Modification Of Matrix Research Articles

Soil Matrix Modification for Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Cadmium and Mercury based on Integrated Electrothermal Vaporization

Soil Matrix Modification for Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Cadmium and Mercury based on Integrated Electrothermal Vaporization

Application of NaP1 Zeolite Modified with Silanes in Bitumen Foaming Process

In recent years, global climate change has caused worldwide trends in science and industry toward a focus on the development of modern technologies with reduced environmental impact, including reduced CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The technology for producing asphalt mixtures (AM) at lower temperatures (WMA—warm asphalt mix) using zeolite materials for the bitumen foaming process fits perfectly into these trends. Therefore, towards the development of this technology, the research presented in this paper presents the modification process of zeolite NaP1 from fly ash with silanes of different chemical structures (TEOS, MPTS, TESPT) and their application in the foaming process of bitumen modified with polymers (PMB 45/80-55). The scope of the work includes two main novelty elements: (1) the use of zeolite–silane composites in bitumen foaming and (2) polymer-modified bitumen foaming. Chemical characterisation carried out by EDS-XRF, FTIR, and XPS analysis clearly demonstrated the success of the zeolite matrix modification process, which directly resulted in textural changes. Simultaneously, mineralogical analysis carried out by XRD showed the complete retention of the initial phase composition of zeolite matrix. Further studies have shown that the application of zeolite–oxide composites results in less PMB 45/80-55 stiffening without imposing negative effects on its softening point and dynamic viscosity.

Optimalisasi Pengawasan Kinerja Karyawan Business Consultant PT XYZ : Implementasi Sistem RACI Melalui Project Google Spreadsheet

Employee performance monitoring is one of the key factors in human resource management, especially in a dynamic business sector such as futures trading. PT XYZ, a company engaged in futures trading, faces challenges in managing the performance of Business Consultants (BC) which often arise due to lack of clarity in the division of tasks, lack of accountability, and ineffective coordination. This study aims to optimize employee performance supervision at XYZ through the implementation of the RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) system integrated with Google Sheets. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach, where in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation are used to collect data from employees and project managers who are directly involved. The results showed that the RACI system through Google Spreadsheet can clarify employee roles and responsibilities, increase accountability, and facilitate real-time performance monitoring. The modification of the RACI matrix in this spreadsheet also makes it easier for management to improve team collaboration and productivity. Despite technical challenges in its implementation, the system proved effective in optimizing team performance and communication.

Toughened Vinyl Ester Resin Reinforced with Natural Flax Fabrics

Vinyl ester resins are widely used as thermoset matrix materials for laminated composites, particularly in naval and automotive applications, due to their strength, chemical resistance, and ease of processing. However, their brittleness limits their use, especially in cold conditions. This study investigates the toughness of core–shell rubber (CSR)-modified resins in composites with natural fibers. This research compares the properties of the neat resin matrix and the CSR-modified matrix. After optimizing the resin curing process with catalysts, various treatments were tested to analyze their mechanical and thermal properties. Using the vacuum bagging process, flax and glass fibers were used as reinforcements to assess the effects of matrix modifications. Flax fibers were chosen for their sustainability as a potential alternative to glass fibers. Mechanical testing was performed, comparing the performance of flax-based composites to those with glass fibers. Water absorption tests on flax composites followed the ISO 62 standard. Additionally, interlaminar shear strength and SEM micrography studies were conducted to examine the morphology and fiber–matrix adhesion, linking the microscopic structure to mechanical properties. Results indicate that while glass-reinforced composites have superior properties, flax composites offer a sustainable alternative, making them a promising choice for future applications.

