Composition Process Research Articles

Organic matter processing by heterotrophic bacterioplankton in a large tropical river: Relating elemental composition and potential carbon mineralization

River hydrology shapes the sources, concentration, and stoichiometry of organic matter within drainage basins. However, our understanding of how the microbes process dissolved organic matter (DOM) and recycle nutrients in tropical rivers needs to be improved. This study explores the relationships between elemental DOM composition (carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus: C/N/P), C and N uptake, and C mineralization by autochthonous bacterioplankton in the Usumacinta River, one of the most important fluvial systems in Mexico. Our study investigated changes in the composition and concentration of DOM and evaluated carbon dioxide (CO2)production rates (C–CO2) through laboratory experiments. We compared three sites representing the middle and lower river basins, including their transitional zones, during the rainy and dry seasons. After incubation (120 h at 25°C), the DOM decreased between 25% and 89% of C content. Notably, the initial high proportion of C in DOM in samples from the middle–forested zone and the transition led to elevated C–CO2 rates (>10 mg l−1 day−1), in contrast to the lower initial C proportion and subsequent C–CO2 rates (<7 mg l−1 day−1) in the lower river basin. We also found that dissolved organic carbon uptake and NO3− and NH4+ production were higher during the dry season than in the rainy season. The low water flow in the river during the dry season accentuated the differences in elemental composition and microbial processing of DOM among the sites, while the high water flow of the rainy season homogenized these factors. Our findings indicate that microbial metabolism operates with reduced efficiency in C-rich environments like forests, particularly when faced with high C/N and C/P ratios in DOM. This study highlights the influence of the tropical hydrological regime (rainy and dry seasons) and the longitudinal changes in the river basin (middle and lower) topography and land cover on microbial metabolism by constraining DOM characteristics, emphasizing the crucial role of elemental ratios in river DOM processing.

Demonstration of a container-less method for investigating high-temperature alloy properties using ED-XRD

As new alloys are being developed for additive manufacturing (AM) applications, questions related to the temperature-dependent structural and compositional stability of these alloys remain. In this work, the benefits and limitations of a unique method for testing this stability are presented. This system employs the use of polychromatic synchrotron light to perform energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction (ED-XRD) on an electrostatically levitated sample at high temperatures. In comparison with a traditional angular-dispersive setup, the container-less electrostatic levitation method has unique advantages, including quicker acquisition times, simultaneous compositional information through fluorescence emissions, a reduction in background noise, and, importantly, concurrent/subsequent measurement of thermophysical properties. This combined method is ideal for phase transition studies by holding the levitated sample at a stable position and temperature through controlled heating and temperature management. To illustrate these capabilities, we show ED-XRD data of the well-known martensitic phase transition (hcp to bcc) in Ti–6Al–4V. In addition, results from the novel alloy Ni51Cu44Cr5 are presented. This alloy is shown to maintain an fcc structure upon heating. However, the concentration of Cu is reduced at high temperatures, resulting in a decrease in the lattice constant. As concurrent thermophysical properties are probed, these preliminary structure and composition experiments demonstrate the capabilities of this technique to determine the composition–processing–structure–properties of metal alloys for AM.

Soil total phosphorus mediate the assembly processes of rhizosphere microbial communities of ficus species in a tropical rainforest

Revealing the assembly processes of plant rhizosphere microbial communities and the underlying influencing factors is essential for understanding the biodiversity and function of forest ecosystem. However, it remains unclear how deterministic and stochastic processes shape community structure and their relative importance in phosphorus-limited tropical environments. Here, we investigated the diversity, composition, and assembly processes of rhizosphere microbial communities of Ficus species in the Xishuangbanna region of southwest China, using methods such as high-throughput sequencing, variance partitioning analysis and null model analysis. We found that the community assembly processes of bacteria and fungi were primarily dominated by deterministic processes, with the fungal group being more deterministic than the bacteria group. Soil total phosphorus (TP) was the primary determinant of the composition and assembly of the rhizosphere microbial community, explaining 12.58% and 21.35% of the compositional variation in bacterial and fungal communities, respectively, and accounting for 14% of the microbial community assembly, but has a minor impact on their alpha diversity. This study highlights the distinct environmental driving factors of community composition and community assembly. The exposed positive relationship between soil TP and microbial deterministic process has inspiration for link of microbial community functions to soil function and sustainable forest management.

