Optical Microscopy Research Articles

THE ARACATI FULGURITES (NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL): MINERALOGY AND PARENT MATTER

Fulgurites were recently discovered on the dune field of Aracati, in the state of Ceará in the domain of beachrocks and even eolianites. Mineralogical analyses by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, in addition to morphological observations and density determinations, show the classic patterns for class III fulgurites. They are mainly formed from calcite to Mg-calcite and quartz, in addition to barite. The glassy part is very restricted, located, and represented by lechatelierite and perhaps moissanite. Feldspar grains and calcitic bioclasts were also recognized. The mode of occurrence and mineralogy, as well as the punctual and total semiquantitative chemical composition, demonstrate that eolianites were the main parental material for the formation of Aracati fulgurites, which find a possible parallel with the rhizoconcretions described in these rocks by several articles published on eolianites and beachrocks in the coastal region of northeastern Brazil.

Antifouling Activity of Bottlebrush Network Hydrogels.

Mitigating the attachment of microorganisms to polymer biomaterials is critical for preventing hospital-acquired infections. Two chemical strategies to mitigate fouling include fabricating fouling-resistant surfaces, which typically present hydrophilic polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), or creating fouling-release surfaces, which are generally hydrophobic featuring polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Despite the demonstrated promise of employing PEG or PDMS, amphiphilic PEG/PDMS copolymer materials remain understudied. Here, for the first time, we investigated if phase-separated amphiphilic copolymers confounded microbial adhesion. We used bottlebrush amphiphilic PEG/PDMS co-networks and homopolymer networks to study bacterial adhesion across a library of gels (ϕPEG = 0.00, 0.21, 0.40, 0.55, 0.80, and 1.00). Hydrated atomic force microscopy measurements revealed that most of the gels had low surface roughness, less than 5 nm, and an elastic modulus of ∼80 kPa. Interestingly, the surface roughness and elastic modulus of the ϕPEG = 0.40 gel were twice as high as those of the other gels due to the presence of crystalline domains, as confirmed using polarized optical microscopy on the hydrated gel. The interactions of these six well-characterized gels with bacteria were determined using Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 and Staphylococcus aureus SH1000. The attachment of both microbes decreased by at least 60% on all polymer gels versus the glass controls. S. aureus adhesion peaked on the ϕPEG = 0.40, likely due to its increased elastic modulus, consistent with previous literature demonstrating that modulus impacts microbial adhesion. These findings suggest that hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic biomaterials effectively resist the early attachment of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, providing guidance for the design of next-generation antifouling surfaces.

Investigation of heavy metals adsorbed on microplastics in drinking water and water resources of Zabol

This study investigates the presence and adsorption of heavy metals (HMs) on microplastics (MPs) in the drinking water and water resources of Zabol, Iran. Sampling was conducted at five stations in Zabol and two Chah-Nimeh reservoirs (CHWRs), the primary drinking water sources, using glass samplers and polyvinylidene fluoride membrane filters. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy identified MPs, while inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry quantified heavy metals. Results revealed that polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and polypropylene were the predominant polymers, with Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni adsorbed on their surfaces. Iron (Fe) exhibited the highest concentration, reaching 84 µg.L⁻¹ in CHWRs and 85 µg.L⁻¹ in the distribution network. In CHWRs the highest percentage (61%) of size of MPs were between 500 and 1000 μm, while in water distribution network maximum range of obtained MPs were between 50 and 100 μm. The average concentration of the other detected heavy metals were as: zinc (Zn) 43.9 µg.L− 1 and 7.75 µg.L− 1, manganese (Mn) 11.48 µg.L− 1 and 6.5 µg.L− 1, arsenic (As) 20.22 µg.L− 1 and 0.26 µg.L− 1, cadmium (Cd) 3.16 µg.L− 1 and 2.8 µg.L− 1, copper (Cu) 15.18 µg.L− 1 and 0.03 µg.L− 1, and nickel (Ni) 0.10 µg.L− 1 and 2.25 µg.L− 1 in distribution network and CHWRs, respectively. World Health Organization recommended the permissible limit of these cations in drinking water as 10 µg.L− 1 for As, 5 µg.L− 1 for Cd, 50 µg.L− 1 for Cr, 20 µg.L− 1 for Ni, 10 µg.L− 1 for Mn, 500 µg.L− 1 for Zn, 300 µg.L− 1, 2000 µg.L− 1 for Cu and 300 µg.L− 1 for Fe. The study highlights MPs as carriers of toxic heavy metals, presenting significant health and environmental risks. This novel research emphasizes the impact of secondary pollution and water treatment processes on MP fragmentation and HM contamination. Recommendations include adopting enhanced water treatment protocols to mitigate MP and HM risks, implementing stricter quality monitoring at all stages of water distribution, and promoting public awareness of plastic pollution. Future studies should explore the health effects of MPs and HMs, optimize sampling methods, and focus on long-term monitoring under diverse environmental conditions to address this emerging issue comprehensively.

