Reduction In Size Research Articles

Utilizing the 2nd harmonic Nd: YAG laser ablation in liquid for the production of copper oxide quantum dots: Influence of laser fluence and ablation duration

One environmentally friendly technique for creating colloids of nanoparticles is pulsed laser ablation in liquid, which stands out for its ability to create nanoparticles free of contamination without the use of hazardous chemicals. In the present work, A Q-Switched Nanosecond Nd: YAG laser was utilized to precisely produce colloidal copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) through the laser ablation of a copper target immersed in distilled water. The impact of the laser fluence and laser ablation time on the size, morphology, and concentration of the generated CuONPs was investigated experimentally. The UV–visible absorption spectra of CuONPs display surface plasmonic resonance peaks in the UV region, which are attributed to interband transitions. The energy band gaps of the colloidal CuONPs were determined using UV–visible spectroscopy, and they ranged between 3.45 and 3.72 eV at various ablation times and laser fluences. The TEM micrographs were used to assess the size and morphology of the CuONPs, while the concentration and elemental composition were determined using ICP and EDXA spectroscopy. The TEM images of the CuONPs indicate a spherical shape at various laser ablation times and laser fluences. The average size of the CuONPs decreased to the quantum size range. The experimental results show that increasing laser fluence from 28.6 to 51.5 × 103 J/cm2 while keeping laser ablation time fixed for 30 min resulted in a reduction in the average size of the nanoparticles from 8.5 to 4.6 nm, respectively. Moreover, increasing laser ablation time from 10 to 50 min at a constant incident laser fluence of 34.3 × 103 J/cm2 decreased the average size of the CuONPs from 6.8 to 4.3 nm, respectively. The concentration of the synthesized CuONPs increased as laser fluence and laser ablation time increased.

Savolitinib conferred sensitivity in a patient with D1228H mutation-induced capmatinib-resistant MET exon 14 skipping mutated lung adenocarcinoma

Traditionally, the D1228 E/G/H/N mutation has been thought to cause Type I MET-TKI resistance. We reported a 75-year-old female with non-small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation, who developed acquired MET D1228H mutation induced by capmatinib treatment. Interestingly, the patient demonstrated marked response to second-line savolitinib treatment with the duration of response of 19 months and several additional metastatic lesions appeared. Pathological assessment of rebiopsy sample showed adenocarcinoma and targeted next-generation sequencing revealed the loss of MET D1228H mutation and presence of MET p.Y1230N mutation. In response, the treatment regimen was amended to include a daily administration of 60 mg of cabozantinib, which resulted in moderate size reduction of the tumours. The switch of resistance mutations indicated that different type Ib MET inhibitors may exhibit distinct mechanisms of resistance. We call for futher studies on resistance based on patient-derived pre-clinical models including patient-derived tumor-like cell clusters, patient-derived organoids, and patient-derived xenografts.

A novel hybrid adaptive differential evolution for global optimization

Differential Evolution (DE) stands as a potent global optimization algorithm, renowned for its application in addressing a myriad of practical engineering issues. The efficacy of DE is profoundly influenced by its control parameters and mutation strategies. In light of this, we introduce a refined DE algorithm characterized by adaptive parameters and dual mutation strategies (APDSDE). APDSDE inaugurates an adaptive switching mechanism that alternates between two innovative mutation strategies: DE/current-to-pBest-w/1 and DE/current-to-Amean-w/1. Furthermore, a novel parameter adaptation technique rooted in cosine similarity is established, with the derivation of explicit calculation formulas for both the scaling factor weight and crossover rate weight. In pursuit of optimizing convergence speed whilst preserving population diversity, a sophisticated nonlinear population size reduction method is proposed. The robustness of each algorithm is rigorously evaluated against the CEC2017 benchmark functions, with empirical evidence underscoring the superior performance of APDSDE in comparison to a host of advanced DE variants.