Geochemical Dynamics and Evolutionary Implications of Sediments at the Xingu–Amazon Rivers’ Confluence: Proxies for Mixing, Mobility and Weathering

This study investigates the geochemical characteristics and evolutionary implications of sediments at the confluence of the Xingu and Amazon Rivers. The main objective is to understand sediment mixing, mobility, and weathering processes through geochemical proxies. Samples were collected from various sections of the lower Xingu River, focusing on its interaction with the Amazon River. Analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed to analyze major and trace elements. The results reveal significant spatial variations in mineralogical and textural patterns, with sediments forming distinct groupings based on their location. The data suggest that the lower Xingu River is strongly influenced by sediment inputs from the Amazon River, particularly affecting sediment composition and chemical weathering processes. This research highlights the critical interactions between river systems and their implications for the evolution of the Amazon basin, especially regarding sediment contributions from various geological sources. Even though the Xingu River drains cratonic regions at higher elevations, the geochemistry of the bottom sediments confirms that the bedload is derived from heterogeneous sources with primarily intermediate igneous compositions and has undergone substantial recycling during river transport.

Low chemical-expansion and self-catalytic nickel-substituted strontium cobaltite perovskite four-channel hollow fibre membrane for partial oxidation of methane

In membrane reactors, the thermo-mechanical stability of the membrane determines the operability of the reaction, while the permeability and catalytic performance dictate the reaction process. A high chemical expansion coefficient can exacerbate the mismatch in the thermal expansion behaviour between the two sides of the membrane, potentially resulting in fracture. The low permeability and slow catalytic activity can slow the reaction process and result in an unsatisfactory product composition. Here, a Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.7Fe0.2Ni0.1O3-δ (BSCFN) four-channel hollow fibre membrane with a low chemical-expansion and high oxygen permeation flux has been successfully fabricated by phase inversion and a one-step thermal process (OSTP). Reaction sintering during the OSTP forms an NiO in-situ exsolution phase on the membrane surface, and A-site stoichiometry excess occurs, improves the oxygen permeation flux, and provides the membrane with self-catalytic ability during the partial oxidation of methane (POM) reactions. Consequently, the BSCFN membrane shows excellent performance; exhibiting an oxygen flux of 11.75 mL cm−2·min−1 at 900 °C. Furthermore, the self-catalytic BSCFN membrane has a good hydrogen production of 10.1 mL cm−2·min−1 during the POM process, which is 7.5 times higher than that of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ membranes (1.87 mL cm−2·min−1). This offers a viable strategy for the development of membrane reactor applications.

Single Source Precursor Path to 2D Materials: A Case Study of Solution‐Processed Molybdenum‐Rich MoSe2‐x Ultrathin Nanosheets

AbstractTwo‐dimensional Molybdenum diselenide is a versatile and promising material used for a wide range of applications and its synthesis in high quality and yield is currently the subject of intense research. Low temperature solution phase synthesis of nanomaterials using designed molecular precursors enjoys tremendous advantages over traditional high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis. However, molecular precursor chemistry of molybdenum selenide nanomaterials is almost non‐existent. We report here synthesis and structural characterization of new molybdenum molecular precursors with selenoether and selenourea ligands, which due to their easy synthesis, desired Mo/Se composition and moderate processing properties, are highly promising as single source precursors for the scale‐up production of 2D molybdenum diselenide materials. This is demonstrated by the solution‐phase decomposition of the Mo‐selenourea precursor which produced Mo‐rich MoSe2‐x ultrathin nanosheets (NSs) in good yield. These NSs were characterized by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies.

Tuning the spin dynamics and magnetic phase transitions of the Cantor alloy via composition and sample processing protocols: A muon spin relaxation study

Tuning the spin dynamics and magnetic phase transitions of the Cantor alloy via composition and sample processing protocols: A muon spin relaxation study

Monitoring Myelin Lipid Composition and the Structure of Myelinated Fibers Reveals a Maturation Delay in CMT1A.