Immature Stages of the Greater Cutworm, Feltia repleta (Walker, 1857) (Noctuidae: Noctuinae), with Notes on its Host Plants and Distribution.

Feltia repleta (Walker, 1857), popularly known as "greater cutworm" in the USA and Canada and "cortador grande" in Latin America, is an important pest species occurring throughout the Americas. The popular name refers to its size and the habits of the larvae, which frequently cut shoots of seedlings, causing severe injuries or death of the host plant. Despite its importance to crops management, the immature stages of this species were never described in detail; moreover, they are frequently confused with many other agrotines, specially with species of Feltia Walker, 1856 and Agrotis Oschenheimer, 1816. Therefore, this study aims to describe the external morphology and the tegument ultra-structure of the immature stages of Feltia repleta based on exemplars obtained from a female collected in Planaltina, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil, whose larvae were fed with artificial diet. Descriptions of the morphology with illustrations are presented, based upon observations through scanning electron microscopy and stereoscopic and optic microscopes attached to a camera lucida. Descriptions and illustrations of the eggs, first and last instars head capsule, chaetotaxy, tegument, and setae, and both sexes pupae are presented and the morphological characters are discussed and compared with immature stages of other species of agrotines. Additionally, a comprehensive list of host plants and a geographic distribution map based both on literature and new data based on studied specimens are provided.

Flexural performance of shape memory alloy/CF-PEKK fiber metal laminates for aircraft morphing under varied temperature conditions

In this study, novel Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) were manufactured using Nickel Titanium (NiTi) sheets together with Carbon Fiber-Polyetherketoneketone (CF-PEKK) prepregs for different aerospace applications. We have investigated the effect of various temperatures on the flexural properties of NiTi/CF-PEKK FMLs. Prior to manufacture, NiTi sheets were anodized to improve the adhesion between the metal surface with the prepreg. The laminate was then compression molded in a hot-press. The flexural response of manufactured FMLs was investigated at various temperature conditions encompassing martensite and austenite phase of NiTi and glass transition temperature (Tg) of PEKK i.e. (50, 75, 100, and 175 °C). The fractographic studies were completed using optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that different testing temperatures have a significant impact on the flexural properties of the manufactured FMLs. Different types of failure modes were observed, ranging from brittle to ductile failure of fibers, delamination of NiTi sheets, and fiber pull-out from the matrix. The highest flexural strength (612 MPa) and flexural modulus (57.5 GPa) were observed at 100 ºC which was attributed to the higher modulus of NiTi in its austenitic phase and strong fiber-matrix interaction. However, above the glass transition temperature of PEKK, a sharp decline in the flexural response was observed due to the softness of the PEKK material and increased mobility within the prepreg layers.

Microplastic pollution in urban drainage systems discharging into the alpine lakes of Como and Lugano, Italy.