Effect of the conventional shot peening and multiple shot peening on microstructure and residual stress of TC17 titanium alloy

This study examines the residual stress, microstructure, and stress-induced phase transformation of TC17 titanium alloy after different shot peening processes. A comprehensive analysis of the unique impact of shot peening on α-Ti and β-Ti was performed. The results indicate a substantial reduction in the grain size of the deformed layer and the creation of a high density of dislocations. Additionally, increased peening intensity results in decreased grain size, and multiple shot peening promotes further reduction in grain size. Compressive residual stresses were detected in the deformed layer, and multiple shot peening significantly augmented the residual stresses in the surface and near-surface regions. In particular, the highest compressive residual stresses after triple shot peening treatments were measured at −1079 MPa (at a depth of 10 μm for α-Ti) and −792 MPa (at a depth of 50 μm for β-Ti). In addition, multiple shot peening can significantly reduce surface roughness and enhance surface nanocrystallization when approximate surface residual stresses are obtained. Remarkably, the use of single shot peening revealed parallel stacking faults in certain α-Ti samples. However, under multiple shot peening, these stacking faults evolved into face-centered cubic Ti (FCC-Ti) with broader widths and a greater number. The stress-induced phase transition orientation relation was determined to be (0001)HCP//(11¯1)FCC and [21¯1¯0]HCP//[011]FCC, with α-Ti grains being interspersed with FCC-Ti, thus promoting additional grain refinement.

In Vivo Evaluation of Sepigel-Based Meglumine Antimoniate and Amphotericin B for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Treatment.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) poses a significant public health concern in endemic regions due to its increasing prevalence and substantial impact on affected individuals. This disease is primarily caused by the Leishmania protozoa, which are transmitted through insect bites, and it manifests as a range of symptoms, from self-healing lesions to severe disfigurement. Current treatments, which often involve the parenteral administration of antimonials, face challenges such as poor compliance and adverse effects. This study investigates the efficacy of topical formulations containing meglumine antimoniate (MA) and amphotericin B (AmB), using Sepigel as an excipient, for treating CL. In the in vivo study, BALB/c mice infected with L. amazonensis developed lesions at the injection site five weeks post-infection. Subsequently, the mice were divided into eight groups: untreated mice, mice treated orally with miltefosine, mice treated intraperitoneally with MA, and mice treated topically with 15%, 22.5%, and 30% MA-Sepigel, as well as those treated with AmB-Sepigel. Treatments were applied daily for two weeks, and the results revealed a significant reduction in lesion size and parasite burden following topical application, particularly with the AmB-Sepigel formulations and 30% MA-Sepigel. Additionally, Sepigel-based treatments demonstrated improved patient compliance and reduced toxicity compared to systemic therapies. These findings underscore the potential of Sepigel-based formulations as a promising alternative for CL treatment. They offer enhanced efficacy and tolerability, while reducing the systemic toxicity associated with conventional therapies.

Study of the stability of model emulsions mimicking petroleum with different types of non-ionic surfactants

This study conducted experiments to mimic petroleum emulsions for application in laboratory flow circuits. The science of emulsion formulation is still quite restricted when it comes to parameters that stabilize emulsions. The challenge is even greater when formulating emulsions of low dynamic viscosity. In this work, model emulsions were prepared with different oil phases, with 0.1 and 1.0 % v/v of the surfactants Span 60, Span 80, Triton X-100, and Triton X-114, with 10 and 30 % v/v of aqueous phase. The kinetic stability of the emulsions evaluated in terms of aqueous phase separation, droplet size distribution, dynamic viscosity, and interfacial tension. The homogenization process assessed to identify the emulsification regime of the emulsions, inertial or viscous, through the calculation of the smallest vortices formed. A study of the maximum superficial flow velocity conducted to provide users with a better understanding of the emulsions produced here. The results indicate that seven emulsions can used in laboratory flow circuits. Span 80 provided better stabilization of the emulsions for over 72 hours with droplet sizes in the range of 0.2–100.0 µm. As a novelty in this work, increasing the concentration of surfactant Span 80 causes a decrease in average velocity in flow, a reduction in droplet size, and a regime of turbulent viscous emulsification in axial flow.