Findings accumulated over time show that neurophysiological, neuropathological, and molecular alterations are present in CMT1A and support the dysmyelinating rather than demyelinating nature of this neuropathy. Moreover, uniform slowing of nerve conduction velocity is already manifest in CMT1A children and does not improve throughout their life. This evidence and our previous studies displaying aberrant myelin composition and structure in adult CMT1A rats prompt us to hypothesize a myelin and axon developmental defect in the CMT1A peripheral nervous system. Peripheral myelination begins during the early stages of development in mammals and, during this process, chemical and structural features of myelinated fibers (MFs) evolve towards a mature phenotype; deficiencies within this self-modulating circuit can cause its blockage. Therefore, to shed light on pathophysiological mechanisms that occur during development, and to investigate the relationship among axonal, myelin, and lipidome deficiencies in CMT1A, we extensively analyzed the evolution of both myelin lipid profile and MF structure in WT and CMT1A rats. Lipidomic analysis revealed a delayed maturation of CMT1A myelin already detectable at P10 characterized by a deprivation of sphingolipid species such as hexosylceramides and long-chain sphingomyelins, whose concentration physiologically increases in WT, and an increase in lipids typical of unspecialized plasma membranes, including phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines. Consistently, advanced morphometric analysis on more than 130,000 MFs revealed a delay in the evolution of CMT1A axon and myelin geometric parameters, appearing concomitantly with lipid impairment. We here demonstrate that, during normal development, MFs undergo a continuous maturation process in both chemical composition and physical structure, but these processes are delayed in CMT1A.

Advancing resource sustainability with green photothermal materials: Insights from organic waste-derived and bioderived sources

Abstract Recently, there has been a surge of interest in developing new types of photothermal materials driven by the ongoing demand for efficient energy conversion, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable solutions. However, many existing photothermal materials face limitations such as high production costs or narrow absorption bands, hindering their widespread application. In response to these challenges, researchers have redirected their focus toward harnessing the untapped potential of organic waste-derived and bioderived materials. These materials, with photothermal properties derived from their intrinsic composition or transformative processes, offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. This review provides an extended categorization of organic waste-derived and bioderived materials based on their origin. Additionally, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the photothermal properties of these materials. Key findings highlight their high photothermal efficiency and versatility in applications such as water and energy harvesting, desalination, biomedical applications, deicing, waste treatment, and environmental remediation. Through their versatile utilization, they demonstrate immense potential in fostering sustainability and support the transition toward a greener and more resilient future. The authors’ perspective on the challenges and potentials of platforms based on these materials is also included, highlighting their immense potential for real-world implementation.

Biofilm modulation and demineralization reduction after treatment with a new toothpaste formulation containing fluoride, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, and sodium trimetaphosphate: In situ study

ObjectiveThis in situ study aimed to evaluate a new toothpaste formulation containing fluoride (F), casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on the process of dental demineralization and biofilm composition. MethodsThis crossover double-blind study consisted of five phases, in which 10 volunteers wore intraoral appliances containing four bovine enamel specimens. The cariogenic challenge was performed using 30 % sucrose solution. Blocks were treated 3 ×/day with the following toothpastes: 1) Placebo (No F-TMP-CPP-ACP), 2) 1100 ppm F (1100F), 3) 1100F + 3 %TMP (1100F-TMP), 4) 1100F + 10 %CPP-ACP (1100F-CPP-ACP) and 5) 1100F-CPP-ACP-TMP. After 7 days, the percentage loss of surface hardness (%SH), integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN), F, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentration in the enamel was determined. The concentration of F, Ca, P and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in the biofilm were analyzed. ResultsThe addition of CPP-ACP-TMP to 1100F reduced %SH by 42 % and 39 % when compared to the 1100F and 1100F-CPP-ACP (p < 0.001); in addition, to a reduction in lesion body (ΔKHN) by 36 % for the same treatments. The treatment with 1100F-CPP-ACP-TMP led to a significant increase in the concentration of F, P and Ca in the enamel and biofilm, and reduced the concentration of EPS (p < 0.001). SignificanceToothpaste formulation containing 1100F-CPP-ACP-TMP prevented the reduction of enamel hardness and significantly influenced the ionic biochemical composition and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in biofilm formed in situ. These results are promising and provide valuable insights for the design of further clinical trials.