Microplastic pollution in urban drainage systems discharging into the alpine lakes of Como and Lugano, Italy.

Influence of Various Irrigation Protocols on the Push-Out Bond Strength of TotalFill and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealers to Root Dentin: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to compare the push-out bond strength (POBS) of TotalFill (TFB) and AH Plus bioceramic (APB) sealers with different irrigation protocols.Sixty maxillary central incisors were prepared and randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) based on the final irrigation protocol. Group NC: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); Group NE: 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA; Group NH: 5.25% NaOCl and dual rinse HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid). Samples were obturated using either TFB or APB sealer only. In groups NC and NE, NaOCl was used during canal preparation, while in Group NH, NaOCl/HEDP was utilized. The teeth were then horizontally sectioned into three 3-mm thick sections at the apical, middle, and coronal levels. The POBS was performed on the root sections at a 1 mm/min speed. The failure mode was assessed using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope.Two-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used for statistical analysis to test the interaction between sealer type and irrigation solution, while an independent t-test was conducted to compare the means of the two sealer types at a significance level of 0.05.Specimens obturated with TFB showed significantly higher POBS than APB (p < 0.001). The highest bond strength was observed in the HEDP/TFB group and the lowest in the HEDP/APB group. Irrigation did not significantly influence the POBS (p > 0.05). Mixed failure was most commonly observed in all groups (>65%).TFB sealer had improved bond strength over APB sealer, regardless of the final irrigation protocol used, which did not significantly affect the bond strength.

LED array position error correction in lensless optical microscopy through adaptive genetic strategy

LED array position error correction in lensless optical microscopy through adaptive genetic strategy

A repository-hosted dataset of volcanic ash particle images and features

Volcanic ash is made of particles smaller than 2 mm and is produced during volcanic eruptions. Studying the properties of volcanic ash is key for a range of applications, including volcano monitoring. However, given the large variety of textures, colors, and shapes of particles from different eruptions and volcanoes it is challenging to classify them in a reproducible and systematic manner. Here, we present an open access repository-hosted dataset of 11,808 particles from 53 samples across 13 volcanoes. Particle data includes optical microscope images, physical characteristics of the shape, texture and color, and a classification label with the particle type (free-crystal, altered material, juvenile or lithic). The dataset has already been used to develop particle classifiers with Machine Learning. We plan to continue it to grow and encourage the volcano community to contribute towards standardizing volcanic ash classification.

Photoactivated defect engineering and nanostructure functionalization of MoS2via a photochemical Fenton process.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising 2D material for (photo)catalysis. However, its performance in (photo)catalytic applications is usually limited by a small amount of catalytically active defects. Here, we developed a novel large-scale, rapid, green, low-cost photoetching technique to transform multilayer MoS2 into a few-layer MoS2 with high defect density and simultaneous spatial functionalization of MoS2 with magnetic nanostructures using a photo-driven Fenton reaction. The photoetching process and resulting nanostructures were characterized by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy. We elucidated the reaction mechanism driven by the Fenton reaction in which photogenerated charge carriers in MoS2 play a dual role: reducing Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions and generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from water and dissolved O2. In this Fenton reaction, Fe2+ ions react with H2O2 to generate hydroxyl (˙OH) radicals, oxidizing MoS2 and forming metal oxide nanostructures at the reaction sites. This dual pathway, triggered by MoS2 photon absorption even at low-intensity illumination, ensures in situ generation of Fenton reactants (Fe2+ and H2O2), generating ˙OH, to achieve on-demand thinning and functionalization of MoS2 in a single step. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the generation of ˙OH radicals as the main reactive oxygen species. This photochemical approach enables the photo-driven creation and growth of defects from submicrometer regions up to a dozen micrometers, both at native defects and predefined defective region seeds, by photochemical processing of MoS2 in FeCl3 and CuSO4 solutions. The presence of metal oxide nanostructures on MoS2 was verified using magnetic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with elemental mapping by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The simultaneous photoetching and metal oxide deposition improves the catalytic performance of MoS2 in the electrical hydrogen evolution reaction, evidenced by a potential shift from -0.7 V (graphite electrode) to -0.47 V (MoS2 sample photoetched in FeCl3 solution under a halogen lamp illumination) at a current density of 10 mA cm-2.