TREO Aortic Endograft Demonstrates Superior Aneurysmal Sac Regression Over Mid-Term Follow-up

IntroductionAneurysmal sac regression is a predictor of long-term outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This study aimed to compare a large cohort of TREO and non-TREO endografts over a mid-term follow-up and compare abdominal aortic aneurysm sac regression. The hypothesis was that TREO endografts have an increased sac regression by 24 mo. MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of all EVARs completed at a single institution between 2015 and 2024. Clinical and imaging data were collected from an institutional database and patients’ records. The analysis included all TREO and age, sex, anticoagulation use and current smoking-matched non-TREO endografts that satisfied anatomic indications for use of the TREO graft. The primary outcomes were sac regression at 12 and 24 mo, and secondary outcomes were rates of mortality, endoleak, and reintervention. ResultsTwenty-one TREO grafts were matched to 68 non-TREO grafts. The groups were similar in demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative anatomy. Preoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm sac size was larger in the TREO cohort. The mean reduction in sac size in mm was greater in the TREO cohort compared to the non-TREO cohort (−12.6 ± 8.95 versus −7.83 ± 7.74 mm, P = 0.039) over the study period. Cox regression analysis identified the TREO stent graft to be associated with 1-y sac regression (hazard ratio = 2.42, P = 0.019). The incidence of all-cause endoleaks, reintervention, and mortality were similar between cohorts. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the TREO endograft offers better mid-term outcomes with respect to sac regression with no differences in the incidence of endoleak, mortality, or reintervention.

Rapid morphological change in UK populations of Impatiens glandulifera

The highly invasive Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam) is one of the most prolific and widespread invasive plants in the British Isles. Introduced in the early nineteenth century, it has now been reported in almost every vice county across the UK and is a fierce competitor that has adverse effects on the local community structure. Despite the negative impacts that invaders like I. glandulifera have on local communities, there have been very few studies which address the morphological changes that invasive plant populations have undergone since their initial introduction. This is the first study of its kind to investigate the morphological changes that have occurred in I. glandulifera. 315 herbarium specimens dating from 1865 to 2017 were used to measure changes in morphological traits such as leaf size, flower length and stomatal characteristics. We found that since 1865, there has been a significant reduction in overall leaf size, a significant reduction in stomatal density and a significant increase in the overall flower length. These results highlight the importance of monitoring the evolutionary change in prolific alien species over the course of their invasion, providing useful insights into changes in competitive ability which may prove useful in managing dispersal and providing options for potential management.

Perioperative Predictive Factors for Tumor Regression and Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Treatment and Lung Resection.