The Effect of Modifiers on the Strength and Impact Toughness of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

This study utilized epoxy resin, three types of fabric (carbon fiber, glass fiber, and Kevlar), and two plasticizers – tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and oleic acid (OA) – to enhance the impact toughness of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP). The polymer matrix used in the experiments was a hot-cured epoxy compound "Etal Inject-T" consisting of two components: A – epoxy resin and B – hardener, in a mass ratio of 100:49.9. For the fabrication of CFRP plates, both manual and vacuum molding techniques were employed. Combined reinforcement of carbon fiber was achieved using one of two types of fabrics: Ortex 360 glass fiber or Kevlar. Accordingly, two compositions were prepared for the experiments: carbon fiber/glass fiber and carbon fiber/Kevlar. Layer stacking in each composition was performed at ratios of 10:10 and 14:6, consisting of 20 layers in total. The greatest strengthening effect for CFRP in the case of carbon fiber/glass fiber was observed with a layer ratio of 14:6 and matrix modification using 10% TCP plasticizer. The strength of the CFRP increased from 425 to 451 MPa, and the impact toughness (α) improved from 192 to 280 kJ/m². A key feature of this technology is the achievement of high-performance dual-purpose CFRP. This enables the reduction of CFRP structures in aerospace applications by 3 to 5 times, while simultaneously enhancing resistance to impact loads.

The certainty matrix for fault data and interpretations

This paper introduces an approach for expressing certainty in the analysis and interpretation of faults, using a modification of the risk matrix commonly used in risk assessment. The certainty matrix uses qualitative or semi-quantitative analyses of both the data used and an interpreted characteristic of individual faults or fault systems. These characteristics may include the existence of faults, the certainty of trace lengths, the age of faults, or the influence of faults on sub-surface fluid flow. This approach improves the ability to make justifiable interpretations and decisions about faults and fault-affected areas, including about issues relevant to geothermal energy exploration or the underground storage of radioactive waste. The use of this approach is illustrated using three faults from Somerset, UK.

Stiffness-dependent LOX regulation via HIF-1 drives extracellular matrix modifications in psoriasis

Stiffness-dependent LOX regulation via HIF-1 drives extracellular matrix modifications in psoriasis

Damage behavior and toughening mechanism of SiCf/SiC-Ti3SiC2 composites: A combination of digital image correlation and acoustic emission

Matrix modification is an effective method to improve the mechanical properties of ceramic matrix composites, while the elucidation of corresponding damage mechanism is essential for the design and engineering application of composites. In this work, Ti3SiC2 particles were introduced into SiC matrix to fabricate Ti3SiC2 modified SiCf/SiC (SiCf/SiC-Ti3SiC2) composites by a hybrid technique of slurry suspension impregnation combined with polymer infiltration and pyrolysis. Compared with SiCf/SiC composites, the flexural strength and modulus of SiCf/SiC-Ti3SiC2 composites were increased by 17.8 % and 61.0 %, respectively. The three-point flexural damage behavior and failure mechanism of composites were systematically investigated and compared by the combination of digital image correlation and acoustic emission techniques. Based on the collaborative analysis of in-situ damage process, matrix micro-zone toughness and fracture morphology, the modification effect and toughening mechanism of Ti3SiC2 were revealed. The improved mechanical properties of SiCf/SiC-Ti3SiC2 composite could be ascribed to the more sufficient matrix cracking before composite failure and the increased matrix fracture energy by microcrack deflection. After matrix modification, the failure mechanism was dominated by the gradual propagation and growth of microcracks until the critical crack size, instead of the fast and unstable propagation of main crack.

Modification of Portland cement matrix with diethyldithiocarbamate for technetium immobilization

The paper considers the effect of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (SDDC) addition on the immobilization of technetium in a Portland cement matrix. The leaching process was evaluated in a model solution that simulated the conditions of the future radioactive waste (RW) storage site at the Yeniseisky site. The results demonstrated that the addition of 1.0 wt % SDDC to the cement composite increased the incorporation of immobilized technetium into the cement matrix by 35% in comparison to the blank sample. Furthermore, the retention of technetium in the cement matrix was observed to be enhanced, with a retention of up to 90% observed on the 200th day of the experiment. Resulting materials fulfill the necessary technical characteristics for use as a matrix and engineered safety barrier in the concept of deep RW disposal. The addition of SDDC into cement results in microbial respiratory activity decreasing. In order to evaluate the mechanisms of technetium immobilization, the structure of the technetium compound with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) [Tc(C5H10NS2)4]TcO4 is described for the first time. This compound contains a Tc(V) atom which coordinates four diethyldithiocarbamate C5H10NS2 moieties through eight sulfur atoms to form a complex cation. The addition of SDDC in cement is presumed to result in a cascade of disproportionation reactions and the formation of stable Tc(IV) compounds, as it was evidenced by XANES spectroscopy.