Self-aligned laser opening and stencil metallization for silver-free contacts in silicon solar cells

Overreliance on silver in solar cell manufacturing places an immense challenge on sustainability. Terawatt-scale solar energy generation is required within the next few decades, and current attempts to replace silver screen printing are inferior compared to conventional techniques. This work reports on a novel metallization methodology using a UV picosecond laser to ablate textured surface dielectric layers in a pattern defined by an in situ stencil shadow mask. Since the stencil mask does not need to be removed, a metal contact can be directly deposited employing printing or vapor deposition in one integrated process. Here, we demonstrate 26 μm wide metal fingers via thermally evaporated aluminum directly deposited onto laser-patterned point contacts of 16.9 × 19.1 μm2 size. Optical and electron microscopy analysis shows that the UV picosecond laser ablation damage is limited, and sufficient alignment is achieved. A line resistivity of 15.74 ± 2.35 Ω/cm and a contact resistivity of &amp;lt;10 mΩ·cm2 show the current-carrying capabilities of the contacts. Complete solar cell devices were produced using our new stencil self-aligned contacts, and electrical measurements show a pseudo-efficiency of 18.8%. This novel approach could potentially lead to a replacement of non-sustainable silver as front and back contacts for bifacial solar cells.

Study on the Crystallization Behavior Induced by Acetone for Polycarbonate With Sulfur‐Containing Main Chain

ABSTRACTThis study synthesized a series of sulfur‐containing polycarbonates (SH‐PCs) through melt copolymerization of bisphenol A with 4,4′‐dimercaptodiphenyl sulfide, where sulfur content was systematically controlled by adjusting monomer feed ratios. The incorporation of sulfur atoms significantly enhanced the crystallization capability, as evidenced by polarized optical microscopy showing maltese cross in acetone‐solvated SH‐PCs within 2 h. Crystallization kinetics demonstrated sulfur‐content dependency, with differential scanning calorimetry and x‐ray diffraction analyses revealing progressive increases in crystallinity and grain size. Notably, the high‐sulfur SH‐PC‐E achieved 65.9% crystallinity with 42.6 Å grain size after 2 h acetone induction, while the crystallinity of BAPC was only 26%. Comparative SEM characterization revealed distinct surface morphologies; SH‐PCs developed spherical flower‐like structures due to enhanced crystallization. These findings provide mechanistic insights into sulfur‐induced crystallization modification.

Morphology of External Genitalia in the Genus Acanthoponera Mayr, with Redescription of A. mucronata (Roger) Male (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ectatomminae)

In this study, using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy, we give a detailed description of the Acanthoponera mucronata male, supplementing the former male-based genus diagnoses. In particular, we described for the first time the following characters: the morphology of the external genitalia, the peculiar antennal cleaning and the absence of the metapleural gland orifice. In addition, we show the pretarsal claws and the ventral excavation in the gaster that represent diagnostic male features of all Acanthoponera species, never imaged before. The use of modern taxonomic standards is particularly important in order to make these data available to future comparative analyses.