Our study aimed to identify predictors for the effectiveness of tumor regression in lung cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment and cancer resections. Patients admitted between 2016 and 2022 were included in the study. Based on the histology of the tumor, patients were categorized into a lung adenocarcinoma group (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma group (SQCA). Ninety-five patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were included in the study. A total of 58 (61.1%) and 37 (38.9%) patients were included in the LUAD and SQCA groups, respectively. Additionally, 9 (9.5%), 56 (58.9%), and 30 (31.6%) patients were categorized with a tumor regression score of I, II, and III, respectively. In multivariable analyses, histology of the primary tumor (SQCA), lymph node size in the preoperative CT scan (>1.7 cm), and absolute tumor size reduction after neoadjuvant treatment (>2.6 cm) independently predict effectiveness of tumor regression (OR [95% confidence interval, p-value] of 6.88 [2.40-19.77, p < 0.0001], 3.13 [1.11-8.83, p = 0.0310], and 3.76 [1.20-11.81, p = 0.0233], respectively). Age > 70 years, extended resection > one lobe, and tumor recurrence or metastasis were identified as significant independent predictors of reduced overall survival. Assessment of tumor size before and after neoadjuvant treatment might help to identify high-risk patients with decreased survival and to improve patient management and care.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Fetal Cardiac Rhabdomyoma With or Without mTOR Inhibitors, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma with or without prenatal use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi). We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 2023. Studies reporting on pregnancies with fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma were included. A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted only on studies that included three or more cases. A systematic review included 61 studies reporting on 400 fetuses with cardiac rhabdomyoma, of which 52 studies (389 fetuses) had expectant management and 9 studies (11 fetuses) were managed with mTORi. The meta-analysis included 26 studies reporting on 354 fetuses. Prenatally, 14% (95% CI 4-36) had pericardial effusion, 13% (95% CI 6-27) had arrhythmia, 16% (95% CI 7-31) had outflow tract obstruction, and 10% (95% CI 4-21) had hydrops. Fetal demise occurred in 12% (95% CI 5-30). Before delivery, tumor size reduction was noted in 13%, and after birth in 58%. Following birth, 8% (95% CI 3-14) had neonatal death and 9% (95% 4-17) required cardiac surgery. 60% (95% CI 41-79) of cases were diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis. Seizures were reported only in cases with a tuberous sclerosis diagnosis (41/71 infants). For the 9 studies reporting all together on 11 fetuses with tuberous sclerosis receiving prenatal mTORi, they showed improvement in the size of cardiac rhabdomyoma as well as outflow obstruction and none had fetal demise or neonatal death, and none required postnatal cardiac surgery. We report on the natural history of prenatal cardiac rhabdomyoma, including characteristics, progression, and survival. We report 11 fetuses with tuberous sclerosis and cardiac rhabdomyoma receiving prenatal mTORi, showing promising results.

Improvement of an ionic wind blower’s flow characteristic by auxiliary electrodes for thermal management of light-emitting diodes

Electronic device advancements in power, size reduction, and integration have resulted in increased heat flux and operating temperatures, negatively impacting the reliability of electronics. Ionic wind cooling is a new, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient thermal management approach that effectively cools high heat flux local heat sources. However, enhancing ionic wind strength continuously can be challenging. In this study, an ionic wind blower consisting of an emitting electrode, a collecting electrode, and auxiliary electrodes is constructed. The experimental verification confirms the supplemental acceleration capacity of the auxiliary electrodes. When determining the optimal operating voltage applied to the auxiliary electrodes, the power consumption of the system and the intensity of the output ionic wind are taken into consideration. Theblower’s operational and structural factors, such as the emitter structure, discharge gap, and distance between the auxiliary electrodes and collectors, are optimized according to how they affect the device’s functional qualities. The improved blower’s heat dissipation ability is evaluated by cooling an LED chip. The results demonstrate that the system performs optimally with an emitter having seven needles, a discharge gap of 5 mm, and 9 mm between the auxiliary electrodes and the collector. The wind speed reaches 2.47 m/s, while the power consumption is only 1.6 W. Compared to the absence of auxiliary electrodes (47.7 W/(m2∙K)), the system’s mean convective heat transfer coefficient can reach 61.12 W/(m2∙K), resulting in a temperature reduction of the LED chip by up to 41.6 °C. With increasing voltage, the heat transfer enhancement ratio improves, enabling a blower with auxiliary electrodes to provide significant cooling while consuming less power.

M2 Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Inhibit Atherosclerosis Progression by Regulating the Proliferation, Migration, and Phenotypic Transformation of Smooth Muscle Cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) intimal migration, proliferation, and phenotypic transformation from a contractile to a synthetic state are hallmarks of the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. This study aims to explore the effects of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages (ExoM2) on the pathological changes of VSMCs in atherosclerosis (AS). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and wound healing assays were used to examine the impact of ExoM2 on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced VSMC proliferation and migration, respectively. Western blotting was employed to analyze changes in the expression levels of contractile markers (e.g., alpha-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]) and synthetic ones (e.g., osteopontin [OPN]) in VSMCs with or without ExoM2 treatment. ApoE-⁣/- mice on a high fat diet were utilized to observe the effects of ExoM2 on plaque progression and stability. Serial histopathological analysis was performed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying the atheroprotective effects of ExoM2. Compared with controls, ExoM2 significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation in vitro. In ApoE-⁣/- mice, ExoM2 treatment led to a marked reduction in plaque size, necrotic core area, the CD68/α-SMA ratio, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and OPN levels, while enhancing plaque stability. ExoM2 inhibit AS progression by regulating VSMC proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation.