Ethyl butyrate inhibits caudal fin regeneration in adult zebrafish by disrupting extracellular matrix remodeling

Wound healing and tissue regeneration are influenced by a variety of factors. Adverse lifestyle habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption, delay wound healing and increase the risk of secondary infections. Ethyl butyrate is a common food additive widely used to enhance the aroma of alcoholic beverages. This additive is generally considered harmless to human health in both industrial and domestic settings. However, the ecotoxicity and its effects on wound healing have not been elucidated. In this study, we used zebrafish as the experimental animal, and the caudal fins were amputated to explore the effects of ethyl butyrate on wound healing and tissue regeneration. The effect of ethyl butyrate on blastema and bone regeneration and its impact on the transcriptional levels of regeneration-related genes and inflammation-related genes were evaluated. RNA-seq was conducted to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the treatment and the control groups. KEGG and GO analysis was conducted to explore the functions of DEGs. Significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways were identified to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of zebrafish caudal fin regeneration by ethyl butyrate. The results demonstrated that ethyl butyrate significantly inhibited the regeneration of zebrafish caudal fins, including blastema and bone regeneration. Ethyl butyrate exposure significantly downregulated the expression of genes associated with bone and blastema regeneration and inflammation response. KEGG and GO functional analyses revealed that the DEGs were associated with significant enrichment of extracellular matrix-receptor interactions. Ethyl butyrate treatment downregulated the expression of most extracellular matrix-related genes. These findings indicate that ethyl butyrate potentially modulates pathways associated with the structure, adhesion, modification, and degradation of the extracellular matrix, thereby disrupting extracellular matrix remodeling, inhibiting wound inflammation, impairing blastema and bone regeneration and ultimately hindering caudal fin regeneration. In summary, the findings demonstrate that ethyl butyrate disrupts extracellular matrix remodeling and inhibits the regeneration of zebrafish caudal fins. These results provide valuable insights into the rational use of ethyl butyrate and further investigation of wound healing mechanisms.

Multifunctional polymeric stationary phases with enhanced hydrophilicity grafted with polyethyleneimine and polyglycidol

Two methods for increasing the degree of hydrophilization and screening of the sorbent matrix based on a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene grafted with polyethyleneimine quaternized with glycidol are proposed. The first method involves the polymerization of glycidol in the functional layer by varying the pH of the reaction medium, and the second method involves modifying the matrix by oxidizing the double bonds on its surface to obtain anchor epoxy groups. It was demonstrated that in the first method, the optimal approach is the twofold addition of glycidol before and after the addition of alkali, as in this case, the first addition of glycidol is consumed for the quaternization of polyamine, and the second for polymerization in ion-exchange centers. The new method of matrix modification, combined with the developed method of creating hydrophilic layers, significantly reduced the retention of oxyhalides, haloacetic acids, and polarizable anions in ion chromatography with suppressed background conductivity and amino acids in hydrophilic chromatography up to the point of changing the elution order. The obtained stationary phases are suitable for the simultaneous determination of standard inorganic anions, oxyhalides, and anions of haloacetic or alkylphosphonic acids in ion chromatography, as well as for the separation of amino acids, sugars, and vitamins in hydrophilic chromatography.

Antithrombotic Revascularization Strategy of Bioengineered Liver Using a Biomimetic Polymer.