Abstract 4602: GPRC5D alterations impact CD38 expression and provide proliferative advantage in multiple myeloma

Abstract Background: The treatment landscape in Multiple Myeloma (MM) shifts towards immunotherapies with the G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) as a promising antigen for T cell engagers (TCE) and investigational CART constructs. Monoallelic genetic alterations in GPRC5D are present in up to 15% of MM patients prior GPRC5D directed therapy. The incidence of acquired biallelic GPRC5D events following treatment has to be determined. Recently, biallelic loss of GPRC5D was identified as the underlying mechanism for acquired resistance toward talquetamab, the first approved GPRC5D directed TCE. In this study, we modeled GPRC5D genetic alterations and studied their impact on the biology of the disease and responsiveness to anti-MM immunotherapies. Methods: Mono- and bi-allelic GPRC5D knock-out (KO) cell models were created using the MM cell line OPM-2 via CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Surface receptor distribution and epitope quantification of common immunotherapeutic targets was performed via Direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). MM cells were engineered to perform cytotoxicity, functional and clonal competition assays using immunotherapeutic agents in presence of effector T cells from healthy donors. Results: dSTORM revealed a 2-fold reduction in GPRC5D surface expression on GPRC5DWt/Del (0, 16±0, 02 clusters/µm2) vs. WT cells (0, 32±0, 10 clusters/µm2). GPRC5DDel/Del had barely detectable GPRC5D expression with 0, 03±0, 07 clusters/µm2. CD38 expression was unexpectedly diminished in GPRC5D Wt/Del (5, 74±0.43 CD38 clusters/µm2) compared to WT parental cells (9, 59±0, 71 clusters/µm2, p=0.04), with an even greater reduction detected in GPRC5D Del/Del clones (2, 22±0.203 clusters/µm2, p&amp;lt;0, 0001). GPRC5D-altered cells with reduced CD38 expression depicted a significant resistance towards CD38 targeting antibodies (8.01% specific lysis in GPRC5DWt/Del cells, 6.38 % in GPRC5DDel/Del compared to 31.50% in WT cells, p &amp;lt;0.0001). GPRC5DWt/Delcells depicted a significant resistance towards Talquetamab. Additionally, in presence of talquetamab GPRC5DDel/Del models showed a proliferation gain (2 fold, p&amp;lt;0, 0001). High content chemokine profiling using the scioCyto microarray platform revealed significantly altered chemokine profiles, including growth and proliferation promoting cytokines. In addition, upregulation of MAPK and PI3K pathways involved in growth proliferation and downregulation of the RAP1 signaling pathway involved in cell adhesion was observed in GPRC5D altered cells via bulk RNA seq. To decipher potential mechanism of growth induction and a link to CD38, scRNA seq and phospho-proteomic based analysis are ongoing. Conclusion: Our work suggest a link between CD38 and GPRC5D in MM and supports an anti-proliferative function of GPRC5D suggesting treatment over progression with talquetamab may favor tumor growth in GPRC5D deficient cells. Citation Format: Umair Munawar, Seungbin Han, Elena Gerhard-Hartmann, Cornelia Vogt, Silvia Nerreter, Shilpa Kurian, Thomas Nerreter, Johanna Thurner, Julia Weingart, Patrick Eiring, Xiang Zhou, Nina Rein, Johanna Lehmann, Max Koeppel, Andreas Rosenwald, Ondrej Slaby, Michael Hudecek, Hermann Einsele, Leo Rasche, Markus Sauer, Johannes Waldschmidt, Bernhard Kuester, Klaus Martin Kortuem. GPRC5D alterations impact CD38 expression and provide proliferative advantage in multiple myeloma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4602.

Accuracy of an intraoral scanner that uses optical triangulation and confocal microscopy technology for full-arch digital implant impression: in vivo and in vitro evaluation

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyse the accuracy of the full-arch digital implant impressions under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. Methods: A provisional prosthesis was fabricated for a patient with four implants placed in the edentulous maxilla. The master model was obtained using provisional prostheses. Both intraoral scans (IOS group) and extraoral scans (EIOS group) of the master model were performed using an intraoral scanner. The accuracy of the IOS and EIOS groups was calculated for three distances and three angles between the scan bodies (A-B, A-C, and A-D), as well as for the mean deviations of all segments (total deviations). Results: Trueness and precision showed a tendency to decrease as the scanning range increased in both groups. The mean total distance trueness was found to be 121.53±89.55 μm and 57.75±65.17 μm for the IOS group and the EIOS group, respectively (p=.001). The mean total angle trueness was found to be 0.53±0.28 degrees and 0.13±0.09 degrees for the IOS group and the EIOS group, respectively (p