Design and Modelling of a Modified High Gain Printed Vivaldi Antenna for EMC Measurements

This paper demonstrates the design, modeling, and analysis of a small size 180 × 165 × 1.6 mm3 printed broadband Vivaldi antenna for electromagnetic compatibility measurements. The proposed antenna is intended to be utilized as a reference antenna for emission and immunity tests inside the EMC Chamber through the band (0.8–5.5 GHz). Exponentially tapered slots were created based on mathematical equations to form an end-fire radiation antenna. Furthermore, microstrip and slot line stubs were employed to tune the impedance bandwidth. This antenna could be considered a 2-D Horn antenna with a size reduction of 64% and 67% since both antennas, Vivaldi and Horn are based on the same principle. Two rectangular slots were engraved near the feeding point to reshape and enhance the gain at lower frequency bands. Furthermore, the realized gain has been improved by approximately 3.5 dB and reached up to 10.7 dBi by introducing a pair of triangular reversal slots at the top edges of the structure. Moreover, this antenna has specifications that make it a suitable candidate to work as a reference antenna inside the EMC chamber compared to the classical Horn antenna offered for sale (PowerLOG® PRO 30800 and TBMA4).

Evaluation of water resource balance in the Urmia Lake Basin: Integrating carrying capacity and water footprint model for sustainable management

Given the scarcity of water resources and the ever-growing demand, effective water flow management becomes crucial. The Lake Urmia Basin, a critical region in Iran, faces severe water scarcity exacerbated by climatic changes, land use alterations, over-extraction of groundwater, and mismanagement. This study evaluates the water resource balance by integrating carrying capacity and water footprint models to assess sustainable water management practices. Utilizing the InVEST model, water provisioning ecosystem services have been estimated as the supply, while the ecological footprint method quantifies water demand across various sectors. Three scenarios are evaluated: continuation of the current situation, an ideal scenario with substantial reductions in water consumption and pollution, and implementation of operational programs. The findings reveal significant water deficits in certain sub-basins, highlighting the need for a fundamental revision of resource allocation based on each region’s ecological capacity. Lake Urmia, the central nucleus of the basin, has experienced a significant size reduction, approximately 10 % of its original size, from the early 1990s to 2018, due to climatic changes, land use alterations, over-extraction of groundwater, and mismanagement. The environmental deficit in some sub-basins raises serious concerns, even in the best scenario where ecological footprint reduction is considered. These results underscore the effectiveness of ecosystem-based comprehensive capacity analysis for sustainable watershed development. This research offers a unified spatial system for quantifying ecological footprints and land resilience, providing critical insights into addressing water scarcity and supporting holistic regional planning.

Impacts and effectiveness of sidewall treatment on the spatially resolved optical properties and efficiency enhancement for GaN-based blue and green micro-LEDs

InGaN-based micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) are crucial for efficient full-color micro-displays, but suffer from severe degradation of external quantum efficiency (EQE) with size reduction. In this study, the impacts of chemical treatment on the sidewall condition and the EQE of the 10 μm InGaN-based blue and green micro-LEDs were demonstrated. The sidewall treatment can effectively alleviate the residual damage caused by dry etching and suppress the nonradiative recombination, facilitating the achievement of high internal quantum efficiency (IQE). Nevertheless, the sidewall light extraction of the micro-LEDs with smoother sidewall morphology after tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) treatment is lower than those with rough and prismatic sidewall surface. By utilizing microscopic hyperspectral imaging, the difference in chromatic properties between the inner region and the whole micro-LED caused by dry etching can hinder the stability of chromatic properties of InGaN-based blue micro-LEDs, which can be alleviated by sidewall treatment. The optimal duration for TMAH treatment is obtained as 10 min for both blue and green micro-LEDs, which is the consequence of the compromise between sidewall light extraction efficiency (LEE) and IQE, whereas the improvement of IQE by sidewall treatment for green micro-LEDs is less significant compared to that for blue ones, which can be attributed to the higher dislocation density and recombination via localized states of green InGaN micro-LEDs. This work demonstrates the evolution of IQE and LEE for blue and green micro-LEDs with different sidewall treatment strategies to achieving the ultimate EQE.