A bioengineered liver has the potential to save patients with end-stage liver disease, and a three-dimensional decellularized scaffold is a promising approach for practical use. The main challenge in bioengineered liver transplantation is thrombogenicity during blood perfusion. We aimed to apply a novel antithrombotic polymer to revascularize liver scaffolds and evaluate the thrombogenicity and biosafety of the polymer-treated scaffolds. A biomimetic polymer, 2-metacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) was prepared for modification of the extracellular matrix in liver scaffolds. The polymer was injected into the rat liver scaffolds' portal vein and could extensively react to the vessel walls. In an ex vivo blood perfusion experiment, we demonstrated significantly less platelet deposition in the polymer-treated scaffolds than nontreated or re-endothelialized scaffolds with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In the heterotopic transplantation model, liver volume was better maintained in the polymer-treated groups, and platelet deposition was suppressed in these groups. Additionally, the polymer-treated liver scaffolds maintained the metabolic function of the recellularized rat primary hepatocytes during perfusion culture. The MPC polymer treatment efficiently suppressed thrombus formation during blood perfusion in liver scaffolds and maintained the function of recellularized hepatocytes. Revascularizing liver scaffolds using this polymer is a promising approach for bioengineered liver transplantation.

Tumor and α-SMA-expressing stromal cells in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors have a distinct RNA profile depending on tumor grade.

Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in the stroma is linked to the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts and is known to correlate with worse outcomes in various tumors. In this study, using a GeoMx digital spatial profiling approach, we characterized the gene expression of the tumor and α-SMA-expressing stromal cell compartments in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). The profiling was performed on tissues from eight retrospective cases (three grade 1, four grade 2, and one grade3). Selected regions of interest were segmented geometrically based on tissue morphology and fluorescent signals from synaptophysin and α-SMA markers. The α-SMA-expressing stromal-cell-associated genes were involved in pathways of extracellular matrix modification, whereas, in tumor cells, the gene expression profiles were associated with pathways involved in cell proliferation. The comparison of gene expression profiles across all three PanNET grades revealed that the differences between grades are not only present at the level of the tumor but also in the α-SMA-expressing stromal cells. Furthermore, the tumor cells from regions with a rich presence of adjacent α-SMA-expressing stromal cells revealed an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression in grade 3 tumors. This study provides an in-depth characterization of gene expression profiles in α-SMA-expressing stromal and tumor cells, and outlines potential crosstalk mechanisms.

Abstract P222: O-GlcNAcylation induces aortic stiffness in aging female rats via CD47-SIRPα -1 signaling

A reduction in aortic compliance serves as an early indicator of incipient vascular disease. While extracellular matrix modifications, such as elastin fragmentation, are the major mediators of aortic stiffness, the mechanisms that underlie these phenotypes remain to be elucidated. O-GlcNAc, the attachment of β-N-acetylglucosamine to serine and threonine residues of proteins, is a highly dynamic and widespread post-translational modification. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating the function, activity, localization, and stability of target proteins across nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial compartments. Primarily involved in intracellular signaling and transcriptional regulation, O-GlcNAc responds to nutrient availability and cell stress. However, chronic O-GlcNAc is consistently linked to vascular impairments. Indeed, our preliminary data has demonstrated that O-GlcNAc is elevated in aorta of Fisher-334 female at 16 months of age (16MO) than 3MO and pharmacological induction of O-GlcNAc (TMG 100 uM 24h) in 3MO rats can cause aortic stiffness via increased elastase activity and elastin fragmentation. However, how this inherently intracellular cellular signaling could impact aorta remodeling is unknown. CD47 (Cluster of Differentiation 47), also known as integrin-associated protein, is a transmembrane protein that acts as a “do not eat me” signal to immune cells. RNAseq data from our lab suggested that TMG (1 uM, 24 h) increased CD47 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (n =3, p=0.08). Therefore, we hypothesized that CD47 could be an important downstream mediator of O-GlcNAc-induced aortic stiffness. Our findings revealed that CD47 inhibitors, [(RRx 10 uM) and SEN 177 (100 nM)] effectively mitigated the aortic stiffness and elastase activity (Ctrl 2302±38; TMG 4058±328; RRx 1776±121; Sen177 3032±50 A.U.) induced by TMG, suggesting that CD47 is a novel mechanism of O-GlcNAc-induced aortic stiffness. As aging is a major risk factor for aortic stiffness, we also revealed that CD47 was increased in the aorta of 16MO rats compared to 3MO controls (0.1±0.03 vs. 0.3±0.06). Potential ligands for CD47 include thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα). We observed that in 16MO rats, circulating SIRPα is increased, but not TSP1, suggesting a receptor-ligand interaction that is applicable in aging. Overall, these data reveal a previously unidentified and significant role for CD47 in O-GlcNAc-induced aortic stiffness.