Abstract 1894: Correlative multiscale 3D spatial proteomics

Abstract Tissues and organisms are complex systems, characterized by 3D structures, interconnected distinct functional subregions, and cellular heterogeneity, particularly in diseased states. To comprehensively understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease, like tumor or neurodegenerative disease, it is crucial to construct a complete 3D map of tissues that integrates microanatomical structures, spatial cell composition, and molecular expression landscape, providing a holistic view of tissue pathophysiology. Existing tissue imaging methods can provide 2D spatial cellular and molecular information in tissue slices; however, only a fraction of the full 3D tissue architecture, leaving critical spatial and contextual information about the tissue microenvironment unresolved. To address this gap, we developed a novel methodology that integrates spatial proteomics with multiscale 3D optical tissue microscopy. The workflow begins with an overall 3D imaging of the tissue by light-sheet microscopy (LSFM), utilizing immunofluorescence (IF) or autofluorescence (AF) to visualize whole tissue morphology, cells, and molecules, providing a preview to identify Regions of Interest (ROIs). Using a tracking-based approach, macrosections containing these ROIs are physically isolated for subsequent 3D multiplex IF staining by cyclic staining and confocal microscopy (CLSM), allowing detailed, high-resolution cellular-level image and analysis. These sections are then subjected to thin-slicing and Super-Resolution Microscopy or Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM), which precisely extracts tissue regions for spatial proteomics analysis. Finally, the spatial proteomics data are aligned with multiscale 3D imaging data to provide a comprehensive, integrated analysis of the tissue. This integrated pipeline not only bridges 3D tissue imaging with molecular profiling but also enables selective analysis of ROIs, significantly saving time and resources while maintaining spatial and molecular fidelity, offering new insights into complex biological systems and disease mechanisms. Citation Format: Jingtian Zheng, Seung Young Lee, Yi-Chien Wu. Correlative multiscale 3D spatial proteomics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1894.

New records of fleas and ticks (Siphonaptera and Ixodida) parasitizing wild mammals in Mossoró Municipality, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil.

The Caatinga is a Brazilian biome with limited studies on its wild mammal fauna, including the ectoparasitic relationships in these animals. This study aims to report the findings of fleas and ticks infesting wild animals rescued in the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte State (RN), Brazil, and treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (HOVET-UFERSA). During the clinical assessments and physical examinations of the host animals (one male Cerdocyon thous L.; two females of Tamandua tetradactyla L.; one male Leopardus tigrinus Schreber; and one male Conepatus semistriatus Boddaert), fleas and ticks were collected. These ectoparasites were removed mechanically and sent to the Animal Parasitology Laboratory at UFERSA for identification. Identification was carried out based on morphology, with the aid of specific literature, stereomicroscopy, and light optical microscopy. From C. thous, two males of Amblyomma parvum Aragão and four female Pulex irritans (L.) fleas were recovered. From the adult female T. tetradactyla, one male of Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin), eight nymphs, and two males of Amblyomma auricularium (Conil) were collected. From the juvenile female T. tetradactyla, three nymphs of A. parvum and six female fleas of the species Tunga penetrans (L.) were recovered. From the male L. tigrinus, five females and one male flea of the species Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) were collected. Finally, from the male C. semistriatus, two nymphs, 19 males, and six females of A. auricularium were recovered. This study contributes to expanding the knowledge of host-parasite relationships in free-living mammals in the Caatinga biome, in western Rio Grande do Norte.