Chrysin Nano Formulation Using Cellulose of Rumex vesicarius Herb Leaf Waste: Isolation, Characterization and in-Vitro Evaluation

In this work, for the first time to our knowledge, cellulose was isolated from the Rumex vesicarius herb leaf waste, and cellulose nanospheres (CNS) were developed from this cellulose. Alkali, bleaching, acid hydrolysis, and ultrasonication treatments were used for fabrication of the CNS. The resulting CNS were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). CNS is considered as an effective nanocarrier to alleviate the problems of some drugs like instability, low water solubility and bioavailability. We used the CNS as an effective nanocarrier for the entrapment of chrysin (CHR), a flavonoid secondary metabolite of the flavone class. By adjusting the solvent composition ratio and processing method, the CHR was entrapped in the CNS and a CNS-CHR nano-formulation was developed. An entrapment efficiency of 88.11% was achieved. FTIR, TGA, XRD and TEM confirmed the entrapment of the CHR in the CNS. The in-vitro dissolution investigation demonstrated an 86.53% release of CHR from the CNS-CHR complex when subjected to a release study and 47.14% of CHR release after 24 h, as the pure CHR is poorly soluble in its pure form. These findings indicate that CNS is a highly effective natural carrier at the nanoscale for CHR owing to easy availability and cost-effectiveness.

Expression Profiles of Fatty Acid Transporters and the Role of n-3 and n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Porcine Endometrium.

Fatty acids (FAs) are important for cell membrane composition, eicosanoid synthesis, and metabolic processes. Membrane proteins that facilitate FA transport into cells include FA translocase (also known as CD36) and FA transporter proteins (encoded by SLC27A genes). The present study aimed to examine expression profiles of FA transporters in the endometrium of cyclic and early pregnant gilts on days 3 to 20 after estrus and the possible regulation by conceptus signals and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). The effect of PUFAs on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and transcript abundance of genes related to FA action and metabolism, angiogenesis, and immune response was also determined. Day after estrus and reproductive status of animals affected FA transporter expression, with greater levels of CD36, SLC27A1, and SLC27A4 observed in pregnant than in cyclic gilts. Conceptus-conditioned medium and/or estradiol-17β stimulated SLC27A1 and CD36 expression. Among PUFAs, linoleic acid decreased SLC27A1 and SLC27A6 mRNA expression, while arachidonic, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids increased SLC27A4 transcript abundance. Moreover, arachidonic acid stimulated ACOX1, CPT1A, and IL1B expression and increased PGE2 and PGI2 secretion. In turn, α-linolenic acid up-regulated VEGFA, FGF2, FABP4, and PPARG mRNA expression. These results indicate the presence of an active transport of FAs in the porcine endometrium and the role of PUFAs as modulators of the uterine activity during conceptus implantation.

Meshwork choreography: a pragmatic approach to collaborative embodied learning in South African higher education

ABSTRACT The diversity of the South African higher educational student population requires innovative pedagogical strategies that facilitate transformative and collaborative embodied learning. This article demonstrates how the choreographic process emerges from the context of multiculturalism through a pragmatic learning approach called meshwork choreography. Meshwork suggests an interwoven relation that emphasises the ever-evolving nature of relationships within an environment. Choreography as meshwork is where the choreographer does not impose preconceived ideas on the dancers but rather facilitates a collaborative and exploratory process. The research employed a conceptual framework of phenomenography, embodied and collaborative learning to frame the discussion towards a model of how choreography functions as meshwork. Composition and design processes in and of themselves embrace transformative learning through collaborative, embodied, and relational practices and are bolstered when they converge within the creation of choreographic work. This article reflects on students’ experiences in the Performing Arts Dance Stream at Tshwane University of Technology in conceptualising choreography as meshwork. Phenomenography was adopted as the research methodology, where data was analysed within phenomenographic categories. The article offers a South African perspective, informed by Ubuntu, of a meshwork model for the benefits of applying transformative learning through choreography within a higher education dance context.

