensor probe was designed to match the wild-type sequence in the target DNA. In the Real-time PCR assay, the melting peaks obtained in the Real-time PCR assay were highly decisive and consistent for each genotype regarding CCT→CAT alteration. The results indicated a remarkably high frequency of the A2 allele (68%) and a considerable frequency of heterozygous animals (0.41). Population genetic analysis showed intermediate levels of genetic variability and biodiversity. The A2-herd conversion process is a complex process consisting of genetic testing of both cows and calves, evaluating replacement rates, and the conversion of heterozygotes by using A2-genotyped bull semen. In this sense, the key point is a reliable and rapid genotyping method to produce A1-free milk. This study suggests that Real-time PCR assay with the specifically designed FRET hybridization probes is a preferable method for A2 genotyping, and may be useful for further studies and instructive for companies or breeders who aim to produce A2 milk.

A facile and clean strategy to manufacture functional polylactic acid bead foams

Expanded poly (lactic acid) (EPLA) is a promising bio-material with ultra-low density, thermal insulation, cushioning properties, as well as the ability to be fabricated products in complex shapes. However, the time consuming of inducing double melt peaks of PLA and the complex two-steps process of steam-sintering assisted supercritical CO2 foaming is inevitable since PLA belongs crystalline polymer. To develop a facile and simple method to produce EPLA foams with functions, we used the bulk polymerization of liquid reactants to form a sintering layer between PLA beads. Meanwhile, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were synchronously introduced and distributed in the sintering layer. And a unique EPLA foam with functional sintering layer was produced using supercritical CO2 foaming technology. The reported method could prepare EPLA foam with high expansion ratio of 8.5 times and high cell density of 8.25 × 108 cell/cm3. Compared with other methods, the novel EPLA foams exhibited excellent tensile strength and compressive strength, superior electrical conductivity of 0.12 S/m, electromagnetic shielding ability of 99% in the X-band at CNT content of 2.68 wt.%, as well as sensitive and accurate stress-sensing function. It facilitates the development of novel manufacturing technology and the expansion of applications fields of EPLA foam.

Experimental and numerical investigation of PCMS on ceilings for thermal management

In this study, experimental investigation of phase change materials (PCM) integrated into building on ceilings was assessed for thermal management capabilities by comparing two building test models with and without PCM based on fluctuation in PCM temperatures owing to ambient temperature variations. Commercial organic PCM (OM-30) with a peak melting point of 31.10 C was used as PCM with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as the encapsulation. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to examine the thermophysical characteristics of PCM such as phase transition temperature, latent heat, and specific heat capacity. The various PCM temperature ranges included for the study are (i) Above phase change melting temperature range ii) within Phase Change melting temperature range iii) Proximity to PCM onset melting temperature range iv) proximity to PCM end melting temperature range. Under free-floating ambient Condition, the indoor air temperature was dropped in PCM installed room up to 1.69 °C, 5.79 °C, 2.26 °C, & − 2.87 °C compared to without PCM room for a PCM Melting temperature difference of 8.77 °C,1.55 °C, 1 °C & 0.44 °C respectively. Also, it was divulged that the PCM utilized 3.2%, 31.4%, 6.9%, & 12.27% of the total latent heat energy deployed in order to produce a temperature difference of 1.69 °C, 5.79 °C, 2.26 °C, & − 2.87 °C compared to without PCM room.

Study of the microstructure, foaming property and cyclic compression performance of poly(ether-block-amide) foams fabricated by supercritical CO2 foaming

This paper systematically explored the effects of molecular structure on the foaming behavior of poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) and its influence on foam cyclic compression properties. It was demonstrated that increasing the hard segment (HS) content of PEBA not only improved crystallization and melting strength, but also narrowed the melting peak and shifted it to higher temperatures. In contrast to other thermoplastic elastomers such as TPU, PEBA with a higher HS content showed a lager foam expansion ratio but a narrower foaming window. Increasing HS content improved compression strength but deteriorated resilience of PEBA foams. As the expansion ratio increased to 5-fold, there was no significant reinforcing effect of HS on strength and modulus of PEBA foams, while the resilience of the foams increased constantly with decreasing HS content and increasing expansion ratio.

Peak effect, melting, and transport in skyrmion crystals

Peak effect, melting, and transport in skyrmion crystals

Multi-stage oxidation of iron particles in a flame-generated hot laminar flow

The paper presents multi-parameter high-speed optical diagnostics of single iron particle oxidation in a hot laminar flow consisting of O2, H2O, CO2, and N2. Prior to luminous combustion, micron-sized particles are visualized using diffuse-backlight-illumination with high temporal and spatial resolutions, enabling in situ particle sizing. The incandescent burning particles are then monitored by direct high-speed imaging. This approach allows for a successful determination of the multiple oxidation stages of individual iron particles, including the solid phase, melting, and liquid phase. Two characteristic timescales are quantified as a function of the resolved particle diameter at various O2 volume fractions, namely the solid-phase oxidation time (SOT, defined as the time between the onset of rapid particle heating and melting) and the liquid-phase combustion time (LCT, defined as the duration between melting initiation and peak luminosity). SOT shows a linear dependence on the inverse O2 mass fractions at relatively high O2 levels but it tends to plateau when the O2 content is below 20vol.%. LCT is inversely proportional to the O2 mass fraction, suggesting that liquid-phase oxidation of iron particles is limited by external oxygen diffusion. The experimental LCT quantitatively agrees with a theoretical mode developed for nonvolatile particle combustion in the diffusion-limited regime, considering O2 as the only oxidant. This also implies that at the presence of O2, the oxidizing effect of H2O and CO2 on diffusion-limited iron particle combustion is negligible.