Influence of a Novel Thermomechanical Processing Route on the Structural, Mechanical, and Corrosion Properties of a Biodegradable Fe-35Mn Alloy

Recent studies have focused on developing temporary metallic implants made from biodegradable biomaterials, such as iron and its alloys, along with the associated manufacturing methods. These biomaterials allow the implant to gradually degrade after fulfilling its function, which reduces the risks of complications associated with permanent implants. Iron is particularly appealing from a structural standpoint, and adding manganese enhances its potential for use. The Fe-35Mn alloy demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and degradation characteristics, making it an ideal choice within the Fe-Mn system. As a result, new processing techniques can be applied to this alloy to further improve its performance. The objective of this research is to propose a new processing route and evaluate its impact on the properties of the Fe-35Mn alloy. The experimental alloy was produced using an arc melting furnace, followed by homogenization, hot swaging, and solution treatment. Alloy characterization was conducted using various techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microhardness testing, tensile strength measurements, Young’s modulus determination, and potentiodynamic polarization analysis. The microstructural evolution throughout the applied processing route was analyzed in relation to the alloy’s mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. The typical microstructure of the Fe-35Mn alloy is primarily composed of austenitic grains stabilized at room temperature. Its mechanical properties—yield strength (297 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (533 MPa), and elongation to failure (39%)—are comparable to, or even surpass, those of conventional biomedical materials such as 316 L stainless steel and pure iron. The reduced Young’s modulus (171 GPa), compared to other alloys, further underscores its potential for biomedical applications. Electrochemical testing revealed lower corrosion resistance than that of similar alloys reported in the literature, with a corrosion potential of −0.76 V and a current density of 3.88 µA·cm−2, suggesting an enhanced corrosion rate.

Painting technique of red post-firing painted pottery from the Nanzuo Neolithic site in Qingyang, Gansu Province

Post-firing painted (POFP) pottery stands as a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of ancient potters within the prehistoric craft-working industry. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the painting techniques employed on POFP pottery sherds from the Neolithic site of Nanzuo (circa 3100–2700 BC), located in Qingyang, Gansu province, China. A variety of analytical methods, including Optical Microscopy (OM), X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) are utilized for this analysis. The technological investigation reconstructs the process involved in creating post-fired paints: Initially, the surface of the fired pottery is roughened; subsequently, a layer of black binding medium is applied; finally, a layer of cinnabar is applied. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the painting techniques utilized in POFP pottery during ancient China.

Investigation of PANoptosis pathway in age-related macular degeneration triggered by Aβ1-40

Our study aimed to identify PANoptosis in Aβ1-40-induced AMD, both in vivo and in vitro, and to determine if AIM2-PANoptosome mediates this process. We used transcriptomics to explore the signaling pathways and target genes linked to PANoptosis within a mouse model of AMD triggered by Aβ1-40. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and electroretinography (ERG) were employed to assess retinal damage in terms of morphology and function. Morphological changes in ARPE-19 cells were observed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of cytokines in cell supernatants, mouse orbital serum, and human plasma to evaluate the severity of inflammation. CO-immunoprecipitation(CoIP) and molecular docking were performed to assess the impact and expression of proteins associated with the AIM2-PANoptosome. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot (WB), immunofluorescence, and apoptosis detection kits were used to evaluate the expression levels of genes and proteins related to PANoptosis-like cell death. Our results showed that the Aβ1-40-induced AMD model had increased expression of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis pathways, and AIM2-PANoptosome components. CoIP and docking confirmed increased AIM2, ZBP1, and PYRIN levels under Aβ1-40 treatment. WB and immunofluorescence showed upregulation of PANoptosis-related proteins. Inhibitors reduced Aβ-induced protein expression. ELISA showed increased inflammatory cytokines. Apoptosis assays and microscopy revealed Aβ1-40-induced ARPE-19 cell loss and morphological changes. In conclusion, the Aβ1-40-induced AMD model displayed PANoptosis-like cell death, offering insights into disease pathogenesis.