Exploring Digital Multimodal Composing in English Writing: A Conceptual Paper

The most recent technologies have assisted educators in simplifying the process of teaching and learning; for example, they have expanded the writing course into an activity that is no longer restricted to the combination of words, phrases, and sentences to express the meaning in place of collaborating audio, video, and web-based elements in teaching-learning, which are all considered to be examples of digital technology. In particular, this conceptual paper focuses on the nature of multimodal digital composition, how digital multimodal is utilized in the teaching and learning processes of writing as well as the challenge and its solutions. Initially, a definition of what precisely digital composing is will be provided. The researcher conducts an in-depth investigation of recent studies on multimodal digital composition (MDC) and the function of multimodal digital composition (MDC) in improving comprehension and enhancing acquisition. Furthermore, pedagogical implementations are explored, in which the researcher outlines a multimodal digital composition (MDC) process that language teachers might utilize as a guide for the teaching-learning process of writing. A discussion of pedagogical implications follows this section. In conclusion, the obstacles and potential remedies leading to a deeper understanding are examined.

High-Temperature Creep Resistance of FeAlOY ODS Ferritic Alloy.

A significant effort in optimizing the chemical composition and powder metallurgical processing led to preparing new-generation ferritic coarse-grained ODS alloys with a high nano-oxide content. The optimization was aimed at high-temperature creep and oxidation resistance at temperatures in the range of 1100-1300 °C. An FeAlOY alloy, with the chemical composition Fe-10Al-4Cr-4Y2O3 (wt. %), seems as the most promising one. The consolidation of the alloy is preferably conducted by hot rolling in several steps, followed by static recrystallization for 1 h at 1200 °C, which provides a stable coarse-grain microstructure with homogeneous dispersion of nano-oxides. This represents the most cost-effective way of production. Another method of consolidation tested was hot rotary swaging, which also gave promising results. The compression creep testing of the alloy at 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C shows excellent creep performance, which is confirmed by the tensile creep tests at 1100 °C as well. The potential in such a temperature range is the target for possible applications of the FeAlOY for the pull rods of high-temperature testing machines, gas turbine blades, or furnace fan vanes. The key effort now focuses on expanding the production from laboratory samples to larger industrial pieces.

Correlative analysis of advanced microscopy techniques for metallography and corrosion microstructures of bronze phoenician coins

Correlative microscopy stands out for its ability to concurrently acquire and analyze various data types in a multimodal and multiscale environment, enabling precise localization of specific areas within samples and enhancing the accuracy and relevance of analyses. This approach showed promise in revealing the metallurgical history of ancient coins. This article focused on composition, microstructure, and manufacturing process of Phoenician-Punic copper-based alloy coins (5th–4th century BCE). The four coins studied by correlative light and electron microscopy, μ-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Microscopy exhibited notable differences in elemental composition and microstructures. These variations are attributed to their origin from casting, followed by striking, and subsequent recrystallization due to a more intricate corrosion process.

When generative artificial intelligence meets multimodal composition: Rethinking the composition process through an AI-assisted design project

This study explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) design technologies, including Adobe Firefly and DALL·E, into the teaching and learning of multimodal composition. Through focus group discussions and case studies, this paper demonstrates the potential of GenAI in reshaping the various stages of the composition process, including invention, designing, and revising. The findings reveal that GenAI technologies have the potential to enhance students’ multimodal composition practices and offer alternative solutions to the wicked problems encountered during the design process. Specifically, GenAI facilitates invention by offering design inspirations and enriches designing by expanding, removing, and editing the student-produced design contents. The students in this study also shared their critical stance on the revision process by modifying and iterating their designs after their uses of GenAI. Through showcasing both the opportunities and challenges of GenAI technologies, this paper contributes to the ongoing scholarly conversations on multimodal composition and pedagogy. Moreover, the paper offers implications for the future research and teaching of GenAI-assisted multimodal composition projects, with the aim of encouraging thoughtful integration of GenAI technologies to foster critical AI literacy among college composition students.

Taxonomic diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in west-central Mexico: Conservation from a multi-taxa perspective.