A novel subtype classification and corresponding surgical strategies for spinal dural cysts –a report of 104 cases

BACKGROUNDThe nomenclature, classification, and surgical approaches for spinal dural cysts (SDCs) remain a subject of controversy. PURPOSEThe present study proposes a novel subtype classification system and corresponding surgical strategies, with the aim of enhancing comprehension of this entity and standardizing surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGNA retrospective review. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 104 patients with SDCs underwent novel subtype classification and corresponding surgical strategies from January 2015 to December 2021. Fifty-four patients who underwent conventional surgery from January 2012 to December 2014 as the control group for preliminary validation. OUTCOME MEASURESThe outcomes are categorized into 4 levels: excellent, good, unchanged, and deteriorated, based on neurological improvement and pain relief. Grades of excellent and good were identified as improvements. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and complications were also evaluated. METHODSBased on the shared pathogenic factor of dural defects, the dural-associated cysts in the spinal canal are uniformly referred to as SDCs. They are further classified into Type 1 (no nerve roots) and Type 2 (containing nerve roots), with 4 additional subtypes based on the shape of the leak and the flow of leakage. The fissure-shaped leak of Type 1a SDCs is directly sutured, whereas the aperture-shaped leak of Type 1b is repaired using a patch. Low-flow leakage of Type 2a is directly sealed using a combination of adipose tissue and fibrin glue, whereas high-flow Type 2b necessitates suturing at the end of the leak to attenuate cerebrospinal fluid flow prior to sealing. RESULTSThe follow-up period averaged 23.8 months. Excellent or good outcomes were achieved in 100%, 88.9%, 100%, and 97.3% for the 4 subtypes respectively. The overall improvement rate of SDCs was 97.1%, which was significantly higher than that of the conventional surgery group (85.2%, p=.008). MRI follow-up showed a significant reduction in cyst size of 100%, 100%, 97.8%, and 97.3% for the 4 subtypes, respectively. The primary complications included pseudomeningocele in 4 cases (3.8%) and delayed wound healing in 5 cases (4.8%). The complication rate was also significantly lower than that of the control group (8.7% vs 24.1%, p=.008). CONCLUSIONSSubtyping SDCs based on the variation of leaks and leakage can enable more targeted surgical strategies, which are helpful for improving treatment effectiveness and reducing complications.

Pyroxylin-based liquid bandage forms a mechanically active protective film to facilitate skin wound healing in mice

Wound healing requires interplay between cells and molecules. Recent evidence has demonstrated that liquid bandages promote wound healing by forming a protective barrier against contamination, attenuating inflammation, and enhancing re-epithelialization and angiogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the wound healing activity of pyroxylin-based liquid bandage (LiQuiPlast®) in eight-week-old C57BL/6 male mice by generating a single 4 mm diameter full-thickness excisional skin wound on the dorsum. In the LiQuiPlast® group, the liquid bandage was applied on day 0 and was replaced every four days. Wound size was monitored every day for two weeks. The results showed that LiQuiPlast® was mechanically active (induced wound contraction), which promoted a significant wound size reduction (27 %−39 %, compared to the control group) on days 1–4 postinjury. In addition, a significant reduction in wound size was observed again in the LiQuiPlast® group (25 %−29 %, compared to the controls) on days 8−9 postinjury. LiQuiPlast®-treated wounds showed no scab. Immunohistochemistry analyses displayed a reduction in neutrophils and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in LiQuiPlast®-treated wounds, compared to the control group on day 4 postinjury (the inflammatory phase). In addition, LiQuiPlast®-treated mice had enhanced keratinocyte proliferation than control mice during this time. On day 13 postinjury, LiQuiPlast® significantly reduced hypertrophic scarring and enhanced expression and reorganization of collagen fiber compared to control mice. In conclusion, we show that LiQuiPlast® acts as a mechanically active protective film, which promotes moist wound healing by promoting wound contraction, no scab formation, attenuated inflammation, enhanced keratinocyte proliferation, and decreased scarring.