Significant impact of carbon source on microstructure and water–oxygen corrosion behavior of Si–Y alloy modified SiC/SiC composite

This study investigated the influence of carbon source on the microstructure and water–oxygen corrosion behavior of Si–Y alloy modified SiC/SiC composites. The results indicated that incorporating a small-sized and diffusely distributed carbon source within the matrix not only facilitates the preparation of a highly dense matrix, but also enables a uniform dispersion of the reaction-generated SiC. Furthermore, with the assistance of residual Si–Y alloy, the dispersed SiC enhanced the matrix strength, leading to a stepwise fracture behavior of the composites. Yttrium silicate with a gradient structure formed around the dispersed SiC could effectively exert its water–oxygen corrosion resistance. After 100 h of water–oxygen corrosion test at 1300 °C, the flexural strength of the composites with this structure reached 416 MPa, with a retention rate of 85 %. Both bending strength and retention were found to be at a high level in the current research on matrix modification.

Synergistic Effects of Magnesium Oxide and SBR Latex Additives on Cement Sheath Stability in Oil Well Operations.

Leaks through cement sheaths remain a complex and challenging issue in the oil industry, representing a persistent obstacle that has endured for decades. The drying shrinkage, an inherent characteristic of Portland cement, substantially exacerbates this problem, driving the formation of microcracks and heightened permeability under variable stress conditions. In this context, additives emerge as significant elements in addressing this issue, offering a pathway to mitigate the adverse effects of leaks. Among these additives, magnesium oxide (MgO) stands out for its ability to reduce drying shrinkage through structural modifications in the cement matrix. Simultaneously, SBR Latex, another important additive, acts to minimize gas migration due to its polymeric microstructure while also strengthening acid resistance and enhancing microstructural cohesion. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the interaction between MgO and SBR Latex additives in cement slurries, employing an experimental design to substantiate and expand upon the analyses conducted. The results reveal a synergistic integration of these additives, with MgO acting as an effective agent in reducing drying shrinkage and gel formation, thereby contributing to the strengthening of shear strength. Conversely, SBR Latex provides elasticity to the slurry, although with a slight compromise in compressive strength, with a relatively limited effect on shear strength. The strategic combination of these additives results in improvements in the mechanical integrity of cement slurries, a positive advancement in the context of petroleum well cementing operations. Thus, this study not only highlights the individual properties of MgO and SBR Latex but also offers valuable perspectives for the careful formulation of cements, with potential applications in challenging operational environments in the oil industry.

A thiopyridine-bound mirror-image copper center in an artificial non-heme metalloenzyme