Multi-taxa approaches are increasingly used because they describe complementary aspects of ecosystem dynamics from a community ecology perspective. In west-central Mexico, the complex biogeography and topography have created an environment where temperate and tropical forests converge, resulting in great biological diversity. Within this region, the Sierra de Quila Natural Protected Area (SQPA) offers an important example for understanding ecological community dynamics. We analyze the taxonomic diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in the SQPA by incorporating taxonomic levels associated with species. We evaluated the taxonomic diversity with i) an average taxonomic distinctiveness analysis (alpha diversity) and ii) an analysis of taxonomic dissimilarity and partitioning of turnover and differences in richness components (beta diversity). Tropical forests boast the highest taxonomic diversity of amphibians, reptiles, and birds, while temperate gallery forests exhibit lower values. Our results showed that terrestrial vertebrate alpha and beta diversity patterns respond mainly to contrasting vegetation types (tropical vs. temperate). Regarding beta diversity, the multi-vegetation type analysis showed the highest values for reptiles, followed by amphibians, birds, and mammals. Turnover had the highest contribution to beta diversity, while differences in richness were relevant for amphibians and reptiles, which could be related to their low mobility and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Despite the local scale, the SQPA presented high beta diversity, reflecting historical ecological processes in taxonomic composition derived from contrasting environments and constraints imposed on species. Evaluating taxonomic structure from a multi-taxa perspective is essential for conservation efforts because it allows the spatial recognition of biological assemblages as a first step for local interventions.

US FDA Advisory Panel Members’ Assessment of Premarket Approval Process and Suggestions for Improvement

The manufacturing and marketing of medical devices is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FDA premarket approval (PMA) process evaluates the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. The PMA process includes a detailed scientific, regulatory and quality system review and is critical to ensure that novel devices are safe, effective, and meet the needs of patients. To survey current voting members serving on panels of the FDA's Medical Devices Advisory Committee to better characterize panel decision-making and identify steps for improvement. This qualitative survey study included 36 questions that were mailed to FDA device panelists regarding their opinions on the influence of sources of information, pivotal trial design, quality of evidence, panel composition and internal deliberative process, time allocation, and impartiality of the FDA. The survey was mailed to the members of all 18 FDA device panels in January and February 2017. Data were collected from January to May 2017 and analyzed from 2018 to 2019. Respondents read and returned the aforementioned paper survey, while nonrespondents did not. The main outcomes included panel members' perceptions, and their implications for process improvement. χ2 or Fisher exact tests were used to test differences between subgroups. Of 64 of 92 panel members who responded (69.6%), 38 of 64 (59.4%) were male, 3 of 63 (4.8%) were Black respondents, 46 of 63 (73.0%) were White respondents, and 36 of 60 (60.0%) were in academic practice. The mean (range) panel service was 6.8 (1-22) years with 3.9 (1-19) meetings attended. Overall, respondents considered information presented by the FDA unbiased, and 28 of 61 (45.9%) believed that pivotal trials were frequently well-designed, 55 of 62 respondents (88.7%) suggested FDA consult panel members preemptively regarding trial design and 54 of 64 (84.4%) regarding the device label. Most indicated that prior FDA approval of another device serving the same medical purpose (43 of 62 [69.4%]) or approval in other countries with comparable regulatory regimes, such as Canada and Europe (39 of 62 [62.9%]), would make them more likely to recommend approval. Respondents rated written information (50 of 60 [83.3%]), live presentations (43 of 58 [74.1%]), and prior professional knowledge (41 of 60 [68.3%]) as the most important sources of information in deciding whether to recommend approval. Additionally, 52 of 58 respondents (89.7%) recommended that a panel member-only executive session would allow more clarity and honesty in deliberations, and 33 of 59 (55.9%) believed a three-fourths majority appropriate for recommending approval, which would be a deviation from the current system in which an overall vote is reported without designation of a vote threshold. In this survey study of FDA device panel members, respondents wanted improved study designs, more relevant clinical data, including from other countries, involvement of panelists in study design and device label development, and inclusion of an executive session. Demographically, panels could be made more diverse.

Defect inhibition mechanism of 3D‐printed ceramics via synergetic resin composition and debinding processing regulation

AbstractProducing ceramic parts by Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) additive manufacture with desired mechanical properties typically requires time‐consuming debinding steps. This study aims at optimizing composition and processing parameters with the use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in the resin formulation and debinding in an argon atmosphere for dental zirconia‐toughed alumina (ZTA). The method produces parts with fewer defects, and 67.7% higher flexural strength while increasing the debinding heating rate over 400% compared to standard formulations debinded in air. These improvements are attributed to pore formation at low temperatures and reduced heat release and gas evolution rates arising from use of the DBP and the inert atmosphere, respectively. While ZTA ceramics were studied, this method should be applicable to many ceramic systems with exciting possibilities for promoting the rapid development of VPP 3D‐printed high‐performance ceramics for various engineering applications.