Effects of scanning strategy and scanning speed on microstructures and mechanical properties of NiTi alloys by laser powder bed fusion

In this work, the influence of processing parameter including laser scanning strategy and scanning speed on grain morphology and crystalline orientation of NiTi alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) was comprehensively investigated from the perspective of crystal growth. The results show that as the interlayer rotation angle increases from 0 to 90°, the grain morphology changes from the coarse columnar to columnar-and-equiaxed shapes, accompanied by the texture intensity first rising then reducing. Besides, increasing the scanning speed leads to a transition in grain morphology from columnar to equiaxed crystals, as well as a reduction in grain size and texture intensity. The recovery mechanism caused by different thermal histories under various scanning speeds was discussed, with a particular focus on dislocation density and its distribution. The results demonstrate that the dislocation density gradually increases with the increase of scanning speed, leaving behind more dislocations within the matrix. Furthermore, the effects of scanning speed and building direction on the compressive behavior were investigated through identifying the difference of microstructure in the NiTi alloys by L-PBF. This study highlights the relationship among processing, microstructure, and mechanical performance, paving the way for tailoring and designing microstructures and mechanical properties for the NiTi alloys by L-PBF.

Microstructure and Microhardness Evolution of Mg-8Al-1Zn Magnesium Alloy Processed by Differential Speed Rolling at Elevated Temperatures.

Mg-8Al-1Zn magnesium alloy was successfully processed using deferential speed rolling (DSR) at temperatures of 400 and 450 °C for thickness reduction of 30, 50, and 70% with no significant grain growth and dynamic recrystallization. Using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the rolled microstructures were examined. Although the results indicate a slight reduction in grain size from the initial condition, the DSR processing of alloy at an elevated temperature was associated with a significant number of twins and a distribution of the fine particles of the second phase. The strength in terms of microhardness measurements and strain hardening in terms of shear punch testing was significantly improved in the rolled microstructure at room temperature. The existence of twins and widely distributed second-phase fine particles at twin boundaries reflected positively on the extent of the elongations in terms of shear displacements when microstructures were tested at elevated temperatures in the shear punch testing.

Fracturing, comminution and grain-size-sensitive creep as a record of coseismic loading in the middle-crust: Insights from the Urtiga mylonitic pluton (NE Brazil)

Evidence for mid-crustal seismic slip is scarce due to the limited capacity of downward propagation of rupture damage imposed by the confining pressure. Nevertheless, structures indicative of elevated stresses occur throughout the crustal profile. To further investigate this setting, we have studied the fabrics of the Urtiga pluton, emplaced at the south Patos shear zone (northeast Brazil), a major Neoproterozoic crustal boundary. K-feldspar and plagioclase porphyroclasts are fractured, with fine-grained K-feldspar + plagioclase mixtures filling cracks. The edges of the clasts are rimmed by fine feldspar grains that form a fine-grained matrix. Quartz ribbons are parallel to the mylonitic foliation and show microstructures and a fabric indicating deformation via dislocation creep. Chemical compositions of feldspars are typically similar between porphyroclasts, fractures and matrix, with plagioclase grains locally being more albitic within fractures. Crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) in grains within fractures are host-controlled by the adjacent porphyroclast, while fine grains rimming the clasts show a weak CPO and are mostly strain-free. These characteristics suggest that grain size reduction in the Urtiga mylonitic pluton occurred through fracturing and subsequent grain-size-sensitive creep under mid-crustal conditions, which were possibly attained via downward propagation of seismic rupture from the overlying seismogenic zone during transient, seismic slip episodes, giving rise to spatially related pseudotachylytes at the boundaries of the southern Patos shear zone.