Artificial metalloenzymes, in which a metal complex and protein matrix are combined, have been synthesized to catalyze stereoselective reactions using the chiral environment provided by the protein cavity. Artificial metalloenzymes can be engineered by the chemical modification and mutagenesis of the protein matrix. We developed artificial non-heme metalloenzymes using a cupin superfamily protein (TM1459) with a 4-His tetrad-metal-binding motif. The Cu-bound H52A/C106D mutant with 3-His triad showed a S-enantioselective Michael addition of nitromethane to α,β-unsaturated ketone, 2-aza-chalcone 1. In this study, we demonstrated a chemical modification near the copper-binding site of this mutant to reverse its enantioselectivity. For chemical modification, the amino acid on the Si-face of the binding state of 1 to the copper center was replaced with Cys, followed by reaction with 4,4′-dithiopyridine (4-PDS) to form S-(pyridin-4-ylthio)cysteine (Cys-4py). Cu-bound I49C-4py/H52A/C106D showed reversal of the enantioselectivity from S-form to R-form (ee = 71%, (R)). The effect of steric hindrance of the amino acids at position 49 on enantioselectivity was investigated using I49X/H52A/C106D mutants (X = A, C, I, F, and W). Additionally, chemical modification with 2,2′-dithiopyridine (2-PDS) produced I49-2py/H52A/C106D, which showed lower R-enantioselectivity than I49-4py/H52A/C106D. Among the mutants, the 4py-modification on the Si-face was the most effective in reversing the enantioselectivity. By tuning the Re-face side, the H54A mutation introduced into the I49C-4py/H52A/C106D increased the R-enantioselectivity (ee = 88%, (R)). X-ray crystallography revealed a coordinated structure with ligation of thiopyridine in Cu-bound I49C-4py/H52A/H54A/C106D.

Autophagy in drusen biogenesis secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an emerging cause of blindness in aged people worldwide. One of the key signs of AMD is the degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is indispensable for the maintenance of the adjacent photoreceptors. Because of impaired energy metabolism resulting from constant light exposure, hypoxia, and oxidative stress, accumulation of drusen in AMD-affected eyes is observed. Drusen contain damaged cellular proteins, lipoprotein particles, lipids and carbohydrates and they are related to impaired protein clearance, inflammation, and extracellular matrix modification. When autophagy, a major cellular proteostasis pathway, is impaired, the accumulations of intracellular lipofuscin and extracellular drusen are detected. As these aggregates grow over time, they finally cause the disorganisation and destruction of the RPE and photoreceptors leading to visual loss. In this review, the role of autophagy in drusen biogenesis is discussed since impairment in removing cellular waste in RPE cells plays a key role in AMD progression. In the future, means which improve intracellular clearance might be of use in AMD therapy to slow the progression of drusen formation.

Advantages of Spray Drying over Freeze Drying: A Comparative Analysis of Lonicera caerulea L. Juice Powders-Matrix Diversity and Bioactive Response.

The study investigated the impact of Lonicera caerulea L. juice matrix modification and drying techniques on powder characteristics. The evaluation encompassed phenolics (514.7-4388.7 mg/100 g dry matter), iridoids (up to 337.5 mg/100 g dry matter), antioxidant and antiglycation capacity, as well as anti-ageing properties of powders produced using maltodextrin, inulin, trehalose, and palatinose with a pioneering role as a carrier. Spray drying proved to be competitive with freeze drying for powder quality. Carrier application influenced the fruit powder properties. Trehalose protected the phenolics in the juice extract products, whereas maltodextrin showed protective effect in the juice powders. The concentrations of iridoids were influenced by the matrix type and drying technique. Antiglycation capacity was more affected by the carrier type in juice powders than in extract products. However, with carrier addition, the latter showed approximately 12-fold higher selectivity for acetylcholinesterase than other samples. Understanding the interplay between matrix composition, drying techniques, and powder properties provides insights for the development of plant-based products with tailored attributes, including potential health-linked properties.

Fast Bayesian filtering for wastewater treatment plants with inaccurate process noise statistics

Accurate state estimation of wastewater treatment plants is critical for optimizing wastewater treatment processes and reducing operating costs and energy consumption. Due to their large size and numerous state variables, these wastewater treatment plants are considered as high-dimensional systems. The complexity of wastewater treatment plants results in varying and complex process noise statistics, posing challenges for state estimation. This paper proposes a novel state estimation method for wastewater treatment plants subject to inaccurate process noise statistics. The high-dimensional state vector is partitioned into multiple state blocks based on the system architecture, and lost correlations between blocks are compensated by considering time-series correlations. Real-time modification of the process noise covariance matrix is applied to adaptively adjust the inaccurate process noise statistics and compensate for errors from block division. It is verified through simulations that the proposed Bayesian algorithm can achieve satisfactory estimation results while the computational cost is moderate.